CHRISTIAN EARLY LEARNING CENTER

PARENT HANDBOOK

           Oakton United Methodist Church

           2951 Chain Bridge Road

           Oakton, VA 22124                                                                                           Teni Lottchea

           (703) 938-1233                                                                                                (703) 938-0802

CELC GOALS

Develop an ability to communicate effectively with teachers and classmates and to understand and follow simple instructions.

Develop a growing concept of the relationship of members, time, space, and form.

Observe and understand basic weather and seasonal changes.

Develop an awareness of music, an appreciation of sound and rhythm, and an ability to participate in some form of musical expression.

Express self and learn about others through informal role-playing.

Use art and craft materials and develop an increasing appreciation of form, color, and texture.

Develop manipulative skills.

Grow in assuming personal responsibility for self and others.

Develop appropriate problem solving skills for each child's particular age.

Develop the ability to recognize printed letters and names.

Understand that God loves everyone and speaks to the heart of each person.

Express awareness that each person is worthy of God's love and the love of other human beings.

Experience the loving care of adults whose own lives exemplify commitment to the Christian community.

CODE COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS

To be in compliance with Virginia State Law, Section 63.1-196.3 of the Code of Virginia, the following statements need to be made public:

1.     CELC is exempt from licensure as religious programs; however, we are regulated by Social Services.

2.    0ur program is located in the upstairs education classrooms. We use rooms three, four and five. The Pre-K program uses the nursery on the lower level. We also use the fenced in playground consisting of slides, climbing toys, bikes and music. toys.

3.     Al1 staff meets CELC qualifications. These include the love of children, successful work experience with young children, academic training or experience working in Early Childhood Education, a positive attitude toward children and Christian commitment.

4.     Fairfax County permits our CELC program to enroll a total of 30 children per day. However, with our present space configuration we have limited enrollment to 24 children per day.

5.    CELC provides snack. We do not require kitchen use.

6.    The staff is certified annually, by a physician, to be free from any disability that would prevent them from caring for children and also apparently free from any communicable disease. A negative TB test result is also required for each staff member.

7.     CELC is covered by liability insurance and accident injury insurance.

8.     Hand washing is required by staff upon arrival, after diaper changes and before handling food at snack time.

9.    Children are screened upon arrival to' ensure good health. This is done to prevent sick children from attending as well as establishing a baseline for health changes.

10.  CELC Director is trained to recognize signs of child abuse and neglect.

11.    CELC staff is checked for criminal history and child abuse.

CELC PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The Christian Early Learning Center will begin the school year on the first Monday of September following Labor Day. The program is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30am to 12:15pm.

We will begin the day with free play. During this time we will work with children in small groups on the art project for the day. Next we will come together in circle time. Here we will learn about the calendar, days of the week, and the weather. We will discuss our themes and any special topics we may be working with. We will also read and talk about books. Music time will include many songs with movements and instruments. A snack will be provided by CELC. We will end the day with outside games and play if the weather allows. If not, we will end with games inside.

A calendar of events and activities will be provided to parents each month.

BRIEF CURRICULUM OUTLINE

Units of study during the year will include the seasons, weather, holidays, colors, shapes, other cultures, home and family, community, and many more. 0ur monthly calendar will also let you know what your child is learning.

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

If your child is going to be absent, please call the church office before arrival time. This allows for any planning adjustments that may need to be made. Please inform the teachers if your child will be consistently missing certain days. Lf you know that you will be late picking up your child please call to let the teachers know.

FEES

Tuition for the school year will be $150.00 per month due on the 15^th of each month.  Late fees will be assessed in the amount of $5.00 on tuition not paid by the 25^th of the month. Make checks payable CELC and bring them to the church office. Please do not send checks to the classroom with your child. If you are late picking up your child, you will be charged $5.00 for every 10 minutes past 12:20pm.

HEALTH

No child may attend school that is visibly ill, running a temperature, coughing excessively, or secreting thick yellow or green nasal discharge. If a child becomes ill or is injured at school, we will try to contact you. If we cannot contact you, the child will be isolated and cared for until you arrive at the regular pick up time. Lf there is an emergency situation, we will make the contacts you provided on your enrollment form and, if necessary, we will utilize the emergency medical release you provided with your enrollment papers. We will make every effort to observe good health practices at school.

SAFETY

Any allergies must be in writing on the information sheet in the enrollment papers. If your child needs to be excused form any normal activity, please put it in writing so it can be added to your file. Children must be brought to the classroom with a parent and checked out by a teacher before leaving. No one will be released to an unauthorized person. If someone other than a parent will be picking up your child please let the teachers know, and that person must be listed on your enrollment papers as an authorized person. We will ask for identification if we are not familiar with that person.

CLOTHING AND POSSESSIONS

Please provide an extra change of clothing, including underwear and socks, in case of accidents. Mark all items your child brings to school with his or her name. Comfort items may be brought if needed. Dress your child in clothing that is comfortable and durable. Since we go outside all year whenever possible, dress your child accordingly. Select shoes, which give support and allow freedom of movement. Loose sandals, cowboy boots, and shoes that slip off easily inhibit safe activity.

Guns, ropes, knives, or weapons of any kind are not permitted at school.

Pets, interesting nature items, etc. may be shared on specific days. Please make arrangements ahead of time with the director.

SNACKS

Parents are asked to provide snack on a rotating schedule. You will be assigned a week and asked to provide snack for that entire week. Please do not send any food, gum or candy to school with your child. Drinks are fine if they are in a spill proof cup with your child's name on it. Birthdays are very special and you are welcome to bring in food to celebrate at school. Please let the teacher know a few days ahead of time.

VISITATION AND CONFERENCES

You are always welcome to visit the classrooms. Since the teachers' first responsibility is to the children, do not expect a conference while school is in session. Conferences can be arranged at mutually convenient times.

Changes at home do affect a child's behavior at school. Please share with us any information that will make us more sensitive to your child's needs.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather, we follow Fairfax County Public Schools for cancellations. If Fairfax County schools are closed or opening two hours late, we are closed. If Fairfax County schools are opening one hour late, we will open one hour late. An early closing in Fairfax County will not affect our program.

FIRST DAY PREPARATIONS

Help your child have a happy first day of school. Talk about school in a positive way. Name specific activities for your child to look forward to. Plan your schedule so that your child will be rested, unhurried, and relaxed about the first morning. Provide a nutritious breakfast on the first day and every day. Expect your child to go to school happily and to have a great time. Your own insecurity will be sensed quickly. If your child does cry as you are leaving, it is best to smile and keep your good-bye quick and simple. The longer you linger, the harder it may be on your child. The teacher will certainly call you if your child is unable to calm down in a reasonable time.