Parent Handbook & Policies
We support and encourage parental involvement in the program and activities at Creek. For reference, key policies are included below. A copy of the entire handbook of policies may be downloaded here as well.
Daily activity policies
CLOTHING
Parents must send a complete extra set of clothing, labeled with the child’s name, and replace it as needed. These will be stored in the child’s cubby. Soiled clothing will be returned for your care.
We suggest that children attend wearing play clothes in which they will be comfortable as they proceed through an active day. Creek provides opportunities for exploration which are stimulating, but may be messy. We feel that such activities are important at this age and ask that children be dressed in clothing that they will not have to fear soiling. We do provide smocks, but accidents happen. Shoes are particularly important. Comfortable shoes with ties or straps provide more safety as the children go through an active day which includes running and climbing.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
We ask that children refrain from bringing toys from home. There is a rich supply of materials and toys available to children at Creek. Learning to share materials and play together is an important part of a child’s development, and a difficult task. Having personal items sometimes results in unnecessary conflicts.
We are not responsible for lost toys. We discourage war play at school. Toy guns, knives and other weapons are not allowed at school.
REST TIME
Children will have a nap each afternoon. Children who wake early or are awake after resting for 30 minutes will be allowed to choose quiet activities. Families will provide a blanket for naptime which will be sent home weekly for washing. Children can also have a comfort item for naptime.
OUTSIDE PLAY
We play outside each day as part of our daily routine. Please provide clothing that is appropriate for the weather. We use the following guidelines for outside play:
Winter
The temperature (including wind chill) must be above zero degrees.
Children will be dressed to ensure that they stay warm and dry. Please provide jacket, snowpants, hat, scarf, and waterproof mittens.
Summer
Children will not play in direct sunlight if the temperature is above 90 degrees.
Children will be protected with sunscreen (provided by parent) and protective clothing and hats when playing outside.
ILL CHILD
Children who are ill are not allowed to be in attendance. Any child who shows symptoms of illness while at Creek will have their emergency contact called. Arrangements must be made for the child to be picked up from the Center within 1 hour.
Guidelines for exclusion from the Center are vomiting, diarrhea, any communicable disease (such as pink eye, strep throat, chicken pox) fever over 100 degrees, or the inability of the child to participate in daily activities.
Children may return to the Center when they are symptom-free without the use of medication for 24 hours.
ABSENCE
Families are required to notify Creek when a child will be absent. If you have not notified the Center within 2 hours of the regular drop-off time, a staff member will call you at the designated notification number.
CHILD EVALUATIONS
Formal evaluations of children occur bi-annually. Conferences are scheduled to provide a time for the teachers and families to meet and discuss goals and share information regarding the child. Care is taken to ensure that information regarding children and families is treated confidentially. Staff are readily available to families to provide information about their child. We encourage families to use the staff as a resource regarding their child’s development and behavior.