Lewis Central Lucky Children

Lewis Central Lucky Children is a licensed childcare center offering services that provide a comfortable atmosphere for young children. We at LCLC make every effort to supplement the home environment, thus producing a more comfortable atmosphere for children of all ages. Our services enhance the development of young children and provide parents with a sense of security in knowing their children are safe, well cared for and properly stimulated. Our childcare center is dedicated to the emotional, physical, social, and educational needs of children. Teamwork between parents and childcare providers will ensure the best possible environment for the children.
 
Our educational philosophy is to carefully and systematically foster the total growth of children in such a way that it makes an important contribution to their well being. Through play and interaction, children experience language, math, science, art, music, large motor, and small motor development. Our program is designed to expose children to a variety of learning experiences in order to arouse their intellectual curiosity, challenge their physical abilities, and encourage self – expression. Lewis Central Lucky Children provides the warm, nurturing environment necessary for development in these areas and ensures the children can enjoy their school years.

The goal of LCLC is to support the district mission: “To empower all learners to excel...” by providing a nurturing, interesting, and adult supervised environment.

• To provide a developmentally appropriate program for kindergarten thru 5th grade children by stimulating the children to think, reason, question, and experiment. 
• To provide caring, positive, resourceful, and trained childcare providers, who are sensitive to the needs of children. 
• To encourage a positive self – esteem in all students. 
• To encourage differing age groups to interact in social situations. 
• To provide for self – selection of activities allowing children to develop and pursue their interests. 
• To encourage all staff to follow the positive guidance and discipline techniques already established within the elementary building. 
• To provide an environment conducive to small and large group activities, accommodating a variety of interests. 
• To encourage physical development of all children, promoting cooperation and a healthy view of competition. 
• To provide children with activities and experiences that encourages health, safety, and nutrition for oneself. 
• To facilitate that wise use of leisure time among the students. 
• To provide students with experimental activities both on the campus and with the community. 
• To provide childcare at an affordable rate without compromising quality.

The staff of Lewis Central Lucky Children Childcare Center encourages children of all backgrounds to attend the center with us.  The center does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ethnic background or financial class.

REGISTRATION:

The parent or guardian must contact LCLC to get a registration packet, then complete and return the packet with a $10.00 registration fee.  The registration fee is non – refundable.  You may return by mail to 4125 Harry Langdon Blvd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503
 

ELIGIBILITY:

A child may be registered into the program at any time when there is an available spot open.  The child or children must be a student within the Lewis Central School District and in grades Kindergarten to 5th.  If LCLC is full, we will provide a waiting list for prospective students.
 

ENROLLMENT:

Parents who wish to enroll their children into the program are responsible for:
1.)  Completing and returning the registration packet in its entirety.
2.)  Paying the $10.00 non – refundable registration fee and one week’s tuition.

No child will be allowed to attend the program until all required paperwork is turned in and registration fees are paid.  Parents are responsible for providing all of the information requested in the registration packet.  The staff at LCLC cannot obtain the information for the parent.

STEPS TO ENROLLMENT

1. Make Contact-speak with either the Site Director or the Program Director to ask about LCLC and your child’s needs.
2. Visit the center- Schedule a visit with either the Site Director or the Program Director to tour the child care center and discuss questions, concerns, and policies.
3. Complete all registration forms-ALL of this information must be on file before any child is permitted to attend the center. The registration packet can be obtained by contacting LCLC.
4. Make a commitment-Provided LCLC has space for your family’s needs, prepare to attend the center at least 3 sessions per week.
5. Provide payment-once a payment schedule is set, you are expected to honor accumulated fees.  There is a $10.00 registration fee for the first child and $5.00 registration fee for every child there after.  This is due at the beginning of each school year and is non refundable.
6. Make contact again-Speak with either the Site or Program Director to ensure all registration requirements have been met.  Give your attendance and payment schedule to your child’s teacher and the transportation department.

Parents may expect:

1. Their children are cared for in a safe, supportive environment.
2. They may visit with the Site Director about any concerns related to their child or the program.
3. They will be told about the behavior and/or misbehavior of their child.  They will be invited to visit with the Site Director to discuss potential solutions to help the child avoid future problems.
4. They will be informed promptly if their child does not arrive at the center according to his/her enrollment information.

LCLC expects that parents will:

1. Pay fees on time as explained in the enrollment packet.
2. Keep the child’s records up to date.
3. Pick up the child on time as explained in the enrollment packet.
4. Follow the health policy as outlined in the enrollment packet.
5. Contact the center if the child will not be attending on a scheduled day.
6. Pay attention to any communications from the Site Director regarding the daily operation of the center and your family
7. Highlight your child’s attendance in accordance with the highlighting policy.
8. Stay up to date by checking your mailbox and reading the parent board daily.

Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately, as all students will go outside everyday in compliance with the school’s policy. If the wind chill is higher than 0 degrees, all children will be expected to be able to participate if outside activities are planned for that day.

There will be a designated area for your child’s personal items.  However, LCLC does not assume any responsibility for lost or stolen items.  We strongly suggest you limit what a child brings.  LEAVE ALL MONEY AND VALUABLES AT HOME!

The program expects that children will:

1. Be responsible for their actions.
2. Respect the school’s rules that guide them through the day and while at LCLC.
3. Remain with the group and childcare staff at all times.
4. Take care of materials and equipment properly and return them to their place when finished.
5. Follow all bus rules and regulations.

Children may expect:

1. To have a safe, supportive, and consistent environment.
2. To use all of the program equipment, materials, and facilities on an equal basis.
3. To receive respectful treatment.
4. To have discipline that is fair and non-punitive.
5. To receive nurturing care from the staff members who are actively involved with them.

Enrollment in the before and after school program constitutes an understanding that you will abide by the following policies.

FEES AND PAYMENT POLICY

The program’s salaries, supplies, and administrative expenses are supported entirely by fees collected from the attending families of LCLC.  The Lewis Central Community School District provides the space, utilities, and custodial services as an in-kind donation to the program.  Fees are as follows:

BEFORE SCHOOL:  $5.00/day

AFTER SCHOOL:  $5.50/day

EARLY OUT SESSION:  $9.00/day

FULL DAY:  $20.00/day

(Full day-Breakfast, am snack, lunch and pm snack are provided.)

1. Registration and enrollment fees are non-refundable.
2. Tuition payments are due the first school day of the week.  Children must attend three sessions per week to remain enrolled in the program.  Monies not used will be applied as a credit toward the next week of childcare services.
3. Any family account two (2) consecutive weeks past due without payment, will result in family being suspended until arrangements have been made to bring account current.
4. Non-sufficient fund checks are held until a cash payment or money order is received by the program to cover the amount of the check.  Parents will pay a $20.00 charge for the NSF check.  Parents will be notified immediately upon the receipt of the NSF notice, and shall have two (2) days in which to pay the charge and tuition in full by cash equivalent.  If not paid by the end of the second day after notice, childcare services will be suspended immediately.  If the tuition and charge is not paid by the end of the first full week after notice, the child will be discharged from the program and collection activity will be pursued.
5. LCLC has adopted a sign in/out policy. This policy requires parents to sign each child in and out each morning and afternoon.  This policy is in compliance with the Dept. of Human Services.  It helps us to be accountable to the whereabouts of the children, and to know how many people to staff for any given day.  

You will be charged for all days that your child is enrolled, unless different arrangements are made prior to the beginning of the am or pm session, as we are paying staff to be at the center to ensure proper care for your child or children.

****SNOW DAYS-In the event that we have a Snow Day, you are encouraged to watch the local TV & Radio stations to check for our status.  LCLC is NOT open on days that Lewis Central Comm. Schools are Closed for inclement weather.  This is up to the discretion of the Superintendent of Lewis Central Schools and the Program Director of LCLC.

Written guidelines for power failure, bomb threats, chemical spills, earthquakes, and other disasters are available in the district policy and procedure manual.

The center is closed on:  New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Day after, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  (If it falls on a Saturday or Sunday we will close either the proceeding Friday or the following Monday.)

IRS STATEMENTS

The program will provide tax information for childcare expenses for the previous year along with the Tax Identification Number for the Childcare Expenses Form.

DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE

It is the goal of LCLC to provide a supportive environment in which children can grow and develop.  Positive guidance management methods are used in the program.

Our center’s philosophy is that children can participate in activities without disruptive behavior from another child or intrusion into their personal space. Realistically, we know that there will be conflicts between children and acting out behaviors by some children.  Any discipline is done with the intention of guiding children to better understand appropriate behavior when interacting with others.  Not only does the discipline and guidance policy comply with our licensing, it allows children, parents and staff to be aware of what to expect.

Our form of discipline and guidance may include the staff:

1. Distracting the child by calling attention to another activity which is more suitable, when the child is doing something unacceptable.
2. Redirecting the child by removing the materials while saying and substituting another appropriate toy.
3. Ignoring some undesirable behavior, in some situations.
4. Using natural or logical consequences which are connected to the child’s behavior and teach responsible behavior.
5. Providing a positive environment by setting a good example, role modeling, and imitating how we want something done, so the child will begin to understand that there are reasons for doing things a certain way.
6. Providing a variety of equipment and activities for the children.
7. Encouraging children to work out their problems by talking to each other.  Staff will monitor the children’s discussion of the conflict and guide them to reach their own conclusions.
8. Making use of a time-out chair only when all other steps have been taken and the behavior is disruptive, interferes with the other processes or causes potential harm to self or someone else.   The time spent in time-out will meet a minimum of one minute, to not more than one minute per age of the child.
9. Touching your child’s arm, take them by the hand, pick them up, hold them, restrain them, or remove them, depending on the behavior.  Staff will be able to observe your child at all times, even if your child needs to be separated from the group.
10. Bringing the child to the office to speak to the Director or the Site Director.
11. Writing a behavior incident report.

Discipline will not be administered through corporal punishment, humiliation, scare tactics, verbal abuse, or threatening or denying of food.  Staff are expected to use professional attitudes at all times.

Discharge:

Children are entitled to a pleasant and harmonious environment at LCLC.  Our program cannot serve children who display chronically disruptive behavior.

Chronically disruptive behavior is defined as verbal or physical activity which may include, but is not limited to such behavior that:  requires constant attention from the staff, inflicts physical or emotional harm to other children, abuses the staff, and ignores or disobeys the rules which guide behavior during the school day and program time.  If a child cannot adjust to the rules of the program setting and show appropriate behavior, then the child will be discharged.

If a child receives 3 incident reports in one trimester the child will be suspended for one week.  If the child receives 4 reports the child will be suspended for 2 weeks and if the child receives 5 reports then the child will be suspended for the rest of the trimester.  If a child bites another child or adult, that child will be suspended for the following 3 program days.

A child may be discharged if he/she is picked up late three times as discussed in the late pick-up section.

A child may be discharged for non-payment of fee, as discussed in the fee section.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

Parents are welcome to visit the childcare center anytime throughout the day.  Parents must be careful about promising to visit unless you are sure that you will be able to come.  Children become vary disappointed if their parents are unable to follow through with their promises.

We strongly encourage parents to talk to the Site Director anytime a question or concern arises regarding their child or the care the center is providing.  This will provide an opportunity for parents and providers to communicate and establish goals for the child.  Employees and parents who work together create a more positive and successful experience for the children.

Your ideas, input, suggestions and participation will help to develop a worthwhile childcare center.  Your involvement is encouraged and will only serve to enhance the program.  Parents should feel free to call the site at any time to see how their child is doing.  You may call us at 712-366-8301.  Our voice mail will take messages when we are not available, but we will check these throughout the day and will return the call as soon as possible.  You may also contact the Program Director by leaving a digital page at 712-579-3877

EMPLOYEES

Our program would not run without a loving, caring, and competent staff.  Employees are chosen on their ability to nurture children’s individual needs.  Employees of Lewis Central Lucky Children are required to have at least ten approved staff development hours each year.  Our staff consists of full and part-time care givers.  A STAFF CERTIFIED IN ADULT-INFANT-CHILD, CPR and FIRST AID WILL BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. 

Additional training may include-

• Child Abuse Reporting Procedures
• Universal Precautions
• Development of the School-Age child
• Recognizing and Addressing Misbehavior
• Programming/Lesson Planning
• Communicating with Parent and Child

Lewis Central Lucky Children monitors program quality within the facility.  Two key factors instrumental in maintaining quality control include careful selection of staff and supervision with a follow up evaluation.  The major emphasis of LCLC is to provide quality childcare through the use of quality people.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Staff scheduling is directly related to the number of children enrolled to attend each day.  In order to maintain the required state licensed ratio, your child’s attendance or absence needs to be planned for.  Please be certain to notify the Site Director if your child’s schedule changes.  There is a three session minimum attendance required for enrollment with LCLC.  This is due to the supply and demand of our program.  We cannot hold a position for your child if they only wish to attend on an occasional drop-in basis. Re-enrollment each year is required to secure a position for the following school year.

Children who are scheduled to attend LCLC after school will be accounted for when attendance is taken.  If a child is not accounted for, the staff will begin to make calls to find that child.  LCLC cannot emphasize enough how important it is that the parents keep the program informed of schedule changes.

Calls for children not accounted for will only occur in the p.m.  session of a regular day.  A parent must accompany the child to the center for the a.m.  and full day sessions.

DAILY ROUTINE

BEFORE SCHOOL:

• Arrival of children, small group discussion, listen to music, centers, or read stories.
• Large group.  Children make choices and discuss plans for the day, and upcoming events.
• Kreft kids are escorted for departure to school on transfer buses.
• Titan Hill children are taken to breakfast.
• Titan Hill children are dismissed for school.

AFTER SCHOOL:

• Arrival of the Titan Hill children (3:40pm) Children are checked in and accounted for.  Children will then get settled with all belongings.
• Kreft Children arrive (4:00pm) Children riding the transfer bus, will be accounted for as they exit the bus.
• Wash hands and prepare for afternoon snack
• Planned group play.  Children are divided into age appropriate groups and have an assigned staff member that plans activities for children.
• Self-selected activities.  Children are brought together into one group.  Children may suggest ideas for the group to enjoy either as a whole group, or in several small groups.

LATE FEES

A late fee will be assessed when children are not picked up from LCLC by closing.  The parent will be responsible for paying $1.00 per minute per child for late pick-ups.  This fee is due to the childcare provider who provided care in your absence.  This fee must be paid before your child may return to the center.  If a child is picked up late 3 times in one semester, that child may be suspended from the program.

FULL DAY SESSION:

We will be open on full days at Titan Hill School.  On full days of LCLC, children, we will provide an a.m. and p.m. snack, as well as breakfast and lunch.

FIELD TRIPS

When a field trip is planned, we will communicate this to our parents.  Permission slips will be signed and kept in the child’s file.  Parents are always invited to attend any of our field trips and are encouraged to share this adventure with the family.  LCLC uses the Lewis Central Bus Systems to provide our transportation.  All children in the center the day of the field trip must attend the field trip.  No staff is left behind to care for children who do not wish to attend.  If you do not want your child to go on a trip you must make alternate daycare plans for your child during the time of our trip. 

ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE:  Parents must sign their child in and out of LCLC each day!!!  We may not dismiss any child on his/her own without prior approval from the parent and/or guardian.  Staff will follow up on all requests to ensure the safety of your child, and confirm the wishes of the parent.

HEALTH POLICY

When to keep a child home:

If he/she have any of the following symptoms:

• Upset stomach (diarrhea or vomiting within the last 24 hours)
• Unusual cough
• Complain of unusual pain
• Rashes or skin sores
• Suspected impetigo, scabies, or ringworm
• Fever within the last 24 hours
• Headlice-includes nits
• Pink Eye
• Persistent Sore Throat

If he/she has been exposed to a communicable disease and upon observation by the parent indicates any sign of disease.  He/she is to remain home until a Doctors release is obtained.

To prevent spreading please contact the director if your child is absent from the center with any of these symptoms.

If a child develops a fever of 101 while at the center, the parent will be asked to remove the child ASAP.

Under emergency circumstances if a child is injured while at the center, he/she may be transported to the hospital by a staff member, in serious circumstances 911 may be called for transport, and the parents notified.

In the event of a dental emergency, the parent will be contacted, if the parent cannot be reached, the child will be taken to the dentist listed in their file.  If a child has lost a permanent tooth it will be placed in milk until the child is taken to the dentist.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION POLICY

Medication will be given to a child provided a parent completes a signed request stipulation explicit instructions on the administration of the prescribed drug.  The medicine must have the original label as prescribed by the doctor.  Medications will be kept away from the children and locked up at all times.  This will be documented and kept on file for a period of no less than 3 years.  Over the counter medications will be given only with the permission of the parent.

FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS

Drills will be conducted regularly during the year.  By regulation, we are required to have one fire and one tornado drill per month.  Evacuation procedures will be explained and posted throughout the site.  Children’s safety is the number one priority of the LCLC.

REST AND RELAXATION

When we have a full day, each child will participate in a rest period.  This does not mean a nap.  Children will be involved in a cool down activity such as reading, listening to music or stories, or completing puzzles.  This period will allow children an opportunity to slow down, rebuild, and renew energy.

6:30 AM- Center Opens

6:30-8:00- Arrival of Children

• Small group discussions
• Listen to Music
• Centers
• Read Stories
• Coloring
• Small Art Projects
• Finish Homework 

7:30-8:00 AM- Large Group games in the gym for the children who want to participate.

8:00-8:15 AM- Kreft Children are checked out, and prepare to board transfer bus to school.

8:25 AM-Prepare for School Day

8:30AM- Large Group Discussion and Check Out

8:35 AM-Breakfast Children Dismissed

8:40 AM-Dismissal Bell rings for all other children

3:30 PM-Titan Hill children are checked in and accounted for. Wash Hands and prepare for snack.

3:40 PM-Kreft children arrive, are checked in and accounted for. They will get settled with all belongings, wash hands and prepare for afternoon snack.

A staff member will be available for children who need to start on homework after snack.

4:00-5:30 PM- Planned group play. Children are divided into age appropriate groups and have an assigned staff member that plans activities for the children.

5:30 PM- Remaining children are brought together into one group. Children may choose activities for the group to enjoy either as a whole group, or in several small groups.

6:00 PM- Center is closed.