SHEPHERD’S GROVE CHILDCARE CENTER

PARENT HANDBOOK

Welcome to Shepherd’s Grove Childcare Center. Our goal is to provide a safe, loving, educational, and nurturing environment where children can learn, play, and grow together.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday-Friday

6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

The center is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

DROP-OFF POLICY

• Children must arrive no later than 8:00 AM each day.

• Late arrivals disrupt classroom routines and activities.

• Children arriving after 8:00 AM will not be admitted unless accompanied by a doctor’s note.

• No child will be accepted after 12:00 PM under any circumstances unless prior arrangements have been approved by administration.

PICK-UP POLICY

Children must be picked up no later than 6:00 PM.

Parents are responsible for ensuring authorized individuals arrive before closing time.

LATE PICK-UP FEES

A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged beginning at 6:01 PM.

Late fees are due immediately upon pick-up.

Repeated late pick-ups may result in termination of childcare services.

TUITION AND PAYMENT POLICIES

Weekly tuition is $350.00 per child.

Tuition is charged based on enrollment, not attendance.

Payment is required even when:

• A child misses one or more days.

• A child misses an entire week.

• A family chooses to vacation.

• A child is absent due to illness.

• The center closes for holidays.

• The center closes for scheduled breaks.

Payment reserves your child’s spot in the program.

No discounts, credits, refunds, or prorated rates will be provided for absences or center closures.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES

Shepherd’s Grove will be closed:

• The week of Christmas

• Christmas Day

• Juneteenth

• The week containing July 4

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• The day after Thanksgiving

Families remain responsible for full weekly tuition during holiday weeks and scheduled closures.

ARRIVAL REQUIREMENTS

Each child must have:

• At least two complete changes of clothing

• Two blankets labeled with the child’s name

• An adequate supply of diapers

• Baby wipes

• Any required diaper creams with written authorization

INFANT FEEDING REQUIREMENTS

Parents of infants must provide prepared bottles each day.

All bottles must be clearly labeled with:

• Child’s name

• Date

• Bottle contents

Parents must provide enough bottles and formula for the entire day before drop-off.

SICK CHILD POLICY

Children must remain home when sick.

Children may not attend if they have:

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Contagious rash

• Pink eye

• Head lice

• Any contagious illness

Children must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication before returning.

Parents are expected to notify the center of illnesses within the household that may affect other children or staff.

If a child becomes ill during the day, the parent or emergency contact must pick up the child immediately.

MEDICATION POLICY

Medication will only be administered with written parental authorization.

Prescription medication must:

• Be in the original container

• Display the child’s name

• Include dosage instructions

Staff may refuse medication that does not meet licensing requirements.

ALLERGY POLICY

Parents must disclose all allergies during enrollment.

An allergy action plan may be required.

Emergency medications must be provided by the parent.

WEATHER AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The safety of children is our highest priority.

In severe weather situations:

• Children will be moved to designated shelter areas.

• Parents will be notified as quickly as possible.

If tornado warnings, emergency conditions, building damage, utility failures, or other dangerous situations occur, parents may be required to pick up their child immediately.

Parents must maintain current emergency contact information at all times.

AUTHORIZED PICK-UP

Only individuals listed on the child’s authorized pick-up form may remove a child from the center.

Identification may be required at any time.

Children will not be released to unauthorized individuals.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Positive guidance techniques will be used.

The center does not permit:

• Corporal punishment

• Physical discipline

• Humiliation

• Threats

• Verbal abuse

Children will be redirected using age-appropriate methods.

DRUG-FREE AND WEAPON-FREE FACILITY

Shepherd’s Grove is a drug-free and weapon-free facility.

The possession, use, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs is prohibited on center property.

Weapons of any kind are prohibited on center property.

Violations may result in immediate removal from the premises and possible termination of services.

MANDATED REPORTING

Under Alabama law and DHR regulations, childcare staff are mandated reporters.

Any suspicion of child abuse or neglect must be reported to the appropriate authorities.

SAFETY AND LICENSING

Shepherd’s Grove operates in compliance with all applicable Alabama Department of Human Resources childcare regulations.

Parents agree to follow all center policies, procedures, and licensing requirements.

TERMINATION OF SERVICES

The center reserves the right to terminate enrollment for:

• Non-payment

• Repeated late pick-ups

• Failure to follow center policies

• Aggressive or threatening behavior

• Providing false information during enrollment

PARENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Contact

Reach out to us anytime for support.

Email

Phone

kingdomacademychf@gmail.com

(256)391-0446

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