Policies

Child Safety:

The safety of every child at is a priority for our center. The front door is kept locked at all times. Please ring the bell and the Center’s office personnel will release the door via a buzzer system, upon asking who is there or making visual contact. If we are busy, it may take an extra minute to answer. When arriving or leaving the Center building, please be sure that the door is closed and never left latched open. The security of every child is our first priority. Also, please be reminded that no child will be released to someone other than the parents without a written authorization. Parents receive release forms every year to include the names of your child’s caretakers and others you have authorized to pick your child up. Please keep these forms updated throughout the year.

Parents must keep the Center updated through the year if daytime phone numbers, designated emergency numbers or e-mail change so that you can be reached if necessary. In case of a health question or problem, the Center should be able to contact you directly and immediately. All allergies information must be kept up-to-date and is the responsibility of the parent.

 

Health:

An updated Immunization form must be completed by your child’s pediatrician/health care provider and submitted to the center prior to your child beginning at the center. In our attempt to implement a consistent standard of wellness, staff and the Director will make the final decision whether or not a child is well enough to attend Center or needs to be sent home from Center.

 

Medical & Health Standards: 

ALLERGIES: Before the Center year begins, each parent is required to fill out an allergy form listing any of your child’s known allergies. Every classroom will visibly post a list of all classroom allergies, which are referred to by faculty and staff. If a child has severe allergies, may ask the entire class to refrain from bringing that food to Center. We need parents to be aware of the seriousness of this issue and to keep the Center updated.

Peanut/Nut Allergy Guidelines: No foods should be brought to or served at functions that contain peanuts or tree nuts.

 

Emergencies & Evacuations: 

When your child has an emergency or is ill, he/she will be brought to the Director’s office and care will be sought for the child. The Director will notify you immediately. We will make all attempts to notify you immediately to review or discuss a plan of action. In the event we cannot reach a parent, your designated emergency contact person will be notified. If medically necessary, we will send the child to Winchester Hospital by taxi or ambulance accompanied by at least one member of the Center staff. We will send the medical consent form, signed by a parent, with the child to ensure immediate treatment.

 

Child Guidance: 

Discipline is approached in a positive manner, stressing problem solving and providing the child with positive choices. Staff members do not use physical punishment or punishment that would be detrimental to the child’s emotional security or self-image. Many of the behavior guidelines that are established at the beginning of the year within the classroom are for the purpose of each child’s safety and well-being. All behavior management will be based on an understanding of the developmental needs and growth for each child and always viewed as age appropriate.

Respect and kindness towards others and responsibility for one’s own behavior are important throughout the center. The child’s behavior is reinforced by the respectful ways in which the teachers work with them. Children are involved in developing and understanding these rules within their classroom environments when appropriate and feasible. We expect that parents will support these expectations. Teachers recognize the importance of instructing and assisting their children in life skills so that they become productive and responsible members of the center community.

 

Arrival & Dismissal:

Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Please note that there is no child supervision before 7:30 a.m. in the Center. Upon arrival please sign in your child at the Reception Area before taking your child to their classroom.

The Center closes at 6:00 p.m. We ask Parents to arrive by 5:45 p.m. so that you have time to speak with the teachers about your child’s day and pack-up your child’s belongings before leaving the Center.

Late Pick-Up: Any child picked up after 6:00 p.m. will incur a late fee.

Permissions: If a student is to be picked up by someone other than the person(s) who is listed on their permission form, please notify the Administrative Assistant and your classroom teacher of any changes, and in addition please fill out an "Alternative Pick-up Form."

Speaking to a staff member directly is always encouraged. Please do not leave messages on the Center’s voicemail, as they may not be received in time. The safety of every student is our top priority.

 

Nutrition:

The center provides 2 healthy snacks for toddlers and preschool children. Parents are required to provide all snacks, meals and bottles for infants.

Possible Nutritious Snacks Are:

  • fresh fruit
  • fresh vegetables
  • yogurt
  • cheese
  • multigrain crackers
  • cereals

Parents are expected to provide lunch for their child, including all infant formulas and breast milk for all feedings. We ask parents to send a nutritious lunch (i.e. no candy, gum, chocolate or other foods that contain large amounts of sugar, additives or preservatives). We also encourage older children to participate in packing their own lunches.

 

Rest & Nap Time:

After lunch, all toddler and preschool children will have the opportunity to take a nap or rest. Children are allowed to wake naturally unless otherwise indicated by a parent. We will provide sheets and bedding that will be laundered regularly.

  • Infants will follow their normal sleep/wake schedule, as provided by parent.
  • Every infant twelve months of age or younger must be placed on his/her back for sleeping, unless the child’s health care professional orders otherwise in writing.
  • At no time are napping children left unsupervised.

 

Parent Involvement:

At Artisan Child Care Center for the Arts, it is encouraged that each family contribute to the community in some way. Parents are encouraged to share their talents, hobbies, careers and culture by making presentations through the “Share Yourself” Program. Parents should contact faculty directly if they are interested in making a presentation.