Thalia Day School Handbook

IMPORTANT
It is important that the Parent keeps this handbook and refers to it throughout the year.

STATEMENT OF MISSION
Thalia Day School (TDS) is a private Christian School dedicated to the overall wellbeing of infant, toddler, and preschool children. Our mission is to provide each child with a stimulating, educational, nurturing environment in a Christian setting. We strive to promote the whole child; emotionally spiritually, physically, socially, and academically.

STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe the Bible to be the holy, inspired, infallible Word of God providing strict rules of faith and practice.
We believe in one God, existing in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ, His sinless life, sensational death, glorious resurrection, and imminent return.
We believe salvation comes by faith alone and exist in the repentant heart, and absolute committal of one’s self to Christ as Savior with purpose to love and obey His written Word.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Thalia Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

STAFF
The administration considers many aspects of an individual in determining the selection of faculty and staff. They must profess faith in Jesus Christ as savior, adhere to Thalia Day School’s Statement of Faith, be a person of moral integrity, have a genuine love for children, and be academically qualified. Our teachers are the backbone of our school and they stand ready to assist in all aspect of your child’s development. All of our teachers undergo thorough background checks before employment.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Thalia Day School’s hours of operation are from 6:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Full time tuition covers up to ten (10) hour per day and part time tuition covers up to twenty (20) hours per Part time students will develop a permanent schedule with the director. This schedule cannot vary in hours or days the child is to be in attendance.

POLICY ON LATE PICK-UP AFTER CLOSING TIME
If your child has not been picked up at the designated closing time, Thalia Day School will contact both parents using the numbers provided on the registration form. You will be charged $1.00 per minute for every minute that your child remains at the center after the designated closing time, regardless of reason. Consistent lateness will be cause for dismissal. Should your child not be picked up within 5 minutes after closing time, we will call the emergency numbers provided on the registration form. In the event your child is not picked up within 1 hour after closing time, we will contact the police and the Department of Social Services.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE AND POLICY
Admission is granted to any one as long as there is space available and the parents are looking for a loving Christian environment for their child. Parents must abide by all school rules and regulations.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND CLOSINGS
School closings and holidays for the current school year can be found with your registration package. Contact the school office if you need a copy.

SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
The decision to close the school when severe weather conditions exist is made by the director. You may call the school office (319-6944) and wait to hear a detailed recorded message, or visit our website at www.thaliadayschool.com to find out the school’s administrative announcement.

** Please remember that we must pay our financial obligations rather we are opened or closed therefore,there is no reduction in tuition for the days the school is closed for holidays, severe weather conditions, or for closings beyond our control such as power outages, etc.

DRESS CODE
Please remember that your child is attending a private Christian school and therefore his or her attire should reflect Christian values and modesty. Thalia Day school reserves the right to require a student change his or her clothes (parents may need to bring a change of clothes to the school). Students or parents refusing to abide by the decision of the director, may result in termination of enrollment. Please send your child to school dressed appropriately for the weather. Make sure your child wears a warm coat, hat, and mittens during the winter months. Update your child’s change of clothes by the season. Remember: if your child cannot participate in outdoor play, please make other day care arrangements (we do not have the staff to individually supervise children outside of their classroom). Clothing will not be provided due to the risk of spreading a communicable disease.

EMERGENCY PROTOCOL
In case there is a need to evacuate the school premises due to an internal emergency such as a fire, gas leak, etc., the children will be walked across the street to Princess Anne High School. Saff members will proceed to call parents/guardians/emergency contacts to explain the situation and further instructions. A staff member will remain with the students at all times until a parent/guardian/emergency contact can arrange for pick up.

If the school is ordered to evacuate by a state or federal department due to an external emergency such as toxic spill, biohazard, etc. that would involve the neighborhood, community, entire state or country, the children will be brought to our other school location Kings Grant Day School located at 873 Little Neck Road. If both locations are involved in the evacuation the children will be brought to our primary emergency shelter. This shelter, designated by the American Red Cross, is located at Cox High School, 2425 Shorehaven Drive. In the event that the Primary shelter is unavailable, then the children will be transported to our designated alternate shelter, First Colonial High School, at 1272 Mill Dam Road. Staff members will proceed to call parents/guardians/emergency contacts to explain the situation and further instructions. A staff member will remain with the students at all times until a parent/guardian/emergency contact can arrange for pick up.

Emergency numbers to keep in the event of an emergency are:

Kings Grant Day School ………………………………… 431-9744

Cox High …………..……………………………………….. 496-6767

First Colonial High …………………………………………496-6711

Cell Phone…………………………………………………..319-6881

MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Should a medical emergency arise that is a result of an injury/health condition, the following procedure will be followed:

Depending on the severity of the injury/health condition, the parent may not be the first person notified. Staff members trained in First Aid and/or CPR will evaluate the situation and make a determination at the time. In the event of a severe or life threatening situation, 911 will be called. Staff members will then proceed to notify the parents, guardians, or emergency contacts to explain the event and further instructions. A staff member will remain with the child until a family member, or their designated representative, can arrange to be with the child.

In a case where the situation is not a life-threatening emergency, but requires further attention, then the parents would be the first persons contacted. Should the parents not be reachable, then the child’s emergency contacts would be notified. If neither parent nor emergency contact can be reached, then the child will continue to be monitored at the school. If it is determined by the staff that further attention is needed or the condition is worsening, then the child’s physician or 911 will be called for further assessment of the child’s condition and their instructions will be followed.

For minor injuries/accidents/incidents the parents/guardians will be notified via and INCIDENT/ACCIDENT REPORT at the end of the day.

PARENTAL AGREEMENT
It is the belief of the administration at TDS that parents are critical in nurturing and educating their children. TDS assists the parents, but does not replace the parents. Students will not development physically, emotionally, spiritually, or academically without parental involvement. Therefore, we want parents to be an active part in their child’s daycare/school experience. Parents will also be asked to help with school functions (fundraisers, field trips, etc.).

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Registration and information form (before admittance)

2. Cooperation card (before admittance)

3. Immunization record (before admittance)

4. Physical Form (within 30 days of admittance)

5. Birth certificate (within 7 days of admittance)

6. All fees paid

IMMUNIZATION
Parents are required to keep their child’s school records updated, including immunizations. It is the parent’s obligations to make doctors appointment in advance to ensure that immunizations are administered on time. Parents failing to keep children’s records updated, (immunizations, emergency contacts, etc) will be cause for dismissal.

CURRICULUM
Thalia Day School will utilize the A - Beka curriculum for our preschool children.

A - Beka is a Christian based curriculum used by thousands of Christian schools throughout the world and is based on its strong academic foundation, emphasizing traditional methods of biblical, moral, and character development.

DISCIPLINE

INFANT

Infants will not be disciplined in any way or form. Infants shall be nurtured and showered with attention to enable them to feel secure and loved.

TODDLERS

Discipline for toddlers shall be redirection of negative behaviors administered with lots of love, patience, and understanding. Toddlers want to explore and learn about the world around them and we want to provide them every opportunity to enhance their explorations in a safe nurturing atmosphere.

PRESCHOOL

Discipline for preschoolers shall include redirection of negative behaviors, positive reinforcement, consistency in following rules, and once again, administered with lots of love, patience, and understanding. Time out is a last resort in discipline for our preschool children.

We do want our children to grow and mature, and to learn to accept the responsibilities and obligations of good citizenship and Christian character. Therefore, we will expect our preschool children to begin to learn self-discipline and to demonstrate reasonable standards of behavior. The parent may be call to pick up their child if their child demonstrates unacceptable behaviors at school. It is expected that the parent or someone designated by the parent (put be on pick up list, or name given by the parent) will pick the child up within the hour. Failure to pick a child up within the hour may be cause for dismissal.

Reasons for Termination with One Week Notice Include but are not limited to:

· Biting (three or more occurrences)

· Throwing chairs or other objects

· Fighting or harming student/teacher

· Indecent, inappropriate, or racist language or behaviors

WITHDRAWALS
All withdrawals from TDS must go through the school office. A two week written notice is required prior to the withdrawal of a student. The school reserves the right to drop a participant for reasons of non-cooperation, delinquency in payment of fees, or the inability of a child or parent to adjust to the school program.

*Student records, report cards, information, etc., will not be forwarded to another school, to another day care, or to the parent, until all financial obligations are paid in full.

HOMEWORK
All preschool children at TDS will receive homework every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Homework will not be given on Wednesday or Friday nights because we want to encourage church and family time.

ABSENCES and LATE ARRIVAL
Parents are asked to call the school, if possible, and inform us of the reason for the child’s absence. State regulations require parents to inform the school within twenty-four (24) hours of any communicable diseases in their household.

You are never really late. Infants and Toddlers are pretty much on their own schedules. We do ask that you inter the room quietly in case there is a sleeping child.

Preschool children do have an academic time. Academics start at 9:00 a.m. and end approximately 11:30. If you arrive during academic time we ask that you escort your child to his room and let him enter quietly by his or her self.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
Medication may be administrated during school hours. If a student is to receive any medication while at school, the parent or guardian must complete an Authorization Form. This form can be obtained through the school office. We cannot give any medication if this form is not filled out in advance. The school Authorization Form is good for ten days. If your child needs medication for a longer duration or for the entire school year, a different Authorization Form can be filled out and signed by your child’s family doctor. This form may be obtained at the school office or your doctor’s office. All Authorization Forms must include the following: Students full name, dosage to be given, time of day medication is to be given (“as needed” is not acceptable), duration (five days, entire school year, etc.). If there is not a specific time to be given, then a list of symptoms for when to administer the medication must be provided. All medication must be in its original container labeled with the child’s full name and must contain the age/weight appropriate dosage to be given.

POLICY REGARDING APPLICATION OFSUNSCREEN
The center will provide a brand named sunscreen to be used during the summer months (June - August). The brand of sunscreen will be announced via monthly newsletter and on an individual sunscreen permission form. Parents must completely fill out, sign and date the individual sunscreen permission form authorizing the center to apply the sunscreen. Parents may bring their own sunscreen if they want a different brand. Due to student health and liability concerns sunscreen will be applied only to those students with a completely filled out, signed, and dated permission form. Sunscreen must be locked up and cannot be kept in book bags or cubbies.

POLICY REGARDING APPLICATION OFDIAPER OINTMENT/CREAM
The center will apply diaper ointment /cream. If needed, the parent must provide diaper ointment/cream. All over-the-counter diaper ointment/cream must be labeled with the student’s full name and be within the expiration date. Parents must sign a permission form allowing the center to apply diaper ointment/cream. Instructions on ointment/cream will be followed. All prescription diaper ointment/cream requires a physician’s authorization form. Diaper ointment/cream must be locked up and cannot be kept in book bags or cubbies...

POLICY REGARDING APPLICATION OFINSECT REPELLENT
The center will apply insect repellent. If needed, the parent must provide the insect repellent. The repellent must be labeled with the student’s full name and be within the expiration date. Instruction on the repellent will be followed. Parents must sign a permission form allowing the center to apply insect repellent. All insect repellent must be locked up and cannot be kept in book bags or cubbies...

LINES OF AUTHORITY
If you ever have problems or concerns we do want to know about them. We ask that you always attempt to work out problems first with your child’s teacher. If the problem cannot be resolved at this level please bring it to our director and then to our administrator if need. Please bring all financial concerns to our office manager. If the problem cannot be resolved at this level please bring it to our director and then to our administrator.

PARENT’S RIGHTS
We encourage parent involvement and our doors are always open to custodial parents. In the case of custodial disputes court documents are required to decline parental admittance to a student. The proper authority, the other parent, and or the emergency contact will be immediately contacted if the center has any concern for a student’s safety or well being. This includes but is not limited to: custodial concerns or condition of person picking up student.

UNACCEPTABLE FORMS OF DISCIPLINE
Students should be treated with respect and love. Positive reinforcement and redirection should be our first line of discipline. Time out will be used as a last resort. Parents will be called for continued behavior problems. At no time will the following forms of discipline be used by any employee of the center: spanking, rough handling, shaking, binding, or the usage of demeaning verbal remarks. The withholding or forcing of food, rest, or exercise in not permitted.

ILLNESS
If your child has a temperature of 101 degrees or more, do not send him or her to school. If your child develops a temperature at school of 101 degrees or more, a parent or guardian will be contacted immediately and will be asked to pick their child up from school within the hour. For the welfare of all our students, a child that is unable to participate in the full program (including outdoor activities) or has the following symptoms must be kept at home: a temperature of 101 degrees or more, intestinal disturbances accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting, any undiagnosed rash, sore or discharging eyes or ears, or profuse nasal discharge. Students must be fever, diarrhea and vomiting free for 24 hours without the aid of medication in order to return to school.

PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION
Parents will receive daily reports on their child’s school day. If you ever have any concerns, we ask that you make an appointment to speak with your child’s teacher. Remember, the teacher cannot properly attend to her class and speak with parents at the same time; this is why we ask you to make an appointment.

EXTENDED CURRICULUM
Bible class is offered to our preschool children

STUDENT RELEASE RESTRICTION
Students will only be released to persons listed on the student’s authorization list. Proper identification will be required. Acceptable identification is a state or government issued photo id. Parents may update the authorization list and make changes at anytime. However, the update must be written on the list by the parent, dating and initialing the update.

SUMMER PROGRAM
Thalia Day School offers an exciting and fun-filled summer program with many creative activities and in-house field trips.

PATRIOTISM AND PLEDGE
Patriotism will be promoted in each classroom. The Pledge of Allegiance and patriotic songs will be a daily part of the school. Each student is required to participate.

PRAYER
Prayer and Bible study will be held in each classroom during the morning hour. Each meal will begin with grace. All students are required to participate.

NAPTIME
An afternoon naptime is provided each day for all toddler and preschool age children. Toddler and preschool children will sleep on mat provided by the school. The school will also furnish sheets and blankets. Children may bring one small sleeping buddy. Please make sure the sleeping buddy does not make noise. Sheets and blankets will be washed weekly by the school.

Cribs will be provided for all children under the age of one and for older children not ready to sleep on a mat. The school will attempt to encourage students to sleep on mats when they reach their first birthday. The school will provide all sheets and blankets. Crib sheets will be washed daily by the school.

CHANGE OF CLOTHES
Please provide at least two (2) changes of clothes to be kept at the school for your child with the child’s name on all items. Update as needed based on use, season, and child’s development.

LUNCH AND SNACKS
The center will provide Good Start Baby Formula for children 6 weeks to 12 months. If a child needs a different formula, the parent must provide the formula. There is no deduction in tuition for bringing your own formula.

Lunch and snacks are provided for toddlers and preschoolers. We ask that food not be brought from home accept in cases of allergies or health requirements determined to be medically necessary by a physician.

PARTIES
Your child’s class will be planning parties throughout the year. To ensure sanitary food preparations we require that all food/party items brought in for a party (including birthdays) must be store bought and in its original container. For convenience, the school attempts to plan all parties for the entire school on the same day. Please note that we do not celebrate Halloween, but we do celebrate Harvest Time, therefore no scary costumes, ghosts, witches, monsters, or bloody characters will be permitted. If you do not want your child to participate in a party, it is your responsibility to make other daycare arrangements for your child. A student may not sit in the reception area, another classroom, or in the office on party days. Office staff is in and out and therefore your child cannot be supervised properly.

VIEWING OF STUDENT RECORDS
Student records are treated as confidential material, and the rights of privacy for each parent and child are safeguarded. Upon request, a parent or guardian may view the child’s records.

ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER CHANGE
Any time an address or phone number (home, work, and/or cell) is changed the school office must be notified immediately.

TUITION
Tuition may be paid by the year, by the semester, by the monthly, or weekly. It is important that tuition be paid on time so the school will have the proper funds to operate in an efficient manner.

Tuition Payment Plans:

Yearly payment plan
Entire tuition paid at time of registration. $200.00 will be deducted from your yearly
tuition. To receive the $200.00 deduction yearly fee must be paid at time of registration.

Semester payment plan
½ yearly tuition due at registration
Second half of tuition due in January
$100.00 will be deducted from your second semester payment.

Monthly payment plan
Payments not received by the fifth (5) of each month
will automatically be assessed a $25.00 late fee.

Weekly payment plan
Payments not received by close Tuesday of the current week
will be assessed a $20.00 late fee

Remember, tuition reserves the student’s classroom place. If tuition laps without office approval, the child’s place may be forfeited and given to someone on our wait list. There are no deductions in tuition due to illness, holidays, inclement weather, unforeseen events, or vacations other than 5 free vacation days per year

Should it become necessary to take legal action for past due accounts all attorney fees and court costs will be paid by the parents or guardians.

REGISTRATION
A registration fee is due every September or upon registration. The registration fee is non-refundable. Should a student withdraw during the school year, a new registration fee must be paid to re-enroll.

SUPPLY FEES
A supply fee is due twice per year once in the fall and once in the summer. The supply fee pays for supplies needed throughout the year.

RETURNED CHECKS
Checks returned for insufficient funds will automatically be assessed a $35.00 fee. After two (2) checks are returned due to insufficient funds all future payments must be made with a certified check, cash, or money order.

VACATION DAYS
All students will receive five (5) free vacation days during one registration year. All registrations will begin in September and all students will begin with five vacation days. Vacation days will be forfeited in the event your child is withdrawn or terminated.

FUNDRAISERS
Thalia Day School is a private Christian school and, as such, receives no funds or grants from the federal, state, or local governments. Therefore, the cost of many improvements, additions, and repairs must come through donations and fundraising activities. We encourage all parents to participate in the school’s fundraisers.

TOYS
We provide toys. Therefore, toys are not to be brought from home, except on show-and-tell days. Fighting toys (guns, knives, swords, etc.) shall not be brought at any time. Those students that nap are allowed one “special” toy to be taken out at naptime and put away when nap is over.

GRANDPARENT’S DAY
Grandparents are invited to visit their grandchild’s preschool classroom on this day. If distance prohibits a grandparent from coming, the child may “adopt” a grandparent for the day. Dates will be announced.

PARENT’S DAY
Parents are invited to visit their child’s preschool classroom on this day. Dates will be announced.

PARKING
Parents should park on the Virginia Beach Blvd. side of our school and enter through the red gate.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT
TDS will report all cases of suspected child abuse and neglect as required by law.

COMMUNICATION
If you ever have any questions or concerns contact the director/office manager. If she cannot assist you please ask to speak with the administrator. Although, we may not be able to implement all suggestions, we encourage you to discuss any new ideas that may help in attaining our common goal: to maintain a safe, healthy, nurturing, and educating environment that promotes the growth of all involved; students, family and staff.