What We do To Keep Your Child Safe
Our infant program sets it’s pace around the needs and unique differences of each child. Our Infant and Toddler Teacher Tasha has 10 years of experience and is a graduate of U of I. She has a BA in Elementary Ed. We work and monitor each child’s abilities to encourage social, mental, physical, and emotional development. We do this through letting your baby experience sounds, tastes, textures, patterns, tummy times, games, and many other activities. Each infant receives individual attention while their own sleeping and feeding schedules are maintained to ease the transition from home and daycare.
Safe Sleep (SIDS Prevention Policy)
Infants up to 12 months of age are placed fully on their backs to sleep for every sleep time ( to place a child in any other position a primary care provider must provide a signed waiver indicating that the child requires an alternative sleep position). Each sleeping infant will use a firm playpen mattress covered with a tight-fitting sheet. Infants that fall asleep outside their assigned playpen will be immediately moved to their playpen and placed back to sleep. An only child will sleep in each designated playpen. No bumper pads, pillows, quilts, comforters, sleep positioners, blankets, flat sheets, bibs, toys, mobiles, and other materials shall be allowed in playpens. Infants will use sleep sacks to maintain appropriate temperatures. Caregivers shall be present and directly observe infants, toddlers, and preschoolers by sight and sound during sleep while going to sleep, and when waking up. (Lighting in the room will allow caregivers to see the color of each infant’s face). Infants are always held for bottle feedings. Bottles are never placed in a crib with an infant.
Discipline
At Sandcastle Kids we use Love and Logic. Love and Logic is a philosophy founded in 1977 by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D. It is the approach of choice among leading educators, parents, and other professionals worldwide. Our teachers have been taught how to "lock in our empathy, love, and understanding" prior to telling a child what the consequences of their actions will be. By doing so, we hold our kids accountable in a compassionate way that teaches them to think about their actions before they occur. This Love and Logic method causes the child to see their teacher as the "good guy" and the child's poor decision as the "bad guy." When done on a regular basis, kids develop an internal voice that says, "I wonder how much discomfort I'm going to cause for myself with my next decision?" Kids who develop this internal voice become more capable of standing up to peer pressure, have a better understanding of “good” behavior and make better decisions!
Times of negative behavior are seen as time for learning and understanding, not punishment. The children are included in making the rules for their classrooms, which are revised 3 to 4 times a year to accommodate changes of children and behaviors. It is in the best interest of every child to not give warnings. If a rule is broken then the child is sat down to reflect on what happened and how to prevent it.
Love and Logic Parenting classes are offered in the valley at various times throughout the year we highly encourage parents and caregivers to attend and offer 10% discount on your monthly bill for one month when you present your certificate of completion. We also provide free childcare for families needing care while attending once a year.
Child Abuse and Neglect
We are bound by law, as well as morality, to report any suspected cases of child abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, medical neglect or mental cruelty. Our teachers are required to document any unusual wounds or remarks made by the children that might be of a questionable nature.
We are dedicated to preventing all child abuse and neglect within our own center by: Employing an adequate number of qualified staff to work with the children;
- Providing adequate supervision of program staff and volunteers;
- Designing the program’s physical environment (both the indoor and the outdoor areas) to reduce the possibility of private, hidden locations in which maltreatment may occur;
- Setting clear policies and procedures for maintaining a safe, secure environment;
- Assigning qualified personnel to supervise staff on an ongoing basis;
- Encouraging parents to spend time at the program.