Our Policies

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.

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.

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.

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.

Infant and Toddler - 2 months to 36 months

• 3 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 children on site.

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

Children must arrive before 9:00 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.

Education Explorers accepts families participating in Oregon’s Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program.

Minimum Approval Requirement

Families must be approved for and have a documented care need of at least 65 authorized hours per month to enroll using ERDC benefits.

A current ERDC approval notice showing authorized hours and copayment (if applicable) must be provided at enrollment.

Approved ERDC Usage

ERDC covers child care only for:

• Time you are working

• Time you are attending school or training

• Time you are actively job hunting

• Meal periods during work hours

• Travel time between child care and work, school, or training

ERDC does not cover:

• Errands

• Parent doctor’s appointments

• Personal appointments

• Vacation or relaxation days

• Non-work-related activities

Care will not be provided on days you are not working, in school/training, or job searching.

Work Schedule Requirements

At enrollment, families must provide:

• Verified work/school/training schedule

• Estimated commuting time

If your schedule changes — including weekly or rotating schedules — an updated copy must be submitted. Care will only be provided within authorized ERDC hours and documented care needs.

Family Responsibility

Families are responsible for:

• Keeping ERDC benefits active

• Submitting required DHS paperwork on time

• Paying assigned copayments

• Notifying the program immediately of any ERDC changes

If ERDC benefits are reduced, suspended, or terminated, the parent/guardian is financially responsible for any unpaid tuition.

Education Explorers reserves the right to deny care outside of authorized ERDC hours to remain compliant with Oregon DHS regulations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anti-Racist Program Practice

At Education Explorers, our commitment to anti-racist and culturally responsive practices guides every aspect of our program, including how we approach celebrations.

Why We Do Not Celebrate Holidays

We intentionally do not celebrate traditional holidays (including but not limited to Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, etc.) within our program. While holidays may hold personal meaning for individual families, they often reflect dominant cultural or religious traditions and can unintentionally exclude, marginalize, or misrepresent the diverse identities and lived experiences of the children and families we serve.

As part of our anti-racist and equity-centered approach:

• We avoid reinforcing dominant cultural narratives as the “norm.”

• We do not center classroom activities around religious or commercialized holidays.

• We create learning experiences that honor diversity without tokenizing cultures.

• We ensure all children feel a sense of belonging without being placed in uncomfortable or exclusionary situations.

Instead of holiday-based activities, our curriculum focuses on:

• Identity development

• Cultural appreciation through authentic, year-round learning

• Family traditions shared voluntarily and respectfully

• Nature-based and child-led experiences

• Community building that centers inclusivity and belonging

Birthday Celebrations

We do celebrate children’s birthdays as a way to honor each child’s individual growth and importance within our community.

Birthday celebrations are:

• Simple and developmentally appropriate

• Focused on the child, not commercial themes

• Free from religious or holiday-based elements

We will only celebrate a child’s birthday with parent/guardian permission.

If you do not want your child’s birthday celebrated at school, please notify us in writing through the Kaymbu app. This ensures we honor your family’s preferences respectfully and consistently.

At Education Explorers, we are committed to creating an environment where every child is affirmed, every family is respected, and equity is practiced—not just discussed.

If you have questions about this policy, we welcome conversation.

At Education Explorers, we believe that a child’s name carries deep meaning. Names reflect culture, ancestry, family intention, and identity. We recognize that for many families—particularly within African and African American traditions—names are chosen with purpose and legacy in mind.

To honor that identity with clarity and consistency, our program uses each child’s legal first name as listed on enrollment documentation in all classroom interactions, labeling, instruction, and official records.

This practice ensures:

• Respect for the child’s formal identity

• Consistency in early literacy development and name writing

• Alignment across documentation, licensing, and safety procedures

• Clear communication among staff, children, and families

Nicknames are often personal expressions of closeness within family relationships. While we respect and understand their importance at home, Education Explorers maintains professional consistency by not using nicknames within the school environment.

If a family legally changes a child’s name, updated official documentation must be submitted so records and classroom materials can be revised.

We are committed to creating learning environments where children feel seen, valued, and rooted in who they are. We begin by honoring their names with consistency, professionalism, and respect.

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.

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.

At our program:

• Meals and snacks are served in a calm, positive, and family-style setting.

• Teachers sit with children during meals and snacks to model healthy eating habits and appropriate portion sizes.

• Positive conversations are encouraged to support language development, social skills, and a sense of community.

• Children are encouraged to develop independence by:

  • Helping set the table

  • Serving themselves when appropriate

  • Cleaning up after meals

Child-sized flatware, cups, plates, and utensils are accessible to children to promote self-help skills and confidence. Water is always available to children throughout the day.

Nutrition Education

Throughout the year, children will learn about healthy eating and how food supports their bodies in growing strong and staying healthy. Nutrition education is incorporated through:

• Books and discussions during circle time

• Small and large group activities

• Hands-on experiences

• Naturally occurring conversations during meals and play

• Individual guidance when appropriate

Our goal is to foster a positive relationship with food while supporting children in building lifelong healthy habits.

Emergency contact and medical information is maintained on file at the center for every enrolled child. In the event of illness or injury, this information will be used to notify a parent/guardian or the individual designated by the parent of the child’s condition.

If a child is injured while in our care, staff will immediately assess the situation and administer appropriate first aid. If additional medical treatment is necessary, we will make every reasonable effort to contact the parent/guardian and/or the child’s designated healthcare provider.

An injury or incident report will be completed in all cases requiring documentation. A copy will be provided to the parent/guardian, and when required, submitted to licensing.

At the time of enrollment, parents/guardians must sign an Emergency Medical Authorization form. This authorization allows the program to obtain necessary emergency medical treatment for a child if a parent/guardian cannot be reached.

It is critical that all emergency contact information remains current and accurate. Parents are responsible for notifying the center immediately of any changes to phone numbers, addresses, or emergency contacts.

Parents/guardians are responsible for all costs associated with emergency medical care, including ambulance transportation, emergency room treatment, or related services.

In the Event of a Serious Accident or Sudden Illness

If a child experiences a serious injury or sudden illness requiring immediate medical attention, the following procedures will be followed:

• A call to 911 will be made immediately.

• Parents/guardians (or emergency contacts) will be contacted right away.

• The child will be separated from other children and continuously supervised and cared for by a staff member.

• Emergency personnel will assess and transport the child if necessary.

• A parent/guardian may transport the child themselves only if they arrive before emergency personnel determine transport is required.

• If parents/guardians cannot be reached, the child will receive emergency care from trained emergency personnel, including transport to the hospital if deemed necessary.

• The child’s emergency records and available health information will accompany the child to the hospital.

Our priority in all medical situations is the safety, well-being, and prompt care of every child.

At Education Explorers, we do not administer over-the-counter medications for common childhood illnesses such as colds, flu, cough, congestion, or fever.

Medication may not be given to “mask” symptoms in order for a child to attend school. If a child requires medication (such as fever reducers, cough medicine, or cold medicine) to get through the day comfortably, they are likely too ill to participate in classroom activities and should remain at home.

Children with communicable illnesses must stay home until they are symptom-free without the use of medication and meet our return-to-care guidelines. This policy protects the health and safety of all children, families, and staff in our program.

Parents or guardians may not administer medication at drop-off for the purpose of concealing symptoms and leaving the child in care. If a parent or guardian chooses to administer medication on-site for a non-exclusionary reason, they must remain at the center and monitor their child for no less than 30 minutes.

This policy does not apply to prescribed life-saving medications such as EpiPens, inhalers, seizure medications, or other emergency medications related to chronic medical conditions. These medications will be administered in accordance with licensing regulations and the child’s individual health care plan.

Children enrolled in the Preschool for All (PFA) program in Multnomah County also have access to Nurse Consultation support. Families may be referred to the PFA Nurse for guidance related to health concerns, care plans, and recommendations regarding attendance and illness management.

Our priority is maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment where children are well enough to actively participate in daily activities.

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.

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

At Education Explorers, we believe in and value strong family partnerships—especially during times when a child may be experiencing behavioral, social-emotional, or developmental challenges in our program.

While these situations are rare, when they do arise, active collaboration between families and the program is essential to ensure a safe, supportive, and thriving environment for the child, their peers, and staff.

Active partnership in behavior support may include:

• Completing developmental screenings and assessments when requested (such as ASQ, ASQ:SE, MCHAT, ABAS, or other relevant tools).

• Attending scheduled parent-teacher conferences and behavior support meetings.

• Participating fully in the referral and evaluation process through Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, or other appropriate agencies if recommended.

• Reporting and requesting special needs or behavioral support services through ERDC, Preschool Promise (PSP), Preschool for All (PFA), Early Childhood Equity Fund (ECEF), or any other program with which the family is affiliated.

• Following through on recommended strategies, home supports, or external services that are part of a jointly developed behavior support plan.

Our goal is always to work collaboratively to help every child succeed within our program. However, if a family chooses not to actively participate in agreed-upon support efforts, we may determine that our program is not the best fit for the child’s needs.

In such cases, we will work respectfully with the family to develop a transition plan to another program that can better support the child.

Full-Day / Full-Year Program

Education Explorers proudly offers a Preschool for All (PFA) Full-Day / Full-Year program designed to provide consistent, high-quality early learning that supports both school readiness and family stability.

Our full-day model aligns with the official Preschool for All Full Day / Full Year schedule option and provides extended instructional time in a nurturing, structured environment.

Program Schedule

Monday – Friday
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
10 hours per day

This schedule meets the Preschool for All Full Day / Full Year program model requirements, providing extended learning opportunities and supporting working families with consistent full-day care.

We ask that all children arrive by 9:00 AM each day. Morning meeting and core learning activities begin shortly after arrival. Timely arrival reduces classroom disruptions and helps children fully engage in daily learning experiences.

Program Year

Our Full-Day / Full-Year PFA program operates on a continuous September through August cycle.

• Program Year: September – August

• New students begin in September

• Enrollment is intended to support year-long continuity whenever possible.

A detailed annual calendar will be provided before the start of each program year.

Program Closures

While we operate full-year, the program will be closed for:

• All Federal Holidays

• Eight (8) Scheduled Professional Development Days

• Up to twenty (20) Vacation Closure Days per year

Professional development days allow our educators to engage in ongoing training, curriculum planning, and quality improvement to ensure we maintain high program standards.

Transportation

To promote equitable access to preschool services, transportation is available for enrolled PFA students who live:

• At least 1 mile from the center

• No more than 4 miles from the center

Transportation services help remove barriers and support consistent attendance for families.

Attendance Expectations

Consistent attendance is essential to maximize the benefits of preschool and to remain aligned with Preschool for All participation expectations.

Families are expected to:

• Support regular daily attendance

• Notify the program of absences

• Partner with us if attendance concerns arise

Our Commitment

As a Preschool for All provider, Education Explorers is committed to:

• Providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum

• Maintaining inclusive classrooms that support diverse learners

• Implementing culturally responsive teaching practices

• Conducting developmental screenings and ongoing assessments

• Engaging families as active partners

• Preparing children for a confident transition to kindergarten

Our Full-Day / Full-Year model provides stability, structure, and extended learning time in a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive.

Part-Day / Part-Year Program

Education Explorers proudly offers a Preschool for All (PFA) Part-Day / Part-Year program designed to provide high-quality, culturally responsive early learning in alignment with Multnomah County Preschool for All requirements.

Our school-day model supports kindergarten readiness while offering families a structured, consistent school-year schedule.

Program Schedule

Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Our six-hour daily schedule meets the official Preschool for All School Day / School Year model requirements.

We encourage all children to arrive by 9:00 AM each day. Morning meeting and core learning experiences begin shortly after arrival, and timely arrival helps children transition smoothly into their classroom routine.

Program Year

Our Part-Day / Part-Year program operates on a traditional school-year calendar:

• September – June

• Closed in July and August

• New students begin in September

A detailed school-year calendar, including holidays and closure dates, is provided prior to the start of the program year.

Transportation

To ensure equitable access, transportation is available for enrolled PFA students who live:

• At least 1 mile from the center

• No more than 4 miles from the center

Transportation services help reduce barriers to participation and support consistent attendance.

Attendance Expectations

Preschool for All is built on consistent participation. Regular attendance helps children build routines, develop strong relationships, and fully benefit from their preschool experience.

Families are expected to:

• Support daily attendance

• Notify the program of absences

• Partner with us if attendance concerns arise

What Makes Our PFA Program Special

As a Preschool for All provider, Education Explorers is committed to:

• High-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum

• Inclusive classrooms that support all learners

• Culturally responsive teaching practices

• Ongoing developmental screenings and assessments

• Strong family engagement and communication

• Preparing children for a confident transition to kindergarten

Our Part-Day model offers a structured, nurturing environment where children grow socially, emotionally, and academically during the school year.

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.

Rest is an essential part of healthy growth and development. Our program follows all Oregon Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) regulations and developmentally appropriate practices to ensure children rest safely and according to their individual needs.

Infant Safe Sleep (Birth – 12 Months)

In accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules for Certified Family Child Care Homes (OAR 414-350-0240), the following safe sleep practices are followed:

• Infants are placed on their backs to sleep, unless written medical documentation states otherwise.

• Infants sleep in a CPSC-approved crib with a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet.

• No soft items (blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, positioners, or wedges) are allowed in the crib.

• Infants are not permitted to sleep in car seats, swings, or other equipment.

• Infants are visually monitored at all times while sleeping.

Infants nap when tired and may take multiple naps throughout the day based on individual need.

Transition to Cot or Mat

After a child’s first birthday, they transition from a crib to a cot or mat, unless otherwise required for medical or developmental reasons.

Toddler and Preschool Rest Schedule

Licensing requires that all children be provided an opportunity to rest.

• Children under 24 months and children 24 months and older will rest at the same afternoon period when possible.

• Toddlers typically rest between 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

• Children 36 months and older typically rest between 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Although we maintain scheduled rest periods, children are allowed to rest according to their individual needs throughout the day.

Rest Expectations

• Children are never forced to sleep or forced to stay awake.

• All children are given the opportunity to rest as required by licensing and best practice in child development.

• Children who do not fall asleep after approximately 20 minutes may engage in quiet activities on their cot.

• Children are expected to remain quiet and respectful of others during rest time.

• We do not wake sleeping children unless a parent has arrived for pickup or in the event of an emergency.

Parents who prefer that their child not participate in scheduled rest time are encouraged to arrange pickup prior to the start of the rest period.

At Education Explorers, we believe strong leadership and strong family partnerships work hand in hand to create safe, consistent, and nurturing environments for children.

Each site is led by a Site Director who serves as the on-site leader and primary point of contact for families. Respecting this leadership structure allows us to maintain clear communication, uphold licensing standards, and ensure the well-being of every child.

Morning Drop-Off Procedures

All morning drop-offs are conducted by the Site Director. This structure is intentional and supports:

• Consistent, direct communication with families

• A daily first-look health observation of each child

• Immediate identification of any signs of illness or concern

• Calm, organized classroom transitions

The Site Director is responsible for determining whether a child may remain in care based on state licensing regulations and Education Explorers policies. If a child needs to be excluded for health or safety reasons, the Site Director will communicate directly with the family and explain next steps.

These decisions are made to protect all children, families, and staff within our program community.

Communication Expectations

The Site Director is the first person families should contact regarding:

• Daily updates

• Health concerns

• Schedule questions

• Classroom matters

• Policy clarifications

We ask families to communicate respectfully and directly with the Site Director so concerns can be addressed efficiently and professionally.

Escalation Process

If a family believes a Site Director is acting outside of:

• State licensing rules and regulations, or

• Education Explorers’ established policies

Families may contact:

Zakkiyya Ibrahim
Executive Director

The Executive Director will review the concern to ensure alignment with licensing requirements and program standards.

Our Commitment

Education Explorers maintains clear leadership roles not to create barriers, but to ensure accountability, safety, and consistent communication. When families and leadership respect these structures, children benefit from a stable, well-coordinated environment.

We appreciate your partnership in upholding a respectful, professional community centered on children’s health, safety, and success.

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.

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.

 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