Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center
Parent Handbook 2020
Please review the handbook carefully as it contains important information about the way our school operates. Please sign and return the bottom portion of this page indicating that you have read and understand the terms of the handbook and agree to abide by its terms.
Date:______________________________________________
Printed Name: ______________________________________
Signature:_________________________________________
Permission to be in our Facebook and Instagram Initials: _______
Permission to share contact with other parents information Initials _______
Welcome
Families,
Thank you for your interest in Mila’s Preschool and Childcare. We pride ourselves in having a nurturing and educational environment that provides a wide range from pre-school to infants’ activities throughout our curriculum. We want our children to enjoy learning and motivate them to learn in a bilingual environment. We encourage our children to grow socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively to become life-long learners. We also participate in the program Preschool for All from St. Helena.
Thank you,
Mila
Our Mission:
Mila’s Preschool and Childcare provides all children with a safe, dependable, bilingual, educational and nurturing child centered environment. My goal is to enhance each child’s social, emotional and academic development. I achieve this by establishing daily routines, educational curriculum, and positive social interactions with other children. I believe that by providing quality childcare, I’m making a difference in each child’s life. We believe that each child is unique, and each teacher is train to recognize each child needs and fulfill their needs in a caring way.
The most important goal of our Preschool and Daycare is to help children become enthusiastic learners. This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to try out their ideas and to think their own thoughts. Our goal is to help children become independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners. We're teaching them how to learn, not just in preschool, but all through their lives. We're allowing them to learn at their own pace and in the ways, that are best for them. We're giving them good habits and attitudes, particularly a positive sense of themselves, which will make a difference throughout their lives. Finally, we want to treat our kids at Mila’ preschool and childcare with the same caring environment as we want our own children to be treated. Not be able to find a place that would provide this special care for my own children made me want to provide this excellent service to many children in St. Helena.
We believe:
In inclusion of all children in our program.
In the value of human diversity and the fair treatment of all people. It is our number one goal to provide the kind of environment and the kind of influences that encourage all children to become creative, independent, responsible, well rounded, self-directed adults who can make decisions for themselves.
In nurturing each child’s self-esteem. The home is the most important factor in a child’s development. We will always strive to support and complement the family to promote the healthy development of children and parents.
Loving, trusting and respecting each child enables that child to love, trust and respect others. Each child and family are entitled to personal privacy demanded by professional ethics.
It is important to meet each child’s needs for physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth by providing diverse experiences in a supportive environment.
Each person is a unique individual and has his or her own needs. We strive to meet their needs as unique human beings. Children deserve to have teachers who are capable and caring and whose values enable them to be excellent role models. Our educational and guidance decisions must be based on our knowledge of child development.
We are open all year round, we have full time and half time programs for Preschoolers, toddlers and infants. Hours Monday to Friday 7;30 to 5;30 pm.
extended hours.
Our Staff
Our Staff is bilingual, either holds a degree in early Childhood Education or have ECE college credits or ECE community base training in addition to qualified teaching experience in a certified child/preschool setting.
All our staff is enrolled in central background registry as require for certified child care center, hold currents First Aid/CPR certifications and participate in monthly conferences to enhance the education and care of your children.
We offer a low ratio 1 to 6 students in Preschool
1 to 4 Toddler
1 to 3 Infants
Curriculum:
I use the creative Curriculum. The Creative Curriculum is based on the past 75 years of childhood and learning studies. It employs research-based developmentally appropriate practice, which, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) "provides children with opportunities to learn and practice newly acquired skills. It offers challenges just beyond the level of their present mastery and it takes place in the context of a community where children are safe and valued, where their physical needs are met, and where they feel psychologically secure." (Bredekamp & Copple 1997, pp. 14-15, The Creative Curriculum for Preschool 2002, p. 1) Each classroom will be set up with center which includes: blocks, dramatic play, gross motor, fine motor, art, language, math, science, geography. Outdoor play is important to a child physical development and is included in the schedule. Self-selection of free play is a daily routine of the curriculum and each child has the opportunity to choose which center or activity he/she participates in.
Methods
Teacher and Aides will have a daily schedule and plan activities that meet each child's developmental abilities and needs.
From doing circle time to the letter, number, shape, and color of the week, our activities are created to enhance each child learning experience by learn by playing or in a classroom setting.
Our curriculum identifies goals in all areas of development:
Social: To help children feel comfortable in school, trust their new environment, make friends, and feel they are a part of the group.
Emotional: To help children experience pride and self- confidence, develop independence and
self-control, and have a positive attitude toward life.
Cognitive: To help children become confident learners by letting them try out their own ideas and experience success, and by helping them acquire learning skills such as the ability to solve
problems ask questions, and use words to describe their ideas, observations, and feelings. Physical: To help children increase their large and small muscle skills and feel confident about
what their bodies can do.
The activities we plan for children, the way we organize the environment, select toys and materials, plan the daily schedule, and talk with children, are all designed to accomplish the goals of our curriculum and give your child a successful start in school.
Social and Emotional Development
Children choose and become involved in one activity out of several options
Children are encouraged to identify and label their feelings
Children take on pretend roles and situations in the classroom
Children are guided in finding multiple uses for classroom objects
Children are encouraging to treat their friends and teachers with respect and kindness
The Arts
Children are given time to dance to music of various cultures
Children are encouraged to use their imaginations in drawing shapes, letters,
other symbols, and figures.
Children retell stories they have heard and act out main events of familiar stories
Physical Health and Development
Children hold markers, crayons, and other objects using fine motor skills to make
specific strokes or figures
Children are given reminders about self-help skills, such as clean-up time and
Hand-washing
Children create and are taught to follow classroom rules, with reminders
Mathematics
Teachers initiate discussions of similarities and differences
Children are given tasks to sort objects by size, shape or color
Teachers and children discuss time concepts such as past, present, or future
Events Children use comparative words to describe number, size, shape, weight, and color
Children learns to count and write numbers after preschool most of them can write to 100
They can count in English and Spanish.
Science
Children are encouraged to wonder “what will happen if” and test possibilities
Demonstrating cause and effect
Children are given time to observe and examine objects and notice details and
Attributes Language.
Dramatic Play – Dress-up clothes, baby dolls, doll clothes and blankets,
Kitchen area with dishes, furniture and toy food, telephones and cash
Registers.
Block Area – Unit blocks, toy people, animals, cars and trucks, and large
Legos.
Nature/Science Center – Natural object collections (rocks, feathers,
Flowers), magnifying glasses, science themed books and games, and bug
Collection activities.
Dramatic Play materials:
1. Dress-up clothes and hats
2. Outdoor house with kitchen, telephone, etc.
3. Baby dolls and doll house, clothes, blankets
4. Tricycles, toy cars and stop signs
5. Cash registers with toy money
Sensory materials:
1. Sand and water table
2. Play-doh with accessories
3. Etc...
Schedule Hours
Classroom hours for full time with extended care is Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. we also offer half time schedule.
We are open all year round.
Drop in Days
Additional days can be added to your schedule with a request form. If the day is available, you will be notified, and payment will redeem. Payment is non-refundable in the event of absence.
Open Door Policy
We have an open-door policy – parents are welcome during all hours of operation without disrupting the program. (During pandemic times we don't allowed Adults inside the rooms)
Preschool
We believe that young children learn best through play and hands-on experiences, and activities that are interesting and meaningful to them. We use the project approach as our method of teaching. Our preschoolers are constantly progressing socially and emotionally by developing empathy, identifying and managing emotions, building upon understanding others and expressing themselves. Children can participate in many learning opportunities throughout their day in a way that is meaningful and developmentally for them. Our Program is bilingual.
Our preschoolers get an education that prepares them for kindergarten or above.
Toddlers
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM WITH TODDLER COMPONENT
The provisions of Sections 101351 through 101439.1 shall apply for children between the ages of 18 and 24 months participating in a preschool toddler component in addition to those specified in Health and Safety Code section 1596.955.
(1) A child who is between 18 months and 36 months of age may participate in the toddler program with written permission from the child's authorized representative. No child in the toddler program shall be placed in the preschool program before the age of 30 months without written permission from the child's authorized representative.
(2) The toddler program shall be conducted are in areas physically separate from those used by older or younger children
Toddlers are encouraged to do free playing, circle time, learn sounds, dance, colors, shapes, Spanish, and to learn to socialized with other children as taking turns, or playing in groups.
We provide a caring and safe environment for toddlers with Planned experiences enable the children to grow emotionally, socially, intellectually, physically and spiritually using their natural abilities, interests and temperaments to develop positive feelings about themselves and their world.
Infants
Our infant program provides a loving, motivational and safe environment, our teachers are great moms that care for the infants as they were theirs. We personalize care for each infant based on his or her unique schedule, nutritional guidelines, and any other special attention he/she requires.
We provide an individualized care to suit each infant.
Promoting Individuality
The toys and materials we selected inspire creativity by offering many ways of doing things. We do not promote cookie-cutter art projects, but rather encourage individuality and uniqueness of each child's self- expression. Please respect your child’s artwork, even though it may not look like anything recognizable. Don’t ask “what is this?”, as it may upset and discourage your child. Say “tell me about your drawing”, which will encourage conversation and help language development through art. It is also not a good idea to say “you did a great job” to every drawing or project. Instead, say something meaningful, such as “I like your choice of colors; it gives the painting a warm feeling” etc.
Spanish Program
This culturally diverse class is delivered in both direct lessons and embedded learning throughout each child’s day. These enriching lessons are driven by our bilingual staff. Our Infant program is 100% Spanish, Toddler 75% Spanish and Preschool 50% Spanish.
Music and Movement Program
Many children find music meaningful and exciting! The music and movement goes daily. We explore a variety of cultural beats and rhythms with our bodies and minds. We incorporate our learning from this class into our seasonal performances throughout the year.
Creative Art Program
This class recognizes the power of children’s art. We encourage creativity and the development of new skills while using a variety of art tools, materials and introducing the language of art. Children are exposed to colors, shapes, expressions and textures.
Admissions
No child will be refused enrollment because of gender, race, or religion, or that of their parents.
We are in compliance with the Regulations of Title 22. Please feel free to contact Community Care Licensing, social services Dept., 101 Golf Course Drive, Suite A230, Rohnert Park, CA 94928-1718, (707) 588-5026, if you have any questions about our school.
In accordance with the child care center's individual program, policies and needs, the licensee shall develop, implement and maintain an admission procedure that enables the person in charge of admissions to:
Determine that the child meets the child care center's admission criteria.
Conduct one or more personal interviews with the child's parent or authorized representative that meets the following requirements:
Enables the person responsible for admissions to understand the state of the child's health and physical and emotional development, and to assess whether the child care center can meet the child's needs.
Provides the child's parent or authorized representative with information about the child care center that shall at least include the child care center's admission policies and procedures, activities, services, regulations, hours and days of operation, fees, procedures to be followed should the child become ill or injured while at the child care center, and procedures for conducting inspections for illness.
At the time of acceptance of each child in care, the licensee shall inform each child's parent or authorized representative of his/her rights.
Parents/Director can drop service with 30 days noticed or immediately if the contract is broken.
Requirements:
Children's files must contain the following documents/information:
Individual feeding, Toilet and Napping plan for infants.
The plan should update quarterly, or as often as necessary to assure its accuracy.
Payment and Refund Policy
They are financial incentives to pay annually. The annual payments discount is one month free of the whole year.
We also offer sibling discounts.
Tuition payment is then due on the first of the month and is considered overdue after the 5th of the month.
Late payment fee is $20 dollars per day after the 1st.
Payment is based on the monthly basis of contracted days and not on actual days of attendance.
If a child is picked up late, the late pick up fee if $1.00 per minute.
There are no credits given for the holidays, school closures due to increment of weather, days absents due to the child’s illness, vacation, missed otherwise or in case of closure due to pandemic visuses.
Paid Holidays: New Year’s Eve and Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and after, Christmas Day and Christmas eve.
If a holiday falls on Saturday we will be closed on the Friday prior to the holiday, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, we will be closed on a Monday after the holiday.
when enrolling for a future month, families may reserve that slot by paying your first month's tuition, enrollment fee and supply fee.
The registration fee and first month’s tuition payment are due at the time of enrollment. This will secure a child’s placement.
As tuition fees are subject to change to reflect operating costs, a new tuition fee schedule is issued each year. At least 30 days’ notice will be given prior to any fee changes.
If you are put on the wait list, you will be notified as soon as an opening is available.
Annual Material Fee 100
Age of students
Age Appropriated Program, each group has its own developmentally appropriate program. Challenging tasks just above the child's skill level are offered in order to promoted critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.
Infant Program 1 month to 18 months
Toddler Program 18 months to 3 years.
Preschool Program 3 years to 5 years.
Hygiene
Hand washing upon arrival is highly encourage for each student. In addition, students will be washing before and after each meal, after recess, after wiping noses and after using the restrooms.
Dress code for your child’s clothing should be comfortable and appropriate weather.
No shoes allowed inside the center, bring sleepers to keep at our center.
Layering allows your child to adjust their clothing to their body temperature.
Tennis shoes with Velcro and socks are required always. Clothing should allow your children to easily removed them as easily to dress themselves. Mila’s Preschool and Toddler Program does not guarantee that your child’s clothing will remain clean while involved in the program’s daily activities. Please dress your child in clothing that allows your child to freely explore all aspects of the environment; your child will get dirty.
During warm weather, be sure to put sunscreen on your child and have them dressed appropriately. Due to concerns about allergies our program won’t administer sunscreen, unless come with a medication form.
A change of clothing, including socks, undergarments, pants, shirts, and a sweatshirt labeled with your child name, must be kept in a cubby and replaced as needed due to weather, growth, or use through the school year. Please put your child’s name in all his/her jackets, and sweaters. Mila’s Preschool and Childcare program won’t be responsible for any lost or stolen items. Lost and found is in the basket in front of the school.
Sign In & Out
All children must be signed in and out daily with a full signature of an authorized adult. Your child will not be released to anyone who is not identifies as an emergency contact in their application. The safety of your child is very important to us and any change in pick up information must be made in person, unless there is a serious emergency. Please have any alternate authorized adult picking your child up be prepared to provide photo identification prior to your child being released.
A parent/guardian or formally designated adult bringing the child to Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center must remain with the child until she or he is accepted by a Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center staff member. Please do not join the classroom unless previously scheduled as to not disturb the flow of the day.
Family Input and Support
Upon enrollment, we ask you on enrollment form about your child’s interests, preferences, development goals. We encourage you to provide your input on ongoing basis. If you would like to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher, please let us know. Teachers will let you know if a child has trouble recognizing letters or numbers, if so we ask you help us by assisting your child on your own time.
Nutrition
Please ensure your child has eaten breakfast prior to coming to school. If your child is enrolled in an all-day program, please send a well-rounded lunch (protein, whole grain, dairy, fruit and vegetable) and labeled drink in an insulated lunch bag. Please let us know if your child has any food allergies or specific dietary needs.
What Your Student Should Bring
Back pack with your child's name.
Lunch Box with your child's name.
Label Water Bottle.
Clothes: slip on pants recommended and Velcro enclosed shoes.
Please send extra clothes in a clear plastic zip lock bag, clearly labeled with your child’s first and last name. This extra set of clothing will be stored at the school and sleepers.
Daily Blanket and daily sheet.
Diapers: Parents are responsible for all diapering materials if applicable.
Box of Zip lock large bags
Jackets, hats, depends of the weather.
Nap Arrangements
Each classroom has a schedule to follow but, in our center, we accommodate to the need of each child.
Mats and cribs are provided by the center. Each child will have their own designated mat or crib.
Parents are responsible to bring a clean sheet every week.
Bathroom Procedures
Children will use the bathroom one at a time. If assistance is needed, Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center Inc. staff member will assist the child in the bathroom. In the Primary classrooms, children will be encouraged to change clothes and wipe independently as much as possible. We ask parents to help their children practice this at home as well.
Screen Policy
We will not watch television or participate in screen time at school. We recognize that there may be an abundance of wonderful gains that can be with technology at home with 1:1 supervision.
Photographs and Contact Information
Contact information is shared by request and is generally used for arranging play dates, birthday invitations, etc. Photos taken at the school are used in our newsletter, on the website, and for publicity and marketing purposes. If you don't want your children's picture taken please let us know.
Birthday
Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center welcomes parent participation and the bringing of treats to celebrate your child’s special day. Please communicate with the teacher about the day and the time for the special celebration.
Health Policy
DUE A PANDEMIC VIRUS
A child may not attend school with any of the following: fever over 100.0 F, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, severe cough, unusual yellow color to skin or eyes, skin or eye lesions, rashes that are weeping or pus filled, difficult breathing or wheezing, or complaints of severe pain. If your child gets any of these symptoms, they will be asked to lie on a mat and stay isolated from the other children. You will be called immediately and asked to come get your child. If your child is ill with any of the conditions described above, they must remain out of school for at least 24 hours.
to enter upon the facility premises my child must be free from COVID-19 symptoms. If, during the day, any of the following symptoms appear my child will be separated from the rest of the people in the center. I will be contacted, and my child MUST be pick-ed up from the facility within 30 minutes of being notified.Symptoms include,
If you or your children have been in contact with a person infected with a virus( Covid-19) or any other pandemic virus, we request to be informed.
Any accident or injuries that occur while your child is on the school premises shall be reported to you, in writing, describing the nature of the injury and actions taken. If emergency medical care is required, 911 will be called. Parents are responsible for any emergency service changes.
Medication: Prescription or non-prescription medications will only be given to your child after speaking to a parent. Teachers will document the times that medication was given. When possible, please dispense medications at home.
Sunscreen: If you would like your child to use sunscreen at morning play, please apply sunscreen to your child before they arrive at school. If they attend the full day program and you’d like them to wear sunscreen, please provide non-aerosol sunscreen labeled with your child’s full name. Sunscreen will be applied to those children prior to going outside in the afternoon. Please give sunscreen directly to the teacher rather than put it in a locked box out of children’s reach. We do assist in teaching children to apply their own sunscreen when appropriate.
Accident Reports
All minor accidents are reported in an Ouch report, major accidents will be reported in an Injure Report form. Minor accidents such as cuts and scrapes will be treated with soap and water, bruises and bumps will be treated with ice packs. Certified personnel may administer additional first-aid. If emergency treatment is necessary, parents will be notified immediately. Parents will receive an accident report related to any injury that may occur at Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center Inc. and will be notified by telephone if necessary.
Guidance Policy
We believe that most acting out behaviors can be prevented with supervision, redirection, and praise for making positive choices. Teachers will be within sight or hearing of children always. Monitor children’s play for appropriate child to child interaction, intervening when necessary, and proactively guide children to make positive choices. Our teachers know individual temperaments, recognize each student’s brain state before intervening, and monitor all students for frustration, anger and redirects when necessary. We help each child recognize and name their feelings, develop control, patience and respect for others.
Redirection: children displaying behaviors that are mildly to moderately inappropriate will be redirected to more positive, constructive activities.
Natural and Logical Consequences: Children displaying inappropriate behaviors will be subject to logical consequences for their actions that may include loss of privileges, temporary restriction from activities or peer interactions, added responsibilities, relating to the behavior in question.
Removal from the Situation: If a child is particularly destructive or hurtful, he or she will be removed from the situation and will discuss the behavior with a staff member or the Director. A child’s ability to consistently follow our outside safety rules is especially important. This includes staying with the group, inside the established perimeter (marked with cones), and staying on the rope during walks outside. Parents/guardians will be notified if their child has difficulty with these safety rules and the teacher, parents, and Director will create a plan to address these concerns.
Situations Requiring Immediate Action: If a child displays behaviors that are hazardous or overly disruptive, the staff may contact the child’s parent/guardian or guardian to remove him or her from school for the day. The Director or administrator will then discuss the behavior with the staff involved and determine whether further action is needed, including but not limited to, parent conference, suspension or termination of our services.
Adult Behavior
If a parent/guardian or other adult displays inappropriate, disruptive, or hazardous behaviors on the grounds of Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center Inc., the Director/administrator may withdraw permission for the offending individual to visit the school and has the option of removing his/her child from enrollment. In the event of expulsion, any unapplied tuition payments will be refunded within five working days.
Mandatory Reporting. Rights of the Licensing Agency
The Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services (Section 101200) has the authority to interview children or staff and to inspect and audit child or facility records without prior consent. The licensee shall make provisions for private interviews with any child(ren) or any staff member and for the examination of all records relating to the operation of the facility. The licensing agency has the authority to observe the physical condition of the child(ren), including conditions that could indicate abuse, neglect, or inappropriate placement.
Rights of the Parent(s) or Authorized Representative(s)
Parents understand that children have rights and have received a copy of the personal Rights for (LIC 613A). Parent(s) understand that they have the right to visit and observe the school any time their child is in care and have received a copy of the Parents Rights form (LIC995). Parents understand that they have the right to call or write the licensing agency if fault is found in the operation of the facility or treatment of their child.
Write or call:
Community Care Licensing
101 Golf Course Drive – Suite A230
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 588-5026
Parent Communication
Communication with families is an extremely important piece to your child’s education. Conferences are held as needed in the spring and the staff will be available to schedule private conferences at the parent’s request at any time. Teachers will make an effort to talk to parents regularly about how their child is doing in the classroom. Please feel free to email us if you have any questions or concerns.
A monthly newsletter will be distributed to all parents regarding the upcoming curriculum and programs. The comprehensive, multi-page document requests detailed information about the child and family including developmental history, interests, preferences, fears, changes at home, family members, sleep patterns, nutrition and routines. We will complete individual educational assessment each fall and spring. The assessments allow us to determine areas of strengths and topics to focus on throughout the school year.
Withdrawal
Parents wishing to with withdraw their children from the program must give a 30-day notice in writing. Application fee’s, and tuition are non-refundable. If Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center has concerns that the program is not a good fit for a child’s specific needs the director and teachers will take all steps necessary, inform and work with his/her parents to find a solution that will allow the child to succeed and remain a student at the school. If a solution is unable to be found and if the emotional or physical well-being and safety of other students and/or staff is put in jeopardy, Mila and her staff reserves the right to withdraw a child from the program.
Confidentiality
Children’s records are kept confidential. All teachers have signed a confidentiality agreement and fully understand its importance. While enrolled, pictures will be taken of students for the year for Facebook, Instagram and newsletters. All students past and present can appear at times.
Permission to be in our Facebook and Instagram Initials: _______
Permission to share contact with other parents information Initials _______
Parent Handbook 2020
Please review the handbook carefully as it contains important information about the way our school operates. Please sign and return the bottom portion of this page indicating that you have read and understand the terms of the handbook and agree to abide by its terms.
Date:______________________________________________
Printed Name: ______________________________________
Signature:_________________________________________
Permission to be in our Facebook and Instagram Initials: _______
Permission to share contact with other parents information Initials _______
Welcome
Families,
Thank you for your interest in Mila’s Preschool and Childcare. We pride ourselves in having a nurturing and educational environment that provides a wide range from pre-school to infants’ activities throughout our curriculum. We want our children to enjoy learning and motivate them to learn in a bilingual environment. We encourage our children to grow socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively to become life-long learners. We also participate in the program Preschool for All from St. Helena.
Thank you,
Mila
Our Mission:
Mila’s Preschool and Childcare provides all children with a safe, dependable, bilingual, educational and nurturing child centered environment. My goal is to enhance each child’s social, emotional and academic development. I achieve this by establishing daily routines, educational curriculum, and positive social interactions with other children. I believe that by providing quality childcare, I’m making a difference in each child’s life. We believe that each child is unique, and each teacher is train to recognize each child needs and fulfill their needs in a caring way.
The most important goal of our Preschool and Daycare is to help children become enthusiastic learners. This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to try out their ideas and to think their own thoughts. Our goal is to help children become independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners. We're teaching them how to learn, not just in preschool, but all through their lives. We're allowing them to learn at their own pace and in the ways, that are best for them. We're giving them good habits and attitudes, particularly a positive sense of themselves, which will make a difference throughout their lives. Finally, we want to treat our kids at Mila’ preschool and childcare with the same caring environment as we want our own children to be treated. Not be able to find a place that would provide this special care for my own children made me want to provide this excellent service to many children in St. Helena.
We believe:
In inclusion of all children in our program.
In the value of human diversity and the fair treatment of all people. It is our number one goal to provide the kind of environment and the kind of influences that encourage all children to become creative, independent, responsible, well rounded, self-directed adults who can make decisions for themselves.
In nurturing each child’s self-esteem. The home is the most important factor in a child’s development. We will always strive to support and complement the family to promote the healthy development of children and parents.
Loving, trusting and respecting each child enables that child to love, trust and respect others. Each child and family are entitled to personal privacy demanded by professional ethics.
It is important to meet each child’s needs for physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth by providing diverse experiences in a supportive environment.
Each person is a unique individual and has his or her own needs. We strive to meet their needs as unique human beings. Children deserve to have teachers who are capable and caring and whose values enable them to be excellent role models. Our educational and guidance decisions must be based on our knowledge of child development.
We are open all year round, we have full time and half time programs for Preschoolers, toddlers and infants. Hours Monday to Friday 7;30 to 5;30 pm.
extended hours.
Our Staff
Our Staff is bilingual, either holds a degree in early Childhood Education or have ECE college credits or ECE community base training in addition to qualified teaching experience in a certified child/preschool setting.
All our staff is enrolled in central background registry as require for certified child care center, hold currents First Aid/CPR certifications and participate in monthly conferences to enhance the education and care of your children.
We offer a low ratio 1 to 6 students in Preschool
1 to 4 Toddler
1 to 3 Infants
Curriculum:
I use the creative Curriculum. The Creative Curriculum is based on the past 75 years of childhood and learning studies. It employs research-based developmentally appropriate practice, which, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) "provides children with opportunities to learn and practice newly acquired skills. It offers challenges just beyond the level of their present mastery and it takes place in the context of a community where children are safe and valued, where their physical needs are met, and where they feel psychologically secure." (Bredekamp & Copple 1997, pp. 14-15, The Creative Curriculum for Preschool 2002, p. 1) Each classroom will be set up with center which includes: blocks, dramatic play, gross motor, fine motor, art, language, math, science, geography. Outdoor play is important to a child physical development and is included in the schedule. Self-selection of free play is a daily routine of the curriculum and each child has the opportunity to choose which center or activity he/she participates in.
Methods
Teacher and Aides will have a daily schedule and plan activities that meet each child's developmental abilities and needs.
From doing circle time to the letter, number, shape, and color of the week, our activities are created to enhance each child learning experience by learn by playing or in a classroom setting.
Our curriculum identifies goals in all areas of development:
Social: To help children feel comfortable in school, trust their new environment, make friends, and feel they are a part of the group.
Emotional: To help children experience pride and self- confidence, develop independence and
self-control, and have a positive attitude toward life.
Cognitive: To help children become confident learners by letting them try out their own ideas and experience success, and by helping them acquire learning skills such as the ability to solve
problems ask questions, and use words to describe their ideas, observations, and feelings. Physical: To help children increase their large and small muscle skills and feel confident about
what their bodies can do.
The activities we plan for children, the way we organize the environment, select toys and materials, plan the daily schedule, and talk with children, are all designed to accomplish the goals of our curriculum and give your child a successful start in school.
Social and Emotional Development
Children choose and become involved in one activity out of several options
Children are encouraged to identify and label their feelings
Children take on pretend roles and situations in the classroom
Children are guided in finding multiple uses for classroom objects
Children are encouraging to treat their friends and teachers with respect and kindness
The Arts
Children are given time to dance to music of various cultures
Children are encouraged to use their imaginations in drawing shapes, letters,
other symbols, and figures.
Children retell stories they have heard and act out main events of familiar stories
Physical Health and Development
Children hold markers, crayons, and other objects using fine motor skills to make
specific strokes or figures
Children are given reminders about self-help skills, such as clean-up time and
Hand-washing
Children create and are taught to follow classroom rules, with reminders
Mathematics
Teachers initiate discussions of similarities and differences
Children are given tasks to sort objects by size, shape or color
Teachers and children discuss time concepts such as past, present, or future
Events Children use comparative words to describe number, size, shape, weight, and color
Children learns to count and write numbers after preschool most of them can write to 100
They can count in English and Spanish.
Science
Children are encouraged to wonder “what will happen if” and test possibilities
Demonstrating cause and effect
Children are given time to observe and examine objects and notice details and
Attributes Language.
Dramatic Play – Dress-up clothes, baby dolls, doll clothes and blankets,
Kitchen area with dishes, furniture and toy food, telephones and cash
Registers.
Block Area – Unit blocks, toy people, animals, cars and trucks, and large
Legos.
Nature/Science Center – Natural object collections (rocks, feathers,
Flowers), magnifying glasses, science themed books and games, and bug
Collection activities.
Dramatic Play materials:
1. Dress-up clothes and hats
2. Outdoor house with kitchen, telephone, etc.
3. Baby dolls and doll house, clothes, blankets
4. Tricycles, toy cars and stop signs
5. Cash registers with toy money
Sensory materials:
1. Sand and water table
2. Play-doh with accessories
3. Etc...
Schedule Hours
Classroom hours for full time with extended care is Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. we also offer half time schedule.
We are open all year round.
Drop in Days
Additional days can be added to your schedule with a request form. If the day is available, you will be notified, and payment will redeem. Payment is non-refundable in the event of absence.
Open Door Policy
We have an open-door policy – parents are welcome during all hours of operation without disrupting the program. (During pandemic times we don't allowed Adults inside the rooms)
Preschool
We believe that young children learn best through play and hands-on experiences, and activities that are interesting and meaningful to them. We use the project approach as our method of teaching. Our preschoolers are constantly progressing socially and emotionally by developing empathy, identifying and managing emotions, building upon understanding others and expressing themselves. Children can participate in many learning opportunities throughout their day in a way that is meaningful and developmentally for them. Our Program is bilingual.
Our preschoolers get an education that prepares them for kindergarten or above.
Toddlers
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM WITH TODDLER COMPONENT
The provisions of Sections 101351 through 101439.1 shall apply for children between the ages of 18 and 24 months participating in a preschool toddler component in addition to those specified in Health and Safety Code section 1596.955.
(1) A child who is between 18 months and 36 months of age may participate in the toddler program with written permission from the child's authorized representative. No child in the toddler program shall be placed in the preschool program before the age of 30 months without written permission from the child's authorized representative.
(2) The toddler program shall be conducted are in areas physically separate from those used by older or younger children
Toddlers are encouraged to do free playing, circle time, learn sounds, dance, colors, shapes, Spanish, and to learn to socialized with other children as taking turns, or playing in groups.
We provide a caring and safe environment for toddlers with Planned experiences enable the children to grow emotionally, socially, intellectually, physically and spiritually using their natural abilities, interests and temperaments to develop positive feelings about themselves and their world.
Infants
Our infant program provides a loving, motivational and safe environment, our teachers are great moms that care for the infants as they were theirs. We personalize care for each infant based on his or her unique schedule, nutritional guidelines, and any other special attention he/she requires.
We provide an individualized care to suit each infant.
Promoting Individuality
The toys and materials we selected inspire creativity by offering many ways of doing things. We do not promote cookie-cutter art projects, but rather encourage individuality and uniqueness of each child's self- expression. Please respect your child’s artwork, even though it may not look like anything recognizable. Don’t ask “what is this?”, as it may upset and discourage your child. Say “tell me about your drawing”, which will encourage conversation and help language development through art. It is also not a good idea to say “you did a great job” to every drawing or project. Instead, say something meaningful, such as “I like your choice of colors; it gives the painting a warm feeling” etc.
Spanish Program
This culturally diverse class is delivered in both direct lessons and embedded learning throughout each child’s day. These enriching lessons are driven by our bilingual staff. Our Infant program is 100% Spanish, Toddler 75% Spanish and Preschool 50% Spanish.
Music and Movement Program
Many children find music meaningful and exciting! The music and movement goes daily. We explore a variety of cultural beats and rhythms with our bodies and minds. We incorporate our learning from this class into our seasonal performances throughout the year.
Creative Art Program
This class recognizes the power of children’s art. We encourage creativity and the development of new skills while using a variety of art tools, materials and introducing the language of art. Children are exposed to colors, shapes, expressions and textures.
Admissions
No child will be refused enrollment because of gender, race, or religion, or that of their parents.
We are in compliance with the Regulations of Title 22. Please feel free to contact Community Care Licensing, social services Dept., 101 Golf Course Drive, Suite A230, Rohnert Park, CA 94928-1718, (707) 588-5026, if you have any questions about our school.
In accordance with the child care center's individual program, policies and needs, the licensee shall develop, implement and maintain an admission procedure that enables the person in charge of admissions to:
Determine that the child meets the child care center's admission criteria.
Conduct one or more personal interviews with the child's parent or authorized representative that meets the following requirements:
Enables the person responsible for admissions to understand the state of the child's health and physical and emotional development, and to assess whether the child care center can meet the child's needs.
Provides the child's parent or authorized representative with information about the child care center that shall at least include the child care center's admission policies and procedures, activities, services, regulations, hours and days of operation, fees, procedures to be followed should the child become ill or injured while at the child care center, and procedures for conducting inspections for illness.
At the time of acceptance of each child in care, the licensee shall inform each child's parent or authorized representative of his/her rights.
Parents/Director can drop service with 30 days noticed or immediately if the contract is broken.
Requirements:
Children's files must contain the following documents/information:
Individual feeding, Toilet and Napping plan for infants.
The plan should update quarterly, or as often as necessary to assure its accuracy.
- Consent for Medical Treatment http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC627.PDF -
- Consent/Verification for Nebulizer Care http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC9166.PDF
- Identification and Emergency Information http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/lic700.pdf
- This form must be kept for each child in care and identifies whom to call in an emergency Lic.70
- Notification of Parents' Rights http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC995.PDF http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC701.pdf
- www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC9212.PDF
- www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC995A.PDF
- http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC613A.PDF
- Parent consent for administration of Medication
- http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC9221.pdf
- Pre-admission Health History Report- parent report
- http://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/FMUForms/I-L/LIC702.pdf?ver=2017-07-16-155553-713
- http://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Regs/Form%20LIC%209227.pdf?ver=2018-08-06-154350-447 for infants
Payment and Refund Policy
They are financial incentives to pay annually. The annual payments discount is one month free of the whole year.
We also offer sibling discounts.
Tuition payment is then due on the first of the month and is considered overdue after the 5th of the month.
Late payment fee is $20 dollars per day after the 1st.
Payment is based on the monthly basis of contracted days and not on actual days of attendance.
If a child is picked up late, the late pick up fee if $1.00 per minute.
There are no credits given for the holidays, school closures due to increment of weather, days absents due to the child’s illness, vacation, missed otherwise or in case of closure due to pandemic visuses.
Paid Holidays: New Year’s Eve and Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and after, Christmas Day and Christmas eve.
If a holiday falls on Saturday we will be closed on the Friday prior to the holiday, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, we will be closed on a Monday after the holiday.
when enrolling for a future month, families may reserve that slot by paying your first month's tuition, enrollment fee and supply fee.
The registration fee and first month’s tuition payment are due at the time of enrollment. This will secure a child’s placement.
As tuition fees are subject to change to reflect operating costs, a new tuition fee schedule is issued each year. At least 30 days’ notice will be given prior to any fee changes.
If you are put on the wait list, you will be notified as soon as an opening is available.
Annual Material Fee 100
Age of students
Age Appropriated Program, each group has its own developmentally appropriate program. Challenging tasks just above the child's skill level are offered in order to promoted critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.
Infant Program 1 month to 18 months
Toddler Program 18 months to 3 years.
Preschool Program 3 years to 5 years.
Hygiene
Hand washing upon arrival is highly encourage for each student. In addition, students will be washing before and after each meal, after recess, after wiping noses and after using the restrooms.
Dress code for your child’s clothing should be comfortable and appropriate weather.
No shoes allowed inside the center, bring sleepers to keep at our center.
Layering allows your child to adjust their clothing to their body temperature.
Tennis shoes with Velcro and socks are required always. Clothing should allow your children to easily removed them as easily to dress themselves. Mila’s Preschool and Toddler Program does not guarantee that your child’s clothing will remain clean while involved in the program’s daily activities. Please dress your child in clothing that allows your child to freely explore all aspects of the environment; your child will get dirty.
During warm weather, be sure to put sunscreen on your child and have them dressed appropriately. Due to concerns about allergies our program won’t administer sunscreen, unless come with a medication form.
A change of clothing, including socks, undergarments, pants, shirts, and a sweatshirt labeled with your child name, must be kept in a cubby and replaced as needed due to weather, growth, or use through the school year. Please put your child’s name in all his/her jackets, and sweaters. Mila’s Preschool and Childcare program won’t be responsible for any lost or stolen items. Lost and found is in the basket in front of the school.
Sign In & Out
All children must be signed in and out daily with a full signature of an authorized adult. Your child will not be released to anyone who is not identifies as an emergency contact in their application. The safety of your child is very important to us and any change in pick up information must be made in person, unless there is a serious emergency. Please have any alternate authorized adult picking your child up be prepared to provide photo identification prior to your child being released.
A parent/guardian or formally designated adult bringing the child to Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center must remain with the child until she or he is accepted by a Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center staff member. Please do not join the classroom unless previously scheduled as to not disturb the flow of the day.
Family Input and Support
Upon enrollment, we ask you on enrollment form about your child’s interests, preferences, development goals. We encourage you to provide your input on ongoing basis. If you would like to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher, please let us know. Teachers will let you know if a child has trouble recognizing letters or numbers, if so we ask you help us by assisting your child on your own time.
Nutrition
Please ensure your child has eaten breakfast prior to coming to school. If your child is enrolled in an all-day program, please send a well-rounded lunch (protein, whole grain, dairy, fruit and vegetable) and labeled drink in an insulated lunch bag. Please let us know if your child has any food allergies or specific dietary needs.
What Your Student Should Bring
Back pack with your child's name.
Lunch Box with your child's name.
Label Water Bottle.
Clothes: slip on pants recommended and Velcro enclosed shoes.
Please send extra clothes in a clear plastic zip lock bag, clearly labeled with your child’s first and last name. This extra set of clothing will be stored at the school and sleepers.
Daily Blanket and daily sheet.
Diapers: Parents are responsible for all diapering materials if applicable.
Box of Zip lock large bags
Jackets, hats, depends of the weather.
Nap Arrangements
Each classroom has a schedule to follow but, in our center, we accommodate to the need of each child.
Mats and cribs are provided by the center. Each child will have their own designated mat or crib.
Parents are responsible to bring a clean sheet every week.
Bathroom Procedures
Children will use the bathroom one at a time. If assistance is needed, Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center Inc. staff member will assist the child in the bathroom. In the Primary classrooms, children will be encouraged to change clothes and wipe independently as much as possible. We ask parents to help their children practice this at home as well.
Screen Policy
We will not watch television or participate in screen time at school. We recognize that there may be an abundance of wonderful gains that can be with technology at home with 1:1 supervision.
Photographs and Contact Information
Contact information is shared by request and is generally used for arranging play dates, birthday invitations, etc. Photos taken at the school are used in our newsletter, on the website, and for publicity and marketing purposes. If you don't want your children's picture taken please let us know.
Birthday
Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center welcomes parent participation and the bringing of treats to celebrate your child’s special day. Please communicate with the teacher about the day and the time for the special celebration.
Health Policy
DUE A PANDEMIC VIRUS
A child may not attend school with any of the following: fever over 100.0 F, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, severe cough, unusual yellow color to skin or eyes, skin or eye lesions, rashes that are weeping or pus filled, difficult breathing or wheezing, or complaints of severe pain. If your child gets any of these symptoms, they will be asked to lie on a mat and stay isolated from the other children. You will be called immediately and asked to come get your child. If your child is ill with any of the conditions described above, they must remain out of school for at least 24 hours.
to enter upon the facility premises my child must be free from COVID-19 symptoms. If, during the day, any of the following symptoms appear my child will be separated from the rest of the people in the center. I will be contacted, and my child MUST be pick-ed up from the facility within 30 minutes of being notified.Symptoms include,
- fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- dry cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Chills
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore Throat
- Muscle aches
If you or your children have been in contact with a person infected with a virus( Covid-19) or any other pandemic virus, we request to be informed.
Any accident or injuries that occur while your child is on the school premises shall be reported to you, in writing, describing the nature of the injury and actions taken. If emergency medical care is required, 911 will be called. Parents are responsible for any emergency service changes.
Medication: Prescription or non-prescription medications will only be given to your child after speaking to a parent. Teachers will document the times that medication was given. When possible, please dispense medications at home.
Sunscreen: If you would like your child to use sunscreen at morning play, please apply sunscreen to your child before they arrive at school. If they attend the full day program and you’d like them to wear sunscreen, please provide non-aerosol sunscreen labeled with your child’s full name. Sunscreen will be applied to those children prior to going outside in the afternoon. Please give sunscreen directly to the teacher rather than put it in a locked box out of children’s reach. We do assist in teaching children to apply their own sunscreen when appropriate.
Accident Reports
All minor accidents are reported in an Ouch report, major accidents will be reported in an Injure Report form. Minor accidents such as cuts and scrapes will be treated with soap and water, bruises and bumps will be treated with ice packs. Certified personnel may administer additional first-aid. If emergency treatment is necessary, parents will be notified immediately. Parents will receive an accident report related to any injury that may occur at Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center Inc. and will be notified by telephone if necessary.
Guidance Policy
We believe that most acting out behaviors can be prevented with supervision, redirection, and praise for making positive choices. Teachers will be within sight or hearing of children always. Monitor children’s play for appropriate child to child interaction, intervening when necessary, and proactively guide children to make positive choices. Our teachers know individual temperaments, recognize each student’s brain state before intervening, and monitor all students for frustration, anger and redirects when necessary. We help each child recognize and name their feelings, develop control, patience and respect for others.
Redirection: children displaying behaviors that are mildly to moderately inappropriate will be redirected to more positive, constructive activities.
Natural and Logical Consequences: Children displaying inappropriate behaviors will be subject to logical consequences for their actions that may include loss of privileges, temporary restriction from activities or peer interactions, added responsibilities, relating to the behavior in question.
Removal from the Situation: If a child is particularly destructive or hurtful, he or she will be removed from the situation and will discuss the behavior with a staff member or the Director. A child’s ability to consistently follow our outside safety rules is especially important. This includes staying with the group, inside the established perimeter (marked with cones), and staying on the rope during walks outside. Parents/guardians will be notified if their child has difficulty with these safety rules and the teacher, parents, and Director will create a plan to address these concerns.
Situations Requiring Immediate Action: If a child displays behaviors that are hazardous or overly disruptive, the staff may contact the child’s parent/guardian or guardian to remove him or her from school for the day. The Director or administrator will then discuss the behavior with the staff involved and determine whether further action is needed, including but not limited to, parent conference, suspension or termination of our services.
Adult Behavior
If a parent/guardian or other adult displays inappropriate, disruptive, or hazardous behaviors on the grounds of Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center Inc., the Director/administrator may withdraw permission for the offending individual to visit the school and has the option of removing his/her child from enrollment. In the event of expulsion, any unapplied tuition payments will be refunded within five working days.
Mandatory Reporting. Rights of the Licensing Agency
The Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services (Section 101200) has the authority to interview children or staff and to inspect and audit child or facility records without prior consent. The licensee shall make provisions for private interviews with any child(ren) or any staff member and for the examination of all records relating to the operation of the facility. The licensing agency has the authority to observe the physical condition of the child(ren), including conditions that could indicate abuse, neglect, or inappropriate placement.
Rights of the Parent(s) or Authorized Representative(s)
Parents understand that children have rights and have received a copy of the personal Rights for (LIC 613A). Parent(s) understand that they have the right to visit and observe the school any time their child is in care and have received a copy of the Parents Rights form (LIC995). Parents understand that they have the right to call or write the licensing agency if fault is found in the operation of the facility or treatment of their child.
Write or call:
Community Care Licensing
101 Golf Course Drive – Suite A230
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 588-5026
Parent Communication
Communication with families is an extremely important piece to your child’s education. Conferences are held as needed in the spring and the staff will be available to schedule private conferences at the parent’s request at any time. Teachers will make an effort to talk to parents regularly about how their child is doing in the classroom. Please feel free to email us if you have any questions or concerns.
A monthly newsletter will be distributed to all parents regarding the upcoming curriculum and programs. The comprehensive, multi-page document requests detailed information about the child and family including developmental history, interests, preferences, fears, changes at home, family members, sleep patterns, nutrition and routines. We will complete individual educational assessment each fall and spring. The assessments allow us to determine areas of strengths and topics to focus on throughout the school year.
Withdrawal
Parents wishing to with withdraw their children from the program must give a 30-day notice in writing. Application fee’s, and tuition are non-refundable. If Mila’s Preschool and Childcare Center has concerns that the program is not a good fit for a child’s specific needs the director and teachers will take all steps necessary, inform and work with his/her parents to find a solution that will allow the child to succeed and remain a student at the school. If a solution is unable to be found and if the emotional or physical well-being and safety of other students and/or staff is put in jeopardy, Mila and her staff reserves the right to withdraw a child from the program.
Confidentiality
Children’s records are kept confidential. All teachers have signed a confidentiality agreement and fully understand its importance. While enrolled, pictures will be taken of students for the year for Facebook, Instagram and newsletters. All students past and present can appear at times.
Permission to be in our Facebook and Instagram Initials: _______
Permission to share contact with other parents information Initials _______