Adult / Child Ratios

Open Door Policy

The center complies with and is licensed by the Ohio Department of Human Services. A copy of our license is posted in the administrative office. Parents are welcome to review the laws and rules governing day care center. Please speak with the director.

All of our parents and guardians are welcome to visit all areas of the center at any time, but are asked to check in with the director upon entering the center.

For the safety and protection of your child, this open - door policy is limited to custodial parents and guardians of children enrolled in our program.

Non-custodial parents and other relatives and friends of children enrolled will not be afforded this open-door visitation policy unless we have signed and dated written permission from the parent or legal guardian.

• The Ohio Department of Human Services, toll free number 1-800-686-1581, may be used by any person to report suspected violations by the center. (Chapter 5104 of the Revised Code or Chapter 5101:2 - 12 of the Administrative Code.
  
• A roster of names and telephone numbers of parents, custodians or guardians of the children attending the center is available from the director. The roster shall be prepared in accordance with rule 5101:2 - 12 - 54 of the administrative code. The roster will not include the name or number of any parent who does not choose to be listed. The roster will be up-dated each September. We ask that this roster NEVER be used for commercial purpose.
  
• The center's licensing record includes but is not limited to, compliance and evaluation report includes butis not limited to, compliance and evaluation report forms from the Department of Human Services, Fire and Health Departments. Inspections have been done by these departments on a regular basis. These records are available upon request from the Department of Human Services.

It is unlawful for the center to discriminate in the enrollment of children upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Children with special needs will be evaluated on an individual basis and welcomed into our program whenever appropriate . An IEP will be on file addressing the individual needs of the child.

Pre-admission interview
A Pre-admission interview will be conducted before the child's first day at the center. The parent/guardian will meet with an administrator or designated staff person, tour the center, meet the staff members and discuss the child's orientation. Your questions and detailed explanation of the program will be discussed. This is a good time to begin our communications by reviewing the policies and procedures listed in the Parent Handbook and the appropriate forms which include tuition information. If within the first 30 days of enrollment, the center or parents do not feel comfortable with the placement, enrollment can be terminated with no penalty.

Tuition
Written tuition information will be included in your Pre-Admission packet and will be discussed during your Pre- admission interview.

Time of Operation
The Center will be open weekdays from 6:30 a. m. to 6:00 p. m. The center will be closed for seven major holidays. Parents are notified of these days well in advance and are billed for these days.

It is very important that families DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 6:30 A. M. and it is equally important that the CHILDREN ARE PICKED UP NO LATER THAN 6:00 P. M.

Late Fees
Although our staff is dedicated, each staff member has a family and home for which he/she is responsible. In case of emergency, please notify the center immediately. A fee will be charged for late pick-up. If tardiness is habitual, your child will be asked to leave the center.

THE FEE IS TO BE PAID IMMEDIATELY AND DIRECTLY TO THE CHILD'S TEACHER. THE LATE FEE IS $5.00 FOR EACH AND EVERY 15 MINUTE BLOCK OF TIME AFTER 6:00.

Late fees:
6: 00-6:15 = $5.00
6:15-6:30 = $10.00
6:30-6:45 = $15.00
6:45-7:00 = $20.00

In the event a parent will be late in picking up a child, it is expected that every attempt will be made to contact L. C. C.C. to inform the staff of the delay and the expected time of arrival. If a parent is extremely late and all attempts to reach emergency contacts have failed, the child will be taken to the Lakewood Police Department.

In the rare case of severe weather or blizzard, every attempt will be made to open the center for parents who must go to work. Please listen to FOX 8 NEWS for the listing of our center, IF we should ever have to close. If your child will not be attending due to inclement weather, please let us know as soon as possible.

The children in the Kinders Program must attend a morning kindergarten session at a nearby school. Our van will pick up the children at their various schools and return them to the Center. On most school holidays , we offer a full day program from 6:30 a. m. to 6:00 p. m.

School aged child care is only offered at Lincoln Elementary school, 15614 Clifton Boulevard, for children attending Lincoln Elementary School. Hours of operation are on school days from 7:00 a. m. to 9:00 a. m. and from 3:00 to 6:00 p. m.

Separation
Separation may be painful for the children and their parents. Some children at certain ages have more difficulty than others. Be assured that we will help your child and acknowledge his/her feelings as he/she works through these normal developmental stages. Again, the parent's positive and understanding attitudes are most important. Simple daily routines make children comfortable.

1. Spend a few minutes in your child's classroom.
2. ALWAYS tell your child (using approximately the same words each day) that you need to leave but will return for him/her.
3. Give your child lots of hugs and kisses and say "goodbye."
4. Depart. It can be painful if parents stay too long.

If your child has or develops separatio anxiety, the administrators or teachers will be happy to discuss your child's situation with you in more detail and give you regular progress reports.