Foundations Early Learning Preschool Family Handbook | First Baptist Church of Lake Wales

HomeFoundations Early Learning Preschool Family Handbook

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” 1 Corinthians 3:11

FAMILY HANDBOOK

A MINISTRY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LAKE WALES

338 E Central Avenue

Lake Wales, FL 33853

(863) 678-0021

We are so excited to have you at Foundations Early Learning!

Dear Parents,

We sincerely appreciate your decision to entrust Foundations Early Learning with the important task of supporting your child’s early learning years. This handbook aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of our new and exciting program. Our dedication is unwavering in ensuring your child’s safety, structured growth, and nurturing environment to help them reach their full potential. We are committed to collaborating with you in nurturing your preschooler’s cognitive, spiritual, social/emotional, and physical development.

As a fellow parent, I understand the array of emotions you may be experiencing as you leave your children with us each day. We prioritize fostering close relationships among our staff, parents, and children, and maintain an open-door policy to encourage communication, trust, and understanding. Together, we can create an exceptional early learning experience where everyone thrives in the love of God. We eagerly look forward to an exciting year ahead in partnership with your family.

Looking forward to an amazing year with your precious children!

Warm regards,

Barbara Ramos

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28

PART I: INTRODUCTION

Mission Statement

Foundations Early Learning is dedicated to supporting the home and extending the ministry of the church by providing faith based, age-appropriate education for preschoolers.

Philosophy Statement

As a Christian Learning Center, we know that each child is God’s handiwork, created in His image. We are committed to instructing our children intellectually, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. As a unified staff we provide our children with a loving and safe environment. We focus on providing the best, age-appropriate learning experiences while striving to meet the individual needs of each child.

Statement of Faith

We believe…

…the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired by God’s revelation of Himself to man.

…there is only one living and true God.

…God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe.

…Christ is the eternal Son of God.

…the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine.

…man is the special creation of God, made in His own image.

…salvation involves the redemption of the whole man and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption.

...that salvation is through faith by grace, not by works.

...that Jesus Christ must be the Lord of our life.

....in the Second Coming of Christ to take all believers home to Heaven.

Accreditation

Foundations Early Learning is accredited by the Florida Coalition of Christian Private Schools Association (FCCPSA) which is recognized by the State of Florida as an accrediting body for Christian schools. We are a ministry of First Baptist Church Lake Wales.

Staff Information

We are a Christian Learning Center; therefore, each staff member has signed a Doctrinal Statement of Faith stating that they uphold Christian values and beliefs.
To ensure the safety of our students, a background screening has been conducted on all teachers and staff.
Staff are required to have the State of Florida 45 hours of mandatory DCF training.
Teachers are required to meet annual in-service training hours.
Every staff member is CPR and First Aid Certified.
In addition, staff meetings are held monthly for continued awareness in the preschool field.

PART II: PROGRAM POLICIES

HOURS OF OPERATION:

8:30AM - 4:00PM

Preschool Morning Program - Monday - Friday 8:30am - 12:00pm

Extended Care - 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Admission Requirements

Foundations Early Learning enrolls children who have reached the age of 2, 3, or 4 years old on or by September 1st. Children will be enrolled without regard to race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Registration priority is given to returning students and their siblings then to children of members of First Baptist Church Lake Wales. Open registration is then held for the community members. Waiting lists are maintained annually on a first come-first served basis.

Enrollment Policy

Registration applications are accepted on a non-discriminatory basis. A new application must be completed and submitted to the Foundations Early Learning office each year. The Registration Fee is due upon enrollment and is non-refundable and non-transferable. The center conforms to state law regarding school entrance age requirements. To enter a class, the child must be 2, 3, or 4 years old on or by September 1st .

Before beginning school, the following items need to be in your child’s records:

Student Information Form with allergies profile and medical release
Registration Fee (non-refundable)
Tuition Payment Agreement
Immunization and Physical Forms
Copy of Birth Certificate

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is strongly encouraged for the overall development of your child. Children should also be on time to benefit fully from all planned activities and curriculum and to prevent disruption to other students. If you know in advance that your child is going to be absent, please let your child’s teacher know.

Children with Special Needs

Foundations Early Learning will make every reasonable effort to meet the individual, physical and educational needs of each child. The staff will collaborate with parents, doctors, and other professionals to make appropriate accommodations; however, there are limitations to services we can provide. If the director with the assistance of the teacher determines the child’s needs cannot be met within the structure of the program, the family will be eligible for a refund of registration.

Information To Be on File

To ensure the health and safety of your child, the following information is required on file:

Current Medical Examination Certificate
Current Immunizations Record-Form DH680 or Immunization Exemption
Student Information Form with Emergency Medical Release
Signed Parent Handbook Acknowledgment
Copy of child’s birth certificate
Food Allergy Profile (if applicable) All forms must be submitted BEFORE your child’s first day of school.
Signed Written Disciplinary/Expulsion Policy
Distracted Adult Flyer
Influenza Virus, A Guide to Parents

Parents are responsible for keeping them updated. Failure to submit health records by the expiration date may result in your child’s dismissal until the medical requirements are met. Your child’s file is kept in a secure filing cabinet in the FEL office. These files are considered confidential and only a limited number of individuals have access to view them. Parents may request to view their child’s file at any time.

Withdrawal Policy

Parents are asked to inform Foundations Learning Center office 30 days prior to withdrawing your child. You will continue to be billed your monthly tuition unless the Learning Center office is informed of your child’s withdrawal. There will be no reimbursement for partial attendance during that month.

PART III: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Tuition and Payment of Fees

Please note the tuition must be paid in full without deduction for absences, holidays, or teachers’ education conferences.

Registration Fee: $100.00 (payment reserves your child’s spot)

FBCLW Member Fee: $50

Supply Fee: $100 per year

1-Year-Old Program:

Morning Program 8:30am-12:00pm - Monday-Friday - $320/month

Morning Program and Extended Care Options 5 Days per week:

8:30am-2:00pm - $520/month

8:30am-4:00pm - $680/month

2’s, 3’s, & 4’s Program:

Morning Program 8:30am - 12:00pm - Monday-Friday - $300/month

Morning Program and Extended Care Options 5 Days per week :

8:30am - 2:00pm - $500/month

8:30am - 4:00pm - $660/month

Registration Fee

The registration fee is required to reserve a spot for your child. The registration must be paid at the time of registration. The fee is used at the beginning of the school year to cover expenses therefore it is non-refundable and non-transferable. Tuition may be paid on a monthly or yearly basis. We offer several ways to make payments which include ACH or credit card online through the realm.com or the Realm app on your smart device. If necessary, you may pay by check or money order payable to: FBCLW. If payments are not received by the end of the month, your child will not be able to attend until the payment is made. There is a fee charged on credit card and automatic bank draft to cover the cost assessed to FEL through Realm.

Tuition Charges

Monthly Payments: Tuition should be paid on the child’s first school day of each month. These payments are made August through May. Our costs remain constant. If at any time financial situations arise, please come to see the Director. It is our goal to work with all families and be able to minister to your needs.

Sibling Discounts: A 10% discount will be applied to additional siblings. The discount will be applied to the sibling(s).

Late Pick-up Fees: Late pick-up of children will result in an additional charge of $15 per hour after scheduled pick-up time. If your child stays until 4pm the charge will be $5 for every 5 minutes after 4pm.

Returned Checks

A fee of $25 will be assessed for each returned check. However, more than three returned checks will place the account on a money order basis.

Refunds

No refunds will be given for absences and/or holidays when the center is closed.

PART IV: OPERATIONAL INFORMATION

Calendar

Foundations Early Learning will follow the Lake Wales Charter School Calendar. A current copy is attached and can be found at FCLW.com under Foundations Early Learning.

Arrival

Parents must park in the side parking lot, not directly in front of the car line. Use the sidewalk and do not walk across active car lines or allow your children to do so. Please never park in the alley. Computers are set up at the door to sign your child into school. Parents should tell their child goodbye at the class door and allow the teacher to assist with putting away their backpack items in their cubbies and direct them to a morning activity. If your child is upset when you leave, feel free to call the office later and we will be more than happy to let you know how your child is doing.

Dismissal

Dismissal begins at 12:00 in the car line. A car tag with your child’s name will be provided to put on your dash. A Foundations employee will walk your child out to the car, but the parent/guardian must buckle your child in his/her car seat. Our staff will have a tablet for you to sign your child out.

Florida law states: Children 5 years old or younger must be secured in a federally approved child restraint system: Children 3 years old and younger must use a separate car seat or the vehicle’s built-in child seat.

When using the carlines, it is important that parents remember a few important rules:

Follow all traffic signs on campus and drive at a safe speed.
NEVER go around the car in front of you unless directed by a staff member.
Children should remain seated and are not permitted to hang out the windows while the parent is driving.

Parents that choose to pick up their children from the building at noon must park in the side parking lot, not directly in front of the car line. Please never park in the alley. Parents will use the front doors to pick up their child and sign them out.

In the event you need to pick up your child early, please come to the office and you will be escorted to the classroom.

Release of Children

Children will be released only to the people listed on the student information sheet. Please notify the Center in writing if there are any changes in who will be picking up your child. Identification will then be requested from any unknown individual.

PART V: HEALTH AND SAFETY

Emergency Procedures

To safeguard the most optimal learning environment for children, Foundations Early Learning receives annual inspections by the State Fire Marshal, Polk County Health Department, and FCCPSA. These inspections ensure that all fire, health, and safety regulations are met and that FEL adheres to high quality standards regarding teacher requirements, adult/child ratios, curriculum, and other administrative practices.

Procedure Details:

Emergency phone numbers are posted in the FEL office.
The parent/guardian provided, in writing, the names and phone numbers of people to contact if the parent/guardian cannot be reached.
In case of an emergency, a staff member will go with the child to the emergency room and remain until a parent/guardian arrives.
Teachers report in writing any injuries that may occur while the child attends FEL.
The teacher will notify the parent/guardian of any injury requiring first aid treatment.
Teachers report serious injuries to the office immediately.
At least one emergency drill: fire drill, shelter-in-place (lockdown) or tornado drill is practiced each month to prepare children in case of an emergency.
Emergency evacuations plans are posted in each room.
Report strange or unusual activities on campus.

General Safety Practices

Background screenings are conducted on all teachers and substitutes.
Staff are trained annually in security procedures and crisis response.
All staff members are mandated to report any suspicion of child abuse/neglect.
Children are always supervised and appropriate child: ratios are maintained.
Authorized pick-up information is on file and in an emergency notebook.
If staff are not familiar with the authorized pick-up person, identification will be asked for and matched with the child’s emergency sheet information.
Teachers take attendance and monitor the number of children in their care.
Teachers move throughout the playground to ensure adequate and appropriate supervision.
Staff are trained in CPR, First Aid and Choke Saving/Rescue Breathing.
Life-saving medications are the only medications stored and administered. These require written permission from the parent/guardian.
Individuals who serve food wear gloves when handling ready-to-eat food.
Cleaning supplies are stored out of children’s reach.
Teachers fill out documentation for accidents, incidents, and health related situations. The FEL office retains copies of accident/incident forms.
Teachers follow universal precautions for blood-related incidents.

Health and Medical Requirements for Preschool

State regulations require that a physical examination form and immunization form must be current and always kept on file for each child. Your child’s physician will provide these forms. The immunization form and physical exam form must be submitted upon enrollment. The immunization record must indicate a complete expiration date, and the form must be signed by the physician or authorized person. Parents are responsible for keeping these records updated. As a courtesy, the center will send a reminder when immunization or physical forms have expired. Failure to submit Health records by the expiration date may result in your child’s dismissal from the center until the medical requirements are met.

*Some parents may opt for an immunization exemption.

Inclement Weather

Foundations Early Learning guideline for inclement weather in the Emergency Management Center and will be to follow Polk County/Lake Wales Charter Schools closure policy. If Lake Wales Charter Schools is closed, Foundations Early Learning will be closed. Decisions regarding hours of operation will be made as early as possible and shared with parents through texts, emails, and Facebook.

Health Policy

Each child must have a current health form with immunization history signed by a physician on file. Medical exemptions are accepted. Classroom teachers will notify parents when certain communicable diseases are present in the child’s class. Parents are asked to notify the Center when your child is out with a communicable disease.

These are the steps FEL may take when notified of a positive report of a communicable disease:

Notify Polk County Health Department
Notify Parents/Staff
Close FEL for cleaning.
Resume school once cleared by Polk County Health Department.

Allergy Policy

When children are diagnosed with an allergy or there is a known allergy at the time of enrollment, the parent must provide a written note from the child’s doctor. This includes food or other allergies (such as bee stings). If there is a doctor’s plan for care due to the allergy, this must be provided to FEL and must have the doctor’s signature to meet licensing standards. If an Epi-pen is required, it must be in the original box with an appropriate prescription label. In the event Benadryl is to be administered, the medication amount should be written on the outside of the box or on a Ziploc bag to ensure quick dosing. In some circumstances, a class letter may be sent home notifying parents in the classroom that a child in the class has an especially severe allergy. The letter will list the type of allergy the child has and the measures that will be taken to ensure the child’s safety. We appreciate parents helping to do their part in keeping the classroom safe for all children.

A list of the children with allergies will be posted in each classroom and in the office.

Medication

Whenever possible, ask your physician about prescribing medications that can be given at longer time intervals so that the dosages can be given at home. All medication must be in the original container and labeled with your child’s name, instructions for administration, including the times and number of dosages with the physician’s name. It is our discretion as to whether medications will be dispensed that have not been prescribed by a doctor (aspirin, cough medicine). All non-prescription medications shall be in the original container and labeled by the parent with the child’s name, and instructions for administration, including the times and amounts for dosages. An “Authorization for Medication” slip must be completed and signed by the parent prior to the staff administering any medication. All medication will remain in a locked cabinet in the office.

Infection-Control Policy

A healthy school begins and ends at home! If your child is showing signs of illness; vomiting, fever, diarrhea, green nasal discharge, or an unexplained rash within the last 24 hours, keep them home and contact FEL. This greatly reduces the spread of illness at school and helps ensure that your child recovers.

Other examples include:

Chicken pox, conjunctivas, Whooping cough, scabies, Mumps, Rubella, Lice, Scarlet fever, Measles, COVID, Flu

Upon the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child should not attend school with:

Diarrhea: More than (1) abnormally loose stool o Headache of stiff neck
Yellow or green mucus indicating infection.
Persistent coughing o Difficulty or rapid breathing
Severe itching of the body/scalp or scratching of the scalp as this may be lice or scabies.
Pinkeye – tears, redness of eyelid lining, irritation, followed by swelling or discharge of pus
An infected skin patch(es) – crusty, bright, yellow, dry, or gummy areas of the skin
Vomiting
Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
Unusual spots or rashes
Yellowish skin or eyes
A fever of 100.4 or above – the child must be free of fever for 24 hours without medication before returning to school
Also, children must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school.
Unusual behaviors will be closely monitored, and parent(s) will be contacted if other symptoms develop. These behaviors include but shall not be limited to:
Cranky or less active behavior than usual
Crying more than usual
Feeling general discomfort or seeing unwell
Loss of appetite

Children developing any symptoms that require dismissal must be picked up by the parent/guardian as soon as possible. Children will be kept in the FEL office until the parent/guardian arrives. Children sent home for illness should not return to school the following day. Children returning with any of the previous symptoms or illnesses will be sent home immediately, which is at the discretion of the staff.

Sick children shall not return to FEL until the signs and symptoms are no longer present. Foundations Early Learning retains the right to dismiss or refuse admittance to any child if there is reasonable cause to believe he/she is infected with a communicable illness. Communicable diseases such as measles, pink eye, impetigo, hand foot mouth disease etc., shall require a doctor’s written release for the child to return to the center. Please notify the school right away if your child is diagnosed as having a communicable illness. Children returning to school following an illness or surgery are expected to be well enough to participate in the preschool routine. Remember that outdoor play is a part of our daily schedule. If children are well enough to attend school, they should be well enough to join the other children in daily outside play.

Teach your child to sneeze/cough in his or her sleeve and to wash hands often. Teach them to keep their hands away from their face. We will be teaching these behaviors and modeling them throughout the year.

Accident and Illness Procedure

If a child needs immediate medical attention, the staff will call 911. Then we will make an immediate attempt to contact a parent. If we are unable to reach a parent, we will call one of the people listed as an emergency contact person on your child’s record. Please make sure that you keep your child’s records up to date. We ask that you notify us of any changes in phone numbers, emergency numbers, people to contact, etc. Any minor accidents/incidents will be documented in an Accident/Incident report.

Child Abuse Policy As professionals in contact with young children and their families, we are required by law to help DCF become aware of children who may be abused or neglected. According to the law, public or private school teachers, educational administrators, guidance, or family counselors; as well as daycare/childcare workers, are mandatory reporters. It is our policy at Foundations Early Learning to report all suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect to DCF immediately by phone, or online reporting within 24 hours. Our school will offer full cooperation from its staff during the investigation of the reported incident.

Discipline Policy

Teachers and Staff at FEL are pleased to partner together with families to foster the social and emotional development of your child. At FEL, we encourage positive behavior in the following ways.

Allowing the child choices of their activities, equipment, and materials, giving him/her a feeling of control over his/her environment so that conflict with others can be avoided.
Guidance in developing language skills which will help resolve conflict with words and not with inappropriate behaviors such as biting, hitting, kicking, etc.
Model appropriate behaviors and encourage problem solving skills.
Use simple, positive reminders to restate the rules.
Help children understand the consequences of their actions, and if appropriate help them make amends.

When there is an ongoing concern, teachers will contact the child’s parents by way of parent-teacher conference or by behavior incident reports. If a conference is scheduled, the parent(s)and teacher will discuss strategies to promote appropriate behavior and develop a plan for change. If the behavior of concern continues, a child may be asked to leave the program. It is our intent to work together with families to promote a positive experience for their child. However, we do realize circumstances may keep a child from being capable of fully participating in a group program and recognize the program may not be equipped to deal with all circumstances underlying certain behavioral issues. Administrative Intervention may be needed.

The discipline policy will be waived when the following infractions take place:

Foul language
Harmful physical aggression toward students or staff (hitting, biting, kicking, or spitting)
Major classroom disruptions that impede the educational process for his/her classmates
Destruction of property

Aggressive Behavior

Any aggressive behavior (pushing, hitting, biting, kicking, etc.) or words spoken in an aggressive manner will be addressed promptly. The student will be removed from their class, parent/guardians will be notified, and a Corrective Behavior Action Plan will be put into place. Foundations Early Learning reserves the right to suspend or expel any student that we feel acts in an aggressive manner or repeatedly breaks our rules.

If the child is removed from the classroom, the Director will work with the child to help calm down and work through strategies that promote better choices. The Director will contact the child’s family to discuss recurring behavior. If the Director warrants it necessary, the parent will be notified and asked to pick up their child for the day. A mandatory parent, teacher and administrator conference will take place to develop a plan for responding to the child’s challenging behavior. Foundations Early Learning has the right to dismiss any student for the following reasons:

If after a reasonable period, a child or the child’s parents are unable to adjust or accept preschool routines and procedures.
If a child is persistent in hurting or injuring other children or staff.

PART VI: PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parent Participation

Parents are a vital part in their child’s success in school. Therefore, we warmly welcome parent involvement. There are numerous ways to become involved. For example, you may volunteer to help your child’s teacher with a special project or curriculum related activity, help at a class party or program, attend a field trip, send in needed supplies, etc. Due to state regulations, siblings are not allowed to be in the classroom during the school day. We ask that you please sign in at the front desk when you are on our campus. We love our volunteers!

Parent Communication

Foundations Early Learning uses a variety of methods of communication including phone calls, face-to-face conferences, texts, website/Facebook posts, newsletters, flyers and emails or the use of a classroom app. Please read all correspondence, so that you will be informed of school matters. Monthly newsletters with upcoming events will be handed out or emailed to families at the beginning of each month.

Conferences between the parent(s) and teacher are strongly encouraged. This allows for mutually agreed-upon goals to be established, discussed, and reviewed. Feel free to call and schedule a conference at any time you have a concern that you would like to discuss. Please keep in mind that our teachers are busy with their students during preschool hours and are unable to speak or text parents during this time. Please try to schedule a time that would be convenient for both of you. Any immediate concerns or emergencies should be reported to the Director. If there is anything at home that may be affecting your child’s behavior, please let us know. Having a strong partnership with you is invaluable in allowing us to know how to help your child.

PART VII: GENERAL INFORMATION

Curriculum Overview

Foundations Early Learning offers a well-structured, exciting, and fun approach for our students. Our children are learning and growing through play, investigation, discussion, art, music, and movement. Our chosen schoolwide curriculum is Frog Street Press (Toddler, Threes, and Pre-K). The curriculum is designed around the latest scientific early brain development research, focusing on “enhancing the simple joy of childhood while equipping teachers to nurture curiosity through exploration.” The monthly themes are appropriate and age appropriate.

Specific skills such as alphabet, number awareness, phonics, fine and gross motor skills, and written communication skills are integrated into the units. Organized play will be an important learning tool throughout our student’s day. Children will interact daily in self-selected centers that include blocks, dramatic play, manipulatives, reading, writing and art centers. To encourage literacy, our teachers have daily read aloud, oral language, letter and sound recognition, phonological awareness, print concepts and written communication. Each day, our children explore the world of mathematics, through number recognition, counting, patterning, sequencing, time, money, and place value skills. We focus on developing the “whole child” and our teachers individualize their lessons to meet each child’s developmental needs.

Foundations will use ACSI Bible Early Education to help your child learn Bible stories, principles, and grow closer to Christ. Chapel is held on Wednesdays. Our pastoral staff leads in sharing Bible stories from God’s word. Daily Bible lessons and verses from the Bible are integrated into the children’s day. Engaging songs about Jesus connect their learning. Prayers/Blessings are said before snacks and lunch.

Daily Schedule Overview

Each classroom has a daily schedule posted in the room. The following are some components incorporated into each day.

Center Time - Children select from activity areas including Art, Home living/Dramatic Play, Blocks, Reading, Science, Math, Writing, Games/Puzzles or Theme Work.

Worship - We encourage children to start their day worshiping God through prayer and songs.

Circle Time - Large group activities which begins the day with the pledge, introductory songs, weather reports, and days of the week/month/year.

Small Groups - Teachers conduct small group lessons based on the learning goals to reinforce and/or reteach skills and concepts.

Snacks - A snack will be provided to give them the energy they need to grow and play.

Playground - Outdoor play with a variety of age-appropriate equipment, games, and materials.

Birthdays

Your child’s birthday is special to us! If you would like to send store-bought refreshments for your child’s class to share, please speak to your child’s teacher. We would like to suggest sending simple cookies, cupcakes, pudding, ice cream etc. Candy, balloons, and party favors are not necessary. Your child’s teacher will add special activities to make this a special time for your child.

Water Bottles/Cups

Children are encouraged to drink plenty of water to replenish body fluids. We ask each child to have their own insulated water bottle/cup each day to be used in the classroom and outside. Be sure their water bottle is clearly labeled with your child’s first and last name. We do have pitchers of ice water in each classroom and on the playground.

Potty Training

We do not require our 2 year old students to be potty-trained. However, by age 3 your child is expected to be trained. If your child is in diapers, you will need to supply Foundations Early Learning with diapers/pull-ups and wipes. Our facility is a wonderful place to learn as our toilets and sinks are ‘just the right size’.

Clothes

Some of the best learning activities and materials are sand, water, paints, and play doh. Foundations Early Learning makes every attempt to use smocks and washable supplies. However, it is wise to dress your child in easily laundered play clothes that he/she can be comfortable wearing for all preschool activities. Clothing should also foster independence and self-help skills; we ask that you send your child to school in clothes that he/she can manage independently. Children will play outside everyday unless there is rain or extreme temperatures. It is important for parents to provide the appropriate clothing and outerwear for the weather conditions. Please help your child by providing appropriate shoes for safety. We require closed toe shoes with a back. Athletic shoes for your child are best. Girls wearing skirts/dresses should wear leggings, shorts, or bloomers over their panties. If your child wears jewelry or hair accessories, please know that we are not responsible for any losses. A change of clothing (shirt, shorts/pants, underwear/panties, socks) must be sent in a plastic Ziploc bag with your child’s name on the Ziploc bag. This change of clothes will be stored in your child’s class in case your child needs a change of clothes. Please label all clothing items.

You may want to bring in a new set when the weather turns cooler.

Toys

Toys should be left at home so that they will not get lost or damaged. Check with your child’s teacher for information regarding items which may be brought to school for ‘Share Day’. Please do not allow your child to bring any type of weapon to school.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted on the First Baptist Church Lake Wales campus. This includes e-cigarettes.

Lunch

Children should bring lunch and a drink from home. Your child’s lunch should include something from each of the four basic food groups. We suggest a sandwich, salad or cut raw vegetables, cut meats, cheese, hot meals in a thermos, fresh or canned fruit, crackers, pudding, oatmeal cookies, etc. We ask that you do not send carbonated beverages, candy, or gum. Please be warned that foods like hot dogs, whole grapes, nuts, hard candy, and popcorn can be choking hazards. Foundations Early Learning cannot be responsible for the refrigerating or heating of any foods. An ice pack must be included in the lunch box if food needs to remain cold. An afternoon snack will be provided by FEL.

Nap Materials

For those children that stay beyond the morning preschool time, quiet time occurs daily between 12:30pm and 2:30pm. If a child does not wish to sleep, he/she must lay quietly on their mat. FEL requires you to bring a 1” thick (or thicker) kinder mat for your child. DCF strictly enforces the condition of the mats. If your child rips or punctures holes in the mat, you must replace it immediately. Parents can provide a blanket. A small pillow with a washable pillowcase and a soft toy may also be sent in if desired. Nap supplies brought to FEL must be sent in a bag with the child’s name written on it. All items must be able to fit inside the bag. Each Friday the nap supplies must be taken home, washed, and returned in a bag with your child’s name on it. Items not taken home on Friday, due to absence, can be picked up in the office to be washed on Monday. Please remember to send alternative sleep items to be used when this happens until the others are cleaned and returned. Please label all nap items with the child’s name first and last name.

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement Form

I have read the Foundations Early Learning Handbook. I understand that I should talk with the Director if I have any questions not answered in this handbook. I also acknowledge that revisions to this handbook can happen at any time, and that Foundations Early Learning will inform me of any changes.

My signature below acknowledges that I have received and read the entire handbook. My signature also indicates that I agree to comply with and adhere to all policies and procedures outlined in this handbook.

Printed Name________________________________________________

Signature____________________________________________________

Date______________

Please check the box of your choice.

I give Foundations Early Learning and First Baptist Church Lake Wales permission to use photos or videos taken of my child to be used on social media or promotional materials.

I do not give permission for my child’s picture to be taken.