WELCOME

Greater Somerset County YMCA is the area’s largest child care provider – serving over 1,000 children year-round through our Early Education, School Age Child Care, and Summer Camp programs. When families entrust children to the Y, we strive to fulﬁll our promise to make each day an opportunity for every child to learn, grow, and thrive.

In our School Age Child Care Programs, children will get opportunities for academic support through homework help, as well as social interaction through physical activity and other extracurricular activities. Our program allows parents/guardians to go to work knowing that their child will be well cared for in a safe and supervised environment.

We look forward to an engaging and inspiring school year.

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. We understand that the children who enter our care today are tomorrow’s leaders. Our programs support parents/guardians by providing age-appropriate ways for children to develop social skills, to discover their individuality and creativity and to explore the world around them.

GOALS

The main goal of our School Age Child Care Program is to provide a happy, safe and structured environment for children after their school day. Our programs provide children with a comfortable transition from the school day to the non-school part of their day. We strive to make the non-school environment one that allows children to relax and enjoy themselves while still partaking in a variety of structured activities.

MISSION

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a charitable service organization, rooted in Christian values and dedicated to helping all people grow in spirit, mind and body. We are guided by our principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT INFORMATION

REGISTRATION

Greater Somerset County YMCA processes all registration forms. We are licensed through the State of New Jersey – Department of Children and Families and are required to keep all forms up to date. Please notify the Director immediately if any information on the registration forms has changed (new address, telephone number, work address, work telephone number, etc.). In case of an emergency, we will contact the parent or guardian listed on the registration forms.

If parents would like to make any changes in attendance schedule or withdraw from the program completely, we require one month’s written notice. Please submit a written request to the Director.

TUITION

Parents/Guardians must have their preferred billing method on ﬁle before the start of the program. If a change is needed please email the Director with the new preferred billing method. Parents/Guardians can do this by entering the information directly into their account by accessing our website, see instructions below.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTERING ONLINE BILLING METHOD

Visit gscymca.org/register
If you have an account, select the “Login” tab. Enter your email or phone number, and password, then click “Login”.
- If you do not have an account, select the “Sign Up” tab and follow instructions.
Once logged-in, click “My Account” > “View Account” then scroll down to “Membership Billing Info” and click “Add Payment Method”.
Select “Credit Card” or “Bank Account EFT”.
Enter the requested information based on the payment type selected then click “Submit”.

If you wish to change your existing method of payment on ﬁle you may do so by following steps 1-3 and then you must notify in writing the School Age Child Care Director of this change so that they may link the appropriate payment option to your child care account.

Our Tax I.D. # is 22-1559439

Payment due dates and billing contact information can be found in the branch-specific School Age Child Care Handbook Addendums below:

If families have more than one payment method that will be used for monthly tuition, please contact the Director to enter the second form of payment and allocate the correct amount of money from each account.

If the child/family is eligible for a third-party subsidy or ﬁnancial assistance, the parent/guardian is responsible for proper documentation of attendance as well as all fees not covered or paid by the third-party subsidy/ﬁnancial assistance.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE & SUBSIDIES

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Thanks to funds raised through our Annual Campaign, we are able to ensure Y programs are accessible to everyone. To apply for our conﬁdential Financial Assistance Program, please email [email protected] or visit our website at gscymca.org/fa

THIRD PARTY SUBSIDIES

Child Care Connection (CCC)

If the child/family is eligible for a third party subsidy through Child Care Connection (CCC) for school age child care and/or summer camp, parent/guardian is responsible for providing documentation of subsidy daily rate or denial letter. Information can be found at childcareconnection-nj.org

Community Child Care Solutions (CCCS)

If the child/family is eligible for a third party subsidy through Community Child Care Solutions (CCCS) for school age child care and/or summer camp, parent/guardian is responsible for providing documentation of subsidy daily rate or denial letter. Information can be found at communitychildcaresolutions.org

Community Coordinated Child Care (CCCC)

If the child/family is eligible for a third party subsidy through Community Coordinated Child Care (CCCC) for school age child care and/or summer camp, parent/guardian is responsible for providing documentation of subsidy daily rate or denial letter. Information can be found at ccccunion.org

IMPORTANT: Any applicants who wish to receive Financial Assistance for child care programs will be asked to apply for a third party subsidy prior to registering.

QUESTIONS? Please email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

LOCATIONS & HOURS OF OPERATION

Locations where our program is offered as well as the hours of operation for each site can be found in the School Age Child Care Handbook Addendums below:

STAFF

Each School Age Child Care Site has a Site Supervisor who is responsible for the daily operation of the program. The Site Supervisor plans, prepares and implements the daily activities. Site Supervisors are individuals who have had extensive experience and training in childcare. Each Site Supervisor reports to the Y’s Program Director. All Site Assistants working at a site are highly qualiﬁed individuals who have had past experience working with children. Each site maintains a staff-to-child ratio between 1:10 and 1:15.

CURRICULUM

At the YMCA, we believe that kids expand their learning beyond the classroom. Activities are designed to develop critical and inquisitive thinking, decision making, leadership skills, and character development.

The key to success is our curriculum’s flexibility to match each child’s needs. We strive to present a variety of stimulating activities, and to offer children the independence to choose those that personally interest them.

Everything that we do is framed around the YMCA’s 4 Core Values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Group and individual activities are designed and implemented with the core values at the forefront. We believe that by doing so, children will grow and develop into well-rounded individuals.

Our program curriculum includes, but is not limited to:

Arts & Humanities
Character Development
Homework Time
Nutritious Snack
Science & Nature
Social Emotional Learning (S.E.L.)
Sports & Games
STEM Activities
Swimming
Daily Fitness
Outdoor**/Indoor Activities
Virtual Learning Support
**Outdoor Activities: We believe that health and education go hand-in-hand. All program participants will have time outside every day, weather permitting. Please note that during the winter months we will still continue to provide outside time as long as the temperature is 32 degrees or above. It is important that the children are dressed appropriately.

SEVERE/INCLEMENT WEATHER

In case of inclement weather, all are encouraged to call their YMCA branch for information regarding program cancellations, delayed openings or closures. Greater Somerset County YMCA makes every effort to display the most up-to-date information on our website and via SMS text messaging.

TEXT ALERTS

To receive Text Alerts with important information regarding School Age Child Care closings, cancellations, and other changes:

Visit gscymca.org/sacc
Choose the Y providing your services, click the plus (“+”) sign, and scroll down to the Text Alerts sign-up form
Enter your information, select the alerts you wish to receive, and click the submit button.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

Important district-specific school closing information (scheduled and emergency closures) can be found in the School Age Child Care Handbook Addendums below:

ABSENCES

In the event your child is sick or away on vacation, please notify the After Care Director. Credit or make up for days missed due to illness, vacation, inclement weather or holidays cannot be given.

ITEMS FROM HOME

Children may bring electronics designated for homework or virtual learning support. After homework time, electronics will be put away for safe keeping.

Please do not bring additional toys, electronics, or other personal items from home to After Care. These personal items are at risk of being lost and/or damaged and also create disruptions in the structured environment.

If a personal item is brought in as it was required for a school assignment, please inform your child that the item(s) should be provided to the After Care Director to be placed in the office for safe care.

BIRTHDAYS

Each child’s birthday is a very special day. It can be celebrated in a variety of ways. Parents should discuss the day with the After Care Director if interested in supplying special snacks and/or items.

FAMILY PARTICIPATION

Families are invited to actively participate in the program by volunteering their time or skills, sharing a talent, cultural activities, career opportunities, playing a game, etc., whenever possible. The After Care Program or your child’s specific group may have opportunities through the year for family participation. If you have a special skill or an idea of how you’d like to get involved, please share this with the After Care Director.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

In order to ensure we are continually meeting the needs of the children and families, we will ask parents to evaluate our program. Evaluation forms will be emailed.

PROGRAM POLICIES & PROCEDURES

SUPERVISION OF PARTICIPANTS

In order to protect YMCA staff, volunteers, and program participants, at no time during a YMCA program may a staff member be alone with a single child where they cannot be observed and/or interrupted by others. All children who are registered into programs should be supervised by YMCA staff at all times. This includes bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas.

TREATMENT OF CHILDREN

Staff/volunteers shall not abuse or allow children to be abused. This may include, but not be limited to abuses such as:

Physical abuse – striking, hitting, shaking, grabbing
Emotional abuse – humiliating/shaming, bullying, threatening, harsh or improper language
Sexual abuse – inappropriate touch, exposing, exploitation, improper verbal exchange
Neglect – withholding/forcing food, clothing or shelter, basic care

ONE-TO-ONE/BEING ALONE WITH CHILDREN POLICY

Staff members should never have direct care of a single child. If a staff member becomes alone with a child, she/he should promptly move to a location where she/he can be observed by other YMCA staff members.

One-to-One/Being Alone With Children Procedure

Staff members are not to have children enter closets or storage areas to retrieve equipment.

Volunteers will never be alone with children or supervise children. As staff supervise children, they should space themselves in a way that other staff can see them.
Children should always be within sight and sound of a staff member.
The “rule of three” specifies that there should always be at least three people present, i.e. one employee and two children or two employees and one child. A volunteer may be included in the “rule of three” when it includes an employee with 1 child.
Should a staff member find him/herself unintentionally in a one-to-one situation with a child, she/he will document the encounter in a logbook, recording the time, date, location, and other outstanding details of the situation.

HUGGING & TOUCHING OF CHILDREN POLICY

Appropriate physical contact is important in the emotional development of all children, and children at different developmental levels will need differing degrees of physical contact. Staff will respect children’s rights to not be touched in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, and their right to say no.

Hugging & Touching of Children Procedure

Staff members should not perform frontal hugs of children – hugs should be from the side.
Staff should get down to the child’s physical level when possible.
Staff should not touch children in any body location that would be covered by a bathing suit.
Staff members should not pick-up school-aged children.
School-aged children should not be allowed to sit on staff laps.
Staff will always have hands visible as much as possible.
Staff should refrain from kissing or showing intimate displays of affection.
Tickling, horseplay or roughhousing are prohibited.
Staff should not place themselves in a situation where someone may misjudge their actions.

BEHAVIOR POLICY

Discipline is a learning process for children. It is used to guide them in achieving behavior that is positive and acceptable. The methods of guidance and discipline used at our School Age Child Care Programs are positive and consistent with the age and developmental needs of the children. They are rooted in our core values of Respect, Honesty, Caring and Responsibility, which will also lead to the children’s ability to maintain self-control.

It is expected that all children will exhibit acceptable behavior. This would include such things as courteousness, kindness, following rules and respect for adults in the program as well as other participants. Unacceptable behavior includes uncontrollable temper tantrums or outbursts, ongoing physical or verbal abuse to children and/or staff or a child’s inability to adjust to the aftercare setting after a reasonable amount of time.

Staff will not withhold active play time as a means of discipline unless a child’s actions or behaviors present a danger to themselves or others.

Serious infractions or repeated deviations from this expected behavior will be documented and will result in a conference between Site Supervisor, (or Program Director) and the parent(s)/guardian(s). At the conference, a plan will be set up between the parent(s)/guardian(s), Site Supervisor and the child to modify the unacceptable behavior. A one-month probation period will also be part of this plan. If the behavior does not change within the probationary time period, the child will be asked to leave the School Age Child Care Program. An exception to the one-month probationary period would be if the child’s behavior is such that there is a risk of causing serious injury to other children or themself. This behavior may result in immediate dismissal. All of the above rules and regulations will be discussed with enrolled children.

Within our child care programs, our goal is to create a relationship with our child care families that is positive and promotes growth in all areas. Our goal is to work with parents and children to address and remedy any behavioral issues in a positive manner for the child, the parent and the program.

SERVICE TERMINATION POLICY

While we look forward to a relationship with children and families that lasts throughout the school years, we are aware that there may be some extenuating circumstances that may require an early termination.

If parents/guardians choose to leave our program we ask that they provide the Director with a 30-day written notice.

As per your Contract for Admission tuition payments must be made on a monthly basis. All tuition payments to the YMCA will be drafted as specified in the site-specific addendum to this handbook. Repeated insufficient funds may result in a termination of service. Likewise, habitual tardiness upon pick-up could result in termination of service. In addition to the payment requirement, all parents/guardians must submit all required forms. These forms must be received by the child care administration in order for children to remain in the program.

Our Behavior Policy outlines our expectations for acceptable behavior as well as the plan for modifying any unacceptable behavior. Outlined in the Behavior Policy is a process for altering the unacceptable behavior and if the behavior does not change, the child will be asked to leave the program. Please refer to the Behavior Policy for details as to the steps that will be taken. If after the one month probationary period the unacceptable behavior does not improve, we reserve the right to ask the child to leave the program. We will give parents a two-week notice of the child’s dismissal from the program so that they may seek alternate child care arrangements.

We as staff are committed to treating all of our parents with courteousness and respect. It is also expected that parents/guardians will treat all staff and other program participants and parents/guardians with mutual respect. If a parent threatens physical harm or intimidating actions toward a staff member or exhibits verbal abuse to staff in front of enrolled children, this behavior may result in a child’s immediate dismissal from the program.

As per the Information to Parents Letter included in this handbook, parents/guardians have the right to contact the New Jersey Department of Human Services Office of Licensing – Department of Children and Families if they feel that our center is in violation of licensing requirements. While we would encourage parents/guardians to speak with us directly regarding any issues or concerns they may have, we will not terminate a child’s participation within our program based on such a report or questioning of our policies and procedures.

While we are hopeful that this “Service Termination Policy” will never be utilized, we must inform parents of these procedures as per our licensing requirements. We look forward to a positive and productive relationship.

RELEASE OF CHILDREN POLICY

At the time of enrollment, parents/guardians will be required to complete our pick-up form which asks for the names and dates of birth of all individuals who will be authorized to pick up their child.

Authorized pick-ups must present a government-issued photo ID to School Age Child Care staff at each pick-up before signing out the child to verify identity and pick-up authorization. If a government-issued photo ID is not presented at pick-up, the child will not be released until the pick-up’s identity is verified.

Children will only be released to the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s).

If an individual comes to pick up a child and the person is NOT on the pick-up list, then the staff member must contact the parent to ensure that this is an acceptable arrangement. The parent will then be asked to provide the After Care Director with the person’s information and give written consent for the child to be released to this individual. No child will be released without written authorization to do so.

If there is a situation where a non-custodial parent has been denied access, or granted limited access, to the child by a court order, the Center shall secure documentation to this effect, maintain a copy on fi le, and comply with the terms of the court order.

If the parent(s)/guardian(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s) fails to pick up the child at the time of the Center’s daily closing, the staff members shall ensure that the child is supervised at all times. The staff members shall contact the parents as to their whereabouts. If there is no response from the parents or any of the authorized pick-ups, and the Director is not on site, then the staff member should contact the Director and make him/her aware of the situation with the child.

If after an hour or more past closing time, and provided that other arrangements for releasing the child to his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) or authorized person(s) have failed and the staff members cannot continue to supervise the child at the Center, the staff members shall call the Department’s State Central Registry Hotline at (877) 652-2873 to seek assistance in caring for the child until the parent(s)/guardian(s) or person(s) authorized by the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) is able to pick up the child.

If the parent(s)/guardian(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s) appear to be physically and/or emotionally impaired to the extent that, in the judgment of the director and/or staff member, the child would be placed at risk of harm if released to such an individual, then the staff members shall not release the child to such an impaired individual. The staff members should first attempt to contact the child’s other parent/guardian or an alternative person(s) authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s). If the staff members are unable to make alternative arrangements, a staff member shall call the Department’s State Central Registry Hotline at (877) 652-2873 to seek assistance in caring for the child.

Custody Letter

All children from separated or divorced homes must have a letter and/or court order on ﬁle stating who has primary custody. This protects the child and is now a state requirement. Please submit this letter or a copy of the custody paper as soon as possible.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures

Important site-specific drop-off and/or pick-up procedures can be found in the School Age Child Care Handbook Addendums below:

OUTSIDE CONTACT POLICY

Staff and volunteers will refrain from any interactions outside of program activities with children under eighteen years of age that are participants in programs of the YMCA.

DATING POLICY

Staff 18 years of age and older may not date staff/volunteers, program participants or members under the age of 18.

PARENT COMMUNICATION POLICY

We are committed to creating an open and honest line of communication between our Center and our parents. This exchange of information will enable us to provide a comprehensive program for your child.

Communication regarding your child’s development and behavior will be through the after care staff and/or After Care Director in the form of in-person conversation and phone calls.

Newsletters, flyers and email correspondence will also be used to inform you of the program’s daily operations.

In the event of an illness or emergency related situation, we will reach out to you first via telephone with an email back up if necessary. It is imperative that we have accurate contact information from all families.

Contact Us

Open communication is encouraged between parents/guardians and teachers. Our contact information can be found in the branch-specific School Age Child Care Handbook Addendums below:

TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Greater Somerset County YMCA takes very seriously its obligation to protect children. Y employees should not have contact or communication with minors (under age 18) who participate in Greater Somerset County YMCA programs outside of Greater Somerset County YMCA work time. With today’s electronic communication options (email, text messages, blogging, and social networking sites) it is more important than ever that all employees understand Greater Somerset County YMCA’s policy on such contact or communication in order to protect youth and employees. For purposes of this policy, a “youth” is anyone under eighteen (18) years of age who participates in Greater Somerset County YMCA programs/membership or whom a Y employee has met through Greater Somerset County YMCA programs/membership.

Employees should not initiate personal phone calls with or receive personal phone calls from a youth. A call is considered “personal” if it does not involve both a Greater Somerset County YMCA phone and Y-speciﬁc subject matter. When employees receive calls from youth on non-Greater Somerset County YMCA phones and/or regarding a non-Y subject, this must be immediately reported to a supervisor.
Text messaging with youth is not permitted. If an employee receives a text message from a youth, a supervisor must immediately be made aware.
Employees must not share any personal email addresses or electronic id names or nicknames with youth. Employees should not initiate or respond to email or instant messages from youth while using any personal (non-Y) connection to the Internet.
Use of social networking sites to communicate with youth is only permitted if done through a YMCA sponsored or approved site. No personal blog or social networking site should be used. Any website or blog maintained by an employee should not have pictures of or make reference to any youth, and employees should not request or accept to be linked as “friends” or connections with youth via social networking sites.
Communication between employees and youth should only be through Greater Somerset County YMCA email accounts and phones during the course of business and any such communication with youth should be immediately reported to the employee’s supervisor.
Parents/Guardians and staff are prohibited from posting videos or photographs of children other than their own on any social media platform.
Our use of television, computers and videos will be for educational and instructional use only. These devices will be utilized in a developmentally appropriate manner and not used as a substitute for planned activities. Viewing will be limited to children over the age of 2 for not more than 30 minutes per day.

YMCA SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE KIDS AGREEMENT

As participants in the School Age Child Program, each child has an opportunity this year to interact with diversity of people and experience many new adventures. This is an opportunity to increase personal responsibility, self-respect, sportsmanship, and have FUN! In keeping with the Y’s mission and core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility; appropriate behavior is expected from all participants.

Definitions of the YMCA Core Values:

Caring

To love others
To be sensitive to the well-being of others
To help others

Honesty

To tell the truth
To act in such a way that you are worthy of trust
To have integrity; making sure our choices match our values

Respect

To treat others as you would have them treat you
To value the worth of every person, including you

Responsibility

To do what is right, what you ought to do
To be accountable for our behavior and obligations

We have outlined a set of guidelines to help us work through situations that may arise throughout the year. Please read over these guidelines with children. When parents/guardians are sure their child understands these expectations and the consequences associated with them, we ask that parents sign and date this agreement. Please keep in mind that we believe it is important to model behavior that allows children to believe that our actions have an effect on others.

1st Warning

Verbal warning (between staff and child)
Each occurrence will be noted

2nd Warning

Parent/guardian will be informed at pick-up time.
A courtesy call will be given to ask the parent/guardian to set aside some time at pick-up to speak with a staff member if much time is needed.

3rd Warning

Director is involved
Possible suspension from program

We are sensitive to the fact that each situation is delicate to its own circumstances. Appropriate and respectful interactions with program participants and YMCA staff are essential to having a successful experience. If behavior becomes unmanageable or is threatening to the well-being of others, the YMCA reserves the right to dismiss any participant from the program for the year.

HEALTH POLICIES

GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The Center has a responsibility to ensure that daily health is optimal for the growth and development of the children. If an issue is suspected, parents are contacted to discuss the concern.

ALLERGIES

As part of your child’s Medical History/Medical Release Form we ask about any allergies your child may have. In addition to documenting allergies on your child’s form, we ask that you speak with the staff members regarding any allergies so that we may effectively provide for your child’s safety and well-being. If your child requires medication for allergies, please see the Center Director for the appropriate forms.

ILLNESS POLICY

As per the New Jersey Manual of Requirements of Child Care Centers, we are not permitted to allow children to attend the Center who exhibit the following signs of illness:

Severe pain or discomfort;
Acute diarrhea, characterized as twice the child’s usual frequency of bowel movements with a change to looser consistency within a period of 24 hours, or bloody diarrhea;
Two or more episodes of acute vomiting within a period of 24 hours;
Elevated oral temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or over in conjunction with behavior changes;
Lethargy that is more than expected tiredness;
Yellow eyes or jaundiced skin
Red eyes with discharge;
Infected, untreated skin patches
Difficult rapid breathing or severe coughing;
Skin rashes in conjunction with fever or behavior changes;
Weeping or bleeding skin lesions that have not been treated be a health care provider;
Mouth sores with drooling; or
Stiff neck.

A child will be also excluded from the Center if they display one of the following communicable diseases. The following list contains the various communicable diseases and our responsibility as a Child Care Center for reporting these illnesses:

CONFIRMED OR SUSPECT CASES TELEPHONE IMMEDIATELY TO THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Anthrax
Botulism
Brucellosis
Diphtheria
Foodbourne intoxications (including, but not limited to, ciguatera, paralytic shellfish poisoning, scombroid, or mushroom poisoning)
Haemophilus influenzae, invasive disease
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Hepatitis A, acute
Influenza, novel strains only
Measles
Meningococcal invasive disease
Outbreak of suspected outbreak of illness, including, but not limited to, foodbourne, waterborne, or nosocomial disease or a suspected act of bioterrorism
Pertussis
Plague
Poliomyelitis
Rabies (human illness)
Rubella
SARS-CoV disease (SARS)
Smallpox
Tularemia
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (including, but not limited to, Ebola, Lassa, and Marburg viruses)

REPORTABLE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DIAGNOSIS TO THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Amoebiasis
Animal bites treated for rabies
Arboviral diseases
Babesiosis
Campylobacteriosis
Cholera
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Cryptosporidiosis
Cyclosporiasis
Diarrheal disease (child in day care center or food handler)
Ehrlichiosis
Escherichia coli, shiga toxin producing strains (STEC) only
Giardiasis
Hansen’s disease
Hemolytic uremic syndrome, post-diarrheal
Hepatitis B, including newly diagnosed acute, perinatal and chronic infections, and pregnant women who tested positive for Hep B surface antigen
Influenza-associated pediatric mortality
Legionellosis
Listeriosis
Lyme disease
Malaria
Mumps
Psittacosis
Q fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rubella, congenital syndrome
Salmonellosis
Shigellosis
Staphylococcus aureus, with intermediate-level resistance (VISA) or high-level resistance (VRSA) to vancomycin only
Streptococcal disease, invasive group A
Streptococcal disease, invasive group B, neonatal
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Streptococcus pneumoniae, invasive disease
Tetanus
Toxic shock syndrome (other than Streptococcal)
Trichinellosis
Typhoid fever
Varicella (chicken pox)
Vibriosis
Viral encephalitis
Yellow fever
Yersiniosis

REPORTABLE DIRECTLY TO THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Hepatitis C, acute and chronic, newly diagnosed cases only

Written report within 24 hours

HIV/AIDS

609 984 5940 or 973 648 7500
Written report within 24 hours
AIDS
HIV infection
Child exposed to HIV perinatally

Sexually transmitted diseases

609-826-4869
Report within 24 hours
Chancroid
Chlamydia, including neonatal conjunctivitis
Gonorrhea
Granuloma inguinale
Lymphogranuloma venereum
Syphilis, all stages and congenital

Tuberculosis (conﬁrmed or suspected cases)

609 826 4878
Written report within 24 hours

Once the child is symptom-free, or a physician indicates that the child poses no serious health risk to himself or other children, the child may return to the Center.

There are a couple of common illnesses children contract that require more specifics in terms of the policies in handling these illnesses. These illnesses are as follows:

Vomiting: If a child vomits during the day, parents will be called to pick up the child. Child will be allowed to return to the Center once they are symptom free for a 24 hour period.
Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis: If it is believed that a child has contracted this, parents will be called to pick up the child. The child must be taken to the physician for a definitive diagnosis. If the child has a confirmed case of contagious conjunctivitis he/she must receive 3 doses of the medication before returning to the Center.

Diarrhea: If a child has 2 or more episodes of loose, watery bowels parents will be contacted to pick up the child. Children may return to the Center after the diarrhea has ceased and stool frequency becomes less than 2 stools above normal frequency. If the diarrhea is the result of a food allergy or drug side effect, we would not be concerned that this is some type of intestinal virus. For example the medication Augmentin, commonly used for the treatment of ear infections, can cause diarrhea. If a child has diarrhea as a result of this medication, he/she will not be excluded from the Center.

Fever: If a child has an axillary temperature of 100.5° F or higher parents will be contacted to pick up the child. Children must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of a fever reducing medication before they may return to the Center. A fever is generally a sign that some form of infection exists and we do not want these infections to pass from child to child. The only exceptions to this rule would be as follows: A child who has an ear infection may in fact have a fever that accompanies this. If the child has been seen by his/her physician and is diagnosed with an ear infection, the medication as well as Tylenol/Advil for the pain and/or fever can be administered, as the ear infection is not a communicable illness. Secondly, if a child sees a physician for a fever and the physician says the child poses no health risk to others, then he/she may return to the Center. There must be a doctor’s note stating that they may return.

Rashes: These are common occurrences among young children and can have a wide range of etiologies. If a child develops a rash while at the Center it will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The Director, in consultation with medical professionals, determines whether further medical attention is warranted.

If a child is seen by a physician regarding any illness, a note from the doctor stating that the child has no communicable illness and is able to return to school will serve as appropriate documentation for that child to return as per the doctor’s orders.

MEDICATION POLICY

Prescription medications will not be administered without written consent and instructions from your child’s physician. A signed note from the parent/guardian must accompany the medication giving complete instructions as to times and amount last administered. We will administer prescription medication on a case-by-case basis. When your child needs to take medicine in our program, the following procedures are required:

All medication must be in the original container, labeled with the child’s name, name of medication, amount to be administered, and the date it is brought to the center.
The dosages on the medication label will be followed unless a doctor’s note states other instructions.

Parental Consent for Emergency Treatment

In the event a child gets injured, the closest possible hospital/medical center will provide emergency treatment. In order to receive this treatment, parents are asked to sign a consent for doctor’s treatment, which is included on the Emergency Contact Form. This form must include child’s doctor’s name and phone number as well as a parent/guardian signature.

The designated hospital or medical center serving the program in an emergency is listed in the School Age Child Care Handbook Addendums below:

INFORMATION TO PARENTS LETTER*

Under provisions of the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (N.J.A.C 3A:52), every licensed child care center in New Jersey must provide to parents of enrolled children written information on parent visitation rights, State licensing requirements, child abuse/neglect reporting requirements and other child care matters. The center must comply with this requirement by reproducing and distributing to parents and staff this written statement, prepared by the Office of Licensing, Child Care & Youth Residential Licensing, in the Department of Children and Families. In keeping with this requirement, the center must secure every parent and staff member’s signature attesting to his/her receipt of the information.

Our center is required by the State Child Care Center Licensing law to be licensed by the Office of Licensing (OOL), Child Care & Youth Residential Licensing, in the Department of Children and Families (DCF). A copy of our current license must be posted in a prominent location at our center. Look for it when you’re in the center.

To be licensed, our center must comply with the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (the official licensing regulations). The regulations cover such areas as: physical environment/life-safety; staff qualifications, supervision, and staff /child ratios; program activities and equipment; health, food and nutrition; rest and sleep requirements; parent/community participation; administrative and record keeping requirements; and others.

Our center must have on the premises a copy of the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers and make it available to interested parents for review. If you would like to review our copy, just ask any staff member. Parents may view a copy of the Manual of Requirements on the DCF website at http://www.nj.gov/dcf/providers/licensing/laws/CCCmanual.pdf or obtain a copy by sending a check or money order for $5 made payable to the “Treasurer, State of New Jersey”, and mailing it to: NJDCF, Office of Licensing, Publication Fees, PO Box 657, Trenton, NJ 08646-0657.

We encourage parents to discuss with us any questions or concerns about the policies and program of the center or the meaning, application or alleged violations of the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers. We will be happy to arrange a convenient opportunity for you to review and discuss these matters with us. If you suspect our center may be in violation of licensing requirements, you are entitled to report them to the Office of Licensing toll free at 1 (877) 667-9845. Of course, we would appreciate your bringing these concerns to our attention, too.

Our center must have a policy concerning the release of children to parents or people authorized by parents to be responsible for the child. Please discuss with us your plans for your child’s departure from the center.

Our center must have a policy about administering medicine and health care procedures and the management of communicable diseases. Please talk to us about these policies so we can work together to keep our children healthy.

Our center must have a policy concerning the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. Please review this policy so we can work together to keep your child in our center.
Parents are entitled to review the center’s copy of the OOL’s Inspection/Violation Reports on the center, which are available soon after every State licensing inspection of our center. If there is a licensing complaint investigation, you are also entitled to review the OOL’s Complaint Investigation Summary Report, as well as any letters of enforcement or other actions taken against the center during the current licensing period. Let us know if you wish to review them and we will make them available for your review or you can view them online at https://data.nj.gov/childcare_explorer.

Our center must cooperate with all DCF inspections/investigations. DCF staff may interview both staff members and children.

Our center must post its written statement of philosophy on child discipline in a prominent location and make a copy of it available to parents upon request. We encourage you to review it and to discuss with us any questions you may have about it.

Our center must post a listing or diagram of those rooms and areas approved by the OOL for the children’s use. Please talk to us if you have any questions about the center’s space.

Our center must offer parents of enrolled children ample opportunity to assist the center in complying with licensing requirements; and to participate in and observe the activities of the center. Parents wishing to participate in activities or operations of the center should discuss their interest with the center director, who can advise them of what opportunities are available.

Parents of enrolled children may visit our center at any time without having to secure prior approval from the director or any staff member. Please feel free to do so when you can. We welcome visits from our parents. Our center must inform parents in advance of every field trip, outing, or special event away from the center, and must obtain prior written consent from parents before taking a child on each such trip.

Our center is required to provide reasonable accommodations for children and/or parents with disabilities and to comply with the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), P.L. 1945, c. 169 (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), P.L. 101-336 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.). Anyone who believes the center is not in compliance with these laws may contact the Division on Civil Rights in the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety for information about filing an LAD claim at (609) 292-4605 (TTY users may dial 711 to reach the New Jersey Relay Operator and ask for (609) 292-7701), or may contact the United States Department of Justice for information about filing an ADA claim at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).

Our center is required, at least annually, to review the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), unsafe children’s products list, ensure that items on the list are not at the center, and make the list accessible to staff and parents and/or provide parents with the CPSC website at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls. Internet access may be available at your local library. For more information call the CPSC at (800) 638-2772

Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe that an enrolled child has been or is subjected to any form of hitting, corporal punishment, abusive language, ridicule, harsh, humiliating or frightening treatment, or any other kind of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation by any adult, whether working at the center or not, is required by the State law to report the concern immediately to the State Central Registry Hotline, toll free at (877) NJ ABUSE/(877) 652-2873. Such reports may be made anonymously. Parents may secure information about child abuse and neglect by contacting: DCF, Office of Communications and Legislation at (609) 292-0422 or go to www.state.nj.us/dcf/.

*The center shall maintain on ﬁle a copy of the Information to Parents Letter.