Parent Partnership Guide

Welcome

We are so glad you chose Babes in Toyland Educational Center for your family. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with you and watching your child grow and thrive in the years ahead. This Family Partnership Guide is designed to give you a clear picture of what you can expect from us — and what we ask of you — so that together we can create the best possible experience for your child.

Philosophy

The philosophy of a childcare center shapes everything — the activities, the curriculum, and the quality of care children receive. We encourage every family to take time to understand our approach, because it is the foundation of everything we do.

At Babes in Toyland, we believe in nurturing the whole child. That means we pay close attention to each child's cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development. We understand that children grow in stages, and we honor that process by giving every child the space to explore, create, and problem-solve using materials and experiences that are meaningful and developmentally appropriate.

We also believe that children learn best by doing. Our program is rich with hands-on activities designed to build confidence and encourage growth across all areas of development. Above all, we are committed to providing a warm, safe, and stimulating environment where every child's individual needs are seen and met.

When families, educators, and children are all focused on the same goal, a true sense of community takes root — and that is exactly what we strive to build here.

Cultural Competence and Accountability

At Babes in Toyland, we are committed to creating a community where every child, family, and staff member feels seen, valued, and respected. Cultural competence means understanding our own backgrounds, being genuinely curious about the experiences of others, and approaching differences with openness and respect. We are intentional about examining any unconscious biases we may carry and about recognizing how culture shapes the way we learn, communicate, and solve problems.

We embrace diversity in all its forms — including faith, gender, socioeconomic background, ethnicity, and the wide range of physical, cognitive, and social abilities that make each person unique. Our classrooms are guided by an Anti-Bias curriculum that celebrates every child's individuality, honors their home culture and heritage, and affirms their beliefs.

The most powerful lesson we can teach children about diversity is one we model every single day: that all people deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

Babes in Toyland Breastfeeding Policy

We are proud to be a breastfeeding-supportive center. Our goal is to ensure that every nursing family has the information, resources, and encouragement they need to continue breastfeeding while their child is in our care. We are also committed to making sure all families are well-informed about the benefits and considerations of different infant feeding choices.

• All staff are trained to support optimal infant and young child feeding, including proper storage and handling of human milk, developmentally appropriate feeding practices, and the benefits of breastfeeding.
• We provide families with culturally sensitive information about infant feeding options so they can make informed decisions.
• Our classrooms include books and toys that normalize breastfeeding for children of all ages.
• We work with breastfeeding families to ensure milk is properly stored and labeled for use at the center.
• Mothers are always welcome to come to the center to nurse their babies, and a comfortable, private space is available for them to do so.
• Breastfeeding employees have access to a clean, private space to nurse or express milk and may take breaks as needed.
• We create an individualized feeding plan with each family that supports on-demand nursing, responsive feeding cues, and the age-appropriate introduction of solid foods.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Babes in Toyland welcomes children of all races, genders, religions, and national origins, and we are fully committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. When children with special needs enroll, we work closely with families and, when appropriate, consult with Great Start or Project Find advisors and relevant staff to ensure each child's needs are thoughtfully met.

We are dedicated to full inclusion — welcoming children, families, and staff of all abilities alongside their peers, holding high expectations for every child, and providing individualized accommodations to support meaningful participation in all learning and social activities.

Accommodations we may provide include:

• Modifying policies, practices, and procedures as needed.
• Providing auxiliary aids and services to support effective communication for individuals with speech, hearing, or visual impairments.
• Removing physical barriers to ensure full access.

Expulsion and Suspension Policy

We believe that high-quality early childhood programs play a vital role in preventing the need for suspension or expulsion. Our approach focuses first and always on building strong social-emotional skills and responding to challenging behaviors with patience, consistency, and positive guidance.

Our strategies for prevention include:

• Using developmentally appropriate practices that create engaging, stimulating learning environments with age-appropriate expectations and research-based best practices.
• Investing in ongoing professional development so our educators have the skills to support every child's social and emotional well-being.
• Building thoughtful classroom schedules that meet the needs of the children in each group.
• Designing learning environments that encourage positive social interactions.
• Cultivating warm, trusting relationships with every child.
• Building strong, collaborative partnerships with families.
• Setting classroom expectations that are clear, consistent, and developmentally appropriate.
• Providing meaningful family engagement opportunities.
• Upholding fairness and equity in all decisions.

Before any child is considered for expulsion, our staff and director will engage mental and behavioral health consultants, meet with parents to discuss positive behavior interventions, document all efforts made to prevent expulsion, and ensure that reasonable accommodations have been provided.

Curriculum & Goals

Our educators are facilitators and co-researchers in children's learning. They design experiences rooted in children's own interests, guided by careful observation and anecdotal notes. Our program nurtures emergent literacy, writing, art, music, and movement in an environment that celebrates curiosity and creativity.

Our daily structure is built around the High Scope Curriculum's framework of plan-do-review, giving children agency in their learning. Project-Based Learning invites children to dig deeply into topics that matter to them, while elements of the Reggio Emilia approach are woven throughout our classrooms.

Our core goals for every child are:

• To create consistency and connection between the center and home.
• To build each child's sense of trust through warm, attentive, and consistent caregiving.
• To give every child opportunities to form positive relationships with peers and adults.
• To honor each child as an individual and meet their unique needs along the way.
• To nurture a lifelong sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.
• To support a strong, positive self-image so every child knows they are valued and capable.

Child Guidance and Classroom Management

Our goal is to help children develop self-discipline and become thoughtful, confident decision-makers. We use positive, proactive approaches to guide children toward these goals every day.

We start by setting up our classrooms to minimize behavior challenges from the start — providing multiples of popular materials, keeping supplies accessible, balancing child-led and teacher-guided activities, and creating environments that are both stimulating and developmentally appropriate.

When challenging behaviors do arise, our teachers respond with a range of supportive strategies, including distraction (especially for infants and toddlers), redirection, natural social consequences, conflict resolution, and thoughtful investigation of the underlying cause.

We ask that families support us by modeling positive behavior whenever they are at the center. Please refrain from using language or behavior guidance approaches that are not developmentally appropriate while on our premises.

Communications and Parent Involvement

Open, ongoing communication is at the heart of our partnership with families. You will find notices and classroom updates in your child's cubby, and our monthly newsletter, lunch and snack menus, photos, and upcoming events are always available on our website at www.babesintoylandtroy.com.

We hold formal parent-teacher conferences twice a year, and informal conversations are always welcome — just reach out to schedule a time. Our Director and teaching staff are genuinely happy to connect with you whenever you have questions, ideas, or concerns.

We encourage parents to stop by during regular operating hours and to join us for special events and outings. Your involvement makes our community stronger, and your ideas are always welcome.

Please note that a volunteer form must be completed before assisting in the classroom or at an event. All volunteers are supervised at all times; unsupervised contact with children is not permitted.

Hours of Operation and Calendar

Babes in Toyland is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. We operate year-round with the exception of the following holidays:

• New Year's Eve (shortened schedule)
• New Year's Day
• Good Friday (shortened schedule)
• Memorial Day
• July 4th
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Day after Thanksgiving (shortened schedule)
• Christmas Eve (shortened schedule)
• Christmas Day

In the event of severe weather, please check Channel 4 WDIV for school and center closings. Closures due to weather are very rare.

Admission

We welcome children ages six weeks through twelve years. Before your child's first day, we require a complete medical record including a current physical, an up-to-date immunization record, a completed emergency card, the ASQ-3 and ASQ-SE developmental screenings (completed online), and all additional forms included in the enrollment packet. A registration fee and tuition deposit are required to finalize enrollment.

Tuition

Babes in Toyland operates on a nine-month school year (September through May) and a three-month summer program (June through August). Tuition is calculated based on the total program cost, divided into convenient weekly payments.

Holiday closures are factored into your annual cost, so your weekly rate already reflects a pro-rated adjustment for those days — there is no additional deduction needed.

A one-week deposit is due at the time of enrollment. Tuition may be paid weekly, biweekly, or monthly, provided payment is made in advance. We accept cash, money orders, and checks. A $30.00 late fee applies to any payment received after the due date, and returned checks are subject to a $35.00 fee.

If tuition becomes past due, we reserve the right to suspend enrollment until the balance is brought current. Please note that tuition is non-refundable.

Families with two or more children enrolled full time concurrently receive a 15% discount on the lower of the two tuition rates.

Sign In and Out

For the safety and security of every child in our care, all children must be signed in and out each day using the computer at the front of the building. Please follow these important procedures:

• Always use the front door when entering and exiting the building — please do not pick your child up from the playground.
• Children must be walked inside by a parent or guardian and personally placed with a Babes in Toyland staff member before you leave.
• Parents and guardians must complete the sign-in/out form at the front desk.
• When picking up your child, please make sure the staff member at the front desk acknowledges that your child is departing.

Late Pick-up

Our center closes promptly at 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. We ask that you make every effort to pick up your child on time. If you are running late, please call us as soon as possible. A late fee of $10.00 per every 15 minutes will be charged. We take this policy seriously, as our staff also have families to get home to.

Releasing Children

For your child's safety, we will only release a child to individuals who have been designated in writing by the parent or guardian. Photo identification will be required for anyone picking up your child. All authorized individuals must be listed on the emergency card. If you need to add someone last-minute, we have a fax machine available to receive written authorization.

Withdrawal

If you choose to withdraw your child from the program, we require a written notice of at least two weeks prior to your child's last day. Full tuition is owed throughout the notice period, and vacation credits may not be applied during this time.

Enrollment may also be terminated by the center in the following circumstances:

• Abuse of other children, staff, or property by a child or parent/guardian.
• Repeated violations of Babes in Toyland policies by a child or parent/guardian.
• Disruptive or dangerous behavior by a child or parent/guardian.
• The center's inability to adequately meet a child's needs or a family's expectations.
• Non-payment of tuition.
• Failure to maintain current medical and immunization records.

Vacations, Attendance and Absences

To support the financial stability of our program, tuition credits cannot be issued for general absences. However, families enrolled four or five full days per week are eligible for two one-week vacation credits per year at half tuition. Half tuition payment is due before the vacation begins, and a two-week written notice must be submitted to the office in advance to ensure proper credit is applied.

Custody/Parents

It is our policy not to become involved in custody matters between parents. Unless we have been provided with court documents or a legally binding parental agreement stating otherwise, we assume that both parents and guardians have equal rights to drop off, pick up, visit, and request records for their child. If custody arrangements limit these rights, it is the responsibility of the appropriate parent or guardian to provide us with the necessary legal documentation.

Our Responsibility in Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect

The safety and well-being of every child in our care is our highest priority. Our staff are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect, and we are legally required to report all suspected cases to the appropriate authorities. We take this responsibility seriously and act without hesitation when a child's safety may be at risk. Parents may speak confidentially with the Center Director to request a referral for outside support services or community resources.

Staff Qualifications and Training

Our team is made up of dedicated professionals in early childhood education and related fields. The Program Director and Assistant Program Director oversee all aspects of center operations and ensure full compliance with state licensing guidelines and regulations.

Babes in Toyland actively participates in the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship program and the CDA credentialing program, along with a wide range of other professional development opportunities. All staff are required to complete 15 hours of Basic Orientation Training and 24 hours of continuing professional development each year. Annual certifications include blood-borne pathogen and universal precautions training, infant/child/adult CPR, First Aid, SIDS awareness, and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention.

Health Practices & Policies

All children must have current immunizations and a physician-signed health physical on file before beginning the program. Immunization records must be kept up to date, and physicals must be renewed annually for all enrolled students.

If a child is injured while at the center, the staff member present will complete a detailed incident report. Parents will review and sign the report at pick-up. In the event of a head injury, parents will be contacted immediately. For serious injuries, staff will call for emergency assistance first, followed by the parent and emergency contact.

Annual health appraisals are required for all children enrolled at Troy Babes in Toyland.

Hand Washing Policy

Proper hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness, and we practice it consistently throughout the day. Children are guided to scrub their hands with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds, rinse thoroughly, and use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and dry their hands.

At a minimum, hands are washed after diaper changes and bodily care, after wiping noses, before and after food preparation, before and after meals and snacks, and after cleaning up any messes.

Universal Precautions

Following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, we apply universal precautions when handling all bodily fluids:

• Protective equipment is always worn when handling bodily fluids.
• All bodily fluids are treated as potentially infectious.
• Contaminated materials are disposed of properly and safely.
• Thorough hand washing procedures are followed at all times.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Toys

Toys and equipment are cleaned and disinfected regularly throughout the day using a consistent three-step process:

• Wash thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
• Rinse completely with clean water.
• Sanitize with a properly measured bleach solution (verified with test strips).
• Allow items to air dry completely before returning to use.

Illness Policy

We ask that parents and guardians keep children home when they are not feeling well. If your child is too ill to participate in the daily routine or go outside, they should stay home to rest and recover. A child may not attend Babes in Toyland if they are experiencing any of the following:

• A fever of 101°F or higher.
• Diarrhea — two or more episodes within an hour, or four or more during the day.
• Vomiting at the center or the night before. Children must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning.
• Significant cold symptoms, including a persistent cough or heavy discharge from the nose, ears, or eyes.
• Skin rashes — a doctor must be seen, and the child must have been on medication for 24 hours with no draining before returning.
• Pinkeye — a doctor must be seen, and the child must have been on medication for 24 hours with no draining before returning.
• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease — children must be completely blister-free before returning.

Any child sent home from the center due to illness must remain home for a minimum of 48 hours before returning.

Medication

All medications — including over-the-counter products — must be in their original container with a current label. No medication will be administered without a completed and signed consent and waiver form from the child's parent or guardian. Consent forms expire seven (7) days from the date of signature.

We do not administer injections, with the exception of an Epi-pen. Any dosage that exceeds the recommended amount or frequency listed on the packaging requires a physician's written note with specific instructions.

Allergies

Please use the allergy section of your child's enrollment forms to list any known allergies. As a precaution for all children, we do not serve peanut butter or any products containing peanuts or tree nuts, as some allergies can be triggered by airborne exposure. We ask that you also communicate your child's allergy information directly to their lead teacher and to the front office so we can ensure everyone is informed and prepared.

Food Service

We take pride in providing children with healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks every day. Our menu features whole grains, fresh fruits, and nutritious ingredients. Each day includes two snacks and a hot lunch, with the monthly menu posted on the parent board and on our website.

If you prefer to send a packed lunch on any given day, you are welcome to do so — just include a drink and label everything with your child's first and last name and the date.

Mealtimes at Babes in Toyland are about more than food. They are an opportunity for children to practice making choices, build relationships, develop self-help skills, and enjoy good conversation together.

Clothing

Children at Babes in Toyland spend their days exploring, creating, and getting wonderfully messy. Please send a complete change of seasonally appropriate clothing, labeled with your child's name, to keep in their cubby. We recommend refreshing the spare outfit as the seasons change.

Birthdays and Holiday Celebrations

We love celebrating the special moments in your child's life! Birthdays and holidays are a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community. We warmly welcome families to share their cultural traditions and foods with the class — just be sure to check the allergy chart posted in the classroom before bringing in any treats. Together, we can make every celebration meaningful and inclusive.

Possessions from Home

To help keep belongings safe, we generally ask that children leave personal toys and items at home. Things can easily get lost or damaged in a busy classroom environment. That said, we understand that a special comfort item or blanket can ease the transition from home to school, and show-and-tell days are always a fun exception. If your child does bring something from home, please label it clearly with their first and last name. Babes in Toyland cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged personal items.

Quiet/Nap Time

Every child enrolled in a full-day program will have a cot or mat provided for rest time, which takes place between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. We give all children the opportunity to rest during this time. For children who do not fall asleep, quiet, calm activities are available so everyone can recharge for the afternoon ahead.

Field Trips/Transportation

Throughout the year, we enjoy a variety of local field trips that extend learning beyond the classroom. Details and permission slips will be shared in advance of each event — no child may leave the center without a signed permission slip on file. Depending on the destination, transportation will be by foot or school bus. All children participating in field trips are required to purchase and wear a Babes in Toyland t-shirt for easy identification.

Outdoor Policy

In accordance with Michigan Department of Human Services guidelines, children go outside twice each day. The only exceptions are when temperatures reach 90°F or above, or 20°F or below (accounting for wind chill), or when it is actively raining. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather and send a labeled change of clothes in case conditions shift during the day. Sunscreen and a signed consent form are required each season for outdoor sun protection.

Accident/Injury Reports

If a child is injured while in our care, the staff member present will complete a detailed Incident Report documenting the child's name, the date and location of the incident, the type of injury, the treatment provided, a description of what occurred, and any witnesses. If other children were involved, their names will not be included in the report to protect confidentiality.

For minor injuries, parents and guardians will be informed at pick-up. In the event of a serious injury, we will contact you immediately.

Fire, Tornado, Disaster Drills and Evacuation

Babes in Toyland conducts regular fire, tornado, and emergency evacuation drills. Drill dates and times are not announced in advance to staff, children, or families — this ensures the most accurate assessment of our emergency response.

During any drill or actual emergency, children may not be signed in or out of the program. Parents must wait until the drill is complete and all children have safely returned to the building before entering.

In the event of a tornado warning or severe weather emergency, no one will be permitted to leave the center until the danger has fully passed.

Lock Down & Alternate Safe Location

If a potentially dangerous situation arises in the vicinity of the center, we follow the local school district's lockdown protocols. During an active lockdown, no one — including parents — is permitted to enter the building until the situation has been resolved and it is safe to do so.

If it becomes necessary to evacuate the building, we will follow our established evacuation plan and proceed to our pre-determined safe location. Parents will be notified by phone by our office staff as quickly as possible.

Biting Policy

Biting is a common and developmentally normal behavior among infants, toddlers, and sometimes preschoolers. It is not a reflection of poor parenting or inadequate teaching — it is simply a stage that many young children go through as they develop communication and social skills.

Babes in Toyland recognizes biting as developmentally expected in our Nursery, Toddler, and Transition rooms, and occasionally in the Pre-School room. Families with children in these classrooms should be aware that biting incidents may occur.

When a biting incident happens, our response is always focused on care and learning: we attend to the child who was bitten, help the child who bit understand more appropriate ways to express themselves, and review our environment and routines to reduce the likelihood of it happening again. Children are never punished or harshly disciplined for biting.

Parents will be notified via an incident report when a biting incident occurs. The identity of the other child involved is kept confidential and will not be disclosed.

Sample Typical Daily Schedule