HSU Children's Center Parent Handbook
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Policies
- Location and Hours
- Ages Served
- Registration
- Fees
- Attendance, Absences, Withdrawal
- Health and Safety
- Parent Responsibilities
- Program Responsibilities
- Additional Services
Introduction
Welcome to the HSU Children's Center. We hope this year will be a rewarding and valuable learning experience for you and your child. The program is housed within the University under the Office of Student Affairs and is staffed by a licensed administrator and teachers, student aides and participating University students.
The mission of the HSU Children’s Center is to provide affordable, convenient, high quality child care and education services for families of Humboldt State University.
The Children’s Center believes that children are active, responsible learners. The do not need direct teaching to develop, but are active participants in the process. Development is fostered through intimate stable relationships with caregivers and a secure, appropriate and challenging environment. Through the play and interaction with others children solve problems encountered in their environment, work out social situations, and integrate and synthesize information. It is the responsibility of the teaching staff to provide a social and physical environment that supports and continually stimulates growth, taking the lead from the children’s needs and interests.
The current funding for the Children's Center consists of grants from the California Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, HSU Associated Students, CSU support, parent fees and fund raising efforts. The University provides the building, maintenance, and other vital services.
The following will furnish you with registration information and policies. All parents are asked to thoroughly read this handbook. If you have further questions regarding enrollment or program policies, please do not hesitate to call the office at 826-3838.
HSU Children's Center Policies
The following policies are subject to review by the University administration, Center staff and Parent Advisory Board. Policy decisions can only be established or altered by the joint consensus of the University administration, Center staff and Parent Advisory Board. Parents will be notified in writing of any policy changes. Open meetings for major policy changes are held for parents at the monthly Parent Board meetings. Policies causing undue personal concern may be discussed with the Center director, Parent Advisory Board members, and/or University administration at any time. The University Uniform Complaint Procedures are available in the Center Office and on Humboldt’s State Judicial Affairs web page . Concerns may also be addressed to Dept. of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (707) 441-3939.
Location and Hours
The Children's Center is located on Humboldt State's campus at 14th Street between Union and B Streets. The program is presently housed in three buildings:
- Jensen House 94
- Center Office: 826-3838
- Baiocchi House 37
- Older Toddler Classroom: 826-5670
(Facility License #121305614) - Middle Toddler Classroom: 826-4601
- Younger Toddler Classroom: 826-5674
- Mary Warren House 36
- Preschool Exploration House: 826-4982
(Facility License #121305613) - Preschool Discovery Room: 826-5672
The Center opens at 7:30 A.M. and closes at 5:30 P.M. No children should arrive before 7:30 and all children must be picked up by 5:30.
The Children's Center observes the academic sessions of HSU. Childcare services during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks are available for children of University staff & faculty. There is only subsidized care the times that the university is open for instruction. The program calendar is included with registration materials and can be found on the Childrens Center Calendar. Additional copies are available in the Children’s Center Office.
Childcare hours are based on parent class and work schedules. Limited study time is available if it doesn’t take class time from another student parent. Study time hours are allocated after childcare requests for class time have been scheduled. Most often, the hours that are available for study are early morning or afternoon.
To maximize care and accommodate the most families the Children’s Center uses block scheduling. Arrivals and departures can only occur during specific blocks but within these blocks parents can select full or part-time care. Parents should use the block schedule in planning classes. (Hint: 8:00 a.m. classes, though not the easiest on families, are the best chance of getting a parking space on campus).
| Time | Block |
|---|---|
| 7:30-9:00 am | Arrivals |
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Arrival/Depature |
| 3:30-5:30 pm | Depature |
Contracted arrival/departure times must be closely observed. Staffing is determined by contracted hours and if a child arrives early or is picked up late the State mandated adult: child ratio and maximum enrollment cannot be maintained. The program cannot guarantee safety or the continuance of the Center's license should a licensing representative come by during a period of over-enrollment. If a child arrives early or is picked up late (according to contracted hours), more than three times during a semester, the child can be dropped from the program. This only applies when parents have not called in advance to inform the Center of the emergency. The staff will make every attempt to work out individual problems.
All changes in a family’s contracted childcare hours must be made with the Office. Two schedule changes are allowed per semester unless unusual circumstances.
At the end of the day (5:30) if a child is picked up late a late fee of $5 for each 10 minutes will be charged. Parents will be billed this late fee and child care priority for the following semester will be lost if not paid.
Ages Served
Toddler Center
Enrollment will be open to children ages 12 months and independently walking to 36 months. A child can be enrolled in the Preschool Discovery Room when 2 1/2 years and the staff and parents feel that the child is developmentally mature, if a space exists.
Preschool
Children will be accepted into the Preschool between the age of 2 1/2 years and kindergarten entrance. The Discovery Room classroom serves children 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 with diaper changing facilities available. The Exploration House Preschool classroom serves children 3 years to kindergarten entrance who have mastered toileting (independent with urine and bowel movements). Staff will assist with clothing.
State Preschool serves children ages 3 and 4 (must be that age by December of that academic year).
Registration
Registration will be held just prior to the beginning of each semester. It is held at the Center Office, Jensen House 94. The Center operates two programs: A Subsidized program which gives priority to low-income students, and a Full-cost program which serves families not meeting the eligibility criteria for subsidy.
Enrollment priorities are as follows:
Subsidized Program*
- First Priority
- Protective Service recipients and children documented to be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Second Priority - HSU Students
- Lowest per capita income admitted first
- Third Priority - HSU Staff and Faculty Families
- Lowest per capita income admitted first
When two or more families have the same income, the family that has a child with exceptional needs shall be admitted first. If there is no family that has a child with exceptional needs, priority will be given to the family that has been on the waiting list the longest.
* For State Preschool program all eligible 4-year-olds are admitted before eligible 3-year-old children.
Full-Cost Program
- First Priority - HSU Students
- First-come-first-served basis
- Second Priority - HSU Staff and Faculty Families
- First-come-first-served basis
New and returning parents must schedule their child each semester during the time of registration. All completed registration materials and income verifications must be submitted at the time of registration. Student training verification must be submitted during the first week of semester for subsidized student parents.
Registration Forms Required
- Subsidized Application with work schedule and income verification or Full Cost Application
- Training Verification (Subsidized Only) with computer class schedule
- Two Emergency Cards
- Two Class Schedule Cards (Student and Faculty Parents Only)
- Health Record/Physical Form (Health Care Plan - If Special Medical Condition, Allergy, Etc.)
- Immunization Record
- Rules Agreement/Information Receipt Acknowledgement
- Parent's Release/Field Trip Consent/AV & K Waiver
- Food Program Application
- Child Care Data Collection Form (Subsidized Only)
- Emergency Medical Treatment Form
- Copy of Birth Certificate (Subsidized Only)
Parents of children continuing in the program from one semester to the next will be required to update their child's file each semester. Families will only be given the needed update forms in the registration packet. These must be returned on the date for registration to maintain status as continuing.
Children cannot be registered in the subsidized programs if parents do not bring the needed verifications at the time of child care registration. Income verification is required on a yearly basis for this program. However, parents must notify the office any time their family size or income changes. Income verification includes any and all of the following:
- Pay Check Stub, TANF Passport of Service, Etc.
- Financial Aid Letters
- Veterans Funding Letters
- Letter Certifying Alimony and/Or Child Support Payments Received or Copies of Checks
- If Self-Employed, Persons Must Demonstrate Current Employment and Income (Income Statement from Previous 12 Month Period)
- Dividend Statement
- Savings Passbook or Statement
- Unemployment/Disability Check Copies or Letter of Eligibility
Work schedule (days and hours) must be verified by a signed letter from the employer
Student parents are required to have selected tentative child care hours needed and class schedules before they attend registration.
In cases where both parents are living in the home, both must be unavailable for childcare to be eligible for subsidized services (except State Preschool Program). Only one parent need be a student to receive priority as a student family. The other parent must be verified as working, seeking employment, or incapacitated. Child care hours when one parent is seeking employment are limited to hours available after student parents receive class time, as that is a first priority, and only for 60 working days per year (One University Term).
Parent(s) must list all persons authorized to pick up their child on the Emergency Form provided. Children will only be released to persons indicated on this form. If an emergency occurs and an unauthorized person is needed to pick up a child, a written note signed by the parent or permission given over the phone to the Teacher or Director is acceptable. Individuals picking up children will need identification.
If a particular member of the family is prohibited from picking up a child this must also be indicated on the Emergency Form. As changes occur they must also be noted on the form. If a parent is prohibited from picking up a child, the Center will need a copy of the court order.
Parents arranging car pools with other parents need to include these parents' names on their emergency card authorizations. Parents also need to be aware that when they make these arrangements other parents are counting on them and they are responsible for transportation even on days their own child is absent. The Center staff cannot be responsible for these arrangements.
At the time of registration, all parents will request child care hours for the semester. No hours will be confirmed until several days after registration.
- Confirmed child care hours for returning parents are always posted at the respective centers.
- New parents will receive their confirmed hours only at the Parent Orientation. All new parents are required to attend the orientation meeting. Child care spaces will not be reserved for those new parents who do not attend this meeting. Orientation is held before each semester. Parents will be notified of dates in advance.
- Because of the high need for child care services and the limited spaces at the Children's Center, all families do not receive all hours needed and some families receive no hours. It is advisable for families to make some backup child care arrangements. Humboldt Child Care Council (444-8293) manages a countywide waiting list for subsidized childcare. Low-income student parents should contact that agency to be placed on the waiting list. Other parents can receive information on other child care.
Due to the University schedule change during finals week, parents must sign up for the child care needed for this period. Scheduling forms will be distributed to all families and must be completed and returned to arrange for child care during finals week.
Parents must always notify the Children's Center Office (826-3838) if they want a change in their original contracted hours any time during the semester. Before changing class schedules, parents should check the availability of different hours of care as the classrooms are usually scheduled to capacity. Two schedule changes can be made per semester unless unusual circumstances.
Orientations will be held at the beginning of the semester to acquaint the new child with the Center and staff. Children and parents are invited to visit the Centers prior to actual attendance. Parents will be notified of the date of New Child Orientation in advance. Children beginning mid-semester will also be given the opportunity to visit and meet with the classroom teacher prior to attendance.
Fees
For families eligible for subsidized child care, fees are based on a sliding fee scale according to the family's gross monthly income and family size. There is no fee for families enrolled in the State Preschool program.
| Half-Time (0 - 4 hrs) |
Three-Quarter Time (4 - 6 1/2 hrs) |
Full-Time (6 1/2 hrs or more) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Families | $ 14.50/day | $ 22.00/day | $ 29.00/day |
| Non-Student Families | $ 18.00/day | $ 27.00/day | $ 36.00/day |
The Center Office will bill parents at the beginning of the month. All fees are due by the end of the month. Fees must be paid in person or by mail at the University cashier's. Please provide your bill with payment so the correct account will be credited.
Delinquent fees: Parents must have accounts paid in full in order to register for the following semester. Any accounts delinquent three months or more will be referred to the University accounting office for further collection procedures. Special payment plans must be arranged with the Center Director prior to the referral to University accounting.
Department of Education mandate requires fee collection for all days that the child is enrolled; therefore, parents will be charged for absences. The Children's Center does allow for up to five make-up days per semester for full cost families. Because space is only available if another child is absent, arrangements for make-up days must be made in advance with the Classroom Teacher. During the summer families will be given one week vacation time with no charge if the program is notified in advance of the dates (Notification must be made with the Office).
At the end of the day (5:30 P.M.) if a child is picked up late a late fee will be charged of $5 for each 10 minutes. Parents will be billed for this charge.
If parents have any questions or concerns regarding fees they should be directed to the Director or Secretary.
Attendance, Absences, And Withdrawals
Children must be signed in and out with full signature at arrival and departure daily, this is both a regulation of licensing and the Children’s Center funding agency.
If there is a discrepancy between parents contracted hours and those indicated on the sign-in sheets, parents will be notified and a change in the contracted hours may occur.
All parents are required to call the office, 826-3838, by 9:00 whenever a child will be absent. All absences must be verified by parents.
Because the Department of Education provides the child care for subsidized families, the following absence policy has been established for this program:
Excused Absences
Unlimited number if notification from parent.
- Illness or quarantine of child when type of illness is clearly indicated.
- Illness or quarantine of parent or other family member which would inhibit the child from being brought to school.
- Family emergency such as family death, illness, or severe problem that requires that the parent, and therefore the child, not attend school.
- Court ordered visitations.
- Absence "in the best interest of the child". This would include times when the child could spend extra time with parent or visiting relatives due to parent class being cancelled, parent taking child out of town, out-of-town relatives visiting, etc. Excused absences "in the best interest of the child" would necessitate that the absence would be to the benefit of the child. These absences are limited to 10 per year.
Unexcused Absences
Termination can result after 10 unexcused absences during the year.
- Any absence when no reason is given or when there is no clear indication of the reason such as child "ill", "sick" or "didn't want to come."
- Absence due to automobile failure when alternate means of transportation is available.
If a parent needs extra hours beyond their contracted hours for one day, s/he may call the Office to determine determine whether enough staff is available to maintain the required staff/child ratio. No child can be dropped off who is not normally scheduled without making previous arrangements with the Office.
Health & Safety
State law requires all children must have a Health Record/Physical Form on file. It must be signed and completed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner.
According to California State regulations all children admitted to child development programs must be immunized against polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, meningitis & chickenpox. These immunizations must be up to date for the child's age. Make sure that your child receives any immunizations needed at the time of his or her physical. Exemptions to immunizations are only made for the following reasons:
Exemptions to immunizations are only made for the following reasons:
- Medical Reasons: A doctor's written statement is required which must include the type(s) of immunizations exempted and the specific nature and probable duration of the medical condition.
- Personal beliefs: Affidavit to be signed by parent or guardian requesting exemption due to personal beliefs and stating that in the case of an outbreak of any disease, the child may be temporarily excluded from school for his/her protection. (According to the Public Health Department, a single case of an immunizable disease is considered an outbreak and an unimmunized child will be excluded for the full length of the incubation period.) Personal beliefs affidavit is provided on the back of the blue immunization record card.
When children enter a group care setting they have many new experiences. One of these experiences that often distresses parents is the increase in the number of colds and/or other common illnesses. The increase in the number of illnesses is due to the child being exposed to increased numbers of people. After the child has been in the group care setting for a few months, he/she will develop a greater resistance to these types of infection.
To provide parents with some guidelines as to when a child should not be in the Center, the following list has been prepared. If a child appears too ill to be cared for at the Center as judged by a staff member at the time of arrival or at any time during the session, the parent will be contacted to come for the child. Parent should have some alternate child care plan ready in case of illness.
Keep a child at home if he/she has:
- Fever or Vomited within the last 24 hours.
- Diarrhea, which is indicated by two loose stools in a day.
- Pinkeye or Conjunctivitis, which is indicated by redness, burning and a thick discharge. The child will be excluded from school until symptom free. Even if the child is on prescription drops the child cannot attend with symptoms as the drops are only effective for the bacterial type infection.
- Croupy cough or cough accompanied by rapid or difficult breathing or wheezing.
- Clear, runny nose which has just begun. The child will be excluded for two days, this is when a cold is contagious or may be an early sign of measles or chicken pox.
- Rashes that the parent cannot identify or have not been diagnosed by a physician.
- Contagious diseases. Some of these are: measles, chicken pox, mumps, roseola, etc. If a doctor diagnoses an infection and places the child on an antibiotic, the child should remain home until on the medication for 24 hours.
- Lice or nits in hair.
Parents will be notified of any exposure to communicable diseases. Information will be posted in the classroom including symptoms, incubation period, control methods, and when the child can return.
Prescribed medications can be dispensed to children enrolled at the Toddler Center only when parents have submitted a Medication Dispensation Approval form available at the Center. The Center will administer only medication and drugs that are current and come with a doctor's prescription as indicated on the container. Medications cannot be dispensed at the Preschool because they cannot be safely stored out of the reach of the children. Parents can come in to administer medication as needed.
Diaper cream is considered an over-the-counter medication and can only be applied by doctor’s order. Parents of children in diapers are advised to get a signed, written standing order “to apply diaper cream as needed” when taking the child for his/her physical. This note should be brought with the diaper cream when needed and will be kept on file in the classroom. The cream (not powder) should be labeled with the child’s name.
All allergies and/or special dietary or medical needs must be indicated on the Emergency Form and on the Physician’s Form. Allergies and special dietary needs must be documented by a physician listing the food that may be substituted.
Children will be protected against cold, heat and sun injury. Fresh air is valuable in preventing disease so children will go outside daily whenever possible. Parents are asked to provide warm clothing and rain gear. To prevent sun injury the program will provide sunscreen (with UVB and UVA protection). Parents will be asked to sign permission for the application of sunscreen and to provide alternative brand if they want a sunscreen other than that provided.
The Children’s Center facilities including outdoor play areas are smoke free. Smoking is only permitted on the HSU campus in designated areas. The nearest designated smoking area to the Children’s Center is at Plant Operations on B Street.
The following emergency procedures have been developed in the event of a major disaster such as an earthquake:
- In the event of an earthquake while children are attending the Children's Center:
- Parents should retrieve their child from the Center immediately.
- If a parent is unable to reach a child, the Center will contact an authorized emergency contact person from the child's Emergency Card.
- If a child is sent with an emergency contact person, the Center will post the child's name, with whom he/she left, and the destination.
- If required to evacuate the Centers, the new location will be posted on each Center and Office door.
- If a parent is physically unable to reach the Center, evacuation location and other updated information will be available by calling 826-INFO or the Center's Emergency Sister Campus, Chico, (530) 898-5865. Information updates will also be announced on the local radio.
- Prepare a family emergency plan ahead of time:
- Have contact people on the child's Emergency Card that are familiar with your family's emergency plan.
- Keep the Children's Center wallet emergency card accessible with emergency numbers.
- Prepare an individual emergency bag for your child's cubby. Include spare shoes, socks, underwear, pants, longsleeve shirt, raingear, and diapers if needed.
- Prepare a family kit for your vehicle and your home with (minimally) food, water, blanket, and first aid kit.
- Emergency procedures have been developed and posted at each classroom.
- Emergency supplies are located in the equipment shed at the Center.
Parent Responsibilities
As a condition of enrollment in the HSU Children's Center parents have the following responsibilities:
- All parents are required to attend an orientation meeting before their child can attend the program.
- All parents must provide the Center with all required registration and enrollment forms and information. The various agencies that govern the Center's operation mandate the collection of this information for the enrollment of children in the program.
- Parents are required to sign the attendance sheet with full signature as they deliver and pick up their child each day. Parents must maintain their contracted arrival and departure times.
- Parents must call the Center by 9:00 am if their child will be absent or late for any reason. By calling when their child will be arriving late the parent guarantees that their child's space will not be given to someone wanting extra hours for the day.
- If an emergency occurs and the parent will be late to pick up their child by the contracted time, the parent must call the Center or Office. This is only for emergencies, otherwise children must be picked up as scheduled.
- Parents should notify the Teacher if they need to pick up their child early from a session. This will ensure that the child will not be involved in a prolonged or messy activity at needed departure time.
- Parents are encouraged to participate at the decision making level. This can be done by becoming a member of the Parent Advisory Board or by attending the monthly Board meetings. The Parent Advisory Board represents parent views and offers them a voice at the administrative level. Please refer to the Parent Advisory Board handout for further description of the Board's function.
- The Children's Center is a parent participation program. We believe that it is essential for the education of young children that home and school work together. Each family is requested to contribute a minimum of nine hours per semester (6 hours in the summer) to the Center's operation. A wide variety of tasks are available to meet this, including actual participation in your child's classroom, jobs that can be done at home, office work, attendance at monthly Parent Advisory Board meetings, etc. Parents sign up for jobs and keep track of own hours.
- All parents are requested to sign-up and donate their time and resources towards the fundraising benefits held once per semester. These activities provide money for supplies needed for the children's program and directly benefit each family.
- Parents should carefully read parent bulletin boards, newsletters, and other materials as they contain important information and dates.
- Parents should write any daily messages to the staff on the white boards provided. These could include messages relating to daily needs of their child, i.e. dietary concerns, if a child is to wear a hat, coat while outside, etc. Also, parents should check these locations for messages from the staff.
- Parents should send sufficient clothing, diapers, blanket, coat, etc. for their child's use at school. Coats, blankets, extra clothes should be labeled. Children should be dressed in clothing that will allow active play and can be laundered. Should any Center clothing be used, parents are asked to launder and return it as soon as possible, this includes Center bedding.
Program Responsibilities
Upon enrollment the HSU Children's Center has the following responsibilities to child and parent(s):
- The program will provide an environment that is safe, healthy, and developmentally stimulating for the children enrolled. The program will provide a variety of activities for parents including parent education meetings, family social functions, and opportunities to work together, get to know each other and to provide support.
- Program services, activities, materials and equipment will meet cultural, linguistic, and other special needs of children and families being served. Within the context of group care, to every extent possible each child's individual needs, customs and learning style will be both respected and fostered.
- The personal rights of each child (as outlined in the Dept. of Social Services Personal Rights Statement) will be maintained.
- The program will be open to parents to visit and participate at any time during the hours of operation.
- Ongoing communication will be provided to keep parents informed about their child’s development and all aspects of the program and activities.
- Parent conferences will be scheduled twice during the year to allow parents an opportunity to discuss their child's participation and development, as well as family information and goals with teachers. Additional conferences can be scheduled upon parent request.
- The program goal is to establish a close working partnership with all families. If concerns arise parents are encourage to discuss them with the classroom Teacher, Assistant Director and/or Director. Parents may also have policy or procedures concerns addressed by the Parent Advisory Board either by bringing the concern directly to the Board or having the classroom representative do so. If the parent feels that these avenues have been unsuccessful the Children’s Center has formal complaint and grievance procedures. Copies of these procedures may be obtained in the Office. Also, families served through California Department of Education grants will receive, in writing, Notice of all decisions regarding benefits accruing to the parent or child. Parents have the right to appeal these decisions. The appeal process is outlined on the reverse of the written Notice from the agency.
- All records in each child's office file are kept confidential and will only be available to parents, qualified staff persons, and State officials. Parents may review their child's file in conference with the Assistant Director or Director and may receive photocopies of items upon request. This follows childcare regulations of Title 5 and Title 22 of the California Administrative Code.
- The HSU Children’s Center welcomes the enrollment of children with disabilities and makes all reasonable accommodations to meet the child’s individual needs. The program will work with parents and specialists in the development and implementation of IFSPs, IEPs, and other individualized plans to address the child’s needs.
- The HSU Children’s Center does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, or age or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. All families are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the program. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact CSDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.
- The HSU Children's Center will provide no religious instruction or worship.
- The program provides field placement and observation opportunities for students from various academic departments. All field placements and observations are screened and closely supervised by the Director and Head Teachers.
- All requests for research to be conducted at the Center must be first reviewed and approved by the Center Director and discussed with the faculty advisor of a particular department. All parents will be notified of any research being performed at the Center involving their child. Parents may reserve the right to request that their child not be part of any research project.
- The Children's Center reserves the right to drop a child from the program if it is determined that it would be to the best interests of the individual child or the group. The Children's Center can only serve those children whose needs can be effectively met by the program. Not all children thrive in group care or in specific programs. Additionally, the program is limited by funding, adult: child ratios, specialized training of staff, etc. and cannot meet all the needs of all children. Specific circumstances in which this may occur include:
- aggressive, anti-social or unacceptable behavior to the extent that the child's safety or the safety of other children or staff cannot be guaranteed
- inability of the child to adjust to the group care situation
- Parent will be notified in writing of concern and meeting will be requested.
- Intervention meeting between parent, director and teachers:
- outline situation/area of concern
- establish plan of action for both Center and parent(s) to address concern
- establish time frame
- Follow-up meeting
- evaluate progress
- adjust plan as needed
- Determination meeting
Should it be determined jointly by the Director and teaching staff that the program is unable to meet the needs of a specific child, enrollment will be denied or services terminated. This action will only be considered after other avenues available to the program have been explored in an effort to provide service to the child and family. Referrals to other services and assistance in finding other child care will be made available to the family.
The program will follow the following procedure in acting upon this policy:
Additional Program Services
- The HSU Children's Center furnishes a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack each day following the U.S. Department of Agriculture Child & Adult Food Program Guidelines. Meals and snacks are provided for children in attendance at the time the meal is served. Weekly menus are posted at each Center and on the Center’s web site.
- The provision of a vegetarian diet, serving no meat. The Federal meat alternate requirements are to be met through the use of beans, cheese, yogurt, eggs, and peanut butter.
- The limited use of sugar.
- The inclusion of whole grains in place of refined and processed grains.
- The limiting of fats, salt, and additives in the food served.
- The use of 1% milk rather than whole or low-fat to meet Federal milk requirements for children over 2 years. Whole milk is served to children under 24 months.
- In the establishment of this policy, the Parent Advisory Board gave attention to family food preferences, dietary and nutritional needs of young children, the Center staffing and budgetary concerns.
- The provision of meatless diet was established to meet the needs of vegetarian families which represent a large percentage of families served by the Children's Center. To serve meat while also honoring family preference for a vegetarian diet would require the separation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian children at mealtimes which was viewed by parents as undesirable. There was also consideration of the food service staff workload if separate meals were prepared and the impact on the budget if meat were included. A final issue in maintaining a vegetarian diet was the concern of young children choking on meat.
- The limiting of sugar, fats, salt, and additives, and the inclusion of whole grains was decided based on health concerns and the desire to provide the best possible diet for the children.
- The policy to serve 1% milk has its basis in a concern over the amount of fat included in the diet. Because of the high fat content in cheese, which is often served to satisfy Federal meat alternate requirements, it was the decision of the Parent Advisory Board to reduce the fat content of the milk served. Parents may request whole milk for individual children.
- Through a partnership with Head Start eligible Children’s Center families can also receive additional services available through Head Start. These services may include health, dental, special needs assessments and services; nutritional counseling; car seat program; etc. The office staff or the Head Start Family Services worker can determine eligibility.
- Parent Education information is made available to parents through meetings and guest speakers, bulletins, and newsletters and parents may check out books from the Parent/Staff Library located at the Preschool.
- Health information is provided to parents in a variety of ways. Parent meetings covering health-related topics are conducted occasionally and other health information is made available through the newsletter, bulletins or posted on the bulletin boards at the Centers.
- Referral Services are also available to help families locate needed services. A resource file containing HSU services and community services for families is located in the Office. All families are given a listing of local resources upon enrollment. The Head Start Family Services worker is also available to help families locate needed services.
- Because of its campus affiliation, the Children's Center greatly benefits from many HSU resources. University departments provide expertise and service to the program. University facilities such as the gym, dance studio, library, etc. expand the learning available to the children.
The Children's Center Parent Advisory Board has established the following food policy for the Center:
If a child is brought early or picked up late (according to contracted hours), more than three times during a semester, the child can be dropped from the program. This only applies when parents have not called in advance to inform the Center of any emergencies. The staff will make every attempt to work out individual problems.
If a child is chronically absent due to illness or otherwise, the Center reserves the right to review such cases which could result in the termination of child care services.
Additionally, a child can be terminated from the program if parents refuse to furnish required paperwork or provide fraudulent information. All required forms will be provided to the parents prior to registration. The Department of Social Services and Department of Education mandate that a child cannot be served without the necessary forms in his/her file. Parents will be notified 10 days prior to any termination to allow time to provide the needed paperwork.
Although it happens very rarely, it has occurred that a parent has arrived to pick up a child in an inebriated state either from drugs or alcohol. Legally the Center cannot release a child if there is any question of the person's ability to insure the child's safety. If a parent arrives to pick up a child in an inebriated state the following steps will be taken:
- Contact persons listed on emergency card to pick up parent and child.
- Contact taxi or University Police to provide transportation if local.
- As a last resort, report to police, with car license plate number if available, as well as a possible follow-up report to Child Protective Services.
Upon withdrawal parents need to give the program 2 weeks notice before withdrawing a child. This allows time for another child to be admitted. Parents must notify the Office two weeks prior to the child's last day, or pay the two-week tuition if a fee-paying family.
Skip to Navigation