Parent Handbook - TOTS` TOWN, INC., Child Care Center

TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
PARENT
HANDBOOK
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
Philosophy and Goals
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center is a child enrichment center designed to meet the needs of working
families in Northern Rhode Island and meet the developmental needs of young children. Our program offers full
and part time quality care that stimulates and encourages learning in all aspects of a child’s development. It
provides experiences that enrich and enhance each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical and
creative development. Physical, social, emotional and cognitive development is interrelated for all age groups and
more dependent on a consistent relationship with an adult caregiver. Our goal is to provide a safe, pleasant place
with warm, loving care where a child feels secure and happy and can learn to work and play with others. We want
to help the children express themselves and learn social and mental skills that will prepare them for the future.
We encourage the advancement of physical and intellectual competence of each child in age appropriate activities.
We encourage curiosity, exploration and problem solving. We encourage and establish a positive and productive
relationship with families. We are committed to professionalism amongst the Center’s staff. We ensure a well-run
purposeful program responsive to the children’s needs. Our staff models respect, empathy and acceptance towards
all children as well as each other. We offer a safe and comfortable environment where children can have success in
learning.
Diversity
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center is a year-round program that offers care for children regardless of race,
religion, sex, color or national origin. Children must be 18 months to 36 months of age for our toddler program, 3 &
4 years of age for our preschool program and 5-9 years of age for our school age program. Our daily activities and
program consists of a flexible schedule that has been created to provide diversity and challenge for children in all
age groups.
Our Center is a place where differences are valued and children and their families are appreciated and respected.
Our Center is diverse in many ways including economically and culturally. We include children of different
abilities and work with the Johnston School Department to provide special services when necessary. Using an antibias approach, we teach the children about the diversity in our center and society as a whole.
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center welcomes every child and every family into its program. We are
committed to providing diversity in all its forms which may include racial and ethnic identity, gender,
socioeconomic status, sexuality, age, family structure, religion, national organ and ability.
Our Mission
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center provides care for children ages 18 months to 4 yrs of ages in a loving,
comfortable, happy and secure environment. We also provide a school age program for children ages 5-9. We want
to assist with or supplement parental teaching through a program which will provide the child with opportunities for
growth in the areas of:







Physical Development
Acquire good health habits
Communicating his/her ideas to both adults and other children
Have an appreciation of stories, music and art
An exploration of their physical environment
Getting along well with other children
An understanding of the social order
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
Our Programs
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center offers a structured curriculum that brings out the potentials of your
children in all aspects of their lives including but not restricted to the following:

Intellectual – We enhance your child’s intellectual capacity by introducing them to respective ageappropriate lessons like basic shapes, alphabets, colors, numbers, sounds, etc.

Social – We promote socialization to the children making them aware and practiced on how to interact
with other people and children, how to respond to situations like being polite and respectful, etc.

Language – Build literacy at the end of sentence after fun learning activities such as reading, word sounds,
creative play, music, singing and lots of hugs and encouragement.

Emotional – We teach children about emotions and feelings by prodding comfort and support, assistance
to our children

Cultural – We make children aware about our culture and learn about other people’s culture in a fun and
wholesome way.

Physical – We encourage children about the importance of being physically fit and so we guide them to
performing basic exercises and encourage them to play games with their peers. These games and sports
also teach your child the value of sportsmanship and is essential for character building.
Our curriculum is carefully planned and based on the RI Early Learning & Development Standards. We
consistently evaluate our curriculum to ensure that we continue to offer the best services. We strive to establish
it in a well-rounded environment and in accordance to each age group. We divide our programs to age groups
and so the activities are age-appropriate as well.
Our different programs are as follows:

Toddler care program

Pre-School program

Kindergarten readiness

Before/After School Care

Summer Camp
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
Daily Schedule
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 5:30pm
fifty two weeks per year. We are closed on most State and Federal Holidays.
Our daily schedule is outlined as a general guideline. The schedule may vary slightly for each
age group. Each group has a daily schedule posted.
7-8:45am – Children arrive at the Center with parent/guardian. Learning centers are available
for free play during this time. Children arriving between 7-8am may bring their own breakfast
with them and eat during this time.
8:45am – Morning snack is provided. Our snack chart is posted on the Parent Board located at
the entrance to the Center. A choice of 6oz of milk or orange juice is offered. Children under
the age of 36 months will only be offered milk or water.
9:15am – Daily Helpers are chosen. Children and teachers sit at the Circle Time Center as a
group to discuss plans for the day and any issues that have emerged. Name writing sheets are
done every other day. Songs are sung for days of the week, months of the year and weather.
Marching and dancing is enjoyed. Children are read a story pertaining to weekly theme or daily
project.
9:45-11:30am – Outdoor play or Center time (weather permitting) – Center time offers
developmentally appropriate small group activities, self-initiated or teacher assisted, and may
include blacks, art, science and nature, books, writing, math, dramatic play, music or sand and
water tables. Center time offers an opportunity cooperative and independent learning within a
developmentally supportive structure. Outdoor play encourages development of gross and fine
motor skills, collaborate, work out conflicts and explore the world outside. Outdoor time could
also include nature walks.
11:30-12noon – Lunch time – Parents provide a healthy and nutrious lunch each day. Milk is
provided by the Center.
12-1- Outside play or Center time.
1-3pm – Nap/rest time – All children are encouraged to bring a soft rest toy and bedding from
home to go on their center-provided cots. Children rest or sleep quietly with dimmed lights and
soft music.
3-3:30pm – Snack – Nutrious snack is provided with 6oz of 100% whole juice. A choice of
frest fruits or vegetables is also provided with a snack indicated on the snack chart.
3:30- 5:00 - Free play - The final hours of the day are when most children are picked up by their
parents. This time allows free play choices in learning centers, games, stories, dancing or
outdoor play.
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
Health and Safety Policies
RI State Law Regarding Child Abuse/Neglect. - Rhode Island requires that ”any suspected case of child
abuse and/or neglect must be reported to the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) by calling 1800-CHILD.” If any of the staff at TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center has any reason to believe that a
child is being or has been abused or neglected, we will, as required by law, report the information to DCYF.
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center is a place for well children. If in our estimation an illness prevents a
child from participating comfortably in activities, then the illness requires a greater need for care than we at the
Center can provide without comprising the health and safety of the other children. If your child is ill, please call the
Center to provide this information to us as soon as possible. If a child enrolled at TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child
Care Center has a communicable disease such as mumps, measles or chicken pox, we will notify all families as
soon as possible.
Children who become ill while at the Center will be kept in the Director’s office until an adult family member
arrives. When you receive a call from the Center, please pick up your child within one hour to protect the wellbeing and health of the other children.
Do not bring your child(ren) to the Center if he/she has had any of the following symptoms in the
previous 24 hours:

Diarrhea:
If your child has more than one loose bowel movement or diarrhea, we will contact you to pick up within
one hour.

Fever:
If a fever is suspected, we will take your child’s temperature. If your child’s temperature is 100.4 degrees
or higher, we will contact you to pick up your child within one hour.

Rash:
Rashes can be symptoms of contagious diseases such as chicken pox, impetigo, ringworm, etc.
If we notice a rash, we will take your child’s temperature. If the temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher we
will contact you to pick up your child within one hour. We may request a physician’s note to indicate the
rash is no longer contagious.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye):
Conjunctivitis can be extremely contagious.
treatment before returning to the Center.

Children with conjunctivitis (pinkeye) need to begin
Vomiting:
If your child vomits while at the Center, we will contact you to pick up your child within one hour.

Congestion, Cough and Nasal Discharge:
Admittance of a child with lung congestion, a continuous cough, or purulent discharge from the nose is at
the discretion of the Center’s Director.
A child diagnosed with the pertussis (whooping cough) may return to the Center only after 5 days of
appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Head Lice:
If we notice lice or nits in your child’s hair, we will ask that you pick up your child immediately. Your
child may return to the Center after completing treatment that has removed all lice and nits.

Sore Throat:
Occasionally a child will complain that his/her throat hurts or we notice an infant has trouble swallowing.
This may be due to a sore throat. Sore throats are sometimes caused by the strep bacteria. We cannot
determine this without a strep culture taken and tested by a physician. A child who tests positive for a
strep culture must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to the Center. As strep is contagious,
please inform the Center so that we can notify other families.
When your child becomes ill with any of these symptoms, he/she may only return to the Center after they have been
symptom free for 24 hours or more and on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center reserves the right to request a doctor’s written release if such a
statement is deemed necessary by the Director.
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
If your child has asthma:
You must submit a treatment plan that includes descriptions of how to avoid situations that can trigger the asthma
symptoms, how to treat the symptoms when they arise and the names, doses and methods of all treatments.
Medication:
If your child requires medication while at the Center, you must follow the following procedures:
1. You must fill out a “Medicine Authorization Form” for each medication, which includes the name of the
medication, reason for taking the medication as well as dosage amount and time to be given. Medication
(except for asthma medication) will only be given once while at the Center and generally around noon time.
Parents must administer the first dose of medicine for the day to their child.
2. You must give all medication to your child’s teacher or the nurse in its original container with your child’s
name on the prescription label.
3. Non-prescription medications recommended by the health care provider will be administered at the
discretion of the nurse and/or Director.
We will not dispense medication if:
1.
2.
3.
You have not completely filled out and signed the authorization form.
The medication has been prescribed for someone other than your child.
The non-prescription medication has been given for three days.
In case of minor injury:
The staff at TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center will provide treatment for any injury requiring basic first aid.
If a child’s skin has been broken or there is swelling, the will fill out an “Accident/Injury” report. Depending on
the severity of the injury, you may also receive a phone call. You will need to review the information on the
“Accident/Injury” report and sign it. A copy will be made available to you for your records.
In case of a Medical Emergency:
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center will arrange for prompt medical care for your child. Every effort will be
made to contact an adult family members or an emergency contact person you proved immediately. In order to
authorize prompt medical care, you are required to sign the emergency form provided to you in your Parent
Package when your child first enrolled. In case of accidental injury requiring hospital emergency room care, we will
use the Emergency Room at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. We will contact emergency vehicles to transport your
child. A staff member will assist your child to the hospital. Although the majority of our staff are trained in CPR
and first aid, the Center we will seek the assistance of emergency medical technicians.
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
ARRIVAL:
Please make sure to walk your child into the Center and notify a teacher upon arrival. All children should arrive no
later than 8:30am to begin their day. You need to sign your child in and out daily. The sign in/attendance sheet is
located at the entrance to the school.
DEPARTURE;
Children will only be released to adults 18 years of age or older. No younger siblings under this age will be
allowed to pick up their sibling. All children will only be released to those persons indicated on your child’s
Release Form. Any person picking up a child must present a valid picture ID to all staff until that person is known
to all staff members. Expired licenses will not be acceptable for release of your child and the parent will be notified
immediately. Any changes made to the release of your child must be in writing on a new Release Form or
Temporary Release Form prior to a new person picking up. Your child needs to be signed out by whoever picks
them up daily.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
(see school calendar) – School age children are not allowed to attend TOTS’ TOWN during school vacations
without prior permission from the Director. It is necessary to verify that space is available in order to ensure our
ratios are met during this time.
Holidays
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center observes all Federal holidays and those holidays observed by the Town
of Johnston School Department. However, TOTS TOWN, INC., Child Care Center does remain open when The
Town of Johnston school system is closed for school vacations. Our calendar of school closings is included in this
Parent Package. Notification of all school closings will be posted on the Parent Information board at the front
entrance of the Center. They will also be included in the monthly newsletter as they take place.
Toys:
No toys of any kind are allowed at school except a soft toy to sleep with or for Show & Tell.
Admission Policy:
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center provides equal access to public accommodations. Applications for
enrollment are acted upon without regard to race, color, national and ethnic origin or sex to all the rights, privileges,
programs and activities made available to students at this Center. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national or ethnic orgin or sex in policies or programs.
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
Vacation Days
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center does not observe public school vacations. Our Center is open 52 weeks
a year. Tuition is due in full if your child does not attend during school vacations. Those children attending
kindergarten may attend TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center full time during school vacation. However,
tuition is then based on our current full time tuition rate. Those children attending before and after school in grades
1 – 5 may only attend TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center full time during this time if enrollment warrants
it. You will need to check with the Director prior to vacation time.
Release Authorization:



No child will be released to any person not authorized by a parent on their Release Form. We must have
written authorization on file. Any person picking up a child must have a picture ID until all staff members
get to know that person. All phone numbers on your child’s Release Form must be up to date and accurate.
Parents or a responsible designated adult 18 years of age or older must walk into the building to pick up
the child. No younger siblings under the age of 18 will be allowed to pick up their younger sibling at any
time. That person must notify a staff member that they are doing so, provide their picture ID, sign the
child out and remove all items from that child’s cubby.
A verbal authorization will not be acceptable. A signed written note may be faxed to the Center at 401231-6886. The parent’s license # must be included next to his/her signature. The note must be dated.
Clothing:




Dress your child in comfortable clothing. Be sure your child is dressed appropriately for all types of
weather. All children will participate in outside activities unless the weather is inclement. Please make
sure to provide your child with a pair of slippers to put on when he/she wears boots to school. Boots may
not be worn in the Center. Please remember to label all slippers and boots.
Please do not allow your child to wear jewelry of any kind.
All toddlers and preschool children are asked to leave a change of clothes at the Center. Please label each
of the following items in a 2 gallon ziplock and label the bag as well . . . pants, shirt, sock, underwear and
a sweatshirt or sweater.
It is necessary for all toddlers and preschool children to have a nap/rest time who are cared for all day.
All children must have a twin size sheet, small pillow (not bedsize, pls.), pillowcase, blanket and sleeptoy
(if necessary). Please label each item. These items will be sent home weekly to be cleaned and need to
be returned to TOTS’ TOWN the next day.
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS








Registration Fee – a non-refundable registration fee is payable when you enroll your child(ren) for the
first time. There is a 10% discount for siblings.
Security Deposit – a deposit of one week’s tuition must be paid at the time of enrollment. The deposit
will be applied to the last week your child attends the Center when you notify the Director that your child
will be leaving within two weeks. Failure to give the Director 2 weeks notice of your child leaving the
Center will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.
Tuition – Tuition is due on the first day of your child’s week. Tuition may be paid weekly, bi-monthly or
monthly as long as it is paid one week in advance. Parents are responsible for payment of tuition on time.
A late fee of $5.00 will be added to your tuition if payment is not made by Wednesday of the week or $10
fee if payment is not paid by the following Monday. If tuition becomes two weeks in the rears, it will
result in termination of your child’s slot and the loss of your deposit until your tuition is brought up to date.
There is a $25.00 for all returned checks.
Tuition – State Assistance – Parents subsidized by the State of Rhode Island (DHHS or DCYF) in any
way must make sure payment authorization is received before enrollment of your child begins. A child will
not be allowed to enroll until approval is granted by DHHS. A certificate number will be issued to each
family by the State and must be given to the Director. All enrollment for subsidized families is now
computerized. Once the certificate number is added to the Center’s enrollment, it will indicated weather
the enrollment is pending or approved. If enrollment appears to be pending, the Center will only hold a slot
for your child for 2 weeks for while awaiting approval.
Tuition Credit - There is no deduction in tuition for absences due to illness, vacation, holidays or
inclement weather.
Payment in Case of Withdrawal from Program - A two week written notice is required for withdrawal
from the Center for any reason. Tuition is due during this period. Your original security deposit will be
returned once you have paid the last week tuition. Failure to give notice of withdrawal will result in
forfeiture of your deposit.
Overtime Charges – Parents are expected to pick up their children at their designated time. Full time
students may arrive at 7am and must be picked up no later than 5:30pm. School age students may arrive at
7am and be returned after school and must be picked up no later than 5:30pm. The overtime charge is $10
for each 15 minutes or portion thereof per child. Overtime charges must be paid the day they occur in cash
to the staff on site at the time. Staff will not be paid overtime if you are late. Each family is responsible to
pay the staff in cash when they are late on the day the lateness occurs. One tardiness is allowed. The
second time a tardiness occurs, payment must be paid.
Behavior Management Policy
Discipline is defined as a “technique of maintaining order in the classroom”. In order to effectively deal with
an inappropriate behavior, the following techniques are suggested:
1.
2.
State the inappropriate behavior to the child with suggestions for eliminating the behavior.
If behavior continues, divert the child’s attention to involvement with another activity.
However, continued supervision of the child must be maintained without giving the child undue attention. “Timeout” is a time away from re-inforcement of all kinds. The child may be returned to the area each time and
explanation given to that child that he/she cannot engage in classroom activity until the designated amount of time
has passed.
These are the procedures followed at TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center. We suggest that parents try this
at home as well, should you feel it necessary. It really works!!
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
ILLNESS POLICY
In order to prevent the incidence of illness in the Center, we have implemented the following policy:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
A child will not be admitted if he/she has had a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher within the
previous 24 hours.
A child will not be admitted who has had with diarrhea or vomiting within the previous 24 hours.
If strept throat is diagnosed, the child will be sent home and will not be allowed to return to the Center
until having been on medication for 24 hours. The Center must be notified if strept throat exists.
In the event of a communicable disease, the child may not return to the Center without written consent
from his/her pediatrician. The Center must be notified immediately of this disease so we may inform all
our families.
If your child becomes ill while attending school, the Center will notify you and discharge your child to you
or an authorized person. The child must be picked up within one (1) hour of notification.
If your school age child is sent home by their elementary school due to illness, he/she may not come to
TOTS’ TOWN that day as well.
If your child is in need of medication while attending TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center, a
medicine authorization form needs to be filled out. Medication will be dispensed only in accordance with
the Center’s medication policy.
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center has the authority to decide when an ill child will not be admitted to the
Center or when an ill child must be discharged in order to prevent infection of other children.
Lunches and snacks:
 Parents are responsible for providing a nutritious well balanced lunch daily. Lunches should be prepared
the way children will eat them. Food (leftovers) may be brought in to be heated. Our Center is equipped
with a refrigerator and microwave oven. No utensils are necessary as we have disposable bowls, plates,
cups and silverware. A water bottle or juice box may be included in your child’s lunch if you choose,
however, milk is provided by the Center with lunch. No soda or candy, please.
 All lunch boxes and food containers must be clearly labeled with the child’s name. No glass containers,
please.
 A morning and afternoon snack will be provided to your child by the Center. A choice of milk or orange
juice will be provided with morning snack and sugar free lemonade is provided with afternoon snack. Our
snack chart is posted on the Parent Information Board located at the entrance of the Center.
Lunchbox Suggestions:










Sandwiches like cheese, tuna, ham, etc. (NO PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICHES ARE ALLOWED)
(please cut off crust if your child doesn’t like it, the Center does not cut off crust, peel oranges or apples or
cut up apples)
Pizza
Cut up veggies . . . carrots, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers and/or salad.
Crackers and cheese or crackers
Yogurt
Cottage cheese
Slices of cheese
Fruit – no grapes for children under 3 unless cut up in small pieces, please.
Leftovers from dinner the night before
Macaroni and cheese
Foods not allowed . . . . . Soda, Candy, or Peanut butter
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
If an emergency situation develops such as severe weather, fire, physical problems to the building or a power
failure, the child’s safety is our first concern. Fire drills are conducted monthly and severe weather drills are
conducted quarterly. In the event of an emergency situation, the children are not as alarmed due to their
awareness of these procedures. The daycare is equipped with a fire alarm system and fire extinguishers. All of
our teachers are trained in first aid and CPR. If there is a power failure at the Center and it is determined that it
is necessary to close the center, parents will be notified via text or e-mail to make arrangements for early pick
up of their child. If an emergency situation develops and it is determined that the building is unsafe, the
children will be transported to Our Lady of Grace Church located at 4 Lafayette St., Johnston, RI until relatives
can be notified.
INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSINGS
During times of inclement weather (ie: snow, severe rain or hurricanes) TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care
Center may be closed for the day or may have to close early during the day. If you wake up to a snowy day
and wonder if the Center will be open for business, simply listen to your radio or watch your favorite television
station. All school closings are now broadcast on all radio and television stations no later than 6am. If you
wish you may also call the Center @ 231-6886 as early as 5:30am to find out if we are closed. I will have made
my decision whether or not to open by this time. If the Johnston School District will be closed for the day due
to inclement weather it does not necessarily mean TOTS’ TOWN will be closed as well. Please call in to
check.
For all school age children who attend the Johnston Public School and get bused to and from TOTS’ TOWN
and the school system closes earlier than the end of their normal school day due to inclement weather TOTS’
TOWN will close 1 hour after they do. For example, if Johnston Public Schools close at 1pm, TOTS’ TOWN
will close @2pm. All parents will receive a phone call and e-mail at work. (Please make sure I have the latest
work phone # of both parents or any emergency pickup person and their telephone number as well as your email address at work.) During inclement weather, please make sure to check in with the Center often @ 2316886 to verify if there no change in our closing time. If you choose to pick your child up during an early
dismissal day directly from their public school, you must notify the Center immediately so that we do not
expect them to be on the bus when it returns to TOTS’ TOWN. We also do not want a staff member waiting
outside in inclement weather for a child who won’t be coming. Please be considerate of the staff!
If Johnston Public Schools have no afternoon kindergarten, those students will be allowed to stay at TOTS’
TOWN until they are picked up by their parents. However, there will be an additional fee for this time. All
children attending Johnston Public Schools are welcomed to be returned back to TOTS’ TOWN if the schools
close early due to inclement weather, but must be picked up within one hour of their closing. It may be
necessary for you to have TOTS’ TOWN indicated on your child’s emergency card at their public school as a
return site in case of inclement weather. Also, if you work outside of the Johnston area when inclement weather
strikes, please make sure to allow yourself enough time to get out of the city to reach TOTS’ TOWN at the
designated early closing time.
This procedure applies not only to snowstorms, but hurricanes or any other severe inclement weather that may
arise. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
WELCOME TO ALL PARENTS
Thank you for choosing TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center for your child. We are excited to have you as part
of our family. At TOTS’ TOWN, INC, Child Care Center every child is important. Our program is academically
rich and designed to promote your child’s growth and development in a loving environment.
A transition in to any new environment can be challenging and cause anxiety for any child or adult. Our staff are
trained to be alert and aware of your child’s reaction to their new environment and will be sensitive to their feelings.
After enrolling your child at TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center you and your child may visit and be
introduced to our staff and meet his/her new teacher. This will give you an opportunity to get to know the staff
involved in the care of your child prior to their first day.
Separation anxiety is common and your child may resist being left here in the beginning. However, after several
days, drop-off becomes easier. We suggest that after you do the necessary signing in, simply give your child a hug
and assure them that you will return for them that afternoon to pick them up – then leave. Prolonging your
departure could cause more anxiety for your child. We encourage parents to call anytime during time day to see
how their child is adjusting.
This handbook will help you understand our goals and policies. Our guidelines are designed to make sure that each
child receives the best education possible. Please look over the information given so that you are familiar with our
operation and guidelines. Also included with this Parent Packet is the paperwork for your child’s file,
health/immunization, registration form, emergency medical consent form, permission to transport, consent to
release information. Please complete these forms in their entirety and return them promptly. Your child may not
start without our paper work on file.
Please let me know of any area in which we can be of particular assistance to you. I am looking forward to getting
to know you and your child and providing a rich, fun, safe and loving learning environment where all our students
develop to their full potential.
Best,
Mary S. Castrignano, Owner
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
PARENT
HANDBOOK
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., CHILD CARE CENTER shall reserve the right to request a doctor’s written release if
such a statement is deemed necessary by our Director.
If your child has asthma, you must submit a treatment plan that includes descriptions of how to avoid situations
that can trigger the asthma symptoms, how to treat the symptoms when they arise and the names, doses and
methods of all treatments.
Medication: If your child requires medication while at the Center, you must follow the following procedures:
4. You must fill out a “Medicine Authorization Form” for each medication, which includes the name of the
medication, reason for taking medication as well as dosage amount and time to be given. Medication
(except for asthma medication) will only be given once while at the Center and generally around noon time.
5. You must give all medication to your child’s teacher or the nurse in its original container with your child’s
name on the prescription label.
6. Non-prescription medications recommended by the health care provider will be administered at the
discretion of the nurse and/or Director.
WE will not dispense medication if:
4.
5.
6.
You have not completely filled out and signed the authorization form.
The medication has been prescribed for someone other than your child.
The non-prescription medication has been given for three days.
In case of minor injury:
The TOTS’ TOWN staff will provide treatment for any injury requiring basic first aid. If a child’s skin has been
broken or there is swelling, the teacher will notify the family and fill out an “Accident/Injury” report. You will need
to review this information and sign the form. A copy will be made available to you for your records.
In case of a Medical Emergency:
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., CHILD CARE CENTER will arrange for prompt medical care for your child. Every effort
will be made to contact parents, adult family members or emergency contacts listed on your child’s emergency
sheet immediately. In order to authorize prompt medical care you are required to sign the emergency form
provided to you in your Parent Package when your child is first enrolled. In case of accidental injury requiring
hospital emergency room care, we will use the Emergency Room at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. We will contact a
rescue squad emergency vehicle to transport your child. A staff member will assist your child to the hospital.
Although the majority of our staff are trained in CPR, the Center will likely seek emergency medical technicians.
I understand and agree to abide by the above mentioned rules.
Parent’s Signature
Date
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
If you have any questions regarding policies, any changes in scheduling,
concerns, etc., please address them to the Director. TOTS’ TOWN, INC.,
Child Care Center has the right to refuse service to anyone at anytime.
Please sign and date this childcare agreement acknowledging that you
understood all the policies and procedures at TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care
Center. If you have any questions, please see the Director before signing. We
ask for your understanding and cooperation in carrying out our profram. We
earnestly feel that these policies and procedures enable us to fulfill our
purposes and philosophies and greatly enrich the lives of the children enrolled
here. Thank you for your patronage.
Signature of Mother/Guardian
Date
Signature of Father/Guardian
Date
Please Note: Parents of School Age Children:
If a school age child is suspended for any length of time or becomes ill during
the day, he/she is not allowed to return to TOTS’ TOWN or come to TOTS’
TOWN during his/her suspension.
Please notify the Center of such
circumstances.
Signature of Mother/Guardian
Date
Signature of Father/Guardian
Date
TOTS’ TOWN, INC., Child Care Center
29 George Waterman Rd., Johnston, RI 02919
Telephone & Fax (401) 231-6886
Daily Schedule
TOTS' TOWN, INC., Child Care Center is open Monday through Friday, 7am - 5:30pm,
fifty two weeks per year. We are closed on most state and federal holidays.
Our daily schedule is outlined below as a general guideline. The schedule may vary slightly for
each age group. Each group has a daily schedule posted.
7-8:45am - Children arrive at the Center with a parent/guardian. Learning centers are available
for free play during this time. Children arriving between 7-8am may bring their own breakfast
with them and eat during this time.
8:45am - Morning snack is provided. Our snack chart is posted on the Parent Board at the
entrance to the Center. A choice of 6oz. of milk or orange juice is offered. Children under the
age of 36 months may only receive milk or water.
9:15am - Daily helpers are chosen. Children and teachers sit at the Circle Time Center as a
group to discuss plans for the day and any issues that have emerged. Name writing sheets are
done every other day. Songs are sung for days of the week, months of the year and weather.
Marching and dancing are performed.
9:45-11:30am - Outdoor play and center time. Center time offers developmentally appropriate
small group activities, self-initiated or teacher assisted, and may include blocks, art, science and
nature, books, writing, math, dramatic play, music or sand and water tables. Center time offers
an opportunity cooperative and independent learning within a developmentally supportive
structure. Outdoor play encourages development of gross and fine motor skills, collaborate,
work out conflicts and explore the world outside. Outdoor time could also include nature walks.
11:30-12 - Lunch time. Parents provide a healthy and nutrious lunch each day for their child.
Milk is provided by the Center. Staff sits with children while they are eating, encouraging and
participating in quiet conversation.
12-1 - Outdoor play and/or center time.
1-3pm - Nap/rest time - All children are encouraged to bring a soft rest toy and bedding from
home to go on their center-provided cots. Children sleep or rest quietly with dimmed lights and
soft music.
3-3:30pm - Snack - Nutrious snack is provided with 6oz of 100% whole juice. A choice of
fresh fruits or vegetables is also provided. Children under the age of 36 months must provide
own snack
3:30 pm – Homework time for all afterschool children followed by snack.
3:30-5:30pm - Free play - The final hours of the day are when most children are picked up by
their parents.