The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center has modified its existing program.  As of 2009 our program encompasses a balanced curriculum based upon the Creative Curriculum model.

For our physical environment, the Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center has at least 10 interest areas. They include:

  1. Blocks
  2. Housekeeping
  3. Manipulatives
  4. Music
  5. Art
  6. Sand and Water
  7. Library
  8. Computers
  9. Writing
  10. Cozy, Quiet Corner

The Creative Curriculum allows the children to become acquainted with:

  1. Cultural Sensitivity
  2. Problem Solving
  3. Feelings
  4. Social Conflict
  5. Building Relationships
  6. Being Good Helpers

Various resource curricula may be used to supplement our curriculum.  These resources are designed to assist the teacher in weaving many elements of comprehensive tools together.  The curricula are developed around units of study, and utilize developmentally appropriate early childhood resources.

PROGRAM POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND GUIDELINE

OPERATIONAL INFORMATION

The Bennett College Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center Preschool Educational Program is a component of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Division of Social Sciences and Education at Bennett College. The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center can serve 50 students.

Staffing
The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center is staffed with a Director, a receptionist/clerical assistant, three Lead Teachers, three assistant teachers, and a housekeeper.  Bennett College provides meals through a contractual food service vendor, Sodexho, Inc.

Interns
The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center provides early childhood field experience for students who are interested in Early Childhood Education.  Bennett College, other local colleges, and several high schools from Guilford County are involved in this experience.

Volunteers
There are volunteers from Bennett College, Senior Citizens, and the community who participate on a regular basis. Faculty and Staff members are encouraged to assist in the program. Parents are encouraged to volunteer and spend time with their children whenever possible.

Licensing and Certification
The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center has maintained a 5-star rating from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Child Development Unit. The new rating system uses two components.  In each area rated, this establishment has earned seven out of seven points in Staff Education, seven out of seven points in Program Standards and one out of one points for Quality, making it a total of fifteen out of fifteen points.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Application forms may be obtained from and returned to the front office or the Director for processing. The application shall be filled out completely and signed by the parent or guardian. As vacancies occur within the center, the parent will be contacted.  If a child is enrolled as a three-year-old, her\his continued enrollment as a four-year-old will be automatic with the required annual deposit.

Parents may place their child on the waiting list at any time. Any parent or guardian may make an application for a child regardless of race, creed, religious affiliation, or socio-economic status.

Four-year old children enrolled may spend more than one year in the program if they are not eligible for public school kindergarten. Children must be five on or before August 31st to attend public school kindergarten in August of the opening of public school.

Siblings of children presently enrolled in the program will be given special consideration when applying for admission if the age of the sibling is appropriate for the vacancy that occurs. Also, at times, enrollment may be slightly altered to serve children for whom the College has received special funding through federal grants.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES
  1. Prior to enrollment, all required forms must be completed and returned to the Director.
  2. A conference will be arranged with the Director before the child enters the program or as soon as possible after enrollment.
  3. If a parent wishes, arrangements will be made for the child to visit the program prior to enrollment. Parents will be asked to remain in the observation room during their stay.
  4. Parents are expected to adhere to the Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center policies and cooperate fully with the staff in carrying out its mission.
SCHOOL CANCELLATION DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

Recognizing the parents need for consistent childcare, every effort will be made to keep The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center open; however, the College will close the center when the safety and welfare of the children and staff would appear to be in jeopardy. The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center may also open later or close earlier than usual when ice and/or snow or adverse weather conditions exist.

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center does not operate with the Guilford County Public School System’s Inclement Weather Plan.

There is no fee adjustment for weather-related or unexpected closings that jeopardize the safety and welfare of the children and staff.

In the event of inclement weather, the Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center will follow the schedule of Bennett College. Please pay attention to News 2 (WFMY) or FOX 8 (WGHP) for information on closings and delays.  

THE MARTIN DIXON INTERGENERATIONAL CENTER DISCIPLINE POLICY

Discipline can be defined as the attempt by the adult to control or change a child’s behavior. Several types of discipline exist and these include both positive and negative adult behavior. Employees and volunteers of the Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center will always use positive reinforcement and guidance when a child’s behavior is inappropriate. Absolutely no corporal punishment will be used.  Physical and verbal abuse, humiliation and/or shame tactics, and withholding of food will not be allowed by center employees, parents, volunteers, or any other persons on the property.

A child will not be disciplined for a lapse in toilet training or for not sleeping during rest periods.

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center reserves the right to discipline a child when necessary. Discipline consists of:

  • Positive redirection
  • Time-out
  • Visiting the Director
  • Dismissal (as a last resort)

The staff will redirect the child to an appropriate behavior whenever possible. This may include asking the child to go to another group or taking a “time-out”. This gives the child time to think about their actions before coming back to the group or activity. “Time-out” periods may last no longer than one minute for each year of the child’s age. In the event that there is still a problem or the child refuses to sit in “time-out”, they may be sent to the Director’s office.

Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. If a particular behavior persists that interferes with other children or staff’s social, emotional, or physical well-being, a parent may be called and asked to come and pick up their child. If the forms of discipline are ineffective with your child you may be asked to:

  • Come and observe the child’s behavior.
  • Set up a conference to discuss the behavior.
  • Contact an outside agency to assist with the child’s behavior.

If a child’s behavior continues to disrupt the normal daily routine, the Director has the authority to permanently dismiss the child from the center.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center is a year round program. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am until 5:30pm, except during scheduled vacations, holidays, and teacher in-service days.

TUITION

A non-refundable registration fee of 40.00 dollars is payable at the time the application packet is submitted to the Director. All tuition and application fees are to be paid by cash or check made out to Bennett College.

The monthly tuition must be paid by the first of each month. After the fifth, a twenty five dollar late fee will be charged. If tuition is not paid by the fifth, the child may not return until the payment has been made. If payment has not been made by the end of the month, the spot is forfeited and collections procedure will take place.

A Tuition Agreement must be signed and dated each August and will be valid for the year. Parents must adhere to the signed contract.

There is no reduction in fees or refunds if a child is out sick, when a parent takes a child out on vacation, the child is absent for any reason, regardless of the length of time involved, or for the last week in May when the center is closed for teacher workdays.  Due to Bennett College policies, tuition is prorated in the month of August.

MEALS

Sites must provide breakfast and/or snacks and lunch meeting the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the USDA requirements during the regular school day. Fees are not charged for meals. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are served daily, contracted through Sodexo. Menus are posted for the family’s information. Parents are always welcome to eat with the children.

If a child requires a special diet, The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center staff will notify the cafeteria/Sodexo. Parents must provide the Director with specific information regarding their child’s dietary needs.

CLEANING POLICY

Sanitation

Bennett College provides a housekeeper for The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center. The following chores are done on a daily basis:

  • Cleaning the kitchen and dining room after each meal
  • Cleaning all counters, floors, sinks, and tables before and after each meal
  • Sweeping and moping twice a day and as needed
  • Vacuuming the carpets, daily
  • Cleaning the restrooms twice a day and as needed
  • Emptying all trash cans in the center
  • Cleaning children’s water fountain

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center staff is responsible for:

Daily Cleaning

  • Sanitize materials within the classroom
  • Wash sheets and blankets
  • Sanitize computer keyboards and mouse
  • Sanitize water table, sinks, and toilets

Weekly Cleaning

All toys are cleaned in rotation by staff and/or volunteers supervised by the Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center staff.  The toys are cleaned with a soapy solution and sanitized with a bleach solution.  The cots and linen are cleaned each Friday.  Dress up clothes and cozy area items are laundered each week as well.

Monthly

Cubbies, art easels, and outside toys are cleaned monthly. When Playdoh is available, it is replaced with new Playdoh after one month’s use.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

The first two weeks of enrollment in The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center is considered a “trial period”. This gives a child time to adjust to the separation from his/her parent or guardian. The Provider or the parent(s)/guardian(s) may terminate childcare during this trial period without advance notice. After the trial period has passed, the Provider or the parent(s)/guardian(s) may terminate childcare only by providing the other party with a two weeks advance written notice. If the parent(s)/guardian(s)) fails to provide a two weeks advance written notice, the parent(s) /guardian(s) agrees to pay the regular scheduled fees for the two weeks upon the withdrawal date of the child.

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center retains the right to terminate this Contract without notice for the following reasons:

  • The child’s behavior is destructive, uncontrollable, violent, or threatening to the other children or providers at the facility. This determination is made at the sole discretion of the provider. Children are expected to treat all property located at the facility with respect, including but not limited to toys and furniture. The parent(s) /guardian(s) agrees to pay for the accidental or willful destruction of any property located at the facility, whether owned by The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center or any other person at the replacement cost, if such destruction was, in the sole opinion of The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center, caused by the child.
  • A parent’s behavior is threatening or abusive to the other children or providers at the facility.
  • Child care fees are fifteen days or more delinquent.

The determination that the needs of a child cannot be effectively met by the center or lack of cooperation by the parents with the center policies are reasons for dismissal of a child from the program. All dismissals are at the discretion of the Director. Documentation of the dismissal will be kept in the child’s file.

All accounts must be paid in full upon withdrawal.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center is opened from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. It is mandatory that a parent, guardian, or an adult (18 years or older), accompany the child into the facility to sign the child in.  It is required that a staff member acknowledge the child’s presence. This policy also applies at departure. We remind parents that we are not responsible for your children until they have entered and are signed in to our supervised area.

Children benefit most when they arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. A child’s consistent late arrival may hinder his/her ability to adapt socially and emotionally in the program. Regular attendance of your child is expected, as it generally promotes better adjustment to a program. If your child is sick or will be absent for any reason, please call the center no later than 9 a.m. Your child may arrive after 9:00 a.m. if he/she has a doctor’s appointment. Please call the center in order to ensure that he/she will be counted for lunch.

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center will not release any child to a person whose behavior or health appears to endanger the health or safety of the child. This includes persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In the event the above occurs, the staff will call the other parent or authorized person. Always notify the center if a person other than the parent or guardian is to pick up a child. Staff must release the child to only a parent, guardian, or an adult (18 years or older) designated by the parent. The adult (18 years or older) who picks up the child, other than a parent or guardian will have to provide a picture I.D.  If a registering parent requests our staff via telephone to release their child to an unlisted person, it will be acknowledged providing the identity can be confirmed by returning that parent’s call to a phone number listed in our files (work or home number).

If the registering parent/guardian has any objections to visits to his/her child from another person, a written request should be filed with the Director. The staff will acknowledge and enforce this request. If there is a court order outlining custody conditions, a copy must be provided to the Director for the center’s files. It is vital that the parent/guardian keeps us informed of any changes in work phone numbers, home addresses, change of emergency contacts, etc. We must have current information so that we can contact you in case of an emergency.

Late pick-up is an inconvenience for both parents and staff. Our staff is off duty at 5:30 p.m. If you are going to be late, please call and let us know. Upon acceptance the parent/guardian of the child agrees to pay overtime fees of $1 per minute if a child is not picked up by the scheduled time noted on the contract. The overtime fee shall be paid when the parent/guardian picks up the child. Lateness imposes a hardship on staff and is distressing to children. The staff, also, has children and family members whom they need to pick up in a timely manner. Consistent and/or repeated late pick-ups may result in termination of enrollment. Our staff will be responsible for a child only until 5:30 p.m. After that point, if we have not received a call and are unable to reach the parent or an emergency contact, we will contact the appropriate authorities (Child Protective Services) to report a child in need of care. Every effort will be made to contact the parent. The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center will assume no responsibility for a child once he/she is checked out.

RELEASE OF CHILDREN

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center staff would like to assure all parents and guardians of maximum safety for their children.  In order to do this, and to avoid any conflicting situations, teachers and staff will only release a child to a parent or designated adult to take responsibility for their child.

When it is necessary for someone other than the parent or person originally designated to pick up or deliver a child, the parent must notify the teacher or Director to that effect or personally introduce the new designee. The designated person will be asked to show some type of picture ID if they have not been previously introduced to the child teacher or the director. A copy of the ID will be placed in the child’s file.

FIELD TRIP POLICY

Children are permitted to take trips only after parents have signed an authorization slip giving their permission. This permission authorization is included in the registration packet. Parents will be notified in advance of field trips. Please refer to your monthly calendar for all field trip information. If a field trip is added after the calendar is published, the teacher will notify parents.

HEALTH POLICY

(Enrollment Procedures for Children with Disabilities or Chronic Illness)

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) affords children with any type of disability (mental or physical) the opportunity to benefit from being in an integrated child care setting. The ADA considers an individual to have a disability if he/she has a record of or is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more of the “major life activities” such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working. In accordance with the ADA, The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center will provide services to children regardless of race, creed, socio-economic status, or with disabilities unless providing services causes an undue financial burden or alters the nature of services.

Children with chronic illnesses may be ill at any given time, but they are always living with their condition. If a child is subject to chronic illness such as; asthma, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, congenital heart problems, arthritis, kidney disease, convulsions with high fever, allergies, etc., please note it on the application as well as the allergy form provided by the Director. A list of children with allergies (food, medications, environmental, etc.) will be posted in each classroom, the kitchen, and the office. Medications can be kept at the facility to be given whenever necessary. The staff must have written permission from the physician and the parent must complete Permission to Administer Medication Form.  Inhalers, Epi-pens, and any other medication for a chronic illness will be placed in an unlocked cabinet located six feet above floor level.

Prior to enrollment, all required forms must be completed and signed for any child, and returned to the Director. If a space is not available, the child will be placed on the waiting list. As vacancies occur within the facility, the parent/guardian will be contacted. A conference should be arranged with the Director before the child enters the program to discuss accommodations for a child with a disability or a chronic illness.

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center will provide developmentally age appropriate programs for all children who are enrolled in the facility. The staff will engage in thoughtful planning to create a caring environment that meets the needs of all children. The staff will participate in ongoing training on topics that relate to children with disabilities, child health and safety, communication with families, linkage with community services, planning, guidance, and discipline.

MEDICATION POLICY

Child care rules do not require a center to administer medication to children. This is a matter of center policy. Prescribed medications will only be administered by the child’s full time lead teacher or the Director of The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center. The staff will not administer any prescribed medications without a signed and dated form from the parent(s) or guardian(s) stating the child’s name, the specific name of the medication, the time of day it is to administered, and dosage instructions. The State requires that the medicine be in the original container with the prescribed directions from the child’s licensed physician. Administering of medication will be documented by the staff.

The Permission to Administer Medication forms are located in the back of the sign in/out book. All medications, with the exception of inhalers and Epi-pens, are locked up even if it requires refrigeration in a separate storage area that is free of chemicals and cleaning supplies. Inhalers and Epi-pens will be placed in an unlocked cabinet located six feet above floor level. It is the parents’ responsibility to retrieve the medication from a staff member when their child is picked up.  Any medications that are not retrieved within five days of the final dose will be discarded by the centers administrative staff. Please do not send medicine by the child or allow the child to carry or hold the medicine while in school. Medicine cannot be left in a child’s backpack. This includes any over the counter medicines or skin applications.

Most over-the-counter medications usually mask the symptoms of a child’s illness. Over-the-counter medications are those such as cough syrup, decongestant, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, topical antibiotic cream for abrasions, or medication for intestinal disorders. Over-the-counter medications will not be administered by any staff member at The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center. Even though these types of medications may eliminate some of the symptoms of the child’s illness, the child may need to be excluded from care if he/she is not able to participate in all activities. However, skin applications in the original containers such as; Chap Stick and sunscreen may be applied if needed with a signed and dated Permission to Administer Medication form. Parent(s) or guardian(s) must fill out Permission to Administer Medication form each week stating the name of the ointment, the amount to be applied, where it is to be applied, and when it is to be applied. The application cannot exceed the amounts and frequency of dosage specified in the printed instructions accompanying the medicine or on the label. Staff will read Checklist for Administering Medication sheet (posted in each classroom) to ensure proper procedures for administering medication. Permission to Administer Medication forms will remain on file for one month.

SICKNESS/ILLNESS POLICY

NO facility is required to accept an ill child. The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center operates for well children only. Children who show minor cold symptoms may stay at the facility with approval from administration. We will promptly isolate any child showing major signs of illness from the other children and staff. The child will be visually supervised in the office by the director until arrangements are made for their care elsewhere. The child will be placed on a mat or a cot and will have access to a bathroom and a vomitus receptacle. The areas in which the child was located during time of illness will be properly sanitized.

Based on the Division of Child Development Child Care Rule 0804 and the health policy of The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center, children who are in care of the facility with any of the following symptoms or illnesses must be excluded from care in order to protect the other children and staff members and to stop the spread of any illness or disease:

  • Children with a fever of 100 degrees underarm, 101 degrees orally, or 102 degrees rectally
  • Strep throat, until 24 hours after treatment has started
  • Bacterial Meningitis
  • Diphtheria
  • Stiff neck with elevated temperature
  • Two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period
  • One episode of vomiting with another symptom
  • A red eye with obvious white or yellow eye discharge until 24 hours after treatment
  • Scabies, head lice, or other parasites
  • Chicken pox or a rash suggestive of chicken pox
  • Measles, Mumps, or Rubella
  • Hemophilus Influenza Type B
  • Hepatitis A
  • Tuberculosis, until a health professional states that the child or staff member is not infectious
  • Severe coughing causing red or blue coloration on face
  • Impetigo, until 24 hours after treatment
  • Pertussis (whooping cough), until five days after appropriate antibiotic treatment
  • Hepatitis A virus infection, until one week after onset of illness or jaundice
  • Sudden onset of diarrhea characterized by an increased number of bowel movements compared to the child’s normal pattern and with increased stool water
  • Unusually dark urine and /or gray or white stool
  • Excessive fatigue
  • An open sore in or around the mouth
  • When a licensed physician or other health care professional issues a written order that the child be separated from other children

Should your child develop any of the above symptoms while at the facility, you will be called to pick up your child within thirty minutes of the call. Picking up your child in this timely manner will help prevent the spread of infectious diseases to other children and staff.

If the child is sent home with a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other illnesses, they will be required to stay at home for 24 hours and may return if free of fever without the use of fever reducing medications and free of vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours while on a normal diet (unless otherwise noted on When to Keep Your Child at Home sheet). If fever persists, the child will need to remain at home until free of fever and illness that has occurred. A licensed physician’s statement may be required before a child may return to the facility. The facility has the right to refuse care to any child with a physician’s note if it contradicts the facility’s policy. Children should be able to participate in all indoor and outdoor activities upon return.

Please make sure staff members are notified when a change occurs in employment, residence, phone numbers, e-mail, and emergency contacts. It is extremely important that someone is able to be contacted in the event of an emergency.

If a child or staff member is exposed to a communicable disease while at the facility or contracts one away from the facility, a notice will be posted.

MEDICAL EXAMS/IMMUNIZATIONS

Laws in many states require child care facilities to keep on file a certificate of up-to-date immunizations and medical exams for each child who attends. Children attending child care especially need all of the recommended vaccinations to protect themselves, the other children, their families, and the facility’s staff. Several diseases that can cause serious problems for children and adults can be prevented by vaccinations. Many of these diseases are becoming less common because most people have been vaccinated against them. But cases still occur and children in child care are at increased risk for many of these diseases because of the many hours they spend in close contact with other children.

All children at The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center must have an age appropriate medical exam on file at the center within one month of enrollment and an up-to-date record of immunizations within one week of enrollment. Age appropriate health assessments are to be conducted according to the recommended schedule for routine health supervision. Only the form provided by the Center is acceptable. The appropriate form(s) need to be completed and signed by the physician. Please submit your physician’s documentation of annual medical exams as they occur.

Immunizations must also be current and up-to-date. The immunization certificate should state that the child is up-to date for immunizations and be signed by the child’s physician. Please submit your physician’s documentation of immunization updates as they occur. If you need any further details, please contact the director personally.

Children who are not up to date on their vaccinations will need to be excluded from the facility until they have begun the series of shots needed. If the child is exempt from vaccination because of a medical condition or religious objection, this will be noted on the immunization certificate and supported in the child’s file with

documentation from the physician or religious authority. Any child who is not immunized because of the parent’s genuine and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the child day care center with a written statement to this effect. Any child who is missing one or more of the required immunizations may be admitted if a physician licensed to practice medicine in the state of North Carolina furnishes the child day care center with a written statement that such immunizations may be detrimental to the child’s health. A medical exemption does not expire until a doctor decides it is safe to immunize.

With the exception of children meeting religious objection and medical condition exemptions, children enrolled in the facility must remain current with their immunizations in accordance with the current schedule for immunizations established by the North Carolina State Department of Health.

RECORDING and REPORTING INCIDENTS

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center is required by law to record any incident that happens to a child while in our care. An incident report must be completed each time a child receives medical treatment by a health care professional (e.g., physician, nurse, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, dentist, community clinic, hospital, or local health department) or if medical treatment is not required as a result of an incident that occurs while a child is in care at The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center. The requirement also applies if a parent takes the child to the doctor after the incident for an evaluation and receives no medical treatment.

The incident report will include: child’s name, type  of injury, piece of equipment involved, date and time of the incident, names of adults who witnessed the incident, what part of the body was injured, where and what kind of treatment was received, description of how and where the incident occurred, and steps taken to prevent a reoccurrence of the incident.  Parents will be notified of any incidents that occur to the head or face of a child.  If another child was the cause or was involved in the incident, he/she will remain anonymous.  The report will be signed by the staff member who completed the incident report and by the parent/guardian.  A copy of the incident report will be given to the parent/guardian, one will remain in the child’s file, and a copy will be mailed to a representative of the Division of Child Development (DCD) within seven calendar days after treatment. All incidents will be recorded in the Incident Log and kept for review by a Division representative.  The incident report and Incident Log forms are supplied by DCD.

REPORTING ABUSE and NEGLECT

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center Procedures for Reporting Abuse & Neglect

According to North Carolina law, employees and parents of The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center will report any suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services; a Division of Social Services (DSS).  Abuse occurs when a parent, guardian, or caregiver injures or allows another to injure a child physically, sexually, or emotionally.  Abuse may also occur when a parent, guardian, or caregiver allows another to put a child at risk or serious injury.  Neglect occurs when a child does not receive proper care, supervision, or discipline, or when a child is abandoned.

Steps for staff/parents reporting abuse and neglect include:

  • Documentation of any physical indicators, behavioral and emotional indicators of neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse and/or documentation of the physical indicators and behavioral indicators of emotional abuse and neglect. Signed and dated by teacher and other staff member.
  • Reports will be made to DSS in the county where the child lives. The report will be made by telephone, e-mail, in writing, or filling out the form on the DSS website.
  • The report will include the name and address of the parent, guardian, or caregivers, the name and age of the child, the whereabouts of the child, the nature and extent of the injury, and any other pertinent information.

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center takes abuse neglect seriously.  Employees of the Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center supervise the children in his or her care at all times. Failure to do so will result in suspension or termination of that employee as this act falls under child neglect and/or abuse.

Every family will receive a copy of the Summary of the North Carolina Child Care Law for Child Care Centers.  It will be reviewed and signed by the parent(s)/guardian(s) stating that they have received, read and understand the summary.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT/CONFERENCE PROCEDURES

Teachers will attempt to talk informally with parents on a daily basis. Teachers may conduct home visits to help strengthen the bond between home and school. Parents are requested to notify the Director and/or teachers if an unusual situation exists at home such as a parent out of town, a death, or the hospitalization of a family member. This unusual situation usually affects your child’s behavior at school.

Please check your child’s cubby and mailbox each day. Important notices will be posted. Messages may also be placed in the sign in and out book. Calendars and notes from the Director’s desk are given out the first week of each month.

Individual conferences will be arranged every ninety days. If at any other time you would like to meet with the teachers, please feel free to set up an appointment.  We are here to assist in answering any questions that you may have about child’s development. The staff may be reached at 370-8707.

Recognizing that a parent is a child’s first and most influential teacher, parent ­involvement is considered a vital component of the Preschool Laboratory. Parents are expected to be involved in center activities. Options for involvement include:

  • Parent workshops
  • Contributions
  • PTA OFFICERS
  • Classroom volunteers
  • Toy Menders
  • Field Trips
  • Cooking Projects

Parents are encouraged to visit the classroom and volunteer their time and special skills.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDELINES

Children’s birthdays may be celebrated according to the following rules:

  • Please give one week’s notice prior to your child’s birthday to the Director and your child’s teacher.
  • We include ALL children enrolled at The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center.
  • Parties are held during afternoon snack time.
  • Commercial cakes and refreshments only please. We will need to stay in compliance with the North Carolina Health Policies.
HANDWASHING

The Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center staff shall inform everyone that enters the facility that hand washing is most important in preventing the transmission of disease causing organisms. Each child that enters the facility shall wash hands upon arrival, after each visit to the toilet, after handling of body fluids (e.g., saliva, nasal secretions, vomit, blood, secretions from sores, pustulant discharge), before and after eating meals or snacks, before and after sand and water play activities, before and after play dough activities, after handling garbage and soiled clothes, before and after handling animals or animal cages.

Each employee, parent/guardian, volunteer, and guest shall wash hands upon entering the facility, before and after handling food, before and after feeding children, before handling clean utensils or equipment, after toileting or handling of body fluids (e.g., saliva, nasal secretions, vomit, feces, urine, blood, secretions from sores), after handling soiled items such as garbage, mops, cloths, before and after handling animals or animal cages and after removing disposable gloves. Proper hand washing procedures shall include:

  • Wetting hands with tempered water
  • Add soap
  • Rubbing hands vigorously for 15 seconds or more with soap and water
  • Washing all surfaces of the hands (e.g., backs of hands, palms, wrists, under fingernails, and between fingers)
  • Rinsing well for 10 seconds
  • Drying hands with a paper towel or mechanical dryer
  • Turning off faucet with a paper towel

Refer to Hand washing sheet posted above each sink.

We request that you trim your child’s nails on a regular basis. This aids in prevention of disease and is also in keeping with our safety practices at the Center.

CLOTHING AND CUBBY POLICY

All clothing should be labeled for ID purposes.  Soiled clothing must be taken home daily. You may bring your child’s favorite blanket to school [it may help with naptime].   Please see that your child is dressed comfortably according to the weather.  All children should have at least one complete change of clothing available for accidents.

SHOE POLICY

Children are to always wear tennis/athletic shoes for inside/outside play time.  Enclosed shoes should be worn for other special events occurring away from the Martin Dixon Intergenerational Center. Flip flops and strapless shoes are prohibited.

UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS AT SCHOOL

Children should not bring these items to school:

  1. BREAKFAST
  2. MONEY
  3. CHEWING GUM/CANDY
  4. EXPENSIVE TOYS