Parents' Handbook

Coulee Children's Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Western Wisconsin, offers Early Intervention, Therapy, and Child Care Services provided by pediatric specialists.  We give children and their families the opportunity to gain self-confidence by encouraging the child's cognitive, physical and social development.

Our philosophy for child care and our first priority is to help children build self-esteem through the use of praise and encouragement. Our second priority is to provide a happy, comfortable environment in which children can increase their skills in various areas.

Coulee Children's Center is designed to provide quality child care for children of all abilities. Our philosophy is based on the concept of "full inclusion" in order for children to have the opportunity to learn and accept differences among individuals.

Our facility is designed specifically to fulfill our mission by creating a comfortable child-oriented environment.

At Coulee Children's Center we recognize your child as a unique individual with a special set of interests, needs and abilities. Our self-paced individualized program is designed to promote your child's emotional, social, intellectual and physical development. Our center tries to accommodate all children regardless of challenges presented due to a developmental disability. We make every attempt to adapt our program to fit the needs of the child rather than expect all children to fit into an already established program.

Each classroom teacher of children two years of age or older prepares lesson plans developmentally appropriate for their class. Your child will have the opportunity to choose among activities, giving him or her a chance to make decisions. This ability to choose helps enhance your child's self-esteem and positive self-image.

We encourage all children to be active learners - to explore and move about freely. Coulee Children's Center's child-friendly environment encourages your child to participate in the following activities:

We welcome all children from four weeks thru 12 years of age.
 

Our facilities have both carpeted and tiled floor areas to provide for soft quiet places and areas that allow for easy clean up. Children nap, eat and play in their classroom areas.

We have separate playground areas in our sites that serve both infants and preschoolers; one for children under age 2 1/2 and one for children age 2 1/2 and older. This provides a safer outdoor play area for the little ones. Our larger playgrounds often include garden areas for planting flowers and vegetables in the spring to aid children in their knowledge of food and plant origins.

Our staff consists of early childhood professionals committed to a philosophy of a positive early childhood experience.

Each teacher is fully qualified, according to the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Rules for child care centers. Many have Associate or Bachelor degrees. Coulee Children's Center provides additional staff training to teach our philosophy and the unique characteristics of our program.

Teachers are selected based on good references, resourcefulness, positive attitude and a commitment to providing care for children of all abilities.

The Early Intervention Program staff can be available to work with child care staff as needed on education, speech, language, occupational and physical therapy concerns of children with exceptional needs.

Parents and children are encouraged to visit our center before enrollment. During this visit, parents may tour the center with the Program Director, observe our staff and learn about our program. Visiting the center gives parents and their children an opportunity to become acquainted with the center and gives center staff the opportunity to get to know them better.

Registration forms must be completed and turned in prior to the child's first day in the program.

Each child's folder will include the following, as required by state licensing:

• child's full name, birthday, address and phone number
• procedure for notifying parents or person legally responsible if child becomes ill
• name, address and phone number of two people who can assume responsibility for the child if the parent cannot be reached in an emergency
• signed authorization from the parent authorizing the program staff to act in an emergency situation when the parent cannot be reached or is delayed in arriving
•  name, address and phone number of the health care provider to be called in case of emergency
• * special diet needs (allergy to certain foods)
• * signed permission to administer Syrup of Ipecac if so ordered by the poison control center or physician
• special medical conditions or allergies information
• signed acknowledgment of receipt of this handbook

Parents will need to furnish:

For infants (approximately four weeks to one year of age)

• diapers and wipes
• bottles (labeled with child's name)
• blanket
• pacifier (if desired)
• extra change of clothing

For toddlers (one to two years old)

• diapers
• blanket and cot sheet (crib sheets work best)
• sippy cup
• pacifier (if desired)
• extra change of clothing

For pre-schoolers (age two to five)

• blanket and cot sheet (crib sheets work best)
• toothbrush
• extra change of clothing
  

Coulee Children's Center is a nonprofit organization which operates primarily from the tuition fees received from each family. Fees must be paid for the days and hours your child is scheduled to attend unless holding days (see page 8) have been requested and approved at least one week prior to anticipated absence. There is a supply of forms on the parent information bulletin board located in the reception area at the East Avenue Center.

A registration fee of $25.00 is due in advance annually on January first. It is not refundable. The first year, however, will be prorated.

Method of Payment

Each family requesting ongoing care is required to sign a tuition contract which states the hours and times the child is registered for care, the rate for that care and the payment schedule. In order to ensure proper credit to the account, the check or money order should be made payable to Coulee Children's Center with the child's and parents full names in the memo portion of the check. Tuition checks and your invoice should be put in the payment slot in the reception area of the East Avenue Center. Please be sure to review any invoice you receive as there may be additional information noted such as upcoming holidays, registration fees or contract changes due. You will not receive an invoice unless your amount due is different than your contract rate. In addition to traditional methods of payment, you can now pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT). This means that you can ask our administrative staff for the sign-up form to authorize your tuition to be transferred directly from your bank account. Many people use this to pay their monthly expenses each month, as a way to save postage and late fees and you are now able to use this method to pay for your child care costs as well.

Drop In Care for Enrolled Children

Care can be provided on an "as needed" basis depending on staff and space availability for children (and/or their siblings) enrolled in child care or the Early Intervention Program. This care may be available in addition to care already contracted for. Parents need to complete a "Drop-In" request form which is located near the payment slot area.

Please leave the completed form for the Program Director's approval with the receptionist or your child's teacher. If approved, your child care costs will be billed to you. Sibling discounts if applicable and partial day rates are available for families of enrolled children.

Drop In Care for Non-Enrolled Children

Drop in care will be provided for non-enrolled children depending on staff and space availability. Payment is due when the child is dropped off. There are no partial day rates or sibling discounts for families of non-enrolled children for the first day of drop in care.

This is due to the administrative time it takes to set up the account.

Late Payments

Tuition is due the last day of the week that your child is in attendance. Fees must be paid promptly. Children may not be accepted at the center if payments are not current. A late charge will be incurred if fees are not paid by 5:45 p.m. on the Monday following the actual due date. Please review your statement before writing your check to ensure that the amount agrees with the balance due. There may be holding days, drop in days, registration fees, etc. which may change the amount on your invoice from your usual contracted rate. Late charges occur if the entire balance is not paid in full. Refer to your tuition contract for specific information regarding payment of fees and late payments.

Payments must be made when they are due even though your child may be on vacation or otherwise not in attendance. If you don't plan to come in to the center when your tuition is due, please either pay in advance or mail your payment in so it is received by the due date. This will avoid late charges.

Returned Checks

There is a $25.00 service charge for any check returned for insufficient funds. Should this become a recurring problem, we reserve the right to cancel your contract or request that you sign a payroll deduction form so your child care can be sent directly by your employer.

Absence

Because our program and licensing regulations require us to schedule staff based on the number of children enrolled, we cannot refund tuition for days your child is absent. We would appreciate a call from you if your child is going to be absent so we can plan for meals and snacks as well as notify other parents of any possible contagious illnesses that children may have been exposed to.

Special Tuition Rates

A 25% reduction in cost of child care is allowed for siblings of the youngest child in attendance provided the youngest child is not less than two years of age. In families of more than two children in our center, the discount will apply only after full tuition is applied to all children under two and one child over two.

Our regular tuition rates are established based on the child/teacher ratio. The more children that can be cared for by a single staff member, the less the tuition. When providing care for a child with special needs who requires a lower child/staff ratio, a special tuition amount may need to be negotiated. In such instances, we will do our best to refer parents to possible funding resources. Additional charges apply to children who remain at the center for more than 9 1/2 hours per day.

Holidays

Coulee Children's Center will be closed on the following holidays and full tuition will be charged for those days:

If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the center will be closed on Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the center will be closed on Monday.

Tuition Costs on Days When Your Child Does Not Attend

Each child is allowed up to ten holding days per year. Holding days are counted by calendar year. We require written notice one week in advance of any scheduled absence.

Full tuition will be charged without this written notice. A four part carbon form has been designed for this purpose and is available in the area where you drop your payments off.

When parents decide to terminate their child care arrangement, a two-week written notice to the Program Director is required. In the majority of cases, termination of care by the parent is due to reasons such as relocation, child entering school, etc. However, we also recognize that not every situation is appropriate for every child. If for any reason our program is found to be unsatisfactory for your child, we welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you in order to determine the cause. Sometimes we can help a child make the adjustment. If this is not possible, you and/or the Program Director may choose to terminate the arrangement on a timeline that is in your child's best interest and/or the best interest of others.

Other reasons which may result in the termination of a specific care arrangement include, but are not limited to:

• non-payment of required fees
• failure to keep current on required health and immunization records
• abusive language or intimidation of staff by parents
  

Daily contact between parent and teacher is an important part of our program. By sharing information about your child's activities, we can work together to meet your child's needs. Parents of infants and pre-schoolers will receive a daily parent note informing them about their child's day. It will include information about their child's food intake, elimination, sleeping pattern and general behavior. If there has been any special circumstance, this information will be communicated to the parent(s) either verbally or in writing or both.

Parents will be informed regularly of weekly lesson plans and menus which will be posted.

Parent participation and observation is encouraged. Parents who have a child enrolled in the pro-gram may visit any time during the hours of operation. If you wish to join your child for lunch, please let your child's teacher know the day before. Parents are encouraged to share their time and talents with the children and program. We welcome and invite your suggestions and participation in events and activities. We occasionally survey parents for their interest in volunteering their time in an area of their choice.

Checklist assessments are completed by your child's classroom teacher twice per year. On these assessments we offer a parent-teacher conference to discuss your child's development. Additional conferences can be arranged by either the parent or teacher, as needed.

Staff will make every effort to coordinate services and plans for children with special needs enrolled at Coulee Children's Center.

Information with regard to family issues and personal lives will be handled confidentially. In the event of a divorce, separation or joint custody ruling, every effort will be made to treat both parents according to their documented legal rights.

At Coulee Children's Center we promote a positive approach to guiding the behavior of all children. A well-designed and well-equipped environment tailored to the developmental level of the children helps prevent frustration, conflict and hazards. It offers privacy, independence, choices and the opportunity for thorough adult supervision. The daily routine provides enough time for play with little waiting and smooth transitions.

When behavior challenges arise we will look at our routines, the environment and individual needs of the child to help the child overcome the behavior. We encourage our staff to be aware of the language, tone of voice and the manner of speech they use when working with young children. We will offer each child with choices, attempt to foresee problems and respond to needs immediately enabling us to help the child positively without waiting for a problem to develop. We have a few clear, simple rules that vary according to the developmental level of the children. Rules are stated in a positive tone and are posted in the classroom for parents and staff to read. The rules are explained to the children and are applied consistently.

When a child has a physical or emotional outburst, we provide comfort, safety and privacy. This allows the child to regain composure. "Time out" will be used only for acts of aggressive or destruction for children 3 years of age or older, not as a punishment, but rather as an opportunity for the child to regain composure. We strive to be aware of each child's developmental level and tailor all guidance techniques to fit that level.

Children become aware of color, language, gender and physical ability at a very young age. At Coulee Children's Center we want to enable each child to construct a knowledgeable, confident self-identity. We strive to help children develop comfortable, empathetic and just interaction with all other children. We encourage children to develop critical thinking and skills for standing up for themselves and others in the face of injustice. At Coulee Children's Center our goals are:

1. To provide accurate, nonstereotypical information about gender, race, culture and physical abilities.
2. To enable children to become familiar with differences in gender roles, racial/ethnic characteristics, language and physical abilities.
3. To provide an "inclusive" educational environment in which all children can succeed.
4. To enable children to feel pride, but not superiority, about their individual identity.
5. To enable children to develop self sufficiency, independence, competency and pride.
6. To enable children to develop the ability to interact knowledgeably, comfortably and fairly with people of all abilities.
   
7. To promote equality of development for each gender by encouraging each child's participation in activities that promote physical, cognitive, emotional and social growth.
8. To affirm children's pride in their cultural identity.
9. To help children change from feeling uncomfortable about differences to experiencing respectful, comfortable interaction.
10. To expand children's developing concept of fairness and feelings of empathy for each other.
11. To enable children to gain the tools and self-confidence to stand up for themselves and others against biased ideas and discriminatory behavior.

Infants and Toddlers

Infant diets are determined by their parents and by standards dictated by the USDA food program. Breast milk, formula or milk and solid foods will be fed by the caregiver in the quantities recommended on the infant's own schedule. Drinking water will be offered to infants and toddlers throughout the day. Parents will provide clean bottles (labeled with child's name) for their infant. Coulee Children's Center will provide formula, baby food, milk and table food. Coulee Children's Center will offer one brand of formula, but parents are free to bring in either breast milk or another brand of formula if preferred. Bottles will not be propped in the crib. Infants will be held by caregivers during bottle feedings. A record of each infant's food intake will be kept.

Each toddler will receive adequate amounts of food in each food group daily. Food will be cut into bite size pieces, appropriate for the child's age. Staff will always be present to assist the children during meals and snacks. A parent note may include a record of food eaten, in cases where there is concern.

Pre-schoolers

Coulee Children's Center prepares and provides breakfast at 8:30 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m. and snack at 3:00 p.m. for all children who are able to eat table foods. If you wish for your child to eat meals at the center, please be sure he or she is here at meal times. If your child is not here at meal times, please do not ask staff to provide meals at other times or after the other children have eaten. There will be exceptions made only when absolutely necessary. Also, please do not bring lunch for your pre-schooler. All children who attend the program are expected to eat the same meals. It causes difficulty when you bring in different foods for your child. Medical or religious exceptions to this policy will be accommodated.

Children are encouraged to feed themselves as much as possible. Meals and snacks are served family style, creating additional opportunities for the children's social and language development. Meals and snacks are planned to meet your child's nutritional requirements as recommended by the Child Care Food Program of the United States of Agriculture in proportion to the amount of time your child is in the program each day. Menu information will be posted daily.

Because we participate in the USDA Child Care Food Program, each family will be asked to complete a confidential family income statement annually. The purpose of this information is to determine the amount of financial reimbursement our center is able to receive from the State of Wisconsin. Even though the cost of your child's meals are included in his/her tuition, the center is reimbursed for a portion of the expense of providing the meals back from the state based on the income of the parents. If your income exceeds the amount listed on the back of the form, you do not need to list the income amount, but you still need to sign the form and indicate on the face of the form that you are "Above Income Guidelines". If your income does not exceed the guidelines, please itemize your monthly income for us as the center will be eligible for additional reimbursement. Your cooperation will be very much appreciated.

In the operation of USDA nutrition programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, disability, color, national origin or age. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should write immediately to the Administrator, Food and Nutrition Services, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302

Children with Special Dietary Needs

If your child needs a special diet, the Program Director must be notified in writing by your child's physician. If a special diet is required due to a food allergy, please notify us of the symptoms, remedies and precautions to be taken. Our cook will post a notice of your child's allergy in the kitchen and make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your child. If your child requires any special equipment or positioning to facilitate feeding, the staff will be instructed regarding his/her needs. We will make every effort to work with parents, therapists, nurses and physicians to deal with any special feeding needs your child has.

Birthdays

You are welcome to send treats for your children to share with his/her friends. Please check with your child's teacher before doing so.

Nap and Rest - Infants

Naps and rest periods are provided. Parents are consulted at the time of enrollment regarding their child's sleeping pattern and behavior. A record of the child's sleeping schedule will be included on a daily parent note.

Each full-time infant will be provided with a crib and crib sheet for sleeping and resting. Please furnish a blanket which will be sent home weekly for laundering. If a child is accustomed to using a pacifier or soft toy to aid in relaxation and sleep, please feel free to provide them.

Nap and Rest - Toddlers

Toddler's sleep schedules generally include one nap. No child shall be denied rest or sleep; a short second nap may be necessary for an individual child.

To aid in relaxation, quiet program activities are planned prior to nap time. During sleep periods the lights may be dimmed or turned off and soft music may be played. Each toddler will sleep on his/her own individual cot with a blanket and sheet provided by the parents. Bedding will be sent home weekly for laundering. Children are welcome to have security objects such as stuffed animals, blankets and pacifiers at nap time if they are important to your child. If a child is unable to sleep after one hour of quiet rest on a cot, the toddler will be given quiet activities, i.e. books, crayons, puzzles.

Nap and Rest - Pre-schoolers

Naps or rest periods are required by state licensing for all children up to age five. Nap time will occur at approximately 12:30, following quiet play or a story to help children transition.

All children are encouraged to rest for at least one hour. Children are welcome to have stuffed animals during nap time. Parents need to provide blankets and sheets for cots.

Bedding will be sent home weekly for laundering. Children will be comforted by soft music, low lights and back rubs, if desired.

Physical Examination

State licensing requires each child to have an initial examination not more than six months prior to, nor later than ninety days after admission to the center. Updated reports of physical examinations must be submitted every six months for children under 24 months of age and every two years after 24 months.

Immunization

Each child will have an immunization history which indicates the month and year each dose was administered or one of the following compliance alternatives must be met:

• a dated statement by a physician that a required immunization is or may be detrimental to the health of a child.
• a dated statement by the parent that their child is of a religious belief which precludes immunization.

Illness of Children

Each child upon arrival shall be observed by the staff person on duty for symptoms of illness. When a child is at the center and develops a fever of 100 degrees or more (100.5 for infants to one year), parents will be called and the child will need to be removed from the center for a minimum of 24 hours. The child must be fever free without the use of a fever reducer (such as Tylenol) before returning to the center. Alternatively, the parents may bring a signed note from a physician stating that the child is not contagious even though symptoms are still present.

If a child develops a fever of 100 degrees (100.5 for children under one year of age) or greater while at home during the night, he/she needs to remain out of the center the following day.

When a child develops an illness without a fever present, he/she needs to be removed and kept out of the center and remain symptom free in order to return the next day;

OR

If a child returns symptom free without a note from a physician and the symptoms return, the parents will be called and the child will need to be removed from the center.

These policies have been established to keep illness down in our facility and are for the benefit of everyone. Also as a reminder, holding days cannot be used for sick days. If however your child is out ill for one week, the reduced rate of $1.00 per day can be used for a period up to two weeks after the first week of full tuition is paid.

Communicable Diseases

When a diagnosis of a communicable disease is made, the exposed children shall be watched for symptoms of the disease and all parents will be notified by a notice posted in the center where it can be clearly seen. Parents are asked to notify the program within 24 hours if their child has been exposed to any communicable disease.

Medication

Prescription medication or non-prescriptive medication may be given to a child under the following conditions:

A signed, dated, written authorization from the parent, including the dosage and direction for administering is on file. Prescription medicine is in the original container. Non-prescriptive medication is labeled with the child's name.

Medicine will be out of the children's reach and medicine requiring refrigeration shall be kept in a designated separate covered container clearly labeled "Medicine".

Syrup of Ipecac

We have Syrup of Ipecac available at the center for use in case of poisoning emergencies. Page 24 contains the center's copy of the parent acknowledgment of the handbook and authorization for administration of Syrup of Ipecac. Please be sure to sign and return immediately. Syrup of Ipecac will only be administered under the direction and guidance of the Poison Control Center or your child's physician.

Diapering/Toilet Training

Parents need to supply disposable diapers for their children as well as training pants and a change of clothing.

Toilet training will begin when appropriate for each child's age and stage of development. As a rule of thumb, we generally begin to look at this at approximately two years of age. Parents also need to provide input on when they feel their child is ready. Feedback will be provided on each child's progress at the center. Children will be offered frequent opportunities for toileting throughout the day.

Tooth Brushing

Children older than 24 months shall brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste after meals. Parents are asked to supply a clearly labeled toothbrush for their child. Coulee Children's Center will supply toothpaste. Toothbrushes need to be replaced when bristles lose their tone. Toothbrushes will be stored in a sanitary manner. Teachers will assist children as needed.

Children's Arrival and Departure

Your child/ren must be accompanied into the center by either you or another authorized adult. You need to maintain supervision of your child until the teacher has been personally notified of your child's presence. Please be sure your child is signed in and out daily.

When picking up your child, be sure that the teacher knows your child is leaving the center. This procedure is for your child's protection. Please assume responsibility for your child's supervision as soon as you enter his/her classroom.

Person Authorized to Pick Up Child

At the time of enrollment, parents must provide us with the names and telephone numbers of persons authorized to pick up your child. It is the parent or guardian's responsibility to notify us of any changes in this authorization. If someone other than the authorized person (as indicated on the child's emergency card or in the child's file) is to pick up your child, please notify the Program Director or designee in writing or by phone. Our teachers will ask any unknown person for identification before releasing the child. Copies of legal documents must be provided to the Program Director before any staff person can actively prevent non-custodial parents from picking up their child.

Visitors

Visitors (other than enrolled parents who are authorized to be at the center) must check with the person in charge immediately upon entering the building. This is for the security of our children.

Abuse and Neglect

Because Coulee Children's Center is licensed by the State of Wisconsin, any agency staff member "who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected as defined in s. 48.981 (1) Stats., shall immediately contact the Program Director or designee. The Program Director or designee will decide if the information should be provided to the county welfare agency or local law enforcement agency in compliance with s. 48.981 Stats".

Clean Air

The indoor and outdoor environments of this program are designated as non-smoking areas in their entirety. There will be no smoking permitted inside or out of doors, as required by state law.

Fire and Tornado Drills

The staff and children participate in regularly scheduled fire and tornado evacuation drills.

Insurance Coverage

The center has insurance which covers injury to children only if the center staff is found to have been negligent in some manner which directly resulted in an injury sustained by a child. When most injuries occur, they are simply accidents which all children experience at one time or another. Medical claims for such injuries should be submitted to the individual family's health insurance provider. If you feel that your child received an injury at the center due to our negligence, please report it directly to the Program Director or Executive Director for insurance consideration.

Hours of Operation

Coulee Children's Center opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes promptly at 5:45 p.m. each night. We expect that all children will be picked up by that time. A late pick up fee of $5.00 per 15 minutes will be charged after that time. The late fee will be added to your weekly invoice.

If an emergency delays you and you know you are going to be late picking up your child, please call the center before the closing time. In the event that your child is still at the center after closing and we have not heard from you, we will take the following steps (in order):

1. Attempt to reach you at home, work or school
2. Call the people listed on the emergency card
3. Contact Human Services

Telephone Messages

Messages for all La Crosse sites can be left on our voice mail (787-5572) whenever the center is closed. Our staff will handle incoming calls on Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. Please call to let us know if your child will not be attending the center.

Outdoor Play

Daily outdoor activity is very important for young children and is planned for whenever possible. We will not take the children outside in inclement weather, based on the judgment of the Program Director of designee. In the winter our rule of thumb is no outdoor play when wind chill is zero or colder. All children who are well enough to be at the center will be expected to participate. If children are dressed properly, weather conditions should not pose any health risk. Please supply appropriate clothing for the weather extremes found in Wisconsin. In the winter children should have available to them: mittens, boots, shoes, hats, snowsuits or snowpants with jackets. In the summer they should have available cool tops, shorts and closed toe shoes (preferably tennis shoes).

We strongly advise against sandals, hard soled shoes and "jelly" shoes. The center maintains a supply of sunscreen and mosquito repellant that will be utilized if parents have signed a consent to administer medication form.

Field Trips

Field trips expand a child's experience through a variety of out of the center opportunities. (In addition to field trips to other locations, the children will take walking field trips around the neighborhood. Parents will not always be given advance notice of these trips.)

There will be opportunities for children to participate in other field trips. For these trips, we will rent a bus which complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. A fee will be charged for these trips to cover our costs. Parents will be given advance notice and participation will require written permission. We welcome parent chaperones on field trips.

Children's Belongings

Please do not allow your child to bring toys from home other than one for nap time. Toys often get lost or broken and children sometimes have a hard time sharing a toy from home. Coulee Children's Center cannot assume responsibility for materials brought from home. Please label hats, mittens, jackets, blankets, sheets, etc.

Each child has a cubby in which to keep personal items. Parent notes and notices to go home will also be placed in the cubby or folder.

Confidentiality

Records concerning your child are confidential information and will only be accessible to you, the Program Director, involved child care staff and the person designated by the state licensing department to review our records for licensing purposes. Parents will be asked for permission in writing to allow any other individuals to review their child's records.

Feedback Suggestions/Grievances

We feel that a positive environment exists when parents and the program work together as partners. Parents provide valuable input which we can use to improve our program. A parent questionnaire will be sent home at various times throughout the year. We encourage you to answer the questions honestly and let us know what we do well and any areas you think we can improve on. When areas of concern arise, please contact your child's teacher or the Program Director. We will listen to your suggestions and/or concerns and attempt to work through the problem.

Center Responsibilities

• Provide a warm and caring environment.
• Provide staff who are qualified under the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services' Child Care Rules.
• Inform parents of center policies and updates in policies.
• Provide an educational program to enhance child development.
• Provide child supervision to ensure the safest possible experience.
• Enhance child's self esteem through praise, recognition of good behavior and accomplishments and recognizing child's unique contributions.
• Provide United States Department of Agriculture approved meals and snacks.
• Listen to concerns of parents who feel the program is not meeting their child's needs as well as it could be.
• Notify parents when child is too ill (per the center's policy) to remain at the center.
• Notify parents when a child must be discharged from our program due to unresolved behavioral or other issues.

Parents' Responsibilities

• Observe the rules and policies of Coulee Children's Center.
• Let the staff know if your child will not be attending for the day.
• Sign your child in and out of the center each day they are in attendance.
• Pay fees on time as required by the contract or other agreements.
• Pick children up on time.
• Share your concerns with appropriate staff members if the program is not meeting your child's needs.
• Listen to concerns that staff members have about your child's behavior and work through an agreeable solution to any problems that occurred.
• Inform staff if your child has been exposed to a contagious illness.
• Notify the Program Director in writing of any change in contract at least two weeks in advance.
• Keep child's record up to date.
• Check daily for announcements and notes. Please pick up materials from your child's folder or cubby. Please read what is sent to you and respond quickly!
  
  

See the Program Director for Questions Regarding:

• Enrollment
• Center policies
• Program issues
• Teacher concerns
• Fundraisers
• Availability for drop-in
• Availability to cancel holding days previously requested
• Changing your contract or schedule
• Building or grounds issues
• Administrative staff concerns

See the Teacher for Questions Regarding:

• Your child's transition to the center
• Daily lesson plans
• Field trips
• Your child's day

See the Billing for Questions Regarding:

• Your invoice
• Availability of holding days
• Annual registration fee
• Year end statement of charges
  

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