A note from your Director….
After years of playing teacher as a child, I opened the Pumpkin Patch Nursery School in Cohoes, NY. With just six three-year-olds and six four-year-old children a school was born. That was in 1975. As the need for full time child care grew, so did the Pumpkin Patch. In 1989 I opened a full day program in Guilderland that offered day care to children aged 3-5 years. In 1994 we expanded once again to provide care for infants and toddlers.
Today the future of Pumpkin Patch continues to grow to meet the needs of the community and our enrollment population. In 2007 we relocated from our original Guilderland site to a new location at 8 Corporate Circle, Albany. With this new chapter of our lives we have grown and enhanced not only our program but our image as well.
We look forward to having you and your child join our Pumpkin Patch family.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Rinella
Director/Owner
Our Philosophy:
The Pumpkin Patch was established in 1975 and has been growing every year. Our philosophy is to promote a quality and caring atmosphere for infants, toddlers and preschool children where they can feel free to explore and learn about their environment. Pumpkin Patch is committed to providing a quality, developmentally appropriate, and educational/recreational program. We feel that these principles are important to a child’s development. The staff at Pumpkin Patch respects each child as an individual, and seeks to foster a positive self image and encourages independence, which we feel is a key social skill that aids in problem solving. Hence, there is a stress on independence, which will allow the children to function more effectively in a social/academic atmosphere.
Licensing:
Pumpkin Patch is licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS). This license sets standards for quality programming, safety of physical environment, staff education requirements and the child-to-staff ratio. The license is renewed every four years with inspections held on a yearly basis. A copy of our license is clearly posted in the office and a copy of the regulations can be found at www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/childcare/regs.
Enrollment Procedure:
Before a child enters our program an observation or tour of the program by the parent or guardian will be scheduled. This helps families have a better understanding of how our philosophy is put into practice. Parents are also encouraged to bring their child in to transition as much as possible before entering the program for his first day. During these transition times children are not allowed to be left in the center without parental supervision. Parents are encouraged to use this time to become better acquainted with our staff and procedures of the classroom. We find this transition period helps both the children and the parents feel more comfortable on their first day. We at the Pumpkin Patch understand how hard it is for parents to leave their children with other caregivers and the more comfortable and knowledgeable you are on your first day the more comfortable your child will be.
All forms in the Enrollment packet must be completed prior to your child entering the program. This includes your application, financial agreement including a two week deposit, blue emergency card, health policy, medical report and social intake information.
In accordance with NYS OCFS regulation 418-1.11 (2. e) all children enrolled in a child care setting must have a current physical exam and appropriate up-to-date immunizations on file. Health records are due at time of enrollment and you will be asked to update them each year.
Orientation:
It is important that sufficient time be allowed to help your child transition. Orientation is for both the child and the family. Parents will have an opportunity to see how a classroom runs during a typical day. Children will become familiar with their surroundings. Transition also allows parents and staff to get to know each other. Our goal is to promote a partnership between parent and teacher.
Trial Period:
Your child’s happiness is important to all of us. It is, therefore, agreed that the first four (4) weeks of your child’s enrollment at Pumpkin Patch Early Learning Center will be considered the trial period. At the end of four (4) weeks, care will automatically continue unless either the Center or parent submit in writing the withdrawal or termination of enrollment. Pumpkin Patch Early Learning Center will make all efforts to meet the needs of parents and child prior to any termination of enrollment.
Hours of Care and Holiday Information:
Pumpkin Patch is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
The center will be closed for the following holidays:
New Year’s Eve – Center closes at 1:00
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Fourth of July
Friday before Labor Day – Center closes at 1:00 for center maintenance
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
The day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve – Center closes at 1:00
Christmas Day
The day after Christmas (December 26)
Two teacher training days a year (see below)
The Center reserves the right to close for additional days. For example if a holiday falls on a Tuesday, the center will be closed Monday. Should a holiday fall on a Thursday, the Center will be closed on Friday.
Holidays have been figured into the overall tuition charges and do not change the tuition rate for a single week.
Other Possible Closings:
In order to reliably meet your child care needs, the Child Care Center will close only in the event of an extreme emergency (staff illness) or severe weather. Please listen to the radio or TV station of your choice to determine if the Center is delayed or closed due to weather. Please check the status again before leaving as it may change in response to the changing weather. In the event an emergency or storm arises during the school day and the center must close you will receive a phone call, email and the status will be placed on local TV station. Please be sure we know how to reach you and that you have arranged for back-up in the event you cannot be reached easily by phone.
Late Pick Up Fee:
The Center closes at 5:30 PM. Many of our staff members have other jobs, school and/ or family commitments. There is a $1.00 per minute late fee for parents who pick up their children after 5:30. This fee is paid in cash directly to the closing teachers upon pick-up or on your child’s next day of care.
If we find that you are repetitively late, we will request a meeting to discuss your child care needs and how this Center may or may not be able to meet them. It is very important to keep an up-to-date list of emergency contacts to pick up your child. In the event that a child has not been picked up by 6:00 and we cannot reach you, all emergency contact persons you have identified will be called.
Termination of Enrollment:
Parent Termination-Two (2) weeks notice, in writing, must be given to the Director upon termination of your child’s enrollment at Pumpkin Patch Early Learning Center. You will still be responsible to pay for tuition. Your deposit will be applied to your last two weeks at the Center. No deposit will be refunded if a two (2) week written notice is not given.
Center Termination-The Center reserves the right to terminate enrollment at any time. Parents will be gives a two (2) week notice, in writing, upon termination. Pumpkin Patch Early Learning Center will make all efforts to meet the needs of parents and children. If the Center or parents are unable to provide the resources necessary for the child to participate in daily activities, it is at the discretion of the center to terminate enrollment.
Financial Policies and Fees:
While we do not require a registration fee, a deposit of two weeks tuition will be required upon enrollment. This fee is non-refundable and will be credited towards your last two weeks of enrollment at the center.
Tuition is due on your child’s first school day of the week. A late fee of $5.00 per day will be assessed if tuition is received after this day.
Accounts two weeks past due may result in immediate dismissal. If a tuition check is returned by the bank, it must be replaced in cash and a $35 bookkeeping fee must be included. After a second dishonored check from the same family is received only cash or money orders will be accepted for tuition payment.
The Center allows a $10.00 per week discount for two children from the same family attending the center at the same time.
The Center does not allow refunds or discounts for any absence, either temporary or prolonged while the child is enrolled. This includes; vacations, sick days, or center closed holidays and snow days.
Tuition is due before a family leaves on vacation. If tuition is not received in advance, the $5.00 per day late fee will go into effect.
All tuition rates are subject to change to do budget requirements. This normally occurs on January 1, but can take place at any time if needed. Parents will be given a written notification thirty (30) days prior to the change.
Fire Drills:
NYS OCFS mandates that we practice fire drills once a month, every month. Each room contains an emergency evacuation chart by their door. Infants and non-walking Waddlers will be placed in specially marked evacuation cribs. Toddlers and Preschools will walk out with supervision from teachers. Children cannot be carried during a fire drill.
In order to decrease confusion, if parents are present during a fire drill we ask that you participate in the drill. Please do not pick up or drop off your child while the exercise is in progress. Please stay with your child until the drill has ended.
For more information about mandatory fire drills please refer to the NYS OCFS regulation section 418-1.4 (b).
Safe Haven:
It is a state regulation that we have an alternative location to bring the children in the case of an emergency. If we need to evacuate and it appears that we will not be able to return to Pumpkin Patch, we will take the children to Hoffman Enterprises at 25 Corporate Circle Suite 100, until their parents can pick them up.
Arrival and Departure:
Upon arrival and also at departure you must sign your child in and out of the classroom. A sign in book is located outside of every classroom.
We ask that if your child will be coming in after 9:00am or if your child is staying home that you inform the Center before 9:00 am. This affects our staffing and lunch counts. Your cooperation in this helps us run the Center as effectively as possible. We will make staffing adjustments at 9:00 am and WITHOUT a phone call, this could affect the availability for your child to attend the Center that day. If you have not called to let us know you will be arriving after 9:00 am we cannot guarantee care for the day.
Children will not be released to anyone other than the parent without written and verbal notification from the parent that day. While we do ask for an emergency contact list that does not mean those designated people will be allowed to pick up without prior confirmation from you. If someone tries to pick up your child we will not release him/her until we have reached you for a confirmation. We understand that this is not always a popular policy but it is put in place to ensure your child’s safety.
When a designated person other than a parent is picking up, they will be asked for picture ID at the door before being allowed in the Center.
No child will be released to any party who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Persons wishing to transport children in their car must have an age-appropriate car seat and children must be safely buckled in. No one under 17 will be allowed to pick up a child without the director’s discretion.
Siblings who accompany parents during drop off and pick up are required to remain with the parent at all times.
Pumpkin Patch Early Learning Center takes pride in the cleanliness of the Center. In order to maintain this it is mandatory that shoes are removed during the snow and rain season, which is typically November to April. This policy will be noted to all individuals entering the center.
Meals and Snacks:
The Center provides lunch and afternoon snack for all children in the Waddler, Toddler and Preschool rooms on Pumpkin Patch food (Please see Infant Program for details about infant meals). The parents provide morning snack on an alternating basis for the whole class. Lunch menus are posted on the bulletin boards and website for your convenience. Parents will receive a monthly calendar pertaining to morning snack. This calendar will state exactly what to bring in, the amount, and on what day to bring it in. If you wish to bring in a special snack for a special day such as a birthday please let your child’s teacher know in advance (please refer to NUT FREE POLICY)
Because the Center does not serve breakfast, please make every effort to feed your child a breakfast prior to coming to school. Our morning snack is only a snack and is not substantial enough to substitute as a breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and can contribute to a child’s success.
Special Dietary Restrictions
All children will be served Pumpkin Patch meals and exceptions will only be made for religious and/or medical restrictions. These restrictions will require documentation from a licensed professional. Children who cannot have Pumpkin Patch food must provide substitute food from home. These foods must be NUT FREE and easily warmed in a microwave.
Nut Free Policy:
Pumpkin Patch is a NUT FREE CENTER. We are seeing an increase in the number of children with life-threatening allergies to nuts as well as a greater variety of food. To keep these children safe we have a food allergy policy in place.
No food can be brought from home that has nuts in the ingredients, has been processed in a plant that uses nuts or has traces of nuts in it. These warnings can be found on side panel below the ingredient list. Normally they are placed in bold lettering. Many bakeries or food shops such as Dunkin Donuts cannot guarantee that their items are nut free and therefore we cannot accept them in the center.
Any special treat or food you send in for special occasions must have the ingredient label attached.
Feel free to talk with the director if you would like more information about nut or food allergies.
Home Toys:
We ask that toys from home do not come into the Center. Often, children have a hard time sharing toys from home. We also deal with aggressive toys that entice children to act out inappropriately at school. In addition, it is not possible for teachers to guarantee that a toy from home will not get broken, lost or damaged.
Children are allowed to bring in one soft sleep toy for nap time. This toy must fit inside your child’s cubby comfortably and should not make noise. Please make sure this sleep toy is labeled with your child’s full name.
Some classrooms do have a show and tell day in which children can bring an item from home to share with the class. Please ask your child’s teacher about possible show and tell days.
Clothing:
Children’s clothing should allow them freedom to engage in a wide variety of activities. Please help your child select clothing and shoes that allow freedom of movement. Older children should wear clothing that enables them to dress themselves easily. Rubbersoled sneakers, preferably with Velcro closures, are recommended. Flip flops, jelly shoes, and sandals are not permitted for safety reasons. Outerwear should be appropriate to the weather. When there is snow or mud, boots are required. When it is very cold, snow pants, mittens, and hats are required.
Two complete sets (top, pants, socks, underwear) of spare clothing are required for all children. Spare clothes need to be checked every season to ensure that they are weather appropriate and still fit. To avoid confusion and prevent the loss of clothing, all garments must be marked with the child’s name. Pumpkin Patch cannot be responsible for unmarked items.
Cubbies:
Each child in the center will be assigned a cubby. This cubby is used to store all personal items during the day. Some classrooms have both a cubby and a mailbox for daily notes and newsletters. Items to be kept in your child’s cubby are napping essentials (sleep toy, blanket, sheet), coat and other outerwear (hats, gloves) and a change of clothes. Please do not keep any medications, topical ointments or hazardous items in your child’s cubby. This includes plastic bags, small hair ties, or other items that could present a choking risk. All items must fit snuggly inside your child’s cubby without spilling onto the floor.
Please empty your child’s cubby completely at the end of your child’s school week so that his/her teachers can disinfect them.
Napping:
All children in child care settings are required to take a rest period throughout the day. Each classroom has a different schedule for nap times. Nap times in the Waddler, Toddler and Preschool rooms are 2 hours in length. While teachers know that not all children sleep for the entire rest period, they do ask that children rest quietly on their cots during this time. Children are encouraged to bring blankets and or soft stuffed toys from home to use during nap time. Parents are required to take blankets home at the end of their child’s school week for laundering.
The NYS OCFS regulation prohibits the use of pillows in child care settings for children under the age of 3.
Referrals:
At a parent’s request Pumpkin Patch can provide assistance in generating referrals for the following education services:
Speech/Language
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Psychology
Family Services
Transitions:
Pumpkin Patch reserves the right to transition a child over 18 months of age to the next room within 3 months of the child’s birthday as per NYS OCFS regulation 418-1.8 (3. f). A transition letter will be sent home approximately 2 weeks prior to this transition. The director and teachers in both classrooms will work with you to answer any questions you may have regarding this transition and to review the schedules and policies for the new room.
Infant parents will be called to a transition meeting when your child reaches 10 months. At this meeting will go over the expected developmental milestones your child must reach before entering the Waddler room. We will work in cooperation with you to help you through this transition and give you support and guidance in reaching the developmental goals. For more information about transition goals please see attached transition forms.
It is not the philosophy of the center to hold back a child’s growth and development; while we respect the philosophies of our individual families we also encourage the natural development of our students.
Parent Involvement:
The staff at Pumpkin Patch believes parents are an integral part of the day care process. Since the day care will also play a large role in your child’s daily life, we have a policy of “open communication and cooperation”.
Parents MUST come into the daycare in the morning to sign their child in. The smaller children need someone to help them off with their outer clothing and to guide them to the play area where a teacher will be waiting. The parent should plan to spend some time each day communicating with the child’s teacher. This can also be accomplished at the end of the day, when the parent comes to pick up.
When picking up your child at dismissal, do not allow your child to leave the center before you do or to roam in the hallway without your direct supervision. The parking lot is often very busy and it is an unsafe place for a child to be left unsupervised.
We welcome you and encourage you to be involved. It is our hope that parents and staff will work together as close partners in order to assure the best possible experience for the children. We also welcome your observation and participation in class activities.
Non-Compete Policy:
Pumpkin Patch holds a non-compete policy for all staff members. This policy restricts staff from providing child care services that compete with the enrollment of the center. This includes providing nanny services to an enrolled or previously enrolled parent during daycare hours.
While we understand that our teachers are a great resource for your babysitting needs, please note that once outside of the center during business hours Pumpkin Patch is not responsible for actions or behavior of staff that babysit center children. Parents hire staff as babysitters on their own discretion.
Discipline Policy:
Positive, non-punitive approaches are always used first to assist children to use appropriate behavior strategies.
Our methods of discipline are as follows:
Teachers will use redirection to guide children into other activities or behaviors before problems escalate.
The child is given choices for their actions. This allows the child to begin to understand they have responsibility for their actions
Occasionally a child may need to be removed from the group or activity to insure his own safety or the safety of others. Sometimes removing a child allows them the time to calm down and better focus.
When a behavior becomes an ongoing problem, a parent/teacher/director planning conference is scheduled.
Child Abuse and Maltreatment:
New York State and the New York State Child Protective System recognize certain professionals as holding the important role of mandated reporters of child abuse and maltreatment. These professionals can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report. Mandated reporters are required to report instances of suspected child abuse or maltreatment in their professional roles. We are not required to notify the parents or other persons legally responsible either before or after our call to SCR.
For more information about child abuse and maltreatment please refer to NYS OCFS regulation 418-1.10 or call the Child Abuse Public Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.
Programs:
Infants:
Infant care is the fastest growing and most sensitive aspect of child care. Providing this care is an enormous responsibility, involving much more than keeping the baby fed, warm, and dry.
PHYSICAL – Infants need space in which to grow, and freedom to move within that space. They should be confined to a crib ONLY when sleeping. In addition to the time when they are being held, they should be placed in a variety of supporting chairs, such as infant seats or exersaucers, which allow them to stay in a partially upright position. Putting infants on a blanket or pad away from the crib makes them part of the environment and allows for growing interaction with teachers and other infants as the weeks go by. Age appropriate toys and activities encourage the development of the infants’ basic skills. A stimulating environment and numerous experiences and interactions with people and materials provide for optimal intellectual development.
SOCIAL – A child understands his world in which there are creatures separate and apart from himself. This comes from being held and cared for. Much has been said and written about the importance of “bonding” in the infants first few months. Ideally the infant finds that relationship with his mother. But when that is not possible, it is essential for him to form an attachment to another adult. Individualized care, which is intended to complement parents’ styles and wishes, is one way of attempting to accommodate each infant’s needs and personality. At Pumpkin Patch every effort will be made to have the same childcare provider(s) consistently hold, feed and change your child.
EMOTIONAL –A warm, supportive relationship will be established between the care giver(s) and the infant to promote sound emotional development. Our staff will demonstrate many expressions of nurturing to build the relationship: holding, rocking, singing and talking helps the child develop a sense that the world is a safe, caring place.
INTELLECTUAL– What can a little baby learn? Cognitive growth begins with language. From the very beginning, the way a primary care giver responds to an infant, talking to him as she changes his diaper, or responding to his babbling, is teaching him the art of communication. Appropriate sensory motor stimulation will be offered in context with infants’ needs. Interesting toys and other objects, sufficiently varied for all developmental levels of infants in the room, will be provided to encourage exploration, stimulation and interactions.
SAFETY – The staff at Pumpkin Patch will promote and follow rigorous health and safety standards: wearing gloves when changing diapers and serving food in addition to regular hand washing throughout the day; disinfecting toys and equipment in the room; maintaining a “child proof” environment.
COMMUNICATION – Communication is essential between your child’s teachers and yourself. Each infant’s daily schedule is recorded on a classroom chart. There is also space provided for parents' to record how their child's night and early morning has been.
We know that every day your baby is growing and changing. That means that their physical experiences and eating habits are changing as well. When these changes occur we need to be a part of them also. Therefore, we are asking that parents notify us when these changes occur. For example, if you have changed your child’s formula, increased his formula or added new food to his diet, you need to inform your child’s caretaker. This needs to be done in writing and we ask that parents go over their written correspondence with their child’s caretaker before they leave in the morning to assure no misinterpretations in this communication. All correspondence from the parent must be dated.
FEEDING -Infants are fed bottles and baby foods according to their individualized schedules. Parents provide a daily supply of plastic bottles filled with formula or breast milk, baby foods, and baby cereal. We do not mix formula. All bottles must come in prepared. The Center provides milk and meals when the child is ready to eat food. Parents will be provided copies of our meal menus. On occasion our menus do change so it is important to have extra food available at all times in case of an emergency.
All bottles and food need to be clearly labeled with your child’s first and last name and the date on which it was brought in.
It is the parent’s responsibility to introduce all new foods at home at least three times before we will introduce it at the Center. WE WILL NOT INTRODUCE ANY NEW FOODS TO YOUR CHILD. Parents will be given a food clearance sheet. All cleared foods must be checked on the child’s food list. Foods that are not checked will not be given to the child despite verbal confirmation unless otherwise cleared by the director.All food that is prepared at home and not commercially prepared needs to come to the Center in a sealed container clearly marked with your child’s first and last name, date and a complete list of ingredients.
WHAT TO BRING
Weekly, biweekly supply of diapers. Due to storage limitations, we request the maximum box size be a 48 pack. Please clearly identify the carton with the child’s first and last name. For infection control, only disposable diapers will be allowed
Diapering supplies such as lotions or ointments. Please label them well.
Diaper wipes. Label container.
Three washcloths to be left at the Center.
Three bibs for community use
Daily formula in plastic bottles clearly labeled with first and last name and date. Enough milk should be sent daily for each feeding.
A training cup if appropriate
If your child cannot eat “Center food”, it is your responsibility to provide all “jar” foods, “special” crackers, and formula from home. Please label any item that will require refrigeration or storage.
Infant bowl and spoon for babies.
Bumper pads if you feel your baby needs them. They need to go home on the last Friday of every month for laundering.
Lightweight blanket for crib
2 porta crib size sheets for infants, to be left at the Center.
Several changes of clothing. This clothing must be checked often to accommodate change of seasons and your child’s growth.
ALL BELONGINGS, BOTTLES, BOTTLE TOPS, PACIFIERS, WIPES, CLOTHES, FOOD, BLANKETS, TOYS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE CHILD’S FIRST AND LAST NAME. CLEAR LABELING HELPS THE TEACHERS CARE FOR EACH INFANT PROMPTLY. INFANT TEACHERS NEED TO BE NOTIFIED IF AN ITEM IS MISSING OR A NEW ITEM APPEARS IN THE INFANTS DRAWER/CUBBY SO THAT MIX-UPS CAN BE RECTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
SCHEDULES – Activities in the infant room vary from day to day according to the children’s needs. Since an infant’s day consists of and requires much of an “on demand” response they get a wide variety of stimulation from their environment. Infant’s experience their world through their senses. Consequently our teachers make the most of routine care giving by talking, singing and playing with the infants during feeding and diapering. In this way, the infants receive stimulation while their basic needs are being met.
Waddler/Toddler Program:
As the names suggest, the terms “waddler (mobile infant) and toddler” applies when the child graduates from the crawling, creeping, or hitching stage to moving about in an upright position. The toddler is an explorer. He learns about gravity when he pulls himself up and falls down, climbs over, and crawls through, under and around. Toddlers learn all the time. One part of the day is not distinguished as more or less educational then another.
PHYSICAL - Motor development is ongoing within the waddler/toddler program. Children are provided encouragement, appropriate equipment, space and opportunities to further develop large and small muscle skills. Large motor equipment also encourages the development of strength and coordination in their large movements. As the children play with small motor toys, puzzles, interlocking blocks, pegboards and stacking toys they are developing greater finger strength, control and eye hand coordination.
SOCIAL – Socially, the waddler/toddler is an independent, self-centered being. His wants, his needs, his space, his toys, bear no interference from others. Routine plays a large role in the waddler/toddler’s day. Sharing, waiting for a turn and cooperating are social skills which are introduced and encouraged. A sense of security is fostered by providing a safe, secure and familiar setting, with the children encouraged to take an active role in discovering their environment. The waddler/toddler will learn to leave home and participate as a member of a group, to eat meals with other children, to be changed and cuddled by an adult he is learning to trust. He will learn how to sleep in a new environment and begin to see himself as a competent, successful human being whose options and needs are respected by others. He will learn about his world through direct sensory contact and will be supported and encouraged by a caring adult.
EMOTIONAL – Your waddler/toddler will grow in a secure, consistent and joyful environment. He will develop not only a positive self image, but also a confident attitude towards learning. Waddler/Toddlers do not yet understand the concept of sharing or taking turns. We recognize that when waddler/toddlers are aggressive, it is because they lack skills to cope with frustrating situations, such as wanting another child’s toy. The teachers will patiently redirect a child to help guide that child toward controlling his own impulses and behavior. Throughout the day, the teachers will model types of interactions with others that they want the children to develop.
INTELLECTUAL – As the waddler/toddler’s world expands, his actions are repetitive. He fills a cart, carriage, pail, or pocketbook, and moves it to another location, empties or dumps it and then puts everything back. He is constantly testing relationships of space and volume as he plays with toys that fit together and come apart, nest, and stack. Children will be encouraged to explore and learn about their environment. Language development is crucial for waddler/toddlers as it helps them express feelings and needs related to other areas of development. The teachers in the room are willing to listen, elicit responses, talk to the children, ask questions and patiently answer the hundreds of questions asked of them. The new language skills being gained give the child a new mechanism for learning. In many instances, it is difficult to distinguish between language development and intellectual development. In addition to language, waddler/toddlers continue to rely on their senses to experience the environment and develop intellectually. Sensory motor experiences such as sand and water play, play dough, finger painting, and music are some of the daily activities to encourage cognitive development.
SAFETY -EVERYTHING A WADDLER/TODDLER PICKS UP GOES STRAIGHT INTO THE MOUTH!
PUMPKIN PATCH staff will promote and follow rigorous health and safety standards: wearing gloves when changing diapers and serving food in addition to regular hand washing throughout the day; disinfecting toys and equipment in the room and maintaining a “child proof” environment.
WHAT TO BRING
Weekly, biweekly supply of diapers. Due to storage limitations, we request the maximum box size be a 48 pack. Please clearly identify the carton with your child’s name. For infection control, only disposable diapers will be allowed.
Diapering supplies such as lotions or ointments. Must be labeled.
Diaper wipes. Label container.
Two large, short sleeved, plastic art bibs
Sippy cup
Blanket/Sheet for cot/Soft cuddly napping toy
Complete change of clothing (including socks). These need to be seasonally and size appropriate.
SUMMER NEEDS:sunscreen, no sunglasses, no sandals
FALL/WINTER NEEDS:Mittens, hat, boots, full snowsuit.
ALL YOUR WADDLER/TODDLER BELONGINGS MUST BE LABELED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME. CLEAR LABELING HELPS THE TEACHERS CARE FOR EACH WADDLER/TODDLER PROMPTLY. WADDLER/TODDLERTEACHERS NEED TO BE NOTIFIED IF AN ITEM IS MISSING OR A NEW ITEM APPEARS IN YOUR CHILD’S CUBBY SO THAT MIX-UPS CAN BE RECTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
CUBBIES – Each waddler/toddler has one cubby and one mailbox. One for their newsletters, notes and art projects and one for their daily supplies suchas napping items, change of clothing etc. Cubbies are to be completely emptied every Friday to enable staff to disinfect your child’s cubby.
DIAPERING –Waddler/Toddlers are diapered regularly after snacks, after lunch and of course, as needed at any other time of the day. Parents will receive a daily report about their child’s toileting habits. Toddler’s who show signs of readiness such as muscle control, communication of the need to use the toilet, and the desire to be trained may begin potty training. Parents who feel their child is ready for toilet training should discuss this with the teachers so they can work together. Staff will only begin potty training at school when parents are beginning this process at home and will only continue if the parents are working consistently toward the same goal.
Preschool Program:
While trust is the foundation of babyhood and independence and autonomy define toddler hood, the preschool years are characterized by interdependence and mastery. After establishing a separate identity preschoolers proceed to gain control over their environment and struggle to learn new tasks and feel capable. They become more aware of their abilities such as speaking, reasoning, dressing, feeding and using the toilet.
PHYSICAL - A preschooler is a bundle of energy. They require ample opportunities to exert this energy. Large motor activities encourage the development of strength and coordination. Weather permitting, the children will participate in outdoor play on a daily basis.
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL- One of the most dramatic areas of development evident in preschoolers is their obvious pleasure interacting with other children. With teacher guidance children will learn how to play cooperatively in a group setting. Children will begin to learn how to take turns, share, make friends and play cooperatively.
INTELLECTUAL-This includes:
LANGUAGE - PUMPKIN PATCH emphasizes language development, which includes communication and listening skills. One of our primary objectives in this area is the concept of stimulating the child to ask and answer questions as well as to make comments. During free play, the child has the opportunity to talk about materials, ideas and relationships with others. Language is one way children learn about themselves. Language helps children to try out ideas, express concerns and learn about their environment.
CREATIVE PLAY - Preschoolers are budding artists who delight in using brushes, clay, paste, finger paints and kid safe scissors. Children will be provided the opportunity to use all these crafts and their teachers will be right there showing interest in what they are producing. Because there is no correct way to do an art project the children will be encouraged to use their imagination. Your child will also develop new skills manipulating other types of objects such as puzzles, fasteners, buttons and block building. These small motor activities help develop greater finger strength and eye hand coordination.
MUSIC - Music is another one of the constructive ways in which children express their feelings. Music is introduced in many different aspects at PUMPKIN PATCH. Our hope is that the child gains an appreciation for music which will be life- long if the introduction has pleasant associations.
SCIENCE- Science is all around us. At Pumpkin Patch we take the time to show the children how to enjoy and learn from their surroundings. The wonders of nature are fascinating to small children and exploring their environment can help them develop a deep aesthetic appreciation.
When a child enters a group experience he comes with the background unique only to him. At Pumpkin Patch we care about each child as an individual and seek to help the child function effectively in a group.
IN-SERVICE PROGRAMS – In lieu of field trips, Pumpkin Patch offers a variety of outside programs. The extra cost of these programs is paid by the parents. Some of these programs are part of our curriculum.
WHAT TO BRING – Each child needs two (2) complete changes of clothing. These clothes need to be seasonally appropriate and parents are asked to check their child’s clothing periodically to make sure that it is the right size. Clothing should include shirt, pants, underwear and socks. In the winter we will need mittens/hat/boots/complete snowsuit. All clothing needs to be LABELED.
Sandals and open toed shoes are not allowed at Pumpkin Patch due to their unsafe nature when on the playground. Children who arrive at school with inappropriate footwear will be asked to change into sneakers before their parent leaves in the morning.
Staff Requirements:
All teachers must be in compliance with the NYS OCFS regulations regarding experience and education. Each classroom has a team of teachers that work together to create an enriched environment for the children.
For more information about staff education and experience you may refer to the NYS OCFS regulations section 418-1.13 (g).
Teacher Training Days:
NYS OCFS mandates that each staff member of a child care center must receive 15 hours of training per licensing year. In order to accommodate this training requirement the Center will close two days per year so teachers can attend training. Parents will be given a 30 day advanced notice when the Center will be closed for staff training.
For more information about staff training requirements please refer to the NYS OCFS regulations section 418-1.14
Revised April 2012
