WELCOME TO KIDS' KALEIDOSCOPE! - Parent Handbook 2021-2022
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
WELCOME TO
KIDS’ KALEIDOSCOPE!
Parent Handbook
2021-2022
Train children in the right way,
and when old, they will not stray.
Proverbs 22:6 NRSV
Kids’ Kaleidoscope is a weekday preschool and kindergarten ministry of Pollard Memorial
United Methodist Church.
This booklet has been prepared to provide information concerning philosophy, policies and
procedures of the center. Please read it carefully and in its
entirety so that you will better understand the role we all play in making this year's experience a
special time in the life of your child.
We welcome you and your
child and look forward to sharing our program and the events of the upcoming year. If you have
any questions please feel free to contact the
Kids’ Kaleidoscope Director at 903-597-3063.
1TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................. .2
PURPOSE/ PHILOSOPHY/ NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION ........................... 4
KIDS’ KALEIDOSCOPE PROGRAM OVERVIEW................................................................5
Areas of Development ...........................................................................................................5
Staff ........................................................................................................................................6
Governing Committee ............................................................................................................6
Learning Environment ...........................................................................................................6
Curriculum .............................................................................................................................6
Religion ..................................................................................................................................7
Discipline ...............................................................................................................................7
PROGRAM INFORMATION ............................................................................... 8
Tuition/Fees/Payments/Refunds/Tuition Schedule .................................................................8
Extended Care ........................................................................................................................9
Enrollment/ Registration ........................................................................................................9
Class Placements ....................................................................................................................9
Emergency Preparedness Plans ............................................................................................10
School Calendar/ Bad Weather Closings .............................................................................10
Classroom Orientation .........................................................................................................10
Required Medical Records ...................................................................................................10
Immunization/Physician Statement..............................................................................10
Emergency Authorization to Treat ...............................................................................11
Hearing/Vision .............................................................................................................11
Health ...................................................................................................................................11
Sick Child Guidelines ..........................................................................................................11
Children with Allergies ........................................................................................................12
CLASSROOM INFORMATION .......................................................................... 12
Security ................................................................................................. 12
Student Privacy ........................................................................................ 12
Authorized Pick Up ................................................................................... 12
Carpools ................................................................................................. 13
Arrival/Dismissal ...................................................................................... 13
Drive Thru ............................................................................................... 13
Kindergarten ............................................................................................ 15
Field Trip Permission ....................................................................... 15
Field Trip Policy ............................................................................ 15
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................... 17
Dress ..................................................................................................... 17
Children’s Birthdays ..................................................................................... 17
2School Parties ............................................................................................ 18
Special Activities/Nursery for siblings ............................................................... 18
Potty Trained Children/ What do we consider Potty Trained? .................................. 18
Potty Training for 18 months, 2’s, & 2 ½ age children .......................................... 18
What to bring to School ................................................................................. 18
What Not to bring to School .......................................................................... 19
Parent Involvement ..................................................................................... 19
COMMUNICATION ......................................................................................... 20
Communication with Parents ........................................................................... 20
Parent/ Teacher Communication ...................................................................... 20
When to contact the K.K. Office ..................................................................... 20
Newsletters ............................................................................................... 20
SPECIAL CONCERNS ...................................................................................... 20
Separation Anxiety ..................................................................................... 20
Biting Policy ............................................................................................ .21
Disruptive Child Policy ............................................................................... 21
Discipline & Guidance Policy ......................................................................... 22
Allergy Guidelines & Policy .......................................................................... 23
Child Abuse & Neglect Policy ........................................................................ 24
TRAFFIC CIRCLE MAP .................................................................................. 26
3PURPOSE
The purpose of Kids’ Kaleidoscope is to provide a weekday early childhood learning program for children
eighteen-months through kindergarten in which each child can grow spiritually, cognitively, physically,
emotionally, and socially within a Christian atmosphere. Each child will be helped to grow in independence
and in the development of his or her unique talents and abilities.
PHILOSOPHY
We believe each child is a child of God - a special person valued for his/her (hereafter referred to as his for
convenience) own worth who is growing and learning at his own pace as he actively relates to our world
through play - a child' s "work". We believe that our program represents this philosophy.
We believe that this program is one of the church' s many outreaches into our community as we strive to meet
the needs of children and encourage the development of Christian homes and families through parent
participation and education.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Kids’ Kaleidoscope preschool admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights,
privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in admissions policies and other school-
administered programs.
4PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Our program provides development in the following areas:
Cognitive growth
A rich, stimulating, well-planned, safe, age-appropriate curriculum and learning environment that encourages
curiosity, imagination and creativity as children learn through active play and firsthand experiences.
Spiritual growth
A warm, caring, accepting, Christian climate where children feel free to observe and explore, make mistakes
and live within the guidelines of a Christian community. Opportunities for developing a growing awareness of
the love of God and our natural world.
Emotional growth
An atmosphere that encourages the development of a positive self-image and feelings of self-worth and self-
confidence. Opportunities for each child to develop and mature within his own unique pattern and interests and
to each child' s own fullest potential.
Social growth
Opportunities for working, playing and communicating with other children as the child develops a growing
awareness of the needs, rights, and feelings of others while still maintaining his own sense of individuality and
independence.
Physical growth
Activities and equipment that promote physical growth and development involving large muscle and small
muscle movements and skills. Guidelines for development of good health patterns that promote physical,
mental, and emotional well- being.
Parent Involvement
Opportunities for parent involvement and participation as school and home work together in planning and
meeting the needs of the child. Opportunities for parental personal growth as well as family growth and
development through parent education.
Program Days
August - May
TTH, MWF, or M-F 9:30-1:00
Extended Hours Available 8:15-9:30, 1:00-2:45 (Additional charge for each)
Ages 18 months- Kindergarten
5STAFF
The Kids’ Kaleidoscope staff is well trained and experienced in early childhood education. The majority of our
teachers are degreed teachers. All are actively involved in a continuing education process so as to remain
current in the latest ideas and teaching techniques in the field of early childhood education. Our staff are caring,
nurturing people who love children and enjoy teaching. They are committed Christians who are growing
spiritually and comfortable sharing their faith. Each staff member has cleared an extensive background check
and is trained in Pediatric CPR and First Aid with Rescue Breathing.
KIDS’ KALEIDOSCOPE GOVERNING COMMITTEES
Our school is governed by the Kids’ Kaleidoscope Board, which is made up of one representative from the
Finance, Trustee, and Staff-Parish Relations Committees of Pollard United Methodist Church, a staff minister
of PUMC, two K.K. parents or grandparents and two K.K. teacher representatives as well as the K.K.
Director. The Board develops school policies and procedures, approves staff selections, budget items, and other
areas relating to the operations of the school. If you have any questions regarding the policies and procedures,
please contact the Kids’ Kaleidoscope Director. The Director can refer you to a minister or parent
representative, if necessary.
Kids’ Kaleidoscope is also licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
The minimum standards and the school’s most recent licensing inspection report may be reviewed in the
Director’s office. The local licensing office may be contacted at (903) 595-4841 or 3303 Mineola Highway,
Tyler, TX 75702. The HHSC Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-252-5400. The HHSC website is
www.dfps.state.tx.us.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Every effort has been made to provide the very best learning conditions for young children. Optimal space per
child both indoors and outdoors, proper class size per age group, and optimal teacher -child ratios as
recommended by leading child development authorities have been built into the make up of our classes. Quality
toys and equipment have been selected for their play value, sturdiness and safety features, as well as their
teaching values. We are proud of our teaching conditions, facilities, and equipment, which make learning fun,
safe and enjoyable and make up such an important part of our total program.
CURRICULUM
Each teacher will individually adapt the curriculum provided by the school to meet the interest and needs of her
students. Themes will focus on holidays, seasons, our natural world, local and community events, as well as
persons, places, and things relevant and important to young children. Each unit may include a first-hand
experience with a field trip, a classroom visit by a resource person, or classroom project. The first-hand
experiences will be reinforced in the classroom by individual and/or group activities involving secondary
vicarious experiences, such as books, pictures, puzzles, story telling, poetry, nursery rhymes, music, rhythm
instruments, records, tapes, audio visuals, dance, creative movements, games, imaginative and dramatic play,
puppets, STEM- blocks, science discovery, nature, sand and water play, cooking special snacks, creative art,
woodworking, manipulatives, needlework, and work jobs. These activities serve not only to reinforce and build
on the theme, but also provide opportunities for developing skills in language arts, mathematics, social sciences,
natural sciences, and fine arts. In addition, emphasis is placed on eye-hand coordination, large and small motor
development and reading readiness skills such as auditory and visual perception.
6Creative art activities are designed to introduce the child to a variety of art mediums and to help him build skills
and appreciation in the areas of line, shape, color, texture, and design. These activities are especially planned to
broaden the child' s experiences, to promote creativity, to provide opportunities for feelings of accomplishments,
and to develop thinking and planning skills. Emphasis will be on the experience and learning opportunity and
not on the finished product. Many children especially enjoy art activities while others are more interested in the
many other kinds of activities available in the classroom. All have value and none is more important than the
others are. Your child may or may not choose to participate in each day' s art activity and therefore may or may
not bring home daily artwork. Children are encouraged to try all new activities but are rarely required to
participate in every activity. His feelings and choices are important to him and his teacher. Please respect these
choices.
In addition to daily Music and Motor skill activities within the classroom, our program offers additional weekly
experiences taught by a Music teacher. The Music teacher plans learning opportunities designed for specific age
levels which coordinate with the classroom activities whenever possible to help the child develop an
appreciation and enjoyment of music. This is accomplished through exposure to variety of songs, musical
styles, rhythm instruments, movement to music and musical performances.
Motor skill activities are designed to help the child learn control of his developing large muscles. Balls, beams,
ropes, hoops, obstacle courses, sprinklers and wading pools (On Splash Day) are used to develop body
awareness, balance, agility, coordination, gross motor movements, position in space and strength. It has been
shown that independence, early success at school and positive self-esteem often go hand in hand with successful
motor development.
RELIGION
Pollard Memorial United Methodist Church considers Kids’ Kaleidoscope an integral part of its Christian
Education Ministry. We welcome children of all faiths. Our teachers believe in the principles of Christian love,
thought, and living as expressed in their daily lives. The children are helped to become aware of God' s love as
they participate in a caring Christian community. Chapel service will be offered as part of our program on a
monthly basis. All parents will be notified in advance and encouraged to participate. If you do not wish for
your child to attend please notify the teacher.
DISCIPLINE
Each classroom will have age appropriate behavioral guidelines for the children to follow. Teachers are
empathetic and understanding in dealing with each child as the children learn to play and work with one
another. Knowing that young children make many mistakes and experience occasional difficulties in their "trial
and error" efforts to master and control their own feelings and understand and live within our complex social
system. Children are encouraged to develop and grow in self-control by many means - redirection, positive
reinforcement, using logical and natural consequences, individual and group discussions and development and
implementation of consistent classroom guidelines. One of the logical and natural methods that seem to be
effective is a short “time out.” The length and location of the “time out” will be developmentally appropriate.
Home and school need to work closely with one another in developing consistent guidelines if and when
problems do occur. Please contact your child' s teacher and /or the director should you feel there is a problem in
this area that needs to be discussed and your child' s teacher will do likewise. Please note the Discipline and
Guidance Policies on page 22 of this handbook for more specific information.
7Program Information
TUITION, FEES, PAYMENT AND REFUNDS
Your child' s attendance at Kids’ Kaleidoscope is a nine-month commitment. Tuition is due monthly and credit
is not given for a child' s absence. This includes childhood illnesses, major holidays, and emergency closings.
Obviously, unexpected circumstances do occur (family relocation, serious long-term illness, etc.), and we
would sincerely endeavor to meet a mutually satisfying arrangement. If there are circumstances that would
make it impossible for you to pay the tuition at the time it is due, please talk with the Director so that some plan
may be worked out. Every reasonable effort will be made for the arrangement of tuition payment. In case of
withdrawal, due to unforeseen circumstances, please give two weeks written notification to the Director.
Tuition is due the first day of each month and is considered late by the 10th of the month. Please pay by cash,
check, money order, or by Automatic Monthly Withdrawals from a financial institution. If your tuition is
overdue you will receive a reminder by email and there will be a $10.00 delinquent fee. If a check is not
honored by your bank due to insufficient funds, a fee of $25.00 will be assessed. Any questions concerning the
status of your account should be directed to the K.K. secretary.
If paying by cash or money order, please see the K.K. secretary for a written receipt. Checks should be made
payable to Kids’ Kaleidoscope and should either be mailed to Kids’ Kaleidoscope, 3030 Copeland Road,
Tyler, Texas, 75701, or brought by an adult to the K.K. office in the education building and placed in the
tuition slot outside the K.K secretary’s office. Please do not send payment checks to school with your child or
leave them with the teacher. The teacher' s attention is focused on the children as they arrive in the mornings
and checks are easily misplaced or lost under these conditions. On your checks please note your child' s name
and the number of days your child attends. Please give a breakdown if your payment is for more than one child
or account.
To sign up for the Automatic Monthly Withdrawals from either a checking or savings account, please fill out
the appropriate authorization form along with a cancelled check and turn into the K.K. secretary. Automatic
Monthly Withdrawals will be deducted on the 5th of each month until the end of the school year.
Outstanding Tuition Balances: If payment is not made by the end of the month, a phone call reminder will be
made. If the tuition is not paid for 2 consecutive months, the child can be unenrolled from the program.
For special activities please read the information sent home and make the payment appropriately.
A Supply Fee is charged per semester and is due at the time of registration and again in January. Kindergarten
supply fee is due in full by August 1st. May’s Tuition for the upcoming school year will be due no later that
August 1st Tuition may be paid in full or may be divided into nine equal payments from August 1st thru April
1st.
The Supply Fee and May’s Tuition are non-refundable unless your family moves out of the area or unless a
class cannot be formed due to insufficient enrollment. You may submit a letter requesting a refund due to
special circumstances, provided a two-week notice is given, for the consideration of the K.K. Board.
82021-20212Tuition
Monthly Tuition Supply Fee (Fall & Spring semester)
TTH $150.00 $110.00
MWF $200.00 $120.00
M-F $300.00 $165.00
Kindergarten $330.00 $320.00
Extended Care
Mornings 8:15-9:30 $6.00 a day
Afternoons 1:00-2:45 $8.00 a day
EXTENDED CARE
Extended care is an option at Kids’ Kaleidoscope. Parents may choose early and/or late care. Your child must be
signed in and out each day. Children may arrive at 8:15 a.m. and stay in the extended care room until their regular
class begins. Children need to be walked to the morning extended care room by an adult. Children may also stay
from 1:00 - 2:45 p.m. A dollar will be charged for each minute that you are late picking up your child.
Children participating in this program must be able to tolerate an extended day and follow the behavioral guidelines
given by the staff. Parents will provide their child a snack for morning care. Registration is necessary so that staff
will be available to care for the students. It is recommended that you complete a registration form each month.
"Drop-ins" from enrolled K.K. students will be accepted if spaces are available on the sign-in sheet. Please consult
the fee schedule for additional charges. The office must be notified of cancellations 24 hours in advance or you will
still be charged.
ENROLLMENT POLICIES AND REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
All returning students will receive a space for the upcoming school year, with the exception of Kindergarten where
space is limited. Registration is first come, first serve. Schedule preference is not guaranteed. Teacher requests
must be submitted in writing to the director and are not guaranteed. Students must be the age they are registering for
by September 1st.At the time of registration, there may not be any outstanding tuition balances. Returning students
will register on the first two days. Registration for siblings and church members will be on the third day. To receive
sibling status, a child must have a returning sibling registered for the next school year or have a sibling completing
Pre-K or Kindergarten in the current school year. After the Fall enrollment process ends, families will have two
weeks to un-enroll their child without a fee. If a family un-enrolls their child after the two week deadline while
keeping their sibling enrolled, there will be a $350 enrollment cancellation fee. The Fall Supply Fee will remain
nonrefundable. To receive church member status, parents of the child must be a member of Pollard Memorial
United Methodist Church for three months prior to registration. Registration from the waiting list will begin after
the third day.
CLASS PLACEMENT GUIDELINES
Our goal at Kids’ Kaleidoscope is to provide each child with a quality preschool education environment in which
they can learn and grow. Recognizing that, occasionally children have needs that require a more specialized
program of instruction. In these situations, we will incorporate the child into the classroom that best fits their
developmental level; understanding that there are limits to what we can reasonably accommodate. Parents will be
consulted and kept informed of how the child is progressing in the classroom. When there is a greater need for
instruction than we are trained to provide and the safety and/or supervision of the other children is compromised,
our program may not be the best option for the child.
9EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANS
In the event that Kids’ Kaleidoscope would need to evacuate our building due to a weather emergency or a
threatening situation where remaining in our building would put the children at risk, the children and staff of
Kids’ Kaleidoscope will relocate to Andy Woods Elementary located at 3131 Fry (903)262-1280. All
children, including those with special needs, will be walked to Andy Woods under the supervision of Kids’
Kaleidoscope employees and taken to a safe location at the school. The staff of Kids’ Kaleidoscope will be
responsible for taking attendance, bringing the emergency contact information, and medical needs of each
child. Parents will be notified of the relocation as soon as possible by phone, email/text and/or local media
outlets and given instructions on picking up their child. The staff of Kids’ Kaleidoscope will supervise the
children until a parent or a designated emergency contact person can safely pick up the child.
If circumstances prevent us from relocating to Andy Woods School, our Plan B is to relocate to Green Acres
Baptist Church (1607 Troup Hwy Tyler, Texas 75701). All children, including those with special needs, will be
transported by private vehicles (teacher/staff cars and/or church vans). Parents will be notified of the relocation
as soon as possible by phone, email/text and /or local media outlets and given instructions on picking up their
child. The staff of Kids’ Kaleidoscope will supervise the children until a parent or a designated emergency
contact person can safely pick up the child.
SCHOOL CALENDAR/ BAD WEATHER CLOSINGS
Kids’ Kaleidoscope' s school year begins the week following TISD start date and usually ends two weeks before
TISD school year ends. Our school year basically follows the Tyler Independent School District Calendar.
Please consult the K.K. school calendar for actual dates. Should inclement weather require that Kids’
Kaleidoscope close or delay the start of school we will notify parents as soon as possible. Please consult
television stations, our web site www.pollardumc.com (click on ministry), or an email or text from your child’s
teacher for official word concerning Kids’ Kaleidoscope closing.
CLASSROOM ORIENTATION
All students and their parents are invited to attend an Orientation at the opening of school. You will receive a
notification of this date. This is an informal, get-acquainted period for the teacher and the child within the
classroom setting. Parents must participate in KK Orientation. Parents will be notified of their child’s teacher
one or two days prior to the orientation.
Required Medical Records
Along with the application for enrollment, the following medical records are required to be in each student’s file
by the first day of school:
IMMUNIZATION RECORD and PHYSICIAN STATEMENT
A physician statement, which is included in the enrollment packet, must be completed and signed by the child’s
physician, stating that the child is in good health and may participate in school, according to instructions on the
form and returned to be on file in the school office. Our licensing requirements state that all immunization
records must be current. As your child receives new immunizations, please bring the doctor’s written
10verification to us so we can up-date his records. In addition, keep us posted about allergies and any medications
your child is taking. Please see Allergy Policies and Guidelines for more details on dealing with allergies.
Should there be changes in emergency or doctor’s telephone numbers, please notify us of the change.
EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION TO TREAT INFORMATION:
Emergency Authorization To Consent For Treatment Form and the emergency card must be on file prior to
leaving your child at school. These forms must be filled out and on file in the school office.
In case of an Emergency, the School Staff will promptly call 911 and contact the parents. If neither
parent nor the emergency number can be reached, and IN CASE OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, the
completed forms gives your permission to the Director Or The Person In Charge To Hospitalize And
Secure Proper Medical Treatment For Your Child.
BE VERY SURE THAT HOME AND WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE KEPT CURRENT AND
EMERGENCY CONTACTS ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE LIKELY TO BE AVAILABLE.
HEARING AND VISION SCREENING RECORDS
All children who are four years and older must have an approved vision and hearing screening performed by a
registered screener or registered physician each year. This documentation must be completed prior to the end
of the first 120 days of school. You may have this required screening done by a private physician or at school.
In either case we must have the screening results in our office by the 120th day of school or at the time of
admission if after the 121st day of school.
HEALTH
Your child' s health is a matter of major importance to us. Health checks are performed daily and precautions
will be taken to safeguard the health of the group. This includes refusing to admit sick children into the class
and isolating children who become ill while at school. Should your child become ill during school hours, you
will be notified and you must come to school and take him home. If neither parent can be reached persons
listed on the application form under emergencies will be called. PLEASE SET UP AND/OR EMPTY YOUR
VOICEMAIL SO THAT WE CAN CONTACT YOU IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. Please keep all
telephone numbers and information current.
Every effort will be made to place children in an age appropriate classroom. However, if a child is not potty
trained, he/she will need to be placed in a classroom with adequate sink facilities if a spot is available.
SICK CHILD GUIDELINES
YOU MAY NOT BRING YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL:
If your child has an illness which prevents him from participating comfortably in the daily activities of
our school including outdoor play.
If the illness results in a greater need for care than the K.K. staff can provide without compromising the
health, safety, and supervision of the other children in the classroom.
If your child has one of the following, unless medical evaluation by a health-care professional indicates
11that your child can be included in the school’s activities.
Has a fever or has had one during the previous 48-hour period or temperature of 100 degrees or greater,
accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness.
If your child is taking an antibiotic (first day); has a cold less than four days old; has a heavy nasal
discharge; a constant cough; is fussy, cranky, and generally not himself; has diarrhea or vomiting or has
had diarrhea or vomiting during the previous 24-hour period
If your child has symptoms and signs of possible severe illness such as lethargy, abnormal breathing,
uncontrolled diarrhea, vomiting in the last 24 hours, rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling,
behavior changes, or other signs that your child may be ill; or if he has the symptoms of a possible
communicable disease.
If a health-care professional has diagnosed your child with a communicable disease and your child does
not have medical documentation to indicate that he is no longer contagious.
COVID-19
In order to help keep KK children, families and staff as healthy as possible, we will be taking the following
precautions to help keep our facility free of COVID-19.
In order for children to enter school each day they must be free from COVID-19 symptoms. If during the day any
of the following symptoms appear, the child will be separated from others. Parents will be contacted and child
must be picked up from the facility within 20 minutes of being notified. Symptoms include
Fever Sore Throat
Cough Muscle Aches
Shortness of Breath Diarrhea
Chills Headaches
Loss of Taste or Smell
While we understand that many of these symptoms can also be related to non-COVID-19 related issues
we must still precede with caution. These symptoms typically appear 2-7 days after being infected. Child
must be symptom free without medication for 48 hours before returning to school.
If you become aware of any person with whom your child or immediate family member has had contact, exhibits
any of the above symptoms and is advised to test for COVOD-19, self-isolate, quarantine, or has tested positive
or is presumed positive for COVID-19 you must notify the Kids’ Kaleidoscope director immediately.
If your child comes in close contact with someone who has lab-confirmed COVID, they will not be allowed to
attend and will be required to self-quarantine for the required number of days determined by the local Health
Dept. and/or CDC guidelines.
If anyone in your household is being tested for COVID-19, you must notify the school and keep your child home
from school until there is a negative test result.
Parents should understand that while present at school each day, your child will be in close contact with other
children and employees who are also at risk of community exposure. There is no list of restrictions, guidelines or
practices that will remove 100% of the risk of exposure to COVID-19 as the virus can be transmitted by persons
who are asymptomatic or before showing signs of infection. Parents play a crucial role in keeping everyone in
the facility safe and reducing the risk of exposure by follow the guidelines set in place by Kids’ Kaleidoscope.
If there is a significant increase of cases of in Smith County or if a child or staff member at Kids’ Kaleidoscope
test positive for COVID-19, the board of directors will meet and determine if it is in the best interest of the
school to remain open. Refunds of tuition are not guaranteed.
12 Failure to act in accordance with the provisions listed here or with any other policy or procedure outlined by
Kids’ Kaleidoscope will result in termination of services if it is determined that parental actions or lack of action
unnecessarily exposes an employee, child or their family member to COVID-19.
We cannot under any circumstances administer medication to a child except for special circumstances or those
outlined in the Permission to Administer Acetaminophen form. Parents should notify the school when children
have a communicable disease (chicken pox, lice, etc.) so that other parents may be notified.
You should notify the school if your child has experienced or is experiencing any type of traumatic emotional
experience, such as the birth of a sibling or death of a relative. This will enable your child' s teacher to
understand and deal with behavior differences or difficulties she may be observing in the classroom.
Insect repellant and sunscreen should be applied by parents before attendance. KK staff will not be able to
apply insect repellant or sunscreen.
Children with Allergies- Please see our Allergy & Policies Guidelines (pg. 23)
Classroom Information
SECURITY
The Kids’ Kaleidoscope doors will be open at 8:15 a.m. for early care. The doors will be locked after morning
drive thru until afternoon drive thru. The doors will be locked again after afternoon drive thru. If you need
access to the building during this time please use the front doors of the church or the Hudnall Drive entrance
and ring the buzzer.
All childcare centers in Texas have been designated as “Gang Free” Zones. Any gang-related criminal activity
or engaging in organized criminal activity within 1000 feet of KK is a violation of the law and is therefore
subject to increased penalty under state law.
STUDENT PRIVACY
Security measures are needed for your identification if information is given by telephone. For the protection of
your child and for telephone verification purposes, privileged information will be requested. You will be
required to present this information at any time that emergency pickup or carpool arrangements must be made or
changed by telephone.
AUTHORIZED PICK-UP FROM SCHOOL
All persons who are authorized to pick up your child, other than parents, must be listed on the enrollment form.
Any revisions to this list must be made with the director. For any unauthorized person who may be picking up
your child, please give a signed note to the Director on the morning of pick-up, listing the name of the person
you have authorized to pick-up your child. Please notify the teacher of these arrangements. The driver’s license
will be checked on any person picking up your child that is not known to school personnel and Kids’
Kaleidoscope will keep a copy of their driver’s license and/or car tag numbers in your child’s records for at least
three months. Should plans change during the day and you need to telephone in a change of pick-up
13arrangements you must give your identifying information to the school over the telephone before children can be
released to an unauthorized person. Your child must be signed in and signed out each day.
CARPOOLS
All carpool arrangements must be on file in the Director’s office. Any change in carpool or pick up
arrangements, temporary or permanent should be given to the teacher/director in writing. This includes going
home with friends or relatives or any other situation that differs from the usual pick up arrangements. In case of
an emergency, please call the school and the Director will take care of suitable arrangements for your child.
Parents are responsible for making sure the cars are not over crowded, that they are equipped with sufficient seat
belts that children are buckled in properly & that current Texas seat belt laws are observed and that drivers are
competent. Staff members will not be responsible for installing car seats or securing children. Carpool drivers
should display on the passenger window a large card with each child’s name clearly printed in large, dark, easily
visible lettering to expedite dismissal time if using the drive thru for pickup. Your child must be signed in and
signed out each day.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSALS
18 MONTH OLD THROUGH Pre-K Classes
Hours are from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Children should not be brought to the rooms prior to 9:25 a.m., as
teachers are preparing for the day and will not be free to supervise before this time. Children must be picked
up between 12:50 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. by an authorized adult. After 1:10 p.m. your child will be taken to
extended care and charged for attending regardless of the time spent there. Your child must be signed in
and signed out each day.
Kindergarten
Hours are from 9:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Children should not be brought to the room prior to 9:25 a.m., as
teachers are preparing for the day and will not be free to supervise before this time. Kindergarten will dismisses
class at 1:00 p.m. and children should be picked up between 1:00 p.m. and 1:10 p.m. by an authorized adult.
After 1:10 p.m. your child will be taken to extended care and charged for attending regardless of the time
spent there. Your child must be signed in and signed out each day.
DRIVE THRU
Two Drive Thru circles are provided. The upstairs classrooms use the parking lot Drive Thru and the
downstairs classrooms use the Hudnall Street Traffic Circle Drive Thru. Right-Hand Turns are required
when entering and exiting each Drive Thru. Children may be dropped off and/ or picked up in Drive Thru.
Please refrain from using cell phones (includes texting) during drive thru when the children are entering or
exiting vehicles.
Drive Thru Arrivals Downstairs will use the Hudnall Street Traffic Circle from 9:25 a.m. until 9:40 a.m.
During this time the Hudnall Street Entrance is a Drive Thru Entrance only. When using Drive Thru a staff
member must be present to receive the child. We unload and load children from curb side only.
Walk In Drop Offs Downstairs must use the Front Entrance of the Church from 9:25 a.m. until 9:40 a.m. If
Drive Thru is not utilized, the student must be taken to the classroom by a parent or authorized adult. Parents
will drop off the child at the classroom door but may not enter the room. Please refrain from bringing siblings
14to Drop Off. After 9:40 a.m. you may walk your child in either the Hudnall Street Entrance or the Front
Entrance of the Church. These doors will be locked after Drive Thru so you will need to ring the buzzer
located at the upper left of the door.
Drive Thru Arrivals Upstairs will use the East Parking Lot Entrance from 9:25 a.m. until 9:40 a.m. When
using Drive Thru a staff member must be present to receive the child. If the option of using Drive Thru is not
chosen the student must be taken to the classroom by a parent or authorized adult. You may use the Front
Church Entrance or the East Parking Lot Entrance. However, be certain that you do not block the flow of
traffic, the hallways or stairways. Please unload and load children from curb side only.
Drive Thru Pick Up Downstairs will use the Hudnall Street Entrance from 12:50 p.m. until 1:10 p.m. During
this time the Hudnall Street Entrance is a Drive Thru Entrance only.
Walk In Pick Up Downstairs will need to use the Front Church Entrance. If the option of using Drive Thru is
not chosen the student must be picked up in the classroom by a parent or authorized adult. After 1:10 p.m.
your child will be taken to After Care and you will be charged. Be certain that you do not block the flow of
traffic, the hallways or stairways.
Drive Thru Pick Up Upstairs will use the East Parking Lot Entrance from 12:50 p.m. until 1:10 p.m. During
this time the East Parking Lot Entrance will be a Drive Thru Entrance only. If you’re not in a vehicle for
Drive Thru please wait under the tree and your child will be called for you.
If Drive Thru is not utilized the student must be picked up in the classroom by a parent or authorized adult prior
to 12:45 p.m. Parents may not enter the classroom during Pick Up; please refrain from bringing siblings to pick
up your child. You will need to use the Front Church Entrance. Please no walk in pickups upstairs after
12:45 p.m. For special situations please call ahead and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Children may be dropped off and/or picked up in Drive Thru according to the following guidelines.
1. Please remain in your car and wait for an available staff member to assist you, as leaving your car slows
down traffic flow.
2. These requirements must be met before signing your child up for Drive Thru—
Your child must be able to willingly separate from you.
Your child must be able to carry his own belongings.
Your child must be able to sit and follow directions.
Your child will only be released to one of the people authorized on the Drive Thru form filled out at
Orientation or, at a later date, in the School Office.
3. Afternoon Pick-Up
Children will be walked from their rooms to the Drive Thru hall at 12:50 p.m., where they will be
seated until picked up by an authorized person. Again, please don’t leave your car, as a staff member
will assist each child, however staff members will not be responsible for installing car seats or securing
children. Please remember to notify the office, in writing, of any changes from the normal pick-up
routine. If you need to pick up your child early, please park in the parking lots and enter through the
front doors of the Church or the Hudnall Street entrance.
4. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR CHILD FROM THE TRAFFIC CIRCLE HALL WITHOUT
NOTIFYING THE STAFF MEMBER PRESENT.
5. If you are going to be late, please call the school, so that we can reassure your child that you will arrive
soon.
6. Please do not have an informal conference with your child’s teacher during busy arrival and dismissal times.
15They will gladly schedule a more convenient time for both of you to visit privately.
7. Please display your name card(s) in your car window when using the Drive Thru for the first two months.
8. If lightning is present, all Drive Thru will go through the Downstairs covered parking area.
9. Please refer to the Traffic Circle map in the Orientation packet for proper entrance and exit to the Drive
Thru circle.
Promotion of Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activity
Kids’ Kaleidoscope strongly believes and supports the need for physical activity each day.
When children participate in physical activity every day, multiple health benefits accrue. Regular physical
activity builds healthy bones and muscles, improves muscular strength and endurance, reduces the risk for
developing chronic disease risk factors, improves self-esteem, and reduces stress and anxiety. Beyond these
known health effects, physical activity may also have beneficial influences on academic performance. In
addition, cognitive skills and motor skills appear to develop through a dynamic interaction. Research has shown
that physical movement can affect the brain’s physiology.
At Kids’ Kaleidoscope:
Toddler-age children will participate in a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous active play each day.
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten children will participate in a minimum of 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous
active play each day.
Opportunities for active play may overlap with outdoor play when weather permits.
Kids’ Kaleidoscope will promote all children’s active play every day. Children will have ample opportunity to
do moderate to vigorous activities, such as running, climbing, dancing, skipping, and jumping, to the extent of
their abilities.
Children will participate each day in:
o Two opportunities for active play outdoors when weather permits. One during Early Care and one during
regular preschool hours.
o Two or more structured or teacher-led activities or games that promote movement over the course of the
day.
o Continuous opportunities to develop and practice age-appropriate gross motor and movement skills.
Physical activity may take place in the classroom, on the playground when weather permits, or in the gym.
When participating in physical activity, children’s clothing should protect them from sun exposure and permit
easy movement (not too loose and not too tight) that enables full participation in active play. Footwear should
provide support for running and climbing. Hats may be worn to protect children from sun exposure.
Examples of appropriate clothing/footwear include:
Gym shoes or sturdy shoe equivalent
Clothing for the weather, such as a lightweight, breathable jacket without any hood and neck strings.
Examples of inappropriate clothing/footwear include:
Footwear that can come off while running or that provide insufficient support for climbing.
16 Clothing that can catch on playground equipment, such as those with drawstrings or loops.
When weather conditions prohibit outdoor play, physical activities will occur in the gym. If the gym is not
available, activities will occur in the classroom during the scheduled outside time. Classroom teachers have
activities planned in advance for rainy days.
KINDERGARTEN
A Kindergarten class is available for children who are five years of age by September 1st.
Children whose birthday falls in close to this date may be enrolled at the Director’s discretion.
The hours of the program are 9:30-1:00. An established curriculum, taught by a degreed teacher,
in a classroom with a low student/teacher ratio, and a structured day will be used to ensure your
child a quality education.
FIELD TRIPS
Field Trips are a very important part of our Kindergarten program. Children learn best through
Firsthand experiences and some of our curriculum themes will center around a meaningful field
trip experience. Volunteering to be a driver for class field trips presents a wonderful opportunity
for parents to become involved and to show an interest in their child’s school activities. We hope
that you will consider helping to drive for a field trip a rare privilege, and respond often and
enthusiastically when the opportunities arise.
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION/ POLICY FORMS
All field trips require a permission form to be signed by a parent and returned to the school office.
Also, a signed and dated Field Trip Policy Forms must be in each Kindergarten student’s file or your child will
not able to participate in the field trips. The Field trip policy form is included in the enrollment forms packet.
As a reminder, a notice will be posted two days prior to the upcoming field trip. If you so not wish your child
to attend, Please keep them at home on that day.
KIDS KALEIDOSCOPE FIELD TRIP POLICY
• Field trips are an integral part of the Kids’ Kaleidoscope curriculum, but parents have the option of
keeping their child home on days field trips are planned. Parents will be notified of the field trips on the
monthly calendar. Notices will be posted at least two days before the trip and notices will be sent home
in backpacks.
• Field trips are an important part of the learning experiences for children. These trips are carefully
planned, well supervised, and with every attention given to the safety of the children and adult sponsors.
Field trips are impossible to take without adequate parent participation.
• A current copy of a driver’s license and proof of insurance must be on file in the school office in order
to drive for a field trip.
17• Each child will be in an individual lap belt in a car. No child will sit facing the rear of the car.
Windows will be rolled up, and doors will be locked. Each adult will wear a seat belt. Children under
the age of (5) five or under 36 inches in height need to be in some sort of child safety seat system.
Children must be restrained according to proper legal specifications. Car seats or Booster seats are
recommended for all children.
• Private cars (no convertibles) will be used on each field trip. Parents who wish their child to travel in a
self-contained car seat can provide the car seat and install it properly. The school director urges parents
who choose this option to participate in as many field trips as possible.
• All articles (lunchboxes, packages, etc.) must be properly secured in the car or van. A first aid kit and
fire extinguisher will be available.
• All field trips require that the state guidelines for field trip adult to child ratio be met. On certain field
trips, such as riding on a city bus, the school may require more adults.
• If, on your child' s school day preceding the scheduled field trip, not enough adult sponsors have
volunteered, the field trip will be cancelled. Notification of the cancellation will be given.
• If, for any reason, the parent sponsor is unable to attend the field trip for which she/he volunteered, then
it is that parent' s responsibility, not the teacher' s, to find a replacement.
• On field trips the parent sponsor is expected to participate fully and assume responsibility for the
education, safety, and well-being of the children. Load and unload on curbside or protected parking
area or driveway. An adult must accompany children anytime they cross a street before entering or
after leaving a vehicle. All children must be accounted for when exiting the vehicle before leaving the
vehicle unattended. A child must never be left in an unattended vehicle. Siblings may not attend field
trips. Please see the Director for more information.
• All field trips will be reviewed by the Director to determine the appropriateness of the trips as well as
the number of adult sponsors needed on the trips.
• Children will wear the Kids’ Kaleidoscope T-shirt (or a plain red t-shirt) on every field trip. Parents
may purchase the T-shirt in the fall. If a child fails to wear the T-shirt or if coats are being worn, as in
the case of a winter "outside" field trip, then nametags will be worn with the name of the school and the
school' s phone number on them only. DO NOT PUT THE CHILD' S NAME ON THIS TAG!!! Parent
volunteers on field trips will wear Kids’ Kaleidoscope nametags. A Kids’ Kaleidoscope Pre-school
Identification card supplied by the school must be visible in the window of all vehicles used on the field
trips.
• It is the teacher' s responsibility to ensure that the above guidelines are enforced on the field trip. The
teacher will take the class information/emergency contact folder so attendance can be checked
frequently, and food allergy action plans and medications.
• Field trips may be canceled for one of four reasons: 1. Inadequate parent supervision 2.Bad weather
3.Inadequate transportation 4.Teacher absence which requires a substitute. The Director will make the
final decision as to whether a field trip will be canceled. The teacher in each room will be notified if
trip is canceled on the designated morning of the trip due to bad weather. He/she will then notify the
18class members. If trip is canceled due to inadequate parental supervision then a notice will be sent home
on the day prior to the trip. The Director or Curriculum Director will notify class members if the
teacher is absent and cancellation is necessary.
• If a field trip requires a fee such as a bus ticket or a trip to Burger King for lunch, then the parent will
be asked to send the appropriate amount in an envelope on the day of the trip.
• Field trips may be re-scheduled.
Parental Responsibilities
DRESS
A healthy child needs and enjoys outdoor play and exercise. We will play outdoors in various weather
conditions, with the exception of rain or snow. If you feel your child should not be outside for whatever
reason, please do not send him to school that day. We will play inside the Gym with the riding toys, balls,
parachute, etc. when the weather is bad. A child needs outdoor clothing appropriate for that day' s
weather conditions. For the sake of his health and comfort, please be sure he has clothing that will keep him
warm, dry, and comfortable in cold and/ or rainy weather, and cool, but still protected, on our hot,
sunny days. Children crawl, climb, slide, roll, hang upside down and are generally extremely active. To avoid
accidents, appropriate clothing should be chosen that keep these kinds of activities in mind. Shoes should be
well fitted, enclosed and have good traction, boots may not be worn. Sandals are extremely uncomfortable
when worn in the gravel/sand. Dresses, hoods, and drawstrings can be a problem and even dangerous when
climbing and crawling. Shorts or long pants are safer, more comfortable and appropriate clothing for active
play and gross motor classes.
For diapering purposes children must wear easy on and off clothing. For restroom ease, clothing should be
easily managed by the child. In keeping with a Christian environment good judgment must be used in choosing
clothing.
In addition to clothes chosen for health, safety, and comfort reasons, PLEASE CHOOSE INEXPENSIVE
CLOTHING AND SHOES that you will not be concerned about should they become stained, torn or dirty. It
is important that children feel they have the freedom to participate fully in all our activities. When they are
worried about keeping clean or about accidental drips and spills, they often choose not to participate in "messy"
activities. Although children wear smocks or plastic aprons, accidents do occur and drips appear in the
strangest places. Please also provide us, labeled and in a ziploc bag, a complete change of clothes for
your child. This allows us to change his clothes in case of an art of potty training accident.
CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAYS
Children enjoy being recognized on their very special day. If you (and your child) would like to prepare a
special birthday snack for your child to serve to his classmates on this day, please send a note or telephone your
child' s teacher several days in advance so she can plan accordingly. Birthday napkins may be included if desired
but please do not include candles or party favors. Those children whose birthdays fall on days other than class
days may wish to celebrate them on another close available day. For children whose birthdays fall during the
summer months, you may choose an "Un-Birthday" during the school year for this "special day at school" for
your child. Make arrangements for this day with his teacher.
19You can also read
