Parent Handbook

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission here at Learning Tree Academy of Blue Ridge is taken from Luke 2:52. We strive to create an environment where children can experience the love of Jesus as they grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.

WELCOME

Dear Parents,

Thank you for selecting Learning Tree Academy of Blue Ridge for your child. We are happy to work with you during this special time of your child's life. God has entrusted us to do everything possible to help your child learn and grow. We look forward to building a loving and trusting relationship with your entire family.

We believe that each child will discover their unique personality and abilities while attending Learning Tree Academy of Blue Ridge. This handbook is meant to help you transition smoothly into our program and answer some of your questions. One of our program's distinctive elements is ongoing communication with our parents. So, don't hesitate to call with any comments, concerns, or questions. Our goal is to help you maximize your child's early learning experience. We consider ourselves an extension of your family and look forward to helping your child grow as we partner together to create a support system for your child that encourages confidence, curiosity and an excitement to learn.

In Christian love & service,

Tiffany R. Roath
Owner/Director

DAYS & HOURS OF OPERATION/CLOSURES

We operate on a non-discriminatory basis, open to all students regardless of race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin.

Our school hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm. Our elementary school program hours are 8:00am to 2:30pm.

We close for the following holidays: Labor Day, Veteran's Day, October Fall Break in accordance with Fannin County School System schedule, Week of Thanksgiving, Week of Christmas, New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Spring Break in accordance with Fannin County School System schedule, Memorial Day, 4th of July day and week before new fall session begins.

We try to follow the Fannin County School System for weather closures most of the time. Since we do not rely on busses for the transportation of our students there may be instances where we remain open. That will be decided on an as needed basis.

*There may be exceptions to this and will be modified as needed.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURE

To comply with our licensing requirements, all parents must bring their children directly to a teacher for daily inspection for illness. A parent shall remain with the child until they have been determined to be without obvious signs of illness. Once accepted, the parent is required to sign the child in on the Sign-in-Sheet. When signing in, be sure to use your full legal name.

Please note that cell phones are not allowed to be used in the classroom

DEPARTURE PROCEDURE

When picking your child up, the parent is required to sign out his or her child, thus transferring responsibility for the child from the school to the parent. Your child will not be released to anyone other than the parent or guardian unless their name is listed on your child's emergency form or there is written permission from the parent or guardian. Phone authorizations will not be permitted. We will require identification when picking up the child.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY • OUR BELIEFS

God is the source of all love, knowledge, and truth and it is to Him that we must look to educate the total individual. "God's invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." — Romans 1:20

God's truth and knowledge is revealed through His written word the Bible. "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." — 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God's love for us is revealed in His plan of salvation through His son Jesus Christ. "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die, but will have eternal life." — 1 John 3:16

God has entrusted the training and education of a child to his parents. As a school, we see ourselves as an extension of the home to work together with parents for their children's optimal growth. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right... Fathers don't make your children angry. Instead, train them and teach them the ways of the Lord as you raise them." — Ephesians 6:1,4

Intelligence develops in direct proportion to its nurturing. The critical period for establishing intelligence seems to be early in life. "The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him." — Proverbs

23:24

Play is children's work; it's how they learn. Play calls for initiative, imagination, purposefulness, fine and gross motor skills, and social adaptation. Both formal and informal play experiences are significant factors in encouraging intellectual growth. "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." — Psalm 16:11

Growth takes place in predictable stages. While rates of growth differ among individuals, the patterns of these stages are uniform. Experiences appropriate for each step allow a child to move from stage to stage fully prepared for what is yet to come. "We will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16

Feelings and attitudes are extremely important in fostering learning and a healthy self-image. A positive, optimistic self-concept enables a child to use his capacities well and develop feelings of competency and self worth. "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."— Colossians 2:2-3

OUR GOALS

To provide a rich and challenging environment that encourages children to explore God's world, to be curious, to problem-solve, and to learn through a variety of activities and experiences. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do." —Ephesians 2:20

To provide supportive and caring teachers who encourage children to make choices and decisions in a safe and trusting atmosphere. "Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children." — Ephesians 5:1

To help children live in harmony with one another with opportunities to give and take and resolve conflicts constructively. "And do not forget to do good and to share with others." — Hebrews 13:16 "Serve one another in love." — Galatians 5:13

To accept and respect every child as God's unique creation. "Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord." — Psalm 127:3 "I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me." — Psalm 139:14

To provide a developmentally appropriate, multicultural curriculum. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." — Mark 16:15

To encourage every child to reach her or his fullest potential in all areas of development:

< >Physical: The changes occurring in the body itself, large and small motor skills needed to accomplish a variety of tasks and skills. "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." — Psalm 139:14 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." —Philippians 4:13Emotional: The capacity to express thoughts and feelings. "Be joyful always; pray continually." — 1 Thessalonians 5:16 "Be glad that you belong to the Lord." —Philippians 3:1

Social: The ability to get along with others. "Be kind and compassionate to one another." — Ephesians 4:32 "A friend loves at all time." — Proverbs 17:17
Intellectual: The ability to form concepts, problem solve and develop language competency. "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." — 2 Peter 3:18 "The Lord will give you understanding in everything." — 2 Timothy 2:7
Spiritual: The ability to form a relationship with God through Christian character, attitudes, beliefs and principles of the Bible as appropriate for the school child. "We love God because God loved us first." — 1 John 4:19 "God loves you and has chosen you." — Colossians 3:12 "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22
Method of Learning: Learning Tree Academy of Blue Ridge strives to teach our students all of the basic skills they will need to be successful when they transition to an elementary program. We provide guided learning activities, instructional time, and hands-on experiences to ensure that we are taking full advantage of teachable moments experienced each day. Our goal with our skills based curriculum is to provide learning opportunities that include all of our learning domains: spiritual, social and emotional, visual, and performing arts, math, science, health, and self-help, language and literacy, and physical which includes fine and gross motor. Children are assessed throughout the year so that teachers can adapt the curriculum to the group of students that they have each year.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

All families will have an introductory meeting. This will allow time of discussion to make sure that this program is a good fit for your family and that your child will thrive in this environment. You cannot treat children with a "one size fits all" mentality. If our program and its practices are not an extension of your home than that can cause confusion and stress for your child. This allows us to make sure we are providing the best opportunity for your child to thrive as they take this next step.

Child's Health History

Consent for Medical Treatment

Identification and Emergency Form

Parent's Rights

Personal Rights

Admissions Agreement

Enrollment Application

Financial Agreement

Photo/Medication Permission Slip

Copy of GA Immunization Record: All students must have immunizations required by the State of Georgia and be current in their doses. Students who are not caught up and/or are not immunized due to any other factors are required to provide a notarized copy of Form 2208. There are no exceptions accepted under any circumstance.

Please keep all forms up-to-date by notifying the office of any changes in your home or work phone numbers and addresses. Also, inform school of any temporary schedule changes so we can reach you at all times. Thank you for your cooperation.

CURRICULUM

We offer a full-day program designed to meet the needs of young children to grow and develop at their own individual pace in a loving Christian environment. The Children's day is carefully planned to include times for quiet and active play, rest and relaxation, nutrition, and toileting needs. An experienced and caring staff provides opportunities for intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development from a Christian worldview. Children are given a balance of indoor and outdoor activities, teacher and child initiated activities and small and large group activities. In their various groups, children experience activities including: creative art, science, reading readiness, science, sand and water play, small and large motor skills, crafts, cooking, singing, movement, rhythms, music, dramatic play, language and literacy, math readiness, computers, Bible and social science. Please see a sample copy of our daily classroom schedule to note specific times for activities throughout the day.

BIBLE & CHRISTIAN TRAINING

Bible time is a special time daily for children to study God's word, worship and pray. The curriculum is designed for each age to learn Christian principles through play, art, songs, puppets, object lessons, dramas, and stories. Our ultimate goal is to help every child develop a personal relationship with God's Son, Jesus and experience His love, while growing "in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man." — Luke 2:52

COMPUTERS

It is our desire to cultivate an active and engaging classroom for your child that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, problem solving and more. We believe that the best way to engage a child in their learning is through conversation, play, coordination as well as through hands-on activities. We believe this "old school" style works best for young learners therefore we will not have computers in our classrooms.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSES

Our elementary program is considered “Homeschool” and students are registered with the Georgia State Board of Education. Our class is designed to help children meet and exceed state standards while allowing them time to mature and grow as the individuals they are. Education is not one size fits all. Our goal is to provide every opportunity for your child thrive, learn and even stumble and struggle knowing they are not alone and they can overcome the challenges they face in a nurturing environment focused on the wellbeing of the whole child mind, spirit, soul and physical.

KINDERGARTEN READINESS

DETERMINING APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT: At the time of enrollment we take into consideration different factors in determining the best placement for your student. These things may include: birthdate, developmental readiness, past school experience, and how we think they will do best in our school environment. Teachers and directors will monitor this placement throughout their time with Learning Tree Academy of Blue Ridge to ensure your child is getting the most from our program.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN CLASS

Every effort is made in our Pre-K classes to help each child gain new skills and concepts necessary for Kindergarten at Learning Tree Academy of Blue Ridge. Our goal is to allow your child to grow in confidence as they learn and gain new skills.

TODDLER ROOM

Our goal with our little ones is to prepare them for writing, counting and all the other skills they will need to be familiar with before and entering PreK. This is done through various activities throughout the day. This is also a time where potty training efforts can be supported.

PERSONAL RIGHTS

Children in childcare centers are afforded certain inalienable rights that cannot be denied. This form is also always posted with our facility license on our required postings boards.

PARENT'S RIGHTS

Parents with children enrolled in childcare centers are afforded certain inaliable rights that cannot be denied.. This form is also always posted with our facility license on our required postings board.

CLOTHING

Our school is an environment designed for exploration. Please dress your child in clothing and shoes comfortable for climbing, running, and playing. Tennis shoes and sandals (with a low heel and back strap) are acceptable. Avoid boots and shoes with very high heels, which may impair a child's movement in the environment and jeopardize his or her safety.

Please provide a complete change of clothing (2 pairs of underwear, 2 pairs of pants, 1 top, 1 pair of socks) labeled with your child's name and placed in a bag or ziplock bag to be stored at school. Remember to send rain boots for puddle jumping during the rainy season.

During the summer send a swimsuit, towel, visor or hat, and water shoes for water play fun! Should your child become wet or excessively soiled, we will change his or her clothing. Please take soiled clothing home to be laundered. Replace extra clothes as needed. Please label all of your child's belongings including clothing, sweaters, other outer garments and shoes worn to school with your child's first and last name.

POTTY TRAINING

Most schoolers are using the bathroom independently by 3 years of age. If your child is still developing toileting skills, our teachers will gently guide your child in this area as your child shows readiness. Parents need to supply diapers or pull-ups, wipes, and lots of extra clothes.

DISCIPLINE

"Treat others as you want them to treat you." — Luke 6:31 "Go and make peace with your brother (friends)." — Matthew 5:24

Discipline is a learning process; a way to teach children appropriate behavior. Our program emphasizes a positive approach - being sensitive to children's needs and their self-esteem. We will give your children the tools to problem-solve and express their feelings in acceptable ways. We will praise their efforts to improve. We will redirect unacceptable behaviors, pray with them, and remind them of the rules. When necessary a brief "cool down" period will be given. Length of time-outs are based on the schoolers age using the guideline of one minute per year of

age and not to exceed five minutes. Unacceptable behaviors would be any behavior that causes harm to a friend, disrupts the classroom, or is disrespectful to a teacher or friend.

In cases where behavior problems are in excess, a plan between staff, director, and parents will be implemented. If, after an agreed upon time, improvement is not seen, outside agencies will be recommended. The decision to withdraw a child due to excessive and/or harmful behavior will be made by the Director. This is for the protection and well-being of the children, parents, and staff. Excessive or harmful behavior would be any of the unacceptable behaviors that are consistently happening with little to no improvement and/or an event that poses a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the students or staff in care.

HEALTH GUIDELINES

Keep your child home when he or she is ill. The school may deny entrance to any child with symptoms of illness. A doctor's clearance may be required for a child returning from an illness.

Some symptoms of illness include fever over 100.3 degrees, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive coughing, yellow or green discharge from nose, throat or eyes and a rash. Children should recover at home and be symptom free without medication for 24 hours. This is necessary to ensure the health and well being of all the children and staff.

Please notify the school if your child contracts a communicable disease, so that other parents may be notified about possible exposure. Some common communicable diseases are chicken pox, conjunctivitis, lice, fifths disease, ringworm, and hand, foot, mouth disease.

If your child becomes ill during the day, parents shall be notified immediately and will be asked to pick up their child as soon as possible. We will first attempt to contact parents or guardians, and if parent or guardian cannot be reached, we will then attempt to contact one of the individuals listed on your child's emergency form.

The school has first aid supplies and teachers with first aid and CPR training who will provide emergency first aid when needed. In case of serious injury or illness:

Paramedics will be called first • Parent or Guardian will then be notified • Child will be transported to nearest hospital

For a dental emergency depending on the severity of the injury any/all would apply, EMS contacted, parent contacted, child's dentist contacted for consult and an incident report written.

Medication will be administered to your child only if the parent or guardian completes and signs a Medication Release Form. The medicine container must be labeled with child's name, date, and directions. Prescription medication must be in the original bottle labeled with dispensing physician's name, dosage, name of medication, expiration date, and child's name. Prescription and over-the-counter medication will only be given according to the prescription and/or product label. Some medication services will not be provided due to limitations on staff training. Parents will be informed daily when such medications have been given. All medications shall be returned to parents.

AS-NEEDED MEDICATIONS Along with prescription and a completed medication form, parents must also provide a list of symptoms that indicate the eed for medication. Devices such as nebulizer, epi-pen, blood sugar monitoring, etc. will require additional authorization from the School Director as well as additional necessary paperwork when indicated.

MEALS AND SNACKS

Two nutritious snacks are served daily. Each snack provides at least two servings from the Food Pyramid. The morning snack is served before 10:30am. The afternoon snack is served between 1:30pm and 2:00pm. They are encouraged to taste a variety of nutritious foods in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. They learn about nutrition and practice good eating habits. Breakfast will be served between 7:30am and 8:00am. If your child will be arriving after that time please make sure they eat breakfast before they come to school. Parents are required to pack a healthy lunch for their children. The center does not provide lunch however on occasion if a lunch is forgotten there will always be a lunch provided for an extra charge. We do encourage birthday celebrations and invite you to plan these with your child's teacher.

Please Note: Do not include whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, whole hotdogs or whole sausages in lunches. These are all choking hazards . Please make sure these are all cut into halves or quarters. We also ask that toddlers do not bring popcorn or shredded cheese. Popcorn is another choking hazard and most toddlers like to use their shredded cheese like confetti…lol. It ends up on shoes and in our carpets, etc. Thank you for understanding.

REST TIME

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls." — Matthew 12:28-29

After lunch, the toddler classrooms transform into a place for resting. Mats/cots are provided for all children to lay down on in a quiet area without distractions. Please bring a blanket and crib sheet labeled with your child's name. Your child may bring a special stuffed animal or some other cuddle toy to sleep with as needed for a little extra security. If after a while, a child has not fallen asleep, a book or quiet toy will be provided.

The Pre-K classroom will have a time of quiet activities, however for those children that still require a rest time they will be able to take one in a quiet area. Naps are not required as some children this age no longer take them.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Along with our regular daily practices of circle time, music, writing, math and centers we have a rotation science, music and art. See daily schedule for more information.

BRINGING THINGS FROM HOME

Educational materials like books, nature items, games, balls, etc. may be brought to share with the class. Please keep toys at home. We do not assume responsibility for lost or broken items. Guns, action heroes, knives, war toys, nail polish, lipstick, money, and other potentially dangerous items should not be sent with your child. A special security toy may be brought to help a child adjust to school as needed.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of an emergency closure, parents will be notified by posted sign on facility, email, text or phone call and/or notice sent home as time allows. In the event of a natural disaster requiring children to be transported to a safe location the parents will be informed by phone.

In compliance with Licensing and the Fire Department, drills for fire, earthquake, and lockdown are held on a monthly basis for children and staff members to practice emergency procedures. In the event of a fire, teachers will follow the posted Evacuation Plan to take their class to their designated safe area. In the event of an earthquake, children indoors will take cover under tables and children outdoors will duck and cover away from windows, trees and electrical wires. The school is inspected on a regular basis by the Fire Marshall.

TEACHER TRAINING

"Teach me your way, O Lord; I will walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore." — Psalm 86:11-12

Learning Tree Academy of Blue Ridge employs teachers with specialized training in early childhood education who display a strong commitment to the Christian school ministry. All of our teachers meet the Georgia state mandated requirements to teach our children. Our teachers are encouraged to continue their college education, Bible studies, and Christian service to their local church and community.

INSPECTION AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Department of Social Services has the authority to interview clients, including children or staff and to inspect and audit all school records without prior consent. They also have the authority to observe the physical conditions of the child including conditions, which could indicate abuse, neglect or inappropriate placement, and to have a licensed medical professional physically examine the child. We are required by law to make you aware of this information. It is for the benefit and protection of you and your child.

BILLING QUESTIONS

Please direct any questions or concerns about your school tuition to the Office Administrator by calling the school office or leaving a note. There are two options for paying your child's tuition:

< >Tuition is due the 25th of each month by 4:00 p.mTuition is due bi-weekly BEFORE care is provided. Parent must complete a Medication Authorization Form being sure to include all required information.Learning Tree Academy of Blue Ridge will comply with the specific instructions on the prescription or directly from the physician.

Instructions must include the following:

< >Specific symptoms that require the use of the medication.Potential side effects and expected response.Amount to be administered and how often.Action to be taken in the case of side effects.Instructions for medication storage.The telephone number and address of child's physician.Instructions will be updated as needed per the prescription.The staff member administering the medication shall record it on the Medication Authorization Form, for every occurrence. This record will be accessible to the parent at any time for review.Nebulizers: Parents will be responsible for supplying all equipment in working order and maintaining or replacing it as needed.

The following applies to the use of Nebulizers: 1. Parent must complete a

Nebulizer consent form (LIC9166) giving authorization to a school representative to administer the medication, as well as contact information for the child's physician. Consent must include the address and phone number of the child's parent.

Learning Tree Academy of Blue Ridge will comply with the specific instructions from the child's parent.

Instructions must include the following:

< >Specific symptoms that require the use of the medication, or a detailed schedule.Duration of treatment.Potential side effects and expected response.Dose-form and amount to be administered pursuant to the physician's prescription.Actions to be taken in the case of side effects.The telephone number and address of physician.Instructions on how to clean and store the machine. < >Staff member will clean mask, cups, and/or mouthpiece in the way specified by instructions or parent. a. Instructions will be updated as needed per prescription.The staff member administering the medication shall record it on the Medication Authorization Form, for every occurrence. This record will be accessible to the parent at any time for review.EpiPen Jr. and EpiPen

The following applies to the use of the EpiPen Jr. or the EpiPen:

< >Parent must complete a Medication Authorization Form being sure to include all required information.Use in accordance with the direction and as prescribed by a physician. Keep ready for use at all times a. EpiPens are kept in a high cabinet in the child's classroom. They are out of reach of the children, but easily accessed by an adult if needed.Protect from exposure to light and extreme heat.Note the expiration date on the unit and replace the unit prior to that date.Injector will be checked regularly to ensure the solution is not discolored. If it is found to be parent will be notified so that a new one can be obtained. Physician will be contacted on how to proceed in the interim.In the event of a child needing the medication administered, 911 and the parent or authorized guardian will be called immediately after.Licensing will be contacted to communicate the incident 9. Unusual incident (LIC 624) completed and reported according to regulations and a copy kept in child's file.Prescription Medication The following applies to the administration of prescribed medication:< >Parent must complete a Medication Authorization Form being sure to include all required information.Medication will be given according to the prescription label as prescribed by the child's physician.3. Once medication term is completed it will be returned to parent and logged, out.

Over-the-counter Medication The following applies to the administration of over-the-counter medication:

< >Parent must complete a Medication Authorization Form being sure to include all required information.Medication must be in the original container and packaging. Medication must specify a dosage for the age of the child receiving it. a. of the medication, the dosage, the method of administration, and the time schedule it is to be given.Once medication term is completed it will be returned to parent and logged out.