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Happy
Hippopotamus
Daycare Academy
East
:~~
~Parent Handbook ~.;~~
Q:!Parent Handbook
Welcome to a place where every child is an explorer. Everyday is an adventure.
Carefully designed
curricula invite your child to play. The building blocks of science, music, math, art and language are
explored in our hands-on, interactive environment.
Happy Hippopotamus
Daycare Academy is a
place where teachers are guides to a world of possibilities. A world that believes in the goodness of
people, in the joy of knowledge, in the security of community,
and the importance of dreams.
Welcome to Happy Hippopotamus
Daycare Academy.
Tuition Scale 2011
Happy Hippo East Tuition Scale
Effective Sep 1, 2011
Babypotamus
15 Days
(6 Weeks to 18 months Old)
I
FU:'3~ay
Toddlerpotamus
(18 months to 2 years Old)
~'S-D-aY-S-----+------F-U-~1-1~-a..:..y------I--'----------------
Kiddopotamus
(3-5 Years Old)
-------+------F-U-1IlO-Ds-a-y------I---'--------------1
5 Days
..
Juniorpotamus
(5 Years Old Kindergarten
and up)
Full Day (Summer)
After School
105
60
5 Days
Extra Charges
Off School Days
I
See director
I
I
I
Drop-In-Fee
$25 per day per child over 18 mos. $30 per day if under 18 mos
Registration Fee
$60.00 non-refundable enrollment fee, per child, per year
Transportation
Fee
Multi-Child Discount
$10.00 discount (off tuition only) per family, does not apply to drop in service.
Late Fees
$1.00 per minute per child after 6:00 p.m. No exceptions.
Field Trips
Most field trips have transportation
and admission costs associated with them,
which are assessed individually.
$30.00 per return. Cash restitution must be made for the missed payment
Retum CheckJACH Fee
before services can resume.
~
Daily Schedule
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Center opens
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16:00 am - 6:00 pmiSee
individual class schedules
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j6:00 pm
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.ICenter Closes
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QJ Parent
Handbook: Nondiscrimination
Information
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy is a for-profit organization serving families with preschool
and childcare needs. Our services are rendered to all eligible children (as determined by the Texas
State Department of Family and Protective Services) regardless of sex, race, or creed. We embrace
all students, including those with special needs and challenges, as we feel that all children have
their own special needs and challenges
QJ Parent
Handbook: Hours of Operation
Our operating hours are 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, year round, excluding
holidays and inclement weather, although our management reserves the right to close the center at
our discretion. Each child is to be dropped off no later than 9:30 am, unless the child has a
scheduled appointment such as a doctor's visit. The child will require a 'return to school' note to be
dropped off after the stated drop off time. We provide both full- and after school schedules, as
outlined in the payment schedule.
W
Parent Handbook: Religious Practices
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy is a nonsectarian, nondenominational
organization. We do
not have any religious affiliation, and we do not provide routine religious instruction. That does not
mean, however, that the word "God" is never used, and Happy Hippo, as a private institution, is not
held to the same "separation of church and state" standard as public schools are. If you have
concerns about a religious issue that your child faces at Happy Hippo, please discuss it either with
the child's teacher or with the director.
QJ Parent
Happy Hippopotamus
Snack after Lunch.
Handbook; Nutrition Policy
Daycare Academy does prepare meals on site. Meals include Breakfast,
Each day's menu and activities are posted on the parent board in Happy Hippo entryway
parents have access to information on the food program.
Lunch,
so that
All meals are served in the classroom or dining room. Children are seated with teachers. This is an
enjoyable time with conversation about nutrition and activities of the day. An allergy list is posted in
each room. Students with special dietary needs such as vegetarian or kosher meals should be
brought to the attention of their teachers. Throughout the course of the school year, children benefit
from many nutrition education activities such as cooking projects. They follow recipes, learning
many math and science skills, develop vocabulary, and enjoy eating their own creations.
Families are welcome to celebrate special events (i.e., birthdays)
child's classmates. See director for allowable items.
Infant/Toddler
by bringing in "treats"
for their
Nutrition
Each infant and toddler will follow his or her own feeding schedule. All food and formula brought
from home must be labeled with the child's name and dated. Children under the age of six months
will be provided with breast milk (from parent) or formula provided by parent. Any left over milk or
formula is discarded after each feeding, so be sure you provide enough for the day. Mothers have
the right to breast feed on the premises.
1 % milk is available for children 12-24 months. Drinking water is provided for infants and toddlers
throughout the day. Parents must provide baby food and cereal, along with their child's feeding
schedule, until the child is old enough to eat table foods. If a child's pediatrician has a different time
schedule for introducing different types of food, or if the child is having a hard time with allergies,
please discuss these issues with the child's teacher and the director.
Parent Handbook: Transportation Policies
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy provides fee-based pick-up service to schools within a 15
minute driving distance and where three or more children attend the center. Happy Hippo is
responsible for each child from the time they are picked up until they are returned to the parent or
to a responsible person desiqnated by the parent.
Children are supervised at all times. After transporting a child, an adult shall accompany the child
into the building. When children are transported in a vehicle, there is at least one adult in addition
to the driver in either of the following circumstances:
l.
2.
There are more than three children who are either under two years of age or have a
handicap that limits their ability to respond in an emergency.
There are more than ten children under five years of age in the vehicle.
Each child under four years of age being transported in a vehicle with a seating capacity of twelve or
fewer shall be seated and properly restrained in an individual child car safety seat. Each child
weighing less than 80 pounds, less that 49 inches tall, or less than eight years of age shall be
properly restrained in an approved safety seat or booster seat. Passenger doors shall be locked at
all times when the vehicle is moving. Smoking is prohibited in the vehicle.
The director will submit a copy of any accident report to the Department of Family and Protective
Services within five days after the occurrence of an accident involving a vehicle transporting
children. The following emergency information is carried in the vehicle for each child transported:
l.
2.
The emergency card.
Written consent from the child's parent for emergency
medical treatment.
When regularly scheduled transportation/field
trips are provided by Happy Hippopotamus
Academy, we shall maintain the following information in writing at the center and in the
transportation vehicle:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Daycare
A list of children transported.
The transportation
route and scheduled stops.
Emergency kit (first aid, fire extinguisher)
Individual child's enrollment information.
Cell phone.
If field trip, children will be required to wear a Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy TShirt with the following information: Name and phone number of the center.
If field trip a copy of the signed permission slip by parent or guardian will be kept in the
vehicle folder along with the list of children transported and enrollment information.
When transportation
services are contracted or chartered, the name, address, and telephone
number of the contracting firm and the name of a representative of the firm who may be contacted
after hours shall be on file at the center.
When Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy uses a center-owned or leased vehicle or arranges
for operation of a vehicle by other than a licensed contract motor carrier, the following additional
requirements shall be met: The vehicle shall be:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Registered in Texas.
Clean, uncluttered, and free of obstructions
Enclosed.
Equipped with a first aid kit.
Equipped with a list of children transported.
Carryall insurance required by law.
on the floors, aisles, and seats.
The vehicle shall be in safe operating condition and at 12-month intervals the licensee shall provide
the Department of Family and Protective Services with evidence of the vehicle's safe operating
condition on 0 form provided by the deportment or current veerlv inspection sticker.
Happy Hippopotamus
Happy Hippopotamus
1.
2.
3.
Daycare Academy has on file a copy of the driving record of each driver of a
Daycare Academy-provided vehicle. Each driver shall:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Hold a valid Texas operator's license for the type of vehicle driven.
Have at least one year of experience as a licensed driver.
Parent Handbook: Equipment
Our outside Adventure Zones are child-safe and scaled to the developmental level, size, and ability
of the children who use them. Sturdy construction with no sharp, rough, loose, protruding, pinching,
or pointed edges, nor any areas of entrapment, ensures your child's safety. We maintain our
equipment in good operating condition, securely anchoring play structures when appropriate. Any
equipment over four feet in height is placed over an energy-absorbing surface. In our playground,
we use soft double grinded mulch. Our playground encourages all children to play, including children
with physical challenges.
Our Adventure Zone provides for both large and small muscle development and encourages social
interaction. They encourage both intellectual stimulation and creative expression, while reflecting an
awareness of cultural and ethnic diversity.
Parent Handbook: Indoor Play
Indoor play constitutes the majority of our play. Happy Hippopotamus DaycareAcademy
has a wide
variety of age-appropriate toys for children to experiment with. Since the developmental levels of
the children vary, there are toys that are not appropriate for the youngest children. Many of these
are stored so that only the older children can access them.
Parent Handbook: Show and Tell
If your child brings a toy for show and tell, please make sure it has no small parts that could come
off and cause choking, and make sure that it is appropriate to the classroom setting (i.e., no
weapons). All toys should be safe for children under three years of age. Happy Hippo is not
responsible for toys from home that get broken or lost at the center. The responsibility remains with
the child and the parents.
Parent Handbook: Toy Maintenance
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy toys are cleaned regularly and are rotated into and out of
the center throughout the year. This helps to both maintain the children's interest and supplements
special units of study. Some toys are dedicated to specific teachings, and others are designated as
general room toys.
Parent Handbook: Outdoor Adventures
Please dress your child appropriately for the current weather and in play clothes (with shoes that
adequately protect the feet and are not slick-soled-tennis shoes are a good choice). We have
fabulous Outdoor Adventures every day, except for inclement weather. Generally, if it is under 40°
or above 90°, we will not go outdoors, unless in the director's opinion the weather is acceptable;
notably, hot weather is ideal for summer sprinkler days. During the school year, Outdoor
Adventures usually last 30 to 45 minutes. In the summer, much more outdoor play is encouraged.
Children may get dirty outside, so please keep a complete change of clothes in your child's cubbie.
W Parent Handbook: Rest Time
All children under the age of five are required by state law to have a rest time. Each child should
bring a favorite blanket. Children who cannot sleep are allowed (after 20 minutes) to join in quiet
time fun.
Parents are required to take home the blankets for laundering on the last day of attendance for
each week, and bring them back on the first day of attendance for each week. The staff would be
happy to launder items for you if needed, there will be a $2.00 charge for each item.
W Parent Handbook: Television
At Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy, we believe teachable moments arise from many
different situations. We believe that television, when used properly, can be a highly effective
educational tool. Therefore, Happy Hippo does have a television and VCR/DVD for special programs
used in conjunction with educational themes. At no time are children required to watch television.
W Parent Handbook: Drop-In
Policy
Drop-in care will be provided at a rate of $25.00 per day to children who are fully registered in the
Happy Hippopotamus program. Special arrangements must be made with the director prior to
service, and space is subject to availability. Children who are actively enrolled in our academic
programs have priority placement. We recommend that you reserve a space in advance; particularly
around school holidays and other busy times of the year.
W Parent Handbook: Days Off
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy observes the following holidays: New Year's Day, Good
Friday (half day), Memorial Day, Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
the day after, Christmas eve, and Christmas Day. If either or both Christmas holidays fall on a
weekend day we will close on the weekday prior to and/or the day after the holiday.
Each family is required to pay the weekly tuition fees, whether or not the child is in attendance. This
includes holidays that the school is not open. On certain holidays, when unusually low attendance is
expected, attendance sheets will be posted. If attendance will be extremely low (i.e., less that 20%
attendance), Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy may opt to close the school. However, parents
will still be responsible for tuition. This weekly fee ensures that the child's spot is held for him/her.
W Parent Handbook: Releasing Your Child
A responsible individual must bring the child into the building in person each day. The center will
only release the child to those authorized by the parent or primary caregiver. This must be indicated
on the enrollment form, and they must be over 18 years old. A written note or telephone call to
Happy Hippos' office is acceptable in emergency cases only. A verbal notice is fine on that day if this
person is on the list of those authorized to pick up your child. If the person is not on that list, Happy
Hippo must have written permlsslon to release your child.
Upon arrival, each child must be signed in. All children must be signed out when they leave the
building.
Please inform your emergency contacts that they will be asked for identification. This 10 will be
copied and kept in the child's file. This is not meant to offend anyone, but is simply a measure
taken for the child's protection.
Anyone picking up or dropping off children cannot be under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.
If a parent or adult appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the staff of Happy Hippo
may request the parent or adult to contact someone else to transport the child safely. If the parent
or adult refuses, Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy has the right to contact the local
authorities with the name and license plate number of the impaired person.
Parent Handbook: Reporting Absences
It is the responsibility of the parent to call into the center to report a child's absence. If the parent
does not call to report the child absent, Happy Hippo will try to contact the parent to confirm the
absence.
Parent Handbook: Bulletin Board
By law, all preschool and day care centers must have a prominent bulletin board where formal
documents are posted for the parents' inspection. Our bulletin board is placed inside the lobby. It is
here that we post our license, rules, and violations for viewing. Please see director to request a
copy of the State Minimum Standards.
It is also here where you will find important phone numbers for reporting or calling for
information, our local licensing office address is 2130 Alpine Road, Longview TX 75601. To reach
our local licensing representative the phone number is (903) 233-5237.
Our Austin State office
number is (512)438-4800,
to report Abuse or Neglect 1-800-252-5400,
Web Site:
www.dfps.state.tx.us
Please see bulletin board for any special events.
Parent Handbook: Child Guidance Policy
At Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy, we do not have a discipline policy, because we do not
believe in disciplining children. We do, however, have a Behavior Management Policy, because we
believe very strongly in managing a child's behavior, using preventative techniques before
behaviors become problematic.
As a rule of thumb, adults are responsible for 90 percent of child discipline problems. This is
because adults have the power to control situations so that problems don't arise. Children generally
don't have that power. Children are dependent on adults to correct situations. Occasionally a child
will misbehave for no reason, but most of the time, the child actually has a reason. Adults need to
take a long-term approach to behavior management by identifying those reasons and rectifying
them before the child's behavior deteriorates.
For the most part, children know the rules, and know what they should or shouldn't be doing. If
they could be doing the right thing, they would be. Most misbehavior is simply the result of a child
not expressing their needs effectively.
Your Child's Needs
As child care professional's, we spend a lot of time with your kids,
you do as parents. This gives us time to seek out the deep-rooted
identify the special triggers that can induce poor behavior in each
motivation to do so: in the long-term, it is much easier to identify
constantly try to correcting misbehaviors.
sometimes nearly as much as
causes of behavior issues, to
child. We also have the
triggers and avoid them than to
At Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy, the first step to preventing discipline problems is to
make sure that your child's needs are being met. Kids must be comfortable within their own bodies,
and within their environments. When kids are not comfortable, they tend to act out, attempting to
control their situation, but rarely through effective means.
Different kids have different triggers, so we try to track what triggers each individual child, and
make sure to prevent them. Here's a sampling of the sort of triggers that teachers can help avoid,
or accommodate
•
•
for:
fatigue
over stimulation
hunger
•
•
•
•
•
•
thirst
boredom
low blood sugar
high blood sugar
need for attention
need to express their emotions
•
•
•
feeling "unheard"
recent changes in routine
major life changes
If we fail to prevent triggers completely, and a child becomes uncomfortable and expressing a need,
a teacher can try to correct the situation as quickly and simply as possible to keep the class running
on an even keel. There is no reason for a hungry child not to be fed, or a thirsty child not to be
given a drink. Parents can help to simplify the process by indentifying their children's triggers and
communicating those with the teachers.
Focusing on the Child, Not the Behavior
When a child's emotions and/or behaviors get out of control, it is more expedient and healthier for
the teacher to work with the child to help him/her overcome behavior issues rather than demanding
that the behavior be stopped right now!
At Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy, we try to focus on meeting the child's immediate need,
and then helping the child choose a more appropriate response. We guide the child toward better
behavior, all the while respecting the child's capabilities.
For example, if one child hits another, a standard reaction might be to put the offender in time out.
By contrast, we ask, "Why did the child act out?" If, for example, Ben hit David because David took
his truck, the focus should not be on the truck. Ben actually hit David because he is still working on
his conflict resolution skills. A time out won't teach Ben how to approach the situation in the future.
Working with Ben on his conflict resolution skills will.
Children make poor choices, often because children are still developing their conflict resolution
skills, or their impulse control, or their ability to identifying their own emotions, or one of the many
other critical social skills. Preschool is a time for us to help them to develop those skills.
Playful Distractions
At Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy, we like to use playful disctractions to defuse sticky
situations. Instead of scolding a child who is misbehaving, we offer the child a silly challenge, such
as a hopping race, or reciting the alphabet, or performing a wild dance. Later, we can work with the
child to learn better self-control or other life skills.
Kids who are unable to stop being physically or emotionally aggressive may be separated from the
group, but not in a specific type of time out. They can return when the crisis situation is defused
and/or they feel ready to behave appropriately and respect others. Respecting others includes not
hurting them or making them feel unsafe and not taunting or being emotionally aggressive.
Learning a Lesson
It is not necessary to learn the lessons of life all the time. It can be that there just isn't a lesson to
for the child to learn.
At Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy we believe that there is a gentle way to learn the lessons
of life. At times it FEELS impossible to impart these lessons gently, but it can be done. Sometimes,
fulfilling that child's need is the BEST course of action, and the child will not grow up to have a
different moral character by having had his needs met.
There may be times when a lesson must be learned, but management is about making the
classroom run smoothly all the time. Each situation that arises is unique, and needs to be handled
individually.
At Happy Hippopotamus tiavcare Academy, we adults guide, model and demonstrate
children. We try to model behaviors that you want to see from the children.
play with the
When Things Have Gone Too far
This statement from the Texas Rules for Licensing Family Day Care sums up our policy: "There must
be no harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment of any child". These forms of punishment will never be
used, even at the request of the parent. (See below copy of Discipline and Guidance Policy from
TDPRS)
Active and happy classrooms are the keys to a good early childhood education. Happy
Hippopotamus Daycare Academys teachers plan and implement stimulating learning programs
designed to keep Children challenged and constructively active. Our main goal is to stress the
importance of respect: both for other people and for material possessions.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The teacher assesses the child's immediate need, and attempts to satisfy them.
The teacher uses Playful Distraction to interrupt disruptive behavior.
The teacher talks with the child, explains the problem, clarifies our expectations, and
redirects the child to an alternate activity.
The teacher moves the child away from the sticky situation in order to discontinue the
behavior, and gives a brief explanation.
If the child's behavior is out-of-control to the extent that he/she can not stand or sit
independently, the teacher will assist the child in calming down, either by standing behind
the child and resting her hands on the child's shoulders or by holding the child in her lap.
In extreme cases, when the child is so out-of-control that he or she disrupts the classroom
activities, the teacher will take the child to the director's office. The acting director will work
with the child to help him or her regain composure, and work with the child to help
understand why the child is acting out. Director and child will work together to discover the
underlying trigger, and work to discover better ways to correct the problem.
Graduated Assistance: If a child becomes a "disciplinary problem" by repeatedly committing
the same offense, the director, teacher, and parents will work with the child to resolve the
situation. In extreme cases, the child's enrollment may be reassessed.
Parents will always be notified when a discipline problem arises that requires the director's
assistance.
Discipline
and Guidance Policy as outlined
by TDPRS:
•
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; and
(9) Requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately
long periods of time for
the child's age.
Texas Administrative
Code, Title 40, Chapters 746 and 747, Subchapters L, Discipline and Guidance
Parent Handbook: Discharge of Preschool
If for some reason you decide to discontinue your child's relationship with Happy Hippopotamus
Daycare Academy, we kindly request a two-week written notice. This will give us time to fill your
child's spot. Payment is due for the two-week notice period whether or not the child is brought to
school. Any outstanding fees must be paid on or before the child's last day. If legal action to collect
fees becomes necessary, the parent(s) will be responsible for legal fees incurred.
Under most circumstance, if Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy feels it can no longer enroll
your child, you will be given a two-week notice. However, if your child exhibits behaviors that
endanger other children or staff, expulsion can be immediate. Examples of reasons for expulsion
include (but are not be limited to):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Failure of parent to pay tuition.
Failure of child to adjust to Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy after a reasonable
amount of time.
Our inability to meet the child's needs without additional staff.
Failure to provide waiver/documentation
of state required immunizations.
Behavior that endangers other children or staff.
Parent Handbook: Emergency Evacuation Procedure
In the event of a fire, Happy Hippo students and staff will evacuate the premises immediately and
gather on the playground. Fire drills will be practiced and documented monthly so the children are
familiar with what to do. The fire department may be invited to monitor the monthly drills, and
advised on other fire safety procedures. If severe weather arises and a tornado warning is issued,
we will proceed to the center of the building (dining room), where the children will crouch and cover
their heads. This procedure is practiced and documented quarterly.
If a child is lost at the center, the center will go into immediate "lock down mode." All exits will be
locked and manned by staff members to ensure that no one enters or exits the center until the child
is found. All remaining staff members will conduct a thorough search of the entire building. The
playground and the surrounding exterior areas will be searched. If the child is not located within five
minutes, emergency personnel (police) will be contacted and the child's parents or guardian will be
Ttified.
I~ the event of a flood, all children will be evacuated to the playground. All parents or emergency
contacts will be notified to pick up their children immediately. In the event of a hurricane all staff
ahd children will proceed to a room within the building that is safe from blowing glass and debris.
Ideally the room would be in the center of the building with little to no windows. If a hurricane
~arning is issued before the center opens for the day it is up to the Owner(s) or Director to close
t e facility until the storm passes.
If the building experiences an extended loss of power, heat or water service, parents or emergency
c1bntacts will be notified to pick up their children. The temperature must be at least 67 degrees F,
and no more than 80 degrees F. The center will remain closed until power, heat or water is
restored. In the event of a terrorist attack, the children will be kept safe by whatever means is
geemed necessary and appropriate, based on the threat at hand. If the threat is to the building the
cihildren will be evacuated to the playground while the authorities are contacted. If the threat
~ertains to the exterior of the building and the children are safest in the building, the building will
,e "locked down" while the authorities are contacted.
~uring any emergency procedure, teachers will keep their attendance forms a~d chil~ emergen::y
ards with them at all times so that accurate head counts can be made. The director IS responsible
,.
for checking the room and giving the "all clear" signal. If the director is absent, the assistant
director is responsible for these activities.
An Emergency Contact List will be posted in each classroom. This contact list will have the
telephone numbers for ambulance, local pouce, fire, poison control, health department, licensing,
child protective services, as well as acting directors who reside within minutes travel time of the
center.
Each classroom at the Happy Hippo center has its own exit to the outside.
the case of the above occurrences.
This exit to be utilized in
Emergency Relocation: If an event requires that children and staff need to be relocated to another
location other than playground for safety, Forest Park Middle School will be contacted and previous
agreement implemented. This previous agreement includes the use of their facility located at 1644
N Eastman Rd, Longview, TX 75601 903-446-2500
For all events each classrooms teacher will utilize their roll sheets for attendance and the director
will utilize the daily sign in sheet and the emergency book containing each enrolled emergency
contact sheet and cell phone.
Emergency Plan diagram is posted at each emergency exit, each fire extinguisher location, lobby
and bulletin board.
In the event that Forest Park Middle School and the daycare are closed due to a catastophy in the
area such as wildfires, flooding, toxic spills, hurricane, tornadoes, etc. The children will be relocated
to the Happy Hippopotamus Daycare at 2603 W Marshall Rd. Longview, TX 75604 903-753-4477.
Diagram included.
--------
Driving Directions from 1700 N Eastman Rd, Longview, Texas 75601 to 2603 W Marsha..
Page 1 of2
Notes
mapquest'
Trip to:
2503 W Marshall Ave
Longview, TX 75604-5020
5.37 miles
10 minutes
,
•
1700 N Eastman Rd
Longview, TX 75601-3378
. Miles Per
Section
. Miles Driven
1. Start out going north on US-259 N ( N Eastman Rd .. Go 0.1 Mi
0.1 mi
2. Make a U-turn onto US-259 S ( N Eastman Rd.
. Go 0.5 Mi
0.7mi
Go 1.0 Mi
1.7 mi
Go 3.7 Mi
5.4 mi
If you reach Eden Or you've gone about O.1 miles too far
3. Turn right onto Alpine St I FM-220S.
St is just past W Ann Or
Alpine Exxon is on the right
tt you reach Arkansas St you've gone a little too far
A/pine
...•.•..•....................•..........................................•.••..•••.................•••••.•......
4. Turn right onto US-BO I E Marshall Ave.
Wtlataburger
•
is on the left
5. 2603 W MARSHALL
Your destination
is just
AVE is on the right.
past Loop Dr
If you reach Bosco St you've gone a tittle too far
2603 W Marshall Ave
Longview, TX 75604-5020
http://www.mapquest.com/print?a=app.core.c5acb9ec213al
: 5.4 mi
fb7002841 cc
: 5.4 mi
9/20/2011
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Parent Handbook: Financial Issues
Registration Fee
An annual, non-refundable fee of $60.00 per child is due at time of registration. This payment
should be submitted wIth the completed admission forms. Annual registration fees will be charged
on the anniversary month for every child enrolled.
Late Payment Fees
At Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy, child care services must be paid for in advance of
receiving the services. Tuition is charged on a weekly basis, and is due on Friday for the following
week. A late fee of $10 will be charged if payment is not received by 7am Monday of the week
during which care is to be provided. An occasional exception may be made to this rule, with
director approval. Late fees will still apply. If full payment is not received by closing Monday denial
of service will be effective until payment is made.
Discounts
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy recognizes that the expenses of raising a family can be
overwhelming. To help alleviate some of that financial burden, Happy Hippopotamus Daycare
Academy offers a $10.00 discount for multi-child families. This amount is deducted from the family's
tuition expense only.
Late Pickup Fee
Our hours of operation are from 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. The charge for late pick-up is $1.00 per
minute per child after 6:00 p.m. Our staff may be attending classes, have other commitments, or
their own families and must leave on time. If you find yourself unable to be at Happy Hippopotamus
Daycare Academy by closing, please call so we may reassure your child that Mom or Dad is safe,
but be prepared to pay the late pick-up charge.
Tuition Problems
Please notify the director of any problems with your ability to pay your bill, there may be solutions
that you are unaware of. All balances must be paid in full or services can be discontinued and legal
proceedings can be commenced, at the discretion of the management.
The Denial of Service
If an account becomes severely delinquent, or if a parent bounces a check
immediate restitution, the child can be placed in "Denial of Service," at the
discretion. When service is denied, the child cannot attend class. However,
for service. Services will be denied service until the situation is adequately
by the management.
and does not make
management's
the parent remains liable
corrected, as determined
Childcare Subsidy
The state of Texas provides a childcare subsidy, to help single or low-income parents pay for
childcare. Each parent is assigned a caseworker and the amount of payment to the childcare center
is based on the parent's income. At times parents have a co-payment, which is the parent's
responsibility to pay to Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy. For example, if weekly tuition for a
child is $98.00, and the subsidy authorizes payment for $80.00 per week, the parent's weekly capay would be $18.00 (weekly amounts are usually added together and payment is required
monthly). A co-pay required subsidy is designed to help parents offset the cost of childcare but not
to pay for it completely. Other subsidy programs pay a set rate as full payment for child care and
there is no co-payment.
Parents who have enrolled in a subsidy remain responsible for their tuition
responsibility of the parent to maintain their subsidy status, and if subsidy
or ended for any reason, the parent is responsible for all tuition, as well as
payments that are incurred. We do report attendance and non-attendance
portion. It is the sole
payments are interrupted
any late fees or interest
to the case worker.
Tuition is due every Friday for the following week. If an alternate payment schedule is needed,
please speak with our director.
All late payment fees and rules regarding late payments apply to co-payments.
If you feel that you may qualify for a childcare subsidy and would like more information,
notify the director for information.
please
Payment Procedure
You may pay by cash or check. If a payment is returned, you will be notified and assessed a $30.00
returned check fee. Your child will be Denied Services until restitution is made.
Tuition is due every Friday for the following week. If an alternate
please speak with our director.
payment schedule is needed,
Each family is required to pay the weekly tuition fee whether or not the child is in attendance. This
includes holidays that Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy is not open. This weekly fee ensures
that the child's spot is held for him/her. Drop-in care will continue to be charged on a daily basis.
Sick Time Credit
No tuition credit will be offered for days that a child is sick. The center operates on a tight budget
with expenses that occur whether or not an individual child is present. Therefore, we do not reduce
the tuition for absences due to illness or vacation.
Parent Handbook: Parental Roles and Responsibilities
An orientation meeting is scheduled with all parents upon enrollment, to give parents the
opportunity to confer with their child's teacher regarding the developmental and physical needs of
their child. The teacher will share classroom information on the early childhood education program
and develop communication with the parent.
At any and all times, parents are welcome to observe our Early Childhood Education Program.
Supportive family relationships are essential to providing a good program for young children.
Teachers are available for on-going communication with parents by daily contact, parents leaving
written notes, or through telephone conversations with the Director. In addition, special conferences
may be requested with teachers, teacher's assistants, and/or the director.
Naturally, you are welcome to drop in and visit or observe any time Happy Hippopotamus Daycare
Academy is in operation. We would appreciate if you came for a minimum of thirty minutes to have
lunch with your child or participate in any other daily activity. Brief visits tend to be disruptive to the
child and the class.
Parent Handbook: Things to Bring and Not to Bring
Parents must provide an entire change of clothing (pants, top, underwear, socks) to leave in the
child's cubby at Happy Hippo for use in the event of spills or solltnq, Please mark each item with the
child's name and check daily for clothing in need of laundering. When necessary, return a
replacement change of clothing the following day of attendance. If your child needs a change of
clothing and none is found in the child's cubby, you will be called and asked to bring a set.
Each child should bring a favorite blanket for rest time. Children are encouraged to bring a
"companion" toy to school, such as a favorite stuffed animal for naptime. Please limit to one.
If a child requires medications of any sort, parents must make arrangements with the child's
teacher, as well as with the director. Children are not allowed to self-medicate, and should not bring
any medicines with them.
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy is considered a Kid Safe Zone, and as such, children should
not bring any toys of destruction, which include toy guns or weapons of any sort, dangerous
materials of any sort, fireworks of any sort, or drugs not prescribed for your child.
tJ.:r
Parent Handbook: Health Policy
Each child two to thirteen years of age must have an initial health examination not more than one
year prior to nor later than 30 days after being admitted to Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy,
and a follow-up health examination at least once every two years after admission.
Each infant age six weeks to two years old must have a current statement from the parent or an
Intake for Two Years and Under form completed about the child's habits of eating, sleeping, toileting
and communication as well as an initial health exam not more than six months prior to nor later
than three months after being admitted. Follow up exams are required once every six months after
admission.
The health examination report shall be on a form provided by the Texas Department of Family
Protective Services and shall be signed and dated by a physician, physician's assistant, or health
care provider.
The health examination requirement may be waived if the parent of a child requests in writing that
the department grant an exemption based upon the parent's adherence to religious belief in
exclusive use of prayer or spiritual means for healing in accordance with the teachings of a bona
fide religious sect or denomination.
A child's health history completed by the child's parent shall be on file at Happy Hippo by the first
day of attendance. Children who have special needs of any sort shall have that child's needs posted
in the teacher notebook, with only the child's first name and last initial, in order to maintain
confidentiality. Two staff members are trained to dispense any medications that students might
need, and such needs will be posted in the teacher's notebook.
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy requires a record of immunizations for each child, or a
signed immunization waiver. This should be on file by the first day of attendance. TB testing is not
required at this center
The Special Senses and Communication Disorders Act, Texas Health and Safety code, Chapter 36,
requires a screening or a professional examination for possible vision and hearing problems for the
following children who are enrolled in a childcare center:
1.
First time enrollees who are 4 years of age or older and all children enrolled
in programs who are 4 years of age by Sept. 1st of each year will be
screened for possible vision and hearing problems prior to the completion of
the first semester of enrollment or within 120 calendar days of enrollment,
whichever is longest, or present evidence of screening conducted one year
prior to enrollment; and
2.
Each child who is in the first, third, fifth, or seventh-grade must complete a
screening or examination within the school year.
A licensed or certified screener or a health care professional must conduct the screening. Refer to
Texas Health and Safety Code, 36.011, for specifics on vision and hearing screening. You may also
access information on the internet at: www.tdh.state.tx.usjvhsj
.
In all cases the child's confidentiality
W
is protected.
Parent Handbook: SIDS Reduction and Prevention
Sudden infant death syndrome is the unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. Happy
Hippopotamus Daycare Academy will always sleep infants on their back (considered to be the safest
and healthiest sleeping position) unless the child's parent and doctor sign a waiver. The alternate
sleep position must be documented by the parent on the Initial Intake form. Happy Hippopotamus
Daycare Academy does not use wedges or position devices. Happy Hippo cribs are safe, with netting
or slats that meet or exceed safety standards required by the state. Each crib includes a mattress
that fits the crib. Babies are provided tummy time at several times a day while supervised by staff
to help develop their muscles.
Parent Handbook: Medication Policy
If your child is on medication that needs to be administered while he or she is at Happy
Hippopotamus Daycare Academy, the medicine must be in the original container and labeled with
the child's name, the doctor's name, the name of medication, the dosage, the expiration date, and
when the medicine is to be given. A Medication Permission form must be filled out and signed,
giving Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy permission to give the medication to your child. Both
the director and the child's teacher will be responsible for dispensing the medicine, and you must
discuss any medications with the teacher and director together, to make certain that there is no
confusion about dispensing the medication. This is particularly true if your child has a substitute
teacher for the day. Medication will be administered at the time or with the meal specified on the
medication container and a written record kept.
Parent Handbook: III Child Policy
It is very important that sick children do not come to the center. The children use the same
washroom and they often "mouth" the same toys. They are often very affectionate with each other
and it is very difficult to keep a sick child from infecting everyone else.
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy will not accept the child for care if any of the following
symptoms are present or have been present within the last 24 hours.
•
•
•
fever over 1000
runny nose that is green or yellow
conjunctivitis (pink eye)
•
•
•
•
flu
unusual rash
severe cough
rapid or labored breathing
•
•
•
•
•
•
severe cold
vomiting
yellowish skin or eyes
diarrhea
head lice
contagious illness of any sort that results in child being too ill to participate
activities
in daily
The child may return to school 24 hours after his or her temperature has returned to normal, 24
hours after the child is no longer vomiting, or 24 to 48 hours (depending on the illness) after the
first dose of an antibiotic. If a child receives an antibiotic for an ear infection he or she may return
to school immediately if he has been free of other symptoms mentioned for at least 24 hours.
Isolation Policy
If the child shows any of the previously discussed symptoms while at school, he or she will be
removed from the group and held in the designated "isolation" area, which is usually the director's
office. The parent or authorized adult will be notified to pick up the child. If a parent cannot be
contacted within thirty minutes, Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy will contact an alternate
from the child's emergency card.
Communicable Disease Policy
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy will not
communicable disease of any sort (e.g., chicken
are present or have been present within the last
child to return to the program after experiencing
accept a child for care if he or she has a
pox), or if any of the symptoms discussed earlier
24 hours. A doctor's release must be provided for a
a communicable disease.
Parent Handbook; Emergent Care Procedures
Teaching staff are trained in the use of infant/pediatric
CPR and first aid. Minor cuts and abrasions
suffered while at Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy will receive proper minor first aid care, the
injured area will be washed with soap and warm water, and properly bandaged. Treatment will be
logged in the medical log and the parent will be notified when the injury occurred. Please note that
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy is required to log any injuries observed on your child that
may have occurred outside of the school.
If a medical emergency arises, a parent will be contacted before any emergency treatment takes
place, unless doing so endangers the child's life. In such a case, necessary steps will be taken,
putting the child first (calling hospital, doctor, poison control, and so forth). If a parent is unable to
be reached, the other adults designated on the child's Emergency Information Card will be
contacted. If needed, the child will be taken to Good Shephard Medical Center. If a medical
emergency happens off-site, these same procedures will be followed, except that we will transport
the child to the nearest hospital.
Parent Handbook: Employee Health Policy
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy's teachers and directors are subject to generally the same
wellness guidelines as are its students. Teachers may not participate in Happy Hippo activities if
they display any of the following symptoms:
•
•
•
•
•
fever over 101
flu
unusual rash
severe cough
severe cold
vomiting
yellowish skin or eyes
diarrhea
•
head lice
contagious illness
•
•
•
•
0
Substitute Teachers
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy maintains a roster of qualified substitute teachers and
teachers' assistants who are available for temporary classroom duty. These teachers may be
candidates for full teaching positions, and their substituting is considered part of the evaluation
process. State staff-to-child ratios are respected at all times. If such ratios cannot be maintained,
the classroom may be closed, or parents may be contacted to temporarily reduce enrollment.
Parent Handbook: Cleanliness Policy
At Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy we take all the universal precautions to ensure the
safety of the children and staff. Gloves are worn at all times when handling bodily secretions. Soiled
gloves and diapers will be properly disposed of in covered garbage cans. Soiled clothes or bedding
will be removed and placed in plastic bags and sent home to be washed.
Children and staff wash their hands with soap and running water before and after all food
preparation, meals, outdoor play, and toileting or diapering.
Toys are cleaned as needed and sanitized weekly with a bleach and water solution.
Parent Handbook: Enrollment and Policy Changes:
If you wish to enroll your little one at Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy use the attached
forms, fill out entirely, and return to the director.
If at anytime, any of the enclosed policy's change, you will be notified by mail or hand delivered the
policy change when you arrive at the facility, a copy will be given in order to change out your page
in this handbook.
Happy Hippopotamus Daycare Academy East
1700 N. Eastman Road
Longview, TX 75601
903-236-7777
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
2130 Alpine Road
Longview, TX 75601
903-233-5237