PARENTS DAY OUT MINISTRY

Welcome to Grace's Parent's Day Out Program!  We provide excellence in child care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old (pre-K).The Parent's Day Out (PDO) program is an outreach ministry to the community.  As a church-based Christian program, we embrace the sovereignty and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ as well as the teachings of the bible.  This program is operated and maintained under the guidance of a Director, Board of Directors, and the Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church.

At Grace, we view children as precious gifts from God.  We welcome the opportunity to enhance the life, educational, social and religious experience of the children who attend our program.  Our mission is to help children grow, mature, and blossom into whom God has created them to be.  Therefore, it is an honor and a privilege to be a partner with you in their journey of social, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual development. Children will be admitted to the program without regard to race, color, nationality, ethnicity, religious identify or handicap.

Days, Hours, and Fee
We are open on Monday and Wednesday from 9 am to 2:30 pm.  The tuition fee if $95.00 per month for two days per week and $55.00 per month for one day a week.  Tuition is due no later than the 10th of the month.  After that time, a $10.00 late fee will be added to your account.  Returned checks carry a $25 service charge.  A non-refundable registration fee of $25.00 per child is due when your child's registration is submitted.

Application for Enrollment
Applications for enrollment are available through the Director's office or by calling 664.6465. Enrollment is not automatic from year to year. Your child must be re-enrolled each fall.  The applications will contain the following forms: (1) Application for enrollment, (2) General Information Sheet, (3) A General Behavioral Information Sheet, and (4) Child's Health Record Form. All forms must be fully completed prior to your child's official enrollment.

Drop-In Attendance Policy
If a parent would like to "drop-in" a child on a day for which is the child is not registered, a two-day notice and permission from the Director is required.  Drop-in fees are $14.00 per day per child.  If a child is registered for one day a week and is unable to attend on that day, the parent cannot bring the child on a non-registered day to replace the missed day.  If the parent would like, and if space permits, permission may be granted for drop-in status on that day and a $14.00 drop in fee submitted.

Curriculum
The curriculum of Grace's Parent's Day Out program is meant to enhance your efforts as a parent to prepare your child for Kindergarten.  You child will have the opportunity to learn to distinguish sounds, letters, numbers and primary colors, as well as learn socialization skills.  Limited writing skills will be taught when your child shows readiness.  Arts, crafts, and music instruction will also be added to enhance your child's educational experience.

As a church based program, Bible stories and activities will be shared, especially in connection with major Christian holidays.  Four and Five year olds will attend morning Chapel.  Chapel time will include the introduction and explanation of a Bible verse, as well as time to share joys, praises, cares, and concerns.  We will also use this time to pray to our Heavenly Father to bless each child and teacher, protect him or her and to keep all safe.  Additionally, we offer our praise and thanksgiving to God for all His blessings.

School Calendar and Closings
The PDO Program will follow the calendar of the Jackson-Madison County School District.  Our basic year is as follows:

August:  Registration and Promotion school starts
September:  Labor Day, school closed
November:  Thanksgiving, school closed
December:  Christmas, school closed
January:  New Year's Day, school closed
May:  Memorial Day, school closed
July:  Fourth of July, school closed

Inclement Weather Policy
The PDO program will adhere to the decisions made by the Jackson-Madison County School District in regard to closure due to snow or inclement weather either prior to or during the school day.  Please monitor your television or radio for updates.  In the event that we must close early, specific doors will be opened and sign out procedures will still be necessary.

Communication
We maintain an "open door" policy at all times regarding your child's care.  You are free to visit and more than welcome to monitor the Program at any time.  For security reasons, all visitors are required to check in at the Director's Office at times other than pick-up/drop-off.

Each parent will be given a daily report of feeding, diaper changes, naps, and any other information deemed necessary by the teacher or Director.  We will regularly provide written communication regarding important dates, events, and schedule changes or other information.  Be sure to check your child's backpack.

If at any time you have a concern regarding your child's progress or stay at Grace's Parent's Day Out, please see the Director.  Again, we maintain an "open door" policy.

Non-Discrimination Policy
The Parent's Day Out Program at Grace United Methodist Church does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, nationality, ethnicity, religious identity or handicap in its programs of education, childcare, or employment.

Confidentiality Policy
All persons within an official capacity of the Program will maintain the strictest confidentiality with regard to all record keeping related to your child's care.  These records, by law, are accessible only to a child's parent or legal guardian an may not be released to any party without prior written parental consent.

Drop-off and Pick-up Instructions
Parents are to bring children to their classroom door. Our doors open at 9:00 am.  Parents must adhere to this time because teachers need to prepare for a successful day.  Sign-in sheets are located at each classroom.  Parents must sign their child(ren) in and out each day.  This is important in the event of an emergency.  The pick-up time is 2:30 pm.  It is important that you be prompt as many of us also have children in school that we need to pick up.  A $1.00 per minute late fee will be assessed after 2:35 pm.  This fee is due in cash and is to be paid directly to your child's teacher.

Dress Code
Children should wear appropriate play clothes for the weather conditions outside.  Children will not be playing outside when the temperature is below 40 degrees or if when experiencing unfavorable weather conditions. 

Children will be children and will get dirty.  Please expect this.  We ask that you dress your child comfortably in play clothes.  For modesty reasons, if your daughter is wearing a dress, we ask that you also dress them in a pair of shorts.

It is our policy that tennis shoes be worn.  We will not permit jellies, sandals, slide on shoes, open-toed shoes, heels or cowboy type boots.  This is for your child's safety.

You are responsible for providing a backpack for your child's belongings.  Please have a complete change of clothing appropriate for the season of the year inside the backpack.  We ask that these items be clearly labeled.  If a child who does not wear pull-ups has an "accident", their change of clothing will be used.  Soiled clothing will be returned to you after being placed in a plastic bag.

Potty Training and Diapers
Parents are required to provide a more than adequate supply of disposable diapers for your child each day.  Extras are always appreciated in the Nursery.  Should your child have a diaper rash--please notify the teacher. 

Children who are not adequately potty trained are asked to wear pull-ups.  Again, if a child who does not wear pull-ups has an "accident", their change of clothing will be used. 

Parties
Seasonal celebrations in keeping with the practices and policies of the Church Council of Grace United Methodist Church will be observed.  We welcome and encourage individual birthday parties that can be part of the morning snack-time or with lunch.  We ask that parent's get advanced approval for food, drink, and party favors from their child's teacher.

Naps
Infants will be provided cribs for all naps.  Toddlers and preschoolers will need a two-inch thick mat (available at Wal-Mart) with their name on it.  Your child may also bring a small blanket and pillow for nap time.  All children will be closely monitored during their nap time.

Lunches, Snacks, and Feeding
Nursery:
Clearly label all food bottles for you child needed for the entire time period.  A refrigerator is available in the nursery.  Bottles will be warmed unless instructions are given otherwise.

Toddlers:
A light morning and afternoon snack will be provided.  Please provide a "sippy" cup with your child's name on it.

Preschoolers:
A light morning snack will be provided.  Older children will be introduced to the concept of sharing, pouring into a cup, and general table manners. We ask that you provide your child's lunch.  Please do not send items that require refrigeration.  No colas or caffeinated drinks, candy, or gum are permitted in you child's lunch.  These items will be removed by teacher and sent back home.  For you child's safety, we ask that you cut grapes into 4's and other foods (such as hotdogs) into bite-sized pieces.

So that you know exactly what you child has consumed, we will repack their lunch to include all uneaten food items.

Accidents
Parents will be notified at the time of pick-up if any minor first aid was administered.  A written notice will also be given to the parent.  In an emergency situation, parents will be contacted immediately.

Insurance
Grace UMC is covered fully by liability insurance.  Our policy, however, is a secondary policy.  Your insurance is the primary policy.  No child will be admitted to the program without proof of current and adequate insurance.

Medication Administration Policy

Prescription medications are to be dropped off at the Director's Office along with a completed Medication Administration Sheet.  All medications provided by the parent are to be in the original container with clearly marked directions.  We will not administer any over-the-counter medications to your child.  All medications will be kept under lock and out of the reach of children.

Health Issues
No child with a fever, discolored discharge from the nose or eyes, vomiting or diarrhea should be brought to PDO until symptom free for a 24 hour period.

Children shall be checked upon arrival and observed for signs of illness during the day.  If your child should exhibit any of the following signs and symptoms you will be notified and the child will be cared for and will be isolated from the other children until a parent arrives.

1. Fever axillary temperature of 100 F or more, oral temp of 101 F or more, ear temperature of 100 F or more.
2. Respiratory symtoms (difficult breathing or severe coughing)
3. Three (3) incidents of loose stool in a day or blood in the stool, especially with other symptoms such as vomiting or fever
4. Vomiting (2) incidents
5. Eye drainage
6. Unexplained rash (red or purple rash, welts that appear rapidly, open sores) and burns
7. Appearance/behavior (child acts or looks different than usual--unusually tired, lacks appetite, confused, difficult to awaken, change in skin, eyes, stool, or urine).
8. Obvious severe pain

Children with impetigo, ringworm, chicken pox, conjunctivitis, head lice, or other infectious conditions should be kept at home until they are no longer contagious.

Parents must notify the Program Director if your child has been exposed to a contagious disease.  Parents of ALL children will be notified if any communicable diseases have been introduced into the PDO program.

If head lice are discovered, each child's parent in that particular class will be given written notification from the Director's Office.  No names will be given.

Child Protection Policy
Our faculty and staff are trained to recognize the signs of physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse.  We are required by law to promptly report to the proper authorities all instances of suspected abuse.

Disciplinary Policy
Grace PDO advocates a positive reinforcement approach to discipline.  Options may include, but are not limited to, stickers, stamps, non-food treats, verbal praise, or positive notes.

1. Our procedure will be as follows:
   A time our system will be used.  Time-out is where a child is removed to a designated chair for one to three minutes.  The reason for the time-out will be clearly explained to the child and the alternate behavior desired will be clearly explained to the child.  Example:  "We do not hit in that class.  If you feel mad, you must use your words or tell me that you are mad."  A time-out will give the child a chance to calm down and think about the behavior.
2. A notation on the child's daily report will be made.
3. If a second time-out occurs and afterwards we are unable to secure your child's cooperation, the next step will be to immediately notify you.
4. Requests for a parent-teacher conference in the presence of the Program Director can be made at any time by either the parent, the teacher. or the Program Director.
5. Repeated behavioral problems will result in the notification of the parent by the Board of Directors or the Program Director with a request for the child to be removed from the program.  In this case, no refunds in tuition or fees will be issued.

Summer Day Camp Program
During the June we offer an extended Summer Program for children ages 6 months through rising 5th grade.  Applications for the program are available beginning in April.  The program meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.  The non-refundable pre-registration fee is $25.00 and is payable when the application is submitted.

Tuition
The tuition rates are as follows:
$100 for one child attending two days a week for the month
$55 for one child attending one day a week for the month.

Summer Day Camp Program enrollment forms will be available at the beginning of April.  All policies and procedures listed are in force during the summer semester.

It is important that your child arrive on time each day. Our summer staff is eager to start the day and have many activities planned.  Please put sunscreen on your child before you dropped them off.  No one likes their day spoiled by a sunburn.  We will hold morning chapel at approximately 10:00 am each day.  This is a time to bring all of the children (grades K and up) together to thank our God for the day, for each other, and for the safety and well being of all.  A bible verse will be introduced and explained in very basic terms.  Parents are invited to attend or to lead Chapel.

Quick Links

Days, Hours, and Fee
Application for Enrollment
Drop In Attendance Policy
Curriculum
School Calendar and Closings
Inclement Weather Policy
Communication
Non-Discrimination Policy
Confidentiality Policy
Drop Off and Pick Up Instx
Dress Code
Potty Training & Diapers
Parties
Naps
Lunches, Snacks, Feedings
Accidents
Insurance
Medication Admin Policy
Health Issues
Child Protection Policy
Disciplinary Policy
Summer Day Camp
Tuition