ILECC Parent Handbook | Immanuel Lutheran Ch

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Immanuel Lutheran Early Childhood Center! We feel privileged that you have chosen to entrust your little ones with us. We are looking forward to this time with your children.

We hope this parent handbook will be informative and answer your questions about our school. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to call the school office on 785-238-5921. You may also email the school at ileccjc@gmail.com.

We are here to make your children’s first learning experience a positive one. God’s blessings on your year of growth!

In Christ,

Chelsey Brosious

Center Director

Philosophy

We Believe

*Early childhood education is an integral part of congregational mission and ministry. Our center exists to share God’s love with young children and their families. That they may be brought to the saving knowledge and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

*Our school is a joint ministry that involves the congregation, the community, the staff, the family, and the children. Family is a vital part of our school ministry. As a school, our role is to assist parents in their God given task of teaching and applying God’s Word. Both school and family work together in nurturing the whole child.

*Each child is a unique person created by God and learns best about God’s world through developmentally appropriate play activities.

*A warm and loving Christ-centered environment enables children to develop to their fullest potential spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. A developmentally appropriate learning environment enhances discovery, communication, conceptualization, and creativity and stimulates a love for lifelong learning. Children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, secure, and loved by God, their caregivers, and peers.

So that the children may... “Grow in the grace and knowledge of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 3:18

Mission

The Mission of Immanuel Lutheran Early Childhood Center is to lead children and their families to know and to love Jesus.

Goals

*Children will increase their knowledge of and love for the Lord.

*Children will develop good self-esteem through a nurturing and relaxed environment with caring educated adults where self-concepts can be enhanced, independence encouraged, free choice decisions offered, social skilled acquired, and individuality respected.

*Children will spend time with their friends in a range of different and satisfying activities. The activities will be drawn from the following curriculum: art, science, cooking, music, movement, dramatic play, language arts, gross motor, fine motor, math, and religion.

*Children will gain self-discipline in an environment where they know the limits and expectations.

Classes Offered

Regular School Hours:

Preschool for 3-year old's 8:30am-3:00pm

Pre-Kindergarten for 4-to-5-year old's 8:30am-3:00pm

Afterschool Program for School Agers 3:00pm-5:30pm

School Breaks for School Agers 6:30am-5:30pm

Childcare 6:30am-5:30pm

Admissions

Enrollment Ages: 6 weeks to 5th Grade
A NON-REFUNDABLE registration fee of $50.00 must be paid at the time of registration to guarantee a position in the class.
There is a NON-REFUNDABLE fee of $20.00 at the beginning of every school year to help us pay for the Procare app that we use to better communicate with families.
A NON-REFUNDABLE fee will be asked for at the beginning of summer Preschool to School age classrooms. The fee is based on the activities we plan for the summer. We will let you know as soon as we have all the plans in place what that fee will be. It changes every year.
If classes are filled when a parent calls, the child’s name will be put on a waiting list to fill vacancies as they occur.
The following forms must be completed and returned prior to the beginning of the school term: Enrollment form, child information sheet, health form signed by the physician with immunization records, an emergency authorization form.
If you refer a family to attend the ILECC and enrollment takes place, the referring family will receive a one-time $50 credit to your child’s account. After the enrolled child has been enrolled for 3 months.
Admission policies shall be non-discriminatory concerning race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap, or sex in accordance with K.S.A. 44-1009.

Tuition

$250 a week for children 6 weeks to 1 year of age.

$210 a week for children 1 year to 2 ½ years of age.

$175 a week for children 2 ½ years to 4 years of age.

$160 a week for children 4 years of age to kindergarten.

$150 a full week for children kindergarten to 5th grade.

$50 a week for afterschool care for kindergarten to 5th grade.

$35 a day for school agers who come when their school is closed.

There is a 10% discount on the oldest child you enroll when you have two children in enrolled full-time. There is a 20% discount on the oldest child and a 10% discount on the middle child when you have 3 children enrolled full-time.

Tuition will need to be paid prior to receiving care. You can pay one week at a time, two weeks at a time, or an entire month. If you pay with a check and it is returned, you are required to pay a $30 service fee. If it happens a second time you will be required to pay the service fee and your child cannot return until the amount is paid. If it happens a third time you must pay the service fee, your child can’t return until the amount is paid and you will not be able to pay with checks any longer.

Families who have children at the center after 5:30pm will be charged $1.00 a minute for the first 15 minutes. Anything after will be charged $10.00 a minute.

No refunds will be given for illness, vacations, or snow days. Those days will not be made up. If for some reason you find you are unable to pay the tuition, please contact the director. We are more than happy to work out a suitable arrangement with you.

If the center must close for covid or any other emergency (other than snow closings) we require 50% of the tuition for the week. If the center must close for longer than a week the school board will re-evaluate the situation. We will let parents know as soon as possible.

Curriculum

Here at the ILECC we use the ABCJesusLovesMe curriculum. A curriculum that focuses on academics, development, and Bible learning through play. The materials that ABCJesusLovesMe offers are based on credible approaches to educating children. They’re also rooted in a Biblical foundation. They offer a 5-year curriculum so that each year your child is enrolled at the ILECC they will grow with the program.

Below you will find the learning categories for each year.

Year One- 12 to 24 months

Academics, Bible, Development (Fine and Gross Motor), Music, and Self-care

Year Two- 24 to 36 months

Academics, Bible, Development (Fine and Gross Motor), Music, Pre-writing, and Self-care

Year Three- 3 to 4 Years old

Academics, Bible, Development (Fine and Gross Motor), Music, Pre-Reading, Pre-Writing, and Self-care

Year Four- 4 to 5 Years Old

Academics, Bible, Development (Fine and Gross Motor), Handwriting, Music, Pre-Reading, and Visual Perception

Year Five- 4 ½ to 5 ½ Years Old

Academics, Bible, Development (Fine and Gross Motor), Handwriting, Music, Pre-Reading, Self-care, and Visual Perception.

Each year the curriculum starts with a review of what they were learning in the year before and slowly adding to it to advance their learning in each category. By the end of their 5th year, they will have a better relationship with the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit and be Kindergarten ready.

Our curriculum also ties in with our Wednesday chapel service. We use the ABCJesusLovesMe Old and New Testament curriculum to expand on their learning during chapel.

Worship

We at Immanuel believe that it is extremely important that all people attend divine worship services regularly and faithfully. We encourage you and your family to worship regularly with us or at a church of your choosing.

All students at ILECC attend a children’s chapel, each week. These chapels are not intended to replace Sunday services, but to supplement them. At these chapels, children can pray, hear God’s Word, sing praises to God, and to bring a love offering to their Friend, Jesus. Offerings brought to chapel are designated for various missions and charitable purposes.

Three times throughout the school year children in the ILECC will sing in Immanuel’s Sunday morning worship service. Dates will be announced.

Field Trips

We believe many educational values may be gained by experiences which are not possible in the classroom situation. Our children in the green, blue, and yellow classrooms are old enough that they may go on walking field trips or bus trips. However, our children in the purple and orange classrooms are too young to go on field trips, so we provide them with in-house field trips. We will notify parents as early as possible of the plans prior to the outing.

Teachers must follow the policies set by the School Board and the State of Kansas.

All children must follow all rules on the field trip, or they will not be allowed to take part in future field trips with the center.
No child will be allowed to attend a field trip unless parents have filled out and turned in the required state and center permission forms and paid any necessary fees.
It may become necessary to cancel a trip if weather conditions make the field trip unfavorable.
No child is to be dropped off or picked up from a field trip. You must pick up and drop off at the center.

If a parent feels they do not wish for their child to go on a field trip they may be required to keep them home that day if we do not have space in another classroom. If you bring your child after the time the classrooms need to leave for the field trip you may also have to keep your child at home if we do not have space in another classroom.

Insurance

Immanuel Lutheran’s property and casualty insurance provides excess medical payments. In other words, your personal medical insurance will be the primary carrier and will pay first. Whatever your personal insurance will not cover, will then be submitted to the school insurance policy.

Student Materials

At the beginning of every school year, we hand out a school supply list. We ask that you provide the items by the first day of school. The gift cards are used for the teachers to restock as the supplies get used. There may be times when we ask you to provide supplies for a special project. If you do not wish to bring in supplies, there will be a charge of $30 for us to go get the supplies for your child.

Arrival/Dismissal

Children must be dropped off and picked up by an adult. Your child will not be released to anyone who is not 18 years or older. Children will also not be sent out on their own. If you are unable to walk your child to the door, please call the school to make arrangements for a staff member to come out of your car to get your child. This goes for pick up as well. All parents should be signing their child in and out using the ProCare app.

If someone else is picking your child up, please let the office know by filling out the alternate pick-up slip. Make sure the person is on your list and is prepared to show a picture ID.

Please enter the parking lot at the far end of the parking lot and exit near the building. This will allow traffic to flow in the same direction and thus help to eliminate accidents.

Inclement Weather Policy

If a decision is made to close the school due to inclement weather, the announcement will be made on Facebook and sent to you as a message through the Procare app. The announcement will be made prior to 6:00am.

In the event of early dismissal due to dangerous weather conditions, the information will be announced on our Facebook page and a message will be sent out through the Procare app. Parents are asked to pick up their children as soon as possible. Children will be kept at school until arrangements have been made for their transportation.

In general, Immanuel will coincide with U.S.D 475 on closing and early dismissals.

Illness

Any child who is sick with any of the following symptoms must be kept at home: red, watery, or draining eyes, drainage from ears, lice, skin lesions or rash, vomiting, diarrhea, or a temperature over 100 degrees. Please call us if your child is ill and explain the nature of the illness. We are required to report certain communicable diseases to the Health Department and may need to take additional control measures and notify the other parents. Your child’s identity will be kept confidential by the staff. Children must be symptom free and without the aid of fever reducers for 48 hours before returning to school. Your child may be required to receive a doctor’s note to return to school. If your child has a fever and you take them to the doctor, and they tell you that it's an ear infection or something else that is not contagious you may bring your child in earlier than 48-hours if they don't have a fever anymore and they can participate in classroom activities with the doctor's note. If a child has a fever due to getting shots, they may return when they don't have a fever anymore and can participate in classroom activities and proof of shots.

In the event a child becomes ill at school, the child will be isolated from the other children and the caregiver contacted immediately. You will have 1 hour to pick up your child after we call.

Over the counter medication will be administered at school with the proper forms filled out. Life-saving medication (I.e., EpiPen or inhaler) will be kept in a labeled, locked cabinet in the office. A picture of the child will be on the label. A doctor’s note must be attached to the medication which includes the child’s name, dosage, dosage intervals, name of the physician and date the prescription was filled. An authorization for dispensing medications form must be filled out by the parent. This form is kept with the medication.

Disaster Drills & Plans

Tornado and fire drills are conducted as prescribed by Kansas law.

Fire Plan:

All students will line up by the safest exit.
Children and the provider will go out the safest exit and proceed to the fence and wait until the fire department has given their okay.

Tornado Plan:

When the siren sounds, the provider will take the children to the orange room.
Children will crouch down and cover their heads for protection.
Providers will not answer phone calls until after the all clear is heard or the warning has expired.

Storm Plan:

The provider has a battery-operated flashlight should the lights go out. Children will be taken to areas with emergency lights.
The provider also has a battery-operated radio to listen to the weather reports.

Flood Plan:

We are not in a flood area, but if flooding occurs, the provider will take the children to higher ground and do as directed by emergency personnel.

Serious Injury Plan:

The provider will check the injury and administer First Aid. An ambulance will be called if needed.
Parents will be notified and told where the child is being taken for care.
Emergency substitutes will be called and told to come care for the other children. As soon as a substitute arrives, the provider will take the child and the necessary papers (or follow the ambulance) to get medical attention. The provider will stay with the child until the parent or parent’s designee arrives.
When the provider returns to school, an injury report will be filled out and sent to the local health agency as required by the state by the next working day.

All staff are trained in first aid and CPR. It is extremely important for parents to notify the school office of any changes in phone number and address. Medical information and emergency release forms must be on file with the most current information.

Lost Child Plan:

If a child is lost, the proper authorities will be called immediately.
The adults in the building will search as much as possible, while keeping all other children safe and accounted for.
The parents will be notified.

Evacuation Plan:

In case of an evacuation, we will evacuate to the Geary County Health Department at 1212 W. Ash St, Junction City.

Food Program

Immanuel Lutheran ECC offers a complete breakfast and lunch as specified by the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Children will not be allowed to bring lunch from home.

Students with a food allergy will be served an alternative, providing a statement from a physician is on file.

Breakfast: 8:00am-8:30am

Lunch: 11:30am-12:00pm

Snack: 3:00pm-3:30pm

After school children will get snack at 3:30pm when they arrive

Dress Code

We expect parents to assume responsibility for the proper selection of clothing for school wear. Clothing for young children needs to be practical and clothing appropriate for their age.

To meet the above goals in dress, the following statements of policy are made:

Extremely short or poor fitting shorts are not to be worn.
Clothing displaying or advertising substances illegal or inappropriate for minors or of an unchristian, disrespectful, rude, or violent nature is prohibited. (This includes alcohol, pornography, firearms, etc.)
Shirts or blouses which bare the midriffs are inappropriate both for boys and for girls.
Children are not to wear or bring make-up, including lip gloss to school. Chapstick cannot be kept by the students, must be given to the staff, and used under their supervision only, according to state regulations.
Jewelry, including watches, is not to be worn or brought to school. Studded pierced earrings and jewelry that is permanently tied on will be allowed. Teachers will not be responsible for lost or broken items, nor will they reattach earrings which have been removed.
Children should be dressed for active play. Children explore the environment, both indoors and outdoors, with a variety of materials. Children need comfortable, sturdy, washable clothing. Clothing should allow the child to participate in all activities without concern for spoils, spots, rips, or tears. Girls need to always wear shorts or leggings under their dresses/shirt for modesty.
Children should be wearing shoes that allow them to climb and walk and run without fear of slipping or sliding. Shoes should fit properly, are closed toed, cover the entire foot and fasten securely to the child’s feet. Flip Flops and open-toed sandals are NOT allowed. Snow/Rain boots are not appropriate inside footwear so shoes must be brought for children to change into if boots are worn to school, due to adverse weather.
Clothing needs to be easy to manage for the child. This promotes independence and self-help. Children must be able to unfasten any belts or pants by themselves.
Each child attending the ECC will have a complete set of extra clothes, including underwear and socks, at school. From time-to-time accidents do happen. When soiled clothes are sent home, return immediately the next day with a new extra set of clean clothing. If your child doesn’t have extra clothes at school, you will receive a call to bring new clothes.
Outdoor play is an important part of our day. We do go outside every day if that is possible. Please see that your child is dressed comfortably for outdoors and has the proper outdoor clothing. During the cold winter months, each child must have a coat, a hat or hood, gloves/mittens, and snow boots when there is snow.

Toys from Home

Children are allowed to bring in a stuffed animal to sleep with. The children are also allowed to bring in toys for show and tell. Techers will provide those days for you. Otherwise please keep toys at home.

At no time will guns, swords or other types of weapons, including toy weapons, be brought to school, even for show and tell. Toys that promote violence and dangerous objects should not be brought to the center.

Discipline/Biting Policy

The goal of discipline is to help children learn self-control. Providers help teach children about appropriate behavior and how to get along with others. Be consistent. Children are confused when providers respond in different ways to similar behavior. Appropriate guidance needs to follow a child’s misbehavior immediately so that the child understands why he or she is being corrected. We never threaten to do something that the provider would not or could not do. We are good role models. We act with kindness and patience toward each child. We respect and talk to each child about their feelings. We also talk to the children about their behavior and what is expected. We tell the children what they can do rather than what they can’t. (“Please walk” instead of “Don’t run”) Children are praised for good behavior often.

Sometimes behaviors can get out of hand, and we must talk with parents. We include parents in the decisions about effective ways to provide guidance for their child. Consistency between the child’s home and the center is most effective.

We never want to kick a child out. If the behavior is not corrected quickly, we will have a meeting with the family and set up a behavior plan. With the parents we set dates for the plan to start and end. We will also set two dates in between those dates to review. The goal of the behavior plan is to correct the behavior. We set up consequences and who enforces them. We also set up good behavior recognition and who is responsible for rewarding that behavior. If by the end date of the behavior plan the behavior is still there, we will get with the parents to see if the behavior is lessening, and we just need to give it another few weeks or if the behavior is not changing. We will try another way. If after 3 behavior plans and the behavior is still there, we are probably not the right fit for the child and would request that the child be removed from the center for the safety and well-being of all children.

After the age of two most children outgrow biting unless there is an underlining condition or issue. We understand at times that does happen. However, we need to protect our children and staff. We strongly disapprove of biting.

When Biting Occurs:

1. The child will be shadowed to help prevent any biting incidents.

2. If a child inflicts 3 bites in one-week period in which the skin of another child or staff member is broken, bruised, or the bite leaves a significant mark, a conference will be held with the parents to discuss the child’s behavior and how the behavior can be modified.

3. If the child again inflicts 3 bites in a one-week period in which the skin of another child or staff member is broken, bruised, or the bite leaves a significant mark, the child will be suspended for 2 business days.

4. If a child once again inflicts 3 bites in a one-week period in which the skin of another child or staff member is broken, bruised, or the bite leaves a significant mark, the parents will be asked to find alternative care for their child.

If a child Bites twice in a 4-hour period, the child will be required to be picked up from school for the remainder of the day. This will not count towards the 2-day suspension.

Damages

The child must reimburse the school for the loss as well as for any willful or careless damage to the textbooks of the school. School and church property, including furniture and equipment must not be defaced or damaged in any manner. Violators will be billed for the amount to replace or repair any damage done. Willful violators may be asked not to return to Immanuel.

Withdrawal

We understand that sometimes a program may not be right for every child or parent. If a child needs to be withdrawn from preschool, two weeks' notice is required so that another child can fill the vacancy. Should two weeks’ notice not be given, you will be billed for the next two weeks.

Grievance Policy

All grievances should be handled between the persons who are directly involved as taught in Matthew 18:15: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.” If after an attempt has been made without success, the following serves to settle the grievance.

If a parent has a complaint or concern involving the teacher, the program, or the classroom, the parent should discuss it with the director.
If a teacher has a complaint or concern involving a parent or another teacher, the teacher should discuss it with the director.
If a parent has a complaint or concern involving the director, the parent should discuss it with a member of the School Board.

We ask when you need to speak with a teacher to make arrangements to meet outside the classroom time. Speaking with a teacher with children in the classroom takes the teacher’s attention away from the children.

Parent Involvement and Communication

ILECC believes that a good relationship between home and school will help foster a sense of security, a sense of well-being, and a sense of self-esteem in the child, will help build mutual understanding and guidance, and provide a greater consistency for children. We believe that parents have the right and responsibility to share in decisions about their children’s care and education. It is just as important for parents to become actively involved in their child’s education and their child’s school. Therefore, parents are welcome to volunteer in the classroom at any time. We ask that parents volunteer at least 3 activities a year. One time to be served directly by your child in the classroom, one time in a fundraiser, and one time to be served in some other capacity.

Parents are always welcome to visit their child’s classroom; however, common courtesy dictates that prior arrangements should be made. Parents, when in the classrooms, considered volunteers and may be asked to help with classroom affairs: working with students, helping with an art project, or other activities.

All visitors, while in attendance at Immanuel, are subject to all rules and policies of ILECC. All Visitors, including parents, are asked to please check-in at the school office.

Parents are informed of classroom activities through a monthly calendar and newsletter. Teachers communicate on a regular basis with parents about their child’s development through our Procare app as well as in person or phone calls. Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year. If they aren’t in person, they will be on zoom.

Please understand that the children come first during class time. The teacher will be happy to talk with you before or after class. Discussions about your child should not be within the child’s hearing. Remember that this is your school and your child’s education. Come find out what is happening!

Immanuel Lutheran Early Childhood Center

Parent Handbook

Receipt Verification

After reading the ILECC Parent Handbook, please sign this page, and return it to the center office, no later than 10 school days after receiving this handbook. If you have any questions regarding the information contained within, please contact our director.

We, the parents/guardians of _________________________, have read and understand the provisions set forth within the ILECC Parent Handbook and agree to comply with its policies and support its mission. We further understand that Christian ideals are taught, the Bible and other Christian religious materials are used as a part of the ILECC program.

Date Signed: __________________________

Mother’s/Guardian’s Signature: ________________________

Father’s/Guardian’s Signature: _________________________

For office use only:

Date Received: ____________________________