Hours of Operation
When are we open? The Early Education Center of First United Methodist Church is open Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Our staff will appreciate the parent's cooperation in being punctual upon departure time. There will be an additional fee of $1.00 per minute assessed for any pickup after 5:30 p.m. This will be based on Verizon Wireless phone time.
When are we closed? The Early Education Center of First United Methodist Church will be closed on the following holidays when these fall on a regular work day (Monday through Friday): New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and Christmas Day.
Dress Code
Children should wear washable, comfortable clothing. Please do not allow your child to wear clothing that will inhibit participation in The Early Education Center activities. We promote independence, so dress your child in clothing that he or she can easily remove for toileting. We require that all children wear shoes for foot protection. Shoes should be comfortable. We require a rubber sole shoe, such as tennis shoes, to help minimize slipping when climbing on playground equipment. Please help us limit lost articles by labeling your child's clothing.
Toys
Toys from home are not permitted except on Show & Tell Day. Your child's teacher will notify you of this day in advance. Please do not allow your child to bring small items, such as money or jewelry. Lost items can cause many tears and can also be hazardous if found by younger children in the play area.
Meals & Snacks
Your child in the toddler, two and three year old program will receive a nutritionally-balanced lunch and two snacks daily. The menu will be posted in the lobby area for parents' review. We request that children do not bring food to the Center unless they are on a special diet prescribed by a physician. On certain occasions, your child's teacher may request that you send a bag lunch for special field trips. If it is your child's birthday and you would like to supply a snack for that special day, please make arrangements with your child's teacher. Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day. Please allow adequate time at home for your child to eat this meal as food is not permitted in the classroom and no supervision will be available. With the exception of infants; bottles, food or drink belonging to the children may not be stored in the Center refrigerator.
Parent Involvement
We encourage parents to be involved in our program whenever possible. Mutual support and good communication are essential to provide the best environment for your child. Please feel free to schedule a conference if concerns or questions about your child arise. If a parent has concerns or needs assistance with issues related to The Early Education Center, they may discuss the issue first with their child's teacher. If the teacher feels it necessary, the director will be notified for further consultation. It is at the discretion of the director that an issue be brought before the board of directors.
Guidance and discipline are based on developing the child's positive self-image and self-control. We encourage the child to use problem-solving skills. Our staff will redirect inappropriate behavior in a positive way and give brief simple explanations for acceptable behavior. We are here to serve as supportive and loving models for all children.
During your child's time at The Early Education Center he/she will be taught the rules of the classroom and center. Once a child understands the rules and disobeys them, hurts others or property, the following developmentally appropriate guidance techniques will be used. These techniques are as follows:
Discipline
- 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.
- Time out: The child is separated from the group for a child-regulated period of time.
- Last resort: A conference with the parents may be requested if the child continues to display disruptive behaviors. We feel this should be sufficient, but if a resolution can't be reached dismissal may be requested.
*Sometimes, if both a parent and a provider are both in the same area (ex. drop-off, pick up, parties, etc.) a child may forget the rules, or test the boundaries. Please help show your child that you respect The Early Education Center, and its property by reminding them that the rules still apply when you are around. We will also remind them of the rules and correct them if needed.