PARENT HANDBOOK
CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER OF WILMINGTON
71 DARLINGTON AVENUE
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28403
Phone (910) 762-7735
Fax (910) 762-7718
www.clcwilmington.com
CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER OF WILMINGTON, INC.
Table of Contents
Welcome----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Philsophy---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Mission-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Vision-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
School Year Calendar--------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Goals-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Enrollment and Tuition Policy------------------------------------------------------------------------5
Vacation/Illness-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
Withdrawal-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
School Day-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
Discipline Policy-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------6-7
Nutrition Policy/Food Service-----------------------------------------------------------------------7
Procedures for Reporting Child Abuse--------------------------------------------------------------7
Items for Parents to Send to School----------------------------------------------------------------8
Birthdays--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
Parental Involvement--------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Special Concerns-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Cleaning Duties--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Fire and Tornado Drills------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Policies for Sick Children/Medication------------------------------------------------------------10-11
Transportation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11-12
Field Trips-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Staff-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Curriculum------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Student Arrival and Departure----------------------------------------------------------------------13
Inclement Weather----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Closure----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Parent Acknowledgement Form---------------------------------------------------------------------14
WELCOME
Dear Wonderful Parents,
Welcome to Children’s Learning Center of Wilmington, Inc. We are so pleased that you have chosen Children’s Learning Center (CLC) as your child’s preschool and we look forward to a happy, healthy preschool experience for you and your child.
CLC is dedicated to providing a safe, secure environment full of hands-on learning for each individual child. At anytime throughout the year, CLC welcomes parental involvement. Whether it is attending field trips, joining your child for lunch, or just staying an extra minute to build in the block center, we welcome your involvement in your child’s education. Your comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome. We strive to make CLC a wonderful place for your child to grow and learn. Our school is open to children thirteen months through five years old, Monday through Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm.
The administrators and teachers of CLC welcome you again to our school as we look forward to a wonderful school year. We hope to work together to provide the most stimulating environment available for your child. Please refer to this handbook as a guide to a successful school year. After you have read your handbook, please sign and return the Parent Acknowledgement page in the back of this handbook. And again, thank you for your commitment and we look forward to working with you and your child.
PHILOSOPHY
CLC of Wilmington provides a positive learning environment where children can develop in a stimulating and secure setting. The foundation of our school is to recognize the individuality of each child and encourage them to learn, grow, and build confidence.
MISSION
To provide experiences that foster children’s social and emotional development, expose children to meaningful cognitive/language concepts, and instill a love of active learning.
VISION
To provide a warm, nurturing environment, which establishes children’s independence and self-reliance.
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
CLC of Wilmington will provide a school calendar, which lists closings and special events. This calendar will be distributed at the time of enrollment and can be accessed via our website at www.clcwilmington.com.
GOALS
*To provide a hands on learning environment
*To enable children to develop in a stimulating, secure setting
*To recognize the individuality of every child
*To encourage children to learn, grow, and build confidence
*To provide experiences for social, emotional, language/cognitive, and
physical growth
*To instill a love of active learning
*To provide a warm, nurturing environment
ENROLLMENT AND TUITION POLICY
When you enroll your child at CLC, a registration form, immunization record, discipline policy, signed physician statement, North Carolina Childcare Law and Rules statement, and emergency information sheet must be completely filled out and remain current while your child attends the preschool. There is an annual nonrefundable registration fee that must be paid at the time of enrollment and renewed each school year.
It is extremely important for parents to keep emergency cards up to date at all times during the year. If your address, phone or mobile numbers change, it is imperative for you to notify the office. Also, please inform us if the numbers and addresses of your emergency contacts change.
Tuition is due and payable on the fifth of each month. Tuition is considered late if not paid by the tenth of the month. At this time, a late fee of $25.00 will be assessed. A $29.00 service charge will be assessed for any returned check. Keep in mind that tuition is subject to change annually; however, you will receive notification before such change becomes effective.
VACATION/ILLNESS
Tuition is continuous throughout the year. There are no deductions for absences, illness, or holidays that occur throughout the year. Every student is entitled to a one-week vacation credit each year and this only excludes times when the school is already closed. A vacation request must be given in writing at least two weeks prior to the start of the vacation.
WITHDRAWAL
If a parent wishes to withdraw a child from the school, a two-week written notice must be given to the administrator. CLC reserves the right to dismiss a child (in our sole discretion) for unsatisfactory behavior or if we feel that we do not have adequateresources or educational expertise for the educational, medical or physical needs of the child.
SCHOOL DAY
CLC opens and operates during the hours of 7:30am-5:30pm Monday through Friday, excluding the holidays that are specified on the school calendar. If your child remains at the school after the closing time, the parent is responsible for payment of $1.00 per minute late fee after the 5:30 closing time.
Your child’s schedule for the day will include group times, language development activities, mathematics development activities, learning centers, free choice activities, large and small motor development, social interaction with peers and teachers, art, music, cooking activities, multicultural activities, and science exploration. Snack time, lunchtime, outside time, and rest time are also an integral part of your child’s day at CLC. All of these areas allow for your child to gain the complete preschool experience.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
CLC of Wilmington views discipline as the helpful guidance and encouragement of teachers in order to influence and impact children as they grow and learn.
This approach encourages children to interact and become involved with one another as well as their surroundings. Appropriate behavior will be encouraged through frequent praise and positive discipline. Inappropriate behavior will be discouraged through redirecting a child or examining the logical and natural consequences of a particular action. As a last resort, a “time-out” or “take a break” period will be used. A “time-out” period is defined as a period of time when the child is removed from the group but within view of the teacher at all times. This time will be short, one minute per age of the child.
If a child’s behavior continues to be an ongoing problem, CLC recommends an observation and evaluation by an intervention specialist from ECHOES (Enhancing Childhood through Outreach and Educational Services) or another service agency. CLC reserves the right to dismiss a child if his/her behavior is threatening.
Our goal at CLC is to remain positive with regards to discipline. Our staff pledges to follow the following guidelines with regards to discipline:
1. emphasize what the child should do; not what he/she should not do
2. make discipline an ongoing process-not just a one time occurrence
3. set an example to follow instead of insisting on obedience
4. accept a child’s need to assert him/herself
5. foster a child’s ability to think instead of thinking for the child
6. bolster a child’s self-esteem instead of defeating it
7. help shape a child’s behavior instead of condemning misbehavior
The staff at CLC pledges to always avoid the following:
1. physical abuse, including rough handling, pushing, shaking, etc.
2. methods that will shame, frighten and humiliate a child
3. comparisons among children that foster competitiveness and affects self esteem
4. carry-overs from the incident
5. consequences that are too long, too punitive, or postponed
6. too many rules
7. make promises that we cannot keep
8. being overly helpful as to stifle a child’s creativity and independence
9. threatening children with a loss of affection
The following items of discipline are STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
1. denial of food
2. corporal punishment, sarcasm, yelling, and use of outside threats (monsters, police, etc.)
3. isolation in which the child is left totally unattended (out of view of staff)
NUTRITION POLICY/FOOD SERVICE
CLC offers nutritious morning and afternoon snacks with an occasional “fun” snack or “treat”. A weekly snack menu is posted on the refrigerator door in the kitchen. CLC does not provide breakfast. Children must bring their lunches in a labeled, durable container that must be stored in the refrigerator in the kitchen. We do, however, provide 100% fruit juice with snacks and 2% milk with lunches (whole milk will be provided in the toddler room). Parents must follow a nutritionally balanced guideline in which the child must receive a protein (meat or meat alternate), grain (bread, pasta, crackers), two fruits, two vegetables, or one of each daily. Please inform us of any special dietary needs your child may have.
PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
North Carolina Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Laws require that CLC of Wilmington will report any suspected child abuse and neglect as follows:
*Notify the Department of Social Services and report the suspected abuse and neglect.
*Department of Social Services must investigate within 24 hours of taking the report. At this time, the Department of Social Services may meet with the child one on one. CLC will work in cooperation with the Department of Social Services. The North Carolina Division of Child Development will also make a visit to CLC.
*The Department of Social Services will notify the parent or guardian.
*Information will remain confidential and will be treated as such.
*If a parent decides to move a child from CLC, the staff will make every effort to help place the child in a new childcare setting.
ITEMS FOR PARENTS TO SEND TO SCHOOL
Parents are asked to send a complete change of labeled clothes (including socks) to be kept at school in case of emergency/accident. Parents must also send their child to school wearing the appropriate outerwear based upon the weather. All coats, hats, mittens should be labeled with the student’s name. All children are encouraged to bring in their favorite sleep “friend” in addition to a blanket/crib sheet/pillow that is special to them. These items will be stored on your child’s hook outside of the classroom and will be used at rest time. Guns, weapons, jewelry, money, gum and toys from home are not allowed at school. However, it is appropriate to send in a sharing item on designated Show and Tell day. Medication is NOT allowed in cubbies or bookbags.
BIRTHDAYS
CLC encourages you to celebrate you child’s birthday outside of school. However, please notify your child’s teacher if you plan to bring a special snack for your child’s big day. CLC’s staff is not responsible for distributing party invitations and we encourage parents to distribute these invitations outside of school. If you are looking for a great way to celebrate your child’s birthday, we encourage you to make a book donation to the school. Then a bookplate indicating the book donor and the event that the donation was given in honor of will be placed inside the book and placed in CLC’s library.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
CLC feels very strongly that a major key to children’s success is parental involvement. We encourage every parent to join his or her child’s classroom at anytime. We would like for every parent to join us on field trips, all school activities, and spend time in the classroom. Each student will receive a My Day each day which gives the parents a detailed overview of their child’s complete day. We feel that parental support enables each child to have the complete preschool experience.
*CLC will give a $50.00 credit towards tuition for any referral that completes enrollment.
SPECIAL CONCERNS
At anytime throughout the year, CLC welcomes any suggestions or concerns that you may have. We strive to have an open door policy between parents and staff. Parents may make a suggestion or complaint to the teacher or administrator. Parents, who are not satisfied with these results from the teacher, may contact the administrator for further discussion and inquiry.
CLEANING DUTIES
CLC contracts a nightly cleaning service. This service cleans 5 nights a week (sinks, bathrooms, water fountains, sweeps, mops, vacuums, cleans windows and doors). On a monthly basis, the cleaning service will dust, clean baseboards, and wash walls. Twice a year, the floors will be buffed and waxed and carpet will be cleaned. Throughout the day, teachers are required to dispose of trash into an outdoor dumpster, sweep, mop, and sanitize tables after lunch as well as to make sure the room is neat and orderly.
FIRE DRILLS
As required by law, CLC will have monthly fire drills. It is required for all students, parents, and staff to participate in such drills while on campus. Please take the time to discuss with your child the importance of these drills.
POLICIES FOR SICK CHILDREN/MEDICATION
CLC is dedicated to the well being of each child. We maintain our sick policy in order to reduce the spread of illness to other children, to prevent constant spread of colds, flu, and diarrhea, as well as to enable the child to fully recuperate from an illness before it develops into a serious illness.
Illness
A child must stay at home in relaxed, comfortable environment where they can fully recuperate. Parents will be contacted to pick up their child if they have any of the symptoms below. A child who is sent home must be free of these symptoms for a 24-hour medicine free period before they may return to school. This enables all students to fully recover from an illness as well as reducing the spread of an illness within a classroom. These symptoms are:
*A fever of 100 or more.
*Vomiting within the previous 24-hour period.
*Diarrhea within the previous 24-hour period.
*A heavy nasal discharge indicative of infection.
*A constant cough or sore throat.
*Fussy, cranky behavior-generally not him/herself.
*A skin rash, other than diaper rash.
*Head lice.
*Symptoms of a communicable disease.
If a child has had an illness, they may return to school if they have been seen by a doctor and not diagnosed as contagious. All children at CLC will be involved in physical activity whether it be indoor or outdoor as described in the curriculum. If a parent feels that their child is not well enough to join in, then the child will be more comfortable at home. CLC is not equipped to accommodate sick children. Our Sick Child room is strictly designed for children who are removed from the classroom when not feeling well while waiting for their parent to pick them up.
Medication
*CLC cannot administer over the counter or prescription medication to any child (this includes hand soaps, ointments, lip balms, etc.) The only exceptions to this rule are Epipens, Benadryl, and Inhalers for life-threatening allergies per a physician’s signature and diaper cream in the toddler room.
*One bottle of sunscreen may be used for every child after the parent has signed a written permission form.
TRANSPORTATION
CLC does not provide transportation to or from school; nor do we provide before or after school care. Children are transported to extra curricular activities and field trips during the course of the year. Children must follow the rules below while riding in the vehicle:
*Remain seated at all times, facing the front of the vehicle
*Wear seat belts at all times
*No eating or drinking on the vehicle
*Loud noise or distracting behavior is not allowed
*Dangerous objects will not be allowed
*Fighting and pushing is not allowed
*Doors shall be opened and closed by an adult
*Children may not extend any part of their body from the vehicle
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are planned by the teachers and follow the academic theme/unit within the classroom. Parents will receive ample notice of field trips and will be asked to sign the appropriate travel forms. Field trips will not be taken unless an adequate number of parents or staff is available to chaperone the trip. All children must ride in a car seat. Parents must securely buckle and label their child’s car seat on the vehicle. If a student does not provide a car seat, they may not be allowed to attend the field trip. All school rules and regulations must be followed while attending field trips.
STAFF
CLC adheres to all state requirements for licensed childcare facilities. Lead teachers are required to have a four-year degree in a child related field and are hired according to their education, experience within the field, and their genuine love for children. Our teachers continue their education by attending professional development workshops and enhancement activities. They are warm, caring individuals dedicated to the education of young children. CLC adheres to the established child/teacher ratios and takes it one step further to remain at the 5 star child/teacher ratios.
CURRICULUM
At CLC, our day is made up of a program that includes group time, language development/
readiness, math readiness, learning centers, art, music, multicultural activities, cooking, and science. Incorporating all of these learning areas enables each student to receive a well-rounded education that will prepare them for a lifetime of learning.
Group time is used to begin the day and to inform the student in an educational manner about a particular lesson during the day. Morning group consists of concepts such as calendar, pledge, songs, fingerplays, discussions, days of week, weather, and helpers for the day, etc. Other group times are used to inform the student of the main concepts of language lessons, math lessons, science lessons, etc.
Language development/readiness helps to develop a child’s oral language, vocabulary/sentence development, and listening skills. It also enables students to gain knowledge of communication with peers and adults as well as to foster a true love for active learning.
Math readiness allows the student to explore manipulatives in order to gain a true understanding of the basic concepts of mathematics. While exploring with math concepts, students will learn basic shapes, one to one correspondence, graphing, classification, measurement, patterning, and estimation.
Learning centers enable each student to explore and grow within a group setting. Students explore in Block Center, Dramatic Play Center, Manipulative Center, Book/Listening Center, Sand and Water Center, Easel Center, Art Center, and Science Center. Students will work independently, make decisions, and interact with peers while participating in the daily classroom centers.
Extra Curricular activities are offered to our students and are well received. We offer Dance (ages 3 and up), Gymnastics (ages 3 and up), Music and Movement, Computers, Early Art and Spanish on a weekly basis with an additional fee.
STUDENT ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
CLC requires all children to be signed in and out daily when they arrive and depart from school. Children must be escorted to their classrooms by their parents and all children must wash their hands when entering the classroom. Pertinent information will be located on a bulletin board at the entrance to each child’s classroom.
If a parent cannot pick up their child from school, a prior phone call or written authorization from the parent must be given to the teacher and administrator in order for the child to be released to anyone other than the parent.
Parents will be issued two key fobs to enter the building. If you lose your key fob at any time throughout the course of the year you will be charged $10 to replace it. You will also be charged $10 for not returning the fob(s) when your child is finished at CLC.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
CLC of Wilmington follows the New Hanover County Public School with regards to closings and delays.
CLOSURE
In closing, we are so very excited to have your child at Children’s Learning Center and are looking forward to a loving, educational experience with each family!
PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
Child’s Name____________________________
Address________________________________
________________________________
Phone Number___________________________
Please sign and return this page to the office.
I have received and read Children’s Learning Center’s Parent Handbook. The handbook is available in hard copy form by request. CLC encourages parents to read the handbook on our website: www.clcwilmington and enter the password “children” to view the contents.
I understand the enclosed policies and procedures and agree to adhere to these policies while my child is enrolled at CLC.
I have received a copy of the NC Law and Rules summary sheet and have read it thoroughly.
I give permission for CLC to use my child’s photo for networking/promotional purposes.
I have received and read CLC’s Discipline Policy that is located in the Parent Handbook.
Parent Signature ___________________________
Director Signature __________________________
Date__________________________
PARENT HANDBOOK
CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER OF WILMINGTON
CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER OF WILMINGTON
71 DARLINGTON AVENUE
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28403
Phone (910) 762-7735
Fax (910) 762-7718
www.clcwilmington.com
CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER OF WILMINGTON, INC.
Table of Contents
Welcome------------------------------------------------------------------3
Philsophy-----------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Mission--------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Vision----------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
School Year Calendar-------------------------------------------------------------4
Goals----------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Enrollment and Tuition Policy----------------------------------------------------5
Vacation/Illness---------------------------------------------------------------------5
Withdrawal---------------------------------------------------------------------------5
School Day---------------------------------------------------------------------------6
Discipline Policy-------------------------------------------------------------------6-7
Nutrition Policy/Food Service----------------------------------------------------7
Procedures for Reporting Child Abuse-----------------------------------------7
Items for Parents to Send to School--------------------------------------------8
Birthdays-------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
Parental Involvement----------------------------------------------------------------9
Special Concerns--------------------------------------------------------------------9
Cleaning Duties-----------------------------------------------------------------------9
Fire and Tornado Drills--------------------------------------------------------------9
Policies for Sick Children/Medication-----------------------------------------10-11
Transportation-----------------------------------------------------------------------11-12
Field Trips-----------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Staff-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Curriculum------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Student Arrival and Departure-----------------------------------------------------13
Inclement Weather-------------------------------------------------------------------13
Closure----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Parent Acknowledgement Form---------------------------------------------------14
WELCOME
Dear Wonderful Parents,
Welcome to Children’s Learning Center of Wilmington, Inc. We are so pleased that you have chosen Children’s Learning Center (CLC) as your child’s preschool and we look forward to a happy, healthy preschool experience for you and your child.
CLC is dedicated to providing a safe, secure environment full of hands-on learning for each individual child. At anytime throughout the year, CLC welcomes parental involvement. Whether it is attending field trips, joining your child for lunch, or just staying an extra minute to build in the block center, we welcome your involvement in your child’s education. Your comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome. We strive to make CLC a wonderful place for your child to grow and learn. Our school is open to children thirteen months through five years old, Monday through Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm.
The administrators and teachers of CLC welcome you again to our school as we look forward to a wonderful school year. We hope to work together to provide the most stimulating environment available for your child. Please refer to this handbook as a guide to a successful school year. After you have read your handbook, please sign and return the Parent Acknowledgement page in the back of this handbook. And again, thank you for your commitment and we look forward to working with you and your child.
PHILOSOPHY
CLC of Wilmington provides a positive learning environment where children can develop in a stimulating and secure setting. The foundation of our school is to recognize the individuality of each child and encourage them to learn, grow, and build confidence.
MISSION
To provide experiences that foster children’s social and emotional development, expose children to meaningful cognitive/language concepts, and instill a love of active learning.
VISION
To provide a warm, nurturing environment, which establishes children’s independence and self-reliance.
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
CLC of Wilmington will provide a school calendar, which lists closings and special events. This calendar will be distributed at the time of enrollment and can be accessed via our website at www.clcwilmington.com.
GOALS
*To provide a hands on learning environment
*To enable children to develop in a stimulating, secure setting
*To recognize the individuality of every child
*To encourage children to learn, grow, and build confidence
*To provide experiences for social, emotional, language/cognitive, and
physical growth
*To instill a love of active learning
*To provide a warm, nurturing environment
ENROLLMENT AND TUITION POLICY
When you enroll your child at CLC, a registration form, immunization record, discipline policy, signed physician statement, North Carolina Childcare Law and Rules statement, and emergency information sheet must be completely filled out and remain current while your child attends the preschool. There is an annual nonrefundable registration fee that must be paid at the time of enrollment and renewed each school year.
It is extremely important for parents to keep emergency cards up to date at all times during the year. If your address, phone or mobile numbers change, it is imperative for you to notify the office. Also, please inform us if the numbers and addresses of your emergency contacts change.
Tuition is due and payable on the fifth of each month. Tuition is considered late if not paid by the tenth of the month. At this time, a late fee of $25.00 will be assessed. A $29.00 service charge will be assessed for any returned check. Keep in mind that tuition is subject to change annually; however, you will receive notification before such change becomes effective.
VACATION/ILLNESS
Tuition is continuous throughout the year. There are no deductions for absences, illness, or holidays that occur throughout the year. Every student is entitled to a one-week vacation credit each year and this only excludes times when the school is already closed. A vacation request must be given in writing at least two weeks prior to the start of the vacation.
WITHDRAWAL
If a parent wishes to withdraw a child from the school, a two-week written notice must be given to the administrator. CLC reserves the right to dismiss a child (in our sole discretion) for unsatisfactory behavior or if we feel that we do not have adequateresources or educational expertise for the educational, medical or physical needs of the child.
SCHOOL DAY
CLC opens and operates during the hours of 7:30am-5:30pm Monday through Friday, excluding the holidays that are specified on the school calendar. If your child remains at the school after the closing time, the parent is responsible for payment of $1.00 per minute late fee after the 5:30 closing time.
Your child’s schedule for the day will include group times, language development activities, mathematics development activities, learning centers, free choice activities, large and small motor development, social interaction with peers and teachers, art, music, cooking activities, multicultural activities, and science exploration. Snack time, lunchtime, outside time, and rest time are also an integral part of your child’s day at CLC. All of these areas allow for your child to gain the complete preschool experience.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
CLC of Wilmington views discipline as the helpful guidance and encouragement of teachers in order to influence and impact children as they grow and learn.
This approach encourages children to interact and become involved with one another as well as their surroundings. Appropriate behavior will be encouraged through frequent praise and positive discipline. Inappropriate behavior will be discouraged through redirecting a child or examining the logical and natural consequences of a particular action. As a last resort, a “time-out” or “take a break” period will be used. A “time-out” period is defined as a period of time when the child is removed from the group but within view of the teacher at all times. This time will be short, one minute per age of the child.
If a child’s behavior continues to be an ongoing problem, CLC recommends an observation and evaluation by an intervention specialist from ECHOES (Enhancing Childhood through Outreach and Educational Services) or another service agency. CLC reserves the right to dismiss a child if his/her behavior is threatening.
Our goal at CLC is to remain positive with regards to discipline. Our staff pledges to follow the following guidelines with regards to discipline:
1. emphasize what the child should do; not what he/she should not do
2. make discipline an ongoing process-not just a one time occurrence
3. set an example to follow instead of insisting on obedience
4. accept a child’s need to assert him/herself
5. foster a child’s ability to think instead of thinking for the child
6. bolster a child’s self-esteem instead of defeating it
7. help shape a child’s behavior instead of condemning misbehavior
The staff at CLC pledges to always avoid the following:
1. physical abuse, including rough handling, pushing, shaking, etc.
2. methods that will shame, frighten and humiliate a child
3. comparisons among children that foster competitiveness and affects self esteem
4. carry-overs from the incident
5. consequences that are too long, too punitive, or postponed
6. too many rules
7. make promises that we cannot keep
8. being overly helpful as to stifle a child’s creativity and independence
9. threatening children with a loss of affection
The following items of discipline are STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
1. denial of food
2. corporal punishment, sarcasm, yelling, and use of outside threats (monsters, police, etc.)
3. isolation in which the child is left totally unattended (out of view of staff)
NUTRITION POLICY/FOOD SERVICE
CLC offers nutritious morning and afternoon snacks with an occasional “fun” snack or “treat”. A weekly snack menu is posted on the refrigerator door in the kitchen. CLC does not provide breakfast. Children must bring their lunches in a labeled, durable container that must be stored in the refrigerator in the kitchen. We do, however, provide 100% fruit juice with snacks and 2% milk with lunches (whole milk will be provided in the toddler room). Parents must follow a nutritionally balanced guideline in which the child must receive a protein (meat or meat alternate), grain (bread, pasta, crackers), two fruits, two vegetables, or one of each daily. Please inform us of any special dietary needs your child may have.
PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
North Carolina Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Laws require that CLC of Wilmington will report any suspected child abuse and neglect as follows:
*Notify the Department of Social Services and report the suspected abuse and neglect.
*Department of Social Services must investigate within 24 hours of taking the report. At this time, the Department of Social Services may meet with the child one on one. CLC will work in cooperation with the Department of Social Services. The North Carolina Division of Child Development will also make a visit to CLC.
*The Department of Social Services will notify the parent or guardian.
*Information will remain confidential and will be treated as such.
*If a parent decides to move a child from CLC, the staff will make every effort to help place the child in a new childcare setting.
ITEMS FOR PARENTS TO SEND TO SCHOOL
Parents are asked to send a complete change of labeled clothes (including socks) to be kept at school in case of emergency/accident. Parents must also send their child to school wearing the appropriate outerwear based upon the weather. All coats, hats, mittens should be labeled with the student’s name. All children are encouraged to bring in their favorite sleep “friend” in addition to a blanket/crib sheet/pillow that is special to them. These items will be stored on your child’s hook outside of the classroom and will be used at rest time. Guns, weapons, jewelry, money, gum and toys from home are not allowed at school. However, it is appropriate to send in a sharing item on designated Show and Tell day. Medication is NOT allowed in cubbies or bookbags.
BIRTHDAYS
CLC encourages you to celebrate you child’s birthday outside of school. However, please notify your child’s teacher if you plan to bring a special snack for your child’s big day. CLC’s staff is not responsible for distributing party invitations and we encourage parents to distribute these invitations outside of school. If you are looking for a great way to celebrate your child’s birthday, we encourage you to make a book donation to the school. Then a bookplate indicating the book donor and the event that the donation was given in honor of will be placed inside the book and placed in CLC’s library.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
CLC feels very strongly that a major key to children’s success is parental involvement. We encourage every parent to join his or her child’s classroom at anytime. We would like for every parent to join us on field trips, all school activities, and spend time in the classroom. Each student will receive a My Day each day which gives the parents a detailed overview of their child’s complete day. We feel that parental support enables each child to have the complete preschool experience.
*CLC will give a $50.00 credit towards tuition for any referral that completes enrollment.
SPECIAL CONCERNS
At anytime throughout the year, CLC welcomes any suggestions or concerns that you may have. We strive to have an open door policy between parents and staff. Parents may make a suggestion or complaint to the teacher or administrator. Parents, who are not satisfied with these results from the teacher, may contact the administrator for further discussion and inquiry.
CLEANING DUTIES
CLC contracts a nightly cleaning service. This service cleans 5 nights a week (sinks, bathrooms, water fountains, sweeps, mops, vacuums, cleans windows and doors). On a monthly basis, the cleaning service will dust, clean baseboards, and wash walls. Twice a year, the floors will be buffed and waxed and carpet will be cleaned. Throughout the day, teachers are required to dispose of trash into an outdoor dumpster, sweep, mop, and sanitize tables after lunch as well as to make sure the room is neat and orderly.
FIRE DRILLS
As required by law, CLC will have monthly fire drills. It is required for all students, parents, and staff to participate in such drills while on campus. Please take the time to discuss with your child the importance of these drills.
POLICIES FOR SICK CHILDREN/MEDICATION
CLC is dedicated to the well being of each child. We maintain our sick policy in order to reduce the spread of illness to other children, to prevent constant spread of colds, flu, and diarrhea, as well as to enable the child to fully recuperate from an illness before it develops into a serious illness.
Illness
A child must stay at home in relaxed, comfortable environment where they can fully recuperate. Parents will be contacted to pick up their child if they have any of the symptoms below. A child who is sent home must be free of these symptoms for a 24-hour medicine free period before they may return to school. This enables all students to fully recover from an illness as well as reducing the spread of an illness within a classroom. These symptoms are:
*A fever of 100 or more.
*Vomiting within the previous 24-hour period.
*Diarrhea within the previous 24-hour period.
*A heavy nasal discharge indicative of infection.
*A constant cough or sore throat.
*Fussy, cranky behavior-generally not him/herself.
*A skin rash, other than diaper rash.
*Head lice.
*Symptoms of a communicable disease.
If a child has had an illness, they may return to school if they have been seen by a doctor and not diagnosed as contagious. All children at CLC will be involved in physical activity whether it be indoor or outdoor as described in the curriculum. If a parent feels that their child is not well enough to join in, then the child will be more comfortable at home. CLC is not equipped to accommodate sick children. Our Sick Child room is strictly designed for children who are removed from the classroom when not feeling well while waiting for their parent to pick them up.
Medication
*CLC cannot administer over the counter or prescription medication to any child (this includes hand soaps, ointments, lip balms, etc.) The only exceptions to this rule are Epipens, Benadryl, and Inhalers for life-threatening allergies per a physician’s signature and diaper cream in the toddler room.
*One bottle of sunscreen may be used for every child after the parent has signed a written permission form.
TRANSPORTATION
CLC does not provide transportation to or from school; nor do we provide before or after school care. Children are transported to extra curricular activities and field trips during the course of the year. Children must follow the rules below while riding in the vehicle:
*Remain seated at all times, facing the front of the vehicle
*Wear seat belts at all times
*No eating or drinking on the vehicle
*Loud noise or distracting behavior is not allowed
*Dangerous objects will not be allowed
*Fighting and pushing is not allowed
*Doors shall be opened and closed by an adult
*Children may not extend any part of their body from the vehicle
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are planned by the teachers and follow the academic theme/unit within the classroom. Parents will receive ample notice of field trips and will be asked to sign the appropriate travel forms. Field trips will not be taken unless an adequate number of parents or staff is available to chaperone the trip. All children must ride in a car seat. Parents must securely buckle and label their child’s car seat on the vehicle. If a student does not provide a car seat, they may not be allowed to attend the field trip. All school rules and regulations must be followed while attending field trips.
STAFF
CLC adheres to all state requirements for licensed childcare facilities. Lead teachers are required to have a four-year degree in a child related field and are hired according to their education, experience within the field, and their genuine love for children. Our teachers continue their education by attending professional development workshops and enhancement activities. They are warm, caring individuals dedicated to the education of young children. CLC adheres to the established child/teacher ratios and takes it one step further to remain at the 5 star child/teacher ratios.
CURRICULUM
At CLC, our day is made up of a program that includes group time, language development/
readiness, math readiness, learning centers, art, music, multicultural activities, cooking, and science. Incorporating all of these learning areas enables each student to receive a well-rounded education that will prepare them for a lifetime of learning.
Group time is used to begin the day and to inform the student in an educational manner about a particular lesson during the day. Morning group consists of concepts such as calendar, pledge, songs, fingerplays, discussions, days of week, weather, and helpers for the day, etc. Other group times are used to inform the student of the main concepts of language lessons, math lessons, science lessons, etc.
Language development/readiness helps to develop a child’s oral language, vocabulary/sentence development, and listening skills. It also enables students to gain knowledge of communication with peers and adults as well as to foster a true love for active learning.
Math readiness allows the student to explore manipulatives in order to gain a true understanding of the basic concepts of mathematics. While exploring with math concepts, students will learn basic shapes, one to one correspondence, graphing, classification, measurement, patterning, and estimation.
Learning centers enable each student to explore and grow within a group setting. Students explore in Block Center, Dramatic Play Center, Manipulative Center, Book/Listening Center, Sand and Water Center, Easel Center, Art Center, and Science Center. Students will work independently, make decisions, and interact with peers while participating in the daily classroom centers.
Extra Curricular activities are offered to our students and are well received. We offer Dance (ages 3 and up), Gymnastics (ages 3 and up), Music and Movement, Computers, Early Art and Spanish on a weekly basis with an additional fee.
STUDENT ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
CLC requires all children to be signed in and out daily when they arrive and depart from school. Children must be escorted to their classrooms by their parents and all children must wash their hands when entering the classroom. Pertinent information will be located on a bulletin board at the entrance to each child’s classroom.
If a parent cannot pick up their child from school, a prior phone call or written authorization from the parent must be given to the teacher and administrator in order for the child to be released to anyone other than the parent.
Parents will be issued two key fobs to enter the building. If you lose your key fob at any time throughout the course of the year you will be charged $10 to replace it. You will also be charged $10 for not returning the fob(s) when your child is finished at CLC.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
CLC of Wilmington follows the New Hanover County Public School with regards to closings and delays.
CLOSURE
In closing, we are so very excited to have your child at Children’s Learning Center and are looking forward to a loving, educational experience with each family!
PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
Child’s Name____________________________
Address________________________________
________________________________
Phone Number___________________________
Please sign and return this page to the office.
I have received and read Children’s Learning Center’s Parent Handbook. The handbook is available in hard copy form by request. CLC encourages parents to read the handbook on our website: www.clcwilmington and enter the password “children” to view the contents.
I understand the enclosed policies and procedures and agree to adhere to these policies while my child is enrolled at CLC.
I have received a copy of the NC Law and Rules summary sheet and have read it thoroughly.
I give permission for CLC to use my child’s photo for networking/promotional purposes.
I have received and read CLC’s Discipline Policy that is located in the Parent Handbook.
Parent Signature ___________________________
Director Signature __________________________
Date__________________________
71 DARLINGTON AVENUE
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28403
Phone (910) 762-7735
Fax (910) 762-7718
www.clcwilmington.com
CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER OF WILMINGTON, INC.
Table of Contents
Welcome----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Philsophy---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Mission-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Vision-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
School Year Calendar--------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Goals-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Enrollment and Tuition Policy------------------------------------------------------------------------5
Vacation/Illness-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
Withdrawal-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
School Day-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
Discipline Policy-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------6-7
Nutrition Policy/Food Service-----------------------------------------------------------------------7
Procedures for Reporting Child Abuse--------------------------------------------------------------7
Items for Parents to Send to School----------------------------------------------------------------8
Birthdays--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
Parental Involvement--------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Special Concerns-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Cleaning Duties--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Fire and Tornado Drills------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Policies for Sick Children/Medication------------------------------------------------------------10-11
Transportation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11-12
Field Trips-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Staff-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Curriculum------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Student Arrival and Departure----------------------------------------------------------------------13
Inclement Weather----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Closure----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Parent Acknowledgement Form---------------------------------------------------------------------14
WELCOME
Dear Wonderful Parents,
Welcome to Children’s Learning Center of Wilmington, Inc. We are so pleased that you have chosen Children’s Learning Center (CLC) as your child’s preschool and we look forward to a happy, healthy preschool experience for you and your child.
CLC is dedicated to providing a safe, secure environment full of hands-on learning for each individual child. At anytime throughout the year, CLC welcomes parental involvement. Whether it is attending field trips, joining your child for lunch, or just staying an extra minute to build in the block center, we welcome your involvement in your child’s education. Your comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome. We strive to make CLC a wonderful place for your child to grow and learn. Our school is open to children thirteen months through five years old, Monday through Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm.
The administrators and teachers of CLC welcome you again to our school as we look forward to a wonderful school year. We hope to work together to provide the most stimulating environment available for your child. Please refer to this handbook as a guide to a successful school year. After you have read your handbook, please sign and return the Parent Acknowledgement page in the back of this handbook. And again, thank you for your commitment and we look forward to working with you and your child.
PHILOSOPHY
CLC of Wilmington provides a positive learning environment where children can develop in a stimulating and secure setting. The foundation of our school is to recognize the individuality of each child and encourage them to learn, grow, and build confidence.
MISSION
To provide experiences that foster children’s social and emotional development, expose children to meaningful cognitive/language concepts, and instill a love of active learning.
VISION
To provide a warm, nurturing environment, which establishes children’s independence and self-reliance.
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
CLC of Wilmington will provide a school calendar, which lists closings and special events. This calendar will be distributed at the time of enrollment and can be accessed via our website at www.clcwilmington.com.
GOALS
*To provide a hands on learning environment
*To enable children to develop in a stimulating, secure setting
*To recognize the individuality of every child
*To encourage children to learn, grow, and build confidence
*To provide experiences for social, emotional, language/cognitive, and
physical growth
*To instill a love of active learning
*To provide a warm, nurturing environment
ENROLLMENT AND TUITION POLICY
When you enroll your child at CLC, a registration form, immunization record, discipline policy, signed physician statement, North Carolina Childcare Law and Rules statement, and emergency information sheet must be completely filled out and remain current while your child attends the preschool. There is an annual nonrefundable registration fee that must be paid at the time of enrollment and renewed each school year.
It is extremely important for parents to keep emergency cards up to date at all times during the year. If your address, phone or mobile numbers change, it is imperative for you to notify the office. Also, please inform us if the numbers and addresses of your emergency contacts change.
Tuition is due and payable on the fifth of each month. Tuition is considered late if not paid by the tenth of the month. At this time, a late fee of $25.00 will be assessed. A $29.00 service charge will be assessed for any returned check. Keep in mind that tuition is subject to change annually; however, you will receive notification before such change becomes effective.
VACATION/ILLNESS
Tuition is continuous throughout the year. There are no deductions for absences, illness, or holidays that occur throughout the year. Every student is entitled to a one-week vacation credit each year and this only excludes times when the school is already closed. A vacation request must be given in writing at least two weeks prior to the start of the vacation.
WITHDRAWAL
If a parent wishes to withdraw a child from the school, a two-week written notice must be given to the administrator. CLC reserves the right to dismiss a child (in our sole discretion) for unsatisfactory behavior or if we feel that we do not have adequateresources or educational expertise for the educational, medical or physical needs of the child.
SCHOOL DAY
CLC opens and operates during the hours of 7:30am-5:30pm Monday through Friday, excluding the holidays that are specified on the school calendar. If your child remains at the school after the closing time, the parent is responsible for payment of $1.00 per minute late fee after the 5:30 closing time.
Your child’s schedule for the day will include group times, language development activities, mathematics development activities, learning centers, free choice activities, large and small motor development, social interaction with peers and teachers, art, music, cooking activities, multicultural activities, and science exploration. Snack time, lunchtime, outside time, and rest time are also an integral part of your child’s day at CLC. All of these areas allow for your child to gain the complete preschool experience.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
CLC of Wilmington views discipline as the helpful guidance and encouragement of teachers in order to influence and impact children as they grow and learn.
This approach encourages children to interact and become involved with one another as well as their surroundings. Appropriate behavior will be encouraged through frequent praise and positive discipline. Inappropriate behavior will be discouraged through redirecting a child or examining the logical and natural consequences of a particular action. As a last resort, a “time-out” or “take a break” period will be used. A “time-out” period is defined as a period of time when the child is removed from the group but within view of the teacher at all times. This time will be short, one minute per age of the child.
If a child’s behavior continues to be an ongoing problem, CLC recommends an observation and evaluation by an intervention specialist from ECHOES (Enhancing Childhood through Outreach and Educational Services) or another service agency. CLC reserves the right to dismiss a child if his/her behavior is threatening.
Our goal at CLC is to remain positive with regards to discipline. Our staff pledges to follow the following guidelines with regards to discipline:
1. emphasize what the child should do; not what he/she should not do
2. make discipline an ongoing process-not just a one time occurrence
3. set an example to follow instead of insisting on obedience
4. accept a child’s need to assert him/herself
5. foster a child’s ability to think instead of thinking for the child
6. bolster a child’s self-esteem instead of defeating it
7. help shape a child’s behavior instead of condemning misbehavior
The staff at CLC pledges to always avoid the following:
1. physical abuse, including rough handling, pushing, shaking, etc.
2. methods that will shame, frighten and humiliate a child
3. comparisons among children that foster competitiveness and affects self esteem
4. carry-overs from the incident
5. consequences that are too long, too punitive, or postponed
6. too many rules
7. make promises that we cannot keep
8. being overly helpful as to stifle a child’s creativity and independence
9. threatening children with a loss of affection
The following items of discipline are STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
1. denial of food
2. corporal punishment, sarcasm, yelling, and use of outside threats (monsters, police, etc.)
3. isolation in which the child is left totally unattended (out of view of staff)
NUTRITION POLICY/FOOD SERVICE
CLC offers nutritious morning and afternoon snacks with an occasional “fun” snack or “treat”. A weekly snack menu is posted on the refrigerator door in the kitchen. CLC does not provide breakfast. Children must bring their lunches in a labeled, durable container that must be stored in the refrigerator in the kitchen. We do, however, provide 100% fruit juice with snacks and 2% milk with lunches (whole milk will be provided in the toddler room). Parents must follow a nutritionally balanced guideline in which the child must receive a protein (meat or meat alternate), grain (bread, pasta, crackers), two fruits, two vegetables, or one of each daily. Please inform us of any special dietary needs your child may have.
PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
North Carolina Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Laws require that CLC of Wilmington will report any suspected child abuse and neglect as follows:
*Notify the Department of Social Services and report the suspected abuse and neglect.
*Department of Social Services must investigate within 24 hours of taking the report. At this time, the Department of Social Services may meet with the child one on one. CLC will work in cooperation with the Department of Social Services. The North Carolina Division of Child Development will also make a visit to CLC.
*The Department of Social Services will notify the parent or guardian.
*Information will remain confidential and will be treated as such.
*If a parent decides to move a child from CLC, the staff will make every effort to help place the child in a new childcare setting.
ITEMS FOR PARENTS TO SEND TO SCHOOL
Parents are asked to send a complete change of labeled clothes (including socks) to be kept at school in case of emergency/accident. Parents must also send their child to school wearing the appropriate outerwear based upon the weather. All coats, hats, mittens should be labeled with the student’s name. All children are encouraged to bring in their favorite sleep “friend” in addition to a blanket/crib sheet/pillow that is special to them. These items will be stored on your child’s hook outside of the classroom and will be used at rest time. Guns, weapons, jewelry, money, gum and toys from home are not allowed at school. However, it is appropriate to send in a sharing item on designated Show and Tell day. Medication is NOT allowed in cubbies or bookbags.
BIRTHDAYS
CLC encourages you to celebrate you child’s birthday outside of school. However, please notify your child’s teacher if you plan to bring a special snack for your child’s big day. CLC’s staff is not responsible for distributing party invitations and we encourage parents to distribute these invitations outside of school. If you are looking for a great way to celebrate your child’s birthday, we encourage you to make a book donation to the school. Then a bookplate indicating the book donor and the event that the donation was given in honor of will be placed inside the book and placed in CLC’s library.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
CLC feels very strongly that a major key to children’s success is parental involvement. We encourage every parent to join his or her child’s classroom at anytime. We would like for every parent to join us on field trips, all school activities, and spend time in the classroom. Each student will receive a My Day each day which gives the parents a detailed overview of their child’s complete day. We feel that parental support enables each child to have the complete preschool experience.
*CLC will give a $50.00 credit towards tuition for any referral that completes enrollment.
SPECIAL CONCERNS
At anytime throughout the year, CLC welcomes any suggestions or concerns that you may have. We strive to have an open door policy between parents and staff. Parents may make a suggestion or complaint to the teacher or administrator. Parents, who are not satisfied with these results from the teacher, may contact the administrator for further discussion and inquiry.
CLEANING DUTIES
CLC contracts a nightly cleaning service. This service cleans 5 nights a week (sinks, bathrooms, water fountains, sweeps, mops, vacuums, cleans windows and doors). On a monthly basis, the cleaning service will dust, clean baseboards, and wash walls. Twice a year, the floors will be buffed and waxed and carpet will be cleaned. Throughout the day, teachers are required to dispose of trash into an outdoor dumpster, sweep, mop, and sanitize tables after lunch as well as to make sure the room is neat and orderly.
FIRE DRILLS
As required by law, CLC will have monthly fire drills. It is required for all students, parents, and staff to participate in such drills while on campus. Please take the time to discuss with your child the importance of these drills.
POLICIES FOR SICK CHILDREN/MEDICATION
CLC is dedicated to the well being of each child. We maintain our sick policy in order to reduce the spread of illness to other children, to prevent constant spread of colds, flu, and diarrhea, as well as to enable the child to fully recuperate from an illness before it develops into a serious illness.
Illness
A child must stay at home in relaxed, comfortable environment where they can fully recuperate. Parents will be contacted to pick up their child if they have any of the symptoms below. A child who is sent home must be free of these symptoms for a 24-hour medicine free period before they may return to school. This enables all students to fully recover from an illness as well as reducing the spread of an illness within a classroom. These symptoms are:
*A fever of 100 or more.
*Vomiting within the previous 24-hour period.
*Diarrhea within the previous 24-hour period.
*A heavy nasal discharge indicative of infection.
*A constant cough or sore throat.
*Fussy, cranky behavior-generally not him/herself.
*A skin rash, other than diaper rash.
*Head lice.
*Symptoms of a communicable disease.
If a child has had an illness, they may return to school if they have been seen by a doctor and not diagnosed as contagious. All children at CLC will be involved in physical activity whether it be indoor or outdoor as described in the curriculum. If a parent feels that their child is not well enough to join in, then the child will be more comfortable at home. CLC is not equipped to accommodate sick children. Our Sick Child room is strictly designed for children who are removed from the classroom when not feeling well while waiting for their parent to pick them up.
Medication
*CLC cannot administer over the counter or prescription medication to any child (this includes hand soaps, ointments, lip balms, etc.) The only exceptions to this rule are Epipens, Benadryl, and Inhalers for life-threatening allergies per a physician’s signature and diaper cream in the toddler room.
*One bottle of sunscreen may be used for every child after the parent has signed a written permission form.
TRANSPORTATION
CLC does not provide transportation to or from school; nor do we provide before or after school care. Children are transported to extra curricular activities and field trips during the course of the year. Children must follow the rules below while riding in the vehicle:
*Remain seated at all times, facing the front of the vehicle
*Wear seat belts at all times
*No eating or drinking on the vehicle
*Loud noise or distracting behavior is not allowed
*Dangerous objects will not be allowed
*Fighting and pushing is not allowed
*Doors shall be opened and closed by an adult
*Children may not extend any part of their body from the vehicle
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are planned by the teachers and follow the academic theme/unit within the classroom. Parents will receive ample notice of field trips and will be asked to sign the appropriate travel forms. Field trips will not be taken unless an adequate number of parents or staff is available to chaperone the trip. All children must ride in a car seat. Parents must securely buckle and label their child’s car seat on the vehicle. If a student does not provide a car seat, they may not be allowed to attend the field trip. All school rules and regulations must be followed while attending field trips.
STAFF
CLC adheres to all state requirements for licensed childcare facilities. Lead teachers are required to have a four-year degree in a child related field and are hired according to their education, experience within the field, and their genuine love for children. Our teachers continue their education by attending professional development workshops and enhancement activities. They are warm, caring individuals dedicated to the education of young children. CLC adheres to the established child/teacher ratios and takes it one step further to remain at the 5 star child/teacher ratios.
CURRICULUM
At CLC, our day is made up of a program that includes group time, language development/
readiness, math readiness, learning centers, art, music, multicultural activities, cooking, and science. Incorporating all of these learning areas enables each student to receive a well-rounded education that will prepare them for a lifetime of learning.
Group time is used to begin the day and to inform the student in an educational manner about a particular lesson during the day. Morning group consists of concepts such as calendar, pledge, songs, fingerplays, discussions, days of week, weather, and helpers for the day, etc. Other group times are used to inform the student of the main concepts of language lessons, math lessons, science lessons, etc.
Language development/readiness helps to develop a child’s oral language, vocabulary/sentence development, and listening skills. It also enables students to gain knowledge of communication with peers and adults as well as to foster a true love for active learning.
Math readiness allows the student to explore manipulatives in order to gain a true understanding of the basic concepts of mathematics. While exploring with math concepts, students will learn basic shapes, one to one correspondence, graphing, classification, measurement, patterning, and estimation.
Learning centers enable each student to explore and grow within a group setting. Students explore in Block Center, Dramatic Play Center, Manipulative Center, Book/Listening Center, Sand and Water Center, Easel Center, Art Center, and Science Center. Students will work independently, make decisions, and interact with peers while participating in the daily classroom centers.
Extra Curricular activities are offered to our students and are well received. We offer Dance (ages 3 and up), Gymnastics (ages 3 and up), Music and Movement, Computers, Early Art and Spanish on a weekly basis with an additional fee.
STUDENT ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
CLC requires all children to be signed in and out daily when they arrive and depart from school. Children must be escorted to their classrooms by their parents and all children must wash their hands when entering the classroom. Pertinent information will be located on a bulletin board at the entrance to each child’s classroom.
If a parent cannot pick up their child from school, a prior phone call or written authorization from the parent must be given to the teacher and administrator in order for the child to be released to anyone other than the parent.
Parents will be issued two key fobs to enter the building. If you lose your key fob at any time throughout the course of the year you will be charged $10 to replace it. You will also be charged $10 for not returning the fob(s) when your child is finished at CLC.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
CLC of Wilmington follows the New Hanover County Public School with regards to closings and delays.
CLOSURE
In closing, we are so very excited to have your child at Children’s Learning Center and are looking forward to a loving, educational experience with each family!
PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
Child’s Name____________________________
Address________________________________
________________________________
Phone Number___________________________
Please sign and return this page to the office.
I have received and read Children’s Learning Center’s Parent Handbook. The handbook is available in hard copy form by request. CLC encourages parents to read the handbook on our website: www.clcwilmington and enter the password “children” to view the contents.
I understand the enclosed policies and procedures and agree to adhere to these policies while my child is enrolled at CLC.
I have received a copy of the NC Law and Rules summary sheet and have read it thoroughly.
I give permission for CLC to use my child’s photo for networking/promotional purposes.
I have received and read CLC’s Discipline Policy that is located in the Parent Handbook.
Parent Signature ___________________________
Director Signature __________________________
Date__________________________
