Triple T Sports Center

1. Triple T Sports Center Child Care Parent Handbook Rev. Jan 2012 619 E. Constance Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434 TripleTGym.com (757)923-5150 (757)923-5185 Fax

2. Triple T Sports Center partners with your family to ensure your child’s success in school and life. We believe that Triple T forms a caring and learning environment in which families, faculty, and children can interact and grow. We actively work to support family life and create ways to involve families in our program. The center’s open door policy welcomes and encourages you to call or visit any time. An annual survey allows you to rate and comment on all aspects of our program. Scheduled conferences, at least twice per year, are a time to share observations and perspectives and to create an accurate picture of your child’s development. You are encouraged to share your ideas and concerns with center management and faculty at any time. You are welcome to join your child for lunch any time you wish. All students must be signed in and out each day. Family – Teacher Partnership The family-teacher partnership at Triple T Sports Center helps children build a positive attitude toward themselves, respect for others, and a lifelong love of learning. Education is a team responsibility: all teachers will interact with and provide learning experiences for every child in the center. We are committed to creating a strong home and center connection by developing a process of open, honest communication with you regarding your child’s development and experience at the center. All discussions regarding your child need to be done in person. This is for the the security of your child - we will not discuss your child over the phone unless you request in person for a staff member to call you directly. Bulletin boards are located in the lobby to communicate news, events, facility changes, holiday closing dates, etc. Family Involvement/Communication Triple T Sports Center has been serving Suffolk and the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads since October 2001 and is founded on Christian principles and values.

3. By establishing and maintaining open and ongoing communication with families, we are able to strengthen the ties that connect the home with our center and enhance the development of the children in our care. When families entrust their children to us, we are challenged to have a significant and positive influence by providing a program of the highest quality designed to help give children the foundation they need to build self-esteem, to develop school competence, and to reach for higher levels of learning. Our promise to you Conflict Resolution In any group setting, in the process of daily living, there are inevitable situations or conflicts that are potentially negative for individuals or for the group. It is critical that long before conflict arises, an environment already exists that fosters mutual respect, tolerance, and clear, honest communication. The emotional health of a center is determined not by the absence of conflict, but by its quick and intelligent resolution. Concerns and grievances are most effectively handled within the center. Should a specific concern arise, you should discuss the issue with the appropriate teacher. If you feel that your problem has not been resolved to your satisfaction, we encourage you to speak with the center management. Parent Referral Program Triple T Families are always our best ambassadors. We are thankful when a satisfied family recommends our program to other families. To reward families for their support we offer a referral credit of $10 to be received after the first full month of enrollment of the new student. Registration form for new student must show parent name in the referral section to receive credit.

4. Licensed / Non Licensed Areas Main Gym Rec. Gym • Triple T offers numerous programs and activities and only some of those fall under State licensing requirements, therefore only certain areas of the gym are licensed for child care. Those areas are the front lobby, kitchen/party room, dance room, and the back karate room. The programs that are licensed for child care are the before/after school, day camps, and summer camp. The students will be signed in and out of the licensed areas by Triple T staff depending on what activities they are participating in at the time.

5. Triple T Child Care Programs Summer Camp : • Camp hours are Monday – Friday, 6am-6pm • 3 day or 5 day rates are available • Students must bring a lunch, and afternoon snack. Snack accounts can be set up at parents request. • All food items need to be clearly marked with child’s name and the date. All leftover food and drinks remaining in the refrigerator are thrown out at the end of each day. Day Camps : • Camp hours are Monday – Friday, 6am-6pm • Available based on the Suffolk Public School Schedule. Center closed Thanksgiving & Christmas breaks. • All Summer camp rules and policies apply Before & After School Programs : • Before School hours Mon – Fri 6am drop off • After School – pick up by 6pm. • Schools : Nansemond Pkwy, Hillpoint, Kilby Shores, Mac Benn, and Elephants Fork. • Homework Help, physical fitness, & fun Summer Camp Before & After School Day Camps

6. Summer Camp Program • We believe that summer is a special time of year for children and an opportunity to engage in new and different experiences. Triple T provides new ways of learning while maintaining the same quality and standard of care offered throughout the year. • Summer camp is a time for fun, friendships, and exploration. • The mission of Triple T Camp for school-age children is to provide a place that uses the child’s growing capacity to make choices, work together with others, and assume responsibility in a relaxed non-school atmosphere to create memories that last a lifetime. • We incorporate Dance, Tae Kwon Do, and Gymnastics classes into our regular camp schedule. This provides an introduction to many different types of physical activities. • Theme weeks : All arts/crafts, games, activities, and fieldtrips incorporate the weeks theme. • Full Day Campers must bring a lunch/drink and afternoon snack/drink each day clearly labeled with their name and date.

7. Daily Camp Schedule All 6:00-9:00 Movies / Quiet Play 9:00-9:20 Stretch 9:20-9:30 Warm Up 9:30-10:00 Open Gym Group A (younger) Group B (Older) 10:00-10:45 Gymnastics 10:00-10:45 Karate / Dance 10:45-11:00 Snack 10:45-11:30 Gymnastics 11:00-11:45 Karate / Dance 11:30-11:45 Snack 11:45-1:00 Lunch / Craft 11:45-1:00 *Movie / Quiet Play 1:00-2:30 *Movie / Quiet Play 1:00-2:30 Lunch / Craft 2:30-2:50 Coloring Activity 2:30-2:50 Open Gym All 3:00-5:00 Theme games / activities for all campers – usually stay separated in 2 age groups 5:00-6:00 Back Pre-School or Dance Room while waiting to be picked up *Movie / Quiet Play – coloring/word search/cross word/activity books, blocks, playing cards and board games are made available to students that do not want to watch the movie. **Schedule applies to summer camp and full day camp students when schools are closed. Crafts or games may be substituted for Gymnastics/Dance/Karate time on single day camp days depending on the availability of class instructors.

8. After School Program Schedule Homework / Worksheet time: Coaches are responsible for helping students with their homework, and insuring assignments are completed correctly. Projects are to be done at home with parents. Students may also use computers during this time if homework is completed. Structured Games / Activities: During this time either structured games or craft activities are to be done. Open Gym: Coaches are responsible for watching the students at all times and will go over safety rules and restrictions on a regular basis. Snack Time: Snacks and drinks are provided by Triple T. 3:45-4:00 Students arrive from school, put personal items away, use the restroom. Open gym for 10 minutes. Take out homework assignments. Monday – Thursday Group A Group B 4:00-4:15 Snack Time (provided) Open Gym 4:15-4:30 Open Gym Snack Time 4:30-5:00 Homework time – students are divided into groups and coaches help w/homework 5:00-5:30 Structured Games / Activities – Main gym or party room 5:30-6:00 Get shoes on and gather belongings, students stay in Back Room or Dance Room – free time Friday 4:30-5:30 Teacher lead/independent Craft Time 5:30-6:00 Get shoes on and gather belongings, students stay in Back Room or Dance Room – free time

9. Natural and logical consequences are used to motivate and empower children to make responsible decisions about their behavior. Triple T consistently emphasizes basic respect for the individual child. Children strive for understanding, independence, and self control. They learn by exploring, experimenting, and testing the limits of their environment and experiencing the consequences of their behavior. Through positive guidance of behavior, faculty help children to feel good about themselves and to behave in responsible ways. Expectations are limited to what is realistic for the development level of the child, and they are clarified for children to understand what is expected of them. Teachers model appropriate behavior. Behaviors such as cooperating, helping, negotiating, problem solving, and good sportsmanship are encouraged. The following methods of discipline are strictly prohibited: Physical punishment: including spanking, striking a child, restricting movement through binding or tying, forcing a child to assume an uncomfortable position. Shaking, jerking, squeezing, or physically indicating disapproval Shaming, humiliation, or any verbal remarks which are demeaning to the child. Punishment by another child. Enclosure in a small confined space. Separation from the group so that the child is away from the hearing and vision of a staff member. Using bribes, false threats, or false choices Labeling such as indicating a child is “bad” or otherwise implying that he or she, rather than the behavior, is the problem. Withholding or forcing of food or rest. Punishment by applying unpleasant or harmful substances. Retaliating or doing to the child what he or she did to someone else. Punishment for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet. Positive Guidance

10. In group settings where young children are learning to interact effectively with their peers, its not unusual for incidences of aggression to occur. Children at this stage of development may sometimes express themselves by hitting, grabbing things, calling names. As an organization committed to the education and development of young children, we at Triple T understand the developmental context in which these behaviors might occur, and work with the children to teach them more constructive ways of interacting with their peers. When an incident occurs, parents or guardians of the children involved are informed of the incident and any specific information pertinent to an understanding of the situation. Information given: Details of the incident itself (time/place) Specific steps taken to comfort the child that was hurt The plans put into place to prevent the situation from recurring. Information not given: Names of other children involved We will not discuss the behavior patterns of the other child involved. Handling Confidential Information in Incidences of Children’s Aggressive Behavior If, in our judgment, any child’s behavior places other children’s wellbeing in jeopardy, we will act quickly and decisively to resolve the situation (e.g., redirection to more appropriate activities, firm and consistent limit-setting, guiding them to more acceptable ways to express their feelings). If after exhausting our resources in finding a successful solution to the problem, and the aggressive behavior continues, we may considering it to be in the best interest of all the children involved to have the parents or guardians of the child who is exhibiting consistently aggressive behavior to withdraw from the program. Our policies are intended to demonstrate the utmost respect for every child and family we serve. We place a high value on the confidentiality of every child’s records. Knowledge of the identity of the aggressor is not significant to parents’/guardians’ understanding of the details of the incident or actions taken by the center and may even hinder its speedy and natural resolution.

11. Health and Safety • Triple T maintains stringent health and safety practices. Our policies and practices are based on the Model Health Care Policies developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Health Department. • All staff is certified in CPR, First Aid, and Blood borne Pathogens (infection control). • The center director conducts routine fire and emergency drills on a regular basis. • Triple T has in place an individual emergency response plan. In the event of an emergency that requires the center to evacuate and leave the premises, you will be notified immediately and given information about the safety and location of your child.

12. Medical Policies • Medical Records In order to ensure and protect the health of all children, and to satisfy child care regulations, we need current medical information on each child prior to enrollment. These include birth certificate, immunization record, and current physical. These records must be updated annually and when new immunizations are given to younger children. • Medical Policies Illnesses of children in child care is a difficult and frustrating problem for faculty, families, and children. It is inconvenient for the family member who has to leave work or school and for faculty trying to care for a sick child. Everyone shares a concern for the child’s well being, and it is easy to get frustrated under the circumstances. We are committed to implementing policies that respect the needs of all the children, families, and faculty. (See Child Illness Policy on page 16) • Allergy Prevention Families are expected to notify the center regarding children’s food or environmental allergies. A list of children’s allergies is posted in the kitchen. Faculty are trained to familiarize themselves with the list and to consult as appropriate to avoid the potential of exposing children to substances to which they have known allergies. • Childs Entry If your child appears to be ill when brought to the center and he or she cannot be made comfortable you will be asked to take your child. If child appears to be able to be admitted but becoming ill we will monitor the child and update you as necessary. • Reportable Communicable Diseases When Triple T is notified that either a child enrolled in our program or an employee has a (suspected) reportable disease, it is our legal responsibility to notify the local Board of Health or Department of Public Health. Authorities may require further information, testing, or preventive measures.

13. Infection Control • Bacterial Meningitis • Botulism • Chicken Pox • Diphtheria • Haemophilus influenza • Hepatitis • H1N1 • Measles • Meningococcal infection • Poliomyelitis • Rabies • Small Pox • Tetanus • Any cluster / outbreak of illness Triple T will give serious consideration to all recommendations made by the public health department in order to promote the health and safety of our staff, the children, and their families. We believe it is extremely important to notify families about exposure so their children can receive preventive treatment if available. Included among reportable illnesses are the following: All teachers are trained with regard to proper hygiene practices, which include hand-washing procedures, general infection control, and safe food handling. Triple T will sanitize equipment, mats, toys/items used by children, and surfaces using soap and water followed by disinfectant on a regular schedule. The disinfectant can be either a bleach solution or a commercial disinfectant registered by the EPA (environmental protection agency). Toilets, toilet seats, flushing handles, containers/lids, play and food tables, and all nonporous floors are cleaned daily or whenever there is visible contamination.

14. Policies and Procedures Late Pick Up Fees: It is for the safety and wellbeing of your child that he or she is picked up at their scheduled time of departure. If a child is left in the center after program closing time, we will call the numbers listed on the Child Release form after trying to reach you. Please make sure these numbers are up to date and if someone other than yourself is picking up your child, you have confirmed this with him/her the afternoon of pickup and that center has permission to release the child to that individual. A late fee will be charged if a child is picked up after the program closing time. Please call the center if your child is not to be picked up from school. Drop off / Pick up: To ensure that each child is safe and supervised at all times and to foster daily communication between families and faculty, a parent or authorized person must accompany child into the center and ensure the child is under supervision prior to leaving the premises. Parents are responsible for signing their child in and out each day. Parents must reenter the center and sign out their child. Once in your care the center is no longer responsible. Enrollment: During the enrollment process you will be required to complete forms regarding your child’s health and development. These forms include family information, a medical liability, authorization and consent form. An updated physical, proof of birth, and immunization record is required prior to enrollment. All forms in your child’s record need to be updated annually. Please remember to update center with additional updates as needed (e.g., change in phone number, address, emergency contact). Tuition & Fees: Tuition is due the first day of care each week with no deductions for any absences, holidays, or closures due to inclement weather, power outages, or other situations out of Triple T’s control. When you withdraw your child, you must give a 2 week written notice prior to withdrawal. If tuition is not paid on time a $10 late fee will be charged. When a payment is delinquent for one week, the space can no longer be reserved, and the child cannot attend the center until the balance is current. A $25 fee will be charged for any check returned for insufficient funds. If this occurs, Triple T will have the option to refuse any future checks. There may be additional fees associated with special activities or field trips for the children. Children will only be released to custodial parents or to the persons listed on the Child Release Form. Office must be notified in writing if someone other than those listed on the form are to pick up the child. We will not release a child to someone they do not know.

15. Non-Discrimination & Confidentiality • Your Child’s Records The information in your child’s records is considered privileged and confidential. No one who is not directly related to the care of your child, or with center management or regulatory agencies, will have access to the record without your written permission. As a parent/guardian, you may have access to your child’s record within two days of request to view the record. As a parent/guardian, you have the right to add information, comments, data or other relevant material to your child’s record. You also have the right to request, in writing, deletion or amendment of any information contained in the record. When your child leaves the center, the center management will transfer a copy of your child’s record to you, or any person you designated in a written request. Regulatory agencies may review your child’s record to ensure the center has followed its requirements in maintaining the necessary information. Triple T is required to have a copy of all state regulations that is available to all parents/guardians. Triple T provides full-day and part-day care for children ages 4 – 12 without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, cultural heritage, disability or special needs, medical condition, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It is Triple T’s policy that any information regarding a child, a child’s family, or other matters discussed with center management or staff will be held in the strictest of confidence. Reporting of Abuse and Neglect: Individuals working with children are required by law to report to state authorities if they suspect a child is suffering from or in danger of abuse or neglect. All staff receives training on recognizing the signs of abuse. If suspicion is reported the appropriate authority will investigate and determine any actions needed to be taken. Triple T will cooperate fully with any investigation and will maintain confidentiality concerning any abuse allegations. Our foremost concern is always the child.

16. Termination of Care • A child appears to be a danger to himself or herself, other children attending the center, staff, or anyone else at the center. • Medical, psychological, or social service personnel working with the center determine that continued care at the center would not be in the best interest of the child. At any point that a child’s behavior or circumstances is a concern to a teacher or administrator, written documentation and family/teacher communication will begin the first step to understanding the child’s individual needs and challenges, and to evaluate these needs in the context of our program. Triple T does not use suspension as a form of discipline. Our child care programs are centered on the children for whom we care. We seek to provide programs designed to support children’s growth that is responsive to the wide range of individual learning styles and needs. Due to the wide range of individual differences , it is only on rare occasions that a child’s behavior may warrant the need to find a more suitable setting for care. Examples of such instances include: On rare occasions a parent / guardians actions might warrant the removal of a child from the center. Some examples of such instances include: • The parent / guardian fails to abide by the centers policies or those requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency. • A parent/guardian demands special services which are not provided to other children and which cannot reasonably be delivered. • A parent / guardian is physically or verbally abusive to center staff, children, or anyone else in the center. Triple T requires a 2 week written notice when terminating care in the program.

17. Child Illness Policy • Illness that prevents the child from participating comfortably with program activities. • Illness that results in a greater need for care than the center can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children and staff. • Fever (101 orally) accompanied by other symptoms, ie lethargy, irritability, constant crying, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting. • Diarrhea – stools with blood or mucus, and/or uncontrolled stools. • Vomiting – green or bloody, and/or 2 or more times during previous 24 hours. • Rash with fever or behavioral changes. • Purulent conjunctivitis – pink eye until on antibiotics for 24 hours • Strep Throat until 24 hours after treatment. • Impetigo until 24 hours after treatment • Head Lice until after treatment and all nits are removed. • Scabies until 24 hours after treatment • Chickenpox, until all lesions have dried and crusted (usually 6 days) therefore no longer contagious. • Pertussis (whooping cough) until 5 days of appropriate antibiotics. • Hepatitis A until 1 week after onset of illness, after immune globulin has been administered. Our Child Illness Policy is based on the Model Health Care Policies developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Triple T understands that it is difficult for a parent / guardian to leave or miss time at work; therefore it is better to make alternative care arrangements for occasions when your child must stay home or be picked up due to illness. Exclusion from the center is sometimes necessary to prevent the spread of illness or because the center may not be able to adequately meet the needs of the child. Mild illnesses are common and unfortunately spread often before and visible symptoms are present. In these cases, we try to keep the child comfortable and will notify the parent/guardian of any changes throughout the day. Some reasons for exclusion: The following list covers most common illnesses, but is not all inclusive and there may be other reasons for exclusion. We ask that for your child’s comfort and to reduce the risk of contagion, children be picked up within 1 ½ hours of notification. Children need to remain home for 24 hours without symptoms before returning to the program. In the case of a (suspected) contagious disease or continuing symptoms, a doctor’s note may be required to return to the center. Any child with a fever of 104 will be excluded and should receive medical attention as soon as possible.

18. Child Illness Policy Continued A certified staff member shall administer medication. Each time the medication is given, it must be recorded on the Authorization of Medication Form. This form will be filed in the child’s record when completed. All unused medicine will be returned to the parent / guardian. Prescription Medications: Require a note signed by the parent / guardian and a written order from the child’s physician (this may include the label on the medication). The medication must have a current pharmacist’s label that includes your child’s name, dosage, current date, times to be administered, and the name and number of the physician. All medications must be in the original container. Many pharmacists will fill your prescription in 2 bottles so that one can be left at the center. A medication spoon should be provided with the child’s name on it if needed for administration. A new note is needed each time a medication is prescribed. Note: All medications, both prescription and non-prescription, and notes allowing to return after an exclusion due to illness must originate from the child’s health care provider. Notes from parent or guardian will not be acceptable. • Children who have been excluded may return when: • They are free of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea for a full 24 hours. • They have been treated with an antibiotic for a full 24 hours. • They are able to participate comfortably in all usual program activities. • They are free of open, oozing skin conditions and drooling unless: • The child’s health care provider signs a note stating that the child’s condition is not contagious, and; • The involved areas can be covered by a bandage without seepage or drainage through the bandage. Medication Policies: We will administer medication to children with a signed note from the parent/guardian and a written order from the child’s physician. You may come to administer medication to your child during the day or, if possible, check with your child’s physician to see if a dose schedule can be arranged that does not involve the hours you child is in the center. You will need to complete the Authorization for Administration of Medication form available in the front office for any and all medications to be administered. All medications must be given to center management for proper storage. For safety purposes, medications should not be left in lunch boxes or with child’s belongings. If the child has been excluded due to a reportable communicable disease, a doctor’s note stating the child is no longer contagious and may return is required. The final decision whether to exclude a child due to illness will be made by the center.

19. Medications/topical ointments Children who have asthma, diabetes, and diagnosed with severe allergies (EpiPens), must have a care plan from their physician on file at the center that outlines the reason why the child must have the treatment, symptoms of the child’s illness or allergy, and treatment while at the center. Please note the expiration dates of any medications kept at the center to be used for emergency purposes, such as EpiPens, so they can be replaced as needed. Non-Prescription Medications: (tylenol, orajel, etc) Non-prescription medications require a note signed by the parent/guardian (not to exceed a 10 day period) on the day that the medication is to be given, specifying dose, time, and reason for administration and will be administered by certified personnel only. If you are requesting that we give a dose higher than what is recommended or medication is not recommended for the age of the child, we will need a written order from the physician. All medications must be in the original container with a legible manufacturer’s label and a valid expiration date. A medication spoon should be provided with the child’s name on it if needed. Non Prescription Ointments/Repellents: A note signed by the parent/guardian, specifying times and dosage to be administered is required. Duration of administration is not to exceed one year for sunscreen and insect repellants. Duration of all other non-prescription topical ointments must not exceed 90 days. Note: The center will not administer Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen or other fever reducing medicines so a child can remain at the center. Fever reducing medicines will be given at the parent’s request (with a signed note as outlined above) while the child is awaiting the parent/guardian’s arrival. The child may not be readmitted to the center until he/she has been fever free for 24 hours with no other symptoms.

20. Our staff