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Parent Handbook School and Childcare

Redeemer Lutheran School and Childcare
1400 Concordia Drive
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
740-653-9727 (Office)
www.redeemerlancaster.com
redeemerlutheranschool@yahoo.com

Mrs. Kate Jurecki – Director
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Welcome!

Dear Parents,
Greetings in the name of Christ,

On behalf of the Redeemer Lutheran Congregation, please accept our thanks for choosing our Early Childhood Education Programs here at Redeemer. Our Church, School and Childcare Programs exist solely to share the love of Christ with everyone. We are excited about the upcoming year and look forward to the opportunities we have to share the love of Christ with your child.

God has made us a part of His family in Baptism. As a family of God at Redeemer, we receive God’s encouragement and strength every Sunday through the study of His Word. If you presently have no church family, we invite you to consider becoming a part of our church family. Here you will find God’s love and friendship in Christ.

If we can be of any service too, please let us know. May God continue to surprise you with His goodness!

In Christ’s Service and Yours,
Redeemer Elders and Church Board

Dear Parents,
“Train up a child in the way he should go.” – Proverbs 22:6

Redeemer Lutheran Church supports Early Childhood Education Programs to provide instruction in the Word of God. Here at Redeemer Lutheran School and Childcare we look to expand your child’s world through activities focused on: Jesus, social/emotional growth, fine/gross motor skills and academics. The staff of Redeemer Lutheran School feels privileged to be a part of your child’s spiritual and educational development. Thank you for choosing Redeemer for your child.

This handbook contains information regarding the policies and procedures here at Redeemer. Many of the answers to your questions are found in this handbook. It is very important that you read this handbook and keep it handy.

In Christ,
Mrs. Kate Jurecki
Director, Redeemer Lutheran School

Mission Statement of Redeemer Lutheran School and Childcare

It is the mission of Redeemer Lutheran Church Early Childhood program,
in grateful response to God’s love for us In Christ Jesus,
to provide a Christ centered education and a spiritual foundation
for our students by word or deed within our School,
Childcare Center and Church communities!

Vision and Belief Statement

Redeemer Lutheran School and Childcare exists for the primary purpose of leading children to the divine Shepherd, Jesus Christ, their Savior. Following the command of Christ, “Feed My Lambs,” the teachers in the school and childcare are under divine obligation to aid their children in achieving a fuller life on earth, and above all, to help prepare them for the eternal joys which will be theirs in Heavan. Stated more specifically our aims are as follows:

To provide through instruction in God’s Word so that:

• Children may learn to know, trust and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
• Children may learn to know what their Savior expects of them as believers and followers.
• Children may learn to conduct themselves in a manner that is pleasing to God.
• Children may learn to live and play with other children in a God pleasing manner, grow in social living, adjust to life outside the home as well as in the school setting and gain a feeling of security and happiness in all relationships with playmates, teachers and parents.
• We, the teachers, assist the parents in laying a faith formation for each and every child.

Philosophy

Our School and Childcare program addresses the needs of children’s spiritual, social/emotional, physical and academic development.

Redeemer offers a childcare program in which the atmosphere is relaxed, creative and fun. You can leave your child confident in knowing that they are in a safe and healthy environment. We learn about Jesus, play games, read and tell stories, engage in music and movement and stretch our muscles with indoor and outdoor play. We correlate our activities using the “One in Christ” religion curriculum.

The Early Childhood Education Programs offers an environment that nurtures, supports, reinforces and encourages learning of all kinds. Since a child learns from every experience, our programs focus on providing a wide variety of developmentally appropriate activities. Enormous differences exist in the growth and development of children; therefore, we need to be flexible in our expectations in order to meet the needs of each child.

Faith Formation is our mission here at Redeemer Lutheran School and Childcare. Our mission statement is located at the beginning of this handbook and posted in each classroom. Teaching your child about “Jesus” is first and foremost in our curriculum of learning. Our curriculum is from Concordia Publishing House called “One in Christ.” It is like teaching “Sunday School” every day of the week. The teachers are excited to plant the seeds of faith, nurture the children as they grow and learn about themselves, the world around them and God’s love for them in Christ.

“Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these . . . .
And He took the children in His arms and blessed them.” – Mark 10: 14, 16

Days and Hours of Operation

Childcare: Monday – Friday (6:30am – 6:00pm)

(Children aged 3 – 6 years old)

Operating: Year Round

Closed: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (and Day After), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day (And Day After), New Year’s Eve

Daily Schedule

*Milk is provided at snack and lunch times.

Our Childcare schedule is a flexible framework and can/will change periodically. Also, included within this schedule is music/movement, Gym, Chapel, educational visits and much more throughout the year.

Childcare remains open throughout the summer and is offered to children aged 3 – 12. Summer schedule varies depending on “in house” field trips and activity opportunities.

It is important that children wear play clothes & tennis shoes for childcare.
Projects & play can be messy.

Summer Childcare: Monday – Friday (6:30am – 6:00pm)

(Children Age 3 – 12 years old)

Operating: Begins on Tuesday after Memorial Day and ends on Friday before Labor Day

Closed : Fourth of July

Daily Schedule

*Milk is provided at snack and lunch times.

Our Childcare schedule is a flexible framework and can/will change periodically. Also, included within this schedule is music/movement, Gym, Chapel, educational visits and much more throughout the year.

Childcare remains open throughout the summer and is offered to children aged 3 – 12. Summer schedule varies depending on “in house” field trips and activity opportunities.

It is important that children wear play clothes & tennis shoes for childcare.
Projects & play can be messy.

Kindergarten: Monday – Friday (8:15am – 2:15pm)

(Children Aged 5 by the first day of the School Year)

Operating: Mid-August thru the last week of May

Closed: Labor Day, Thursday/Friday of Fair Week (October), Thanksgiving (and Day After), Two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, one week at Easter (including Good Friday) – Professional Days (2)

Daily Schedule

*Milk is provided at snack and lunch times.

Kindergarten students receive free before and after school childcare. There is a fee for childcare on Holidays, extended school breaks and summer care.

Kindergarten is broken down into four grading periods. Report cards are sent home at the end of each quarter.
(October, January, March and May)

Parent Teacher conferences are held in October and February.

It is important that children wear play clothes & tennis shoes for Kindergarten.
Projects & play can be messy.

Pre – Kindergarten: Monday thru Friday (8:15 – 12:15)
Doves: Monday/Wednesday/Friday (8:15 – 12:15)

(Children Aged 4 by the first day of the School Year)

Operating: Day After Labor Day thru the last week of May

Closed: Labor Day, Thursday/Friday of Fair Week (October), Thanksgiving (and Day After), Two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, one week at Easter (including Good Friday) – Professional Days (2)

Daily Schedule

*Milk is provided at snack and lunch times.

Pre-Kindergarten/Doves is broken into 3 grading periods. Progress reports are sent home at the end of each grading period.
(November, February and May)

Parent Teacher conferences are held in October and February.

It is important that children wear play clothes & tennis shoes for Pre-School.
Projects & play can be messy.

Lambs: Tuesday/Thursday (9:00 – 11:30)

(Children Aged 3 by the first day of the School Year and fully potty trained – including during naps)

Operating: Day After Labor Day thru the last week of May

Closed: Labor Day, Thursday/Friday of Fair Week (October), Thanksgiving (and Day After), Two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, one week at Easter (including Good Friday) – Professional Days (2)

Daily Schedule

*Milk is provided at snack and lunch times.

Lambs is broken into 3 grading periods. Progress reports are sent home at the end of each grading period.
(November, February and May)

Parent Teacher conferences are held in October and February.

It is important that children wear play clothes & tennis shoes for Pre-School.
Projects & play can be messy.

Policies on Hours of Operation Including Closures Due to Weather, School Delays or Closings, and Other Factors

Except for scheduled holidays, the childcare program remains open unless there is a weather or other emergency that results in a lack of power, heat or running water at the program. Childcare remains open if the local school closes or is delayed. Care may be available for school-age children not normally in care on those days, if staff to student ratios are not exceeded.

The Preschool and Kindergarten will follow Lancaster City School District for closings or two-hour delays. Kindergarten, Pre-Kindergarten and Doves will be delayed for two hours. Lambs will delay for only one hour due to their later start time.

In the case of closure or delay, families will receive a phone call, message on Procare and all closures or delays will be communicated to the local TV station

Staff to Child Ratios

Appendix A to Rule 5101:2-12-18

When there is a combination of ages within a group of children, the age of the youngest child will determine the staff/child ratio. Redeemer has at least two trained staff members on the premise at all times when seven or more children are in the school.

Meals and Snacks

Children in child care are provided with a nutritional snack at approximately 10:00 am and 3:00pm. Snack schedules are posted on our parent boards.

Parents provide snacks for their child in Pre School and Kindergarten programs. Snack is served at approximately 10:00 am.

Parents provide lunch for children in Kindergarten and Child Care. Lunch is served at approximately 12:00pm for kindergarten and 12:15 for Child Care. Redeemer does not have the ability to heat or refrigerate snacks or lunches.

Parents may provide breakfast for children arriving between 6:30am and 8:00am.

Milk is provided at all snack and lunch times.

Lunches will be supplemented when all required food groups are not included.

No child will go more than 4 hours without at least a snack or meal

Outdoor Play

Children are taken outside to play daily, weather permitting. Classes go outside at least once per day, Kindergarten 2-3 times per day and childcare up to 4 times per day. On days when weather conditions do not allow for outdoor play, classes will use Fellowship Hall for indoor gross motor activities. Children should dress for the coldest part of the day during the winter and sunscreen is recommended for summer days.

There are limitations placed on outdoor play. Children are not taken out if the temperature is below 25 degrees or above 90 degrees. Outdoor play time is adjusted or limited during inclement weather and safety conditions for: rain, lightning, ice, wind chill warnings, air quality warnings, excessive humidity, high pollen count, to list a few.

Parent Involvement

Parents are encouraged to participate whenever possible in the activities at Redeemer Lutheran School. Parents may wish to attend field trips, class parties and special event days. Opportunities to help in the classroom will be communicated through classroom newsletters and the Procare App. In addition, parents may volunteer in their child’s classroom at any time. Simply communicate with your child’s teacher as to days and times. Visitors are required to sign in and sign out with the office staff.

Redeemer Lutheran Church also partners with the school to provide family events outside of the regular school day. These events include Trunk or Treat, An Evening with St. Nick and more.

Parent – Provider Meetings

Parent Teacher conferences are held in October and February. The October conferences are scheduled as a time to get to know the student and the family. Student learning goals and expectations for the year with be discussed. The February conferences will look at our four areas of growth: spiritual, social/emotional, physical and academic development. Records of conferences are kept on file and are confidential.

Open communication between the parent and teacher is encouraged, whether face to face or via the Procare app. Teachers are available before and after school to discuss a child’s progress. Parents are asked to make appointments with staff when it is necessary to engage in lengthy conversations.

We encourage problem solving conversations with the students and model this as teachers. Any time a parent has a concern or question about their child, regardless of the program, communication is a must. Please speak with your child’s teacher first, then the director and, if needed, the issue can be brought before the Board of Education.

Often concerns can easily be addressed when they are little problems, before they grow into bigger problems. The staff knows that you are trusting us with your little ones, and we want our relationship to be a good one, communication is the key.

Conflict Resolution

If there are any concerns or problems with the program, please first contact your child’s teacher, second contact the program Director and third contact Early Childhood Board of Directors. Redeemer will work with parents and attempt to resolve any problems or concerns.

The Department of Children and Youth also may be contacted to report suspected violations of licensing law or administrative rules. The toll-free telephone number is (844)-234-KIDS (5437) - Hotline 855-O-H-CHILD (855-642-4453). The licensing rules governing childcare are available for review in either electronic or paper copy format.

Payment Policies

Registration Fee

A yearly non-refundable registration fee of $100 secures your child’s spot for the coming year. The registration fee is due with your child’s registration form.

Childcare, Pre School and Kindergarten Fee Schedule

Rates and discounts are reviewed on an annual basis and rate increases will be made available on January 1^st for the coming school year. Our current rates may be found on our registration form.

Payment Policies

1. Childcare invoices are sent via Procare the Monday after services are rendered. Payment is due the Friday after the invoice is sent. A $25.00 late fee may be incurred for past due accounts. Delinquent accounts past two weeks risk losing their spot in childcare. Families are billed for your scheduled time regardless of attendance. A one-week written notice is required for withdrawal from the childcare program.
2. Pre School and Kindergarten invoices are sent on the first of the month. Tuition is due on the 10^th of the month. Tuition payments may be made monthly, quarterly or yearly. All school accounts that are delinquent after the 10^th of the month may incur a $25.00 late fee. There is no reduction for short months, sick days, holidays or vacations. Delinquent accounts, past 45 days, risk losing your child’s spot in school. If you withdraw from school, you are responsible for the entire amount of tuition as stated on the registration form.
3. A $25.00 fee is charged for return checks. A money order will then be the only accepted form of payment.
4. Late pick (after 6pm) results in a $1.00 per minute charge added to your bill.
5. Please allow one week notification if you are planning a vacation, there is a change to your schedule, or you wish to withdraw your child from the program.
   1. During summer childcare, each family is allowed 1 week of vacation for which the family is not charged.
6. If you withdraw from Pre School or Kindergarten, you are responsible for the entire amount of tuition as stated on the registration form.

7. Holidays – There is no charge when childcare is not open.

   Observed Holidays for childcare.

   New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving/Friday after, Christmas Eve/Christmas Day/Day after Christmas, New Year’s Eve

   Observed Holidays for school.

   October Fair Days (2 Days), Thanksgiving/Friday after, Christmas Break including New Year’s Day (2 weeks), Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Spring Break (1 week),
   Good Friday

8. Discounts –

   A 10% discount is given for childcare for students enrolled in both Pre School and Childcare.

   Additional discounts exist for church members and siblings. Please speak with the school office for more information.

Payments

A credit card, debit card or ACH payment can be made through the Procare App. Money orders, checks or cash payments are also accepted in the school office.

Breastfeeding Mothers

Room #1 has been designated to any mother that needs to privately breastfeed their child while in the school facility. If room #1 is in use please see the school office staff for an additional location. Enrollment and room usage varies from year to year.

Enrollment Information

Programs

• Child Care/Summer Childcare: Monday – Friday (6:30am – 6:00pm)
• Lambs (3-year-old): Tuesday/Thursday (9:00am – 11:30pm)
• Doves (4-year-old): Monday/Wednesday/Friday (8:15am – 12:15pm)
• Pre-Kindergarten: Monday – Friday (8:15am – 12:15pm)
• Kindergarten: Monday – Friday (8:15am – 2:15pm)

Upon registering for any program, the Director shall schedule an interview/tour with each family, discussing all programs and deciding what best fits each family’s needs.

Classes are open to all who wish to observe our teachers and students. Teachers will be happy to discuss the curriculum with families. The Director is available to answer any questions for families.

It is the policy of Redeemer Lutheran School and Childcare that children must be 3 years old before entering and all children must be potty trained at all times, including naptime.

Enrollment Packet – The following forms must be filled out (by parents/guardians) in their entirety before any child can be left for care by Redeemer Staff. (DCY 01234)

• Child Enrollment Forms for Early Care and Education Programs
• Custody Information Sheet
• Child Drop-off/Pick-up Authorization
• Immunization Record or Exemption Statement
• Photo Release
• Parent Questionnaire
• Health Care Plan Documentation & Permission to Administer Medication (If applicable)
• Sunscreen Form (If applicable)
• Chapstick/Lotion Form (If applicable)

Security & Limited Access Plan

Controlled Physical Access Points

Single Entry Point: All perimeter doors remain locked at all times. All staff, families, and visitors must use the side lot blue door unless otherwise noted by the director.

Family & Authorized Person Verification

Authorized Pick-Up List: Only parents, legal guardians, or individuals specifically named on the child’s pick-up form are permitted entry to pick up a child.

Identity Verification: Staff must verify the physical photo identification (e.g., Ohio Driver’s License) of any individual who is not personally recognized before granting access or releasing a child. The individual must enter their personal 4 digit Procare code to sign student(s) out.

Custody & Restricting Access: If a parent or guardian's access is legally restricted or limited, the center must keep a certified copy of the court order on file. Staff will be briefed on the specific constraints, and local law enforcement will be notified immediately if a restricted individual attempts entry.

Visitor Management Protocols

Pre-Verification: Unannounced visitors are restricted. All non-family visitors (e.g., maintenance, state inspectors, delivery personnel) must schedule their arrival.

Sign-In Log: All visitors must immediately sign in at the front desk, noting their full name, date, time of entry, purpose of visit, and time of departure.

Identification & Escort: Visitors must display a temporary visitor badge at all times. Visitors are never permitted to roam the facility unescorted and must be accompanied by a staff member in all child-care areas.

Intruder Protocols & Emergency Response

Lockdown Action: If an unauthorized individual breaches the secure perimeter, staff will initiate immediate lockdown procedures. Classroom doors will be locked, children will be moved to designated safe zones within the room, and staff will call 911.

Staff Training: All employees receive training on these limited access policies during onboarding and participate in regular safety and intruder drills

Attendance Policies

• Daily Sign-In/Out: Parents or authorized guardians must sign into the Procare App using their individual 4 digit pin number.
• Reporting Absences: Parents must notify the site director or center office by 8:30 am if a child will be absent or arriving late.
• Unplanned Absences: Staff will attempt to contact families for unexplainable absences to ensure child safety and security.
• Extended Illness: If a child is sick for multiple consecutive days, the center must be updated regularly on the expected return date.
• Consecutive Unnotified Absences: Excessive unnotified absences (e.g., more than [3-5] consecutive days without communication) may result in a formal review, forfeiture of the child's enrollment slot, or program termination.
• Child arriving from another program: If a child does not arrive, call parent and call alternative center.

Supervision

Our staff at Redeemer Lutheran is committed to ensuring the health and safety of each child entrusted to our care. We are alert to the safety needs of the children, anticipate possible hazards, and take necessary appropriate precautionary and preventable measures.

No unsupervised children: Staff must never leave any child without responsible oversight.

Situational awareness: Staff must be actively aware of each child's physical, developmental, and behavioral needs, as well as parental preferences. Digital tools or mirrors may supplement direct observation, but cannot replace it.

Proximity: Staff must be close enough to protect children from harm, meet basic needs, anticipate hazards, and respond immediately.

School-age children: During summer childcare our school-age children are permitted to be left alone for no more than five minutes within the school building. School age children are never left unsupervised while outside.

Care of Children Without Immunizations

Redeemer Lutheran does provide care to children who have not been immunized.

Child Guidance

At Redeemer Lutheran each child is treated with love and respect. If children are treated with respect, they in turn learn to respect their teachers, friends and others. Our expectations for your child will be kept within the normal stages of growth and development. Our staff provides positive reinforcement and redirection to ensure each child is safe in their learning environment. We facilitate problem-solving and encourage children to talk about problems, share their thoughts/feelings and suggestions to resolve conflicts with each other.

If a child exhibits inappropriate behavior, they are asked to sit in the calming area (located in each room). Each calming area has bean bag chairs and fidgeting materials to help the child take control of their behavior/emotions. Once a child is ready to return to the group, the teacher will privately review the reason for the calming area and expected behavior.

Staff Policy: Protection from Inappropriate Language, Media, and Behavior

Purpose and Scope

This policy ensures a safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate environment for all children. It applies to all employees, substitutes, volunteers, and student interns. Adherence to this policy is required to maintain compliance with Rule 5180:2-12-19 of the Ohio Administrative Code.

Prohibited Language

Staff must never use or permit the use of inappropriate language in the presence of children. Prohibited language includes, but is not limited to:

• Profanity: Cursing, swearing, or using vulgar phrases.
• Derogatory Speech: Name-calling, shaming, mocking, or insulting a child or their family.
• Harsh Language: Yelling, threatening, intimidating, or speaking in a manner that humiliates a child.
• Adult Topics: Discussing personal problems, romantic or sexual activities, or adult situations within earshot of children.

Prohibited Media

Children must be strictly shielded from age-inappropriate media. This applies to center-owned equipment and staff personal devices:

• Entertainment Restrictions: Television programs, movies, music, or video games must be pre-approved by the Director and have a G-rating or equivalent early-childhood rating.
• Content Prohibitions: Media featuring physical violence, aggressive behavior, scary themes, sexual content, or coarse language is strictly prohibited.
• Personal Devices: Staff may not use personal smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches to show media to children. Personal devices must remain stored away during active supervision.

Prohibited Behavior & Interactions

Staff must model respectful and professional behavior at all times. Prohibited behaviors include:

• Aggression: Any form of corporal punishment, rough handling, physical intimidation, or aggressive physical contact.
• Emotional Harm: Giving silent treatments, isolating a child in a dark space, or weaponizing food/rest as punishment.
• Inappropriate Boundaries: Staff must not initiate private, unapproved text or social media communication with enrolled children or youth.

Enforcement and Reporting

• Active Intervention: Staff must immediately intervene and correct any peer-to-peer behavior where a child uses inappropriate language or media.
• Mandatory Reporting: Staff who witness a colleague violating this policy must immediately report the incident to the Center Director.
• Disciplinary Action: Violations of this policy compromise state licensing standards and child safety. Violators will face immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Suspension and Expulsion

When a child’s behavior places the child or other children at Redeemer Lutheran at risk, the Director will communicate with the parents or guardians. If the behavior persists, a behavior plan will be created with input from the child’s family, teacher and director. If the behavior cannot be modified, the child may be suspended or expelled from the program. The Director will report any child’s expulsion for behavioral reasons to the OCLQS system.

Disenrollment

If a family chooses to disenroll a child from the school program, a one-week written notice is required. School families are still responsible for the full tuition as stated on the registration form.

Redeemer works with children and parents to resolve any behavior issues. However, if there are behavior issues that continue to be of concern and endanger other children, your child may be disenrolled from the program.

Children may also be disenrolled for the following reasons:

• Failure to pay tuition on time.
• Failure to pay additional fees.
• Failure to comply with Redeemer program policies.
• Failure to attend during scheduled hours.
• Excessive absenteeism.

American with Disabilities Act Compliance Policies

• Children with disabilities are assessed on an individual basis to determine if the program is the right fit for their needs.
• Redeemer Lutheran administers medication to children with disabilities in accordance with the child’s documented medical/physical care plan.
• Prior to caring for a child with a disability, all who are responsible for caring for the child will be properly trained regarding any necessary procedures.

Food and Dietary Policies

• Nutritional Standards: Meals must offer a balance of proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and appropriate milk selections.
• Menus: A weekly childcare snack menu is posted on the family board and printed copies are given to all childcare families.
• Safety & Development: Foods that pose a choking hazard are prohibited. Tables must not be bare during feeding, and utensils/dishes must suit the children's developmental stages.
• Special Diets: Facilities must accommodate specialized medical or dietary needs using proper documentation (DCY 01236).

Illness Policies

Management of illness, including isolation procedures

• If your child becomes sick or does not feel well enough to participate in program activities, please keep them at home.
• Children who become ill while at Redeemer are isolated within sight and hearing of a staff member. Cots and linens used are washed and disinfected before being used again.
• Parents are notified via the Procare App if their child has been exposed to a communicable illness.

Symptoms for discharge

• Temperature of 100 degrees F or higher
• Diarrhea (3 or more abnormal or unexpected stools within 24-hour period)
• Severe coughing (Child becomes red or blue in the face or whooping cough)
• Difficult or rapid breath
• Yellowish skin or eyes
• Redness of the eye or eyelid, thick or pus eye discharge, matted eyelashes, burning, itching or eye pain
• Untreated infected skin patches, unusual spots or rashes
• Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool
• Stiff neck with an elevated temperature
• Evidence of untreated lice, scabies or other parasitic infestation
• Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting more than one time or when accompanied by any other signs or symptom of illness.

Conditions for returning to Redeemer

• Children are readmitted to Redeemer after at least 24 hours of being free of fever and other symptoms without aid of medication. If they are not symptom free, a doctor’s note is required stating that the child is not contagious.

Parents are notified by phone or text if their child exhibits any of these signs of illness and must pick up their child within one hour. Care is not provided for children who are sick at Redeemer. Please have a backup plan in place if you are unable to take time off from work/school to pick up your child when they are sick or to care for them at home when they are ill.

Emergency, Serious Illness and Injury Procedures

Redeemer follows our programs Emergency Preparedness and Crisis/Disaster Management Plan if an emergency occurs while children are in Redeemer’s care. Redeemer conducts monthly fire drills, tornado drills (March – September) and quarterly emergency/lockdown drills.

In the event of a fire or tornado, Redeemer follows the written instructions posted, which describes emergency evacuation routes and the procedures to be followed to ensure that children have arrived at the designated spot.

If we need to evacuate due to fire or weather conditions, or the loss of power, heat or water, our emergency destination is the shelter house located on the church/school grounds. If the immediate area must be evacuated, we evacuate to OBGYN Associates of Lancaster (1532 Wesley Way; Lancaster, Ohio 43130). A sign will be posted on exterior doors indicating that we have been evacuated and the location where you may pick up your child. Parents will be contacted as soon as possible and requested to pick up their child. If a parent cannot be reached, we will contact the emergency contacts listed on your child’s enrollment information.

In the unlikely event of an environmental threat or a threat of violence, we will secure the children in the safest location or evacuate as needed, contact the proper authorities and follow their directions. We will contact parents as soon as the situation allows.

In the case of a minor accident or injury, basic first aid is administered by a trained staff member.

If the injury/illness is serious, any first aid possible is administered, and parents are contacted immediately to assist in deciding an appropriate course of action.

When any injury or illness is life-threatening, EMS is contacted, parents are notified, and the child’s available health records are sent with the EMS. We do not transport children in private vehicles in the case of an emergency, therefore we will not accept children whose parents refuse to authorize transportation to emergency services.

When any of the following occur: the child has an illness, accident, or injury that requires first aid; the child receives a bump or blow to the head; the child has to be transported by emergency squad; or an unusual or unexpected event occurs that jeopardized the safety of the child, an incident/injury report is completed and given to the person picking up the child on the day of the incident/injury.

In the case of a serious incident, the Director will report it to OCLQS by the next business day and complete the required serious incident report.

Administration of Medication and Topical Products

Health Care Plan and Documentation and Permission to Administer Medication for Early Child Care and Education Programs (DCY 01236) must be filled out for a student with a medical condition or needing medication.

Parent and Physician Permission

• Written Parental Permission: Required for all prescription, non-prescription, sample medications, medical foods, and topical products/lotions.
• Medical Instructions: A licensed physician, dentist, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or physician assistant (PA) must provide written instructions if a non-prescription medication exceeds manufacturer instructions, is given longer than 3 consecutive days within a 14-day period, or involves a topical product for a skin ailment applied for more than 14 consecutive days.

Documentation and Tracking

• Providers must keep a log containing the child's name, medication name, dosage, date, time administered, and the signature of the staff member who gave the medication.
• Non-prescription topical products like sunscreens and bug sprays are typically exempt from individual dose logging.

Storage and Handling

• Medications and topical products must be stored safely out of the reach of children.
• Items requiring refrigeration must be kept in a separate container inside the refrigerator.
• Expired or unneeded medications must be removed from the facility.

Sunscreen, Lotion and Lip Balm

• Signed written parental permission is required for topical products that need to be administered (Sunscreen, Lotion, and Lip Balm). All topical products must be handed directly to the Director or Teacher upon arrival at the program.
• School-age children will follow the same procedures as written above.

Transportation Policies

Transportation to and from field trips is by private parent transportation. Staff members do not transport children for any reason at Redeemer.

Water Activities and/or Swimming

Children are provided with water play opportunities at Redeemer during the summer session. These include sprinklers, slip n slide, water balls and small fishing pond. Parents must send bathing suits, sunscreen and towels for their children on water play days.

Infant Care and Diaper Procedures

Redeemer Lutheran School is not licensed for infant care or diapering.

Sleeping, Napping and Resting Policies

Child Care students nap/rest between the hours of 1pm and 3pm daily. Students who do not fall asleep are permitted to play on their cot with quiet activities. Cots and a sheet are provided to each napping student and are labeled with the student’s name. Sheets are laundered weekly or when they become soiled. Parents may provide a blanket and stuffed animal for their child. These are sent home weekly for laundering. Cots are placed in the rooms to avoid blocking room exits and to allow for staff to safely evacuate the room if necessary.

Non Traditional Care

Redeemer Lutheran School does not provide non traditional care.

Center Parent Information

Note: A copy of this document is required to be given to the parents upon enrollment of their child in the licensed childcare center.

The childcare center is licensed to operate legally by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). This license is posted in a noticeable place for review.

A toll-free telephone number is listed on the license and may be used to report a suspected violation of the licensing law or administrative rules. The licensing rules governing childcare are available for review-online at https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/chapter-5180:2-12.

Administrators and each employee of the center are required, under Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code, to report their suspicions of child abuse or child neglect to the local public children’s services agency.

Any parent of a child enrolled in the center is permitted unlimited access to the center during all hours of operation for the purpose of contacting their children, evaluating the care provided by the center or evaluating the premises. Upon entering the premises, the parent or guardian shall is to notify the Administrator of their presence.

Licensing records, including licensing inspection reports, complaint investigation reports, and evaluation forms from the building and fire departments, is available for review upon written request from DCY. Early care and education program information and Inspections are also online using the Child Care Search Tool on the DCY website at http://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-families/early-care-education/child-care-search.

It is unlawful for the center to discriminate in the enrollment of children upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 104 Stat. 32, 42 U.S.C. 12101 er seq. To file a discrimination complaint, write or call Health and Human Services (HHS) or DCY. HHS and DCY are equal opportunity providers and employers.

For more information about childcare licensing requirements as well as how to apply for childcare assistance, please visit http://childrenandyouth ohio.gov/for-families.

For more information on Medicaid health screenings and early intervention services for your child, please visit https://medicaid.ohio.gov/families-and-individuals/citizen-prograsmand-initiatives/healthchek/ and https://ohioearlyintervention.org
For information on cash food assistance, please visit https://jfs.ohio.gov/cash-food-assistance.

Assessments

Redeemer uses screenings, progress monitoring tools and formal assessments to ensure that the children’s learning needs are being met. The program shares this information with families during conferences (October and February) and on report cards. (Kindergarten: October, January, March and May; Pre School: November, February and May). Redeemer reports required information regarding screening tools and assessments to DCY per Chapter 5180:2-17 of the Administrative Guide.

Redeemer Social Media Policy

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, and contractors at Redeemer. It governs both the use of official center social media channels and the personal social media use of staff members in relation to the children, families, and operations of the center.

Redemer Social Media Use

• Authorized Channels: Only the Director may post on behalf of Redeemer.
• Parental Consent: Written consent must be obtained via a signed photo/video waiver before any child’s image or likeness is published on public platforms (Facebook, Instagram) or private apps (Procare).
• Identifying Information: Redeemer will never tag children, use full names, or disclose personal details such as birthdays, daily routines outside of school, or home addresses.
• Tone and Content: All public posts will maintain a respectful, professional, and positive tone that reflects the educational mission of the center.

Staff Personal Social Media Guidelines

• No Personal Photos of Children: Staff members are strictly prohibited from taking photos or videos of enrolled children on personal devices or posting center-related images on personal social media accounts.
• Professional Boundaries: Staff will not "friend," "follow," or accept connection requests from current enrolled families or children on personal social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.).
• Center Affiliation: Employees will not list Redeemer as their employer on personal profiles if it compromises center security, nor use center logos or branding.
• Confidentiality: Posting confidential information regarding the center, management, co-workers, or enrolled children and their families is strictly prohibited. This includes venting, sharing anecdotes, or posting complaints online.

Parent and Guardian Guidelines

• Respecting Privacy: Parents and guardians are welcome to take photos of their own children during center events, but they are strictly prohibited from posting photographs or videos that capture children other than their own on public social media.

Violations and Disciplinary Action

• Any breach of this social media policy—whether through personal accounts or official channels—compromises safety and confidentiality.
• Violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination of employment or revocation of center access.

Emergency Medical Devices and Medication Policy

This policy governs the possession, storage, and administration of emergency medical devices and rescue medications at Redeemer. This policy ensures rapid, life-saving responses to health emergencies such as anaphylaxis, asthma attacks, diabetic crises, cardiac arrest, and opioid overdoses. This policy strictly applies to life-saving emergency medical devices and emergency medications, including but not limited to:

• Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (e.g., EpiPen) for severe allergic reactions.
• Rescue Inhalers (e.g., Albuterol) for acute asthma emergencies.
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for sudden cardiac arrest.
• Naloxone (Narcan) for suspected opioid overdoses.
• Glucagon or emergency glucose for severe diabetic hypoglycemia.

Required Documentation & Forms

Before any child-specific emergency medication or medical procedure can be handled at the center, the following state-prescribed documentation must be completed and kept on file:

• Form DCY 01236: A completed Health Care Plan Documentation and Permission to Administer Medication for Early Care and Education Programs form must be signed by the parent/guardian and the child’s medical professional.
• First-Dose Exemption: Unlike standard medications, the OAC requirement to wait until a child has received the first dose at home does not apply to emergency rescue medications.

Storage and Accessibility

• Accessibility: All emergency medications and medical devices must be completely accessible to child care staff members at all times and must never be locked away from staff.
• Child Safety: All devices and medications must be stored safely out of the reach of children.
• Labeling: Medications must remain in their original containers, clearly labeled with the manufacturer’s instructions and the child's full name.
• Temperature: Medications requiring refrigeration must be stored in a separate, dedicated container within the refrigerator.

Staff Training & Authorization

• Procedure Training: Only child care staff members explicitly trained in the child's specific medical needs and required emergency procedures are permitted to perform medical procedures.
• General Health Training: At least one staff member with current, state-approved training in CPR, First Aid, and Management of Communicable Diseases must be present at the center at all times.

Protocol for Administration & Emergency Response

In the event that an emergency medical device or medication must be deployed:

Immediate Action: Authorized staff will immediately administer the rescue medication or device following the child’s DCY 01236 plan or emergency protocols.

Call 911: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be called immediately for any life-threatening situation or deployment of an emergency device (like an AED) or emergency medication (like an EpiPen or Naloxone).

Parent Notification: Parents/guardians will be notified immediately following the activation of emergency protocols.

Logging & Recording: Staff must document the administration on the DCY 01236 form immediately following application, noting the child’s full name, medication/device name, exact dose/time given, and the signature of the administering staff member.

Retention of Records

All written permissions, DCY 01236 forms, and emergency administration logs will be kept on file in a confidential manner for at least 12 months from the date of signature or update.

Miscellaneous

• Redeemer requests an extra set of weather-appropriate clothing to be kept in your child’s locker.
• Redeemer asks that your child does not bring any toys from home. This helps us ensure that only safe toys are played with, that toys from home are not lost, and that there are no issues with sharing toys.
• Redeemer likes to share photos of children through our Procare App, Facebook and website. Student names are never included. Each family will fill out a photo release form indicating their wishes for the sharing of their child’s photo.
• During the summer months, we request sunscreen be kept at the program for each child.