Parent Handbook

1. W.E.L.C./Refuge Academy Parent
Handbook
2012-2013
5099 S. 1050 W.
Riverdale UT 84405
801-389-6942
Dear Parents,
Thank you for choosing Wasatch Early Learning Center/Refuge Academy for
your child’s Preschool and Kindergarten. Our desire is to provide a quality learning
environment for your child. Your child is very important to us and we strive to make
our school a happy, positive, learning experience where your child can discover and
grow.
You are very important to the success of this program. Please feel free to visit at
any time. If you have talents or ideas you would like to share, we welcome your input.
This handbook is designed to acquaint you with the policies and procedures
established by Wasatch Early Learning Center. Please read and refer to this book
often.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at
801-389-6942.
Sincerely,
Ann Simpson
Director

2. NONDISCRIMINATORY
POLICY
AS
TO
STUDENTS
Wasatch
Early
Learning
Center
(5099
S.
1050
W.,
Riverdale)
admits
students
of
any
religion,
race,
color,
national
and
ethnic
origin
to
all
the
rights,
privileges,
programs,
and
activities
available
to
students
at
Wasatch
Early
Learning
Center.
The
school
does
not
discriminate
on
the
basis
of
religion,
race,
color,
national
and
ethnic
origin
in
administration
of
its
programs
or
of
its
educational,
admissions,
or
tuition
policies.
Mission Statement
The mission of Wasatch Early Learning Center is to provide a quality early
learning environment that fosters the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual
needs of the young child.
Philosophy
We believe each child is a unique creation of God. Our goal and desire is to
nurture your child in a positive, friendly atmosphere that promotes development of
their intellect, confidence and self worth.
Children learn and develop in different ways; through play, instruction,
experience, and observation. Our goal is to draw on these various learning opportunities
using, a well planned curriculum, hands on activities, and teacher-peer interaction.
Building a relationship with you, as parents, is central to the success of this
program. Our partnership is crucial to the early education of your child.
Personnel Requirements
All teachers must be either, certified or enrolled in a certification program through
an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education.
All personnel must have a Tuberculosis skin test and be free from any other
infectious diseases.
All personnel must pass a criminal background investigation.
Wasatch Early Learning Center requires all employees to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. Use of Building and Safety Procedures
Your children’s safety is very important to all of us at Wasatch Early Learning
Center. In order to insure your children’s safety while they are here we have adopted the
following procedures:
All staff will have background checks prior to employment.
Check-in and check-out of all children and visitors.
All visitors and staff members will wear visible
I.D. tag.
Classroom areas and children’s restrooms are off-limits to all non-WELC staff.
Areas will be clearly marked and partitioned (as necessary).
Doors will be locked in classroom areas during school hours. Excluding drop off
and pick up times.
No child will be left unattended at any time.
Sign In/Out Procedures
1. Sign In/Out sheets are organized by class, with
children’s names in alphabetical order.
2. Beside their child’s name, parents and designates must write the time, signature
and any special instructions for that school session (e.g. parent will pick up child at
noon).
3. No one may sign in/out your child unless they are on the registration form and prior
written consent has
been given.
Registration and Curriculum Fees
A registration / curriculum fee of $100.00 will be charged upon initial enrollment of
each child in Early Learners through Kindergarten. This fee is nonrefundable and
covers the cost of procuring curriculum, arts and other supplies needed during the period
of enrollment.
A registration/curriculum fee of $25.00 will be charged upon initial enrollment of each
child for the Bible Explorers Program. This fee is nonrefundable and covers the cost of
procuring curriculum, arts, and other supplies needed during the period of enrollment.
Monthly Tuition Rates
Preschool 3-year olds $80.00 per month
Preschool 4-year olds $125.00 per month
Kindergarten (Full Day) $325.00 per month
Kindergarten (Half Day) $225.00 per month
Part Time Care 3 class $75.00 Per month
Part Time Care 4 class $110.00 Per month

4. Part Time Day Care $5.00 Per Hour
Bible Explorers Program $25.00 per month for a total of 250 for the year.
Extended Care $5.00 per hour
Registration Requirements
Registration Form
Updated Shot Records (for Kindergarteners) Emergency Release Form
Emergency Contact Form
Payment Contract
Policy Manual
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergartners must have a current Kindergarten physical and updated shots. If
you have not completed this requirement, please contact the Director.
Needed items in the beginning of the year and throughout the School Year.
2 Juice’s— of any frozen juice concentrates.
2 Snack’s—crackers, cookies, fruit snacks, chips,
cereal, (applesauce or fruit cups) …
1 package of markers—Crayola Classic markers 10 count.
2 package’s paper cups—6 ounce
1 package napkins
2 boxes of Kleenex
1 small box of plastic spoons (Kindergarten Only)
Potty Policy
At Wasatch Early Learning Center, we believe that children usually potty train in
their own time. At three years old they should have started training, but this does not
mean they have mastered the task. We do not feel children should be threatened or
coerced about
potty training in order to be eligible for preschool. So,
if your child is not completely potty trained, we require, for sanitary purposes, that they
wear protective pull-ups at school. Teachers will remind children to use restrooms
regularly, but they are not required to potty train your child. Always bring extra clothes
and pull- ups in their backpacks.
If your child is not able to take care of their own potty needs (wiping, etc.), please
let your teacher know.

5. Personal Belongings
All children are required to bring a backpack with an extra change of clothing,
such as: lightweight pants, shirt and socks in a one-gallon Ziploc. The Ziploc will be
used to place soiled or wet clothing in.
Clothing
Children should wear comfortable clothing that will allow them to be involved in
activities planned each day. These clothes need to be easily removable for pottying.
Girls dresses need to have shorts underneath. Shoes must be easy for children to remove
(Slip-Ons or Velcro; No high top boots).
Payment Policy
Tuition payment for the following month is due, by the 25th of the current month.
We only accept check, money orders, or cash. A fee of $25.00 will be assessed for late
payments and returned checks. Late payments plus monthly tuition must be received by
the 25th the month. Monthly tuition is not discounted for holiday breaks, teacher work
days, inclement weather school closure due to flu or other infectious agents, if your
child is ill,or broken heaters.
If you withdraw your child, you must give the center director two weeks' notice to
receive any prorated tuition reimbursement.
Your Child’s Adjustment
It is normal for your child to have some fears and misgivings about being away
from you. Children need time to adjust to a new situation. Prepare your child for the
changes as far in advance as possible. Discuss with your child any concerns and talk
about some of the new people your child will meet and the things he or she will do in
school. A cheerful good-bye kiss, a smile, and reassuring words is all that you need to
do when dropping them off for school. Usually the child settles down shortly after the
parent(s) leave. If your child continues to cry we will call you. Activities are offered to
provide transition for your child at this time. Please do not sneak out when your child is
not looking. Feel free to call any time throughout the day if you have any questions or
concerns.
Developmental / Curriculum
Our program is based on the ABEKA curriculum, which is phonics and
number based. For more on ABEKA go to http://www.abeka.com/
Age appropriate activities are planned and implemented
to further each child’s developmental growth. Throughout the year, every child’s
developmental skills are assessed in the areas of: cognitive, language, physical and
social.

6. Curriculum Outline
Early Phonics Physical Education
Early Math Crafts Bible Cooking Music & Dance
Field Trips Developmental Play
Computers Seasonal Music Programs
Science
Bible Curriculum
At Wasatch Early Learning Center, children are taught about God through a
nondenominational Bible curriculum utilizing age appropriate Bible stories, Bible
verses, and songs. Children learn about God’s love, forgiveness and His mercy.
Through this colorful and detailed curriculum, they discover that God has a plan for
their lives and that He desires to develop a loving, personal relationship with them.
As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of heaven belong to such as these.”
Matthew 19:16
Late Pick-Up Policy
Unless arrangements are made in advance, children must be picked up no later than 15
minutes after class ends; (morning 11:20, afternoon 3:20, Kindergarten 3:10,. A $15.00 late fee
will be charged for each 15 minute interval parent is late, and it will be place on your bill.
Please make arrangements to have your child picked up on time.
Parents must personally walk children into the school at the beginning of class ( make
sure the teacher knows your child is present). Please hold on to your child’s hand at all times in
the parking lot until they are safely in the school or buckled into your vehicle.
Please do not leave sibling’s in a running vehicle when
picking up your child.

7. Exclusion Policy
A child will be excluded from school if one or more of the following
conditions exist:
1. A child has a fever greater than 99 degrees.
2. Diarrhea, which is defined as an increased
number of stools compared to the child’s normal pattern
and with increased stool water.
3. Vomiting illness with two or more episodes in the previous 24 hours.
4. Rash with fever.
5. Infected eyes with discharge, until 24 hours after treatment by a physician.
6. Infestation (scabies, head lice, pinworms) until after first treatment with a
medicated product.
7. Impetigo, until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment is started.
8. Strep throat, until 24 hours after antibiotic
treatment is started.
9. Ringworm Infection, until after medication is started.
10. Chicken-Pox, until one week after the onset of rash
or until all lesions have dried and crusted.
(Please contact school if child has contracted a contagious illness)
Illness
If a child shows signs of illness during school the parent or other emergency
contact will be notified immediately and the child will be isolated from the class to
prevent the possible spread of illness to other
children.
Infection Control
All children are taught to wash their hands before eating and after toileting. This
helps reduce factors that cause infection and disease.
Medication Policy
Wasatch Early Learning Center will not administer medication or medicated ointments
unless it is a life sustaining medicine and parents have provide permission and training.
Sunscreen will not be applied without a
handwritten medication permission slip from parents. All prescriptions must be in original
bottle.
School Hours
Morning classes begin at 8:30 AM, with a 15 minute gathering time for preschool
before going into their classrooms. Please do not bring children early. Morning classes end at
11:20 AM.

8. Afternoon classes begin at 12:30 PM. With a 15 minute gathering time, for
preschool. Please do not bring children early. Afternoon classes end at 3:20 PM.
Kindergarten classes begin at 8:30 AM and end at
3:10 PM. Except on Wednesdays, class begins at 8:30 and ends at 11:30.
Guidance Policy
At Wasatch Early Learning Center, discipline consists of positive guidance
techniques, redirection, and thinking time (time-out). in extreme situation your child
may be sent home for the day or expelled from school. The use of physical
punishment is never permitted.
Supervision
Children enrolled at Wasatch Early Learning Center will be properly supervised at
all times, to ensure safety and security.
Pets
Animals are an important element of children's’
learning. Animals can instill in children a feeling of respect for nature. It is fun and
entertaining for children to bring pets to show to their friends. Parents may bring pets at
the beginning of class or at the end, but no pets can remain during the entire class time.
Yet, if there are any students with allergies to animals we will not allow them to visit.
These pets must be well groomed, children friendly, and current on all
vaccinations. Dogs must be registered & licensed with the county where they live.
Parents must notify the teacher if they are brining a pet to school.
Toys
Children may not bring toys, blankets, bottles or binkies, etc. to school. On Show And
Tell Days (Kindergarten and 4-year-olds) they may bring certain items as designated by
their teacher
Snacks and Juice
All snacks are provided by parents and must be purchased in a store. Birthday
and holiday snacks may be brought by parents, but must be purchased in a store.
Juices are provided by parents. No punch or sodas, please.
Kindergarten Lunch
Children need to bring lunches from home. Lunches must not need heating or
refrigeration. Use insulated lunch pack or freezer blocks to keep lunches cool. A soft
lunch pack could be kept in backpacks. This will help with our limited storage space.
Parties and Celebrations

9. Holiday celebrations are an important part of children’s lives. At Wasatch Early
Learning Center, we celebrate holidays that focus on the love that God brought to
mankind. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines, and Easter are holidays used to remind
children of that love. If you are interested in helping as a room parent with parties and
other activities please
talk to your teacher for more information.
Art
Art at Wasatch Early Learning Center consists of one
hanging craft, one bulletin board craft, one take home and one free art project. All
bulletin board crafts and some art may be held for year books.
Safety Information
Emergency drills are held quarterly to acquaint your child with evacuation
procedures. This may make quite an impression on your child the first time a drill is held.
Your child will soon become accustomed to it and know what to expect and what to do.
Complete emergency escape plan guidelines are available for your review upon request.
Field Trips and Outings
Field trips are an excellent tool used to enhance and support the curriculum we offer
at Wasatch Early Learning Center. Due to liability concerns, all field trips must have at
least one adult accompanying the child. Since the school has no available bus or van,
parents are expected to drive or make arrangements for child’s transportation. This is a
great opportunity for parents and children to get to know each other better. If parents are
not able to attend, a grandparent, aunt or uncle can be the child’s designated chaperone.
Teachers will give sufficient advanced notification of field trips schedules.
Inclement Weather
Public school closures are announced on early morning news broadcasts. In case of
severe storms, Wasatch Early Learning Center will be closed at the same time the local
public schools are closed.
Coats and Jackets
Children need to bring appropriate outer clothing to be comfortable out of doors. This
may include snow boot, gloves and a hat, kept in backpacks. Outdoor play is a part of our
curriculum, except in extreme weather conditions. Children who are unable to participate in
outdoor play because of illness, should not be at school.

10. Extended
Care
Policies
&
Procedures:
Arrival & Pick Up Procedure
Parent or authorized person should sign your child/children in and out each day. If your
child is a student of Good Foundation Academy your child will be released to us by your
child’s teacher.
We will only release your child to the persons designated on your registration form.
Please notify staff in writing of a necessary change. Staff will ask for ID, (photo driver’s
license) if needed. If your child has practice and will need to leave Extended Care, he or
she cannot be released without written permission from the parent.
Hours: Monday – Friday
Before School (6:30a.m. – 8 a.m.) After School (School ends. - 6:00p.m.)
Extended Care is not available on vacation or teacher in-service days.
If school is cancelled, the Extended Care Program will be cancelled.
Fees
Prices are as follows for hourly Extended Care. All charges are to the nearest quarter
hour. 3:25=1.25. To ensure that the children are picked up on time, there will be a $15
late fee for every 15 minutes you are late.
Your monthly invoice will be sent home with your child on the 15th of each month. All
fees must be paid within two week, unless prior arrangements have been made. Any
invoice that is 30 days past due will be assessed a $25 late fee. Please make your check
payable to Wasatch Early Learning Center (WELC). In the memo area of your check,
please indicate your child’s name. Your account must be kept current.
Snacks
Are provided for after school care at no additional charge.
Medications & Allergies
Please advise us if your child has allergies, especially if they have food allergies. In case
of food allergies, we will monitor what your child eats. You are encouraged to send
alternate snacks if your child’s allergy is serious.