Childcare & Preschool Center - Policies | Raritan Valley Community College, NJ

Financial Policy

The Children’s Campus at RVCC operates under the direction of Raritan Valley Community College. Fees are set by the RVCC Board of Trustees and are subject to change. The Children’s Campus provides care for children three months through five years of age. The Children’s Campus is open to families associated with the college, as well as the surrounding community. Priority is given to RVCC faculty, staff and students. Children are accepted from the community on a space-available basis.

Children may attend The Children’s Campus on a part time or full time basis. Children may attend for a morning session between the hours of 8:00 and 12:30, an afternoon session between the hours of 12:30 and 5:30, or for a full day between the hours of 8:00 and 5:30. Children must be in attendance for a minimum of two sessions, on two different days, each week.

Tuition is calculated on annual costs and charged on a monthly basis. The current tuition rate sheet is available from the Director, and is included in registration packets. Parents are required to complete and sign a schedule form upon enrollment noting the sessions and days their child will be attending. This schedule will be in effect until the Director is notified in writing of a schedule change for the coming month(s). Tuition is charged based on the individual child’s monthly schedule. Thirty days written notice is required prior to schedule change or withdrawal from The Children’s Campus in order to avoid charges for the next month’s tuition. No adjustments are made for holidays, illness, snow days, absences, early withdrawals during the month, or other school closings. Prior to the start of each college semester, registration is open to those currently attending The Children’s Campus, and changes in schedule and tuition may be made.

A security deposit equal to one month’s tuition is collected at the time of registration. The security deposit is waived for RVCC students in good standing and RVCC employees who make their payments through payroll deduction. The deposit is applied to the last month’s tuition and is not refunded when 30 day notice of withdrawal is not provided.

Drop-in care is defined as care provided for a registered child on days or sessions that the child is not registered to attend. Rates for drop-in care are published on the tuition rate sheet, and are subject to change when tuition rates are changed. Drop-in care must be prearranged in writing or email with the child’s caregiver/teacher and the director.

Hourly fees listed on the tuition rate sheet are charged for late pick-ups, both morning and evening. The clock operating the door lock release is used to track attendance and to determine late fees.

Please plan to arrive at the end of the program day in time to have exited the room by closing time at 5:00 pm to avoid late charges or expulsion for habitual tardiness!

RVCC students who are enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours in a given semester are eligible for student tuition rates at The Children’s Campus. A copy of each semester’s schedule must be submitted to qualify for this discounted tuition rate.

There is no discount for second or subsequent children unless part of a negotiated RVCC contractual agreement regarding childcare. The Children’s Campus adheres to the terms in any negotiated RVCC agreement regarding tuition discounts for faculty, administrators and/or classified staff of the college.

The Children’s Campus accepts funding from government assistance programs such as New Jersey Cares for Kids or Work First NJ. Parents are responsible for enrolling in these programs each year/semester, and for meeting the requirements of the funding agency. Parents are responsible for any co-payments not paid by the funding agency.

Tuition statements are distributed at the beginning of each month. Drop-in fees and/or trip and activity fees (from $5.00 to 10.00/event) will be added to the monthly statement when applicable. All tuition and fees are to be paid directly to the Finance Office of RVCC in the College Center.

Payments may be made by cash, check or credit card.
Online payments should be made through the link on the Children’s Campus RVCC website.
Automatic payments may be set up on the newest ProCare application.

Any tuition and fees not paid for any month are subject to a late fee. Any outstanding balances may result in an RVCC student account being put on HOLD. In the event that financial obligations are referred to a collection agency or attorney for collection, the parent or guardian agrees to pay all responsible collection costs and attorney’s fees equal to a maximum of 50% of the outstanding balance.

Arrival, Departure and Release Policies

Security
The College is patrolled by campus security 24 hours a day. Security officers stop by the Center throughout the day to check on our wellbeing. Security is called in the event of any emergency and an officer is on duty at all times who is trained in first aid and CPR. They assist in monthly fire drills, taking time to know the children and the Center’s routines. An emergency call box is located to the right of the front entrance to the Center.

Your child is important to us!

To gain entrance to the Center you must have an authorized passcode. This passcode, when entered in the computer at the front entrance, tracks the time the child attends the Center as well. The passcode is given to you upon completion of the registration process. This computerized system is designed to:

track attendance
record time of drop off and pick up
calculate tuition bills electronically based on contracted schedules and drop in care

This system also offers increased security for the Center. This is achieved through the use of personalized identification numbers for each parent. Parents are given a randomly assigned identification number. Please share this number with authorized adults who will be regularly picking up or dropping off your child. While the staff will continue to check identification of adults picking up the children, no one should be getting past the front door without your authorization. To use the system, please follow these procedures:

Type in your child’s ID number. Once it’s correctly entered, hit the ENTER key.
The screen will change, showing your child’s name and any messages. Please read.
Hit the ENTER button again.
At the click, pull the door and enter the Center.
Repeat the process when coming to pick up your child

Do not hold the door for parents and children coming in behind you. After entering your ID number, enter the Center and close the door behind you. The next family entering can then start the process. Do not enter the Center without electronically signing in.

The Children’s Campus is open from 8am till 5:30pm, Monday through Friday, 12 months a year. Parents who are late picking up their child will be assessed a late fee (please refer to the current tuition rate schedule for fee). This fee will be billed in the following month’s tuition. While the Center recognizes there are occasions beyond a parent’s control that necessitate late pick up, every effort must be made to arrive before closing. This includes allowing time to gather the child’s personal possessions. The clock on the computer at the front entrance is used to determine time of pick up. Parents who are late more than normal circumstances would dictate may be asked to withdraw from the program.

DO NOT LET CHILDREN PLAY WITH THE KEYPAD. IT IS NOT A TOY.

Authorization for the Release of Children
Children who attend the Children’s Campus at RVCC may only be released to those adults (individuals 18 years and older) who have been authorized by the parent. Unless it is otherwise stated and legal documentation is on file, it is assumed both parents may be permitted to pick up the child. (Parents are required to keep the Center fully informed in writing of any legal changes in custody or visitation.) An individual will be asked to identify themselves by showing picture identification. If someone other than the usual person is picking up the child on a given day, please inform the staff. If you wish to change someone you have designated for pick up, you must inform the director in writing. If you wish to have someone pick up your child on one occasion that is not on the list, you may send a written note specifying that one occasion.

Please note: The Child Care Licensing Regulations clearly state that staff may not release a child to anyone they have reason to believe is impaired. If a person appears impaired to the staff member in charge, campus security will be called to verify the individual’s behavior.

Drop off and Pick Up Routines
We look forward to seeing your child every day! When dropping off your child each day, it is important to remember:

Sign in on the front entry computer.
Accompany your child to their class.
Sign him/her up on the sign in sheet in the class. Please note the time and your initials.
Put away any personal items--lunch, coats, show and tell, etc.
Speak directly to the teacher in charge of the group and let them know verbally that your child is here and ready for school. The teacher cannot assume responsibility until you let them know your child is here and you will be leaving.
Give your child a quick hug and kiss and leave quietly

The Center will not assume responsibility for your child until we know from you that your child is ready to participate. Please follow the correct procedure to insure your child’s safety.

At no time should you leave a child in the classroom with no teachers present, send them out to the playground alone, or have them follow you out after notifying the teachers the child has arrived.

You may not pick up your child from a group outside the Center property. If you arrive early and the group is on a walk, at the track, or otherwise away from the Center, you must wait until they arrive back at the building. The staff is not permitted to release any child while away from the Center.

It is very important that the staff know when your child is leaving for the day. When picking up your child, please remember to: Sign in at the entry computer.

Sign your child out from the classroom sign in/out sheet.
Greet your child and verbally acknowledge to the teacher that you are picking up your child.
At that time, the teachers and Center are no longer responsible for your child. Be sure you know where your child is! Some children will run ahead and be out the front door before you realize it!
Gather up the child’s personal belongings--lunchbox, projects and notes in the cubby, coat, etc.

Late Arrival Routines
Please remember drop off time for children attending the morning session is between 7:30-9 AM; drop off for the afternoon session is between 11:30am-1pm. If you arrive after the designated time, your child will be accompanied to the classroom by a staff member. This will minimize the disruption to the class. Please say your good-byes and let the staff member take the child to their class. If you arrive when the class is out of the building, there is no back up care. You must wait until the class comes back to the building. The child cannot be taken to another room.

Attendance
The policies and practices of The Children’s Campus reflect our commitment to learning. Children need to arrive by 9am to fully participate in the day’s activities. They must attend on a consistent basis, a minimum of two days a week, in order to allow time to feel comfortable in the classroom setting and to be ready to learn.

Withdrawal from Program
In order to withdraw a child from The Children’s Campus, parents/guardians must submit their intent in writing and provide thirty days’ notice and tuition.

Inclusion
Inclusion occurs when children with special needs receive services and programming they need in community settings that incorporate best practice in early childhood education. The Children’s Campus embraces inclusive practices by enrolling children with special needs into each of our classrooms and providing them, as well as parents and teachers with supports and assistance – when possible – to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. The Director in consultation with the staff will evaluate the program and the child’s needs to insure reasonable accommodations can be made. The Center complies with the NJ Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and the American with Disabilities Act. Complaints of non-compliance with the LAD may be filed with the NJ Division of Civil Rights.

Classroom Management and Discipline Policy

The Children’s Campus has a clearly defined Discipline Policy that is posted in the front hallway leading to the Nursery. Upon hire, staff must sign a receipt acknowledging their receipt of this policy. Classroom management skills, including use of appropriate discipline, are included in the mandatory New Staff Orientation and training throughout the year.

At the Children’s Campus, we use the word “discipline” to mean training in rules rather than punishment. Part of growing up is learning to live and cooperate with other children as well as adults. At a very early age children can learn the manners and rules of our society and this is part of the child care experience.

In the process of development, children deviate from the established rules. For example, a two-year-old may not understand why she cannot have a particular toy when someone else is playing with it. A four-year-old may feel that hitting is the only way he can get what he wants. These are normal patterns in young children and our response is to clearly and calmly tell the child what a better solution might be. “You may have the toy when John is finished. How about another one now?” or “Tell Jane how you feel with words, not with fists.”

The staff observes the children closely during the day. The following guidelines are considered when guiding children’s behavior:

Awareness of children’s developmental ages and the related capabilities
Understanding of individual differences
Reasonableness of demands
Consistency in approach and consequences
Patience
Firmness in dealing with inappropriate behavior, remembering to separate the child from the action
Quickness in giving praise and recognizing positive behavior
Forgiveness. Each day is a new day and yesterday’s mistakes should not cloud today
Careful use of words

Sometimes a verbal reminder is not enough to change the behavior. In such instances the teacher or assistant may have the child “sit-and-watch.” This means sitting in the classroom or playground away from the other children until the child is in control of his/her behavior. This method takes just a few minutes and works well because children want to get back to their play and friends as quickly as possible.

The staff is trained to implement this disciplinary policy and to not use physical punishment in any way.

Transitions

There are many changes during a young child’s life. One of the most significant is leaving his/her parent for the first time. We offer these suggestions to help both you and your child through this transition:

Spend time before enrolling your child to determine if The Children’s Campus best meets your needs. Now is the time to ask questions!
Become comfortable with the policies and procedures of The Children’s Campus.
Bring your child’s personal items to The Children’s Campus a few days before your child is to start.
Have your child accompany you so that he/she has one more opportunity to go through the new routine.
Be sure to arrive on time. Your child will feel uncomfortable coming into a group that has already begun the day’s activities. It also limits the teacher’s ability to help your child through the adjustment.
Leave your child with a warm kiss and hug! Children react in many ways but research indicates the best indicator of how well a child will adjust to the new surroundings is how well the parent adjusts. While you may call during the day to see how your child is doing, please be assured we will call you if we feel the transition is not going well.
The director and teachers are busy in the classrooms during the day. Our focus is on the children. Do not be anxious if you get the voicemail!

It is the director’s, teachers’ and assistants’ jobs to help you and your child through the many adjustments. We welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with you.

Moving Up!
There are times throughout the year when children will be moved up from one class to another. Most children are generally moved to another room at the start of the academic year. The teachers in consultation with the parents make these decisions. Many factors will determine if a child is ready to move and may include:

Developmental age
Socialization and language skills
Independent and self-help skills

The children will be prepared for the move. Opportunities to visit the new room and see the teachers and children will be provided. Please feel free to stop by the new room, meet the teacher and ask any questions that will help both you and your child through this process. If you have any questions regarding your child’s readiness, please consult the head teacher. It is not the responsibility of the teacher assistants to confer with the parents regarding these issues.

In the spring of the preschool year before kindergarten, the teachers will begin talking about going off to kindergarten. As children make their kindergarten visits to their respective school districts, they will begin to talk about it with their friends in school. Children’s literature about kindergarten will be available for families to borrow. Children who have gone off to kindergarten will come back for visits and to read stories to the class. If you have any questions or concerns about kindergarten readiness, please consult the head teacher or director.

Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy

The Children’s Campus at RVCC is dedicated to promoting healthy eating and physical activity through supporting, educating, and engaging parents in developing a healthy living environment, and role modeling healthy behavior for the children who attend our program.

Healthy Eating Guidelines:

Ensure all snacks include healthy foods from at least two of the four food groups.
Ensure water is available at all times.
Serve/encourage low fat (1%) milk at meal and snack times (for ages 2.5 and older).
Serve/encourage whole grains and nutrient-rich foods.
Serve/encourage vegetables and fruit prepared with little or no added fat, sugar and salt.
Modify snacks for children with documented food allergies or special dietary needs.
Avoid packaged foods that contain trans-fats.
Avoid offering snacks of sticky, sweet foods such as dried fruit and raisins.

Eating Environment Guidelines:

Give children 20-30 minutes to enjoy meals and snacks, in clean and pleasant surroundings.
Provide snacks and meals in a designated area where children can sit and eat without distraction.
Have convenient access to hand washing facilities before meals and snacks.
Staff members should sit, eat, and converse with the children at snack and meal times.

Healthy Eating Education Guidelines:

Teach children about healthy nutrition throughout the year.
Take appropriate precautions to serve safe snacks for children with life-threatening allergies
Include children in snack preparation throughout the year.
Offer opportunities for families to provide input with snack.

Lunches From Home:

Encourage families to support safe and healthy eating by providing only nutrient-rich choices.
Parents should provide healthy choices of grains, meat (and alternatives), vegetables and fruit.
Lunch should include child-size portions that are trans-fat free & low in saturated fat, sugar, salt.
Beverages should be low-fat, unflavored milk, 100% juice or water without added ingredients.
Be respectful of the religious and dietary restrictions of families.

Physical Activity Guidelines:

Children go out when temperatures are above 32 degrees or below 95 degrees.
Outdoor time is in safe settings, including play equipment and open space, supervised by adults.
Spend 30 minutes or more outside (weather permitting) each morning and afternoon.
A variety of indoor equipment is available, such as balls, hoops, and tumbling mats.
Ensure endurance and strength based activities are incorporated into physical activity each day.

Physical Activity Education:

Teach children about physical activity and make it fun.
Include information in newsletters to encourage families to be active.
Physical activity shall not be used as a punishment.
Physical activity shall not be withheld except when a child’s behavior is dangerous to himself and others.

Physical Activity Promotion Guidelines:

Ensure physical activity is co-operative and noncompetitive in nature.
Ensure all physical activities are developmentally appropriate.
Follow safety recommendations for all equipment and activities.
Limit screen time (computer, video games, movies) to 30 minutes, or less, per day for ages 2 and older.
Incorporate physical activity into group times and special events.

INFANT FEEDING POLICY

The Children’s Campus at RVCC understands that providing adequate nutrition to infants and toddlers is of major importance to all parents and caregivers for growth and development. We also understand that breastfeeding is the recommended form of infant and toddler nutrition, providing a multitude of health benefits to both infant and mother. We further understand that parents often prefer formula for their babies. We subscribe to the following feeding policy:

Breastfeeding mothers shall have a place to express their milk during the workday:

Breastfeeding mothers – RVCC staff, students and faculty – have a private, comfortable and sanitary place on campus to express milk, Room H200. This area has an internal door lock, electrical outlet, comfortable chair and running water. The key is available from the Human Resources office, or from Nursing School staff.
Breastfeeding mothers may also use the Children’s Campus kitchen (not as private) to express milk as well. Mothers will supply their own pump, using outlets and the sink in the kitchen. An adult chair will be provided for comfort.
Mothers are welcome to breastfeed at the Children’s Campus, in front of others if they wish, with or without a cover.

Refrigerators will be made available for storage of bottles of formula and of expressed breastmilk:

All parents may store their bottles of formula and/or expressed milk in the center.
Parents of infants and toddlers at the Children’s Campus may use the small refrigerator in the kitchen next to the Nursery.
Parents should provide their own containers, clearly labeled with name and date.
Bottles and freezer bags shall be labeled with a name and date before storing in the nursery refrigerator or freezer.
Refrigerator temperature shall be held at 36 to 40 degrees.
Breast milk shall be thawed and warmed, but never microwaved.
Separate bottle warmers shall be used for breast milk and formula.

Sensitivity will be shown to mothers and their babies:

The Children’s Campus will provide opportunities for mothers to feed their babies whenever they are available to do so, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM closing.
Caregivers will hold off giving a bottle, if possible, when breastfeeding mothers are due to arrive for pick-up unless the baby is distraught.
The Children’s Campus has provided comfortable rockers with arms, in the infant and toddler rooms for mothers to use.
All infants – regardless of what they are fed -- will be held closely when feeding. Bottles will never be “propped” in an infant’s mouth.

Staff shall be trained in handling formula and human milk:

All infant-toddler caregivers at The Children’s Campus will be trained in the proper storage and handling of formula and/or human milk, as well as ways to support parents with feeding issues.
When breastmilk is left for feeding throughout the day, it will be gently mixed, but not shaken.
The Children’s Campus will follow guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control to ensure that breastmilk is properly treated to avoid waste.
Fresh pumped breast milk expires after 72 hours and will be discarded if unused. Frozen/defrosted breast milk, 24 hours in the refrigerator. Any milk not consumed at the feeding must be discarded.
Bottles should be washed in HOT soapy water rinsed and reused as many times as allowed by bottle manufacture recommendations. Breast milk bottles do not need to be sterilized prior to filling with breast milk.
It is recommended that bottles be sterilized for formula use.
Breast milk shall be defrosted immediately prior to feeding using warm, NOT HOT water. A bottle or bag shall be placed in a cup of warm water 100- 105 degrees, being careful not to let bottle/bag fall over allowing water to mix with expressed breast milk. Breast milk may also be defrosted in the refrigerator.

Breastfeeding employees of RVCC shall be provided flexible breaks to accommodate breastfeeding or milk expression:

Section 4207 amends the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 to require an employer to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child's birth each time such employee has need to express milk. The employer is not required to compensate an employee receiving reasonable break time for any work time spent for such purpose.
Breastfeeding employees of RVCC shall be provided a flexible schedule for breastfeeding or pumping to provide breastmilk for their children. The time allowed would not exceed the normal time for lunch and breaks.
For time above and beyond normal lunch and breaks, sick/annual leave time may be used, or the employee can come in a little early or leave a little late to make up the time

Breastfeeding promotion information will be displayed:

Should questions or problems arise, parents and caregivers can contact the following resources…
Hunterdon Medical Center (HMC) Jean Jamele, RN BSN IBCLC, Director of Parenting and Childbirth Education jamele.jean@hunterdonhealthcare.org 908-788-MOMS (908-788-6667) Lactation Consultants HMC 908-788-6335;
Le Leche League -- www.lelecheleague.org Make sure to speak with a lactation person that has (International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants) IBCLC certification.
Liz Libby: elibby@raritanval.edu and cell: 908-334-3503. (She is never at her desk and is often off campus for class, so that is the easiest way to contact her.)

Dress Code and Clothing Needs

Children are requested to have a change of clothing at the Center. It is to be kept in a plastic shoe-box style container with lid. It should contain a shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and for young children, a change of shoes or sandals. Please put your child’s name on all items.

On occasion your child may not have a dry change of clothing at school. One will be provided from the school’s general supply. Please wash and return all clothes from the Center within a week so they will be available for another child. Donations of out-grown clothes are always needed to supplement the Center’s supply of extra clothes. Clothes brought from home are not shared between children. In the event your child is withdrawn from the program and you forget to take the change of clothing or other personal items, it will be kept for 30 days. If not claimed after that time, it is donated to the Center’s supply of clean clothes.

When a child is changed for whatever reason, a Change of Clothing form is sent home with the wet clothing. This will let you know why your child was wet - bathroom accident, spilled food or similar problems. It will also serve as a reminder that dry clothes are needed to replenish your child’s box.

Parents are encouraged to dress their children in comfortable casual clothes that are easily cleaned. Throughout the day, children will sit on the floor, play outdoors, and work with materials that may soil their clothes. The Center is not responsible for any damage to clothing.

For safety reasons, children must wear sneakers or closed toe shoes that tie or Velcro securely, with socks throughout the year. Sandals, crocs, flip-flops, or water shoes are acceptable only during water-play in the summer.

Sun Protection
Parents are requested to apply a generous coating of sunscreen on their children before sending them to school on sunny days when it is needed. This is especially important on water-play days.

Parents are asked to leave sunscreen at school for their children. It will be applied in the afternoon as needed. Sunscreen is not shared among the children; only the lotion you provide will be used by your child. Please be sure the container is clearly marked with the child’s name and given directly to the class teacher.

Health and Medications Policies

Immunizations Policy
All children in child care centers in New Jersey are required to have up to date immunizations. A written record, signed by a health care practitioner, must be provided prior to the child’s first day. Please provide a written update on all immunizations and health history as your child receives them throughout the year. Any child who does not have the appropriate immunization or health records may be excluded from the program.

In the event the parent requests exemption from the immunizations, they must provide The Children’s Campus with a letter explaining the reason for the exemption. If requesting a medical exemption, it is necessary to provide a statement from the child’s doctor stating the reason for such a request. If the parent is requesting exemption from the immunizations on religious grounds, it must be received before the child attends the program for the first time.

Illness Exclusions
In the event of illness, state guidelines as outlined in the New Jersey Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers are followed. The following is a list of symptoms/illnesses that require exclusion from the Center:

Severe pain or discomfort
Acute diarrhea, characterized as twice the child’s usual frequency or bowel movements with a change to a looser consistency within a 24 hour period
Two or more episodes of acute vomiting within a 24 hour period
Elevated oral temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or over
Temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit in conjunction with sore throat or severe coughing, red eyes with discharge, infected, untreated skin patches, difficult rapid breathing, skin rashes lasting more than one day (excluding diaper rashes), untreated weeping or bleeding skin lesions, swollen joints, enlarged lymph nodes, stiff neck or blood in urine.

Parents are asked to pick up their child should the child show any of the symptoms noted above. In the event a parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be called. An Illness Report will be sent home with the child and the required action noted. Where appropriate, an information sheet related to the condition may be attached.

Accidents
In the event a child is injured, no matter how minor, an accident report is completed by the staff and sent home with the child at the end of the day. A call will be made to the parent of a child who is bitten or who has an injury that breaks the skin. Emergency medical personnel or services will be called should the injury be severe, and parents will be notified immediately. In the event the parent cannot be reached, the adult designated as an emergency contact will be called.

Permission to Administer Medication
The Children’s Campus at RVCC administers prescription medication only if:

it is in the original container
prescribed for the child to whom it is to be administered
a current prescription
in dosage as specified on the label

Non-prescription medication shall be dispensed in accordance with recommended dosage, age and/or weight of child as indicated on the label. It must be in its original bottle/container. Dispensing of non-prescription medicine is limited to the following:

antihistamines/decongestants
acetaminophens (aspirin substitutes)
cough suppressants
topical ointments

Parents must complete and sign the Permission to Administer Medication form on the first day it is to be given. Staff will note the date, time, who administered the medication and any adverse reaction. A separate form must be completed for each child for each prescription.

All medication must be kept in the Director’s office, or when necessary, in the refrigerator. Under no circumstances is medication of any kind to be kept in the classroom. This includes medication left in diaper bags, backpacks, or lunchboxes. Medication may only be administered by a parent (or designate), Director or Head Teacher.

Allergies
Parents must notify the Center in writing of any allergies. This information must be updated on a regular basis by the parents.

The Children’s Campus at RVCC provides a morning and afternoon snack each day. The menu is posted in the kitchen and on the parents’ bulletin board in the front lobby. Substitutions can be made without notice due to the availability of food, birthdays, special events and children’s cooking projects. Every reasonable effort is made to provide snack items that are nutritious, appealing and reflective of the cultural habits of our students. The staff welcomes parents’ ideas and contributions to the menu.

To best protect the health interests of children with known food allergies, parents are asked to provide snacks for children with allergies to food that might commonly be found. (Shellfish, for example, is not commonly found on our snack menu. Parents who have children allergic to shellfish would not need to provide an alternate snack item.) Snacks should be included in their lunch boxes every session (morning and/or afternoon) the child attends the program. Please discuss with your child’s Head Teacher your alternate snack arrangements. A notice will be posted on each classroom table alerting staff to the children needing snack alternatives.

Preventing Infection at the Children's Campus at RVCC

Table of Excludable Communicable Diseases
If a child contracts any of the diseases below, please report it to us immediately. The child may not return to school without a doctor's note stating that the child presents no risk to himself/herself or others.

Respiratory Illnesses
Gastrointestinal Illnesses
Contact Illnesses
Chicken Pox
Giardia Lambia
Impetigo
German Measles
Hepatitis A
Lice
Hemophilus Influenzae
Salmonella
Scabies
Measles
Shigella
Conjunctivitis
Meningococcus
Ringworm
Mumps
Strep Throat
Tuberculosis
Whooping Cough

Parent Involvement & Communication

Parent/Teacher Communication
Communication with parents is vital to the optimal wellbeing and development of children. Communication can take many forms. This includes:

General College announcements (publications, RVCC web page, e-mail, texts, etc.)
Parents’ Bulletin Board in the main lobby
Parents’ Board in each classroom
Monthly newsletters and calendars attached to the tuition bills
One-time letters regarding special events or circumstances
Daily Information Sheets from the Nursery and Toddler classrooms only
Monthly classroom newsletters for preschool-aged children
Standard Reports (accident, illness, change of clothing, etc.)
Informal notes to parents from the classroom teacher, written as the occasion requires
Informal conferences with parents at drop off and pick up times
Formal parent-teacher conferences

Formal parent-teacher conferences are offered a minimum of twice a year. At the close of each regular academic semester, parents are invited to sign up for a conference with their child’s teacher.

Parent Involvement and Visitation Policy
The Children’s Campus welcomes parents and encourages participation in many ways. There are formal opportunities, such as parent-teacher conferences, parents’ meetings, and open houses. There are also less formal occasions such as helping out at a holiday party, joining us for a walk or lunch. Whenever your schedule permits, we hope you will join us.

Parent volunteers are also encouraged to help with projects outside the classrooms. Do you have a special talent that you could share? Parents have contributed their musical talents, artistic interests, craft specialty or specific interests that can be extended in the classroom environment. If you have a talent or hobby you are willing to share, please let the Director know.

Parents are invited to promote multicultural learning opportunities and to share examples of their cultural practices through the use of books, food, music, and/or clothing. Please let your child’s head teacher know what and when you plan to do so.

The Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers clearly states that parents are welcome to stop by the Center, unannounced, at any time their child is attending. We invite you to take advantage of the many opportunities to visit with your child.

Parents who wish to tour the Center with the interest in enrolling their child are asked to schedule an appointment. This insures the staff has time to meet individually the parents and address any questions they may have.

Computer and Video Time Policy

There will be no TV time, at any time, for children of any age at The Children’s Campus.
Children younger than 2 years shall not have access to computers or videos at The Children’s Campus.
Videos and computer software must be related to a unit of study, a social studies holiday, or other curriculum-related topic.
Children in the preschool classes shall have only 10 minutes of computer time/day – whether full or half-day.
The timer will be set as each child begins to use the computer.
The children’s names will be listed on the wipe board at the computer station, and checked off once the ten minutes is up. The child is then done for that day.
Children in the preschool classes shall have no more than 20 minutes of video time – only when the weather is too extreme for being outside instead.

Social Media, Email and Internet

Parents of children at The Children’s Campus must be clear about the appropriate use of social media and the internet in order to protect The Children’s Campus, themselves, staff, other families and children from consequences from inappropriate use – whether intentional or not. Inappropriate use can have profound effects both personally and professionally. Everything posted is likely to be indexed and stored forever, either via search engines or through blogger references. Inappropriate use of social media can be grounds for expulsion from The Children’s Campus. We ask that parents and family members will:

Be respectful and exercise good judgement and common sense in social media interactions.
Be responsible for the content of posts, presenting content as personal views, not those of The Children’s Campus.
Not discuss The Children’s Campus in a negative or derogatory manner on any social media, including but not limited to email, Facebook, My Space, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media.
Not post false information about The Children’s Campus.
Not use confidential information, staff or family personal information, RVCC logos
Not reveal any personal or confidential information about staff members, families, children or The Children’s Campus.
Not use company information, including email addresses, to register illegal activities.
Not post photos from The Children’s Campus without administrative approval.
Not “friend” students without administrative approval. In most cases, we do not recommend “friending” parents.

PARENTS SHALL NOT POST/SHARE PHOTOS/VIDEOS OF CHILDREN OTHER THAN THEIR OWN.

Social Networking and Photo Sharing

There are times when parents wish to post photos of a child at play in the Center on a social networking site to share with others. Parents may choose to post photos of their own child at play in the Center, but should respect the privacy and confidentiality of other enrolled children. Parents are not at liberty to post photos of other children from The Children’s Campus at RVCC on social networking sites, blogs, personal websites, etc. even if those children are photographed during play with their own child. Identifying or personal information of staff, children, RVCC students, and The Children’s Campus parents must not be posted on any social networking site or webpage without express written consent by the individuals and The Children’s Campus at RVCC Director.

Photos, Photography and Videography

Children at The Children’s Campus will be photographed, or their images recorded for print or electronic use in promoting our curriculum, routines and activities.

Anyone who discovers that photographs of himself or herself or family members have been included in RVCC or The Children’s Campus publications or on the website that they do not wish to remain there should contact the office by phone or email to request the photograph’s immediate removal.

On the other hand, many settings have a small number of children with very good reason to keep secret about where they live and where they attend school. Along with worries about children's identity getting into the wrong hands, it is important that we clarify our position.
It is our duty to protect the children who are in our care while supporting our families' desire to record important memories.
The Children’s Campus at RVCC has the following policy:

Photos may be taken by the staff to be displayed in the classrooms and for inclusion in children's individual files.
The Children’s Campus will allow photos to be published in the newspapers, but not names of children unless prior permission has been obtained.
Photos / video taken by parents are only for family use and will never be passed posted or shared on with social or press media without prior permission from The Children’s Campus.
Any request from other agencies to use children's photos, for example on literature or websites will only be allowed with prior permission from parents
If you do not want your child's image to appear on displays or in the press, please inform the Director or Office Manager so that we can keep them out of such photos.

If you would like to discuss the matter further, ask questions, or offer some feedback, you are very welcome to do so.

Expulsion from Center Policy

The safety, well-being and optimal development of all children are the first concern of the Children’s Campus. In the event that a child is overly aggressive or acts in such a manner to cause serious harm to other children and staff, the Head Teacher will notify the parent. It is hoped that with parents and staff working together in the child’s best interest, negative behavior can be minimized. However, RVCC reserves the right to ask a parent to withdraw their child from the Children’s Campus.

Unfortunately, there are sometimes reasons a child must be expelled from The Children’s Campus either on a short term or permanent basis. We will do everything possible to work with the families in order to prevent this policy from being enforced. The following are reasons we may have to expel a child from this The Children’s Campus:

Immediate Causes for Expulsion

The child is at risk of causing serious injury to other children or himself/herself.
Parent intimidates or threatens physical actions toward staff members.
Parent exhibits verbal abuse to staff in front of enrolled children.

Parental Actions for Child’s Expulsion

Failure to pay or habitual lateness in payments
Failure to complete required forms including the child’s immunization forms
Habitual tardiness when picking up a child

Child’s Actions for Expulsion

Failure to adjust after a reasonable amount of time
Uncontrollable tantrums and/or angry outbursts
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or to other children
Excessive biting, hitting or physical harm to others

The Children’s Campus makes every effort to work in partnership with parents except when the behavior is so severe or disturbing to the class that the group is affected negatively. The Director may recommend a child be evaluated in order to identify strategies to help the staff work more effectively with the child. In the event a parent refuses to have the child evaluated, RVCC reserves the right to have the child withdrawn. The Center encourages on-site visits of Early Interventionists or members of a school’s Child Study Team, but only with parental permission. The results of any evaluation, whether through the public schools or other sources, must be shared with the Director. Refusal to share this information may lead to the child being asked to withdraw from the program.