Coming Soon...

 

 
Ages in Stages
"Where smiles are contagious"
8658 9th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98106
206-762-5683

P

A
R
E
N
T
 
 
Hours

 

H

A
N
D
B
O
O
K
 
 
 
 
7:00am - 6:00pm

 

Monday – Friday
 
 
 
Finger Paint
                    
Hours of operation
 
            
 
 
 
 
 
           Ages in Stages                          7:00 am to 6:00 pm
            8658 9th Ave. SW                    206-762-5683
            Seattle, WA. 98106                Ages: 1 month to 12 years
 
We will be closed under the following conditions: No power, water or heat. We will also be closed during snow and various holidays. Please see the Snow Closure and Holiday section.
 
Admission For Care
 
To reduce the normal separation fear a child may have when entering a new environment, we ask that you bring your child(ren) to visit the center prior to their first day of care. It will be necessary for the parent(s) to fill out and return the following forms before the first day of care:

1.      Registration Paperwork
2.      Certificate of Immunization Status (Shot Record)
3.      USDA Income Eligibility Application
4.      Payment/Service Contract
5.      Annual Registration Fee
 
Children who leave for a period of three months or more will need to complete #1-5 above in order to re-register your child(ren).
 
Upon registering your child there will be a two-week transition/review period for the child, the parents, and the center. We offer this two-week transition period to ensure that all parties are satisfied and all expectations have been met.
 
Termination of Care
 
If the parent chooses to terminate their child’s enrollment, we ask that the parent give a two-week written notice to the Director. The parent is responsible for all tuition due through the date of termination.
 
If the center chooses to terminate the care of the child, the parent will be given a two-week notice of termination. The parent will be responsible for all monies due through the date of termination.
 
Arrival at the Center
 
Below are the steps to follow each day as you arrive at the center:
 
  1. Arrive by 9:30am each day!
  2. You must Sign your child in on your child’s sign in/out sheet each morning. The sign- in books are located in the classroom. Please do not drop your child off at the door.
  3. Escort your child to the classroom and place their belongings in their assigned cubby.
  4. Take them to wash their hands with soap and warm water.
  5. Make the teacher aware of your child’s arrival.
 
Departure of the Center 
 
Below are the steps to follow each day as you depart from the center:
 
  1. Your child must be picked up within 9 hours of arrival and no later than 6:00pm.
  2. Sign your child out on your child’s sign in/out sheet each evening.
  3. Make the teacher aware of your child’s departure.
  4. Escort your child from the classroom out of the building. Never leave your child unattended in the parking lot.
 
Please be aware that we will not release your child to anyone without written consent from the custodial parent, parents or guardian. The person needs to be over the age of 18. The person picking up the child must have picture ID. We will make a copy of the ID for the child’s’ file. In the case of an emergency, consent over the phone can be obtained.
 
If at any time we feel that the adult picking up the child is under the influence of drugs or alcohol we will not be able to legally stop them from leaving the center with the child, but we will call 911 and report the person. The incident will also then be reported to Child Protective Services. We are not responsible for the child once they have left the center.

Snow Closures and Holidays
 
The center will be closed on the following days:
1.      New Years Day (January) *               
2.      Presidents Day (February)
3.      Memorial Day (May)
4.      4th of July (July)
5.      Labor Day (September) If there is opportunity, we may have a staff retreat on this weekend, which will include the prior Thursday and Friday. You will be given at least a three-month notice.
6.      Veteran’s Day (November)
7.      Thanksgiving Day and Friday After (November)
8.      Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December) *
 
* If the holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday we may choose to close for an extra day. All parents will be notified in advance if this should occur.
 
Snow days: We will close the center when the Seattle School Dist. is closed due to snow closure. If they are opening late so are we.
 
Payment Procedures
 
All tuition payments are due by the 5th of the month in advance. On the 6th a $10.00 per day late fee will be assessed and your childcare will be terminated until full payment is received, unless previous arrangements have been made. This includes co-payments through DSHS, Late fees, and any other miscellaneous fees. All families are required to sign a payment contract. There is an annual registration fee of $100.00. We will notify you of when the fee is due and add it to your tuition.
 
Overtime Rate
 
An overtime rate will be charged for children who stay past their allotted 9 hours per day.Charge is $1.00 per minute after 9 hours. If your child is at the center past our 6:00pm closing time you will be charged at the rate of $1.00 per child/per minute of care. (Example: 1 child x 6 minutes = $6.00      2 children x 6 minutes = $12.00) The late fee is due immediately.
 
 
Absent/Ill Children
 
If your child is ill, has a doctor’s appointment, or absent for other reasons, please call and let us know. We need to know when children are out due to illness, so that we can make the other parents aware of an illness spreading through the center. There will be no deductions for missed days. If you are subsidized through DSHS we are only paid for five (5) absences per month. So please make sure you bring your child everyday so that we can hold your spot.
 
Please keep your child home for the following reasons:
 
§         Fever of 100.1 F or higher under the arm within a 24 hour period
§         Diarrhea 3 or more times within a 24 hour period
§         Eye Discharge or Pink Eye
§         Vomiting 2 or more times within a 24 hour period
§         Draining Rash
§         Fatigue that prevents participation in regular activities
§         Open or oozing sores
§         Lice or Scabies
§         All children sent home from the center, will need to be free of symptoms and/or on medication for a 24-hour period before returning to the center.
 
Absences/Holidays/Vacation/Snow Days will NOT be refunded. It is helpful to think of your child-care spot as something you purchase each month. It belongs to you, whether you use it or not.
 
Part Time Care
 
If you have requested part time care you are responsible to pay for your chosen days, even if your child is absent. If you request an additional day you will be charged the daily rate, if a space is available. There will be no trading of days.
 
Medication Policy
 
It is essential that we take precautions regarding the administration of medication. We may administer medication under certain conditions.
 
1.      All medication shall be administered only with written consent from the parent or guardian.
2.      Prescription medications shall be administered only as directed on the label or as otherwise authorized by a physician.
3.      Non-prescription medications like antihistamines; non-aspirin fever reducers; non-narcotic cough suppressants; decongestants; anti-itching ointments; diaper rash ointments or powders; and sun screen may be administered with written parent consent as long as your child’s current age/weight is listed on the medication package.
4.      Medications must be stored in the original containers. The container must have the child’s name and date of expiration.
5.      Any medication that says “under 2 years call a doctor” WE MUST HAVE DOCTOR’S NOTE IN ORDER TO GIVE IT TO THE CHILD
 
The medication forms are kept in the hanging file on the wall next to the lobby.
Once you have filled out the medication form and the medication meets the above standards, please give the medication and the form to your child’s teacher. We will then store the medication in the proper location to ensure the safety of our children.
 
 
Medical/Minor Emergencies
 
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, we will take the following action: One staff member will stay with the injured child while another staff member will call 911 for help. We will call the parent as soon as 911 have been contacted. An injury report will be filled out and signed by the parent at the time they arrive. The report will be filed in the child’s log. In the event of a minor injury, an injury report will be filled out for the parent to sign when they arrive at the center. If the child has a large bruise or mark the Director will decide as to whether or not to contact the parent.
 
Meals
Our center participates in the USDA Food Program. We serve the following meals each day:
§         Breakfast          7:30-8:00am
§         AM Snack       9:45-10:00am
§         Lunch               11:45-12:15pm
§         PM Snack        3:15-3:30pm
 
Your child must arrive by 7:50 in order to be fed breakfast. All children will be served everything on the menu. If they choose not to eat a certain item, that will be their choice. We will do our best to encourage the children to taste each item they are served. We ask that you do not bring your child into the center with food in hand such as McDonald’s, chips, or soda because this is not fair to the other children in the classroom.
 
 
Food Allergies/Intolerance/Restricted Meals
 
If your child has a valid food allergy or intolerance, you will be required to have your child’s doctor fill out a Report of Food Allergy/Intolerance form. We must have this form in your child’s file at the time of enrollment. If your child may not consume a certain food because of religious reasons, then you will need to give us a list of foods that your child can have in place of the item and we will then make a substitution during that meal.
 
 
 
Items from Home
 
All children need to have a change of clothes in their cubby at all times. If we do not have any extra clothing for your child to wear, then we will call you at work to bring in a change of clothing. If your child is using formula, baby food, pacifiers, and/or diapers/pull-ups, then you will need to provide these items. Items such as candy, junk food, and toys should be left at home at all times. We will provide such items as blankets, sheets, baby bottles (unless you choose to bring your own) and baby wipes. If you choose to bring your child’s own blanket, you will need to take it home every Friday to be washed and then return it on Monday or allow us to wash it. All items need to be labeled with your child’s name. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS.
 
Holiday and Birthday Celebrations
 
We are open to celebrating all holidays and birthdays. If at any time you do not want your child to participate in an activity, then please inform us as soon as possible. We will plan a different activity for your child during that time.
 
Parent/Staff Communication
 
Please feel free to communicate with your child’s teacher on a daily basis in order to find out how your child’s day has been. If at any time a staff member has a concern regarding your child’s behavior then they will inform the Director and the Director will speak with the parent. We have an open door policy and would like our parents and children to feel welcome in our program, if at any time you have a question or concern then please see the Director.
 
 
Guidance Policy
 
At Ages in Stages we strive to create an interesting and exciting environment in which your child can grow. Our goal is to guide the children’s behavior to help them gain control of themselves and interact with others in an appropriate manner. On occasion we may need to correct a child for inappropriate behavior. We use guidance techniques that are age appropriate, fair, consistent and positive. We do not administer cruel, unusual, hazardous, frightening, or humiliating discipline. We use redirection, problem solving techniques and time outs.
 
When a child is out of control (i.e.: throwing a temper tantrum, kicking, hitting, biting another person, or screaming) they will be removed from the classroom until they have calmed down. If the child continues to disrupt the entire classroom after they have been returned to the classroom, the Director will decide whether or not to call the parent.
 
There are children who need more care than we can possibly give. If we feel that the child’s behavior is a safety issue we will inform the parent or guardian so that we can find a way to work with your child. If we continue to have problems we can access our resources through the Seattle-King County Health Department. We will take the following steps when a child’s discipline becomes an issue:
 
1.      Conference between Teacher, Child and the Director. Director will also talk to the parent at this time.
2.      Conference between Teacher, Parent and the Director.
3.      Have the Parent sign a Health Department Screening form and call our Health Nurse.
4.      Have the child screened to determine if we can accommodate the child in a better manner.
5.      Termination. A two-week notice will be given so that the parent can find a suitable center for their child. Termination is a last resort.
 
 
 
Child Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
 
Child abuse and neglect is recognized as a serious threat to the lives of today’s children who are tomorrow’s adults. As childcare professionals we are mandated to report suspected child abuse. Staff will document any signs of physical injury, mental injury, sexual abuse, and/or neglect. We will report any signs of child abuse that we see come into the center. If a staff member using any physical force with a child, immediate termination will take place as well as the incident reported to Child Protective Services.
 
Field Trips
 
All field trips will be planned in advance. For special field trips there will be a permission slip in your child's sign in & out sheet. We will list the date, time and any other specific information on the permission slip. All field trips will be within walking distance or we will use Metro Public Transportation. Taking Nature walks or walks to nearby parks will be done according to ongoing consent. If you do not sign the form your child will be left behind with other children in another classroom.
 
 
 
School Transportation
 
We only serve children who attend Highland Park Elementary School. We will walk them to and from each school day. We do not provide transportation to and from Head Start programs. If your child attends a Head Start program within the Seattle School Dist., then the school will help you set-up transportation.
 
 
Non-Discrimination Policy
 
Ages in Stages will not discriminate on the basis of color, race, creed, disabilities, religious beliefs, gender, martial or family status, age, political beliefs or sexual orientation. The center will make reasonable accommodations for physical and mental limitations of disabled children in care or seeking care. 
 
Crisis/Disaster Response Handbook
  
We have a notebook that is kept in the office for you to preview. It has the following topics in it. Emergency Phone Numbers, Missing Child, Kidnapping, Child Abuse, Assault on Child or Staff, Fire alarm/Emergency, Gas Leak, Earthquake, Flooding, Building & Site Evacuation, Field Trip Incident, Power Outage, Storms & Snow, External & Internal Hazardous Materials Accident, Shelter-in-Place Procedure, Bomb Treat, Emergency Lockdown/Intruder Alert Procedure, Crisis Response and Suspicious Mail or Package. If we have a natural disaster or a fire and we cannot stay in the building we will be at Highland Park Elementary School
        1012 SW Trenton St. Seattle, WA 98106  
206-252-8240
 
 
Pesticides Policy
 
We have a notebook that is kept in the office that comes from the Washington State Dept of Agriculture. It has the following topics in it. Posting requirements, Record keeping requirements, Licensing requirements, Storage Requirements, Disposal Requirements, Law related to Daycare, Commercial application posting law and storage rules. We will notify you 48 hours in Advance of any pesticide spraying. The notice will be in your sign in/out sheets.
 
Ages in Stages
8658 9th Ave SW
Seattle, WA     98106
206-762-5683
Stacie Blair – Director
 
 
I, _______________________________, have read and understood the Parent Handbook for Ages in Stages Childcare
 
·        I do not have any questions at this time.
 
 
·        I have a question(s) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
Signature _____________________________ Date ___________________
 
Updated 2/3/2011