ARRANGED PICK UP

Our day care opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  We ask that all children be picked up before 5:30 p.m.   If your child is not picked up by 5:30 p.m., the following charges will be added to your account:

  • 5:31 – 5:40 pm……..$10.00
  • 5:41 – 5:50 pm……..$15.00
  • 5:51 – 6:00 pm……..$25.00
  • After 6:00 p.m.-$1.00 per additional minute

When coming to the school for any reason other than picking up your child, please stop by the reception desk at the front office first.  Please do not go directly to the classroom.  We ask this of you in order to help us enhance facility security.  Any message or articles of clothing may be left at the office to be delivered in order not to interrupt your child’s routine.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance during the school year for the preschool program is important.  When your child is out for sickness or vacation, please notify the office.  Teachers have a daily schedule and try to get started on time.  In order for your child to benefit from the curriculum offered, have them here by 8:30 a.m. All children must be in by 9:00 a.m. everyday.

All AMRS parents should notify the office if your child will be later than usual.  We need to know by 9:00 a.m. if you child will be antendance for the day.

BIBLE

Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

Training each child to be all that God wants him to be in his own unique way is what separates our Readiness School from other day care centers.  Even at an early age, a child who attends AMRS is equipped with the fundamental knowledge of God’s Word.

Developing each student’s individual personality as well as instilling godly, Christian character provides not only a high quality education, but also a foundation of educational experiences with lasting value.

Our Readiness School Staff has a personal goal of developing each child with confidence, competence and Christian compassion. 

The importance of the home cannot be over emphasized, and we support each parent who values traditional family development of the child.  Andrews Memorial Baptist Church stands ready to assist your family in their spiritual development.  We invite you to join on Sundays as well as Wednesday nights for special programs for your children. Learn more about us by visiting our website, http://www.andrewsmemorial.org 

CHILD’S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL/DAYCARE

It is best for the parent to leave the child with the teacher on the first day of attendance.  When the parent remains in the classroom, it makes the period of adjustment more difficult for both student and teacher. Your child can adjust more readily if you cheerfully bid him “goodbye” and go on your way even if he or she is reluctant to have you go.  Tears disappear when a child is busily and happily occupied.  Some children may adjust quickly, others may need more time.

For those children attending our preschool program only, the first full day of school will be the first Tuesday in September. 

Children starting in the nursery age will be given guidelines which list a few procedures that will assist parents/caregivers during their developmental stages.

CLASSROOM SELECTION

The administration has the full responsibility for placing each child in the proper age group/class based on age, maturity, boy/girl ratios and academic level for the long-term interest of the child and the class.  Recommendations from past teachers and possible personality conflicts between children may also be considered for returning children.

Parents may turn in a teacher request form for consideration before class roles are completed.  However, this does not guarantee placement of your child with a particular teacher.

During the course of the year, the administration may have the need to switch children to another classroom if a child’s behavior becomes disruptive or uncooperative within their present class.  This may be used as a temporary solution and parents of the children being switched will be notified if a permanent change is necessary.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Dress your child appropriately for day care.  Take into consideration their activities and the weather report for each day.

All coats, jackets and sweaters should be marked with the child’s name.  Each child in our day care program should bring a change of clothing (underwear, outer clothing and socks) to keep in their locker according to the season. 

“Cowboy” style boots that have a raised heel and pointed toe are not allowed to be worn at school.  These styles of boots have in the past been used as weapons to other children and leave black marks on the floors.  We also request that children not wear “flip-flop” style sandals/shoes.  These are somewhat dangerous and do not provide enough protection to the foot.

Due to choking hazard safety, amber teething necklaces are not allowed.  Please do not use small rubber bands in children’s hair.

COTS

Cots are provided for each child at naptime.  Each child needs a full size crib sheet and a small blanket (marked with his name) as cover.  Covers should be taken home each Friday to be laundered and returned on Monday.

CURRICULUM

AMRS incorporates an academic program with our playschool.  From the two-year-old group through the five-year-old group we have a period of academic instruction.  We use the A Beka Book Curriculum.

In our two-year-old playschool, the curriculum introduces the letters of the alphabet and number concepts from one through ten.  

Our three-year-old playschool introduces number concepts one through fifteen as well as the sounds of the vowels and consonants.  Children will enjoy learning as they trace the shapes of the letters and numbers with their fingers.

Part of the instruction in our four-year-old kindergarten introduces number concepts and the writing of numbers from one to twenty. The children will enjoy counting the number sheets and coloring the pictures.  The children will be taught phonics.  They will concentrate on the following areas:  short and long vowel sounds, simple consonant sounds, blending of consonants and vowels, and words containing one and two vowels.

Of course, our instructional period takes only a small portion of time.  Children enjoy the many activities at Andrews Memorial Readiness School, including the learning session.

DISCIPLINE

Believing that discipline is necessary for the welfare of the students as well as the entire school, each teacher is given the liberty of making and enforcing classroom regulations in the manner she feels is in accordance with Christian principles and discipline as set forth in the Scriptures.  

All discipline will be administered with love and patience and should be consistent for all children.  No teacher will corporally punish any child. When recurring discipline problems require a parent conference with administration, a probationary period may be given as a notice to parents for behavior to improve.  If severe discipline problems (i.e., constantly disrupting the class, excessively aggressive behavior toward peers and staff) cannot be resolved, the administration reserves the right to suspend or dismiss the child from school/daycare.  A more detailed discipline code will be given at enrollment for parents to read and sign to keep on file in school office.

Please feel free to consult with administration about any problem or question that concerns the welfare of your child.  It is the desire of the Director and Faculty to be of service to both parent and student.  Each teacher welcomes a visit from any parent.  We do urge, however, that such visits be made by definite appointment with the teacher at a convenient time after school hours.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION

In the unlikely event that the day care should need to evacuate the area, we will transport all children to Alamance Christian School, 1336 Town Branch Road, Graham, NC 27253.  We will notify parents from that location of the evacuation.

FEES

Two children from the same family will receive a $5.00/weekly reduction for the second child.  Beginning with age two, children receive preschool instruction included in the weekly fees. 

Payment is due one week in advance. We are equipped to receive payment by cash, check, money order, or scheduled electronic transfer from your banking institution.  A $40.00 fee will be added to all returned checks.  If paying with cash, please bring the correct change and receive a receipt for payment.  

A $20.00 late charge will be added to payments delinquent two weeks.  Additional late payment fees accrue weekly until the account balance is current.  However, if two consecutive payments are missed, the school reserves the right to dismiss your child until your child’s account is current.

Andrews Memorial Readiness School endeavors to keep low tuition rates.  The school accepts no federal assistance, neither is it endowed nor supported by any organization.

Please note, fees and other charges are subject to change as necessary.  Parents will be notified well in advance of any upcoming fee change.

HEALTH FORMS

A Medical Report is required when your child enters our school.  Your family doctor will need only a few minutes to fill out the form which we provide for that purpose.  These forms are necessary; therefore, we cannot allow a child to attend our school without a medical report. After the original report is on file, you must update the immunizations when your child receives additional shots. 

HOLIDAYS & CLOSINGS

AMRS will close in observance of the following holidays:

  • New Year’s Day (1 day)
  • Good Friday (1 day)
  • Memorial Day (1 day)
  • Independence Day (1 day)
  • Labor Day (1 day)
  • Thanksgiving (2 days)
  • Christmas (5 days)

ILLNESS

In the event your child becomes sick at school (vomiting, diarrhea, and etc.) or has a fever of 100˚F, our staff will notify you to come and pick up your child. Your cooperation in promptly picking up your sick child when phoned is required.  We must ask that you do not bring a sick child to school that has had any of the following symptoms within a 24 hour period: vomiting; diarrhea; fever of 100˚ F or higher; unexplained rash; has a red eye or eyes with a discharge that is not clear in color; has scabies or lice; or a physician’s diagnosis requiring that the child be separated from other children. We arenot equipped to handle sick children.

MEALS & SNACKS

WE DO NOT PROVIDE BREAKFAST or LUNCH at this time.  Your child will be served nourishing refreshments in midmorning and afternoon.  

MEDICATION

In order to administer anyover-the-counter oral medication we must have a written doctor’s note stating the dosage, frequency and our medicine form, which gives parental permission.  This includes medications that stat “consult a physician if your child is under 2 years of age.” All medications should be given to the teacher so they will be aware of your child’s medication and will properly store it.

MESSAGES

Verbal messages brought by children cannot be accepted by the teacher.  Please do not send payments by the children nor hand teachers payments to be applied to your account.  (Payments should be mailed or made in person at the school office.)

PARENTAL COOPERATION

Parents’ cooperation, in fact and in spirit, is needed in support of the procedures and disciplines of the school/daycare–especially in communication with others.  Administration recommends talking with your child’s caregiver/teacher about any concerns you may have with their day to day routines.   If a concern is not handled in a timely manner, then the parent is to bring the problem to the administration.  A griping divisive spirit cannot be supportive to any organization and will necessitate withdrawal from the school/daycare if a conference does not result in restored cooperation.  If a child does not adjust to the program of the school/daycare, parents are to quietly withdraw him rather than attempt to make the school/daycare  satisfy their interests at the expense of the routines of the group/class.

PARENT / TEACHER MEETINGS

Just after the school year starts, we will have an Open House.  During the school year, Parent-Teacher meetings may be held. These fellowship meetings will enable parents and teachers to become better acquainted and discuss the progress of each child.  Since these fellowship meetings are of limited time, any in-depth discussion of your child should be dealt with in a private conference.  Our teachers will arrange a meeting for consultation.  Your attendance at these meetings is appreciated and will show your support for your child and AMRS.

PERSONAL PLAY ITEMS

Toys and personal play items may notbe brought to school.  All toys should be left at home. This is for the protection of the children and it eliminates hurt feelings and misunderstandings.  We have a good supply of toys on hand to keep the children happy.

Any toys or personal items that children bring to school will be confiscated by the teacher and then may become the school’s property.  The school cannot be held responsible for such items which become lost, broken or stolen.

Toys may be allowed on a day previously set aside by the individual teacher as “show and tell” days.  Children enjoy bringing such items as toys, pictures, rocks, books, sea shells, and etc. to share with their friends.

PREVENTION OF SBS/AHT 

This section required by 10A NCAC 09.0608:

Andrews Memorial Readiness School believes that preventing, recognizing, responding to, and reporting shaken baby syndrome (SBS) and abusive head trauma (AHT) is an important function of keeping children safe, protecting their healthy development, and providing quality care and education for both the child and their families.

SBS/AHT is the name given to a form of physical child abuse that occurs when an infant or small child is violently shaken and/or there is trauma to the head. Shaking may last only for a few seconds but can result in severe injury or even death.  According to North Carolina Child Care Rule (Child care centers, 10A NCAC 09.0608, family child care homes, 10A NC 09.1726), each childcare facility licensed to care for children up to five years of age shall develop and adopt a policy to prevent SBS/AHT.

PROCEDURE

Children are observed for signs of abusive head trauma including irritability and/or high pitched crying, difficulty staying awake/lethargy or loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, inability to life the head, seizures, lack of appetite, vomiting, bruises, poor feeding/sucking, no smiling or vocalization, inability of the eyes to track and/or decreased muscle tone.  Bruises may be found on the upper arms, rib cage, or head resulting from gripping or from hitting the head.

If SBS/AHT is suspected, staff will: 

  • Call 911 immediately upon suspecting SBS/AHT and inform the director.  
  • Call the parents/guardians.
  • If the child has stopped breathing, trained staff will begin pediatric CPR.

Instances of suspected child maltreatment in child care facilities are reported to Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) by calling 1-(800)-859-0829 or by email to webmasterdcd@dhhs.nc.gov.

Instances of suspected child maltreatment in the home are reported to the Alamance county Department of Social Services by calling (336)-229-2908 or (336)-570-6532.

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Andrews Memorial Readiness School prevention strategies for coping with a crying, fussing or distraught child first determines if the child has any physical needs such as being hungry, tired, sick, or in need of a diaper change.  If no physical need is identified, staff will attempt one or more of the following strategies:

  • Rock the child, hold the child close, or walk with the child.
  • Stand up, hold the child close, and repeatedly bend the knees.
  • Sing or talk to the child in a soothing voice.
  • Gently rub or stroke the child’s back, chest, or stomach.
  • Offer a pacifier to try to distract the child with a rattle or toy.
  • Take the child for a ride in a stroller.
  • Turn on music or white noise.

In addition, the facility allows for staff that feels they may lose control to have a short, but relatively immediate break away from the children.  Staff support will be provided when parents/guardians are trying to calm a crying child by encouraging parents to take a calming break if needed.

PROHIBITED BEHAVIORS

Behaviors that are prohibited include (but not limited to):

  • Shaking or jerking a child.
  • Tossing a child into the air or into a crib, chair, or car seat.
  • Pushing a child into walls, doors, or furniture.

STRATEGIES

All staff take training on SBS/AHT within first two weeks of employment. Training includes recognizing, responding to, and reporting child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment as well as the brain development of children up to five years of age. 

Strategies to assist staff members understand how to care for infants, for review and discussion: 

Strategies to ensure staff members understand the brain development of children up to five years of age, for review and discussion:

SUPPORT MATERIAL

Parent web resources 

Facility web resources 

References 

This policy applies to children up to five years of age and their families, operators, early educators, substitute providers, and uncompensated providers. This policy shall be reviewed with all staff who provide childcare for children up to five years of age, and with parents/guardians of children currently enrolled at Andrews Memorial Readiness School up to five years of age.  

Effective March 31, 2017, all current staff members and newly hired staff shall be trained in SBS/AHT before providing care for children up to five years of age. Staff shall sign and date an acknowledgment form regarding SBS/AHT procedures.  This signed and dated SBS/AHT acknowledgement form shall be kept on file in the office with the employees’ file.

All current parents/guardians of children up to age five shall be given a copy of SBS/AHT procedures within 30 days of this policy adoption. Newly enrolled parents/guardians of children up to five years of age shall be given a copy of SBS/AHT procedures on/or before the first day care for children up to five years of age. Parents/guardians shall sign and date an acknowledgment form regarding SBS/AHT procedures.  This signed and dated SBS/AHT acknowledgement form shall be kept on file in the office with the child’s file.

PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY NOTICE

Andrews Memorial Readiness is a tobacco free facility. Smoking on daycare premises (building, grounds, parking lots) prohibited.

SAFE ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE PROCEEDURES

This section required by 10A NCAC 09.0604(t):

Upon arrival, all children must be accompanied inside the facilities by an adult. Staff must be notified of the child’s arrival.

Upon the child’s departure, an adult must come inside the facilities and notify staff that the child is leaving. Children will only be released to persons listed on the child’s application as authorized by the parent/guardian. Staff will request to view a driver’s license to verify the identity of persons other than known parent/guardian. Authorization from parent/guardian is required in writing when anyone other than the designated person(s) as listed on the child’s application arrives to pick up the child.

Sign children in and out according to the program policies.  Daily arrival and departure times must be recorded.

Children must never be left unattended.

SIGN IN/OUT PROCEEDURE

All children must be signed in/out at any of the computer stations located in the building.  These locations include the nursery hallway, welcome desk, and lower entrance hall. Anyone picking up a child must have a unique user number and password to access the computer check in system. Please do not share your user information and password with anyone else. Children will only be released to authorized persons whose names are on file in the office.  

STUDENT NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Andrews Memorial Readiness School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, or school-administered programs.

WEATHER CLOSING/DELAYS

In the event of inclement weather, we will post an announcement concerning our closings & delays on the following television stations:

You may also register to receive text alert notifications of closings and delays.  Standard data messaging rates may apply.

WITHDRAWAL

A notice of two weeks is required prior to withdrawal.  Full payment for the notice period is expected.  In the event that your child is suspended for any given amount of time, full payment will be expected during that time.  However, if your child is dismissed, due to severe discipline problems, payment is required through the child’s last day in attendance.