POLICY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICATION

Sweet Dreams Academy for Children is permitted to administer medication, both prescription or over the counter. Please also note that our staff is permitted to apply diaper creams/lotions, baby powder or other topical medicine/ointment to our students during daily changes. Permission to do so must be completed and signed by parents.

If emergency medication is needed for your child (i.e. EpiPen, Benadryl), please be sure to provide the prescription script from your child's doctor with the medication type, reasoning, and administration directions. Medication will only be dispensed if said medication is prescribed by a licensed physician in the name of and specifically for the enrolled child and if it is stored in its prescription container which has been labeled with the child's name, the name of medication, the date which it was prescribed or updated and directions for its administration. All medication shall be kept in the office or kitchen in an area inaccessible to children.We will not accept EpiPens or other allergy medication without proper documentation. Sweet Dreams Academy for Children will ONLY accept prescription emergency medications from physicians for allergies or other emergent concerns.

Non-prescription medicines which will be administered with parent's written consent are: antihistamines/decongestants, acetaminophens (aspirin substitutes), cough suppressants and topical ointments. Dispensation of non-prescription medicines other than those listed above will only be carried out at a licensed physician's written instructions.

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.

POLICY ON THE RELEASE OF CHILDREN

Our center must have a policy concerning the release of children to parents/guardians or people authorized by the parents/guardians to be responsible for the child. Please discuss with us your plans for your child's departure from the center. We encourage all parents to make the appropriate documentation on the application to avoid any unforeseen problems with the drop off or departure of students.

Each child may be released to the child's custodial parents/guardians or person authorized by the custodial parents/guardians, to take the child from the center and to assume responsibility for the child in an emergency if the custodial parents/guardians cannot be reached.

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 10:122-6 children will be released only to the child's custodial parent (s) or to the person (s) authorized by the custodial parent (s) to take the child from the center and to assume responsibility for the child in an emergency if the custodial parent (s) cannot be reached.

A child shall not be visited by or released to a non-custodial parent unless the custodial parent specifically authorizes the center to allow such visits or releases in writing. A copy of the Court Order concerning custody and visitation must be provided to the center in any such case.

If parent (s) or person (s) authorized by parents to pick up child (as specified above) fail to pick up child by the center's closing time, the child will be supervised at all times.

Staff members shall attempt to reach custodial parent (s) and person (s) authorized to pick up children in such event to ascertain the reason for the delay.

In the event a substantial amount of time has passed (no less than an hour) and the staff member can no longer care for the child and all efforts have been exhausted and have failed in trying to locate the child's parent (s) of person (s) authorized to pick up child, staff members have been instructed to call the Division's 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline to seek assistance in caring for the child until the child's parent (s) or person (s) authorized to pick up child have been located.

If any person attempting to pick up the child appears physically or emotionally impaired to the extent that, in the judgment of the director and/or staff members, the child would be placed at risk of harm if released to said individual. The staff members will attempt to contact the child's other parent or an alternative person authorized by the parent (s) and if the center is unable to make alternative arrangements, a staff member shall call Division's 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline to seek assistance in caring for the child.

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.

EXPULSION POLICY

Unfortunately, there are sometimes reasons we have to expel a child from our program either on a short term or permanent basis. We want you to know we will do everything possible to work with the family of the child(ren) in order to prevent this policy from being enforced. The following are reasons we may have to expel or suspend a child from this center:

IMMEDIATE CAUSES FOR EXPULSION:

1. The child is at risk of causing serious injury to other children or himself/herself.
2. Failure to adapt to the centers environment after a reasonable amount of time.
3. Uncontrollable outbursts / tantrums / excessive biting  (interrupting the classrooms environment)
4. Physically or verbal abuse towards staff or other enrolled children
5. Parent(s)  exhibits verbal/physical abuse towards staff
6. Parent(s)  exhibits verbal/physical abuse towards children or other parent(s)
7. Failure to pay / habitual lateness in payments
8. Failure to complete required forms for child enrollment (including but not limited to medical records)
9. Habitual tardiness when picking up child

NON-IMMEDIATE CAUSES FOR EXPULSION:

1. If a child/family has been told by the school administration that he/she/they will not be immediately removed from the center instead are given a verbal warning. Families are given no more than two weeks (10 business days) to find alternative care before the attendance of said child is expired. Not finding alternative care within the two week window allotted by Sweet Dream Academy for Children is not at the fault or responsibility of the center and no additional extension will be provided.

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SCHEDULE OF EXPULSION:

If after the remedial actions above have not worked, the child's parent/guardian will be advised verbally and in writing about the child's or parent's behavior warranting an expulsion. An expulsion action is meant to be a period of time so that the parent/guardian may work on the child's behavior or to come to an agreement with the center. The parent/guardian will be informed regarding the length of the expulsion period. The parent/guardian will be informed about the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return to the center. The parent/guardian will be given a specific expulsion date that allows the parent sufficient time to seek alternate child care (approximately one to two weeks notice depending on risk to other children's welfare or safety). Failure of the child/parent to satisfy the terms of the plan may result in permanent expulsion from Sweet Dreams Academy for Children.

PROACTIVE ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKING IN ORDER TO PREVENT EXPULSION

1. Staff and parent(s) shall create a plan to promote good child behavior giving the child time to regain control
2. Staff will always use and promote positive methods/ language while disciplining children
3. Child and parent(s) will be given verbal and written warnings that may lead to child expulsion
4. Child’s disruptive behavior will be documented and maintained in confidentiality
5. The director, classroom staff and parent/ guardian will have a conference(s) to discuss how to promote positive behaviors

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

SWEET DREAMS ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN WILL DIRECT CHILDREN ON THE FOLLOWING:

1. Positive Reinforcements

2. Consistency to meet the children's needs based on age and developmental needs

3. Help aid children's ability to develop and maintain self-control; Our staff is expected to lead and guide children with love and respect. Each classroom teacher will discuss and reinforce “classroom rules” through circle time activities, role playing, socialization activities, and visual aids such as pictures, study and films, and music and songs

Teachers will set limits in the classroom, encouraging and rewarding positive behavior.

Children will not be disciplined for failing to eat, sleep, or for soiling themselves.

If a child exhibits negative behavior, the child will be spoken to in a calm, yet firm manner.

Staff members will not discipline the child by hitting, shaking, or any other form of corporal punishment; No abusive language, and frightening treatment. Staff members will not withhold children food, emotional responses, stimulation, or the opportunities for rest or sleep.

Staff members will not require a child to remain silent or inactive for an inappropriately long period of time for the child's age.

The center will attempt to resolve discipline problems following the steps described above. If a child is a threat to the safety of him/herself, another child, staff member or the center property, the center director can recommend dismissal from the center.

If the disruptive behavior of the child becomes consistent, the teachers will consult the Director. The center will attempt to resolve discipline problems following the steps:

1. The director will offer positive discipline suggestions and techniques after observing the child in the classroom

2. The teacher will record daily observations of the child in the classroom

3. If the behavior does not improve, the director will schedule a conference with the child's parent(s) and teacher. The conference will include a discussion of effective and consistent methods to resolve the child's behavior problems. If a child is a threat to the safety of him/herself, another child, staff member or the center property, the center director can recommend dismissal from the center.

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.

POLICY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

The following is the policy Sweet Dreams Academy for Children concerning communicable diseases. If a child exhibits any of the following symptoms, he/she should not attend school. If such symptoms occur at school, the child will be removed from the classroom and a parent/caregiver will be called to take the child home. The child must be picked up immediately after the parent/caregiver is notified.

Respiratory Gastro-Intestinal Contact Illness

Chicken Pox Campylobacter* Impetigo

German Measles* Escherichia coli* Lice

Haemophilus Giardia Lamblia Scabies

Influenzae* Hepatitis A*

Shingles Salmonella*

Whooping Cough*

Meningococcus*

Measles, Mumps*

Strep Throat

Tuberculosis*

Severe pain or discomfort Swollen joints Ring worms

Acute diarrhea Visibly enlarged lymph nodes Earache

Episodes of acute vomiting Stiff neck Infected skin patches*

Elevated temperature 101.5 or higher Blood in urine Difficult breathing

Sore throat or severe coughing Excess yellow / green nasal discharge Lethargy

Red eyes with discharge Yellow eyes or jaundice skin Skin rashes

*Reportable diseases, as required by N.J.A.C. 10:122-7.10(A)

The child who has any of the above illnesses will not be admitted to the daycare until he/she is symptom free and has a medical diagnosis that indicates that the child poses no health risk to himself/herself or any other children and must have a date when the child can return to the program. The child may not return to school without a doctor's note.

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.

JEWELRY POLICY

Due to the number of children in the classroom, it is not possible to keep track of your child's jewelry and it may get lost, damaged or stolen. In order to avoid this, please do not bring your child to the center wearing any type of jewelry. Sweet Dreams Academy for Children will not be responsible for the replacement of any lost jewelry.

If you still wish to send your child to the learning center with jewelry, you MUST sign and return the bottom half of this notice, before your child can wear jewelry to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children.

If you do not sign this form, you will be asked to remove all jewelry that your child has on before he/her may enter the classroom.

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.

POLICY ON THE METHODS OF PARENTAL NOTIFICATION

This policy is to state that Sweet Dreams Academy for Children will communicate with all parent(s), guardian(s), and additional authorized person(s) of children enrolled via phone and/or email. It is important to note that if the center needs to communicate with an authorized contact that said contact be held responsible. If at any point contact information is changed (such as address, telephone number, work telephone number, or email) the center be notified immediately.

I _______________________________, understand that failing to update contact information may result in delay of proper communication. 

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.

POLICY ON THE INVOLVEMENT OF PARENTS IN CENTERS OPERATION

Parent participation in the learning center is always welcome!

It is important for us to know what your values are for your child, and we would like to share our plans and experiences with you. We do this through daily informal talks and periodic individual conferences that may be requested at any time.

Parents are encouraged to participate by:

1. Offering to volunteer in the classroom
2. Volunteer to go on field trip to provide additional supervision for children
3. Offer your special talents such as; singing, sewing, dancing, and storytelling, etc.
4. Read books to the children with a scheduled time confirmed by the center
5. Helping the teacher with special projects

Guest speaker to talk to the children about your occupation While we understand that job schedules limit the amount of time you are available, we encourage each parent to become involved in some way with your child's school. We welcome extended family members to volunteer and visit our center.

Please contact the director if you have any questions regarding parent participation.

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.

POLICY ON THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY

SWEET DREAMS ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN VIDEO AND PHOTO AUTHORIZATION FORM FOR SCHOOL USE AND IN PUBLIC FORUMS 

I _______________________________,  give permission for my child(ren) ____________________________, to have his/her picture/video taken during school hours while involved in school activities connected with the centers program and used on our website, which we plan to extend over time. Photos or videos may be distributed to other families enrolled in the center at the same time of your child(ren) enrollment. We may also use content to update social media outlets such as Facebook and/or Instagram.

If you sign this form, you agree that we may take pictures/videos of your child and make use for the above purposes.

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.

POLICY ON PRIVATE PLAYGROUND AND WALKING TRIPS

SWEET DREAMS ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN AUTHORIZATION FORM PRIVATE PLAYGROUND AND ON WALKING TRIPS

I _______________________________________, give permission for my child(ren) ____________________________, to participate in school private play area and walking trips if weather permitted. I understand that children engaging in such activity can assume reasonable risk injury from falls and common play accidents. I will not hold Sweet Dreams Academy for Children accountable for any injuries that may occur during these activities. I understand that not refusing permission may require my child to stay behind with a different teacher and age group, if or when possible.

If you sign this form, you agree that your child(ren) may participate in play area and walking activities.

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.

POLICY ON NUT FREE CLASSROOMS

SWEET DREAMS ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN AUTHORIZATION ON NUT FREE CLASSROOM

I _______________________________________, acknowledge that Sweet Dreams Academy for Children is a NUT FREE facility in order to avoid serious medical circumstances for our children. NO nuts of any kind, may be brought to the facility for my child(ren) breakfast, lunch, or snack time meals.  I understand that if I bringing nuts into our center may result in the removal of your child(ren) food. In place, I will be called to replace the food in a timely manner.

I understand said policies and agree to Sweet Dreams Academy for Children terms and conditions.