Child Withdrawal

If the parent/guardian finds it necessary to withdraw a child from care, he/she must give a two-week notice prior to withdrawal.

Child Discharge

I reserve the right to discontinue care for any reason, at any time, upon reasonable notice to the parent/guardian. I will provide a two-week notification except where immediate termination is warranted per this agreement. To voluntarily withdraw from care parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to provide a two-week written notification stating the final date their children will be in care. All tuition fees for the two weeks are due when giving notice or care stops immediately, and all deposits paid are forfeited. Parent(s)/guardian(s) may not provide a termination notice while the provider is on vacation.

Unfortunately, there may be times that a family/child are asked to leave Explore More. I reserve the right to terminate our contract immediately for any (but not limited to) of the following reasons:

·      Non-payment

·      Continual late payments

·      Lack of compliance with Handbook Policies

·      Lack of parent/guardian cooperation / disrespect

·      Failure to complete and return required forms, including submitting and updating immunization records

·      Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property

·      Continual disciplinary problems

·      False information given by parent(s)/guardian(s) either verbally or in writing

·      Habitual tardiness when picking up child(ren)

·      Unwillingness to work as a team when supporting your child’s development

A child will NOT be terminated if a child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) did any of the following:

·      Made a complaint to licensing regarding alleged violations of licensing rule

·      Made a complaint to licensing regarding violations of the law

·      Reported alleged child abuse or neglect at the childcare program

·      Questioned the childcare provider regarding policies and procedures

No refunds of any pre-paid child fees will be given in the event of immediate termination.

Expulsion and Suspension Policy

High quality child care and early learning programs are important to preventing suspensions and expulsions in the early learning setting. Early childhood education programs are responsible for creating positive learning environments that focus on preventing expulsions and suspensions, encouraging partnerships between programs and families to support healthy development, and ensuring fairness, equity and continuous improvement to support children’s social, emotional and behavioral health.

It is recommended that early childhood programs focus on fostering social emotional development and responding to challenging behaviors by incorporating positive discipline practices and policies before ever considering expulsion or suspension from early childhood programs.

Proactive actions that can be taken in order to prevent suspension/expulsion due to child’s disruptive behaviors:

·      Redirect child from disruptive behavior

·      Use developmentally appropriate practices that provide for stimulating and interactive learning environments, diversity, age appropriate expectations, small group activities, teachable moments and knowledge of research based evidence and best practices in child development, early learning, and education

·      Reassess classroom environment, appropriate of activities, supervision

·      Develop and implement classroom schedules that meet the needs of the children

·      Use positive methods and language while disciplining children

·      Acknowledge appropriate behaviors

·      Give verbal warnings

·      Give time to regain control

·      Adapt learning environments to promote healthy and social interactions with others

·      Through daily communication the team will work to carry out program and home expectations around behaviors working on changing (team = any adult directly involved with the individual child)

·      The parent/guardian will be given literature or other resources regarding methods of improving behaviors

·      Invest in professional development, training, and education to ensure educators have the competencies to support children’s social and emotional healthy

Documentation of disruptive behavior will be maintained in the child’s portfolio. Prior to expulsion of any child from this program, the staff and director will follow the following guidelines

·      Identify and engage mental and behavioral health consultants and community resources after obtaining parent permission

·      Reduce the number of days or amount of time in care for a specified amount of time

·      Conference with parents to discuss positive behavior interventions and development of goals

·      Document efforts to prevent and reduce expulsion

·      Provide reasonable accommodations

If an expulsion must occur, Explore More will assist the child and family in transitioning to another program by identifying and engaging mental and/or behavioral health consultants and community resources to assist in determining the most appropriate placement for the child.