1326 Kansas Avenue Atchison, Kansas 66002 Phone (913) 367-6441

Welcome | General Information | Programs and Activities | Parent Letter | Policies 1 | Policies 2 | Medical Information | Miscellaneous | Additional Information | About Us | Discipline (SRS) Welcome May 2010 News from Carrie Sowers      Dear Preschool Parents,   Preschool Graduation will be Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at 6:00 pm.  The Program is titled “We Work Together”.  Please have your child here every day to practice until graduation night.  We will begin practice at 9:00 am daily.  Please, please, please have them here so they will know what to do the evening of graduation.  Thanks so much!   Your relatives and friends are welcome to come - the more the merrier.  The children are so cute and we love to show them off!  Please have the children dress in comfortable, casual wear.   Everyone is invited to stay and have some cookies and punch immediately following the ceremony.  Attached are some invitations for you to give out to friends and relatives.  If you need more, just let us know.   It is important that your child be present for graduation.  The children have worked every hard this school year and we will present them with a diploma that evening for their efforts.   Thanks for your support!   Sincerely,   Carrie Sowers Director     Preschool Calendar for May   ****Please have your child here daily in the mornings for preschool graduations practice.  Friday’s are show and tell (bring show-n-tell items in a sack)   6th National Day of Prayer - again sign permission slip please. The children will say the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the event.  We will then go and play at the Riverfront Park...we will leave around 11:40 am and be back to our school no later than 1:15 pm.   14th Giant Party!!  Giant Ice Cream Sundae (100 scoops of ice cream)   19th Preschool Graduation 6:00 pm Please have your children dressing in casual clothing.  They need to be in Mrs. Harden’s room by 5:50 pm so we can get them dressed.  Please remember that the seats in the gym fill up very fast.  Come early and stay for some cookies and punch after the program.  Each child will be provided with a costume and will change into a cap and gown for the graduation ceremony.   21st  Last day of Preschool, child care only until our fabulous summer program!  If you are not attending summer, have a great one!!     Mother’s Take 5 May 15, 2010 -- 10 am to 3 pm 2 years to 12 years   We are having a “Mom’s Take Five” day.  We are asking you to take 5 hours to yourself.  It is a late mother’s day gift from ACCA to you!!  You will receive 5 free hours of care - a gift bag full of goodies...you yourself.  Your child will receive 5 hours of puppets, art and crafts activities, outdoor and indoor play -- lunch and lots of fun!! -- The saturday event is bible story activities (no religion - just bible stories).  Carrie Sowers and other staff members will be here.  Please sign your kids up for this great event!!      Information from KDHE Dear Parents, As you probably know by now, a new type of influenza (flu) is currently being seen in Kansas and throughout the United States. Because the novel H1N1 flu virus (referred to as “swine flu” early on) was not seen until earlier this year, no one has natural resistance against it. In a short time the virus has spread to more than 160 countries in every continent, and in June 2009, the World Health Organization declared that a pandemic – a global epidemic – had begun. Fortunately, illness from this virus is usually mild and only lasts a few days; although in some cases severe disease and death can result. So far, most cases have occurred in children and young adults and some of those have needed hospitalization. The symptoms of this flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. People with other medical problems, and women who are pregnant, are at especially high risk of serious complications. Schools can be easy places for flu viruses to spread. State and local public health officials are working closely with your school district now to take steps that will limit the spread of the pandemic virus. Parents must do their part to keep the virus out of Kansas schools, so that no schools are forced to close because of outbreaks of this infection. Here is what your school needs you, and all parents, to do: ? Keep children who are sick at home. Don’t send them to school or take them anywhere else, except to receive needed medical care. Ill children should stay home until they are fever free (without the use of fever-reducing medicine like Tylenol or Ibuprofen) for 24 hours or more. ? Plan for the possibility that you will be called to bring your child home from school if he or she gets sick while in school. Schools are setting aside special “sick rooms” for students who show signs of illness, until they are taken home. ? Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and insist that your children do the same. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow. OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH CURTIS STATE OFFICE BUILDING, 1000 SW JACKSON ST., STE. 300, TOPEKA, KS 66612-1368 Voice 785-296-1086 Fax 785-296-1562 ? Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, and see that your children follow your example. Alcohol-based hand cleaners will also work. This year all schools will make sure that children have the time and places to wash their hands often during the school day. ? Remind children to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. ? Make sure that your children practice other good health habits. See that they get plenty of sleep, get exercise, drink plenty of fluids, and eating healthy foods. ? Get your child vaccinated for seasonal flu soon. See that your child receives the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available in the fall. ? Stay informed. Watch for information from your child’s school. Other resources can be found at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s special H1N1 flu webpage: http://www.kdheks.gov/H1N1/index.htm. More information can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you have questions about H1N1 flu, please contact your school nurse or family’s usual healthcare provider. You can also get more information from your local public health department. Thank you for working together with your school and your community to slow down the spread of pandemic flu in Kansas. Yours sincerely, Jason Eberhart-Phillips, MD, MPH Kansas State Health Officer Director of Health, KDHE Top General Information  YEAR-ROUND CHILD CARE CENTER MONDAY-FRIDAY HOURS: 6:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. INFANT/TODDLER HOURS 6:45-5:15 Infants 2 weeks -12 months (and walking) $3.31/hr Toddlers 12 months-2 1/2 years $3.00/hr 2 1/2-6 years $2.48/hr (and completely potty trained) School Age $2.34/hr Includes within child care program: Nursery School 8:45-11:45 Early Preschool 8:45-11:45 Preschool 8:45-11:45 (12:15 with lunch) Before and after school care: Breakfast & snack included Summer full day recreational programs   Transportation to and from local schools for Kindergarten and School Age children (K-5) is provided. Plan on visiting us during the school year. WE WANT YOU TO COME! Please call if your child is not coming to the center on the expected schedule. Periodic newsletters will be sent to you, informing you of your child's program and progress. Please check your child's locker daily. One fourth of Atchison Child Care Board will be made up of parents. If you are interested in serving on a board this year, please let the Executive Program Director know. Please inform the office if you intend to withdraw your child from the center. If you are withdrawing your child because of a problem, moving, or no longer working, we want to know the reason. We require a two weeks notice.   Serving families from all income levels, race. color, natural origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. Top Programs and Activities Nursery News- Dear Parents of Nursery Children,          Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year.  We are honored that you have chosen us for your child’s early educational years.    Megan Joice, Lead Teacher and Cari Wells will be  team teaching in the Nursery class this year.    Megan has been employed with ACCA for 2years.  She was a student in our school age class when she was young.  Megan came back and volunteered during her sophomore year of high school then was hired when she was 16.  Last semester Megan completed her 1st year of college at Highland Community College.  She is seeking a degree in the Early Childhood Education field.  Cari joined us recently from the child care program at the YMCA.   We are excited to begin this year with your child.        September is a very busy month.   Throughout the year this class will learn about socialization, safety, colors, shapes, numbers and positive self-esteem.   We have a very relaxed schedule with plenty of time for free choice.    We have a daily circle time, where we sing songs; we talk about the weather, assign daily jobs, have pictures flashcards, and have weekly themes.  We have activity time at 9:00 and our outdoor time at 10:00.  At 11:00 we will have group/speech enrichment/ time along with verbal skill/listening time.   Lunch is served at 11:40.  You will be getting a weekly note sharing with you the theme, the color, number and letter of the week. We ask that the children dress in the “color of the week” on Fridays.   Show-n-tell is on Friday’s.  We like for you to send something for your child to share that has to do with the theme, letter, or color for that week.  Please send the show-n-tell in a sack with your child’s name on it.    We have a naptime around 12:45 until 2:15, snack around 2:45.          Atchison Child Care’s philosophy is that learning doesn’t start or stop at school.  The more we develop a relationship and work together, the more successful your child will be with his/her experiences and education that we have to offer. Home and school are the young child’s two most important influences in their world.  They go hand in hand.  We want to be connected, and to feel connected in a positive and respectful way to your child and your family.   The child will feel secure and eager to learn when this partnership is formed.  The foundation and excitement we lay for our young learners will be taken with them throughout their lifetime.        Each child needs to bring a package of wipes at the first of each month.  A complete set of clothes; pants, underwear, shirt and socks, in their cubby at all times for accidents.  If your child is potty training, please send at least 5 underwear and pants daily until they no longer have accidents.   We brush teeth after breakfast and lunch so please provide a new simple toothbrush every 3 months.          Each child CAN be screened by Atchison Hospital’s Infant/Toddler Department to track development progress.  If you would like this done, please see Carrie Sowers.         We will be updating our files, doing a yearly report for the State of Kansas as well as a schedule A for the school lunch program that we participate in.   We will need and we will appreciate your full cooperation to respond to these needs.               We strive to do the very best we can do, we are constantly reading child development materials, going to training and learning new ways to improve ourselves.     I believe that your comments, ideas and input provide us with the best information possible.  Carrie Sowers has an open door policy and I want to hear your comments, compliments and concerns.  Thank you for choosing us to care for and teach your child.  We are looking forward to serving your family.             Sincerely,    Carrie Sowers, Director                            Megan Joice                        Cari Wells                                                                        Nursery Team Teachers Early Pre-School News- Dear Parents of Early Preschool,      Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year.  We are honored that you have chosen us for your child’s early educational years.    Laurie Tilton and Debbie Trompeter are lead teachers.  Laurie recently the CDA certificate from Washington DC!  The certificate counts towards her degree in Early Childhood Education from Highland Community College.     Laurie is the mother of three teenage children, 2 boys and a girl.   She enjoys camping with her family and movies.          Debbie Trompeter is the mother of 5 children.  Debbie recently  celebrated her 1st anniversary with ACCA.  She came to us from the YMCA child care.  We are honored to have her with us.  She enjoys her family, reading and scouting.        Atchison Child Care’s philosophy is that learning doesn’t start or stop at school.  The more we develop a relationship and work together, the more successful your child will be with his/her experiences and education that we have to offer. Home and school are the young child’s two most important influences in their world.  They go hand in hand.  We want to be connected, and to feel connected in a positive and respectful way to your child and your family.   The child will feel secure and eager to learn when this partnership is formed.  The foundation and excitement we lay for our young learners will be taken with them throughout their lifetime.    What do we do in Early Preschool? Circle time                    Large muscle activities                                                 Fine muscle activities    Art activities                                                 Dramatic play                Music activities                                                 Science activities          Nutrition activities                                                 Sand & water play         Block play                                                 Free play                       Schedules class activities                                                 Story Time                    Social skill enrichment                                                 Speech enrichment        Literacy building   Each week a child will be on the “All About Me Board” .  We will be asking for information and pictures to highlight your child during their special week.         Our classroom is a busy, hands on learning environment.  Many of our projects require recycled materials.  We would appreciate any items you would like to send to our recycling box located in our classroom at the top of the ramp.         Each week we will post weekly lesson plans/newsletters on our parent board.  Take a look and get involved with us.   We are doing our best to “go green” so please check the website www.atchchildcare.org for updated newsletters.  If you do not have access to the internet, let us know and we will get you  the information.  This information will include weekly themes, color of the week, shape of the week, letter of the week, number of the week and special planned activities.  We would like for the children to dress in the color of the week on Wednesdays.  Show-n-tell will be every Thursday for girls and Friday for boys.        Please send your child’s show-n-tell in a bag with your child’s name marked on the bag.  Please, No show-n-tell/toys brought to early preschool except on Thursdays for girls and Fridays for boys.        We have access to a  developmental screening for each child through USD 409 “Count your Kid In” screenings.  This is a free service from USD 409.  Let us know if you are interested and we will help you get signed up!!  We do a basic assesment in September and again in May.   A copy of the assessment we use will be posted on the parent board.  It is interesting and exciting to watch the children progress throughout the year.  A copy will be given to you at the end of the school year.        Each child in Early Preschool needs to have a complete change of clothing; shirt, pants, underwear, and socks for their classroom.   The clothing will need to be rotated as the weather changes and your child grows.  If your child is not fully potty trained we will have them stay in Nursery class  until they are.    We also ask for three simple toothbrushes for each child.  The toothbrushes are replaced every three months.  The three toothbrushes will last your child for the school year.   Please check your child’s cubby on a regular basis and make sure they have everything they need as well as checking for their daily work to be taken home.         We will soon be updating our files, doing a yearly state report and gathering new school lunch forms.  We will need and we appreciate your full cooperation to respond to these needs as soon as we give them to you.         We strive to do the very best we can do, we are constantly reading child development materials, going to training, taking classes and learning new ways to improve but I believe that your comments, ideas and input provide us with the best information possible.  Carrie Sowers has an open door policy.  I want to hear your comments, compliments and concerns.   Thanks for choosing us to care for and teach your child.  We are looking forward to serving your family.     Welcome to our School Family,      Carrie Sowers        &            Laurie Tilton                       Debbie Trompeter  Director                                              Lead Teachers            Fabulous 4's News--   Dear Parents of Fab 4’s,        Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year.  We are honored that you have chosen us for your child’s early educational years.    Nicole Toms will be the Fabulous 4’s teacher.  Nicole has been with ACCA off and on for 8 years.  She loves children and is seeking a degree in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Education.        Atchison Child Care’s philosophy is that learning doesn’t start or stop at school.  The more we develop a relationship and work together, the more successful your child will be with his/her experiences and education that we have to offer. Home and school are the young child’s two most important influences in their world.  They go hand in hand.  We want to be connected, and to feel connected in a positive and respectful way to your child and your family.   The child will feel secure and eager to learn when this partnership is formed.  The foundation and excitement we lay for our young learners will be taken with them throughout their lifetime.    What do we do in Early Preschool-Fab4's? Circle time                    Large muscle activities                                                 Fine muscle activities    Art activities                                                 Dramatic play                Music activities                                                 Science activities          Nutrition activities                                                 Sand & water play         Block play                                                 Free play                       Schedules class activities                                                 Story Time                    Social skill enrichment                                                 Speech enrichment        Literacy building         Our classroom is a busy, hands on learning environment.  Many of our projects require recycled materials.  We would appreciate any items you would like to send to our recycling box located in our classroom at the top of the ramp.    Each week we will post weekly lesson plans/newsletters on our parent board.    We are doing our best to “go green” so please check the website www.atchchildcare.org for updated newsletters.  If you do not have access to the internet, let us know and we will get you  the information. Take a look and get involved with us.    This information will include weekly themes, color of the week, shape of the week, letter of the week, number of the week and special planned activities.  We would like for the children to dress in the color of the week on Thursdays and show-n-tell will be every Friday.  Please send your child’s show-n-tell in a bag with your child’s name marked on the bag.  Please, No show-n-tell/toys brought to Fab 4’s  except on Fridays.   We have access to a  developmental screening for each child through USD 409 “Count your Kid In” screenings.  This is a free service from USD 409.  Let us know if you are interested and we will help you get signed up!  We do a simple developmental screening for each child in September and again in May.    A copy of the assessment we use will be posted on the parent board.  It is interesting and exciting to watch the children progress throughout the year.  A copy will be given to you at the end of the school year.        Each child in Fab 4’s needs to have a complete change of clothing; shirt, pants, underwear, and socks for their classroom.   The clothing will need to be rotated as the weather changes and your child grows.  If your child is not fully potty trained we will have them stay in Early Preschool until they are.    We also ask for three simple toothbrushes for each child.  The toothbrushes are replaced every three months.  The three toothbrushes will last your child for the school year.   Please check your child’s cubby on a regular basis and make sure they have everything they need as well as checking for their daily work to be taken home.         We will soon be updating our files, doing a yearly state report and gathering new school lunch forms.  We will need and we appreciate your full cooperation to respond to these needs as soon as we give them to you.         We strive to do the very best we can do, we are constantly reading child development materials, going to training, taking classes and learning new ways to improve but I believe that your comments, ideas and input provide us with the best information possible.  Carrie Sowers has an open door policy.  I want to hear your comments, compliments and concerns.   Thanks for choosing us to care for and teach your child.  We are looking forward to serving your family.     Welcome to our School Family,   Carrie Sowers        &            Nicole Toms Director                                 Lead Teacher     Fab 4's Weekly Schedule: Monday's: Letter's, Number's and Art          Tuesday's: Color's, Shape's and Sensory Play Wednesday's: Science, Music and movement Thursday's: Nutrition and wear color of the week day Friday's: Show-n-Tell with theme of week, color or letter and Game Day Week of November 23-27, 2009 Theme:  Thanksgiving Letter:        Color:       Number:     Shape: Monday: Shape Hunt Patterns Lacing Cards Letter Review Tuesday: Number Coloring page Number puzzles Dominoe Match Wednesday: Color exposion Science Finger Painting Thursday: Colorful cool whip and pudding Rainbow streamers to music Friday: Show-N-Tell ** I Spy color's game Magnet Play **Friday is show-n-tell  - please have your child bring something that goes with theme for the week, color of the week, or that begins with the letter of the week in a bag with their name on it!!       Pre-School News- Dear Preschool Families,  We are sure to keep your preschoolers busy as Monkey’s in a coconut tree for the next few weeks with our opening theme of “Chicka Chica Boom Boom Welcome to our Preschool  ”Chica Chica Boom Boom Welcome To Our Preschool Room”.   We hope you enjoyed our open house and are ready for some “awesome”  fun activities in Preschool at Atchison Child Care.       Welcome to the 2009--2010 school year!  The first week is always the best as we get to know one another, learned some rules and routines and sing new songs and fingerplays.  We are honored that you have chosen us for your child’s early educational years.  Thank you for trusting us with your treasure.        Carrie Sowers is the Director of Atchison Child Care Association.  Carrie volunteered  as the janitor during her high school years (way back in the 70’s), hired when she turned 17, got married at 18, moved---Gone for 8 years, came back to Atchison in 1986, began working as a speech para with special needs preschool children.  Carrie worked very hard to obtain her degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked every position in the center over the years.  She was assistant director for 10 years before  taking over the center when Frances Strieby retired in 2002.  Carrie is married for 30 years to Dan.  They have a son Shea, who is married to Sarah and they have a beautiful 15 month old daughter Kaylyn Brooke  (her Grammy’s baby!!)  It is my pleasure to serve the families that have chosen us to care for and educate their children.  Please feel free to come by say hello ask questions, give me feedback and enjoy our school family!           Terri Harden and Sarah Erpelding are the Lead Teachers, with Shannon Howard as our assistant teacher.   This will be Terri’s 22nd year she has taught preschool with our center.  Terri has been married to her husband Bob for 26 years.  They have two grown daughters and three grandsons.  Terri has a very quite and soft demeanor and enjoys teaching and being with the children.  Outside the center she enjoys camping and boating.  She currently has a CDA and is taking classes at Highland Community College to obtain a degree in Early Childhood Education.         Sarah Erpelding has a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Sarah is married to Luke.  They have 5 wonderful children, 3 of them are beautiful girls!  The oldest boy is married and the other four are in college… so Sarah will be having some empty nest syndrome.  Sarah has been with ACCA since 2001.  She is a great teacher with the most creative mind and fun hands on activities!          Shannon Howard and has been with ACCA for a complete year.    Shannon comes to us from the YMCA Child Care.  She loves children and animals.  She is very fond of cats and opens her home to help nurse them back to health.   You will enjoy having such great teachers to work with your child.         Your home and our school environment are the most influential places in your child’s life.  We must bridge these two worlds together.  Studies show, that if home and school are connected in positive and respectful ways, children feel secure about learning and can feel good about them.  As a preschooler’s parent, we know that you are very anxious to find out how to help your child extend their learning experiences from school.   We are glad to help with that!          There are many ways to extend the learning experiences with your child.  Hands on activities, cooking with your child, reading to your child, talking with your child and becoming involved in your child’s preschool are all ways to do just that.  We welcome all volunteers – each person’s contribution is helpful and greatly appreciated.  We want to build a partnership with each family and ensure that you have a role in your child’s creative learning environment.        In Preschool we regularly take field trips that will enhance our theme of the week.   A schedule of the daily activities is posted in each classroom.  They include each week’s lesson plans.  Feel free to take a look!   ·         Art, Science and Nutrition on Tuesdays ·         Wednesday School on Wednesday --  Please sign permission slip for the staff of God’s Mountain to teach bible stories to the children through song, puppets, crafts and stories ·          Library on Thursday (we will either travel to library or Mrs. Cheryl will come here to read to us) ·         Show-n-Tell on Friday— we do ask that the show-n-tell follows the week’s theme and/or letter of the week.  Please send one item in a bag marked with the child’s name.  We ask that the children only bring special items from home on Friday’s or when we have a special activity planned.  The children WILL BE allowed to play with toys from home during free play in the afternoon.  Please remember that we are not responsible if it gets broken or lost.  Thanks for your understanding.            September and October are very busy months.   Class time is from 8:45 – 11:45 beginning with “Circle Time”.  We sing, talk about the calendar and weather, we pass out daily jobs such as feeding the fish, light keeper and line leader.  Class time consist of small and large muscle skills, speech and language enrichment, emerging literacy, beginning writing and kindergarten readiness skills.   We have outdoor time at 11:15, lunch time at 11:45 and nap time 1:00 – 2:00.          Each child has their own cubby marked with their name.  Please help your child check their file folder daily for their work and items needing to go home.   Take a look at the list and make sure each one is completed for each child. If there is something you see that is not completed please let us know. ·         a complete change of clothes in a zip lock bag (shorts, shirt, underwear, socks) ·         a plain handled tooth bush ·         all fieldtrip permission slips signed/Wednesday School ·         check to see we have your child’s name spelled correctly in the classroom ·         have talked with office & preschool teachers about any special needs or concerns for your child                We are off to a super great start with lots of great things happening in our classrooms.  Please remember to talk to your child each day about what he/she did that day at preschool.   Welcome to Our School Family,     Carrie Sowers,                           Terri Harden  and  Sarah Erpelding Director                                                  Lead Teachers     WE ARE GOING GREEN---FROM NOW ON ALL NEWSLETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ON LINE @ www.atchchildcare.org   If you do not have access to the internet please let us know immediately, we are happy to give you a printed copy!!    Harden      Sarah **Tuesday 1st Week - Body science 2nd Week - Art 3rd Wee - Science Animal 4th Week - Cooking/Nutrition News from the Director-      Our program has been a journey of love since the inception, Oct 1, 1968.  Yes, we will be 40 years old this Oct 1st.  Frances Strieby had three hundred donated dollars, 5 children, and began Atchison Child Care Association.  We were housed in the Presbyterian Church basement and the  Theatre Atchison basement for 29 years.   We moved to our present location, the former Franklin School in 1997.   We have completed many projects on our building over the years.  The windows, safety matting, sidewalks,  roof, mural paintings, carpet, quilts, air conditioners and much more,  have all been completed thanks to volunteers and grants.  We are in the middle of fundraising for a 36 passenger specialty bus.  One thing you can do that won’t cost you anything, is to please delegate your Country Mart Card # to Atchison Child Care Association. Please ask your family as well.  A percentage of the sales comes directly to us.   Each class does have a fund raiser twice a year for toys and supplies in classroom.         We provide a safe, fun, loving, educational, atmosphere where all children can learn.  Our staff works very hard to prepare great learning experience for the children.  Please join in as we begin our journey of 2008-2009!  We have preschool right here on site, no extra charge, for children ages 3 – 5.   Always feel free to contact me with questions, comments, concerns and especially compliments.    We have a great staff, totally devoted to the children we serve.    Welcome to our school family.  I am honored to serve and your family.       Always Be the Star that You Are,    Carrie Sowers   Top Parent Letter Dear Parents, The Atchison Child Care Center staff extends a cordial welcome to you for this school year. We are pleased that you have chosen us to care for your children. We need and want your involvement. Your interest and cooperation will play an important part in making our program run smoothly. Your suggestions are welcomed. We have converted Franklin Elementary School, 1326 Kansas Avenue, into a childcare facility and a preschool. Our facility houses all of our programs; infants (2 weeks) through 5th grade. You were given a booklet when you enrolled your child that you will need to read and keep in a convenient place for quick referral. It contains rules and regulations governing the Center, board members and staff along with important things you will want to know. The Center receives United Way, City and County Funds; and The McConaughy Fund and Trinity Episcopal Church awards some scholarship funds. We provide a variety of daily activities suitable for your child's age, all of which are designed to encourage mental, physical and emotional growth for the children. The Center participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program administered by the State Department of Education School Lunch Section. By participating in this program, we make meals available to all children who are in attendance at mealtime, regardless of race, color, national origin, or ability to pay. We enjoy having your children during the summer months too. Our summer program is primarily recreational, with swimming 5 days a week, School Age (1st-5th) M-W-F and Preschool/Kindergarten T-Th (if weather permits), field trips, walks, trips to parks, picnics, arts & crafts and we also go to the library every week. We welcome you to ACCA. If you have questions, please give us a call at 367-6441 (8-5), 367-4406 or 367-1697 after hours. We look forward to working with you and your children. Sincerely, Carrie Sowers Program Director   Top Policies 1 ADMISSION POLICY Get an application from the office. Have an interview with the Program Director or Office Manager. A school lunch income form, emergency medical form, family history form, and physical exam from a licensed physician or qualified health person is required to be filled out and returned to the office before the child may begin the program. Please return all forms at least 2 days prior to the child's first day of attendance. A plan for immunizations must be made if immunizations have not been started or completed. Check eligibility for assistance if desired and needed. Atchison Child Care Association's policy is non-discriminatory in regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap or sex in accordance with K.S.A. 44-1009. To assist us as we go green – please provide e-mail address for statements.  Our newsletter is on the website www.atchchildcare.org.  If you do not have internet access we will print them off for you. HOURS OF OPERATION The Atchison Child Care Center is a year-round licensed program, We are open Monday through Friday from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. After 6:00 P.M., there is a $1.00 charge per child for every one minute you are late. The closing teacher collects the money at the time of departure. Emergencies will be taken into consideration. We are closed for legal holidays (Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day). It the holiday falls on the weekend, Saturday or Sunday, we may or may not be open the Friday before or the Monday after. Closings will depend on the number of children who need care.  PICKING UP CHILDREN FROM THE CENTER Please list the people who have your permission to pick up your child/children from the center on your enrollment papers. If at a later date you wish to add someone to your pick up list or delete someone from the pick up list, please notify the office in writing so that we may record this in your child/children's file. ANYONE NOT ON THE LIST CANNOT TAKE A CHILD FROM THE CENTER. If you are divorced, we will need file-stamped court papers stating which parent has legal custody. DISMISSAL POLICY A child will be subject to dismissal if: Fees become over two weeks delinquent without making special arrangements with the Center Administration. A written notice will be sent to notify parents of delinquency and reinstatement is possible when the bill is paid in full. Health records and other required forms are not current. Discipline or behavior problems. At the discretion of the Executive Program Director, if staff finds a parent to be extremely uncooperative or abusive to the staff. This would also apply to other family members or persons significant to the child who become extremely problematic for staff.    Top Policies 2 FEES The fees for the Atchison Child Care Association are assesssed through the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services and are subject to change. The current fees are as follows: $3.31 per hour-under 12 months and walking $3.00 per hour-12 months-2 1/2 years $2.48 per hour-ages 2 1/2 (and completely potty trained) - 6 $2.34 per hour-ages 6 and over ALL ACCOUNTS MUST BE PAID AT THE END OF EACH MONTH or by the 1st week of the next month.  If special arrangements need to be made, please contact Carrie Sowers or Kris Madden in the office between 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. csowers@atchchildcare.org or kmadden@atchchildcare.org.  Child care fees must be paid according to the schedule you arranged when you enrolled your child.   All accounts 120 past due will be turned over to collections and you will be responsible for additional fees, court costs and interest that may be accrued.   When you bring your child in or pick your child up you will need to sign the in/out time sheets. It makes it very difficult to have an accurate billing system when we have to guess your child’s hours of attendance. If you fail to sign your child out, you will be charged until 6 pm.  Also, many times teachers have important notes or messages for parents. If the parents do not come into the center it makes communication very difficult.  Effective January 1, 2002, Atchison Child Care requires a two week notice if you intend to withdraw your child from the center. If you are withdrawing your child because of a problem, moving, or no longer working, we want to know the reason. Effective September 1, 2005 -- Infant/Toddler, Nursery, Early Preschool and Preschool have a minimum charge of 35 hours per week.  During the school year Kindergarten and School Age have a minimum charge of 10 hours (1 hour for am and 1 hour for pm care)  per week.  School Age during the summer have a minimum charge of 35 hours per week. VACATION TIME POLICY After you have been at Atchison Child Care for one year you get a one week vacation.  It would be greatly appreciated if written notices were given to the office prior to vacations.  This helps us to know when to expect your child.  After your child has been attending our center for 1 year, a 1 week vacation will be granted. SICK-DAY POLICY You are required to notify the Child Care Center office if your child is ill (367-6441). Parents whose fees are paid by SRS should notify the office of the reason for any absence. A child must be fever free without medication for a 24 hour period before returning. ILLNESS When a child becomes ill at the Center, the Executive Director, Program Director, Office Manager or Head Teacher will notify the parent or guardian.  If the parent/guardian cannot be reached we will then call the person listed in your family history form.  The is isolated from the other children, preferably, in the office.  Parent/Guardian or designated person must come after the sick child. If your child becomes ill or gets injured we will call. you.  We ask that sick children and those with fevers of 100 degrees or higher stay home.  If your child was ill during the night with such illnesses as diarrhea, vomiting, asthma, persistent coughing, sore throat, unknown/undocumented skin rashes/issues/conditions, etc., please keep them home the following school day.  If your child has a fever, they should stay home 24 hours after their fever is normal without using Tylenol or ibuprofen.  For example, if they had a fever on Tuesday, they can return to school on Thursday if they had no fever on Wednesday. Top Medical Information MEDICAL INFORMATION EACH CHILD MUST HAVE A MEDICAL RECORD ON FILE at the center. When a child is ill, he/she cannot attend the program and parents must provide care elsewhere. The center should be notified of the child's absence for illness or any other reasons, please call. The following immunizations are REQUIRED: 5 DPT Boosters  4 Polio Boosters 2 MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) 2 Varicella (chickenpox), unless history of varicella disease documented by a licensed physician. 3 Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) 4 PCV7 (Pneumococcal conjugate) 2 Hepatitis A You may make arrangements at the local Health Department for immunizations or go to your physician. Each child MUST have a physical form from a physician or qualified health person. When your child needs to take medicine we must have the original bottle from the pharmacist and a form filled out from you.  WE CANNOT GIVE NON-PRESCEIPTION MEDICINE without the WRITTEN permission from a physician. PARENTS OBJECTING TO IMMUNIZATIONS Parents objecting to immunizations must submit a written statement objecting to immunizations. I hereby refuse to have my child immunized on religious grounds and/or immunization is harmful to my child's/children's health and well being (parent and physician). DATE:                                                                                                  CAREGIVER'S SIGNATURE:   MINISTER'S SIGNATURE:   PHYSICIAN'S SIGNATURE:   When your child needs to take medicine we must have the original bottle from the pharmacist and a form filled out from you.  WE CANNOT GIVE NON-PERSCEIPTION MEDICINE without the WRITTEN permission from a physician. EMERGENCY CARE In case of emergency the parent/guardian will be notified. The Executive Director and the Program Director are the designated personnel who will take the injured child to the hospital or doctor's office and will stay with the child until the parent/guardian arrives. If the Executive Director and Program Director are out of the office, the Office Manager or Head Teacher of the building will assume this responsibility. Top Miscellaneous MEALS Well-balanced meals are another important feature of the Atchison Child Care Center services. Breakfast for Kindergarten and School Age children begins at 7:20 am.  Children must be here no later than 7:40 a.m. if they are planning to eat breakfast, otherwise, children must eat at home.  Breakfast for Infant/Toddler, Nursery and Preschool begins at 8:00 a.m.  Children must be here no later than 8:15 a.m. to eat breakfast.   PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD EAT BREAKFAST EVERYDAY EITHER AT HOME OR AT THE CENTER. Our cook prepares for a certain number of children and this helps her keep the food costs down. We would like for each child to eat at the center. Menus will be posted weekly. We serve breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.   Lunch is served around 11:45 a.m. and we serve a mid-afternoon snack. We are participants in the Child Care Food Program under the State Department of Education.                                                        SAMPLE MENU   BREAKFAST Cereal          Fruit        Milk   LUNCH Pizza                       Corn    Cinnamon Rolls        Fruit Cocktail     Milk   AFTERNOON SNACK Peanut-butter cookies Milk   The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.   FIRE DRILLS Fire Drills are to be carried out each month, NO EXCEPTIONS.  The administrators will sound the fire alarm and the teachers proceed with the children to the nearest fire exit, walk the children away from the building.  The head teacher gives account for all children.  Head teachers are to check bathrooms for children before leaving the building.  The cook will go to the infant/toddler area and help with the infants and toddlers during the fire drill.  Fire drill are carried out in a quiet manner.  The fire drill information is posted. TORNADO DRILLS  Tornado Drills are to be carried out from April through September, NO EXCEPTIONS. During a tornado drill, classes will go to the lowest area of the building (the carpeted area in front of the infant/toddler or kitchen area); pull down the serving area windows (in kitchen), shut all doors; and avoid all entrance ways which are surrounded by glass.  FLOOD POLICY At our location, it is unlikely we will experience a flood. During extreme weather we will be in touch with the proper authorities and follow their instructions. Should serious flooding occur, the children will be moved to higher ground. The director will be listening to a battery operated radio for further instructions.  STORMS  The director will notify each lead teacher of weather conditions that may be hazardous. If high winds, lightning, etc. occurs, the staff will be required to keep children away from windows. If more serious conditions occur, the director will follow the tornado plan. CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT  According to the Kansas Child Protection Act passed July 1, 1977, a child care center must report suspected child abuse and neglect. The parent may or may not be notified by the director if reported. The staff at the center has received training in this area. Parents, please give explanations concerning bruises and cuts on the child. This will be helpful. Please know we are here to help you with any problems you may have. CONFIDENTIALITY Employees are to be aware of the instances in which matter of confidence and loyalty are to be respected.  It is in the best interest of the center and those we serve not to give out information regarding children and their parents.  Such information should be held in strict confidence and should not be discussed with anyone outside of the Center.  Inside the Center, such information should be discussed only when it will benefit the care we offer the children and the parent.  Refer any inquiries on children, their performance, and parents to the Executive Director or Program Director.  Employees will avoid gossip or criticism.  They will support the policies of the Center and demonstrate a professional attiutude in all contacts with the Center and community. Top Friday, July 25, 2008 3:22:17 PM Additional Information FOR YOUR INFORMATION The Atchison Child Care Association operates a licensed comprehensive Child Care Program Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M., with facilities for 178 (2 weeks to 12 years of age) children under the requirements of the Department of SRS, Department of Health and Environment, Bureau of Maternal and Child Health. The program of the Atchison Child Care Center is not seen as primarily custodial care for children but a program providing a flexible, loosely structured atmosphere fostering physical growth, emotional maturation, mental development, social skills, and for achievement of each child's interests and abilities, with prime attention being paid to each child's needs. We have a major purchase of service contract with Social Rehabilitation Services (SRS) for families who need assistance with child care. The purpose of this project is to operate a licensed year-round program for children who need child care. The educational program is based upon principals of child development and growth. The program's flexibility will include a variety of indoor and outdoor activities planned to promote optimum development of children. Equipment will be provided to encourage play in the following areas: Imaginative play: Example: Doll house corner, blocks, trucks & cars, dress-up clothes, sand & water table. Creative play: Example: Paints, crayons, scissors, paste, and play dough. Large motor coordination: Example: Climbing equipment, swings, wagon, tricycles, slide. Fine motor coordination: Example: Peg boards, puzzles, parquet blocks. Intellectual development: Example: Books, music, study of nature, science. Language development: (individual and small groups) Field trips to a farm, apple orchard, fire station, Topeka Zoo.   The Child Care Center schedule includes afternoon rest periods. Transportation provided to and from local schools (K-5). INFORMATION YOU WILL WANT TO KNOW If there is a change in your work schedule, address, telephone number, place of work, hours of child care needed, etc, please let the office know IMMEDIATELY!        Child care fees must be paid according to the schedule you arranged when you enrolled your child. FEES MUST BE PAID PROMPTLY!! DO NOT ALLOW your child to bring money or other valuables to the center.                                                 We brush teeth during the day, so your child will need a toothbrush. Preferably one that will stay in an individual holder. Infant/Toddler, Nursery, Early Preschool, Preschool and Kindergarten children sometimes have accidents. We request that each child have TWO extra sets of clothing at the center for emergencies.  Please put the clothing in a shoe box (with child’s name on the box). Be sure and mark all of your child’s clothing. Parent/Guardian will need to sign permission slips before your child can participate in activities outside of the center.  By signing the Authorization and Agreements form in the Parent Information package, you acknowledge that Atchison Child Care Association is not responsible for any medical, hospital expenses and/or other charges that are incurred in the event of an accident.  You hereby release Atchison Child Care Association, the Board of Directors and/or Staff from this liability. Nursery and Preschool programs start at 8:45 a.m. If you want your child to have the full benefit from the program please have them here by 8:45 a.m.   Dress your child according to the weather. Send sweaters, jackets, coats, hats, boots, gloves, etc on cold or snowy days. We have daily outdoor play except when it rains or is extremely cold. Many children have jackets, etc that are alike. Please mark each item with your child’s name. We would like for your child to wear closed-in shoes. Flip flops/Thongs can cause a child to fall (stubbed toes are also common) and does not allow the child to run safely.   Treats- you are welcome to send treats on birthdays and holidays. However, be sure to send enough for the children in the class. Do not send treats for only your child or certain friends.   We do not give out invitations to birthday parties unless all of the children in the class are invited. We cannot give out addresses or telephone numbers of children.   DO NOT ALLOW  your child to bring money or other valuables to the center.   Transportation to and from local schools for Kindergarten and School Age children (K-5) is provided.   Plan on visiting us during the school year. WE WANT YOU TO COME!   Please call if your child is not coming to the center on the expected schedule.   Monthly newsletters are posted on our website www.atchchildcare.org informing you of your child’s program and progress.  If you do not have the internet please let us know so we may print you a copy of the newsletter.   Please check your child’s locker daily.   Please inform the office if you intend to withdraw your child from the center. If you are withdrawing the child because of a problem, moving or no longer working, we want to know the reason.  We require a two weeks notice.   Top   About Us BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT: DEBBIE MCGUIRE SECRETARY/TREASURER: JUDY OYER BOARD MEMBERS DEE DEE JULO JIM TAYLOR JUDY OYER DEBBIE MCGUIRE     EX-OFFICIO MEMBER FRANCES STRIEBY CARRIE SOWERS    ATCHISON CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION STAFF EXECUTIVE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Dr. Frances Strieby (913) 367-4406 PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Carrie Sowers (913) 367-1697 BOOKKEEPER: Robert Carroll (913) 367-6012 LEAD STAFF/OFFICE Dawn Smith (913) 370-3846 TEACHERS/TEACHERS AIDES: (*Lead)  Terri Harden* Kathy Sellers* Sarah Erpelding* Nicole Toms* Megan Joice LaDonna Lewman Cassie Siard Barbara Chapman* Jill Kovar Laurie Tilton David Parker Shannon Howard Cari Wells Debbie Trompeter Krissy Kenworthly Amanda Valliant Katrina Killoren Other Staff Members Cook: USD 409 - Henny Ross Housekeeping/Opener - Shirley Wallace  PM Housekeeping: JayCee Clem Computer Teacher: Cheryl Kentzler Extended Day USD 409: Tina Barajas and Margaret Feek Dr. Wayne Wallace (Medical Advisor) Substitutes Elaine Schrader Dennie Betts Other Helpers: Benedictine College Work Study and Internship Students KAN Works/Employment Preparation Services SRS USD #409 Redmen Student Volunteers Top Discipline (SRS) STATE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICES (SRS) POLICY STATEMENT ON DISCIPLINE Discipline is an essential part of child rearing and when used positively it contributes to the healthy growth and development of a child and establishes positive patterns of behavior in preparation for adulthood. The object of discipline is to promote behaviors beneficial to the child's development and welfare and to change and/or eliminate behaviors which are injurious to his or her well-being. Therefore, we encourage positive discipline as a most important aspect of child rearing practices for children and youth for whom the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services purchases and/or provide services and care. Discipline is a positive growth experience when it is approached as a developmental concept and administered in the form of teaching, guidance, and role modeling; conversely, it is a negative experience when it inflicts fear, pain and humiliation. There are laws which protect adults against actions which many children must endure and suffer under the guise of discipline. Many children who are in the care of SRS have previously suffered too much physical pain, fear, humiliation, and emotional stress. We cannot perpetuate this when we assume the role of substitute parents and guardians, and we must accept and assume the positive roles in our child rearing practices of which positive discipline is an essential part. Therefore, SRS does not view as positive, acceptable discipline any action administered in a fashion which may cause any child to suffer physical or emotional damage. Disciplinary acts which include spanking which causes pain, hitting, beating, shaking, cursing, threatening, binding, closeting, prolonged isolation, denial of meals, and derogatory remarks about the child or his or her family are not acceptable. While the forgoing statement is not all inclusive in terms of unacceptable forms of discipline, it does provide a guideline for the establishment of the following statement of policy: IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICES THAT WE NOT PURCHASE OR CONTINUE TO PURCHASE SERVICES FROM THIRD PARTY PROVIDERS WHO USE NEGATIVE AND/OR PHYSICAL METHODS OF DISCIPLINE NOR SHALL SUCH METHODS BE TOLERATED WHEN PRACTICED BY SRS EMPLOYEES. (March 6, 1980) Links we like...  www.atchisonksnews.com/ http://www.naeyc.org/ email us: csowers@atchchildcare.org Top

Date Last Modified: 8/2008