Childcare Digital Family Handbook
About Our Program
St. Teresa School provides childcare for children of six-weeks to 12 years of age. Our program is certified through the Early Childhood Education and Care Department of the state of New Mexico. As a licensed center, we are annually evaluated to ensure that we are providing a safe and equitable program that provides quality care for all children and families in our program.
Our program participates in the FOCUS quality rating program and is currently certified at a 3 Star level. FOCUS on Young Children’s Learning is a tiered quality rating and improvement system that works to strengthen early childhood programs serving children and their families in New Mexico. The FOCUS Verification process assesses the quality and achievement of early childhood programs. The Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) has contracted with the University of New Mexico Early Childhood Service Center (UNM ECSC) to provide consultation support for programs and to conduct FOCUS verifications.
Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a community where every child is cherished, respected, and inspired to embrace their unique potential, guided by the teachings of Christ in a safe, inclusive, and spiritually enriching environment.
Vision
Our program strives to be a beacon of love, excellence, and grace, where every child is embraced as a precious gift from God. We seek to foster a collaborative partnership between guardians, children, and educators through open communication, mutual respect, and active engagement. Together, we will cultivate a nurturing environment where every child receives the love, guidance, and support they need to flourish and become compassionate, responsible members of society, reflecting the love of Christ in all they do.
Childcare Rates
Our goal is to provide quality childcare at a rate that is affordable for all families. As an ECECD program, our families are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Please click the link below to apply.
Payment is due on the 5th of the month. After the 15th of the month, a late charge of $5 per day will be charged. If you are experiencing a financial hardship, please schedule a meeting to discuss payment options and financial assistance so that you do not incur insurmountable fees.
Well Child Check-Ups
These appointments allow your doctor to keep a close eye on your child's general health and development. Finding possible problems early gives your child the best chance for proper and successful treatment. Also, any concerns you have about your child can be discussed during these visits.
During these visits, the doctor examines your child and asks you questions about your child's development and behavior. Immunizations also are either given or scheduled at this time.
Sickness Exclusion Policy
At St. Teresa School, we prioritize the well-being of all our children. As part of our commitment to maintaining a healthy environment, we kindly request that if your child is feeling unwell or has been exposed to contagious illnesses, you make alternative arrangements for their care until they are fully recovered and no longer contagious. This may necessitate obtaining a doctor's release in some cases.
We respectfully ask that parents refrain from administering fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol and sending their child to school. A fever typically indicates an underlying illness, and to ensure the health and safety of all children and staff, we are unable to admit children who are ill or have been recently treated for an infection.
If your child exhibits symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, discharge from eyes or ears, or a contagious condition that requires close attention, we kindly request that they remain at home until they are symptom-free. Any fever exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit suggests an infection and warrants keeping the child at home.
This policy has been implemented to safeguard the health of our children, staff, and families. In instances where there may be uncertainty, the provider will make a decision in the best interest of all involved. We ask that parents promptly notify us of their child's absence so that we can make necessary adjustments to our schedule.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these guidelines, which are designed to promote a healthy learning environment for everyone in our care."
Supply List
Infant and Toddlers
Bottle(s) labeled with child's name
Formula or breast milk
Baby wipes
Diapers
An extra change of clothes
Pacifier if needed
Diaper rash cream/ powder
Teething/gas relief medication
Blanket for rest times
Ages 2 and up
Blanket and pillow for rest times
Change of clothes (potty training kids)
If you are potty training your child, we will help by encouraging your child to use the toilet on a
regular basis. Please send your child in underpants or pull ups so that he/she can practice
toileting independently.
Please make sure that all items are labeled with your child's name. All personal items will be stored in individual cubbies. We do not encourage bringing outside toys or electronic devices. Staff is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or broken items.
St. Teresa Childcare Discipline and Guidance Policy
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 selfesteem,
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 proper for the child's age and development, which is 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 never acceptable:
- 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 lengthy periods of time for the child's age.
BRIGHTWHEEL
Our center uses the Brightwheel app to streamline admissions, facilitate learning, and provide a secure platform for communication with families. The app is available on most smart phone devices. To begin, click the link below to fill out the registration form. Once we receive the form, it will be reviewed to ensure that the information provided is complete. You will then receive requests to provide copies of documents such as birth certificate, immunization records, and signature forms.
Brightwheel is also used to check the students in and out of the center and classrooms. For the safety of the students. adults who have permission to drop-off and pick-up students will have their own code. Students are not released to any adult who is not listed in the Brightwheel app. Adults may be asked for identification before a student is released, even if they have a code, if the teacher is not familiar with the adult before releasing the child.
Infant/Toddler Classroom
Children six weeks of age to 24 months.
PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM
Children 24 to 48 months.
PREKINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM
Children 48 months to 5 years.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Children 5 to 12 years.
SUMMER CHILDCARE
Children 6 weeks to 12 years.
MEET OUR STAFF
Amanda Ballew
Lead Teacher - Prekindergarten Classroom
Delilah Becenti
Lead Teacher - Preschool Classroom
Veronica Valenzuela
Lead Teacher - Infant / Toddler
Janice Rodriguez
Teacher Assistant - Prekindergarten Classroom
Victoria Montoya
Teacher Assistant - Preschool Classroom
Gabby Pouliot
Teacher Assistant - Infant / Toddler Classroom
Xochitl Valenzuela
Teacher Assistant - Infant Toddler Classroom
Michelle Solis
Teacher Assistant
Jackie Cuellar
Teacher Assistant
Family Engagement
Calendar of Events