LION'S PRIDE NORTH CHILDCARE 2022-2023
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Chelmsford Community Education
Parent Handbook
LION'S PRIDE NORTH
CHILDCARE
2022-2023
Lion’s Pride North is located at the Chelmsford High School
200 Richardson Road, Chelmsford MA 01824
Phone: 978-251-5111 X5660
Office Contact:
Chelmsford Community Education
170 Dalton Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-251-5151 Fax: 978-251-5154
ChelmsfordCommunityEd.com
www.facebook.com/chelmsfordcommed
REVISED 1/2022Ch el ms fo r d Com mu ni t y Ed ucat io n
Pa ren t Handbook 2022 – 2023
Philosophy
Our philosophy is founded upon a belief that play is daily opportunities for gross motor play, using gross
vital in each child’s physical, social, emotional and motor space in the classroom, the gym, and the
academic development. Young children are active playground.
participants in learning as they share their genuine
excitement and love for learning. Lion’s Pride North offers a multi-age curriculum that
helps each student in their current age of learning. Our
We value the role of parents as primary care givers and blended Preschool and Pre-K teachings introduce
encourage open communication. The teacher/parent students to Fountas & Pinnell, Math Expression, and
relationship is crucial as we work together to support Fundations Curriculum of writing, math, phonics and
the child. Lion’s Pride North is a place where children literacy. These programs are the same ones used in the
are valued as unique individuals. We work with each Chelmsford Public Elementary Schools. We also
individual child to help reach their true potential. realize the tremendous value of learning through play.
Our classroom offers ample play time and creative
Registration Policy activities to reinforce social skills and independence.
All families enrolled in our program will have first
preference for registration for the following year. For our Preschool students who will repeat our
Registration will then open to Chelmsford Public program the following year, we offer a two-year
School Employees and then to the public. All currently rotating curriculum, therefore no student is
enrolled families will be guaranteed the same length of experiencing the same year twice. Every year, the
days for the following year. Once a student meets the teacher will create a curriculum that highlights the
age requirement to start kindergarten (Age 5 by August goals for Preschool Students vs. the Pre-K students
31st), they will not be eligible for Lion’s Pride North within each lesson.
the following year.
Parent Communication
Requests for changing schedule and adding siblings of Parent communication is vital in an early childhood
currently enrolled students will be given preference setting. We use a variety of methods including verbal
before registration is open to the public. This will be on and written communication on a daily basis. The
a first come basis if spots are available. classroom teachers will greet each family and share any
important information at drop off and pick up. Any
Staff personal information or concerns will be discussed
The staff in our program consists of a Lead Teacher and away from the children, either through email or a phone
Teacher Aide(s) in the classroom, who are under the call to the classroom during the day. Parents and
direction of the Childcare Supervisor. In addition, we teachers can request a meeting at any time. Meetings
regularly have the services of high school students who are the appropriate time to have lengthy conversations,
are enrolled in the Exploring Early Childhood Class. or discussions involving the children. Please feel free
to set up an appointment for a phone conversation with
Curriculum
your child’s teacher, if that is more convenient
Our curriculum has been designed to meet the needs of
the whole child. It provides opportunities for increased
Lunch & Snacks
exploration of motor skills, language, social
We follow Chelmsford Public School's calendar and
development and STEM (science, technology,
offer a similar hot lunch to the Chelmsford High
engineering and math). We emphasize a positive, safe,
School menu. Children must choose either school lunch
secure learning environment that helps children build
or bring lunch from home daily (not both). You will
their independence.
need to send a lunch on the following: all early release
days, the day before school starts and the day after
Lion’s Pride North has the following areas of learning:
school ends. You are always encouraged to send a
block area, writing center, dramatic play, math/science
healthy lunch for your child.
center, motor, art and sensory. Our students are given 2Ch el ms fo r d Com mu ni t y Ed ucat io n
Pa ren t Handbook 2022 – 2023
We are a peanut-free program and we check to ensure Referral Policy/Screening
items are peanut-free. In addition, we provide drinks Concerns about a child’s development can be referred
and snacks twice a day. to the Special Education Preschool Coordinator at 978-
251-5188.
Transitioning To A New School
The first day of school can be an emotional time for Clothing & Supplies
parents and children. We are here to support families (not all items may be needed for your child)
during this process. We encourage all new families to The following items should be labeled and provided by
attend our Open House to meet their teachers and drop the parents. An adequate supply is always needed
off their materials. Children are often less anxious when because there are no spares available. All items are
they have had the opportunity to meet their teachers and stored separately for your child.
friends. They will be able to explore the classroom with
their parents and become familiar with their 2 complete sets of clothing, including socks and
surroundings. underwear.
Blanket Outer wear
Personal Toys Small pillow Masks (at least 5 clean)
We discourage bringing personal toys to our program, Sunscreen (optional)* Flushable Wipes
as we cannot be responsible for them. Ointment/powder
4x6 photo (used to label cubby, etc.)
Birthdays
Due to food allergies we need to be extremely cautious *Sunscreen applied after rest/nap time. Parents asked
with food. We feel every child deserves a special to apply in AM if desired.
celebration for their special day. If parents wish to
contribute to their child’s special day there are several Proper attire is required for children in order to
non-food options to make the day more festive: participate in outdoor cold weather activities. Children
decorative plates, birthday hats, non-food goodie bags may not go outside without warm clothing. We are a
or a book for the classroom. hands-on classroom. Please make sure you send your
child in comfortable clothing that they can play in and
Birthday Party Invitations: Please mail all birthday get messy.
invitations, unless the entire class is invited. We do not
want any children to have hurt feelings. Thank you. We request that all children wear closed toe shoes,
preferably sneakers.
Open Door Policy/Visitors Policy
As with all Community Education programs, the Lion’s Rest Time
Pride North has an open-door policy. You are Rest time needs to be a pleasurable experience for
encouraged to participate with your child as time children. Rest time will be 45 minutes long, and each
permits. Free play time is a great time to come explore child will have their own area to relax with some quiet
the classroom with your child. If you would like to time activities.
facilitate an activity, or read a story, please meet with
the teacher to schedule an appropriate time. Children are required to wear socks and shoes during
nap in case of an emergency.
Parent Conferences
Child evaluations will be completed by May. At that Bathroom Use
time parents are invited to meet with the teachers for a Children are required to be potty trained for this
conference. Parents may request a meeting at any program. Children can use the bathroom at any time,
time. with staff supervision. If an accident occurs, a teacher
will be available to assist a Preschool Students. Pre-K
Students will be asked to clean up independently with
verbal cues.Ch el ms fo r d Com mu ni t y Ed ucat io n
Pa ren t Handbook 2022 – 2023
If a child does not have any clean clothes remaining Your child needs to stay home or will be sent home if
due to accidents, a parent will be called to pick up their he/she has any of the following:
child for the day.
Strep Throat: if you suspect he/she has strep
Tooth Brushing Policy throat and until the child either has had a
At Lion's Pride North we respect the parent’s decision negative throat culture or has been on antibiotics
to make the choice regarding your child’s oral hygiene and fever free for a full 24 hours.
practices. We are offering two choices to families
regarding brushing teeth. A fever over 100: may return to school when
he/she is fever free for 24 hours without
Parents may choose to bring in disposable toothbrushes medication (e.g. Tylenol or Advil).
and a labeled tube of toothpaste for their child.
Toothbrushes will be disposed of daily. Parents may Vomiting and/or diarrhea: may return to school
choose to opt out of this policy and brush their child's 24 hours after his/her last vomiting and/or
teeth at home. diarrhea episode.
If your family chooses to participate, we will be
encouraging the children to brush their teeth after lunch. Red or pink itchy eyes with crusty and or
The children will independently brush their teeth with green/yellow drainage: may return to school the
adult supervision. day after treated for 24 hours or has no further
eye discharge.
Injury/Incident Reports
Minor bumps and scratches will be communicated to the Head Lice: a student will be sent home from
parents verbally, or through email. school if live lice are found; the school will
provide an information sheet. A student may
Reports will be completed by attending staff member for return after being treated and the School Nurse
any and all injuries to a child when the nurse is not confirms no live lice are present.
available. This includes those requiring basic first aid
and beyond. Injury/Incident report forms are completed A rash of unknown cause: may require to MD
for all events related to behavioral incidents, accidents, clearance at the discretion of the school nurse.
property destruction and emergencies.
If he/she is unable to participate in daily
An Injury/Incident Form will be completed on the day of activities (e.g., due to excessive fatigue or
the injury/incident by the attending staff member. The discomfort).
form is reviewed and signed by the teacher and parent.
If a child is too ill to remain in school, the nurse or
An original will be maintained in the Community teacher will call parent/guardian and or emergency
Education Office. contact numbers for dismissal. Parents are required to
notify the school if your child contracts any contagious
Health Care and Medication Administration diseases (e.g. Chicken Pox, Strep Throat, Whooping
The nurse is scheduled to be on duty most days from Cough, Fifth’s Disease, Conjunctivitis, Scabies,
7:18-1:52 to handle all medical needs. When the nurse
is unavailable, a staff member trained in first aid and If a child has been absent due to a communicable
CPR will handle medical issues. disease or injury a physician’s release may be
required before returning to school.
Illness
We are recommending that children do not come to If a child has had a medical procedure/operation, a
school if they appear to be ill. It is advisable to keep the doctor's note is required clearly stating 'no restrictions';
child home if he/she has a sore throat, severe cold, rash, or any restrictions must be cleared by the nurse prior to
fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea. returning to the program.Ch el ms fo r d Com mu ni t y Ed ucat io n
Pa ren t Handbook 2022 – 2023
Medication Policy Medication Delivery/Pick-up Requirements
(Health Services Requirements) All medications must be delivered to the school and
It is the policy of Chelmsford Public Schools to picked up from the school by a responsible adult.
administer medications during the school day only when
necessary. If at any time during the school year your All medications can be picked up from the Lion’s Pride
child requires the administration of any medications North anytime during the school day. All medications
during the school day, then please refer to the following: will be disposed of if they are not picked up within one
week following termination of the order or if they are
Medication Documentation Requirements not picked up by the last day of school.
Our school district requires that the appropriate orders
and/or consents must be on file in your child’s health All prescription medications must be in a pharmacy
record before we begin to give any medications at labeled container that includes the child’s name, name
school (these orders and/or consents must be submitted and correct dose of the medication, physician’s name,
every year or at the start or restart of any medication and current date.
treatment).
Please ask your pharmacy to provide separate bottles for
1. Signed consent by parent or guardian to give school and home. Not more than a thirty-day supply of
the medication- This needs to be completed for medicine should be delivered to the school.
both prescription medications as well as non-
prescription medications such as, but not limited All non-prescription medications must be in the original
to Motrin, non-prescription eye drops and cough manufacturer’s container.
medications. When permission is given on the
Emergency Form for acetaminophen/Tylenol, Behavior Management
ibuprofen (motrin/advil), Caladryl, Benadryl, Lion’s Pride North believes in positive guidance. This
Aquaphor, Vaseline, Sting Relief Wipes, saline policy will be consistent for all children. We realize
eye solutions, Bacitracin, Silvadene Cream, that all children are at different developmental stages.
hydrocortisone cream, and First Aid Cream, the
All guidance will be reasonable with the child’s needs
Emergency Form will act as the signed consent
and understanding and is meant to encourage children
by the parent or guardian.
to maximize his/her growth and development.
2. Signed medication order - This needs to be
obtained and returned to the school nurse for The following procedure will be used in our classroom
both prescription medications as well as non- to help foster appropriate behavior for all children:
prescription medications. As noted on the
Step One: Clear limits and expectations will be
Emergency Form, the school physician has
set. (No child will be expected to follow a limit
approved acetaminophen/Tylenol, ibuprofen
or policy that they are too young to fully
(motrin/advil), Caladryl, Benadryl, Aquaphor,
understand.)
Vaseline, Sting Relief Wipes, saline eye
solutions, Bacitracin, Silvadene Cream,
Step Two: Children will be redirected to a more
hydrocortisone cream, and First Aid Cream and
appropriate behavior or task (children will be
thus an additional doctor’s order is only needed
offered choices to encourage them to follow the
for these medications if the school nurse
guidelines of our classroom).
requests such.
Step Three: Children will be provided with
In addition, short-term antibiotics are the only logical consequences/choices. Examples may
prescription medications that do not require a separate include the following: “You can clean up your
signed medication order. The instructions on the bottle toy by yourself, or I will help you.” “If you
will be sufficient if the current label is intact, and a chose to run in the block area, you will need to
parent or guardian signed consent is provided. choose a new place to play".Ch el ms fo r d Com mu ni t y Ed ucat io n
Pa ren t Handbook 2022 – 2023
Biting
Step Four: Children will be asked to settle Biting requires special action in a classroom. When-
down independently or with a teacher. They ever body fluids are possibly transmitted all precautions
will be able to return to the activity or play when must be taken.
they are ready. Children will be encouraged to
verbalize their feelings and emotions in all If the skin is broken: Both children involved are
situations. immediately taken to the nurse. The nurse will handle
contacting the parents of both children to explain that
Physical or verbal abuse and ridicule will not be an exposure may have occurred. It is up to the parents’
tolerated. No child will be denied food, outside play or discretion how to handle the situation (call M.D., pick
use of the bathroom for any reason. No child will ever up, etc.) The teacher will meet with the child who bit
be force-fed. There will be no punishment for soiled the other child and have an age appropriate conversation
clothing or not using the toilet. based on the event. If this is a one-time event, we will
deal with this situation by following our behavior
Individual Behavior Modification Plan management plan. If this behavior develops into a habit,
When a child requires additional support other than we will work as a teaching team to find strategies to
what is outlined in our behavior management policy, eliminate the behavior. If the problem cannot be
the supervisor will contact the parents. With parental resolved with our strategies, we will have a meeting with
consent the teachers will take the following actions: parents to discuss other options.
1.) Identify the child’s specific struggles and If the skin is not broken: TLC will be given to the child
needs and create strategies for success. who is injured. If another staff member is available,
they will meet with the child who caused the injury. If
2.) Teachers will develop a behavior plan. The not, the staff member will comfort the child who is
plan will outline specific expectations and injured and then meet with the other child.
consequences. The teacher will use her discretion to lead the
conversation in a manner that is age appropriate for the
3.) Review the plan with the parents for child. We will follow our behavior management plan
approval. and create an appropriate response.
4.) If parents approve of the plan the teachers Written Policy For Reporting
will review it with the child so he/she under- Abuse Or Neglect
stands how the teachers will help him/her be Many factors contribute to the maltreatment of
successful in the classroom. If age-appropriate, children which makes the identification of child
the discussion will include strategies for making abuse and neglect a complex matter.
better choices and gaining self-control.
Teachers will stress that they are there to help Child Care providers are required to report all
support the child. suspected cases of abuse and neglect. They are
mandated reporters. If there are any signs of
During challenging situations, the teachers will work abuse or neglect, teachers are able to report it to the
with the child and help him/her regain composure. The supervisor, director, or nurse. At that time a decision
child will return to the activity after the conflict has will be made whether a 51A report is required. We
been resolved. The teacher will repeat this action as are not required to inform the parents of this
long as necessary to help the child. Parents will be report.
informed of struggles and successes through daily
In the case that a staff member is accused of
communications.
abuse or neglect of a child, immediate action
will be taken. The employee will be immediately
Severe or continued problems may result in a temporary
removed from contact with children and may be
or permanent removal from our program.Ch el ms fo r d Com mu ni t y Ed ucat io n
Pa ren t Handbook 2022 – 2023
monthly fee will be pro-rated to the time that the
suspended without pay until the allegations have child participated in the program.
been proven false.
There are no cancellations for June.
Enrollment/Cancellation Process
Open enrollment will be held in February of every
year. Parents who are already enrolled in the Hours of Operation & Calendar
program will be given the opportunity to reserve We open at 6:45 am and close at 4:45 pm on all
their spot prior to open enrollment. school days, and the day before Chelmsford
Public Schools starts and the day after school
Process for Enrollment ends. Lion’s Pride North will follow the
Step 1: Families will register for their Chelmsford Public School’s calendar.
guaranteed spot.
Lion's Pride North will be closed on the district's
Currently enrolled families will have a guaranteed Full Professional Development Day (November
spot for the following year (meaning the same TBD 2022)
length of day that they are currently registered
for). We close at 12:30 pm on the day before
Thanksgiving (November 23 rd ).
Example:
If you are registered for a 3-day this year, next Snow, Delayed Opening & Other Closures
year you are guaranteed the same 3-day spot. We are not open on days when Chelmsford Public
Schools are closed.
Step 2: Changing amount of days.
After the initial registration deadline, Lion’s Pride On delayed openings, our program will open at
North will open the WAITING LIST. 8:45 a.m. instead of 6:45 a.m.
At that time, families will register for any changes
for the following year, like changing from 2 days If school is dismissed early, we expect that you
to 3 days. This is also the time where siblings of would pick your child up as soon as possible.
current students will be able to enroll. This will
Safety Protocols, Evacuations, and Natural
be on a first come first serve basis.
Disaster Policy
The Chelmsford High School has an emergency
Process for Cancellation plan in place. Staff members are trained to
If a family’s childcare needs change prior to the respond if a crisis should arise at our site. Parents
start of the school year we require a minimum 30 are welcome to review this policy if they wish.
days’ notice prior to the first day of programming
for a refund of tuition. Cancellations with less than The Chelmsford High School will be running
30 days notification will forfeit their tuition ALICE Drills and Fire Drills throughout the
entirely. All registration fees are non-refundable. course of the year. Our students will participate in
age appropriate ways and all drills will be
During the school year a parent may terminate his followed up with an age appropriate story about
or her child’s participation in the program by staying safe in school. The Teacher will
giving one month’s notice to Chelmsford communicate when we have had these drills and
Community Education, 170 Dalton Road, will also provide a copy of the story we read after
Chelmsford, MA 01824. Email: the first drill.
commed@chelmsford.k12.ma.us. Where proper
notice is given, parents only will be responsible
for paying services rendered to their child. TheCh el ms fo r d Com mu ni t y Ed ucat io n
Pa ren t Handbook 2022 – 2023
Rates
Fees are listed on the website. Tuition is billed in
ten equal payments based off the 182 school days from o The number of doses required of HIB
September through June. Tuition is due on the first vaccine is dependent on the type of HIB
business day of the upcoming month. A one-time vaccine that was administered. Most
non-refundable $25 registration fee is due with the children do require 4, if your child has
first month’s payment or time of registration. There had less than 4 please speak to your
are no adjustments for Vacations. child’s physician about the number
required.
It is expected that your child is enrolled for the full • 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
school year. There are no adjustments in the • 1 dose of Varicella vaccine or a physician-
monthly tuition if your child is sick or does not certified reliable history of the chickenpox
attend for another reason. disease
o If submitting documentation of the
A late pick-up fee will be assessed at the rate of $10 disease, it must contain the month and
for each 15 minutes or portion thereof. Children year.
may be removed from the program if more than • A current or past Lead test documentation
3 late pick-ups occur during the school year. • A current/up to date physical
o Only a dated 2021 physical will be
Please be aware that if your payments become accepted as a current/up to date physical
delinquent, your child may not be allowed to o Typically, insurance companies will
attend our program, and we reserve the right to only cover up to one physical per year.
o Therefore, at this time if your child has
refer your account to a collection agency.
only had a 2020 physical then please
submit that. However, as soon as your
***Please note: All policies are subject to change based on
child’s 2021 physical is completed
the most current state of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
please promptly submit it.
As of the 2022-2023 school year, CommEd will no longer
be offering refunds for absences due to COVID-19 cases, Regarding: Returning Students
including exposures, close contacts in or out of our
• Your child’s health records are mostly likely
program, positive cases and/or mandated quarantine.
only in need of an updated physical, so please
submit your child’s 2021 physical as soon as it
Daily Routine is completed.
The Daily Schedule will be sent to parents at the
beginning of the school year and posted in the classroom. Regarding: New Students
Please allow for some flexibility to the schedule as the
• In order for your child to attend a Chelmsford
day can be subject to change.
Community Education childcare or preschool
program, you must submit ALL of the above
A letter from the Nurse:
information prior to your child’s start date in
order for your child to attend such programs.
Dear Parents and/or Guardians:
Regarding: All Students
Massachusetts State Laws require children attending
childcare or preschool programs to have documentation • The Lead Test is commonly missing from
of the following items: submitted physicals/immunizations. Please
make sure this is included in your form.
• 4 or more doses DtaP vaccine • The Emergency Health and Medical
• 3 or more doses of Polio vaccine Information Form must be signed in order for
• 1 dose of MMR vaccine the nurse to have the proper permission and to
• 1-4 doses of HIB vaccineCh el ms fo r d Com mu ni t y Ed ucat io n
Pa ren t Handbook 2022 – 2023
• ensure the information is correct. Please note:
an updated Emergency Health and Medical
Information Form will be requested on the first
day of school.
• As always, please contact me (during the school
year) or the Chelmsford Community Education
Office (year-round) with any questions or
concerns.
Kristen Lynch BSN,RN,NCSN
Phone: 978-251-5151 ext. 6077
Email: lynchk@chelmsford.k12.ma.usYou can also read
