Back to Pre School / Child Care 

                       Table of Contents

Mission Statement                                          

Statement of Purpose 

Administrative Structure 

Center Information 

Statement of Insurance

Non-Discrimination Policy

Program Operation

Admission and Registration 

Fee Information

Parental Responsibilities

Center Policy

Daily Schedule

Payment Procedure

Illness Policy

Medication Policy

Accident Policy

Health Policy

Nutrition Policy

Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting

Smoking at the Center

Program Communication

Behavior Guidance

Rest Periods

Field Trips

Termination/Withdrawal

Fire, Tornado & Emergency Procedures

Staff Absence 

Staff & Volunteer Orientation Policy

Staff Continuing Education Policy

Parent Acceptance Form 

Mission Statement

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Statement of Purpose

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Administrative Structure and Center Information

  Location:      St. Mary Pre-School & Child Care Center

5866 Main Street

Auburndale, WI 54412

Telephone:  (715) 652-2196

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Statement of Insurance

St. Mary’s Child Care Center is insured, through the Diocese of La Crosse, by Catholic Mutual Group, P.O. Box 44983, Madison WI, 53744.

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Non-Discrimination Policy 

St. Mary Pre-School & Day Care welcomes children of all race, color, sex religion, disability, social, national or ethnic origins who have the ability and desire to be part of its sponsored programs.  Every effort would be made to meet the identified special needs of any child or family.

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Program Operation

St. Mary Pre-School & Child Care Center is licensed by the State of Wisconsin to serve up to 8 children at one time, ages 3 to 5 years old.  Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Center is open year round provided enrollment number requirements are met.  The Center is closed Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Years Day and Memorial Day.  Children are enrolled on a first come, first serve basis. The Center reserves the right to close due to low census.  Notification will be provided in advance. The Center WILL CLOSE on school snow days.  Parents will be informed via local radio or TV announcements when the Center closes due to severe weather.  The Center maintains day care liability insurance on its operations and premises.

Child Care Program is available Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Children may be scheduled in day care part-time or full-time and scheduling remains flexible.  We ask that a child not be scheduled to arrive or depart during our rest time or during lunchtime. 

Pre-School Program follows the St. Mary Catholic School calendar as to closing dates.  Enrollment options are as follows:

Two Days     Tuesday and Thursday  or

Three Days  Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Mornings     8:00 am—11:30 am   or

Afternoons  12:15 pm—3:00 pm

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Admission and Registration 

Admission to the St. Mary Pre-School & Child Care Center Program is open to any child beginning at age three through age five and toilet trained. At the time of enrollment, parents will be required to state the hours of day care and/or pre-school they desire.  Any change in this schedule is to be made in writing to the Director as soon as possible.  The admission of each child is provisional, being dependent upon that child’s ability to adjust successfully to a group child care setting.  

All forms must be completed and returned to St. Mary Pre-School & Child Care Center on or before the first day the child will be attending.  Required forms are:  

1. St. Mary Enrollment Form
2. DHFS Enrollment and Health History Form (CFS-62)
3. Child Health Report (CFS-60) within 3 months.
4. Day Care Immunization Record
5. Media Release Form
6. Payment Agreement
7. Miscellaneous forms, as needed  

The Child Health Report requires your physician’s signature to verify your child’s ability to attend the program.  If your child has a food allergy, please inform the Director in writing.  We are required to have a completed Immunization Record Form on file within thirty days of enrollment.  Every child must be immunized against the following:

• diphtheria, tetanus, and/or pertussis (DPT or DT)
• polio
• measles
• rubella
• mumps
• hemophilus influenza b vaccine (Hib)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella or Chicken Pox Vaccine

Children's records are confidential. Information will not be released without written consent of a parent or guardian. Parents will receive a summary of the child care licensing rules (Your Guide to Licensed Child Care)

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Fee Information 

Program participation fees are the sole support of St. Mary Pre School and Child Care Center. They are not subsidized by the school system or the parishes.  There are hourly rates, weekly rates, and discounts for children enrolled in full time child care and our preschool program.  Specific fee information can be obtained from the Day Care Director and the fees may change yearly.  ANY PART OF AN HOUR IS CONSIDERED A FULL HOUR OF SERVICE.

**LATE FEE CHARGES** – St. Mary Child Care Center & Pre-School closes at 6:00 p.m.   A late fee of $5.00 will be assessed for every fifteen minutes beyond 6:00 p.m.  The fee is due immediately upon picking up the child.  After such an incidence, a written notice may be given stating that if a similar incident occurs, the child will be removed from the program.  A telephone call or written note is needed to avoid the charge.

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Parental Responsibilities 

• It is the responsibility of the parent to escort his/her child into and out of the Center each day and parents must check his/her child in and out with a staff person  

• Parents are to sign his/her child in and out of the program daily on the sign-in log in the front entry of the Center.  

• Children will not be allowed to leave the Center with anyone but the parent or individuals listed on the child’s enrollment form as authorized pick-up people.  Authorized pick-up individuals must be 18 years old and provide a picture ID to staff on first visit.

•  In family situations where child custody has been granted by the court to one parent, a copy of that portion of the court decree must be provided to the Director.  This is especially necessary if parental access is denied by a court order.

• If a child is to be absent, please notify the school office with this information within an hour of the child’s expected arrival at 652-2806.  

1. Please label each item your child brings to the Center.
2. Parents should avoid sending toys to school with their child, unless it is their show ‘n’ tell day.  If your child wants to bring an animal for show ‘n’ tell, please check with staff ahead of time.  
3. It is important to dress children appropriately for the weather since daily outside activities are planned.  Dress your child in washable clothing that allows active play.
4. Dress should be casual and must be neat and clean.   No cowboy boots, flip flops, clogs, thongs, sandals without back straps, or heels beyond one inch may be worn.
5. An extra change of seasonal clothing, including a shirt, pants, underwear and socks, must be provided for each child to be kept at the Center.
6. Parents are encouraged to supply a school bag or backpack for their child to carry home completed projects, books, and papers.

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Center Policy 

• All children who attend must be toilet trained.

• St. Mary Pre-School & Child Care is open to visits and observation by parents, legal guardian(s), or custodian(s) of the child.  Access is denied only if a court order is on file.

• Class lists, photos and video tape recordings will be available to parents, legal guardian(s), and custodian(s) of the child.  St. Mary Pre-School & Child Care Center ensures the confidentiality of information contained in child records.  The child’s records are available only to parents, legal guardian(s), custodian(s) and current paid staff.  There shall be no discussion or disclosure of any information about the children or their relatives unless authorized in writing by the parent/guardian/custodian.  

• Copies of the licenses, licensing rules/noncompliance and center policies will be posted on the Parent Information Board located inside the front entry.  

• Parental notices, posted notices of communicable diseases and other parent information will be posted on the Parent Information Board located inside the front entry.  

•  Staff maintains a medical log, which includes notations on medications and injuries.  Parents may ask to see any entries regarding their own child.  Confidentiality of other entries will be maintained.

•  Parents are responsible for notifying St. Mary Pre-School & Child Care if their child will not be in attendance for any reason. Daily attendance records will be kept for each child enrolled.

• The Center Staff knows that God is an important part of our lives.  Times will be provided each day to acknowledge that through songs, stories, discussion, holiday activities, and mealtime prayers.

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Daily Schedule 

DAILY TIME SCHEDULE

6:00-7:45             Quiet Choice Time/Breakfast – children bring from home.

7:45-8:00             Bathroom Break

8:00-11:30            Morning Pre-School Session  

• Circle Time

• Center Choice Time

• Snack Time

• Story Time

• Fine Motor/Creative Activity

• Large Motor/Game/Music Activity

Morning Pre-School Pick Up

• 11:00 - 11:30 Center Choice Time

• 11:30 - 11:45 Clean up, Bathroom break and wash hands

• 11:45-12:15 Lunch Time

• 12:15-3:00 Rest/Quiet time for full day child care children

12:15-3:00 Afternoon Pre-School Session

• Circle Time

• Center Choice Time

• Snack Time

• Story Time

• Fine Motor/Creative Activity

• Large Motor/Game/Music Activity

Afternoon Pre-School Pick Up

• 3:00-3:15 Bathroom break for Full day child care children

• 3:30-5:30 Center choice time and/or Planned activity time for full day children.

• 5:30:-6:00 Clean up/Close Center

The program shall provide each child with experiences, which will promote self-esteem and positive self-image, social interaction, self-expression and communication skills, creative expression, large and small muscle development, and intellectual growth. The program schedule shall be planned to provide a flexible balance each day of active and quiet activities, individual and group activities and indoor and outdoor activities. The program will provide equipment and materials which reflect an awareness of cultural and ethnic diversity.

The Center will be arranged with “learning centers”. Learning centers provide opportunities for children to develop social skills, set goals, make decisions, use individual learning styles, work at their own pace, develop creativity and expression and communicate ideas.  

Dramatic Play Center
Communication and life skills - conflict resolution - vocabulary development - problem solving - human equity and diversity - understanding experiences through role-playing.

Reading Center
Vocabulary – communication - details - reading readiness

Writing Center
Sequencing - letter recognition - vocabulary - fine motor skills - creativity - recording ideas

Block Center
Shape and size discrimination - spatial relationships - number skills - balance - cause and effect - classification - creativity - cooperation - measurement - physical coordination

Sensory Center  (Sand/Water/ Rice Table)
Exploration and discovery - cause and effect - measurement - problem solving - properties of matter

Science Center
Observation - exploration - investigating - predicting - experimenting

Art Center
Fine motor skills - creative expression - colors, shapes and size relationships  - self-esteem - visual perception

Manipulative/Math/Games Center
Hand eye coordination - classification - visual perception - problem solving - social skills - counting - patterning

Music Center
Rhythm - coordination - listening skills

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Payment Procedure

• All payments are to be made each week or month depending on the program in which the child is enrolled.  If the account is not paid in full by Monday, child care or preschool services cease until the account is brought up to date.  The Principal of St. Mary Catholic School will hear special cases.  If a check is returned due to insufficient funds, only cash or money order will be accepted after that.  There is a $25.00 charge for any returned check.  A $25 nonrefundable deposit is required to hold a place for a child.

• A late fee charge of $5.00 will be charged for each 15 minutes that a child is brought early or picked up later than scheduled.  The fee is due immediately upon picking up the child.  After such an incidence, a written notice may be given stating that if a similar incident occurs, the child will be removed from the program.  A telephone call or note is needed to avoid the charge.  This procedure is to insure that the program can have the proper adult to child ratio. The parent is required to pay for the hors specified on the Enrollment Form. Changes require advance written notice.

• The Center offers paid holidays to its staff, therefore children who are enrolled full time (35 or more hours per week) will be assessed fees for the following holidays:  Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Years Day and Memorial Day.  Parents may elect to use “free” days for holidays, as described below.  

• Children who are absent due to illness will be assessed fees as set forth upon enrollment.  Parents may elect to use “free” days for absence due to illness, as described in point 2 below.  

1. We understand that sometimes a family emergency may arise. Please call the school as soon as possible in those cases.  The Director reserves the right to deny participation in the program if parents take advantage of this.  
2. Children who are enrolled full time (40 or more hours per week) will be allowed five “free” absence days for which no fees will be assessed.  Please notify the Center as soon as possible of scheduled or unscheduled absences.

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Illness Policy

• Children State laws mandate that we are unable to care for children who are ill.  If you are uncertain whether your child’s illness poses an increased risk to others, we ask that your child be excluded from our program until a physician or licensed nurse practitioner approves your child’s attendance.  Please be sensitive to the potential problems of exposing communicable diseases to other children and staff.
• As each child arrives, staff will observe for any symptoms of illness. Any evidence of unusual bruises, contusions, lacerations, or burns, shall be recorded in the medical log and reported immediately to the principal. A child, who, in the judgment of the program staff, is too ill to attend, must be promptly removed from the program by the parent or guardian, upon such request.
• Please use the following information to determine whether your child should attend:

1. If your child has had a rectal temperature of 101 degrees or more, or an oral temperature of 100 degrees or more please keep at home.  It is recommended that the child stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal.  A child MAY NOT attend our program until a minimum of 12 hours of a normal temperature is attained.  
2. If your child has vomited or has had diarrhea, the child should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.
3. If your child has symptoms that require medication such as pink eye, strep throat or a rash please keep at home.  Follow doctor’s orders for re-admission to the program
4. A child with thick yellow or green drainage from his/her nose or ears should remain at home.
5. A child with a severe cold and hacking cough should remain at home.

• In the event your child becomes ill or exhibits symptoms of a communicable disease such as a fever, rash, lice, vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation of the eyes, or any other suspected communicable illness he/she shall be isolated from the other children with a cot, sheet and blanket in the isolation area located in the Reading Room until a parent or authorized pick up person can pick up the child from the Center.  Parents will be notified by telephone. If a parent cannot be reached, we will telephone your emergency contact.  Parents will be expected to make provisions for taking sick children home. The Center does not have facilities to care for or transport children home.
• If the child is excluded because of a suspected communicable disease, such as, but not limited to:  chicken pox, measles, infectious hepatitis, mumps, polio, impetigo, lice, ringworm of the scalp, scarlet fever, whooping cough, diphtheria, or meningitis, the local health office will be notified.  Parents of all children exposed to a diagnosed or suspected communicable disease will be notified of the exposure through a notice which will be posted on the Parent Information Board in the front entrance.  The Center maintains a policy of strict confidentiality with respect to a child with a suspected or diagnosed communicable disease.
• A child may return to the Center after a physician has determined he/she is free of the infection or disease or when he/she is no longer contagious.

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Medication Policy 

• Prescription and non-prescription  medications may be administered to a child by the staff in accordance with the rules of the Department of Health and Family Services.
• Teacher or assistant may give prescription or over the counter medication, or apply parent provided and labeled sunscreen or insect repellent.  A written authorization, with the child’s name, type of medication, time of needed dosage, directions for administering, any possible complications, date and signature of the parent must be on file.  Medication must be in original container, labeled with the child’s name, name of medication, dosage, directions for administering, date and physician’s name.
• Medication administered by teacher or assistant will be recorded in the medical log book.  Each entry will include type of medication, dosage, time, date, and the name of the person administering the medication.
• Medications will be stored in a locked container inaccessible to the children.  Medicines that need refrigeration will be kept in a separate locked marked container, and stored in the refrigerator.
• All medication must be given to the staff and stored in a secured area.  NO STUDENT MAY CARRY MEDICATION ON HIS/HER PERSON.

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Accident Policy 

• We will do everything possible to minimize accidents through safety inspections, routine maintenance and policies and procedures.  However, minor injuries sometimes occur, and in the event of minor injuries staff will respond immediately to administer first aid and the parent or guardian will be notified upon picking up the child on the day of the occurrence.  First-aid supplies are located in the cabinet by the kitchen sink.

• Parents or guardians will be notified by telephone immediately in the event of a significant injury such as insect stings/bites that result in questionable swelling or other possible allergic reactions, abrasions or cuts that cause concern, or bites that result in bleeding.

• In an extreme emergency, 911 will be contacted immediately, followed by the parent or guardian.  If it is necessary for the child to be transported by ambulance to the emergency room, a staff member will accompany the child until a parent or guardian arrives.  The responding emergency personnel are Auburndale’s First Responders and the facility to which children will be transported is St. Joseph’s Hospital Emergency Room.

• All injuries shall be recorded in the Center’s medical log book. Parents who do not wish their child treated in any way should indicate this on the child enrollment form, and should provide directions to be followed. Treatment by a medical professional, in-patient hospitalization, or death will be reported to the Department of Health and Family Services within 48 hours.

• Procedures for treatment of accidents or injuries off-site will be consistent with the procedures used on center premises.  A first-aid kit, a cellular telephone, and each child’s emergency card will be taken on all field trips.

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Health Policy 

Personal Cleanliness

• Children will wash their hands with soap and running water before eating, before cooking activities, and after using the toilet.  Hands and face will be washed after eating.
• Persons working with the children will wash their hands with soap and running water before handling food and after assisting with toileting.
• Wet soiled clothing will be changed promptly from an available supply of clean clothing.  Wet or soiled clothing will be placed in a bag to be taken home by the parents to launder.  Borrowed clothes will be laundered and returned by the parents.
• Bathroom supplies will be monitored and maintained by the school janitor.

Health Precautions

• Bodily secretions, such as runny nose, eye drainage, and coughed-up matter, will be wiped with a disposable tissue, used once, and placed in a plastic-lined container.  Whoever does the wiping will wash their hands immediately.
• Bodily secretions on surfaces will be washed with soap and water and disinfected with an approved cleaning solution.  Hands will be washed immediately.
• Tables will be cleaned and sanitized before and after meals.
• Bathrooms will be cleaned and sanitized daily.
• Floors will be swept daily and washed and sanitized as needed.
• Toys and equipment will be washed and sanitized monthly, or as needed, with a bleach solution.

Universal Precautions

• Staff, when exposed to blood, blood containing body fluids, and injury discharges of all children, will implement universal precautions.  All persons exposed to these types of fluids or discharges will wash their hands immediately with soap and running water.
• Any human bite sustained will be washed with soap and water.  The incident will be written in the medical log book and the parent will be informed when the child is picked up.
• Single use disposable gloves will be worn if there is contact with blood containing body fluids or tissue discharges.  Hands will be washed with soap and water after removal of gloves.  Gloves will be discarded in plastic bags.
• For spills of vomit, urine, feces, blood or other body fluids, staff will clean and disinfect the floors, walls, tabletops, toys and sink.

Staff Health Requirements

• All persons who work directly with children, except volunteers, will have a health examination within 12 months prior to beginning work or within 30 days after beginning work.  All staff working directly with the children is required to have a TB test every 2 years.  The report, signed and dated by a physician, will certify that the person is free from illness detrimental to children, including TB, and that the person is physically able to work with young children.  This report will be kept on file.
• No staff, volunteer, visitor, or parent with symptoms of illness, communicable disease, or whose behavior gives reasonable concern for the safety of children, may be on the premises.   No person with a health history of typhoid, paratyphoid, dysentery or other diarrhea disease.
• Universal precautions will be used by all staff members/volunteers when dealing with all bodily fluids.

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Nutrition Policy

• Food provided by the center will meet or exceed the nutritional requirements set forth by the USDA. Perishable foods and beverages are stored in a refrigerator. A record of food allergies or adverse reactions to foods that a child may have will be kept in the child's file and will be posted on the bulletin board in the kitchen.
• Children scheduled in child care can bring a breakfast from home to eat in the morning.  A hot lunch is available for children in child care at the school hot lunch rate.  Parents are required to provide lunch for children not purchasing a hot lunch.  Parents will be provided a copy of Appendix C (Meal Requirements) of the Licensing Rules.  Morning and afternoon snacks are provided for all children present during snack time. Parents are required to provide a late afternoon snack for children in child care until 6:00 pm.  A monthly lunch and snack schedule, and changes or substitutions is posted on the Family Information Board.
• If a child has special dietary needs, the parents may need to supply the special food required.  Any special foods, such as Kosher or vegetarian may need to be provided by the parents.  Children will be exposed to a variety of foods that will reflect cultural and ethnic diversity.  Children will be encouraged to try the food served to them, but never forced to eat it.
• Special treats, provided by parents and /or staff for holidays, etc., will be allowed in addition to the daily snack.

Meal Routine

• Children and staff will wash their hands with soap and running water before handling food, and before and after eating food.  Children’s hands and face will be washed after eating.
• Children are encouraged to help with meal and snack time preparations, including setting the table, passing out the food, as well as in cleaning up.
• Staff will sit with the children during mealtime.  Lunch will be served in the school cafeteria or in the Center.  Snack will be served in the Center.  A prayer is said prior to eating.

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Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting

Staff is required by law to report all suspected cases of child abuse to the County Social Services Department, sheriff or city police. Teachers must log all marks and bruises, contusions, burns and lacerations in the medical log book. 

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Smoking at the Center 

Smoking is not permitted in the Center or on the grounds.  For the safety of our children, please do not toss cigarette or cigar butts on the grounds or in the parking lot.  We thank you for your cooperation.

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Program Communication 

Communication between the Center staff and parents is very important.  Staff will attempt daily written or verbal communication about your child’s day.  You are encouraged to call anytime you have any questions or concerns about your child.   Staff will communicate with the parents through the following methods: 

1. Postings on the Parent Information Board located in the front entrance hallway.

2.   Monthly Newsletter  

3. Daily written communication

4. Daily verbal communication

5. Parent-teacher conferences (Mandatory October and February)  Parents or teachers may ask for a conference at any time.

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Behavior Guidance 

• The staff creates an environment and opportunities that promote positive interactions among the children and the children with the staff.  The environment is divided into areas that have self-limiting boundaries, thus making it easy for children to understand and enforce the parameters of their play activities.  Rules are developed primarily to insure the health and safety of the children.   In addition, these rules are stated positively and simply so that the children understand what behaviors are expected rather than what behaviors are prohibited.
• Actions, which are humiliating or frightening to a child, are prohibited.  Such prohibited actions include, but are not limited to, spanking, hitting, pinching, shaking or other corporal punishment, verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks, binding, or tying to restrict movement or enclosing in a confined space, withholding or forcing snacks or naps or toileting.  Any staff member engaging in any of the above-prohibited punishments will be terminated immediately.
• The staff uses a variety of strategies to teach children acceptable behaviors.  Examples of these strategies include:

1. Using descriptive praise to recognize children's acceptable behaviors.
2. Involving children in problem solving activities by having children develop alternative ways to solve a problem.
3. Helping children use words to describe feelings.
4. Following through with consequences when certain behaviors do or do not occur.
5. Redirecting children's behavior by substituting a positive for a negative activity.
6. Sharing with children's parents the child's positive behaviors on a regular basis.
7. Positive reinforcement.

When unacceptable behaviors occur, the staff follows these steps:

1. The appropriate or expected behavior is described to the child.

2. The child is informed that if the unacceptable behavior continues, he/she will need to make another choice of toys, materials, equipment, etc.

3. If the unacceptable behavior continues, the child is informed that he/she must male another choice from the choices described by the staff.

4. If the child has difficulty making a choice, a staff person will help the child in the decision-making process.

In circumstances in which a parent and/or the staff is concerned about a child’s demonstration of unacceptable behavior, the staff and parent work together to develop and implement a plan to address this type of behavior.

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Rest Periods   

Daily rest periods are observed for those children enrolled in full day child care.  Parents are required to supply a child-sized sleeping bag, which must also be taken home monthly to be laundered.

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Field Trips 

• Parents will be notified in writing of the dates, times and destinations of all field trips.  Parents will be asked to keep the child at home if they do not want them to participate.
• Walking field trip permission slips are to be signed at the beginning of enrollment and apply only to destinations within walking distance of the Center.
• Field trips requiring transportation will require a signed permission slip listing time, date, destination, and cost (if any). Chartered busing will be used to transport children to and from field trips.
• Emergency cards, a cellular telephone, and a class list will accompany the teacher to the field trip destination.
• A first-aid kit will be taken.  Procedures for injuries during a field trip will be the same as our stated injury policies.  A list of all children on the field trip will be left in the classroom.  Staff will assist any child with limited ability on all field trips.

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Termination/Withdrawal  

• Parental Termination: Parents must notify St. Mary Pre-School & Child Care Center in writing at least 30 days prior to withdrawal of their child.  Registration fees will not be refunded.  Tuition fees must be paid in full through the date of withdrawal.
• Mutual Parental/Center Termination: Parents and staff agree that the placement of the child is inappropriate enrollment will be terminated.  No fees will be refunded.  Advance tuition payment will be refunded.
• Center Termination: Termination of enrollment by the Center may occur if the needs of the individual child cannot be served.  Advance tuition payments will be refunded.  A two-week notice shall be given to the parents.  All information pertinent to the circumstances will be documented. Termination of enrollment may occur due to one or more of the following reasons:

1. Nonpayment of tuition.
2. Failure to submit the required enrollment and health information forms.
3. Failure to observe rules relating to arrival and departure of a child.
4. Irregular attendance.
5. Child is unable to function within the framework of the program or consistently displays inappropriate behavior.
6. Failure to fulfill the terms of expectations specified in the handbook.
7. Lack of parental cooperation.

• Center Closing - Parents will be notified as soon as possible, in advance, of the closing of the center. Tuition will be collected through the last day of operation.  Registration fees will not be refunded. Outside agencies may be contacted by the staff and Principal to assist the parent in finding another placement for the child.

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Fire/Tornado and Emergency Procedures 

The Day Care sign in log, which serves as our attendance record for the day, as well as the children’s emergency cards, which are located on the Director’s desk, will be taken with the staff in the event of an emergency. Emergency telephone numbers are posted near the telephone in the front entry and near the telephone on the Director’s desk. The evacuation plans will be discussed at the beginning of the year so that all persons, staff and children will know exactly what will happen should an alarm sound.  This will be reviewed whenever there is a new or change in personnel.

Fire Evacuation

• The Fire Evacuation Diagram will be posted on the Parent Information Board in the front entry.  The primary evacuation route in case of fire is to exit south through the front door and the alternate route is to exit west through the back door.  A staff member will lead the children out of the classroom.  After leaving the building, all children and staff will meet in the church rectory driveway west of the Center.  A staff member will count the children after reaching safety.
• Fire evacuation will be practiced monthly.  The alarm will be sounded.  The children will be instructed to stop what they are doing when they hear the alarm and line up.  The teacher will count the children.  The building will be evacuated regardless of the apparent size of the fire or amount of smoke.  The staff and children will not stop to collect toys, clothing, etc.  The teacher will take the class roster and emergency information.  The exits and hallways will remain clear at all times.  All lights will be turned on, on the way out.  Doors will be closed.  After reaching safety, attendance is taken by name and sight from the roster, and then the fire department is called.  When the fire truck arrives, inform them if all the children and adults are out of the building.

Tornado Evacuation

• The Tornado Evacuation Diagram will be posted on the Parent Information Board in the front entry.  The primary evacuation route in case of a tornado is to exit to the basement through the back kitchen door down to the basement.  A staff member will lead the children out of the classroom down to the basement.  A staff member will count the children after reaching safety.
• Tornado evacuation will be practiced monthly between April and September.  The whistle will be sounded.  The children will be instructed to stop what they are doing when they hear the whistle and line up.  The teacher will count the children.  The teacher will take the class roster and emergency information.  After reaching the basement, the teacher shall take attendance by name and sight.  The teacher will direct the children to sit on knees, bend over and cover their head with their hands.  All persons shall remain in the basement until all is clear

Other Emergencies (National emergency, power failure, blizzard, no heat or water).  

• Children will be kept in the classroom if safe, or moved to an area of safety. The teacher will take the class roster and emergency information. Parents will be notified by telephone, and every effort will be made to place an announcement on local radio stations.
• Periodic head counts by staff will be taken daily. In the event of a lost child, teachers will search the immediate area first.  If not found, every available adult in the building will search areas of danger both inside and outside. The local fire department, the police, and the child’s parents will be contacted if this search does not quickly find the child. The teacher will provide the fire department and the police with emergency information and a description.
• In our concern and care for the child, all precautions will be taken if the person transporting a child is suspected of being under the influence or intoxicants. These are to include telephoning spouse or other emergency contact person, telephoning the police or calling a taxi.
• Special evacuation procedures will be initiated for children/staff with physical/mental disabilities.  A vehicle will be available at all times for emergency transportation.

Equipment

• Fire extinguishers are checked by the Fire Department/Inspector annually.  Staff members and volunteers will be instructed in the proper use and handling of the fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are located in front entry and back entries.
• Smoke detectors are maintained by the school janitor.  Smoke detectors are tested monthly.  Smoke detectors are located in the front entry and the kitchen.
• The inside building temperature is regulated by the school janitor.  A classroom thermometer will be used to monitor inside temperatures.  Fans may be used for air circulation.

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Supervision Plan for Child Care Provider Absence

• In the event of the primary child care provider’s planned absence, the Director will contact an approved substitute provider to assume full responsibility for the care and supervision of the children.  A list of approved substitute providers is located on the Director’s desk in the Director’s Manual.  
• In the event of the primary child care provider’s emergency absence, St. Mary School Principal Paul Mary Draxler will assume full responsibility for the care and supervision of the children until an approved substitute provider is contacted and arrives on site to assume full responsibility for the care and supervision of the children.  A list of approved substitute providers is located on the Director’s desk in the Director’s Manual.  

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Staff & Volunteer Orientation Policy 

All new employees and volunteers will complete orientation prior to their first day at the Center to include the following:

1. Review of DHFS 46 Licensing Rules for Group Day Care Centers
2. Review of all of St. Mary Pre-School and Child Care policies.
3. Job responsibilities in relation to the job description.
4. Schedule of activities of the center
5. First-aid procedures.
6. Training on emergency procedures, including use of a fire extinguisher.
7. Recognition of childhood illnesses.
8. Health observation and precaution.
9. Procedure for administering medications.
10. Infectious disease control.
11. Universal precautions for handling body fluids.
12. Hand washing procedures.
13. Procedures for ensuring that all childcare workers know the children assigned to their care, and their whereabouts at all times.
14. Review of child abuse and neglect laws and reporting procedures.
15. Child management techniques.
16. Integration of children with special needs into the program.
17. Confidentiality of all children enrolled at the Center.

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Staff Continuing Education Policy 

Staff personnel are required to meet the necessary requirements in early childhood education as stated in DHFS 46.05 (2)(c).  These requirements are:

• Each Administrator, Center Director and Childcare Worker who work more than 20 hours a week shall participate in at least 25 hours of continuing education each year.
• Each Administrator, Center Director and Childcare Worker who works 20 or fewer hours a week shall participate in at least 15 hours of continuing education each year.
• Continuing education hours which are obtained through credit courses resulting in a transcript may be used to meet the continuing education requirement during the year in which the hours are earned and for two years following that year.
• Assistant child care teachers who are currently enrolled in their first entry level course are not required to earn continuing education hours for that calendar year.
• Types of training acceptable to meet continuing education requirements shall be limited to:

• Formal courses resulting in credits or continuing education units.
• Workshops, conferences, seminars, lectures, correspondence courses and home study courses.
• Training offered by St. Mary School through the use of guest or staff trainers may include but are not limited to:  Goal Setting, Parent Involvement, Developing Self-Image, Reading Readiness, Language development, Child Growth and Development, Parent-Teacher Relationships, Discipline Techniques, Learning Disabilities and Planning Curriculum.
• Documented observation time in other early childhood programs.

• Continuing education experiences may be in the areas of early childhood  education, child development, child guidance, health first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and nutrition as it pertains to child development, supervision of staff or the business or administrative aspects of the operation of a child care center/preschool or in communication skills.
• Each Administrator and Center Director shall complete at least 10 hours of training in supervision or personnel management within one year of assuming the  position as part of the annual continuing education requirement, if they have not previously received that training.
• Staff will be responsible for documenting their continuing education.  Prior to the end of the year, the Director will review the continuing education of all staff to ensure proper requirements are met.
• Documented staff meetings will be held at least 9 times in a calendar year.
• Compensation and reimbursement for continuing education, professional meetings and other training is given to staff as determined by St. Mary School.

St. Mary Catholic School 5866 Main Street, PO Box 177 Auburndale, WI 54412
Phones: 652-2196  School 652-2806 Rectory

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Parent Acceptance Form  

Dear Parent:

After reading the handbook provided to enrollees in the St. Mary Pre-School & Child Care Center, please return this form to your child’s school office.  The form needs to be turned in by the end of your child’s first week of attendance.

I have read and agree to abide by the contents of this Program Handbook, and have discussed pertinent and appropriate sections with my child.

_____________________________       ___________________
Parent/Guardian Signature                                   Date

_____________________________       ___________________
Parent/Guardian Signature                                   Date

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