Parent Handbook
In His Hands Child Enrichment Center
315 South Madison Street
Waupun, WI 53963
(920) 324-3321
Contents
Purpose Page 4
Philosophy Page 4
History Page 5
Location Page 5
Non-Discrimination Page 5
Standards/State Licensing Page 5
Governing Authority Page 6
Financial Support Page 6
Administration & Staffing
Administration of the Center Page 7
Staff Selection Page 7
Program and Objectives Page 7
Preschool Operations
Hours Page 9
Class Sizes Page 9
Eligibility Requirements Page 9
Tentative Daily Schedule Page 10
Clothing Page 11
School Calendar Page 11
School Closings Page 11
Child Safety
Arriving at the Center Page 12
Safety-Leaving the Center Page 12
Emergency Evacuation Page 13
Director of the Center Page 14
Staff Training Page 14
Statement on Insurance Page 14
Discipline
General Procedures Page 15
Step Disciplinary Procedures Page 16
Tuition
Registration Fee Page 17
Tuition Schedule Page 17
Preschool Tuition Policy Page 17
Handling Fee Page 18
Late Pick Up Fee Page 18
Termination of Enrollment
Discharge Policy Page 18
Personal Belongings Page 18
Special Events
Birthdays Page 19
Holiday Parties Page 19
Open House Page 19
Programs Page 19
Parent Handbook
Page 2
Keeping You Informed
Parent-Teacher Conferences Page 20
Parent Mail Boxes, Bulletin Board Page 20
Monthly Newsletter Page 20
Field Trips Page 20
Health Policy
Some General Guidelines Page 21
Guidelines for Exclusion Page 22
Exclusion Policy for Specific Diseases Page 22
Additional Concerns Page 23
Reporting Absences Page 23
Center Cleanliness Page 24
Personal Cleanliness Page 24
Nutrition Policy Page 24
Snacks Page 24
Snack Procedure Page 24
Allergies Page 24
Field Trips Transportation Page 25
Accidents/Emergencies Policy Page 25
No Smoking Page 26
What Did We Omit Page 26
Parental Acknowledgement Sheet Page 28
Parent Handbook
Page 3
Our Purpose
In His Hands Child Enrichment Center is owned and operated by Pella Lutheran
Church. The purposes of this center are:
To provide care that is happy, warm, loving, caring, and active;
To provide a safe, educational setting that will help young children develop
spiritually, socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally;
To minister to parents in the congregation and the community by providing
child care services which meet their needs; and
To provide quality Christian education and care for children.
Philosophy
We believe that early childhood years are a very important time in the development
of a child. Most of the potential for learning is established by the time a child is age
six. During this time, children need a stimulating Christian environment to learn and
grow spiritually, socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally as they need to
add new experiences through their own style and at their own pace. Many
opportunities are provided for the children to explore and manipulate a variety of
materials. We also believe that play is a very important part of an early childhood
classroom. Much learning takes place through play activities. Through play, children
develop social and language skills, learn to handle their emotions, and learn about
their world.
At In His Hands Child Enrichment Center, children
are treated as special creations of God, each with
unique interests and needs, each forgiven and
redeemed by a gracious and loving God through the
death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus Time is an integral part of the program for
each day, as the children learn about and
experience God’s love. This sharing of God’s love
permeates all that is done at In His Hands. We
believe that a Christian education and care in a
Christian environment in these early years lays an
important foundation in the spiritual life and overall
development of the child. Jesus is our Good
Shepherd. We want everything done here at In His
Hands Child Enrichment Center to be done ‘IN HIS
HANDS.’
Parent Handbook
Page 4
History
Pella Lutheran Church has served the Waupun community since 1899. In 1963,
an educational wing was added to the church. The In His Hands Preschool was formed
in 1996, serving children from the ages of 3-5. In 1999, Pella opened the In His Hands
Childcare Center, which served children from 6 weeks to age 12. Kindergarten was
also offered in the fall of 1999, however, after one year, the Kindergarten closed.
Childcare services were discontinued in the spring of 2004. At Pella, we will continue
to offer Christian Education for all ages as we operate in our second century of
service to our Lord and the Waupun community.
Location
In His Hands Child Enrichment Center is located in the Education Wing of Pella
Lutheran Church, 315 S. Madison Street, in Waupun, Wisconsin.
Non-Discrimination
In His Hands Child Enrichment Center admits students of any race, color,
national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities
generally accorded or made available to students in the Center. It does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration
of its education policies, admissions policies, and student programs and any other
Center-administered programs.
A copy of the Non-Discrimination Policy is available from the Administrator.
Standards/State Licensing
Pella Lutheran Church established In His Hands Preschool on September 1,
1997. The State of Wisconsin’s Department of Health and Family Services acting
under the Division of Children and Family Services licenses the program and we shall
strive to exceed and maintain the highest standards for our preschool. State licensing
personnel routinely inspect our Center. Inspections include health and safety
procedures, nutrition, ratios, programs, staff, and facilities. Licensing reports are
posted on the parent bulletin board and the licensing book is available at any time for
review. We believe that licensing and enforcement of standards are in the best
interest of all children.
Parent Handbook
Page 5
Governing Authority
The voting members of Pella Lutheran Congregation make major decisions
regarding In His Hands Child Enrichment Center. The operation of the Center is
conducted through our In His Hands Coordinating Team and Administrator who are
responsible to the Board of Christian Education. The Board of Christian Education
directs the educational activities of the Center. The Administrator will communicate
all activities to the parents and the congregation.
Financial Support
Pella Lutheran Church views its early childhood programs as an integral and
important element of its ministry. Under the supervision of the Board of Christian
Education, Pella Lutheran Church obligates itself to support this ministry by:
Providing and maintaining facilities for its early childhood programs,
including utilities and insurance coverage;
Providing the ministry of its Pastors to the children and parents enrolled in
the program; and
While tuition and fees will be the primary source of support, Pella Lutheran
Congregation will urge its members to offer their services, time, talents,
and prayers to the program, its staff, children, and parents.
Parent Handbook
Page 6
Administration and Staffing
Administration of the Center
A copy of the organizational chart is available from the Administrator.
Staff Selection
All Teachers and Assistants are qualified according to state preschool licensing
rules and regulations and enrolled on The Registry of the State of Wisconsin. Staff
members not qualified according to state preschool licensing rules and regulations
will take classes and in-service training to become qualified at the earliest possible
time. Teachers and Assistants are selected who exhibit qualities of nurturing, the
ability to encourage children’s development, and the ability to provide age-
appropriate learning activities.
The Director of the Center evaluates the staff on a regular basis. Evaluations
are provided to the Center Administrator for approval.
Program and Objectives
The objectives for the early childhood education program at In His Hands Child
Enrichment Center preschool are:
To instill in young children the knowledge of God’s love for them in order to:
Learn God’s will in life situations;
Trust God as a loving Father;
Know that our Bible-time stories are from God’s Book, the Bible;
Know that Jesus is our best friend.
To meet the basic needs of children, working to instill good self-esteem and
positive self-image, such as:
Good health, physical development, and motor coordination;
Attention, acceptance, and affection;
Opportunities to experience success;
Security of gentle discipline;
Respect for other people and materials.
To bring out and expand the abilities of each child through social interaction, self-
expression, and communication skills, so that each child might be able to:
Parent Handbook
Page 7
Cope with life’s day to day problems;
Be observant and attentive;
Be responsible, self-directed, and self-disciplined;
Grow physically through large and small motor experiences;
Grow increasingly skillful in using language and understanding concepts;
Feel at ease about being away from home, and to be able to accept
involvement with others;
Strengthen their family ties, thereby helping parents to understand their
children better;
Give creative expression experiences through art, music and dance;
Grow mentally through cognitive experiences and teacher-directed
activities.
We at Pella Lutheran Church and In His Hands believe that:
The care of children is not a substitute for family life, but an enrichment of
Christian family life;
Our children are entitled to the best that modern knowledge makes
available concerning their education, care, and guidance;
We cannot over-estimate the value of play in the development of the young
child;
The child should have the opportunity to develop their physical, mental,
social, and spiritual capabilities with a feeling of success, and to develop
these strengths at their own pace.
As such, our program will include, but not be limited to:
Housekeeping and dress-up: cooking, baking, tasting, manners;
Building and construction: blocks, puzzles, painting, trucks, clay;
Field trips;
Sensory experiences: see, hear, smell, touch, taste;
Arts and crafts: cut, paste, tear, color, paint;
Bible time: stories, songs, finger-plays, records;
Books: reading, story-time, creative storytelling, finger-plays;
Science: plants, magnifying glass, magnets, weather;
Special projects: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter;
Large muscle activity: running, walking, jumping, climbing;
Social studies: meeting new friends, community helpers, holidays, jobs;
Dramatics: puppets, role-playing.
Parent Handbook
Page 8
Operations
Hours
9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
12:45 - 3:15 p.m.
Three-Year-Old Preschool meets Tuesdays and Thursdays
Four-Year-Old Preschool meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Class Size
Maximum class size is 16 children with a teacher and an assistant
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for our three-year-old preschool, a child must be three years old
by September 1 of the current year.
To be eligible for our four and five year old preschool, a child must be four
years old by September 1 of the current year.
All children must be independent in toilet training.
If crowded conditions exist, preference will be designated according to the
following schedule:
1. Children already enrolled in our preschool desiring to enroll for another year
2. Members of Pella Lutheran Church
3. Siblings of current students
4. Non-Members
Children will be accepted by the date that the application is received with
deposit, as space is available.
All children new to our program are accepted on a two-month probation
period. The Center will reserve the right to terminate enrollment if the child
demonstrates the inability to adjust to an organized program. A copy of the
Admissions Policy is available from the Administrator of In His Hands.
Parent Handbook
Page 9
Preschool
Tentative Daily Schedule
(May vary from day to day)
9:00 – 9:10 12:45 – 12:55 Arrival, greet each child
9:10 – 10:00 12:55 -1:45 Active work and play period with self selected
activities and interest centers
10:00 – 10:30 1:45 – 2:15 Clean-up, toileting and snack
10:30 - 10:50 2:15 – 2:35 Group time for thematic activities, stories,
finger-plays, and/or music
10:50 – 11:05 2:35-2:50 Jesus Time
11:05 – 11:20 2:50 – 3:05 Indoor/Outdoor Gross motor activities
11:20 – 11:30 3:05 – 3:15 Evaluation of the day and farewells
11:30 3:15 Dismissal
Please note: Morning classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and afternoon classes begin at 12:45
p.m. We ask that the children not arrive more than five minutes before these times,
as the time prior to class is the preparation time for the teacher. Please refer to the
yearly calendar for days and times preschool will not be in session.
Parent Handbook
Page 10
Clothing
We request that all children bring a complete set of extra clothing in case of
accidents, including pants, shirt, socks and underwear. All clothing should be clearly
marked with your child’s name—it is much easier to return a lost item if it is labeled.
If your child is missing anything, please inquire at the Center as soon as possible.
Unclaimed items are given to charitable organizations after a three-month length of
time.
Children should come dressed for action! We recommend washable,
comfortable play clothes. Please send your child to school each day in WHITE SOLED
tennis shoes. Black-soled tennis shoes leave black marks on our floors. We play on
the playground and in the gym frequently. A pair of gym shoes is required.
School Calendar
Please refer to the monthly Parent Newsletter for no-school days and early
release days. We correlate with the Waupun School District.
School Closings
In His Hands will be open on all days scheduled except in case of weather
emergencies, where delays and closures will be announced on the following radio
stations:
WMRH 1170AM – Out of Waupun
WBEV 1430 AM - Out of Beaver Dam
WXRO 95.3 – Out of Beaver Dam
WTCX 96.1 – Out of Fond du Lac
WFDL 97.7 – Out of Fond du Lac
WMDC 98.7 – Out of Mayville
Our preschool will follow the public school closure decisions. If preschool
closes or opens later than the normal hours, it will be broadcast on the local radio
stations. A two-hour delay in the public schools will cause our morning preschool
session to be cancelled for the day. A one-our delay will cause our morning session to
start one hour later than normal schedule for that day.
Parent Handbook
Page 11
Child Safety
Arriving at the Center
Our responsibility begins when you place your child in the care of an In His
Hands staff member. Under no circumstances should you allow your child to find his
or her own way into the Center. You must accompany your child into the building.
This provides a smooth transition and allows you a brief exchange with the teacher to
convey information about your child and to learn of the day’s plans.
Parents with children will be required to sign their child in and out using the
form provided in the classroom. When you and your child(ren) arrive at the Center
you are to:
1) Bring your child(ren) into the room.
2) Assist as necessary with coat, etc.
3) Sign in as follows – child’s name, date, arrival time.
4) Be sure to greet your child’s teacher and relay any necessary messages.
5) Check your mailbox daily as you leave.
When dropping off and picking up your child(ren), please shut off your vehicle.
Also do no leave child(ren) unattended in the vehicle. It is State Law. If it happens,
we could be written up by the state inspector. Therefore we are obligated to warn
you if such conditions exist.
Leaving the Center
Prompt pick-up at the end of your child’s program is required. Coordinating our
schedules is hindered if children remain past their scheduled time. Please note that a
late pick-up fee is assessed after 11:45 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. When you pick up your
child:
1) Record the pick-up time and your name.
2) Check parents’ mailbox and bulletin board for messages and parent information.
(Parents’ mailboxes are located in the main hall.)
3) Assist your child as necessary with coat, etc.
4) Be certain the teacher knows you are leaving.
We can release children ages 5 and under only to the parent who enrolled the
child, or to someone that the parent has specifically authorized in writing. By signing
the authorization form, the parent guarantees that the authorization is not restrictive
of another parent’s rights or contrary to law. The In His Hand Child Enrichment
Center abides by all legally served court orders. No child will be released to anyone
except persons who are authorized in advance, in writing. Photo identification will
be required of any person not recognized by staff. All persons picking up children
must be 18 years of age – State Law!
Parent Handbook
Page 12
Emergency Evacuation
We have written policies and procedures posted for dealing with emergencies.
We schedule, carry out, and document monthly fire and tornado emergency drills.
Evacuation plans are posted in each classroom by the door. If such an emergency
occurs, the Administrator will notify you and post a notice at the Center.
For fire emergencies, the entrance door by Classrooms 1-2 will be a primary
exit route for children in Classrooms 1-2. The emergency exit door in Classroom 4 will
be the primary exit route for children in Classrooms 3-4. For children in Classrooms 5-
6, the exit door on the Southeast Corner of the Education Building will be used. Fire
extinguishers and smoke alarms are inspected weekly to insure that they are in good
working order. For tornado emergencies, all children will take cover in the basement
hallway area beneath the offices.
Fire drills are practiced monthly. Tornado drills are practiced during the
tornado season.
If the Center must close during the day due to a blizzard or some other
emergency, parents will be contacted to make arrangements to pick up their child.
No child will ever be left unattended.
Parent Handbook
Page 13
Director of the Center
The Director has primary responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the
Center including, but not limited to scheduling, staffing, training, on-going teacher
education, curriculum approval, community liaison, and administrative duties. A copy
of the Job Description for the Director is available upon request from the
Administrator. If the Administrator is not on the premises or not available, the lead
teacher and assistant teachers and volunteers will also be able to assist with
questions.
Staff Training
Following a careful selection process, each staff member receives an
orientation before beginning to work in the classroom. All teachers and assistants are
qualified according to state preschool and daycare licensing rules and regulations.
Staff members not qualified according to state preschool and daycare licensing rules
and regulations will take class and in-service training to become qualified at the
earliest possible time. Teachers and assistants are selected who exhibit qualities of
nurturing, the ability to encourage children’s development, and the ability to provide
age-appropriate learning activities.
After employment, training is done on a continual basis for all teachers. The
Center Administrator observes the teachers and assistants and provides feedback to
ensure the competence of each staff member.
Job descriptions for teachers and assistants are available from the
Administrator.
Statement on Insurance
Pella Lutheran Church carries liability insurance coverage with respect to In His
Hands Preschool. This insurance does cover accidents which are the result of In His
Hands negligence, but does not cover medical payments where negligence on the part
of In His Hands is not involved.
When negligence is not a factor, and an accident occurs, your family or
individual insurance policy will provide the coverage needed for your child(ren)’s
medical payments.
In His Hands does offer a Student Accident Policy for a minimal premium, which
would act as coverage or supplemental coverage for medical payments in situations
where In His Hands negligence is not a factor.
Parent Handbook
Page 14
Discipline
General Procedures
Discipline is a process of guiding the child toward self-discipline, self-
acceptance, and self-control. Our goal is to intervene with gentle correction in which
the consequence is logical from the child’s point of view. To accomplish this, it is
necessary to seek to understand the individual child(ren), the situation, and to
respond appropriately.
Giving positive verbal rewards encourages acceptable behaviors. This
reinforces a child’s good feeling about his or her behavior and serves as an example to
the other children to act in such a way as to receive this praise.
Asking a child to stop and think about his or her unpleasant behavior enables
that child to work at self-control.
When misbehavior occurs, the child will be redirected in a non-threatening
fashion. Misbehavior which may result in injury (hitting, biting, and kicking) will
require an immediate, short-duration time-out in an area where the child is placed
within sight of a staff member. The teacher will stress to the child that hurting
another child is not allowed. Parents will be informed if a time-out of this nature is
required. In addition, the child who receives the injury will need comforting and
attention. If an injury from another child results in a mark, bruise, scratch, or cut, an
incident report will be completed so that the parents of both children are informed.
We do not use punishment that is humiliating or frightening to a child. These
forms of punishment will never be used, even at the request of parents. Examples of
prohibited punishment include: spanking, hitting, pinching, or inflicting any other
form of corporal punishment: verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks about the
child or the child’s family; binding or trying to restrict movement or enclosing in a
confined space such as a closet, locked room, box, or similar cubicle; and withholding
or forcing meals, snacks or naps. Children will not be punished for lapses in toilet
training.
If behavior problems persist, the parent is asked to attend a conference to
discuss what may be helpful in motivating the child to behave in an acceptable way.
Any comments or concerns about the program of your child may be mentioned
to the teacher at the arrival or dismissal time. By no means do we discuss the child
when the child is present. Briefly state your concern to the teacher and arrange a
time to phone him or her. This will give your child’s teacher time to think about the
problem, gather thoughts, and check files to give you a qualified and professional
response to your concerns.
Copies of our Discipline Policy are on file with the Administrator.
Parent Handbook
Page 15
Step Disciplinary Procedures
Following are the steps that will be followed to help guide the child into appropriate
acceptable behavior here at the Center. These steps are also an assurance to the
parents whose child is the object of unacceptable behavior that something is being
done to change the situation.
Four steps will be followed, each progressing in level of administration. The
love of Jesus, our Savior, will always be an important and intentional ingredient in
each step. Our Savior loves each child very much and instructs us to care for them as
His own. Care is taken to extend His love, compassion, and forgiveness to all children
as is possible.
Step 1 – The parent and teacher will hold a brief conference, discuss the
incident report, and the parent will be asked to sign it.
Step 2 – The parent, teacher, and program director will set up a conference,
discuss the incident report and look for/suggest possible solutions.
The parent will be asked to sign the incident report.
Step 3 – The parent, teacher, program director, and center administrator or
pastor will set up a conference to discuss the incident report and look
for/suggest possible solutions. The parent will be asked to sign the
incident report.
Step 4 – The parent, teacher, program director, center administrator, and
Board of Christian Education will set a conference, discuss the incident
reports, and determine how long the child will be out of the Center or
if the child can continue coming to the Center at all. The decision of
the board will be final in the matter.
Incident reports begin the 1st day of attendance and continue for one year.
The decision made may be different if the incidents are different (i.e. not all biting,
not all kicking, etc.). Every effort will be made to find a solution before Step 4 is
applied.
Again, punishments that are and will be strictly forbidden are:
Spanking, hitting, pinching, shaking, or inflicting any other form of
corporal punishment.
Verbal abuse, threats, or derogatory remarks about the child or the
child’s family.
Binding or trying to restrict movement, or enclosing in a confined
space such as a closet, locked room, box, or cubicle.
Withholding or forcing meals, snacks, or naps.
These punishments are prohibited even at the request of the parents.
Parent Handbook
Page 16
Tuition
Registration Fee
A non-refundable Registration Fee of $30.00 for two-day preschool or $35.00
for three-day preschool is due at the time of enrollment for preschool.
Tuition Schedule
See handout – Appendix B.
Preschool Tuition Policy
All preschool students will pay a yearly tuition fee. There are two tuition
payment options:
Plan A One payment of the total tuition due on or before Aug. 15. This
payment reflects a savings of 5%.
Plan B Monthly payment due on or before the 1st day of each month,
beginning August 15 and ending May 1.
Please make all checks payable to IHH and remit to black payment box located
in the preschool classroom. Cash payment must be contained in an envelope.
We expect monthly payments unless special arrangements have been made
with the Director.
There are no reductions for holidays, illnesses, vacations, or other absences.
Tuition statements will be placed in your mailbox, located in the main hallway
by the front doors. Your tuition statement will indicate the necessary payment to be
made and the remaining balance. The tuition balance may be paid in full at any time.
Please be prompt with your payments, as we must meet our monthly salary
obligations. A late payment fee of $1.00 per day will be added as late payments after
the 7th of each month. We did not enforce this policy in our first year of operation.
We make every effort to keep tuition charges at a minimum to make our program
solvent.
Prior to the start of school, the total tuition is refundable less administration
fees. After school has begun, a refund will be made of all tuition fees collected for
future months. Any month or part of a month in which the child has attended is not
eligible for a refund.
A Financial Agreement Form is included in the enrollment packet.
Parent Handbook
Page 17
Handling Fees
A bookkeeping fee, (current with bank fees) will be charged for a returned
check.
Late Pick Up Fees
If your child remains at the Center more than 15 minutes after the designated
closing time, a $5.00 late fee will be charged for each child for each additional 15
minutes (or part thereof) as verified by the staff person. Payment should be made
directly to the staff person in charge at pick up because after 11:45 a.m. or 3:30
p.m., the staff person becomes a personal caregiver for your child.
Termination of Enrollment
We assume that when a child is registered, it is for the entire school year. If
withdrawal becomes necessary, a two-week notice should be given to the
Administrator in writing. A refund will be made of all tuition fees collected for future
months. Any month or part of a month in which the child has attended is not eligible
for a refund.
Discharge Policy
The Center reserves the right to drop or terminate service after consultation with
parents, when the welfare of the child or group would make this advisable. Reasons
for termination may include but not be limited to:
Lack of parental cooperation
Non-payment of fees
Inability of the child to adjust to the Center
Continual late pick up
Inability to meet the needs of the child without hiring additional staff
Personal Belongings
The In His Hands Child Enrichment Center provides an ample supply of
equipment, materials, and food for the day. All children as part of their learning
experience share our learning materials. Children should leave toys, food, gum, pets
and money at home. Not being concerned about one’s own toys being lost or broken
enables the child to participate more fully in our educational environment; it is also
distressing to the child to lose money and difficult for the teacher to identify the
owner.
Teachers will let parents know about days when children will be allowed to
bring in something special to share with the class. Please do not send toys that
promote violence.
Parent Handbook
Page 18
Special Events
Birthdays
For special celebration of your child’s birthday, please contact
your child’s teacher in advance for guidance in acceptable
celebration ideas.
Holiday Parties
Holidays, special activities and treats will be offered in the classroom for the
children. The parents may sign up to donate items for the party. Sign-up will be
posted on the classroom door in advance of the party date.
Open House
An Open House will be provided during the month of August.
This will provide parents and children an opportunity to meet
our In His Hands Staff, tour the facility, ask questions and get
answers to any concerns they might have.
Programs
Throughout the course of the year, In His Hands will offer programs for our children,
parents and families. Our programs may include but are not limited to:
Fire Safety Program
Family Fun Nights
Christmas Program
Book Fairs
Special Concerts
Parent Handbook
Page 19
Keeping You Informed
Parent-Teacher Conferences
We offer parent-teacher conferences in the fall or spring for all our 4-5 year
old children enrolled in our preschool. These are not mandatory, but we encourage
you to take advantage of these opportunities. Conferences can be requested by
teacher or parent at any time during the year. The teacher or parents of our 3-year
olds may also request a conference at any time during the year.
Parent Mail Boxes, Bulletin Board
Please check daily to find monthly schedules, newsletters
community events, tuition notices, and other general information.
Monthly Newsletter
A newsletter will be published at the beginning of each month. It will be placed
in the parent mailboxes.
Field Trips
Field trips are a very important part of learning in our Center. Permission slips
will be given prior to the trip to be signed by parent or guardian. If for any reason a
child cannot go on an outing, he or she is to be kept at home. Please inform the
teacher if the child will not be attending.
Parents will be asked to help provide transportation. The only way field trips
can be offered is if we have sufficient volunteers who will drive and help supervise
the children. Proof of adequate insurance will be required. All children will use seat
belts provided. Other special programs will be provided at In His Hands Child
Enrichment Center.
Parent Handbook
Page 20
Health Policy
Some General Guidelines
The state department requires medical forms for each child to be filled out by a
physician no earlier than six months prior to the child’s enrollment and no later
than three months after admission to the Center.
An immunization history of each child will be on file in the Center.
Food allergies and other allergies of specific children will be made known to the
staff.
Children’s hands will be washed with soap and water before and after eating and
after toileting.
Wet or soiled clothing will be changed promptly. A complete change of clothing
sent by the parents will be kept at the Center for each child.
In the event your child becomes ill at home, the parent should notify the Center
before their designated arrival time for preschool. At that time we ask you to tell
us the nature of the illness.
Teachers are required to make a health assessment
of each child on arrival; no child who shows signs of
illness will be admitted. Under no circumstances
should a parent administer an over-the-counter
medication and then send a child to the Center. If your
child becomes ill during the day, you will be notified
and asked to pick up the child immediately. If you are
not available, the emergency person designated at
enrollment will be notified to pick up your child. Children who have a contagious
disease may not attend the Center. The Center Administrator will determine if a
child is too ill to remain at the Center. A sick child will not be transported to his or
her doctor.
If a contagious condition develops at school, we will isolate the child on a cot,
within sight of a staff person, until a parent or emergency person picks up the child.
Any child suffering from a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, must be free of symptoms for
at least 24 hours before returning to the Center. Parents should arrange for back-up
care in case of illness.
Parent Handbook
Page 21
Guidelines for Exclusion
The following guidelines will help you determine when children with symptoms,
outlined in the next paragraphs, will be excluded from the Center. Children will be
readmitted when symptoms are no longer present or after a physician has been
consulted. Certain communicable diseases (such as chicken pox) must be reported to
the public health department and to parents whose children have been exposed.
Children with the following will not be admitted:
FEVER - Oral temperature of 100 degrees F or higher. Children should not
return to the Center until the fever has been gone for 24 hours.
DIARRHEA – Three or more loose stools per day with odor. Simple loose stools
may have various causes such as allergies or food intolerance. Children with
these conditions will be monitored as necessary.
VOMITING - When a child vomits twice in a 24-hour period the child should be
kept home.
RESPIRATORY ILLNESS – Severe congestion, sneezing, difficult or rapid
breathing, or coughing.
APPEARANCE/BEHAVIOR – Unusually tired, pale, listless, lacking in appetite,
irritable, confused, difficult to awaken or otherwise unable to participate in
Center activities.
Exclusion Policy for Specific Diseases
CHICKEN POX – until all blisters have scabbed.
CONJUNCTIVITIS PINK EYE – Bacterial – until 24 hours after start of treatment.
Viral – The child can return after physician determines it is not bacterial.
FIFTH DISEASE – None
GIARDIASIS – until the child receives a medical exam, has started treatment
and has physician approval to return.
HEAD LICE - until first treatment is completed.
HEPATITIS A-B-C - Requires physician approval to return to the Center.
HERPES SIMPLEX – (oral herpes, such as cold sores) none.
IMPETIGO – Sores should be treated with an antibiotic and covered. If sores
persist or spread, the child will be excluded until he or she has physician
approval to return to the Center.
MEASLES – Until four days after the rash appears.
MUMPS – Until one week after the swelling begins.
PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH) – Until three days after antibiotic treatment
begins.
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PINWORM – Until after treatment has been started.
RINGWORM – Scalp and body – until 24 hours after treatment begins.
ROSEOLA – None
RUBELLA (GERMAN MEASLES) – Until 5 days after the rash appears.
SCABIES – Until 24 hours after treatment is completed.
SCARLET FEVER – Until 24 hours after treatment begins and the fever is gone.
THRUSH – None unless an outbreak among infants is documented.
Additional Concerns
Parents, as well as the county health nurse, will be notified of school exposures
to communicable diseases.
Contact with blood or body fluids exposes staff to the risk of serious illness.
Whenever there is a possibility of contact with these, the staff will use
disposable gloves.
Oral or surface medications may be given to a child at the Center under the
following conditions:
1. A signed, dated, written authorization of the parent is on file.
2. Prescription medication must be in the original dated container and
labeled with the child’s name, name of drug, dosage, instructions for
administering, and physician’s name.
3. Non-prescriptive medication should be labeled with the child’s name
and includes the dosage and instructions for administering.
4. A written report including type of medication given, dosage, time,
date, and the name of the person administering the medication shall
be kept in the Center’s medical log.
There will be medication forms available for the parent to sign in the morning
or afternoon upon arrival for the dispensing of any medication. We will keep the form
visible during the time the medication needs to be taken and then put it in your
child’s file. Please make sure the medication is given directly to a staff person by the
parent upon arrival. No medication should be in the possession of your child.
The Center maintains a medical log, which includes notations on medications
and injuries. Entries in this log regarding a particular child are available to the
parents.
All medications will be kept in a locked box in the classroom except
medications that require refrigeration.
Reporting Absences
If a child is going to be absent for any reason, please notify the Center
Administrator at 324-3321 as soon as possible, preferably before school begins.
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Center Cleanliness
Our Center is designed to be easily cleaned so we can maintain a high standard
of sanitation. Tables are disinfected before and after eating and disinfected at the
end of the day. Toys and furniture are disinfected regularly. Bathroom floors and
fixtures are sanitized daily.
Personal Cleanliness
We work to develop a sense of personal hygiene with the children. Our
teachers model this behavior by washing hands before and after eating and after
toileting; children do the same. Should an accident occur, your child’s wet or soiled
clothing will be changed promptly and the clothing will be sent home in a plastic bag.
Nutrition Policy
Snacks
Each semester a minimal snack fee will be required from each child in
Preschool. Staff will purchase nutritional foods and prepare snacks
for the classes. A beverage of mild or 100% juice will also be
provided. A menu for the week will be posted for parents to review.
Teachers will sit at the table during the snack time. Children will have enough time
allotted for snacks to allow for socialization. Children will be encouraged to serve
themselves. Children will never be forced to eat, and food will not be used as
punishment or reward for behaviors.
Snack Procedure
Teachers will sit at the table during the snack time. Children will have enough
time allotted for snacks to allow for socialization. Children will be encouraged to
serve themselves. Children will never be forced to eat, and food will not be used as
punishment or reward for behaviors.
Allergies
Staff members need to be informed about food allergies. Parents should keep
the Center informed of all food allergies or other allergies that will affect the child
while at the Center.
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Field Trips Transportation
If for any reason a child cannot go on an outing, he/she is to
be kept at home. Please inform the teacher if the child will not be
attending. Sometimes, we will take field trips by bus. A minimum
fee will be charged for bus usage.
Written authorization will be obtained from the parent for
the child to participate in and be transported for field trips.
Drivers who transport students for Center activities and field
trips will sign a policy form meeting state requirements. Each child
will be in a seat belt, or if under the age of four years, a child
restraint seat will be used. Not more than three persons including
the driver, will occupy the front seat of the vehicle.
Children will not be left unattended in the vehicle and doors will be locked
when the vehicle is moving.
There will be one adult supervisor in addition to the driver when ten children
under the age of five are in the vehicle.
Drivers should stay together as much as possible and watch out for each other.
If a vehicle should break down, all the vehicles shall stop. One adult shall go
telephone for help, if needed, while the others remain with the children.
The staff will carry the child emergency information with them on all field trips
as well as a first aid kit, which will include change for phone calls.
Our procedure in case of an accident is spelled out in the Policy on Accidents
and Emergencies, located just below.
Accidents/Emergencies Policy
Emergency information will be kept on file by the Center’s telephone and in
the classrooms for each child for contacting parents/guardians, etc. in the event of an
emergency.
Parents are asked to notify the school immediately in case of any changes in
address or telephone numbers at home and work. If you will not be at those phone
numbers during a given day, please let us know who we should call
in case of emergency.
In the event of an accident, trained staff will administer
emergency first aid, and the parent and/or doctor notified.
If the parent, authorized person, or child’s own doctor cannot
be reached in an emergency, appropriate action will be taken, and if
necessary, the child will be transported to Waupun Memorial
Hospital, or 9-1-1 will be called, if needed. An accident log,
recording all accidents will be maintained by the Center. Staff will
report all accidents and fill in the accident report and submit to the
state within 5 days.
The main electrical circuit box for the area is located in the hallway outside
the office and at the entrance to the gym on the Southwest corner nearest the
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Music/Meeting Room. Staff will be familiar with the circuit panel and will be able to
turn off the electricity in the event of an accident.
In the event of power or water failure, parents or authorized persons will be
called to pick up their children.
If a winter storm warning is issued while the Center is
open, parents should come immediately for their children. If
conditions preclude pick-up of the children, they will remain at
the Center in the care of the staff.
Parents have the right to pick up their children during
severe weather conditions.
It a tornado warning is sounded, staff will immediately
lead the children to the basement hallway. Everyone will remain
there until the ‘all clear’ signal is given. Tornado drills will be
conducted once a month in the tornado season.
Fire evacuation drills will be conducted at least once a month. Fire evacuation
routes are posted throughout the Center. Staff will be familiar with the posted
routes.
Should a teacher become ill during class, a substitute teacher from the
approved list will be called. At no time will the children be left unattended.
Children are instructed and expected to stay with their class and not wander in
the building or proceed outside unattended. If a child is missing, staff shall search
the building and the grounds completely. If the child is still not found, the police and
parents will be notified while staff begins searching the immediate surrounding area.
Suspected child abuse cases will be documented and reported to the Dodge
County Department of Social Services who will report the incident to the proper
authority.
All serious injuries, fires or death, natural or man-made catastrophes will be
reported to the Wisconsin Department of Community Services.
No Smoking
A no smoking policy is maintained throughout the building. Please use the
container provided outside if smoking is necessary while at the In His Hands Child
Enrichment Center.
What Did We Omit?
As is true with most publications, there may be omissions or changes made after the
preparation of this Handbook. You will be notified of any and all changes or
additions, as they become available.
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“I am the vine (tree), you are the branches.
If a man remains in me (Jesus) he will bear
much fruit.” John 15:5 [Paraphrased]
May each child attending In His Hands Child Enrichment Center be a
‘growing tree’ physically and spiritually.
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Parental Acknowledgment Sheet
I/We, _______________________________, acknowledge and confirm
that I/we have received, read, and understand the Parent Handbook.
Specifically, I/we have reviewed
The Notice of Non-discrimination;
The Emergency Procedures;
The Policy on Tuition; and
The Health Policy.
I/We further acknowledge that I/we have reviewed and approve of the
Discipline policy, including the Step-Disciplinary Procedure.
I/We acknowledge that I/we have read the Statement on Insurance.
Signed _____________________ ______________________ Date: __________
(Please returned this signed and dated sheet to the Administrator no later
than the second week of school.)
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