WELCOME

Welcome to Bright Start Preschool. We are a professional licensed preschool and we offer full day care to
families who need it as well. To facilitate greater understanding between Bright Start and our clients we have
created this parent handbook. It covers our philosophies, business policies and expectations.
In order to make our relationship as enjoyable as possible, the following pages contain mutually beneficial
requirements, which are necessary to ensure that there are no misunderstandings between either parties. The
words "we" or "us" or "our" refer to Bright Start and our staff. The word "you" or "your" refers to the child's
parents or guardian.
Please read this handbook carefully, and feel free to discuss with us any questions that you may have.

ABOUT BRIGHT START

Our Philosophy
Mission:
Bright Start Preschool is a private school in Grand Ledge Michigan. With a foundation built upon a strong
and uniquely progressive educational philosophy, Bright Start Preschool upholds an image of the child as
a powerful, competent, capable, and integral member of the community. Bright Start Preschool envisions
each family as unique, deserving of respect, and the center of the childs life. The school fosters
interpersonal relationships among children and adults in order to provide an educational experience of the
highest quality built upon the belief that children have a natural disposition for learning and an innate
curiosity that, when intentionally and carefully nurtured, blossoms into a life-long love of learning.
Our Vision:
Bright Start educators and staff are dedicated to early childhood education and it is our goal to provide a
safe, loving, engaging, interesting, respectful and nurturing community for all children and their families
where they can learn, grow and develop at their own pace. We believe children learn through child led
play and exploration, with materials chosen purposefully by teachers who are there to support and
scaffold learning. Effort and thought goes into creating spaces for children reflecting the belief that
children deserve the very best, and that a physical environment that is beautiful, clean, inviting, and full
of natural materials and light is crucial in facilitating childrens experiences. All this combined with a
consistent schedule full of opportunities for children to make choices, solve social problems, and gain
social independence is what we believe is necessary to prepare young children for the future.
At Bright Start, we believe
That each child is a strong, competent and capable individual full of ideas and knowledge.
That children are born with a natural ability to learn from their surroundings and experiences.
That all children have the right to a safe, loving and nurturing environment in which to grow and explore
the world.
That a physical environment that is beautiful, clean, inviting, and full of natural materials and light is
crucial in facilitating childrens experiences.
That the educators job is to support and scaffold learning led by each childs interests.
In an emergent curriculum that builds upon the interests of children.

Children learn best through experiences with open ended natural materials that provide opportunities for
exploration, experimentation, creativity, and play.
That open and honest communication and dialogue among educators and families is a cornerstone to
positive experiences for children.
In the collaboration between children, teachers, parents and community.

CURRICULUM STATEMENT
At Bright Start Preschool we believe children learn through play. With use of The Creative Curriculum activities are
offered through learning centers full of ways for children to explore and investigate all areas and to build problemsolving skills and critical thinking. Bright Start teachers use their observation skills to discover childrens interests
and support children through developing investigative studies or themes. Teachers plan activities based around
concepts derived from the investigative theme and then add materials needed for children to explore these concepts
to learning centers as well as large and small group times.

The Creative Curriculum is designed improve cognitive and social/emotional outcomes in young children. It is
linked with an assessment instrument so teachers can look at individual child progress and guide program
planning. The Creative Curriculum based on the latest research on how children learn best and how to improve
classroom quality and promote the school readiness of preschool children. Our curriculum meets all of the
standards put forth for effective early childhood curricula by the National Association for the Education of
Young Children (NAEYC) and is aligned with the State of Michigans Department of Education Kindergarten
Readiness Indicators.

CORE VALUES
Bright Start follows the same code of ethics as the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children). Listed below are the core values put forth by NAEYC and Bright Start agrees to:
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Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.
Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn.
Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family.
Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community,
and society.
Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague).
Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are
based on trust and respect.

COMMUNICATION
Good communication between Bright Start and our parents is essential in order to provide the best possible
education and care for your child. When we accept a new family into our center, we like to be sure that we
can share openly any concerns or questions that may arise. It is important that there is a similar philosophy
between us. We welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive
outcome for the children. Sensitive issues will be discussed in private either by telephone or in the office.
Monthly or weekly newsletters on classroom sharing sites will explain some of your childs classroom
activities, current curriculum, events that will be happening during that month or week, and any other
pertinent or fun information that may be of interest to you. We will also have parent meetings, home visits
and conferences twice during the school year.

Please limit conversation with your childs teacher during pick up and drop off time. We are always here to
discuss the care and education of your child, however these times are generally chaotic and the teacher needs
to have their full attention on the children in his or her care. Phone calls can be made from 1:30-2:30 to
answer any questions you may have or you can leave a note with your childs teacher when he/she is dropped
off. E-mail is another great way to communicate with any of our staff members. brightstartelc@yahoo.com
And of course we are always happy to set up a time to discuss any questions or concerns you have regarding
your child.

CONFIDENTIALLITY POLICY
Confidentiality is a core element of providing childcare and education. Families and staff who provide personal
information to Bright Start Preschool can do so with the understanding that information will only to be available to
staff and the licensing body. Should staff be asked to share personal information with other parties, prior consent
will be sought.
Implementation:
Staff and committee members are to be made aware that confidentiality of all matters concerning the center and its
clients must be maintained at all times. Relief staff, students and visitors must be made aware of this.
The only persons permitted to see the child's records are the parents or legal guardians, preschool staff, executive
committee members (in extreme circumstances ie. Child protection issues) and the licensing body.
Each child's personal file is to be kept in a filing cabinet or storeroom at all times. Child records shall be stored for 7
years.
Information about a child's enrolment or personal details is not to be given to others without written consent from
the parent or guardians.
Parents need to know that information shared with staff members will remain confidential and staff members will be
expected to respect and maintain confidentiality at all times.
The names of children who may have caused injury to other children while at the center are not to be generally
disclosed to parents, or anyone other than staff members at the center.
Staff and committee members are not to discuss any financial details of families using the center with people other
than the parent or guardian responsible for paying the child's fees.
Confidentiality also applies to subsidy assessments, fee arrears and any other financial details.
A child's enrolment at the center is not to be confirmed to anyone without the consent of the child's parent or
guardian.

MANDATED REPORTER
Michigan law requires that all school educational staff report all incidents of suspected child abuse or neglect to the
proper legal authorities. Any school employee, having reasonable cause to believe that a child is being abused or
neglected, will notify child protective services.

ENROLLMENT POLICY

Before enrolling your child at Bright Start we ask that you go through a short interview process which
includes touring the facility and meeting with the owner or owners to make sure that Bright Start is going to
meet your needs and the needs of your child.
You are required to pay a $25.00 registration fee at the time of signing the contract and rate agreement.
There are several forms that we must have completed and in our files before we can assume the responsibility
of educating your child. NO EXCEPTIONS. This is to ensure that your child will get the very best education
possible, and that we meet state licensing requirements. The forms are as follows:
Emergency Contact Record
Health Appraisal-to be completed by a licensed physician
Signed Contract and Rate Agreement
Child Information Record / Infant Schedule
Parent Authorization for the Administration of Topical and OTC Medication-if you choose
Permission to Photograph-if you choose
Notice of the Licensing Notebook
Ages and Stages Questionnaire
Food Agreement
Family Questionnaire
You are required to keep us informed of any change in addresses, telephone numbers, and other pertinent
information listed on any/all of the above forms. You are required to submit new forms each year your child
will be enrolled at Bright Start. If you have any questions regarding the completion of these forms, please
feel free to ask.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Children should attend school every day to develop habits related to school readiness. Consistent attendance
ensures that you child is receiving all of the necessary opportunities to succeed. In the event that your child is
unable to attend school we require you to let us know. If your child is absent from school without notification
a staff member will call you to be certain of your childs whereabouts.
If your child is enrolled in extended care we will ask you to provide a schedule for drop off and pick up
times. It is important that you let your childs teacher know if your child will not be dropped off or picked up
at their normal scheduled time.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

Bright Start maintains an open door policy for parents. This means that you are always welcome to call or
drop in to see your children at any time during regular hours.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Preschool class times run
September May from 8:45-3:45 Monday through Thursday. A detailed calendar outlining other breaks and
days off will be given to parents prior to the start of the school year.
Bright Start will be closed on the following holidays. You are still required to follow your yearly tuition
payment schedule even when school is closed due to holidays, days off and breaks.

*If the holidays marked with this symbol fall on a Saturday the center will be closed the previous Friday. If
the holiday falls on a Sunday the center will be closed the following Monday.
New Years Day*
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day*
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day*
New Years Eve
Bright Start will close in some cases of bad weather. We will base our decision on whether or not road
conditions are safe for travel. You are required to pay full tuition every week even in cases where we are
closed due to weather.
If Grand Ledge Public Schools is closed or delayed Bright Start Preschool will not operate but extended care
will still be available.
If Grand Ledge, Waverly and Lansing Public Schools are all closed then Bright Start will be closed for extended
care as well as preschool.
Bright Start may close during other times with notice if we feel the conditions at Bright Start or on the local
roads are unsafe for travel for the children and staff in our program. (An example of this would be if we are
without power, heat, air conditioning etc.)
If schools are closed due to weather please call Bright Start and we will change the message on our
voicemail to notify parents. This is the most accurate way to know if we are closed or delayed. In some
cases we will close early if weather worsens throughout the day.
If you are late picking your child up from school an extended care fee will be applied for $5 for the day. In
the event that you are late picking your child up from extended care you will be charged a late pick up fee of
$25 per child. For every minute past 5:45 you will be charged $5/ min. This fee will be assessed according to
our clock. This means that if our clock reads 5:31p.m. you will be charged $25 per child. If our clock reads
5:46 you will be charged $30 per child, and $5 additional for each min. past that. Calling the center to inform
us that you will be unavoidably late does not waive your late fees. Payment is expected, in at the time of pick
up. If payment is not made at this time, you will be given a bill due on or by your next regularly scheduled
day of care. Extended care may be suspended until late fees are paid. These rules will be strictly enforced,
and any habitual tardiness may result in termination of services.
Bad traffic and/or weather will be not be an accepted late excuse and you will be billed accordingly. Please
remember that it is your responsibility to allow ample time to get to the school to pick up your child on time.
In cases of extreme bad weather a phone call from you would be expected to let us know you are on your
way. Bright Start would not want you to put yourself in danger rushing to the school to be on time, but we
would still expect to be reimbursed for services at an overtime rate of $25.00 per child for the first 15
minutes. Job-related lateness will not be excused for any reason. Continued late pick-ups will mean breach of
contract and you will forfeit your child's position in the school.
The above late fees will also be charged to you if you have arranged for another person to pick up your child
and that person is late.

PAYMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Your specific preschool tuition and payment preference will be outlined in your Contract and Rate
Agreement. Payment for extended care is payable in advance and is due no later than 5:30pm on Friday for
the following week. If this day is a holiday, payment is expected on the previous day. If you go away on
vacation, payment is due BEFORE you leave. In cases of illness, your payment is still expected unless other
arrangements have been previously made. Payments may be made by check or money order and placed in the
payment drop box. Please do not hand payments to teachers. No cash payments will be accepted. Checks
must be dated for the day they are due, no post-dated checks will be accepted. A returned check fee of $25
will be collected in the event that a check is returned, and school / childcare will be suspended until payment
and returned check fees have been received in the form of a money order. If you have more than one check
returned you will be asked to pay with a money order from that point on. There will be a late payment fee of
$25. If your payment is not received within one week of the due date extended care will be suspended until
your payments are up to date. Repeated late payments may be grounds for termination. Any delinquent
accounts will be turned over to a collections agency and will be charged 40% of the remaining balance.
You will be given a minimum of 30 days notice for increases in your tuition.
Your normal weekly extended care charges will be due every week whether your child has been in care
or not. If you know ahead of time that your child will not need extended care for a full week and it is
arranged ahead of time with the director / owner you will receive 50% off your extended care tuition
for that week. Please be advised that this discount will only be given if the arrangement is made prior
to your child being out of the center. Preschool tuition is not discounted for any reason.

TERMINATION POLICY
Bright Start reserves the right to terminate your contract for the following reasons (but not limited to):
Failure to pay
* Failure to complete the required forms
*Lack of parental cooperation
*Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property by the parent
*The schools inability to meet the child's needs
* Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
* False information given by parent either verbally or in writing
*Extreme aggressive or uncontrollable behavior by the child
We appreciate as much advance notice as possible when terminating, and will give the same courtesy in
return. You are required to give two-week's written notice when you decide to un-enroll your child. The two
weeks will be paid in full, regardless of whether or not your child is in attendance.
We will give two-week's written notice of termination for which full tuition is due, whether or not your child
is in attendance. We reserve the right to give written notice of immediate termination where there are extreme
circumstances that affect the well being of center staff or other children in attendance. In this situation, the
two-week's payment of tuition is still required.

ILLNESS POLICY
A daily health check will be conducted by your childs teacher upon arrival to school. This is a simple
evaluation of your child that usually takes place while your child is being welcomed into the classroom each
day. Teachers will be looking for signs of fever, fatigue, drainage from the eyes / ears / nose, rash or any
other signs a child is not feeling well. Under no circumstances will parents be allowed to bring a sick child to
school. Sick children expose other children, as well as staff, to the spread of their illness and require
additional care and attention that the teachers are unable to give. Moreover, sick children want care from their
parents in the comfort of their own homes. If other children become ill due to exposure to your sick child,
either because he/she was returned to child care before full recovery or because he/she was not picked up

promptly upon notice of becoming ill, other parents will be unnecessarily inconvenienced. Because this can
be disruptive to other children and their families, as well as our own, we will require that your child is picked
up no later than 30 minutes after you are notified. (Notification includes leaving a message) If your child is
not picked up within 30 minutes we will charge a $25 late fee. If it is past 45 minutes, you will be charged
$5 per minute until your child is picked up.
The following illness policies will be strictly enforced, for the health, well being and safety of all concerned.
SYMPTOMS REQUIRING REMOVAL OF CHILD FROM SCHOOL:
Fever: Fever is defined as having a temperature over 97.6F taken under the arm. Children with a
fever of 101 or higher may not attend school. A child needs to be fever free for a minimum of 24
hours before returning to school; that means the child is fever free without the aid of Tylenol or any
other fever reducing substance.

Diarrhea: runny or watery stools. Child must have a normal BM before returning to school.

Vomiting

Runny nose: Your child may be brought to school if he/she has a common cold (slight cough, clear
runny nose, occasional sneezing). Discharge of any color other than clear is not acceptable in
school.

Runny and/or Crusty Eyes: Watery, matted, and/or red/pink eyes are not acceptable in school.

Unexplained Rash

Excessive Crankiness: Child is irritable, excessive whining or crying, wants constantly held, or
requires more attention than teachers can provide without jeopardizing the health, safety, or well
being of the other children in care.

Your child will not be accepted into school if he/she has had any of the above symptoms within the last 24
hours. A sick child should be allowed to recover fully after an illness so that other children in the group do
not risk exposure and so that the child is able to fully participate in school activities. If you are unable to
remain at home with your sick child it will be necessary for you to make substitute child care arrangements at
your own expense. If your child becomes ill while at school, we will notify you immediately. You will be
given an overview of the symptoms we observed and our recommendations for care. You are required to pick
up your child within 30 minutes of notification. If you cannot be reached then your emergency contact will
be called.
We reserve the right to determine when a child should be sent home due to illness. Children may return to
school 24 hours after symptoms of illness end or with
written authorization from your doctor stating the name of illness and when child may return to
school. Please notify us as soon as possible when your child becomes ill so that we may notify the
other parents.
If your child is thought to have a communicable disease, you will be notified and asked to pick him/her up.
He/she will be isolated from the other children and given special attention and comfort until you arrive. Your
child will be accepted back into school when no longer contagious. All other parents will be notified of the
possibility of a communicable disease and what symptoms to watch for.
Many times the school may get blamed for the illness of a child, meaning that we have "allowed" sick
children to come to school. We will do our best to enforce the illness policy within the school and to reduce
the exposure of illness to all the children in our school. We will always respect your need to be at work if that
applies. We ask, however, that when deciding if your child should be at home, you give consideration to the
other children. Ask yourself how you would feel if another child were as ill as your child. Would you want
your well child exposed to these symptoms?

Further, there are times when a child is not that ill, but is terribly uncomfortable, and really needs some "one
on one". At those times we strongly urge you to consider keeping your child at home. If your child is unable
to participate in the normal activities of the daily schedule, then your child must stay home.

DISCIPLINE POLICY
Our philosophy here at Bright Start is that discipline should be used to teach a child and that we achieve this
through love, consistency and structure. We stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people and
respect for property.
Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children, especially, who are
not adept at communication; have a hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit or throw toys,
etc. Although teaching children appropriate behavior is what we will be doing, remember that this behavior is
normal in most cases.
Our staff uses positive guidance techniques to teach children about their behavior. The following are some
methods we use for guiding childrens behavior:
Encourage children to solve problems themselves
Intervention and discussion
Re-direction to another play area
Loss of privileges

If your childs teacher feels there is a chronic behavioral issue that needs attention, the owner / director will
let you know so that you and our staff are handling it in the same way and your child has continuity in
discipline between our home and at school. These types of behaviors might include such things as biting, use
of bad words, chronic hitting, etc. Together, we will try to find a solution. You may be called to remove your
child if his/her behavior prevents his or her teacher from being able to properly attend to the other children. If
the problem continues, other arrangements for preschool will have to be made, for the safety and well being
of all.
Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will there be any spanking, physical abuse, verbal abuse, name-calling or
isolation used. Neither food nor sleep or outdoor play will ever be withheld from children as a means of
punishment.
As a preschool, we have a responsibility by law to recognize and report any evidence of child abuse-physical or emotional-or neglect. This is strictly for the benefit of your child.

MEDICATION POLICY
Both nonprescription and prescription medications, ointments, and creams can be given to your child if
needed. Parents are required to fill out the proper forms and to supply all medications in their original
containers. All written instructions shall be valid for one year unless a shorter time period is designated by
the physician, dentist, or parent. These must be labeled with the child's name. NO EXCEPTIONS! We will
not exceed the manufacturer's recommended dosage unless with written physician's instructions when
administering nonprescription medication. We will not administer nonprescription oral medication for longer
than 5 consecutive days. We will not administer nonprescription topical ointments, creams, or lotions for
longer than 7 consecutive days when used for skin irritations.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

In case of EMERGENCY, a certified staff member will administer the necessary first aid or CPR. The Police
Department or Paramedic Unit will be called and your child will be transported to the hospital designated on
your Emergency Contact form. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY. If an ambulance is called to
transport your child, the cost of the ambulance will be your responsibility.
We are prepared with emergency procedures in cases of unanticipated circumstances such as illness or
accident.
You are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency
transportation, if required. Bright Start Early Learning Center will not be held liable for any sickness/injury
of either parent/guardian or child while on these premises.

FIRE / TORNADO SAFETY

Written fire evacuation and tornado safety plans are posted in classrooms and near exits. These plans are
practiced with the children at least quarterly and documented to meet state requirements.

TAXES
Bright Start will supply you with a year-end summary of all tuition paid during the year for tax purposes.
This will be given to you before January 31st each year. If enrollment is terminated before the end of the year
your statement will be emailed to the address we had on file at the time of your termination. You may
request a statement at any time.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Children are to arrive to school clean and dressed for the day. Please do not drop your child off in his or her
pajamas.
Parents must bring the children into the school and take them to the childs classroom where they MUST be
signed in. If at all possible please avoid dropping your child off during quiet time.
When picking up your child you must also sign him or her out on the parent sign in/out sheet located in his or
her classroom. Children will not be released to a honking horn, you must come into the building to pick up
your child and sign him or her out.
Children will be released only to parents and other adults listed on the childs Child Information Record. The
first time a particular person has picked up your child we will require picture identification in order to release
the child to that person. At any point in time a staff member at the school may ask for ID to release a child if
they have not met you or the person picking up your child. This is not to inconvenience you in any way, it is
for the safety of your child.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

No toys should be brought from home. Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others, and it is even
harder with their own special toys. Bright Start is not responsible for any loss or breakage of your child's
personal items. All personal items must be clearly marked with the child's name.
It is a good idea for you to send your child to Bright Start wearing play clothes. Our staff will do
everything they can to keep your childs clothing clean and in good condition, but children will be playing
with art supplies such as paint on a daily basis along with playing outdoors every day. These activities make
it hard to ensure your childs clothes will never be stained so sending them in their good clothes in not a good
idea.
Please leave a change of clothes including underwear and socks even if your child is potty trained. If your
child has an accident during the day and he or she does not have a change of clothes you will be required to
bring him or her something to change into. Bright Start does not keep extra clothes at the center for children
to change into.
We are required to take the children outdoors EVERY day weather permitting. This include during the winter
months as long it is above 15 degrees. You must dress your child appropriately for the weather every day and
provide appropriate clothing for outdoor play. If you child does not have proper clothing to play outside you
will be called and asked to bring your child the needed clothing or to pick them up. Again, this is not meant
to inconvenience parents, but to ensure your child is warm and safe so he or she can have fun and get fresh
air every day.

MEALS
Bright Start Preschool will provide morning snack, an afternoon snack and on days preschool is in session we will
provide a family style lunch that meets nutritional guidelines set by the Department of Daycare Licensing. These
snacks and meals are pre-planned and a copy of the schedule will be posted on the parent board, on the classroom
sharing site given to you upon request. You should be aware of meal times to ensure that your child/ren is/are
present. When preschool is in session no outside food is permitted unless a child has a dietary restriction and a
doctors note is provided. Parents are required to provide breakfast prior to coming to school.
Am Snack
Lunch
Pm Snack

open
12:30-1:30pm
2:45-3:00pm

You will be required to bring a packed lunch for your child when preschool is not in session and your child attends
extended care for the day. Please provide a healthy well balanced lunch. We ask that you please not send candy, or
sweet treats in your childs lunch because it is our goal to help teach healthy eating habits. Teachers will sit and eat
with your child family style to model good table manners and healthy eating.

NAPS & QUIET TIME POLICY

Children will be offered a rest time every day. All children are required to lie down for a rest period in the
afternoon, so please do not request that we not give your child a nap. All children must rest quietly for at least
30 min. at the start of rest time. If your child does not fall asleep after this time he or she may do a quiet
activity until rest time is over. Bright Start will not prevent a child from sleeping during this time. If your
child is falling asleep during rest time then he or she must still be in need of sleep. Sleep is important for
young children and is needed for them to grow and learn properly. Rest time gives everyone a much-needed
break during the day.

Bright Start will provide nap mat, sheet and blanket for your child during rest time. The mats will be labeled
with your childs name and sanitized weekly. Blankets and sheets will be used for one child only between
weekly washings. We ask that you please do not bring items for your children to rest with if possible. We
provide items that fit neatly in the childs baskets in order to keep them sanitary. We would ask that you
please avoid picking up or dropping off your child during rest time, as it disturbs the other children's rest
period.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
There will be times and ways you can get involved in your child's preschool experience. You are welcomed
and encouraged to participate in any or all of these. Parent meetings, surveys and parent education
opportunities will also be offered throughout the school year. Some examples of ways to be involved include:
Joining us in the classroom, and for special events
Lending objects for units of study
Coming and talking about your job, when asked
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see monthly newsletter)
Helping your child gather things from home to share in our studies
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
. Simply coming in and joining us throughout our day

PARENT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Teachers will work with the director to plan and implement monthly opportunities for parents to receive education.
Parent education will be based on a variety of topics that include child development, early childhood education
curriculum, dynamics of behavior, parent-child relationships, cultural and social factors affecting families and other
topics arising from the needs of our families. Opportunities for education will include articles, videos, lectures,
discussion groups, parent meetings, and opportunities for parents to join the teacher in the classroom.
Your childs teacher will conduct parent/teacher conferences twice each year. This will give you an
opportunity to meet with your childs teacher to discuss your childs development and learning as well as
review your childs portfolio and work samples collected throughout the year.
In addition to conferences your childs teacher will schedule a home visit during the summer prior to the
start of the school year. This will give your child the opportunity to meet his/her teacher prior to the first day
of school in his/her own environment which will help them with the transition of starting school. During the
home visit your childs teacher will be collecting any information about your child that will help us
understand your child better. Your childs teacher will also bring along a story, activity or art to complete with
your child.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS POLICY

We welcome the inclusion of all children whatever their individual needs may be. All

children have the right to be educated and to develop their full potential. We believe
that having an inclusive policy benefits all children, and is a positive experience that
reflects the diversity of our society.
We aim:
To value all children equally and to provide opportunities for equal access to the
Curriculum.
To plan our curriculum to meet the needs of individual children
To recognize that some children will need additional support to ensure access to
the whole curriculum
To recognize the importance of early identification and assessment of children
with special educational needs.
To work in true partnership with parents, valuing their views and keeping them
fully involved in their childs education
To work collaboratively with other agencies to meet the childs individual needs,
for example the local authority, health officials and voluntary groups where
necessary.
We have had experience of supporting children with the following difficulties:
Physical/mobility
Behavioral
Speech and language
Learning difficulties
Allergies
We undertake to plan our activities and experiences, and to use our resources in such
a way that all children have access according to their individual needs.
Identifying Special Educational Needs and Intervention:
All children are given time to settle in and become familiar with the routines at preschool.
If staff have concerns about a child the teachers will observe the child and share concerns with
the parents. If appropriate we will seek advice from other professionals who may be involved
with the child. We will work with parents to develop strategies to support the child. This will be
recorded in the form of an Individual Education Plan (IEP). IEPs are reviewed with parents after
a period of time and further strategies put into place if necessary. At all times parents are fully
involved in the process.
Training Opportunities:
The director/owners will keep up to date with training provided by local agencies and current
issues are shared with staff members at staff meetings.
Transition:
When children transfer to another setting or to school we are willing pass on information and
records in order to make the transition as seamless as possible. We are also willing to make a
visit to the new school with the child. When a child with specific needs transfers we will arrange
a meeting with the receiving school and the parents if needed, in order to discuss the childs
strengths and difficulties.

PARENT CONCERNS / GRIEVENCES

If at any time you feel your childs needs are not being met, program expectations are not being
fulfilled, or you have other concerns, we want to know.
1. Contact your childs teacher and request a conference. Discuss with the teacher
your concerns and expectations. Work with your teacher to help your child have a
successful preschool experience.

BIRTHDAYS & PARTIES

Each child's birthday is his/her "Special Day." It will be your responsibility to provide treats for your child's
special day if you wish. Signup sheets will be posted in your childs classroom for your assistance with
special holiday parties if you wish to help. Please check with your childs teacher regarding children with
food allergies prior to bringing in any outside food or treats.

STAFF ILLNESS POLICY

If a staff member is sick they will not be permitted to work with a fever, vomiting,
diarrhea, or unknown rash. Staff must be free of symptoms for 24 hrs before returning to
work.
HEALTHCARE POLICY
1. Washing hands will be done by children and adults frequently with soap and warm water especially after
diapering, toileting, and nose wiping, as well as before handling food.
2. Drying hands will be with single service paper towels.
3. Tissues will be provided throughout the Center. Staff will use tissues, individually and often, to wipe young
childrens nasal drainage. Hands will be washed and sanitized after each wipe.
4. Children (and adults) will be told to cough or sneeze into tissue and not onto others, food or food service utensils,
and to sanitize hands at sanitizing station afterward.
5. Sanitation Stations with waterless sanitizer are in various areas throughout the Center and will be used for adults
and children frequently.
6. Potty chairs will be cleaned and *disinfected after each use.
7. Toys and play equipment will be cleaned and sanitized regularly. Equipment and toys that are mouthed by a
child will be washed before they are handled by another child.
8. Food service utensils will be washed, rinsed and sanitized by submerging them in a *sanitizing solution. They
will be air dried.
9. Articles or surfaces that have been soiled with a discharge such as urine or nasal
drainage will be Immediately washed, rinsed, and *disinfected, then air dried.
10. Children will be assigned their own separate sleeping mat with individual bedding as well as a separate clothing
storage spaces.
11. Environmental surfaces will be clean, uncluttered, and dry by cleaning, *disinfecting, and air drying.
If a communicable disease is suspected or is diagnosed, the following procedures will be promptly taken:
1. Health department will be notified of any communicable disease or serious illness.
2. All other parents and staff will be notified of what illness children have been exposed to and what symptoms to
watch for.
3.Sanitation procedures will be strictly followed and extra precautions taken regarding food handling, dishwashing
and hand washing by staff; as well as general cleanliness of toys in the facility.

REVISIONS TO HANDBOOK AND CONTRACT

There will be a yearly revision to this handbook and the contract and rate agreement. All families will sign a
new contract each year. Bright Start reserves the right to make changes in rates and policies, as we deem
necessary. You will be notified, in writing, of any changes that may occur. Every attempt will be made to give
at least two-week's notice of changes.