Appropriate Clothing and Extra Clothes
Children benefit from the opportunity to engage in active outdoor play. Weather permitting we go outside every day, unless it is raining, extremely cold, or extremely hot. Water and/or cool liquids will be available for all children at any time when children are outdoors on warm/hot days. (We ask that you apply sunscreen and insect repellent to your child before they come to school in the fall and late spring, for the health and safety of your child.) Refer to Appendix 5 for a list of sunscreen suggestions and the permission form. Children will remain indoors if we determine that the outdoor temperature, wind, humidity, and hot/cold weather conditions can compromise the children's health and welfare. If weather conditions prohibit outdoor play, the children will have the opportunity for gross motor play, either in the classroom or at Wightman Gymnasium. Families are asked to send children to school in appropriate cold weather clothes (ie. boots, mittens, hat, snow pants, coat, etc.) everyday during the winter months. The Child Development Center is a place where children will have numerous opportunities to get messy! Please dress your child in comfortable play clothes that do not restrict any movement activities. If your child wants to wear a dress, please consider having her wear shorts or pants underneath the dress. Please don't send your child to school wearing superhero character shirts or pants. We discourage superhero play.

Sneakers and socks are the required footwear for the playground. Sneakers and socks are required for your child to participate in scheduled activities at the Wightman Gym and for hiking. Improper school related footwear, such as flip-flops, sandals, party shoes, pointed-toe boots, and heels may cause unnecessary injury and accidents at school.

We do get messy and accidents do happen! Your child will need to have a full set of extra clothes clearly labeled with his/her name on each item. Extra clothing items should include shirt, pants, underpants, socks, and footwear, (if possible). Please be sure to replace the items that your child uses. Extra clothing is stored in individual containers located in the bathroom.

Lunch and Snack Policy
Families are required to provide healthy, nutritious snacks and lunches for thier child. Do not send glass bottles, gum, candy, soda, or "junk food" items. These foods will remain unopened and will be sent home at the end of the day. Any uneaten lunch will be sent home in your child's lunchbox so you will know just how much your child has eaten each day. Please refer to Appendix 2 for lists of sample lunch suggestions. All foods and beverages must be clearly labeled with your child's name. Please place all foods and beverages that need to stay cold until served in the classroom refrigerator.

If your child has special dietary restrictions or food allergies, pleae notify the Director immediately. Your child's physician must clearly specify what your child is allergic to, and include any restrictions or modifications that the staff must follow.

Rest Time
The rest policy is based upon State licensing requirements. All children, under the age of five, who remain at the Child Development Center for four or more consecutive hours are required to rest for 30 minutes. The five-year-old children and younger children arriving for the afternoon session will participate in quiet tabletop activities during rest time. Children are never told they must sleep. After 30 minutes, the "resters" that are awake are invited to join the group of children at the table.

Cots are supplied for each individual child. Families are responsible for providing a clean crib-sized sheet and a small blanket clearly labeled with the child's name. If your child must use an oversized sleeping bag or large pillow, you will be asked to take your child's bedding home at the end of each day. All sheets and blankets are returned to you at the end of each week for laundering. Please be certain to return your child's freshly laundered bedding at the start of each week.

Birthdays and Holidays
For some, a child's birthday is a special occasion for the family and the classroom community. If you wish to send a special treat please arrange this ahead of time with your child's teacher. Please refer to Appendix 2.

Children from many cultural backgrounds attend the Child Development Center, and as a result we do not celebrate any holidays. However, we do acknowledge family celebrations, and invite you to share a family tradition, such as a special cooking or art activity, a special dance, song, or story.

Illness and Communicable Disease Policy
The Child Development Center reserves the right to request immediate removal of ill children to protect the health of all children and staff. Please do not bring your child to school if he or she is sick. We must be able to reach parents/guardians at all times. This policy is based upon State licensing requirements and is discussed with each family during their orientation meeting with the Director. A family member will be notified if your child becomes sick while at the center. Your child will remain in the office center with a staff member until he/she is picked up. Refer to Appendix 3 for a complete list of excludable illnesses and diseases.

Pet Policy

The teachers may decide to have small pets as part of the classroom curriculum. The classroom teaching staff is responsible for pet care. Mammals will only be brought into the Center after they have passed a veterinarian test. Family members are responsible for informing the Child Development Center of any animal-related health concerns, and the teachers will make appropriate adjustments to the curriculum. Reptiles are not allowed as classroom pets because of the risk of salmonella infection. Any family pets visiting the Center must have documentation from a veterinarian or animal shelter showing that the animal is fully immunized and that the animal is suitable for contact with children. Family members will be responsible for the actions of thier pet.

Medication Policy
Prescription and /or over-the-counter medications may not be administered to any child. Parents can come to the Center and administer medication to their children if it is necessary. The Center will provide reasonable accommodations for the administration of medication or health care procedures to a child with special needs, if failure to administer the medication or health care procedure jeopardizes the health of the child or would prevent the child from attending the Center.

Medical and Dental Injuries at School
Every effort is made to ensure the children's safety. If your child has a minor, "band-aid" scratch or bruise, the staff will report it to you at the end of the day. If the injury is serious you will be notified by phone. If, in the opinion of the Child Development Center staff on duty, the injury warrants emergency treatment an ambulance will be called and your child will be taken to the nearest medical facility. You will be notified immediately. Parents will be responsible for any costs incurred due to any emergency treatment.