APPLICATION PROCESS
Procedure for applying to participate in the Burrier CDC includes:

1. Your child must be three (3) years of age on or before December 1. Independent toileting skills are desirable.

2. Application can be made anytime, from the birth of your child to March 1 of the year in which your child is eligible to participate.

3. Print and complete the application card and return by mail or hand deliver to Burrier 102.

4. You will receive an email notification when the application card is received (if email address is provided).

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Process to determine the enrollment for any school year involves:

1. First priority is given to children of full-time students, faculty/ staff, and community families, respectively.

2. Each separate category is prioritized based on the earliest date of application.

3. The number of children selected from the current and eligible applicants is affected by children who are currently enrolled. Staff members may reserve the right to provide children a second year of nursery school experience based on individual needs of children and in collaboration with families currently enrolled. Sixteen (16) children will be enrolled in each session, morning and afternoon. When CDF 350 Practicum enrollment is too low to maintain the adult-child ratio specified by our accrediting body, National Academy of Early Childhood Programs (National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington, D.C.), fewer than sixteen children will be enrolled.

4. A waiting list will be established after the initial enrollment is determined for the current school year. If the current year's waiting list is exhausted, staff members may select children from the list of younger applicants based on date of application, date of birth, and developmental level.

5. Applicants will receive a letter announcing the status of participation by March 1.

6. The applicant must respond to the letter by returning the enclosed form to the director of Burrier CDC by the specified date. Return of the form and a $50.00 non-refundable registration fee by date defined, confirms the applicant’s participation in the program.

Maintenance of current applications is made by mailing a letter requesting an update in applicant’s interest in the Burrier CDC program. Annually, a mailing is made to all applicants on file (typically during the Fall semester).

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Tuition

Tuition is set by the Eastern Kentucky University Board of Regents. Annually, the Regents assess fees and may increase the Burrier CDC tuition.

The 2008-09 annual tuition for the (four day) morning session is $ 1,350 and the (two day) afternoon session is $ 675.

The semester tuition for the morning session is $ 675 and the afternoon session is $337.50.

Monthly tuition is $168.75 for the morning session and $84.38 for the afternoon session.

Student Accounting Services is responsible for collecting the tuition fees. One statement for the annual fee is issued in September. However, half of the annual fee is due by November 15 and the remaining half of the fee is due by April 15. You can divide the annual fee into eight installments to meet the payment of fees for the school year as long as half of the tuition is paid by November 15 and the remaining half is paid by April 15.

The Center Director is responsible for providing a list of participants, addresses, and social security numbers of persons responsible for payment to Student Accounting Services.

Each family will need to sign a fee agreement form. The signed form serves as a binding agreement for payment of the tuition fee. The individual responsible for payment of tuition is required to sign and to date the fee agreement form before full participation begins.

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Calendar

The center's annual calendar is structured by the EKU calendar. Therefore, the center is closed on holidays observed by the university and during student vacations or semester breaks. Calendars will be distributed at the beginning of each semester. Click here for EKU's master calendar: www.eku.edu/calendars/

Arrival and Departure

The arrival for the morning session is 8:30 a.m., plus or minus five (5) minutes. Arrival for the afternoon session is 1:00 p.m., plus or minus five (5) minutes. A teacher will be posted at the entrance to the Burrier CDC room during these times to greet families and children individually. The routine for arrival includes SIGNING-IN, placing outer garment on coat hook, washing hands, and locating name tag on the board next to the center entrance.

The dismissal time for the morning group is 11:30 a.m., plus or minus five (5) minutes. Dismissal for the afternoon session is 4:00 p.m., plus or minus five (5) minutes. When the closing circle time ends, the entrance door will be opened to signal time to pick up children. Children will remain in the room until designated persons enter to assist with collecting clothes and special creations. Upon departure, SIGNING-OUT, is required to document "who" and "when" children were picked up.

If you and your child arrive early for either session, investigate the Parent Resource Center in G-2 to locate books to read and games to play while you wait for the center to open. Books and some materials can be checked out for use at home.

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Articles from Home

During transitional times, children may need a cherished item such as a “lovey” or security blanket, favorite stuffed animal, etc. In order to provide comfort and security, children may bring the item to ease stressfulnees of the situation.

We invite families to share artwork, music, books, or other items representing specific cultures, folk arts, and traditions. NO TOYS FROM HOME after transitional period . Three year olds are learning how to take turns and conflicts arise when sharing valued possessions is difficult.

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Attendance

Regular attendance is important for your child to benefit fully from the program; regular attendance provides continuity in your child's daily routine. If your child's attendance is interrupted by illness, vacation, or delay, please notify Deb Jones ( 859-622-1173) by 8 a.m. for the morning session and by 12:45 p.m. for the afternoon session. If you do not call by 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM, we will call you to determine the nature of absence, out of concern for your child’s well-being.

There are no tuition credits for absences!

Clothing

Dress your children in comfortable, washable play clothes. Children need to wear rubber-soled or non-skid soled shoes to prevent slides and falls. Children need to dress for the weather conditions daily, including wearing rain coat, hat, and boots for rainy days. We do go outside in ALL kinds of weather conditions given the conditions do not place children at risk for injury or harm to health.

Extra clothes are requested for each child. On the first day of Phase-In, bring a complete change of clothing in a plastic bag and label each item with child's name. The extra clothes will be kept in a plastic "shoe box" container inside each child's cubby. Label all clothing your child wears! Occasionally, two children will wear identical items of clothing. It is important to label all items to prevent confusion and disturbance about ownership

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Confidentiality

Every effort will be made to maintain the confidential nature of the family-school partnership. The Privacy Act (PL93-579) safeguards privacy. No information will be shared with unauthorized persons without written permission from parents or legal guardians. Children's files will be kept securely locked to prevent unauthorized perusal.

The Burrier CDC is a laboratory facility for the professional preparation of students from Child and Family Studies. The facility is utilized by nutrition, psychology, and special education students on occasion. Notification of project and research activities is made available to parents in writing and parents are provided the opportunity to determine participation or non-participation in such activities. If children participate, the parents are entitled to be informed of the project or assignment design, implementation, and results.

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Social and Emotional Development

The social and emotional development of young children during the preschool years is a critical area of learning. Social and emotional development includes helping young children LEARN TO:

1. Develop self-control,

2. Acquire vocabulary to label positive and negative emotional states,

3. Explore ways to resolve conflict without harming others, self or property,

4. Negotiate in turn taking,

5. Discover appropriate outlets for stress, anger, and frustration, and

6. Develop positive regard for self and others.

The child development literature clearly documents that following developmental tasks associated with early childhood:

*To rehearse socially acceptable behavior - acquiring skills to work andto participate in a group; learning words to express feelings, wants, needs, and ideas; modeling respect for self, others, and property.

 *To learn that words and actions have consequences - working on cause and effect, determining influence on others and discovering how to use power through words as well as actions to influence relationships.

 Young children do not know how to “be nice” or “be a good boy or girl” automatically. They do not pick up what they need to know socially and emotionally through modeling and imitation alone. Young children need guidance from loving and caring adults as well as opportunities with their peers to learn constructive social skills and emotional expression.

Helping young children develop self-control enables them to monitor themselves and to learn how to make choices for themselves appropriate to various situations in the absence of authority figures. The process of helping young children in the development of self-control does not occur instantaneously (external measures such as spanking, yelling, or threatening may stop the inappropriate behavior immediately due to the element of fear and the presence of power observed in the adult).

Young children gradually acquire self-control and gradually become competent in social situations! This is their biggest and most monumental job during early childhood. The successful accomplishment of this task builds the foundation for social adeptness in later life experiences.

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Guidance

Helping young children acquire appropriate social skills, constructive ways to express feelings, and strategies to develop self-control are critical parts of an ongoing process in the early childhood classroom. Children need support and structure appropriate to the age and stage of development in order to gain control over actions and use of words while interacting with others. Children benefit from a well-organized environment with interesting materials and challenging equipment. They play more appropriately when given opportunities to make choices and engage in activities during large blocks of time. Children participating in the Burrier CDC experience a predictable routine and daily schedule that contribute to a sense of security. They learn to monitor and to engage themselves in purposeful activity.

Regarding direct guidance of young children, teachers in the Burrier CDC demonstrate a respectful attitude toward children as they talk with them and model appropriate ways to communicate with others. They show warmth and caring. Other techniques teachers use include redirecting children as needed, affirming appropriate behaviors and using consequences that "fit the action." Taking responsibility for one's actions is emphasized through discussions about problem solving, limit setting, and how to resolve conflicts.

When inappropriate behavior occurs the following actions can be taken:
1) Intervene promptly if the action is hurtful or harmful to self, others, or property;
2) Support the child to achieve a calm state so you can talk about the situation;
3) Acknowledge feelings shown during the incident;
4) Engage in problem solving or restate the limit;
5) Provide tension releasing activity such as water play, shredding old newspapers, manipulating playdough or clay, rocking, using puppets to act out situation, read a comforting or calming book, etc.;
6) Discuss ways child can be responsible for his or her actions; and
7) Talk about "why" it is important to use appropriate actions and words.

Other steps will be taken by the teaching staff to examine the "cause" of the inappropriate actions or words. Checking the environment regarding design of space, type and quantity of materials, schedule, transition techniques, status of child's health or stress level, etc. Implementing keen observational skills can help staff be proactive in monitoring children's interactions with others as well as materials.

At no time will children be subjected to physical or psychological punishment!

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Phase-In

Phase-In is an important part of beginning the nursery school experience at Burrier. Several opportunities can be taken to introduce children to the facility and routine. Parents and children can drive by the building to acquaint themselves with the physical location and appearance of the facility. They can take a walking tour of the building and grounds as an informal way to become familiar with the physical site.

A more formal or organized plan is implemented by the teacher to help make a smooth transition from home to school. A brief period of time is set aside at the beginning of the year or point of entry to the program to introduce children and parents gradually to the facility, routine, and schedule of activities available to children during the school session. Family members are encouraged to support children during this time by observing or participating directly with children in the classroom. Direct participation with children provides reassurance in the separation process and diminishes anxiety children may have as a result of a new experience with unfamiliar people and surroundings.

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Portfolio-Data Collection, Assessment, and Conferences

Samples of children's creative interaction with materials, events, and people will be organized in a portfolio. The portfolio will provide evidence of individual growth, development, and learning. During the school year staff members will collect photographs, observations, art work, constructions, stories, documentation of project work, etc. The collection of concrete materials will be utilized to show the capabilities and accomplishments of each child. Collaboration with families will give members opportunities to make contributions about activities in which your child participates at home, information about how your child interacts with others, and individual differences unique to your child's temperament and personality.

Upon completion of the Fall semester, data collected for the portfolio will be shared during individual family conferences. Staff will assess the evidence collected, determine the growth, development, and learning observed in all areas of development (physical-motor, language, emerging literacy, cognitive, creative, and social-emotional). At the end of the school year staff will compile a typed report from the analysis of information collected. The information will be organized in a notebook provided by parents and presented to the parents during the final conference at the end of the school year.

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Special Occasions

Birthdays. Children and family members are invited to share birthday celebrations. Contact Deb Jones at least two weeks before your child's birthday to make arrangements for your child's celebration. Families of children who have birthdays when school is not in session may choose to have an "unbirthday" celebration. Again, collaborate with Deb Jones to plan appropriate arrangements. Food allergies need to be considered in planning and preparing snack. Treats need to be limited to tangible and not edible ones. Simplicity in planning contributes to a more enjoyable time for all the children. The head teacher has organized unique activities for the birthday celebrations including a "pretend cake" with candles.

Community Celebrations. Families, children, and staff will work together to plan and to implement the community events. Families and children will be instrumental in planning and preparing mutually agreed upon celebrations throughout the school year. The center staff supports the active involvement of families and their children in determining inclusive celebrations and events. Developmentally appropriate practice encourages the creation of community-relevant ways to celebrate real events as opposed to the celebration of more traditional holidays and special occasions rooted in Euro-American culture. Our diverse school population will provide many interesting ways to celebrate as a unique community.

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Multicultural Education

Our program is committed to multicultural education. This means we share a commitment to human rights, dignity of the individual, and social justice. We strive to create a program that truly reflects the lives of our children, families, staff, and community. By recognizing the impact culture has on families, we will make every effort to provide culturally responsive care and education by affirming human differences and the right of people to make choices about their own lifestyle. We seek to recognize, appreciate, and respect the uniqueness of each child.

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Immunizations & Physicals

The center must have a current immunization form signed by the physician or health department nurse to show that your child's immunizations are up-to-date (Immunizations must include the HIB vaccine). A completed physical form is required as well. All health documents need to be on file by the first day of school. Returning children need to maintain current health documents, too.

Illness that Cause Children to Miss School

If fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or signs of illness appear, your child should remain at home until the condition is no longer present. Notify the Teacher or Director when your child has, or you suspect your child has, an illness. If your child develops a contagious disease or condition, you must notify the center! We are required by the state to post any contagious conditions and information about the contagious period as well as signs or symptoms of the disease or condition!

Some of the most common illnesses are:

Handwashing

Children are encouraged to wash hands as they enter the classroom, after toileting and outside/indoor gross motor time, and before as well as after eating or playing in the water table.

Medications

Medications will not be given without written daily instructions from the parent or guardian. Prescription drugs will be given only to the child whose name appears on the label. Prescription drugs will be given only in the amount that has been prescribed by the doctor. All medications must be in the original container; and, all medications will be stored in a locked box in the refrigerator located in the storage room.

Snacks

A daily nutritious snack is planned during Independent Choice time. Individual service is implemented to provide opportunities for positive interactions with small groups of children and with a responsive adult. All precautions will be taken to plan, prepare, and serve safe appropriate foods for snack selections. It is critical that staff receive written notification of food allergies or food restrictions your child has. Children will be provided opportunities to prepare snack using simple and nutritious recipes. They will enjoy using tools and gadgets related to food preparation, too!

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Accident Reports

Accident reports must be completed on any injury that breaks the skin or causes bruising or on any injury to the head. Parents will be asked to read and sign accident reports to insure that they have been notified of the accident. The report will be kept in the child's file and a copy will be given to the parents.

Child Abuse Policy

Kentucky law requires that anyone who suspects abuse or neglect of a child report it immediately to their local Department for Social Services office, licensing law enforcement agency, or to the reporting hotline at 1-800-752-6200.

If a child care provider is suspected of abusing/neglecting children in the center. A report will be made to the Office of Inspector General Division of Licensing and Regulation and the employee will be removed from the care of children.

 

Child Release/Emergency Contact Form

This form will be filled out at the beginning of the school year and whenever necessary to make the information current. It is the parent's responsibility to provide updated information when needed. Inform those adults whose names you have submitted on the form know that a picture identification may be required of them. Additional names cannot be added by phone.

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Emergency Procedures

In the event of an accident or emergency, every effort will be made to notify you immediately. If parents cannot be reached, the center will call the emergency contacts listed on the emergency card. Be sure your contacts realize their responsibility. If no adult can be reached, 911 will be called and child will be taken for emergency treatment to the facility designated on the Emergency Treatment Release form. Staff required to fill out an accident report for any injury requiring treatment. Parents will be asked to read and sign the accident reports. Accident reports are filled in each child's folder and one is provided for the families.

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Chemical Spill

In the event of a chemical spill at the Bluegrass Army Depot, faculty, staff and students of the Burrier building will remain in lock down at the Center.

Emergency Drills

Fire drills will be conducted with time documented monthly. The center is required to post diagrams showing building evacuation routes for fire. Weather alert plans for evacuation will be practiced on a quarterly basis (tornado drill and earthquake) and documented.

Field Trips

Written permission will be required before your child can participate in a field trip or walking excursion. Advance notice will be given to parents regarding the purpose for the field trip or walking excursion, time scheduled for the event, and follow-up learning opportunities. A general permission form will be completed at the beginning of the school year and individual forms will be filled out as trips or excursions occur. The forms will be filed in each child's folder. Parents are invited to accompany or to participate in designated trips or excursions.

If we participate in a field trip requiring transportation and you volunteer to drive, we will need to have a copy of your "proof of insurance" for the vehicle driven and a copy of a receipt verifying inspection of the vehicle driven to show that it is in good mechanical condition. You must possess a valid license and have appropriate safety restraints for young children as well.

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