Brown Bear

Thank you for your interest in Brown Bear Educare. We hope that we are able to meet your family?s needs. My husband and I started Brown Bear Educare as a family daycare in Tacoma in 1996. We took over a small center in Bellevue August 1^st 1997. Since then, Brown Bear has blossomed into the program you see today. We have two buildings (remodeled homes) side by side. The lower building provides care for the youngest, Baby Bears (infants) and Cubby Bears (early toddlers 12 to 18 months). Our upper building provides care for the older children, Teddy Bears (1 ? to 2 ? ), the Grizzly Bears (2 ? to 3 ? ), and the Sunny Bears (3 ? to 5 years). The staff members are comprised of a close knit group of teachers who love to work with children. They are friendly, helpful and do their best to provide the highest quality of care and education for the children in their classes.

Brown Bear Educare strives to offer an environment in which children love to learn, teachers love to teach and families feel at home. We believe that self-esteem is the critical component to optimal growth in young children. In order for a child to have high self-esteem, we focus on the socialization and self-help skills needed to succeed in other areas of development.

We teach children through the use of Developmentally Appropriate Theme Based curriculum. Not only are the children at Brown Bear Educare given the opportunity to explore, experiment and create in a safe and nurturing environment, they are exposed to children of different cultures and ethnical backgrounds. To enhance learning in our program, we incorporate multi-cultural, anti-biased activities.

Parents who might have objections to recognition of religious or other holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or Valentine?s Day, should so indicate to the Director so that proper arrangements can be made.

Brown Bear Educare will be closed on the dates listed below. If the holiday falls on a weekend, then we will be closed the same days as the federal and state offices. There is no discount for the days we are closed. They are considered paid holidays as part of our employee benefits package. See our Events Page for more details.

New Year's Day -- January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- 3rd Monday in January
Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday) -- 3rd Monday in February
Memorial Day -- Last Monday in May
Independence Day -- July 4
Labor Day -- 1st Monday in September
Thanksgiving -- 4th Thursday in November & the day after
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day -- December 24 & 25

In the event of snow, we will take into consideration, news reports, school closures and traffic cameras to determine whether or not staff and clients may safely commute to Brown Bear Educare. A decision is typically made and a message left on the voice mail by 6am the morning of reported snow and traffic conditions. If we have access to our website, when a final decision is made, we will post it on the home page.

Due to an earthquake, children will be evacuated from the building. We need to keep the lines open in case of a medical emergency so please wait at least 30 minutes before calling the school. We will leave a message regarding pick up. Brown Bear Educare may close.

Brown Bear Educare may be required to close due to power outages, earthquakes, gas leaks or other natural disasters preventing us from adequately providing care for your child. Parents will be notified by phone of any such emergencies. Parents are required to read and sign our disaster plan. For more details about our procedures see our Disaster Preparedness Packet posted on our website.

Brown Bear Educare welcomes families of any race, color, sex, religion, nationality, creed, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability. The families are not restricted from rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate in any way within the administration of our educational policies, enrollment policies, financial plan or any other school-administered program.

Initially, when someone shows interest in our facility, we encourage them to visit our web site for more detailed information. Parents may then schedule a tour. Children are always welcome. The parent(s) are asked to complete a visitor form to help us keep track of your specific needs. Handbooks are available online, but can be given upon request. Once a parent decides that our facility is a ?match? for their family, they are given a registration packet. In order to fill an opening you must complete the registration forms including the contract, pay one month tuition plus a registration fee. Registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Once payment is made, placement for your child is reserved. Parents or Guardians who take an active roll in the child's up bringing are required to participate in a verbal orientation with the director before your child's first day of school. This includes meeting all the staff of Brown Bear Educare and visiting the child's classroom.

At the beginning of each new school year on September 15th, parents must re-enroll their child. Parents are required to complete new registration forms and turn them in along with a $50 per child re-enrollment fee. A newly updated parent handbook will be provided for parents at that time.

We attempt to be flexible in our enrollment policies to suit the individual needs of our families. Ages of admission for our Early Childhood program is 1 month through five years of age. Full time and part time registrations are accepted subject to availability of space and accommodations. Rates are available on our website at http://bbecare.com.

The following documents are required by the state of Washington and need to be completed prior to placement.

A. Registration forms signed by parent or guardian, which includes the date of their last physical examination.

E. A signed fee and payment plan (Parent/Provider Contract) with a copy to parent.

G. Signature indicating that you have read the Health Care Policy, disaster plan policy, pesticide policy & pet policy.

H. Client using the DSHS subsidy program must provide us with a current Award Letter and a DSHS Childcare Part 2 form.

Tuition is billed on a calendar month basis. Prorating of partial calendar months will be based on weekly and/or daily rates. Full month tuition may be paid on the 1^st of the month, or half-month tuition may be paid on the 1^st, and the remainder on the 15^th of the month with an additional fee of $10. Clients using subsidized care are required to make their entire co-payment on the 1^st of each month. If the 1^st or 15^th falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are then due on the last day Brown Bear Educare is open prior to the 1^st or 15^th. Due dates apply regardless of attendance. If your child is absent or not scheduled on a due date, the due date still applies. Tuition payments received after 6:00pm on the due date are considered late. Please note that our late fees are much different than your other financial obligations. It is imperative that you make your tuition payments on time. Brown Bear Educare will give clients at least 30 days written notice prior to rate increases.

Clients, who wish to discontinue childcare service with Brown Bear Educare, must give 1 month written notice of withdrawal. to the director. Verbal notices to staff are not considered official notice. Your child?s withdrawal date will be considered to be one month from the date written notice is given, and you will be billed accordingly regardless of actual attendance. If your child is withdrawn without notice, one month?s tuition will be charged from the child?s last day of attendance. Your child will be considered withdrawn without notice if you do not inform Brown Bear Educare of any absences in excess of 1 week excluding holidays. Please inform us (in advance if possible) of any absences. One month?s notice of withdrawal does not apply to initial registration. Initial registration is non-refundable. No exceptions.

TERMINATION OF SERVICES: Reasonable steps will be taken to avoid termination; however, Brown Bear Educare may terminate services for any of the following reasons:

Financial: Late payments, returned checks, or any other problems with payment of tuition and fees. The second time a child is suspended for late payments, that child may be terminated.

Failure to follow policies: Failure to honor the obligations listed in the contract, the Parent Handbook, or in any written policies provided by the school.

Adverse Actions: Any actions by parents or children that adversely affect the program at Brown Bear Educare.

Failure to Cooperate: Failure to cooperate with Brown Bear Educare in matters which the school determines serious enough to warrant termination.

It is important that the lines of communication are open at all times between providers and parents. It is a parent's responsibility to discuss any issues of concern in a timely manner. Small concerns that are not addressed can fester and become much larger concerns. We do not wish this to happen. If you have an issue with a teacher, take it directly to that teacher or the director. Concerns about the management staff should be taken directly to the Director (Kelly) or the Assistant Director only. It is highly inappropriate to discuss issues of a sensitive nature or complaints with staff members or other clients. Failure to follow this policy may result in the termination of service. All staff members of Brown Bear Educare are Early Childhood Professionals and should be treated as such. It is a tremendous amount of responsibility to provide educational services and care for your children. Please keep this in mind as you communicate with our staff members.

All staff members of Brown Bear Educare sign a contract stating that they will not solicit or accept solicitations from current clients for babysitting or other personal services. Current and former staff members may not provide such service until a client is no longer with us for at least six months. Failure to abide by this policy may result in termination of services.

1. Children are expected to arrive no later than 9:00am unless otherwise arranged.

2. Children are to be neatly groomed and dressed in clean clothes (and diapers) upon arrival.

3. The State of Washington requires your complete signature and the time when you drop off and pick up your child.

Children's Supplies: Parents are requested to label* and supply those items necessary for the proper care of your child:

1. Two or three sets of clothing to be kept in child's cubby* (don't forget extra socks!)

**No blankets or pillows please. We provide each child with a sheet and blanket at nap time and wash them weekly.

Visitations: We have an open door policy. Parents have free access at all times to all areas used by children. The only limitations to this policy are contained in Washington State Law (WAC 388-150-440) which states: During facility operating hours or while the child is in care, only the licensee, employee, volunteer, or an authorized representative of a governmental agency, or parent shall have unsupervised or regular access to the child in care. We will allow the Parent/guardian of the child in care unsupervised access only to their child.

What is Normal: It is normal for your child to have some fears and misgivings about being away from you. Children, like adults, need time to get used to new and unfamiliar situations. Try to prepare your child for the changes as far in advanced as possible. Discuss any concerns. Talk about some of the new people your child will meet and the new things your child will do. If you are enthusiastic, soon your child will be too.

First Experience: If this is the first time your child has been separated from you, it is natural for him/her to be hesitant. A cheerful good-bye kiss, a smile, and a reassuring word that you will be back after work is all you need to do. Our caring staff will take it from there. Please do not sneak out when your child is not looking. Usually the child will settle down shortly after you leave.

Common Behaviors: Depending on their age, some children will ?act out? their feelings by:

What to do: Usually these problems are temporary. If your child is treated lovingly but firmly, this behavior should go away. Please feel free to call the Brown Bear Educare when you arrive at work. Chances are that your child will be busy playing and you can relax and concentrate on work.

Daily Schedule: Infants daily schedules are individualized to meet the child's needs. Lesson planning is also individual. Toddler schedules and lesson plans are posted weekly. A daily report is given to each parent at the end of the day in both classes.

Meals: Parents of infants provide all food given to their infant throughout the day. Brown Bear Educare follows the required health policy regarding nutrition. Once children are at least 12 months and able to eat table food, Brown Bear Educare will provide all the meals. If your child is on a restricted diet or has food allergies, you are required to supply a substitute along with a doctor's note describing the reason for a change in diet and the appropriate substitute. Milk substitutes must be pasteurized per the state requirement. No peanut products are allowed.

Diapering Policy: Diaper changes are scheduled every 1? to 2 hours with the exception of naptime in which case each child will be diapered as soon as he or she awakens. In addition, a child will be changed when needed. Parents are required to provide diapers, wipes, and ointment. Diaper changing procedures will be followed as posted in the changing area. We no longer accept cloth diapers.

Toilet Training: We will work with parents/guardians to initiate potty training when the individual child shows interest. In order to be successful in this training, it is important that both parent/guardian and staff are consistent in their techniques. Cleanliness and hand washing will also be emphasized in the training process. We do not restrict children from a particular class for the sole reason that she/he is in potty training.

Shots Policy: When an infant or young toddler received an immunization shot, it is extremely common for the child to have a reaction which includes extreme fussiness and fever. Health regulations require us to send children home if this happens, regardless if the child just had immunizations. It is our policy that children 15 months or younger may return to daycare after 24hrs of having immunizations. We recommend that immunization appointments should be made on Fridays so that your child will miss the least amount of school.

Fevers: Fevers are very common among young children. If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or higher, your child must be fever free without medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school. Please do not medicate your child, then send him to school. If your child has a fever that high, he will be contagious and give the illness to other children in the program.

PRESCHOOL: Typical Daily Schedule ? We use a Developmentally Appropriate Theme Based Curriculum.

This schedule is only an example. Current schedules are posted in each classroom.

When a child is having a difficult time following directions or treating others or equipment with respect, developmentally appropriate guidance techniques are used. These techniques are as follows: (Use of corporal punishment is illegal in Washington State)

Positive Reinforcement: The child will be encouraged when he/she is demonstrating acceptable behavior.

Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try again at another time.

?When? Then? & ?If? Then? Statements: A statement in which the child is encouraged to accomplish a task before going on to something else. Sample: ?When you finish picking up the blocks, then you can go outside.?

Counting to 3: If a child is having trouble following directions the teacher may start slowly counting to 3. If the child does not attempt to follow the directions by the time she gets to three, the teacher assists the child. In most cases all the teacher needs to say is: ?do I need to start counting?? or simply, ?one.?

Take A Break: The child is separated from the group for a child-regulated period of time. This technique is used only when a child is exhibiting temper tantrum type behavior or hurting self, others, or equipment. When the child shows that he/she is ready to demonstrate acceptable behavior, the child is encouraged to join the rest of the group and try again.

As of May 29, 2012 we will no longer be serving lunch. Parents must follow the guidelines listed below:

� Contained in a single lunch box with a self containing ice pack to keep food at appropriate temperatures. No bags or sacks.

� Cheese or yogurt products to be placed in the designated refrigerated area labeled with your child�s full name.

� �Ready to eat� with no additional preparation such as heating or dicing.

� Soy Milk (only if child can not drink regular milk otherwise we will provide milk)

� Peanuts or tree nuts. (Exceptions can be made if no one has a peanut allergy in the school. Please check with the staff before providing nuts for your child.)

Nutrition: Since food and nutrition are important components of a child's development, Brown Bear Educare offers a wide variety of foods for the children to enjoy.

Meal Times: Well-balanced breakfast, lunches, mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks will be provided.

Dietary Restrictions: If a child has a particular dietary need, substantiated by a medical evaluation, the director of Brown Bear Educare must be so informed and given a doctor's note. Substitute meals or snacks may be brought from home. However, they must meet the requirements listed on the chart below.

Menus: Menus are posted in both buildings. We follow state requirements and recommendations to provide nutritious meals.

Birthdays: Brown Bear Educare will provide ice cream or popsicles for a special treat for your child's birthday. Please do not bring cupcakes. Parents are allowed to provide stickers or other non-child-choking toys in gifts bags if they wish. If a parent provides a camera, one of the staff would be happy to take photos for you.

Parents will provide transportation to and from the facility, except in special circumstances. Occasionally, Brown Bear Educare will transport children on a field trip. When such an occasion occurs, parents will provide safety approved car seats in accordance with Washington State law. Written authorization is required for parents to fill out before their child may attend a field trip. Parents, who wish to volunteer for field trips and other activities, which involves interaction with children other than your own, must follow these guidelines. The volunteer must:

5) Allow only the staff of Brown Bear Educare to administer disciplinary action such as time outs

Hand Washing: Hands will be washed before and after meals, before and after bathroom use, after nose blowing or wiping, before & after handling pets, and after handling an ill child.

Diaper Changing: Hands will be washed before and after changing diapers. The changing mat is sterilized with recommended bleach solution before and after each use. Soiled diapers will be disposed of in a closed and sanitized container.

Toys & Equipment: These will be sterilized daily or as needed with the recommended bleach solution.

Bedding & Soiled Clothing: Bedding is laundered on site once a week or more frequently as needed. Soiled clothing is secured in a plastic bag and placed in your child?s cubby to take home. In some cases, we may launder the child?s clothing on the premises.

Fire Drills: Practice drills will be conducted a minimum of once monthly and recorded on record sheets provided by the state fire Marshall. Evacuation procedures will be posted on the wall next to exits.

Health Care Plan: An advisory physician, physicians? assistant, or registered nurse may assist in the development, approval, and periodic review of the facility?s health care plan. Only children who are current on immunizations shall be admitted, with the exception those who?s parents/guardian file a physician?s letter of exemption with Brown Bear Educare. Medical records and immunizations will be kept up to date in children?s files.

Accidents & Injuries: First Aid will be administered to a child needing care. Each accident will be recorded on a report. Parents will be given a copy of this report and the center will maintain a copy. Serious accidents will be reported to the Department of Social and Health Services (D.S.H.S).

First Aid Training: We require all of our staff to maintain a current CPR & First Aid Certificate, and BBP training certificate.

Release of children: Children will absolutely NOT be released to anyone except those authorized to pick up the child on the enrollment form. Identification is required of those authorized who are unfamiliar to staff. In the event you wish another adult to pick up child, it would require that you give written permission in advance or a phone call to verify.

Reporting Child Abuse: Washington State Law and Licensing requirements states that child care facilities are required to report immediately to the police or Child Protective Services (CPS) any reason to suspect child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. We are not obligated to inform parents/guardians of this report.

Policies and Procedures for pet management: All parents are to be aware that we may have a dog on the premises.

Currently we have two dogs that come to Brown Bear Educare on regular bases. Our dog, Molly, is a mixed bread of Hound and German shepherd. Molly has attended training school and has been specifically trained to work with small children. She has been a regular part of our program for over 10 years. Adyson is a Weimaraner/Labrador mix who is amazingly gentle with children. She has been a part of our program for over 5 years. Parents are to notify the management of any concerns or allergies your child may have to pets prior to enrollment. Children that are allergic to dogs may be accommodated based on the recommendations of the child's physician. Molly is contained in the fenced areas and buildings. She has a designated outside area for defecating that is not used by the children. Her solid waste is discarded by the owners or a staff person. Kelly and Craig are responsible for providing food and water for Molly in an area inaccessible to children. The dogs are bathed on a regular bases at home or in a designated area of the playground as part of our program to teach children the proper and humane care of animals. The proper, humane, safe, clean, gentle, and appropriate methods of handling our dogs are taught to both staff and children as part of their early orientation. These methods and concepts are a daily part of the children's curriculum. The dogs will not attend if she is ill, and copies of all of their vaccinations and medical treatments are kept on file at the center. In the extremely unlikely event that one of the dogs shows any aggression in any way toward children, she will not be allowed to attend until it can be ascertain without any doubt that the behavior has been corrected. The dogs may at times bark at adults that have an unusual appearance (bulky clothing, hats, tool belts, or umbrellas) or posture (carrying objects or stooping above children instead of in front of them.) They appear to do so to make an announcement since they show no signs of aggression. They are trained to stop with a verbal commands. Staff, children, and clients will be required to wash or sterilize their hands each time they pet or handle the dogs in any manner. Even though they are immeasurably tolerant, any inappropriate, violent, hurtful, or disrespectful treatment of her by anyone on the premises will be considered a violation of center policy and will be dealt with accordingly. A major role in dogs participation in our program is to teach children love and respect for all living creatures. The way in which our dogs are treated is the key to the successful manner in which they interact with the children. They are an unmistakable an integral part of our program. If you are uncomfortable with dogs, Brown Bear Educare may not be a match for your family.

Pesticide Policy: We will post a notification to parents one week prior to using any pesticides stating what, when and where pesticides will be used.

General Safety: The safety of each child is foremost important to the employees of Brown Bear Educare. Therefore, our safety policy is strictly enforced. Parents/Guardians are required to provide car seats for their child if they are less than 3 years of age or weigh less than 60lbs according to Washington State Law. Parents/Guardians are to provide close supervision of their children while entering and exiting the premises. It is illegal to leave children unattended in vehicles and is not permitted.

Screening: Children will be visually screened as they arrive at the facility. If a child exhibits signs of illness, it will be determined if the symptoms indicate the need for exclusion until remedied. In the event a child becomes ill and needs to be picked up, the child will be separated from the rest of the children until a parent arrives.

Non-Admittance: Your child will not be allowed to attend Brown Bear Educare if he/she exhibits symptoms for exclusion within a 24-hour period prior to child?s admittance back to school. If your child is unable to participate in the normal activities of the daily schedule, then your child must stay home.

1) Fever of 100 degrees F or higher - Your child must be fever free without medication for 24 hours in order to return to school.

Illness Reports: Each illness will be recorded on a monthly health report. Parents will be given a copy of this report and the center will maintain a copy. Serious illnesses will be reported to the Department of Social and Health Services (D.S.H.S).

Staff Illness: Staff members who display signs of infectious illness will not be required to be in attendance. In that event, they will be replaced by a qualified substitute until their return.

Communicable diseases: We are required to report communicable diseases to the local Health Department.

Consent: Parents must give written consent before the employees of Brown Bear Educare may give any child any medication. The parent must complete a Medication Release form provided by Brown Bear which includes:

Child's first and last name, name of medication, reason for giving medication, amount of medication to give, how to give the medication (route), how often to give the medication, start and stop dates, and expected side effects.

Prescription Medication: All prescription medication must be in its original container and properly labeled with child?s full name, date prescription was filled or medication?s expiration date and legible instructions for administration, such as manufacture?s instruction or prescription label.

Non-prescription Medication: We may give the following medications with written parent consent if the medication

bottle label tells you how much medication to give based on the child's age and weight:

4. Anti-itching ointments or lotions, intended specifically to relieve itching or dry skin

5. Diaper ointments and non-talc powders intended specifically for the use in the diaper area of the child

Unlisted Non-Prescription Medication: A physician?s authorization is needed for non-prescription medication that is not included in the above list, or if it is to be taken differently than indicated on the label, indicates that a physician should be consulted, if the medication is for a child under the age of 2, or lacks labeled instructions.

Distribution of Medication: We may not mix medications in formula or food unless you have written directions to do so from a health care provider with prescriptive authority. We may not give the medication differently than the age and weight appropriate directions or the prescription directions on the medication label unless you have written directions from a health care provider with prescriptive authority before you give the medication. If the medication label does not give the dosage directions for the child's age or weight, we must have written instructions from a health care provider with prescriptive authority in addition to the parent consent prior to giving the medication.

Health Supplements: We must have written consent from a health care provider with prescriptive authority

Medical Emergencies: It is our policy that we will first call 911, then the parents or guardian will be contacted as soon as possible. If the parent/guardian can not be reached the directions on the enrollment form will be followed. In the event IMMEDIATE medical attention should be required, we will use Overlake Medical Hospital located at 1035 116th Avenue NE in Bellevue, (425) 454-4011. If you have a preference other than the one listed, we will try to accommodate you, if possible. All accidents and illnesses are recorded on a monthly health and accident report.

Disaster Plan: Parents who enroll in our program are required by the State of Washington Department of Health to read our disaster plan. A copy at this detailed plan is available at the school and on-line on our website.

SUMATION: Parents should feel free to contact Kelly Hittle, the director/owner at any time. Financial concerns should be taken to Craig, directly. We strive to provide the highest quality of educational childcare and hope we are able to meet the needs of your family.

Time	I. Activity	II. Description/Skill Focus
7:15 to 8:15	Breakfast/Sensory	? Children are offered breakfast or they can do a quiet activity.
8:15 to 8:30	Story Time	? Children choose stories from the bookshelf that they wish the teacher to read.
8:30 to 9:15	Outdoor Activities	? Children focus on large muscle and social skills. The concept of ?taking turns? is practiced.
9:15 to 9:30	Circle Time	? Children sing songs; participate in a learning activity, group games, and practice counting & language skills.
9:30 to 10:30	Art/Morning Snack	? Projects are set out for children. Centers are open at this time.
10:30 to 10:45	Small Group Activity	? Children participate in a teacher directed writing, language, and math or science project geared towards problem solving or deductive reasoning.
10:45 to 11:00	Music & Movement	? Children gain practice in large motor skills through movement activities to a variety of music.
11:00 to 12:00	Outdoor Activities	? Children focus on large muscle and social skills. The concept of ?taking turns? is practiced.
12:00 to 12:15	Set Up Beds/Wash Hands	? Children set out their own mats and blankets. Children are required to wash their hands before and after each meal.
12:15 to 12:45	Lunch	? Lunch is served in ?family style.? Children practice good table manners, and naming, passing and serving food. Children also learn what is considered appropriate and inappropriate table discussions.
12:20 to 12:40	Quiet Reading	? Children wash their face and hands after lunch. Afterwards, they may choose a book or two to look at quietly on their mats.
12:40 to 1:00	Chapter Story	? A chapter from a book is read every day. Children may listen as they fall asleep. Types of stories may include Winnie the Pooh, Raggedy Ann, or The Secret Garden.
1:00 to 3:00	Nap	? Children not needing rest are offered quiet activities to do during this time.
3:00 to 4:00	Snack/Free Choice	? As children awaken, they put their bedding away, eat snack and choose a quiet activity in the various centers.
4:00 to 5:30	Outdoor Activities	? Children play group games outside and practice their large motor skills. Children play inside if the weather is too foul for outdoor activities.
5:30 to 6:00	Quiet Activities /Departure	? Children are given a late night snack ?to go?

I. Activity

II. Description/Skill Focus