Handbook

Operations Manual- Covid

HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE INC.

PARENT HANDBOOK

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School

520 Bethlehem Pike

Ft. Washington, PA 19034

(215) 654-9955

Little Diddle Preschool

440 S. Bethlehem Pike

Ft. Washington, PA 19034

(215)565-5866

Updated February 10, 2023

Program Philosophy: We believe children are naturally curious. We encourage this by providing a bright, friendly, caring environment, which allows children to learn while having fun. We offer an outlet for their creativity by planning hands-on activities, which allow students to work independently and together to achieve a common goal. We provide opportunities to develop independence, confidence and a positive self-image. By having fun and learning through play children learn to love school. Developing an appreciation for education during the first step of your child’s first years will carry through to their formal schooling and beyond.

In accordance with our philosophy and purpose, the curriculum includes sharing and conversation time; stories, songs and finger plays; creative art activities; food preparation; science and nature activities; exposure to shapes, colors, numbers and letters; and celebration of birthdays and holidays. Active learning takes place with the guidance of curriculum that aligns with PA early learning standards. Outdoor play time is scheduled daily, weather permitting.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES FOR HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT

Hey Diddle Diddle Inc is comprised of two schools at separate locations, Hey Diddle Diddle Day School and Little Diddle Preschool). While they are in different locations, the policies and procedures of these schools remain the same. We are a cohesive school environment that works together towards the same mission. Our operating hours are Monday – Friday from 7AM – 6PM.

Our school offers a full day of care with an educational program built into the daily schedule. It is the philosophy of this preschool that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploring and discovery. Preschool children are receptive to new information, and search for an outlet for their creativity. Our program nurtures these qualities.

Our purpose is to provide an atmosphere encouraging social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth and development of the child as a whole.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT

Hey Diddle Diddle Inc, advertises in the public media to make openings known to all. Children are admitted regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, or handicapping condition.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

We are closed eight days a year to observe the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day following Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, the day after Christmas and New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. holiday which is used as a staff in-service day.

ADMISSIONS & SCHEDULING

Children ages 12 weeks to five years old will be admitted at any time during the year based on vacancies in the building. Openings are filled on a first come first serve basis.
The student schedule is based on a full day, a minimum of two days per week. We accommodate full and part week students. Part week scheduling will be arranged based on roster availability that best suits your needs.
Due to state regulations, schedule changes are not permitted without at least one week’s notice and are not guaranteed.

ENROLLMENT FORMS

Our licensing agency requires three forms remain updated every 6 months in each child’s file, School wide we update these forms every September and March:

Emergency Contact Form
Tuition Agreement
Child Health Report (Emergency Care Plan if needed)

Each of these forms can be found on the website: heydiddlediddledayschool.net

Other forms we require to be completed include:

-Care Plan, if applicable ( on next page)

-Behavior and special needs policy and IEP or IFSP

-Permission for Topical Applications

-Permission for photos

Emergency Care Plan

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School / Little Diddle Preschool

Emergency Care Plan

Name: ____________________________________ D.O.B: _________________

Asthma (Circle): Yes (higher risk for a severe reaction) No

For a suspected or active food allergy reaction:

Completed by: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Behavior and Special Needs:

Hey Diddle Diddle works with families and intervention specialists to provide the best environment for each child within our established program. When the parent or legal guardian or administration of this school identifies that a child has special needs, the program director and or the facility owner and the parent or legal guardian will meet to review the child’s requirements for care. The program can accept and continue care for children for whom the facility is equipped or can reasonably be equipped to provide quality care, and current staff members can provide a safe, supportive environment. The child’s needs will be specified in a care plan completed by early intervention and/or healthcare professionals. Program decisions about accepting the responsibility of caring for children with special needs are consistent with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Additionally, Hey Diddle Diddle uses the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to determine a students’ growth and progress in reaching their developmental milestones. It is a series of questionnaires designed to screen the early childhood development in the areas of communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem solving, and personal-social skills. Each questionnaire is also completed by the parent or caregiver. A trained staff member and the child’s teacher will work together to fill out these questionnaires.

Hey Diddle Diddle Inc. will use these questionnaires to identify developmental concerns. If there is a developmental delay that needs to be addressed, the administration will hold a meeting with the parents to discuss the next steps. We can recommend:

The child sees their pediatrician.
Early Intervention Services if the child is two or younger, and the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit if they are three and older.

In the event accommodations are required to promote the development of your child we adhere to the following:

A care plan will be submitted to the school. Children who participate in the program and who require special adaptations or accommodations not required by typically developing children involved with the program must have a care plan that addresses routines and emergencies appropriate for that child.
The care plan is completed by the individual’s health care professionals and specialists with input from parents/legal guardians and the site director, to determine the steps required to accommodate the child’s needs. For children who are eligible for early intervention services, the care plan can be the Individual Family Service Plan or Individual Education Plan developed with the assistance of the child’s case manager.
The care plan must be reviewed and updated as necessary, each time the individual has a follow-up visit with a health care professional or specialist, and no less than every 6 months. Where appropriate, the information from the IFSP or IEP may be referenced and attached

Hey Diddle Diddle Inc allows two therapists per week per child to be seen in the school setting, unless it is an educationally related area receiving therapy. There cannot be more therapists in a classroom on a given day than half the number of children in that class (i.e.: a room of ten children cannot have 5 therapists visiting on the same day). Therapists will coordinate with one another and the school to provide the least disruptive schedule possible and notice for our planning purposes.

The staff, therapists, and family members will maintain communication concerning the progress of the student receiving therapy. The IEP or IFSP will be submitted to the school upon enrollment or within one week of compilation. Each revision or evaluation should be submitted to HDD and reviewed by those staff members responsible for the student requiring written accommodations.

Our school employs strategies to promote age appropriate social, academic, and behavioral growth. When the strategies do not provide enough support for a student to maintain personal development, do not alter behavior harmful to the individual or others, or when the care the student needs exceeds our staff training, the result will be termination of the care agreement.

I have received the school policy addressing special needs care.

Signed:

Parent/ Guardian Date______

To best serve your family Hey Diddle Diddle Inc, requests a copy of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)/ Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to ensure we can meet the needs of your family within our program.

Because of the diverse set of needs of the children in our program, it is important to gather as much information about the best ways to educate each child. IEP‘s and IFSP’s are created by service providers working with children with special needs and include this information. The Keystone STARS Performance Standards therefore require each early learning provider to request copies of IEP’s and IFSP’s for the children in their care. Because of the importance of the IEP/IFSP to a child’s learning, the program should have a copy before the child begins to attend, if possible.

Child’s Name: _________________________

I am providing a copy of my child’s IEP or IFSP

I am not providing a copy of my child’s IEP or IFSP

and/or this is not applicable to my child at this time

Child’s Name: _________________________

Parent/ Guardian Signature: __________________________________

Date: _______________________

Print Name: _________________________________

FEES

The current tuition schedule shall be available on the website. The fee schedule lists monthly and weekly payments for full and part time students. Tuition is to be paid in advance each month, on your enrollment date or at the beginning of the week. Because tuition is based on a calendar year and takes into consideration the few days we are closed, there will be no credit given for the months including a scheduled holiday, an illness, or vacation beyond one week.

The first tuition payment is due on your child/ren’s first day, as well as one week of tuition to be held as a deposit if it wasn’t paid at time of enrollment. The deposit payment will be applied to your final tuition payment. You will be given a tuition information and fee agreement, which will further outline these points.

SECURITY AND SAFETY

Drop Off: Hey Diddle Diddle Inc. opens at 7AM. Parents may not drop off prior to this time. We ask that parents drop off by 9AM, when the educational program starts. We are flexible with appointments and other extenuating circumstances and ask for prior notice when possible. HDD Parents are to walk their child to the playground entrance (back of school) and wait with them until they are in the care of a teacher. LDP families are asked to walk down the walkway and wait with child/ren until in the care of a teacher.

Action When No Authorized Person Arrives to Pick Up a Child:

The closing staff member will attempt to reach each authorized contact listed in the child’s record.
If these efforts fail, the facility will call the director and/or owner to relieve staff members from supervisory duty and they will continue to locate the child’s guardians.
If there is no response from any of the child’s emergency contacts within two hours the local police will be called for further assistance.

Late Policy: Hey Diddle Diddle Inc. closes at 6:00 pm. If parents arrive after 6:00 pm, they are expected to pay a late fee. The late policy is $10.00 for every 10 minutes or portion thereof that a parent/guardian is late. Parents should pay the waiting staff members the fee when they arrive with cash. If the same family is consistently late, the staff member should address it with administration so further steps may be taken from the office.

Releasing Students: The adult will receive the child from the supervising staff person. Take out part about signing the child out on our roster affixed to the class clipboard.

Court Orders and Custody agreements: shall be on file and honored by Hey Diddle Diddle. All children are legally permitted to go home with their parents at any time, unless there is a court order stating otherwise. Hey Diddle Diddle Inc. must have a copy of the court order on file. If a court order prohibits a parent/ guardian from custody of their child, and they attempt to take their child, the staff will:

Keep the child in the building.
Call the police. Our policy is to involve law enforcement to mediate the custody disagreement.
Call the child’s other parent or legal guardian.

If a parent or guardian arrives who is intoxicated: or otherwise visibly incapable of bringing the child home safely arrives to claim a student, the staff will:

Keep the child in the building
Call the police. Our policy is to involve law enforcement
Call the child’s other parent or legal guardian.

Safety Drills: Emergency drills are practiced every 60 days at minimum. Various times a year as a school we will also practice “SHELTER IN PLACE or LOCK DOWNS”.

EMERGENCY PLAN

This school has a written emergency plan for in house as well as outside emergencies. A copy is kept in every classroom and reviewed annually by all staff members. If a change should be made to the emergency plan, we will update all families via Bloomz.

COMMUNICATION

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School, Inc. practices an open-door policy. We feel that communication is the bridge between home and school and the key to high quality care and education. Please feel free to direct concerns toward the director or the assistant director. The school utilizes an application that allows the staff to communicate with you directly, a class collectively, or with the entire school. You will receive updates from the teachers and directors as well as pictures and videos of the activities your child is engaged in throughout the day on our communication app Bloomz. Before your family starts at either school you will receive an invite to your class community where you will be connected to your child/ren teachers as well as the school administration.

The school also uses Remind 101 which is a free app that allows us to send direct messages or alerts to your phone. This is our secondary form of communicating, so we may have a back-up means of contacting you if needed. Electronic means of communicating is fast, efficient and relevant however, you are always welcome to pick up the phone and call the school at any time during the day.

Bloomz: Bloomz is the communication application that promotes communication between parents and staff. All staff members must create a log in and password to use the app throughout the day.

Infant Room Teachers are responsible for updating all bottles, naps, and food updates throughout the day.

Tween and Toddler are responsible for updating daily potty, lunch, and nap updates.

OPS and PreK will post individual work in the portfolio feature at least once per week per student, and a written report on the class feed each daily.

All teachers will post class pictures, photos of the curriculum, and other class relevant updates at least once daily.

Teachers and administrators will use the message function to update/communicate with parents individually.

*Per start time, we will have each family sign a picture request form granting permission to take your child/ren picture for Bloomz as well as class art projects*

Classroom Environment:

Keeping our schools clean is necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. While teachers are responsible for daily cleanliness, there is also a cleaning service that comes once a week. The rugs and carpets are also deep cleaned professionally every 3 months. Below you will find our staff cleaning responsibilities;

AREAS	Before Each Use	After Each Use	Daily	Weekly	Monthly
Counter Tops	Clean, Sanitize	Clean, Sanitize
Tables & Highchair-Trays	Clean, Sanitize	Clean, Sanitize
Cribs		If shared Clean, Sanitize		Clean, Sanitize
Microwave		Clean		Clean, Sanitize
Refrigerator					Clean
Trash			Empty	Clean Can
Floors			Sweep, Damp Mop Vacuum
Shelving Units (All Levels)				Clean, Sanitize
Kid Cubbies					Clean, Sanitize
Plastic Toys				Clean
Hard Books					Clean
Mouthed Toys		Clean, Sanitize
Changing Tables		Clean, Disinfect
Toilets And bathroom sinks			Clean, Disinfect -By admin
Handwashing Sinks & Faucets			Clean, Disinfect
Portable sinks			Dump Used H20 Fill clean H20

Cubby Contents-Each child has a labeled cubby in their classroom that is used throughout their time at Hey Diddle Diddle Inc. This should be checked regularly to ensure season appropriate clothing is available if needed. Hey Diddle Diddle Inc empties out each cubby at the end of the summer to be sent home to parents. The following items should be in each child’s cubby:

Infant– Extra clothes (3 sets), bibs, pacifiers if needed, extra formula or breast milk (in the freezer), extra crib sheet, diaper and wipes
Tweens – Pre-Kindergarten– Extra clothes (2 sets) – underwear and shoes included if children are potty trained.

DRESS

Children are encouraged to wear play clothes and comfortable closed toed shoes year-round, Daily activities include active and messy play, and we do not wish the children to be hindered due to their apparel. We ask a change of clothes be kept at the school to keep us prepared for the unexpected. To ensure the return of all clothing items to the proper owner, please write the child’s name inside the garment.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Toy guns and weapons are not welcome at our school. Hey Diddle Diddle Day School Inc. is not responsible for your child’s toys. We do recommend you leave them at home.

Please label all personal items sent in (i.e. sharpie, initials, nametag.)

Daily Classroom Schedule: Each classroom has an established schedule for the day which is adhered to consistently. A routine schedule establishes expectations for our students and teachers and creates comfort and security.

THE GENERAL SCHEDULE FOR EACH CLASSROOM IS AS FOLLOWS:

INFANTS: Infant Room teachers use individual schedules for each baby, while still adhering to the “lights out” from 1-3pm for naptime.

The individual schedule will be provided by the child’s parent or guardian and updated every three months regarding feeding sleeping routines.
Infants will be put to sleep on their back in their own individual crib with no blankets or toys.
Infants will not sleep in swings or seats unless a note from their pediatrician is provided.
The curriculum will be used for room decoration, sensory art, and toys.
Shoes are not to be worn in the infant room for sanitary reasons, no bare feet, socks or slippers will be worn.
All food will be provided by parents or guardians.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (Abusive Head Trauma) Prevention Policy

This policy is designed to prevent the possibility of abusive head trauma during care. Abusive head trauma (also referred to as Shaken Baby Syndrome) occurs in infants and young children, whose neck muscles are not well-developed and whose heads are larger relative to their bodies. As a result, they are especially susceptible to head trauma caused by any type of forceful or sudden shaking, with or without blunt impact. Damage can occur in as little as 5 seconds.

Abusive head trauma can occur in children up to 5 years of age; however, infants less than one year are at greater risk of injury. Shaken baby syndrome can lead to serious conditions including:

Brain damage, problems with memory and attention, cerebral palsy;
Blindness or hearing loss;
Intellectual, speech or learning disabilities; and
Developmental delays.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome or head trauma include:

Seizures;
Bruises;
Lack of appetite, vomiting, or difficulty sucking or swallowing;
Lack of smiling or vocalizing;
Rigidity, inability to lift the head;
Difficulty staying awake, altered consciousness;
Difficulty breathing, blue color due to lack of oxygen;
Unequal pupil size, inability to focus the eyes or track movement; or
Irritability.

Injury Prevention

Infant crying is normal behavior, which improves as a child ages. Caregivers should develop proactive strategies to manage stress levels and appropriate responses to a crying child. This includes being self-aware and noticing when the caregiver may become frustrated or angry. Parents/guardians, caregivers and coworkers should discuss what calming strategies are successful with a particular child at home or in the center

Emergency Response

If a child presents any of the above symptoms or you suspect a baby has suffered abusive head trauma: • Call 911, call the parent/guardian and inform your director.

Report to the appropriate child protective services agency (or law enforcement, if applicable) within 24 hours or less as required by law. See Child Abuse/Neglect and Mandated Reporting Policy and Procedure for further information.
See Medical Emergencies-Calling 911 for additional information.

Strategies for Caregivers and Parents

A child is usually shaken out of frustration, often when the child is persistently crying or irritable. The following strategies may work some of the time; but sometimes nothing will comfort a crying child. A teacher should seek support from a coworker or center management. If a child is inconsolable on a regular basis, the director should be notified and determine if the right supports are in place for the child and for staff.

Do:

Hand the child to another caregiver.
Place the child somewhere safe in the classroom (or home) and call the office (or a neighbor) for support; take deep breaths and count to 10.
Check to see if the baby’s diaper needs changing.
Give the baby a bottle. If baby readily takes bottle, feed slowly stopping to burp often. Do not force the baby to eat.
Check for signs of illness and call the parent if you suspect the child is sick.
Give baby a pacifier.
Hold the baby close against your body and breathe calmly and slowly.
Gently rock the baby using slow, rhythmic movements.
Sing to the baby or play soft, soothing music.
Use “white noise” or rhythmic sounds that mimic the constant whir of noise in the womb
Hold the baby on its side or stomach position to help with digestion. Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep.
Take the baby for a walk indoors or outside for a ride in the stroller.
Be patient: let the baby cry it out if necessary.

Never:

Shake a child.
Drop a child.
Throw a child into the air or into a crib, chair, or car seat.
Push a child into any object including walls, doors, and furniture.
Strike a child’s head, directly or indirectly.

Resources

In addition to any required state training, the following resources are available to parents/guardians and staff:

Websites:

Abusive Head Trauma-How to Protect Your Baby

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Abusive-Head-Trauma-Shaken-Baby-Syndrome.aspx

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

https://www.dontshake.org/

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School / Little Diddle Preschool

TWEEN Rooms Schedule and Expectations

The Tweens room is primarily ones to eighteen months. To maintain regulatory supervision, each teacher is responsible for half of the class when two teachers are present. A typical schedule is as follows:

7:00 – 8:00 – Drop off

8:00 – 9:00 – Start Diaper changes (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

A teacher starts diaper changes, then helps them to wash their hands.

9:00 – 9:30 – Snack Time

Snack is provided twice a day. The children sit at the table while they wait for their teacher to serve snack. They engage in conversation with the teacher and each other. The children must be able to use their water/milk cup/bottle on their own without any assistance. Please label any snack you bring for your child if they are not having school snack, but a friendly reminder we are a peanut and tree nut free school.

9:30 – 9:50 – Circle Time

The teachers sing morning songs and songs that relate to their theme of the month. The children are engaged at the table for Circle time. The teacher’s sing hand motion songs and have story time.

9:50 – 10:30 – Outside Time

Sometimes the whole class walks outside (non-walkers carried, help can be provided by the office staff) to the Tot Lot or we will split the class up where some children stay inside then switch. The Tweens share the Tot Lot with some of the younger children from the Toddler Classroom that are not age appropriate for the big playground yet. We bring their water cups outside. We practice walking outside by holding non-walkers hands or they will crawl as far as to the office.

10:30 – 11:30 – Art/Center Time/Group Play

The teachers will take out centers that allow the children to explore. Some examples of centers include kitchen, dress up, Legos, blocks, cars and trucks, etc. While the children are engaged in centers, the other teacher will call a few students at time over to complete an art project related to the theme. Children will sit at the table with the art media given to them (paint, crayons, paper, etc.) and complete the project with guidance. After their art project, the children will then return to the centers.

11:30 – 11:45 – Diaper changes (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

One teacher changes the diaper, then helps them to wash their hands, following the PA keys to quality procedure.

11:45 – 12:00 –Preparing Lunch

The Children are engaged in an activity (songs, books, verbal interaction) while preparing lunches from home (no peanuts or tree nuts).

12:00 – 12:30 – Lunchtime

The children sit at the table and eat their lunch. We provide bibs that the teacher wash after lunch during naptime. The teachers monitor the students closely as they eat and have conversations together. Children are not expected to use spoons, but they are more than welcomed to practice.

12:30 – 1:00 – Cleanup / wind down / books

After the children are cleaned from lunch, they may get a book and bring it over to their nap mat that their teacher has laid out for them. As the lights turn off and the soothing music turns on, the teachers may pat backs or sing songs to relax the children.

1:00 – 3:00 – Nap Time

The children in the school sleep from about 1:00 – 3:00. The children stay on their nap mats until the end of nap time at 3:00. The supervisory regulations allow teachers take turns with their lunch breaks while the children are sleeping.

3:00 – 3:30 – Diaper changes and potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

One teacher changes the diaper, then helps them to wash their hands.

3:30 – 4:00 – Snack Time

Snack is provided twice a day. The children sit at the table while they wait for their teacher to bring in snack. They engage in conversation with the teacher and each other. The children must be able to use their water/milk cup / bottles on their own without any assistance. Please label any snack you bring for your child if they are not having school snack, but a friendly reminder we are a peanut and tree nut free school.

4:00 – 6:00 – Outside Time/Group Play /Free Play/Pick Up

Most children are picked up between 4:00 and 5:30. If it is nice enough to go outside, the children will be out until around 5:15. If they cannot go outside, there will be Group Play (play doh, parachute, bubbles, dancing) and free play in the classroom until their parents come to pick them up.

*All times and activities subject to change*

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School / Little Diddle Preschool

Toddler Rooms Schedule and Expectations

The toddler room is primarily older ones and young twos. A typical schedule is as follows:

7:00 – 9:00 – Drop off

9:00 – 9:30 – Diaper changes and potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

Hey Diddle- teacher starts diaper changes, then helps them to wash their hands.
Little Diddle-The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located through the Older Preschool Room. Once there, the children sit and read books while their teacher prepares the diapers. The child is to walk to the changing table when their name is called. The teacher changes the diaper, then helps them to wash their hands.
Diaper and pull up changes follow the “PA Keys to Quality” procedure.

9:30 – 9:45 – Snack Time

Snack is provided twice a day. The children sit at the table while they wait for their teacher to serve snack. They engage in conversation with the teacher and each other. The children must be able to use their water cup on their own without any assistance.

9:45 – 10:10 – Circle Time

The teachers call the children over to the rug where they sit for circle time. The children are expected to sit on the carpet while the teachers go over the calendar, weather, theme of the month, nursery rhymes, and songs. The teachers will have the children engage in “action songs” where the children are up and moving around.

10:10 – 10:40 – Art/Center Time/Group Play

The teachers will employ centers that allow the children to explore. Some examples of centers include play kitchen, dress-up, Lego’s / blocks, cars and trucks, etc. While the children are engaged in centers, the other teacher will work with students on an art project related to the theme. Children will sit at the table with the art media provided (paint, crayons, paper, etc) and complete the project with minimal guidance. After the art project, the children will return to the centers. Around 10:40, the children help clean up the classroom and get ready to go outside (weather permitting).

10:45 – 11:30 – Outside Time

There are 2 playgrounds – the Tot Lot is for children under two years old and the Big Playground is for children two years and older. Depending on how many two years olds are in a group, we may have the younger in the Tot Lot. We also will not bring a child to the Big Playground if we are not confident in their gross motor skills crossing the pavement, climbing the playhouses, and walking steadily on the woodchips as this could cause a safety hazard.

11:30 – 11:45 – Diaper changes and potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

Hey Diddle- teacher starts diaper changes, then helps them to wash their hands.
Little Diddle-The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom. Once there, the children sit and read books while their teacher prepares the diapers. The child is to walk to the changing table when their name is called. The teacher changes the diaper, then helps them to wash their hands.
Diaper and pull up changes follow the PA keys to quality procedure.

11:45 – 12:00 –Preparing Lunch

The Children are engaged in an activity (songs, books, verbal interaction) while preparing lunches from home (no peanuts or tree nuts).

12:00 – 12:30 – Lunchtime

The children sit at the table and eat their lunch. They use their words if they would like something else from their lunch box. The teachers monitor the students closely as they eat and have conversations together. Children are expected to practice using spoons and forks as needed.

12:30 – 1:00 – Clean up / wind down / books

After the children are wiped down from lunch, they may get a book and bring it over to their nap mat that their teacher has laid out for them. As the lights turn off and the soothing music turns on, the teachers may pat backs or sing songs to relax the children.

1:00 – 3:00 – Nap Time

The children in the school sleep from about 1:00 – 3:00. If they wake up early, they may have books on their bags. The children stay on their nap mats until both teachers come back at 3:00. The teachers take turns with their lunch breaks while the children are sleeping.

3:00 – 3:30 – Diaper changes and potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

Hey Diddle- teacher starts diaper changes, then helps them to wash their hands.
Little Diddle-The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located off of the Older Preschool Room. Once there, the children sit and read books while their teacher prepares the diapers. The child is to walk to the changing table when their name is called. The teacher changes the diaper, then helps them to wash their hands.
Diaper and pull up changes follow the PA keys to quality procedure.

3:30 – 4:00 – Snack Time

Snack is provided twice a day. The children sit at the table while they wait for their teacher to bring in snack. They engage in conversation with the teacher and each other.

4:00 – 6:00 – Outside Time/Group Play /Free Play/Pick Up

Most children are picked up between 4:00 and 6:00. If it is nice enough to go outside, the children will be out until around 5:15. If they cannot go outside, there will be Group Play (play doh, parachute, bubbles, dancing) and free play in the classroom until their parents come to pick up .
*All times and activities subject to change*

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School / Little Diddle Preschool

Young Preschool Schedule and Expectations

The Young Preschool students are primarily two-year-olds. A typical schedule is as follows:

7:00 – 9:00 – Drop off

9:00 – 9:30 – Diaper changes and potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located by the toddler classroom at Hey Diddle, and by the Older Preschool Room at Little Diddle. Once there, the children sit and read books while their teacher prepares the diapers or goes to the potty. The child is to walk to the changing table when their name is called. The teacher changes the diaper, then helps them to wash their hands. If they are potty trained, the child goes onto the potty and then washes their hands.

9:30 – 9:45 – Snack Time

Snack is provided twice a day. The children sit at the table while they wait for their teacher to bring in snack. They engage in conversation with the teacher and each other. They are to use their words if they would like a second helping.

9:45 – 10:10 – Circle Time

The teachers call the children over to the rug where they sit for circle time. The children are expected to sit on the carpet while the teachers go over the calendar, weather, theme of the month, nursery rhymes, and songs. The teachers will have the children engage in “action songs” where the children are up and moving around.

10:10 – 10:40 – Art/Center Time/Group Play

The teachers will take out centers that allow the children to explore. Some examples of centers include kitchen, dress up, Legos, blocks, cars and trucks, etc. While the children are engaged in centers, the other teacher will call a few students at time over to complete an art project related to the theme. Children will sit at the table with the art media given to them (paint, crayons, paper, etc.) and complete the project with little guidance. After their art project, the children will then head back to the centers. Around 10:40, the children help clean up the classroom and get ready to go outside (weather permitting).

10:45 – 11:30 – Outside Time

There are 2 playgrounds – the Tot Lot is for children under two years old and the Big Playground is for children 2 and older. The Young Preschool Class plays in the Big Playground. They are also able to do chalk in the area outside of the Pre-k class or tot-lot at Hey Diddle or outside of the Tot Lot in Little Diddle.

11:30 – 11:45 – Diaper changes and potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located in the toddler classroom in Hey Diddle and off of the Older Preschool Room in Little Diddle. Once there, the children sit and read books while their teacher prepares the diapers or goes to the potty. The child is to walk to the changing table when their name is called. The teacher changes the diaper, then helps them to wash their hands. If they are potty trained, the child goes onto the potty and then washes their hands.
Diaper and pull up changes follow the PA keys to quality procedure.

11:45 – 12:00 –Preparing Lunch

The Children are engaged in an activity (songs, books, verbal interaction) while preparing lunches from home (no peanuts or tree nuts).

12:00 – 12:30 – Lunch time

The children sit at the table and eat their lunch. They use their words if they would like something else from their lunch box. The teachers monitor the students closely as they eat and have conversations together. Children are expected to practice using spoons and forks as needed.

12:30 – 1:00 – Clean up / Wind down / Books

After the children are wiped down from lunch, they may get a book and bring it over to their nap mat that their teacher has laid out for them. As the lights turn off and the soothing music turns on, the teachers may pat backs or sing songs to relax the children.

1:00 – 3:00 – Nap Time

The children in the school sleep from about 1:00 – 3:00. If they wake up early, they may have books on their bags. The children stay on their nap mats until both teachers come back at 3:00. The teachers take turns with their lunch breaks while the children are sleeping.

3:00 – 3:30 – Diaper Changes and Potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located off of the toddler classroom in Hey Diddle and off of the Older Preschool Room in Little Diddle. Once there, the children sit and read books while their teacher prepares the diapers or goes to the potty. The child is to walk to the changing table when their name is called. The teacher changes the diaper, then helps them to wash their hands. If they are potty trained, the child goes onto the potty and then washes their hands.
Diaper and pull up changes follow the PA keys to quality procedure.

3:30 – 4:00 – Snack Time

Snack is provided twice a day. The children sit at the table while they wait for their teacher to bring in snack. They engage in conversation with the teacher and each other.

4:00 – 6:00 – Outside Time/Group Play /Free Play/Pick Up

Most children are picked up between 4:00 and 6:00. Weather permitting, the children will be out until around 5:15. If they cannot go outside, there will be Group Play (Play-doh, parachute, bubbles, dancing) and free play in the classroom until they are picked up by a parent.

*All times and activities subject to change*

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School / Little Diddle Preschool

Older Preschool Schedule and Expectations

The OPS is primarily three-year-old children. A typical schedule is as follows:

7:00 – 9:00 – Drop off

9:00 – 9:30 – Diaper changes and potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

Hey Diddle- When instructed by the teacher the children will line up opposite the sinks in the potty line and wait until there is no one in the bathroom located off of the Pre-K classroom. If a child needs help or assistance with a diaper/pull-up the pre-k teacher will assist. When finished the child will go out to the sink in the OPS classroom and wash their hands.
Little Diddle-The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located off of the Older Preschool Room. Once there, the children sit and read books while they wait for their turn on the potty. The can go to the potty and then wash their hands.

9:30 – 9:45 – Snack Time

Snack is provided twice a day. The children sit at the table while they wait for their teacher to bring in snack. They engage in conversation with the teacher and each other. They are to use their words if they would like a second helping.

9:45 – 10:10 – Circle Time

The teachers call the children over to the rug where they sit for circle time. The children are expected to sit on the carpet while the teachers go over the calendar, weather, theme of the month, nursery rhymes, and songs. The teachers will have the children engage in “action songs” where the children are up and moving around.

10:10 – 11:00 – Art/Center Time/Group Play

The teachers will take out centers that allow the children to explore. Some examples of centers include kitchen, dress up, Legos, blocks, cars and trucks, etc. While the children are engaged in centers, the other teacher will call a few students at time over to complete an art project related to the theme. Children will sit at the table with the art media given to them (paint, crayons, paper, etc.) and complete the project with little guidance. After their art project, the children will then head back to the centers. Around 11:00, the children help clean up the classroom and get ready to go outside (weather permitting).

11:00 – 11:30 – Outside Time

There are 2 playgrounds – the Tot Lot is for children under two years old and the Big Playground is for children 2 and older. The Older Preschool plays in the Big Playground. They are also able to use chalk or sensory tables in the area outside of the Tot Lot.

11:30 – 11:45 – Diaper changes and potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

Hey Diddle- When instructed by the teacher the children will line up opposite the sinks in the potty line and wait until there is no one in the bathroom located off of the Pre-K classroom. If a child needs help or assistance with a diaper/pull-up the pre-k teacher will assist. When finished the child will go out to the sink in the OPS classroom and wash their hands.
Little Diddle-The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located off of the Older Preschool Room. Once there, the children sit and read books while they wait for their turn on the potty. The can go to the potty and then wash their hands.

11:45 – 12:00 – Preparing Lunch

The Children are engaged in an activity (songs, books, verbal interaction) while preparing lunches from home (no peanuts or tree nuts).

12:00 – 12:30 – Lunchtime

The children sit at the table and eat their lunch. They use their words if they would like something else from their lunch box. The teachers monitor the students closely as they eat and have conversations together. Children are expected to practice using spoons and forks as needed.

12:30 – 1:00 – Cleanup / wind down / books

After the children are wiped down from lunch, they may get a book and bring it over to their nap mat that their teacher has laid out for them. As the lights turn off and the soothing music turns on, the teachers may pat backs or sing songs to relax the children.

1:00 – 3:00 – Nap Time

The children in the school sleep from about 1:00 – 3:00. If they wake up early, they may have books on their bags. The children stay on their nap mats until both teachers come back at 3:00. The teachers take turns with their lunch breaks while the children are sleeping.

3:00 – 3:30 – Diaper changes and potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

Hey Diddle- When instructed by the teacher the children will line up opposite the sinks in the potty line and wait until there is no one in the bathroom located off of the Pre-K classroom. If a child needs help or assistance with a diaper/pull-up the pre-k teacher will assist. When finished the child will go out to the sink in the OPS classroom and wash their hands.
Little Diddle-The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located off of the Older Preschool Room. Once there, the children sit and read books while they wait for their turn on the potty. They can go to the potty and wash their hands.

3:30 – 4:00 – Snack Time

Snack is provided twice a day. The children sit at the table while they wait for their teacher to bring in snack. They engage in conversation with the teacher and each other.

4:00 – 6:00 – Outside Time/Group Play /Free Play/Pick Up

Most children are picked up between 4:00 and 6:00. If it is nice enough to go outside, the children will be out until around 5:15. If they cannot go outside, there will be Group Play (play doh, parachute, bubbles, dancing) and free play in the classroom until their parents come to pick up.

*All times and activities subject to change*

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School / Little Diddle Preschool

Pre-Kindergarten Schedule and Expectations

The Pre – Kindergarten is primarily four-year-olds. A typical schedule is as follows:

7:00 – 9:00 – Drop off

9:00 – 9:30 – Potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

Hey Diddle- When instructed by the teacher the children will line up opposite the sinks in the OPS classroom and wait until there is no one in the bathroom located off of the Pre-K classroom. When finished the child will go out to the sink in the OPS classroom and wash their hands.
Little Diddle- The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located off of the Older Preschool Room. Once there, the children sit and read books while they wait for their turn on the potty. The can go to the potty and then wash their hands.

9:30 – 9:45 – Snack Time

Snack is provided twice a day. The children sit at the table while they wait for their teacher to bring in snack. They engage in conversation with the teacher and each other. They are to use their words if they would like a second helping.

9:45 – 10:10 – Circle Time

The teachers call the children over to the rug where they sit for circle time. The children are expected to sit on the carpet while the teachers go over the calendar, weather, theme of the month, nursery rhymes, and songs. The teachers will have the children engage in “action songs” where the children are up and moving around.

10:10 – 11:00 – Art/Center Time/Group Play

The teachers will take out centers that allow the children to explore. Some examples of centers include kitchen, dress up, Legos, blocks, cars and trucks, etc. While the children are engaged in centers, the other teacher will call a few students at time over to complete an art project related to the theme. Children will sit at the table with the art media given to them (paint, crayons, paper, etc.) and complete the project with little guidance. After their art project, the children will then head back to the centers. Around 11:00, the children help clean up the classroom and get ready to go outside (weather permitting).

11:00 – 11:30 – Outside Time

There are 2 playgrounds – the Tot Lot is for children under two years old and the Big Playground is for children 2 and older. The Older Preschool plays in the Big Playground. They are also able to use chalk or sensory tables in the area outside of the Tot Lot.

11:30 – 11:45 – Potty (and other times throughout the day as necessary)

Hey Diddle- When instructed by the teacher the children will line up opposite the sinks in the OPS classroom and wait until there is no one in the bathroom located off of the Pre-K classroom. When finished the child will go out to the sink in the OPS classroom and wash their hands.
Little Diddle- The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located off of the Older Preschool Room. Once there, the children sit and read books while they wait for their turn on the potty. The can go to the potty and then wash their hands.

11:45 – 12:00 –Preparing Lunch

The Children are engaged in an activity (songs, books, verbal interaction) while preparing lunches from home (no peanuts or tree nuts).

12:00 – 12:30 – Lunchtime

The children sit at the table and eat their lunch. They use their words if they would like something else from their lunch box. The teachers monitor the students closely as they eat and have conversations together. Children are expected to practice using spoons and forks as needed.

12:30 – 1:00 – Cleanup / wind down / books

After the children are wiped down from lunch, they may get a book and bring it over to their nap mat that their teacher has laid out for them. As the lights turn off and the soothing music turns on, the teachers may pat backs or sing songs to relax the children.

1:00 – 3:00 – Nap Time

The children in the school sleep from about 1:00 – 3:00. If they wake up early, they may have books on their bags. The children stay on their nap mats until both teachers come back at 3:00. The teachers take turns with their lunch breaks while the children are sleeping.

3:00 – 3:30 – Potty (and other times throughout the day)

Hey Diddle- When instructed by the teacher the children will line up opposite the sinks in the OPS classroom and wait until there is no one in the bathroom located off of the Pre-K classroom. When finished the child will go out to the sink in the OPS classroom and wash their hands.
Little Diddle- The children will go in two separate groups. They are to follow their teachers into the child bathroom located off of the Older Preschool Room. Once there, the children sit and read books while they wait for their turn on the potty. The can go to the potty and then wash their hands.

3:30 – 4:00 – Snack Time

Snack is provided twice a day. The children sit at the table while they wait for their teacher to bring in snack. They engage in conversation with the teacher and each other.

4:00 – 6:00 – Outside Time/Group Play /Free Play/Pick Up

Most children are picked up between 4:00 and 6:00. If it is nice enough to go outside, the children will be out until around 5:15. If they cannot go outside, there will be Group Play (play doh, parachute, bubbles, dancing) and free play in the classroom until their parents come to pick up.

*All times and activities subject to change*

TRANSITION POLICY

(Infant Room through Pre-K): Hey Diddle and Little Diddle begin the transition process to a new classroom with ‘taster days’. This involves the child visiting their new classroom for a day or two based on availability to familiarize them with their new classroom, teacher and peers. Before these taster days, there will be a transition message sent via Bloomz to the parents with the following information:

-Scheduled transition date to new classroom

-New class invite for Bloomz

Attached with this message will be a classroom schedule for the new room.

Transition Policy (Pre-K- Kindergarten): Between the months of April- June there will be books read during morning meeting/ circle-time about going to school and Kindergarten, books about meeting new friends, getting a bus to school, etc.

As a school we provide 2 evaluations a year. In our Pre-K classroom there is an additional “Call Conference” provided to our parents by the Pre-k teacher. The contents of this call are based around areas including:

-Concerns from school or home

-What is being achieved and what needs to be worked on

-Kindergarten registration and information from relevant schools when available.

Each year each school has their own graduation ceremony. Family and friends are invited to attend. Teachers and the graduating Pre-K class wear caps and gowns and are presented with a certificate. This event takes place within the first two weeks of June, which is followed by our Summer Camp Program. Leading up to the summer camp program the Pre-K nap schedule begins to be reduced on a weekly basis to ensure they are ready for the Kindergarten transition of no nap.

Curriculum: Each classroom has a different curriculum that is followed throughout the year. Each curriculum aligns with the Early Childhood Learning Standards. Each lead teacher completes a daily lesson plan in align with their curriculum which is reviewed by their admin.

Student Evaluations: Our student’s progress is assessed continually as they play and learn throughout each day. Our teachers recognize that each child learns at a different pace and plan specific activities to help each child reach their potential. Developmental observations are prepared twice a year to help us relay information about the children to their parents. Each child receives three evaluations per calendar year. These evaluations take place in October, January, and June. They are used to measure a child’s skills and areas of improvement. The October evaluation is a small assessment of the child since the beginning of the school year. This is a simple way to determine how the start of the school year is going. The January and June evaluations are a more comprehensive assessment of their motor, social, emotional, language, and communication skills.

Television: There are televisions present in most classrooms, aside from the infant rooms. An educational/theme related program will be displayed for the children to enjoy occasionally not to exceed 20mins. If a child chooses not to watch, they can quietly read books in the designated book area. Children do not have screen time during meals or snacks.

DISCIPLINE

- We work to prevent the need for disciplinary action through prevention. We engage our students, offer a peaceful classroom environment, with consistent schedules and expectations.
- Then we redirect, redirect, then time out.
- If administration needs to intervene, they will do so.
- If certain behaviors are prohibiting the child from thriving in their environment, Hey Diddle Diddle Inc. will remain in contact with their parents to consider next steps.

Teacher/Caregiver Interactions With Children:

Teachers/caregivers support social and emotional learning by talking and listening to the child and playing with and responding to the child’s needs. They lead, using positive guidance and redirection, planning to prevent problems, encouraging appropriate behavior, using consistent clear rules, and whenever possible, involving in problem solving to foster the child’s own ability to become self-regulated. If the child understands words, logical (disciplinary) consequences are explained simply to the child before misbehavior occurs and at the time of any disciplinary action. Teachers/ caregivers encourage children to respect other people, be fair, respect property, and learn to be responsible for their actions.

Extra-Curricular Activities: Hey Diddle Diddle Inc. offers two extra-curricular activities that all children ages 2 and up can partake in.

Soccer Shots – “Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. We positively impact children’s lives on and off the field through our best-in-class coaching, communication and curriculum.” At Hey Diddle Diddle, Soccer Shots comes during all 4 seasons for 8 week sessions. At Little Diddle, Soccer Shots comes during the Fall, Spring, and Summer. Each week has a designated day and time slot. Parents receive paperwork prior to the season starting. They sign up and pay through the organization.

PARENT INCLUSION & PARTICIPATION

As a school that celebrates all holidays and occasions, we do invite our parents/guardians where possible to contribute/ come join or volunteer, depending on the event. Sign-up sheets either for items or volunteer help will be posted on Bloomz.

Back to School Night
Carnival Day
Pre-K Graduation (Open invitation to families of the Pre-K graduating class are invited to our ceremony)

PLAY AREAS / PLAYGROUNDS

Weather Permitting: There are two outside time slots scheduled per each classroom per day. However, the weather does not always allow for this. Per STARS recommendation, children are expected to go outside UNLESS –

Temperature/heat index are 90 degrees or higher
Temperature/heat index are 32 degrees or lower
There is an air quality alert
There is precipitation falling

If the classroom does not go outside, the children should do a gross motor activity in its place (moon bounce, relay race, dance party, etc.).

Hey Diddle Diddle: Hey Diddle Diddle has two playgrounds – a smaller, enclosed playground for children under two (tot-lot), as well as a larger playground designated for children two and up. There is also a grassy area that can be used.

Little Diddle Preschool: Little Diddle has two playgrounds – a smaller, enclosed playground for children under two, as well as a larger playground designated for children two and up (tot-lot). At Little Diddle, the teacher and children must cross a driveway to get to the larger playground. When crossing the driveway, the teacher must stop the children after they get out of the gate. Children are instructed to look both ways before crossing the driveway.

Snacks: Hey Diddle Diddle Inc. asks you to provide two nut free snacks per day. One snack is offered between 9:00 – 9:30 and the other snack between 3:30 – 4:00.

Water Cups: Children are to come to school with a clean water cup each day. Cups will be refilled as needed, and put in the refrigerator during each nap time. This ensures that the cups will be ready for the children in the afternoon. Children will have access to water at all times of the day while in their classrooms. While outdoors, we have a water cooler on each playground that the children have access to every day.

Lunch: Parents provide a peanut and tree nut free lunch for their child each day. Each lunch is packed in a labeled lunch box free of glass containers, and put in the refrigerator in their classroom (Older Preschool at LDP is put in the kitchen fridge – Older Preschool at HDD is put in the Pre-K fridge, and YPS at HDD is put in the Tweens fridge). Pizza is ordered on Fridays for families that choose to partake. It is $3.50 per Friday – parents can pay cash or check weekly or monthly.

Birthday Treat List: There is an approved list of treats that parents may like to bring on their child’s birthday. Please see the birthday list below;

HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE/LITTLE DIDDLE

SCHOOL BIRTHDAY PARTY POLICY

We love celebrating birthdays with your child! In an effort to keep all of our students as safe as possible, Hey Diddle Diddle/Little Diddle is making every effort to avoid contact with known anaphylactic allergens. We limit the snacks we provide to our students to only those allergen-free and free of cross contamination. We ask that you do the same by sending to school ONLY the snacks listed below to share with the whole group. If this policy is not followed, we will have to send the special treats back home with your child. Any of these snacks are special when served at school because it is out of our norm. The birthday experience is about sharing and the celebration of the child’s special day. Thank you for your consideration and support in keeping the children with food allergies safe from having a life-threatening allergic reaction at school. Further information about anaphylaxis can be found on the reverse side.

Food Items:

Philly Pretzel Factory soft pretzels (can be ordered in a letter or number shape!)

Water Ice

Fresh fruit

Vegetables

Yogurt sticks (the kids love to freeze these into frozen yogurt pops)

Original Oreo cookies

Vanilla Wafers

School Safe Brownie Bars or Cakes made by Treasure Mills (it’s a specific brand)

Cheese sticks

Pizza Party

Non-Food Items:

Treat bags to send home

Face painter

Magician

Special plates or napkins

We thank you in advance for your continued effort in eliminating items containing nuts from home packed lunches. Because they are served to individuals and not on a group basis, the snacks in your child’s lunch do not need to be restricted to this list.

Please note: Food labels/ingredients may change over time, so it is always recommended that you read the label before purchasing snacks. Please read labels carefully to make sure that products are nut free. This included labels that read “May contain traces of peanuts/nuts”.

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School Inc.

Sunscreen Permission Form: No Yes

I (your name) ______________________________ give the staff at Hey Diddle Diddle Day School and Little Diddle Preschool permission to apply sunscreen to my child (child’s name) ______________________________ as needed when child is outdoors. Labeled, age-appropriate sunscreen must be provided for the child.

Parent signature ___________________________ Date_____

Non-Prescription Diaper Rash Cream Permission Form: No Yes

I (your name) ______________________________ give the staff at Hey Diddle Diddle Day School and Little Diddle Preschool permission to dispense (name of cream) ___________________________ rash cream to my child (child’s name) ______________________________ as needed for visible rashes. Please label your product.

Parent signature _________________________ Date_______

Insect Repellant Permission Form: No Yes

I (your name) ______________________________ give the staff at Hey Diddle Diddle Day School and Little Diddle Preschool permission to dispense (name of gel, spray or other) ___________________________ to my child (child’s name) ______________________________ as needed.

Parent signature _________________________ Date_______

Non-Prescription Dermatitis Cream Permission Form: No Yes

I (your name) ______________________________ give the staff at Hey Diddle Diddle Day School and Little Diddle Preschool permission to dispense (name of cream) _________________________________cream to my child (child’s name) ______________________________ as needed for eczema or other forms of visible skin irritation.

Parent signature _________________________ Date_________

UV protection and Sunscreen/Bug-Spray

During the months of late May- September we ask that children are sent to school with sunscreen already applied. Once the permission form has been handed in and labelled sunscreen/bug-spray bottles are provided, staff will reapply the lotion in the afternoon for outside recess. We ask the previous page is completed before starting and up-dated annually upon request.

Sick Policy: A sick child is to be kept at home. The wellness of all the children and staff at the school is jeopardized when a sick child is brought to school. It is beneficial for parents to establish a back-up caregiver for the days when their child cannot attend. Many communicable diseases start with cold like symptoms. If at any time the staff feels a child is too sick to remain in the classroom, they will call the parents and expect them or another adult whom they designate to promptly pick their child up. We do not offer sick care. If any of the following conditions exist, the parent will receive a phone call from the school requesting they pick up their child immediately:
– A temperature of 101 or above orally, 100 axillary (armpit) NO rectal temperature read
– Contagious diseases, not exclusive of chicken pox, measles, mumps, roseola
– Vomiting or diarrhea
– Impetigo, lice or ringworm until treated for 24 hours
– Severe cold with fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose.
-Any type of throat infection until treated for 24 hours.

HDD asks that parents keep the staff aware of any illness their child may be experiencing to enable the staff to better care for each child as well as maintain the health of the other children at the school.

Termination from Care Agreement by

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School Inc.

There are four causes that will necessitate termination from the care agreement by Hey Diddle Diddle Day School Incorporated and therefore expulsion from Hey Diddle Diddle Day School and/or Little Diddle Preschool.

Delinquent tuition: We reserve the right to refuse service when tuition payments are two weeks past the due date. The process is as follows:

Monthly statements reflecting the tuition balance will be emailed to the payees providing a consistent awareness for the account. Contact the Accounts Executive if there is an error in either transmission or in the statement itself.
Written and verbal notification will be extended to the payee in the event of nonpayment.
The opportunity to bring the past due amount to current will be extended to the start of the following week of care. If the account remains delinquent, termination of the care agreement will result and nonattendance at the school will be immediate.

Parental behavior: If Hey Diddle Diddle Day School, Inc. deems the behavior of parents or guardians to be disrespectful or physically or verbally abusive towards other parents or staff immediate termination of the care agreement will ensue. The process is as follows:

The Director or Owner will notify the family verbally and in writing.
Expulsion from the school will be immediate in response to verbal or physical abuse and may include law enforcement.

If a child exhibits developmental or behavioral concerns including but not limited to a diagnosis or early intervention and dangerous or harmful behavior and cooperation by parents or guardians in implementing successful strategies to address these concerns is not evident. Parents and guardians will be expected to communicate special care needs, follow early intervention evaluations, and submit medical records relevant to the child’s daily care. Parents and guardians will be expected to participate in a behavior modification plan discussed and agreed upon by home and school.

The absence of expected cooperation in caring for your child will result in the following actions:

The Director will communicate the request for cooperation in modifying a harmful or disruptive behavior or submitting relevant documentation in writing and or verbally.
If a period of two weeks passes without response, termination of care agreement will occur. One-week notice will be given verbally and in writing.

Child Behavior: When a child exhibits consistent behavioral concerns including but not limited to biting, physical aggression, or attempting to leave school property. The process is as follows:

Written and verbal communication will be relayed to a family representative regarding the behavioral or developmental concern.
A meeting will be held with the director and parents or guardians to establish a clear understanding of the concerns, and to develop strategies to modify the behaviors.
Termination of the care agreement will result if child injures others (including biting) six times within a one-month period. One-week notice will be given, unless the injury broke the skin or required medical attention. In that case no notice will be given, and immediate termination will be enforced.

The needs of a child cannot be met: When the parent or legal guardian of a child identifies that a child has special needs, the program director and or the facility owner and the parent or legal guardian will meet to review the child’s requirements for care. The program can accept and continue care for children for whom the facility is equipped or can reasonably be equipped to provide quality care and current staff members can provide a safe, supportive environment. The child’s needs will be specified in a care plan completed by early intervention and/or healthcare professionals. Program decisions about accepting the responsibility of caring for children with special needs are consistent with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If the program is no longer able to accommodate the child’s needs because the needs cannot be met within the structure of the established program being offered or will pose an undue burden as defined by federal law, or safety standards are compromised the process is as follows:

Written communication will be relayed to parents or guardians to outline the concerns for care within the program.
Strategies will be discussed, agreed upon and put in effect, if possible, to address the care concerns during a meeting with the director.
If progress with the strategies in place are not enough to provide the child with success, or a safety concern is identified, the care agreement will be terminated.
The parents or guardians will be informed verbally and in writing of the intent to terminate care. Fourteen days notice will be given unless the safety issue warrants less time including immediate termination.
The program director and or owner will work with the parent/legal guardian to find a suitable environment for the child.

Hey Diddle Diddle Day School, Inc. was established to provide a quality learning environment as well as offering a home like atmosphere. Every child is equally important to the staff and will be treated, as we would like our child to be treated. This handbook serves to maintain clear expectations and efficient communication which is crucial to a home and school relationship beneficial to your children. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns with the directors and owner.

We hope you find much happiness here.

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