"Climb High & Reach
for the Stars"
"Climb High & Reach for the Stars"
-HOURS OF OPERATION -
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
561 Main Street
Duxbury, Vermont
(802) 760-7009
heathermgarfield@gmail.com
MISSION
At Learning Ladder, our mission is to provide a dynamic and enriching preschool experience for children based on the children’s interest. This program is a child structured play center.
THE PROGRAM
The Learning Ladder Children’s Center is a full day preschool program that serves children ages three years through five. On occasion we will take a child younger than three, provided that child is no longer wearing diapers, uses the toilet, and is ready for preschool (Heather will evaluate the child for preschool readiness). Learning Ladder is licensed to care for up to thirteen children daily in the preschool program. This is subject to change depending on space. The center is open year-round and the hours of operation are
from 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Since fall of 2003, Learning Ladder has been part of the preschool partnership with Thatcher Brook Primary School. Working in conjunction with Thatcher Brook Primary School allows children at Learning Ladder to attend a formal preschool program that mirrors the one offered at Thatcher Brook - with specific standards and a curriculum that provides children with the readiness skills to enter kindergarten.
HISTORY
Learning Ladder Children’s Center was established in August of 2001 by Heather Garfield. Prior to starting the Learning Ladder, Heather worked for eleven years at Turtle Island Children’s Center in Montpelier. She spent 8 years teaching preschool, one year with infants and two with toddlers. She was a team coordinator there as leader of the preschool classrooms. She has spent time teaching Sunday School at a local church and has had experience with the Laraway school in Johnson working with troubled teens. She also has cared for children involved with Parents Anonymous group, again working with a group of young children.
The name “Learning Ladder” suggests that children here will learn things one step at a time and at their own pace. The center also allows room for risk taking and lots of practicing. Our center motto is “climb high and reach for the stars!”
Philosophy
Learning Ladder is a play based preschool program. Children learn through play in all developmental areas. Children are given lots of uninterrupted time to play and through that play children are working on: cooperation, sharing, interacting, problem solving, respect, taking turns, social skills and self-help skills. At the same time children are also gaining exposure and opportunity to learn math, science, reading/literacy and social studies. Children learn these skills, again, through play.
Children are respected here at LL and practice that respect with their friends, adults, the materials they use and the space they share inside and out. Our goal is that children feel good about themselves, feel safe and feel comfortable enough to practice these skills and take risks as they learn and accomplish. Children will get support and help from staff as they need or want it. Children will be constantly praised for all their efforts and accomplishments. LL has a “I Did It Myself “ Bell. When children try and succeed something for the first time they get to ring this bell. At that time the group cheers for the child and his/her accomplishment in recognition.
LL works in collaboration with TBPS. We are part of the universal preschool
Our roles as teachers:
*to co-explore the learning experience with the children
*to provoke ideas, problem solving and conflicts
*to take ideas from the children and return them for further exploration
*to organize the classroom and materials to be aesthetically pleasing
*to organize materials to help children make thoughtful decisions about their day and their choices.
*to document their progress
*to help children make connections and support their learning and experiences
*to form a meaningful relationship among other teachers and parents
*foster consistency between home, school and community
TEACHERS
Heather Garfield - Heather has a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education from Johnson State College. Heather has 23 years experience with children, infants to preschool. Heather was born and raised in Vermont and resides in Moretown. She has a son, Kyler and a daughter, Tyra.
Veronica Brusca- Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Community College of Vermont. Veronica has 5 years of experience with children from infants to preschool. Veronica was born and raised in Queens, New York City and resides in Waterbury with her daughter Sophia. She also has a background of baking and pastry and speak two different languages Italian and Spanish.
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:00 - 9:30Arrivals, Exploration Time
9:45 Snack
9:45 - 10:30 Circle Time/Sharing (song, stories, games, calendar, daily jobs, puppets, activities, etc)
10:30 - 11:00 Discovery/Project Time
11:00 - 11:30 Lunch Time
11:30 - 11:45 Job Time/Using the bathroom
11:45 - 12:30 Outside Time
12:45 - 2:45 Rest Time with stories, story tapes, music
2:45 - 3:00 Snack time
3:00 - 5:00 Free play inside and out, departures
* This schedule is flexible with projects or interests that come up!
It would be beneficial to have your child here before 9:00 to give plenty of time for social play time. Lots of learning happens during “play time”. It also helps with transition to Snack Time and Meeting Time.
THINGS AROUND THE CENTER
OPEN DOOR POLICY/PARENT INVOLVEMENT
The door is always open here at the Learning Ladder. Feel free to stop in at any time for a visit. If you would like to stay for a longer visit we ask that you arrange this with the staff before hand. We work closely with families (parents, grandparents, teachers and other community members). There are many ways for families to be involved with the center:
HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS
We recognize and celebrate holidays. We appreciate and respect all ethnic backgrounds and religions. Children and families are encouraged to take part with the celebrations as we learn the holidays throughout the year. We celebrate birthdays with the children with special snack, song, card etc.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
During the year we hold one and/or two conferences. The first one being at the beginning of the year which helps us get to know you and your child a little better. It’s important to get familiar with your child’s needs and routines and for the family to learn more about our program. The second one will be in the spring and this one will be in written form and we will talk about your child’s developmental growth. If for some reason you are unable to attend a conference a packet with conference material will be sent home with you. Throughout the year if you have questions, concerns, or would like a conference, please feel free to call or email us. These meetings are 30 minutes. These conferences are optional and offered.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
We guide children to use good behavior. Our approach to good behavior is to teach children skills to use their words, and to control their emotions in order to take part in the group. Children need to know their limits and boundaries and that physical aggression is not acceptable. Children are praised for good behavior and are guided to make good choices. Most behavior that is disruptive can be redirected in a positive manner. Children have input with the ground rules of the center. Thus children take responsibility for their actions in a positive way. Occasionally we have “board meetings” whereby we meet with the children as a group to discuss an issue that is causing disruption to everyone’s day; at these meetings, we address the problem and discuss how we must work together to solve it.
SNACK/LUNCHES
Learning Ladder offers two snacks to the children, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The snacks, each day, should be nutritious and low sugar. There are times when the children make their own snacks through cooking projects. We have a rolling snack calendar and each family is responsible for sending in snack one day a month. The snack should be nutritious and enough to feed 14 children. This number may change year to year. Children bring in their own healthy lunch with a drink. Learning Ladder does not heat up lunches so please pack something that you know your child will eat cold. Feel free to send warm foods in a thermos. We try to encourage children to open the containers in their lunchboxes themselves. When packing lunches please use child-friendly containers and write your child’s name on the container. Some of the things end up in the sink or in other children’s lunchboxes. Lunchtime is 30 minutes, allowing time for lots of interactions and story sharing. This allows ample time for the children to eat a good lunch.
Please refrain from sending in sugary foods, candy, soda, fruit snacks, cakes, cookies etc. If sent in we will put it aside and saved later, to go home with. High sugar foods effect behaviors and moods in young children.
SNACK CALENDAR
As you have read the above, each family will be responsible for providing snack for the entire group once a month. If you choose not to provide for the day that you are assigned, you may buy out for $5.00. Please drop the $5 in the tuition box with a note attached indicating your child’s name and the month. If you miss snack, you can make it up by asking Heather what food/beverage supplies are needed. If you do not make it up, $5 will be added to your next week’s tuition
REST TIME
Rest time is from 12:45-2:45pm. It is required by the state that children rest when they are here all day. The children have a story read to them and then listen to story tapes for about 20-25 minutes before listening to soothing music. It’s important for children to rest their bodies after running all morning. It also helps with brain development. Children rest with mats, blankets, pillows and any thing from home that is comforting for the child (stuffed animal, doll, sleeping bag etc.). Rest time things will be kept in your child’s nap bucket (in the rest room) and will be sent home every two weeks to be washed. At times you may hear from your child, “I don’t like rest time, I don’t want to go to school”. When and if this happens it would great if you could support and explain the importance of rest time and how it keeps us all “healthy”. Children that “don’t” sleep will receive quiet activities on their mat after 30 minutes of resting. Rest time is another way to keep us healthy and is very important for brain development. We ask that parents help children, by supporting and explaining the importance for a "rest" each day. Thank you
SHARING DAY/TOYS FROM HOME
we ask that all toys are kept at home, unless it is an item that is needed for rest time. Thank you.
Note: We do not have Sharing Time so please keep toys at home. Thank you.
LICENSING REGULATIONS
Because Learning Ladder is licensed by the State of Vermont, any issue that is not specifically addressed by the provisions of this handbook, shall be resolved pursuant to the provisions of the Early Childhood Program Licensing Regulations, issued by the State of Vermont, Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, Child Care Services Division.
DRIVEWAY SAFETY
When dropping off or picking up please always shut the engine of your vehicle off. Please drive with caution while driving around the driveway. Children are sometimes playing out front of the center. Be respectful of other cars. Please pull your vehicle to the side when parking so others can get around you when they are ready to leave or come in.
EXTRA DAYS/HOURS
Sometimes when a child is out or on vacation, we have extra days available. If you are interested in obtaining an extra half or full day, check with Heather. . Extra days are charged at the “per half/full day” rate. You will receive a blue slip with your extra day charge on it and you must pay for that day within two days of the date of service. It is prohibited for people to sell a day if they are not using their contracted day and time. Everything must be approved by Heather. It is also your responsibility to pay for your contracted days even if you choose not to use them, this includes scheduled LL vacations.
ILLNESS POLICY
If your child becomes ill at the center, the parent will be notified and the child will be picked up within the hour of the call. During that time your child will be comforted in a quiet area. If your child becomes sick at home and will be absent, please call the center to let us know. DO NOT mask your child with medicine (Tylenol/Advil) and send them in. This does not make a fever go away but makes your child comfortable. Your child is still contagious and it is not going to do any good for your child to send them in.
Please make sure that the center has an updated immunization record of your child. The State of Vermont requires that it is on file.
Please make sure that the information in your child’s file is accurate (phone numbers, pagers, cell phone etc.). This will make it easier to locate a parent if your child becomes ill. If we are unable to locate a parent, then we will go down the emergency list in your child’s file.
Excludable Conditions:
MEDICATION
If your child needs medicine during the hours they are at the Learning Ladder you must fill out a form (Authorization Form) each time. Please hand the medicine to a teacher as it will be stored in a locked box. The form will be clipped to your child’s clipboard. A teacher will sign the daily chart after administering the medicine. Please do not put the medicine in your child’s lunch box.
SUNSCREEN AND INSECT REPELLENT
A form will need to be filled out, once, giving us permission to apply sunscreen here at the Learning Ladder. Please label your child’s sunscreen and insect repellant bottle upon arrival.
SIGN IN/OUT
Vermont State Child Care Licensing Regulations requires you to sign your child in and out everyday. The chart is on the clipboard located by the daily charts (peg board). Please use the clock next to the clipboard to note the time.
PICK-UP POLICY
The only people authorized to pick up your child are the ones listed in your child’s file (emergency people). If you wish someone, not listed, to pick up then please send in a written permission or call to talk with Heather. We will not send home your child with anyone unless we have prior permission, even if it is “Grandma and Grandpa”! Anyone other than parents should have permission (verbally or written).
LATE PICK-UPSThere will be a charge for late pickups when children are picked up after 5:30 p.m. The charge is $5.00 for the first five minutes and $1.00 for every minute thereafter. This also applies for half-day schedules as well. Half-day pick ups are at 12:00. Late fees will go on a blue slip that will be attached to your child’s clipboard and are due within two days of the date issued. Please plan accordingly when picking up. If you would like to stay and visit please come earlier then 5:30. If you know you are going to be late, please call the center. A teacher will start calling a parent at 5:30. If we are unable to locate a parent, the teacher will start down the emergency list.
INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSING/DELAYS
When schools are closed or delayed due to weather for the Washington West School District, Learning Ladder Children’s Center will be closed or delayed. Please listen to WDEV or watch WCAX. You will also hear the listings on the radio (550am, 92.9fm and most others). We close when Thatcher Brook Primary School closes. Families are required to pay for every other inclement weather day. Learning Ladder alternates tuition. For example: the first snow day parents pay for the day, the second snow day you will be credited for the day, the third snow day parents pay, etc.
Learning Ladder will also be delayed if TBPS is delayed. If the schools are delayed for 90 minutes then we will open at 8:30 am. Tuition is paid for delays as if it’s a regular day.
If TBPS closes early once they are at school because of weather Learning Ladder has the right to call parents and request for an early pick up. Heather will make that decision at that time.
If TBPS is closed for vacation LL will follow other school districts (Washington South) for bad weather (snow, ice etc.). Heather will post and mail information if it changes.
FUNDRAISING
Learning Ladder will hold two fundraisers during the year (Sally Foster gift wrap in October and a dinner/silent auction in the spring) in order to raise money for new toys, playground/outdoor equipment and improvements to the school. Fundraising money is always used for this purpose only. Fundraising requires a lot of work, planning and involvement from families and although we wish we never had to fundraise, in order to keep tuition low and keep the center’s toys and related necessities in good shape, it is a necessity. We ask that all families participate with fundraising efforts. If you cannot help with fundraising, there is a “buy-out” option. You can buy out for $75.00/family. If you buy out, you will not be asked to participate in the fundraiser(s). This may change year to year.
VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS/IN-SERVICE DAYS
Learning Ladder is closed for vacation 3 ½ -4 times a year, the week of Christmas, long weekend in February, one week in April and one week during the summer. We are also closed for regularly observed holidays and for two “In-Service” days in the fall and spring (this is to attend the annual Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children Conference or to plan curriculum). It is your responsibility to pay for these vacations, as normal, as stated in your contract. Payment is due at the regular time, the Friday before the week of service. Anything late will be charged a late fee. Please see the school calendar for the complete list of closings. This is also subject to change a bit more during summer camp.
FIELD TRIPS/FIELD DAYS
Learning Ladder Children’s Center will take fieldtrips out into the community. We are always looking for extra help. There will be a permission slip that parents will sign prior to the trip. It will be posted on the bulletin board. Children are required to be in a car/booster seat unless they are eight years old. Please label your child’s car seat as it will make it easier for loading children and getting your child’s seat back to you.
SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
We, as professional caregivers, are mandated by the State of Vermont to report any suspicious signs of neglect or abuse. The director of the center will immediately call of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to file a report.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Learning Ladder Children’s Center does not discriminate based on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital/civil union status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.
Grievance Procedure
When a concern or issue(s) is brought in by parents/families every effort
Is made to resolve the problem. The concern is heard respectively and documented. If the issue cannot be resolved through conversation then a meeting will be set up to talk more in detail. A mediator may be asked to sit in on the meeting as an objective bystander with permission from the family. Problem solving will occur in hopes that the issue can and will be resolved.
If the issue can be resolved then minutes from the meeting will be written up and signed by each party. If the issue is not resolved it will, then, be determined if another meeting(s) need to be arranged or other means of action will be implemented. It will be determined whether the family can continued being enrolled here at Learning Ladder (with every effort and support) or other arrangements need to be made.
ENROLLMENT
To enroll a child, parents complete an application form and pay a $50 non-refundable registration fee to hold a space. If space is not available, the child will be placed on a waiting list. If space is available, parents complete the following forms:
DEPOSITS
Upon enrollment, parents are required to pay a deposit in the amount of two week’s tuition. This deposit will be applied to their child’s last two weeks of enrollment at Learning Ladder. Deposits are forfeited if a child is withdrawn without two weeks written notice.
TUITION PAYMENTS
Tuition is on a pre-payment basis and is due on or before Friday morning for the upcoming week of childcare services. Parents are required to pay for days contracted even when their child does not attend Learning Ladder. A child may not attend Learning Ladder after a month of non-payment. This allowing the family to catch up with payment before returning.
BILLING
Billing occurs on a monthly basis. Payment is due on a weekly basis, on or before Friday and must be paid prior to the week of care. A late charge will be added to your bill if it is past due. Past due is one week late. The charge will be $5.00 each week your payment is late and this amount will be reflected on your monthly invoice. Lisa Companion is Learning Ladder’s bookkeeper, and parents should contact him directly with any billing questions or problems. You can leave her a note in the tuition box, call Heather or e-mail her at heathermgarfield@gmail.com and she will forward your information. Lisa will invoice each family at the at request. You can have your invoice e-mailed to you if you prefer. Please set this up with Lisa.
SELLING SPOTS/SWITCHES
It is prohibited to sell your child’s spot if you know your child will be out. All financial transactions will be done through Learning Ladder. You are responsible for paying for your contracted slot. If your child will be out it will be up to the staff to fill the spot with an extra child and that family will be billed an extra day charge.
SUPPLY FEE
On September first of each year, a fee of $24 ($2 per month) per child is charged to each family to help cover the cost of art and project supplies. This amount will be pro-rated if your child enrolls after September 1st.
WITHDRAWAL FROM LEARNING LADDER
A written, dated notice of intent to withdraw must be submitted to Heather Izor two weeks prior to withdrawal from Learning Ladder or a withdrawl form is filled out. Your deposit will be put towards the last two weeks of childcare. Without written notice or extenuating circumstances, parents forfeit their deposit.
THANK YOU
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us. If you have questions, please ask. If you have already enrolled, “welcome.” We hope you enjoy your experience here and we look forward to getting to know you and your child.
“Climb high and reach for the stars!”
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
561 Main Street
Duxbury, Vermont
(802) 760-7009
heathermgarfield@gmail.com
MISSION
At Learning Ladder, our mission is to provide a dynamic and enriching preschool experience for children based on the children’s interest. This program is a child structured play center.
- We want children to feel safe and free to explore.
- We want children to learn at their own pace and have choices.
- We want children to learn social skills as well as academic skills.
- We want children to leave the Learning Ladder feeling prepared for school.
THE PROGRAM
The Learning Ladder Children’s Center is a full day preschool program that serves children ages three years through five. On occasion we will take a child younger than three, provided that child is no longer wearing diapers, uses the toilet, and is ready for preschool (Heather will evaluate the child for preschool readiness). Learning Ladder is licensed to care for up to thirteen children daily in the preschool program. This is subject to change depending on space. The center is open year-round and the hours of operation are
from 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Since fall of 2003, Learning Ladder has been part of the preschool partnership with Thatcher Brook Primary School. Working in conjunction with Thatcher Brook Primary School allows children at Learning Ladder to attend a formal preschool program that mirrors the one offered at Thatcher Brook - with specific standards and a curriculum that provides children with the readiness skills to enter kindergarten.
HISTORY
Learning Ladder Children’s Center was established in August of 2001 by Heather Garfield. Prior to starting the Learning Ladder, Heather worked for eleven years at Turtle Island Children’s Center in Montpelier. She spent 8 years teaching preschool, one year with infants and two with toddlers. She was a team coordinator there as leader of the preschool classrooms. She has spent time teaching Sunday School at a local church and has had experience with the Laraway school in Johnson working with troubled teens. She also has cared for children involved with Parents Anonymous group, again working with a group of young children.
The name “Learning Ladder” suggests that children here will learn things one step at a time and at their own pace. The center also allows room for risk taking and lots of practicing. Our center motto is “climb high and reach for the stars!”
Philosophy
Learning Ladder is a play based preschool program. Children learn through play in all developmental areas. Children are given lots of uninterrupted time to play and through that play children are working on: cooperation, sharing, interacting, problem solving, respect, taking turns, social skills and self-help skills. At the same time children are also gaining exposure and opportunity to learn math, science, reading/literacy and social studies. Children learn these skills, again, through play.
Children are respected here at LL and practice that respect with their friends, adults, the materials they use and the space they share inside and out. Our goal is that children feel good about themselves, feel safe and feel comfortable enough to practice these skills and take risks as they learn and accomplish. Children will get support and help from staff as they need or want it. Children will be constantly praised for all their efforts and accomplishments. LL has a “I Did It Myself “ Bell. When children try and succeed something for the first time they get to ring this bell. At that time the group cheers for the child and his/her accomplishment in recognition.
LL works in collaboration with TBPS. We are part of the universal preschool
Our roles as teachers:
*to co-explore the learning experience with the children
*to provoke ideas, problem solving and conflicts
*to take ideas from the children and return them for further exploration
*to organize the classroom and materials to be aesthetically pleasing
*to organize materials to help children make thoughtful decisions about their day and their choices.
*to document their progress
*to help children make connections and support their learning and experiences
*to form a meaningful relationship among other teachers and parents
*foster consistency between home, school and community
TEACHERS
Heather Garfield - Heather has a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education from Johnson State College. Heather has 23 years experience with children, infants to preschool. Heather was born and raised in Vermont and resides in Moretown. She has a son, Kyler and a daughter, Tyra.
Veronica Brusca- Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Community College of Vermont. Veronica has 5 years of experience with children from infants to preschool. Veronica was born and raised in Queens, New York City and resides in Waterbury with her daughter Sophia. She also has a background of baking and pastry and speak two different languages Italian and Spanish.
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:00 - 9:30Arrivals, Exploration Time
9:45 Snack
9:45 - 10:30 Circle Time/Sharing (song, stories, games, calendar, daily jobs, puppets, activities, etc)
10:30 - 11:00 Discovery/Project Time
11:00 - 11:30 Lunch Time
11:30 - 11:45 Job Time/Using the bathroom
11:45 - 12:30 Outside Time
12:45 - 2:45 Rest Time with stories, story tapes, music
2:45 - 3:00 Snack time
3:00 - 5:00 Free play inside and out, departures
* This schedule is flexible with projects or interests that come up!
It would be beneficial to have your child here before 9:00 to give plenty of time for social play time. Lots of learning happens during “play time”. It also helps with transition to Snack Time and Meeting Time.
THINGS AROUND THE CENTER
- cubby area
- outside, fenced in play area
- 2 stall bathroom
- kitchen
- community bulletin board
- area art
- quiet area
- dramatic play area
- block area
- parent mailboxes
- writing area
- Science area
NOTE: Areas change, move and rotate throughout the year.
OPEN DOOR POLICY/PARENT INVOLVEMENT
The door is always open here at the Learning Ladder. Feel free to stop in at any time for a visit. If you would like to stay for a longer visit we ask that you arrange this with the staff before hand. We work closely with families (parents, grandparents, teachers and other community members). There are many ways for families to be involved with the center:
- coming in to lead an activity
- subbing
- Attending special events; cookouts, parties, conferences, other socials
- making snacks
- Helping out with fundraisers
HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS
We recognize and celebrate holidays. We appreciate and respect all ethnic backgrounds and religions. Children and families are encouraged to take part with the celebrations as we learn the holidays throughout the year. We celebrate birthdays with the children with special snack, song, card etc.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
During the year we hold one and/or two conferences. The first one being at the beginning of the year which helps us get to know you and your child a little better. It’s important to get familiar with your child’s needs and routines and for the family to learn more about our program. The second one will be in the spring and this one will be in written form and we will talk about your child’s developmental growth. If for some reason you are unable to attend a conference a packet with conference material will be sent home with you. Throughout the year if you have questions, concerns, or would like a conference, please feel free to call or email us. These meetings are 30 minutes. These conferences are optional and offered.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
We guide children to use good behavior. Our approach to good behavior is to teach children skills to use their words, and to control their emotions in order to take part in the group. Children need to know their limits and boundaries and that physical aggression is not acceptable. Children are praised for good behavior and are guided to make good choices. Most behavior that is disruptive can be redirected in a positive manner. Children have input with the ground rules of the center. Thus children take responsibility for their actions in a positive way. Occasionally we have “board meetings” whereby we meet with the children as a group to discuss an issue that is causing disruption to everyone’s day; at these meetings, we address the problem and discuss how we must work together to solve it.
SNACK/LUNCHES
Learning Ladder offers two snacks to the children, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The snacks, each day, should be nutritious and low sugar. There are times when the children make their own snacks through cooking projects. We have a rolling snack calendar and each family is responsible for sending in snack one day a month. The snack should be nutritious and enough to feed 14 children. This number may change year to year. Children bring in their own healthy lunch with a drink. Learning Ladder does not heat up lunches so please pack something that you know your child will eat cold. Feel free to send warm foods in a thermos. We try to encourage children to open the containers in their lunchboxes themselves. When packing lunches please use child-friendly containers and write your child’s name on the container. Some of the things end up in the sink or in other children’s lunchboxes. Lunchtime is 30 minutes, allowing time for lots of interactions and story sharing. This allows ample time for the children to eat a good lunch.
Please refrain from sending in sugary foods, candy, soda, fruit snacks, cakes, cookies etc. If sent in we will put it aside and saved later, to go home with. High sugar foods effect behaviors and moods in young children.
SNACK CALENDAR
As you have read the above, each family will be responsible for providing snack for the entire group once a month. If you choose not to provide for the day that you are assigned, you may buy out for $5.00. Please drop the $5 in the tuition box with a note attached indicating your child’s name and the month. If you miss snack, you can make it up by asking Heather what food/beverage supplies are needed. If you do not make it up, $5 will be added to your next week’s tuition
REST TIME
Rest time is from 12:45-2:45pm. It is required by the state that children rest when they are here all day. The children have a story read to them and then listen to story tapes for about 20-25 minutes before listening to soothing music. It’s important for children to rest their bodies after running all morning. It also helps with brain development. Children rest with mats, blankets, pillows and any thing from home that is comforting for the child (stuffed animal, doll, sleeping bag etc.). Rest time things will be kept in your child’s nap bucket (in the rest room) and will be sent home every two weeks to be washed. At times you may hear from your child, “I don’t like rest time, I don’t want to go to school”. When and if this happens it would great if you could support and explain the importance of rest time and how it keeps us all “healthy”. Children that “don’t” sleep will receive quiet activities on their mat after 30 minutes of resting. Rest time is another way to keep us healthy and is very important for brain development. We ask that parents help children, by supporting and explaining the importance for a "rest" each day. Thank you
SHARING DAY/TOYS FROM HOME
we ask that all toys are kept at home, unless it is an item that is needed for rest time. Thank you.
Note: We do not have Sharing Time so please keep toys at home. Thank you.
LICENSING REGULATIONS
Because Learning Ladder is licensed by the State of Vermont, any issue that is not specifically addressed by the provisions of this handbook, shall be resolved pursuant to the provisions of the Early Childhood Program Licensing Regulations, issued by the State of Vermont, Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, Child Care Services Division.
DRIVEWAY SAFETY
When dropping off or picking up please always shut the engine of your vehicle off. Please drive with caution while driving around the driveway. Children are sometimes playing out front of the center. Be respectful of other cars. Please pull your vehicle to the side when parking so others can get around you when they are ready to leave or come in.
EXTRA DAYS/HOURS
Sometimes when a child is out or on vacation, we have extra days available. If you are interested in obtaining an extra half or full day, check with Heather. . Extra days are charged at the “per half/full day” rate. You will receive a blue slip with your extra day charge on it and you must pay for that day within two days of the date of service. It is prohibited for people to sell a day if they are not using their contracted day and time. Everything must be approved by Heather. It is also your responsibility to pay for your contracted days even if you choose not to use them, this includes scheduled LL vacations.
ILLNESS POLICY
If your child becomes ill at the center, the parent will be notified and the child will be picked up within the hour of the call. During that time your child will be comforted in a quiet area. If your child becomes sick at home and will be absent, please call the center to let us know. DO NOT mask your child with medicine (Tylenol/Advil) and send them in. This does not make a fever go away but makes your child comfortable. Your child is still contagious and it is not going to do any good for your child to send them in.
Please make sure that the center has an updated immunization record of your child. The State of Vermont requires that it is on file.
Please make sure that the information in your child’s file is accurate (phone numbers, pagers, cell phone etc.). This will make it easier to locate a parent if your child becomes ill. If we are unable to locate a parent, then we will go down the emergency list in your child’s file.
Excludable Conditions:
- a fever of 100F or more
- rashes that the caregiver cannot identify
- diarrhea-more than 3 times in 24 hours or persists for more than 2 days (48 hours)
- cannot participate with group and the daily routine
- vomiting more than 2 times within a 24 hour period
- any discharge from the eye
- fever
- vomiting
- diarrhea
MEDICATION
If your child needs medicine during the hours they are at the Learning Ladder you must fill out a form (Authorization Form) each time. Please hand the medicine to a teacher as it will be stored in a locked box. The form will be clipped to your child’s clipboard. A teacher will sign the daily chart after administering the medicine. Please do not put the medicine in your child’s lunch box.
SUNSCREEN AND INSECT REPELLENT
A form will need to be filled out, once, giving us permission to apply sunscreen here at the Learning Ladder. Please label your child’s sunscreen and insect repellant bottle upon arrival.
SIGN IN/OUT
Vermont State Child Care Licensing Regulations requires you to sign your child in and out everyday. The chart is on the clipboard located by the daily charts (peg board). Please use the clock next to the clipboard to note the time.
PICK-UP POLICY
The only people authorized to pick up your child are the ones listed in your child’s file (emergency people). If you wish someone, not listed, to pick up then please send in a written permission or call to talk with Heather. We will not send home your child with anyone unless we have prior permission, even if it is “Grandma and Grandpa”! Anyone other than parents should have permission (verbally or written).
LATE PICK-UPSThere will be a charge for late pickups when children are picked up after 5:30 p.m. The charge is $5.00 for the first five minutes and $1.00 for every minute thereafter. This also applies for half-day schedules as well. Half-day pick ups are at 12:00. Late fees will go on a blue slip that will be attached to your child’s clipboard and are due within two days of the date issued. Please plan accordingly when picking up. If you would like to stay and visit please come earlier then 5:30. If you know you are going to be late, please call the center. A teacher will start calling a parent at 5:30. If we are unable to locate a parent, the teacher will start down the emergency list.
INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSING/DELAYS
When schools are closed or delayed due to weather for the Washington West School District, Learning Ladder Children’s Center will be closed or delayed. Please listen to WDEV or watch WCAX. You will also hear the listings on the radio (550am, 92.9fm and most others). We close when Thatcher Brook Primary School closes. Families are required to pay for every other inclement weather day. Learning Ladder alternates tuition. For example: the first snow day parents pay for the day, the second snow day you will be credited for the day, the third snow day parents pay, etc.
Learning Ladder will also be delayed if TBPS is delayed. If the schools are delayed for 90 minutes then we will open at 8:30 am. Tuition is paid for delays as if it’s a regular day.
If TBPS closes early once they are at school because of weather Learning Ladder has the right to call parents and request for an early pick up. Heather will make that decision at that time.
If TBPS is closed for vacation LL will follow other school districts (Washington South) for bad weather (snow, ice etc.). Heather will post and mail information if it changes.
FUNDRAISING
Learning Ladder will hold two fundraisers during the year (Sally Foster gift wrap in October and a dinner/silent auction in the spring) in order to raise money for new toys, playground/outdoor equipment and improvements to the school. Fundraising money is always used for this purpose only. Fundraising requires a lot of work, planning and involvement from families and although we wish we never had to fundraise, in order to keep tuition low and keep the center’s toys and related necessities in good shape, it is a necessity. We ask that all families participate with fundraising efforts. If you cannot help with fundraising, there is a “buy-out” option. You can buy out for $75.00/family. If you buy out, you will not be asked to participate in the fundraiser(s). This may change year to year.
VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS/IN-SERVICE DAYS
Learning Ladder is closed for vacation 3 ½ -4 times a year, the week of Christmas, long weekend in February, one week in April and one week during the summer. We are also closed for regularly observed holidays and for two “In-Service” days in the fall and spring (this is to attend the annual Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children Conference or to plan curriculum). It is your responsibility to pay for these vacations, as normal, as stated in your contract. Payment is due at the regular time, the Friday before the week of service. Anything late will be charged a late fee. Please see the school calendar for the complete list of closings. This is also subject to change a bit more during summer camp.
FIELD TRIPS/FIELD DAYS
Learning Ladder Children’s Center will take fieldtrips out into the community. We are always looking for extra help. There will be a permission slip that parents will sign prior to the trip. It will be posted on the bulletin board. Children are required to be in a car/booster seat unless they are eight years old. Please label your child’s car seat as it will make it easier for loading children and getting your child’s seat back to you.
SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
We, as professional caregivers, are mandated by the State of Vermont to report any suspicious signs of neglect or abuse. The director of the center will immediately call of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to file a report.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Learning Ladder Children’s Center does not discriminate based on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital/civil union status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.
Grievance Procedure
When a concern or issue(s) is brought in by parents/families every effort
Is made to resolve the problem. The concern is heard respectively and documented. If the issue cannot be resolved through conversation then a meeting will be set up to talk more in detail. A mediator may be asked to sit in on the meeting as an objective bystander with permission from the family. Problem solving will occur in hopes that the issue can and will be resolved.
If the issue can be resolved then minutes from the meeting will be written up and signed by each party. If the issue is not resolved it will, then, be determined if another meeting(s) need to be arranged or other means of action will be implemented. It will be determined whether the family can continued being enrolled here at Learning Ladder (with every effort and support) or other arrangements need to be made.
ENROLLMENT
To enroll a child, parents complete an application form and pay a $50 non-refundable registration fee to hold a space. If space is not available, the child will be placed on a waiting list. If space is available, parents complete the following forms:
- An Enrollment Agreement
- Child Information Form
- Emergency/Medical Form
- Immunization Certificate
- Parent Handbook Acknowledgement Form
DEPOSITS
Upon enrollment, parents are required to pay a deposit in the amount of two week’s tuition. This deposit will be applied to their child’s last two weeks of enrollment at Learning Ladder. Deposits are forfeited if a child is withdrawn without two weeks written notice.
TUITION PAYMENTS
Tuition is on a pre-payment basis and is due on or before Friday morning for the upcoming week of childcare services. Parents are required to pay for days contracted even when their child does not attend Learning Ladder. A child may not attend Learning Ladder after a month of non-payment. This allowing the family to catch up with payment before returning.
BILLING
Billing occurs on a monthly basis. Payment is due on a weekly basis, on or before Friday and must be paid prior to the week of care. A late charge will be added to your bill if it is past due. Past due is one week late. The charge will be $5.00 each week your payment is late and this amount will be reflected on your monthly invoice. Lisa Companion is Learning Ladder’s bookkeeper, and parents should contact him directly with any billing questions or problems. You can leave her a note in the tuition box, call Heather or e-mail her at heathermgarfield@gmail.com and she will forward your information. Lisa will invoice each family at the at request. You can have your invoice e-mailed to you if you prefer. Please set this up with Lisa.
SELLING SPOTS/SWITCHES
It is prohibited to sell your child’s spot if you know your child will be out. All financial transactions will be done through Learning Ladder. You are responsible for paying for your contracted slot. If your child will be out it will be up to the staff to fill the spot with an extra child and that family will be billed an extra day charge.
SUPPLY FEE
On September first of each year, a fee of $24 ($2 per month) per child is charged to each family to help cover the cost of art and project supplies. This amount will be pro-rated if your child enrolls after September 1st.
WITHDRAWAL FROM LEARNING LADDER
A written, dated notice of intent to withdraw must be submitted to Heather Izor two weeks prior to withdrawal from Learning Ladder or a withdrawl form is filled out. Your deposit will be put towards the last two weeks of childcare. Without written notice or extenuating circumstances, parents forfeit their deposit.
THANK YOU
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us. If you have questions, please ask. If you have already enrolled, “welcome.” We hope you enjoy your experience here and we look forward to getting to know you and your child.
“Climb high and reach for the stars!”