Hours and Cancellation

Children's Discovery is open from 6:30 A.M. to 6:15 P.M., Monday through Friday throughout the year with the exception of the following six holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. We will close at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve Day. FULL TUITION IS CHARGED FOR THE ABOVE HOLIDAY WEEKS.

Children's Discovery Academy is committed to being open for our families even during adverse weather conditions. The only time we will close is in the event of blizzard conditions, which are intense enough to close down the entire city including the University of Minnesota. Listen to WCCO radio to hear announcements of this type. FULL TUITION IS CHARGED FOR THESE WEEKS.

Non-Discrimination Policy

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Children's Discovery Academy is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

Clothing

It is essential to send along a complete change of clothing to be left at Children's Discovery. Children's clothes are very much alike in looks and size. Clothes NEED TO BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE CHILD'S FULL NAME.

Communication

A Program Plan has been written to insure all of these areas are being developed in each child. This Program Plan is on file and is open to parents' viewing at any time. Programs are designed to enhance the child's self-identification and group social involvement.

In order to share these commitments with you, you will receive a planned schedule from your child's teacher monthly.

Conferences are scheduled twice during the year to better acquaint the parents with our programs through personal discussion with the teachers. Progress reports are written on each child at these times, and conferences can be arranged at any time on a particular concern that may arise. Together we can better assure a more positive and satisfying environment so important to your child.

As a parent, you are welcome to visit Children's Discovery any time during the hours of operation. We do encourage parents to use their discretion in choosing times that won't disrupt your child's day.

Discipline

Our staff is dedicated to search out the positive aspects of all the children. If a problem develops in a particular situation, we will continue to search out alternate methods to bring the child back to appropriate behavior. Personal relations that develop between teacher and child will normally lead to positive actions. If the child's behavior remains disruptive, the child may be removed from the class activity for a brief period. If our staff cannot resolve the situation along with the help of the parents, we will recommend that you find alternate care for your child. The child is never physically or mentally abused by any member of our staff within Children's Discovery Academy.

Field Trips

Fully supervised trips are planned to places of interest for children. Children's Discovery Academy will provide the same adequate, responsible supervision for these excursions as is provided to the children while in attendance at the Academy. Bus service will be arranged through a qualified company. You are responsible to sign a field trip permission slip. If you do not choose to have your child attend a particular field trip, you are obligated to find alternate care and no childcare fee reduction will be given.

Insurance

Children's Discovery Academy meets or exceeds the insurance policy requirements by government agencies.

Nutrition and Rest Time

Children's Discovery Academy employs a full time cook who will provide your child with the nutritional needs required for that part of the day in attendance. These needs include snacks in the morning and afternoon, as well as a balanced lunch. Breakfast can be provided at an additional cost. Breakfast is required of children attending nine or more hours. Our breakfasts are prepared for a predetermined number of children. Because of this reason, if your child is signed up for breakfast, there will be NO CREDITS given for breakfasts. This applies to days your child is NOT in attendance.

For children too young to eat table foods, parents should bring a daily supply of formula or breast milk and baby foods. In this way, we can ensure each individual child will be eating a daily diet that is set for his/her specific needs.

If children bring treats to be shared with other children at school, they must be store bought and in their original unopened container. NO HOMEMADE FOOD MADE OFF OUR PREMISES WILL BE SERVED TO CHILDREN AT CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY.

Each afternoon there will be a quiet time in which children are expected to rest quietly on their cots or to engage in quiet activities. Please bring in a small blanket to school for this time of day.

Parent's Grievance Policy

Children's Discovery Academy has a written grievance policy on file in the office for parents use whenever they deem necessary.

Pets

Children's Discovery Academy will occasionally have household animals in classrooms as pets. Each animal will be kept in a cage or leashed and must be approved by the office.

Research and Public Relations

Children's Discovery Academy will obtain written permission from each parent before their child is involved in experimental RESEARCH or public relations activities while at Children's Discovery Academy.

Substitute Staff

Substitute staff is provided for Children's Discovery Academy. If a staff member cannot report to work, substitute staff will provide adequate staffing for the Academy.

Transportation

Parents must provide transportation to and from Children's Academy. Your child must be signed IN and OUT each day in order for our facility to accept legal responsibility. Parents are also responsible for bringing the child's belongings to the appropriate classroom. Parents must fill out appropriate forms stating who has permission to pick up their child/children. In the event someone other than the parent must pick up your child, please notify the office. These people must be able to show an I.D. to prove they are whom they say.

Child Pick-up

Unless notified, a child will only be released to leave Children's Discovery with a custodial parent or guardian. If you would like someone else to pick up your child, please call us or write a note authorizing us to release your child from Children's Discovery with the designated person. Any person picking up a child that we have not met before is required to present their ID before we will release the child to them.

Child Pick-up by Unauthorized Person

If an unauthorized person attempts to pick up a child in our care, the child will not be released to their care and the appropriate parent or guardian will be contacted.

Child Pick-up by Incapacitated/Impaired Person

If an incapacitated/impaired person attempts to pick up a child, we will call another person to pick up the child. If the incapacitated/impaired person refuses to leave the child at Children's Discovery, we will obtain the license plate number of the incapacitated person and call the sheriff's office.