2016-2017

First United Methodist Church, Raimond Christian Center 206 S. 4th Street - Harlingen, Texas 78550

(956) 412-0411 – Office (956) 423-4663 – Fax

www.fumcharlingen.org

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Table of Contents

Philosophy 4Open Door Policy 4Licensing Information 4Operational Hours 5Holidays Observed 5Tuition and Fees 5-6Enrollment Policy 6Withdrawal Policy 7Attendance 7Classrooms 7Arrival and Release of Children 7Parent Bulletin Board 8Parent/Teacher Conference 8Parents and Volunteers 8Nurturing 8Discipline and Guidance 8Biting 9Clothing and Personal Belongings 9Extra Clothing 10Potty Training 10

Rest Time 11Chapel 11Outdoor Play 11

Water Activities 11School Pictures/Snapshots 11Breastfeeding 11Nutrition 11Breakfast Guidelines 11Lunch Guidelines 11Snacks 12Birthdays 12Illness 12Immunizations and TB Test 13Hearing and Vision 13Accidents/Medical Emergencies 14Emergency Situations 15Fire Inspections 15Pets 15Transportation 15Moonlighting 15Volunteers/Fundraising 15Child Abuse and Neglect 15

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Minimum Standards 16

Dear Parents,

I am so excited to have you and your child(ren) involved at the Journey Preschool this year. At First United Methodist Church we believe that Children Matter! I know this year will bring new friendships, lessons, experiences, and most importantly love. Journey Preschool has an excellent staff, and I believe you will be pleased with the instruction, affection, and attention your children receive.

Journey Preschool is a ministry of First United Methodist Church. While many of you have other church families, we just want to let you know that you are welcome to join us for any program or event we have. If you don’t already attend a church, we also want to invite you to join us for worship on Sundays. We have a Traditional Service at 9:15 am, and a Contemporary Service at 11:00 am.

Once again, we thank you for being a part of this wonderful program. Know that we have been praying for you this summer, and will continue to pray for you and your families throughout the year. If I can ever be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to ask.

So, let’s have a great year! I look forward to getting to know you and your children, and I know God has blessings in store for us.

Yours in Christ,

David E. PayneSr. Pastor, FUMCdavid@fumcharlingen.org(956) 245-8279 (cell)

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To Journey Preschool!Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed… Proverbs 16:3

PHILOSOPHYThe purpose of Journey Preschool (JPS) is to maintain a child-centered program in which children of all backgrounds, races and abilities may develop physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually in a loving Christian atmosphere. We encourage learning through play, while a child’s feeling of self-worth and regard for others is placed above achievement. JPS strives to maintain our purpose by providing quality child care with a Christian education.

JPS is a non-profit organization with the goal of being self-supporting and providing quality child care with a Christian education. JPS is overseen by a governing body which consists of the senior pastor, church members, JPS parents and community members.

OPEN DOOR POLICYOur open door policy ensures parents have the opportunity to visit the preschool anytime during our hours of operation to observe their child, the preschool operation, and program activities without having to secure prior approval. These visits allow for limited observation of their child’s stay as needed. Please keep this visit to a minimum duration so as not to disturb class time or other children.

LICENSING INFORMATIONJPS is a state-licensed facility, operated in accordance with the Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers and holds a license for Child Care with the Texas Department of Protective and Family Services - Child Care Licensing Division (www.tdfps.state.tx.us). JPS must ensure compliance with all minimum standards applicable to our preschool program. JPS employees maintain continuing education requirements through annual trainings for caregivers/director including CPR/First Aid.

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OPERATIONAL HOURS

Monday through Friday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Early Morning Care 7:00am-8:00am

Half Day Classroom Hours 8:00am-12:45pm (Pick up 12:45 – 1:00)*Late Pick up fee $10

Extended Day Care

Full Day Care

1:00 to 3:30 (Pick up 3:15 to 3:30)*Late Pick up fee $10

7:00am-4:45pm (Pick up 4:45 – 5:00)*Late Pick up fee $10

HOLIDAYS OBSERVEDJPS will be closed for the following holidays. Please be sure to plan ahead for these dates. NO refund is given for holidays or for absenteeism. JPS is open year round with the following schedule exceptions:

New Year’s Day Good Friday Memorial Day July Fourth Labor Day Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday Christmas Week

JPS will be closed: spring break week in accordance with the HICSD schedule. We will also close any day the HCISD closes for bad weather situations.

TUITION AND FEESTuition is due on the 1st of every month. A $10.00 late fee will incur after the 5 th. Tuition must be paid each month to ensure space. Child care services may be suspended due to unpaid balances. Payments may be made in check or money order form payable to FUMC-JPS (No Cash). Post-dated checks will not be accepted. There will be a $20.00 charge for the first returned check (after the 2 nd

returned check, we will only accept money order payments towards the account balance). If your child is absent due to illness, vacation, or holidays you will still be responsible to pay the tuition fee.

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$100 Annual Registration Fee Due at the time of Registration(Non-Refundable)

MONTHY TUITION

Part Time Care (8am-12:45pm) Full Time Care (7am-4:45pm)5 Days $295.00 $500.004 Days $245.00 $400.003 Days $195.00 $300.002 Days $145.00 $200.00

*(10% Sibling Discount Available)

EXTENDED DAY ADD ON RATES(Afternoon Schedule Must Remain The Same Each week)

Afternoon Add On 1pm – 3:30pm5 Afternoons a Week $120.00/Mo. Add on4 Afternoons a Week $95.00/Mo Add on3 Afternoons a Week $75.00/Mo Add on2 Afternoons a Week $50.00/Mo Add on

Early Morning Drop in $10.00/DayPartial Day Drop In (8am-1pm) or (1pm-5pm) $20.00/DayFull Day Drop In (7am-5) $40.00/Day

DROP IN RATES

Parents are expected to commit to a regular schedule of days/hours when they enroll a child. This will be noted on the. JPS requests a minimum of one month advance notice when a change of schedule is necessary

Payments during Absenteeism and Vacations: We try to provide the highest quality program on a budget comprised on the lowest possible monthly rate. In order to do this, no credit can be given for absenteeism. Families may take a 1 month credit vacation anytime throughout the year. For vacations taken during June, July, or August notice must be given by March 9th 2016. For vacations taken any other months, a one month notice must be given.

JPS reserves the right to change any and all tuition rates when circumstances make such a change necessary.

ENROLLMENT POLICYJPS offers services without regard to race, national origin, or religion. Parents must sign the admission information forms before the child is admitted to our care. Please keep in mind the health status information is critical to ensuring that the individual needs of children are met, while

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protecting the health and safety of all children in our care. All immunizations required for the child’s age must be completed by the date of admission. The following forms must be completed and submitted along with the registration & tuition fees prior to enrollment:

I. Required Forms Admission Form (notification of any change is required) Up to date Immunization Record

a. Tuberculosis Test (every 2 years)b. Hearing and Vision Screening (4-5 year olds)

Physicians’ Statement Acknowledgement of Parent Handbook and Guide to Daycare Form Emergency Medical Release Form Discipline and Guidance Policy Tuition Contract

WITHDRAWAL POLICYIf it becomes necessary to withdraw your child the Director must be notified in writing at least one month in advance. (A tuition refund will not be granted if sufficient notice is not given.)

ATTENDANCEChildren are to arrive at school NO LATER than 8:30 am. All absences must be reported to the JPS office by 8:30am. JPS does not offer make up days. Drop In care is available (space permitting) to all enrolled children. Arrangements must be made through the preschool office.

CLASSROOMSChildren will be grouped according to age on September 1st of every year and will be placed in the following classes:

18 months to 2 years old2 years old to 3 years old (PK-2 – PK-3)4 years old to 5 years old (PK-4)

JPS will take into consideration the developmental or emotional age rather than the chronological age, of a child with special care needs. Additionally, From time to time, combined classes will be necessary according to child/caregiver ratio.

ARRIVAL & RELEASE OF CHILDRENWe encourage every parent to make a plan to drop-off and pick-up your children at the same time each day if possible. In addition, we encourage you to make your goodbye routine the same each day. This lets your child know what to expect. It is our goal to make your child as successful as possible as soon as possible. We are here for you!

Arrival time is NO EARLIER than 7 a.m. for part time care and NO EARLIER than 8a.m. for full time care (the teachers utilize the few minutes before children arrive to prepare the classrooms for the day). Pick-up will be between 12:45 pm and 1:00 pm for part time care and between 4:45 pm and

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5:00 pm for full time care. Parents must accompany their child into the building and sign him or her in/out in the presence of a staff member. A late charge of $10 will be incurred for any late pick-ups.

JPS will not release a child to anyone other than the parent unless prior arrangements have been made. Pre-approved adults must be over the age of 18 and are required to provide a Texas ID before the child will be released; this includes siblings. Under no circumstance is a staff member permitted to take a child home.

For the safety of our children, please avoid lengthy conversations with staff during the busy drop-off and pick-up times. If you need to discuss issues of concern you are encouraged to call JPS to set up a parent/teacher conference.

The alley may be used for drop-off and pick-up in inclement weather. Please do not leave your car unattended (unlocked) with the motor on. JPS is not responsible for stolen vehicles or valuables. Please DO NOT leave children in an unattended vehicle while dropping off or picking up other children.

PARENT BULLETIN BOARD/PARENT COMMUNICATION Parent bulletin boards are located outside of every classroom. The information posted is an important part of communication with our parents. The information posted provides parents the opportunity to monitor the care they have selected for their child and to make informed decisions as consumers of child care. Boards consist of our weekly am/pm snack menus, daily schedules, lessons plans, etc. A notice will be placed in the child’s cubby of any school policy changes, special events, calendar updates, etc.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCESParents may request a meeting by appointment only with the JPS Director and/or your child’s teacher to discuss matters concerning your child’s development and participation at JPS. Mutual sharing of information and insight about the child’s needs and development helps provide consistency and support in promoting the child’s growth and development.

PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERSAccording to Texas State Minimum Standards any person who will be frequently visiting and/or working in the childcare center must have a name-based criminal history background check and a DFPS central registry check that is clear. Journey Preschool welcomes any parents/family members who would like to volunteer with the understanding that this name based background check must be performed prior to their attendance. Please contact the JPS office for further information on how you may volunteer.

NURTURINGOne of our goals is to make the children feel comfortable and safe. Understanding the social-emotional development of a child is as critical to a child’s success in life as the child’s cognitive abilities.

DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE

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JPS is committed to maintaining a loving, safe environment in which every individual treats others with dignity and respect. If an individual child’s behavior is deemed harmful or distracting in the class the following disciplinary steps will be taken:

Inappropriate behavior will be brought to the child’s attention. A brief, supervised separation from the group may be used if needed.

Repeated behavior problems with the child will be brought to the parent’s attention so that a solution may be reached. (A progress report will be kept in the event that a conference is required.)

If the behavior does not change, a conference with the parent and JPS Director will be scheduled. A behavior modification plan will be agreed upon by a target date.

Depending on the severity of distraction or potential harm the student may or may not be suspended. The student may be reinstated for a trial period.

If no improvement is noted, the child shall be withdrawn from the program.

Our JPS staff is not trained to teach children with significant conditions. If a problem in any one of the areas listed below develops, JPS reserves the right to confer with the parent about withdrawing the student from our program. JPS relies upon our parents to uphold the intent and the spirit of our discipline policy.

Mentally or physically disabled Emotional disturbances Incorrigible Behavior Learning disabilities

BITINGBiting is a natural part of the developmental process for young children, but must be properly addressed. We are concerned for the safety of all of our students, thus the centers policy is as follows:1. The parent of the child bitten will be contacted by phone or email if the skin is broken.2. The parent of the biter will be notified via Incident Report; and the parent signature will be required.3. Information regarding the name of the biter will not be disclosed.4. Every precaution to prevent biting will be taken to channel the energy of the child into an appropriate activity.

CLOTHING & PERSONAL BELONGINGSChildren should dress comfortably, in washable clothing that they can manage easily and appropriately according to the weather. Open toe shoes must have a strap; flip flops, jelly shoes, and boots are not allowed because they do not provide enough traction or support on steps, ladders and other playground equipment. Tennis shoes are more appropriate. Children are encouraged to participate in activities that involve sand, water, paints, glue, and other art products, please be aware that some activities may become messy and that clothing could become stained. All removable clothing should be labeled with the child’s name. JPS will not be responsible for any lost personal belongings.

EXTRA CLOTHING9

The parent is required to bring a set of clean change of clothes (including underwear and socks) that is labeled in case of accidents or spills.

POTTY TRAINING Children entering the PK 3 Classroom Must Be Fully Potty Trained. Potty Trained children can:

Communicate to teachers that they need to use the restroom. Independently use the bathroom facility without assistance. Wear cloth underwear. No Pull-ups or diapers are allowed. (with the exception of Naptime).

If your child has repeated potty accidents in either the PK3 or PK4 classroom we may ask that you withdraw the student until full potty training has been achieved.

For all other classrooms; when you feel your child is ready for potty training, we ask that you begin teaching at home during a weekend or vacation.   PLEASE NOTE:   We will only assist your child in potty training if you have successfully begun training at home for one week prior.

We will follow through and encourage your child while in care.   Potty training will be done in a relaxed manner with the cooperation of the family.  We require that the child be at least 2 years of age and must also show signs of readiness.   Positive reinforcements and consistency must be continued at home.

During potty training your child needs to be dressed in “User friendly” clothing as much as possible. The best items are shorts and pants with elastic waist.  Please  DO NOT dress your child in the following:

No tight clothingNo pants with snaps & zippersNo overalls or bib type clothingNo beltsNo one piece outfits

The clothes listed above can make it difficult for your child to reach the potty in time.  Your child also needs to be able to pull his/her pants up and down and these items will hinder your child’s ability to do so.

Required Supplies for Potty Training

The following items are to be left at the childcare and replaced as needed.  Soiled clothes will be returned in a plastic bag at the end of the day.

Two (2) changes of clothing including socks (an extra pair of shoes if available)

REST TIME

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JPS must provide a supervised sleep or rest period after the noon meal for all children 18 months of age or older who are in care 5 or more consecutive hours for a duration of no more than 3 hours. Parents are to provide one small mat and blanket to be used for rest time during afternoon care. Your child’s mat and blanket must be labeled with their name. Blankets will be sent home every Friday so that they can be washed and should be returned to school on Monday.

CHAPELPreKinder 3 and PreKinder 4 classes attend chapel on Wednesday mornings held in the First United Methodist Church Sanctuary and is led by a pastoral team member.

OUT DOOR PLAYChildren will be given an opportunity to play outdoors (weather conditions permitting). When outdoor play is not an option the Raimond Christian Center Gymnasium will be utilized.

WATER ACTIVITIESThere will be planned water activities involving wading pools, sand & water tables, and sprinklers during the summer months. Pools will be drained, sanitized and stored out of reach of children. Parents must fill out the portion of the enrollment form (#3 WATER ACTIVITIES) for permission to participate.

SCHOOL PICTURES/SNAPSHOTS From time to time, pictures are taken randomly for classroom projects, website use, or power point presentations during school gatherings. Pictures will not be used without the consent of the child’s parent(s).

BREASTFEEDINGJPS Parents have the right to either provide breastmilk for their child while in care, or they may work with the teacher and director to find a comfortable place within the center to breastfeed.

NUTRITIONWe ask that children do not bring food and drinks high in sugar for meals (i.e., caffeinated drinks, sweets or deserts, pudding, Kool-Aid drinks). It is important for parents to inform JPS if the child has any food allergies. Children who have allergic conditions must have a medical release form stating which foods must be substituted. Please make note of this on the medical release forms so that staff will be appropriately advised.

BREAKFAST GUIDELINESParents may bring breakfast for their children provided the arrival time is before 8:30 a.m. Food mustbe simple and self-serving. We ask that you set out your child’s breakfast before leaving. The teachers are not responsible for preparing breakfast.

LUNCH GUIDELINESParents are responsible for the provision of their child’s well-balanced lunch. Food should meet the child’s nutritional requirements and be in a well-insulated clearly labeled bag with the child’s name. Families are to send a no “Junk Food” lunch from home in a well-insulated bag clearly labeled with child’s name. Soups, casseroles, sandwiches, raw vegetables, and raw fruits are good choices for lunches. To prevent food-borne illnesses all foods must be packed safely as per *Texas Department

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of Health Services Food Rules and Regulations seeing that FUMC-JPS will not provide microwave or refrigeration for proper holding temperatures. Our obligation is to attain a maximum level of compliance to ensure each child’s health and safety.

SNACKSIn keeping with state law regulation and Journey Preschool Policy for Wellness, we have strict guidelines that will affect the snacks that we serve in our preschool classrooms. Please keep in mind that these polices have been put into place because we are encouraging our children to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

A weekly snack schedule will be posted in each classroom. JPS will be serving a small, mid-morning and/or late-afternoon snack at school, not a dessert or mini-meal. The purpose is to keep small bodies energized between meals; we do not want to interfere with their appetite for a healthy lunch or dinner at home with you.

If your child is allergic to any particular types of food, we ask you to plan an alternate snack from home. CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS/SPECIAL EVENTSBirthdays are special and important days. Parents are welcome to share their child’s birthday with classmates. Please speak with your child’s teacher if you plan to bring a treat to share at snack or mealtime. A strict, one-week advance notice for posting of all snack(s) or meal items is required to best accommodate all families and their child’s special needs. Food items may be store-bought or homemade and must follow TDHS Food Rules and Regulations. Also, if you prefer that your child not be recognized on a birthday, please notify your teacher.

When parents are planning a home birthday party for their child, party invitations may be placed in the Children’s Cubbies if the whole class is being invited. If only a few Preschool friends are to be invited, please do not distribute invitations at school. You may call the Director who will share a child’s contact information, if permission has been given by the parent(s).

ILLNESS In the event antibiotic treatment is required for illness, the child must have received the treatment for 24 hours before returning to school. Children who have run a fever must be fever-free for 24 hours prior to returning to JPS. The JPS Director and/or staff will make the decision as to whether a child should be excluded from the school or a health professional determines that the child may be in childcare. If a child has any of the following symptoms he/she may be excluded from activities and a parent will be contacted to pick-up the child that is ill.

The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in child-care center activities including outdoor play;

The illness results in a greater need for care than caregivers can provide Fever (Oral temperature of 100.4 degrees/armpit temperature of 99.4 or greater)

accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness. Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness such as lethargy, abnormal breathing

uncontrolled diarrhea, (stool runs out of the diaper or the child can’t get to the toilet in

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time), two or more vomiting episodes, rash, mouth sores with drooling, behavior changes, or other signs that the child may be severely ill.

Green discharge from the mouth, nose, or eyes. Pink eye with white or yellow discharge. Scabies, head lice, or other infestation. Contagious diseases such as:

Tuberculosis Mumps Impetigo Hepatitis A Chicken Pox Measles Rubella Pertussis (whopping cough) Shingles Strep throat or other streptococcal infections

Decisions to dismiss a child from school will be based on the observations of the child and the best interest of the other children in the class. If the parent or legal guardian of the child cannot be reached, the first person listed on your emergency contact list will be notified to pick up your child. Please do not send your child back to school unless he/she has been symptom-free without medications for 24 hours. Parents or guardians should notify the managing director if the child has been diagnosed with a communicable disease. All parents will be notified in the event of a possible exposure to a communicable disease and advised on the appropriate measure to take if the child should become infected.

IMMUNIZATIONS & TB REQUIREMENTSAll JPS children will be required to maintain up-to-date immunizations and an annual TB test. Children that do not receive immunizations and/or TB test will be required to provide a written physician’s statement and/or legal document.

HEARING & VISION SCREENINGThe Vision and Hearing Screening Program of the Health and Safety Code requires 4 & 5 year old children enrolled in any private, public, parochial, or denominational school to have a professional examination for possible vision and hearing problems. ACCIDENTS / INJURIES /MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Accidents: In the event of an accident or injury, the child will be given first-aid immediately. Teachers have immediate access to emergency information on each child. It is extremely important that our records are always kept up to date. If JPS is unable to contact one or both parents, the staff will call the first person on the list of authorized persons and any emergency number provided by the parent. In the case that a parent or authorized person cannot be reached, instructions will be taken from the personnel at the clinic on campus. In the case that emergency care is needed, 911 will be contacted and the child will be transported to a hospital. A staff person will accompany the child and the parents will be contacted to meet them at the hospital. Written authorization for emergency transportation will be obtained before the child enters the program.

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Documentation will be maintained on injuries/medical emergencies. Parents will be notified of any minor or serious injuries and be given a written incident/accident report by your child’s caregiver. A parent’s signature will be required and a copy of the report will be issued to the parent. Medical Emergency Release Forms are required to be filled out at the time of enrollment. Medical emergencies will be reported to Child Protective Services as required by Minimum Standards (Code: 746.35).

MEDICATIONJPS does not to administer medication. Diaper rash ointments may be administered only with the parent’s written permission. The diaper ointment should be in its original container and labeled with the child’s name and written instructions.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONSIn all emergency situations the director and staff’s first priority will be to move children to our designated safe location as quickly as possible. (Emergency evacuation diagrams are located in all rooms of the preschool used by the children and staff). Children will be directed and escorted by staff members to calmly and orderly walk to the designated safe area. Toddlers ages 2 and under will be escorted by a staff member(s) using a “walking rope” to the designated safe area. Any children with limited mobility or impairment will be taken one on one by a staff member. Teachers and staff members are required to evacuate with each class clipboard which contains parent and emergency contact information for each student, authorization for emergency care, and attendance records. Once the children are safely relocated the staff will commence with attendance taking to ensure every child is accounted for. The JPS Director will be the last one to leave the building after making a round through all classrooms and bathrooms to ensure all children and staff have exited the building.

In the event of a Fire - Children will be relocated to the fenced lawn facing Harrison Street. If shelter is needed at the time of evacuation; children will be taken to the church sanctuary facing Harrison street at 321 E Harrison Street. Children may be picked up at either location. Parents may call the First United Methodist Church line at (956) 423-0540 for the location of the children following evacuation. The director will additionally call the fire department and the local licensing department to leave word on any alternate location of the children.

In the event of Severe Weather – Children will be taken to the Raimond Christian Center Gymnasium (Gym Utilized by JPS). Children will be picked up one at a time using the back ally entrance of the Raimond Christian Center.

In the event of an Intruder Lockdown –All staff present should be alerted immediately in the situation of an immediate danger, such as the presence of an aggressive intruder (i.e. making verbal threats causing physical harm or/and has a weapon). Staff members have been advised to remain in the classrooms in the event of an intruder with the classroom doors locked and closed. Children should be kept calm and away from windows. Parents will be called using the emergency contact forms once the perimeters are safe.

I. DRILLS – Emergency plans for fire, weather, and any other possible natural disaster are posted in each room. Practice drills will occur monthly during the year. The practice drills help the children and the staff members to become familiar with the procedure and not be frightened.

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Bad Weather Drill - practiced with all children and staff twice a year. The children will be taken to the Gymnasium in the Raimond Christian Center the event of bad weather during school hours and for the drill.

Fire Drill – practiced with all children and staff once a month. The children and staff will relocate to the playground facing Harrison Street.

II. HURRICANES

Hurricane Watch – JPS will continue to meet as scheduled, however, if you live/work in an area that is prone to flooding please use your best judgment in transporting yourself and your children.

Hurricane Warning – JPS will close once a hurricane warning is issued by weather services and will resume once weather permits.

School closings during inclement weather will be announced with school closing reports on the local TV/Radio stations and parents will be contacted by email and phone if at all possible. Parents should listen to local TV and/or radio stations for school closings. In the event of inclement weather JPS will follow the decision made by the HCISD with regard to bad weather closings. Such closings will not result in a tuition reduction.

FIRE INSPECTIONJPS will have an annual fire inspection. This inspection will be conducted by a fire marshal. A copy of the most recent fire-inspection report will be available at the school during hours of operation and results may be read. All classrooms doors have an emergency evacuation and relocation plan posted. This plan is designed to ensure the safety of children during a fire, weather, or other emergencies requiring evacuation or relocation plan for the children.

GANG FREE ZONECriminal activity that occurs within 1000 feet of the preschool is a violation of the law. The goal of gang-free zone is to deter certain types of criminal activity in areas where children gather by enforcing tougher penalties. Child care providers are required to inform parents or guardians of children attending their center about the gang-zone designation. Criminal activity within the zone of our preschool is a violation of this law and is therefore subject to increased penalty.

PETS Animals are prohibited from Journey Preschool.

TRANSPORTATIONAt this time JPS does not offer transportation or field trips.

MOONLIGHTINGJPS discourages parents from hiring staff for babysitting purposes. JPS is not responsible for children cared for by an employee after operational hours.

VOLUNTEERS/FUNDRAISERS

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Parent volunteers are needed and encouraged to participate with JPS. We welcome all interested persons wishing to serve in our school. Interested persons may get more information on joining the JPS Leadership Team or the JPS Governing Board by contacting the director.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECTStaff are required by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Texas Department of Protective And Regulatory Services child abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400. Each staff member will receive annual training in the area of child abuse and neglect including warning signs.

WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE…..According to www.helpandhope.org Abused children might seem: Nervous around adults or afraid of certain adults. Reluctant to go home (coming to school early or staying late, for example). Very passive and withdrawn or aggressive and disruptive. Tired a lot, or they might complain of nightmares or not sleeping well. Fearful and anxious.

More information about recognizing the signs of abuse can be found online at www.helpandhope.org including strategies for parents in preventing abuse.

REPORTING ABUSE

If you suspect abuse – you may file a report by calling 1-800-252-5400 or go online to www.txabusehotline.org you may also visit your local Department of Family Protective Services office at 601 W Sesame Drive – Harlingen, Texas (956) 423-0123.LOCAL RESOURCESFamily Crisis Center616 W. TaylorHarlingen, Texas 78550(956) 423-9305 www.familycrisisctr.org

Cameron County Children’s Advocacy Center/Monica’s and Maggie’s House 1390 W. Expressway 83 San Benito, Texas 78586 Phone: 956-361-3313 www.cameroncountycac.com

EMPLOYEE VACCINESJourney Preschool does not require employees to obtain yearly vaccinations against communicable diseases such as the Flu, Shingles, or whooping cough. Employees are required to be screened for TB and cleared of TB before employment.

MINIMUMUM STANDARDSParents may view the Minimum Standard Rules for a Licensed Child-Care Center at any time. A copy of the Minimum Standards Book is kept in the JPS office and all classrooms. JPS most recent inspections may be found at www.dfps.state.tx.us

The state of Texas requires that all staff members of a licensed childcare facility report to the state any suspected and/or known cases of child abuse. If you suspect abuse or neglect please call

Texas Department of Protective And Regulatory Services child abuse hotline at

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1-800-252-5400Texas Department of Family And Protective Services

601 W Sesame Drive – Harlingen, Texas(956) 423-0123

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