1163 Clear Leaf Drive, Bryan, TX 77803
abcchildcarebryan.com
[email protected]
Add us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCDualLanguageLearningCenter
Monday-Friday
7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. year round {1}
Parent Handbook 2015- Operational Policies and Procedures
ABOUT ABC Dual Language Learning Center (ABC DLLC)
At ABC Dual Language Learning Center we know that high quality care during childhood is an important foundation for a child’s
future. With our exceptional staff and brand new facility, we are happy to provide a unique and high early childhood preschool
and after school program. Additionally, Children attending ABC Dual Language Learning Center gain the ability to participate in
well planned activities and lessons presented in both English and Spanish. During activities such as circle time, small groups,
centers, and outside play children gain vocabulary in both languages.
OUR MISSION, PHILOSOPHY & CURRICULUM
At ABC DLLC, our vision is to provide a Dual Language child care and pre-school program while promoting physical, emotional and
intellectual growth through well-planned and age-appropriate activities. In better preparing our students for a higher
education, ABC DLLC’s challenging program is designed to develop pre-literacy skills in both English and Spanish. We
understand how difficult it is for you to leave your child with someone else; therefore, we are committed to providing
exceptional services for your child along with a safe inviting learning environment. The center provides an active learning
program with hands-on activities encouraging inquiry and interest in learning. Educators deliver lessons targeting individuality
and the needs of every child.
To encourage the acquisition of a second language:
•
Children are exposed to English and Spanish depending on their age.
•
Instructional learning materials are presented in both languages.
•
Children are encouraged to speak both languages
•
Educators encourage children to develop and reach their maximum potential by delivering daily well-planned activities
during circle-time, small group, centers and outside play (whenever weather permits).
PERSONNEL: Our Early Childhood Educators (ECE)
•
ECE are highly trained and exceed the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ standards.
•
•
•
•
ECE participate in monthly professional development training and meetings.
ECE are certified and trained in CPR, First Aid, preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and Sudden Infant Death.
All employees have a clean criminal background
Educators participate in yearly (1) hour course on recognizing and preventing child abuse. {25[A]}
Educators and employees are encouraged but not required to receive any vaccines. If you would like information on
vaccine-preventable diseases please visit the Center for Disease Control’s Website:
http://www.cdc.goc/vaccines/schedules/downloads/adult/adult-schedule.pdf (46.501.27) {27}
Our Program Director
Mrs. Mejia has an extensive educational and personal background that qualifies her to direct and manage ABC Dual Language
Learning Center. Her experience as a mother, classroom teacher, mentor and administrator enable her to make decisions that
are always focused on the well-being of the children and their families. The Program Director’s knowledge and skills in child
development provide her with the skills to ensure a high quality learning environment and understanding for each child. Mrs.
Mejia has worked in public schools as a teacher, a summer school Assistant Principal and a campus bilingual mentor. At A&M she
earned a Teacher Certification for Early Childhood to Fourth Grade and a Master of Education and Instructional Leadership
1
from Sam Houston State University. Mrs. Mejia and the educators at ABC DLLC are committed to providing the best early
childhood program possible to reach each child’s maximum potential.
SERVICES:
Our services are tailored for parents who:
•
Consider their children’s education a priority
•
Understand the importance of acquiring a second language
•
Know the impact that a high quality early childhood program has on their child’s future
•
Are willing to support and help in any way possible our program
Our Holidays (2015 School Year)*:
We are open year-round except the following days:
1/1/2015 – 1/2/2015
Closed for New Year’s
3/20/2015
Closed for Spring Day
4/3/2015
Closed for Staff Development and training
5/25/2015
Closed for Memorial Day
8/3/2015
Closed for Staff Development and training
9/7/2015
Closed for Labor Day
11/25/2015
Open ½ day (7am – 1pm only)
11/25/2015 – 11/27/2015
Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
12/23/2015
Open ½ day (7am – 1pm only)
12/24/2015 – 12/31/2015 Closed for Winter Vacation
*****Dates are subject to change. Additional closings may be announced throughout the year.
*During bad weather days or during any other emergency we will follow BISD closings and returning schedule.
Tuition and Fees:
To provide a high quality services and dual language program, maintain lower ratios and maintain highly trained personnel; we
need to collect payments in full and in a timely manner. No reimbursement or reduction will be given if your child is absent for
any reason, such as: sickness, holidays, family emergencies, severe weather closings, and/or vacations. Tuition and fees are
payable in advance. Parents are to choose between paying twice a month (on the 1st and 15th of the month) or monthly. CCMS
participants are required to pay full amount at the beginning of the month). Payments are considered late on the 3rd working
day after the due date. A late fee of $15.00 will be charged for each late day.
ABC Dual Language Learning Center reserves the right to send unpaid accounts to a collection service of our choice. This
collection service may contact you on our behalf and attempt to collect unpaid tuition and/or fees.
5 DAYS Monday -Friday
6 weeks-23months
2-5 years
School age
children
7:00-5:30
$710.00
$650.00
Only during
summer
8:00-12:00
No part time
services offered
$430.00
XXX
8:00-2
No part time
services offered
$600.00
XXX
Pick up after
school - 5:30
XXXXXXXX
Ask for
prices
*Meals are included: Breakfast/Lunch/PM Snack
After school children: Supper
2
Fees


Registration
$80.00 (One Time Only, Non-refundable)
Security Deposit
(equal to 2 weeks of tuition) - to be applied to last two weeks of enrollment
(only if two week withdraw notice are given).

Supplies
$80.00
(twice a year at registration and/or January and August)

Assessment
$25.00 (optional)
Other Fees that will apply:

Late Payment:
$15.00 every day late (after 3rd day ABC will not provide service)

Returned check: $40.00

Late pick up:
$10.00 first 5 minutes, every minute after will be $1.00 added. Late pick-up fee
should paid to the ECE waiting for you.. Late pick up fee applies to part time and full time children
**NOTE: Part-time and After School Services are offered only when there is availability in the class. When capacity has been
reached parents will be given the opportunity to increase their hours to full time or withdraw their child from the center.
To Enroll Your Child
Please bring the following forms 24 hrs before your child starts. After enrolled, update or update information every year:
•
Enrollment forms
•
Registration form
•
Health requirement form (signed by doctor)
•
Discipline form
•
Picture Consent Form

Copy of the immunization record with all UPDATED vaccinations (TB testing not required in Brazos County) {9,10}
•
Doctor’s note if a child has any allergies or special conditions we should be aware about
•
Hearing and Visions screenings (children 4 years and older) {11}
•
Parent handbook acknowledgment
•
Infant & toddler supplemental form
•
Food program enrollment forms
•
Feeding Instructions for Infants
•
***Make sure to read the complete parent Handbook before signing it and keep a copy for your records Parents will be
notified modifications made within two weeks {12}
Other items needed:
•
For infants please bring 2 crib mattress’ sheets
•
For every walking child 1 nap map, small blanket(optional)
•
Package of “take and toss” sippy cups (for ABC’s use)
•
Change of clothes
•
Diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes, and ointment (infants)
•
Formula or Breast Milk (infants)
•
ZIPLOC XL BAG 10 gallon size (box-4 count) sold at Target (every April)
•
Please label your child’s belongings for easy identification ABC DLLC is not responsible for any items lost.
ABC DLLC has extra diapers and baby wipes, a fee of $3.00 will be charged to your account for each diaper used.
Bring your child well- rested, clean, (babies must have clean diaper) and appropriately dressed for the weather and
activities. DFPS requires for children participate in outdoor activities in which the children use both small and large
muscles, both in the morning and afternoon. Send your child with play-clothes and close-toes shoes
We understand children are attached to toys, blankets, etc. However, to avoid conflicts we ask you to keep those items at home.
DFPS does not allow swaddled infants; babies need to sleep on their backs, soft or loose beddings, blankets, toys, pillows and
other items are not allowed in the crib.
Waiting List:
If a class is full, you are welcome to place your child’s name on the waiting list by paying a non-refundable $10.00 fee.
Available spaces will be offered based on the order of families on the waiting list.
**Priority will be given to children whose siblings are enrolled at ABC DLLC**
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Adding your child’s name to the waiting list does not ensure your child a space by the time you will need service. We will inform
families on the waiting list as soon as a space becomes available. You will then have the option to accept the space (by paying
applicable deposits, tuition, etc) or decline. If you decline the available space we will call the next family on the waiting list.
Breakfast/Lunch/Snacks {8}
*Children over 1 year:
ABC Dual Language learning center will serve breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack for all enrolled children at ABC. These
snacks and meals meet the nutritional needs of all children. We will also provide 1% milk and 100% juice. If your child has any
allergies and/or a special diet, please provide us with a doctor’s note so that we can provide alternate meal components.
Employees are trained on food allergies and ensuring that they are protected. In order to meet the federal food program
guidelines we must offer every child our meals (regardless of whether or not they eat it). At ABC liquids and foods hotter than
110 degrees Fahrenheit are kept out of reach of children.
*Babies under 1 year:
ABC will provide purees (for babies over 8 months) and a brand formula of our choice for babies less than 1 year of age.
Children under 12 months must drink formula milk unless doctor’s note is provided. If you wish to provide baby food or formula
for your baby (under 1 year), you are more than welcome to bring it.
We support breastfeeding mothers; you are more than welcome to come at any time to feed your baby. We have a comfortable
chair for you to feed your baby or you may bring non-frozen breast milk in bottles {24}
***Water is available to the children at all times (including during meals, snacks, and after active play)
***ABC will provide drinks for all children, there will be no need for parents to send child with any liquids other than breast
milk (for infants).
Parent Participation/ Notifications {6, 19}
•
ABC DLLC Parent-Teacher Group (organize social events; help teachers in preparing materials, fundraisers, etc.){19}
•
Parent or Teacher Arranged Conferences (by parent or teacher request)
•
Procare messages, e-mails, newsletters
•
Verbal communication (in person, phone calls,…)
•
Child’s Folder (Child’s work, updates, incident reports, invoices…)
•
Daily Report (Only in infant classroom)
•
Annual Parents’ Meeting
•
Classroom and ABC DLLC bulletin board (lesson plans, daily schedule, etc.), e-mail, telephone calls…{-6}
•
Open house
Other information:
•
Circle time begins at 8:45 am bring your child before that time We do not want him/her to miss instructional time.
Children arriving after 9:00 am will not be admitted into ABC DLLC except in the case of emergency, doctors appointment
(with note), or if a previous arrangement has been made with an ABC DLLC administrator
•
Breakfast is served before 8:30am.After that time you are welcome to stay with your child in the workroom while he/she
finishes eating their breakfast
•
At dismissal time ensure to clock your child out before picking them up from classroom.
•
To avoid late fees, pick up your child before 5:30 pm.
•
We will be more than happy to celebrate your child’s birthday. You are welcome to bring store bought mini-cupcakes (with
ingredients listed on the package) for the whole class. Please let us know ahead of time.
•
Staff Meetings – Last Thursday of every month parents are asked to pick their kids up before 5:00pm to allow our
teachers time for professional training and staff development.
•
We offer transportation services for School-Age children, from some elementary schools to ABC DLLC. Drivers are
trained to follow t the guidelines required.
•
After School/Enrichment Program will have the opportunity to go on field trips. In accordance with the minimum
standards we will notify the parents 2 weeks in advance, have permission slips ready, location information and teacher
contact information will be posted in classroom as well as handed to parents {13 & 15}
•
ABC will have Splash Day once a year, where children play with water tables, spray bottles and water hoses {14}
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Open Door Policy and Surveillance System
Parents are welcome to visit ABC at anytime. However, we prefer not interrupt activities, so you are welcome to watch life
streaming surveillance system. We discourage visits and/or pickups during your child’s naptime, except in an event of an
emergency or doctor’s appointment {18}
Our services include a video surveillance system, with cameras in rooms and playground. Our keyless entry system it allows us
to provide a safe and secure environment; Authorized staff and parents have granted entry with a private entry code
Procedure for releasing children {2} We will release your child only with an adult whose name is on file and authorized to pick
up. If you designate someone else to pick up your child, please send a written notice with the person’s name or inform us and
ask designated adult to bring a picture ID prior to your child’s pick up time. For safety reasons we will need a copy of a picture
ID before releasing your child.
Please check your child in and out (before picking them up from classroom) every day using the biometric scanner system
located at the front desk. Ensure that your child is next to you at all the time and never unattended in the building and/ or
parking lot.
•
Once the child has been checked out, the parent/authorized pick up person is responsible for the child’s well being regardless
of whether or not they are still in the building or on our premises. Then, ABC DLLC and its employees are not responsible for
children once they have been checked out or have not check in.
Parents will have access code to enter the building and should not open the other for anybody even another parent. He or she
has their code to entry unless access has been denied. Visitors must sign in and out every time they enter the building, even if
they are with you. If the computer system, Procare is not available for any reason please sign your child out on the sign in/out
log (at front desk).
Safety is our Priority!
WE do a lot to provide a safe environment for your child. Some of the features we offer is the Fingersafe Door Safety
System installed in most of the classrooms, enclosed playground, key-less entry system, biometric system to check
in/out your child and gates at the door of classrooms of youngest children. Video Surveillance system to monitor facility
and grounds. Help us keep your child SAFE!
*Let’s prevent accidents by ensuring your child is close to you when vehicles are present.
*Please make your phone calls before entering ABC
*If you need to speak with your child’ educator be short since they need to supervise children at all the times
*Leaving a child unattended in the hallway or lobby is a direct violation of childcare licensing regulations
*Please do not allow your child to wear valuable jewelry to ABC DLLC. Children under 23 months old may not wear bracelets or
necklaces of any kind. Children 2 years and older may only wear earnings with a closed, bell shaped (no post visible) screw on
back with a small front. Children are attracted to large shiny objects and might attempt to grab or pull out shiny jewelry
*ABC DLLC is a gang-free zone within 1000 feet of the facility
•
Annual Inspections and Drills
This facility is inspected at least once a year by the following agencies Fire Marshall, Health Department (sanitation and food
establishment inspection), Food Program and Department of Family and Protective Services. Reports of inspections are posted
outside Mrs. Mejia’s office. At ABC, we do Fire, Weather, and other drills to help children be prepared if a real emergency
occurs.
•
Dispensing medications:
Medications should be in the original container with the child’s name and date. Parents will be required to fill out and sign a
medication authorization prior to medication being given by ABC to your child. Over the counter medications must have dosing
directions as well instructions for your child’s specific age and weight, unless doctor’s note is provided. {4}
Parents are welcome to come by ABC and give their child medication or treatment at any time.
It is not allowed to add any medication to any liquids and or food for any child.
5
Parent will be notified:
If your child shows symptoms of illness, he/she will be separated from the group and parents will be contacted and asked to
pick him/her up. If your child is sick or is becoming sick, please keep him/her at home to prevent the spread of illness. You,
better than we, can provide the special care and attention that your child needs while ill, so keep your little one at home. {3}
•
If your child shows the following symptoms will not be accepted into the facility: Fever over 100 degrees (armpit), diarrhea,
convulsions, lethargy, abnormal breathing, rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling, vomiting, heavy cough, green nasal
discharge, undiagnosed rash or blisters, eye and/or skin infections, behavior changes, signs of communicable disease or
undiagnosed injuries (swelling, bruises, redness, etc). If illness prevents the child from participation comfortably in activities
and illness requires greater need for care. Also, a child who has vomited or experienced diarrhea in the past twenty-four hour
must be kept at home.
We will notify you and notify respective agencies (if needed), within 48 hours if:
*a child or employee contract a communicable disease, or if there is an infestation in the group
*if your child has been placed in a dangerous situation. For example: the caregiver forgetting a child in the car or left the child
unsupervised
*the facility due to weather has been involved in a flood, fire, etc.
Preparedness Plan & Evacuation Procedures {23}
In case of bad weather or other emergencies that require us to evacuate the building:
•
Parents will be informed by email or/and phone (as soon as circumstances permit) to pick their child up.
•
Local authorities will be informed
•
If relocation is needed we will use Jane Long Middle School (1106 N Harvey Mitchell Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77803
(979) 209-6500) or to McDonald’s (451 N Harvey Mitchell Pkwy Bryan TX 77807. (979) 823-2150)
•
Program director will give staff instructions to evacuate the building. Teachers will carry emergency bags containing
emergency contact information of every child and caregiver, attendance records, and emergency items.
•
The Bears’ class teacher will arrive at the above stated location with her kids first and will be accountable for keeping
children safe and maintaining records of the children in her care and the children that have been dropped off.

Children under 24 months or low mobility will be evacuated using the evacuation cribs
•
Teachers’ assistants and other personnel will transport children in ABC’s vehicles and their own vehicles to JLMS or
McDonald’s. Once all children and caregivers are at the relocation site, the program director and caregivers will make sure
that all the children on the rosters are present at the location site. The director and teachers will ensure that all children
were evacuated and are safe.

Once all children are present and accounted for, the program director will assign duties and will start contacting parents
and local authorities.

Once children are safe we will contact the local police (979)209-5387, fire department (979)361-3888 and Child care
Licensing (1800-252-5400) if they have not previously been contacted.
ABC DLLC has policies in place to protect your child in the event of a pandemic flu, a lock down emergency, or an intruder
emergency. For more information about our Emergency Preparedness Plan, our pandemic flu plan, our lock down policies, and
other important emergency information please see the Emergency/Parent Information binder in ABC DLLC’s lobby.
Illness/ Injuries
We take all the precautions to avoid injuries, but in the event that a child becomes sick or injured and requires medical
attention, while in our care, we will provide first aid, call parents, and/or 911 (if required). Written injury reports will be
provided to the parent {5 & 6}. For less serious injuries we will notify the designated adult at the time child is picked up.
Injuries such as scratches, minor cuts, falls, and bites from other children that may or may not have required first- aid from
employees.
Educators perform a visual check/evaluation (from head to toe) of each child. Please inform us if your child arrives to ABC’s
with injuries occurred under your care. {26}
6
Child Abuse or Neglect
If a child shows evidence of abuse, we are required to notify the Department of Family and Protective Services. Teachers
and staff are trained annually to prevent and respond to child abuse or neglect.
In case you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse/neglect please obtain appropriate help by contacting {25[E]}
*College Station/ Bryan Police Department (979)209-5387
*Emergency 911
*Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-255-5402
*Child Care Licensing (979)731-0130 Website: www.dfps.state.tx.us {21}
To increase employees and parent awareness including warning signs regarding child abuse and neglect reach out the following
local agencies.{25[B,C, D]}
*Voices for Children, Inc. CASA of Brazos Valley (979) 822 – 9700
*Brazos Valley Children’s Advocacy Center/Scotty’s House (979) 703 - 8813
Texas Law requires caregivers to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the TDPS or law enforcement. Failure to report
suspected abuse or neglect is a crime.
Notices
*A two-week notice is required for the following:
*Two weeks withdrawing notice are required in order to get deposit back, whether or not your child is in attendance
*Services will not be provided if payment is not received in full and on time
*ABC DLLC reserves the right to deny services at any time for any child or family with or without reason.
We ask parents to help us maintain high standards regarding our dress code. Help us comply with a standard dress code when
picking up and dropping off your kids. We reserve the right to deny access to the building to anyone whose attire is, at our
discretion, extravagant, out of place, or not appropriate for our business. Please cover your large tattoos, any clothing that is,
or might be, distracting to the learning environment.
Tax statement forms will be released in January of every year via e-mail; ensure your balance is paid off before requesting
the form.
Complaints and Suggestions{17}}
Please feel free to offer suggestions and/or comments at any time. Anonymous comments may be placed in the black box
located by the program director’s office. If a conflict occurs, please discuss the situation with your child’s educator. If your
concern is not resolved, please contact the program director {17}
We encourage our parents to form positive relationships with their child’s educator. However, no outside job may be offered
to ABC Dual Language Learning Center employees.
Parents are always welcome to review ABC’s copy of {20}
*Minimum Standards
*ABC DLLC’s most recent Licensing Inspection Report
These documents are also available online at www.dfps.state.tx.us
Non-discrimination Policy
The center is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), the age discrimination Act of
1975 (Public Law 94-135) and Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public law 93-112). This is an equal opportunity program. No person, in
the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, political beliefs, or religion, be
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination. If you believe you have
been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, age, sex a disability, political beliefs, or religion, you may
lodge a complaint against ABC Dual Language Learning Center by immediately writing and calling the Civil Rights Department,
Texas Department of Human Services, P.O. box 19030, Austin Texas 78714-9030512/450-3630
Thank you for choosing ABC DLLC!
KEEP A COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT FOR YOUR RECORDS
7
Child’s Name _____________________________ Parent’s Name:________________________________
2015 Parent ABC DLLC Contract Agreement
I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the ABC Dual Language Learning Center Handbook. By signing below
I agree to all the policies and terms listed in the ABC DLLC Handbook, therefore, will comply with all the provisions contained
herein, and shall at any time there be any changes I will be notified within two weeks.
Initials
Date:__________
Responsibility Consent
Under ABC Premises (in and outside building); I understand that I am responsible for my child until I have delivered him/her to
designated room under the educator’s acknowledgement. I also understand that I am responsible for my child after he/she is
dismissed to me.
Initials
Date:__________
Meal and Snacks Policy {8}
I understand that ABC DLLC provides healthy meals and snacks for my child at no cost to me. However, if I choose to
provide, at any time, my child’s meals/snacks from home: I understand that ABC DLLC will not be responsible for its
nutritional value or for meeting my child’s daily food needs. I also understand that my child is not allowed to bring any
beverages with added sugar including chocolate milk and other products that might cause conflicts with other children
such as candies.. I will only provide or 1% milk. I understand to ensure safety of food brought from home must be able to
stay at room temperature or brought ion means to keep appropriate temperature. In addition I understand that ABC is not
responsible for warming up food.
Initials
Date:__________
Discipline and Guidance Policy for ABC Dual Language Learning Center, LLC
Discipline must be:
•
Individualized and consistent for each child;
•
Appropriate to the child’s level of understanding; and
•
Directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-control.
•
A caregiver may only use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage
self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction, which include at least the following:
•
Using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing only upon unacceptable behavior;
•
Reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements;
•
Redirecting behavior using positive statements; and
•
Using brief supervised separation or time out from the group, when appropriate for the child’s age and development,
which is limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age.
•
There must be no harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment of any child.
•
The following types of discipline and guidance are prohibited:
•
Corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment;
•
Punishment associated with food, naps, or toilet training;
•
Pinching, shaking, or biting a child;
•
Hitting a child with a hand or instrument;
•
Putting anything in or on a child’s mouth;
•
Humiliating, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child;
•
Subjecting a child to harsh, abusive, or profane language;
•
Placing a child in a locked or dark room, bathroom, or closet with the door closed; and
•
Requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of time for the child’s age
•
Actively engaged children are most likely to behave as expected. On a daily basis we reinforce our rules and
regulations, which are clear, fair, and situation appropriate. However, when our rules and regulations are not
followed, we will ask the child to sit and think about the situation (minutes are according to child’s age, one minute
per year). If behavior, poses a threat against self or others in the center, such as defiance authority, use of harsh
language, bites, etc. parent will be notified and asked to sign a behavior report and child might be discontinued from
program {7}
•
Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Chapters 746 and 747, Subchapters L, Discipline and Guidance
•
My signature verifies I have read and received a copy of this discipline and guidance policy.
Parent’s signature ________________________
Date _______________
8