Important Information

General Purpose:                                                                      

The Purpose of NHLC(FUMC) Christian Child Development Center provides a loving, nurturing, environment in which each child is encouraged to develop spiritually, emotionally, socially, academically, and physically at their own pace. PLAY IS CHILD’S WORK.

All class placements are determined by the current age and development of the child.  Our NHLC program is for children 6 weeks to 5 years (not attending Kindergarten). Our curriculum goals are to expose and encourage children with a variety of units and styles of learning.  Preparing them to transition into Kindergarten as best they can. 

NHLC (FUMC) is a licensed childcare facility and is inspected regularly by the Texas Health and Human Services, The Colony Health Department, The Colony Fire Department, USDA Food Assistance Program and the Texas Rising Star Program.  All our staff are CPR and First Aid Certified and receive a minimum of 24 hours of continued education annually.

All our programs are designed to meet children’s needs at their age level and attention span. Our teacher/child classroom ratios are low to enable the child to have more one on one time together. We offer a curriculum that is enriched with a wide variety of units and activities to encourage all areas of early childhood development.  Our Christian emphasis is geared towards very basic themes that young children can understand and utilize in their world.

Guidelines:

DAYS/HOURS OF OPERATION:  Full time Childcare: Monday-Friday 6:30 am-6:00 pm.  Part Time Preschool:  August through May, Tuesdays to Fridays, 8:50 am-2:00 pm.  Inclement weather days coincide with LISD Public Schools.  Please check www.lisd.net for the latest school closing information.  There are no refunds for LISD inclement weather closing days.

HOLIDAYS:    Full Time Childcare:  We will be closed on major holidays during the year such as 4th of July, Labor Day, Christmas, etc.  Advance notice is posted, dates are subject to change.

Part Time Preschool:  School holidays & closings closely coincide with LISD Public School Schedule.  Calendars distributed and posted for your reference.

No refunds will be given for LISD school closings due to holidays or inclement weather days.  www.lisd.net  

REQUIRED PAPERWORK:

NHLC has five required forms that must be on file for each child who is currently attending childcare.  These forms are the (1) Registration Forms, The (2) Medical Form containing the Health Statement and Vision/Hearing Screening Results,  (3) Immunization Records, (4) FP Assistance Enrollment Forms (5) CCS Waitlist Letter (if you qualify). These forms must be updated each school year for each child.

TUITION:  Full time Childcare: it is always due on Monday of each week. 

Part time Preschool:  it is due on the Tuesday prior to the 1st of each month.  A schedule of Due Dates is posted and distributed for your convenience.   Failure to make payments may result in the withdrawal or your children/child from the NHLC program. You are responsible for paying tuition on time even when your child is absent due to illness or vacation.  A late fee of $20.00 will be due starting the Tuesday of each week and $5.00 more for each day until payment is made regardless of your child’s attendance.   For your convenience, tuition checks can be made out to New Hope and mailed but must be received by our office by Monday of each week. There is a return check fee of $30.00 on all returned checks.  In the event you need to remove your child from the program, a 2-week notice is required.  Tuition rates are determined upon enrollment and listed in your enrollment contract.  We accept payments in person of cash, check or money order.  Online payments can be paid through our Procare software App.  All payments made through the Procare App have applicable fees that will be charged.

ABSENCES:  Please call our office if your child is going to be absent. You may leave a message on the school’s answering machine prior to school hours. (972-625-2459). You are responsible for contacting CCS with the absence. Excessive absences may cause qualifying families to be dropped from the program.

You are responsible for on-time tuition payments when your child is absent due to illness, vacation, and LISD closing days.  No reimbursements are made for days that your child is not in attendance. 

For qualifying families receiving state benefits: Your child cannot be absent longer than 3 days and the only exception is illness.  A note from the doctor must be brought the first day they are back. Please notify the Assistant Director or Director on the first morning of their absence.

LATE FEE:  All children must be picked up at 2:00 pm or by 6:00 pm each day, depending on enrollment.  A late fee of $20.00 will be charged at 2:05-2:10 pm or from 6:01 to 6:10 pm and will increase $5.00 per minute while your child remains in our care.  This goes by our clock.  

PICK-UP and DROP-OFF POLICY:  Your child must be picked up and signed in and out daily by an adult. If someone other than the parent (Mom or Dad) or anyone we are NOT expecting comes to pick up your child, then notification must be made to the NHLC office before your child will be released. Identification may be required of anyone other than a parent or anyone else we do not recognize.  All children are required to be here by our arrival times.  Full time students need to be here by 8:50 each morning and Part time students arrive between 8:50 am – 9:00 am each morning.  Babies enrolled in the Baby Room are the only exception.  If you have an appointment scheduled for your child, please let us know.

FIELD TRIPS:  The 3’s & Pre-K classes could take a walking field trip at the end of the school year.  We will provide a 2-week notice.  A signed permission slip will be required to attend.  Parents have an opportunity to be chaperones.  There will not be alternate care provided for children in those classes not attending their planned field trip.

PARENTS NEEDING TO UPDATE ANY INFORMATION:  If you are needing to update any information we have on file for your child, please send an email to newhope@fumctc.org. 

IMMUNIZATIONS:  The state requires that current immunization records be on file for all students in attendance.  It is the responsibility of the parent of each child to make sure we have the most updated records for your child.  We follow the Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Childcare and Pre-K facilities.  A child may not be allowed to attend until records are current and complete and risk the chance of being dropped from the program and losing their spot.  No refunds will be given for any fees or tuition.

Vision and Hearing screenings with the proper documentation are required for all 4-year-olds enrolled.

STAFF IMMUNIZATIONS: We do not require immunizations of our Staff.

ILLNESS:  Your child cannot attend school if their illness prevents them from participating comfortably in school activities inside and outside including outdoor play or if the illness or behavior results in a greater need for care/supervision of your child then the staff can provide without compromising the health, safety, and supervision of the other children in our care.  It will be necessary for your child to be picked up within 30-45 minutes after being notified by our staff that your child is ill.  If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms:  A tympanic (ear) temperature of 100 degrees or more that might be accompanied by behavior changes or other signs, vomiting, uncontrolled diarrhea (two or more stools not contained or causing soiled pants or clothing), lethargy, abnormal breathing, mouth sores, behavior changes, possibility of pink eye, undiagnosed rash, scabs, redness or any abnormality of the skin, head lice, or any other signs we will be notifying a parent or emergency contact to pick up your child.  Also, if your child is experiencing any of the previously stated symptoms at home, then they would need to remain at home and/or go to the doctor.  All children need to be fever free AND symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school without a fever reducing medication being given.  We follow the communicable disease exclusions required for licensed childcare facilities as defined by the Texas Department of State Health Services.  It is important to be healthy when attending to protect the other children and our staff.

HEALTH CHECKS:  Upon entering the facility each day, your child’s temperature will be taken.  Hand sanitizer or washing of the hands could be requested.  Each child will be observed by our staff for any noticeable marks and/or possible symptoms of illness listed under our “ILLNESS” section of this handbook.  If anything is noticed by our staff, we will determine if your child is able to be in attendance.

MEDICATIONS: Medication cannot be given to your child without written authorization.  This includes over the counter drugs.  We do not keep any medications on the premises other than those currently being used by a student.  You are required to sign in your child’s medicine on the Medication Log each time we are to administer medication to your child, this log will be posted in your child’s classroom.  We do not give medication “as needed”.  A parental decision is needed in order for us to administer medication to your child.  All medicines must be in the original container and must be labeled with the child’s name, age, written directions from the physician and/or parent as to when the medicine is to be administered and the dosage required.  Inhalers or medication of any kind CANNOT remain in your child’s bag as this could be a hazard by being accessible to other children.  As a courtesy, we ask that you please notify the school office if your child will be absent.  Please be aware of the health of your child and others by observing this policy.

SUNCREEN & BUG SPRAY:  If your child requires sunscreen or bug spray to be applied while in our care a medication form must be signed.  It falls under our medication policy. 

MEDICAL EMERGENCY: 

We will attempt to contact parents/guardians in the event of any medical emergency.  911 will be called if immediate health care is deemed necessary.

BREASTFEEDING: We will provide a private place with a seat that enables a mother to breastfeed her child. You can breastfeed your child anytime that is needed and/or provide breast milk for feedings.

SAFE SLEEP:  This applies to babies until they reach the age of 12 months.  All babies must sleep in a crib, be put to sleep on their backs, no swaddling, sleep sacks used if needed, snug fitting fitted sheet used, no items inside the crib.  Blankets cannot be used inside their crib until they reach the age of 12 months.

NAP TIME:  All full time children and any part time children that are in the 2’s class and under will be taking daily naps.  Nap mats, nap mat covers, and blankets are provided and sanitized regularly for each child. 

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN:  We have an emergency preparedness plan in place, it is posted on our information board in the hallway, and available for review at any time.  All children and staff will relocate to Valero Gas Station @ 5208 S. Colony Blvd. if we are NOT able to remain and/or reenter the building safely.

MEALS & SNACKS:  BREAKFAST/LUNCH/SNACKS:  The school will offer a nutritious breakfast, lunch, morning & afternoon snack for each child. Have your child finish all food/drinks before entering the school. Have your child finish any and all outside food and drinks before entering the facility.  Please do NOT bring in any outside food or send in any snacks, sodas, candy, gum, glass containers, restaurant/fast food at any time.  We follow USDA Guidelines outlined by the Department of Agriculture for all food and meals offered as well as State guidelines.  We are NOT a “peanut free” facility.  Please let us know if your child has special medical food needs or medical allergies. Meal serving times are as follows:  Breakfast:  7:30-8:15 am, AM Snack:  9:30-10:00 am, Lunch:  11:30 am-12:15 pm, PM Snack:  2:45-3:30 pm.

DISCIPLINE:  Redirection, thinking time, and time-outs will be used for behavior problems. Active play time is not restricted as punishment. Parents will be notified if the situation warrants immediate attention. Dismissal from the program is under the discretion of the Director with authority from the Church Board.

CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR & WITHDRAWAL FROM PROGRAM:  All above discipline listed is used.  Teachers, Assistant Director, and Director will address and document behavior we deem to be challenging.  Communication of challenging behavior will be expressed to parents through phone conversations, written notes, and in person conversations.  Ongoing communication to discuss strategies and concerns will be addressed as often as we deem necessary to keep the parents aware of issues and/or progress.  Dismissal from the program is under the discretion of the Director with the authority from the Church Board.  We will make every attempt to seek a resolution that works for the safety of all our children & staff.  In the event you need to withdraw your child from the program, a 2-week notice is required.  Tuition rates are determined upon enrollment and listed in your enrollment contract.  If possible, we will give 2 week notice upon dismissal.

OUTDOOR PLAY & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: There are many benefits to physical activity and play outside.  Fresh air in a large space contains fewer germs, provides a wider variety of opportunities for sensory stimulation through sounds, smells, and textures.  It enhances fitness and general health and supports creativity, learning, and development. Also, provides for greater freedom and flexibility and fuller expression through loud talk, and a greater range of active movement. Outdoor play on the playground is scheduled every day, mornings and afternoons for the Walker class through the PreK.  For infants, daily opportunities are given as weather permits.  Some examples of play on the playground are climbing, balls, riding & pushing toys, swings, slides, sidewalk chalk, and running. Dress your child appropriately for the weather and safe play; for example: send a jacket for cooler days and wear closed toe shoes (tennis shoes are best).  On bad weather days, active play is rescheduled to the “Big Room” and/or the “Centers Room”.  Some examples of indoor active play are: dancing & movement to music, simple games such a Duck Duck Goose, marching, singing, tumbling, and stretching.

Outdoor play also extends opportunities for large muscle development, social-emotional development, and small muscle development by offering variety, challenge, and complexity in ways that are not attainable in a confined indoor space.

There is no set amount of time that children must play outdoors in the morning and afternoon. It is recommended that children ages 18 months and older should be allowed 60 to 90 total minutes of outdoor time each day. • Part time children here six hours or less, may have a single outdoor time. Best practice is to offer 20 minutes of outdoor play for every three hours that children may be in care.

SPRINKLER PLAY: We sometimes have outside sprinkler play and use water tables on the playground.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS:  All of your child’s property needs to be marked with their name. Such as: diapers, backpacks, jackets, etc…

All toys, jewelry, books, belonging to your child need to be left at home unless it is requested by your child’s teacher. We will not be responsible for broken or lost items.

CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS:  All children need to come to school each day wearing appropriate comfortable clothing and shoes for participating in typical preschool age-appropriate activities.  Clothing needs to be easily removed by the child’s teacher for changing a diaper AND for the child learning to use the potty AND for the child that knows how to use the restroom independently.  Closed toe play shoes are highly recommended for safety each and every day.  Girls wearing skirts or dresses need to be wearing shorts as well under their dresses or skirts.  Preschoolers are messy and we do messy activities, please keep that in mind when dressing your child.  Cold weather days, please send a jacket/coat as we go outside every day. 

WHAT TO BRING IN YOUR CHILD’S BACKPACK:  All children need an extra set of clothes (don’t forget underwear and socks) in their backpacks. Please provide diapers/pull ups for each day/week for children not potty trained. Bring formula or breastmilk for infants/babies.  It is highly recommended for us to keep some extra breastmilk or formula here for your infant/baby.  There is a refrigerator and freezer available to store infant/baby breastmilk and formula.  All bottles need to be labeled with your child’s first name and the initial of their last name.  Pacifiers are used in the infant/baby room as needed, please provide one to stay with us if your infant/baby requires one.

SCREEN TIME: TV, DVD, video watching, and computer use are prohibited for children under the age of two.  Screen time is limited to 45 minutes per day for children ages 2 and up.

FAMILY PARTICIPATION:  There are some opportunities available for families to come and enjoy planned activities.  For example:  Open House, Meet the Teacher Night, Halloween Parade, Christmas Program, PreK Graduation.  Information will be sent home with details on any planned activity that family and friends are invited to. 

PARENT CONFERENCES:  Parents are welcome to request an appointment for an in person or phone conference with their child’s teacher, Director, and/or Assistant Director.  Upon receiving written evaluations on your child, a conference can be scheduled upon parent or teacher request.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS:  Birthdays are special days for all our students. Invitations cannot be handed out at school by parents or students unless the entire class is included. We cannot pass out invitations or be held responsible. Birthdays will be recognized here at school in a manner that is fair to all our students.   Cookies, cupcakes, etc. are permitted, but please discuss this with your child’s teacher prior.

ANIMALS:  Parents must be notified when animals are to be present.  Proper documentation showing vaccinations is also required.  For complete state guidelines concerning animals, please contact the NHLC office.

PARENTAL CLASSROOM VISITS/OBSERSATIONS:  This facility has an open-door policy to all parents to observe their currently enrolled child.  To keep disruptions of the classroom schedule down to a minimum, we ask that parents do this in a respectful manner.  All visitors must adhere to school policies & procedures while in the facility.

GANG FREE ZONE: Under the Texas Penal Code, any area within 1000 feet of a childcare center is a gang free zone, where criminal offenses related to organized criminal activity are subject to harsher penalties.

RELEASING OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBERS/EMAIL ADDRESSES: New Hope will not be able or responsible for giving out any of the above information concerning students, parents, and/or staff.

PROCEDURES FOR SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE SERVICES TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL CARE NEEDS: We will provide a child with special care needs with the accommodations recommended by a health care professional, or a qualified professional affiliated with the local school district or early childhood intervention program.  We will utilize as recommended any adaptive equipment that has been provided to the center for a child’s use.  Ensure that a child who receives early intervention services or special education services can receive those services from a qualified service provider at our facility with parental request and approval.  Ensure that activities integrate children with and without special care needs.  Ensure that caregivers adapt equipment and procedures and vary methods as necessary to ensure that you care for a child with special needs in a natural environment.

PARENT NOTIFICATIONS:  Written notes from the Director and your child’s teacher will be sent home periodically.  Any changes to the above policies will be sent home in written form or posted on our website.  Any questions/concerns about the above policies need to be directed to the Director. Communications could be sent home in written form, through our Procare App, our Private Facebook page, and our website.

Daily Activities for 2 and under are posted and sent daily through the Procare App.

PARENT RIGHTS:  A parent of a child in our care has the right to:  enter & examine our facility, file a complaint against us, review our operation’s publicly accessible records, review our operation’s written records concerning their child.  Receive from our operation:  HHSC’s inspection reports, information regarding how to access our compliance history online via Search Texas Child Care.  Have us comply with a valid court order signed by a judge that prevents another parent from visiting or removing the parent’s child from our operation.  We will provide the contact information for Child Care Regulation, including the department’s name, address, and telephone number.  Obtain a copy of our operations policies & procedures.  Review upon request, staff training records and in-house curriculum. To be free from any retaliatory action by our operation for exercising any of their parent’s rights.

ABUSE & NEGLECT: All our employees are required to attend annual training and required to report any suspected issues regarding abuse & neglect. We are an advocate for all children.  We have our methods for increasing employee and parent awareness regarding abuse or neglect and to take necessary action in reporting and coordinating with community organizations.

Child Abuse Hotline:  1-800-252-5400

www.txchildcaresearch.org.

STATE LICENSING: To review a copy of the minimum standards set forth by the state and/or most recent Licensing inspection report refer to the Director, Assistant Director

and/or visit the website at www.txchildcaresearch.org Local licensing office is open Monday-Friday 8-5.  Intake # 214-583-4253.

TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES:  535 S Loop, Suite 2001, Denton, Texas 76205.  Website:  hhs.texas.gov and Hotline:  800-252-5400

Policies are reviewed annually and updated as necessary.  

Revised September 2024