A Child's Way

A Child’s Way has been accredited by The National Academy of Early Childhood Programs (NAEYC) since 1997.  National accreditation is a voluntary process in which the directors, staff, and parents join with representatives of the Academy to determine whether the program meets nationally recognized criteria for high quality early childhood programs.  The Academy defines a high quality early childhood program as one that meets the needs of and promotes the physical, social emotional, and cognitive development of the children and adults who are involved in the program.  Each day of a child’s life is viewed as leading toward the growth and development of a healthy, intelligent, and contributing member of society.  Accreditation gives A Child’s Way the recognition by our Early Childhood profession that our program is one of the best in the nation by meeting high quality standards for the children, the parents, and the staff.  We, as a staff, feel this is an important credential because the State of Oregon does not license preschool.

Short videos from NAEYC:

• NAEYC Accreditation video--The Right Choice for kids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge30ELAtQes
• NAEYC Accreditation video--Your accedited program: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa0gcfnD17E

The children enjoy sharing their birthday with all of their classmates. Birthday celebrations at school are to be low-key. Teachers will acknowledge birthdays by singing "Happy Birthday" and giving each birthday child a crown. WE REQUEST THAT YOU DO NOT SEND FOOD OR PARTY FAVORS, SAVING THESE SPECIAL TREATS FOR HOME PARTIES.

We know that you will understand our request that invitations to birthday parties not be brought to school to be distributed unless every child in the class is invited. Also, do not send gifts to school for a party after class.

A Child’s Way provides several areas on the school campus to support breast-feeding.  Families may use the staff kitchen, the Chapel, or the Parent Discussion Room. If these areas do not fit your needs, please see the directors for assistance.

As early childhood professionals, each Child’s Way staff member is legally required to report suspected child abuse and neglect to appropriate protective authorities.

Upon the notification that a staff member has been accused of abuse or neglect:  the staff member will be removed from the classroom and asked to remain off campus. This removal from campus remains in effect pending the investigation by Washington County DHS.  This action is meant to protect both rights of the staff member and the child.  

If the Beaverton School District does not have school because of inclement weather, A Child’s Way will not have school. If there is a two hour delay, we will not have morning classes. Please look at the home page of our web site for closure updates or listen to the radio or TV newscasts for school cancellation notices. We also try to update our phone message with closure information. It is important that you listen for these announcements since we will not phone you. WITH ALL THAT BEING SAID, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE IF WE FEEL THE CIRCUMSTANCES POSE A DANGER TO PARENTS OR TEACHERS TRANSPORTING CHILDREN.

We cannot refund tuition for days missed for the following reasons: inclement weather, acts of God, failure of power, illness affecting more than 50% of the school personnel and administration, riots, war, terrorism, governmental laws or regulations, or other causes beyond the control of A Child's Way Kindergarten-Preschool. Refunds are not an option because our expenses continue despite such unforeseen circumstances.

Play clothes are best because the children play on the floor a great deal. Soft-soled shoes with traction are highly recommended. Please write your child’s name on any removable clothing, such as coats, hats, mittens, and boots. Please dress your child in clothing which he/she can manage independently. Belts, bib-overalls, and zippers are difficult for some young children to manage.

Our teachers are encouraged to arrange field trips which are developmentally appropriate for their class. Parents will then sign an additional class sign-in form acknowledging each specific field trip as it occurs during the school year. Children without signed permission slips will not be able to go on the scheduled field trip. Parent volunteers are needed by classes who walk to the Cedar Mill Library. They help the classes cross streets, help children select books to check out, and assist the teacher as necessary.

Because of our commitment to develop independence along with responsible and caring behavior in children, we approach guidance and discipline in a predictable, clear, and sensitive manner.  It is vital to the well-being and successful development of young children that they have clear, consistent, and appropriate limits on behavior.  Students are expected to behave with respect for themselves and others. This behavior embodies safety, tolerance, and a sense of community.  We have four basic rules for children at A Child’s Way:

1. They cannot hurt others or themselves.
2. They cannot mis-use materials or equipment.
3. War play and gun play are not allowed.
4. They must follow the teacher to and from the playground.

We purposely plan the classroom environment to minimize problem situations.  Inappropriate behavior is seen first as a learning opportunity for the child’s growth and development.  When a problem does arise, we will try a variety of approaches, depending on the situation at the moment:

1. If the child’s safety is at stake, the teacher will firmly tell the child “NO” or to “STOP.”
2. If a problem occurs between two or more children, the teacher most often uses the following problem-solving model:

• State the problem clearly:  “You both want the toy.”
• Recognize each child’s feelings: “You feel angry, sad, etc.”
• Generate ideas from the children on how to solve the problem.  “What could we do to help you solve this problem…Get another one, take turns, play elsewhere, etc.”
• Help the children evaluate the ideas and decide on what plan they will follow.

At no time will a child be physically punished, psychologically abused, or coerced when disciplining. Physically punishing includes: shaking tickling, spanking, slapping, jerking, squeezing, kicking biting, pinching, excessive tickling, pulling hair, or ears; requiring a child to remain inactive for a long period of time.  Psychological abuse includes:  shaming, name calling, ridiculing, humiliation, sarcasm, curing at, making threats, or frightening a child, ostracism, withholding affection.  Coercion includes:  Rough handling (shoving, pulling pushing, grasping any body part); forcing a child to sit down, lie down or stay down, except when restraint is necessary to protect the child or others from harm; physically forcing a child to perform an action (such as  eating or cleaning up).  Appropriate use of restraint for safety reasons is permissible.  Our goal is always to help the children develop inner-control and high self-esteem.

Because we want to assure a safe environment for everyone at A Child's Way, we reserve the right to send a child home when deems out of control or a danger to others.

Ongoing behavioral challenges with a child will follow the protocol listed below:

1. Teachers will assess the function of the behavior.  Directors may be consulted and asked to observe the child in the classroom.
2. Teachers and Parents meet.  We have found that when teachers and parents work together, most behavior challenges can be resolved.  The meeting will include developing an individualized plan to address the behavior as well as whether professionals need to be consulted in order to create a plan.
3. The individualized plan will include positive behavior support strategies.
4. Teachers, parents and professionals (if needed) will continue to communicate on how things are going.

This policy acknowledges that it complies with federal and state civil rights laws.

Please note:  Due to the fluid nature of Covid 19, A Childs' Way may implement new or additional health and safety guidelines to the Operational Plan or Health & Safety Guidelines in accordance with state and federal agencies with little or no notice.

All parents must agree to our Health and Wellness Policy.  Here is our Health & Wellness Policy: 

Health & Wellness Policy

A Child’s Way is committed to keeping our children and staff safe and healthy.

Upon arrival, your child will be assessed by a teacher for illness. Before entering the classroom, parents should be sure that their child does not have any of these symptoms:  Unusual cough, Loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, or fever. If your child is ill, we would expect you to keep your child at home until they have been temperature free (without taking a fever reducer such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen) with no vomiting or diarrhea for a minimum of 24hrs, and no sore throat, persistent coughing, or rashes. Children with runny noses will be asked to stay home if the discharge is colored (white, yellow, green).  If antibiotics have been prescribed, a minimum of 24 hours on the medication is required before returning to the classroom.

If your child has a new runny nose, we ask that you keep your child home for 24-hours and monitor for additional symptoms.  Please call the school and let us know that they will be absent due to a new runny nose.  If there are no additional symptoms, they may return to school after 24-hours if they can manage the runny nose.  If they develop other symptoms, we ask that your child have a negative Covid test before coming to school.

In keeping with our school policy, please be sure to call the school if your child comes down a communicable disease such as Covid-19, influenza, norovirus, strep throat, croup, pink eye, etc. so we can inform parents to watch for symptoms.  In addition, you will need to contact us if your child has been exposed to a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19.

Teachers will be monitoring children upon arrival and during the school day.  If your child becomes ill during class, you will be called and asked to pick up your child.  While your child is attending class, please answer phone calls or text from your teachers or school office.  If called, thank you for promptly picking up your children.  Parents should use their best judgment in deciding whether to bring a child to school, who may be ill.  Children who do not feel well are not happy at school, even though they may beg you to come to school. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we will follow the instruction of the local health authority, including notifying them of a presumptive case.  If your child shows signs of COVID-19, we suggest you also contact your health care provider for guidance. 

We will always try to reach a parent or legal guardian if there is an emergency involving your child.  If your child is involved in an accident that we feel is serious, we will call 911 which sends a rescue truck (paramedics) and ambulance.  If the determination is made that emergency care is needed at a hospital, the ambulance will transport your child to an emergency room for treatment.

We will not have school if we have an outbreak and do not have enough staff to conduct a class or classes, per the Parent Handbook. 

All medications (such as Benedryl or Epi-pens) will be stored in the office.  Parents will need to fill out a medication action plan and bring the medication in the original box with instructions for administering the drug.

These are steps that are being taken at school to reduce exposure to germs:

• Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds upon arrival, before and after snacks, and after using the bathroom.
• All hard surfaces will be cleaned before children arrive, during class as needed, and after class (tables, shelves, counters, light switches, drinking fountain). Classrooms will be professionally cleaned each night.
• Wearing a face mask is optional.  There may be times when mask use will be highly recommended or required when Covid-19 levels are considered HIGH within Washington County as determined by the CDC or Local Health Authority.
• All hard-surface toys will be sprayed after class with bleach water.
• We will insist that sick teachers stay home as well.

Thank you for your help in supporting our efforts to ensure that our classrooms are healthy environments!  

Immunization Information

You are advised to bring your child’s immunizations** up-to-date at your next regularly scheduled doctor’s appointment since you are required to submit immunization forms to the school during the first week of attendance.  You are asked to update any health information as needed (immunizations, allergies, chronic medical conditions).  

**Oregon law requires the following immunizations (shots) for any child 18 months or older entering Preschool:

• 4 Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP)
• 3 Polio
• 1 Varicella (chickenpox)
• 1 Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
• 3 Hepatitis B
• 2 Hepatitis A
• 3 or 4 Hib

In accordance with the Oregon Immunization Program, information about A Child's Way Immunization & Exemption rates are posted on the following link:

http://public.health.oregon.gov/PreventionWellness/VaccinesImmunization/Getting Immunized/Pages/SchResources.aspx 

Other information regarding health & safety of students:

All teachers at A Child’s Way are required to complete a Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR class and keep them current.  Training includes Epi-pen and medication administration.

For accidents of a minor nature, we will use our first aid supplies and the teacher will fill out an accident form for you to sign. In, addition, teachers will speak with parents in person at pick-up time or call parents with details of the accident.

If a child has been involved in an accident we feel is serious, we will give your child appropriate first aid and call 911 which sends the rescue truck (paramedics) and ambulance. If the determination is made that emergency care is needed at a hospital, the ambulance will transport your child to an emergency room for treatment.  Parents agree to be responsible for payment of all costs resulting from the rendering of medical and ambulance services. We will call the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) as soon as possible, but if unavailable, one of the emergency contacts will be called to help locate a parent.   It is the parent’s responsibility to keep all emergency contact information current and accurate.

In the event of a widespread contagious outbreak, we follow the guidance and instructions of the Washington County Department of Health and Human Services.  You can obtain more information from their web site at www.co.washington.or.us/health or call them at 503-846-3594.

If your child requires prescription medication to be on site, such as an epi-pen or asthma inhaler, you must complete a medicine form available in A Child’s Way office. You must provide the medication in its original container with the child’s name, doctor, medicine name, dosage and expiration date. It is your responsibility to inform your child’s teacher about medication. All medications are stored in the Child’s Way Office. 

Parents are asked to apply sunscreen before class.  Teachers are not allowed to apply sunscreen.

Our campus including the playground is a peanut free zone.  Families are requested to support this policy due to the number of children attending with life-threatening allergies to peanuts.  Individual classrooms may need to broaden the list of allergens to support specific children in their classrooms with other life-threatening allergies. Parents of the child with allergies will help to create a list of snacks that families can use as a guide in determining foods that are acceptable to be brought into the classroom (including snacks, celebrations, i.e. birthdays, family feasts).

Teachers will consult with parents while planning cooking projects and other class projects that may involve food/allergens, i.e. rainbow toast.  If a child brings a snack with peanuts, or other allergens(s) banned from the classroom the teacher will replace it with a snack item that is acceptable.

The primary location for epi-pens will be in the school office, NO EXCEPTIONS. A secondary epi-pen may be given to the teacher on a daily basis and placed in a locked cabinet in the classroom. The secondary epi-pen will not be stored overnight in the classrooms and must be taken by the parent at the end of each class. If forgotten, the parent will be called to pick it up. The parents assume the responsibility of transporting the secondary epi-pen to and from the class.

Please hand any notes directly to your child’s teacher. Do not put notes, checks, or forms in your child’s snack box or back pack. Teachers do not look in snack boxes or back packs. If your child is going home with someone who is not listed on your child’s pick up form, you need to send a note giving permission for that person to take your child.

At the beginning of the year each teacher will provide you with contact information. You can also call and leave a message with our school office requesting a returned phone call.

Parents and teachers make different contributions to the child. Together, they can give each child the needed support and guidance which will help him/her move toward the ultimate goal of responsible adulthood. Your child’s teacher at A Child’s Way is eager to cooperate with you in this endeavor!

The teachers need to know as much as possible about your child if they are to plan the right kind of program to meet your child’s needs. Parents are encouraged to provide the teacher with information about their child’s interests and special needs.

Parents are more than welcome to visit the classroom in which your child is a member. You are welcome anytime…we have an OPEN DOOR POLICY. When you plan to visit, please notify your child’s teacher in advance if at all possible. By doing this you will be able to talk to her about your visit so that she may share plans for the day’s activities, suggest how you can observe the children, and decide what your role in the classroom will be on that particular day. We welcome parents as resource persons and are delighted when parents are willing to share some of their interests, skills, and hobbies with the children.

If a parent has a concern about his/her child’s experience at A Child’s Way or the interpretation of school policy, the parent is encouraged to voice that concern to the child’s teacher, the directors, or the Parent Advisory Committee representative. If necessary, the directors will hold a meeting with all concerned parties to help facilitate and problem solve in order to find an agreeable solution.

Parent-teacher conferences are encouraged whenever the need is apparent. Scheduled conferences will be held for all students in the fall and again in the spring. Home visits for Threes are scheduled before the beginning of school. Please do not hesitate to ask for a conference at any time. During these early school years, parents and teachers should be in close contact so that our staff can better understand and work with you and your child.

Educational books, animals, pictures, newspaper clippings, artifacts, etc. are welcome and encouraged. Please do not send toys! Toys are hard to share, sometimes lost and/or damaged. We plan special days during the year when children may bring a prized possession such as a teddy bear or special toy. Please write your child’s name on any artifact brought to school. Formal “show and tell” times are kept to a minimum in the classroom.

Our playground has been thoughtfully designed to provide the children a safe place in which they can play and thrive in a beautiful environment. Their safety as they play is of paramount importance to our teaching staff.

PLAYGROUND RULES FOR THE CHILDREN

1. SLIDE:  Children are only to slide down the slide, feet first.
2. RIDING TOYS:  All riding toys need to stay on the blacktop or cement (not on the grass or mounds).  Riding toys are tricycles and scooters
3. SAND:  The sand needs to stay in the sandbox area.  Children are not to carry the sand into the playhouses or the boat.
4. CLOTHING:  All children need to wear their shoes and socks while playing on the playground.
5. CLIMBING STRUCTURE AND BOAT:  Children are not allowed to jump off the outside of the climbing structure/ boat or climb over the railings.
6. PLAYHOUSE RAFTERS:  Children are not to swing from the rafters inside the playhouses.
7. MONKEY BARS;  Children can use the monkey bards once they are able to reach the bars by themselves.  Teachers or parents will not lift the children to reach the bars.
8. SOUTHWEST TREE BEHIND THE COVERED AREA:  This area is off-limits to children.  It is difficult to supervise.
9. MOSAIC STANDING FLOWER:  This is not to be climbed on.  It has been repaired in the past due to climbing.
10. SWINGS:  Children can use the swings once they are able to use them independently. 

PLAYGROUND REMINDERS FOR PARENTS

1. Parents can send helmets for their child if they wish (for safety on trikes and scooters).  The helmets should be labeled with the child’s name.  Helmets cannot be stored at school because of our lack of storage space.
2. Parents are reminded that children should only climb on the monkey bars if they are able to reach the bars by themselves.  Parents should not lift children up to reach the bars.  Parents are discouraged from helping children do things they cannot do by themselves.  If a child wants you to help them do something like reaching the bars, you could reply by saying something like, “Perhaps you should make another choice until you can do this by yourself” or “Maybe you will be old enough next year to lay on the monkey bars.”
3. Parents are responsible to supervise their children on the playground if they are using the playground when their child’s class is not in session.  Classroom teachers are only responsible for the children in their class, not for siblings or other visitors to the playground.  Parents who take their children to the playground when classes are playing there, must be especially mindful of their child’s safety and supervise him/her very carefully.  Teachers will be working with their classes to teach respect for other children, adults, equipment, and the rules,   Parents will team with the teachers to promote community respect by ensuring that the rules are consistent and enforced whether under their supervision or the teachers, Families will be asked to leave the playground if they cannot follow the rules.
4. Parents are asked to latch the gate upon entering or leaving the playground.

Generated by school for publicity and/or advertising purposes:

A Child's Way Kindergarten-Preschool sometimes takes photographs, audio or video footage for promotional and/or advertising purposes.  Also any letters, e-mails, and other written material made by you and addressed to us such as letters of recommendations, testimonials about our program, etc. may also be used proudly to appear in our printed publications, on our website, or on our Facebook page.  A Child's Way will never include full names of any child or adult in an image or video, on our website, Facebook or printed publications.  We will not include personal information of the children such as e-mail, postal address, or telephone numbers on our photos, videos, websites, Facebook or printed publications.  

We respect your family's privacy concerns, so if you do not want any of your child's personal information (photos, videos, audio, quotes) to appear on A Child's Way website, Facebook or printed material you have the right to opt out.  To opt out, please stop by the Child's Way office to complete an Opt-Out Form stating that you do not want any of your or your child's personal information (photos, videos, audio, quotes) to be featured by A Child's Way.  This written notice will be valid for the school year in which your child is enrolled. 

Generated by teachers:

Teachers will take pictures of children which are used to document your child's work and activities.  the photos taken by teachers become part of your child's portfolio.  Portfolios are given to families at the end of the year.  Since Portfolio photos taken by teachers are an important part of the curriculum, opting out of these photographs is not an option. Teachers may send out updates to their class that include children during their class day.  Parents are asked not to share these photos.  

Generated by parents:

We ask that parents who take photos, video, or audio recordings at school or at school functions that INCLUDE CHILDREN OTHER THAN THEIR OWN not be posted to any social networking site including, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, text messages or e-mails.  A Child's Way will be held harmless if a parent posts a photo, video or audio recording in violation of our request.  

Any e-mail lists generated in our classrooms are to be used solely for school matters. Please do not use classroom e-mail addresses for any social events outside of school or for personal business contacts.

Classroom doors are locked about 15 minutes after the start of school. They remain locked until the end of the day. Parents are asked to sign their child in each day upon arrival and out when picking him/her up after school. At the beginning of the school year parents are asked to complete a form which names those persons who are permitted to drop off and pick up their child from school. Each month all our classes participate in a Safety Drill. Our teachers carry cell phones at all times in case of an emergency or Lock-down situation.

All information about you or your child will be kept secure at all times. It will not be discussed nor made available to other families at any time. The teaching team working with your child and the program administrators will have access to this information. If requested, some information may be shared with consulting professionals with the written permission of the child's family.

We discourage idling vehicles in the parking lots in the interest of promoting and protecting the children's health.  At no time are children to be left unattended in a car while dropping off or picking up students.

Parents are asked to sign their child in each day upon arrival and also sign the child out when picking him/her up after school.   Most school-wide communication is sent via email to cut down on paper waste.   The Parent Communications Files are only used for school-related events. Please do not use the Parent Communications Files for any social events outside of school.

Each child is asked to bring his/her own snack and water or cup to school. Small portions are sufficient. All parents are encouraged to send nutritious snacks for their children which are low in sugar and salt. We ask that you do not send donuts, cupcakes, or anything with frosting. Please be aware of any food allergies in your child’s class. Common allergies include peanuts, nuts, and milk. Because our facility is a peanut-free zone, no peanuts or peanut butter are to be sent as snacks. Because we are trying to teach our children to recycle, we ask that you send your child’s snack in a lunch pail and his/her water in a thermos or water bottle. We also encourage you to send snacks in reusable containers. Please mark your child’s lunch pail and containers clearly with your child’s name.

• Tuition payments are due the FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH. THERE WILL BE A $25.00 LATE FEE FOR PAYMENTS MADE AFTER THE FIFTH DAY OF EACH MONTH. THERE WILL BE A $25.00 FEE FOR RETURNED CHECKS.   Tuition is due at the beginning of the month regardless if your child is ill or if you are on vacation. Because the budget is based on full enrollment for nine months, NO DEDUCTIONS FOR ABSENCES DUE TO:  inclement weather, acts of God, failure of power, illness affecting more than 50% of the school personnel and administration (resulting in temporary closure), riots, war, terrorism, governmental laws or regulations, vacations, OR individual illness (including days lost because of mandatory exclusion due to COVID-19 restrictions) or other causes beyond the control of A Child’s Way Kindergarten-Preschool.   Payments can be made online via Invoice, or in-person by check or cash.
• The Registration Fee and May 2024 tuition for all families are non-transferable and non-refundable once they are paid with the following exceptions: If we need to close school (by the orders of the governor, the Oregon Health Authority, or Early Learning Division), for unforeseen circumstances, we will refund the registration fee and refund the May 2023 tuition if school has not started for the 2023-24 school year.  If we close the school after the 2023-24 classes have started (by the orders of the governor, the Oregon Health Authority, or Department of Early Learning and Care), you will be refunded the May 2024 tuition.  If you choose to withdraw from A Child’s Way you will NOT receive a refund of your Registration fee or May tuition.