Parent Handbook - Updated 2024

 

Dear Families:

Welcome to Heartland Child Development! We are pleased you have chosen to enroll your child ... we are state licensed, QRS rated and non-profit.

Our directors bring well over 50 years combined experience in the field of child development.  Our decision to establish Heartland is the reflection of our dedication to children, families and professional staff.

We are professional and experienced … yet we want you and your child to feel at home here … and your experience with us a rewarding one.  If at any time you have concerns, suggestions, ideas, or just want to stop in and visit … please do so!  Don’t hesitate … that’s what we are here for.  Again, welcome to the Heartland.

Sincerely,

Mission

To provide an environment that enhances the well being, development and advancement of both children and professional staff.

Faculty

Nothing is more important than an experienced, educated, well-trained staff dedicated to the field of child development.  Our directors have a vast amount of experience.  Our staff is carefully selected with regards to training, education, commitment to children and experience.

All staff meet the state guidelines for hiring, continuing education, CPR, First Aid, State of Iowa “Essentials”, Mandatory Child Abuse training, Universal Precautions, Passport to Early Childhood Education, etc. All staff have been fingerprinted + criminal history background check.

Heartland strives to hire those who already have their degree, national credential in child development, paraeducator’s license with early childhood endorsement … or are in the process of achieving it. If a new hire does not already have or are in the process of achieving … Heartland will, along with the new hire, establish a professional development plan for additional education. We may, at times, hire interns/assistants/substitutes to work with our regular, full-time faculty. Interns are typically students who are planning a career in a related field and are working to gain experience.

Because Heartland’s mission statement includes the development and enhancement of both children and staff  … we believe by hiring quality faculty and providing them with continuing education, above and beyond what the state requires, better than average pay in the field, and benefits we will, in turn, have better programming for your child.

Heartland regularly awards scholarships to fund adults entering/continuing their studies in child development/early childhood education.

Admissions

Heartland Child Development is dedicated to providing quality child development programs to children through the following:  prek/preschool  (year round), toddlers (year round), nursery (year round) and school age summer day camp (June – August).

To Register:  January is reserved for current families to re-enroll.  February begins open enrollment for the public.  Enrollment packets and registration fee must be submitted prior to actual attendance  …  including physicals and immunization record (submitted on Iowa Department of Public Health form).  Packets are available by contacting Heartland at (712) 256-1877 or via our website: www.heartlandchild.com.  Space is limited in all programs.

Contacts and Standards

Should you have questions or concerns, please contact us at any time here at Heartland Child Development.  We will be pleased to visit with you … your input is valuable to our future planning. General parent information, calendars, newsletters are posted on the bulletin board near the sign in/out table, emailed via our communication app, as well as on Heartland's website: www.heartlandchild.com.  You can also email us at:  heartlandchilddev@outlook.com

We pride ourselves in strictly adhering to current State of Iowa guidelines for centers.  Should you need further information on these regulations, a copy of the standards is available upon request from a director or contacts the Department of Human Services, 417 East Kanesville Boulevard, Council Bluffs, IA.

Non-Profit Status

Heartland Child Development is a nonprofit 501 (3) (c) organization as designated by the I.R.S. and accepts monetary and in-kind donations.  Tax receipts will be provided.

Parent Handbook Availability

Parent Handbook is available online at www.heartlandchild.com or in printed form upon request.

If special assistance is required to interpret the Parent Handbook (reading assistance, translations, internet access, etc.)  please contact Heartland Child Development.

Notice

Policies and procedures listed are subject to change at anytime with two weeks written notice.

Parent Orientation / Tours

We offer a Parent Orientation each year just prior to school starting (date is noted on the Registration Form and a confirmation letter with a reminder date is sent out mid-summer). Orientation helps acclimate new and returning families to Heartland policies and procedures.

Individual tours / appointments are available prior to registration. Please contact Heartland via email at heartlandchilddev@outlook.com or at (712) 256-1877 to schedule a personal visit.

Parent Handbook / Manual, which includes policies and procedures, is available in written form upon request during Orientation or Tour, or may be found online at www.heartlandchild.com As part of each child’s required paperwork, parents acknowledge and sign that they understand Heartland the policies and procedures as detailed and agree to support them as written.

Families who require assistance with translation / reading / other accommodation to understand the information provided, please contact Heartland administration so that accommodations can be provided / secured (translator, reading presentation of policies and procedures, etc).

Special Programs / Ceremonies

Christmas programs will be held prior to winter break.  Info will be provided in the December newsletter.

Graduation ceremony will be held in mid-May for students going on to kindergarten in the fall.  Info will be provided in the May newsletter.

Additional Program / Class Information

Additional Information specific to individual programs / classes is available under the “Programs“ tab.

Supervision / Student Numbers / Classrooms

All requirements for supervision training are included in the introductory training at Heartland, as well as State of Iowa Essentials and Passport to Early Childhood trainings.

Policies

• Children will be signed into school by parents upon arrival. Teachers will also check children in on the app. By 9:00 a.m., teachers will record number of students on the marker / chalk board posted in classroom. Children will be checked out via the app. Children will be signed out by parents upon pick up. Name to face attendance is conducted periodically throughout the day via the app.
• Teachers must remain in classroom / on playground. If an emergency arises, teacher must notify another teacher of their absence and seek coverage when required. Nursery ratio must be maintained at all times (even for restroom breaks).
• Cell phone usage is NOT allowed in the classroom or playground.
• Teachers must station themselves in the classroom in a way that all areas of the classroom can always be seen by one or both teachers.
• During diapering/toileting (as applicable to individual classrooms) … one teacher should conduct diapering/toileting, while second teacher maintains visual site lines on all other children.
• During snack / meal set up … one teacher will conduct a group activity while second teacher preps tables and sets up. Toddler and Beginning Preschool classrooms … food will be plated and brought to classroom. Teachers will sit with students during snack / meal time.
• During quiet time … once children are settled / sleeping … one teacher will break while second teacher maintains visual site lines on all other children, then teachers will alternate to accommodate the other break. Ratio will be maintained within the building. Nursery teachers will break together while two administrators cover.

Student Numbers / Classrooms

Heartland Child Development is licensed by the State of Iowa Department of Human Services for 90 children on the premises at one time 0 - 12 years old. Heartland classrooms include:

Nursery:	State maximum teacher to child ratio 1:4
	Average age 6 weeks - 12 months
	Typically 6 infants
Toddler:	State maximum teacher to child ratio 1:4
	Average age 12 - 24 months
	Typically 8 toddlers
Beginning Preschool:	State maximum teacher to child ratio 1:6
	Average age 24 - 36 months
	Typically 12 students
Preschool:	State maximum teacher to child ratio 1:8
	Average age 3 - 4 years
	Typically 16 students
	Students must be toilet trained
Pre Kindergarten:	State maximum teacher to child ratio 1:12
	Average age 4 - 5 years
	Typically 22 students
	Students must be toilet trained
Summer Kindergarten / School Age:	State maximum teacher to child ratio 1:15
	Average age 5 - 12 years
	Typically 22 - 25 students

Playground Supervision

• Assure proper age students are using appropriate equipment. Large climber is for ages 2 and up only.
• Staff to be positioned in such a way that all areas can always be seen by one or both teachers. One teacher near the gate/climbing area and one teacher at the north end of the bike path.
• Staff regularly account for all children using name to face attendance.
• In the event a staff member needs to leave the playground, adequate coverage will be secured.
• Staff discourage children from talking to people walking on the sidewalk.
• Staff ensure children stay clear of the door. If someone opens the door from inside, it has the potential to knock children down.
• Staff ensure bikes should be ridden on the concrete area, not on the fall surfacing.
• Sand boxes should be covered when not in use to prevent debris. When in use hand sanitizer to be available for children to use before/after sand play.
• During “Water Fun Days” … sprinklers / sensory tables / spray bottles / sponges / etc. be used. Adults always stay within arm’s reach of children.
• Wading pools not used.

Field Trip Supervision

• Various field trips will be conducted in all programs. Information will be provided as trips are scheduled/confirmed. A general field trip permission slip is provided in the enrollment packet. Forms of transportation: walking or school bus.
• Leaving the building … “Friendship Rope” for older groups and strollers for younger groups must always be used. Name to face attendance is conducted prior to leaving the building, upon arrival at destination, during stay at destination, prior to leaving the destination, and upon return to building. One teacher should be at the front of the friendship rope, one at the end. Backpack and/or fanny pack with first aid supplies must be taken each time the building is left. Staff and children must cross at designated crosswalks.
• Field Trips: PreK and Preschool classes may be transported via chartered school bus. Beginning Preschool, Toddlers, and Infants must be transported by parents.
• One additional staff member will accompany groups on field trips.
• Backpack and/or fanny pack with first aid supplies must be taken each time the building is left.
• We welcome parents / grandparents / special family friends on field trips. Please know during the field trip, your responsibility is restricted to just your child. You will not be accountable for any other child(ren). During the field trip, and until you surrender your child to a Heartland staff member at the duration of the field trip, you will be accountable for your child's safety and behavior.

Visits / Access / Arrival & Dismisal

Children must be signed in and out each day (with time of arrival/departure + signature of adult dropping off/picking up). Your child will have his / her own personal sign in sheet in the entryway. Children may only be picked up by those individuals you have previously authorized in his / her paperwork. (Photo identification will be required if faculty does not recognize the individual picking up.) If there are individuals who have restricted contact with your child and may not pick up … copies of legal documents must be provided, i.e. restraining orders and custody papers.

If you do not plan to send your child to school, please mark your child as absent on the communication app within one hour of regular arrival time or contact school at (712) 256-1877. If there is no communication from home regarding your child’s absence, Heartland staff will contact families within one hour of regular arrival time.

Our building is secured at all times. Codes will be provided to families upon enrollment and / or as code is changed. Please only share the security code with those individuals who pick up on a regular basis. Otherwise, those arriving only occasionally to pick up can ring the bell and a faculty member will greet them at the door.

We request parents make drop off and pick up procedures brief – approximately 5 minutes maximum. Lingering at drop off can increase tension for your child. Lingering at pick up can be disruptive to classroom procedures and your own child’s behavior.

Heartland closes at 5:15 p.m. Please arrive by AT LEAST 5:10 to allow time to visit with faculty, gather your child’s belongings and exit by 5:15. Please respect that faculty members have school / family activities / professional meetings / other jobs that they need to attend to. An automatic $15 late fee will be charged for any child picked up after 5:15. An additional $1 per minute will begin accumulating at 5:15 p.m. Late fee will be due with next tuition payment. The late fee will be strictly enforced. This is a penalty fee … not a service. Families who pick up consistently late (3 or more times in a program period) will be asked to withdraw from Heartland.

Heartland requires all building visitors to sign in and out with name, date, time in/out and contact information. Our building has secured entrances, so all visitors are let into the building after ringing the doorbell, ensuring that staff have them sign in/out each time.

- Please be advised:  A sex offender who has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor (even if the sex offender is a parent, guardian, or custodian) who is required to register with the Iowa sex offender registry (Iowa Code 692A): shall not operate, manage, be employed by, or act as a contractor or volunteer at a child care center; shall not be on the property of the child care center without written permission of the center director, except for the time reasonably necessary to transport the offender’s own minor child or ward to and from the center; the center director is not obligated to provide written permission and must consult with their DHS licensing consultant first; if written permission is granted, it shall include the conditions under which the sex offender may be present including: precise location in center where offender may be present, the reason for offender’s presence at the facility, duration of the offender’s presence, description of how the center staff will supervise the sex offender to ensure offender is not alone with a child, and the written permission shall be signed and dated by the director and offender and kept on file for review by the center licensing consultant.

Remittance and Late Fees

Payments are to be placed in payment box on scheduled due date (Important: refer to specific program information for details regarding the program your child is enrolled in. This information is listed under "Programs" on this website.)  Payments not made by that due date are subject to late fees of $15 per week.  Outstanding balances over 14 days are subject to dismissal from the program and collection in small claims court.

An automatic $15 late fee will be charged for any child picked up after 5:15.  An additional $1 per minute will begin accumulating at 5:15 p.m.  Late fee will be due with next tuition payment. See more detailed late pick up information under Drop Off and Pick Up.

Within the resources of Heartland Child Development, financial assistance is available to qualifying applicants.  Financial assistance is a 5% - 35% discount and is based on household size, household income and need for care.

Health/Illness/Attendance

A child can not attend Heartland when they have any communicable illness.  This is for the protection of your child, other children and staff.  Fever, discolored nasal discharge, undiagnosed/contagious rashes, lice, vomiting, severe diarrhea, etc. are illnesses that should be dealt with at home for the comfort of your child.  A child with a temperature 100.3 or above will be excluded from care. Children must be fever free without medication for 24 hours to return.  Health Department guidelines are used to determine appropriate attendance for specific illnesses.  Children are observed upon arrival and throughout the day for illness.

Should your child become ill during the course of the day, the parent/designated emergency contact person (if parent is not available) will be contacted for immediate pick up.

If your child is going to be late or absent for any reason, contact must be made within one hour of regular arrival via phone / app / email. If we do not hear from you, Heartland is required to reach out.

Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather Policy

If Council Bluffs Schools cancel / remote learning day due to inclement weather … Heartland is also cancelled / closed.

If Council Bluffs Public Schools have a late start ... Heartland opens at 9:00 a.m.

If Council Bluffs Public Schools dismiss early ... Heartland closes at 3:00 p.m.

If Council Bluffs Public Schools already have a scheduled day off ... we will follow determinations as made by Lewis Central.

As a reminder, full tuition is due regardless of attendance/closings unless otherwise noted in the "Programs" section.

Developmental Assessments / Parent-Teacher Conferences

Utilizing developmental monitoring tools helps staff and parents understand if children are meeting their appropriate milestones.

Heartland screens development within 60 days of enrollment using the CDC Developmental Milestones.

In January and May … Heartland uses a portfolio assessment system that is a combination of anecdotal noting / work samples / Iowa Early Learning Standards (tracked on the Lillio communication app) / Assessment Report Heartland has created to help track skills gained. Heartland uses the information gathered to alter teaching styles / materials / etc. to accommodate each child according to the findings in their assessments.

Screenings and Assessments are specifically shared at Parent / Teacher Conferences held in January, but are available at any time upon request.

If it appears that an enrolled child is not achieving milestone markers, Heartland may suggest additional assessment / resources from outside services such as our local Area Education Agency (release required) or follow up with child‘s pediatrician.

Inclusion

Within its capabilities, Heartland welcomes children of all abilities. Children with needs, differences, disabilities, dual language learners, specialized health services, identified behavioral needs, etc. are open to enroll. Classrooms are inclusive to provide development and self-esteem for all students.

Heartland is open to, and will work closely with, families / related agencies / health providers / etc. via email, personal communication, and the provision of developmental assessments (signed release required). Should professionals suggest specific scaffolding, faculty will strive to implement said strategies to the best of their abilities.

If a child has an IEP, IFSP, health plans, work samples, teacher notes, etc. it will be added to the child’s assessment portfolio. Additional documents may be kept on file by administration.

Should faculty require additional training, it can be provided within their regular professional development plan or upon request. Staff supports are also available via Directors / Lead Mentor Teacher.”

Physical Behavior Policies and Discipline

It is very common for children birth to five years to “communicate” physically … which may include but not be limited to biting, hitting, kicking, pinching, etc. Understanding these developmental stages and the needs of children can prevent such behaviors.

Teacher’s first priority is to be proactive in providing caring relationships and educationally supportive environments that prevent challenging behaviors. These supportive environments include schedules, activities, routines, lesson plans and transitions to positively support individual children and the classroom population.

Additionally, teachers will make every effort to anticipate when a physical behavior may occur. Teachers may practice redirection, modeling, observing and recording behaviors/signs when a child might be on the verge of biting/hitting/etc.

When/if a physical behavior issued occurs, the following steps will be implemented:

• ensure all children are safe
• immediate, clear direction to the child conducting the physical behavior in a firm and calm voice to stop behavior
• child and injury will be cared for; first aid procedures will be administered by staff as needed; support and concern will be given to injured child
• follow up with the child who conducted the physical behavior to determine the cause and reiterate positive behaviors … citing examples such as “let’s use our words when we are upset, not our hands/actions/teeth/etc.”
• appropriate discipline if needed. (see Dismissal Policy)
• completion of an Incident Report as needed to notify parents of child conducting physical behavior and/or injured child; Incident Reports will not name the child who conducted the physical behavior to injured family and will not name injured child to child who conducted the physical behavior’s family; Incident Reports are signed and distributed to families and are also kept on file in Heartland’s administrative offices

If a classroom has ongoing physical behavior issues, Heartland will conduct an informal observation to determine that an appropriate, supportive environment is being provided by teachers. If the environment is determined to be appropriate, individual student behavior will be assessed. Assistance from outside supports may be requested for staff and/or children.

Self-regulation activities are part of daily lessons, faculty provides students with positive verbiage to problem solve during frustrations, fidgets and cozy spaces are available for coping and calming.

Teachers frequently reward positive behaviors with special recognition (helper jobs, stickers, rewards).

Teachers are trained in positive discipline techniques via new employee orientation (Essentials, Passport to Early Education, in-house orientation and continuing education). Corporal punishment is never acceptable and prohibited at all times.

These policies are shared with parents and staff via Parent Manual and Employee Handbook.

Suspension / Dismissal Policy

Heartland strives to provide the best care and learning environment for all enrolled children. However, we do realize that as a private school we may not have all the resources necessary to best address extraordinary learning needs / specialized services.

Should a child exhibit behavioral / developmental / physical issues in the classroom, teachers / administration may utilize the following:

• Determining Need for Outside Services … if an enrolled child is struggling in his / her classroom, teachers may attempt implementing various traditional classroom strategies to support student needs. These may include, but not be limited to, preferential seating, classroom arrangement, class division, initiating tasks, heavy work, etc. If scaffolding is not successful, faculty will initiate developmental assessments, classroom observation, general background knowledge / education / experience to determine if seeking assistance through outside services (for example, AEA, CCNC, CCR&R SEMBA, etc.) may prove beneficial. Staff members will communicate concerns with families via phone calls / classroom app / personal communication at drop off & pick up / Incident Reports. Parents would be presented with a release that would authorize contact with any designated agency prior to intervention.
  
• In Program Suspension … this involves removing a child from an activity for a short period of time until the child can successfully integrate back into the group. Depending on the severity of actions, the student may remain in his / her classroom, be placed in an alternate classroom, or be placed with an administrator.
  
• Out of Program Suspension … a parent / guardian would be required to pick their child up for a determined period of time to provide time / space as a cool down period. Parents would be notified to pick up and an Incident Report would be presented requiring signature.
  
• Dismissal … if the family refuses services / services do not improve the situation / children are at risk, it may be determined that Heartland is not the program to best serve the interests of the child and the child may be permanently dismissed from programming. If a student is dismissed from Heartland, families are encouraged to continue services with outside agencies. Child Care Resource and Referral may be able to assist families by providing them with contact information for alternate centers / home providers that have openings.

In the event that parents have questions or concerns, they should discuss them with their child’s teacher and / or the administration. If a parent is seriously dissatisfied with an aspect of the school's programs or activities, they may wish to exercise their option of choosing another school for their child or children with a two-week paid notice. If serious dissatisfaction results in continued agitation on the part of parents, the administration will assess the impact of such agitation, and after discussion of the matter with the said parents, Heartland may exercise the school's prerogative to have a family withdraw their child from enrollment.

Children may also be discharged if tuition is outstanding over 14 days. Balances are still due regardless of dismissal and are subject to collection by small-claims court.

Heartland will not tolerate discrimination of any kind against its families. Displaying intolerance towards another family will result in dismissal from the program.

What Should My Child Wear to School?

Please send your child to school in comfortable play clothes and shoes. Please do not send them in items you are concerned about damage or stains. Children are here to play and experience their environment. If they are concerned about their clothing / parents getting upset, they may be limiting themselves from potential exploration.

Please send them in clothing appropriate for an entire day. It is easy to take off / add a jacket or sweater to adapt to weather conditions, but teachers do not have time dress / re-dress children in new outfits throughout the day.

Please do not send children with bows, jewelry, etc. that you are concerned about getting lost. Please also refer to the Strangulation Prevention section.

Flip flops are not appropriate and are not recommended except for summer water fun days. Crocs also sometimes hamper stability. Please take note and send your child in safe footwear.

Please allow the teachers to guide, nurture and educate … not monitor clothing and shoes which limits valuable classroom time.

Nap Blankets/Mat Coverings

Nap time blankets, mats and coverings are to be provided by families (with the exception of Nursery).

If you choose a vinyl-type mat for nap, it must be covered with a cloth material (i.e. pillow case).  Nap time blankets and mat coverings are scheduled to be taken home on your child’s last day of attendance each week to be laundered.  Please be sure to return all materials on the first day of attendance the following week.

If applicable, please be sure to place the cloth covering back on your child’s vinyl mat so that it is ready for nap time after laundering.  This is a task that is too difficult for children to accomplish on their own and it is time prohibitive for teachers to replace cover for each individual child.

Toys from Home

Other than child's special naptime buddy or show & tell, children should not bring toys from home.

Lost and Found

Please check your child’s designated space each day to make sure no belongings are left behind.  Neither Heartland Child Development nor its staff is responsible for missing items.  Unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of the program.

FaceBook

Heartland Child Development encourages families and friends to “LIKE” Heartland’s Facebook page.  Please know our faculty is prohibited from becoming “friends” with currently enrolled families / parents unless that relationship existed prior to enrollment.

Photography

Photos taken by Heartland Child Development are sometimes published on Heartland’s website or Facebook page. Heartland does NOT identify students by name. Permission will not be secured for these publications. If photos are submitted to the newspaper or are taken by newspaper staff for publication with identification, permission will secured by parent/guardian prior to publication.

Tax Statements

Tax statements are available only upon request. Families must contact Heartland to receive a statement and they are available January through April each year. Families may also track payments on their own payments using cancelled checks or hand-written cash receipts provided by Heartland. Heartland’s federal tax identification number is 81-0548086.

Accidents

All individuals participate at their own risk.

Should an accident occur while participating in Heartland programming, a report will be completed. Parents are required to sign the report at pick up. Parents will receive a copy and one will be kept on file. Parents are responsible for any care sought and the cost.

Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Heartland Child Development, their officers, Board members and employees, and defend against all claims brought or actions filed, for any and all claims, suits, actions, debts, damages, costs, charges and expenses - including court costs and attorney's fees - and against all liability, losses and damages an any nature whatsoever, including but not limited to property damage and personal injury, including death resulting at any time there from, arising from any alleged acts of negligence, either active or passive, of the participant or any person acting on his/her behalf arising from the activities which are subject to the signed Enrollment Information packet and information contained in this Handbook.

Emergency Protocol

Heartland Child Development has specific procedures for a variety of emergency scenarios including (not limited to):  tornado, fire, intruders, building evacuations, missing child, etc.

Typically, a posting is placed on the entrance doors directing families in the event of emergency.

If the building is evacuated for fire (and weather permitting) faculty and children will evacuate to the parking lot southeast of our school building (church / funeral home parking lot on the corner of South 7th Street and First Avenue).  If extended evacuation / inclement weather precludes outside holding, Heartland will shelter in place at St. John’s Lutheran Church (one block south of our school at the corner of South 7th Street and Willow Avenue).

Strangulation Prevention

Heartland strives to eliminate potential strangulation hazards to keep enrolled children safe.  This includes the following:

• String and / or cords (i.e. lacing activity strings) long enough to encircle a child‘s neck will not be used by children under three. Children over the age of three under can use under direct supervision.
• Classrooms do not have window blinds with cords, looped cords, or tied down devices to hold cords tight. All classroom window coverings are cordless roll down shades.
• Dramatic play items with handles / straps will be removed or shortened.  Ties, scarves, necklaces, boas for dramatic play will only be used by children over the age of three when directly supervised.
• Heartland prohibits the use of pacifier clips and ribbons and / or infant jewelry (teething beads). Pierced ears / earrings are allowed.
• Parents should remove hood and neck strings from all children’s clothing.
• Young children wearing jewelry must be of the “break-a-way“ variety.
• All lanyards in use must be of the “break-a-way“ variety.

Oral Health

Good oral hygiene is important for all children even during the school day.  This includes the following:

• As required, dental contact information is required in each child‘s Enrollment Packet.  If you do not list a dentist, Heartland will input “Center Designee“ on your child‘s paperwork.
• Although daily tooth brushing does not occur while at Heartland, water is provided at snacks / lunch for rinsing following eating.
• Sippy cups and bottles are provided only at meal times and not at naps.
• Heartland participates in the USDA‘s food program (CACFP) and promotes healthy foods for good oral health.
• Age-appropriate oral educational activities are provided, such as dental activities during health week, yearly visits from the local pediatric dentist, toothbrush handouts,etc. .
• Should a dental injury / emergency (knocked out tooth, broken or chipped tooth) ... parents would be immediately notified to determine if a child needs picked up.
• Should a permanent tooth be knocked out, it will be wrapped in a milk-soaked cloth and given to the parent upon pick up.

Tobacco - Nicotine Free Policy

It is not healthy for children to be exposed to tobacco, nicotine, electronic cigarettes and vaping. Additionally, exposure to second-hand smoke can also create risks ... especially for those with respiratory ailments. Therefore, tobacco / nicotine / electronic cigarettes / vaping are prohibited inside Heartland Child Development, on our grounds, in employee vehicles while on duty, and inside chartered school buses. Furthermore, teachers are prohibited from wearing clothing that smells of smoke while working.

Playground Equipment Stability / Fall Surfacing Inspections

Heartland playground has commercial fall surfacing tiles professionally installed around climbing equipment area. Climbing equipment is also professionally installed and anchored as directed in manufacturers guide.

Playground Equipment Stability and Fall Surfacing

• Staff check playground for safety/ maintenance concerns each time the playground is used. Inspection includes but is not limited to missing or broken parts, protrusion of nuts/ bolts, rust, chipping/peeling paint, sharp edges, visible cracks, splinters, rough surfaces, stability of equipment, wear/deterioration, and damage to commercial fall surfacing.
• Staff discard and/or report damaged equipment to directors for maintenance and restrict play in that area until fixed or replaced.
• Directors develop a plan for fixing/replacing damage to playground/equipment and ensure the plan is executed.
• Staff ensure the playground first aid is in its place inside the playground door.
• Health/Nutrition staff regularly check/restock all first aid kits.
• Staff remove debris and stinging insect nests, specifically checking under frequently used equipment such as slides, playhouses, etc.

Nutrition

Heartland participates in the federal child/adult care food program.  It is designed to provide improved nutrition for all participants and to promote lifelong healthy eating and physical activity habits.  In order to implement this program, guidelines require an income eligibility application form.  The form is included with the enrollment packet.  All information collected is confidential and used solely for the purpose of the food program.

All Programs (excluding Nursery):

• (Breakfast is not served and due to scheduling.  We request families do not send breakfast.)
• AM Snack
• Heartland Lunch Monday - Friday
• (Students must arrive by 10:30 or parent must phone by 10:30 for lunch to be provided.)
• PM Snack
• *During the school year, sack lunches are not permitted unless otherwise notified.  During Summer Day Camp, sack lunches are required on special programming days... please refer to monthly calendars.

 

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