Family Handbook

Waldron Mercy Child Care

Welcome to WMCC

Waldron Mercy Child Care (WMCC), established in 1992 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, serves children from surrounding communities ages three months to four years. State licensed by the Department of Human Services, the center welcomes children of all races, colors, creeds, nationalities, ethnic origins, and limited English proficiency (LEP).

WMCC believes that children of all ability levels are entitled to the same opportunities for participation, acceptance and belonging in child care. We will make every reasonable accommodation to encourage full and active participation of all children in our program based on their individual capabilities and needs. At WMCC educational opportunities are available for all children, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or parent/provider political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation or special needs, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. Educational programs are designed to meet the varying needs of all students. We accommodate children whose first language is not English by using sign language as well as other suggestions given to us by the parents. We use "Caring for Our Children" as a guide for policies such as medication administration, IEP accommodations, allergy and medical needs.. 

The staff is comprised of professionally trained and experienced educators who share an enthusiasm for working with young children. Staff participates in professional development opportunities which include staff meetings, special workshops, coursework and professional conferences. Full-time staff is certified in first aid and fire safety. The staff selection process includes interviews, health screenings, careful checks of work experience and references, criminal history checks, fingerprinting and child abuse clearances. 

The staff provides each child with an atmosphere where he or she is able to interact with his or her surrounding environment and with other children as he or she strengthens his or her developmental skills. Through shared experiences and recognition as an individual, each child is encouraged to care for and cooperate with one another.

With the help of a loving and caring staff, an enriching schedule and stimulating activities, WMCC strives to help each child be a happy, confident and loving human being.

At WMCC equal educational opportunities are available for all children, without regard to race, color, creed,national origin,gender, ethnicity,religion,disability, or parent/provider political beliefs, marital status,sexual orientation or special needs. We will make every reasonable accommodation to encourage full and active participation of all children in our program based on his/her individual capabilities and needs. We believe that children of all ability levels are entitled to the same opportunities for participation, acceptance and belonging in child care 

WMCC has a planned capacity of 47 full-time students. Children are organized into groups by age and development, according to flexible guidelines. Staff to child ratios and group sizes are established according to what early childhood experts believe is optimum for young children: Infants (1:4), Toddlers (1:5), Two’s (1:6), Preschool (1:7). An annual calendar is issued listing the holidays that the center is closed. 

To contact WMCC, please call 610-664-2829, or email Patricia Bader, director, at pbader@waldronmercy.org.

In Mercy, 

Trish Bader

Trish Bader, Center Director 

Mission Statement

Waldron Mercy Academy, a Catholic school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, is a diverse, faith community rooted in the gospel values of mercy and justice.  We are a school where the joy of discovery inspires serious study, social responsibility and strong faith.

                          About WMCC

Waldron Mercy Child Care (WMCC) is a year-round center, welcoming children from three months to three years of age, with weekday hours from 7 AM to 5PM. Our program is NAEYC-certified and carries Pennsylvania’s highest Keystone STARS rating of four stars. We value the strong sense of community that we have with our families.  

Our program allows children to experience a stimulating, hands-on approach to learning while choosing to play or explore based upon their interests. We encourage students to develop at their own pace, and teachers use assessment tools to make sure that children are on track for success.  Children also play and socialize together in our fun, safe, outdoor play areas.

Special weekly enhancements to our daily activities include music class for all age groups, as well as yoga  and Spanish for our Toddlers. Our Older Toddlers enjoy visiting Waldron Mercy Academy's beautiful library for special story time on a regular basis, and our sprawling 35-acre campus is perfect for nature walks, picnics on the grass and strolls with our infants.  

With two teachers assigned to each classroom, WMCC maintains student to teacher ratios well below Pennsylvania requirements. Our staff: Child ration is listed on each classroom’s home page. WMCC adheres to the state required ratios at all times, inside the classroom and outside on the playground. A majority of our teachers have college degrees at the Bachelors' level or above. We value our employees as is evident in the low turnover rate of our staff, providing the consistency of care that is so important in nurturing young children.  

Curriculum 

Waldron Mercy Child Care has created its own curriculum based on the Performance Standards and Best Practices of Pennsylvania's Keystone Stars, a quality rating system that promotes quality improvement in early learning and development programs. The standards are guided by the principle that quality early learning programs are the foundation for children's success.  Your child will experience a well-rounded balance of learning activities and many opportunities to develop important skills needed to be successful in school.

Our curriculum grows with your child. As your child matures and moves to the next age group, they develop more advanced skills.  

Schedule

Children bring their own lunches. WMCC provides two snacks a day and milk, and/or water for drinks. No food is ever held back as a punishment or used as a reward. Staff eat, seated at the table with the children and model good mealtime eating habits and behavior. Staff will discard any uneaten food or drink. Staff will discard all unfinished formula and breast milk after two hours Our children nap from about 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Children who do not sleep must rest quietly so as not to disturb the other children. Classroom schedules are listed on the Home Page of our website: Rainbow Room Yellow Room Blue Room Red Room .

WMCC is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, throughout the year. Parents should make arrangements to pick up their child/ren prior to the 5:00 p.m. closing. Late pick-up is not a normal program option and will only be considered as an exceptional occurrence.

If you anticipate a late pickup due to unforeseen circumstances, please call to let us know.

Dress

Please label all clothing. This includes shoes, coats, etc. We do our best to keep track of clothing, and you can help us by labeling everything that belongs to your child.

Please dress your child appropriately so he or she can have fun and participate without fear of ruining good clothes. Often our work tends to be “messy” – paint, play dough, water, sand, etc.

Please bring outdoor clothing appropriate for the day’s weather. We recommend layers of clothing that can be worn or removed to ensure your child’s comfort and safety during outside activities.

We ask that your child wear sneakers or shoes that do not pose a risk for slipping or tripping.

All children should have two complete sets of extra (socks included) seasonally-appropriate clothing at the WMCC.

Parents supply diapers, wipes, diaper cream and sunscreen for their children. Staff will notify you in writing when there is a need for replenishment.

Parents are asked to bring in 4 packs of wipes a month. These wipes will be put into general use. If your child uses special wipes these will be put in a container with his/her name and used only for that child.

Children are not permitted to bring toys from home, except for “Show and Tell.” They often cause a conflict, and we cannot be responsible for their safekeeping. The children are permitted to bring in a special toy or blanket for nap time. This is to be kept in your child’s bin and should be labeled with the child’s name.

Foods

We are a peanut-free facility. This means we do not serve any food or snacks that contain peanut butter or that are made in a factory processing its food on the same machinery with products containing peanut butter or tree nuts. We ask that you do not send your child in with any foods that contain peanuts or tree nuts. This is for the safety of children who do have allergies to these foods. We check foods each day for expiration dates. Those that have expired are discarded.

There are products on the market that resemble peanut butter but do not contain peanut butter. If you send your child in with one of these products, please let the teacher know that it is peanut-free. 

Children with special needs related to their ability to eat or a nutritional need will have an individual management plan that includes a written description of each child's feeding history, including prohibited foods, and substitute foods where applicable, as supplied by the parent, legal guardian and child's health care provider on admission to the program.  

Arrival and Dismissal

Parents are asked to follow these regulations regarding the arrival and the pick-up of their child from Waldron Mercy Child Care.

• The child must be brought inside the building and into his/her room.

• The child must be picked up by the designated parent/guardian.

• NO child should enter or leave the building without the awareness of the staff member on duty at that time.

• There is limited parking in the lot next to the Child Care building. NO parking is permitted in front of the dumpsters.

• Vehicles should not idle in the parking lot. Please turn your ignition off before entering the building

• If a child is to be picked up by someone other than the person(s) listed on the registration form or on the emergency contact form, please:

Notify the director and/or staff person when the child is being dropped off in the morning, OR call and notify the director and/or staff member that there is a change in the person who will pick up the child.

In an emergency, a child may be released if the identity of the individual can be verified by a staff person, and the following information is recorded:

• name of the parent making the request,

• date and time of the request,

• name of the individual to whom the child is to be released,

• name of the staff person taking the information

• name of the staff person releasing the child.

It is most helpful if your child could arrive at WMCC no later than 9:00 a.m. At this point of the day each class is beginning scheduled learning activities, and it is less disruptive to the class if everyone is settled in at that time.

Children are assumed, but not required, to be in attendance each day. We value highly any time your child may be able to spend at home with his or her family. If your child is ill or absent for any reason, please call to notify WMCC at 610-664-2829. 

No child is allowed to come into his or her room alone. Please bring your child to his or her room, help him or her put away any outer clothing, and greet the teachers each morning. Each child must wash his or her hands on entering the room each morning. Parents help toddlers. Older children wash their own hands.

Birthdays and Celebrations

We celebrate your child’s birthday in school. You are welcome to send a special treat or plan an activity for your child’s special day. Please notify your child’s teachers beforehand of your plans. Treats must be determined to be peanut free and not made in a facility that processes products on same machinery that processes peanuts or tree nuts.

Our holiday policy encourages enhanced understanding of and respect for different cultures and beliefs of children, families, staff and community.

Emergency Closings

Waldron Mercy Child Care will notify parents of closings, delayed openings or early closings by posting the information on the Procare application which all parents must have on their smart phones or ipads. It will also be on our Web site.

Our decision to close or open late is, for the most part, based on that of Lower Merion Township and Waldron Mercy Academy. We also take into consideration the staff ability to get to the center. We do make every effort to accommodate you; however, we also try to be attentive to the safety of our staff as well.

Evacuation

Once a month, in conjunction with the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) regulations and Lower Merion Township, WMCC practices emergency evacuation. These drills keep us prepared so that in the event of an emergency, staff and children are ready to move quickly. Drills are scheduled at different times of the day so children and staff practice evacuating from different situations. Not all alarms are scheduled and the alarm may “go off” as an alert to low water pressure in the sprinkler system, dusty detectors, an electrical malfunction in the system, and of course, smoke. Regardless of the reason, all sounded alarms result in an evacuation.

If you are in the center during an evacuation, please:

• Stay calm and follow the staff’s guidance and directions,

• Exit the building with your child’s group and assist in any way requested, and 

• Allow your child to remain with his or her group.

MOST IMPORTANT, we must account for all children during and after a drill. Please do not take your child home until after the practice, and everyone is settled and accounted for. Your cooperation is critical in this matter.

Forms

Each child enrolled in Waldron Mercy Child Care must have an up-to-date school file with all state and Waldron Mercy Child Care required forms.  This file is confidential, is only accessed by Directors and state licensing representatives, and will be shared with other staff members only as required to meet the needs of the child.  In an emergency, access to vital health information may be given to a child’s emergency contact persons. 

The Emergency Contact and Application for Admission forms must be completed bi-annually.  These forms are required by licensing with all fields completed, including addresses and telephone numbers.  In addition, emergency contact information must be reviewed by the parent every 6 months or upon any change in addresses, etc.  Medical records are required to be updated every 6 months for children under two years of age and annually thereafter, or whenever the child’s immunization status changes.

Grievances

If parents have any questions or concerns about their child’s care, they should address the teacher first. If they cannot resolve the problem, they should then talk to the director. If the problem is still not resolved, they should schedule a joint meeting with the center director and the principal.

Injuries

As children grow, they begin to seek out new adventures, which occasionally result in bumps and bruises. We make every effort to prevent the possibility of injuries, but in the event a minor accident occurs, these procedures are followed:

• The director is notified,

• An incident report is completed by staff on duty, and

• Parents are notified at pick-up.

For more serious injuries, the director will contact parents immediately.  In the event of   a “major” accident, the following procedures are followed:

• 911 will be called,

• Parents are contacted immediately, and 

• The director is notified.

Communication

In addition to the main Waldron Mercy Academy calendar, which can be found on the Waldron Mercy Academy website (www.waldronmercy.org), you will also find a list of days we are off, have early closings or any special events that are scheduled for the center on our WMCC web page. Each class will provide parents with a class calendar each month. Our WMCC web page also contains a monthly newsletter which highlights the center's news and activities for the current month.  The class monthly calendar is specific to the classroom.

Parents of infants and toddlers receive a daily report for their child. This report will also include reminders so please be sure to read it carefully. Parents can view pictures and highlights of their child's daily activities with the use of Procare, an app which can be downloaded on your smart phone or tablet .

Parent Conferences are held at least twice a year, or more often by request.  This is a time to discuss your child’s development and school experience in detail.  Observations of your child’s progress are electronically recorded by the teacher throughout the year and detailed reports will be made available to you in January and June.  This is provided to all parents, regardless of choosing to conference. Conferences are generally held in November and May. Additionally, you will receive a Progress Report, which includes a general summary of your child’s progress and our upcoming goals for him/her.

The director, as well as Waldron Mercy Academy, will also email correspondence. 

Waldron Mercy Academy puts out a weekly newsletter, which is emailed every Thursday. It is important for every family to read this so as to be aware of what is going on in the school. The center is a part of Waldron Mercy Academy and all parents are welcome to participate in any event that is taking place or opportunity that is offered by the academy.

 Transitions

Your child's transition in child care should be a positive and exciting learning adventure. We will work with you and your child to ensure the smoothest possible transition occurs as new routines and new people are introduced. When your child is ready to transition to the next room, the teachers will discuss with you the next steps and get your permission to begin the transition process.

As your child gets older and becomes closer to the age where they are ready to move to the next room, they will begin spending time with the children and teachers in the next room. A teacher from their current room will accompany your child during the early transition stages. **

Security

All of the center's doors are locked at all times.  Parents and visitors must come to the side door and ring the bell. This bell activates a camera in the main office as well as the back classroom. Once we have determined that the person is known to us we will press a buzzer to open the door. 

There are cameras in the main office that allow the director to view the front and side doors and the parking lot at all times. 

Unknown persons are required to show ID.

Parent Access and Participation 

We have an open door policy at Waldron Mercy Child Care; therefore, parents are permitted throughout the center whenever their child is in our care.  In cases where Family Court or other legal entities have established visitation or custody rights, a copy of the orders must be provided to WMCC. The orders of the court will be strictly followed unless the custodial parent requests a more liberal variation of the court order in writing.

Visitors are asked to schedule appointments, and are allowed in the childcare areas only with a written note from a parent and at the discretion of the Director.  A staff member will accompany visitors at all times.

Parents are encouraged to come to the Center and read or do an activity with their child’s class. Please see your child’s teachers to make arrangements to do this.

Some family activities are:

• • Parents Breakfast held during The Week of the Young Child

  • Mothers' Day Tea in May

  • Pretzels with Pop in June

Discipline and Guidance

Discipline at WMCC is intended to provide positive guidance, use redirection, and set clear behavioral limits. It shall assist the child in the development of self-control, self-respect and consideration for the rights and property of others.

Corporal punishment and humiliating or frightening punishment are forbidden. Verbal abuse, threats, placing a child in a confined space and withholding food are also forbidden. This does not preclude removal from the group for brief periods when peer group attention contributes to unacceptable behavior. A child is not removed from the classroom for inappropriate behavior without first getting the permission of the parents.

We view discipline not as punishment, but as a means of teaching children what is acceptable behavior, helping them to develop the inner controls needed to function as positive, productive individuals.

The following behaviors are considered inappropriate:  hitting, biting, kicking, throwing, or any other physical action that may cause harm to other children or adults; repeated refusal to comply with WMCC’s rules and/or failure to listen to directions, and behavior that is harmful to oneself.

The methods of guidance and discipline used shall be positive and consistent with the developmental needs of the children. We first try to redirect the child away from the problem situation and give him/her another activity that will spark their interest. Should problems persist the teacher will send home an incident report. Each situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis. When there are patterns, such as repeated biting, the child may need to be suspended from WMCC until the behavior changes. One biting incident does not mean automatic suspension; however, repeated aggressive behaviors will warrant suspension.

The number of days of a suspension is the director’s decision. Because this alternative is considered a drastic one, all other means and options must be exhausted prior to suspension. During suspension, the parents are responsible for their child’s fees as usual.

It may be suggested that the child, parent or family meet with other professionals (i.e., doctor, counselor) in an attempt to find positive redirection. Parents will meet with the director prior to any suspension, to consider other alternatives.

WMCC  recognizes that the children are very young in age and go through various states of development. Certain behaviors are indicative of age. However, no child will remain enrolled at WMCC if he or she:

• Presents continual, deliberate harm to the other children.

• Requires more care than the staff can adequately provide without compromise to the other children.

• Causes such a continual disruption to the class that activities cannot be completed.

A child who continues to disrupt his/her class with behavior problems will be asked to leave WMCC.

Biting 

The issue of biting is of concern to all of us. It is distressing for the parents of the child who is bitten and the child who is biting. We are aware of the developmental aspects of biting, however, this does not diminish the seriousness of the issue or how we deal with it. Our policy is to immediately address the behavior and hope to keep it from occurring again.

While biting is common toddler behavior, with proper interventions most children will stop biting after a few days or weeks. We do take biting seriously and will address it as soon as it occurs.

Some of the strategies we will try are:

• To intervene or distract the child, say “no bite” firmly, but calmly, if we see child about to bite

• Say “no bite” firmly, but calmly, if child does bite

• Move child away from the child he/she bit

• Remind child that biting hurts and he/she is not to do it

• Provide some praise and positive attention when child is playing nicely and isn’t biting

• Parents of both children will be notified if a biting incident occurs

• Parents of biter need to return their notification form the next day signed, so we can be assured that parents are aware.

• If behavior continues we will need to meet with parents to discuss other remedies that can be used to deter behavior at the center.

• In an extreme situation we may ask that the child be kept home for a few days where parents can work with the child in hopes the behavior will be stopped.

Illness

You, as parent, are ultimately responsible for determining your child’s ability to actively participate in the daily activities in the classroom and on the playground. While we sympathize with the needs of each parent and their child, we must provide a healthy environment for all of our children and our staff. A sick child often needs special attention. It is very difficult for a teacher to take time away from the other children in order to minister to a sick child. 

Following recommendations of the Early Education Linkage System (ECELS), we have instituted the policy below to avoid any confusion about when a child should be kept home from school. Operated by the PA chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the mission of ECELS is to improve the quality of early childcare education and school age child care programs.

• • Child must be 24 hours fever free (below 100.4) without use of medication.

  • If your child has diarrhea, defined by more watery stools, less-formed stools and increased frequency of stools in the past 24 hours, keep your child home until they are 24 hours free of any instance of diarrhea or their stools are formed enough to be kept contained in the diaper. For children who are potty trained they must be free of diarrhea for 24 hours.

  • If your child is seen by a doctor for a sick visit, we need a doctor’s note stating that your child is cleared to return to daycare.

  • A health professional must provide an approval note for a child to be readmitted for all cases of bloody diarrhea and diarrhea caused by Shigella, Salmonella, B coli O157:H7 or G lamblia

  • Children with Shigella and E coli O157:H7 are excluded until diarrhea resolves and test results from 2 stool cultures at least 24 hours apart are negative for the bacteria.

  • Children with Salmonella are excluded until 3 stool cultures are taken at least 24 hours apart and are negative for the bacteria.

  • A child who is vomiting (1x or more in a 24 hour period) will be sent home and cannot return until vomiting has completely stopped for 24 hours

  • A child with itchy watery eyes must be evaluated for pink eye or conjunctivitis. A child can return once they have been treated with the antibiotic

  • Strep infections must be treated with an antibiotic and child cleared by his/her doctor to return to child care. Antibiotic should be given for at least 24 hours before child can return.

Periodic Health Assessments for Children

• Infants up to the age of one should have regular well visits with their doctors and forms with the results and updated immunizations from those visits need to be put into the child’s file. Children over the age of one need to show proof of one well visit a year with results and updated immunizations. 

• We can accept a doctor’s printout or the doctor may fill out one of our forms. It must contain the doctor’s name, his/her medical license number and his/her signature with the date. 

• Any child who does not have a timely health report from the doctor on file may be excluded from the center until one is provided.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Every child is required to have an updated emergency form in his/her file. This form contains parent information, emergency contact information with names and phone numbers, names and numbers of persons to whom the child may be released, health provider information as well as parental consent. This form is to be viewed, updated if necessary and signed by the parent every six months. A new form may be required each year.

The staff of Waldron Mercy Child Care provides quality care to your children. If a child is too ill to participate in the day’s activities, it is impossible for the staff to devote the time required to care for that child. It is important that each enrolled child has a back up caregiver for this type of situation.

Children will not be admitted to WMCC or will be sent home if one or more of the following conditions exist:

• The child’s illness prevents the child from participating in routine activities.

• The illness requires more care than WMCC staff is able to provide without compromising the needs of the other children in the group.

If the child has any of the following conditions:

• A temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater

• Severe nasal congestion or coughing

• Diarrhea (recurring loose stools and/or stools that cannot be contained in the diaper)

• Recurring vomiting

• The contagious stage of any diagnosed communicable disease

• Strep throat or other streptococcal infection, until 24 hours after the initial antibiotic treatment and cessation of fever

• Chicken Pox, until six (6) days after rash begins or until all sores have dried and crusted

• Mumps, until nine (9) days after parotid gland swelling begins

• Rubella, until six (6) days after onset of rash

• Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye, until 24 hours after antibiotic is started

• Lice, scabies or other infestations, admitted 24 hours after treatment has begun and/or all nits are gone

• Impetigo (a severe skin disease which is highly contagious), admitted 48 hours after antibiotics started

If a parent is called because a child is sick, the parent is expected to pick up his or her child as soon as it is reasonably possible.

Children who are seen by a doctor for any illness are required to have a doctor’s note stating they are able to return to WMCC.

If the child care staff is uncertain about whether the child’s illness poses an increased risk to others, the child will be excluded until a physician or licensed nurse practitioner notifies WMCC that the child may attend. Any rash needs to be identified and a doctor’s note is needed to confirm the child is not contagious. 

Specific conditions that do not require exclusion are:

• Children with conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) that have a clear, watery discharge and do not have any fever, eye pain, pus coming from the eye, or eyelid redness. Child must have been on an antibiotic for 24 hours.

• Children with cytomegalovirus infection, carriers of hepatitis B, and HIV infection.

If the child becomes ill during the time the child is in WMCC:

• The director or group supervisor will determine if the child may remain in the program or is too ill to stay.

• The director or caregiver will call the parent.

• If there is an immediate need for medical help, a staff member will call 911.

Immunization

Immunizations are required according to the current schedule recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The director will check with the public health department or the AAP for the updates of the recommended immunization schedule annually.

State health department/DPW regulations regarding attendance of children who are not immunized due to religious or medical reasons will be followed. Children who are not immunized will be excluded from WMCC during outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses as directed by the state health department.  

Routine preventative health services are required on an annual cycle. Documentation of age-appropriate health assessment should be obtained before, but it is required no later than 60 days after the child starts WMCC. Parents are responsible for assuring that their children are kept up-to-date, and that a copy of the results of the child’s health assessment is given to the center.

Children will not be excluded from WMCC for failure to be immunized if they have appointments for immunization and have their immunizations initiated within one month. A maximum of two months after admission will be allowed to obtain required immunizations unless the health of others in the facility is at risk. A child whose immunizations are not kept up-to-date will be dismissed after three written reminders to parents over a three-month period. The director will check the facility’s records to be sure each child’s immunization and other routine preventive health services are current biannually. Parents will be reminded to provide documentation of health assessments. 

Medications

This facility will administer medicine to children for whom a plan has been made and approved by the director. Because administration of medication poses an extra burden for staff, and having medication in the facility is a safety hazard, families should check with the child’s physician to see if a dose schedule can be arranged that does not involve the hours the child is in WMCC. Whenever possible, the first dose of medication should be given at home to see if the child has any type of reaction. Parents or legal guardians may administer medication to their own child during the time the child is at the center.

Your child’s teacher will administer medication only if the parent or legal guardian has provided written consent in the medication log, which is kept in each classroom. The medication must be available in the original labeled prescription container. The center must have on file the written instructions of a licensed physician to administer the specific medication.

For prescription medications, parents or legal guardians will provide staff with:

• the medication in the original, child-resistant container that is labeled by a pharmacist with the child’s name, 

• the name of the medication, the date the prescription was filled,

• the name of the health care provider who wrote the prescription,

• the medication’s expiration date, and 

• administration, storage and disposal instructions. 

For over-the-counter medications, parents or legal guardians will provide:

• the medication in an original, child-resistant container (substitute containers are not permitted),

• the manufacturer; and the name of the health care provider who recommended the medication for the child, and

• will label the medication with the child’s first and last names; specific, legible instructions for administration and storage supplied.

Instructions for the dose, frequency, method to be used, and duration of administration will be provided to the staff in writing in the medication log. This requirement applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medications.

A physician may state that a certain medication may be given for a recurring problem, emergency situation or chronic condition. The instructions should include the child’s name; the name of the medication; the dose of the medication; how often the medication may be given; the conditions for use; and any precautions to follow. A child may only receive medication with the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian and when the staff person who will give the medication has the skills required.

Medications will be kept at the temperature recommended for that type of medication, in an original, child-resistant, closed container that is inaccessible to children and prevents spillage.

Medication will not be used beyond the date of expiration on the container or beyond an expiration of the instructions provided by the physician or other persons legally permitted to prescribe medication. Instructions, which state that the medication may be used whenever needed, will be renewed by the physician at least annually.

A medication log will be maintained by the facility staff to:

• record the instructions for giving the medication, 

• consent obtained from the parent or legal guardian, 

• amount, the time of administration, the name of the medication, storage requirements, date and the person who administered each dose of medication. 

• Spills, reactions, and refusal to take medication will also be noted in this log.

• Medications must be stored in the medicine container located in the locked cabinet in the classrooms  Refrigerated medicines can be stored in the medicine containers in the refrigerator.

• Be sure to provide a measuring spoon or measuring cup for all liquid medication.

In order for WMCC staff to administer medication to your child, ALL of the above listed guidelines must be met. 

School staff may not determine when to give medication on an “as needed” basis. The only exception is emergency medication, such as medication to counteract an allergic reaction.

Suntan lotion and diaper creams are considered topical medications and must be put in the medication log. Parent permission to apply these to a child is required. 

Lateness

WMCC closes at 5:00 p.m. There is a charge of $1 per minute after 5:00 p.m. Families will be invoiced for these late fees which are separate from any late penalties incurred at WMA’s Mercy After Care program. Failure to pay these fees or pick up your child by 5:00 p.m. can result in your child’s dismissal from the program. If you anticipate a late pickup, you are required to call the center to let us know.

Non-Violence

Waldron Mercy Child Care does not allow weapon-like toys or toys of a violent nature to be brought into the center. Clear examples are plastic swords, play rifles, cap guns and water pistols. We understand that children are exposed to various types of toys and play methods. We believe each family should make the decision as to whether to permit violent type toys in the home. The staff feels the issue is controversial and has taken the position to eliminate aggressive violent types of play.

Tuition Policy

 Tuition is due on the first of each month. WMCC has partnered with SMART TUITION to offer a variety of ways to pay tuition with online account access, mobile apps, and a 24/7 customer support center. Tuition fully covers all activities and families pay no additional fees.

We are grateful to those families who remit their tuition payments on time, since this allows the school to meet its payroll and other financial obligations. Families may select the 1st or the 15th as their due date for recurring ACH payments. Check payments are due by the 15th of each month. If payment is not received within a five day grace period from the due date, a late fee of 2% plus a follow up fee of $20 will be added to the family’s account. Any requests for special payment arrangements must be submitted in writing and approved by the WMA Business Office. Failure to keep a student billing account current jeopardizes your child’s enrollment status.

*There is no credit given for scheduled school holidays, child's illness, family vacations or school closing due to inclement weather or acts of God. 

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Withdrawal

Two weeks written notice is required when a child withdraws from Waldron Mercy Child Care. The center reserves the right to terminate any child from WMCC for the following reasons:

• Non-payment of fees

• Frequent late pick-ups (10+ in a calendar year)

• A child’s lack of self-control in which he/she poses a danger to self or others

• A child’s behavior that distracts from the normal class routine

• A parent’s disregard for the philosophies, policies, and mission of Mercy

If a child leaves the center mid-month, the full monthly balance must be paid. No refunds will be given. Likewise, if a child starts after the first of the month, the family is still responsible for the full monthly payment.

***COVID-19 UPDATE***

Important Notice When your child is present at WMCC, they will be in contact with staff members and other children (and, by extension, their families) who are at risk of exposure to COVID-19. No number of restrictions, guidelines, or policies will eliminate all risks of exposure. 

Please note that this policy is supplemental to policies defined outside of COVID-19.

WMCC Oversight

 As a licensed Early Care and Education center, we need to follow the COVID-19 guidance for early childhood released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), and Montgomery County Office of Public Health (OPH). The guidance can be different and quite challenging to interpret in many situations. 

Please be assured that our program reviews the policy to ensure that WMCC continues to operate with integrity and accountability. 

Family Responsibility 

Each family plays a critical role in reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread at WMCC by following the practices and procedures outlined. The importance of open and honest communication between parents/guardians and FELS staff cannot be overstated during this time. Your commitment, combined with ours, will be the only way that we can safely navigate these challenging times. 

Definitions

Close Contact: Closer than 6 feet apart AND for more than 15 minutes over 24 hours

 Exposure: Close contact with a COVID-19-positive person anytime between 48 hours prior and five days after their symptoms (or for asymptomatic individuals before/after their positive test). 

Household: Consists of people who live in a shared space for an extended period.

 Isolation: Separates and restricts people to remain in their households if they have tested positive for COVID-19

 Quarantine: Separates and restricts people to remain in their households if they have been exposed to COVID-19 

OCDEL: Office of Child Development and Early Learning

 CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

OPH: Office of Public Health 

COVID-19-like illness

Confidentiality of all health information, including symptoms and COVID-19 testing/diagnosis, will be maintained for all WMCC children, staff, and family members. 

Please note that this policy is supplemental to policies defined outside of COVID-19. For example, a child with a fever should not be on site regardless of COVID-19 status. 

Children, staff members, or family must leave the center and test for COVID-19 if they have a COVID-19-like Illness. COVID-19-like illness is defined as:

 1. Two or more of the following common symptoms: 

a. Fever (>100.4 F) or chills

 b. Cough

 c. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 

d. Fatigue

 e. Muscle or body aches 

f. Headache 

g. Sore throat 

h. Congestion or runny nose

 i. Nausea or vomiting

 j. Diarrhea

 2. One of the following Emergency Warning Signs of COVID-19 (If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately):

 a. Trouble breathing

 b. New loss of taste or smell

 c. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

 d. New confusion

 e. Inability to wake or stay awake

 f. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone 

Symptoms can range from mild to severe illness and typically appear 2–14 days after exposure to COVID-19. 

If a staff member discovers that a child has a “COVID-19-like illness” during the school day, the family member (or emergency contact number) will be called and asked to pick up the child as soon as possible.

Children or staff members who have COVID-19-like illness must: 

1. Stay home

2. Get a COVID-19 PCR test or a rapid antigen test (a home antigen test is acceptable) 

NEGATIVE RESULT: Children may return with a NEGATIVE test result if they are fever-free without the use of any fever-reducing medications (e.g., acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)) for 24 hours; AND other symptoms (e.g., cough, runny nose) are improving.

 POSITIVE RESULT: Email your Center Director immediately

Exposure to COVID-19

Staff and Children ≥ two years old (who are able to mask)

 • No quarantine is needed unless symptoms develop.

 o Although not required, we recommend getting tested even if you do not have any symptoms. Either a PCR or rapid antigen test is acceptable. We encourage testing within 24 hours of the exposure and five days after your last contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19.

 ▪ If a household exposure, we strongly encourage testing though it is not required if you have no symptoms of COVID-19.

Children < two years old 

• No quarantine is needed unless symptoms develop. 

o Although not required, we recommend getting tested even if you do not have any symptoms. Either a PCR or rapid antigen test is acceptable. We encourage testing within 24 hours of the exposure and five days after your last contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19. 

▪ If a household exposure, we strongly encourage testing though it is not required if you have no symptoms of COVID-19.

If symptoms develop after a COVID-19 exposure, children or staff members must:

 4. Get a COVID-19 PCR test or a rapid antigen test (a home antigen test is acceptable)

NEGATIVE RESULT: Children may return with a NEGATIVE test result if they are fever-free without the use of any fever-reducing medications (e.g., acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)) for 24 hours; AND other symptoms (e.g., cough, runny nose) are improving

POSITIVE RESULT: Email your Center Director immediately

Without a test: Staff and Children ≥ two years old (who are able to mask):

 - must isolate for five days after symptoms and can return on their 6th day 

- they must mask for an additional five days 

COVID-19 Positive 

Staff and children ≥ two years old (who are able to mask) 

• Quarantine for five full days (return on day 6) from the start of symptoms or the positive test date (whichever comes first) as long as the following circumstances are met: 

o No fever or other COVID-19 symptoms for 24 hours before returning

 o A mask is worn between days 6 and 10 (including outside when around    others.) 

o No negative test is needed to return on Day 6. Children < two years old

 • Quarantine at home for ten whole days (return on day 11).

 • No negative testing is needed to return on day 11.

Possible closures due to COVID-19

WMCC will work with the local Montco OPH if it is determined that a closure of a Center is appropriate or required.

Payment during quarantine Families are responsible for continued tuition payment if their classroom is closed due to COVID-19 exposure.

If a classroom or center is closed for greater than 10 consecutive school days, the tuition reimbursement policy is still in effect.