Little Red Caboose |
Loving Care for Happy Children!
|
Program Philosophy
The Little Red Caboose is serious about something happy! We are serious about our commitment to provide loving care for happy children.
We believe that children are one of our most precious possessions and must be guarded against danger, nourished properly, and guided along a path of goodness. As caregivers for your children, we strive to provide a structured environment that offers your child stimulation, boundaries, and opportunities for social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth and development. Our staff is here to offer a cheerful and supportive atmosphere for your child.
This is what we’re all about at Little Red Caboose. We are family owned and operated and have been caring for precious children since 1972. Thank you for trusting us with your children!
Standards
The Little Red Caboose, Inc. established in 1972, is licensed by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services and complies with all of the standards put forth by that Department. Its operation is governed by a Board of Directors and a Director. If you would like to review the Minimum Standards you are welcome to schedule a time to review the standards in the office.
Texas Law requires caregivers to report suspected child abuse to the Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services.
Department of Protective & Regulatory Services (210) 337-3399 www.tdprs.state.texas.us
Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-5400
Admissions
The Little Red Caboose accommodates children ages 6 weeks – 5th grade. Classes are filled on a first-come/ first-served basis according to the date of enrollment with the director. If the classes are
filled when a parent calls, the child’s name will be put on a waiting list to fill vacancies as they occur. As vacancies occur during the year, they are filled from the waiting list, or from new registrations, according to the above procedures. Throughout the year, as openings occur, more mature students will move to the next group. Parents will be contacted and advised of our recommendations. Children are admitted regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, or religion.
Days and Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.—6:30 p.m.
Parents are welcome to come by and check on their child anytime during the day. We ask that you be considerate of how your child reacts when you leave. It might be in his/her best interest if he/she does not see you while you are checking on him/her. Parents are always welcome to come when we have parties or special events.
The centers will be closed during the year for the following holidays. If one of these holidays falls on a weekend, we will be closed either on the Friday before or the Monday after this holiday.
New Year’s Day ,Good Friday ,Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
On weeks in which a holiday occurs, tuition remains the same. These periods are paid holidays for the staff.
Weather Closures
Little Red Caboose will follow the lead of the Northside Independent School District (NISD) on closing for severe weather threats. Listen to the TV stations and or radio stations for information regarding closures and delays. Please check with the center and the local media.
Pick-up and Delivery of Children
All children are to be escorted into the centers upon arrival each day. Parents or authorized adults are to clock-in each child upon arrival to the center. A picture ID may be required. Likewise, parents or authorized adults are to clock-out each child at departure time. As a courtesy to the other children we ask that you do NOT drop off children between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. so nap-time is not disrupted.
For all children that are not picked up by closing time a $10.00 past closing fee will be charged to the account as well as an additional $1.00 per minute.
Tuition
At registration the annual fee is paid and will hold the spot for two weeks. Tuition is to be paid weekly. Tuition is a flat rate. It will remain the same whether the child is in attendance for one day or for five days. On weeks in which a holiday occurs, tuition is still the same weekly rate. It is very important that tuition be paid on time. Tuition is due on Monday. If payment is not received by closing time on Wednesday, it will be considered late. In the event that tuition payments are late, a late fee of $25.00 will be charged to your account on Thursday morning of that week. If payment is delinquent parents will be given up to two weeks to make restitution. If, after two weeks, payment has not been made, the parents will be asked to withdraw their child from Little Red Caboose and further action will be taken against the parents. An NSF fee of $20.00 is required on returned checks. If two NSF checks are received, all future payments must be made in cash or debit.
Absences
Full time students have a reserved spot in his/her classroom. Tuition pays for this spot. The weekly tuition is to be paid whether the child was present every day or not. Full time students are allowed one vacation week per year in which the child is absent for the entire week, payment is not required to reserve the child’s spot. Any additional weeks, in which the child is absent the whole week, payment for half of the tuition is required to reserve the child’s spot.
Health Information
Each child is required by state regulations to have on file a health statement, which includes a record of up-to-date immunizations and the signature of the child’s source of medical care. If a child’s health care summary is not complete at the time of enrollment, the child will not be allowed to begin the program.
Each child who has not had a physical examination within the last year must have one before entrance into the school. A physician, public health nurse, or preschool screening clinic may do this physical.’ All four-year-olds in childcare are required by the State to have a hearing and vision screening. It is your responsibility to get the screening done within your child’s fourth year.
The preschool must have on file for each child a signed Permission for Health Care authorizing the emergency care and transfer of medical records to the local hospital. Emergency numbers for reaching the parent or guardian and another authorized person must also be on file.
Any child who arrives at preschool noticeable ill, with a rash, or with a fever will not be admitted for that day. Should a child become ill during the day, the parent is notified immediately. The child is separated from other children and remains there under adult supervision until the parent or authorized person arrives to take the child home. The child must be picked up within the hour.
If your child requires a doctor visit you must bring a note from the doctor upon returning to school stating when it is safe for your child to return. THE CHILD SHOULD BE FEVER FREE, DIARRHEA FREE, OR VOMITING FREE FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE RETURNING TO THE SCHOOL. We ask that you respect the other children as well as parents in our school. Do NOT bring your child to school if he/she has had a fever in the last 24 hours. Tylenol/Motrin cannot be used to mask a fever. Just like you would not want someone else to knowingly expose your child, we ask that you respect the health and well- being of others.
In the event a child contracts a communicable disease and exposes the other children, notice of such exposure will be posted, and parents will be notified when they pick up their children. The ill child will not be allowed to return to preschool until the period of contagion has passed.
In the case of medical emergency during school, the staff will administer first aid. The parent or authorized adult will be notified as quickly as possible. If medical attention is required, the staff will call the local ambulance service, which will transport the child to the local hospital.
Although it is highly encouraged, The Little Red Caboose does not require its employees to receive vaccinations.
Emergency Plan
In case of an emergency in which we have to vacate the premises, please be aware of our relocation plan. We will relocate to Thornton Elementary located at 6450 Pembroke. If this emergency situation occurs you will be notified. Only if we must relocate, this emergency number will be activated. 210-325-0788.
Medication
Medication will only be given with signed and dated parent’s permission. A medication form will be located in the kitchen. Each day the name of the child, the name of the medicine, instructions for time and dosage are to be specified by a parent. All medication must have child’s name and date on the label. All medication must be in the original container.
Curriculum
The Little Red Caboose program will involve a structured morning incorporating various learning activities. The afternoon will be a less structured time for play. It is a tradition at Little Red Caboose that on Friday morning a short chapel time will take place focusing on Bible stories, Bible songs, and good morals.
Dress
Children are encouraged to wear play clothes and tennis shoes. Daily activities include active and messy play, and the children should feel comfortable enough to enjoy themselves without worrying about their clothes. The child’s name should be placed on all outer clothing and other belongings to help ensure the return of all possessions and clothes.
Toys from Home
We ask that toys from home be brought to school on Fridays only as a reward for good behavior. Besure and label these toys. Make sure this toy is not too large and cannot be used to injure other children. Little Red Caboose is not responsible for lost, damaged or broken toys.
Food and Snacks
The Little Red Caboose furnishes a morning and an afternoon snack, as well as a hot lunch. Breakfast is not provided; however, we will assist a child in eating breakfast brought from home before 8:00. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide milk for breakfast. PLEASE LABEL ALL BOWLS, CUPS... BROUGHT FROM HOME IN ORDER FOR US TO RETURN THEM TO YOU.
A weekly menu of lunches will be posted in the office and on our website. If a child does not care for the lunch being served, he or she is welcome to bring a lunch that day. IF YOUR CHILD HAS FOOD ALLERGIES IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE. Little Red Caboose does not assume responsibility for meeting the nutritional needs of your child if lunch is brought from home. With advance notice children may bring special treats for their birthday or any other time during the year.
Breast Feeding Area
We have a designated breast feeding area, which is located in the infant room for your convenience.
School Age After School Program
During the school year, Little Red Caboose will provide transportation from several of the Elementary schools. See office for the list of schools that are on our pick up list. It is very important that you call us if your child will not need to be picked up from school. The driver cannot leave the school until every child is accounted for. On early release days we will pick up the Elementary students at the early dismissal time. There will be an additional charge for extra hours incurred.
School Age Summer Care
During the summer months, school age children will become full-time students and will participate in our summer camp activities. The tuition will change from the after school rate to the full time rate. A non- refundable camp fee will be required to reserve space for summer camp. This fee will cover the cost of all field trips for the summer.
Transportation
Little Red Caboose provides transportation for our after school program, for Summer Camp field trips for our school age children and for emergency evacuations.
Field Trips
During the summer months, the school age children will be going on weekly field trips. This is an earned privilege based on behavior. Signs will be posted in the office giving the details of each trip. Students will be required to wear a Little Red Caboose t-shirt to each field trip.
Swimming
During the summer months, children in classes 3 years and up will go swimming every day. This is part of our summer curriculum and will be given at no additional cost to parents. A certified lifeguard will be on duty. The children will be given swimming lessons. This is a VERY structured program.
Discipline
Acceptable behavior is encouraged by giving positive verbal rewards. This reinforces a child’s good feeling about his/her behavior and serves as an example to the other children to act in such a way as to receive praise. Asking a child to stop and think about his/her unpleasant behavior enables that child to work at self-control.
For a child not cooperating in a group listening situation, the child is seated by a teacher and reminded of acceptable behavior.
Removal from the group for a period of time-out is the next tactic used for a child who continually demonstrates unacceptable behavior. This time-out is a time when the child may calm down, remember what behavior the teacher is asking for and decide for him or herself when he/she is ready to rejoin the group with appropriate behavior. Extreme or persistent behaviors may require time out in the office. Corporal punishment will not be used to deal with the children at the Little Red Caboose. A teacher may hold or restrain a child from harming him or herself, or another child.
If behavior problems persist, the parent will be asked to a conference to discuss what may be helpful in motivating the child to behave in an acceptable way. It may be suggested that the child be involved in a behavior modification program, with the parent having the option of being involved in the process as well. The Little Red Caboose does reserve the right to call a parent to pick up a child from school if unacceptable behavior persists. The Little Red Caboose does reserve the right to dismiss a child from the school for unacceptable behavior.
THE LITTLE RED CABOOSE IS A GANG FREE ZONE.
Destruction of Property
The Little Red Caboose provides the facility and equipment that is needed for the care of your child. In the event that your child intentionally destroys Little Red Caboose property, a fee to cover the cost of replacement or repair will be charged to your account.
Confidentiality of Records
Children’s records are open only to the child’s teacher, the Director, an authorized employee of the licensing agency, or the child’s parent or legal guardian.
Child Abuse
The State of Texas requires The Little Red Caboose to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child. Our employees receive annual training on preventing and responding to child abuse. Some warning signs that child abuse may be occurring are frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, and injuries that appear to have a pattern. There are many resources in San Antonio and Bexar county such as Child Safe, The Childrens' Shelter, etc. that are good resources to refer parents to for help. Please reach out to us and we can provide you with resources
to help you obtain assistance. Let us know if you would like to discuss different behavioral techniques .
Withdrawal
If a child needs to be withdrawn from preschool, two weeks notice would be appreciated so that another child can fill the vacancy.
Communication with Parents
This booklet has been supplied in an effort to answer many of your questions. Please contact the Center Director if you have any other questions. Throughout the year there will be times that we need to communicate information about upcoming events. Please read signage posted in the office and on the classroom doors in order to stay informed.
In the event of a policy change you will be notified two weeks in advance in writing. Please sign and return the form on the last page to The Little Red Caboose.
The Little Red Caboose is serious about something happy! We are serious about our commitment to provide loving care for happy children.
We believe that children are one of our most precious possessions and must be guarded against danger, nourished properly, and guided along a path of goodness. As caregivers for your children, we strive to provide a structured environment that offers your child stimulation, boundaries, and opportunities for social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth and development. Our staff is here to offer a cheerful and supportive atmosphere for your child.
This is what we’re all about at Little Red Caboose. We are family owned and operated and have been caring for precious children since 1972. Thank you for trusting us with your children!
Standards
The Little Red Caboose, Inc. established in 1972, is licensed by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services and complies with all of the standards put forth by that Department. Its operation is governed by a Board of Directors and a Director. If you would like to review the Minimum Standards you are welcome to schedule a time to review the standards in the office.
Texas Law requires caregivers to report suspected child abuse to the Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services.
Department of Protective & Regulatory Services (210) 337-3399 www.tdprs.state.texas.us
Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-5400
Admissions
The Little Red Caboose accommodates children ages 6 weeks – 5th grade. Classes are filled on a first-come/ first-served basis according to the date of enrollment with the director. If the classes are
filled when a parent calls, the child’s name will be put on a waiting list to fill vacancies as they occur. As vacancies occur during the year, they are filled from the waiting list, or from new registrations, according to the above procedures. Throughout the year, as openings occur, more mature students will move to the next group. Parents will be contacted and advised of our recommendations. Children are admitted regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, or religion.
Days and Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.—6:30 p.m.
Parents are welcome to come by and check on their child anytime during the day. We ask that you be considerate of how your child reacts when you leave. It might be in his/her best interest if he/she does not see you while you are checking on him/her. Parents are always welcome to come when we have parties or special events.
The centers will be closed during the year for the following holidays. If one of these holidays falls on a weekend, we will be closed either on the Friday before or the Monday after this holiday.
New Year’s Day ,Good Friday ,Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
On weeks in which a holiday occurs, tuition remains the same. These periods are paid holidays for the staff.
Weather Closures
Little Red Caboose will follow the lead of the Northside Independent School District (NISD) on closing for severe weather threats. Listen to the TV stations and or radio stations for information regarding closures and delays. Please check with the center and the local media.
Pick-up and Delivery of Children
All children are to be escorted into the centers upon arrival each day. Parents or authorized adults are to clock-in each child upon arrival to the center. A picture ID may be required. Likewise, parents or authorized adults are to clock-out each child at departure time. As a courtesy to the other children we ask that you do NOT drop off children between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. so nap-time is not disrupted.
For all children that are not picked up by closing time a $10.00 past closing fee will be charged to the account as well as an additional $1.00 per minute.
Tuition
At registration the annual fee is paid and will hold the spot for two weeks. Tuition is to be paid weekly. Tuition is a flat rate. It will remain the same whether the child is in attendance for one day or for five days. On weeks in which a holiday occurs, tuition is still the same weekly rate. It is very important that tuition be paid on time. Tuition is due on Monday. If payment is not received by closing time on Wednesday, it will be considered late. In the event that tuition payments are late, a late fee of $25.00 will be charged to your account on Thursday morning of that week. If payment is delinquent parents will be given up to two weeks to make restitution. If, after two weeks, payment has not been made, the parents will be asked to withdraw their child from Little Red Caboose and further action will be taken against the parents. An NSF fee of $20.00 is required on returned checks. If two NSF checks are received, all future payments must be made in cash or debit.
Absences
Full time students have a reserved spot in his/her classroom. Tuition pays for this spot. The weekly tuition is to be paid whether the child was present every day or not. Full time students are allowed one vacation week per year in which the child is absent for the entire week, payment is not required to reserve the child’s spot. Any additional weeks, in which the child is absent the whole week, payment for half of the tuition is required to reserve the child’s spot.
Health Information
Each child is required by state regulations to have on file a health statement, which includes a record of up-to-date immunizations and the signature of the child’s source of medical care. If a child’s health care summary is not complete at the time of enrollment, the child will not be allowed to begin the program.
Each child who has not had a physical examination within the last year must have one before entrance into the school. A physician, public health nurse, or preschool screening clinic may do this physical.’ All four-year-olds in childcare are required by the State to have a hearing and vision screening. It is your responsibility to get the screening done within your child’s fourth year.
The preschool must have on file for each child a signed Permission for Health Care authorizing the emergency care and transfer of medical records to the local hospital. Emergency numbers for reaching the parent or guardian and another authorized person must also be on file.
Any child who arrives at preschool noticeable ill, with a rash, or with a fever will not be admitted for that day. Should a child become ill during the day, the parent is notified immediately. The child is separated from other children and remains there under adult supervision until the parent or authorized person arrives to take the child home. The child must be picked up within the hour.
If your child requires a doctor visit you must bring a note from the doctor upon returning to school stating when it is safe for your child to return. THE CHILD SHOULD BE FEVER FREE, DIARRHEA FREE, OR VOMITING FREE FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE RETURNING TO THE SCHOOL. We ask that you respect the other children as well as parents in our school. Do NOT bring your child to school if he/she has had a fever in the last 24 hours. Tylenol/Motrin cannot be used to mask a fever. Just like you would not want someone else to knowingly expose your child, we ask that you respect the health and well- being of others.
In the event a child contracts a communicable disease and exposes the other children, notice of such exposure will be posted, and parents will be notified when they pick up their children. The ill child will not be allowed to return to preschool until the period of contagion has passed.
In the case of medical emergency during school, the staff will administer first aid. The parent or authorized adult will be notified as quickly as possible. If medical attention is required, the staff will call the local ambulance service, which will transport the child to the local hospital.
Although it is highly encouraged, The Little Red Caboose does not require its employees to receive vaccinations.
Emergency Plan
In case of an emergency in which we have to vacate the premises, please be aware of our relocation plan. We will relocate to Thornton Elementary located at 6450 Pembroke. If this emergency situation occurs you will be notified. Only if we must relocate, this emergency number will be activated. 210-325-0788.
Medication
Medication will only be given with signed and dated parent’s permission. A medication form will be located in the kitchen. Each day the name of the child, the name of the medicine, instructions for time and dosage are to be specified by a parent. All medication must have child’s name and date on the label. All medication must be in the original container.
Curriculum
The Little Red Caboose program will involve a structured morning incorporating various learning activities. The afternoon will be a less structured time for play. It is a tradition at Little Red Caboose that on Friday morning a short chapel time will take place focusing on Bible stories, Bible songs, and good morals.
Dress
Children are encouraged to wear play clothes and tennis shoes. Daily activities include active and messy play, and the children should feel comfortable enough to enjoy themselves without worrying about their clothes. The child’s name should be placed on all outer clothing and other belongings to help ensure the return of all possessions and clothes.
Toys from Home
We ask that toys from home be brought to school on Fridays only as a reward for good behavior. Besure and label these toys. Make sure this toy is not too large and cannot be used to injure other children. Little Red Caboose is not responsible for lost, damaged or broken toys.
Food and Snacks
The Little Red Caboose furnishes a morning and an afternoon snack, as well as a hot lunch. Breakfast is not provided; however, we will assist a child in eating breakfast brought from home before 8:00. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide milk for breakfast. PLEASE LABEL ALL BOWLS, CUPS... BROUGHT FROM HOME IN ORDER FOR US TO RETURN THEM TO YOU.
A weekly menu of lunches will be posted in the office and on our website. If a child does not care for the lunch being served, he or she is welcome to bring a lunch that day. IF YOUR CHILD HAS FOOD ALLERGIES IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE. Little Red Caboose does not assume responsibility for meeting the nutritional needs of your child if lunch is brought from home. With advance notice children may bring special treats for their birthday or any other time during the year.
Breast Feeding Area
We have a designated breast feeding area, which is located in the infant room for your convenience.
School Age After School Program
During the school year, Little Red Caboose will provide transportation from several of the Elementary schools. See office for the list of schools that are on our pick up list. It is very important that you call us if your child will not need to be picked up from school. The driver cannot leave the school until every child is accounted for. On early release days we will pick up the Elementary students at the early dismissal time. There will be an additional charge for extra hours incurred.
School Age Summer Care
During the summer months, school age children will become full-time students and will participate in our summer camp activities. The tuition will change from the after school rate to the full time rate. A non- refundable camp fee will be required to reserve space for summer camp. This fee will cover the cost of all field trips for the summer.
Transportation
Little Red Caboose provides transportation for our after school program, for Summer Camp field trips for our school age children and for emergency evacuations.
Field Trips
During the summer months, the school age children will be going on weekly field trips. This is an earned privilege based on behavior. Signs will be posted in the office giving the details of each trip. Students will be required to wear a Little Red Caboose t-shirt to each field trip.
Swimming
During the summer months, children in classes 3 years and up will go swimming every day. This is part of our summer curriculum and will be given at no additional cost to parents. A certified lifeguard will be on duty. The children will be given swimming lessons. This is a VERY structured program.
Discipline
Acceptable behavior is encouraged by giving positive verbal rewards. This reinforces a child’s good feeling about his/her behavior and serves as an example to the other children to act in such a way as to receive praise. Asking a child to stop and think about his/her unpleasant behavior enables that child to work at self-control.
For a child not cooperating in a group listening situation, the child is seated by a teacher and reminded of acceptable behavior.
Removal from the group for a period of time-out is the next tactic used for a child who continually demonstrates unacceptable behavior. This time-out is a time when the child may calm down, remember what behavior the teacher is asking for and decide for him or herself when he/she is ready to rejoin the group with appropriate behavior. Extreme or persistent behaviors may require time out in the office. Corporal punishment will not be used to deal with the children at the Little Red Caboose. A teacher may hold or restrain a child from harming him or herself, or another child.
If behavior problems persist, the parent will be asked to a conference to discuss what may be helpful in motivating the child to behave in an acceptable way. It may be suggested that the child be involved in a behavior modification program, with the parent having the option of being involved in the process as well. The Little Red Caboose does reserve the right to call a parent to pick up a child from school if unacceptable behavior persists. The Little Red Caboose does reserve the right to dismiss a child from the school for unacceptable behavior.
THE LITTLE RED CABOOSE IS A GANG FREE ZONE.
Destruction of Property
The Little Red Caboose provides the facility and equipment that is needed for the care of your child. In the event that your child intentionally destroys Little Red Caboose property, a fee to cover the cost of replacement or repair will be charged to your account.
Confidentiality of Records
Children’s records are open only to the child’s teacher, the Director, an authorized employee of the licensing agency, or the child’s parent or legal guardian.
Child Abuse
The State of Texas requires The Little Red Caboose to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child. Our employees receive annual training on preventing and responding to child abuse. Some warning signs that child abuse may be occurring are frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, and injuries that appear to have a pattern. There are many resources in San Antonio and Bexar county such as Child Safe, The Childrens' Shelter, etc. that are good resources to refer parents to for help. Please reach out to us and we can provide you with resources
to help you obtain assistance. Let us know if you would like to discuss different behavioral techniques .
Withdrawal
If a child needs to be withdrawn from preschool, two weeks notice would be appreciated so that another child can fill the vacancy.
Communication with Parents
This booklet has been supplied in an effort to answer many of your questions. Please contact the Center Director if you have any other questions. Throughout the year there will be times that we need to communicate information about upcoming events. Please read signage posted in the office and on the classroom doors in order to stay informed.
In the event of a policy change you will be notified two weeks in advance in writing. Please sign and return the form on the last page to The Little Red Caboose.