You are encouraged to visit the Center and meet informally with the staff on a regular basis. We believe your active participation improves the quality of your child’s experience here. Connection between home and Center increases your child’s sense of security. We want to establish and maintain a relationship of mutual support, trust, and respect.
A newsletter is published every month. We welcome your contributions. In addition, we ask for your support during any of the various fundraising events we hold each year. You are welcome to volunteer time and talent and we value your thoughts about what we do. Please feel free to speak with our Executive Director or our Program Director. They want to hear your ideas and concerns. We look forward to getting to know you!
The Brockport Child Development Center opened on October 30, 1972 under the name of Brockport Child Care Center. The Center changed its name in April 2006 to better reflect the work that we do. The Center has been located on the State University College Campus in Brockport, New York since 1983. Operating as a Not‑for‑Profit New York State Licensed Day Care Center, the Brockport Child Development Center is dedicated to the care and education of children ranging in age from eight weeks to twelve years.
An elected Board of Directors consisting of parents of enrolled children, SUNY Staff members, SUNY students and other community members governs the Center.
The Board has the responsibility of setting general policies and guidelines, reviewing and monitoring finances and budgets, and hiring and setting the salary of the Executive Director. The Executive Director is the spokesperson for BCDC. Most of the Board’s work is done within committee structures. The Board meets on the third Monday of each month. Board meetings are open to the public, except in special circumstances. If you wish to speak at a Board Meeting, please notify the office in writing and your name will be placed on the agenda. The names and addresses of all Board members are available in the office.
Brockport Child Development Center believes the desire to learn is inborn and that learning is a natural process. Our goal is to allow that process to unfold and enhance it as it does. The most important things we can teach children are that they are lovable; they are capable; they are irreplaceable; and for them all things are possible.
Brockport Child Development Center further believes that children develop best in an environment which meets certain needs. Following is a list of those needs and the way the Center strives to meet them.
The Need to Feel Safe, Protected and Loved
We meet this need by providing clean, well‑ordered, and hazard‑free rooms; by providing soft chairs/couches, rugs, and laps; providing rules, which are in place to protect, not prohibit ‑ to develop, not diminish. Above all else, we meet this need by providing hugs, back rubs, reassuring pats on the back and affirmation from responsive and responsible teachers. You must sign your child/children in and out daily. Additionally, Brockport Child Development Center will not release a child to anyone without your authorization. A written permission card with names of those who are allowed to pick up the child must be completed upon registration. Any daily changes in picking up may be written on the sign‑in/sign‑out sheet. Picture identification will be requested if the staff is unfamiliar with the person picking up the child. Please inform all authorized escorts of this requirement. These procedures are required to provide a safe and protected environment for the children.
The Need for Physical Activity
Brockport Child Development Center realizes that children have a tremendous appetite for physical movement. To meet this need both indoor and outdoor activities are provided. The large‑motor room is used daily by all classrooms and outdoor play is encouraged when weather permits. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather. During the summer, a bathing suit, towel, hat and a bottle of sunscreen are necessary. Boots, hats and mittens should be sent during the winter months. Snow pants or extra pants are also necessary. Safe and appropriate shoes or sneakers or rubber-soled shoes are needed all year. Unless it is raining, bitterly cold, or dangerously hot we will be going outside each day. All children are expected to take part in outdoor activities unless staff are otherwise instructed by a note from your child's physician.
The Need for Nourishing Food and Adequate Rest
We meet this need by providing breakfast, lunch and snacks that meet or exceed CACFP (New York State Health Department) requirements for children ages one to twelve. Menus will be posted weekly. Children are encouraged to try all menu items, however, no child is forced to eat. Please do not send additional food with your child. Food substitutions are only allowed for children with diagnosed food allergies. A rest/nap time is part of each room’s daily routine. Security blankets or special sleep toys are welcome. Please bring a blanket to be left at the Center. Blankets should be taken home on Friday to be laundered. All items should be clearly marked with your child's name. So that your child may enjoy lunch and benefit from an uninterrupted rest time we ask that you drop off your child no later than 11:00 am. Please let your child’s teacher know if you need to pick up your child during rest time. We ask that you keep these disturbances to a minimum.
The Need for Intellectual Stimulation
We meet this need by supporting each child at his or her individual development level; at the same time gently challenging and encouraging extension of that level by providing materials which introduce basic concepts of color, shape, size, number, letter, time, measurement, and language usage. We provide art and musical experiences which stress the process, not the product; and we provide supportive teachers who observe and respond to your child’s use of materials in ways which expand that usage.
The Need to Re‑discover the World and Explore Their Unique Place Within It
Play is the primary activity of childhood. It is how children make sense out of experience. Brockport Child Development Center provides children with the time and space to play creatively. By providing children with the tools and props of creative play, we provide them with the chance to tame the fearsome, transform the self, and test the infinite variety of possibilities that await them as they grow.
The heart and soul of the Program is impossible to summarize in this Handbook. Nor is it adequately captured in the reports and newsletter articles we send home. The heart and soul of our Program appears as the brightness in your child’s eyes, the melody of shared laughter, the exuberance of movement, the pride of mastery, the burst of “AHA”, the intimate, intricate details of everyday life at BCDC. High quality program is driven by teachers touching children’s lives with skill and compassion. Visit us. Spend some time. Linger.
Currently there are eleven classrooms. The age groupings are as follows:
2 Infant Rooms ‑ Age 8 weeks to 12 months
2 Toddler Rooms ‑ Age 12 months to 24 months
2 Twoodler Rooms ‑ Age 24 months to 36 months
3 Pre‑School Rooms ‑ Ages 3 years to 5 years
2 School Age Rooms ‑ Ages 5 years to 12 years
The Infant Program cares for children 8 weeks to 12 months. We provide a loving environment staffed by nurturing teachers who understand the needs of infants. At this stage of development, infants are deciding if the world is a place to be trusted or mistrusted. By consistently meeting their physical and emotional needs, we show our babies they can count on adults. Through our response to their cries, body language, or early verbalization, they learn that the world is a safe, predictable, trustworthy place. Through the use of age‑appropriate toys, they learn basic facts about the world and about their ability to have an impact on it. Our infants are talked to, held, carried. They are kept clean and they are well fed. We want each baby entrusted to our care to thrive and flourish, and we do everything we can to make sure that they do.
The Toddler Program cares for children from 12 months to 2 years. It provides a safe, healthy environment in which our children have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of experiences: from paint and paste to pegboards and playdough, from blocks and beads to bikes and balance beams, and from stories and songs to slides and swings. We recognize that toddlers are struggling with issues of dependence versus independence, and so we provide both the security of structure and the freedom of making simple choices. Through the use of age‑appropriate toys and activities we support and extend their emerging physical, intellectual and social skills, taking care that each receives the affection and nurturing so necessary for healthy development.
The Twoodler Program cares for children ages 2 to 3. These children are no longer toddlers, yet they are not quite Pre‑Schoolers. Their growing skills require opportunities to experiment with a wide variety of materials and situations. Like Toddlers, Twoodlers are struggling with issues of dependence versus independence, and so we again provide both the security of structure and the freedom of making simple choices. We provide challenge and stimulation as these children become more and more self‑sufficient. We recognize learning is built into activities ‑ but the pressure to learn is not. As their language skills increase, we pay special attention, providing many day‑to‑day chances to use this most vital new tool. And, of course, we provide warmth and security along with the finger paints and sandboxes, the jungle gyms and dress‑up clothes, the puzzles and picture books.
The Pre‑School Program cares for children ages 3 to 5 years. Since children learn from personal interaction and talking about their experiences, the teacher's role is to provide an environment that promotes active learning. Active learning occurs when the following ingredients are present: materials for each child, manipulation of those materials, choice by the child of what to do with the materials, words chosen and used by the child, and support by teachers or peers that helps the child think about his or her actions. Each room is physically set up to promote each child's feeling of independence and competence. Areas are well defined, materials are easily accessible, and both areas and materials are clearly labeled. The daily routine follows a predictable pattern and varies only with prior notice. Because of this predictability, the children are able to anticipate the sequence of events. This leads to feelings of control over both their environment and their time. By giving attention to each child's needs and interests, our teachers are able to "customize" the curriculum and tailor a very personal educational "fit".
The School Age Program cares for children ages 5 to 12. We offer before and after school care, as well as full day care on school holidays and during the summer months. The prime focus here is recreational. The children are offered both structured (teacher directed) and unstructured (child directed) choices of activities. These include games, crafts, sports, cooking, music, plays, computers and more. School‑agers are in the process of learning how they fit in to the larger world. Rules and social opinions (peer pressure) are very important to them. Through playing games and participating in sports, they have the chance to practice and develop decision‑making skills, teamwork, a sense of fair play, and how language can be used to communicate ideas and feelings. Our Summer Program offers an expanded opportunity for field trips, swimming, biking, bowling, and other activities. Since a good part of these children's free time is spent at the Center, we try to make that time as relaxing and enjoyable as we can.
Progress Reports and Conferences
Another way of increasing the effectiveness of what we do is by communicating with you about your child's experience here. We do this informally through conversation as you drop off or pick up your child, more formally through daily reports and more comprehensively through tri-annual progress reports for Infants through Preschool and bi-annual reports for school age. These reports cover a wide aspect of your child's development. You will be given a copy of this report and a signed copy will be placed in your child’s file.
The center schedules Parent/Teacher conferences twice a year (November and April). Open honest communication between parents and teachers helps to ensure a happier and more successful experience for your child. We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to talk with your child’s teachers in a relaxed atmosphere free from the typical distractions of arrival and departure times. Conferences are also welcomed by the administration. If you wish to speak with the Executive Director or Program Director call us or drop by the office.
Moving to Other Classrooms
As children grow their developmental needs change. In order to provide the most developmentally age appropriate programming possible children move from one age/stage classroom to another. Infants move on to the Toddler room, Toddlers turn into Twoodlers etc. Naturally, we try to make these transitions as stress free as possible for both children and parents. We try to have children move with a friend or two; we have children visit their
new rooms over a period of a week or more in order to make these changes more gradual; and we encourage parents to visit with their children. We remain sensitive to the fact that young children grow attached to their teachers and we know that these attachments are a part of healthy social/emotional development. We are open to parental input about classroom moves. We welcome and respect your perspective as your child grows through each developmental stage. When your child changes classrooms you will asked to fill out a survey about your experience at BCDC.
Supplies Provided by Parents
Infant Room:
Disposable diapers, wipes and other special soaps, creams, or powders, milk or formula in plastic bottles, food, small blanket, several changes of clothing, any special sleep toys, pacifier, if used. Parents may elect to provide the formula and food or have the center provide it.
Toddler Room:
Disposable diapers and wipes, if used, small blanket, two full changes of clothing, diaper cream, sunscreen, hats, any special sleep toys.
Twoodler Room:
Disposable diapers, if needed, wipes, if used, two full changes of clothing, any special sleep toys and blanket.
Pre‑School Room:
Small blanket, two full changes of clothing, any special sleep toys.
School-age Room:
Change of clothes
All items should be clearly marked with your child's name. When any supplies are needed, a note will be left in your child's locker/cubby.
We do not recommend sending candy or other sweets, except on special occasions. If they are sent, prior arrangements must be made with the teacher. The Center will acknowledge each child's birthday, and we welcome any special treats you care to provide. Please make sure your child's teacher is alerted at least one day in advance.
We ask that any items your child brings in to share be small enough for him or her to handle and is identified with your child's name. We ask that you not allow your child to bring in toy weapons or war toys.
We believe that meaningful discipline comes from within. Depending on the age of the child, varying degrees of internal control are possible. We recognize that the development of self‑discipline is a process, not a goal that is fully attainable. We believe that children learn to respect others when they themselves are treated in a respectful manner. We provide adult models who show rather than just tell children the appropriate ways of behaving. We attempt to minimize situations where conflicts arise by providing materials and activities that challenge without frustrating. We respect both individual differences and different developmental skill levels. We expect different behaviors from different aged children. We never hit, humiliate, threaten or intimidate. We give reasons for rules. We redirect. We suggest alternatives. We describe behaviors and reinforce appropriate ones with a smile, hug, or some other form of recognition and appreciation. We ignore that which can be ignored. We provide opportunities for children who need to gain control and the time to do so. We believe that with patience, firmness, humor and warmth, teachers can guide children through many rough spots, reducing power struggles and avoiding conflicts of will.
Parents and staff need to work together to help children develop appropriate behaviors. Open, two-way communication between parents and teachers is key. Parents should keep teachers informed about concerns or changes in the behavior of their child. If a child continues to exhibit difficulties after classroom discipline strategies have been tried – teachers, parents and/or an administrator then meet to plan a cooperative effort on the child’s behalf. All parties involved develop a plan. Teachers and parents then monitor the plan to judge its effectiveness. The goal is to help the child behave in more successful, positive ways. Parental cooperation is necessary in this joint effort. Without this parental cooperation the child may be in jeopardy of not being able to remain at BCDC.
The BCDC staff respects the right of every parent to discipline his or her own child (except where child abuse or neglect is concerned). However, when at BCDC we expect parents to refrain from hitting or shouting at any child. Such actions, in the presence of others, are upsetting and embarrassing. The staff has the responsibility to address any inappropriate action.
BCDC shall maintain confidentiality and respect the family’s right to privacy, refraining from disclosure of confidential information and intrusion into family life. However, when we have reason to believe that a child’s welfare is at risk, it is permissible to share confidential information with agencies or individuals who may be able to intervene in the child’s interest.
We strongly suggest that you tour the Center before making a decision about enrolling your child. A member of our administrative team will be glad to answer your questions. If you decide you want your child to attend, $50 non-refundable registration fee is due before enrollment can proceed. One half of this fee will be rebated (credited to your account) after you attend the second part of orientation (see below). All forms (including the physical form filled out by your pediatrician) must be completed before a child can begin. These forms are due during your one hour visit (see below).
You and your child must attend a one hour (minimum) visit prior to your child’s start date. The purpose of this initial orientation is to increase your child’s comfort and ease their adjustment. This is also an opportunity for you to become acquainted with your child’s teachers and observe the program in operation.
During the first month of your child’s enrollment you are urged to attend the second part of our orientation. During this hour you will have a chance to learn more about what to expect regarding your child’s experience at BCDC. The administrative staff will be available to answer questions and explain in greater depth the benefits of quality early childhood education. Parents who attend this orientation will receive a $25 (per child) rebate which will be credited to your account. You will have the opportunity to sign up for this part of the orientation during your child’s visit to the Center.
A Registered Nurse and a Health Advocate work together to ensure the healthiest environment possible for the children. The Health Advocate does a daily health check of each child. A Registered Nurse comes in weekly to meet with the Health Advocate and visit all classrooms.
Before a child can attend BCDC, they must have a physical examination form signed by a health care provider stating that they are able to participate in a child care setting. Your child must have an annual physical (every two years for a school age child). The medical examination must include current immunizations per New York State Health Department requirements. Immunization reminders will be sent to you so we can update our files. Children with a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes, febrile seizures, etc. should have written instructions by a physician regarding any special procedures, observation or treatment.
Allergies need to be documented by a physician. Since classes go outside daily, the Center needs to be aware of allergies to outdoor environment (i.e. bee stings, pollen, etc.) If your child is on a special diet (i.e., milk‑free), the Center needs a note signed by your child’s physician. Food substitutions are your responsibility. The Food Service Manager will provide you with a weekly menu so you can plan for these substitutions.
Staff trained in Medication Administration may administer medication to a child only when there is a form from a physician (see appendix) and written permission from the parent or guardian. The instructions provided by the licensed authorized prescriber must include the following and any other pertinent information required on the MAT Consent Form:
Medication must be in the original prescription container and be for a specific condition accompanied by the above form. This applies to prescription and non‑prescription medications. The prescription label must include the information listed above and the dosage instructions. One teacher in each room is authorized to administer medication. One administrator is also trained to administer medication.
In order to maintain a healthy environment you will be asked to pick up your child if any of the following occurs: a fever of 101° or higher; excessive diarrhea, vomiting, or coughing; unexplained rash; or any illness that prevents your child from participating in the program. If your child is sent home you will be asked to sign an Illness Report (see appendix). Your child must be symptom free for 24 hours without the assistance of symptom reducing medications (i.e. Tylenol, Triaminic) before returning to the Center.
Accident Reports and Notes of Information
Teachers are required to complete an Accident Report (see appendix) for ANY injuries your child may sustain while in our care. The Accident Report explains any minor injuries or treatment your child might have had. You must sign all Accident and Illness Reports. They are reviewed by the Health Advocate or Nurse.
Teachers or Health Advocate may send home a Note of Information Form (see appendix). This form is used to alert you to any issues of concern pertaining to your child.
Your weekly fee is due whether your child is in attendance or not. The Center has set aside a slot for your child; you are being billed for that slot. Credit days (if applicable) may be used (see page 12). Fees may be paid on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis in advance of services. Weekly fees must be paid by Monday (5:30 P.M.). If payment is not received, a late fee of ten dollars ($10.00) will be charged to the account. Repeated delinquency in the payment of fees may result in excluding your child from attending the Center until full payment is made. If an account is more than two weeks in arrears, child care may be suspended and the account turned over to collections. A finance charge of 2% per month will be assessed on all balances over 30 days. Finance charges may be waived at the discretion of the Executive Director.
Family Discount
A $5 weekly discount is given to full time (5 days a week), full pay clients who have more than one child enrolled at BCDC. For example, if you have 2 children enrolled, you would pay full price for one and the second child’s tuition would be discounted $5. If you have more than two children enrolled, the additional children would also receive the same discount.
Returned Check Fee
A forty‑five dollar ($45.00) charge will be added to your account if a check is returned because of non‑sufficient or uncollected funds. If more than two checks are returned within a year, you will be required to pay by cash or money order for the next twelve months.
Late Pick Up Policy
Brockport Child Development Center closes at 5:30 P.M. It is essential that you pick up your child by 5:30 P.M. Any child remaining in the Center after 5:30 P.M. will be brought down to the Office (B3) to wait for an authorized escort. Please make sure all escorts know of this procedure. A late pick‑up fee of ten dollars ($10.00) is charged beginning at 5:30 PM. An additional ($10.00) per child is charged for each ten minutes thereafter. Fees will double if there are four or more late pick ups in a calendar year.
The Center is closed for the following holidays (you will not be charged tuition for these days):
Credit Days
Non-subsidized clients receive Credit Days equal to twice their weekly schedule per year (September through August). For example, if your child attends three days a week, you receive six credit days. Credit Days will be pro-rated if you enroll after September. Subsidized or Summer Only clients do not receive Credit Days.
Summer/Winter Holding Fee
For all parents who desire continued care for their child in the Fall, but do not need the Center’s services in the Summer, there are two payment options available. These options also apply to SUNY Brockport’s Winter Break.
2. Keeping your child enrolled at least one day per week throughout the summer (or winter break) will ensure full time placement once classes resume.
3. Another option open to all parents is to withdraw your child and place them on our Waiting List. This, however, does not guarantee placement.
Your child must be brought into the Center, signed in by an adult and left with the appropriate teacher who should be made aware of your child's a
For all parents who desire continued care for their child in the Fall, but do not need the Center’s services in the Summer, there are two payment options available. These options also apply to SUNY Brockport’s Winter Break.A payment of $30 per week for one child or $45 per week for a family will guarantee a placement for your child. This can be paid all at once or on a weekly basis. If this fee is paid in advance we will give a discount of one week.
Keeping your child enrolled at least one day per week throughout the summer (or winter break) will ensure full time placement once classes resume.
Another option open to all parents is to withdraw your child and place them on our Waiting List. This, however, does not guarantee placement.
rrival. If you want your child to eat breakfast at the Center, he or she must arrive before breakfast is served.
Each child will have a locker or cubby for their clothing and other personal belongings. At the end of the day, please check your child's locker for notes. In addition, please check the hallway bulletin board and room doors for information.
Only an escort that you authorize may pick up your child. It is your responsibility to keep the authorized escort list current and accurate. Please inform your authorized escorts that they will be asked for photo identification. Your child’s safety is our primary responsibility.
When picking up and signing out your child, it is imperative that the appropriate teacher is made aware of your child's departure.
Custodial disputes between parents can result in difficulties for our staff. BCDC follows the guidelines of the NYS Office and Children and Family Services Day Care regulations. ALL parents must have unlimited and on demand access to their child while in our care unless that access is restricted by law. When a court order restricting access exists, we are bound by its restrictions. We require a copy of any such court orders.
If your child is absent, you are expected to notify the Center by 10:00 am.
In order to avoid creating a bottleneck and to ensure your car is not ticketed, please adhere to the following procedures when dropping off and picking up your child:
A two-week's written notice is required if you elect to withdraw your child for any reason. Such notice allows the Center adequate time to fill the vacancy. If written notification is not provided, you are responsible for the fees. If at any time after enrollment you or we feel your child is not ready for or benefiting from a group situation, a conference will be scheduled (see section Positive Guidance).
The schedule for all children, whether full‑time or part‑time, should be consistent from week to week, i.e. specific days and hours. A consistent schedule is beneficial to your child and helps us arrange appropriate staffing. Please provide a one week notice if you wish to change your child’s schedule (for example: full time to part time). We will try to meet your needs. However, we may not be able to accommodate returning to a full time schedule at a later date. You must notify the office for all changes in enrollment (part‑time and full‑time).
All employees are required to be fingerprinted as part of a criminal records background check. Staff are also required to be screened by the New York State Central Registry of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. Employees receive training in the detection and reporting of child abuse, maltreatment and neglect. As mandated reporters, staff are required by law to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect.
All field trips require parental consent. You will be asked to sign a permission slip for each planned bus trip. (Please give your child’s teacher or the office a two week notice if you do not wish your child to go on a bus field trip. If possible, we will try to make arrangements for your child.). Parents are expected to inform the office by 10:00 AM of a child’s absence or late arrival. If the class plans to go on a trip and leave before 10:00 AM, you will be given advance notice. Walking field trips occur often. We ask that you sign a permission form giving consent for us to take your child on these walks.
Updated June, 2006
