Dear Parents,
Welcome to First Discovery Children’s Academy (FD). We are delighted that you have enrolled your child in our program. We ask that you look over this parent handbook and then keep it at home for future reference.
These guidelines have been developed to comply with state licensing standards. Our goal is to provide exemplary childcare services to our families.
We hope that your experience at First Discovery is a great one and that you are secure in the fact that your child is well cared for. Please communicate with us regarding any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Victoria Lynch
Visionary

It is the intent and purpose of the staff at First Discovery Academy to provide a safe, clean, and fun learning environment for your child. We look forward to providing you with assistance in their physical, mental, and academic development.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to passionately provide an innovative, secure, educational environment where the first discoveries in life are made.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Our hours of operation are 6:00am – 6:00pm, Monday – Friday at our Indian River and Rosemont Locations.
Our hours of operation are 6:00am – 6:30pm, Monday – Friday at our Oyster Point Location.
Late pick up will be subject to a $10 fee plus $1 per minute after the scheduled close of your child’s location. We will call the child's legal guardians and all emergency contacts listed on the enrollment form. If we are unable to speak with a parent or emergency contact for the child, the Department of Social Services and 911 will be called for child abandonment.

HOLIDAYS / EMERGENCY CLOSING

FD will be closed sporadically throughout the school year for holidays and teacher work-days. The current school calendar is included for your convenience which includes a week-long closure for Winter Break beginning December 24th through New Year's Day.
There is always a possibility for unplanned closure as the result of unforeseen circumstances including but not limited to; inclement weather, power disruption, illness, pandemic, etc. The decision to close will be at FD’s discretion with the safety of the children, parents, and staff in mind. Closure notice will be provided via, Facebook, Brightwheel, website, and email providing all information pertaining to the closing or delay. Should FD be forced to close early, parents and emergency contacts will be notified and should pick up their child from the facility within one hour. While closures are an unfortunate occurrence, tuition will not be credited, refunded, or forgone in instances when it is determined a closure is required.

ATTENDENCE / ARRIVAL / ABSENCES

In support of FD’s academic program, Breakfast is served at 8:30am. Curriculum instruction begins at 9:00am. Students will not be admitted after 9:00AM in order for all students to receive the full benefit of our program without distraction. If your child has a doctor’s appointment you must let the Director know and your child may not arrive any later than 11:00am.

CHECK IN / CHECK OUT PROCEDURES

A smooth and efficient start of the day is an important part of setting our learners up for success. Children should be walked into the center, signed in on Bright Wheel by scanning the QR code and entering your 4-digit code, and escorted to their classroom. Please ensure your student has been acknowledged and greeted by their teacher before you leave.
At pick-up please wait to be acknowledged by your student’s teacher in order for you to hear how your student’s day was. Students must be signed out on Bright Wheel by scanning the QR code and entering the 4-digit code in the front office.
Parents, guardians, and authorized persons are responsible for their student when on the First Discovery Academy premises.

STUDENT RELEASE POLICY

For the safety of our FD community only authorized persons may check in/out a student. Authorized persons are parents or guardians identified during enrollment or at a later date by the parent or guardian in writing to the program Director. A person cannot be authorized for check in/out by any other means. We cannot release any child to an unauthorized person; therefore, we must emphasize the importance of keeping this information current and accurate for your child’s school records.

Children are released only:

• To an authorized parent / guardian
• To an authorized person provided that at the time of check in/out;
• The authorized person has a picture I.D.
• An authorized sibling is 18 years of age or older.

OPEN DOOR / VISITOR POLICY

Our open-door policy endeavors to allow parents to visit at any time. Parents are encouraged to visit and share as many experiences with their child(ren) as is feasible and desirable. Please help us balance our desire for parent engagement with student instruction by notifying the program Director of your desire to visit.

Any visitor to FD must:

• Sign in at the front desk
• Provide identification
• Have an approved purpose for a limited visit by the parent and Director
• Be courteous of the classroom schedule and activities

CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES

It is our intent to meet the needs of children especially when the parents may be experiencing difficult situations such as a divorce, separation, or remarriage. However, the Center cannot legally restrict the custodial parent from visiting the student, reviewing the student’s records, or picking the student up unless the Center has been provided with current legal documents. Copies of these court documents will be kept in the student’s file.

CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT

As Mandated Reporters, if we suspect a child has been abused or mistreated, we are required to report it within 48 hours to the Virginia Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services Division and/or to a law enforcement agency.
Child abuse and neglect are against the law in Virginia, and so is failure to report it.
Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-552-7096
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-7030

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

First Discovery Academy does not discriminate against any student or family based on race, national origin, gender, religion, or disabilities. Reasonable accommodations will be made to provide service to all students enrolled in our program.

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

First Discovery Academy maintains confidentiality and respects the family’s right to privacy, refraining from disclosure of confidential information, and intrusion into family life. However, when we have reason to believe that a child’s welfare is at risk, we will share confidential information with agencies, as well as with individuals who have legal responsibility for intervening in the child’s interest. Disclosure of children’s records beyond family members, program personnel, and consultants having an obligation of confidentiality shall require familial consent (except in cases of abuse or neglect).

ENROLLMENT

We enroll children ages six weeks to twelve years. Placement of a child in a classroom is determined by age and developmental level. We want your child to be placed where his or her needs are met and skills are challenged. Raising our students is a team effort requiring collaboration with parents or guardians on developmental goals and objectives which will inform the program Director’s decision on the student’s classroom placement. Classroom placement is at the program Director’s sole discretion based on what is best for the child. The school year begins on September 1st and concludes on August 31st. An enrollment fee of $175.00 per child is due and payable on the date of registration in addition to a $125 activity fee each subsequent August 31st. Enrollment is on an annual basis from September to August. Failure to pay this fee will be considered your notice of withdrawal for the current school year on the first Tuesday after Labor Day.

PART TIME ENROLLMENT

Part Time enrollment is based on classroom availability. Part Time schedules must be set at the time of enrollment and any changes must be previously approved by the Director.

DISENROLLMENT

Your student’s enrollment is voluntary and may be terminated at any time provided that FD is given two weeks notice of your intent to disenroll. Termination of care must be given to the program Director in writing. Payment schedules will remain unchanged during the notice period and any outstanding balance shall be paid upon dis-enrollment. Should an enrollee fail to provide the aforementioned notice then tuition shall be due for two weeks after FD is made aware of enrollee’s intent to disenroll. Through acknowledgement of this handbook you agree to indemnify and hold harmless FD in it’s pursuit of any outstanding balance including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees. First Discovery reserves the right to terminate care at any time.

TUITION

Parents will be informed of current rates when children are enrolled. If there is an increase in rates, parents will be given one month’s notice regarding the new tuition rates. Tuition is based on the classroom your child is currently in. Tuition fees are charged weekly and these fees must be paid in advanced of services being provided. Payment guidelines are as follows depending on your payment schedule, (weekly, biweekly, or monthly). Tuition is broken into weekly payments which will not be modified based on attendance or closures:

• Weekly tuition fees are due on Friday for the following week
• Monthly tuition fees are due on the 1st for the upcoming month of care At the end of each calendar year income tax information will be available on www.mybrightwheel.com.

There are no deductions or credits for absences. This is including but not limited to illness, holidays, vacations, field trips, etc. No deductions or refunds will be made for scheduled or unscheduled closings. This is including but not limited to, any closure deemed by local government authorities, inclement weather, state of emergencies, pandemics, acts of nature, or withdrawal other than stated above before the end of the term.

FEES & PAYMENTS

All fees are to be paid by automatic withdrawal by ACH or credit card. Registration fees are NON-Refundable.

• If a check or money order must be used there will be a $15 processing fee per occurrence
• There is a $35 fee assessed for any returned check/ACH. If a check is returned, the Center requires that payment be made with a money order or credit card only.
• A declined credit card fee of $10 will be applied to any account with 3 or more declined credit card or debit card occurrences on one transaction.
• Any child attending more than a 10 hours per day will be subject to an hourly fee of$5 per additional hour starting at 10 hours and 1 minute.

LATE PAYMENTS

A $25 late fee will be applied if:

• Weekly Tuition is not paid by Monday at 6pm
• Monthly Tuition is not paid by the 5th of the month

Partial payment does not exempt your account from late fees. Care will be denied if tuition is not paid by the due date until tuition is paid in full.

NAP/REST TIME

Your child will have a daily rest/nap period of no less than 1 hour and no more than 2 hours on a cot/mat used only by him or her after lunch. After 30 minutes, any child not sleeping may engage in a quiet activity on their cot/mat. Children in our infant program most often sleep according to their individual schedules. Children 2 years of age and older may have a personal pillow for nap time provided they have a pillowcase labeled with their name. Sheets and blankets will be provided by the center and washed and dried. If you choose to bring a sheet and blanket from home, they will be sent home for washing on Friday to be returned on Monday.

OUTDOOR PLAY

Students in our care must have one hour of outdoor activity time per day, weather permitting. Students not well enough to participate should remain home until healthy. In the case of weather or bad air quality, an indoor gross motor activity will be substituted for outdoor play in the classroom.

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

Your child should be dressed in clothes that are durable, comfortable, and appropriate for play and weather. We will go outside daily; weather permitting. Due to a wide variety of activities that take place at our Center, we recommend clothes that allow freedom of movement. Many of your child’s favorite activities may tend to be a little messy, like painting and playing in the dirt/grass outside. Please make sure your child’s clothes are suitable. For art activities, an art apron or shirt will be provided to put over your child’s shirt but be mindful that art can get messy, and some may end up on their clothes.

Children’s safety is our main concern; therefore, we ask that you send your child to school wearing a sturdy shoe that supports the foot properly. Sneakers with socks are the best. Any sandals must have a strap around the ankle on the back.

Accidents happen and as such each student 5 years of age and under have a spare set of clothes at school. If your child has an accident and requires new clothing, please take the soiled clothing home and return a clean set of spare clothing the next day. Please place their extra clothing in a bag with their name on it. If your child does not have a suitable change of clothes, the parents will be called to pick their child up or bring a change of clothing. If any necessary item(s) are provided by FD a $10 fee will be added to your account. This includes socks, pants/shorts, shirts, underwear, and diapers/pullups.

BRINGING ITEMS FROM HOME

Outside toys are welcome on designated share days. We ask that personal toys be kept at home on non-share days. An item of comfort, such as a soft cuddly stuffed animal may be brought to be used during nap time to help the child sleep more comfortably provided the item does not become a distraction for the student or class (please check with your child’s teacher first). The Center does not allow toys of violence, violent action figures, tablets, or electronic devices at any time. First Discovery is no responsible for lost or damaged items brought into the center.

BIRTHDAYS / CELEBRATIONS / HOLIDAYS

We celebrate children’s birthdays in age-appropriate ways at the request of the parents in the classroom. The birthday celebration is kept simple, and child centered. Food brought from home must be approved before sharing. Parents may bring cake/cookies/cupcakes that are store-bought and labeled with the ingredients to avoid risk of allergic reactions. Store bought food will be served during afternoon snack time which parents are welcome to attend. The child’s birthday observance at FD is not intended to take the place of each family’s special observance at home . Birthday party invitations for parties away from the Center may be distributed at school through the classroom teacher. If you do not want your child’s birthday celebrated in any way, please notify the Center and the classroom Teacher.

We respect differences! We observe traditional, national, cultural, and seasonal holidays with activities that are child-centered, educationally oriented, and developmentally appropriate. Every effort is made to be culturally sensitive. Please share with the program Director and/or the classroom Teacher any celebrations that are important to your family, so that these too may be included in our classroom planning.

Social Media Posting

Social Media has become a part of daily life. We see it as a way to celebrate our daily wins and personal/professional milestones. We love celebrating our student’s successes and families appropriately on social platforms. We would love for you to talk about us on Social Media. We do not, however, see Social Media as an efficient platform for issue resolution. We address concerns directly and FD holds all personal information in strict confidence. We expect the same from our families and will exercise any appropriate right, remedy, or action against false or misleading statements which may include but is not limited to, disenrollment or legal action.

Photograph Release

It is extremely important to us to respect the privacy of you and your child. We reserve the right to use the images of any child enrolled in our program. First Discovery Academy may use photos of enrolled children participating in activities for non-electronic displays, advertising, teaching, promotional materials, or for posting on social media. If you do not want photos of your child used for promotional materials or on social media, you will need to complete an opt out form in the front office.

GUIDANCE METHODS

Our purpose of guidance is to help children develop self-control and become responsible for their own behavior. Knowing what behavior is appropriate or acceptable in a situation is an important skill. We are committed to helping children learn to express feelings appropriately, to consider other people’s feelings, and to negotiate their own conflicts. We use non-punitive methods of guidance which are related to the child’s behavior, and we encourage the child’s participation. We ask the child to think about the problematic behavior and to find ways to remedy the situation. Teachers like to work closely with parents to understand each child and to determine which methods work best for that child, thus, teamwork with parents is particularly important.

No child should ever feel shame for diapering or toileting accidents. No matter the age, even ‘potty-trained’ children may occasionally have an accident due to their age and development. This is a natural process, and they will always be treated respectfully.

In rare instances when appropriate behavior management strategies do not resolve repetitive disruptive behavior our support staff, including the student’s teacher and program Director, will collaborate with the student’s parent or guardian to develop an action plan for improvement. All reasonable steps will be taken to implement the action plan with the support of the parents or guardians. Support staff will keep the parents informed of the progress made in action plan implementation. Referrals to community resources or an outside evaluation may be suggested. The parent is responsible for any damage to FD property or equipment caused by the parent or child, including repairs made necessary by your actions or your child’s actions. Should the action plan prove ineffective, or the continued behavior create an unsafe or unhealthy environment for students or staff, FD may deem it necessary to terminate care.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

FD’s interests are in the professional care and development of students. To support that interest teachers and parents must focus on student development. FD discourages any distractions from that focus which could include fraternizing via social media or in-person with FD staff.
Neither FD staff nor parents/guardians should solicit or request childcare services while enrolled in the FD program. Should any arrangement of childcare services be negotiated it will have no affiliation with FD or violate any policy or procedure set forth herein. You agree to hold First Discovery Children’s Academy and First Discovery Child Development Center, LLC harmless from any such agreement. If you chose to have FD staff member babysit your child, we require that you sign the babysitting policy provided by the center.

CURRICULUM GOALS

The early years in a child’s life set the tone for future learning. We use the STREAMin3 curriculum model. Our curriculum is constantly evolving to remain current with the best practices demonstrated through research in Child Development so that we can build a foundation for each child that lasts a lifetime. Our curriculum is designed with specific objectives for each age level and child; however, the following goals are incorporated into every classroom:

• Developing safe and healthy habits in young children
• Fostering positive self-esteem

Child assessments will be conducted throughout your child’s time with us. These assessments will gauge your student’s progress in age appropriate milestones.

DAILY SCHEDULES

Daily schedules are posted in each classroom on the Parent Board for viewing.

SECURITY

Electronic Access – In our continued pursuit of safety and security building access is restricted via wireless access. Access is restricted to families with the appropriate security device and, while it may be polite, FD discourages allowing unwarranted access by holding the door open for any person without the appropriate entry device. The system provides convenient entry with wireless access.

Cameras – FD may use closed-circuit camera systems for security, training, and quality control. If a closed-circuit camera system is used video feeds will remain strictly confidential. Feeds will only be viewed/used by FD staff and will not be used for any promotional materials.

INFANT SAFETY

To alleviate risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) infant students will not have blankets in cribs. Please dress your infant appropriately for the weather. It helps to include an extra layer of clothing in their bag.

NUTRITION

Our Center participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) which is a Federal program that provides healthy meals and snacks to students. We receive reimbursement based on the number of meals and snacks we serve. It is important that the Child Nutrition Program Application be returned promptly, even if you do not qualify upon enrollment and annually. This reimbursement helps us meet our budget and indirectly affects our tuition rates.
FD will work closely with students who require special diets for medical or religious reasons. Accommodations will be made in instances of dietary needs for food to be brought from home. Variations to a child’s diet will be documented in writing including your Doctor’s endorsement on our Special Dietary Form and a separate Doctor’s note if applicable.

MEALS

Monthly menus are carefully planned to meet the nutritional guidelines of the Food Program. Copies of the menus may be requested and are available by print.
Breakfast is served at 8:30am. We begin serving lunch at 11:30am. Snack is provided at 3:30pm.
Outside food and drink is not permitted at school unless it has been pre-approved. Outside food and drink may be acceptable for celebrations and medical/religious reasons. Food to be shared by students and staff must be for the entire class, store- bought, and have visible ingredients listed. We are a tree nut and peanut free program. All children will be encouraged to eat their food with student’s daily status shared via Bright Wheel.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Immunization records are required at enrollment and must be updated each time the student receives an updated immunization. Virginia School Entrance Form is required at enrollment.

ACCIDENTS/EMERGENCIES/FIRST AID

We work hard to provide a safe environment for the children at all times, however, part of growing up can include bumps, scrapes, and bruises. All of our staff is CPR / First Aid certified. Our Center is equipped with first aid supplies for minor accidents. When necessary, FD staff will provide the appropriate first aid to students requiring care. When injuries do occur, the incident will be recorded on an FD Incident Report and provided to the parent or guardian detailing the specifics of the incident..

If a student has a more serious injury, the student will be provided with first aid while the parent or guardian is contacted for pick up. If there is an emergency requiring medical attention, 911 emergency paramedics will be called, while the parent, student emergency contact, and/or the child’s physician is notified. If a child must be transported by ambulance, a staff member will accompany the student if the parent is not available.

HYGEINE

Every effort is made by our staff to prevent the spread of germs through required handwashing. Handwashing is done at all appropriate times: (upon arrival, before and after meals, after toileting, during messy play – sand, outdoor time, and art, wiping noses, and any other time hands may become contaminated).

ILLNESS

One of the most serious challenges facing group care situations for young children is prevent illness. We use our illness guidelines to protect your child as well as others from contagious illnesses. We realize that this can sometimes be an inconvenience for parents, but we trust that you will understand the necessity for such policy. If any of the following conditions occur while your child is in attendance, you will be notified, and your child must be picked up from the Center within one hour:

The child has one of the following:

• Fever; armpit temperature of 100.0 degrees or greater
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Head Lice
• Symptoms of an infections disorder
• Any other condition deemed necessary by the Director for the well-being of your child and the other children enrolled.

Parents will also be notified if the illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in facility activities or results in a greater need for care than the staff can provide without compromising the health, safety, and supervision of the other children in the classroom. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease is to have strictly enforced standards regarding the exclusion of ill children. If your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease, please notify the Center. It is important for us to be aware of what children may have exposed to so that we can communicate with other parents. Do not bring ill children to the Center.

THE 24-HOUR ‘Symptom FREE’ RULE

The Center’s policy requires that your child be symptom free of illness including: fever, diarrhea, or vomiting for at least 24 hours. Fever-free means without fever reducing medication.
Please keep in mind that if we send your child home because of illness, the children will not be admitted to the Center the next day because the 24-hour period will not have elapsed. It is important to not rush a child’s return to school following an illness. The Center reserves the right to require a doctor’s statement before the child can be readmitted to the Center.

MEDICATIONS

In order for our staff to administer medication we must adhere to the following:

• All medicine must be in the original container
• The container must be labeled with the child’s name
• If it is over-the-counter medication (including the following: diaper ointment/cream, sunscreen, and insect repellent), it must state the amount to be administered by child’s age and/or weight
• All medicine must be labeled with the date (if prescribed) or the date brought to the Center
• The medicine must include directions on how to administer the medication
• If the medication is prescribed the prescription, must include the child’s and the prescribing Doctor’s name
• All medications must have an expiration date, we cannot administer medication after the expiration date
• The medicine can only be administered to the child for whom it was intended

The parent must sign an authorization form and include the dates and times for the Center to administer the medication, these directions must follow the label on the medication.

TRANSPORTATION

All children and employees that are transported on our vehicles will follow all safety procedures. Children will be dropped off and picked up in designated areas only at each school while waiting for children to board. All children will be seated and required to wear a seat belt and sat in a booster seat if needed.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES / DRILLS/ CONTINUATION OF CARE

We place a high priority on being prepared for a variety of emergencies that may arise. Practice drills will be conducted once a month. We have set up an emergency plan as follows:

• Stay informed. Directors will monitor alert statuses of any kind on a daily basis
• When an alert is in a heightened state (for weather or otherwise), the radio and internet are checked regularly for breaking information
• Assess the situation and act. Upon receiving pertinent information and/or official notification, a decision is made to conduct a shelter-in-place or evacuate
• In the event of an emergency, parents and emergency contacts will be contacted to pick up their child within one hour

Shelter-in-Place – In the event of a shelter-in-place decision, we are equipped with emergency supply kits that include all the items recommended by the Department of Homeland Security. We move all staff and children to a safe place inside and away from all windows.

Evacuations – In the event that we need to evacuate the center the Director will contact all parents to inform them of our evacuation plans. Our evacuation plan will be posted outside the office at each location for your review at any time.

In the event of any emergency, our infants will be given our center provided formula.

It is the responsibility of the parents and guardians to read, know, and follow our policies. Your signature assumes this understanding. First Discovery Academy reserves the right to terminate services for not adhering to our policies. Please feel free to ask questions at any time; we are here to support you!

Above all, First Discovery Academy reserves the right to maintain a harmonious and safe environment for the children. Our goal is to bring about collaboration between the home and school in ways that enhance your child’s development.

It is the responsibility of the parents and guardians to read, know, and follow our policies. Your signature assumes this understanding. First Discovery Children’s Academy reserves the right to terminate services for not adhering to our policies.