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Parent HandbookUpdated 6.12.2023Highland Park United Methodist Church | 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205 | 214-523-2285

TABLE OF CONTENTSWELCOME 3Welcome to the HPUMC Day School! 4Standards of Excellence in Early Childhood Education 4Day School Hours of Operation: 7:30am-6:00pm, Monday-Friday 5Programs Offered 5EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY 5CURRICULUM AND PROGRAMS 6Enrichment Programs 7Christian Education 7DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE 8GENERAL INFORMATION 9Parent-Teacher-Child Relationship 9Separation from Parents 9SAFETY & SECURITY 10Daily Sign-in and Sign-Out 10Authorization to pick up a Child 10Additional Safety Rules 11Parking 11Cell Phones 12Visitors in the Day School Area 12Access to the HPUMC Day School Area 13Abuse and Neglect 13Gang Free Zone 13COMMUNICATION 14School Communications 14Teacher Communications 14Classroom Transitions and Placement 15Professional Boundaries and Confidentiality 15Weather-Related School Closings 16EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 16Fire 16Severe Weather 17Lock Down 17Other Emergency Evacuations 18HEALTH, WELLNESS & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 19Health 19Vision, Hearing and Speech Screening 19HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 1

Wellness 20Physical Activity 20Weather Watch 20Water Play 21Sunscreen & Insect Repellant 21ILLNESS, MEDICATION & INJURY 21Illness 21As-needed Medications 22Emergency Medications 23Injuries 23SPECIAL NEEDS 24Food Allergies & Epinephrine 24Educational and Developmental Differences 24Challenging Behavior 25Biting 25Therapeutic Consultant 25Outside Therapeutic Services 26Therapeutic Resources 26Dismissal from Program 26OTHER POLICIES 26Special Items to Remember 26Clothing, Diapers and Jewelry 27Birthdays 27Holiday Parties 28Still and Video Cameras 28Animals Visiting School 28PARENT INVOLVEMENT 29HPUMC Day School Parents’ Association 29Parents’ Club 29Parent Conferences 29Parent Participation 29PARENT ASSISTANCE 30Allison Anne Herrin Fund 30Parenting Support and Educational Resources 30Highland Park UMC Ministries 30HALF DAY PROGRAM 30Arrival 30Snacks 31Physical Activity 31Stay & Play 31Toilet Training Requirement 31HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 2

Dismissal & Late Pick Up Fees 32ALL DAY PROGRAM 32Arrival 32Food service 33Toilet Training Requirement 33Physical Activity 34Naptime 34Dismissal & Late Pick Up Fees 34INFANT AND TODDLER ALL DAY PROGRAM 35Safe Sleep Policy 35CONTACTS 37Important Contacts 37Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Regulation 38Incident Reports to Child Care Regulation 38HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 3

WELCOMEWelcome to the HPUMC Day School!Nurturing a foundational love of God and learning.Our team starts each day with one mission in mind. . . to nurture a love of God and learningso that each child may grow into the person God created him or her to be. Through thework of our creative and dedicated teachers, we intend to provide a differentiatedcurriculum that will engage your child’s curiosity and wonder about God’s beautifulcreation, leading him or her on a path toward a lifelong love of learning. The work of thechild is play, and we work diligently to protect this essential part of a child’s social,emotional, physical, and spiritual development.While we focus much of our work on the children, it is also our intention to help supportthe whole family. Parents have the blessing of being their child’s greatest teacher, therefore,we want to partner with you in these early stages as you lay an essential foundation foryour child. We also know that the parenting journey is paved with often more questionsthan answers, immense joy, and even exhaustion. All parents need support, encouragement,and community. Therefore, the Day School also provides resources and opportunities thatsupport you as a parent as well.Our Christ-centered Day School program, supported by the congregation of Highland ParkUnited Methodist Church, accepts children without regard to race, color, national or ethnicorigin and does not discriminate on the basis of these factors in the administration of itspolicies, hiring or admissions.Standards of Excellence in Early Childhood EducationHPUMC Day School is licensed to operate as a child care program by the Texas Health andHuman Services Commision, Department of Child Care Regulation. The MinimumStandards Rules for Child Care Centers (Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 745) dictatehow the school is to operate in order to maintain a permit. The Minimum Standards arejust that; the minimum standards for health and safety in child care. Child Care Regulationconducts routine and unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with these standards.The Day School is also regulated by the Highland Park Fire Marshal and the Dallas CountyHealth Department with annual inspections. A copy of the most recent inspection reportsare available to parents in the office.Additionally, HPUMC Day School strives for excellence in early childhood education byfollowing the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) GuidelinesHPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 4

for Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the NAEYC Early Learning ProgramStandards as our guide for best practices.Contact InformationTexas Dept. of Health & Human Services 214-951-7902Website: Department of Child Care Regulation www.hhs.state.tx.usConsumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.govNational Association for the Education of Young Children www.naeyc.orgDay School Hours of Operation: 7:30am-6:00pm, Monday-FridayPrograms OfferedAll Day ClassesAges: 6 weeks to 6 years | Infants - Bridge to Kindergarten7:30am-6:00pm, Monday-FridayHalf Day ClassesAges: 18-23 months (as of 4/30) Transitional Twos8:45am-2:00pm, M/W or T/ThAges: 2 ½ - 6 years | Twos - Bridge to Kindergarten8:45am-11:45am, MWF, T/Th, or M-F (days available vary by age)Stay & Play option M-Th until 2:00pmEDUCATION PHILOSOPHYHPUMC Day School is dedicated to providing early childhood care and education in atrusted Christian environment focused on developing the whole child. We believe that witha strong foundation, each child will grow into the person God created him or her to be! Ourphilosophy first and foremost recognizes each child has been fearfully and wonderfullymade (Psalms 139:14) by our loving Heavenly Father. Therefore, this basic truth is at thecore of our educational philosophy.We believe that children learn best through play, active exploration, and by engaging withtheir environment. Teachers are intentional in planning activities and structuring theclassroom environment and daily schedule to promote learning and development in allareas.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 5

This approach to early childhood education combines the best practices of a variety oftheories including:● Erik Erikson’s theory of developmental stages and the role of play at the stage ofinitiative, the years from 3 to 5.● Jean Piaget’s theory that children need to explore the nature of things through trialand error and learn through hands-on, concrete experiences.● Reggio Emilia’s model of children’s active learning at play and work and anemergent curriculum built on the strengths of the child.● Maria Montessori’s focus on materials in the physical classroom, which weredesigned with great care to support children’s cognitive and aesthetic development.Research shows that social skill development is the most important aspect of an earlychildhood program. Social skills help a child develop positive self-esteem and confidence.Children not only learn how to listen and follow directions; they learn how to performessential life skills including the ability to:• communicate their needs and emotions• cope and build trust• share space and materials• work together as a team• negotiate• problem solve• resolve conflict• be a leader and help others• care for self, others, and their environmentOur whole-child approach ensures that children are exposed to a wide variety of learningactivities and that they learn to thrive in all areas of development. Children become creativethinkers, problem solvers, empathetic collaborators, curious investigators, and decisionmakers. The Day School early childhood education program is designed to help your childreach his or her greatest potential.CURRICULUM AND PROGRAMSThe Day School curriculum is a framework of developmental milestone targets, with theNational Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) best practice standardsfor early childhood education as its foundation. For more information, visit www.naeyc.org.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 6

Teachers plan educational activities with these standards in mind. Weekly themes are usedto make learning fun and interesting for young children as they explore various topics ofinterest. These themes, or topics, are woven throughout all of the curriculum domains:math, language, science, art, music, early reading, writing, and pre-academic skills.Cognitive development is integrated into all areas of the curriculum throughout the day.Children continually build their understanding of concepts through their interactions,experiences, discoveries, and challenges.Learning in the content areas of language, socio-emotional, physical development, science/math, and creative expression are represented in meaningful ways such as painting,creating, building, measuring, communication, games, cooking, and exploring nature.Teachers continually assess the children to determine when new challenges are needed toexpand learning.Older classrooms include project-based learning that allow children to expand upon topicsand go more in-depth with their learning. Children love to investigate and explore theirideas, learning materials, and their environment. A project is an in-depth investigation of atopic worth learning more about. The key feature of a project is that it is a research effortdeliberately focused on finding answers to questions about a topic posed either by thechildren or the teacher.Enrichment ProgramsOther weekly “Specials” classes are offered at no additional cost and for children toparticipate depending on age and enrollment schedule. Specials classes include Spanish,Music, and Fitness classes that include Yoga, gymnastics, dance, and health/fitnesseducation. The Day School has a children’s library where children may read a book or checkout books for their classroom. A mobile, large screen “Smart Board” computer is alsoavailable for classroom use.Christian EducationSpirituality is the foundation of the Day School curriculum and is what sets HPUMC DaySchool apart from many other early childhood programs.Weekly Celebration extends and expands upon the Sunday School curriculum and is held inthe Wesley Hall worship space. Parents/family members are always welcome to attendCelebration. A school-wide Family Celebration and Worship is held at 9:00am in WesleyHall during the Fall/Grandfriends Day, Christmas, and Easter seasons.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 7

All of our children become familiar with Children’s Bibles that are available in eachclassroom. Younger children have age-appropriate books with Bible Stories, and our olderchildren learn about the Bible and how it is used.Children participate in outreach by collecting donations for church partners with HPUMCOutreach Ministry. Requested donation items are communicated with parents in advance.DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCEDiscipline and guidance are a part of the overall plan for nurturing the healthy growth anddevelopment of each of our children. To that end, the discipline used in guiding a childmust be:● individualized and consistent for each child● appropriate to the child’s level of understanding, and● directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-control.In order to accomplish the mission of Day School, our teachers and caregivers may only usepositive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control andself-direction, including these and other appropriate methods:● using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing only onunacceptable behavior● reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements● redirecting behavior using positive statements and alternate choices● using brief supervised separation or time away from the group, when appropriatefor the child’s age and development, which is limited to no more than one minuteper year of the child’s age.Because we believe that children are a precious gift from God and that our responsibility isto create a loving, safe environment, our classroom guidance will include none of thefollowing:● corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment● punishment associated with food, naps or toilet training● pinching, shaking or biting a child● hitting a child with a hand or instrument● putting anything in or on a child’s mouth● humiliating, ridiculing, rejecting or yelling at a child● engaging a child in a power struggle, using intimidation or other physical oremotional control tacticsHPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 8

● forcefully moving a child such as grabbing or pulling by the arm● spraying a child with water or any other sort of liquid as a form of control; theexception is the use of water bottles during summer splash/water play● mocking or taunting a child● calling a child names● subjecting a child to harsh, abusive, or profane language● placing a child in a locked or dark room, bathroom or closet with the door closed● requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of timefor the child’s age.Teachers and parents will annually read and sign that they have read and understand theDiscipline and Guidance Policy.GENERAL INFORMATIONParent-Teacher-Child RelationshipEarly childhood education is a three-way relationship among the parents, the child and theteacher.● If there is something that is occurring at home that affects your child please be surethat your child’s teacher is informed.● Likewise, if you have a question concerning something at school, we encourage youto contact your child’s teacher by leaving a note for the teacher or emailing herdirectly. Conversations at drop-off and pick-up take the teacher’s attention awayfrom supervising children. If you prefer to have an in-person discussion, pleaseschedule a time to meet outside of the classroom.● A child feels more secure in an open, friendly home-school relationship, and we willwork with you in every way to make your child’s school experience as enriching as itcan be.● If an issue cannot be resolved directly with the teacher, please contact the DaySchool office to speak with the appropriate supervisor or the Director.Separation from Parents● The beginning of school may bring a few tears as children adjust to their new friendsand surroundings, but this usually ceases after a few weeks.● Some children have a more difficult time, and you can be assured that the teachersand staff will do everything possible to make this transition time one of growth foryour child.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 9

● Parents are asked to keep goodbyes short and consistent at the classroom door inthe mornings. Returning for “one more goodbye” can confuse and upset a child, soyour loving hug with a promise of “I love you, and I’ll see you soon!” will help yourchild to grow in his or her capacity to adapt to new situations in a healthy manner.SAFETY & SECURITYThe Safety & Security of the children and the entire community is of utmost importance tothe HPUMC Day School.● Doors into the HPUMC Day School are locked at all times and require a pin beingentered onto a keypad.● Cameras are located in each classroom, on the playgrounds and throughout theschool. The Admin Team and Security can view the cameras live and video isavailable to go back and review.● A dedicated security officer is on site Monday through Friday.● Classrooms are equipped with a Nightlock Lockdown Door Barricade and a panicfob that alerts local police departments .● Teachers utilize name-to-face checks for all transitions (i.e. moving from classroomto another part of the building).Parents may visit the HPUMC Day School at any time during normal hours of operation inorder to observe their child, the center’s operation and program activities without having tosecure prior approval. Parents are asked to check in at the office before going to theclassroom and to consider the emotions of the child when the parent leaves. Your child’ssafety and the security of our entire community must be maintained so we ask that youplease abide by these guidelines:Daily Sign-in and Sign-Out● Parents are required to sign their child in and out each day using the Brightwheelapp. QR codes are posted at each classroom door throughout the school and forcheck-in/out.● Please make it part of your daily routine to speak with the teacher as you drop offand pick up your child. She needs to know that your child is arriving or leaving,whether it be from the classroom, from an enrichment class, or from theplayground.Authorization to pick up a ChildHPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 10

● In addition to a parent, only those persons (18 years and older) who are listed onthe registration form will be allowed to pick up a child.● If anyone else needs to pick up a child, the parent must complete an “Authorizationfor Release of a Child” form and present it to the staff person in the office. This formis also available on the Day School Website here:http://hpumcdayschool.weebly.com/authorization-to-release-child.html.● A handwritten note or verbal instruction to a teacher is NOT sufficient to assureyour child’s safe release.● HPUMC Day School teachers and staff will ask for identification of those with whomwe are not familiar.● Siblings or other family members may only pick up if they are 18 years or older andan authorized release form is on file.● If we do not have a completed “Authorization to Release” form on record forsomeone who is attempting to pick up your child, we will not allow them to leave.We will make every effort to contact the parents. If we cannot contact the parents,we will attempt to contact the emergency contacts on record; however, emergencycontacts cannot authorize the release of the child. Emergency contacts are allowedto pick-up the child if the parent is unable to be reached.Additional Safety Rules● Never leave a child unattended in the building, in the parking lot, or on theplayground. If you arrive when the class is in another part of the building, walk yourchild to that class and hand him/her over to the teacher in charge.● Please remind your child to walk, not run, in the hallways.● Parents are responsible for supervision and safety of their children at all timesduring drop off and pick up. Please make sure that your child remains with yououtside of the classroom.ParkingParking can be a challenge. HPUMC has only 17 parking spaces outside the Sanctuary. Thelong surface lot is part of the SMU campus. HPUMC has an agreement with SMU to provideHPUMC visitor parking on the row closest to the church and in the Hillcrest Garage. Theother two rows of the surface lot are reserved for SMU students and HPUMC staff with SMUpermits. A HPUMC parking sticker is required to park in the HPUMC visitor parking lot andthe following parking garages:● HPUMC Tolleson Building (accessible from Hillcrest)● SMU’s Hillcrest Garage (accessible from Hillcrest) - gate code is 10762# - HPUMCparking is on the basement level ONLY.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 11

Ten minute parking is available in the small HPUMC parking lot near the Sanctuaryentrance for families to use at drop-off and pick-up times. These spaces are marked ashandicap parking, but have signs posted that 10 minute parking is allowed Monday-Friday.Please do not park in fire lanes or other handicapped parking spaces. Parking is monitoredby SMU and parking tickets and fines are issued through SMU Parking Services. The Churchis not able to assist with parking ticket resolution.From time to time, SMU requires parking to be blocked for events (example: SMU homefootball games). When the lot is completely inaccessible, the HPUMC Day School may needto be closed.As a reminder, the HPUMC Day School operates within the church and parking for funeralsmay result in fewer spaces being available. If an extremely large funeral is being held, DaySchool parents will be notified in advance.Cell Phones● In the interest and safety of all children, parents are asked to refrain from using cellphones in the parking lots, parking garages, walkways and the building so that yourattention may be focused on your child.● Cell phone use is prohibited as part of licensing. Therefore, teachers may not usetheir phones when they are caring for children. Please do not contact them on theircell phones. The Day School has provided each classroom with an iPad, so thatparents may communicate directly with the teacher through Brightwheel. Theteacher will read messages and respond at appropriate times that do not distractfrom supervision and the safety of the children. Each year the teachers sign anagreement not to use their cell phones and misuse will result in performanceimprovement corrective action.Visitors in the Day School Area● Visitors, other than parents (and those accompanying parents) during drop-off andpick-up times, are asked to check in at the front office prior to going to theclassroom.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 12

Access to the HPUMC Day School Area● All families should enter our school through the main Day School door near theoffice using a parent selected 6 digit PIN.● Those without a code must push the button for camera-assisted access andcommunicate with the front desk to be allowed into the building.● For the safety of the children, the inner doors accessible from the church will remainlocked at all times. HPUMC Security and Welcome Desk staff will not give accessthrough these doors. Parents must exit the church and re-enter through the DaySchool front entrance if needed.● Please do not allow anyone to enter as you enter or exit doors that remain locked,including the main Day School door.● Report suspicious behavior to the office immediately.Abuse and NeglectAccording to the Texas Family Code, the HPUMC Day School staff is obligated to report anysuspicion of child abuse.Information on how parents may contact the local Child Care Regulation office, child abusehotline and website is posted in the front office and is also included in the ImportantContacts section of this handbook.HPUMC Day School staff are trained in preventing abuse and neglect, recognizing signs andsymptoms, and responding to abuse and neglect of children through required inservicetraining as follows:● 1 clock hour of annual training conducted by Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center(DCAC).● Ministry Safe Training through HPUMC every 2 years.Parent education and resources on child abuse and neglect area available through DCAConline at www.dcac.org. The Resources section of their website provides information toparents regarding warning signs of abuse and neglect, procedures for making a report, aswell as how to obtain assistance and intervention.Gang Free ZoneThe area within 1000 feet of HPUMC and the HPUMC Day School is considered a gang-freezone in accordance with state Child Care Regulation standards.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 13

COMMUNICATIONSchool CommunicationsHPUMC Day School communicates with parents in the following ways:● The Brightwheel App provides a real-time feed of activities and photos throughoutthe day.● Monthly school email newsletter with important information concerning the schoolschedule, activities, and special events.● Parent Email - Important messages are most often sent by email and/orBrightwheel. Please be sure that we have your correct email address and that youread these messages carefully. Please contact our office with changes in emailaddress.● The Day School Website is the online resource for enrolled and prospective parentswith important information including menus, school calendar, parenting resources,teacher and staff bios, parent involvement opportunities, school events and more.Visit: hpumcdayschool.weebly.com.Teacher Communications● Brightwheel is the primary way that teachers will communicate with parents.● Depending on the age of the class, newsletters and calendars will be sent home orput in the documents on Brightwheel, as well. Special events, weekly themes,enrichment classes and other information are included.● All classes also have “What We Did Today” boards outside the room to give you ideasfor discussing the day’s activities with your child. This is in addition to activitiesposted in Brightwheel.● Weekly lesson plans are posted in each class’s Parent Information area.● Please check your child’s mailbox, cubby or backpack each day for school-widecommunications and notes from the teacher.● Should you need to speak with your child’s teacher individually, please email themdirectly. All teachers have an HPUMC email address and will contact you within 24hours. We are also happy to arrange a time for a conversation with your child’steacher outside of the classroom. Please contact the front office to make thisrequest.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 14

Classroom Transitions and PlacementChildren transition to the next classroom each August with the beginning of the new schoolyear. Parents will be notified of classroom placements before the start of the new schoolyear. . The following factors are considered when making placement decisions:● Age and developmental readiness of the child● Current classroom teacher recommendations● Children’s temperament and personality combinations with other children and/orteachers● Established parent/teacher relationships from older siblingsProfessional Boundaries and ConfidentialityMaintaining our professional boundaries and the confidentiality of Day School children,families, and staff is a priority. We ask that parents be mindful of the following:● Please avoid lengthy conversations at drop-off or pick-up times. This is not the besttime to inquire about your child’s progress. The teachers are responsible forensuring the supervision and safety of all children during this time. We are happy toschedule a time outside of the classroom.● Please do not communicate with your child’s teachers via text message. Cell phoneusage in the classroom or when supervising children is a violation of Child CareRegulation Minimum Standards and therefore Day School policy prohibits cell phoneusage. Teachers sign a cell phone usage policy each year, and are held accountable.● Please do not contact teachers or staff after hours for school-related issues. This istheir personal time.● Please do not ask teachers about Day School operations, personnel or administrativeissues. This places teachers in an uncomfortable position and more importantly theteachers may not even know about the issue you have asked about. Teacher andstaff concerns should be addressed following Day School policy and chain ofcommand. Parent concerns should be addressed with Day School administration.● Teachers and staff are not allowed to discuss unrelated children. We cannot providedetails about children who are ill, experiencing behavioral or developmentalchallenges, or any other issues. We can only discuss your own child with you.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 15

Weather-Related School ClosingsThe HPUMC Day School will follow the Dallas ISD closure decisions in the event ofinclement weather when made prior to the start of the school day. If inclement weatherarises after the school day has begun, the Day School coordinates with HPUMC leadershipto determine early closure. In some rare cases, HPUMC may choose to close although DISDis open due to campus specific conditions.Please go to http://hpumcdayschool.weebly.com/closure-notices.html by 6:30 a.m. to viewa message concerning plans for the day in case of inclement weather. The Day School willalso communicate via Brightwheel regarding any closure decision.EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESSThe Day School practices emergency preparedness through routinely scheduled evacuationand lockdown drills. Fire drills are conducted monthly, and severe weather and intruderlockdown drills are conducted quarterly.FireCODE RED = FIRE DRILL (ARDEN FOREST)ALARM WILL SOUND = VOICE COMMANDS, 3 SIREN BLASTS, LIGHT STROBES● This must be done in a hurried but orderly manner.● Teachers may grab purses/cell phones if readily available.● Line up single file, one teacher at the front, one at the back.● Teacher will grab the walkie talkie and evacuation bag (which contains aflashlight and class sign in list), turn out lights and close the classroom doorwhen exiting.● Use a calm, quiet voice and keep talking to a minimum.● Fire Drill Evacuation Location: exit the building and go to your assigned area.If it is not a drill, move to Arden Forest lawn.● Rooms 143 – 135, exit out Wallace or Day School main doors.● Rooms 137 – 138, exit out by Room 138● Rooms 108 – 113, exit out by Resource Room door● Rooms 114 – 155, exit through Infant/Toddler playground● Classes will sit together. Assisting staff/parents will stay with the class.● Office Administrators will grab Evacuation Notebook and Classroom andHPUMC Walkie-Talkies.● Wait for announcements and/or dismissal.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 16

● Return to the classroom in an orderly fashion with a least 5 feet distancebetween each class.Severe WeatherCODE GREEN = SEVERE WEATHER (WESLEY HALL BASEMENT)ONE SIREN BLAST WITH REPEATING VOICE COMMANDS● This must be done in a hurried but orderly manner.● Teachers may grab purses/cell phones if readily available.● Line up single file, one teacher at the front, one at the back.● Teacher will grab the walkie talkie and evacuation bag (which contains aflashlight and class sign in list), turn out lights and close the classroom doorwhen exiting.● Use a calm, quiet voice and keep talking to a minimum.● Storm Drill Evacuation Location: Downstairs in basement. Day School classeswill evacuate via their appropriate stairwell.● Classes will sit together. Assisting staff/parents will stay with the class.● Office Administrators will grab Evacuation Notebook and Classroom andHPUMC Walkie-Talkies.● Appointed staff will return to rooms if additional supplies are needed.● Wait for announcements and/or dismissal.● Return to the classroom in an orderly fashion with a least 5 feet distancebetween each class.Lock DownCODE YELLOW = LOCK-DOWN IN ROOMSINDIVIDUAL NOTIFICATION WILL BE BY PHONE OR ADMINISTRATOR● This must be done in a hurried but orderly manner.● Close the classroom door if open. (Classroom doors are to remain closedwhen not in use.)● Insert the “Nightlock” Lockdown bar○ The Lockdown bar is located in a clear plastic case mounted to thewall next to the classroom door.○ To open, use thumb to flip-up the lever on top of the case.○ Insert Lockdown bar into the hole in the floor that is located justinside the classroom door.● Grab the sign-in sheet off of the desk and lock the top half of your door.● Tum off lights.● Close all blinds on windows (only if 2+ teachers or time permits).● Grab your classroom bag.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 17

● All students and teachers move to the shared bathroom or pre-assigned roomor space.● One teacher needs to sit on the toilet, children will face that teacher. Theother teacher will sit by the door to the classroom.● Talk with a calm, quiet voice. Read books/sing to calm children.● Day School office will contact authorities (HPUMC administrators, police,building services staff)● Stay put until all clear announcement by administration.● No child released to parent or guardian until all clear.● Keep personal cell phone available but do not use until directed.Other Emergency EvacuationsCODE BLUE = GO TO TOLLESON ACROSS HILLCRESTFOR A LOCAL OR NATIONAL EMERGENCY OR lF HPUMC NEEDS TO BE SHUTDOWN.PHONE OR ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENT● This may be done in a slow and orderly manner.● Teachers may grab purses/cell phones if readily available.● Line up single file, one teacher at the front, one at the back.● Teacher will grab the walkie talkie and evacuation bag (which contains aflashlight and class sign in list), turn out lights and close the classroom doorwhen exiting.● Use a calm, quiet voice and keep talking to a minimum.● Make sure not to pass another class when evacuating.● Classes will sit together, one class per pew with a teacher on each end of thechildren. Assisting staff/parents will stay with the class.● Office Administrators will grab Evacuation Notebook and Classroom andHPUMC Walkie-Talkies.● Appointed staff will return to rooms if additional supplies are needed.● Wait for announcements and/or dismissal.● Return to the classroom in an orderly fashion with a least 5 feet distancebetween each class.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 18

HEALTH, WELLNESS & PHYSICAL ACTIVITYHealth● It is very important that we be able to reach our parents promptly in case of anemergency.● Please be sure that all phone numbers, including those of home, office, cellular andother adults authorized to pick up your child, are correct and up-to-date in theoffice.● All teachers and staff have a negative tuberculin test result on file.● Teachers and staff are encouraged to receive preventative vaccinations but are notrequired.● The complete Enrollment Packet, which includes your child’s current ImmunizationRecord, his/her Medical Information Form, and, if age 4 or older, his/her mostrecent Vision and Hearing Screening Report, along with all applicable fees, must bereturned before your child will be admitted to the HPUMC Day School.● Immunization records must be current and updated by the parent. Any changes tothe immunization schedule requires an Affidavit For Exemption fromImmunizations.● Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §97.62 describes the conditions under whichindividuals can seek exemptions from Texas immunization requirements. Exclusionsfrom compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications,active duty with the armed forces of the United States, and reasons of conscience,including a religious belief.Vision, Hearing and Speech ScreeningTexas State Law, under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 36, requires that all childrenwho are 4 years of age by September 1 must be screened for vision, hearing and speechdelays within 120 days of the start of the school year. Day School administration is requiredto report all test results to the Texas Department of Health. Testing may be completed oneof the following ways:Professional Examination scheduled by the Parent● Children may be screened by their pediatrician or other professional agency.● Parents are required to provide the test results to the Day School Office.Professional Examination scheduled by the Day SchoolHPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 19

● The Day School has contracted with a licensed agency to conduct these tests eachFall at the Day School to ensure that we are in compliance with required records.Parents of children enrolled in the PreK 4’s classes will be notified of the scheduledtesting date and if the testing is required.● Children whose test results have not been provided prior to the scheduled test datewill automatically be included in the onsite testing.● Parents will be billed for the fee (which is approximately $30 and will becommunicated to parents in advance).● Test results are confidential and will be provided to the parents.Parents of children in need of speech therapy services may schedule this to be conducted atthe Day School. It is the parent’s responsibility to contract directly with the speech therapyprovider of their choice. Resource information is available in the Day School Office.WellnessIt is important for children to remain active throughout the day. Regular physical activityhelps children improve fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, and reducesymptoms of anxiety. Outdoor play allows children to get fresh air and explore nature in ahands-on way.Physical ActivityChildren will have outdoor play each day, as weather permits. Each classroom hasscheduled time on the playgrounds in the morning and afternoon.When the following weather conditions (listed below) prohibit outdoor play, gross motoractivities will be moved inside. The Day School will utilize other space within the church,most commonly the HPUMC Kids rooms located on the second floor during their normallyscheduled playground time.Children will participate in additional physical activities through the Specials classes, whichinclude Yoga, music and movement, fitness, and gymnastics.Weather WatchHPUMC Day School uses the Child Care Weather Watch chart for determining safe outdoorplay temperatures that factor in humidity (heat index/wind chill) as well as air quality.This chart has been developed in partnership with the National Resource Center for Healthand Safety in Child Care and Early Education; https://nrckids.org/CFOC.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 20

Children’s time outdoors will be reduced (10-15 minutes) under the followingconditions:● Ozone air quality warning● Temperature with heat index is above 90 degrees.● Temperature with wind chill factor is below 40 degrees.Children will NOT go outdoors under the following conditions:● Temperature with heat index is above 95 degrees.● Temperature with wind chill factor is below 35 degrees (45 degrees for Infants andToddlers).● Rain or other inclement weather.Water PlayDuring the summer when water play is scheduled, parents will be notified in advance.A child must have the following items in order to participate:○ swimsuit, towel, water shoes or rubber-soled shoes (no sandals or flip flops,please), additional clothes to wear after water play, sunscreen if desired, anda bag for wet clothes.Sunscreen & Insect RepellantParents who wish their child to use sunscreen and/or insect repellant need to apply priorto arrival. Teachers may reapply sunscreen in the afternoon as the weather allows foroutdoor play. Parents will need to provide sunscreen in the original container that islabeled with the child’s name. Insect repellant will not be applied at the Day School.Playgrounds are routinely treated for pest control.ILLNESS, MEDICATION & INJURYIllness● Please do not send your child to school if he/she appears to be ill or overly tired. If achild is not well enough to play outside, he/she should be kept at home.● Parents will be notified if a child becomes ill at school and needs to be picked upwithin the hour of being called.● Children must be excluded for a full 24 hour period after the symptoms haveconcluded. A child may not return to school the next day after being sent homewith symptoms of illness.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 21

● Children must stay home after exhibiting the following symptoms:○ Elevated temperatures of 100.4 or greater (forehead scan with a no-contactinfrared thermometer).○ Three episodes of diarrhea (loose, watery stools). If the diarrhea is such thatit cannot be contained within the diaper and/or clothing, the child will beexcluded immediately.○ Two episodes of vomiting.○ Rash with fever. If a child develops a rash with fever, we will ask that aphysician evaluate the condition and verify in writing or by a telephone callthat it is not contagious.○ Treatable illness (Strep Throat, Conjunctivitis (pink eye), etc). The child mustbe excluded for a 24 hour period after the antibiotic regimen has beenstarted in order to reduce the risk of transmission to the other children incare.● Children who have diarrhea must have had a normal bowel movement and thosethrowing up must have held down food before returning.● Children must be free of fever for a full 24 hours without the use of fever reducingmedication before returning to school. Please tell your child’s teacher if you havegiven your child a medication that could cause drowsiness or a change in toiletinghabits.● If a communicable disease is diagnosed in your child’s classroom, parents will benotified. The most common early childhood communicable diseases are: Covid-19,Flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Conjunctivitis(Pink Eye), Strep Throat, and Pink Eye. Parents will also be notified if there is a caseof Head Lice.● If your child develops illness at home, please notify the school so that we candetermine if other children could have been exposed at school and inform otherparents in the class.● If the communicable disease is one that is required to be reported, Day SchoolAdministration will contact the Dallas County Health Department and HHSC ChildCare Regulation within 24 hours of receiving the parent notification of confirmeddiagnosis.As-needed MedicationsBecause of the great responsibility involved in giving medications to children, we ask thatparents give any necessary medication to their own children at home whenever possible.Day School administrative staff will administer medication to children as long as thefollowing requirements are met:HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 22

● Medication is in its original container with physician instructions on how toadminister.● Parents have filled out a medication authorization form.If a physician prescribes an over-the-counter medication, it must be accompanied by asigned directive from the physician. If the parent provides over-the-counter medication,the label must include specific dosage instructions for the age of the child. If the label doesnot specify by age, a doctor’s written order with dosage instructions must be provided orthe parent must come to the school to administer the medication.All medications are stored in a secure area near the front office. Day School administrativestaff can only dispense the amount written on the prescription or as instructed by thedoctor.Emergency MedicationsEmergency medications may be stored in the Day School Office until expired, and must bein the original container with physician instructions to be dispensed by Day Schooladministrative staff.Injuries● When a child sustains a minor injury, the child is brought to the office, appropriateminor first aid steps are taken, and the child is comforted. The child’s name, date,time, steps taken and office person receiving the report are logged in the minorinjury book.○ Bites: wash with soap and water, apply ice pack○ Scrapes: wash with soap and water, bandage○ Cuts: wash with soap and water, bandage○ Bumps: ice or cold towel, observe child carefully, call parent if bump is onneck or head● For injuries requiring outside medical treatment, immediate first aid is providedwhile ascertaining the seriousness of the injury or illness. Emergency medicalservices will be called immediately if necessary. The parent is called as soon aspossible, and reports are filed with Child Care Regulation, the Church and Insurance.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 23

SPECIAL NEEDSThe Day School makes every attempt to accommodate a child with special requirements asdescribed below.Food Allergies & EpinephrineEpi-pens that are prescribed for a specific child’s emergency medical needs are stored in adesignated emergency box located in the child’s classroom. Teachers and staff are trainedat least annually on how to administer in the event of a food allergy emergency. A currentFARE (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan) form must also be completed bythe physician and parent and submitted to the Day School Office.A child with food allergies will not be able to attend the Day School until the FAREform and/or emergency medication are provided.Educational and Developmental DifferencesThe Day School makes every effort to meet the individual needs of each child, includingthose with special needs. Parents of children with educational/developmental needs areasked to provide Day School Administration with the assessment results from a health-careprofessional or a qualified professional affiliated with the local school district or earlychildhood intervention program. This will help ensure that teachers and staff are doingeverything possible to create an inclusive environment.All requests for special accommodations must work within the resources and capabilities ofHPUMC Day School. We welcome outside therapeutic professionals to come into the DaySchool as a part of your child’s early education and intervention team. Day School teachersand staff will make every effort to accommodate any support services and adaptiveequipment that has been provided by the parents.When Day School teachers and staff suspect that a child has a developmental delay or otherspecial need, this possibility is communicated to families in a sensitive, supportive, andconfidential manner and is provided with documentation and explanation for the concern,recommended next steps, and information about assessment, resources, and supportservices. If assessment testing is recommended by the Day School, or is required forcontinued enrollment, the cost of these tests are the responsibility of the parent. Testing isnever conducted at the Day School without a parent/legal guardian’s written consent.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 24

Challenging Behavior“Challenging behavior is any behavior that (1) interferes with children’s learning,development and success at play, (2) is harmful to the child, other children or adults, or (3)puts a child at high risk for later social problems or school failure.” Source: ChallengingBehavior in Young Children (4th Ed., 2016) by Barbara Kaiser and Judy Sklar Raminsky.For children demonstrating challenging behaviors, teachers and staff will implement thefollowing strategies:● Communicate with parents to determine similarities between school and home;develop a support plan.● Observe to identify patterns of behavior, triggering events, activities, interactions,and/or other environmental factors that predict the challenging behavior.● Document these behaviors through observation and anecdotal notations.● Seek additional resources and support, including our contracted therapeuticconsultant.● If necessary, parents may be asked to provide outside resources to assist with achild’s challenging behavior which may include a 1:1 shadow, assessment, or otherintervention services.BitingBiting is an age-appropriate behavior for infants, toddlers, and two year old children wholack the verbal skills to express their needs and feelings. Biting also occasionally occurswith three year old children experiencing stress or developmental delays, but this is muchless common.Each biting incident is dealt with on an individual basis and in accordance with proceduresrecommended by recognized authorities. Teachers are trained to help prevent biting byreducing children’s frustration (ensuring that duplicates of toys are available, providingsoothing activities, etc.) and by supervising in close proximity.Therapeutic ConsultantHPUMC Day School has partnered with a Licensed Family and Marriage TherapistandRegistered Play Therapist. The consultant visits the Day School weekly and is availableto support teachers, conduct observations to help us meet the social-emotional needs of allchildren, and to offer training, resources, and support to families and staff.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 25

Outside Therapeutic ServicesPlease notify the Day School Office if your child needs to be observed during school hoursby a therapeutic professional. Parents must provide a written request and approval toallow therapeutic services to have contact with your child while attending the Day School.All therapeutic professionals must check-in at the front desk.Therapeutic ResourcesDay School Administration maintains a list of therapeutic service providers for any familiesseeking outside assistance for their child or family. This list is made up of agencies andprofessionals that are local and have previously serviced Day School families and/or staff.Please contact the Day School Office for information about this list.Dismissal from ProgramA child may be suspended or dismissed from the program if (a) the HPUMC Day School isunable to meet the physical, mental, or emotional needs of the child, or (b) the parents donot comply with the HPUMC Day School policies.The Day School will make every effort to support children and parents, as well as the child’steachers, through any challenging situations. This support will include frequent discussionregarding the areas of concern, parent resources, and assessment or referrals to outsideservices.Parents are expected to be active partners with Day School staff to help ensure that the DaySchool is equipped to meet the needs of the child. Therapeutic interventions may berequired as a condition of continued enrollment. If the added support of a 1:1 professionalshadow is required, the cost of this service (or additional staffing provided by the school)will be paid by the parent.OTHER POLICIESSpecial Items to Remember● Children should not bring gum, candy, money, jewelry, cough drops, balloons, toys,weapons or valuables to school.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 26

● Children should eat breakfast before coming into the school. Food may not bebrought into the classrooms in the morning. Snacks are generally served between9:00 and 10:30 in older classes.● The school closes at 6:00pm. Parents, teachers and staff should be able to leave thebuilding at that time. Please allow time to talk with staff and friends prior to 6:00p.m.● A late fee will be billed for children picked up after 6:00pm.● Please notify the office of any change in address, phone, email, immunization status,or family concerns that affect a child.● Please call 214-523-2285 when your child is ill or will not be in school for the day.● Families needing a teacher evaluation for application to private schools should bringthose to the director who will see that they are completed and delivered to theschool.● The HPUMC Day School staff is eager to assist families interested in becominginvolved in HPUMC’s ministries and will also pass along concerns to the pastoralcare ministry and the Prayer Tower at the request of parents.Clothing, Diapers and Jewelry● Washable play clothes are our school’s “uniform.”● No costumes, dress or other clothes impairing movement may be worn. Jewelryshould not be worn to school.● Rubber-soled shoes with laces or Velcro closures are appropriate footwear.● Children should not wear Crocs, boots, sandals or dress shoes.● A change of clothing appropriate to the season is a must, including underwear andsocks.● Children who are being toilet-trained must bring additional clothes, includingseveral pairs of underwear and clothing.● Coats, gloves, hats and long pants are needed for outdoor play and should bebrought as soon as cooler weather begins.● A full day’s supply of diapers for infants, toddlers and twos is required for a child tobe admitted each day.BirthdaysBirthdays are special days to celebrate! In order to be consistent and mindful of eachfamily’s means and needs, please use the following guidelines:● Contact the teacher in advance to make arrangements.● Simple store-bought food/treats such as fruit, doughnut holes, cheese and crackers,and muffins are good choices to be shared at snack time.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 27

● Other commercially prepared food items brought to school must have an ingredientlist so that the teacher can check for allergy-causing ingredients.The following items are not allowed for health and safety reasons:● Homemade foods● Food that contains nuts or nut oils● Balloons or candles● Candy● Birthday gifts or party favorsHoliday Parties● Holiday Parties are planned by teachers with help from the room parent, who signsup at the beginning of the year.● Parents are requested to refrain from wearing costumes, as they can frighten youngchildren.● Siblings should not attend class parties because of concerns for their safety.Still and Video Cameras● Because of privacy concerns, video cameras are not allowed at school at any time.● Please do not post photos of children taken at the Day School other than your ownon social media.Animals Visiting School● Family pets are not allowed to be present in the Day School.● If an animal is to be present in a classroom or at school as an appropriate extensionof learning, parents will be notified in advance.● Complete documentation for the animal’s health and up-to-date inoculations will beonsite at the school during the visit, and at all times proper care will be taken withthe animal so as to keep children safe.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 28

PARENT INVOLVEMENTHPUMC Day School Parents’ AssociationThe Day School Parents’ Association is a legally separate entity and oversees the activitiesof the Parent Advisory Board and the Parents’ Club. The HPUMC Day School ParentAdvisory Board consists of elected parents serving a two year term. The Advisory Boardmeets monthly in an advisory/consultative capacity to Day School administration. Parentsrepresent all segments and ages of children in the program. Dates for meetings are postedin advance, and interested parents are encouraged to submit an application when openingsare posted.Parents’ ClubEvery parent of a child enrolled in the Day School is automatically a member of the DaySchool Parents' Club. The Parents' Club leadership organizes several opportunities forfellowship among Day School parents and children throughout the year. Past events includethe Carnival, Field Day, Grandparents Day, Mom's Night Out, and class parties. Parentsinterested in serving as a Parents’ Club leader may fill out a form sent at the beginning ofthe year.Parent ConferencesParent conferences will be scheduled twice a year. However, the HPUMC Day School willkeep parents informed of special problems or situations as they occur. Parents may alsocontact the HPUMC Day School age level Assistant Director or Director at any time with myconcerns and/or questions.Parent ParticipationParents are encouraged to participate in their child’s school experience. Examples of waysto volunteer or contribute include: serving as room parents, helping teachers by preparingmaterials for classroom activities, supporting the staff and teachers through teacherappreciation projects, outreach and caring for our families, and through Parents’ Clubactivities.Parents may visit the HPUMC Day School at any time during normal hours of operation inorder to observe their child’s classroom, the school’s operation and program activities,without having to secure prior approval.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 29

PARENT ASSISTANCEAllison Anne Herrin FundThe Allison Anne Herrin Fund was established in 1984 to provide one-time aid to DaySchool families who need emergency assistance with tuition. It is intended to assistchildren in continuing in the HPUMC Day School despite unforeseen circumstances thatmay affect their families such as critical illness, job loss or family difficulty. Confidentialapplications for the Herrin fund are available from the Day School Director, and donationsare gratefully accepted. The fund will continue until resources are exhausted.Parenting Support and Educational ResourcesFrom time to time, parent education courses are offered by HPUMC Day School or The DaySchool Parents’ Association. The Church has a multitude of faith-based programming forfamilies HPUMC Life Resources.Highland Park UMC MinistriesHighland Park UMC provides love and support to the Day School staff and families throughvarious resources and ministries of the church. Family Ministries partners with parents tohelp you raise your family in the Christian faith.If you would like more information or are in need of counseling, pastoral support, a supportgroup or other resources, please let us know. We will help you get in contact with aministry leader or pastor.HALF DAY PROGRAMArrival● The doors of preschool classes open at 8:45 each morning.● If you arrive at HPUMC before 8:45, you are welcome to visit the library oraquariums.● Please take your child to his/her classroom at 8:45 and not before, as the teachersneed time to set up the rooms before children enter.● Please sign in and be sure that the teacher knows that your child has arrived.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 30

● If you need to speak with a teacher, please send a message through Brightwheel sothat she can respond at a later time. Our teachers want to remain focused on thearrival of the children at drop-off time.Snacks● A healthy snack will be provided mid-morning each day, including muffins, a varietyof crackers, fruit, yogurt, bagels, cereal and milk.● Please notify your teacher if there are food allergies of which she should be aware.Day School does not serve any food containing nuts, peanut butter or nut oil.Physical ActivityChildren enrolled in the Half Day Program will have a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoorplay each day, as weather permits. When weather conditions prohibit outdoor play, grossmotor activities will be relocated inside.Stay & Play● Children enrolled in Half Day classes have the option of staying until 2:00 onMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday for an additional charge.● Children are to bring a nutritious cold-pack lunch and drink and will enjoy lessstructured playtime with their friends.● Classes of the same age group are combined for this special time.● Stay & Play days missed for any reason may not be made up on another day.Single-day drop-in for Stay & Play requires 24-hour notice and depends onavailability. Drop-in rates are $50 per day and will be billed at the time of service.Toilet Training Requirement● Children enrolling in Half Day classes for ages three and four must be fully toilettrained to attend. Those who begin the year and are not fully toilet-trained will needto take sufficient time off from school to accomplish this developmental step. Thechild’s place in the class will be saved.● Children who wear Pull-ups are not considered toilet-trained. Day School does notallow Pull-ups to be worn as they prevent children from knowing when they havehad an accident.● For more information on the Day School toilet training policy and procedures, pleasecontact the front office.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 31

Dismissal & Late Pick Up FeesHalf Day classes end at 11:45. Please pick up your child promptly at that time.● Children who do not stay for Stay & Play and who have not been picked up by 11:50will be taken to the office. Late fees begin, a $10 charge per family for every fiveminutes that children remain after the designated pick-up time. We will begin callingemergency contacts if parents cannot be reached.● After the third late pick-up, late fees are doubled.● In case of a true emergency when tardiness cannot be avoided, the office must benotified as soon as possible as to when pick-up can be expected.Stay & Play classes end at 2:00. Please pick up your child promptly at that time.● Children who have not been picked up by 2:00 will be taken to the office. Late feesbegin, a $10 charge per family for every five minutes that children remain after thedesignated pick-up time.● After the third late pick-up, late fees are doubled.● In case of a true emergency when tardiness cannot be avoided, the office must benotified as soon as possible as to when pick-up can be expected.● Please note that children are usually tired and ready to go home at 2:00. Please besensitive to children’s needs and arrange alternate times to visit with other parents.● At 2:00 pick-up when All Day children are sleeping, parents are asked to escort theirchildren quietly from the building.ALL DAY PROGRAMArrival● All Day classes are open from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.● Structured educational activities begin at 8:45, and children in the 3’s, 4’s, andBridge to Kindergarten classrooms will benefit most by being present at this time.● Parents are requested not to bring their child to the room prior to 7:30, as teachersare preparing for the day.● Please sign in and be sure that the teacher knows that your child has arrived.● If you need to speak with a teacher, please send a message through Brightwheel sothat she can respond at a later time. Our teachers want to remain focused on thearrival of the children at drop-off time.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 32

● Parents are asked to remain no longer than five minutes at drop-off time so thatchildren can make a healthy transition into the classroom activities.Food service● Children in all-day classes are served a healthy morning snack and drink, a hot lunchthat meets state Child Care Regulation requirements, and a healthy afternoon snackand drink.● Menus are provided in advance and available to parents in multiple ways. A printedcopy of the monthly menu is also available to pick up at the front desk.● Parents are asked to note any food allergies of which the school needs to be aware.● Children are encouraged to try new foods and to eat healthily.● HPUMC Day School provides a nut-free menu for lunch and snacks and requires thatonly nut-free food be brought into the Day School for birthday and holidaycelebrations.● Water is provided in the classroom, as well as on the playgrounds in warmerweather. Parents should provide age appropriate water bottles.Toilet Training Requirement● HPUMC Day School begins the toilet training process in the two year old classrooms.● Toddler classrooms are not equipped for toilet training and most children are notdevelopmentally ready at this stage.● Before parents begin the process at home, we request that you meet with theteachers and supervisor for this age group. A partnership between home and schoolis essential for your child’s success. It is important that your child is showing signsof readiness at both home and school.● Children who enroll in the all-day classes for ages three and four must be fully toilettrained to attend class. This means that a child does not have more than the veryoccasional accident and can change his/her own clothes.● Children who wear Pull-ups are not considered toilet-trained. Pull-ups may beallowed during naptime and on a case by case basis.● Children in the 2’s classes who are being toilet-trained need to have severalcomplete sets of clothes at school.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 33

Physical ActivityChildren enrolled in the All Day Program will have two opportunities for outdoor play eachday, as weather permits. When weather conditions prohibit outdoor play, gross motoractivities will be relocated inside.Children ages 13 months through 5 years will have a minimum of 60 minutes of outdoorplay each day. Infants will play outdoors as tolerated.Naptime● A two-hour naptime is a requirement of the Child Care Regulation MinimumStandards for children in all-day programs up through the four-year-old program.● Children at each age level in all-day classes will have specific times for rest and naps.Times will be posted on the daily schedule in each room.● Parents are asked to bring their children early enough in the day so that they will beready to sleep with the rest of their class.● Children who do not sleep will be asked to rest quietly for one hour before beinggiven a book or other quiet activity.● Children may not be dropped off or picked up during naptime, as it is disruptive toother sleeping children: 12:30-2:30 for infants and toddlers, 1:00-3:00 for twos,threes and fours.Dismissal & Late Pick Up Fees● All-day classes end at 6:00 p.m. At 5:55, all children will be taken to the office forpick-up.● At 6:00, late fee charges begin; $10 charge per family for every five minutes thatchildren remain after the designated pick-up time.● Parents should be prepared to call someone to pick up their child in case of asignificant time delay.● After the third late pick-up, late fees are doubled.● The director will visit with the parents after five late pick-ups to determine if DaySchool’s schedule works for the family. Late fees triple at this point.● In case of a true emergency when tardiness cannot be avoided, the office must benotified as soon as possible as to when pick-up can be expected.● Other than at naptime, when picking up or dropping off is not permitted because itwakes other sleeping children, parents may pick up their children at any time.● Parents are requested to remain outside the playground fence for safety and securityreasons.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 34

INFANT AND TODDLER ALL DAY PROGRAMOur infant and toddler classes provide a safe, nurturing environment for children six weeksto two years old. We are committed to providing a discovery-based program in whichchildren are able to explore their environment through everyday, individualizedexperiences. Parents and teachers work together to provide the best possible beginningsfor our youngest children. Private breast-feeding stations are located on both the first andsecond floors.Safe Sleep PolicyHPUMC Day School Infant Safe Sleep Policy includes the following recommendations of theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) for infants to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/Sudden UnexpectedInfant Death Syndrome (SIDS/SUIDS).● Always put infants to sleep on their backs.● Place infants on a firm mattress, with a tight fitting sheet, in a crib that meets theCPSC federal requirements.● For infants who are younger than 12 months of age, cribs should be bare except for atight fitting sheet and a mattress cover or protector.● Items that should not be placed in a crib include: soft or loose bedding, such asblankets, quilts, or comforters; pillows; stuffed toys/animals; soft objects; bumperpads; liners; or sleep positioning devices.● Infants must not have their heads, faces, or cribs covered at any time by items suchas blankets, linens, or clothing.● Do not use sleep positioning devices, such as wedges or infant positioners. The AAPhas found no evidence that these devices are safe. Their use may increase the risk ofsuffocation.● Ensure that sleeping areas are ventilated and at a temperature that is comfortablefor a lightly clothed adult.● If an infant needs extra warmth, a lightweight sleep sack may be used as long as thechild’s arms are free.● Place only one infant in a crib to sleep.● Infants may use a pacifier during sleep, but the pacifier must not be attached to astuffed animal or the infant’s clothing by a string, cord, or other attachingmechanism that might be a suffocation or strangulation risk.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 35

● If the infant falls asleep in a restrictive device other than a crib (such as a bouncychair or swing, or arrives to care asleep in a car seat), we will move the infant to acrib immediately.● Actively observe sleeping infants by sight and sound.● If an infant is able to roll back and forth from front to back, place the infant on his orher back for sleep and allow the infant to assume a preferred sleep position.● Awake infants will have supervised “tummy time” several times daily. This will helpthem strengthen their muscles and develop normally.● Do not swaddle an infant for sleep or rest.● Being exposed to secondhand smoke increases a baby’s risk of SIDS. HPUMC DaySchool is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is not allowed on the premises.Parents can review information on safe sleep and reducing the risk of SIDS/SUIDS at:HealthyChildren.org.(this section intentionally left blank)HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 36

CONTACTSDay School Office 214-523-2285Amy Lawson 214-523-2251Director lawsona@hpumc.orgPaula Morris 214-523-2220Assistant Director, Infant, Toddlers, & Twos morrisp@hpumc.orgOpen PositionAssistant Director, PK3’s, PK4’s, B2KBarb Wynn 214-523-2178Relationships & Resources Manager wynnb@hpumc.orgJessica Frank 214-523-2171Office & Staffing Manager frankj@hpumc.orgHPUMC Leadership for Day SchoolBrenda Hargett 214-523-2163Executive Director, Operations and CFO hargettb@hpumc.orgRev. Ramsey Jay 214-523-2108Associate Minister, The Feast and Belong Disability jayr@hpumc.orgCommunity, Minister to HPUMC Day SchoolImportant ContactsMedical, Law Enforcement and Fire Emergencies 911Poison Control 1-800-764-7661Texas Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-5400www.txabusehotline.orgTexas Dept. of Health & Human Services 214-951-7902Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.govHPUMC Main Number 214-521-3111HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 37

Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care RegulationA copy of the Minimum Standards of the Texas Health and Human Services, Child CareRegulation and of the most recent Child Care Regulation Inspection Report are available inthe Day School Office and is also available online here:https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/protective-services-providers/child-care-regulation/minimum-standards.The Texas Health and Human Services website is www.hhs.state.tx.us.Incident Reports to Child Care RegulationHPUMC Day School is required to make a self-report to Child Care Regulation Intake within 48 hoursfollowing any child injury that requires medical attention or any incident that has placed a child atrisk (i.e. lack of supervision). Child Care Regulation staff will assess the level of priority for theinvestigation and respond accordingly. All self-reports will be processed and investigated by ChildCare Regulation.The investigation will include:● HPUMC Day School will provide a written incident report to the parent, which will be signedby the Director or Administrator in Charge and the parent and kept with the child’s records.● Child Care Regulation will contact the parent to discuss the incident/injury.Depending on the incident risk level determined by Child Care Regulation, the investigation mayalso include:● an unannounced inspection of the Day School● inspection of the environment where the incident occurred● review of security camera footage● interview of all teachers and staff involved● interview of verbal children who were involved or may have witnessed the incidentIf a child is interviewed by the Child Care Regulation Inspector, a letter will be provided to theparent upon pickup that will inform the parent and provide contact information for CCR. HPUMCDay School is not allowed to contact the parent while the investigation is being conducted. All CCRstaff are background checked, fingerprinted, and are trained in positive ways of talking withchildren to encourage conversation. This conversation is in the best interest of the child as well asthe safety of all children, and is intended to understand what happened from the child’s point ofview. If the child does not want to speak with the Inspector, they will end the conversation.HPUMC DAY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK | PAGE 38