Welcome to Children's Unlimited Academy (CUA)! We are delighted to have you and your child as part of our community. We are committed to providing a happy and enriching learning experience where your child will receive the loving care and guidance essential for their formative years. As parents, you are always welcome to visit and ask questions and share your suggestions. We believe that strong communication between parents and staff is key to your child's success. This handbook has been designed to help you understand our program and policies ensuring a smooth and rewarding year for your child.
Thank you for your trust and confidence in us, we are honored to be a part of your child's early educational journey.
Best Wishes,
Children's Unlimited Academy
History Children's Unlimited Academy (CUA) was founded in late 2019 in North Carolina with a vision to create a nurturing and high-quality learning environment for young children. As a family-owned and operated educational institution, we bring over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, blending expertise with a deep passion for fostering growth and development.
From the beginning, our mission has been to provide a safe, clean, stimulating place where children can explore, learn, and thrive. We are committed to upholding the highest standard of education, safety, and care, ensuring that every child feels supported and valued.
At CUA, we believe in the power of strong relationships between educators, parents, and the community- to shape a child's early learning experiences. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to innovation, excellence, and the well-being of every child entrusted to our care.
Mission Statement Large enough to serve, small enough to care.
Program Philosophy We believe that children learn best through play our philosophy centers on providing appropriate age-hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, curiosity, and independence. Each child is encouraged to progress at their own pace in a nurturing and supportive environment, allowing them to develop confidence and a love for learning.
Our program is designed to create a least restrictive, inclusive setting where children can explore, discover, and develop essential skills through play-based activities in our learning centers. Our trained staff members are dedicated to guiding and supporting children in all aspects of their growth including communication, social-emotional development and cognitive learning. Through structured and unstructured play, role-playing, and positive reinforcement, we aim to build strong foundations for lifelong learning.
We also recognize the vital role of family in a child's development. That's why we actively encourage family participation and support, fostering strong partnerships between parents, caregivers, and educators. By working together, we create a community that prioritizes each child's education, well-being, and overall development.
At Children's Unlimited Academy we are committed to providing a warm, caring, and engaging environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Licensing Information
Board of Directors The Board of Directors of Children’s Unlimited Academy, a for-profit organization, formed in 2019 with the State of North Carolina, establishes policies for our program. The current list of Board of Directors is available to view on the bulletin board near the office.
Governmental Licensing Information Children’s Unlimited Academy is licensed by the State of North Carolina and receives periodic inspections by the NC Health and Human Services Commission. Parents may request a copy of the minimum standards and the most recent licensing inspection report at any time. You may contact the local licensing office at 919-814-6300. The NCDHHS child-abuse hotline number is 1-800-252-5400. The NCDHHS website is www. ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov
Enrollment Policy Children’s Unlimited Academy is open to children from 6 weeks – 12 years old. Enrollment shall be granted without regard to a child’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, or disability, and without regard to a parent or guardian’s race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, gender, pregnancy, or disability. Initial enrollment is contingent upon receipt of the completed enrollment application, signed fee agreement, registration fee, deposit, immunization records and signed Parent Handbook receipt. Before the start of each new school year and any time a new student starts, teachers will give families a welcome packet of classroom specific information and suggestions. The packet will also include a family questionnaire to learn about your child’s interests, your family’s approaches to learning, your child’s developmental needs, and your concerns and goals for your child. The teachers will incorporate this information into ongoing classroom planning.
The Enrollment Application and Fee Agreements are not meant to serve as contracts guaranteeing service for any duration. Children’s Unlimited Academy reserves the right to dismiss any parent or child at any time with or without cause. Continued enrollment at Children’s Unlimited Academy is contingent upon the parent’s, emergency contact persons’ and child’s adherence to the policies and procedures of Children’s Unlimited Academy as outlined in this handbook including, but not limited to, timely payment of all fees and tuition.
Parents are required to notify Children’s Unlimited Academy immediately, should any of the information collected at the time of enrollment or any time thereafter change. Failure to do so may result in the child(ren) being dis-enrolled from the program and forfeiture of any deposit. The full-time and part-time programs are 12-month programs. Enrolled spots will not be held for children who withdraw for the summer months. Should parents choose to withdraw, they will have to put the child(ren) back on the wait list as of the date of withdrawal. Discounts will not be given for extended vacation during the summer months and enrolled spots will not be held if tuition is not paid.
Waiting List Classes at Children’s Unlimited Academy typically remain full throughout the year. CUA keeps waiting lists, divided by age and program. A waiting list application form as well as a non-refundable application fee must be attached and submitted to the office to place a child on the waiting list. Applications will be filed in each age category according to the date the application form and fee are received. Once enrolled, the application fee applies to the child’s first annual registration fee. The following waiting list policies apply to all families:
1. The first time a family declines a spot (or fails to call back)- the waiting list date will be changed to the date of decline.
2. The second time a family declines (or fails to call back)- the child will be removed from the waiting list. Any family wishing to get back on the waiting list must submit a new application and fee
Internal Wait List An Internal Waitlist is kept for current students who wish to switch programs (i.e. changing of Drop-in days, moving from Full-time to Part-time, and First or Second Shift. Requests for program changes in the school must be submitted to the Registrar and will be granted on a first come, first serve basis.
The internal Waitlist will remain valid for as long as your child is an enrolled student at Children’s Unlimited Academy. Changes will only occur if there is availability in the program requested for the upcoming school year. If there is no availability regarding the change requested, the child would be re-enrolled in his/her current program.
Immunizations Policy *A copy of your child’s immunization record must be on file on or before the first day of enrollment.
Immunizations must be current based on your child’s age. When your child receives immunizations as he/she gets older, please provide us with a copy of the updated immunizations for your child’s file.
Parents who request that immunizations be waived on religious or other grounds must provide a legal waiver for the child’s primary physicians or Health department.
Please see the Center Director if you are not familiar with this procedure. 1. If an outbreak occurs, the parent will be asked to remove the non-immunized child from the center until it has been determined that the child’s health is no longer at risk. (Note: Copies of immunization records for school-age children are on file at public school and are not required to be on file at the CUA.
*Infant/ Preschool Child Health Record and current Shot Record (30 days to receive)
****(Important forms needed for continued enrollment)
Health, Safety, & Nutrition Policy Children’s Unlimited Academy has been carefully designed to ensure it is a safe, comfortable environment that will accommodate the abilities and needs of all children. Our goal is to promote good health, safety, and nutrition. Eating nutritious foods is an important part of each child’s day.
Food Program Children’s Unlimited Academy participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a Federal program that provides healthy meals and snacks to children receiving day care. Each day more than 2.6 million children participate in CACFP at day care homes and centers across the country. Providers are reimbursed for serving nutritious meals which meet USDA requirements. The program plays a vital role in improving the quality of day care and making it more affordable for low-income families.
Hours, Days, and Months of Operation We are open Monday through Friday from 7am to 11:30pm. It is important to call in advance if there are any sudden changes including but not limited to: late arrivals, late pickups, absences and any other important scheduling issues. We are here when you need us but strongly encourage you to spend as much free time as you can with your child. Children grow so fast, take this opportunity to spend time bonding with your child. This does not mean you cannot bring your child on your day off. We simply want to stress the importance of spending quality time with your child.
?Drop off can be as early as 7:00 am. Pick up can be no later than 11:45pm. Pickups after closing time will assess a Late pick-up fee. This is a $15.00 fee plus $1.00 per minute should pick up exceed 10 minutes after closing.
To ensure the safety of your child, only you or the person(s) listed on your pick-up sheet may pick up your child. You must add/remove people from the pickup list in person OR in cellular device. This information can ONLY be verified by phone if a password is in place in case of emergencies. Please let us know if someone other than yourself will be picking your child up. Please inform them to have proper identification in their possession. If they are not on the list and/or fail to provide proper identification (state ID), your child will not be released until we can reach you.
Tuition All custodial parents and/or legal guardians are required to sign an Enrollment Agreement prior to enrollment of their child at Children’s Unlimited Academy. Parents are required to indicate to whom all billing information and correspondence are to be addressed. There is no tuition credit or refund given for vacations, scheduled school holidays, child illness, or for closings due to emergency situations, pandemics, inclement weather or acts of God.
Tuition Payments are due and payable in advance on Friday prior to the first day of the week. If your payment is not received by drop-off on Monday, you will be charged a $20 late payment fee. Delinquent tuition payments are those made after the 1st day of the week. We reserve the right to terminate our service at any time when the account is more than 5 days past due
Non-payment of tuition is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. Timely payments are essential for continued enrollment at CUA; however, if you anticipate difficulty with paying on time, please discuss the matter with the Business Director immediately. If alternative arrangements for payment are approved, you will be notified by the Business Director.
Contracts, Fees, and Deposits The Tuition Express ACH (bank account or credit card) program must beused to pay tuition. A Tuition Express form must be submitted at the time of registration. There will be a $25 fee charged for tuition payments returned by our bank. Parents will be responsible for providing a new ACH payment method if their account is declined. Each year, upon re-enrollment, an annual registration fee is collected. This fee is non-refundable. For new students enrolling at The CDC, one full month’s tuition must be paid in advance, which is considered their Advance Tuition Deposit or “ATD”. This ATD will be applied toward the child’s last month’s tuition at The CDC, with appropriate withdrawal notice (see withdrawal policy). There will be no refunds given for ATD’s. Each year, a student's ATD amount will be adjusted to reflect that year’s tuition rate. Additional ATD’s will be billed in August of each school year.
Tuition and Fees Chart
Vacations After 6 months of enrollment, each family will earn 2 weeks (equivalent to the days you are enrolled) of vacation time.
Vacations will accrue annually on the account anniversary date. Vacation time does not roll over. Vacation time will need to be approved by management with a 2-week written notice **Tuition is expected for days your child may be absent due to illness, family emergencies, doctor visits, hospitalizations, vacations, or any other reason. Please note that tuition rates do not change at the end of the week including a holiday and/or inclement weather. After extensive research, we have found our policy to be consistent with other schools and child day care centers. Because our costs remain the same throughout the year, we rely on the specified tuition to be paid each week in order to meet our expenses. Consequently, as much as we might like to, we cannot make allowance for any days missed in your regular attendance schedule
Attendance Policy Regular attendance at CUA is extremely important for your child to settle in well. Routine becomes part of your child’s day. You are welcome to visit your child in the daycare at any time.
Parents will: • Notify the daycare staff between 7:30am-8:30 first shift • Notify the daycare staff between 9:30am-11:30 second shift if your child is not coming for care.
Daycare staff will: • Phone parents or guardians when a daycare child has missed two consecutive days of daycare. • Establish with parents or guardians the reason for the absence. • After two weeks the daycare staff have been unable to reach the parents, the child will be dismissed from the program.
Withdrawal & Dismissal Policy A two-week notice is required before withdrawing a child from our center. Accounts must be paid in full before withdrawing, including your child's tuition for that two-week period. Any account past due at time of disenrollment will be paid through our electronic withdrawal option. The director reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of a child at his/her discretion, or for the following possible reasons: • Non-payment or excessive late payments of tuition and fees. • Not observing the rules of the center as outlined in the parental agreement. • Child has special needs that we cannot adequately meet with our current staffing patterns. • Physical and/or verbal abuse of staff or children by parents or children. • Expired or non-immunizations and/or physical.
Drop-off and Pick-up Policies Parents are expected to accompany their child into the center. The teachers are glad to assist you and your child at your drop-off time. Teachers, however, will not assume direct responsibility for your child until you are ready to walk out of the building. It is important for the teacher to keep a watchful eye on all the children in his or her care.
You are welcome to stay for a short while and assist your child through this transition. Simply notify the classroom teacher when you are ready to leave, and the teacher will assist. Only the individuals listed on the Child Information Record, or on written/verbal permission from the parent, will be allowed to leave with a child. The staff are expected to request a picture I.D. from any unfamiliar person (including grandparents). If there is any concern, the staff of Children’s Unlimited Academy reserves the right to deny a person's request to pick up a child.
Your child’s classroom teacher may be available at pick up time for short questions. For longer discussions or particular concerns please schedule an appointment.
Parents are expected to assume full responsibility for their child once they enter the classroom. For your child’s safety please do not allow your child to touch the exit door handles or open the doors. We work very hard at teaching the children not to touch the exit doors. Your child has waited all day to see you and is excited when you walk through the door. At pick up please put away your cell phone and give your full attention to your child. Children enrolled on a part-time basis are expected to be picked up at the agreed upon daily time. The parent or guardian of a child not picked up until after the agreed time, or past closing (6:00 p.m.), will be charged $1 per minute. All late fees are expected by 6:00 p.m. the following day. This fee applies per family. Payment should be given directly to the staff members on duty.
Custody Orders Until custody has been established by a court action, one parent may not limit the other from picking up a child in our care. The center must be notified immediately of any changes in custody orders. Certified custody orders must be given to the center director.
Holidays Children’s Unlimited Academy will be closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day & Observant Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day. If any of the above holidays fall on a weekend, the closest Friday or Monday will be selected. Regular tuition is expected as our teachers are paid for these days. We close at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve Day.
In-service Day It is important for the staff to have time to prepare lessons, gather information from a guest speaker, or attend a conference. To accomplish this, we include two in-service days per year. At the end of April/beg. of May. Our teachers attend the early education conference at the end of August we have a staff training/ in-service day (the Friday before Labor Day). The center will be closed to children. Tuition is expected.
Unexpected Closings Children’s Unlimited Academy will be open on public school designated "snow days"--we may open late if necessary. On a rare occasion our center may be forced to close due to a situation beyond our control (e.g., ice storm, electrical outage, no water service, hurricane/tornado). Every attempt will be made to inform parents of an emergency closing.
Clothing Because of the wide range of activities, it is recommended that children be dressed in washable, comfortable clothing. Plastic aprons will be provided by the center for art and water activities. Water activities, sand play, and occasional bathroom accidents necessitate an extra set of clothing to be kept at the center at all times. All extra clothing should be marked with the child's name and placed in a labeled plastic bag. Clothing should include underwear, socks, pants, and a shirt. If wet or dirty clothes are sent home, please return a clean extra set of clothes the next morning. Licensing requires that children be taken outdoors each day. The children will play outdoors if the temperature is 40° or warmer. Children should be dressed accordingly: light jacket, cap, rain boots (for damp days) in fall and spring; heavy winter jacket, mittens, scarf, hat, and snow boots in winter. An extra sweater or sweatshirt at school is recommended for sudden changes in temperature.
Shoes should be comfortable and provide adequate protection for the feet during outdoor play. Flip-flops, slip-on shoes, open-toed sandals, jelly shoes, Crocs and any shoes with heels are prohibited, as they present a safety hazard. Please select clothing, which is practical, durable, and easily managed by the child. Staff will provide a verbal warning concerning shoes. We will deny entry for improper shoes.
Hair Accessories & Jewelry Policy CUA has children of all ages that wear jewelry, we ask if parents feel these items will be damaged during play or other activities to please keep these items at home. We are not responsible or will have the time to keep in charge of these personal items.
Hair accessories like beads are easily detached from a child’s hair during play. If found due to detachment this may cause a choking hazard for infants and toddlers. We ask that you secure these hair style accessories and if staff find that they are being removed by a child we will ask that their accessories be removed for the next school day.
Photographs and Publicity Photographs of the children in our programs may be taken from time to time and may appear in newspapers, magazines, brochures, publicity materials and/or educational trainings. Your permission for photographs of your child to be used without compensation is part of this agreement. Your child’s photo will also be displayed on their classroom’s art wall.
Meals, Snacks and Food Allergies The center will provide milk for breakfast and lunch, Snack will be optional for water and or 100% fruit juice for each day. Parents will provide formula or breast milk for children up to the age of 12 months. CUA will provide whole vitamin D milk for children between the ages of 12 and 24 months. 1% milk will be provided for children from 25 months to 12 years of age. If there are dietary needs, or allergies, it is the parent’s responsibility to notify both the center director and the classroom teacher. Proper documentation needed by physicians to make changes to food options.
An Allergy Action Plan and a Medical Action Plan are available in the main office and must be filled out if a child has an allergy or medical need. Lunches sent from home should be self-serving or easy to serve and clearly labeled. A microwave will not be available. Lunch boxes that have a frozen pack inside are recommended. The children participate in preparing snacks as much as possible and are served family style at each snack time. CUA offers a hot lunch option depending upon the demand. Check with the director for options. Hot lunch is purchased by the month according to a set weekly schedule. No refunds for missed days unless 24-hour notice is given directly to the office. Parents may not bring breakfast for their children inside the building and must be finished before arrival if feed at home.
Birthday Celebrations Parents are welcome to send cookies, cupcakes or cakes to share with their child's classmates on birthdays or special occasions. Some classrooms have strict allergy guidelines. Inform your child's teacher in advance about what kind of treat you plan on bringing for the entire class. This is for the safety of all of the children. Please do not bring in any treats that contain peanuts or peanut products. Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions. Parents are always welcome at their child's birthday celebration.
Toys or Possession Policy Please do not bring toys from home, no items shall be allowed to entry building. Special items will be allowed for show and tell days designated by teacher. The staff will not be held responsible for these items. Children’s Unlimited Academy does not allow toys of violence like guns, swords, or violent action figures. Also, children will not be allowed to bring cosmetics, candy, or gum. Baby bag or Book bags are all not permitted inside of facility.
Wellness Policy You are the best judge for your child's health, and we trust you will not bring a sick child to the center. However, if while in our care your child becomes ill, displays an unknown rash, or acts out-of-character, your child's teacher will consult the director, and you may be called to come take your child home. When called, you (or an alternate emergency person) are expected to come immediately. This is to protect the health of your child and his/her classmates. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. The following criteria will be considered in determining if your child must go home: 1. Unknown rash. 2. Fever of 100.5° or higher. For a mild fever, muscle aches, toothache, or headache Tylenol (supplied from home) may not be administered. 3. Highly contagious conditions such as head lice, chicken pox, strep throat, pin worms, mumps, impetigo, conjunctivitis (pink eye), etc. 4. Diarrhea or vomiting (more than two loose, watery stools). Consideration will be taken if your child is allergic to certain food/drink products or on medication. * 5. Persistent cough/running nose for an extended period of time (cough suppressants and/or allergy medications are not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor) 6. If your child is too ill to play outside with his or her class, or participate in regular classroom activities, then your child is too ill to attend the center.
Your child may return to the center after: 1. Obtaining written verification from a doctor. * 2. Fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of Tylenol, or In the case of chicken pox, when all the lesions are scabbed over. 3. In the case of head lice, following treatment with appropriate shampoo (such as Kwell or RID) so that all nits (eggs) are gone. 4. In the case of a contagious illness, your child should take an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning. 5. In the case of persistent cough, 24 hours without the aid of cough suppressants, or allergy medication.
*If questions arise to the appropriateness of a child's return to the center, the final decision will be that of the Center Director or Assistant Director.
Safe Sleep Policy All staff, parents/guardians, volunteers and others who care for infants in the child care setting should follow these required safe sleep practices as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Infants up to twelve months of age should be placed for sleep in a supine position (wholly on their back) for every nap or sleep time unless the infant’s primary care provider has completed a signed waiver indicating that the child requires an alternate sleep position.
Infants should be placed to sleep in safe sleeping environments, which includes: A. a firm crib mattress covered by a tight-fitting sheet in a safety-approved crib (the crib should meet the standards and guidelines reviewed/approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC] and ASTM International [ASTM]), B. no monitors or positioning devices should be used unless required by the child’s primary care provider, and no other items should be in a crib occupied by an infant except for a pacifier. C. Infants should not nap or sleep in a car safety seat, bean bag chair, bouncy seat, infant seat, swing, jumping chair, play pen or play yard, highchair, chair, futon, or any other type of furniture/equipment that is not a safety-approved crib (that is in compliance with the CPSC and ASTM safety standards) (4). D. If an infant arrives at the facility asleep in a car safety seat, the parent/guardian or caregiver/teacher should immediately remove the sleeping infant from this seat and place them in the supine position in a safe sleep environment (i.e., the infant’s assigned crib); E. If an infant falls asleep in any place that is not a safe sleeping environment, staff should immediately move the infant and place them in the supine position in their crib. F. Only one infant should be placed in each crib (stackable cribs are not recommended). G. Soft or loose bedding should be kept away from sleeping infants and out of safe sleeping environments. These include, but are not limited to: 1. bumper pads 2. pillows, quilts 3. comforters 4. sleep positioning devices 5. sheepskins, blankets 6. flat sheets 7. cloth diapers, bibs, etc. Also, blankets/items should not be hung on the sides of cribs. Swaddling infants when they are in a crib is not necessary or recommended, but rather one-piece sleepers should be used (see Standard 3.1.4.2 for more detailed information on swaddling).
H. h. Toys, including mobiles and other types of play equipment that are designed to be attached to any part of the crib, should be kept away from sleeping infants and out of safe sleeping environments.
When caregivers/teachers place infants in their crib for sleep, they should check to ensure that the temperature in the room is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult, check the infants to ensure that they are comfortably clothed (not overheated or sweaty), and that bibs, necklaces, and garments with ties or hoods are removed (clothing sacks or other clothing designed for sleep can be used in lieu of blankets).
I. j. Infants should be directly observed by sight and sound at all times, including when they are going to sleep, are sleeping, or are in the process of waking up.
J. k. Bedding should be changed between children, and if mats are used, they should be cleaned between uses. The lighting in the room must allow the caregiver/teacher to see each infant’s face, to view the color of the infant’s skin, and to check on the infant’s breathing and placement of the pacifier (if used).
A caregiver/teacher trained in safe sleep practices and approved to care for infants should be present in each room at all times where there is an infant. This caregiver/teacher should remain alert and should actively supervise sleeping infants in an ongoing manner.
Also, the caregiver/teacher should check to ensure that the infant’s head remains uncovered and re-adjust clothing as needed. Infant sleeping areas included within the regular classroom area of each age group.
Injuries and Accidents Every consideration will be taken to ensure the safety of your child while in our care. Should an injury occur, a Minor Incident Report would be completed by the closest adult and signed by the Center Director, Assistant Director or appropriate person. A copy of this report will be sent home by request. A parent or guardian will be notified of any injury that occurs while your child is in our care. In the event of a major medical emergency or accident, the center teacher or director will call 911 first. The child will be transported to the hospital noted on the Child Information Record (or the closest hospital). The parent/guardian will be called immediately.
Family Gatherings CUA families have a chance to meet with other families and the teachers several times a year. These gatherings are meant to provide a sense of community and to celebrate the families here at Children’s Unlimited Academy. Dates and times will be posted. Our Holiday Family Festival is usually held in November, dinner and entertainment are provided. In June we celebrate preschool graduation by having a family day. Often each classroom will have a special celebration. Family members are invited to Grandparent’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day celebrations.
Center Happenings Children’s Unlimited Academy makes every attempt to keep parents up to date on events here at the center and in the community. Center newsletters are sent out at least 4 times a year and classroom newsletters are sent out monthly. Parent bulletin boards are in each classroom, and white boards are located in each classroom and updated daily. Notices are sent out at least monthly from our HiMama site. Please read them. It is also the parents’ responsibility to keep up to date by being aware and checking for updates. Together, as partners, we will be able to provide your child with a fun and safe learning environment.
Daily Routines Every classroom has their daily routine posted on the parent information board and includes a copy in their classroom handbook. Infants do not have a set schedule for activities as their care is based on their individual needs.
Walks, Field Trips CUA will not be participating in any field trips or walks off premises. No staff will be allowed to transport children off premises unless assigned to authorized parental release. CUA has planned activities that allow an experience of a field trip or events on property. CUA transports children under the following circumstances: To a designated evacuation site and/or for emergency medical treatment
No Smoking Policy Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco is prohibited in all schools, school district buildings, on CUA property. Children’s Unlimited Academy and its fenced grounds fall under the school/facility district policy. Anyone who wishes to smoke must do so outside of school grounds.
Child Abuse and Neglect Staff members are required by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.
Communication Proper communication between our parents and the teachers and staff of Children’s Unlimited Academy is extremely important. Teachers will be sending home information on a regular basis. Infant and toddler parents will receive daily reports. You are welcome to call to arrange a meeting with your child's teacher--even just to become better acquainted! Concerns about any aspect of our program, or your child's care, may be expressed to the center director. Each child is provided with a mailbox and/or cubby. Please check these daily for notes, newsletters and daily reports.
Remember to communicate in writing about any changes in your child's schedule. We must be informed, in writing, regarding any changes in the person picking up your child. You may add or delete names of authorized adults allowed to pick up your child on the Child Information Record.
1. Our main office must be informed of any of the following changes: 2. address and/or phone numbers, or e-mail address 3. parent/guardian employment, 4. health/immunizations up-to-date, or 5. other pertinent information related to your child.
Non- Prescription & Prescription Medication Policy Administration of medications in daycares is regulated by Child Care Regulations. This policy protects children, parents, and staff. Early Childhood Educators are not formally qualified to make “judgment calls” as to when medications are appropriate. Only medication prescribed by a doctor will be administered.
• All medications are kept in a locked container in the kitchen out of reach of children’s. • Parents must inform staff of any side effects or reaction that medication may cause in a child. (i.e.: hives, drowsiness, diarrhea) • Authorization for the Administration of Prescription Medication form must be completed by parents. • Doctor authorization must be provided before staff can administer non-prescription and over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Gravol, teething gel etc.… “Authorization for the Administration of Non-Prescription Medication” form must be completed by parent and physician. • A “medical consent” form will be filled out by a parent for each prescription required • Medication must be brought to the center in its original container with instructions from your doctor on how to administer it.
The label must clearly show the following information: 1. Child’s name 2. Name of medication 3. Dosage 4. Route (oral, nasal, rectal, eye, ear, or injection) 5. Physician’s name 6. Care of medication (shake well, refrigerate) 7. Date to end administration of medication 8. NO baby bottles containing medicine will not be given to the child at daycare. 9. If the child comes in with a baby bottle containing medicine, it will be locked up and returned to the parent at the end of the day
Adult Code of Conduct Policy Because children need to know that Children’s Unlimited Academy is a safe, nurturing environment for them, parents and other adults who come to CUA are asked to abide by the following guidelines while in the building, parking lots and playgrounds areas: 1. No Cell Phones 2. No Smoking 3. Use Appropriate Language 4. Discuss disagreements privately and calmly away from the children with appropriate management/administrative staff only. 5. Report concerns about children other than their own to a manager and never address concerns directly with other parents or the children. 6. No photographing that may contain other children without permission
Non-Custody Policy It is CUA’s intent to meet the needs of the children especially when the parents may be experiencing difficult situations such as divorce, separation, or remarriage. Sharing information about such situations may be helpful to CUA staff and will be held in the strictest confidentiality. In case of conflicts, the proper authorities will be contacted.
Emergency Preparedness Plan & Policy In case of emergency, Children's Unlimited Academy has an Emergency Preparedness kit. This Ready to Go kit contains enough emergency supplies to take care of all the children in the daycare center and the staff for at least 24 hours.
Transportation Policy Children's Unlimited Academy does not provide transportation at any time. Aquatic Activities Policy During summer months, water activities will be allowed which may include sprinklers, splash tables, spray bottles, and other creative ways to stay cool. At no time do we allow wading pools that the children would be immersed in. At the beginning of each summer teachers will announce their class water day schedules via monthly classroom newsletters or additional memos in children’s folder
Parent Participation and Involvement Policy By taking an active role in the early childhood education process, parents can help ensure that their child has all the support they need to develop to their full potential. Parent involvement helps extend teaching outside the classroom, creates a more positive experience for children and helps children perform better when they are in our care. It is essential for parents to support the learning that happens in CUA settings & at home as well. Parents who are in tune with what is happening in their child’s preschool classroom or childcare facility are better able to establish a connection between what is learned at school and what takes place in the home. This connection is a key component of a child’s development and supporting further learning.
We encourage parent involvement in ways that are not limited to: > Invite parents to learn more about us, our staff and how your childcare center operates. > Ask parents if they are interested in participating in your child’s classroom. > Create a daily report or journal for each child. > Recommend complementary activities that a parent and child can complete at home.
Academy Donation are welcomed > Kleenex or Paper towels > Hand Sanitizers > Can foods > Jackets & Clothing > Arts & Craft materials > Monetary support > Water bottles > Playground Equipment > Any acceptable donation that benefits the children & staff of this facility and community
We appreciate the parents/guardians’ involvement and donation received to this Academy.
Discipline Policy Children's Unlimited Academy will work with parents/guardians of children in our care to determine the cause of misbehavior and deal with behavior positively. We use strategies that allow the child to take responsibility for his or her actions. In addition, the center focuses on teaching children appropriate behavior. CUA does not use threats or bribes; however, we do use time out when we feel the child needs a break away from the group. We focus on teaching children how to interact socially and continually reinforce the limits in the center. Physical punishment will not be used even if requested by the parents.
Children Unlimited Academy expect children in our care to respect others, respect the environment and respect themselves. Hitting, kicking, spitting, biting, hostile verbal behavior or other behavior which will hurt another child or staff are not permitted. Each child will have individual consequences immediately after the behavior. As a parent, we ask you not to punish your child at home for misbehavior shown while in our care. Furthermore, we will not discipline your child for an incident which happened anywhere other than the childcare facility.
If your child continually misbehaves the administrator at Children's Unlimited Academy will call you and discuss the difficulty by phone or make an appointment to discuss the difficulty with you in person. We will not discuss problems in front of your child, other children, or other parents. The center will keep you posted on all the events that we are involved in at the center. If we are experiencing behavior difficulties with your child, we will let you know as soon as possible. We hope that together we can create a behavior management strategy, which will control or eliminate negative behaviors.
In any instance when a behavior is very disruptive or harmful to the child or other children and staff, we will discuss this issue with you. If an intervention can be made and will warrant success the child can remain enrolled. If you choose not to seek appropriate assistance, we cannot effectively meet the needs of your child, and you will be asked to make other childcare arrangements. CUA will assist you in the best of our ability to help you find other arrangements.
Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation
*Please sign that you read and understand this policy and complete the acknowledgement form at the end of this handbook.
Expulsion Policy At Children’s Unlimited Academy the term guidance is used for several reasons. It is a positive term and implies working with the children to develop internal control of their behavior. Our goal is to encourage children to become creative, independent, responsible, and socially mature human beings. This involves learning to make responsible choices and accepting the consequences of such choices. Guidance takes several forms within our center: 1. Environment--A place designed for children. Each room is age-appropriate in furniture size, large and small manipulated, and supplies required for hands-on experiences. 2. Logical Rules--Such as keeping our hands to ourselves and taking care of the learning environment. These are discussed with the children as well as why such rules are needed. 3. Curriculum--Is developmentally appropriate, based on the children's interest and level of readiness. 4. Positive Behavior--We reinforce the behaviors we wish to see repeatedly. 5. Redirection--Often interesting a child in another activity can eliminate potential difficulty. We might ask a child to help us or send a child to a different area to play. 6. Positive Reminder--Telling children what we want them to do rather than using "no" or "don't." 7. Renewal Time--Occasionally, as a last resort, a child needs to be removed from the situation for a brief break. This allows the child time to calm down and consider alternate behavior.
Difficult Behavior We will make every effort to work with the parent or guardian to ensure a cooperative approach for children having difficulties with behavior. We are here to serve and protect all of our children! A parent may be called at work or home at any time and the child exhibits uncontrollable behavior that cannot be modified by the center's staff. The parent may be asked to take the child home immediately. The following steps may be taken regarding children who display chronic disruptive behavior, upsetting to the emotional or physical well-being of another child or an adult.
Initial Consultation: The director may request that the parent or guardian meet for a conference. The problem will be defined on paper. Intervention strategies will be discussed. The best solution toward solving the problem will be agreed upon by the center director, teacher, and parent or guardian.
Second Consultation: If the initial plan for helping the child fails, the parent will again be asked to meet with the director and teaching staff involved. Another attempt will be made to identify the problem, and establish a new, or revised, approach for solving the problem.
Disenrolled: When the previous attempts have been followed and no progress has been made toward solving the problem, the child may be disenrolled from the center at the discretion of the center director. NOTE: Corporal punishment will not be allowed. This is defined as the use of negative physical touching (spanking, slapping, pinching, etc.), exclusion from large motor or outdoor activities, or exclusion from any learning activity. No unusual punishment will be allowed such as humiliation, ridicule, threat, or coercion.
Disaster Plan Our Disaster Response Handbook" is located in the Parent Resource Area. With the implementation of this handbook, you can rest assured we will do everything we can to protect your child in the event of a crisis or disaster. Children’s Unlimited Academy has taken these steps to prepare the children, staff, and parents for disasters:
1. The childcare center conducts fire drills at least two (2) times a month and records the dates as required by licensing. 2. Our fire alarms are loud and may be scary to children. It will be helpful to talk with your child to help prepare them. In time they will know just what to do. 3. The childcare center checks its emergency kits and emergency medication expiration dates on a regular basis. 4. We have at least one phone to use if there is no electricity and we have access to numerous cell phones. With any disaster or crisis, your cooperation is necessary for the following:
Encourage and explain to your child why the best place for them is at the childcare center. 1. Explain that if you are unable to pick them up quickly, we will care for them until you or your emergency contact comes to get them. 2. Listen to your local radio/TV stations for updates. We will care for your child until you or your designee is able to reach them. Be sure to keep your child’s emergency release card updated. Children will only be released to those specified by you on their card. We will also utilize the phone numbers on the emergency release card should we need to re-locate to our alternate site.
Policy Changes In the event of a change in policies at Children’s Unlimited Academy, notices will be posted on the Parent Information Board so that each parent may obtain a copy to sign and return. Handbooks may also be printed to parents upon request.
Best Regards,
Management of Children’s Unlimited Academy
Issued: 06/2021 Revision made: 02/14/2025
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