Purpose

The purpose of Shenandoah University Child Care Center is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children whose parents (or legal guardians) are employed, enrolled as a student, or who are alumni of Shenandoah University. We fill the remaining spots with children of the general public.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Center is that the well-rounded child develops through a variety of experiences and stimuli. With this philosophy in mind, the individual will be encouraged to participate in teacher-initiated activities, as well as self-initiated activities, that are conducive to their achieving a well-rounded experience. Most importantly, we feel it is essential that each child develops a positive self-concept, feels loved, secure, and safe while in our care.

Program Goals

• To help the individual child develop a positive self-concept, learn to accept others, and feel loved, safe and secure.
• To stimulate the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development of the individual child in order to fulfill their needs.
• To help each child learn to express himself / herself in a variety of ways including: being helpful, curious, imaginative, creative, and independent.
• To help the individual child become responsible, eager to learn, and enjoy to play.
• To offer parents additional opportunities to enhance their understanding of child development.
• To support and promote quality early childhood education environments at the community level, by interacting with other centers and professionals.
• To involve various university departments with our program.

Admissions

Our program offers a warm, exciting, and friendly atmosphere at all times. It includes age-appropriate activities instructed by an adequately trained and educated staff. Each classroom involves the individual child in a variety of planned activities necessary for the overall growth.

Program experiences include specific tactics in the development of social skills, sensory motor skills, language skills, as well as involvement in and appreciation of music, arts, and crafts. The children’s schedule also includes ample time for rest and nourishment with a variety of opportunities for expending energy and quiet times.

To inquire about enrolling a child in the program or arrange for a visit you must contact the director in order to set an appointment. Tours will be given prior to admission. In order for a child’s admission to become final, proper health forms and enrollment information must be completed and signed. A valid school entrance health form, including shot records, must be completed and signed by a doctor before a child may attend our center. (Each time a child receives a well check up or vaccinations, we must get updated information completed on a new school entrance form.)

Shenandoah University Child Care Center reserves the right to dismiss a child from enrollment in cases of insufficient funds for tuition payment, lack of following center policies, when inappropriate behavior becomes a major disruption or any other unacceptable situation decided by the administration. Two weeks notice will be given unless the problem requires immediate dismissal.

Ratios

Shenandoah University Child Care Center maintains the following staff-to-child ratios at all times in our classrooms:

Teacher to child ratio:

• 6 weeks to 15 months: 1:4
• 16 months to 23 months: 1:5
• 2 years old: 1:8
• 3 years old: 1:10
• 4 years old/Kindergarten: 1:10

Operating Hours

The center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. year round, (with the exception of holidays and other announced closings). Our program provides services for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. We are licensed by the state of Virginia.  

Tuition Information

Please call the center at 540-665-0991 for current tuition information.

When a child is enrolled, parents will sign an attendance/fee agreement. Tuition is automatically withdrawn from your checking account. You can elect to have your tuition withdrawn weekly, on Tuesday mornings, or monthly, on the first Tuesday of each month.

It is important that you ensure the weekly tuition fee is in your bank account by Tuesday mornings of each week. There is a charge of $35 if your payment is not processed due to insufficient funds. If you have insufficient funds more than three times in a year, your child may be dismissed from our program.

Late Pick Up Fee/Policy 

Shenandoah University Child Care Center charges late fees when a child is picked up after 6:00pm. This will be enforced due to our need to staff according to the number of children present each hour.

•  For pick-ups after 6:00pm there will be a $10.00 charge from 6:01 pm – 6:05pm.
• After 6:05 the fee will be $15.00 for every five minute time period or increment that follows.

If a child has not been picked up by 6:15pm. and proper arrangements or contact has not been made, the following will take place:

• Staff members should call all emergency contacts listed in the blue notebook.
• Staff members should notify the Director and/or Assistant Director.
• Staff members will wait at the center until 1 hour after closing.
• At 7:00 pm. staff will contact Social Services or police to come and take the abandoned child. When a child is not picked up due to emergency situations including, but not limited to, traffic delays, inclement weather or natural disasters, staff will remain at the center with the child as long as the center has been notified of the delay. Late fees will still apply.

Meals and Snacks

Our center is sponsored by the CACFP “Child and Adult Care Food Program”. (CACFP is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.) Children are provided a well-balanced menu, daily, for breakfast, lunch (provided by the University Food Services), and an afternoon snack.

Children must arrive by the following times to be served each meal: 8:20am for breakfast, 11:15am for lunch and 2:45 for snack. A menu will be posted of meals and snacks on the “Parent Information” board as well as in each classroom.

Any special dietary needs are to be provided by the parents. Children are not permitted to bring their own food, candy, gum, drinks, etc. unless a written notice is given from a doctor stating the need for a specific diet.

Parents may supply store bought treats to celebrate their child’s birthday or a special holiday. All food that is brought in will be properly stored and refrigerated when necessary. Due to Allergies, the center does not allow any peanut, tree nut, fish, or sesame products. Parents must supply formula, baby food and cereal for infants unless they choose to use what the center provides. The formula the center supplies is Parent’s Choice with Iron.

General Information

• All staff and legal parents/guardians will be issued a front door code to enter the building. If someone arrives that does not have a code, they should be directed to the office to see the Director and/or Assistant Director. The center is required to allow the custodial parent admission to our center. Legal paperwork must be on file if a parent is prohibited.
• Children must be signed in and out daily. Children are not permitted to walk through the center without an adult. Upon arrival, please take your child to their proper classroom and place your child’s personal items in their assigned cubby. Be sure the staff person is aware of your child’s arrival.
• Parents are required to enter and exit through the front door. Please do not cut through the back way of the office.
• We ask that you leave your cell phone in the car when you drop off and pick up your child. Often, the teachers have information to share with you and may not be able to do so if you are on your phone. More importantly, your child will be very excited to see you and deserves your full attention when you arrive to pick them up.
• Be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and scheduled activities. We require children to wear closed toe shoes that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. This will help prevent unnecessary injuries. No jewelry except small earrings. We try very hard to maintain the quality of your child’s clothing, however, we will not be held responsible for any clothing that should happen to get damaged while attending the center.
• The use of multimedia in our program gives the teachers the opportunity to clean/sanitize toys and classroom furniture, once a week, while the children are watching an approved program/movie (Infants and Toddlers sanitize during nap.) Children are not required to watch the video if they are not interested. Instead, they will be given an alternate quiet activity. All DVD’s must have a rating of “G” or “E” and must be approved by the Director and/or Assistant Director.
• Our center provides sunscreen, which is hypoallergenic with a SPF of 30 or higher, during the months of May through October. Written permission is required from the parents. If a parent chooses to bring in organic sunscreen, they may do so. If you do not want us to apply sunscreen, we must have a written note from your child’s doctor stating that it is not needed.
• We do not allow insect repellent to be brought to the center.
• The Child Care Center will not transport children, except in cases of an emergency where it would be detrimental to the child’s health or safety, not to provide immediate transport. 

The Center’s Director should be notified in instances of:

• Either parent’s employment, telephone number (home or work), address changes.
• Someone other than the “regular” person plans to pick your child up, (written notification must be given.) Staff will require picture identification of a person before allowing the child to be dismissed. No child will be released with out proper notification from a parent.
• Child will be absent or on vacation

Items to Bring From Home

• Each child must have a complete change of clothes including shirt, pants, undergarments, socks and sweatshirt/jacket in their classroom at all times. Be sure to check clothes regularly to replace necessary items and to be sure the clothes are weather appropriate.
• Parents must provide disposable diapers (pull-ups are not permitted), wipes and any necessary ointments for their infants or toddlers. Written authorization is required, noting any adverse reactions, for ointment or cream that you want used on your child. Ointment must be in the original container. Please label all items before putting it in the child’s cubby.
• Children should bring a labeled sheet and blanket for rest time. These items will be sent home weekly to be cleaned. Parents are responsible for remembering to bring a clean blanket and sheet back for the following week. Sheets in the infant room must be changed daily. There will be a daily charge of $1 per sheet and blanket if the center provides them. Children must be here by 12:30 p.m. each day or come after 2:30 p.m. so that nap time is not interrupted.
• Toys and other personal items should only be brought on scheduled show-and-tell days. A small stuffed animal may be stored in a child’s cubby until the designated rest time. Children will not be permitted to bring items that may lead to destructive behavior (such as knives, glass items, etc.).

Health and Safety

Our first priority at Shenandoah University Child Care Center is providing a healthy, safe learning environment for all children. Each child will be given a brief check daily for any physical problems that may be harmful. If a child becomes ill at our center the parents will be notified immediately to pick up their child. The child will then be excluded, as much as possible, from contact with the other children.

Children may be sent home if anything communicable is suspected or if the following is experienced:

• Fever – exceeding 101 degrees. If a child gets sent home with a fever, the child may not return the following day unless we receive a doctor’s note stating the child is not contagious and he/she may return.
• Vomiting – two or more instances. The child may return when the vomiting has stopped. If a child returns the next day and has even one instance of vomiting, the child will be sent home immediately.
• Diarrhea – 3 or more instances not associated with diet changes or medications. The child may return when the diarrhea has stopped or the continued diarrhea is deemed not to be infectious by a licensed health care professional. If a child returns the next day and has even one instance of diarrhea, the child will be sent home immediately unless we received a doctor’s note.
• Suspected Pink Eye – Redness, itching, discharge from eyes. May return if deemed not contagious by a licensed health care professional or after two (2) doses of medication is given.
• Head Lice – Excessive scratching, visible nits or live lice. May not return until bug/nit free as deemed by the Director and/or Assistant Director.
• Constant Coughing – resulting in the child vomiting or spitting up
• Concerning Rash – as deemed by the Director and/or Assistant Director. The child will need a doctor’s note if sent home with a rash in order to return the next day.

If a staff member or child is found to have a reportable communicable disease, as defined by the State Board of Health, you are required to inform the Director and/or Assistant Director within 24 hours or the next business day. (Except for life threatening diseases, which must be reported immediately.) A notice will be posted on the parent communication board as soon as possible. If the child becomes injured at our center the parents will be notified with an accident report when they pick their child up at the end of the day. If the injury requires immediate medical attention the parents will be called to pick up the child right away. If the injury appears to be severe or life threatening, we will call 911 immediately and then contact the parents.

We are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. If a staff person suspects child abuse or neglect the director will be notified immediately. The director will then contact the Department of Social Services.

Medications

Staff members may not administer medication to any child unless they have completed the required Medication Administration Training and the center has a valid certificate on file.

The center only administers prescription medication. (No over the counter medication is permitted.) Medications must be in the original container with the prescription label attached. All medications must be locked in the appropriate medicine box when a child arrives.

All medication that is to be given to a child must be documented at the Child Care Center. A medication form will be kept in each classroom and must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian. A parent/guardian must renew the medicine form every ten days and take expired medication home. Children will not be given medications without a proper medication form and current dated medicine. Medications that are not picked up within 14 days of the expired authorization form must be disposed of by the center. Outdated forms will be removed and filed in the office.

Medications that are required to stay at the center longer than 10 days must have a Long Term Medication form completed by the child’s doctor.

Medication will only be given at 12:00 or 3:00 unless required for emergency situations such as breathing medications or Epi-pens. The center will not administer prescription medications that are to be given only twice a day.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

The following procedures have been developed in consultation with the Shenandoah University director of security and the Frederick County Fire marshal’s Office in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, where evacuation of the child care center building may be necessary. The plan will be reviewed and updated annually. The child care employees have been given copies of this plan to study and become familiar with in case of an emergency. Additional training will be given during yearly staff meetings.

I. If notice is received stating need to evacuate building; all necessary contacts will be made in the following order. Classroom teachers will be notified in order to prepare for immediate evacuation. If we are unable to evacuate the building, or if it is unnecessary for us to do so immediately, occupants inside the building will remain until instructed to leave classrooms. A call will then be made to John Stevens (540) 665-4925 and campus safety (540) 678-4444 for back-up assistance.

II. If immediate evacuation is necessary, the children will walk down Regency Lakes Drive to the Regency Lakes Community Building. We will call the Regency Lakes general manager, John Schroeder, at (540) 662-1999 or (540) 327-4795. If for some reason we are unable to go to that location, Emergency Service Officials on the scene will arrange transportation for the children to leave from the childcare center and to be transported to Shenandoah University’s campus gymnasium.

III. When the bus arrives at the center, children will be removed from the facility and escorted by staff to far corner area of staff parking lot to be loaded on bus. Before children are loaded, the person in charge of the class at the time will do a head count using the checklist of children in attendance that day. The director will be certain all children and staff is accounted for before leaving.

IV. Director will take the emergency number file box, and parents will be notified of the situation. The child’s parents will be contacted first. If they are unavailable, we will contact the emergency backup person. They will be given the location of their child and asked to pick up the child if necessary.

V. Emergency and location of children will be announced on WINC (105.5 FM).

Missing or Abducted Child

• In the event of a missing child, the staff will search for the child in the immediate area, in the other classrooms, and on the outside premises. The sign in/sign out forms will also be checked to see if an authorized person picked up the child.
  • If the child cannot be located in a reasonable amount of time, the Director and/or Assistant Director will notify the Frederick County Police Department and the child’s parents.
• In the event of an abducted child, staff must immediately notify the Director and/or Assistant Director, call 911, and the child’s parents.

 

Fire Evacuation Plan (Will be practiced monthly)

Monthly fire drills will occur to ensure safety of the children and staff. Evacuation maps are posted in every classroom. Fire extinguishers are located beside every exit door. If you detect a fire you should pull the nearest fire alarm signal (Small red box mounted on the wall near exits). If the fire alarm sounds while you are on duty in a classroom:

• Line the children up and count the children to ensure every child is accounted for.
• Collect the following:
  • Blue Emergency Contact Notebook
  • Class List
  • Black Clipboard
  • Backpack
  • Any emergency medication
• Immediately send children to fire exit #1.
• If exit #1 is blocked, send children to fire exit #2.
• The last staff member to exit their classroom must turn off all lights and close all doors.
• Count the children as you get them outside the building to double check accountability.
• Proceed to the designated meeting place.
• Once assembled at the designated meeting place, the teacher must re-count the children to make sure they are all accounted for.
• The Director and/or Assistant Director will verify that the building has been evacuated.
• The Director and/or Assistant Director will call 911 if not a drill.
• Remain outside until the building has been determined safe by the Director and/or Assistant Director or emergency personnel.

Structural Damage to the Building

In the event that any damage to the building occurred, such as, a car driving into the building or large amounts of snow on the roof causing it to cave in, the following would proceed.

•  Fire alarm would sound to evacuate everyone and the Director and/or Assistant Director would ensure the building was vacant.
• After the fire department determines that the building is stable, the children would be allowed back in. If the building were found to be unstable, the children and staff would relocate to the Regency Lakes Community Building. If relocation is necessary, all parents will be contacted.

Intruder or Dangerous Adult

• The person who sees the intruder should alert all staff members immediately.
• The Director and/or Assistant Director will call 911 or if they are not available the nearest staff person to a phone should call 911.
• If the intruder is inside the director will approach the intruder to determine their intention.
• The staff will quickly and calmly move the children outside without alarming the intruder.
• If the intruder is outside, the staff will move the children to their shelter in place positions.
• Shut curtains, turn off lights and make sure all exit doors are secure.
• If the intruder has a weapon, the director will assess the situation to determine if the individual is a law enforcement officer and to determine the individual’s intentions, level of anxiety and possible reasons for carrying a weapon. The site of a weapon is a concern but not always a threat. If in doubt, treat as a crisis.

Steps for Director/Assistant Director:

• Dial 911
• Gather as much detailed information as possible.
  • Location of weapon 
  • Who it is, if known, and where they are going
  • Description of the individual, clothes and weapon
• Isolate the individual from the children and staff
• If interaction with the intruder is necessary, do not use force or touch the person or weapon.
• Avoid sudden moves.
• Try not to raise your voice, but if necessary, do so decisively and with clarity.
• If shooting starts, lie down on the floor and remain quiet.

Tornado/ Severe Weather Plan / Shelter in Place (Will be practiced twice a year)

In the event of a weather emergency such as severe thunderstorm or a tornado warning, the following procedures are to be followed.

• Make sure all windows and curtains are shut.
• Get your blue emergency notebooks.
• All classes should move their children away from the windows and doors and move to the following locations:
  • Infants: Place children in the evacuation cribs and move them to the boy’s bathroom. (Get the portable radio and take with you)
  • Toddlers: Take all children to the area near the changing table and have them stay seated.
  • Twos: Take children to the bathroom area (quickly remove the cots) shut the door.
  • Threes: Take the children into the girls and boys bathroom and have them remain seated on the floor.
  • Fours: Take children to walkway area in front of the cubbies and sit on the floor.
• Lead teacher should count children to verify all are accounted for.
• The children and teachers should sit with their heads tucked between their knees and their hands covering their heads.
• Director and/or Assistant Director will notify teachers as to when it is safe to move the children.

Bomb Threat

If a staff member receives a bomb threat or locates a suspicious package, the Director and/or Assistant Director must be immediately notified.

A bomb threat can be delivered in several different ways: phone, hand written notes, or in person. Each and every threat must be evaluated for its authenticity – no call or threat should be disregarded. The threat may only be a hoax designed to disrupt normal activities. The more specific information given increases the likelihood of an explosive device. The greater percentage of bomb threats is made by telephone. The person receiving the call should gather as much information as possible: type of bomb, where the bomb is located and when the bomb is supposed to detonate. The Director and/or Assistant Director should be notified immediately and proceed to call 911. Evacuation of the building should follow the fire evacuation plan.

Everyone should make visual inspections of their work area for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. The finding of one suspected device should not be considered the completion of the search. It is not unusual that multiple bombs are planted in the building. Public Safety Officials based on the information and potential danger to employees and public will prescribe further evacuation distances.

Suspicious Letter

As soon as the letter is received or discovered, lay it down immediately. Cover it with saran wrap or place in a zip lock bag. Touch the letter as little as possible to avoid contamination, once the letter and envelope are secure call 911.

Suspicious Package and Devices

If a suspicious item or device is discovered, notify Director and/or Assistant Director immediately. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE A SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE. It cannot be stressed too emphatically that in no case should anyone touch, move, jar, cover or attach anything to a suspicious object. The person discovering a suspicious device or package should execute the following actions once a suspected device/package is located:

• Call 911, giving as much information available as to the location, description and facts surrounded the device/package.
• Evacuate the building to a safe location protected from blast fragmentation and flying debris such as the Regency Lakes Community Building.
• The danger area should be barricaded and identified.
• Doors leading to the area should be closed to deny entry.
• Do not allow re-entry to the building until the device/package has been rendered safe or removed.

Chemical Spills

If the center is notified of a chemical spill, we will take the following precautions:

• All staff will be notified of the chemical spill.
• 911 will be called.
• We will turn off heat/air conditioning units.
• All windows will be shut.
• Wet cloths will be placed around the inside entrance doors.
• We will remain inside until local officials have rendered the area safe or told us to evacuate.

Earthquake

In the event of an earthquake, the following procedures are to be followed.

• All classes should move their children away from the windows and doors and move to the following locations:
  • Infants: Place children in the evacuation cribs and move them to the boy’s bathroom. (Get the portable radio and take with you)
  • Toddlers: Take all children to the area near the changing table and have them stay seated.
  • Twos: Take children to the bathroom area (quickly remove the cots) shut the door.
  • Threes: Take the children into the girls and boys bathroom and have them remain seated on the floor.
  • Fours: Take children to walkway area in front of the cubbies and sit on the floor.

• The children and teachers should sit with their heads tucked between their knees and their hands covering their heads.

• You will be notified as to when it is safe to move the children.

Emergency Communication Numbers

Fire, Rescue and Police: 911

SU Campus Safety (available 24 hours): (540) 678-4444

Director of Auxiliary Services Amanda Levy: (540) 665-4925

Poison Control Center: (800) 222-1222

Frederick County Health Department: (540) 722-3480

Public Safety Communications: (540) 665-6356

Fire Marshal: (540) 665-6350

Winchester Medical Center: (540) 536-8000

WINC: (540) 667-2224

Weather Related Closings

In the event that the childcare center is closed, closes early or has a delayed opening, you will receive a text message alert from Shenandoah University stating the closing or delay. Make sure you update your cell phone number with the Director and/or Assistant Director when you have changes.

Discipline

Each child at all times will be treated with loving care and respect. Occasionally “loving care” requires discipline in order to mold the child toward acceptable behavior. The center encourages and supports all children in positive social skills. Furthermore, the staff gives attention to arrangement of equipment, materials, activities, and schedules in a way that promotes desirable behavior.

One form of discipline may work best for one child and not another. The center will strive to work individually with each child when discipline is needed. Expected behavior limits shall be on the child’s level and be fair and consistently applied. Children will be encouraged to constructively express their feelings and frustrations to resolve conflicts. Children will be given reasons for any rules or limits set to their behavior. Directions should be positively worded and the staff will model acceptable behavior.

Behavior problems will be dealt with promptly. NEVER will a child be physically, verbally, or emotionally harmed when discipline is required:

• A staff member may not shake a child at any time.
• A child will not be forced to take food, nor will food be withheld from a child.
• A child not be forced to nap or withheld from a nap.
• A child shall not be punished for a toileting accident.
• Verbal abuse of the child or child’s family is unacceptable, including belittling remarks.
• Staff shall not allow another child to punish another child.

Physical punishment such as, but not limited to, the following is prohibited:

• Spanking
• Roughly handling a child
• Forcing a child to stay in an uncomfortable position
• Restricting movement through binding or tying
• Enclosing in a confined place
• Using exercise as punishment

Responding to Misbehavior

Below are strategies Shenandoah University Child Care Staff will use to respond to a child’s misbehavior. Remember, however, it is always a good idea if rules are explained fully and clearly understood before misbehavior occurs. Being consistent is also important.

• Redirection – This strategy should be used most frequently when working with young children. If a child is not following the rules or being uncooperative, quickly get the child’s attention and introduce another activity.
• Logical consequences – These are structured consequences that follow specific misbehaviors. The child should be able to see how the behavior and the consequences are directly related. For example, Damon is standing on his chair at lunch. His teacher should remind him that if he stands on his chair, he could fall and get hurt; this would make him sad.
• Participate in the solution – If a child damages something, he/she needs to help in fixing it or in cleaning up. If a child causes someone distress, he/she should help in relieving that. For example, “It made Finley very sad when you told him he wasn’t your friend anymore. Please come apologize and help make him feel better.”
• “Take a break” or “Calm down Chair” – In some instances, a child may need to be removed from a particular situation in which he/she has become overwhelmed or violent. The child should be directed to the “calm down chair.” This strategy gives the child a chance to calm down, regain control, and reflect quietly on his/her behavior away from others. For example. “Lucy, we have talked often about how hitting is not acceptable. Because you hit Miles, please leave the block center and go to the calm down chair. I will talk to you in a few minutes.” Once the child has calmed down, (No more than one minute for how old they are. Three minutes for a three-year-old, etc.) staff will talk with the child about the actions that led up to and resulted in needing a break.

If these actions do not help in reducing or changing behavior the following will take place: • Staff will begin a documentation log writing down all adverse behavior

• Staff will report behavior and what strategies have been attempted, to the Director and/or Assistant Director. 
• The Director and/or Assistant Director will observe and meet with the Lead Teacher to develop a behavior management plan.
• The behavior management plan will be discussed with the parent and then put into practice.
• If after two weeks, the behavior management plan has not improved the child’s behavior, the parents will be asked to attend a parent/teacher conference to discuss further strategies to help the child and/or discuss possible dismissal from our program. If dismissal is necessary, two weeks notice will be given unless the problem requires immediate dismissal.

Biting Policy

Biting is a behavior that usually appears between the ages of one and three years. While biting is an age-appropriate behavior, it is important to remember it is also an unacceptable behavior in a childcare environment. Children bite for a variety of reasons; teething, sensory exploration, cause and effect, imitation, seeking attention, frustration, and stress. Biting is not something to blame on the children, their parents or their teachers. There are a variety of strategies we implement at Shenandoah University Child Care Center to prevent and stop biting. This is the process followed when a child bites:

• The biting child is stopped and told, “No Biting, biting hurts” in a firm tone. Teachers should remain calm, being careful not to show anger or frustration towards the child.
• The biting child is removed from the situation. Depending upon the observed motive for the bite, the separation may include re-direction or meeting the child’s needs. As little attention as possible will be placed on the biting child, to avoid reinforcing the behavior.
• Appropriate first aid will be provided to the child who was bitten. The area bitten will be washed with soap and water; a cold compress will be applied to reduce pain and swelling. A bandage will be applied if necessary.

Staff members will begin a documentation log, in addition to writing accident/incident reports for children that are regular biters. All information is confidential and names of the children involved will not be shared between parents.

It is important to explore the reasons for biting when it occurs. Teachers need to work with parents to gather information about the child’s behavior and begin observations to determine the reasons for biting. Once triggers are identified, staff can work on prevention strategies and start teaching replacement skills. Below are steps the teacher can take to identify triggers and replace the behavior:

• The teacher will examine the context in which the biting is occurring and look for patterns. The following should be examined:
  • Was the space too crowded?
  • Were there too few toys?
  • Was there too little to do or too much waiting?
  • Was the child who bit getting the attention and care he/she deserved at the time?
• The teacher will change the environment, routines or activities if necessary.
• The teacher will work with the child who is biting to resolve conflicts and frustrations in a more appropriate way.
• The teacher will identify children likely to be bitten and make special efforts to reduce their chance of being bitten.
• If biting continues, a conference will be requested with the teacher, parents, and Director and/or Assistant Director to discus suggestions for additional strategies.

When a known biter is in a classroom, the Director and/or Assistant Director will add additional staff members when possible to help with supervision.

Parents’ Position

Parents are welcome to drop by for a visit anytime. We do ask you to avoid visiting during scheduled naptime, if possible. Special family involved events and meetings may be scheduled occasionally. Parents should check the “Parent’s Information Board” for upcoming closings, meetings, special events, etc.

We have a Parent Advisory Group Meeting BI-monthly. Since the childcare center is non-profit and does not receive subsidies from Shenandoah University we often discuss fundraising as well as other topics during these meetings. Parents are encouraged to come, bring ideas, and meet other parents. We will post the time and date each month.

Staff Background Information

Our staff consists of qualified providers who meet and exceed state licensing regulations. Our responsibility is to meet your child’s individual needs to the best of our abilities and help him/her to create their own identity. We trust you will discover a warm and inviting atmosphere in our center, where your child feels very special and secure.

Director: Julie Tavenner
BS in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Education

Assistant Director (teacher): Jessica White
CDA Credential

Teachers and aides plan and teach daily learning activities and provide individual care under the supervision of an administrative staff.

Chain of Command for Problems/Concerns

Parents discovering a problem or concern in their child’s classroom should handle the situation in the following manner:

1. Approach the classroom teacher with the problem. After discussing the matter with the teacher, if the problem is not resolved, contact the director or assistant director.

2. Be sure to set up a time with the director to assure her availability. When discussing the situation be sure to include information dealing with: when the problem occurred, who was involved, where it occurred and whether or not you were informed of the situation when you picked up your child. If the director fails to resolve the problem/concern in a satisfactory way please contact the following university staff administrator:

• Pam Burke (540) 665-4925 (Director of Auxiliary Services)

3. Shenandoah University Child Care Center exists to better meet the needs of those employed with, those attending Shenandoah University as well as the general public. We encourage staff and parents to work together in every possible way in order to satisfy the needs of their child. Communication is the key to resolving problems.

General Schedule

(May vary, see posted schedule in your child’s classroom)

 7:00 – 7:30 Various activities such as: free play, drawing and learning centers

7:30 – 8:30 Clean up, bathroom and hand washing, breakfast

8:30 – 9:00 Free play / learning centers

9:00 – 11:30 Classroom learning activities, outside time

11:30 – 12:30 Bathroom break/hand washing, lunch, prepare for nap

12:30 – 2:30 Nap

2:30 – 3:30 Bathroom break, afternoon snack

3:30 – 5:45 Outside time, free play and learning centers

**Infants follow individualized schedules with developmental experiences during wake hours. If you have additional questions please feel free to contact us (540) 665-0991.