• Preschool Discipline Policy
• Procedure For Discipline
• Security Procedures
• Abuse and Neglect
• Parent Grievance Procedure

Each student enrolled in the program is on probationary status. At any time during the school year, the director and staff can request a mandatory conference with the parents if they feel that the program is not meeting the needs of the child or if the child is not conforming to the program guidelines. If problem persist, staff may request that the child be withdrawn from the program.

1. A mandatory orientation for new and returning parents is done prior to a child entering preschool.

2. Children must meet the age requirement of being three years old by August 31st for the 3-year old program or four years old by August 31st for the 4-year old program.

3. Children must be potty trained and able to communicate their wants and needs.

Once the number of students has reached the staff/child ratios for licensed centers, a waiting list will be established. As vacancies occur, slots will be filled according to a waiting list priority.

Discipline Policy

1. No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the teacher or any staff member including substitutes, volunteers, and any other auxiliary personnel such as secretaries, janitors, maids, vehicle drivers
2. No parent or volunteer shall use corporal punishment with their own child in the presence of other students.
3. No child shall be placed in a locked room or closet for any reason.
4. No child shall ever be handled roughly in any way, including pulling, pushing, shaking, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking.
5. No discipline shall ever be delegated to another child.

Punishment will not be related to food, rest, or toileting:

• No food shall be withheld, or given, as a means of discipline

• No child shall ever be disciplined for accidental lapses in personal hygiene.

• No child shall ever be disciplined for not sleeping during rest time.

 Procedure For Discipline

1. When a student misbehaves, he will be asked not to repeat the behavior and will be told the reason why the behavior is not acceptable.
2. If the student repeats the behavior, he will be put in a time-out chair in the classroom away from the other students. He again will be told the reason why the behavior is unacceptable.
3. If the misbehavior continues, the child will be separated from the class and told that his teacher will discuss the behavior with the parents. When the parent arrives, the staff member who handled the discipline of the student will talk to the parent about the behavior. If another person, other than the parent, picks up the child, the teacher will send a private note to the parent. A conference between the teacher and parents will be scheduled to discuss the behavior.
4. If the misbehavior persists, there will be discussions concerning the withdrawal of the student from the program.

Security Procedures
A parent should sign the sheet in the hall when bringing or picking up a child. The Preschool requires either a written note or a phone call from a parent if your child is to leave with a person that is not specified on the registration form. Messages from a child will not be accepted. Teachers may require these individuals to provide identification before releasing the child.

Abuse and Neglect
North Carolina law requires any person, professional, or other citizen, who suspects child abuse or neglect to report the situation to the county department of social services for investigation. In addition, any person can call the Division of Child Development and make a report of suspected child abuse or neglect in a child care operation. Reports can be made anonymously. A person cannot be held liable for a report made in good faith. 

• Hertford County Department of Social Services: Child Abuse-Neglect Report   358-7871 (24 hours)

• Division of Child Development: 1-800-859-0829

Any suspected abuse or neglect or improper care observed by or reported to the staff will be reported to the proper officials.

Any suspicious allegations of staff members will result in an investigation which may result in termination of staff. If allegations are proven false, then the staff member will be reinstated.

Parent Grievance Procedure
If a parent has a question concerning the car of his child, he should first discuss it with the child’s teacher.  If the concern is unresolved, he should then discuss the situation with the director. If the concern continues unresolved, the parent should contact the headmaster.