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Parent Handbook2018-2019School Year

Austin Avenue Preschool 2018-2019Policies and Procedures

Austin Avenue Preschool is a ministry of Austin Avenue United Methodist Church for families in the church and community. Our program offers a loving, Christian environment in which children are able to develop cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. Each child is viewed as a unique person with an individual pattern for growth and development. Our goal is to enhance the development of readiness skills and encourage a love for learning. Austin Avenue Preschool serves children from 6 months through Pre-K.

ScheduleAustin Avenue Preschool’s calendar begins Monday, August 20, 2018, and ends Friday, May31, 2019. Holidays and inclement weather will follow the Waco ISD calendar.

HoursThe Preschool day will be from 8:45 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Friday.AM Care is available from 7:15 AM to 8:45 AM Monday through Friday.PM Care is available from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday.

Arrival and DepartureThe regular school day for preschool is 8:45 AM. Please walk with your child to his/her classroom. If you arrive early, you are welcome to wait in the children’s library. Parents /guardians may not enter the classroom between 8:45 AM- 9:00 AM. Please sign your child in each day and include who will be picking your child up. The person must be authorized on your release form.Pick up time is between 2:20 PM and 2:30 PM. Pick up time can be rather hectic. Parents may not enter the classroom between 2:20 PM and 2:30 PM. Please remember to sign your child out daily. Please do not remove your child from their classroom without the teacher’s knowledge.Children arriving after 9:00 AM must check in through the office. Preschool learning time begins at 9:00 AM and late arrivers are a distraction to the class.

If you are going to be delayed in picking up your child, due to unavoidable circumstances, please contact the school as soon as possible so we can make arrangements and inform/reassure your child. 254-754-4685

All preschool children who are not picked up by 2:30 pm (except for those enrolled in PM Care) are considered late pickups. The child will be sent to aftercare and an aftercare fee of $10 will be charged to your account. All children enrolled in PM Care who are picked up after 5:30 PM will be assessed a $1 per minute late fee.

Visitors to SchoolAny person who is not an employee or a student at Austin Avenue Preschool or Austin Avenue United Methodist Church is considered a visitor. Families of students are welcome for class parties, birthday celebrations, and other student involved programs. So that we are aware of visitors at Austin Avenue Preschool, visitors MUST SIGN IN AT THE AUSTIN AVENUE PRESCHOOL OFFICE AND WEAR A VISITOR BADGE FOR IDENTIFICATION

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PURPOSES.Tuition and Fees

Registration Fee $100 before May 1st; $150 after May 1st

Curriculum Fee $75 due August 1st and Jan 1st

Tuition

Tiny Tumbler 6-15 months

Days per Week Tuition 10 month plan

1 $1050 $1052 $1850 $1853 $2650 $2654 $3450 $3455 $4250 $425

Busy Bounders (Twos)

Days per Week Tuition 10 month plan

1 $900 $902 $1700 $1703 $2400 $2404 $3000 $3005 $3400 $340

Little Leapers (Ones)

Days per Week Tuition 10 month plan

1 $1050 $1052 $1850 $1853 $2550 $2554 $3150 $3155 $3550 $355

Happy Hoppers (PreK3) & Junior Jumpers (PreK4)

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Days per Week Tuition 10 month plan

T/Th $1700 $170M/W/F $2400 $240

5 $3400 $340

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A.M. Extended Care ~ $6.00 per dayP.M. Extended Care ~ $12.00 per day

Extended care enrollment is by semester. Students are charged all days they are enrolled regardless of their attendance. There are no refunds for absence, illness, or no attendance.

Drop-in care is accepted on space availability. Arrangements must be made prior to drop-in day. Drop-in rate is $6 for AM care and $12 for PM care per day.

*Tuition Payment Plan for 10 months is paid from August 1st through May 1st.

Parents enrolling more than one child receive a 10% discount on the additional children.

Tuition is due by the 1st of each month. Austin Avenue Preschool offers a grace period of 10 days. Therefore, any payment received after the 10th of the month will be considered late and a $25 late fee will be assessed.

Full tuition payment is due every month. A fee of $35 is charged for a returned check. There is no deduction in tuition when a child is absent, sent home ill, for holidays, or inclement weather.

Preschool Assessment and Progress ReportsAll preschoolers participate in an assessment. Preschool teachers observe and record mastery of developmental objectives.

Progress reports, using developmental checklists, are administered in PreK 3 and PreK 4. Progress reports will be sent home twice a year (December and May). These reports reflect your child’s growth in social, behavioral and academic skills.

Teacher conferences are held twice a year; mid-year and end of the year. Additional conferences are available at any time and can be scheduled by contacting the Preschool office.

Home/School CommunicationGood, open communication is vital to a healthy relationship between parents, teachers and administration. Austin Avenue Preschool will email a monthly newsletter; this will be an accurate update of all events affecting you and your children. Your child’s teacher will send a weekly email with specific information regarding their classroom.

Change of Address/Telephone Changes to addresses (physical or email) or phone numbers must be reported to the school offices immediately.

Temporary GuardianWhen parents are out-of-town and children are left in the care of another adult, the school should be notified in writing. Information should include:

Name of guardian authorized to pick up the child (with phone numbers) A medical release for authorizing guardians to provide emergency medical care.

Only persons whose names are on the Release Authorization form that will be completed with the child’s enrollment forms will be allowed to pick children up from school.

Abuse and NeglectAustin Avenue Preschool takes abuse and neglect very seriously. Our teachers and staff receive annual training on prevention, recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect. Teachers and staff are required by law to report any suspicious signs of abuse and neglect. A health check may be conducted to further investigate those suspicions (ex. checking for bruising, swelling, unexplained burns or other injuries, etc.)

Withdrawal PolicyInform Austin Avenue Preschool in writing at least two weeks prior to withdrawal. There is no tuition refund for the month in which the child is withdrawn.

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Outside PlayOutside play is vitally important to each student in various areas of development. Because of this it is our goal for each child to have a minimum of 30 minutes of outside play each day. We recognize that Texas weather can prevent outside play from being possible and have an indoor area for play in the event that we are unable to go outside. We base our decision for outside play based on the wind chill/heat index. If the wind chill is 35 or above the children will be going outside for play. If the heat index is 100 and above the children will stay indoors. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.

Health StandardsUpon enrollment, each child will be required to have on file an immunization record with current immunizations.

Required immunizations (each age level assumes the immunizations for the preceding age levels have been obtained):

At age 2- 3 months ……Hepatitis B #1, DTP #1, IPV #1, Hib #1, PVC #1

At age 4-5 months …… DTP #2, IPV #2, Hib #2, Hepatitis B #2, PVC #2

At age 6-15 months ……Hepatitis B #3, DTP #3, Hib #3, PVC #3

At age 12-15 months ……….MMR#1, PVC#4

At age 19-35 months………. DTP #4, IPV #3, Varicella, Hepatitis B #3

At age 5…………………… DTP/DTP #5, IPV #4, MMR #2, PVC #5

Parents should notify Austin Avenue Preschool if a child will be absent due to illness or for any other reason.A child must be kept home if any of the following symptoms are present:

A fever of 100.0 or higher (Must be fever free for 24 hours prior to returning to school). A thick greenish nasal discharge. If it is from allergies, we must have a note from a

doctor. A rash that has not been explained by a doctor. Vomiting (Must not vomit for 24 hours prior to returning to school). Diarrhea (Must not have diarrhea for 24 hours prior to returning to school).

If a child becomes ill, a parent or authorized adult will be notified and expected to immediately pick the child up from school.

Inform Austin Avenue Preschool if a child has been exposed to a contagious disease. This policy helps to provide a healthy atmosphere and protects your child from unnecessary illnesses.

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Austin Avenue Preschool has chosen to opt out of requiring employees to verify immunization records or have immunizations during the 2018-2019 school year.

Preschool Medication Policy

Austin Avenue Preschool staff will only administer medications that are life sustaining with properly-signed orders. Medication and special medical procedures will be administered to a child in the Preschool only on the written, dated and signed request from a licensed physician and parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child. Medication Authorization Form with specific instructions for administration (5.A.11) can be found in each classroom or the office.

Medications prescribed for a specific child must be kept in the original container bearing the pharmacy label which shows the prescription number, date filled, physician’s name, directions for use and the child’s name.

Daily Hand WashingChildren wash their hands before and after eating, after using the restroom or diaper change and after playing outside. In addition to these scheduled times, we ask that your child wash his/her hands every morning when arriving in their classroom.

Sunscreen/ Insect RepellantParents should apply protective products to child before coming to school.

Hearing/Vision ScreeningAll students in PreK4, are required by the state to have a hearing/vision screening. The test results must be on file in your child’s enrollment file. You may use your regular pediatrician at the time of their check-up or a medical clinic. The test results are due by 90 days after school has started. Failure to have this screening will result in suspension of your child until tests are completed.

Emergency Medical CareIn the event of an accident or illness that in the director’s judgement, requires emergency medical treatment, the preschool is authorized to obtain and render emergency medical care for the child through any duly licensed healthcare provider. A properly executed Emergency Treatment and Authorization Form must be on file in the Preschool office.

The church will not be responsible for any medical (or related) expenses incurred; such expenses will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian. All staff members have CPR/First Aid training.

Weather PolicyIn case of inclement weather, we will follow Waco ISD in delays or closures.

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Emergency PreparednessAustin Avenue Preschool has monthly fire drills throughout the year and severe weather drills twice a year. Emergency plans are posted in each classroom. In the event of an actual emergency, parents will be notified as soon as children are safe and accounted for. A detailed Emergency Preparedness Plan is available for your viewing in the Austin Avenue Preschool office. This plan outlines specific measures that would be taken in the event of various emergencies such as fire, tornado, intruder, flood, hazardous material leak, etc.

Food ServiceParents are responsible for providing a nutritious, non-perishable lunch each day. All lunch containers must be labeled with child’s name.

Pre-cut all large items such as apples, meat, etc. Children ages 18 months and up should be able to eat their lunch independently.

Due to severe allergies on our campus, please do not send food containing PEANUTS OR CINNAMON. These items will not be served to your child and you will be contacted to bring appropriate food.

A small snack will be provided in the morning and in PM care.

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM SENDING THE FOLLOWING:1. Items that require refrigeration (2 years old & up) 2. Items that require microwave heating3. Carbonated drinks4. Candy5. Canned meat with metal pull-tab lids (sharp edges)6. Items containing peanuts.7. Items containing cinnamon

Breastfeeding PolicyA comfortable place will be provided to enable mothers to breastfeed their children at Austin Avenue Preschool. Mothers have the right to breastfeed in the Preschool or to provide breast milk for their child while in the care of Austin Avenue Preschool.

DisciplineWe encourage good behavior with positive praise and redirection. If these are unsuccessful, then time-out is used as needed. Austin Avenue Preschool reserves the right to send children home for biting, hitting, kicking, or other harmful behavior. Austin Avenue Preschool believes in serving the whole child and that every opportunity is a learning opportunity. The staff is trained in Conscious Discipline methods, developed by Dr. Becky Bailey. Conscious Discipline empowers the students in social-emotional learning, discipline, and self-regulation. It provides a way to give each child a voice and the skills needed to navigate through the early years of friendship development and behavior modification.

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Extraordinary Discipline ProblemsIn the event of an extraordinary behavior problem jeopardizing the health or safety of any child or adult, the child will be immediately removed from the classroom and parents will be contacted.

Removal from Austin Avenue PreschoolWhile it is the goal of Austin Avenue Preschool to provide a quality education to each child in our program, it is our experience that some children are not yet ready to respond to a structured learning environment. In the event a lack of readiness leads to chronic behavioral problems, Austin Avenue Preschool may recommend placement of the child in another level program or removal of the child until the child achieves readiness.

Any such recommendation will be made with the best interest of the child and classmates as the primary consideration.

In the event a child is removed from Austin Avenue Preschool, any prepaid tuition will be refunded. This is the only circumstance in which refunds are given.

Preschool DressParents are encouraged to dress their children in comfortable, washable play clothes. The children will be using paint, glue, markers, and other materials in creative activity. They should come dressed for outside play, preferably in tennis shoes for running and climbing.

All shoes worn must have a strap that goes around the back of the heel. Children must wear shoes that fit and will stay on their feet. NO FLIP FLOPS, SHOES WITH WHEELS OR SHOES WITH HIGH HEELS ARE ALLOWED AT AUSTIN AVENUE PRESCHOOL.

DVD/VideosDVD/Videos are used in the classroom to enhance a subject that is being studied, special holidays or as a special reward. It is not a daily or weekly activity.

BirthdaysTeachers will celebrate birthdays in the classroom. If you desire, you may bring a special snack for your child’s class to assist in the celebration. Please let your child’s teacher know ahead of time if you plan to bring a special snack for the class. Health Department regulations require that the snack be store-bought.

HolidaysWe will celebrate several holidays throughout the year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter. Parents are invited to participate by attending celebrations and donating items for the parties. Your child’s teacher will provide you with more details at the appropriate time.

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BackpacksEach child needs to bring a backpack or bag which can be hung on a hook. All of your child’s daily items must fit into the bag. Daily items include: lunchbox, blanket, complete change of clothes (socks, underwear, shirt, pants), diapers (if applicable), sippie cups (if applicable).

Naps/Rest TimeAs mandated by our state license, each class will have a nap/rest time. During this time, your child will be expected to nap/rest quietly. Children may bring a blanket, small pillow and security object (no toys). Please remember to label all rest-time items. Rest Items will be sent home bi-weekly for washing or sooner if they are soiled.

Safe SleepAs a mandate by our state license all infants 12 months old or younger must sleep on his back on a flat, firm surface, like a crib or bassinet. Infants are not allowed to sleep in restrictive devices, infants must sleep in their own cribs, this rule has been amended to clarify that infants not yet able to turn over must be placed in a face-up sleeping position. Safe sleep can help protect your baby from sudden infant death syndrome (also called SIDS) and other dangers.Parents may provide a sleep sack that does not restrict arm movement of the infant.

ToysChildren are not allowed to bring toys to school. Exceptions are show and share days in the Pre-K classes. Those items will be kept in a specified area during the school day. Toys can be a distraction to instruction and learning and can cause conflicts between children.

Parents InformedAny special occurrence or problem affecting the child will be brought promptly to the attention of the parents, such as the discovery or suspicion of a communicable disease among students.

Parents will be notified concerning various events via notes and newsletters throughout the year. All correspondence will be sent by email and/or placed in your child’s take-home folder. Notifications will also be posted to the bulletin board outside the office.

Under Texas Penal Code, any area within 1000 feet of a licensed child care center is a gang-free zone, where criminal offenses related to organized criminal activity are subject to harsher penalty.

Parent ProceduresParents are welcome to visit the school at any time to observe your child or programs and activities. Upon arrival, parents must sign in and receive a visitor’s badge from the Austin Avenue Preschool office.

If parents have any questions or concerns regarding the school’s policies or activities, please contact the Director by phone, email, or by visiting the Director any time during school hours.

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Appropriate Responses to Child Abuse and Neglect

How you respond to a suspected or confirmed case of child abuse and neglect can influence whether or not a child gets the help they need. Your response can also affect how an abused child will recover from their traumatic and painful experience. To help increase the likelihood of a positive outcome, here are a few tips for you to remember when responding to child abuse and neglect:

Report suspected child abuse immediately. As long as you have a sufficient reason to make a report, you are legally protected and cannot be sued. Be sure to give the person or agency you make the report to as much information as possible.

Do not act shocked or disgusted if a child reveals something about his or her abuse to you. Children are inclined to think that you are responding that way because of them, which can have a major impact on their healing and recovery.

Be supportive in your response and let the child know it is not his or her fault. Also remember that you can't promise not to tell since you're legally required to report any suspicion. The Crisis Manual for Early Childhood Teachers suggests the following response: 'I'm glad you told me. You did the right thing. I'm sorry this happened to you.'

Make sure children who are abused have plenty of ways to express themselves. Drawing, painting, and writing are all excellent creative outlets for children to express their thoughts and feelings about what happened to them.

Treat all children with kindness, respect, and empathy. This will help you build positive relationships with children and will also show abused children that a person does not have to use violence or humiliation in their interactions with others.

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Austin Avenue Preschool 2017-2018

Emergency Preparedness Plan

Purpose

This emergency plan has been developed to assist AUSTIN AVENUE PRESCHOOL in protecting the health and safety of the children in its care should a disaster or emergency, be it natural or deliberate, affect the facility, operation or its community. The safety of the children and staff is the primary goal of Austin Avenue Preschool.

When the decision is made to evacuate, the Austin Avenue Preschool Director will make the announcement in the most expeditious way possible that all persons are to evacuate to their assigned areas and wait for further instruction. The Director will notify appropriate personnel and communicate what type of emergency is present.

Organization and Responsibilities

Evacuation Supervisor-Director

A. Make sure all children are accounted for.B. Determine the safest location for continued operations until children can be picked up

and the safest path for all staff and children to get there.C. Activate the parent/guardian pick-up point assignmentD. Activate the communications assignment and provide specific phrases for the caller and

information about the parent/guardian pick-up point. When possible, be the one to make contact with those families whose children are injured as a result of the event.

E. In the absence of the Director, the following people will take charge: Director Designee

First Aid – Teacher Assistant

A. Administer First Aid as necessary with a complete First Aid KitB. Responsible for Medication Box

Communications – Administrative Assistant

Each classroom teacher will contact their own class parents/guardians.

A. Check with Evacuation Supervisor about exact info to give to families when calling.B. Discuss with Evacuation Supervisor the exact wording to offer families whose children

have been injured in some way by the event.C. Relay information to classroom teachers of each class.D. Confirm all parents/emergency back-up contacts have been actually spoken to.E. Report back to Evacuation Supervisor with updates, needs, and problems during rounds.

Confirm what information needs to be relayed to the public and media.F. Contact licensing representative or call Statewide Intake at 1-800-252-5400.

Staff members are responsible for implementing the disaster and emergency plan and ensuring the safety of the children. It is the responsibility of all staff to understand their roles and

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responsibilities and the location of the supplies in the event of an emergency. Everything will be focused on providing for the safety and wellbeing of the children and staff.

Attendance will be taken at the designated area during each drill and in the case of a real emergency.

Children’s Emergency Contact Information is kept in the White Binder in the Preschool office.

The Emergency Kit is located in the Austin Avenue Preschool office in the grey filing cabinet.

Types of Emergency Response

Medical EmergenciesAssess the situation and contact 911, if necessary. Notify the parents immediately. Document the date and circumstance regarding the medical emergency in the child’s record.

Lock Down Code Word: LOCKDOWNLocation – classroom doors locked, lights out, and class quiet. All staff & students are to stay in the lock down area until the all clear code word is given.

Evacuation-Evacuate the facility to go to another location nearby or far away to remain safe. Evacuation maps are posted in all classrooms. The map outlines where the staff and children will go in the event of an evacuation emergency. There are two outlined plans: Plan A and Plan B. The Preschool Director will direct staff and children to follow which plan is being used for the evacuation emergency. - Monthly drills for Fire emergencies will be held and documented to orient children and staff on the procedures and responsibilities, and build skills needed for real emergency. -Severe weather drills will be held 2 times a school year, and be documented to orient children and staff on the procedures and responsibilities, and build skills needed for real emergency. -Annual drills for off-site evacuation will be held and documented to train staff so they will be prepared in the event of a real emergency. -Fire and smoke will be announced by the alarm system, isolation of fire and smoke would include confinement by closing doors to the fire area. An emergency phone call will be made to appropriate emergency personnel.

-On site location: Evacuate to the Back area of the playground.

-Off-site location: Evacuation to Relocation Facility if building sustains damage, making it unsafe to stay Evacuation Location: FISRT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701 (254) 752-1665Transportation plan if moving to off-site location-Children under the age of 5 will be transported in Austin Avenue Van/staff vehicles. All other students will walk to First Presbyterian Church.

-Inside emergency weather location: Sudden Inclement Weather-In place sheltering Austin Avenue United Methodist Church, Pipkin Center.

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Staff Training & Drills All staff and children will participate in severe weather drills at the facility. Severe weather drills will be held 2 times a year.

Check List Fire-Immediate Evacuation -Smoke Alarm will sound -Director lets all teachers know where the danger is and determines which evacuation route is to be used. -All teachers have children line up and leads them to the assembly area in the back of the playground. - Preschool teachers will bring daily sign-in sheets -Director brings the white binder from the CCA office. -911 is notified of emergency status. -Once groups reach assembly area, teachers take role to account for all children that are in attendance that day. -Teachers maintain control of their group until instructed to return to classroom or proceed to alternate shelter. -Emergency service arrives onsite and are briefed. -Search of building reveals no hazard. -Emergency services briefed regarding final status. -Parents are notified of situation and that things are back to normal.

Sudden Inclement Weather-In place sheltering - Teachers will be informed, and Director will check designated assembly area (Pipkin Center) is safe and ready to receive children and staff. - Director informs teachers of situation and what emergency procedure will be implemented. - Teachers have children line up and lead them to the assembly area inside the Church. (Pipkin Center) - Preschool teachers will bring daily sign in sheets.-Director brings the white binder from the CCA office. -Parents are notified of situation and what safety measures are being taken. -If damage is sustained, 911 is notified. -Emergency services briefed regarding final status. -Parents are notified of situation and that things are back to normal.

Evacuation to Relocation Facility if building sustains damage/making it unsafe to stay -911 is called to check the damage and determine whether occupancy is safe. -Administrator informs all staff that evacuation to relocation facility is needed. -All parents are notified as quickly as possible that there has been damage, all children are safe and to ensure their continued safety relocating is necessary. They will need to make arrangements to pick up their child earlier than normal at the First Presbyterian Church 1100 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701 -Teachers gather children and prepare to evacuate to the relocation facility. - list. Preschool teachers will bring daily sign in sheets.

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-Director brings the white binder from the CCA office.

-Staff maintains supervision and accountability for all children. -Parents are informed of successful relocation and are waiting for designated pick up area. -Parents are informed of plans for future care.

CHEMICAL OR RADIATION EXPOSURE- If emergency is widespread, monitor local radio for information and emergency instructions.- Prepare to SHELTER-IN-PLACE or EVACUATE, as per instructions from the City, State or local officials. Director will inform Communications-Admin Assistant who will inform teacher/staff and parents.- If inside, stay inside (unless directed otherwise). Close all windows and doors.- If exposed to chemical or radiation outside:- Remove outer clothing, place in a plastic bag, and seal. (Be sure to tell emergency responders about bag so it can be removed.)-If there is a chemical spill in the area and Austin Avenue Preschool needs to evacuate to another Relocation Facility other than First Presbyterian Church, Director will make arrangements. This will be communicated to Staff/Teachers and parents, by the Austin Avenue Preschool Admin Assistant.

PANDEMIC FLU/CONTAGIOUS DISEASE- Wash hands well and often.- Remind parents and guardians that emergency contact information must be current and complete.- Enforce illness exclusion policies for children and staff - insist that sick children and staff stay home or go home.- Have and follow a plan to keep ill children away from well children while they are waiting to go home.- Keep an illness log of sick children and staff - those sent home and those kept at home.- Close rooms as necessary due to staff illness (to maintain safe ratios).- Reinforce teaching about good respiratory etiquette:- Use a tissue (or a sleeve, in a pinch) to catch a sneeze or cough.- Throw used tissues in a hands-free trash can.- Wash your hands after using a tissue or helping a sick child.- Monitor local and state Public Health websites and other news media for current pandemic flu status information, recommendations, and instructions.If a communicable disease is suspected or is diagnosed in a child care setting, these recommendations for handling communicable diseases should be promptly followed: 1. Notify the local health department of any communicable disease. 2. Director will communicate with parents on when to exclude a child suspected of having a communicable disease. Under some special circumstances, and in coordination with the health department, children ill with a specific disease may be able to remain in the group care setting. 3. Director will report to all other parents and staff the illness to which children have been exposed and symptoms to watch.

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4. When a diagnosed communicable disease is present in a child care setting or is a known problem in the community, the administrator/staff will perform a health screening of children on arrival so sick children can be quickly identified and care arrangements made. 5. A staff member will review the children’s immunization records for completeness. If a child is not fully immunized against the diagnosed communicable disease, exclusion from child care during an outbreak may be recommended. 6. Sanitation procedures must be strictly followed and extra precautions taken regarding food handling, dish washing, highchair cleaning, and hand washing by staff and children; as well as general cleanliness of toys in the environment. 7. Re-admission should be upon the advice of the child’s doctor and the local health department.

Communication with Parents/Guardians To assure you of our concern for the safety and welfare of children attending Austin Avenue Preschool, we have in place our Emergency Preparedness Plan. This plan is in accordance with all Licensing agencies. Our Emergency operations plan provides for responses to all types of emergencies. Depending on the circumstance of the emergency, we will use one of the following actions: Immediate evacuation: Children and staff are evacuated to a safe area on the grounds of Austin Avenue Preschool in the event of a fire, etc.. In –place sheltering: Sudden occurrences, usually weather related, may dictate that taking cover inside the building is the best immediate response. Off-Site Evacuation: Total evacuation may become necessary if there is damage to the building, or a danger in the area. In this case, the children will be taken to a relocation facility. (First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701). During an emergency, we will only release children to the people on your emergency contact list. Attached are the Emergency Evacuation Routes. We have two routes for exiting the building: Plan A and Plan B. Both plans are also included in the master Emergency Preparedness Plan posted in the classrooms and the main office.

Emergency Kit Supplies: Location Austin Avenue Preschool Office -Emergency contact information for every child -Authorization for emergency medical care for every child -Complete First Aid Kit (sterile gloves, gauze, soap, sanitizing solution, antibiotic ointment, bandages, thermometer, tweezers, sunscreen, and moistened towelettes) -Water & Food and necessary utensils -Nose and mouth protection masks, plastic sheeting, and duct tape -Diapering supplies -Hand washing supplies -Flashlights with extra batteries -Whistle -Battery powered radio -Trash bags and re-sealable bags -Tape, pens, paper, scissors & utility knife -Medications

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Request by Parents to Address the Austin Avenue Preschool Board:Parents who wish to speak to the Austin Avenue Preschool Board are welcome to do so by sending a written request to the Preschool Director within 24 hours of a board meeting. The requester will be allowed a maximum of three minutes for their presentation. The maximum allotted for Address by parents at any meeting shall not exceed thirty minutes. The Board may only listen to the parent and if need be, assign someone to follow up on the matter reported.

Austin Avenue Preschool will be a licensed childcare facility. As such, we are required to follow the Texas Minimum Standard Rules for Licensed Child-Care Centers. These standards are available in the Director’s office for review. A copy of the most recent Licensing inspection report can be located on the board outside the Director’s office.

Austin Avenue Preschool1300 Austin AvenueWaco, TX 76701254-754-4685Christi Goldstein, Director of Children’s Ministrycgoldstein@austinavenueumc.org

Department of Family and Protective Services801 Austin Ave., Ste. B-30Waco, Texas 76701254-756-5571

The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Serviceswww.tdprs.state.tx.us

Child Abuse Hotline1-800-252-5200

Austin Avenue Preschool 2017-2018 Board Members

Frank CromwellCarla Haynes-CloweChristi GoldsteinSarah JarrellTim Jarrell – Senior PastorAnn MitchellDella Thomas

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