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Message Little Mates Child Development Centers 2025 1

***This handbook reflects the general policies for ALL Little Mates CDC locations; individual locations may have additional policies specific to their own facility that will be distributed as a supplemental handbook to families enrolled at that location. *** Table of Contents Welcome Mission Statement Code of Ethics/Equal Opportunity Statement Operating hours & Payment Policies Hours of Operations/Holidays Closing/In-service Day Policy Snow Days/ Inclement Weather Tuition Invoices Registration Fees Late Pick-Ups Credit Week Subsidized Care Rate Schedule Tuition Due Dates Enrollment Enrollment Paperwork Enrollment Deposit Change of Information Transitions Tier Levels Early Care Drop-Off/Pick Up Procedures Transferring Records Custody Agreements Extra Clothes/Other Needs 2

Confidentiality Courtesy Calls Suitability for Person in a Childcare Facility Health and Safety Little Mates Child Illness Policy Care Plan Policy/Allergy Action Plan Dispensing Medications Fire Drills Ratios Incident Reports Biting Child Abuse Reporting Policy for the Prevention of & Recognition of Child Abuse, Shaken Baby Syndrome & Abusive Head Trauma & Child Maltreatment Program Information Curriculum Statement Our Classes Staff Roles Screenings and Assessments Conferences Parent Communication Platform Language Development Daily Schedule Outside Service Providers Family Engagement Implementation of IEP/IEFSP Promoting Inclusion and Reducing/Eliminating Child Suspension and Expulsion from Program Referral Procedure for Appropriate Services 3

Meals while in Care Breakfast Procedures/Lunches Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Non-discrimination Statement General Policies Parent/Teacher Code of Conduct Parental Rights to Immediate Access Harassment Policy Discipline Parental Feedback Parent Engagement Employment by Parents Celebrations Toys/Personal Items Jewelry/Attire Weapons Permission Slips School Bags Parking Lot Safety Additional Resources Childcare Works Subsidized Childcare Programs Information Pre-K Counts Information Family Resource Guide CACFP Information WIC Information Parent Agreement (for your records only) Tuition Express form (for your records only) Consent for Services (For your records only) Child Health Assessment (For your records only) Medication Form (For your record only) 4

Welcome! We appreciate you choosing Little Mates Child Development Center. We strive to employ highly qualified, nurturing, and enthusiastic teachers who follow a structured curriculum benefiting each child as an individual. We believe in the advantages of strong partnerships with parents and look forward to working with you and your child as they venture through their early childhood years. Little Mates participates in the Keystone STARS program and is a STAR 4 Center! Mission Statement Our mission as Educational Practitioners is to provide a safe and nurturing environment while maintaining a high-quality academic program. Admission is open to all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age or disability. We will provide optimal opportunities for communication with our families through means of conferencing, communication logs, daily notes, and surveys. To meet each child’s needs, we value parental support and input. Code of Ethics/ Equal Opportunity It is our goal to respect diversity related to race, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, disability, and ethnicity. Please be courteous and respectful towards others regarding the value of diversity. Please refrain from harsh language or behavior at our center. Our children learn from us. Little Mates Child Development Center is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 5

Operating Hours & Payment Policies Hours of Operation/ Holidays Little Mates is open 6:30 AM- 5:30 PM Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted, and closed on the following days: January 1, 2025 Feb 17, 2025 + May 23, 2025 July 4, 2025 August 22, 2025* + Sept 1, 2025 Oct 13, 2025+ Nov 27, 2025 Dec 24, 2025 through Jan 1 2026 Current closings are also located on the front Parent Board. If you know your child will not be attending school during the holiday season or any other day, please contact the office as soon as possible so we may schedule accordingly. When you enroll, we do ask you to commit to specific days your child will be attending. We have a certain number of available “spaces” in each room that the state allows us to fill. If your child is here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, this creates availability in the room when your child is not here on Tuesday and Thursday. We will fill the empty “spaces” whenever possible. If you bring your child unexpectedly on a day that is not a normally scheduled day, the teacher-child ratio may change, you may be denied care for that day if there is no availability. Because of this structured attendance, a change in your schedule must be approved by the office. *May be subject to change due to the Twin Valley School District schedule +In-service days occur at least three times per year; Columbus Day and President’s Day and last Friday before Twin Valley returns to school. Our center is closed these days for staff development and classroom prep. There are several requirements we must meet as a center to maintain our license and several obligations our staff must meet to obtain and maintain employment. These staff development days provide the opportunity for our staff to be trained in fire safety, first aid, and participate in workshops which enhance their ability to better serve you and your children and provide a safe academic environment. Tuition is still expected on these days as well. Enrollment Deposit At the time of initial enrollment, a $250 deposit will be required for each child. This deposit will be held in the payment account to be applied to the last tuition payment of the child’s enrollment. ***Withdrawing from care without giving the required two-week notice will result in forfeiture of the enrollment deposit. *** Payment plans are available to families to assist with the payment of the enrollment deposit, please speak with the Site Director or Program Coordinator for information. 6

Closing/In-service Day Policy Payments are still expected when Little Mates is closed due to holidays, quarantine, snow days, vacation days/sick days and in-service days. If you’re scheduled to attend on a day that the center is closed, you must talk to the Director or the scheduler if you are interested in changing your days or would like to come another day that week. With part time children, we must still consider the children that are here when your child is not and ensure we are still in ratio. We will accommodate you whenever possible, but you will be charged for that extra day. Please understand that you are “reserving a space for your child” ONLY on the given days in the fee agreement. If you are full time (5 full days per week) you are given “Credit days” to use at your discretion. Please refer to the credit day section of your parent handbook for clarification regarding this policy. Snow Days/Inclement Weather We will use our discretion depending upon circumstances. Our main concern is the safety of your children and our staff. You will be notified through Lillio if there is a closing or delay. Please ensure we have an updated email and phone number on file so you are not missing important information. Also, note that when the Twin Valley School District has ANY delay, we automatically will open at 9am. We must take several things into consideration when determining delays, and early or full closures. Our parking lot and exits must be cleared and safe to drive and walk, staff and parents need to safely travel to our facility. Unfortunately, most of our staff do not live as close as parents and it will take much longer in inclement weather for safe travel. We will do all we can to accommodate our families while taking the safety of all very seriously. Tuition Tuition is charged bi-weekly on Friday for the following two weeks. Tuition payments are charged following the payment schedule established by Little Mates (included in this handbook) and are not based on a child/family start date. Parents are responsible for ensuring that they are aware of the tuition due dates. Late payment fees of $25 per day, including weekends, will be charged to families who do not follow the set tuition schedule or when tuition payments are not paid on the due date. Late payment fees will be assessed daily at 9 am to any outstanding balance. Parents who choose to pay with a credit card will be responsible for all card processing fees. Invoices Invoices are generated and sent via Lillio by Wednesday of the week that payment is due. Parents are asked to review each invoice carefully and report any discrepancies to the Program Coordinator, Jilian Brooks, no later than Thursday of the tuition week at noon so any needed corrections can be made prior to tuition processing. 7

Registration Fees There will be an annual registration fee of $50 per child charged at enrollment and annually the month of the child’s enrollment anniversary. This will not exceed $150 per family. Late Pick-Up There will be a late fee of $20 for the first 5 minutes per child past your contracted pick-up time and an additional $10 per 5 minutes per child charge for every 5 minutes thereafter. Late pickup fees will be determined by the time you leave the center with your children. Pick-ups after 5:30 PM will be charged a $30 flat rate and an additional $10 per 5 minutes PER CHILD thereafter. Please refer to the 2024 Parent Agreement included in this packet. Returned check/Declined payments will be charged $45 and be subject to all late payment fees as stated. Please refer to the rate schedule (included in this handbook) for further information on tuition and fees. Credit Week After your child is enrolled full time (5 full days per week) for 90 days, you are entitled to one credit week per year based on your child’s enrollment date. Your child may still attend if you utilize your credit week. If you would like to utilize your credit week, please email the Site Director two weeks PRIOR to when you would like the credit week applied. Children enrolled ONLY during the summer are NOT eligible for credit weeks. Part time students (attending less than 5 days per week) are NOT eligible for the credit week. Subsidized Care We will gladly accept subsidized families. We have current contracts with Berks, Chester, and Lancaster Counties. Parents receiving this service will be responsible for their weekly co-pay as well as the difference between what we are reimbursed by the state and what we charge. (Ex. weekly co-pay is $25. Subsidy reimburses us $165 per week, but we charge $178/week, your responsibility would be the $25 plus the difference of $13 per week = $38/week). 8

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Little Mates Child Development Centers 2024-2025 Tuition Due Dates Tuition is due bi-weekly, on Friday, for the following two weeks of care using the following schedule December 6th For weeks 12/9 & 12/16 December 20th For weeks 12/23 & 12/30 January 3rd For weeks ⅙ & 1/13 January 17th For weeks 1/20 & 1/27 January 31st For weeks 2/3 & 2/10 February 14th For weeks 2/17 & 2/24 February 28th For weeks 3/3 & 3/10 March 14th For weeks 3/17 & 3/24 March 28th For weeks 3/31 & 4/7 April 11th For weeks 4/14 & 4/21 April 25th For weeks 4/28 & 5/5 May 9th For weeks 5/12 & 5/19 May 23rd For weeks 5/26 & 6/2 June 6th For weeks 6/9 & 6/16 June 20th For weeks 6/23 & 6/30 July 4th For weeks 7/7 & 7/14 July 18th For weeks 7/21 & 7/28 August 1st For weeks 8/4 7 8/11 August 15th For weeks 8/18 & 8/25 August 29th For weeks 9/1 & 9/8 September 12th For weeks 9/15 & 9/22 September 26th For weeks 9/29 & 10/6 October 10th For weeks 10/13 & 10/20 October 24th For weeks 10/27 & 11/3 November 7th For weeks 11/10 & 11/17 November 21st For weeks 11/24 & 12/1 December 5th For weeks 12/8 & 12/15 December 29th For weeks 12/22 & 12/29 ***New tuition rates go into effect 12/6/24 for week of 12/8/24* 11

Enrollment Enrollment Paperwork Prior to enrollment, it will be necessary for a parent/guardian to complete appropriate paperwork for each child before care can take place. This includes, but is not limited to: a fully completed emergency contact form Signed Illness Policy Subsidy forms, (where applicable) A signed fee agreement A signed parent agreement form Photograph permission slip Completed Tuition Express form for auto tuition pay CACFP paperwork as required by the state *A physician completed physical including immunizations *The state required physical & immunization history must be documented on the approved child health assessment form within 30 days of enrollment. This form is available on our website under the “Parent Forms” tab. It will be your responsibility as parent/guardian to keep all forms current and sign your child’s file 2 times per year. A physical form and updated immunizations must be submitted each time your child has a well visit with the physician. If you become aware of any changes including phone numbers, addresses, employment, pick-up/emergency contact persons, allergies, or any other important information must be submitted to the Director in writing. To provide a safe environment for your child, we require a record of current immunizations. If there if a discrepancy regarding immunizations due to religious beliefs, we need a signed statement from your child’s physician. Change of Information If, at any time, a child’s emergency information will need to be changed, please complete a Change of Information Form as soon as possible or email jilian.lmcdc@gmail.com. This form can be found on our website at www.littlemates.com under Parent Forms. If you wish to change your child’s schedule, a request must be made to the office two weeks prior. 12

Transitions We strive to make transitions in and out of our classroom/center as smooth as possible. This includes preparing the children for changes in their daily routines. Upon application to the program, staff will reach out to interested parents with information and help them through the enrollment process. Prior to beginning a new school year, we will hold a Zoom/Open House/Meet the Teacher so we can meet each other before the first day of school. When transferring to another classroom or school, we feel it is in the best interest to share evaluations, portfolios, and observations with the new teachers to enhance continuity of educational program. If you feel your family needs support with your child transitioning to self-care or to another classroom/program, we invite you to stop by the office for transition information. Tier Levels At the time of enrollment, each family will select a “Tier Level” for Pick up time. Because we adjust our staffing around the selected tiers, families will be charged late pick up fees for picking up after their selected tier. Changes to selected tier level will require a written request, submitted at least two weeks in advance and are subject to staffing availability. (Please see Fees/Late Pick-Ups for additional information.) Early Care While Little Mates does open at 6:30, clients that wish to drop off before 7:30 MUST select to be enrolled for early drop off. The weekly charges for this service are listed on our tuition rate sheet. Early care enrollments are only available to match the days your child is enrolled. (ex. a child is enrolled for 5 days, they must enroll for 5 days of early care if needed.) Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures Parents will be provided with individual door codes that will clock your child into the building as well as unlock the front door. (Families enrolled only for the free portion of the Pre-K Counts day will not receive codes due to large number of children entering and leaving during those times of day. For these families our staff will facilitate drop off and pick up times.) For the safety of the children, we must insist that you do not share your code with any other person for any reason! When requested by parents, in writing, we can create codes for additional pick-up people who will be picking-up on a regular basis. When the need arises for someone from your authorized list to pick up your child, please remind them to ensure they have a valid photo ID ready for our staff to verify. When dropping off your child please communicate with the teacher/s in your child’s room. We encourage parent- teacher communication via Lillio. When picking your child up please make 13

sure to check their cubbies daily. Please do NOT allow your child to walk to his/her classroom by themselves. Teachers or parents must always supervise children and teachers must know when the children arrive. Please make sure you take projects, daily papers, soiled clothing, medicines, and any other personal items with you each day. Exceptions are blankets, formula, extra clothes, etc. Please take blankets home every Friday to be washed and returned to school on Monday. To ensure safety, please do not allow your child to run unsupervised throughout the building or parking lot at drop off or pick up times. If you must talk with the Director on any given day, please do so after you have dropped off your child in his/her classroom in the morning or before you pick your child up in the afternoon. Transferring Records Little Mates will transfer a child’s records at the written request of the parent/guardian to another childcare center, school, or release copies to the parent ONLY with written parent consent. Otherwise, all files are kept in house. Custody Agreements If you have a current custody/court order agreement, a copy MUST be kept on file at the center. We cannot deny either parent access to a child or the child’s file unless there is a current Protection from Abuse Order (PFA) on file. If a discrepancy occurs, the police department will be immediately notified to take appropriate action. Courtesy Calls If you know your child will not be in school on a given day, will be arriving late, or leaving early, please call the center or notify your classroom teacher BEFORE 9 AM. Keeping the proper amount of staff personnel at our center is based on the number of children in attendance. Planning staff schedules and lunches is much easier when we are aware of absences in advance. We appreciate your cooperation. If your child is absent and the center is not notified, we cannot guarantee your space upon a late arrival. 14

Extra Clothes/Other Needs Occasionally children have accidents of all types. They may have accidentally soiled their clothing, gotten themselves dirty on the playground, spilled a beverage, food or paint on themselves, etc... Please send two full sets of seasonally appropriate clothing into the center. If your child has an accident and has no extra clothes, you will be notified immediately and expected to bring in extra clothes at that given time. Please write your child’s name on the clothing bag. Any other items that you bring in for your child such as formula, medication, baby food, blankets, etc., should have your child’s name clearly marked on that item. Confidentiality Pennsylvania State Law requires that we keep all information pertaining to each child and his/her family confidential. At no time will any information in a child’s file be released to a third party without written release from a parent or guardian, except in the inspection or investigation by personnel of the Department of Public Welfare. The children’s files will only be accessible to office personnel or DPW employees as stated above. It is the parents’ right to have access to this record. At no time should any parent question staff or children/family members other than their own regarding any personal matters. It is our goal to keep all information regarding background, special educational/developmental needs as well as any other information private and known by only parties involved. When an incident occurs involving your child and another child, the staff at Little Mates will be unable to disclose any information regarding the other child(ren) involved. We want to keep any information confidential as explained above and as required by Pennsylvania State Law. Termination of Care If you decide to discontinue care for any reason, we do ask that you submit a written notification to the Director two weeks prior to the last day in attendance. Failure to do so will result in a two-week charge for your child’s tuition and loss of the enrollment deposit. Any unpaid balances will be submitted to collections/judgement with associated collection and late fees. Extreme circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If your child’s behavior warrants safety concerns regarding other children or staff members, it will be documented and discussed with you. If behavior continues to place at harm any other children or staff members, care may be discontinued for your child with or without notice. 15

Suitability for Person in a Childcare Facility In accordance with PA Childcare Regulation 3270.32 (c): The operator may not allow an individual to enter the facility if the operator knows that the individual has been convicted or is awaiting trial on charges involving a crime of child abuse, child neglect, physical violence or moral corruptness. Little Mates Child Development Center asks that you review the following list of crimes that would exclude a parent, family member, friend, or authorized pick-up person from entering our center or participating in any family activities, including on-site conferences, or entering our buildings while children are present. Chapter 25 (relating to criminal homicide) Section 2702 (relating to aggravated assault) Section 2709.1 (relating to stalking) Section 2901 (relating to kidnapping) Section 2902 (relating to unlawful restraint) Section 3121 (relating to rape) Section 3122.1 (relating to statutory sexual assault) Section 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse) Section 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault) Section 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault) Section 3126 (relating to indecent assault) Section 3127 (relating to indecent exposure) Section 4302 (relating to incest) Section 4303 (relating to concealing death of child) Section 4304 (relating to endangering welfare of children) Section 4305 (relating to dealing in infant children) Section 5902(b) (relating to prostitution and related offenses) Section 5903(c) (d) (relating to obscene and other sexual material and performances) Section 6301 (relating to corruption of minors) Section 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children), or an equivalent crime under Federal law or the law of another state. Section 2718 (relating to strangulation) Section 3301 (relating to arson and related offenses) 18 U.S.C. Section 2261 (relating to interstate domestic violence) 18 U.S.C. Section 2262 (relating to interstate violation of protection order) Any felony offense under Act 64-1972 (relating to the controlled substance, drug device and cosmetic act) 16

Health and Safety Little Mates Child Illness Policy Children Must Stay Home if their symptoms include, but NOT be limited to the following: ● They have an unexplained rash (Little Mates cannot diagnose, but ANY rash may be part of a contagious virus and we must use precaution exposing other children) ● They have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher (Child may only return if they are fever free without a fever reducer i.e., Motrin, Tylenol… for 24 hours) ● They are coughing excessively or have an excessive thick runny nose which exposes others to infectious contact (free of coughing excessively for 24 hours) ● They are vomiting (vomit free for 24 hours) ● They have diarrhea (diarrhea free for 24 hours) ● They have lice or nits (medicated for 24 hours and lice and nit free) ● They have red, pink, or swollen eyes (medicated by DR. prescription 24 hours or note stating NOT contagious) ● They have watery eye/s or mucus discharge from eye/s (may return with DR. note stating NOT CONTAGIOUS) ● They are just not feeling well, and their illness prevents them from participating comfortably. ● Their illness requires more care than the childcare staff can provide without compromising the safety of other children. Parents may be called to come pick up their child if: Your child/ren is experiencing ANY of the above. We do have guidelines given to us by the Dept. of Health and Dept. of Public Welfare relating to child illness. It is at our sole discretion to be even more cautious with these guidelines, especially when there are several illnesses “going around”. We do ask that you always have plans for “back-up” childcare if any of these situations should arise. Please make sure that all your emergency contacts are aware that they may be called if your child is sick, and you are not able to be reached. When you are called to pick up your sick child, we expect the child to be picked up at least within the hour you are called. Keeping an ill child in the center’s care poses an increased risk to your child and to the other children and adults with whom your child comes in contact. When your child is sent home sick, we will send home a notice describing your child’s symptoms and explaining when they may return to school. Please remember to call the center when your child/ren will not be attending due to illness or other circumstances. It is helpful to Little Mates staff and other families to know what illnesses are “going around”. It will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as to whether we will require a doctor’s note for your child to return to the center. ***The above illness policy may be amended or changed during times of public health emergencies. *** 17

Care Plan Policy/ Allergy Action Plan During initial enrollment parents will be provided with the Emergency Contact form and the “Getting to Know you form” among others. Any special diets, allergies, restrictions, or related health concerns must be noted in these documents. If medication is required as per Care Plan (preventative AND emergency medication), proper medication forms (please refer to medication requirements section) must be completed and held on file with the facility. All forms must be current, all medication must be labeled with the child’s name and date of birth, dosage, duration, and steps to follow procedure must all be explained in the care plan. Emergency medication will be kept locked in the child’s classroom with a copy of the care plan/allergy action plan. An additional copy of the care plan/allergy action plan will be kept in the office in the child’s file as well as with any non-emergency medication. If a food allergy exists, specific foods served will be reviewed and discussed with the parent. It is extremely important to be as thorough as possible with specific instructions on foods to avoid and ALL restrictions must be documented on the care plan/allergy action plan completed by the physician. ***Any request by parents to activate an Asthma Flare Plan must be submitted in writing to the office and include a start date, end date and required dosage change (in accordance with the prescription label and documented flare plan signed by a physician.) *** ***All documentation for Allergy Action Plans and Care Plans MUST be submitted to the office PRIOR to your child’s first day of attendance to ensure that we have ample time to meet the safety needs of your child’s specific plan. *** Dispensing Medication Currently, over-the-counter medication and nebulizers are not being dispensed during school hours. If your child requires either, they are not well enough to participate on those given days where medication is required. Little Mates Child Development Centers will ONLY administer prescription medication that would be considered “Life Saving” in nature, including but not limited to rescue inhalers and epi-pen types of medications. If you are bringing medication into the center, it must be taken to the office upon IMMEDIATE entry into the building so that our staff can verify that all required paperwork has been completed. All medications must be in original containers and be accompanied by the original prescription label. Each child requiring a life-saving medication will be issued a locking medication storage container that will accompany them throughout their day. The state required Medication Permission Form is available on our website under the “Parent Forms” tab. Suntan lotion, Chapstick, and diaper creams are all considered forms of medicine and MUST have a signed permission form. Check diaper bags for Tylenol and teething medications. We cannot allow medicine to be stored in diaper bags while at our center. 18

Fire Drills Fire drills will be held every month. All children and staff will be expected to participate in these drills. A written record will be kept on file of the date, time, and number of persons participating in the fire drill. All Evacuation routes will be posted, and plans will be provided for safe evacuation of all persons from the facility if an emergency arises. Ratios Little Mates Child Development Center is licensed through OCDEL and is required to follow ratio guidelines. You will notice that at the beginning and end of the day children may be moved and combined with other children when attendance is low. We will still be following state guidelines when this occurs to ensure the safety of all children. The ratio guidelines are as follows: (Children: Adult) under 1 year 4:1 1 year 5:1 2 years old 6:1 3 years through school age 10:1 K grade through 3rd grade 12:1 4th grade and up 15:1. When children are combined with children of different ages, the ratio of the youngest child prevails. Each teacher can oversee a different “group” of children and a separate ratio held for each teacher. Incident Reports From time to time a child may be injured or have a behavior concern while in attendance at our center. When accidents happen, our staff will complete a digital “boo-Boo report” that will be emailed to parents. These reports will provide the details of the injury, any first aid provided, or action taken and may contain pictures of injuries. We ask that parents please sign the electronic form and return it to us as we keep these reports as a part of each child’s permanent file. Our staff will make all efforts to notify parents via our parent communication app as well. Documentation of all incidents will occur as soon as possible after the incident. Please keep in mind that the safety and care of the children is our priority and may cause a slight delay in the completion of incident reports. 19

Biting Throughout a child’s development, there may occasionally be some unfavorable behaviors. The toddler rooms are sometimes noted for the “biting” stage. Children at this age are unable to express their wants and needs verbally, so they express themselves physically. Unfortunately, this is age-appropriate behavior. We will try to prevent and redirect this type of behavior, but when this occurs, rest assured that we will properly care for all children, and you will be notified of the incident in writing. Child Abuse Reporting Our staff is required to report child abuse. This means that, by law, they are required to report any suspected child abuse to ChildLine. The name of the reporting staff person as well as any investigatory information must remain confidential. 20

Policy for the Prevention of & Recognition of Child Abuse, Shaken Baby Syndrome & Abusive Head Trauma & Child Maltreatment Belief Statement The owners and staff of Little Mates Child Development Center believe that preventing, recognizing, responding to, and reporting shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma (SBS/AHT) is an important function of keeping children safe, protecting their healthy development, providing quality childcare, and educating families. Background 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 a few seconds but can result in severe injury or even death1. According to Pennsylvania Childcare Center Regulations, 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/Practice Recognizing: •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 lift 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. Responding to: • If SBS/ABT 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 CPR4. Reporting: •Instances of suspected child maltreatment in childcare are reported to Childline at 1-800-932-0313 •Instances of suspected child maltreatment in the home are reported to Childline at 1-800-932-0313 Prevention strategies to assist staff* in coping with a crying, fussing, or distraught child. Staff first determine 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 strategies5: •Rock the child, hold the child close, or walk with the child. •Stand up, hold the child close, and repeatedly bend knees. •Sing or talk to the child in a soothing voice. •Gently rub or stroke the child's back, chest, or tummy. •Offer a pacifier or 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: 21

•Allows for staff who feel they may lose control to have a short, but relatively immediate break away from the children. •Provides support when parents/guardians are trying to calm a crying child and encourage parents to take a calming break if needed. Prohibited Behaviors Behaviors that are prohibited include (but are 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 to assist staff members in understanding how to care for infants. Staff reviews and discusses: •How to Care for Infants and Toddlers in Groups, the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, www.zerotothree.org/resources/77-how-to-care-for-infants-and-toddlers-in-groups •Including Relationship-Based Care Practices in Infant-Toddler Care: Implications for Practice and Policy, the Network of Infant/Toddler Researchers, pages 7-9, www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/opre/nitr_inquire_may_2016_070616_b508compliant.pdf Strategies to ensure staff members understand the brain development of children up to five years of age. All staff take training on SBS/AHT within the 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. Staff review and discuss: •Brain Development from Birth video, the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, www.zerotothree.org/resources/156-brain-wonders-nurturing-healthy-brain-development-from-birth Resources List resources such as a staff person designated to provide support or a local county/community resource: Parent web resources •The American Academy of Pediatrics: www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at- home/Pages/Abusive-Head-Trauma-Shaken-Baby-Syndrome.aspx •The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome: http://dontshake.org/family-resources •The Period of Purple Crying: http://purplecrying.info/ Facility web resources •Caring for Our Children, Standard 3.4.4.3 Preventing and Identifying Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma, http://cfoc.nrckids.org/StandardView.cfm?StdNum=3.4.4.3&=+ •Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://centerforchildwelfare.fmhi.usf.edu/kb/trprev/Preventing_SBS_508-a.pdf •Early Development & Well-Being, Zero to Three, www.zerotothree.org/early-development 22

References 1.The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, www.dontshake.org 2.Shaken baby syndrome, the Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shaken-baby- syndrome/basics/symptoms/con-20034461 3.Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, American Red Cross, www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240175_Pediatric_ready_reference.pdf 4.Calming Techniques for a Crying Baby, Children’s Hospital Colorado, www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and- advice/calm-a-crying-baby/calming-techniques 5.Caring for Our Children, Standard 1.7.0.5: Stress http://cfoc.nrckids.org/StandardView/1.7.0.5 Application This policy applies to all enrolled children and their families, operators, early educators, substitute providers, and uncompensated providers. Communication Staff* Within 30 days of adopting this policy, the childcare facility shall review the policy with all staff who provide care for children up to five years of age. • All current staff members and newly hired staff will be trained in SBS/AHT before providing care for children up to five years of age. •Staff will sign an acknowledgement form that includes the individual's name, the date the center's policy was given and explained to the individual, the individual's signature, and the date the individual signed the acknowledgment •The childcare facility shall keep the SBS/AHT staff acknowledgement form in the staff member’s file. Parents/Guardians •Within 30 days of adopting this policy, the childcare facility shall review the policy with parents/guardians of currently enrolled children. •A copy of the policy will be given and explained to the parents/guardians of newly enrolled children on or before the first day the child receives care at the facility. •Parents/guardians will sign an acknowledgement form that includes the child’s name, date the child first attended the facility, date the operator’s policy was given and explained to the parent, parent’s name, parent’s signature, and the date the parent signed the acknowledgement •The childcare facility shall keep the SBS/AHT parent acknowledgement form in the child’s file. * For purposes of this policy, "staff" includes the operator and other administration staff who may be counted in ratio, additional caregivers, substitute providers, and uncompensated providers. 23

Program Information Curriculum Statement Little Mates CDC utilizes the Funshine Express Curriculum. Funshine Express is cross walked with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and is a Pre-K Counts approved curriculum. Each classroom possesses and references the most recent copy of the PA Early Learning Standards to reference when developing lesson plans. Lesson plans will reflect the child (ren) each lesson will target and the standard of focus. We utilize Lillio to communicate with parents, share portfolios, and daily activities. The daily lesson plans are shared with parents through this platform. All children are screened by classroom teachers upon 45 calendar days of enrollment using the online Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Parents are also required to complete this online, and results are compared and shared with parents. Results may determine if the child needs further evaluation from an outside agency or a referral. We utilize The Ounce Scale and Worksampling as a regular assessment tool. “Checkpoints” create timelines and goals for teachers to input on a regular basis and report cards are generated and shared with parents during conferences. All lead teachers and teacher aides are trained in this selected curriculum as well as the Assessment Tool prior to implementation. Our Classes Infants (6 weeks- 12mos) This stimulating environment will include colorful manipulative that will engage the most curious of babies. Your child will begin to learn about his/her environment by listening to music, exploring toys, watching children around them, and interacting with our caring staff. We will adapt to each child’s schedule as we plan feeding, napping, diapering, and play times. We understand that this can be a difficult transition time for both parents and infants, but rest assured that we will create a safe, clean and nurturing environment in which everyone will feel happy and comfortable. Lesson plans developed based on individual assessments and cross-walked with the PA Early Learning Standards and the Creative Curriculum. Individual assessments will be completed twice per year using Teaching Strategies GOLD. 24

Young Toddlers (1-year old’s) This room will create the balance between quiet time and play time. The focus will be on developing large muscle skills as well as promoting verbal communication. At this stage, children often imitate sounds and enjoy songs and finger plays. Children will have the freedom to explore by using their sensory skills. Lesson plans developed based on individual assessments and cross-walked with the PA Early Learning Standards and the Creative Curriculum. Individual assessments will be completed twice per year using Teaching Strategies GOLD. Older Toddlers (2-year old’s) Make believe will be exciting when the two-year old can pretend and play dress-up. We will encourage language development by reading books, singing songs, and learning rhymes. Fine motor skills will be expressed through various art projects and outdoor play will give them the opportunity to exercise their gross motor skills. At this point, we will introduce color, shape, letter, and number recognition as their educational curiosities begin to develop. Lesson plans developed based on individual assessments and cross-walked with the PA Early Learning Standards and the Creative Curriculum. Individual assessments will be completed twice per year using Teaching Strategies GOLD. Preschool (3-year old’s) Imagination sets the stage for our preschool room. Dramatic play, block manipulation, a creative art center and a music and movement center will create a fun atmosphere conducive to learning. We will reinforce colors, shapes, numbers, and letters through a myriad of games and activities. Your child will have opportunities to learn alone, in small and large group settings. Your tot will enjoy learning through the “messiness” of sensory explorations. Game playing will allow each child to develop socially while the encouragement of self-help skills promotes their independence. Lesson plans developed based on individual assessments and cross-walked with the PA Early Learning Standards and the Creative Curriculum. Individual assessments will be completed twice per year using Teaching Strategies GOLD. Pre-Kindergarten (4-year old’s) Your child will be immersed in a room full of exciting adventures. Here we will unleash our creativity through means of storytelling, nature and discovery activities and art projects. We will have the opportunity to “prepare for school” by learning the skills necessary to recognize all our shapes, colors, numbers, letters, as well as fine tuning our small motor manipulation abilities. We will thrive on our independence as we write our name; engage in game play with our friends and master self-help skills. Lesson plans developed based on individual assessments and cross-walked with the PA Early Learning Standards and the Creative Curriculum. Individual assessments will be completed twice per year using Teaching Strategies GOLD. 25

PreK-Counts Program (3-5yr old’s) This is a free preschool program that is available to families that qualify with certain financial aspects. Children in the program will engage in imaginative, creative learning activities that are developmentally appropriate. The program runs from 8:30am-2:30pm daily according to their school year calendar. Wrap-around care is available for the hours before and after the program at the Morgantown and Tel Hai locations only. If you are interested in this program, please ask for the application packet. Lesson plans developed based on individual assessments and cross-walked with the PA Early Learning Standards and the Creative Curriculum. Individual assessments will be completed twice per year using Teaching Strategies GOLD. School-Age Program (Kindergarten-12 years) Our school-age program will offer the freedom of engaging your child in group play activities and creative art projects. Your school-age child will also be provided with time to complete his/her daily homework assignments. Before and after school is time for your child to choose activities that are of interest to them. Games, outdoor play, and social activities will provide your child with favorable options that will not only entertain, but help develop teamwork, creativity, and a sense of independence. We currently provide before and after care for students in the Twin Valley School District. School Age Summer Camp Program “Summer Camp” is for children that have already completed Kindergarten and older. We will be actively involved in sports, field trips, arts and crafts and surprise visitors. We hope this program will fill your child’s summer with many memories of an adventure hard to forget. 26

Staff Roles Executive Director The Executive Director is responsible for the overall operations of all Little Mates locations. Hours of availability may change from week to week for each location, any concerns that are not able to be resolved by on site staff can be directed to the Executive Director via email: kristylmcdc@gmail.com Site Director The site director oversees the day-to-day operations at each location. Responsible for scheduling, enforcing policies, overseeing that STARS quality guidelines are met or exceeded as well as ensuring that their location is in compliance with state regulations, each Site Director is available during various morning and afternoon hours that may change on a regular basis due to meetings, training, and staff scheduling. If the Director is not available for any reason, you may leave a note for the Director at any time, send an email, or leave a voice message. Program Coordinator The Program Coordinator will be the enrollment specialist with your family and will handle many aspects of your child’s care. From initial phone calls, tours, class/location assignment, scheduling, Lillio, safety and state regulations, the program coordinator can be reached by calling the Morgantown location at 610-913-7137 or emailing jilian.lmcdc@gmail.com. Administrative Assistants The Administrative Assistants handle all matters regarding book orders, fundraising and your child’s file which includes, but is not limited to, physicals/immunizations, emergency contact forms, CACFP (food program) forms, and all other applicable registration forms. You may also discuss important matters with the Administrative Assistants in the absence of the Director. Lead Teachers/ Assistant Teachers/Kitchen Personnel In each room you will find a lead teacher. All questions regarding curriculum, activities, schedules, and structure of the classroom can be directed to the lead teacher. Parent conferences will be offered twice per year to discuss your child’s progress, developmental checklists, and any other concerns. The lead teacher is responsible for creating and following through with lesson plans and controlling the overall structure of the classroom. The role of the Assistant Teacher/Aide is limited to enforcing classroom policies and procedures, assisting with lesson plans, following the designed curriculum, and getting involved with group activities. You may discuss any concerns with the Assistants, but if they are unable to help you, they will discuss the matter at hand with the Lead Teacher. The kitchen personnel are responsible for providing healthy, well-balanced snacks and lunch for your child daily. Partnered with the Administrative Assistant, the Kitchen staff will help create and prepare meals/snacks. 27

Screenings and Assessments We utilize both the Ages and Stages ® screening tool and Work Sampling and the Ounce Scale by Pearson ® to monitor and track each child’s progress and development. Parents will be asked to complete an online Ages and Stages screening within 45 days of their child’s enrollment and once per year beyond that. We will share the results of these tools with parents at conferences or at any times we feel there may be a concern that should not wait for scheduled conference times. A copy of each child’s report card will be emailed to parents prior to conferences. Conferences Communication with our families is imperative and we strive for daily communication on your child’s learning activities. In addition to our verbal and Lillio communication, we will hold conferences 3 times throughout the school year. Conferences in Fall and Spring will be required for all enrolled families. An optional Winter conference time will be offered to families who are interested and may be requested by staff if we feel there is a need. Conference Sign-ups will take place via Sign-Up Genius or by written request. Conference formats will be in person when allowable but may also take place via Zoom or telephone when dictated by health or safety concerns. Parent Communication Platform We utilize Lillio ® Software for parent communications. Lillio allows us to keep you updated on daily classroom happenings, special events and additional notes as well as providing a secure platform for sending pictures and communicating directly with your child’s teachers through instant-messaging which is available on the Lillio app. Lillio is our main form of communication with parents; we ask that you open all emails and alerts from Lillio daily so that you do not miss any important information. Please be sure all communication with teachers and administrators is made through Lillio or school email addresses. We recommend downloading the app for the most effective communication experience. If your child will be absent, in lieu of a phone call to the center, you are able to mark them absent through the Lillio app. The family information bulletin board can be found outside the office with additional useful information, calendars, events, fire drills, emergency information and closures. Electronic communication will be the quickest and easiest way for us to send information. Additional important reminders may also be send home in cubbies or may be hung at the entrance area. 28

Language Development Little Mates recognizes that language development is extremely important to children of all ages. All teachers will utilize every opportunity to speak to the children and encourage them to respond while recognizing understanding. Infants and toddler classroom teachers will speak to all children throughout the day, speak about the routines while they are doing them, prompt them to repeat language, read books, and use songs and fingerplays to inspire language in these formative years. As the children pass through to Preschool and Pre-K classrooms, many items throughout the classrooms will be labeled to assist with object-word recognition. New words will be introduced, child-child conflict resolution with the supervision of teachers, will be encouraged. Every opportunity for children to recognize new ways to develop and identify language patterns will be utilized. We aim to recognize and respect families with limited English proficiency and will work with those parents and children together to reinforce effective communication. When needed, interpretation services can be obtained through the local county services. Daily Schedule Between the hours of 6:30 and 8:30 AM, children will have a free choice of classroom activities. Each learning center is set up to provide interest in knowledge in specific learning domains. Since children learn through play and exploration, free choice of activities helps promote interest, growth, and cognitive development. Circle time and breakfast typically begin in the rooms at 8:30 AM. Activities, daily lessons, and centers are then followed with outside play, weather permitting. Rest time occurs after lunch and runs approximately 2- 2 1/2 hours depending on the classroom. The infant room is the only classroom without a set schedule. This schedule is on an individual basis around the needs of each infant. Pre-K Counts does not have a scheduled rest/nap time however accommodations are made for individual children when rest is needed. If you have any concerns, please speak with your child’s teacher. Outside Service Providers Little Mates aims to form a partnership with families and will work diligently to connect families with additional resources when we feel a child would benefit. When various therapists or support staff from other agencies are in our classrooms or working with students at our locations, we ask that parents please complete the Consent for Services form. This form will allow our staff to communicate directly with service providers in the best interests of your child. 29

Family Engagement Periodically we will illicit written feedback from our families in order to better shape our program to meet everyone’s needs. This may be through Survey Monkey, Adobe, or other platforms to gather data. We welcome all feedback at any time so we can work together to create the best program available for those we serve. We wish to involve families in the education program and welcome volunteers, guest readers and collaboration on a regular basis. We provide an area in the lobby in which you can share useful information with other families. This information must be appropriate for children and families or provide direct benefit to our other families. This area is not necessarily an endorsement of services or companies, but rather a resource area for information and local community activities that are being shared. We intend to share parent/child special local activities, workshops, programs, and other resources. Additional information on health and safety, cultural awareness, literacy, positive family interactions, and financial assistance programs will be available to families as well. Families that participate in any community or center related activities are invited to provide feedback to the Little Mates Administration regarding useful information so that it may further guide our search for further sharing. 30

IMPLEMENTATION OF IEP/IFSP POLICY Management and Teaching Staff will work as a team with families and therapists of children with special needs to address the developmental goals identified in the child’s IFSP/IEP. PROCEDURE ▪ It is the responsibility of the Administrative Personnel to discuss the Center’s policy and procedures regarding how IFSP/IEP goals are implemented and what accommodations can be made. This includes completing the “Getting to Know You” packet. ▪ Team members, such as management, teachers, family members, and therapists, will discuss classroom procedures, child placement, roles, and responsibilities, to ensure all parties involved are acting in the best interest of the child. In addition to this, Little Mates will request invitations to IFSP/IEP meetings and transition meetings. All efforts will be made to send the lead teacher to these meetings if they do not occur at Little Mates. ▪ Management/Teaching Staff will obtain two (2) copies of the child’s IFSP/IEP; one (1) to keep in the child’s file in the classroom and one (1) to keep in the child’s file in the Center office. ▪ All efforts will be made to provide a quiet place for therapists to work on goals identified in the IFSP/IEP when needed; otherwise, skills being addressed will be incorporated into classroom activities to provide guidance and support to classroom teaching staff. ▪ Strategies and suggestions taught to classroom staff by therapists will be carried out to the best of their ability, during all classroom routines, providing it does not interfere with company policies and DHS regulations. ▪ A progress note, which should address weekly activities to work on with the child, will be provided to classroom teachers by all therapists. All progress notes will be copied and filed in the child’s classroom folder and center folder. A copy will be sent home to the parents as well. ▪ Review of child’s progress will occur periodically and be discussed with parents bi-annually at scheduled conferences. Communication between Center staff, IFSP/IEP team members, and families occurs daily and is viewed as an open-door policy. 31

PROMOTING INCLUSION AND REDUCING/ELIMINATING CHILD SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION FROM PROGRAM Little Mates Child Development Center has adopted an inclusion policy, which is: including children with disabilities in early childhood programs, together with their peers without disabilities; holding high expectations and intentionally promoting participation in all learning and social activities; facilitating individualized accommodations; and using evidence-based services and supports to foster development (cognitive, language, communication, physical, behavioral, and social-emotional), friendships with peers and a sense of belonging. This applies to all young children with disabilities, from those with the mildest disabilities to those with the most significant disabilities. For Little Mates and its staff to accomplish this concept and fully implement this policy, we will adhere to the following procedures: 1. Administration will discuss all developmental concerns with family at enrollment. Should a child have an IFSP/IEP, a request for copy will be completed. 2. Complete 45-day ASQ and/or ASQSE to determine how child is acclimating to the environment. 3. Should staff members have concerns with a child’s developmental skills or with challenging behaviors, he/she will discuss with Administration. Support staff will make classroom observations to determine whether the child needs to be referred for evaluations, if he/she isn’t being challenged or is overwhelmed/over-stimulated by the lesson plans, if the environment isn’t conducive to the child’s learning abilities, or if it is a staff member/supervision issue that can be addressed internally. 4. If the Little Mates team determines the issues are due to lack of support or professional development with regards to the staff, then Little Mates will request Technical Assistance, schedule Professional Development for the staff, etc. 5. Parent/Staff conference will be scheduled to collaborate with the family to discuss how best to move forward, so the child is happy, and the environment is a positive situation for the child as well as the other children in the classroom. 6. If the child already has an IFSP/IEP, a meeting will be scheduled with EI team to discuss goals and objectives and to train our staff. 7. Regular communication and documentation (Incident Reports) will be kept on file. 8. The safety of each child and teacher will be considered when determining suspension/expulsion. 9. If after utilizing all resources available to the school and family, we will sit down and discuss whether switching ECE programs would be in the best interest of the child, as an absolute last resort. 32

REFERRAL PROCEDURE FOR APPROPRIATE SERVICES POLICY Management and Teaching Staff will inform parents of available services and refer them to appropriate social, mental health, educational, and medical services as necessary. PROCEDURE ▪ Information regarding human services is available to parents in our lobby. Information is also sent home periodically throughout the year, informing parents of resources that are available to them. Information is also distributed to parents at initial enrollment. ▪ If a parent inquires about special services, staff/administrators will direct them to the health/human services information or directly hand/provide the necessary information. ▪ If a situation arises in which a child and/or their parents could benefit from specific services, the appropriate staff/administrators will address the issue with the parents. This discussion may take the form of an informal conference between the child’s teacher or center administrator and parents. This discussion may also take the form of a more formal intervention with multiple parties involved. ▪ If information for additional services is necessary, the information will be obtained by center administrators, distributed to the parents, and added to our health/human services information self/area. . 33

Meals While in Care Breakfast & Lunch You may bring in a healthy breakfast for your child to be eaten before 8:00. Please make sure that it does not need to be “prepared” by our staff, as we are unable to leave the classroom. We do ask that you give your child breakfast at home if arrival time is after 8:00. Allowing the children to eat at specified times of the day and spacing out their meals appropriately helps avoid children becoming overly hungry before the next snack/meal (Please do NOT bring in unhealthy choices such as candy, cupcakes, cookies, chips, etc.). Little Mates will provide breakfast at 8:30, lunch at 11:30 and afternoon snack at 3 pm. The weekly menu can be found on the parent board in the lobby. If your child has any food allergies, please be certain to disclose that on your emergency contact form and discuss this with office personnel. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Little Mates participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This program is administered at the federal level by the USDA and at the state level by the PA Department of Education, Division of Food and Nutrition. The CACFP provides reimbursement for meals served to enrolled participants in non-residential child or adult care facilities. The primary intent of the program is to improve the diets of children and adults and to develop healthful eating habits through the service of nutritious meals and the provision of nutrition education activities. Non-discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 34

To file a program compliant or discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Compliant Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992 Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 Fax: (202) 690-7442 Email: program.intake@usda.gov 35

General Policies Parent/Teacher Code of Conduct We understand that the children who attend the Little Mates Child Development Centers learn from the staff as well as from parents. Some things they learn because we intentionally teach them and some they learn because they are great observers of behavior. Therefore, we feel it is necessary to have a Code of Conduct for all parents and staff while on the premises. We do ask that you act and speak professionally and omit all profanity. We also ask that when dropping off or picking up your child, you respect the school and classroom rules and do not allow your children to disregard these rules when you are in the building. We would like to maintain high standards of safety for all children. We do ask that you respect all staff, children, other parents and school property. Parental Rights to Immediate Access As a parent/guardian, you have the right to enter the Little Mates Child Development Center at any time throughout any given day and have full access to your child and your child’s file. Information will ONLY be shared in person and not over the phone or email. The only exception is if a court order, restraining order, or any other kind of legal document exists barring access to or communication with your child(ren). If at any time you enter the building to pick up your child(ren) and appear to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, access to your child will be denied and the proper authorities will be notified immediately. If parents are separated/divorced, we cannot deny any parent’s access to his/her children at any time unless there is a current legal document stating that they may not have access to a child (example Protection from Abuse order). Proper authorities will be notified if there are any discrepancies. Harassment Policy It is Little Mates’ policy to provide a workplace that is free from intimidation, hostility, or improper behavior in the form of harassment. Harassment will not be tolerated in any form, to include verbal, physical, or otherwise for reasons of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, medical condition, or any other status. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, verbal or physical behavior that is intimidating or derogatory, conduct that creates a hostile environment, sexual harassment including unwelcome advances, inappropriate comments or suggestions to or about staff members, children, or other clients, or requests for sexual favors, and threatening or abusive language. Harassment can be in the form of words, signs, offensive jokes, cartoons, e-mails, pranks, music, or physical gestures. Harassment may not necessarily be targeted at one individual but may take place within the hearing or sight of the individual. All employees have the legal right to report harassment. Employees or parents who have complaints should report to the Director. All complaints will be confidential and documented, and employees or parents/guardians who file a complaint will not suffer any retaliatory action. Any parent or other person on Little Mates’ property who engages in harassment of our staff, children, or other clients in any way may be subject to legal action and possible termination of care. 36

Discipline We will use redirection or a “timeout” as our method of discipline. If disciplinary action continues then we will refer to a strike out system. When unfavorable choices are made, Little Mates’ staff will utilize the situation as a teaching tool to help the child understand the difference between good and bad choices. Children need to recognize the difference between the two and understand how they can make a better decision in each situation. In extreme cases where the safety of themselves or others is involved, the first strike will be a verbal warning, the second a written warning and the third could result in suspension or termination. We must always maintain a safe and happy environment. Extreme cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and discontinuance of care immediately may occur if the safety of others is compromised. We strive to work with all families and may discuss obtaining additional resources and extra support from agencies such as the local intermediate units, the PA Keystone STARS Program or the Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant. Parental Feedback At least one time per year, a parent survey will be distributed, and we will request feedback about our program. At ANY time throughout the year, parents are encouraged to leave feedback and ask questions by stopping by the office, calling the center or emailing. We will address all questions and concerns as timely as possible. It is important that we create a strong relationship between home and school. We value parental feedback on improving our program to meet the needs of all children. Parents play a strong role in a child’s development, and we wish to embrace that. Parent Engagement Activities Parental Involvement is an integral part of the children’s learning and growth. We will host several different family engagement opportunities throughout the year which may include Holiday Parties with games or projects, Activities for Parent Involvement during the Week of the Young Child as well as parent informational offerings. We may host an informational session, car seat checks, and/or back to school safety/fire safety. While these are all planned activities, we always welcome parents to come and be involved in the learning activities that take place during the week. If you have any educational ideas that other families and children may benefit from, please feel free to share with our administration. Employment by Parents/Professional Relationships Please do not make personal childcare arrangements with employees while at the center. Please be advised that we wish to maintain a professional parent-teacher relationship. We do not encourage personal relationships outside of Little Mates that may affect our business. We prefer to adhere to a professional relationship free from personal social media sharing. 37

Celebrations During the year, you will be given themed calendars with topics to be studied or celebrated. If you wish that your child would not participate in a certain activity or celebration, please discuss it with the classroom teacher. Toys/Personal Items Please leave all toys and personal items at home. Exceptions are show-n-tell days or necessary items as stated in each classroom’s welcome letter. Little Mates and staff members are NOT responsible for any toys, electronic devices or personal items at ANY time. All items of value should NOT be brought to school, if they are it is at YOUR own risk. Jewelry and Attire Due to safety issues, we do ask that your child not wear or bring jewelry to school such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, dangling earrings. If your child has pierced ears, please make sure that small earrings are worn during the school day. Please do NOT send your child to school with clothing (sweatshirt/jacket) that has drawstrings. Please remove any strings or cords in your child’s sweatshirt or jacket. Weapons No weapons of any kind, including sharp toys, or any other questionable objects will be permitted on the premises at any time. If your child brings any items from home other than necessities including food, diapers, blankets, clothing, or show-n-tell items, they will be given directly to the parent at drop off and expected to be removed from the center. We must keep our center safe for all children and staff and therefore ask you to leave any questionable items at home. Permission Slips Occasionally, certain rooms will have the opportunity to take field trips. Whenever your child will be taken off the Little Mates premises for a planned trip by our staff members, we will need written consent from a parent/guardian stating the name of the child taking the trip, date and time of the trip, destination, and the signature of a legal guardian. If your child does not have a completed permission slip prior to departure, they will be unable to accompany us on the trip. 38

School Bags We recommend that children have specific “school bags” that only contain the items needed for and allowed at school. Bags brought to school may not contain anything that could be deemed harmful to the children including but not limited to medication, nail clippers, diaper cream, lotion, hand sanitizer, chap-stick, coins and other small objects & sunscreen. Parking Lot Safety All parents are asked to drive slowly and cautiously in the parking lot. Please do not cut across empty parking spaces and observe normal traffic patterns. In addition, pets and older children should NEVER be left unsupervised in a vehicle. Vehicles should never be left running while unattended. 39

Childcare Works Subsidized Childcare Program The subsidized childcare program helps low-income families pay their childcare fees. The state and federal governments fund this program, which is managed by the ELRC (Early Learning Resource Center) office located in your county. If you qualify: ● The ELRC will pay a part of your childcare cost. This is called a subsidy payment. ● You will pay a part of the cost. This is called the family co-pay. ● The subsidy payment and the family co-pay go directly to the childcare program. NOTE: If your childcare subsidy does not pay the full amount that your childcare program charges, you are required to pay the difference between the subsidy payment and the center’s private charges. You must submit an application to the ELRC to see if you meet the guidelines for the subsidized child care program. The following are the basic guidelines: ● You must live in Pennsylvania. ● Have a child or children who need childcare while you work or attend an education program. ● Meet income guidelines for your family size. ● Work 20 or more hours a week - or- ● Work 10 hours and go to school or train for 10 hours a week. ● Have a promise of a job that will start within 30 days of your application for subsidized childcare. ● Teen parents must attend an education program. ● The child who needs care must be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residency. ● Have proof of identification for each parent or caretaker in the home. The annual income for a family to be eligible to INITIALLY receive subsidy benefits is below: Family Size Maximum Yearly Family Income (May 2023) 2 $39,440 3 $49,720 4 $60,000 5 $70,280 (Note: The above information provides only general guidelines. Other conditions may apply. Please contact your county Early Learning Resource Center to apply for assistance.) Additional Guidelines ● Each adult family member must work at least 20 hours a week or work at least 10 hours a week and participate in an approved training program at least 10 hours a week. ● The hours that a child may receive subsidized childcare must coincide with hours of work, education, or training. ● Children are eligible for care from birth until the day prior to the date of the child's 13th birthday. Children with disabilities may be eligible through the age of 18. 40

● The parent is responsible to help pay for childcare. This is called a co-payment. The co-payment may be as little as $5.00 per week and varies according to your income and the number of people in your family. ● If funding is not available at the time that a low-income, working parent applies for subsidized childcare, the child may be placed on a waiting list. You can also apply for benefits and renew benefits by using COMPASS, the online resource for cash assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), child care, health care coverage, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), school meals, SelectPlan for Women and long-term living services. You may apply online at https://www.compass.state.pa.us Or contact your local CCIS agency: Berks County 610-987-2247 Chester County 610-344-5800 Lancaster County 717-393-4004 If you reside in Berks County, The United Way has funding options for childcare based on special circumstances. If you are over income based on the above limits, SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR CHILDCARE BENEFITS Contact Barb Starkey at 484-651-8003 41

FREE Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Program Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides FREE high-quality pre-kindergarten services to eligible families who have a child that is 3 on or before Sept. 1 up until the time they are eligible for kindergarten. This program runs during the school year Monday through Friday from 830-230 with morning snack and lunch included. Little Mates is partnered with the Berks Community Action Program to implement this program in the following locations: Little Mates Child Development Center * Before and/or after care available at this location. 3025 North Street Morgantown, PA 19543 Little Mates Pre-K Academy *NO Before or after care available. 4331 Horseshoe Pike Honey Brook, PA 19344 Little Mates at Tel Hai * Before and/or after care available at this location. 1143 Beaver Dam Road Honey Brook, PA. 19344 For more information visit our website at www.littlemates.com # in Household Annual Income must be less than amount below 2 $59,160 3 $74,580 4 $90,000 5 $105,420 6 $120,840 42

Family Resource Guide Healthy Baby Helpline 1-800-986-2229 https://community-links.net/resources/community-directory/3408/healthy-baby-helpline/ Healthy Kids Hotline 1-800-986-5437 https://cap4kids.org/philadelphia/384839419/ House of His Creation Maternity Home 717-626-0263 https://www.hohc.org/ Planned Parenthood Reading 610-376-8061 https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/pennsylvania/reading/19604/susie-and-john-stanley-health-center-at-reading-2725-91410?utm_campaign=susie-and-john-stanley-health-center-at-reading&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=local-listing Planned Parenthood Coatesville 610-383-5911 https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/pennsylvania/coatesville/19320/coatesville-health-center-2724-91460?utm_campaign=coatesville-health-center&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=local-listing The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth 1-818-788-6662 https://www.bradleybirth.com/ Real Alternatives Project 717-541-1112 https://www.realalternatives.org/ Berks County Children and Youth Services 610-478-6700 https://www.usaarchitects.com/project/berks-county-youth-detention-center The Children’s Home of Reading 610-478-8266 https://www.buildingkidslives.org/ Opportunity House Shelter 610-374-4696 https://opphouse.org/ Safe Berks Reading 610-373-1206 Safe Berks 24/7 Help 844-789-7233 https://safeberks.org/ Concern4Kids 484-578-9600 https://www.concern4kids.org/ Berks County Learning Disability Services 610-236-0530 https://www.countyofberks.com/departments/mental-health-developmental-disabilities/ Lifeline of Berks County 610-374-8545 https://lifelineofberks.org/ 43

Connect Information Services 1-800-692-7288 https://community-links.net/blog/ Parents Without Partners - 1-800-799-7233 www.parentswithoutpartners.org CASA of Berks County 610-301-8634 https://casaberks.org/ Childcare Works (CCW) and Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Children/Pages/Child-Care-Works-Program.aspx https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/ELRCs.aspx Berks County Region 13 484-651-8000 Chester County Region 19 484-593-5050 The Special Kids Network 1-800-986-4550 https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/Special%20Kids%20Network/pages/special%20kids%20network.aspx Kids peace- 800-257-3223 https://www.kidspeace.org/ Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Berks County- 610-373-5544 https://www.bigsinberks.org/ Mentor for Berks County- 484-273-2081 http://www.m4by.org/ WIC https://www.mfhs.org/programs/wic-nutrition/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAmNeqBhD4ARIsADsYfTfJg68JTroUHfQOiuvc1UCCQeOUnvPhGC8YX3a3ZLgInLtXFOJ3S7caAtmJEALw_wcB United Way of Berks County - 610-685-4550 https://www.uwberks.org/ United Way of Chester County https://www.unitedway.org/local/united-states/pennsylvania/united-way-of-chester-county Maternal & Family Health Services- 1-800-367-6347 https://www.mfhs.org/ Reading Area Mother of Multiples https://pomomc.com/ Parents Anonymous 44

https://parentsanonymous.org/ The MOMS Club- 610-370-2497 https://momsclub.org/ Berks Parents Services Collaborative- 800-889-0945 https://www.rehab.com/berks-parents-services-collaborative-reading 45

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Parent Agreement revised 10.31.2024 Please initial EACH line agreeing to these tuition policies. _____ When your child is enrolled, a space is reserved for them. Due to this reservation, payment is still expected when your child is not here due to sickness, quarantine, bad weather, holidays, etc. Once a fee agreement is signed, that weekly amount is expected unless you terminate care. _____ A 2-week written notice is required to terminate care. Failure to provide a two-week notice will result in forfeiture of any and all deposits made. _____Upon enrollment, the days your child is to attend will be established. Your child is unable to attend on days other than those designated upon enrollment unless prior arrangements are made. _____ Families enrolled FULL TIME- 5 days/week year-round- will receive a credit week after 90 days of enrollment and every year thereafter based on anniversary date and year-round full-time status is met. _____ If your child will not be coming to school for any reason, we ask that you call or message through Lillio to make us aware of the absence BEFORE 9 AM. We also ask that you notify us if your child will be arriving late. This will help us plan activities/lunch for your child. If we are not notified before 9, it may result in loss of space that day. _____Your account will be charged $45 for each declined payment PLUS bank fees. Declined payments will be subject to additional late payment fees as well. Since payment is automatic, we must be notified at least 3 days before the tuition due date if a card expires or if you need to use a different account or card to avoid any returns and bank fees. _____ Tuition will be charged to each account on the Friday it is due for the following 2 weeks of care. _____Tuition is processed using Lillio. Please ensure that your preferred payment method is kept up to date so that tuition can process automatically every other Friday for the following two weeks. _____ When Pre-K Counts or the School District is closed, and care is required, a nonrefundable prepayment must be made. When you reserve this space, this extra amount will be charged to your tuition account with the card/bank account on file. _____Credit cared payments made through Lillio may be charged fees set and determined solely by Lillio. Parents will be responsible for the payment of any such fees. _____ Late payment fees in the amount of $25 per day (including weekends) will be assessed on outstanding balances daily at 9 am. _____ Upon yearly enrollment anniversary, the $50 registration fee will be charged to your account. 48

_____ Any parent receiving subsidized childcare MUST adhere to all payment policies and will be charged any difference between what Little Mates charges and what subsidy reimburses the center. All delinquent co-pays must be reported by us to the ELRC per our contract agreement. No changes will be made to any tuition account until written or verbal notification is made directly by the ELRC. _____ Late fees will be assessed based on your contracted Tier level. Any client picking up after their contracted time will be charged a flat late fee of $20 in addition to $10 per 5 minutes. Pick-ups after 5:30 will be charged a flat $30 late fee in addition to $10 per 5 minutes PER CHILD. The late pick-up time will be calculated by the time you exit the building & will be charged PER CHILD. Late pick up fees are charged to your tuition account. Payment of late pick up fees must be made within 48 hours & will be subject to all applicable tuition fees (return charges, late payment fees, etc.) _____ Violation of the above payment policies may result in termination of care. All outstanding balance will be forwarded to collections/judgment. If this occurs, you will also be held responsible for all collection fees. _____ Registration fees, enrollment deposits and tuition are NON-REFUNDABLE. _____ Important notifications and updates will be made through email and Lillio. It will be your responsibility to open Lillio notes daily and read all emails, calendars and newsletters sent by Little Mates to remain informed. Please ensure your email address and contact numbers are always up to date. _____ I have received a copy of the 2025 Little Mates Parent Handbook and was provided with information on: Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP), WIC, Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU), tuition assistance programs and a list of services for children and parents in Berks County. _____I am aware that any procedures and protocols are subject to change at any time, and I will be notified of these changes through Lillio or emails. I understand that it is my responsibility to read any paperwork that I obtain from the classroom teachers and office. If at any time questions or concerns arise, they can be directed to the office personnel. By signing below, you agree to all terms and conditions as stated on this form AS WELL AS the entire contents in the parent handbook updated on 10/31/2024. ______________________________ ____________________________ ___________ Parents Signature Print Name Date 49

Consent for Services As the parent/legal guardian of ___________________________ I authorize Little Mates to allow my child to receive the following services while in attendance at Little Mates: Services- These services are being provided by: _________________________________________________ (Agency Name) _______ I understand that services may happen both in and out of the classrooms & direct view of Little Mates employees. _______ I understand that Little Mates employees may be asked to provide information to service providers, and I authorize this exchange of information. _______ I understand that I am responsible for informing all outside service providers of absences on planned days of service. _______ I understand that Little Mates is not responsible for the actions of outside service providers. _______________________________ _______________________________ ________________ Printed Name of Parent/Guardian Signature of Parent/Guardian Date 50

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