Dear Family,

Pettengill Academy is an early learning childcare center that specializes in infant, toddler and preschool-aged care. We have integrated the philosophies of Montessori and Reggio Emilia in our philosophy and curriculum. Children-led play and learning is the most important thing at Pettengill Academy. Music, art, creative movement and outdoor play in a enclosed area are part of the daily schedule. We believe play is the most important part of an Early Childhood Education.

Our aim at Pettengill Academy is to be an active community that fosters family relationships and sense of belonging for the families in our care. We also strive to be a supportive network for our families and associates.

Starting a new school is big transition for both parents and children. We try to ease the stress as much of possible with some suggestions for parents to help with this transition.

To help with this transition we ask parents to come in for a playdate. This will allow your child to explore the new environment and allow you to meet your child’s teachers.

The first day, bring in a picture of you with the child. This will give them a comfort item to help them when they are feeling sad. For infants, bring in a blanket that you have slept with to give the baby an item that smells like you.

When you leave say good bye to the child and reassure them you will be back at the end of the day.

These are only some suggestions and even though they won’t eliminate the stress of a transition, it will help decrease it. It typically takes full time care children an average of 2 weeks to fully adjust to the new environment and longer for part time care children.

As we build a partnership together, please feel free to share new ideas and suggestions for the center. We value the opinions and close communication with families and teachers. We look forward to offering your family high quality, play based care in a safe, nuturing environment.

- Chantel and Zack Pettengill Owners of Pettengill Academy

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* L/A Metro Chamber of Commerce Member since 2012

* Cool Chamber Award for efforts to be Eco-Friendly in 2014.

* 5-2-1-0 Gold Site since 2015.

* 2016 recipient of Uplift’s L/A 40 under 40.

* Member of the Maine Child Care Advisory Board, Governor Appointed

in 2017

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Your feedback is important to us. Please contact us if you have any concerns, questions or if you would like to

let us know how our teachers are doing. If something needs to be corrected we would like the opportunity to

fix it and if the teacher has been great, we would like the opportunity to praise them and share your thoughts as

well.

You can reach Zack or Chantel at 207-241-0046

zack@pettengillacademy.comor

pettengillacademy@roadrunner.com

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PETTENGILL ACADEMY VALUES

At Pettengill Academy, we operate using four core values:

1. We offer dependable and reliable care.

We try to keep the center open in inclement weather. We are also only closed for 9 holidays, and 5 shutdown days. Parents can rely on us for consistent care of their children.

2. We are committed.

We are committed to providing leadership and mentoring for our children, staff, and the families we serve. We empower both our staff and the children we care for to reach their full potential. We are committed to achieving the greatest levels of excellence in childcare, in education, in the community, and in everything we do. We are committed to building strong healthy relationships with each other, our children, their families, along with the community.

3.We are innovative and creative.

We strive to be highly professional, innovative, creative, efficient and effective. We dare to dream. We collaborate with staff, families, and the community to be able to excel at meeting the childcare and early learning needs of the community. We find new ways to work on keeping the environment clean. We look for ways beyond recycling to make sure we are caring for the world we live in.

4. We are loving, nurturing and fun.

We value a learning-through-play curriculum where children are leaders in their learning. We create an uplifting and positive atmosphere for children and staff. We also create a fun learning experience in a secure, safe, and loving environment.

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MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to be the premier choice for childcare by providing quality childcare with a focus on Play Based Learning within a safe environment in which:

• Children learn independence and self-reliance.• Families have a sense of community.• Children gain the building blocks of skills necessary to

succeed in their future lives.• Children gain a caring and respectful attitude towards

themselves, each other and the environment.

PETTENGILL ACADEMY’S CULTURE

Pettengill Academy prides itself in the quality care it offers to families in the community. We work hard to make sure children in our care are nurtured and for the School to be a safe place for staff, children and the families we serve. Pettengill Academy takes both its values and mission statement seriously and expects staff to do so as well.

Pettengill Academy’s goal is to be the premier childcare facility in the state and will take the steps with both the state and accreditation to do so. To achieve this, we rely on a staff that is committed to excellence and to carrying out Pettengill Academy’s vision for quality and growth.

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Policy and Procedures Pages 6-15

Program Standards Pages 16-18

Health and SafetyPages 19-24

Family InvolvementPages 25-28

Family Informed Consent

Pages 29-31

* Information contained within may be subject to change

Policy and Procedures

Enrollment Procedure

After having a tour of the center, parents will be required to return all forms in the enrollment pack and the $100 registration fee back to Pettengill Academy. These forms include :

* Registration Form* Contract/Financial agreement* Medical Authorization and Consent form * About Me form * Allergy Plan, if needed* Updated immunization forms. * If immunizations records are not available, a blood test showing immunity is required.

Please read and sign the acknowledgement that you have read the family guide. In order secure appropriate staffing levels at all times of the day, we will ask you to provide the specific hours of care needed for your child, recognizing that you may need to change these periodically.

We require all families to have a playdate day where the parents and child, come to meet the teachers and other children. A typical play date is between 3o minutes to an hour.

All forms must be updated once a year. Please remember to provide the center with additional updates as needed.

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Tuition and Payment Procedure

The full time rate for childcare ages 6 weeks to 1.5 years is $200 a week. Part time rates are $135 for three days, and $105 for two days. Drop in for a day is $60. The full time rate for childcare ages 1.5 years and up is $180 a week. Part time rates are $130 for three days, and $95 for two days. Drop in for a day is $50.

Tuition is due every Friday in advance for the following week with no deductions for any absences, holidays, illnesses, or closures due to implement weather, power outages or other situations beyond our control. If tuition is not up to date by the close of business on Monday, you will be charged a $5 a day late fee until tuition is paid in full. Payments are accepted in form of credit/debit, cash, check and money order.

Any returned checks will be charged a NSF fee of $30. Services may be halted until tuition and fee are paid in cash. If another check bounces in the next 6 months then only cash or card payments will accepted.

If a parent goes on vacation, tuition is expected to be paid to hold your childcare spot. Pettengill Academy reserves the right to take 2 weeks of paid vacation/workshops and 9 holidays. Families will be notified in January of these dates.

If payment or payment plan is not made for 2 weeks, the family will risk forfeiture of their child care slots.

There may be additional fees associated with special summer activities or field trips for the children.* Subject to change

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Evening Rates

It is important that children be picked up before closing time. If a child is left at the center after closing time, we will call all the numbers listed on the enrollment form, after trying to reach you. Please make sure phone numbers are up to date.

A evening rate of $1 a minute will be charged for any picks between 5:30-6:00 pm. After 6:00pm an evening rate of $3 a minute will be charge. These fees are due that day at the time of pick-up.

Hours of Operations

We are open : 6:45am - 5:30pm

Monday through Friday

We maintain an open door policy and welcome parents to visit or call. We also encourage breast feeding mothers to come in and do a feeding. We appreciate your consideration of our schedule when visiting.

If you call during the day, please be aware that we may be busy with children and not able to answer the phone. If you leave a message, we will call back as soon as possible.

Absences

Please call the center if your child is going to be absent or arrive after 9 am. If we do not hear from you, by 9 am, your child will not be able to attend that day.

If your child has a contagious illness, please let the center know so that other families can be notified to look for symptoms in their children.

Childcare fees are based on enrollment (a reserved space), not on attendance. To maintain a reserved space, fees must be paid during the absence of a child due to illness, holidays, vacation, or for any other reason.

Holidays and VacationsWe will be closed:

New Years Memorial DayIndependence Day Labor DayThanksgiving and the day afterChristmas Eve (December 24)Christmas and the Day after

There is a possibility of a shut down week or workshop days during the year, parents will be informed at the beginning of the year of these dates.

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Drop-Off and Pick-Up

We will try our best to send children home with a clean diaper. Please make sure your drop off time is brief. Drop-off can be a difficult time for some children, and the longer you prolong the departure, the harder it is for the child. A smile, a goodbye hug and kiss and the reassurance that you will be back will help your child in the transition. Children are usually quick to get involved as soon as the parents have gone.

At drop-off and pick-up times, Parents are expected to be in control of their child and hope you will uphold the expectations of Pettengill Academy.

Our normal procedure is to release the child only to his/her guardians, or any guardian-designated person that is on the authorized pick-up list. If someone other than the guardian is picking up the child, please notify us ahead of time. A verbal notice is o.k. if the person is on the authorized pick-up list. If the person is not on the list, we will need written permission to release your child. Please inform people designated to pick up your child that they will need to be I.D’d by the administration before your child is released to them. If the children are outside the person needs to enter the building first to be ID’d. This is not meant to offend them, but to protect your child.

Pettengill Academy strives to remain neutral in all custody disputes, so that all parents/guardians feel equally welcomed. Legally, the center cannot deny a parent’s access to a child unless there is an active restraining order or court order on file at the center. Under no circumstance will Pettengill Academy be responsible for supervising visits by parents or should the school be used as a place for visitations. Pettengill Academy’s primary concern is the safety of all children and staff at the school.

Program Placement

Children are placed in programs based upon the child’s age unless it has we have an approved waiver from the S tate, as well as space availability. State regulations classify the specific age range and the number of children that may be enrolled in each room.

Move ups are done by a child by child basis. Parents will be notified by letter the month of move up that they will begin transitions. We start with an hour or so a day and as the child adjust we increase the time. Once the child is able to do full days in a row, the child is transitioned fully. This time frame depends on the child and how well they adjust.

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Children’s Records

The information in your child’s record is considered privileged and confidential. Only those persons directly related to the care of your child will have access to the record without your written permission. Upon withdrawal of your child from the school, files are retained.

Regulatory agencies may review your child’s record in order to ensure the school has followed its requirements in maintaining the necessary information.

Program Observations

As part of the schools’s activities, children may be observed by child care professionals not employed by Pettengill Academy. These observations are to help Pettengill Academy improve their teaching and services to families.

In all cases, confidentiality of information related to the children will be maintained.

Bag Policy

Pettengill Academy will provide one Personal Bag for all children who enroll. The child’s name will be written on the bag as well. Unapproved bags will unfortunately not be allowed on school grounds.

Please ensure these bags do not contain any money, medication or other items that may be harmful or dangerous that do not belong at school.

Children in the Engineers Classroom are allowed to bring in a lunch box.

In the event a unapproved bag is left at school it will be removed from the classroom and set aside until the parent is contacted and/or can pick up the bag.

In the event a bag becomes unsanitary or unclean, Pettengill Academy reserves the right to charge the family for a new bag at $10 per bag.

Inclement Weather

In the event of Inclement Weather, Pettengill Academy may choose to Close for the day, Delay opening or Close early depending on the severity of the weather. This information can be obtained from the following ways :

WCSH6Message through BrightWheel

Pettengill Academy Facebook PageOur intention is to ensure the safety of all staff, children and their families.

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Children don’t need much, everyday please bring:

* 2 extra pair of clothes (more if potty training)* Snack * Any of the other required items that get brought back and forth.

Clothing and Attire

Children should arrive dressed and ready for the day. We like to play and believe in children-led exploration so they will probably get messy. We also will be going outdoors. We will supply bibs for meal time and cover ups for art to help protect from some of the mess.

Please do not dress your child in “nice clothing,” we cannot guarantee them to be spotless when you arrive at pick-up. Clothing should be comfortable and seasonally appropriate for outdoor play. Make sure to include hats, mittens, boots, and coats for cold weather. All ages will be going outside, weather permitting.

Please pack extra clothes for your child. Accidents happen and your child might need to be changed. On average two sets of extra clothes a day is sufficient. You will need to make sure you bring more during the potty training period. If your child needs more clothing you will be called to bring in more clothing or pick up your child.

Personal Items

No Personal toys from home are allowed. If toys are brought it will be put away in the child’s cubby immediately. Children are welcome to bring their favorite nap time snuggly, or bring a toy for show and tell. We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items.

All personal items must be marked clearly with the child’s name.

Supplies

Parents are responsible for the following items: Diapers/Pull upsOintmentsPacifierAny medicationsChange of clothes x2Sunscreen/bug sprayNap time blanketBreast milk/Formula

If you use something different than what Pettengill Academy supplies you are responsible for that.

We will supply:Wipes Food (homemade baby food)Bibs and burp towels

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Photographs

Pettengill Academy takes photographs of children at school as part of the curriculum, documentation activities, and other business purposes. These photographs will include all children enrolled at the school.

These purposes include: displays at the school, positing on the Pettengill Academy Website, and transmittal to you and other parents via email or daily reports.

Additionally, there may be times the news media will cover events at the school, at the school’s request, using still photography and/or video, which may include your child.

Infant/Toddler

Infants create their own schedules. They are fed on demand. Breast fed infants need to have adequate supply stocked and labeled. We have an extra freezer to store the milk. Infants also determine their own sleep schedule.We are a breast feeding friendly site. We encourage moms to come in if they are able to do feedings. We also have seating in a quiet area for moms who need to pump.

Pettengill Academy will discard all leftover contents of a bottle after 60 minutes to avoid contamination.

Solid food and cereal will not be fed in a bottle unless the child has written specific instructions from their medical provider. Additionally, please note medications should not be put in a child’s bottle.

Example of School Day

6:45- School Begins for the day6:45-8:30- Free choice in the gym or drop off in classrooms by ages8:30- Classroom time determined by individual rooms9:00- A.M. Snack (Parent Supplied)9:30-11:00- Centers/Structures time11:00-12:00 - Gross Motor12:00-12:15- Prepare for Lunch12:15- Lunch12:30- Nap3:15- Awake/Changes/ PM Snack 3:30-5:30- Classroom time/Gross Motor Skills5:30-School ends for the day

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Meals

Pettengill Academy will supply Lunch and PM Snack. We will also supply homemade baby food. Menus will be posted on Bright Wheel and copies can be provided to parents upon request. Menus are subject to change. If your child eats more than what is offered please supply extra snacks.

If your child has an allergy, please complete the Allergy Health Plan..

If your child has severe allergies or dietary restrictions, we ask for you to work with us to meet your child’s dietary needs. We encourage children to try new foods, but we will never force them to finish their plates.

Rest Time

There will be a designated nap/rest time each day. All children must nap or rest. Infants nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated.

Process of Un-Enrolling a Child

Our childcare program is centered on the children for whom we care. We seek to provide programs designed to support children’s growth and to challenge them as individuals with unique learning styles and ways to responding to the world.

Our child-centered approach seeks to accommodate a wide range of individual differences. However on occasion a child’s behavior may warrant the need to find more a suitable setting for care. Examples of such instances include:

* A child cannot participate safely in our program or appears to be a danger to him or herself, or others, despite our best efforts to reasonably reduce the risk of harm or injury.

* Medical, psychological, or social service personnel working with child determine that continued care at the school could be harmful to, or not in the best interest of the child.

* Any other situation in which accommodations needed for the child’s success in the program conflict with the fundamental nature of our group environment, or if removal is in best interest of the child or the school.

* At any point the child’s behavior/circumstance is of concern to a teacher or director, written documentation and parent/teacher communication will begin as first steps to understanding the child’s individual needs and challenges and to evaluate these needs in the context of our program.

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Process of Un-Enrolling a Family

Our programs are based on developing partnerships and supporting families, however, despite our best efforts, on rare occasions a parent’s/guardian’s actions or request may warrant the need to find more suitable setting for him or herself and child. Some Examples:

* The parent fails to abide by the center policies or those requirements imposed by the licensing agency.

* A parent demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by the program (including request that are outside the philosophy of the school.

* A parent is physically or verbally abusive to center staff, children, or anyone else at the school.

Parents are required to give a two week termination notice. The two weeks will be paid in full, regardless of whether or not the child attends. We will give a two weeks notice of termination for which full tuition is due. We reserve the right to give written notice of immediate termination where there are extreme circumstances that affect the well being of the provider or the other children in attendance.

Anyone who terminates daycare and has a balance that is outstanding will need to have the account settled within 30 days. All accounts not settled in 30 days will be turned over to collections and will pay a $20 per week late fee plus a 35% collections fee added to the amount due.

Inclusion and Confidentiality

To afford individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a childcare program, Pettengill Academy must act as follows:

Pettengill Academy will make reasonable modifications to their policies and practices to include children, parents and guardians with disabilities, unless to do so would be a fundamental alteration of our program.

Pettengill Academy will also make the facility accessible to people with disabilities with reasonable modifications.

Any information regarding a child, a child’s family, or other matters discussed with school management or staff will be held in the strictest confidence.

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Program Standards

Teacher Trainings

Research indicates that formal education or training that increases the knowledge of providers has been shown to be the greatest determinant of safe and quality programing for children. Therefore, Pettengill Academy requires all associates to complete the following, but not limited to:

* State of Maine online mandated reporter training.* Preventing and Managing Infectious Diseases in Early Education and Child Care. * Medical Administration in Early Education and Child Care. * Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Safe Sleep.* Active Supervision Training* Allergen Prevention Training

* Certification in American Red Cross or American Heart Association infant, child, and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. A valid certification indicating the date of training and expiration date must be turned into the Director/Assistant Director (Every 2-3 years depending on expiration date).

* Enrolled in the Maine Roads to Quality registry. This will track their professional development and provider level rating.

* Enrolled to take either “Supporting Maine’s Infants and Toddlers” or “Maine Early Learning Guidelines” class. Choice of class will depend on age level the staff is working with or what is being offered by Maine Roads to Quality.

Within First Year of Employment:* Complete 30 hours or more of training.* Have completed one of the required trainings and enrolled in the other class that was not

taken during the first 6 months. * Each year of eployment, the associate is required to take a minimum of 30 hours of

training each year. Year begins on the start date of employment.Curriculum

Our main objective is to encourage early learning of literacy, numeracy, and social interactions through play. We will use a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. including free play, reading, arts and crafts, music and singing, dancing, dramatic, pretend play, and puzzles.

Our Teachers follow a Pinnacle, a research based curriculum . This guides teachers into planning developmental appropriate activities for the children to help them grow both socially and academically.

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Positive Guidance

Young children are working hard on understanding, independence and self control. We also know children learn by exploring, experimenting, and testing the limits of their environment. At Pettengill Academy, we understand children learn from experiencing the consequences of their behavior.

Our main goal with guidance is redirecting young children from the unwanted behavior. With older children, we try to use it as a learning experience discussing the unwanted behavior and what better choices we can make. There are times we have the child sit to calm down and think about their choices or remove them from the situation.

Handling Confidential information in Incidences of Children’s Aggressive Behavior

When incidents occur parents/guardians of the children involved are informed of the incident and any specific information pertinent to an understanding of the situation. This information is usually the time, place, proceedings and subsequent steps to comfort the child who was hurt and more generally, how the situation was handled. Plans are then developed on how to teach more appropriate interactions and to prevent the recurrence of the aggressive behavior. The identity of the child who engaged in aggressive behavior is not disclosed.

Our policy is designed to promote respect for every child and family we serve. We will not reveal the identity of a child in any incident even with the request from a parent/guardian. This policy is consistent with standards for excellence in early childhood education.

If in our judgement, any child’s behavior places the well-being of others at risk injury, we will act quickly and decisively to resolve the situation (though closer supervision, redirection to more appropriate activities, removal from tense situations, firm and consistent limit-setting, and/or provision of alternative outlets for expression of feelings.) If the aggressive behavior continues after exhausting our resources, we may conclude it is in the best interest of the program to suspend a child’s enrollment. Our commitment is to provide a quality group-learning environment for every child.

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Health and Safety

Fire Drill

We are required by state to do 1 fire drill per month. We will not do fire drills when the temperature is below 20 degrees or above 85 degrees. Evacuation cribs with wheels are used to transport infants and non-walking toddlers.

If parents have issues with anything at the center, please come to the director or assistant director.

As a childcare school we are mandated reporters to the Department of Human Services if we feel a child is abused or neglected. All staff have undergone a mandated reporting training through the state. Always be sure to let us know, when you drop your child off, if they have any unexplained cuts or bruises. All children that come to school with injuries have the injuries logged into the child’s file. If you need to contact us with any suggestions, issues or concerns, please feel free to reach either Zack or Chantel at 207-241-0046 or email us at zack@pettengillacademy.com.

Emergencies

At Pettengill Academy, we take emergency situations very seriously. We have a plan that all staff are trained with for a variety of situations such as fires, medical and dental, intruders, severe weather, missing/abducted children, bomb threats, chemical spills and general emergency procedures. If we have to leave the property, we will evacuate to:

VA Clinic at 15 Challenger Drive.

If you would like to see a copy of the plan, please see the director. Please be ensured that in an emergency we will contact all parents as soon as we ensure the safety of all children

Reporting Requirements

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Medical Policies

On average, babies experience ten illnesses a year and preschoolers experience almost as many. -National Health and Safety Standards.

If a child in care is ill, it may be more difficult for families, staff and children to balance their respective needs. For example, it may be inconvenient for a family member who has to leave work, or school, or difficult for staff who are trying to care for a sick child despite the other demands of the day. We are committed to implementing policies that balance and respect the needs of children, families, and staff in these circumstances.

Reportable Communicable Diseases

When Pettengill Academy is notified that a child or employee enrolled in our center has a suspected reportable disease, it is our legal responsibility to notify the Maine CDC. Authorities may require further information, testing or preventative measures. Examples are Mumps, Measles, Pertussis, Chicken pox, etc.

Pettengill Academy will give serious consideration to all recommendations made by the public health agencies in order to promote the health and safety of all staff members and families we serve. We believe it is extremely important to notify families about exposure so their children can receive preventative treatment if available.

Staying Healthy and Infection Control

Children’s hands are washed before and after meals, and after using the bathroom. Employees are required to wash hands frequently.

Infants sleep in separate pack and plays or travel co-sleepers with clean sheets. At the toddler age, each child has a separate nap mat. Sheets and blankets are washed weekly, unless they are soiled. Mats and pack and plays are disinfected weekly.

Children use separate cups, plates, bowls and eating utensils that have been thoroughly washed. High chairs are wiped and disinfected after each use. Potty chairs are disinfected in between use.

Staff disinfect and sanitize equipment, toys and surfaces on a regular schedule.

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Reporting Incidents

In the event your child does sustain a minor injury, you will receive an incident report, outlining the incident and course of action taken by the staff.

You will be contacted immediately if the injury needs medical attention.

In the event of a serious medical emergency, the child will be taken to the hospital by ambulance, while school management or staff contacts you or a designated emergency contact if you cannot be reached.

Parents are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including transportation if required. The owners of Pettengill Academy, LLC will not be held liable for any sickness or injury of either parent/guardian or child while on premises.

Toilet Learning

When you feel your child is ready for toilet training, we ask that you begin teaching at home over the weekend or vacation. We will follow through and encourage your child while in our care. Parents need to supply training pants with plastic covers or pull-ups, plus extra changes of clothing each day. During toilet training, we ask that your child be dressed in “user friendly” clothing. Clothes children can remove in a hurry are best.

If not enough clothing is supplied, parents will be called to bring more clothing or pick up their child.

Biting

Biting is a normal stage of development commonly seen in infants and toddlers, and sometimes even among preschoolers. It is something that almost all young children try at least once. When it happens, it’s scary, frustrating, and very stressful for everyone involved. It is a natural phenomenon and not something to blame on children, families or teachers.

Brief episodes of biting do not mean that a child is having a social or emotional problem. nor does it mean the family is to blame. It does mean that your child is going through that particular stage in his or her development. As with developmental stages, biting soon ends.

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Swimming and Wading

On hot days, children that can walk might use a small wading pool or hose. This is a supervised activity with an adult constantly supervising. We also do water play in small containers or sensory tables.

Medications

Parents will provide any medications needed by the child, including over the counter and prescription medications. Written authorization is needed for us to administer ANY medication, prescriptions or over the counter.

All medications must be in the original containers with the pharmacist’s or manufacturer’s label. Child’s name and dosage instructions, current date, name of medication and times to be administrated must be documented.

School Safety

In order to maintain a safe and secure environment for young children, firearms, explosive devices, and other weapons are not permitted on Pettengill Academy premises. If required, family members and anyone dropping off or picking up a child is asked to secure any weapons before entering the center, regardless of a valid permit to carry such weapon.

Family Behavior

If Pettengill Academy has reasonable cause to suspect that any person picking a child up is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is physically or emotionally impaired in any way and may endanger the child, we may refuse to release the child to that person. If this occurs, we will request that another adult picks up the child or we will call the police to prevent potential harm to your child. This will be done for the protection of your child and is a required policy from the State.

Children Illnesses/Sickness

At Pettengill Academy, we follow the American Pediatric Association and the National Health and Performance Standards for illnesses for Exclusion. Routine Exclusion Criteria is Applicable to All Signs and Symptoms if the child is unable to participate, care would compromise staff’s ability to care for other children, or children meet the other exclusion criteria. On the following pages, we included a chart that outlines how we determine exclusion from Pettengill Academy.

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Exclusion from Child Care

Included in this handbook is a chart that outlines the symptoms we use to determine exclusion. Exclusion is not limited to this chart as some illnesses might not have any of these common symptoms. On those case, we will make a determination based on AAP and/or CDC recommendations. We are not a sick care facility.

Allergy Prevention

Families are expected to notify the center regarding food or environmental allergies. Parents of children with diagnosed allergies or asthma are required to provide the school with a Health Care Plan signed by the child’s physician detailing the symptoms, reactions, treatments and care and all necessary medications. This plan needs to be updated yearly or as needed from a medical health professional.

Despite our diligent efforts, it is impossible to eliminate all risks for children with food allergies. Ultimately, parents will need to decide whether group care is appropriate for their child with allergies in light of risks that cannot be eliminated.

Food Preference and Intolerances

While we certainly respect all cultures and religions, we are not able to provide and manage food substitutions for the many families we have in our school, whether that substitution is motivated by religion or cultural reasons, food intolerances, or simply a child’s preference. Menus are posted and families are always welcome to bring a meal from home.

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DHHS Contact

The contact number for DHHS is 207-287-9300.

Family Involvement

Parent Involvement

There will be times and ways you can be involved in your child’s childcare experience. You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any or all of these. We will be having parents conferences at least once a year to talk about your child’s development and make a plan for growth. We also encourage families to bring in family pictures and share with us family traditions especially with holidays.

School Guest

All school guest need to sign in at the front desk and wear a guest tag. We need parent permission for anyone other than the parent or guardian to come in to visit during the day. Please let the front desk know if someone is coming that day to visit. This will help ensure the safety of all children in our care.

Ways you can be involved:

* The School’s Open door policy welcomes and encourages you to call and visit at any time.

* Parent Surveys allow you to comment on different aspects of the program.

* Daily, Weekly, and Monthly formal and informal communication happens though many different vehicles.

* We encourage you to share your ideas and concerns with school management and staff at any time.

*You are invited to come into your child’s classroom and may choose to share a special activity or project.

* You are welcome to join your child for lunch anytime you wish.

* Attend school events that many be held though out the year.

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Communication

We are committed to creating a strong home and center connection by developing a process of open, honest communication with you regarding your child’s development and experience at the school. This includes a continual exchange of information between you and the school staff and management.

* Online Daily Reports * Surveys* Notice Boards * Conferences* E-Mails * Call 207-241-0046* Newsletters

School Rules

There are certain rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow. This is for the safety and well being of everyone. In addition, we realize that we must expect a certain wear and tear where children are concerned but we do expect a certain level of care and respect towards the building. Hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching other children or adults will not be tolerated. No standing or climbing on chairs, tables or shelves. There will be no use of obscene, derogatory or disrespectful language.

If behavior is a continuous problem, we will set-up a meeting with parents to create an action plan. If behavior doesn’t improve in 2 weeks, we reserve the right to ask you to find alternative care.

No smoking is allowed on the property as per state law. This includes parents and staff. Also we also request to not have cars idle when dropping off and picking up your children. This is part of the eco-healthy checklist. Parents please use the parking lot on the left side of the building and only use the right side if the left lot is full. Please be aware of your surroundings and only travel 5 mph through the parking lot.

Conflict Resolution

In any community, and in the routine and regular process of daily living, there are inevitable situations and conflicts that are potentially negative for individuals or for the community. It is critical that long before conflict arises, an environment that fosters mutual respect, tolerance, and clear, honest communication already exists. The emotional health of a school is determined not by the absence of conflict, but by its quick and intelligent resolution.

Pettengill Academy is committed to responding to all family grievances within 24 hours and resolving the grievances as quickly as possible.

Concerns and grievances are most effectively addressed within the center. If a concern arises, you should discuss the issue with Chantel or Zack. You can call us at 207-241-0046 or email at zack@pettengillacademy.com

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Babysitting

We strongly discourage our employees from making independent child care arrangements with families at the school. However, in the event that you enter into an agreement with a Pettengill Academy associate to babysit for your family outside of the associates’s normal work hours and/or outside of the school hours, it must be done away from the school and with the full knowledge and understanding that the sitter enters into such an agreement as a private citizen and not as a Pettengill Academy associate. We are not be responsible for our employees away from school, outside their working hours, and will not be liable for their acts or omissions when not on our property including the transportation of children.

If you hire a staff member to work for you and that associate resigns their position with us in order to accept your employment offer, you will be required to pay Pettengill Academy/Sawyer Grace Nanny Service a $1,000 nanny placement fee.

Family Referral Program

Current families are Pettengill Academy’s best ambassadors and we are thankful when a family who is satisfied with their family’s care share it with another family. To reward families for spreading the word about Pettengill Academy, we have setup a Family Referral Program. Through this program, you are eligible to earn tuition credits. When an enrolled family refers a new family to Pettengill Academy, and the new family has made their first payment, the enrolled family earn tuition credits. For full time enrollment, the current family will receive an $180 credit and for part time, an $130 credit.

To receive the credit, we need the current families to fill out the referral form and give it to administration so we can make contact with the family.

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Pettengill Academy Informed Consent

I grant my informed consent for my child(ren)______________________ to participate in the child care program operated by Pettengill Academy.

By signing below, I acknowledge and accept the following program conditions:

AccessI have full access to the center without notification whenever my child(ren) is/are present.However, this access may not be used to supplement any visitation schedule or custody arrangement.

Child IllnessIn case of illness, I will be called and possibly required to pick up my child(ren) as soon as possible. We ask that for your child’s comfort and to reduce the risk of contagion, children be picked up within 1.5 hours of notification. Until then, your child will be kept comfortable and will continue to be observed for symptoms. Children need to remain home until the Exclusion Criteria has be resolved, unless the school receives a note from the child’s medical provider stating the child is not contagious and may return to the center. In the case of a (suspected) contagious disease, rash, or continuing symptoms, a note from the child’s medical provider may be required before returning.

Children’s InjuriesIf my child sustains a minor injury during care, I understand that I will receive an Incident Report outlining the incident and course of action taken by the staff member when I arrive at pick-up.

I will be contacted immediately if the injury produces any type of swelling, is on the face or head, or needs medical attention.

Emergency Medical Care

Every effort will be made to contact me in the event of an emergency requiring medical attention for my child. If I cannot be reached, the emergency contacts listed above will be called. I authorize Pettengill Academy to call an ambulance to transport my child to a hospital or medical facility and to secure for my child the necessary medical treatment. Staff is trained in the basics of first aid. In a school, any member of the staff responsible for the care and education of my child may view my child’s health information, as well as state licensors for compliance purposes.

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Walk Permission

As part of the program, children may go on walks in the surrounding area supervised by the staff, weather permitting. Child(ren) may be taken to the locations listed below by Pettengill Academy staff; infant and young toddlers will go in a buggy or stroller.

The area my child many walk to are:

* The parking lot area.* Down Atlantis Way.* The Roundabout on Challenger Drive.

____ I give permission for my child to participates in walks.____ I do not give permission for my child to participate in walks.

Photography and Video Permission

Pettengill Academy takes photographs and videos of children enrolled at its schools on a regular basis for it business purposes. Pettengill Academy retains all rights, title, and interest in these materials and may use and disseminate them in a variety of ways, in its sole judgement. Pettengill Academy takes care that any use, display, or dissemination of photographs or videos of children, whether at the school the child attends or for it general business purposes, is accomplished in a thoughtful, safe, and secure manner appropriate under the particular circumstances.

For example, at your school, these materials may be used to better communicate with families and to illustrate the daily curriculum, to chronicle a child’s development, or to document school activities. These photos may be shared with you and other families by posting in the school or in a parent newsletter.

By signing below, I give permission to Pettengill Academy to take photographs and videos of my child during his/her enrollment and use these materials for its business purpose.

Parent Signature:________________________________ Date:___________

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Family Guide Acknowledgement

I have received the Pettengill Academy Family Guide and Handbook and applicable information specific to school and State policies. I understand and agree that it is my responsibility to read and familiarize myself with the policies and procedures of the Pettengill Academy Family Guide and Handbook. I acknowledge receipt of these materials and agree to abide by them.

I understand that it is my responsibility to address any questions I may have regarding the policies and procedures and information contained in the Pettengill Academy Family Guide and Handbook directly with school Management.

Information in this book may be subject to change.

I have read, understand, and accept the conditions noted above.

_______________________________________________ _________________Parent Signature Date

_______________________________________________ _________________Parent Signature Date

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