We are pleased that you are joining our family.  We understand that choosing an early learning center for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make for them as studies show that particularly the first 5 years of a child’s life are the most crucial for their development.

We thank you for choosing us and take our responsibility seriously for providing your child with high quality early education and care. WellKind School for Early Learners is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and follows all state mandated regulations including health and safety and staff child ratios.

WellKind School for Early Learners is rated a Keystone STAR 4 child care center recognized by the Pennsylvania Keystone Stars Program. The Keystone Stars Rating Scale of 1 to 4 STARS is designed to help families make a sound decision when choosing a child care center.

You will find more information about the Keystone STARS program located within our Handbook.

This handbook has been developed to help our parents by providing them with specific information about our center; it includes a description of our policies and procedures, our mission statement and philosophy on education, the role of caregivers, goals for the children and our expectations from parents.

We hope you will find this handbook both beneficial and informative as our partnership grows. 

Our Mission at WellKind School for Early Learners

At WellKind School for Early Learners we create opportunities for EVERY individual to deeply develop themselves and discover the diverse and unique talents that EACH one of us possesses.

The Vision of WellKind School for Early Learners

At WellKind School for Early Learners we believe that through promoting awareness of the 7 pillars of wellness and by purposefully connecting these areas, we will rise up as a community of fulfilled, passionate, joyful, and kind hearted individuals armed with the knowledge and skills we need to become the best versions of themselves and in turn use those skills to spark positive change in the world around us. We will be ambassadors for love, acceptance, peace and happiness in its fullest sense.  

Our Philosophy on Education

Our philosophy on education is that each individual should aim to achieve balance of the seven pillars of wellness in order to reach their truest potential.

At WellKind School for Early Learners we believe that development in the areas of intellect, emotions, environmental awareness, relationships, healthy lifestyle, vocation, and human connectedness all have a valid and necessary place in the field of education.

We integrate awareness of the 7 Pillars of Wellness and through purposefully connecting these areas, we are preparing our students to make lasting positive impacts on their communities.

Brain Building: Stimulating cognitive growth through exposure to new challenges which allow for problem solving strategies and critical thinking skills to emerge

Healthy Lifestyle: Promoting of healthy habits, leading an active lifestyle, activities to enhance muscular strength and coordination, and balanced nutrition

Emotional Growth: Actively working towards emotional intelligence, managing stressors, distinguishing and expressing feelings in a constructive way, and practicing a positive approach to life while facing obstacles with a curiosity to problem solve

Relationships: Creating conditions in which healthy relationships form and are maintained through talking, sharing in new experiences, and participation in events

Purpose & Passion: The personal and professional development of new skills and interests as well as seeking out opportunities to grow and learn through meaningful experiences

Environmental Impact: Awareness of our role in the community to protect our resources and advocating for keeping our world a clean, safe, and sustainable places to live

Gratitude & Appreciation: Seeking out all of the goodness around us, appreciating the beauty in life, and cultivating a culture where we work together towards this common goal of choosing to see through a lens of gratitude and appreciation

Department of Human Services.

WellKind School for Early Learners is a private child care center. We are licensed by the Department of Human Services.

The certificate is located in the Reception Area available for your viewing along with DHS’s child care regulations.

WellKind School for Early Learners enrolls children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

WellKind School for Early Learners does not discriminate against any race, creed, religion, and/or sex. This applies to hiring our staff and applications of our students.

Keystone STARS 

The Pennsylvania Keystone STARS Program is a Quality Initiative that ensures high quality standards and is guided by 3 core principles: (1) a whole child approach to education is essential to meeting the holistic and individual needs of each and every child and family, (2) knowledgeable and responsive early care professionals are essential to the development of children and the support of families, and (3) building and sustaining ongoing positive relationships among children, families, early care and education professionals,, and community stakeholders is essential for the growth and development of every child.

Because WellKind School for Early Learners is a Keystone STAR 4 Center, you and your child will receive the following benefits:

 All team members hold either a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, an Associate’s Degree, a Child Development Associate (CDA) or are enrolled as students pursuing a degree in education or a related field. 

An Orientation Meeting is held when each child enrolls.

Teachers provide daily updates in written and/or verbal formats.

Teachers offer 3 parent teacher conferences a year to share your child’s progress and set developmental goals with each parent.

Teachers formally assess your child’s development in Fall, Winter, and Spring and informally on a daily basis.

Within the first 45 days of enrollment, each child is screened using two formats, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Ages and Stages Social & Emotional Questionnaire to ensure they are reaching all developmental milestones or are referred  to Early Intervention Services.

Teachers use the PA Early Learning Standards to develop curriculum and assessment.

We receive independent evaluations of our classroom set-up and learning activities using a standardized tool.

Our teachers will meet with you to ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten for your child.

Our team members accrue up to 4 employee benefits which helps reduce staff turnover.

Team members complete monthly professional development and training to better meet your child’s needs and stay current on appropriate early education practices.

You will find our current certificate displayed in our Reception Area.

Healthy Way to Grow Initiative

WellKind School for Early Learners joined this initiative in its conception during 2013 with the goal of providing a more nutritionally rich program filled with appropriate physical education for our students. Since becoming a part of this initiative, we have updated our menus to reflect more whole grains, proteins, fruits, and vegetables as well as consciously planned for and implemented more active play time. Although HWTG is no longer actively supporting programs, we continue to adhere to their healthy principles as well as develop new ones that enhance our program’s health practices.

Wellness Policy

WellKind School for Early Learners believes that children in our care learn to make healthy choices about nutrition and physical activity that will last a lifetime. We also understand the importance of working together with families to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

WellKind School for Early Learners has adopted the following wellness policies:

 Nutrition and Physical Activity Education: Teachers will attend annual professional development on nutrition and physical education for children.

Nutrition Education is offered to children and incorporated into the lesson plans at least 4 times per year and is included in classroom themes.

Physical Education Activities for children are incorporated into the curriculum, teaching children why physical activity is important for their health.

Food and Beverage Practice and Behavior: Family Style meals are served in the classrooms.

WellKind School for Early Learners staff model healthy food and beverage practices while sitting with the children at mealtime.

100% juice is not consumed under the age of 1 year. Ages 1 and older only consume 100% juice, never additives, and child care providers reinforce to parents that no more than 4-6 oz. of juice is served daily to children for the whole day.

Breast feeding is encouraged and new mothers are provided support and a private area to breast feed their child.

Written instructions and guidelines are provided to parents regarding food brought into the center from home.

Menus are written according to the CACFP guidelines and contain fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains foods.

Physical Activity and Screen Time: All age groups (infants to school aged children) are engaged in age appropriate outdoor activities, weather permitting. Staff always engage in child /adult interactions. Children have outdoor active playtime daily weather permitting. Active playtime is scheduled in the classroom and occurs throughout the day.

WellKind School for Early Learners uses screen time for educational purposes

only. iPads are used for teacher directed education activities.

Families are encouraged to limit screen time to no more than 2 hours per day.

Enrollment at WellKind School for Early Learners is open to children from 6 weeks old to 12 years old.  Enrollment shall be granted without regard to a child’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, or disability; and without regard to a parent or guardian’s race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, gender, pregnancy or disability

Parents can apply for enrollment of their child in WellKind School for Early Learners by completing the Enrollment Application and paying the Registration Fee.

The Registration Fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.

Initial enrollment is contingent upon receipt of the completed enrollment application, signed fee agreement, registration fee, Health Statement with immunization records and signed Parent Handbook receipt.

The Enrollment Application and Fee Agreements are not meant to serve as contracts guaranteeing service for any duration. 

WellKind School for Early Learners reserves the right to dismiss any parent or child at any time with or without cause.

Continued enrollment at WellKind School for Early Learners is contingent upon the child’s file remaining current and updated, both the parents’ and child’s adherence to the policies and procedures of WellKind School for Early Learners as outlined in this handbook including, but not limited to, timely payment of all fees and tuition.

Parents are required to notify WellKind School for Early Learners immediately, should any of the information collected at the time of enrollment or any time thereafter change.  Failure to do so may result in the child(ren) being dis-enrolled from the program and forfeiture of monies paid.

All custodial parents and/or legal guardians are required to sign a Fee Agreement prior to enrollment of their child in WellKind School for Early Learners.  Parents are required to indicate to whom all billing information and correspondence are to be addressed. Receipts will be sent by e-mail for tuition payments made and can be printed by request. 

All payments are to be made on Mondays (or the first day that the child is scheduled to attend each week.) A $25 late fee will be charged to your account if payment is not made on the first day of attendance. In addition, your child will not be able to attend if your payment is not made in full and on time each week.

Tuition does not include fees for field trips and extra curricular activities such as the Summer Program.

In addition to the weekly tuition payment, a $6 monthly educational fee per child will be charged to your account on the first day of each month, which covers the cost of educational materials for your child and the Tadpoles technology.

There will also be a biannual service fee of $20 per family charged to your account in January and July. During these months you will be completing enrollment documents signing as if you were reenrolling your child. This fee covers keeping your child’s file up-to-date, printing, copying, and faxing of documents.

A Transportation Fee of $6 per child per week is in addition to tuition for any family using our transportation services to and from elementary school.

Late pick up fee is $1 per minute per child. A parent is considered to be late if they are picking up their child later than the agreed upon pick up time on the fee agreement. If a parent is

Cash, direct withdrawal, or credit card may pay tuition.  WellKind School for Early Learners accepts VISA, American Express, Discover, and MasterCard. 

All cash payments must be handed directly to an administrative personnel( no classroom teachers are responsible for accepting payments), or deposited inside a envelope with the child’s name in the locked black payment box located in the Reception Area. If dropped in the lock box, you will receive a receipt at the earliest convenience of the Administration.

Payments made by debit or credit card at the front desk are charged a 2.8% bank convenience fee

There is no extra cost for enrolling with Automated Tuition Deduction. All fees related to tuition such as the Biannual Service Fee, Monthly Educational Fees, Late Pick up Fees or other fees associated with child care or educational needs will be charged in addition to the flat tuition rate.

WellKind School does not charge a bank fee to the customer enrolled in Automated deduction. It is absorbed by the company. All other payments made not using automatic debit payments will be subject to a 2.8% fee in addition.

WellKind School for Early Learners will bill your checking, savings or credit card account on the first day (Monday) of each week.

If WellKind School for Early Learners or the financial Institutions are closed on Monday, the automated tuition will be billed on the Friday proceeding the closure.

It is the customer’s responsibility to notify WellKind School for Early Learners of a change to the account or financial institution by Friday at 5:00pm.

If your payment doesn’t go through for any reason you will be charged a $10 fee and in addition a late payment will be charged to your account unless the balance is reconciled on that same day (Monday).

To enroll in Automatic Payment please refer to:

Annex 1. ACH Credit Authorization Agreement for Direct Payments from a Bank Account

Late Tuition Payments

Non-payment of tuition is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.  Timely payments are essential for continued enrollment at WellKind School for Early Learners.

WellKind School for Early Learners partners with ELRC

Parents who receive subsidy through ELRC for their child must complete all required paperwork on time to continue enrollment at WellKind School for Early Learners.
Parents utilizing ELRC funding are also required to sign a fee agreement agreeing to be
personally responsible for the payment of tuition in the event they become ineligible to receive child care subsidies.

United Way Scholarship for Preschool
WellKind School for Early Learners on behalf of the  United Way offers a Pre-K
Scholarship Program to families with children from 3-5 years of age who meet their and
our qualification guidelines. For a copy of the Scholarship Application and guidelines
please ask the Center Director.

Siblings Discount
WellKind School for Early Learners offers a multiple child discount for one or more
siblings enrolled during the same school year. The youngest sibling pays the full tuition
rate and each additional child’s tuition are discounted. Discounts are only applicable
when tuition payments are made on time. The full tuition rate, plus any additional late
fees will be charged when tuition payments are late as per the late tuition policy stated above.

Private Pay Tuition Vacation and Holidays.

Parents who pay full private pay tuition are allotted a 50% discount of your weekly tuition
rate for one week’s vacation per 12 month calendar year which will be applied the week
of July 4th (Summer Break). If parents choose to take a vacation on another week, they
will be responsible to pay for their regular full week’s tuition. Parents are also given 2-5
sick days (dependent upon contracted days Ex: if your child attends 5 days per week,
your child has 5 usable vacation days) in a 12 month period to be used accordingly
(January 1st-December 31st).
Parents must request that the sick days be applied in writing through emailing
info@wearewellkind.com. Sick days will not be applied unless this written request is
made. When the sick days have been exhausted, parents will be responsible to pay the
full weekly tuition regardless of attendance.

Holidays.

WellKind School for Early Learners. will close for up to 15 business days per year. These 15 closure days include the 5 days of Summer Break (July 4th week). Parents will receive a Holiday Closing schedule upon enrollment and yearly thereafter. Parents should also read the daily Tadpoles Report and Event Calendar in the Main Corridor as a reminder of these dates.

Parents are responsible to pay their full weekly tuition
regardless of a scheduled holiday closing or unscheduled closing due to inclement weather or unforeseen emergency issues. Payment of the full weekly tuition is what
reserves your child’s space in the classroom. Failure to make full weekly tuition
payments may result in suspension or dismissal from the Program. Taking more than the
permitted time off and without timely payments forfeits your child’s space in the classroom and you may be waitlisted and have to reenroll, paying all initial
enrollment fees upon return.

Within WellKind School for Early Learners confidential and sensitive information will only be shared with employees of WellKind School for Early Learners who have a “need to know” in order to most appropriately and safely care for your child.  Confidential and sensitive information about faculty, other parents and/or children will not be shared with parents, as WellKind School for Early Learners strives to protect everyone’s right of privacy.  Confidential information includes, but is not limited to: names, addresses, phone numbers, disability information, health related information, custody information, or any other such information deemed private of anyone associated with WellKind School for Early Learners.

Outside of WellKind School for Early Learners, confidential and sensitive information about a child will only be shared when the parent of the child has given written consent, except where otherwise provided for by law.  Parents will be provided with a document detailing the information that is to be shared outside of WellKind School for Early Learners persons with whom the information will be shared, and the reason(s) for sharing the information. 

Any parent who violates the Confidentiality policy will not be permitted on agency property thereafter.  Refer to the policy regarding Parents Right to Immediate Access for additional information regarding dis-enrollment of a child when a parent is prohibited from accessing agency property.

You may observe children at our center who are disabled or who exhibit behavior that may appear inappropriate (i.e. biting, hitting, and spitting).  You may be curious or concerned about the other child.  Our Confidentiality Policy protects every child’s privacy.  Employees of WellKind School for Early Learners are strictly prohibited from discussing anything about another child with you.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  1/1/15

Under the Child Protective Services Act, mandated reporters are required to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.  The employees of WellKind School for Early Learners are considered mandated reporters, under this law.  The employees of WellKind School for Early Learners are not required to discuss their suspicions with parents prior to reporting the matter to the appropriate authorities, nor are they required to investigate the cause of any suspicious marks, behavior or condition prior to making a report.  Under the Act, mandated reporters can be held criminally responsible if they fail to report suspected abuse or neglect.  We at WellKind School for Early Learners take this responsibility very seriously and will make all warranted reports to the appropriate authorities.   The Child Protective Services Act is designed to protect the welfare and best interest of all children.

As mandated reporters, the staff of WellKind School for Early Learners cannot be held liable for reports made to Child Protective Services which are determined to be unfounded, provided the report was made in “good faith.”

Causes for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect include, but are not limited to:

Unusual bruising, marks, or cuts on the child’s body

Severe verbal reprimands

Improper clothing relating to size, cleanliness, season

Transporting a child without appropriate child restraints (e.g. car seats, seat belts, etc.)

Dropping off or picking up a child while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol

Not providing appropriate meals including a drink for your child

Leaving a child unattended for any amount of time

Failure to attend to the special needs of a disabled child

Sending a sick child to school over medicated to hide symptoms, which would typically require the child to be kept at home until symptoms subside.

Children who exhibit behavior consistent with an abusive situation

WellKind School for Early Learners requires the parents of enrolled children behave at all times in a manner consistent with decency, courtesy, and respect.  One of the goals of WellKind School for Early Learners is to provide the most appropriate environment in which a child can grow, learn and develop.  Achieving this ideal environment is not only the responsibility of the employees of WellKind School for Early Learners but is the responsibility of each and every parent or adult who enters the Center.  Parents are required to behave in a manner that fosters this ideal environment.  Parents who violate the Parent Code of Conduct will not be permitted on agency property thereafter.  Please refer to the Policy on Parent’s Right to Immediate Access for additional information regarding dis-enrollment of the child when a parent is prohibited from accessing agency property.

Swearing and/or Cursing.

No parent or adult is permitted to curse or use other inappropriate language on agency property at any time, whether in the presence of a child or not.  Such language is considered offensive by many people and will not be tolerated.  If a parent or adult feels frustrated or angry, it is more appropriate to verbally express the frustration or anger using non-offensive language.  At NO time shall inappropriate language be directed toward members of the staff. 

Threatening of Employees, Children, Other Parents or Adults associated with WellKind School for Early Learners.

Threats of any kind will not be tolerated.  In today’s society WellKind School for Early Learners cannot afford to sit by idly while threats are made.  In addition, all threats will be reported to the appropriate authorities and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  While apologies for such behavior are appreciated, the agency will not assume the risk of a second chance. 

Parents must be responsible for and in control of their behavior at all times.

Physical/Verbal Punishment of your child or other children at WellKind School for Early Learners.

WellKind School for Early Learners does not support corporal punishment of children and such acts are not permitted in the child care facility. While verbal reprimands may be appropriate, it is not appropriate for parents to verbally abuse their child.  Doing so may cause undue embarrassment or emotional distress.  Parents are always welcome to discuss a behavior issue with the teacher and to seek advice and guidance regarding appropriate and effective disciplinary procedures.

Parents are prohibited from addressing, for the purpose of correction or discipline, a child that is not their own.  Of course, no parent or other adult may physically punish another parent’s child.  If a parent should witness another parent’s child behaving in an inappropriate manner, or is concerned about behavior reported to them by their own child, it is most appropriate for the parent to direct their concern to the classroom teacher and/or Center Director.

Furthermore, it is wholly inappropriate for one parent to seek out another parent to discuss their child’s inappropriate behavior.  All behavior concerns should be brought to the classroom teacher or director’s attention.  At that point, the teacher and/or director will address the issue with the other parent.  Although you may be curious as to the outcome of such a discussion, teachers and/or the Center Director are strictly prohibited from discussing anything about another child with you.  All children enrolled in our agency have privacy rights and are further protected by our Confidentiality Policy.  You may be assured that we will not discuss anything about your child with another parent or adult visiting the center.

Smoking.

For the health of all WellKind School for Early Learners employees, children and associates, smoking is prohibited anywhere on agency property.  Parents are prohibited from smoking in the building, on the grounds, and in the parking lot of WellKind School for Early Learners.  Parents who are smoking in their cars must dispose of the cigarette prior to entering the parking lot. 

Violations of the Safety Policy.

Parents are required to follow all safety procedures at all times.  These procedures are designed not as mere inconveniences, but to protect the welfare and best interest of the employees, children and associates of WellKind School for Early Learners.  Please be particularly mindful of WellKind School for Early Learners entrance procedures.  We all like to be polite however we need to be careful to not allow unauthorized individuals into the center. Holding the door open for the person following you may, in fact, be polite, however that person may not be authorized to enter the premises.  Security procedures are only as strong as the weakest person in our organizational chain.  Be alert and mindful.  Immediately report any breaches to the Center Director. Each parent or guardian has a particular pin number, therefore the person behind you will be able to gain entrance if they are authorized to do so. Please get comfortable saying things such as, “I’m sorry. I am not allowed to let you come in but you may use your pin”, or “I don’t know you. I cannot allow you to enter the building.” Let’s work together to keep our children safe!

Confrontational Interactions with Employees, Other Parents or Associates of WellKind School for Early Learners.

While it is understood that parents will not always agree with the employees of WellKind School for Early Learners or the parents of the other children, it is expected that all disagreements be handled in a calm and respectful manner.  Confrontational interactions are not an appropriate means by which to communicate a point and are strictly prohibited. 

Violations of the confidentiality Policy.

WellKind School for Early Learners takes the responsibility of maintaining the confidentiality of all persons associated with the agency very seriously.  Parents must understand the implications of this responsibility. Parents need to recognize that the Confidentiality Policy not only applies to their child or family, but all children, families and employees associated with WellKind School for Early Learners.  Any parent who shares any information considered to be confidential, pressures employees or other parents for information which is not necessary for them to know, will be considered to be in violation of the Confidentiality Policy.