PARENT HANDBOOK
Children’s Center Mission Statement
The Children’s Center is an outreach ministry of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church of El Segundo. The school is an expression of the church’s concern for children and their families and operates within the context of Christian faith and values. We affirm that it is important for children to come to recognize themselves and others as children of God.
Under the guidance of qualified, caring teachers and staff, our school provides a program that considers the developmental needs of the child and emphasizes growth in all areas– physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual– as a continuous, interrelated process. Our program also stresses social skills, self-help skills and independence skills. We use a hands-on experiential approach to learning. A wide range of learning opportunities is offered through experiences in fields of science, nature, math, cooking, music, literature, creative media, and dramatic play. Our goal for each child includes an experience of acceptance and love, growth in self-understanding, learning to interact successfully with others, and an increasing awareness and knowledge of the beauty and diversity of the world.
School Policies
School policies are set under the guidance of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and the California State Department of Social Services. We are licensed with the State Department of Social Services. License #197408458 (Preschool) & #197408459 (Infant).
Our school is also a credentialed member of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles Commission on Schools. We admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, and other school administered programs.
Admission Policy
St. Michael’s Children’s Center was established as a service to the community and is open to everyone who may benefit from our program, regardless of race, gender, or religion. The school accepts children from six weeks to five years old (or before kindergarten).
Applications are accepted in person. Confirmation of registration is not final until the registration form and fee is submitted and processed. Registration and first month’s tuition are due at least one month before your child’s start date. These fees are non-refundable. Preference is given to church members and siblings of current and past students. The order of acceptance may be adjusted due to exceptional circumstances. These exceptions are at the sole discretion of the Director.
If a child is accepted and the Director then determines that the child cannot benefit from or is a detriment to the program, is not ready due to emotional, behavioral, or other problems, we reserve the right to dismiss the child from the school. This determination by the Director will be managed on a case-by-case basis. Children with special needs are accepted when we feel they can benefit from our program and the extra services they require from the teachers and staff will not have a negative impact on the other children.
School Year Closures
The school is open year-round except for the following days:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday
President’s Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving and the day after
Winter Break (week between Christmas and New Year’s)
Four staff in-service training days
Registration Forms
When you register for school, you will be given a packet of forms. All forms must be completed and returned to the Children’s Center office on or before the first day your child attends school. It is important that the emergency form is included, and that special attention is given to the names of alternate people to call if a parent cannot be reached.
We cannot accept a student until all the forms are returned, especially the “Physician’s Report Form.” This form must be completed and signed by your child’s pediatrician and must include up-to-date immunization information. We follow state vaccination laws
Registration fee and first month’s tuition are due with the application one month prior to start date and are non-refundable. Returning students’ registration is completed in May and the yearly materials fee is due by July 1.
Tuition
Our tuition is based on a 12-month plan. Tuition is paid in advance of each month and is due on or before the first of that month. Payments received after the 5th of the month (regardless of which days you attend) will incur a $25 penalty. If payment has not been received before the 10th your child will not be allowed to attend school until payment is made. Receipts are provided via email. Missed days will not be prorated. A $32 fee will be charged for each returned check. A 30-day notice will be given when a tuition increase will occur.
St. Michael’s Children’s Center requires a 30-day notice in writing if you will be removing your child from our school. Failure to give this notice could result in a full month’s tuition being charged.
We reserve the right to deny a reduction of days from your original contract.
Absences
Because our school expenses are constant (12 months), we do not give vacation or illness credits. We do not trade days if you are on a 2, 3, or 4 day schedule. If you need an additional day and it is available, your child may attend for an additional daily fee. Extra day fees are $60 for preschool and $70 for Infant/Toddler.
Hours of Drop Off and Pick Up
The school is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All preschool children must arrive by 9:00am.
If you arrive at 9:00, please know that this is a transition time for the class and not a suitable time to try to communicate with the teacher. You may leave a note or call later if you need to speak to the teacher.
Please do not linger in the preschool classroom. This may make it difficult for your child to transition into the school routine and may also be disruptive to the other children.
If your child will be late due to doctor’s appointments, you must notify the office. Otherwise, we will NOT accept any children for the day who arrive after 9:30am. Children arriving late because of appointments must arrive by 11:00 a.m. If you need to pick up your child for an appointment in the morning, they may only return to school if they are back before 12:00 p.m.
Children who are still in diapers must have dry diapers at drop-off. Please check your child’s diaper before you leave them.
Late Pick Up Fee
The Children’s Center closes promptly at 5:30 p.m. We ask that you arrive to pick up by 5:25 p.m. so you have time to gather your child’s belongings. If you arrive at 5:30 please do not linger as the staff needs to clean and lock up the school. The late fee after 5:30 p.m. is $2 per minute.
Sign In/Sign Out
Licensing requires children each child to be signed in and out each day. We use a digital check-in/out system called Brightwheel. Each person who will drop-off or pick up your child will have their own four-digit code. This code will let us know who dropped off and picked up each day. These procedures assure the safety and security of your child. If your child is to be picked up by someone other than you, they must be 18 years old, or older and have identification. You must also add them to your child’s Brightwheel profile as an “approved pick up” and notify the office that someone else will pick-up. We will not release your child without authorization.
A charge may be assessed for each day a signature is missing.
Illness Policy
In order to protect your child, the staff, and the other children, please keep your child at home if he/she shows signs of illness. The teachers and/or director has the discretion to refuse attendance to children showing symptoms of illness, and to contact you immediately to pick up your child for, but not limited to, the following:
Fever Red or mattering eyes
Vomiting Cold symptoms (runny nose, cough, etc.)
Diarrhea Listlessness
COVID symptoms Skin rash
Head lice Open sores (should be covered)
State law requires that we be notified if any family member contracts a contagious disease (this includes, but is not limited to, COVID, chicken pox, impetigo, head lice, pink eye, etc.)
Our “return to school” policy states that a child must be clear of fever, diarrhea and/ or vomiting (without medication), for 24 hours BEFORE returning to school. We feel these are safeguards for your child and for others.
If your child is sent home from school for one of these illnesses, they may NOT return to school the next day. Children sent home with symptoms of contagious diseases may not return to school without a doctor’s clearance.
Current COVID Protocols (8/2022)
Everyone coming into the school must wear a mask. Parents and children over age 2 must wear a mask at drop-off and pick up times.
Parents need to answer screening questions via the Brightwheel App when dropping off. Visual wellness checks are conducted throughout the day and we will take temps if your child seems unwell. Please keep your child home if they don’t feel well.
Children must wash hands upon entering school and before going to play.
Children will wear masks indoors but will be allowed to remove their mask during outdoor playtimes. If you would like us to make sure your child wears their mask outdoors, please just let the staff know. Staff will remain masked indoors but may remove their masks outdoors.
Although parents are allowed to enter the school, we would still like to keep visitors to a minimum. If you do not have to enter the school, please don’t. Please pick up from the door or gates. If your child is on the bike yard, you may walk through the parking lot to the gate or ask the teacher in the sandbox to retrieve your child. Please continue to give space to other families when arriving and departing, and do not linger.
Should you choose to travel, your child will be required to stay home for 3 days after you return home. A negative test taken on day 3 will be required before returning to school.
If someone in your home tests positive for COVID, your child must stay home for 5 days and may return on day 6 with a negative antigen test IF they are isolated from the positive case. If they cannot be isolated from the positive case, your child must stay home until 5 days after that person tests negative and may return with a negative antigen test.
If your child is considered a close contact to a COVID case at school, they may continue to attend school as long as they do not have symptoms and have a negative antigen or PCR test. A second test must be taken on day 5 after exposure and may also be an antigen or PCR test.
Medicine Policy
We know what an inconvenience it is for a parent to have to leave work to come and administer medicine personally. For us to give your child medication there are three requirements:
1. A doctor’s written permission for NON– PRESCRIPTION medicine.
2. Prescription medicine must be in the original bottle with the child’s name, doctor’s name, and instructions on how to administer the medicine; and complete a Parent Consent for Medication Form.
3. All medicine must be brought to the office and signed in on our Medicine Log.
We DO NOT give children Tylenol or any medication with a pain reliever/fever reducer. If your child needs a fever reducer, they should stay home. If they need Tylenol for an injury or other reason, a doctor’s note is required.
Snacks & Lunches
Snacks & Lunches
The Center provides two snacks during the day– morning & afternoon. We offer at least two food groups at each snack and will provide water.
St. Michael’s is a peanut free school. Please help us adhering to the following SMCC food allergy safety guidelines:
1. Please eliminate any foods that contain peanut butter or nuts of any kind from your child’s lunch. Sun butter is allowed, but almond butter is not. Foods containing these ingredients will be sent back home uneaten. If we are not sure, we may call and ask, or send food home with a note.
2. If your child ate foods with nuts for breakfast, please make sure that his/her hands and face are washed with both soap and water before coming to school.
3. Do not send any food items to be shared or eaten as snacks in our school with ingredient labels indicating they contain nuts.
4. Parties are a special time for children but can be difficult for the food-allergic child. When sending in baked goods, please be mindful about the ingredients, as you will be amazed which items contain peanuts, are processed in a factory with nut products or were processed in a facility that also manufactures food containing common food allergens. Note that bakeries often use the same bowls to prepare items with nuts and those items without nuts. On these special days, parents of allergic children may send alternate treats for their child.
SMCC Lunch Guidelines:
*Please bring lunch ready to eat, including necessary utensils.
*Label all containers (top and bottom) and utensils.
*Food should be cut in bite size pieces. Grapes, hot dogs, carrots, tomatoes, cherries should be cut the long way to avoid choking. (Even if you serve them whole at home)
*We do not heat or refrigerate lunches or milk at school. You may bring hot food, or milk in a thermos or insulated container. Lunches should be easy for the children to eat and in containers they can open. (We will help of course)
*Food Suggestions: hot food in thermoses, sandwiches cut in half or quarters, fruit cut in slices, cooked meats cut up, crackers, cheese, applesauce, yogurt, cereal bars, granola bars (without chocolate chips), milk or water, etc.
*Children are encouraged to eat their “main dish,” but will be allowed to choose the foods they want to eat from their lunch. Please be mindful of this and pack foods that can be eaten in any order. Sweets and fruit are typically the first to go.
* Because we encourage children to eat healthy and make better food choices, the following foods are considered “home foods” and may not be eaten at school:
Chocolate, including chocolate flavored foods, or foods with chocolate chips
Cookies (a Fig Newton IS a cookie)
Candy
Chips (veggie chips okay)
Popcorn or puffs (pirate booty type included)
Fruit snacks of any kind, fruit leather or roll ups
Jell-O and puddings.
“Organic” sounds great but does not mean it is good for you. All foods on the “home food” list will be returned uneaten even if they are organic.
Remember, your children are at school all day and need foods that will refuel them after a morning of burning calories. Please help us avoid HANGRY children. 😊
Clothing
Children need to dress comfortably at school. Please send your child in clothes that he/she can remove and put back on easily by themselves for toileting. Remember, they WILL GET DIRTY so do not dress them in their Sunday bests. Belts, snaps, and zippers are often difficult for children at bathroom times, so make sure your child can manage these as well. Elastic waists are easiest for children. Open-toed sandals, backless or dress shoes are not appropriate for school. Please label all clothing.
Toilet Training
Attendance at our school is not contingent on whether a child is toilet trained. Parents supply all diapers and wipes. When your child’s teacher feels the child is ready to start potty training, he/she will speak to you about it. If you are ready, we will begin the process. Children who are potty-trained know when they need to use the restroom and will either tell an adult or go on their own. Before they start wearing underwear to school, your child must be able to pull pants up and down, verbalize the need to go to the restroom, and have bowel movements on the potty. Please bring lots of underwear and pants for changes in case of accidents.
Discipline
Discipline is the art of teaching acceptable behavior rather than punishing a child for misbehavior. This is accomplished through positive reinforcement, redirection, and when necessary, a “new beginning.” We set clear limits that children can understand. A “new beginning” does not dwell on the misbehavior but stresses the positive steps the child can take next. Children are taught to communicate their needs with teachers and peers. In this way, we help children gain control and respect for the rights of others. We do not shame, embarrass, spank, shake, or administer any physical punishments to any child.
Communication
Each classroom posts lesson plans on the Brightwheel app. You may also send messages to teachers through the app.
In Case of Emergency
In case of a medical/dental emergency, a first aid trained person from the Children’s Center will assess the seriousness of the situation. Parents will be called and if necessary, 911 will also be called.
Parent Conferences
We believe parent/teacher conferences are an important communication tool for our parents. Our conferences are done in an informal and relaxed manner once a year. Additional conferences may be arranged by you or your child’s teacher if necessary.
Ages and Stages Questionnaire
We will be administering the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3), to all children in our program. The ASQ-3 is one of the first tools used to help you and your child’s teacher keep track of your child’s development. The first 5 years of life are especially important for your child because this time sets the stage for success in school and later life. It is important to ensure that each child’s development proceeds well during this period and the ASQ-3 is a helpful way to keep track.
You and your child’s teacher will answer questions about some things your child can or cannot do. This questionnaire includes questions about your child’s communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social skills. Your child’s teacher will then set up a time to meet with you to discuss your child’s strengths and offer ideas on how to continue to support your child’s development. If you have concerns about your child’s development, we can offer you a list of activities to help them get on track. We can also guide you to available resources and information on how to get a more involved assessment for your child.
You will receive an Ages and Stages Questionnaire at the following increments: For infants: 2 or 4 months and every 2-4 months after. (If all milestones are met, every 4 months). Toddlers: 12, 16, 20 and 24 months OR 12, 18 and 24 months. Preschool: 30, 36, 48 and 60 months. All new students will be screened within their first month of enrollment and then at the appropriate increments.
Field Trips
We sometimes take short walking trips to explore our neighborhood to watch workers trim trees or new construction, find leaves, look at flowers, bugs, etc. We have a four-block perimeter set as our walking boundaries. If we plan a trip to the library, fire department, etc., a permission slip will be required, and we may ask for parents to walk with us. The Children’s Center does not take children on trips by bus or car.
Chapel Time
St. Michael’s Children’s Center knows the importance of sharing God’s love. Chapel time is once a week in the church at St. Michael’s. It includes prayer, a Bible story, and singing our “church” songs. This gives every child the opportunity to hear God’s word and to experience attending church.
Birthdays
We love to celebrate birthdays! Families are encouraged to bring in a small treat for morning snack to celebrate your child’s birthday with her/his class. We suggest small muffins, fruit, ice cream cups, or other individual treats. All items must be store bought and nut free. Please speak to your child’s teacher to set up the date to celebrate a birthday at school.
Cell Phones
We request that parents refrain from cell phone use during their time in the school.
Disputes
If a dispute arises which cannot be resolved between the school and parents, both parties must agree to third party arbitration. Decisions made in arbitration are final.
Disaster Preparedness
Should an emergency such as earthquake, fire, flood, power failure, etc., occur during school hours we have made plans to care for your children.
We conduct evacuation and drop drills on a regular basis. The fire department has assured us that our building is one of the safest places to be during an earthquake. We have an adequate supply of food and water on the premises. We also have cots and blankets available if it becomes necessary to keep the children overnight.
We will release your child only to those persons listed on the emergency card in her/his emergency kit or the emergency list in the Director’s office. Please be sure this information is current, and all cards contain the same information. In the event of a disaster, the children will be kept at school until you, or a person designated by you, call for them. Although we know parents will hurry to retrieve their children, the teachers will remain on duty as long as needed.
Our alternate site is Richmond Street School, which is on the corner of Richmond and Mariposa Street in El Segundo. This school is approximately three blocks from our center.
In conformity with standards set up by neighboring elementary schools, we require parents to send in a Comfort Kit and a gallon of water for their child. The kit is stored in the front of the school and will be wheeled out in an emergency. Should the child have to wait a while, having familiar items will be comforting. Every September, your child’s kit will be sent home, so freshness can be assured. Kits must be in the classrooms the second week of the school.
Preschool Supplies:
Extra change of clothes (socks and shoes included)
Jacket
Reusable, leak-proof water bottle
Crib sheet and blanket for cot
Diapers/Wipes if needed
Comfort Kit Contents and Instructions for Preschool
Every family is required to prepare a 2-gallon freezer zip-lock plastic bag for each child enrolled in school. The bag should be labeled with your child’s name and date of preparation.
Each kit should contain the following items:
1 small hand towel
One sweatshirt with hood or tightly woven sweater (rolled tight)
Four moist towelettes (individually wrapped) or “wet ones”
10 Band-Aids
Four small packs of snack- commercially sealed with a one-year shelf life
One plastic 30-gallon trash bag
Four emergency 3x5 cards with two safety pins
On Front in bold letters, print child’s name and any long term medical or dietary needs.
On Back, print address, phone, three persons allowed to pick up child. Include your out-of-state area contact person with the phone number.
A supply of special dietary or medical needs (if necessary)
Four diapers (if necessary)
Three small photographs of family “happy memories” and a brief note, (place in a small zip lock bag)
A small toy, book, or stuffed animal to comfort your child
Additional Information just for
the Infant/Toddler Room
Arrival and Departure
Upon arrival at the Center, please inform the staff how the child’s night and morning went. Please share their last feeding and what time they woke up. The staff will then continue throughout the day to track meals, naps, diaper changes, and other events via the Brightwheel App. Please help your child’s transition go smoothly by making sure they have a dry diaper and are not hungry upon arrival.
We ask that each family bring a small bag daily for us to return dirty clothes, utensils, bottles, etc.
Needs and Services Plan
Included in each registration packet is a Needs and Services Plan form. This form gives us vital information about your child’s eating and sleeping schedule and any special needs she/he may have. This form is updated quarterly for accuracy. The staff uses this to guide them in the best care for your child.
Schedule
We do not stick to a strict schedule in the infant room. With children this young it is important to let the needs of the child be our guide each day. Our infants maintain the feeding and sleeping schedules set up by the parents in the Needs and Services Plan. Diapers will be checked every two hours and changed as needed.
Staff will offer various stimulating activities both indoor and outdoor during the children’s waking hours. The older children, who can manage a more structured day, will follow a basic morning schedule of inside and outside play followed by lunch and nap.
Supplies
Parents supply all food, formula, wipes, and diapers for their child. Licensing requires that all food and bottles be ready to serve. We are not allowed to prepare food and bottles except to warm them. All formula bottles must be prepared at home for the day. Breast milk may be sent in bottles ready to serve, or frozen and we will defrost it as needed. All bottles must have a cover and be labeled.
Food for toddlers should be cut small pieces to avoid choking. You will be alerted when supplies are running low. Please label all food with your child’s name. Infant mealtimes vary with the schedules set up by parents. For the older toddlers, lunch is at 12 noon.
Each child needs to bring several changes of clothes as well as a blanket. Crib sheets are provided. Blankets will be sent home each week to be laundered. Please see the following supply list for a list of what to bring for us to keep at school:
Infant Supply List Toddler Supply List
Two sets of clothing two sets of clothing
Socks/booties two large plastic bibs
Two large plastic bibs Jacket or sweater
Drool cloths one small blanket for cot
Jacket or sweater Diapers
One small blanket for bed Wipes
Diapers Food/lunch
Wipes Cups/drinks
Food
Comfort Kit Contents for Infant/Toddler
Every family is required to prepare a 2-gallon freezer zip-lock plastic bag for each child enrolled in school. The bag should be labeled with your child’s name and date of preparation.
Each kit should contain the following items:
One small receiving blanket
One small travel pack of wipes
One metal feeding spoon
Two small packets of snacks (or formula and water for 48 hours)
Four small jars of ready to eat food
One full change of clothes including socks
Six disposable diapers
Two emergency 3x5 cards with two safety pins
On Front in bold letters, print child’s name and any long term medical or dietary needs.
On Back- print address, phone, three persons allowed to pick up child. Include your out-of-state area contact person with the phone number.
A supply of special dietary or medical needs (if necessary)
A small item for your child to cuddle