SECTION I – EARLY CHILDHOOD HISTORY
Background Information
Dearborn Public Schools, in cooperation with the Department of Elementary Education administers the Early Childhood Programs which includes Wee Scholars, Mini Scholars, Little Scholars, Montessori Preschool, All Day Preschool, Half Day Preschool, and Kids Club. Since 1986 the Dearborn Public Schools has been committed to providing high-quality programs for young children. Each program offers a unique approach to foster the educational needs of children in our community. Over the years the programs have grown to serve hundreds of children at many different locations. The program is ever expanding as parents realize the importance of quality programs for their children.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the Early Childhood program involves the education of the “whole” child. The emphasis is on constructive play as an effective learning tool. Studies indicate that play is considered the work of the child and it is through play that children’s learning and self-esteem are enhanced. Activities and experiences focus on each child’s growth and development socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Rooms are arranged in a variety of “interest centers” such as dramatic play/housekeeping, sand/water, blocks, writing, listening, manipulatives, science, art, books, and special activities. These are the means through which children’s abilities are expanded and challenged. For a portion of each class session children select their own activities from among these “centers”. Also, during each class session children are involved in group activities such as circle time, story time, songs, snack, and outdoor play. This variety gives the children experience and practice working independently, as part of a group with their peers, and with supportive adults in an environment that fosters a positive attitude toward learning.
State of Michigan Licensing
The Early Childhood Programs are licensed by the State of Michigan and must comply with all law established by the Child Day Care Licensing Rules and Regulations. A copy of the Rules and Regulations are available for review.
SECTION II – GENERAL INFORMATION
Admission
Admission to the program is made by:
- Completion of registration form.
- Meet the minimum age and attendance requirement
- Payment of a non-refundable registration fee.
- Completion of a Parent/Guardian Contractual Agreement.
- Completion of Financial Agreement.
- Completion of a Child Information Card. (Each blank must be completed. Write
“NONE” if applicable.)
- A copy of completed Health Appraisal form signed by a physician
- Physical Condition form (School Age only)
- Proof of child’s immunization.
- “Help Us Get to Know Your Child” form.
ALL FORMS MUST BE TURNED IN TO THE PROGRAM 48 HOURS BEFORE THE CHILD CAN ATTEND
Withdrawal
Any request to withdrawal a child for a program must be submitted in writing. An Exit Form can be obtained from the child’s teacher and can be returned to the teacher or mailed to Dearborn Public Schools Early Childhood Programs Office which is located at 18700 Audette Street, Room 21, Dearborn, MI 48124-4295. The form must be submitted at least two (2) weeks before you withdraw your child from the program.
THERE WILL BE NO TUITION REFUNDS ISSUED IF THIS PROCEDURE IS NOT FOLLOWED.
Dismissal
The following are grounds for dismissal of a child from Dearborn Public Schools Early Childhood Programs:
- The Parents or Guardians of the child allow their account to become delinquent.
- Failure of the Parents or Guardians to honor the obligations in the Parent Contract or any rules/regulations published in handbooks provided by Dearborn Public Schools.
- Failure to provide up-to-date health and immunization records in accordance with policies of Wayne County Health Department.
- Failure to provide all completed forms prior to the first day of attendance.
- Failure to attend the program for two (2) consecutive weeks without notification.
- Fifth occurrence of Late Pick-up and/or Early Drop-off offense.
- The program, in its sole discretion, determines that it is unable to meet the needs of the child.
- The program, in its sole discretion, determines that the child’s actions (behavior) endanger the welfare of the other children or teachers in any way.
Re–enrollment
To re-enroll a child (provided there is space available) you must do the following:
- Have a zero balance on all Early Childhood program accounts.
- Have not been dismissed from any Early Childhood program.
- Have not had a previous account sent to Collections.
- Pay the registration fee. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable from one school year to the next.
- Complete a new registration packet,
- In the event the program is full, your child’s name can be placed on a waiting list.
Waiting List
With payment of a non-refundable registration fee your child’s name will be placed on a waiting list. The child’s name will remain on the waiting list for the duration of the current school year. Removal of name will take place only upon request of parent/guardian.
When an opening occurs the teacher will begin at the top of the waiting list and notify parents, in descending order, until vacancy is filled. Should parents choose not to place their child in the program at the time of an opening the child’s name will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list.
Absences
Absences should be reported in advance by calling the center before the time your child is scheduled to arrive. This does not imply a refund for that day.
Drop Off and Pick Up Of Children
A parent or authorized adult (see below) must walk a child into his/her classroom, sign the child in and out, and notify the teacher of his/her presence. Parents are asked to spend a few moments (e.g., helping your child put away their coat and belongings) to ease the transition from home to school.
Children can be released from the Dearborn Public Schools Early Childhood Program only to parents, legal guardians, or other authorized adults unless a court order prohibits release to a particular individual. Please note that staff members are not permitted to transport children to or from the program. When a child is picked up by an authorized person other than the parent or guardian, these guidelines must be followed:
- The authorized adult’s name must appear on the Child Information Card
- Identification must be presented to the head teacher or person in charge of the classroom. This is a policy to ensure the safety of your child, so we ask for your complete cooperation.
- With prior written notice, an authorized high school student, with a valid driver’s license, who is on the Child Information Card, can pick up the child.
- The Dearborn Public Schools Early Childhood Program cannot assume responsibility for any child not signed in and escorted to the classroom.
Classroom Visits
Parents are welcome visitors in the program during times that do not disrupt the flow of the classroom schedule. Snack time, lunch time, and special arrangements are examples of appropriate times to visit. A variety of opportunities are available for parents to participate in their child’s preschool experience during the course of the school year. During class hours we ask that visits are limited to adults only.
Discipline
Definition: Discipline involves positive guidance and teaching.
Goal: The goal of the Dearborn Public Schools Early Childhood programs in regard to discipline is to help the young child gain greater self-control under conditions which allow the child to view herself/himself as a worthwhile person.
Approaches: To help children constructively, adults may use one or more of the following approaches.
- Plan ahead to prevent problems.
- Model appropriate behavior.
- Clearly and consistently state positive expectations for behavior.
- Remind children of expectations.
- Describe situations to encourage children’s evaluation of problems and solutions.
- Change the environment.
- Redirect the child to another activity.
- Conference with the parents.
If a problem continues to occur, the child will be taken aside and spoken to privately. The staff member will review the incident, the proper behavior, and help the child correct himself/herself in a positive manner. If the problem continues, the child will be directed to an area where he/she can sit and reflect upon the occurrences. The child is not separated from the group to embarrass him/her. We have found this method allows the child time to reflect upon the situation and devise a successful solution for dealing with it. By stressing cooperation and self-control with the children, we strive to help them work out their problems in an acceptable fashion. The staff members firmly believe that situations such as these are handled effectively if there is cooperation between the staff members and the parents.
Under NO circumstances will the adult use physical punishment or other negative methods that may hurt, frighten or humiliate the child.
Parent Information
Information regarding program activities, tuition, policies and other announcements will be placed in a parent mailbox, file folder or a child’s cubby. It is your responsibility to check for information on a daily basis, as this is an important means of distributing information.
Clothing
Children should wear simple, sturdy, and washable play clothes that do not restrict their participation in activities. Avoid complicated fastenings and suspenders or belts, as the children are encouraged to take care of their own bathroom needs. Children should wear shoes with non-slip soles as they are safer on tile floors and climbing equipment. The children are taken outdoors to play and should be dressed according to the weather. Flip flops may only be worn to and from the pool.
Items from Home
We ask that you leave your child’s toys at home or in your car. Guns, war toys, or other toys of destruction are strictly prohibited in school.
Field Trips
All staff will attend field trips. If your child will not be participating in the field trip, please make other arrangements for him/her that day.
Departure times are firm. Please arrive well before our field trip departure time so we can prepare for a safe and fun field trip.
SECTION III – TUITION
Payment of Tuition
The Early Childhood Programs office uses a web based billing and payment system. This system allows you to pay your bill online using the “Click to Pay” option.
In order for your child to attend the Summer Adventure Club Program, we must receive the first tuition payment 48 hours before the first day of attendance. This tuition pre-payment will cover the minimum number of days (12) required for our program.
You will receive a balance due Invoice (or credit statement) for the first half of the Summer Program. This tuition payment must be received by the third week in June, you will be billed by Click to Pay.
You will also receive an Invoice (or credit statement) for the second half of the Summer Program. This tuition payment will cover the last half of the Summer Program, and must be received by the 2nd week of July. Tuition must be paid in full to avoid the late fee or an interruption in your child’s attendance.
For your convenience, tuition may be paid by check, money order, DISCOVER, VISA, or MASTERCARD. (If your child’s name is different than the name on your check please put name and team color on the bottom of check)
Make checks payable to: Dearborn Public Schools
Mail to: Early Childhood Programs
18700 Audette Street, Room 21
Dearborn, MI 48124-4295
Permanent Change of Schedule
Any changes of a schedule must be given in writing by filling out a Permanent Change in Schedule Request Form, at least five business days in advance, or payment is due for that time frame as contracted. This request for a change in schedule will be accommodated as space permits. There will be a $5.00 per child fee added to your monthly bill for each change of schedule submitted during the summer session.
Schedule changes cannot be made by calling the billing office.
Additional days will be accommodated based on space availability.
Program Cancellation
You must submit all program cancellations in writing. You may use the form included in your information packet; fax the form or letter to our office at (313) 827-8355, mail or bring your form or letter to Early Childhood Programs, 18700 Audette Street, Room 21, Dearborn, MI 48124-4295. If your cancellation form is not received in our office by the deadline indicated on the cancellation form a fee of $50.00 will be charged to your account.
Extra Time Used
Extra time is defined as any additional time used outside of your child(ren)’s contracted time. If you contract nine (9) hours or less but use more than nine (9) hours, you will be charged the difference. The exception to this is if the extra time used is due to a field trip. If extra time used is due to field trip departure and arrival time, you will not be charged.
Late Payment Fee
There will be a $25.00 late payment fee added to your account if the tuition is not paid in full by the due date. Any account that has become delinquent (15 days past the due date) may result in the dismissal of your child from the program. Once overdue tuition is paid, your child(ren) may re-enroll, space permitting, and provided you pay the registration fees
Late Pick-Up/Early Drop-off Charges
Additional fees will be charged for children dropped off before or picked up after the program’s hours of operation.
A late pick-up fee of $5.00 will be assessed for any child picked up 1 to 5 minutes after closing or the end of the scheduled session. An additional $10.00 fee will be assessed if a child is picked up 6 to 10 minutes after closing or the end of the session for a total of $15.00 in late fees. An additional $15.00 will be assessed for any child picked up 11 to 15 minutes after closing or the end of the session, for a total of $30 in late fees. Each minute after the 15 minutes will be assessed a late fee of $1.00 per minute late.
For Example: If the session ends at 11:15 and you pick your child up at 11:30 you will be assessed $30.00: a late fee of $5.00 for the first five minutes, an additional fee of $10.00 for the next five minutes, and then $15.00 for the third five-minute period which totals $30.00 in late fees.
An early drop-off fee of $5.00 will be assessed for any child dropped off 1 to 5 minutes before the start of the session. An additional $10.00 fee will be assessed if a child is dropped-off 6 to 10 minutes before the start of the session for a total of $15.00 in early fees. An additional $15.00 will be assessed for any child dropped off 11 to 15 minutes before the start of the session, for a total of $30 in early fees. Each minute before the 15 minutes will be assessed an early drop off fee of $1.00 per minute.
Upon the fourth Late/Early offense occurrence in the program, the fees will be doubled. With the fifth Late/Early offense, the fees will be doubled and your child(ren) will be dropped from the program effective immediately.
Returned Check Charge
Checks returned to our office due to “Insufficient Funds” or “Closed Account” will result in a $30.00 returned check charge and a $25.00 late payment charge added to your tuition bill. If more than two checks are returned for insufficient funds, all future payments must be paid by money order.
Collection Agency Fees
All tuition and fees that remain unpaid after the program has ended will be forwarded to our collection agency. If your account is sent to collections, you will be responsible for all fees accrued to your account by that agency as well as the unpaid balance due. If your account is sent to collections, this will make you ineligible for Registration in any of our Programs in the future.
SECTION IV – PROGRAM POLICIES
Eligibility Requirements
The Summer Adventure Program is administered by the Dearborn Public Schools Community Education Department in cooperation with the Department of Elementary Education. This program is available to preschool, school-age, and middle school children.
Preschool: Children 3 years old through 4 years old.
School-Age: Children 5 through 10 years old.
Middle School: Children 11 through 12 years old.
Attendance Criteria
The minimum requirement for attendance during the summer program is three (3) days per week for at least four (4) weeks total of twelve days. These days must be paid for 48 hours before your child’s first day of attendance.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Calendar
The program begins in June and continues through mid August.
Holidays
The program will be closed July 4th in observance of the holiday.
Curriculum
We offer planned activities and experiences that focus on each child’s growth and development socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively in a relaxed setting. The curriculum is theme-based with similar activities offered for preschool, school-age and middle school children. Activities are structured that support the development of literacy skills, scientific knowledge along with science, math, life skills, team building in a fun filled setting.
Daily Schedule
Daily schedules for summer are posted in the classroom and will include daily swimming (weather permitting) for kindergarten-aged children through age 12. Preschoolers will have daily sprinkler fun on the site premises.
Parent-Teacher Communication
Parent /Teacher communication is a vital component of your child’s educational experience. Teachers encourage parents to share information which may affect a child’s functioning, such as a move to a new house, a change in parent’s work schedule, a person close to child moves away, etc. As the need arises throughout the summer parents are encouraged to ask questions and express concerns. Teachers will share information with parents about such things as day to day happenings in the classroom, changes in routines or procedures, child rearing issues such as discipline, growth, and development issues.
Lunch/Snacks
A nutritious snack will be provided each morning and afternoon. Menus will be posted.
Our Program will once again be partnering with the Islamic Center on Schaefer Road for breakfast and lunch. Please see the menus posted each week and let us know if your child will eat breakfast and/or lunch.
It is the responsibility of parents to notify the teachers of any food allergies, intolerances, and/or dietary restrictions.
Due to the severity of peanut allergies we will do our best to provide nut free products. If your child has food allergies please assist us by checking the packaging and ask to see the ALLERGY LIST in your child’s classroom.
Field Trip Lunches
We ask that field trip lunches be completely disposable including utensils and bags. This will eliminate the possibility of losing your flatware and lunchboxes throughout the summer. We recommend you freeze water bottles/juice boxes to keep your child’s lunch cold and please place your child’s name on his/her lunch.
We are required to provide a rest period for children in attendance for more than five hours per day. A small blanket and bed sheet (or a second blanket) should be labeled and placed in a small tote bag with the child’s name to be left at school. (Note: cubby/locker space is limited) Each child’s bedding will be sent home weekly to be laundered. We discourage other personal toys or play items at the center.
SECTION V – HEALTH AND SAFETY
Accidents/Injuries
Teachers are certified in CPR and Basic First Aid and in-serviced in universal precautions. In the event of a minor injury, children will be given first aid, comforted, and parents will be notified. In the event of a major injury, parents will be notified immediately. Established emergency procedures for the school will be followed.
Confidentiality
All information regarding children and families will remain confidential.
Illness
For the protection of all children, your child will not be accepted into the program if he/she has any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100 degrees or above.
- Your child should stay home until he/she has been fever free for 24 hours without any fever reducing medication.
- Intestinal problems with diarrhea or vomiting, within 24 hours of class time.
- Any type of undiagnosed rash.
- Any type of communicable disease (chicken pox, strep throat, influenza, measles, impetigo, head lice, pink eye, etc.) This must be reported to the preschool teacher.
- A child who has been exempted from a vaccination is considered susceptible to the disease or diseases for which the vaccination offers protection. That child will be subject to exclusion from the school or program if an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease to which he or she is susceptible occurs.
Medication
Prescription Medications that your child may need to take while at school will be administered only after the parent has filled out a medication permission form and signed it. Prescription medication must have the pharmacy label indicating the physician’s name, child’s name, instructions, and name and strength of the medication, and will be given in accordance with those instructions.
Non-prescription Medications must be brought to school in the original container. A medication permission form must be filled out and signed by the parent, and physician, indication the child’s name, instructional and name and strength of the medication. The dosage can be less than, or equal to the label instructions.
A staff member will maintain a record as to time and amount of any medications given or applied.
Outdoor Play
Children are provided with the opportunity for outdoor play daily as long as they do not become overheated. If temperatures exceed 82 degrees F, measures will be taken to keep the children cool, but this does not mean they will not go outdoors.
Due to staffing requirements, there are no accommodations for a child to remain indoors during outdoor play time.
The school age programs may take advantage of the existing playground which may or may not comply with the State of Michigan Child Day Care Licensing Rules and Regulations.
Emergency Schools Closings
In the event of school closings, such as inclement weather, announcements are posted on Dearborn Public Schools cable channel or local radio and television stations.
Crisis Management
The safety and well being of the children is a priority. Therefore, a crisis management plan has been developed and implemented which protects the children from harm. These policies include procedures for evacuation, lock down, seeking shelter and first aid as a response to the remote possibility of fire, disaster and emergencies. In the event of a crisis, parents will be notified as soon as possible. Crisis response drills will be conducted on a regular basis to familiarize children with the procedures.
A copy of the Crisis Management plan is available on site for review.
Pest Management Plan
Although the staff of Dearborn Public Schools Early Childhood programs make every effort to provide a safe, clean environment for the children there are times when it is necessary to utilize pest control methods. Under Michigan Public Act 451, MCL 324.831C child care centers are required to provide advance notification of pesticide application. Prior to treatment, notices will be posted and letters will be provided informing you of the reason for treatment, the type of treatment planned and the date the treatment is scheduled. Please be assured that treatment will take place after the building has closed and no insecticide will be dispensed in any room unless the room will be unoccupied for more than 4 hours. Additional information regarding the pest control methods used may be obtained from the National Pesticide Information Center npic@ace.orst.edu or by calling 1-800-858-7378.