Inclusion
The center welcomes children of all abilities into the program. We believe that children are not to be identified by their problem areas, but as children with many strengths who may need special assistance; children have the right to develop to their full potential; a child’s self-esteem and integrity as individuals with special needs and desires will always be respected.
The CDC will coordinate and collaborate with individual therapists, in order to support his/her developmental needs, as appropriate. We will also assist parents in identifying community resources that may meet individual/family needs.
Discipline Philosophy
The discipline goal of the CDC staff is to help children achieve internal control. Providing an appropriate developmental program that meets the children’s needs is the first steps in helping children develop self-control. Discipline techniques focus on concrete experiences and explanations for limits on behaviors.
Termination Policy
Center staff and administration are committed to working with each enrolled child and family to make their experience in the center a positive one. However, there are circumstances in which a child may be terminated from the program.
Terminating a child from the Center will take place only after all possible means of alleviating the problem have been exhausted or the situation presents an immediate danger to the children and/or staff. The decision to terminate will be made by the Center Director and the parent will be notified verbally, and in writing of the decision, and their child’s final day in the center.
The Orfalea Family Children’s Center reserves the right to terminate service if the child is unable to benefit from the program, the program is unable to meet the special needs of the child or family, the parents or child is disruptive to the program or aggressive toward adults or children, or attendance is sporadic.
Nondiscrimination Policy
Citrus Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, (over 40), religious creed, marital status, medical condition, (including cancer), physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, sexual orientation or military status such as a Vietnam-era veteran in any policies, procedures or practices.
Funding
The center is funded through the State Department of Education, parent fees, college and community support.
Fees
- Fees are charged on a sliding scale and based on income and funding stream
- Fees are due and payable on the first school day of the month; childcare will be excluded if fees are not paid by the 5th of the month
- If a child is attending the center at a reduced fee, the center must have verification of income and school enrollment each semester.
- A non-refundable registration fee will be charged at the time of the program interview.
- A non-refundable annual service fee of $50 is charged at the time of enrollment and on August 1st thereafter.
- Students with income in excess of the State Fee Schedule will be charged full cost for service
- A current fee schedule can be obtained from the Enrollment Office.
Health
- We are not equipped to care for an ill child; only children in good health will be allowed to attend the CDC.
- A physical evaluation form completed by the child’s physician must be presented within 30 days of enrollment
- A staff member may refuse admittance to a child who appears ill (drainage from eyes, lethargic, fever)
- If a child becomes ill during the day, the parent will be notified and expected to arrange for alternate care – the child will need to be picked up within 45 minutes from the center.
- All immunizations must be up-to-date in order to maintain a child’s enrollment in the center
Parent Advisory Board
The Parent Advisory Board (PAB) is composed of parents with children in the center. PAB is charged with the task of interfacing with staff and parent’s, and interpreting the center program to the campus community.
Arrival and Pick Up
- Under no conditions are parents to drop off children outside the center
- Each parent must sign his/her child in and out daily, using a full signature
- Under no condition will a child be released to anyone other than the parent without written authorization on the blue emergency card. No one under 18 years of age will be permitted to pick up a child
- All persons authorized to pick up a child must be able to provide photo ID at the time of pick up
Naps/Quiet/Rest
A rest/quiet time is part of all preschool classrooms' curriculum to allow active bodies to rest and regenerate. Children are not required to sleep; however, they will need to rest on their 'mat' and not disrupt other 'resters'.
Nutrition
The center emphasizes good nutrition and the children are encouraged to try new foods as well as customary foods prepared in new ways. We avoid the ‘empty calorie’ foods and encourage parents to do the same at home. The children’s menu is posted for review; breakfast, lunch and snack are served in the center.