Classroom Student to Teacher Ratios
Infant and Toddler - 2 months to 36 months
4 students to 1 teacher
Preschoolers - 36 months to eligible for Kindergarten
9 students to 1 teacher
Schooler - K-5 school students
9 students to 1 teacher
* When the group is mixed we will follow the guidelines required by the Early Learning Division.
At no given time will we exceed our licensed number of 16 children at our school at a time.
Reporting Child Abuse
I am required by law to report any suspected incidents of possible child abuse or neglect. Your child can be questioned by child protective services at any time without your consent
Health Policy
For the health and safety of your child and all of the children in our program, please do not bring your child school sick. In which case, we in turn may become sick making it difficult to care for the children at the high standards that we have set for ourselves. If you are not sure if your child should be brought to school, please call and check with us. If a child becomes ill during child care hours the parents will be contacted for pick up. Parents need to pick up within one hour of being notified. If parents are not available, the emergency contact person(s) will be notified.
*Once the child is removed from child care due to illness, they must be s symptom-free for 24 hours prior to returning to the center. The child must also be symptom-free of any contagious disease unless accompanied by a doctor's note stating the illness in question is not contagious, and the child is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule.
Exclusion Policy
A child with any of the following illnesses must be completely free of any symptoms before returning to the center. If the child is taking antibiotics for an illness, the child may return to the center after the initial 24 hours of beginning antibiotics as long as he or she doesn’t have a fever (under l00 F under the arm), no longer contagious, and is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule.
Any child with a fever of 100 degrees or above, orally (in the mouth), or 99.0 degrees and above when taken auxiliary (under the arm), may not attend school. State law requires that we notify parents of children who have been exposed to certain contagious diseases. Please notify us if your child becomes infected, so a notification can be posted for all families.
A child or sibling of a child enrolled in our program will not be admitted or will be sent home if any of the following symptoms occur, regardless of the cause:
• Diagnosed as having or being a carrier of a child care-restrictable disease, as defined by in DHS administrative rules, OAR 333-019-0010 (pink eye, chickenpox, mumps, measles, rosella, hepatitis A, impetigo, lice, ringworm, scabies, strep throat, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, shingles, and any other contagious disease or rash.)
• Diarrhea (more than one abnormally loose, runny, watery, or bloody stools)
• Vomiting
• Fever over 100 degrees F (thermometer axillary readings of 99.0)
• Severe cough
• Unusual yellow color to skin or eyes
• Skin or eye lesions or rashes that are severe, weeping, or pus-filled
• Stiff neck and headaches with one or more of the symptoms listed above
• Difficult breathing or abnormal wheezing
• Complaints of server pain
• Head lice (nits or bugs) minimal 2-day exclusion
• Uncoverable open sores and rashes (ringworm)
• Green or yellow mucus secretions from the nose
• Hand Foot and Mouth diagnosis is a minimal 5-day exclusion
• Flu diagnosis is a minimal 5-day exclusion
Exclusions steps if occurred
1. Child will be isolated
2. Parent notified for pick up within 60 minutes (late fee began after 60 minutes of notification)
3. Alternative authorized pickup persons will be notified if unable to reach a parent
4. Incident report completed
5. Alternative authorized person will be notified of a pick if the child is not picked up within 30 minutes.
6. Call child protective services if the child is not picked up within 75 minutes after the parent/authorized person notification of pickup and incident report completion.
Parents are required to notify the center whenever a child or family member has been exposed to a communicable/infectious disease so that all Education Explorers families can be alerted.
Education Explorers staff will document every injury to children. Parents will be notified of accidents or incidents immediately or on the same day. The Education Explorers Accident/Incident Report completed by staff must be signed by a parent and returned within 48 hours.
In the event of a serious injury or other medical emergency, parents will be notified immediately. The child will be transported to the nearest hospital by emergency services, if necessary.
Education Explorers staff will also ask that siblings stay home or be picked up that share a household when ill.
Immunization Exclusion
Immunizations are required by law for children in attendance at public and private schools, preschools, childcare facilities, and Head Start programs in Oregon. Nearly every place that provides care for a child outside the home requires immunizations or an exemption to stay enrolled. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide the center with up-to-date immunization or exclusion forms.
We require all children receiving immunizations to remain at home for 48 hours. We suggest that parents schedule their child’s immunizations on a Friday afternoon. The 48 hours can go by over the weekend. You also have the opportunity to closely observe your child for any possible adverse effects the immunizations may cause.
Medication Policy
At Education Explorers, we do not give medications to the children. If your child needs to be medicated in order to get through the day and be able to comfortably participate in our classroom activities, then it is quite possible he or she may be too sick to attend the center. The parent or guardian is welcomed to administer medication at the center, as long as they stay to monitor the child for no less than 30 minutes.
Medical and Dental Emergency Procedures
Emergency information is kept on file at the center. In case of illness or injury, this information will be used to notify you or the person designated by you, of your child's status. If your child is injured while at the center, first aid will be administered. If treatment by a doctor is necessary, we will make every effort to contact you or the doctor you have chosen to treat your child. In all cases, an injury report is completed, and a copy is given to the parents as well as licensing. Authorization for emergency treatment must be signed at the time of enrollment to ensure that in the event of an emergency, we can make sure your child receives the necessary emergency treatment he or she needs. It is very important that all emergency contact information is kept up to date and correct. Please inform us immediately of any changes to keep your information current. Parents are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency transportation, if required.
Note: In case of a serious accident or sudden illness requiring immediate medical attention, the following procedures will be followed.
• A phone call to 911 is made.
• Child's parents (or emergency contacts) are called.
• Child is separated from the other children and appropriately cared for.
• Parent, provider, or ambulance takes the child and health records to the doctor or hospital. *If parents cannot be contacted, the child will allow emergency care by trained emergency personal, including transport to the hospital if needed. Parents or authorized pickup person must arrive prior to emergency care if, the parent wishes to transport the child to medical attention themselves.
Evacuation and Inclement Weather Policy
In the unlikely event, that evacuation is necessary, all the children will be walked to the Fowler Middle School Parking lot. All children will be accounted for and parents will be contacted for pickup.
In the event of inclement weather, Education Explorers will follow Tigard School District’s lead for school delays and cancellations.
• If the school is delayed, Education Explorers before school services (schoolers) will not be available.
• If TTSD’s school day is canceled, Before and After School services will not be available. You may drop off for the full day if need at the drop-in rate.
• In the event that Education Explorers, is in session and the weather becomes dangerous, parents are encouraged to arrive early to pick up their children from the program. Late fees will not be waived due to bad weather conditions.
It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure, safe and timely travel to and from the center. Late fees are listed in the Late Pickup Policy.
Child's Absences/Vacations Policy
If your child will not be attending school due to illness or other, please let us know as soon as possible. No discounts will be given for your child's absences due to illness or vacations. If your child will not be attending school for whatever reason, you are still required to uphold the contracted tuition.
As a token of appreciation, 5 consecutive vacation days are free after 12 consecutive months of care with no late tuition payments. The five days must be approved at least 45 days in advance by Zakkiyya. Please email your request to zakkiyya@educationexplorershcc.com. Care will not be available during this time. Days must be consecutive. Split days are not available.
Behavior Management Policy
We believe that the discipline of a child is achieved through patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. We also try and teach the children in our care manners, kindness, and respect for others. We do this by modeling. We understand that our actions and reactions speak much louder than our words. The children have explained the rules of the center frequency, so they know what's expected of them. We acknowledge children when they are being good citizens of the classroom. We use the following techniques when addressing challenging behaviors:
1. Positive Reinforcement: The child will be praised when he or she is demonstrating acceptable behavior.
2. Prevention: We observe the classroom environment often to help guide children in positive dialog and interactions.
3. Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and allowed to try again at another time.
4. Thinking Break: The child is directed toward the Problem-Solving Solutions and Sensory area. This area contains our problem-solving picture card, emotions posters, and sensory materials, such as weighted blankets, pop books, stuffed animals, weighted animals, light-up toys, tactile bins, body socks, audiobooks, and rockers.
There are rare situations where the above doesn’t quite work as it should due to other factors. In this event, we complete the following:
Developmental assessments
ABC observations
Referral for further evaluations
Parent-teacher meetings to develop a plan for behavior change
Parent volunteering
Partnership with Inclusive Partners
*Developmental assessments are completed by teachers and parents upon enrollment, mid-year, and at the end of the year. A referral will be made to Northwest Regional if a developmental delay is identified for further evaluation and intervention if needed. We will work with the family in developing a plan to help their child be as successful in our program and the future.
*We also partner with Inclusive Partners to help us make our environment successful for all the students in our class.
Parent’s Responsibility with Behavior Management
We believe in and value family partnership, especially during times when a child may be having difficulties in our program. In these rare times, the following are the responsibilities and expectations of parents.
Active partnership in behavior management can include:
Completing developmental assessments (ASQ, MCHAT, ABAS, etc)
Attend parent-teacher conferences
Completing the assessment process through Northwest Regional or another early intervention organization, if referred for further evaluation.
If parents refuse to be active partners in creating a safe and thriving environment for their child, peers, and staff, we will work with the family to create a transition plan to a different program.
CARING FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS POLICY
Children with special needs will be accepted into our program under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All families will be treated with dignity and with respect for their individual needs and/or differences. We will be responsible for ensuring that confidentiality about special needs is maintained for all families and staff in the program. Children with special needs will be allowed to participate in the program to the fullest extent possible. To accomplish this, we may consult with Northwest Regionals, Inclusive Partners, and other agencies/organizations as needed. The inclusion of program staff in IFSP and IEP case conferences is desired to ensure the childcare program provides the most supportive environment possible.
All staff will receive general training on the benefits of inclusion of children with special needs and training on specific accommodations that any child in their classrooms may need. The knowledge of parents and health care professionals involved in the care of the child with special needs will be consulted to determine accommodations and or therapy requirements. The individual written plan of care for children with special care needs will be followed in all emergencies. Parents are responsible for making sure the plan shall be updated annually, at a minimum.
Parents’ responsibilities
Complete developmental assessments provided by our program
Follow through with referrals for further assessment by Northwest Reginal and Inclusive partners
Attend all meetings necessary to create an IFSP or goals
Include teachers and programs in the IFSP process
Active involvement in creating goodness of fit for children and program
Actively work on the goals developed as a team.
Open and frequent communication between all members involved in the IFSP process.
Technology Usage Policy
Teachers will use personal cell phones and/or tablets to handle any business-related task (messaging parents, using the Procare Connect app to record information for parents, business-related emails, etc.). Usage for personal reasons is not permitted.
We strive to create a learning environment that nurtures children’s social development and fosters a rich imagination. In doing so, it is important to recognize the impact that technology and media play on children’s development. As educators, we recognize that media does have value and can also impact children positively when programs are chosen carefully and used with guidance and intention. For these reasons, technology will only be used in the following ways for preschoolers 2 years and older.
Enhance lesson during circle time (Tablets)
30-minute (before nap) rewards for positive behaviors (Tablets)
Monthly movie/pajama party (Rated G Movie on Television)
Screen time includes:
Age-appropriate,
Nonviolent,
Culturally sensitive materials
No advertisements or brand placements
Independent tablet usage will not exceed 30 minutes at a time or 60 minutes in total a day including teacher-directed tablet activities. All tablets have preselected, age-appropriate apps focusing on language, literacy, and math skills that require a child’s active involvement, as well as, age-appropriate books. Children not using tablets will have access to books, puzzles, or table activities. Tablet usage is not permitted during meals and other non-viewing times.
Nap Time Policy
Infants sleep in cribs up to their first birthday. After one year, children are transitioned to mats. Infants nap when tired. Our goal is to have the two different age groups (24 months and older, younger than 24 months) sleeping on the same afternoon nap schedule, when possible. Toddlers nap between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Naptime for children 36 months and older is between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Typically, children 12 months and younger may need a second or third nap during the day, which will be given when needed. No child will ever be forced to sleep or stay awake. During nap time all children are encouraged to remain quiet and on their mats during this time while engaging in a quiet activity.
Drop off and Pick up Policy
Children must arrive before 10:00 am for drop off unless there is prior approval by the director.
Children are to be brought to school ready for the day. They should be properly dressed in clean clothes for the weather. Feel free to bring extra clothing or layers if you are unsure. Pajamas are not allowed during day school hours unless there is a pajama day.
Only parents or persons listed on the emergency pick-up list or written authorization from parents will be allowed to pick up or visit children. If there is a court order keeping one parent away from the child, we must have a written note from the custodial parent in our file to that effect, as well as, a copy of the order.
Preschool Promise
No-cost part-day spots in our preschool are funded by Oregon’s Preschool Promise Grant through the Student Success Grant. Under the Preschool Promise program, we offer all the benefits of our high-quality preschool program and culturally responsive early childhood education program at no cost to eligible families living in Washington County.
Any care provided before or after your site’s scheduled and advertised Preschool Promise hours will come at a fee to the parents. Parents have the option to pay out of pocket or use ERDC to cover the additional care. Extended care before or after must be approved by the Director and payment from the family/ERDC before we provide the care.
Please see your program’s site calendar for the Preschool Promise hours.
Late Pickup Policy
If your child is picked up after the contracted pick-up time there will be a late charge assessed of $2 per minute. We will call authorized persons on your list if we cannot reach one parent within 5 minutes of the scheduled pickup time. Please be courteous and arrive on time. After hours are time with our family.
All late fees must be paid before your child returns to the school. In the event, that the child is not picked up within 60 minutes after contracted hours, and the parents are unreachable, Child Protective Services will be notified.
Nutrition
Nutrition is a vital part of a child’s health. Children need to eat well-balanced meals to meet their daily energy needs and to help them build a strong body and mind. We know that the good food habits a child develops will help them prevent cavities, iron deficiency anemia, obesity, etc. - all common nutritional problems in young children. During meals and snacks, we encourage positive conversation between children, as well as, engage in conversations with the children. We sit with the children during meals and snacks and model appropriate portion sizes. Children are encouraged to help during mealtime by table setting, self-serving, and cleaning up after themselves.
Child-sized flatware, cups plates, and spoons are always available to children to access on our lunch cart. Water is also available to all children. Throughout the year we will learn about healthy eating for a healthy body and how food helps our bodies grow. We will help children positively learn this through books read during circle time, group activities, naturally occurring opportunities, and on an individual basis.
Formula Feeding Policy
Education Explorers provides Kirkland formula to all non-breastfed infants under 12 months of age. All formulas have to comply with the CACFP rules and regulations. During the parent meeting, discuss your formula of choice with the director. If families would like to use an alternate formula or breast milk, a minimum of four (4) premade bottles per day should be brought to school at dropoff. All infants will be held for all bottle feedings unless the child can hold the bottle independently.
Parent Involvement and Communication Policy
For us to provide the best possible care, please feel free to communicate any needs, wants, and/ or concerns regarding your child. It is only through good parent/provider interaction that good quality nurturing care can be achieved. We will provide daily sheets for children in the Infant and Toddler classrooms electronically via Kaymbu. Please download the Kaymbu app. Messages, emails, or phone calls received after closing will be answered on the next business day.
Understand that your child may be included in pictures connected with our school program unless otherwise notified in writing by you, the parent. Any parent wishing to volunteer in the classroom must register with the DHS Background Registry.
Ways of communication with families
• Newsletters
• E-mails
• Telephones
• Messages through Procare
• Facebook business page
• Text messages
Parents’ responsibilities
Model respectful language, and nonverbal communication with the teacher
Verbal communication during drop-off and pickup
Read and respond to messages through text, Procare, Kaymbu, or email.
Uploading pictures or videos of participation in home parent-child interaction activities.
Attending parent-teacher conferences
Completing developmental assessments
Attending monthly parent workshops
Volunteering in the program
Read and follow all program policies, licensing rules, and USDA food guidelines
Open Door Policy
We allow parents to visit their children in our facilities any time they wish. We do ask parents who plan to visit their children frequently to follow the classroom routine, to avoid disturbing classroom schedules and activities. All parents will be escorted by staff while on the premises.
We often have observations and inspections to ensure we are providing the best care. Some examples of classroom evaluations include State Fire Marshall, QRS, CACFP Nutrition, and other parents observing their right to our open-door policy.
No animals are allowed on the premises during childcare hours without the written permission of the director.
Smoking, usage of alcohol, illegal drugs, guns, large knives, marijuana, and explosives are NOT allowed on premises at any time. Violation of this will result in immediate termination of the contract and a report to Child Protective Services.
Camera Policy
We have cameras located all over our home including the program classrooms, playground, and exterior. Cameras record video and audio of all people on our property. These cameras are not for public viewing, including parents of enrolled students, and will not be released to parents. If you are only comfortable with enrolling your children in a program where parents have camera access, we understand that Education Explorers is not the program for your family.
DHS Child Care Assistance
ERDC covers:
· The time you are at work, school, training, or job hunting
· Your mealtime while working, and
· Travel time between child care and work.
Does not cover errands, doctor’s appointments, or relaxation days. Upon enrolling, it is your responsibility to inform the provider of your work schedule and commuting time needed. If your work schedule changes weekly from what was given to the caseworker, we require a copy of the schedule. No care will be provided on days you are not at work, training, or having class.
Supplies Needed at the School
Parents are responsible for supplying the following items:
pacifier (if needed)
weather appropriate clothing
extra set of clothes
shoes that lace-up or Velcro with heal enclosed (no flip-flops please)
4 premade bottles daily (if not using the formula provided by the school)
Education Explorers provides
Up & Up brand diapers and wipes,
Black Girl Sunscreen Kids brand, sunscreen,
Butt Paste, or A&D brand diaper cream
Winter snowsuits
Full body rain suits
Rainboots
If you would like us to use a different product on your children, it is the parent's responsibility to ensure those things are available for teachers to use.
If desired, a comfort object for rest-time, and anything else your child may need. There is a good possibility your child will get dirty throughout the day because of food, paint, markers, dirt, bubbles, etc., so please dress children accordingly for play. We are not responsible for replacing stained or soiled clothing. We suggest writing your child's name on the tags of their clothing (especially socks and underwear) in order to prevent any clothing mix-ups.
It is the parent’s responsibility to periodically check your child's locker/ cubby to make sure they still have all of their necessary items needed at child care. Furthermore, as the weather changes throughout the year, so do your child's items needed at child care. We greatly appreciate your adherence to this subject, as it helps us and the children's day run more smoothly to have all of their necessary belongings with them at childcare. This way we can care for your child in the best possible way.
Contract Adherence
This is our home as well as our business. Please be respectful of our family and home by adhering to the policies and procedures outlined in the parent handbook. We realize this is a lot of information to absorb. Because of this, please keep your parent handbook accessible to review our policies and procedures as necessary. We reserve the right to amend any portion of the Parent-Provider Contract/ Enrollment Application, and Parent Handbook at any time. If and when we do make a change to the contract you will be given a copy.
Termination and Withdrawal
No notice from the parent or provider is required to terminate the contract. Parents or provider have the right to terminate the contract immediately if desired. Gross misconduct on part of the provider, parent, or child, nonpayment of tuition, excessive late pickups, excessive disrespect of policies, property, or staff from parents or children are all grounds for immediate discontinuation of service. Refunds will not be given if the contract is terminated, regardless of the reason. In cases of non-payment, legal action may be taken, and the parents will be responsible for all legal fees incurred
A Final Note
It is important that you feel comfortable with our policies and procedures. If you do not understand the information provided, have a concern, or feel uncomfortable with one or more of our policies and/ or procedures it is important that you express that to us before enrolling your child in our child care. We are always open to suggestions and feel communication is a very important part of quality childcare. If there are any problems or concerns in the future, we encourage you to talk to us about them. If a lengthy discussion is needed, a time that is convenient for both of us will be scheduled, as the other children still need our attention during business hours. If you need information provided in a language other than English, please let Zakkiyya know. We can have all documents translated to your language of choice. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and care for your little one. We look forward to a future of keeping your child smiling and safe.