Cedar Park First United Methodist Church

600 W. Park Street

Cedar Park, TX 78613

512-335-9540

www.childshaven.net

A Child’s Haven is in operation from August to May/June on Monday-Thursday from 9:00 – 1:00. We operate on the Leander ISD school calendar for holidays.

Our Vision

Our vision of A Child’s Haven is a Christian environment where the uniqueness of all children is celebrated and imaginations run free. We foster an environment where curiosity and creativity are rewarded. We promote individual and cooperative play, imagination and creativity, constructive ideas, individualism and self expression.

Our Team

Our preschool teachers provide age appropriate activities in each classroom. We strive to maintain low student to teacher ratios to allow us to meet your child where they are socially and academically. All of our classrooms with the exception of KInder Bridge, will have two teachers, a lead and assistant teacher to support your children throughout the day.

Our Mission

Our mission at A Child’s Haven is to provide an educational environment in which the Christian faith will be reflected. We will provide learning opportunities for children which are developmentally appropriate, intellectually stimulating, and spiritually nurturing in a safe, loving environment.

The Importance of Play

Our program philosophy is based on the premise that children learn about the world around them through play (active involvement with other children, adults, and materials). Learning takes place as young children touch, manipulate, and experiment with things and interact with people. The emphasis is on the experiences of the children rather than the results of those experiences. For example, painting is more important than what has been painted; building with blocks is more important than what is built. Days are filled with planned and spontaneous moments of learning. There’s time for active outdoor play, imaginative games, independent discovery and group time experiences.

• Assist children in learning to live comfortably in a social environment in addition to the family.

• Develop toleration and respect for individual and cultural differences through discussion, literature, and role modeling.

• Provide opportunities for the children to interact, guided by models of socially acceptable behavior.

• Enhance the child’s self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-confidence by offering many opportunities for a child to succeed, express ideas, and understand his/her emotions and to attain skills to control them (using peaceful conflict resolution).

• Provide opportunities for math, science, reading, memory skills, language development, and social science.

• Increase attention span and follow simple directions.

• Foster creativity and self-expression through art, music, and dramatic play.

• Develop small muscles by using scissors, paste, playdough, blocks, puzzles, beads, pegs, etc.

• Develop large muscles through outdoor activities such as climbing, riding a tricycle, running, etc.

• Stimulate and encourage curiosity and provide opportunities for problem solving.

• Encourage children to take care of their own needs with support from the adults in their environment.

• Foster a belief in God and to know that God loves them and cares for them.
  

A Child’s Haven Pre-K and Kinder Bridge Program Objectives:

Our Pre-K and Kinder Bridge programs prepare children for kindergarten by teaching the foundations of math, language arts and corporation. Children learn letter recognition, phonics, sight words and mathematical skills. The use of critical thinking skills to make predictions is taught along with hands-on science experiments. Guided Language/Literacy and math centers are a part of each week. The children grow academically, socially and emotionally with activities that are fun and engaging, for the perfect day. The children learn and are introduced to many aspects of education. If you would like to see what skills will be focused on throughout the year, please ask the Director and she will provide a list for you.

Screen Time

Screen time is only offered as part of our Pre-K and Kinder Bridge programs and is monitored closely. No more than 15 minutes will be allowed per day/ per child. Activities and programs will be provided by the teacher. This time will be used to work on:

• Identifying parts of the computer: keyboard, mouse, monitor

• Typing (first and last name)

• Manipulating the mouse

• Listening to read alouds, interactive songs, or mini videos to support learning

• Use of programs will be approved by Director

Christian Education

A Child’s Haven provides a Christian environment where God’s love is celebrated. Each week the teachers present a Bible story to the children in a developmentally appropriate way. Prayer is used appropriately throughout the day. Songs with A Christian message are used in the classroom on a regular basis. Children attend chapel once per week with one of the pastors from the church. A different fruit of the spirit is explored each month which is supported by our memory verse and class discussion.

Music and Movement

In addition to the daily music and movement time that your children will do with their teacher in class, they will attend a music and movement class once a week in the Gross Motor Room. This class will support:

• Self-Expression

• Hand-Eye Coordination

• Balance

• Language Development

• Rhythm

• Memory
  
  

Spanish

Young children learn a second language much like they learn their first: through songs, stories, talking, and playing. Once a week, our Spanish teacher will come into your child's class to teach Spanish basics through engaging hands-on lessons.

Outdoor Play

Children will have the opportunity for both moderate (which are levels of activity for a

child that are at intensities faster than a slow walk, but still allow the child to talk easily) and vigorous (which is rhythmic, repetitive physical movement for a child that uses large muscle groups, causing the child to breathe rapidly and only enabling the child to speak in short phrases) active play during their daily outdoor times that will be no less than 30 minutes per 4 hour day. There will be both teacher directed times as well as unstructured playtime which will allow time for children to work on their:

• Physical Strength

• Coordination

• Agility

• Self-Confidence

• Interpersonal Skills

• Fine-Motor Skills

• Gross-Motor Skills

Classes will go outside in all types of weather, so dress your child appropriately. Please provide a coat, hat, and mittens on cold days and dress in cool light clothing on warm days. We will go outside if it has rained that day or if it is raining lightly, so shoes that are easily washed are encouraged. If it is raining too hard to play outside, adjustments will be made and additional time in our Gross Motor Room will be offered.

Garden

The Howard Butterfly Classroom was added to our campus in the Spring of 2022. The children will have the opportunity to help with gardening tasks each week. Seasonal plants will be planted and grown by the children. When fruits and vegetables meet their maturity, the children will be able to taste the fruits of their labor. No chemical pesticides will be used in the garden to allow for the children to dig and explore in the soil. In addition to gardening, this space is available for teachers to use as an extension of their classrooms.

Admission Procedures

Registration for the following year is held in February. Church members and currently enrolled children have first priority. A waiting list is maintained according to the date the form was received.

Withdrawal Procedures

A Child’s Haven requires 30 days written notice before withdrawing your child from our program. If a 30 day notice is not given, you will be responsible for payment for that month’s tuition. (For example: If you withdraw from our program on January 18th, you are responsible for February’s tuition.)

Tuition

Tuition is based on a nine-month program and holidays and absences will cause no exception in the amount due. Days cannot be made up. Tuition rates are calculated hourly and averaged across 9 months.

Sibling discount: Full tuition for the first child (high tuition amount) and 10% reduction in tuition for each additional child.

Late Fees: Tuition is due on the first of each month and is considered late past the 10th. A late charge of $15.00 will be charged after the 10th of each month. If your payment is 30 days late an additional $15.00 fee will be applied. If your payment is more than 45 days late your child cannot attend class until you are paid in full. If you are not paid in full within 60 days from the payment due date, your child’s spot will be forfeited.

Late Departure

Children who are picked up after 1:10 p.m. will be escorted to the office. After 1:10 there is a late charge of $1.00 per minute.

Enrollment

Children are placed in a class based on their age as of September 1 of that school year. Kinder Bridge students must be 5 by early fall. All children must be enrolled before attending the center.

The following must be completed and submitted to the center:

• Enrollment Form

• Emergency Medical Form

• Health Requirements Form/Immunizations

• Immunization record (up to date and current, including child’s name, birth date, number of doses and type of vaccine, and date the child received each immunization, stamp, or signature from physician or health department). If immunizations were not given, a state mandated waiver form must be submitted to the preschool.

• Written document indicating the child is able to take part in the program from licensed health personnel.

• If your child has a diagnosed food allergy, the school must have a Food Allergy Emergency Form signed by the doctor.

• Hearing and Vision screening will be required for 4 year olds.

• Release Form

Notification of Absence

Please call the school if your child is going to be absent or update the Child Pilot app. A school staff member will contact you if your child is absent for 3 days. If your child is sick, please keep the school informed so we can alert other parents to possible communicable diseases. Our expenses do not vary if a child does not attend for a period of time. It is our policy that in order to hold a class position, tuition must be paid. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Financial Assistance

The school offers a need-based scholarship and tuition support. Parents needing financial assistance should talk to the director to obtain an application.

*Appendix E

Arrival and Departure

Children will be released only to individuals other than their parents if the following procedures are followed:

Persons listed on your child’s release form may pick your child up with proper identification. Please notify the teacher/director in advance if you know of a change in arrangements.

• Any person picking up a child in an impaired condition will be encouraged to allow us to find alternative transportation.

Health Checks/Ready to Learn

We follow the open Texas Guidelines which states that the child’s temperature must be less than 100 degrees.

Your child should arrive healthy and ready for a day of fun and exciting learning activities. A teacher or staff member will perform a health check to make sure each child is healthy upon arrival. We will look for any obvious signs of illness or injury, such as breathing difficulties, coughing, discharge from the nose or eyes, changes in skin color, bruising or swelling, cuts, sores or rashes.

The parent should inform the teacher about an existing injury or condition. Staff will document any condition that needs to be monitored during the school day. If the staff feels the child isn’t well enough to stay at school, we will require that the parent take the child home. The health check is required by child care licensing.

Illness

*Please review Appendix D for Covid Protocols

One of the most serious challenges facing group care situations for young children is preventing illness. The staff will strive to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. Proper hand washing procedures will be followed and taught to the children. The toys, eating surfaces and toileting and diaper equipment will be sanitized between children’s use. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease is to have strictly enforced standards regarding the exclusion of ill children. We need your help for this. Please do not bring ill children to school, and if your child becomes ill at school, please pick the child up immediately. According to the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, children cannot attend school if one or more of the following conditions exist:

• The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in facility activities.

• The illness results in a greater need for care than the staff can provide without compromising the health, safety, and supervision of the other children.

• The child has any one of the following:

• Armpit or ear temperature of 100 degrees or greater, accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness.

• Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness such as lethargy, uncontrolled breathing, uncontrolled diarrhea or vomiting illness (two or more episodes in 24 hours), rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling, wheezing, behavior change, or other unusual signs.

• The child has been diagnosed with a communicable disease, until medical evaluation determines that the child is no longer communicable and is able to participate in the facility’s activities.

If a child is not attending school, for any reason the parent is required to:

• Text the director and/or teacher stating absence is due to sickness or vacation

• If sickness, describe symptoms

• Director will keep a log of all symptoms/illnesses and date

• Email or text will be sent to parents about all contagious illnesses or spread of illness in the classroom

Lice Policy

A Child’s Haven is a no nit school. This means that children with live lice, live nits, or dead nits must be picked up from school, treated, and have nits manually removed. Because lice in Central Texas are becoming resistant to traditional treatments and because of the increase of cases in schools, the policy will be strictly enforced.

Toilet Learning Policy

Only our Toddler classrooms are equipped with diaper changing tables, so we strongly encourage parents to work with their older children and have them potty trained before enrolling in the Preschool, Pre-K, and Kinder Bridge classes as these classes are not equipped with diaper changing equipment. If you have an older child who is not using the potty independently, please let the director know when you register for a class.

During the potty training process, children who are routinely using the potty at home can sometimes have difficulty using it at school. We understand that toileting accidents are common, but if your child has more than one accident in a week, or if the child begins to have frequent accidents, we will ask you to bring the child in Pull-Ups for ease in changing. When the teacher feels confident that the child is ready to use the toilet at school she will inform the parents. Keeping the accident contained in a Pull-Up keeps the room sanitary for all children. It is also less embarrassing to the child.

Medications

A Child’s Haven staff will not be able to administer medication to children. Do not send medication with your child, including in their lunch box or diaper bag. Parents are welcome to come during school hours to administer medication to their child.

*Allergic reactions that require emergency use of EpiPen or Antihistamines are exempt.

Allergies

• Children with allergies may present with symptoms easily mistaken for COVID-19 symptoms. If children suffer from seasonal allergies, a note can be included from the doctor verifying that they are having allergies rather than COVID-19.

It is our policy to accommodate the needs of children who have food allergies. It is the responsibility of the parent to notify both the teacher and the director if a child has a food allergy. If a parent requests accommodation be made for their child at the school, we must receive written instructions from a physician as to the proper way to modify the school environment. State Licensing requires that if a child has a diagnosed food allergy, a written Food Allergy Emergency Plan, signed by a physician, must be given to the Director before the child can be admitted to the school. We reserve the right to declare certain classrooms to be allergen free.

Breastfeeding Policy

According to state law, mothers have the right to breastfeed and provide breast milk while their child is in a child care setting. Mothers are welcome to use chairs in our school building and in the sanctuary.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent

A Child’s Haven staff does not apply sunscreen or insect repellent to children. If you wish for your child to be treated with either, please apply before school. If it is necessary for a reapplication, please see the director for consent to apply form. This must be on file before ointments or sprays can be applied.

Inclement Weather

A Child’s Haven will follow the same closure schedule that is advised for the Leander ISD. If school is canceled for Leander ISD, the same applies to A Child’s Haven. In the case of closure or delay, the director will send an email to families and post on the Facebook page. Due to our unvarying expenses, tuition will not be refunded for inclement weather days.

Accidental Injuries

In the case of a serious accidental injury to your child, we will make an immediate attempt to contact a parent. If necessary, we will call 911 and an ambulance will take your child to Cedar Park Regional Medical Center or Dell Children’s Hospital. Because of this, it is essential for parent(s) to let us know the following information:

• Where you can be reached while your child is in attendance at the center.

• Physician’s name and phone number.

• Emergency contacts and phone numbers.

If injuries are not of a serious nature, we will apply first-aid and notify parents(s) at the end of the day in an accident report.

Emergency Procedures

Fire drills will be practiced every month to acquaint your child with evacuation procedures. Tornado drills and lockdown/shelter drills will be conducted four times per calendar year. An emergency evacuation diagram is posted in each classroom, which sets forth primary and secondary evacuation routes for staff and children in case of an emergency. Our emergency preparedness plan is posted in the classrooms, by the entry doors and by the back doors. Please refer to Appendix A for our complete Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Teacher Qualifications

All teachers for this program have to be CPR and first-aid trained, have a negative TB test, and must pass a criminal background check before they are employed. All volunteers for the program must have a background check before they may work with the children.

Staff Immunizations

Please see Appendix B for our policy on staff immunizations.

Child Abuse and Neglect

In an effort to protect the well-being and safety of children, the state of Texas requires anyone who suspects child abuse, exploitation or neglect to report it to the proper authorities. The staff are required by law to attend one hour or training annually for child abuse and neglect. A Child’s Haven receives up-to-date information from community organizations and the Department of Family and Protective Services. All suspect indicators will be documented and reported. Staff will communicate with administration about any concerns as to the well-being of children and/or families in the program and appropriate actions to take to obtain assistance and intervention. The school is required by law to cooperate with any investigation of child abuse and neglect. Information on recognizing child abuse as well as resource links and phone numbers have been posted in our hallway.

Child Custody Issues

It is the school’s intent to meet the needs of children especially when the parents may be experiencing difficult situations such as divorce, separation, or remarriage. Sharing information about such situations may be helpful to school staff and will be held in the strictest confidentiality. The school cannot legally restrict the non-custodial parents from visiting the child, reviewing the child’s records, or picking the child up unless the school has been furnished with legally filed, executed and current documents. Copies of all court documents must be submitted to the school. In case of conflicts, the proper authorities will be contacted.

Separation and Transition

Separation can be stressful for parents as well as children. We are here to help in this sometimes difficult, but very common, developmental process. Please inform your child’s teacher of any changes in your routine, such as illnesses, death or separations that may affect them at school. When you leave your child, please don’t “sneak out”. Make your good-bye and hug something he/she can count on, even if it brings some tears at first. Sometimes children don’t express anxiety until a few weeks later, when they feel more comfortable at school. In either case, please be assured, we will comfort and reassure your child. We’ll talk about his/her feelings. We encourage you to do the same. When it’s time for you to leave the classroom, after you say your good-byes, make the departure definite. Lingering can make a child unsure of what is expected of him/her. Although parents are welcome to visit the center at any time, keep in mind that it may be difficult for a very young child to cope with separating from a parent for a second time during the day.

Guidance Techniques

We believe that discipline and guidance should be consistent and based on an understanding of individual needs and development. Please remember that young children need the experience of interacting with other children on a consistent basis. Learning how to take turns and cooperate with others is an ongoing process for young children and consequently, aggressive behavior will occur (i.e. hitting, yelling, name calling, biting, pinching, kicking, etc.)

Although we do not allow this behavior to persist, it does take time for a child to learn a more acceptable way of dealing with his/her anger and frustration (i.e. – using appropriate words to express feelings).

The staff will not use abusive, neglectful, corporal, humiliating, or frightening punishment under any circumstances. No child will be physically restrained unless it is necessary to protect the safety and health of the child or others. Changes at home do affect a child’s behavior at school. The staff is willing to work with you regarding behavior challenges at school or home.

We follow the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Discipline and Guidance Policy.

Appendix C

Suspension and Expulsion Policy

If a child’s behavior becomes a chronic concern and is unresponsive to the teacher’s attempts to alter the behavior, A Child’s Haven will follow these steps to address the situation:

• Parents, teacher and director will meet to discuss the situation and develop and action plan

• Implement the action plan for two weeks

• Reconvene to discuss the progress of the plan and decide future steps if needed

• The Preschool reserves the right to request suspension or withdrawal of a child. This is always a last resort and will be decided by the Board of Directors.

Biting Policy

If biting behavior becomes continual or excessive, an action plan will be developed with the family of the biting student. After a two-week implementation period, the family and director will meet to discuss progress and possible alternatives.

Parent Information and Communication

A newsletter will be sent home once a month to keep your family informed of events. There are also notices of activities and events on our information board, as well as the school’s website and Facebook page. Occasional emails are also sent to families to inform of school events and activities.

Visitors

Parents and visitors are welcome at A Child’s Haven but must enter and exit through the main doors of the Multi-Ministry Building. Please ring the doorbell to be let in. Doors to the school are locked from the outside. Visitors must sign in and sign out at the school office and wear a visitor tag while on campus. A member of the school staff will accompany visitors while on campus. Parents are welcome at any time but asked to observe from outside the classroom door so as not to disturb the classes. All parents who volunteer with the children or interact with them in any manner are required to have a background check first.

Meals and Snacks

All children need to bring a nutritious, snack and well-balanced lunch from home each day. Please pack lunches with items that do not require refrigeration and/or which can be kept cool with an ice pack brought from home. Refrigeration for drinks will be provided in the one-year room. Use containers in your child’s lunchbox that can be easily opened by your child. Please label bottles, lunchboxes, and cups with your child’s name. Please limit the use of sweets to assist us in teaching good nutrition. A Child’s Haven is not responsible for meeting the daily food needs of your child due to the number of hours in attendance each day.

Clothing

Clothing that children wear to school should be comfortable and easy to put on and remove. We offer art activities, water, outdoor play, and sensory play (finger paints, etc.) so children need to wear clothing that allows them to move about freely and get dirty. The children will go outside every day (weather permitting) so dress them accordingly. Each child also needs two complete changes of clothing, labeled with the child’s name. Please also have your child wear closed toe shoes that are easy to put on.

Items Brought From Home

Our center maintains a generous supply of materials, toys, and equipment for the children to use. Therefore, children are asked to keep personal toys at home. Occasionally teachers will have a show and tell. On these occasions, the teacher will send a note home asking for these particular items.

Holidays

Our school chooses to celebrate the various holidays throughout the year in a low-key manner. It is our feeling that we should maintain the consistency that the children come to expect at school. We will discuss holidays, read stories about them based on children’s interests, but we will limit parties. Because we are a Christian school the children will learn about the meaning of Christmas and Easter from the Methodist perspective. Our curriculum demonstrates respect for all customs and celebrates the diversity of all families. Therefore we feel it is up to each individual family to celebrate special days in their own way.

Birthdays

Although we are happy to share in the excitement of your child’s birthday, this is not an appropriate setting for a party. We will sing Happy Birthday to your child and say a special prayer. You are welcome to bring a treat or goody bag that teachers can pass out at the end of the day to go home. If invitations are sent to school for a party please include one for each child in the classroom.

Parental Grievance Policy

If a parent/guardian has a particular issue or grievance concerning our program, please feel free to contact the director at any time (512-335-9540 or director@childshaven.net) and this issue will be put into writing and resolved at once. If the issue is not resolved to your liking the matter may be brought in writing to the Board of this program, which will resolve the issue fairly for all parties involved.

Policies and Procedures

A Child’s Haven policies are developed from guidelines set by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The State Agency may be contacted at 512-388-6215. The Child Abuse hotline is posted in our main hallway and may be reached at 1-800-252-5400. The website for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is www.tdprs.state.tx.us. A current copy of the minimum standards can be viewed in our office by appointment along with our most recent Licensing inspection report. The minimum standards can also be viewed at the website for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Under the Texas Penal Code, any area within 1000 feet of a child-care center is a gang-free zone, where criminal offenses related to organized criminal activity are subject to harsher penalties. Parents will be notified in writing of any changes in school policies and will be asked to sign a statement that they have received the changes.

Questions or concerns of the policies and procedures of A Child’s Haven should be addressed by calling the office at 335-9540 or by meeting with the director.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

In a true emergency the first responsibility of the staff is to move the children to the designated safe area known by A Child’s Haven employees (for fire emergencies, weather emergencies, lockdown/sheltering situation or gas leak emergency). The children will be relocated (by walking) by staff members in a calm and timely manner if the building must be evacuated. Church and school staff will assist the one’s class with carrying children if needed.

• Please note the evacuation diagram in each class, the front of the building and the back room.

• For severe weather emergencies, teachers will take their classes to the designated safe area inside the school (bathrooms in hallway and office).

• For lockdown/sheltering in place, teachers and students will stay in their classroom and follow the established lockdown procedures.

• For fire emergencies inside the classroom or school building, teachers will take their class to the front porch/parking lot of the CPFUMC sanctuary.

• Evacuation due to a gas leak or other emergency, the children will be relocated to:

• St. John the Forerunner Orthodox Church 800 W. Park St., Cedar Park, TX 78613

• Parents will be reunited with their children at St. John the Forerunner Orthodox Church (parking lot or inside if available).

**For all emergencies, children will be accounted for by the sign-in/out sheet of the day both before and after reaching the designated safe area.

**For all emergencies, staff will take with them the sign-in sheet, flashlight, first aid box, two books and emergency files for each child. (Sign-in sheet will include parent and emergency contact telephone numbers. The emergency file also includes emergency contact information and authorization for emergency care for each child). The director will bring the emergency contact clipboard, first aid kit and emergency medications kept in the office.

**For all emergencies, communication will be accomplished by cell phone (Reanna Eddy (830)370-4659 or by director designee). These numbers are kept on file with Child Care Licensing.

**For all emergencies, the director or staff members in charge will be responsible for contacting parents (half of the staff will care for the children and the other will contact parents). The director or designee will contact 911 and any other necessary authorities.

Updated 9/2021

Employee Immunization Policy

A Child’s Haven has implemented the following immunization policy for all of its employees to be in compliance with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Minimum Standard Rule #746.3611, which requires a policy for protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases. We have chosen to make immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases optional to our staff. The vaccines we currently recommend our staff receive are influenza, Pertussis (TDAP) and Hepatitis B.

If an employee feels these immunizations are appropriate and beneficial to their health, and receive the immunization, they are asked to provide the Director documentation that the immunizations have been received. The employee must inform the Director if there are any exemptions that would prevent them from receiving an immunization for a vaccine-preventable disease.

A Child’s Haven will encourage the use of protective medical equipment to protect children and staff from exposure to diseases. Besides hand washing, this will include gloves, masks and use of hand sanitizer. The use of the protective medical equipment will be based on the level of risk the employee presents to children by the employee’s routine and direct exposure to children. If an employee should not be in direct contact with children if they are ill or showing signs of illness. We will monitor information provided by the Center of Disease Control or other sources to determine the level of risk a staff member presents.

There will be no discrimination or action against an employee who does or does not receive immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases. The use of medical equipment will not be considered retaliatory when used by employees of A Child’s Haven.

Discipline and Guidance Policy

Discipline must be:
1) Individualized and consistent for each child;

2) Appropriate to the child’s level of understanding; and

3) 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:

1) Using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing only upon unacceptable behavior;

2) Reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements;

3) Redirecting behavior using positive statements; and

4) 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:

1) Corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment;

2) Punishment associated with food, naps, or toilet training;

3) Pinching, shaking, or biting a child;

4) Hitting a child with a hand or instrument;

5) Putting anything in or on a child’s mouth;

6) Humiliating, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child;

7) Subjecting a child to harsh, abusive, or profane language;

8) Placing a child in a locked or dark room, bathroom, or closet with the door closed or open; and

9) Requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of time for the child’s age.

Covid Protocols

Masks: ACH staff will be optional for staff, parents, and visitors.

It is your choice on whether or not you would like your child to wear a mask during the day. If you are sending your child to school in a mask, please communicate with your child's teachers on your expectations for mask wearing, and they will help carry it out to the best of their ability. Consider purchasing a mask lanyard to help keep your child's mask off the tables during lunch/snack and from possibly falling on the floor. I encourage you to work with your child on putting on and taking off their mask as well as wearing a mask for an extended period of time prior to the start date of school.

Vaccine: Per Governor Abbott's order, we can not require staff members to get vaccinated. At this time, the State of Texas has not added the COVID-19 vaccination to the required immunizations. Staff members are not required to disclose if they have or have not received the Covid-19 vaccination.

Notifications: You will be notified via email if your child’s class has a direct exposure to COVID-19.

Signs and Symptoms: Please be vigilant about your health, your families health as well as the health of the people around you. We all have to work together as a team to make this year successful and keep our kids learning. The following are signs and symptoms that we need to keep a close eye on to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

· Cough

· Shortness of breath

· Chills

· Repeated shaking and chills

· Muscle Pain

· Headache

· Sore throat

· Congestion or runny nose

· Loss of taste or smell

· Diarrhea

· Feeling feverish or measured temperature of 100.0 degrees F or above

· Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have Covid-19

If anyone in your home is exhibiting symptoms or in general not feeling well, please keep your child home from school and notify your child's teacher and director. This will help reduce the number of exposure that we have in our school.

Out of an abundance of caution, a doctor's note to confirm allergies vs. Covid may be requested.

Exposure: Students or staff members who have reported close contact/ direct exposure with a person who has Covid-19, while not wearing a mask, will be encouraged to:

-stay home and quarantine for 5 days

-monitor for symptoms consistent with COVID-19-

- test or continue to stay home (5 days for staff and students) if symptoms occur

It will remain your choice on whether or not you will send your child to school if there has been an exposure in the classroom. (Aligns with LISD policy)

If you become symptomatic, stay home, test, or seek guidance from a medical professional on what the next steps should be.

If the direct exposure is a person in the household where constant contact is unavoidable where the COVID positive person cannot isolate, we encourage you to:

-keep your child home for 5 days

-have your child tested and receive a negative result before returning to school.

Student Positive Test: The child will be asked to stay home and can return to ACH once all the following are met:

-5 days out from the start of the symptoms

-Fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication

-Symptoms have improved.

Staff Positive Test: (Change per CDC guidelines and LISD policy) The staff member will be asked to stay home and can return to ACH once all the following are met:

-5 days out from the start of the symptoms

-Fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication

-Symptoms have improved

-Staff member is feeling well enough to return

Research, backed by CDC, is showing that a person can test positive without being able to transmit the virus for up to 3 months after the original diagnosis. “Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 can continue to have detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA in upper respiratory specimens for up to 3 months after illness onset. However, replication-competent virus has not been reliably recovered and infectiousness is unlikely.” -CDC. Students or staff members who contracted Covid do not need to receive a negative test to return to school after the 5 or 10 day period.

Additional Measures: We will continue with cleaning and disinfecting protocols throughout the day and will repeat this process on toys and frequently touched surfaces again at the end of each day. A cleaning crew will come once a week on Fridays. Handwashing is one of our best preventive measures. We will continue frequent handwashing per CDC guidelines.

The church installed touchless soap and paper towel dispensers as well as hand sanitizer dispensers which are located by the front and back doors of the school. Thank you CPFUMC!

ACH Families, you are our first line of defense against Covid-19 in our school. If you are questioning whether or not you should send your child to school because of not feeling well or a family member is not feeling well, please consider keeping them home for the day to watch for additional symptoms. This is a team effort and we are blessed with amazing families and teachers to work with during this time.

updated: 8/2023