ABOUT US

Dear Parents,
Since “JUST KIDS!” has been established for several years we have been able to care for children in many communities and have had the privilege of working with many different parents and families from all walks of life. Our motto has always been, “Your kids deserve the best.” In taking a deeper look at our statement, we felt something was missing. With this in mind, we are implementing not just a change but a total program that is Christian based. It is so important that you can leave your child where you feel comfortable and safe in order for you to fulfill your work obligations. In developing the daily concepts at “JUST KIDS!”, we have gone the extra step to ensure this.

The overall goal for the preschool child at “JUST KIDS!” is preparing them for kindergarten both developmentally and academically. Our new motto for “JUST KIDS!” a Christian based center is "More Than Just the Basics". We realize
that ABC’s and 123’s are
important however with the state of the world in such turmoil no time has ever been better to teach and reinforce the most important things in life. After researching and studying many curriculums on the market, we are adapting the ABEKA Curriculum to our centers.

We know you are seeking childcare professionals to help raise your children. This difficult decision will directly affect your everyday life. We have gone the extra mile to accommodate your child’s individual needs. We also know that the character and academic development that your child will experience through our center will help make this a comfortable, easy decision.

The information in our handbook is presented in a way that helps you to know our expectations from you as a parent, and how we plan on accommodating your child’s daily needs while facilitating an organized, hands-on Christian-based curriculum. The role that “JUST KIDS!” will take in your child’s life is to be a true partner with you to ensure your child’s healthy development. Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys, yet it can be very challenging in organizing care around work schedules. This booklet gives a detailed explanation of how “JUST KIDS!” learning development center will provide a home like atmosphere. Safety, learning and having fun make up a big part of what “JUST KIDS!” is about. Remember, our mission is to reveal to Children the real meaning of what is important in life… “More than Just the Basics!”

God’s Blessings,
Don and Cheri Harris

POLICIES
Enrollment
“JUST KIDS!” Learning Development Center is open to the general public Monday-Friday (Saturday and Sunday at some centers). The center is licensed through the state of Missouri to accept children from the ages of two to twelve years of age. “JUST KIDS!” does not discriminate because of race, creed, origin, or religion. An enrollment packet is
provided by the center. A number of forms need to be completed before your child is officially enrolled. The packet includes an enrollment form, medical examination form, emergency care authorization and an immunization form (A copy of your child’s immunization record is needed before enrollment can be completed). When enrolling your child, you will contract times at which you will drop off your child

and pick him/her up. The scheduled times are needed on order to schedule staff appropriately.

Designated person(s) to take child
Your child will be released from the facility only to the child’s custodial parent(s), guardian or persons(s) listed on the enrollment form. This policy is strictly enforced for your child’s safety. Photo Identification needs to be made available from the person picking your child up.

Illness, injury and medication
If your child becomes ill after arriving, you will be contacted and expected to pick him/her up as soon as possible. Your child will not be allowed at the center with a fever, chicken pox, head lice (must be nit free), vomiting, and any other time the Center Director feels your child needs to be isolated at home. This is to eliminate the spread of infectious germs.
The staff will treat minor injuries, such as scratches, scrapes, insect bites, etc. if a major injury occurs, the staff will immediately call for professional help (911). Parents, designated emergency contacts, or the child’s doctor will be notified immediately.
If your child needs to take oral medication (including over the counter drugs), the following procedure will be followed: you must fill out a medication authorization form, bring all medication in original container, give medication and authorization forms directly to a staff person. Unfortunately accidents do occur on occasion. It is the parent’s responsibility to carry health insurance to cover any injuries that require professional medical attention, such as emergency room visits, doctor visits, etc.

Personal Belongings
Parents must furnish an extra set of clothes to be left at the center. Clothing items include under and outwear, except for shoes. The clothing should be replenished immediately should your child use the extra set. Please label all personal articles with your child’s name. Preschoolers will be given a cubby with his/her personal belongings. Each child will have a folder located in the parent box located near the entrance of the center. Paperwork, artwork, and parent letters can be found in here daily therefore it is important for you to check the boxes daily.
A sheet for napping can be purchased from the Center’s Director. This needs to be taken home weekly for laundering or the center will launder for a weekly charge of $1.50

Our Belongings
We expect for your child to take care of what belongs to the center. If our toys are broken, some things wear out and that is part of it. If a deliberate act of misconduct to “JUST KIDS!” property, such as building, toys, automobiles parked on the lot, etc. is done, it will be your responsibility to pay for the repairs. Hopefully this is never and issue, but if a situation does occur, your obligation is understood and the Center’s Director will make the final determination.

General Parent Information
You are welcome and encouraged to visit, spend time and observe your child at “JUST KIDS!” To know all special events or announcements going on, please check the parents board located at the front entrance. A copy of the Licensing Rules for the Child Day Care Centers and Group Homes are available for you to review
in the office at “JUST KIDS!” If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact the Center and speak to the Director or any member of “JUST KIDS!” team. If you wish to withdraw your child from the Center, a two-week notification to the staff would be greatly appreciated.

Tuition and Payment
Charges for tuition are weekly and to be paid in advance. Tuition is payable each Friday for the following week. If the tuition is not received by the end of the program week, a $10.00 late charge will be added. If tuition is not received by the end of the second week, your child will be dismissed from the center until the balance is paid in full. If the balance is not paid within the two-week period, your account will be turned over to our collection agency. You will then be responsible for the full amount “JUST KIDS!” is owed plus what the collection agency charges. Also, on any past due accounts, interest will accrue at 18% per annum. If litigation is involved, all legal fees incurred are the customer’s responsibility.

“JUST KIDS!” Enters into a contract with you in regards to the days your child attends. You are responsible to pay for contracted days regardless if attendance. Free days can be earned by full time students if your account stays current. You can earn ½ day a month totaling six free days per year. Remember: the only thing a full-time student has to do to receive free days is to remain current on his or her account.

A $50.00 Service Charge will apply to any returned checks.

Additional charges that take place yearly are summer activity fees and fall educational fees for preschoolers. Your center’s Director will notify you of the specific amounts. You will also be charged $5.00 per minute if you pick your child up after the center closes. The director will automatically apply this to your bill.

Holidays
“JUST KIDS!” Is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are optional days to be closed depending on parent need. You can use your earned free days to offset the closed holiday if that is what you choose. Otherwise you are responsible for paying on holidays.