Parent Handbook 2018 - The School Zone Academy 105 Doyle Street, PO Box 488 Howe, Texas 75459 (903)532-9663
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Parent Handbook
2018
The School Zone Academy
105 Doyle Street, PO Box 488
Howe, Texas 75459
(903)532-9663
Table of Contents GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................. 1 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND QUALITY CHILD CARE SERVICES, EXCLUSIVELY FROM THE SCHOOL ZONE ACADEMY ............................................................................................................................................ 2 THE SCHOOL ZONE ACADEMY EXCLUSIVE LEARNING COMPONENTS .......................................................... 3 CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS ..................................................................................................... 4 THE SCHOOL ZONE ACADEMY PRAYER- THANKFULNESS ............................................................................. 4 REGISTRATION, TUITION, AND PROGRAM FEES METHODS OF PAYMENT ................................................... 4 REGISTRATION/SUPPLY FEES ........................................................................................................................ 5 TUITION PAYMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 5 LATE PICK-UP PROCEDURES AND PENALTIES ............................................................................................... 5 FIELD TRIPS.................................................................................................................................................... 5 ANIMAL POLICIES .......................................................................................................................................... 6 WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................................ 6 DISMISSAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 VACATION TUITION CREDIT .......................................................................................................................... 6 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................................... 7 OPEN DOOR POLICY .................................................................................................................................. 7 WEAPONS POLICY ..................................................................................................................................... 7 ADA POLICY ............................................................................................................................................... 7 DISCIPLINE POLICY .................................................................................................................................... 8 CHILD ABUSE REPORTION POLICY............................................................................................................. 8 PREVENTING AND RESPONDING TO ABUSE AND NEGLECT...................................................................... 9 MINIMUM STANDARDS RULES ................................................................................................................. 9 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION POLICY ........................................................................................... 10 POLICY FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS................................................................................................. 10 12 MONTHS OLD OR YOUNGER .............................................................................................................. 10 HOMEWORK POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 11 SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES .................................................................................................................... 11 POLICY FOR BABYSITTING ....................................................................................................................... 11 STAFF REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................................................ 12 TRANSPORTATION POLICY ...................................................................................................................... 12
FOOD PROGRAM ..................................................................................................................................... 12 BALANCED NUTRITION............................................................................................................................ 13 INCLEMENT WEATHER ............................................................................................................................ 13 TV AND VIDEO POLICY ............................................................................................................................ 13 DRESS CODE ............................................................................................................................................ 14 LOST AND FOUND ................................................................................................................................... 14 TOYS ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 SHOW AND TELL...................................................................................................................................... 14 SCHOOL PORTRAITS ................................................................................................................................ 14 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS .................................................................................................................................. 15 SPECIAL EVENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 15 REST PERIODS.......................................................................................................................................... 15 STUDENT ENROLLMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS .................................................................... 16 STUDENT FILE DOCUMENTATION ........................................................................................................... 16 HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION ................................................................................................................ 17 HEARING AND VISION SCREENING REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................. 17 STAFF IMMUNIZATION OF THE SCHOOL ZONE ACADEMY ..................................................................... 17 ILLNESS .................................................................................................................................................... 18 RETURN AFTER ILLNESS........................................................................................................................... 18 NOTICE OF ILLNESS ................................................................................................................................. 18 ILLNESS AND IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.................................................................................................... 19 REPORTING OF UNUSUAL INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS ................................................................................. 19 SECURITY ENTRANCE .............................................................................................................................. 20 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ............................................................................ 20 EMERGENCY PLAN FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ..................................................................... 20 EMERGENCY PLAN FOR STUDENT UNDER 24 MONTHS ......................................................................... 21 EMERGENCY EVACUATION LOCATION ................................................................................................... 21 SEVERE WEATHER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ........................................................................... 21 EVACUATION DIAGRAM .......................................................................................................................... 22
GENERAL INFORMATION
The School Zone Academy, est. 1985
105 Doyle Street
Howe, Texas 75459
Owner - Kathleen I. Todd
Director - Haleen Parrish
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 6am – 6pm We are open 12 months of the year
Drop off time ends at 9:00AM
For enrollment information and Parent Handbook go to: www.theschoolzoneacademy.com
Phone: (903) 532-9663
Fax: (903) 532-9665
Cell (903) 818-3793
Cell (903) 818-2745
Owner email - misskathleen555@yahoo.com
Director email – haleenparrish@yahoo.com
THE REGGIO EMILIA PHILOSOPHY
In the
Reggio Emilia Philosophy
The child does not work in isolation.
Each child is a part of a
Relationship with other children,
The family, the teachers,
And the community
THE SCHOOL ZONE ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT
We pledge
To make the world a better place
Through young children;
To love every child in our care
To educate children
In all four areas of development:
Physical, social, emotional and intellectual;
To build a solid reputation in the community for doing all of the above.
1|PageEARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND QUALITY CHILD CARE SERVICES,
EXCLUSIVELY FROM THE SCHOOL ZONE ACADEMY
The School Zone Academy is your trusted partner in ensuring the best for your child’s development and
early childhood education. The School Zone Academy families receive the best of both worlds- children
have a safe and secure child care environment, staffed by professional early childhood educators; and
parents have a complete peace of mind as they work to balance family and career demands.
Trust in over 20 years of quality educational child care.
The School Zone Academy, founded in 1985 by Kathleen I. Todd offers High Reach curriculum is a unique
blend of the two most effective, proven philosophies of the early childhood education:
- Teacher-Directed Activities, where an established curriculum leads students along a consistent
learning path, and
- Child-initiated activities, where children are free to explore individual interests with teacher
support.
With our High Reach curriculum the most important elements in early childhood development are
learning, character development and play. The result… the children are happy and thriving.
Our program also gives parents peace of mind- so you can be assured that your child has the best
opportunity for learning while you work, Parents are encouraged to participate in school activities, so
they can share their child’s day and stay close to his or her progress.
All Staff members are certified through extensive training programs. Staff is selected after careful
screening; each is certified in First Aid and CPR. In addition, each staff member completes extensive
annual training requirements to ensure they meet and exceed all state regulatory agency requirements.
The School Zone Academy has early childhood education specialists on staff. Their main goal is to study
child development and education trends to provide The School Zone Academy with the best guidelines
to ensure that staff properly supports the early learning and development of each child.
The School Zone Academy is open year-round, Monday through Friday, providing full-day early
childhood education and child care programs. Every day, school staff implements extensive operational
procedures that meet stringent health and safety guidelines to ensure the safety of your child. These
guidelines provide a healthy learning atmosphere and provide you with assurance that your child is safe
and secure. The Owner is a Licensed Pediatric Nurse.
The School Zone Academy provides equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, age, national origin, and veteran or disability status.
2|PageTHE SCHOOL ZONE ACADEMY EXCLUSIVE LEARNING COMPONENTS Music Appreciation The School Zone Academy combines exclusive activities along with nationally recognized music programs to help children develop appreciation through an introduction of a wide range of music. Classical music is played each day during rest time. Physical Fitness Children laugh and enjoy the fun, engaging in physical fitness activities designed to strengthen bodies and stretch muscles. Memory & Reasoning Every morning children begin the day with simple “mind-stretching” exercise with emphasis on reasoning, memory and concentration. Some examples of circle time consists of current events, counting, shapes, ABC’s, music, numbers, weather, stories and show-and-tell. Ecology Natural curiosity is awakened in the monthly gardening and nature study. Children love to plant their garden, plant seeds and watch their plants grow. The children are made aware of the world around them and explore the wonders of science. Foreign Language (Spanish and Sign Language) Children are introduced and exposed to Spanish as a foreign language. The weekly lessons are progressive and coordinate with The School Zone Academy’s Units of Learning. As a part of our High Reach Curriculum, the children will have lessons in Sign Language in our “Signing Time” program. 3|Page
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS The School Zone Academy’s learning curriculum has been building character in students since 1985. The character development programs are geared to help your child become a responsible, caring adult. Character Development Through discussion, arts and crafts, puppet play, games and role-playing, children are encouraged to share thoughts on concepts of morals and values such as honesty, compassion, respect and good judgment. Community Awareness Children learn the cultural elements of society, history and pride by participating in community-minded class activities. Parents are encouraged to join in planned projects that benefit the community. THE SCHOOL ZONE ACADEMY PRAYER- THANKFULNESS Prior to receiving snacks and meals, children are reminded to be thankful for their daily provisions. The following non-denominational saying is recited: Let us be thankful for the food we are about to receive. Amen. REGISTRATION, TUITION, AND PROGRAM FEES METHODS OF PAYMENT A locked receptacle is located in the front lobby of the School Zone. Personal checks or money orders should be deposited into the receptacle to ensure proper posting of tuition credits to your account. We also accept credit cards. Please do not give payments to staff members. If you wish to pay in cash, please place in an envelope with child’s name on front to assure proper credit. A cancelled check is your receipt. If you require a written receipt, in addition to your cancelled check, please notify the director. A receipt will be available at the front desk each week once the payment has been processed. 4|Page
REGISTRATION/SUPPLY FEES A registration/Supply fee is due and payable at the time of enrollment, each new school year, and prior to beginning of September 1st. The fee covers the processing of your child’s application, art and school supplies, and your child’s accident insurance premium. The fee is determined according to your child’s classroom needs and required supplies. TUITION PAYMENT Your tuition payment reserves your child’s place in their assigned classroom. To insure quality programming and high quality staffing, tuition is due even when your child is absent. Tuition is due weekly or can be paid monthly. Weekly tuition is due on Friday of the preceding week. If tuition is not paid in full by noon on Monday of the following week a late fee, as specified on the School Zone’s Enrollment Application and Agreement will be added. LATE PICK-UP PROCEDURES AND PENALTIES If a child is left at TSZA after normal business hours, staff will attempt to contact the childs parent first. If we are unable to contact the parent we will proceed to the listed emergency contacts to pick up the child. When a child is left at school for an unreasonable length of time and TSZ is unable to locate any authorized adult to care for the child, we are required to contact the appropriate regulatory agency including, but not limited to, The Department of Family and Children Services. Parents who pick up their child after the designated closing time are charged a late fee of $1.00 per minute in the School Zone. This fee is due and payable immediately at the time the child is picked up. FIELD TRIPS As part of our safety program, regular field trips are not part of our program. Your child will not be removed from the Center without your written permission. Water Activities will be limited to sand/water table and sprinkler or splash pool activities. 5|Page
ANIMAL POLICIES It is our policy at The School Zone Academy to teach children about animals by having them present at our school. At this time we have a variety of in center pets that include guinea pigs, birds, hermit crabs, fish, rabbits and small caged animals. In the spring time we like to add farm animals that might include a miniature goat, chickens, or ducks. Parents need to be informed that the children are not permitted to handle the animals in the center or outside at the Farm because of state regulations. If you have any questions about our Farm program, please do not hesitate to speak with our Director. WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES No portion of weekly paid outstanding tuition will be refunded or cancelled in the event of absence, holidays, school closings, withdrawal or dismissal from the school. A one week written notice must be submitted to the school director prior to the withdrawal date should it become necessary to withdraw your child for any reason. This notice should include the date of submission of withdrawal notice and the last date your child will be in attendance. DISMISSAL Occasionally, due to unforeseen circumstances, a child is unable to adjust to a private preschool setting. When these circumstances occur, The School Zone will make every effort to accommodate the needs of each parents or child. We reserve the right to dismiss any student, should it be deemed necessary, after a reasonable adjustment period or anytime, for any reason, during a child’s enrollment at the sole discretion of the school director. VACATION TUITION CREDIT Full-time students who attend school five days per week for one consecutive calendar year may be entitled to a one week vacation tuition credit. To be eligible for the vacation tuition credit, parents must submit a written request for a vacation tuition credit to the director. This written notice must be submitted at least one week prior to the vacation date. 6|Page
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OPEN DOOR POLICY TSZA has an open door policy. Parents are invited to visit and observe their child’s classroom at any time. While it is not required, we request you make arrangements whenever possible, with the director to avoid as much disruption to the classroom schedule as possible. Observations of this type should be limited to twenty minutes. Observers should remain as inconspicuous as possible to allow the classroom to operate in a normal manner. Avoid interruption the teacher to ask questions while observing in the classroom. A parent/teacher conference can be arranged at which time the teacher can provide answers to questions without being distracted from his/her classroom instructional time. Parents are encouraged at any time to address concerns about the policies and procedures of the school with the Director or the Assistant Director. All visitors are required to sign-in at the front office desk before proceeding to the classroom. WEAPONS POLICY The School Zone strives to provide a safe, nonviolent environment for the children, parents, and staff. To ensure safety, any firearm, including pellet or BB guns (loaded or unloaded), darts or cap pistols will not be permitted on the SZ campus at any time. Children are not permitted to bring play guns, swords, or knives to school. Parents may not carry any type of gun, knife, pepper spray, or nightstick on the premises. This includes law enforcement officers who are off-duty. ADA POLICY The federal American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment against a qualified individual with a disability. This part of the law is enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state and local civil rights enforcement agencies that work with the Commission. The ADA also prohibits child care centers from denying admission to a child simply because the child has a disability. The provider is required to assess the special needs of either the prospective employee or child and attempt to find reasonable means to accommodate those needs. It is the intent of the TSZA to comply with the Americans Disabilities Act. 7|Page
DISCIPLINE POLICY
TSZ uses positive guidance and redirection as the primary method of discipline. Physical abuse,
humiliation, bribery, verbal intimidation, or threatening attitudes toward children are never allowed. By
using encouragement, positive reinforcement, redirection, providing children choices, talking about
conflicts and allowing children to verbalize their frustrations, children cope with their feelings and lives
in a positive way and learn self-control.
As a last resort, time-out is used to give a misbehaving child time to think about and redirect their
misguided behavior. Time-out is the removal of a child for a short period of time (one to five minutes)
from a situation in which the child is misbehaving and has not responded to other discipline techniques.
The time-out space, usually a chair, is located away from classroom activity, but within the teacher’s
sight. During time-out, the child has a chance to think about the misbehavior which led to his/her
removal from the group. After a brief interval of no more than five minutes, (or one minute for each
year of the child’s age, whichever is less) the teacher discusses the incident and appropriate behavior
with the child. When the child returns to the group, the incident is over and the child is treated with the
same affection and respect shown to the other children.
If the child is found to be of harm to self or others, a written discipline note will be given to the parent
and a copy left in the child’s folder. After three write-ups, the child will have a one day suspension from
school. After all efforts are made to help the child with the negative behavior, and after a minimum of
five write-ups, the child will be dis-enrolled from our program.
CHILD ABUSE REPORTION POLICY
It is the policy of TSZA to comply with the rules of local licensing and laws of the state regarding any
suspected case of child abuse.
All SZ staff members are mandated by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to
appropriate local and state authorities.
Child Abuse Contact Information:
- Day Care Licensing- 1-800-582-6036
- Child Abuse Hotline- 1-800-252-5400
8|PagePREVENTING AND RESPONDING TO ABUSE AND NEGLECT The School Zone Academy requires annual training for employees. The training will include methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of issues regarding child abuse and neglect, including warning signs that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect. It will also include methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of prevention techniques for child abuse and neglect. In addition it will cover strategies for coordination between the center and appropriate community organizations, and actions that the parent of a child who is a victim of abuse or neglect should take to obtain assistance and intervention. MINIMUM STANDARDS RULES Any and all guidelines are set forth by the State of Texas in The Minimum Standards for Day Care Licensing. All employees are responsible for this information and to follow its guidelines. Parents and staff may at any time review the minimum standard rules for licensed Child-Care Centers. A copy will always be available in the front lobby as well as online at http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/. The most recent licensing inspection report can be found hanging in the office window to be viewed at any time. 9|Page
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION POLICY Parents must complete in full and sign the Parental Authorization for Medication form prior to administration of any medication. This form is available at the front office desk. State licensing regulations require parents to provide a signed authorization including administration and dosage procedures of each medication to be administered. Any potential adverse reaction to the medication must be listed on the authorization so the child can be properly monitored and parents notified accordingly. This authorization must indicate the specific dates the medication is to be administered. A new authorization is required at the beginning of each calendar week. All medications must be dropped off and picked up daily at the front office. These medications will be stored in the office on upper shelf area inaccessible to children. Medication may not be transported to the classroom by parents. NO MEDICATION MAY BE PLACED IN THE CHILD’S TOTE BAG OR TAKEN INTO THE CLASSROOM FOR ANY REASON. All medication will be administered by the Director at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM each day. All medications must be signed in with your child’s first and last name and date. If there is any medication left at the School Zone not signed in or labeled with your child’s first and last name and date, we will be forced to throw it away. POLICY FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS We at The School Zone Academy encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding until 12 months or longer. Mothers may bring labeled/dated breast milk for their infant and or are welcome to sit in rocker in infant room to feed their baby. There is no need to call ahead. Mothers are always welcome at any time to visit the classroom. 12 MONTHS OLD OR YOUNGER All infants 12 months old or younger and all non-walking infants will be assigned a crib with a firm, flat mattress that snugly fits the sides of the crib and that is specifically designed with use with the crib model number. Each infant’s crib will be labeled with the infant’s first name and last initial. Infants will always be fastened whenever using equipment that is equipped with safety straps. For example: high chairs, swings, bouncer seats, or similar types of equipment. Infants not yet able to turn over on their own will be placed in a face up sleeping position in the infant’s own crib, unless you have a completed sleep exemption form that includes a signed statement from a healthcare professional stating that a different sleeping position for the child is medically necessary. While the infant is in care, they will not be laid down while swaddled to sleep or rest on a surface at any time unless you have a completed sleep exemption form that includes a signed statement from a healthcare professional stating that swaddling the child for sleeping purposes is medically necessary. 10 | P a g e
No infant is allowed to sleep in a restrictive device. If an infant falls asleep in a restrictive device, the
infant will be removed from the device and placed in the crib as soon as possible. Infants may only sleep
in a restrictive device if you have a completed sleep exemption form that includes a signed statement
from a healthcare professional stating that a restrictive device is medically necessary.
While infants are sleeping in the crib, there are no toys, blankets, pacifier clips, or other similar types of
accessories.
Every infant 12 months old or younger will receive a daily infant report card that will contain the times
the infant slept, times and amount of food consumed, times of diaper changes, infants general mood for
the day, and a brief summary of the activities in which the infant participated.
All infants are required the opportunity to experience the outdoors two times per day, weather
permitting.
HOMEWORK POLICY
The School Age children are given a specific homework/quiet time each day after school. The School
Zone Academy will not be responsible for missing homework or be responsible to tutor children with
school assignments.
SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES
The Director of The School Zone Academy is committed to ensuring that all staff utilize social media
technology in a responsible manner. The following guidelines provide guidance regarding recommended
practices for professional social media use:
1. Employees are to refrain from “friending” parents on Facebook or other social media
communication. This will avoid misunderstandings concerning activities at our school.
2. The exception is if you have an established relationship with the parent before your
employment or that person is a member of your family.
3. It is inappropriate for a parent to have personal cell phone numbers of staff members.
4. The staff member should not call a parent unless cleared by the Director.
5. All communications about or concerning The School Zone Academy must go through our office.
POLICY FOR BABYSITTING
Employees of The School Zone Academy are not permitted to solicit babysitting positions while on the
job. Employees may not take children off the school premises – even if the parents request the
employee be added to the pickup list. Employees may not babysit enrolled children and this is cause for
immediate termination. Signing a waiver for this situation rarely holds up in a courtroom, so this will not
be permitted.
11 | P a g eSTAFF REQUIREMENTS All staff is given 24 hours of pre-service training which includes the Minimum Standard for Day Care Licenses. All staff are given criminal history checks and FBI fingerprints as mandated by the State of Texas. All staff is required to be certified in CPR and First Aide. Staff is also encouraged to have one of the following: - An associate degree in Early Childhood Development Education - A child development certification-(CDA) - Be enrolled in a college for Early Childhood Development TRANSPORTATION POLICY TSZ provides transportation services for school-age children to and from designated elementary schools. It is the responsibility of the parents to inform TSZA of any schedule changes for children who are transported to and from elementary school. Please be sure to notify the director if your child will be absent or should not be picked up. FOOD PROGRAM The new minimum standards require that no child 12 months or younger may be served juice. Ages 13 months to 5 years should be served only 4 oz. per day. Ages 6 years to 12 years should be served only 6 oz. per day. If parents request anything different than the standards require, the parent must request this in writing and the request will be kept in the child’s file. Please be aware that the School Zone is a peanut free facility. It is also important to be aware that the parents are responsible for the child’s nutritional value. Parents should be aware that water is served at every meal and snack every day. Nursing Mothers- It should be known that we do encourage mothers who desire to breastfeed their babies and we provide a comfortable semi-private area for this to be done(see page 11). 12 | P a g e
BALANCED NUTRITION TSZA helps you balance your child’s nutritional needs through the balance nutrition program. Menu’s, written and approved by a registered dietician, meet or exceed USDA standards. TSZA children eat in the comfort and security of their classrooms in an unhurried setting. Meals are prepared on campus by trained staff. Nutritious mid- morning and afternoon snacks and lunches are provided for all children. A late afternoon snack provides energy the children need to stay active and alert until they arrive home every evening. Please discuss any special dietary needs for your child with the director. Modest accommodations will be made for children with food allergies or who require specific menu items for cultural reasons. To ensure the health and safety of all children, food items, purchased or from home, may not be brought into the classroom to be eaten, with the exception of special classroom events. This helps prevent children with allergies from being exposed to food that could be harmful. INCLEMENT WEATHER It may not be possible for TSZA to open during certain weather conditions. We will make every reasonable effort to open the school, however, safety for your child and our staff members will be our prime consideration for closing the school. In general, if Howe ISD is closed or is released early or starts late due to inclement weather, The School Zone Academy will do the same. Tune to the designated radio or television station KXII for further information if in doubt as to whether or not the campus will be open. We will also keep parents informed via Facebook-Please find us on Facebook @ TheSchoolZoneAcademy. TV AND VIDEO POLICY In an effort to provide an educational classroom environment TSZA does not allow the excessive use of television or videos. The viewing of television is limited to age-appropriate films and must follow with the weeks curriculum. So we may ensure that all materials viewed by the children are acceptable to all parents, children are not permitted to bring videos to school to share. 13 | P a g e
DRESS CODE Children should arrive at school in comfortable, easy to launder clothing. While we make every effort to protect their clothing, children can experience accidental spills during planned activities. The consumer product safety commission recommends, for your child’s safety, the removal of the hood and neck string from your child’s outerwear, including jackets, sweatshirts, and head wear. Waite and bottom drawstrings should measure no more than three inches from where the strings extend out of the garment when the garment is expanded to its fullest width. We recommend that you purchase garments with closures such as snaps, buttons, Velcro, or elastic. All clothing items, including sweaters, jackets, hats, and gloves must be labeled with the child’s first and last name. Only shoes with closed toe and heels, with soft rubber soles such as athletic shoes/tennis shoes are permitted. Sandals, flip flops and hard soled shoes such as cowboy boots may not be worn in classrooms or on the playground. In case of accidents, we request every child keep a full change of clothes in their back pack. Label each item with the child’s first and last name and place the items inside their bag. LOST AND FOUND A lost and found box is located in the Laundry Room area. We recommend checking the box periodically for items that may belong to your child. TOYS To prevent special toys from being lost or broken, we ask that toys not be sent to school with your child. SHOW AND TELL Show and tell is held each week beginning in the Early Preschool classroom. You will find the current week’s theme posted on the lesson plan. Children should bring a small item related to the topic of the week. Show and tell items must be small enough to fit in the back pack. Items must remain in the bag until Show and Tell, returned to the bag immediately following the Show and Tell and taken home the same day. SCHOOL PORTRAITS TSZ provides, for your convenience, a quality, custom photograph program throughout the year. Photo opportunities may include individual portraits, holiday portraits, and graduation portraits. Participation is your option. You are under no obligation to purchase or participate in any portrait service offered. 14 | P a g e
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
The School Zone Academy is closed in observance of the following holidays:
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Day
- Independence Day
- Any additional days will be listed on our school’s website at www.theschoolzoneacademy.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
Prior to planning a celebration for a special event in your child’s classroom, such as birthday party,
please make arrangements with their teacher.
Please do not bring food from outside into the school. For safety reasons, small trinkets, rings, or
balloons, may not be distributed as party favors. Glass or ceramic plates are not permitted in the
classroom or playground, and may not be used anywhere children are present on the school campus.
Your child’s teacher will help you determine the number of items needed to provide for every child in
the class
Please drop off the completed invitations at the front desk to be distributed if you are planning a party
away from the school campus. The invitations should not be taken into the classroom to avoid
disappointment to children who may not be included. The office staff will pass the invitations along to
the appropriate parents during pick-up time.
For the protection of all children, we cannot provide anyone with the phone number or address of any
child or their family members. Teachers can provide you with the first names only of the children in the
class if requested.
Special programs are prepared for the children throughout the year. Parents and family members are
always welcome. Your attendance at these special functions gives you the opportunity to get to know
your child’s teacher and meet your child’s classmates and parents. Individual conversations about
child specific concerns are difficult at busy program times. Please schedule a personal conference to
discuss specific concerns.
REST PERIODS
Each afternoon all the children are provided a quiet time to rest and relax. Semi-classical music is
played while the children rest on the cots. Children are required to rest quietly on their cots or engage
in quiet activities after a short rest period as designated on the classroom daily schedule.
Child may bring a small item to comfort them and help them rest. The item must be small enough to
fit into their backpack. Toys are not appropriate and may cause distraction to other children who are
trying to rest.
15 | P a g eSTUDENT ENROLLMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
STUDENT FILE DOCUMENTATION
TSZA requires documentation to be provided for each child prior to the first day of classroom
attendance. This documentation may include, but is not limited to the following:
- TSZ Enrollment Application and Agreement
- Current Certification of Immunization
- A copy of custody decree is needed if your child does not live with both natural parents.
It is the responsibility of parents to immediately notify the school director in writing of any changes in
telephone numbers, addresses; persons authorized to pick-up the child, family physician, and/or
parent’s employer. This information is required to ensure the safety of your child and to ensure that
the school has current contact information in case of an emergency situation.
To protect all children at TSZA, if your child does not live with both natural parents, evidence of custody
must be presented at the time the child is enrolled. A copy of the custody decree will be maintained in
the child’s permanent file.
When a child resides with a divorced parent, it is important the parent registering the child indicate
on the enrollment application the name of the parent who has the legal custody decree will be
strictly enforced. A court-ordered decree is required to prevent a parent from having access to the
child.
16 | P a g eHEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION Parents must provide TSZ with a copy of current certificate of immunization showing adequate protection against childhood diseases as required by local, state and regulatory agencies. This certification can be obtained from your local health department or private physician. Tuberculin tests are not required at this time by our local Health Department. Any child, who is not immunized due to religious convictions, must provide a signed affidavit against such immunizations. It Is the responsibility of the parent of each child to provide the school a current certificate of immunization prior to the expiration date of the certificate currently on file. The admission or continued enrollment of any child may be denied if a current certificate of immunization cannot be provided. HEARING AND VISION SCREENING REQUIREMENTS Hearing and Vision Screening should be available at the child’s physician’s office once the child turns the age of 4. A copy then be requested for the child’s file. STAFF IMMUNIZATION OF THE SCHOOL ZONE ACADEMY Routine immunization of adults is the best means of preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases of adults represents a continuing cause of morbidity and mortality and a source of transmission of infectious organisms. Vaccines, which are safe and effective in preventing these diseases, need to be used in adults to minimize disease and to eliminate potential sources of transmission. The following recommendations are made to all School Zone Academy Employees: Yearly influenza vaccination for all adults that are in daily contact with children. Hep A is recommended for any high risk adult. Caregivers are not required to have this shot. 17 | P a g e
ILLNESS
First and foremost, at TSZA, it is our commitment to providing a safe, secure and healthy
environment for all children, parents and staff. Children in a childcare environment are vulnerable
to common illnesses such as colds, flu and intestinal viruses. Should your child become ill while at
school, TSZ will take the proper action as deemed necessary by the circumstances of the illness.
An incident report will be completed and given to the parent at the normal pick-up time when a child
becomes ill at school, if the illness is not severe enough to warrant an immediate notification of a
parent.
When a parent is notified, the child must be immediately removed from the school to prevent the
spread of illness to other children, parents and staff. The following list reflects some common signs of
illnesses, in which require a parent’s immediate notification.
1. A fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Lethargy
5. Abnormal breathing
6. Sudden appearance or spread of a rash that is not explainable
7. Pink eye
8. Head lice
If a child becomes ill during the school day, the parent will be notified to pick-up the child
immediately. If the child’s parent cannot be reached, the designated person or persons on the SZA
Enrollment Application will be contacted.
Parents will receive a Statement of Illness when they come pick up their child due to illness. The
Statement of Illness will outline the requirements, which may include a doctor’s certification, before the
child will be readmitted to school. An ill child will be removed from the classroom and kept comfortable
in the front office until he/she is picked up. This procedure is to help protect the other children in the
classroom from exposure to the illness.
RETURN AFTER ILLNESS
A child may return to school when he/she is free of symptoms of illness for 24 hours or with a doctor’s
note stating that the child no longer has an excludable disease, condition, or illness.
NOTICE OF ILLNESS
Parents will be notified of illnesses, such as chicken pox, head lice etc. with posts on the front
door of school.
18 | P a g eILLNESS AND IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
For an illness or injury that receives immediate attention, the School Zone Academy caregivers will then,
in no particular order:
1. Contact emergency medical services (or take the child to the nearest emergency room after you
have ensured the supervision of other children in the group);
2. Give the child first-aid treatment or CPR when needed;
3. Contact the child’s parent;
4. Contact the physician or other health-care professional identified in the child’s record; and
5. Ensure supervision of other children in the group.
REPORTING OF UNUSUAL INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS
In the event that a medical or social incident of any significance occurs, that causes the child moderate
discomfort, a written report will be completed containing the nature of the situation and the actions
taken as a result of the incident.
A copy of the Incident/Accident report will be reviewed with the parent of the child involved and
signed by the parent then placed in the child’s file.
In rare circumstances, TSZA may take additional emergency action as deemed necessary to care for your
child. When such an action is taken, the director will contact 911 emergency services and follow the
instructions of the emergency personnel, the child will be transported to the nearest medical facility. In
such emergency situations, the school director will contact you as soon as the situation allows. As
parent/guardian of the child, you assume full responsibility for payment of such medical services.
Any child who has been exposed to or contracts a communicable or infectious disease may not return
to school until the disease is no longer contagious. A certification from a doctor who has expertise in
communicable and infectious diseases may be required before the child will be re-admitted to the
classroom.
Children who display signs of a communicable or infectious disease may not be left at school.
Children must be free of abnormal temperatures for a minimum of 24 hours, without the
administrations of fever reducing medications and show no signs of illness when returning to school.
Parents will be notified in writing of specific diseases or medical concerns their child may be exposed
to while at TSZA. It is the responsibility of the parents to notify the school director when your child
contracts or is exposed to an infectious or communicable disease outside of the school.
19 | P a g eSECURITY ENTRANCE The entrance of TSZA is secured by a locking mechanism to ensure your child is protected while on the TSZ campus. Each enrolled parent is given an individual code which allows them access at any time to their child. This locking mechanism is designed to provide a safe environment for all SZ children and staff. To ensure the continued safety of each child and staff member, this pass code should not be given to anyone at any time. If it is necessary for someone other than you to pick up your child or have access to the school building, please contact the director ahead of time. Use caution when entering and exiting the building, so as persons unknown to you do not enter the building. You will be notified if it becomes necessary for security reasons to change your building access code or method. Gang Free Zone- It should be known that the School Zone Academy does enforce a Gang Free Zone which extends 1000 feet from this facility. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS You can be assured your child is protected by an exceptional health and safety program while your child is at TSZA. The school is equipped with a fire and smoke monitoring alarm system. Fire extinguishers are strategically placed throughout the building. Emergency procedure drills are conducted each month to acquaint children with emergency procedures to be followed in case of fire, flood, or tornado. A detailed explanation of the plans and a log of the dates and times of the drills are maintained in the school office. In case of emergency, the staff’s first concern should be the removal of children to a safe area. Our emergency sheltering area is located in the center classroom (JK Suite) which has no exterior windows. Our alternate location will be the gym next door to the school if necessary; the children will walk to the gym at 113 Doyle Street, Howe, TX 75459 or Howe Elementary School recreation room at 315 Roberts Street, Howe, TX 75459. The School Zone Academy practices a lockdown drill for a volatile or endangering person on the premises or in the area at least 4 times within a calendar year. EMERGENCY PLAN FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS In the event of evacuation, children with special needs will be assigned to a lead teacher to assist them with the group. Carried/hold hand or whatever is necessary to remove the child from the center and remain with their group. The Director and Assistant Director will be responsible to see that all children leave the building safely and go to the assigned area. Parents of children with special needs will be advised of the evacuation procedure when enrolling the student. 20 | P a g e
EMERGENCY PLAN FOR STUDENT UNDER 24 MONTHS All extra staff (cook, bus drivers, and float staff) will immediately go to infant room to help evacuate children. Infants that cannot walk are placed in evacuation crib and moved to the nearest evacuation door. These staff will remain with this group until they are released by Director or Assistant Director. The Assistant Director and or Director will assist the toddler staff to walk the children out of the building using the hold hand method. All staff is to remain with the group until the Evacuation is complete. Lead staff will keep face to name sheets with them at all times during evacuation. EMERGENCY EVACUATION LOCATION Should a situation arise where the school campus is deemed, by the school administration or emergency personnel, to be an unsafe environment, the children will be evacuated to a designated emergency location – TSZA Gym 113 Doyle St, Howe, Texas 75459. To insure that the children are accounted for the lead teacher in each area will bring her face to name sheet with her during any evacuations and check it before and after leaving the building. The Director, Haleen Parrish, brings the master roll sheet and all emergency contact phone numbers and authorization for emergency care of every child with her during any evacuation. In the event the school campus is evacuated TSZA personnel will attempt to contact the parents of each child immediately. If the child’s parents cannot be reached, we will contact the designated emergency contact on the TSZ Enrollment Application. The person in charge of TSZA at time of emergency will notify Director (903-818-2745) or Assistant Director, law enforcement, emergency medical services, Licensing and or the health department if needed. SEVERE WEATHER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Attached please find a copy of our evacuation diagram that is posted at each fire extinguisher in every room. A severe weather and lockdown drill will be performed every 3 months and fire drills will be performed monthly. 21 | P a g e
EVACUATION DIAGRAM 22 | P a g e
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