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.

Please Note:  Due to the fluid nature of Covid 19, A Child's 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.

Operating Plan for A Child’s Way Kindergarten Preschool

Effective Date: September 1, 2021, Revised October 7, 2021, Revised Oct. 27, 2021, Revised December 6, 2021, Revised February 7, 2022, Revised March 12, 2022, Revised March 29, 2022, Revised April 11, 2022, Revised May 9, 2022

Revised May 9, 2022

Masking:  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 the Local Health Authority.

Isolation:  We are required to report ALL positive cases of Covid-19 cases to the Local Health Authority (Washington County).  They will help us to determine the next steps to take.  The Positive Child will need to isolate at home for 5 days following the onset of symptoms or a positive Covid-19 test.  They may return to school on the 6th day if they are no longer showing any symptoms of Covid-19.  When they return they will need to wear a mask for 5 additional days inside and outside.

Quarantine:  If a class has two or more Covid positive cases the class will meet for temporary remote learning on their class days during the 5 consecutive days and then return to in-class sessions with masking required, inside and out, for an additional 5 days, per the Washington County Public Health. 

A Child's Way reserves the right to reinstate masking if guided to do so by the ODE, ELA, OHA, or Washington County Health due to worsening Covid-19 conditions or an uptick of cases at A Child's Way as determined by the Directors.

Revised April 11, 2022

Click here  for Revised Child Care Provider COVID 19 Requirements and Recommendations effective April 11, 2022

Revised March 12, 2022

Starting March 12, Oregon's recommendation for quarantine changed.  If your child is exposed to COVID-19 they no longer need to isolate.

If your child has tested positive for COVID or has a presumptive case of COVID, they need to isolate for 5 days then mask for an additional 5 days when they return to school.

Masking:

Kindergarten:  Effective March 29, 2022 masks are optional outside.  Effective April 11, 2022, masks are optional indoors.

Preschool:  Effective March 29, 2022 masks are optional outside.  Masks will continue to wear masks indoors.

Revised February 7, 2022:

Effective February 1, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Early Learning Division (ELD) recommended that the isolation/quarantine period for Covid be changed to 5 full days, returning to school on the 6^th day if masks are universally worn.  No other changes are being made at this time to our Covid policies.

We wanted to let you know that we are making the following change to our quarantine/isolation policy:

For Preschool classes:

• We will exclude from our preschool any child or staff member, regardless of vaccination status, if they test positive for Covid for 5 days after the onset of symptoms, returning on the 6^th day if they are symptom and fever free for 24 hours. If they still have symptoms, they will need to continue to quarantine until they are symptom and fever free for 24 hours.
• If the person who has Covid or a presumptive case of Covid attended class, the entire class, regardless of vaccination status, will need to quarantine for 5 full days, returning on the 6^th We will contact you and the local health authority (Washington County) of the positive case and quarantine instructions.  During quarantine, your preschool class will be provided a packet of learning materials and the teachers will hold a zoom meeting on class days. 
• If your unvaccinated preschooler is exposed to a positive case of Covid outside of the classroom, they need to quarantine from school for 5 full days following the day of exposure, returning to school on the 6th day if they are symptom free.

For Kindergarten class: 

• We will exclude from our kindergarten any child or staff member, regardless of vaccination status, if they test positive for Covid for 5 days after the onset of symptoms, returning on the 6^th day if they are symptom and fever free for 24 hours. If they still have symptoms after the 5^th day, they will need to continue to quarantine until they are symptom and fever free for 24 hours.
• If the person who has Covid or a presumptive case of Covid attended class, anyone who is fully vaccinated may remain in class as long as they do not show any symptoms. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated will need to quarantine for 5 full days following the exposure, returning on the 6^th  The unvaccinated and children who choose to stay home will receive a packet of learning materials for the days missed.
• If your unvaccinated kindergartener is exposed to a positive case of Covid outside of the classroom, they need to quarantine from school for 5 full days following the day of exposure, returning to school on the 6th day if they are symptom free.

Revised December 6, 2021:

Quarantine Policy for Preschool Classes (Betweeners, 3’s, PreK): 

If children are exposed to a positive case of Covid while in a preschool class (Betweeners, 3’s, PreK) the WHOLE class must be quarantined for 14 days.  This 14-day quarantine period CANNOT be shortened by testing (per Early Learning Division, Oregon Dept. of Education).  If a preschool child is exposed to a positive case of Covid at home or other setting, he/she must be quarantined for 14 days before returning to class.

Quarantine Policy for Kindergarten: 

If your Kindergarten child is fully vaccinated, they can still attend school if they are exposed to a positive case of Covid.  If they start to show any Covid symptoms, we require a negative Covid test before returning to school.

If you choose not to vaccinate your Kindergarten child with a Covid vaccine, or if you do not provide us with proof of vaccination, your child needs to quarantine at home for 14 days from the date of exposure.  No virtual learning will be provided during the quarantine.  Your child will receive the current classroom learning materials for the days missed.  You may provide a photocopy of your child's vaccination card to the Kindergarten teachers to have on file.

A Child’s Way Kindergarten-Preschool will comply with all the required items as directed by the Early Learning Division; Oregon Dept. of Education as follows:

COVID-19 Requirements to operate as a Recorded Program.

Communicable Disease Plans

Child care providers are required to have a written communicable disease management plan that complies with the rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority in OAR 333, Division 19, that includes: 

•       A protocol to notify the Local Public Health Authority (LPHA) of any confirmed COVID-19 cases among children or staff:    A Child’s Way Kindergarten Preschool will notify Washington County Public Health Authority if there are any confirmed COVID-19 cases among children or staff.

•       A protocol for exclusion of individuals with COVID-19 or susceptible to COVID-19 consistent with Oregon Health Authority rules in OAR 333, Division 19:  A Child’s Way Kindergarten-Preschool will exclude individuals with COVID-19 or susceptible to COVID-19 as directed by OHA rules in OAR 333, Division 19.   

•       A protocol to end program activities if cases or risk levels warrant:  In conjunction with the Local Health Authorities, A Child’s Way  Kindergarten Preschool will close if cases or risk levels warrant as directed by the Washington County Local Health Authority.

•       A process for keeping daily logs and record-keeping to assist state or local public health authorities with contact tracing, consistent with Oregon Health Authority rules in OAR 333, Division 19:  A Child’s Way Kindergarten Preschool will keep daily logs of all children, staff, or other individuals who enter our campus each day of operation.

•       A designated COVID-19 Point of Contact to facilitate communication, maintain healthy operations, and respond to COVID-19 questions from state or local public health authorities, state or local regulatory agencies, families and staff. All staff and families should be provided the contact information for the COVID-19 Point of Contact:   All COVID-19 contact for A Child’s Way Kindergarten Preschool should be directed to its Directors—Kathy Phillips or Darlene Rozman.  They may be reached at 503-644-8407 (office phone) or by email at achildsway@gmail.com.

COVID-19 Exclusion and Notification

Child care providers should attempt to verify vaccination status in order to apply any exclusion protocols that are specific to vaccinated individuals. If a provider is not aware of an individual’s vaccination status, the provider should assume the individual is unvaccinated and follow general exclusion protocols.

A Child’s Way Kindergarten Preschool will: 

•       Exclude from the program any child or staff member, regardless of vaccination status, if they exhibit COVID-19 symptoms including new loss of taste or smell, fever, new cough, or shortness of breath.  New cough means out of the ordinary for this person – e.g., not typical asthma, allergies.  You should contact your health care provider and get a Covid test.  A Child’s Way Kindergarten Preschool will consult with the Local Public Health Authority (Washington County Public Health) for additional guidance when there is a presumptive or confirmed case of Covid. 

Other scenarios:

Children receiving routine childhood vaccinations:

•      A child who has received routine childhood vaccinations in the last 48 hours can return to care at the direction of a medical professional once they are fever-free. Documentation of vaccination from the medical professional is recommended.

Follow these recommendations for individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but who have received their COVID-19 vaccine within the past three days:

o   If the individual has symptoms of fatigue, chills, muscle ache, joint pain, or redness – these are likely vaccine side effects. If no fever is present, the individual may work or attend the program if they feel well enough to work. If fever is present, staff members should stay home until 24 hours fever-free.

o   If the individual’s only symptom is fever, the individual should stay home until 24 hours fever-free. If the fever does not improve in two days, the individual should see a health care provider and consider getting tested for COVID-19 as they may have been exposed prior  to vaccination.

o   If the individual has symptoms that include cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, they should be excluded consistent with the recommendations above. 

A Child’s Way Kindergarten Preschool will:

•      Exclude from the program any child or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, for the time period specified in the rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority under OAR 333, Division 19, in accordance with rules adopted by the Authority.  

•      Exclude from the program any child or staff member who is susceptible and who is exposed to COVID-19, for the time period specified in the rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority, in accordance with the rules adopted by the Authority. 

•      Inform all families, staff, and individuals who enter the child care program that they should not enter if they are unvaccinated and have been exposed to a COVID-19 case.

•      Notify the local public health authority (Washington County) immediately if anyone who has been on the premises of the program is diagnosed with COVID-19. Quarantining duration will depend on Washington County public health consultation.

•      Communicate, in coordination with local public health authority, with all families and other individuals who have been on the premises of the program in the past 14 days about a confirmed case of COVID-19. 

Recordkeeping

For contact tracing purposes,  A Child’s Way Kindergarten Preschool will log the following, in accordance with rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority under OAR 333, Division 19: 

•       Adult name(s) completing drop-off and pick-up;

•       Child names, arrival and departure date and times;

•       Name of any staff or person coming in contact with child care children, arrival and departure date and times;

•       If transportation is provided by the program: names of all riders and their contact information.

In addition, A Child’s Way Kindergarten Preschool, chooses to adopt (require) the following recommended best practices, as suggested by the Early Learning Division, Oregon Dept. of Education:

Best Practices for Personal Protective Equipment and Physical Distancing:

·       All adults and children over 2 years old will wear a face covering on campus.

·         Indoors, children who are 2 years old and up should wear a face covering unless:

• They have a verified medical condition or disability that prevents them from safely wearing a face covering; They are unable to remove the face covering independently;  They are sleeping, eating, or drinking; They are participating in distance learning and are physically distanced from others.

Best Practices for Handwashing and General Hygiene:

1.       Staff and children should wash hands for at least 20 seconds (hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is supported when an asterisk* appears):

•       Before and after eating, preparing food, and or bottle preparation

•       Before and after administering medication 

•       After toileting or assisting with toileting 

•       Before and after diapering 

•       After wiping a nose, coughing, or sneezing* 

•       After coming in from outside* 

•       Upon entering and leaving the child care facility* 

•       If staff are moving between stable groups* 

•       After cleaning (staff only)

•       After bagging, cleaning, and disinfecting linens, clothing, and other laundry items  (staff only)

2.       Hand sanitizer will not be used on children under the age of two years.

3.       Application of hand sanitizer on preschool-aged children should be supervised by an adult.

4.       Hand sanitizer should be stored out of reach of children when not in use.

5.       All other individuals (parent, maintenance, etc.) coming into the program should be advised and encouraged to frequently wash hands or use hand sanitizer.

Best Practices for Food and Nutrition

1.       Eliminate the practice of children serving themselves from communal platters in the manner of family-style meals. Have one staff member serve everyone from communal dishes.

2.       Closely supervise all meal times, including infant feeding and toddler meals, to prevent children from sharing and/or touching each other’s food.

3.       Discontinue use of drinking fountains except for filling other containers such as water bottles.

4.       Directly supervise activities or lessons that involve food handling to minimize contamination.

Shared materials should be limited and sanitized between uses. 

Best Practices for Ventilation and Air Flow:

Ventilation is a primary tool to reduce viral spread indoors and promote a healthy learning environment. Indoor air spaces need special consideration because of COVID-19 transmission potential from the buildup in air of smaller particles and aerosols that are generated from breathing, talking, laughing, shouting, singing, coughing, and sneezing. In addition, improved indoor air quality is associated with better child and staff attendance, engagement, and well-being, as well as other health outcomes, including reduced asthma and allergies. Optimization of indoor air quality can provide benefits extending beyond mitigating infectious disease transmission. 

Improve the indoor air quality by:

1.       Increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors, using fans and employing other methods. See OHA Indoor air considerations for COVID-19 for smaller spaces and CDC ventilation recommendations;

2.       Exhausting air from indoors to the outdoors; and

3.       Cleaning the air that is recirculated indoors by using effective filtration methods (e.g., HEPA filters) to remove virus-containing particles from the air.

4.       As applicable, ensure that ventilation systems (e.g., HVAC) operate properly.

All ventilation strategies should include safety and health precautions including restricting the amount a window is open, putting screens in windows and covers on fans, minimizing exposure to pollen or smoke, and adjusting the thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Best Practices for Cleaning and Building Maintenance:

A Child’s Way Kindergarten Preschool contracts with a professional cleaning service to clean rooms and common areas daily. 

Teachers, during class, will do the following:

*Note: Know the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting and the 3-Step Method: 

1.       WASH 

2.       RINSE 

3.       SANITIZE or DISINFECT

*Cleaning is first used to remove dirt and debris from surfaces using a detergent or soap and water prior to sanitizing or disinfecting.

*Sanitizing is used to reduce germs from surfaces but not totally get rid of them. Sanitizing solutions reduce the germs from surfaces to levels that are considered safe. The sanitizing 3-Step Method is most often used for food surfaces, kitchens, and classrooms. 

*Disinfecting is used to destroy or inactivate germs and prevent them from growing. Disinfecting solutions are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The disinfecting 3-Step Method is most often used for body fluids and bathrooms/diapering areas. 

1.       Use products approved by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2 for household disinfectant: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/listn-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19.

Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used for some surfaces. If using bleach, make a fresh bleach dilution daily; label the bottle with contents and the date mixed.

2.       For children or adults with asthma: use bleach products sparingly or when children are not present. Use wipes or apply product directly to a dampened towel, rather than using spray.

3.       Operate ventilation systems properly and/or increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors, using fans, and other methods. Run ventilation systems continuously and change the filters more frequently. Do not use fans if they pose a safety or health risk, such as increasing exposure to pollen/allergies or exacerbating asthma symptoms. For example, do not use fans if doors and windows are closed and the fans are recirculating  the air. 

4.       Toys should be sanitized as they become dirty and at least weekly. Water tables should be cleaned in between each use by a group. Toys may be cleaned using hot water and soap/detergent in a washing machine, dishwasher, or by hand. Dry toys completely in a hot dryer when possible. Do not wash toys with dirty dishes, utensils, etc. 

When washing toys by hand:

Step 1: Wash and scrub toys thoroughly with soap or detergent and warm water to remove most of the dirt, grime, and saliva. It is important to clean toys before sanitizing them because the sanitizer kills germs better on clean surfaces. 

Step 2: Rinse toys with water to remove the dirt, soap residue, and germs to help make a  clean surface. 

Step 3: Sanitize toys. Sanitizing reduces the germs from surfaces to levels that are considered safe. Dip the toys in a sanitizing solution, or cover the toys sufficiently with spray. Protect your skin by wearing household rubber gloves. Allow toys to dry completely (i.e. overnight) or allow 2 minutes before wiping toys dry with a paper towel. When using a bleach solution for sanitizing, chlorine from the sanitizing bleach solution evaporates off the toys so no residue remains, and further rinsing is not necessary.

5.       High touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, non-food countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, and toilets, should be disinfected at least daily, including at the end of  the day. 

6.       Toilet and diapering areas including but not limited to handwashing sinks, counters, toilets, toilet handles, floors, diaper trash cans, and bathroom floors must be disinfected daily, with the exception of changing tables which should be disinfected after each use.

7.       Tables will be cleaned and sanitized before and after each use. 

8.       Food preparation surfaces, counter tops, eating utensils and dishes and food preparation sinks should be cleaned and sanitized after each use. Counter tops should also be sanitized at the end of the day. 

9.       Kitchen floors should be sanitized daily. 

Best Practices for Health Education, Training and Communication:

All staff and families should be educated to maintain good hygiene and behave in ways that prevent transmission of COVID-19.  This includes the following best practices: 

1.       Having a method to train staff and inform families regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, and information on recognizing signs and symptoms of COVID-19

2.       Providing training to staff when updates to safety precautions are made, and for new staff prior to first day of work or during employee orientation.

September 9th update:

 Mask requirements: 

• While on campus, anyone 2 and older will wear a mask, inside and outside.

Vaccination requirements:

• All of our teachers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Anyone adult who enters a classroom or attends a school meeting must be fully vaccinated. If a parent, guardian or adult dropping off or picking up a child is not fully vaccinated, they may drop off or pick up their child at the door.

 

A Child’s Way Exposure Response to COVID-19

In the event that a case of Covid-19 is identified in the school community, with the support of the Washington County public health department (503-846-3594) and while respecting all applicable privacy laws, the school will support contact tracing and communicate with the community. A Child’s Way is committed to communicating possible exposures in cases of all on-campus exposures. Working closely with Washington County public health, A Child’s Way will follow the ELD’s / OHA Planning for COVID-19 Scenarios in Schools processes. 

In case of a positive or presumptive positive case on-campus of COVID-19 exposure, A Child’s Way will:

• Immediately isolate the positive case or presumptive positive case if the person is on campus. 
• Bring the child to our isolation room located across from the school office.
• Parent will be called and will be expected to pick up their child as soon as possible.
• Contact:  Washington County public health (503-846-3594) to coordinate what next steps will be taken for contact tracing and classroom exclusion.
• Review attendance records to identify potential exposures.
• Communicate with all individuals (students, families, and employees) who may have been exposed on campus. An exposure is defined as:  Someone who was within 3-6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minute or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes).
• Depending on exposure scenario and vaccination status of all involved, individuals may be asked to quarantine by the Washington County public health department or Oregon Department of Education, Early Learning Division.
• Return to the classroom will be based on guidance from the Washington County Public Health Department.  Quarantining duration will depend on Washington County public health consultation.

More specific response to certain scenarios:

• 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 while wearing a mask.  If they develop other symptoms, we ask that your child have a Covid test and bring the negative result to the teacher to re-enter the classroom.

• If a community member (student, parent/guardian) or one of their household members is awaiting COVID-19 test results due to illness or exposure, no one in that household should come to campus until you receive confirmation that the test result was negative.

• If a parent/guardian or a member of their household tests positive for COVID-19, your child needs to stay home and quarantine for 14 days (currently recommended by the CDC, OHA, and OEA) after their last contact with the positive person. Quarantining duration will depend on Washington County public health consultation.  Please contact the school office at 503-644-8407 or email at achildsway@gmail.com   No one from the household should come to campus. 
• If a child with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 attends class, we will then contact Washington County Public health (503-846-3594) for direction. Based on their guidance, either close contacts (those within 3-6 feet of the infected child for 15 minutes or more within one day) will be asked to quarantine for 14 days (currently recommended by the CDC, OHA, and OEA)  or the whole class will be required to quarantine for 14 days (currently recommended by the CDC, OHA, and OEA) . Quarantining duration will depend on Washington County public health consultation. Families in that class will be notified of the guidance given to us by Washington County.  Please contact the school office immediately if your child was in class with a positive case of COVID-19.

Our teachers are encouraged to arrange field trips which are developmentally appropriate for their class. Parents must sign a general permission form at the beginning of the school year. 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. Parents volunteer to drive on field trips. Parent drivers must fill out our insurance information form indicating insurance coverage and vehicle information. Each child must wear a seat belt or ride in his/her car seat. Each driver will be given an Emergency Folder by the teacher which contains emergency forms for each child riding in his/her car. Drivers are encouraged to leave younger children at home so that they can carefully supervise the children for whom they are responsible. Parent volunteers are also 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.

The goal of this policy is to limit or eliminate the use of suspension, expulsion and other exclusionary measures.  The above protocol will be followed before considering exclusion.  This decision will only be made after all other possible interventions have been exhausted, and there is agreement that exclusion is in the best interest of the child.

If exclusionary measures must be taken, the program will offer to assist the family in accessing services and an alternative placement.

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

Covid Vaccination requirements:

• All of our teachers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Vaccination of children are optional, but highly recommended.

Other Vaccination 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).  You will be asked to review this information again in January.

**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 bars 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.

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 used 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. 

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.

Each child has a sign-in/sign-out folder. 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.   These folders are only used for school-related events. Please do not use the sign-in/sign-out folders 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 2023 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 2022-23 school year.  If we close the school after the 2022-23 classes have started (by the orders of the governor, the Oregon Health Authority, or Early Learning Division), you will be refunded the May 2023 tuition.  If you choose to withdraw from A Child’s Way you will NOT receive a refund of your Registration fee or May tuition.