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General Policies
Admissions
Enrollment opens to currently enrolled participating families in March and is made available to the general public shortly thereafter on a “first-come, first-served” basis. A completed application and non-refundable Enrollment Fee is due at the time of registration and may be charged to the credit card on file (see Billing Policies). A Utah School Immunization Record, signed by your child’s doctor, must be submitted on or before the first day of the program (see Immunizations). All families will receive a confirmation letter once they have been accepted. All children are welcome at the Deer Valley Academy. We do not discriminate against race, color or creed. Children must be physically and emotionally able to participate in the program appropriate for their age. If necessary, a child may be moved to a program that better supports their individual development.
Age Groups
State licensing requires that we maintain strict age requirements for the age groups based on the child’s birth date. A child will be placed in the appropriate group based on his/her age on the first day of the semester and will remain in this group even if he/she celebrates a birthday during that semester. Please note that children must be at least three years of age and fully potty-trained to participate in the preschool program.
Guidance and Discipline
The Academy staff use positive guidance techniques to promote self-governing behavior by the children. The framework that we practice is natural, can be implemented calmly and is very effective. Natural and logical consequences are not perceived or administered as punishment. They are most effective when their application is appropriate to the infraction. For example, a child tears the pages of a classroom book. The logical consequence is that the teacher removes the book from the child’s possession after the child helps repair the page. If the behavior is repeated, the child might experience loss of library privileges for several days. Practice in fully experiencing the results of one’s own choices acts as the most effective means toward the growth of self-discipline. Occasionally, a child may exhibit behavior that is aggressive, violent or otherwise unacceptable and is unable to respond to the teacher’s methods for controlling such behavior. Enrollment may be terminated upon notice should the removal of a child from the classroom be necessary in order to assure the safety of the other children and the quality of the environment.
Ski Program
Three-year-olds will receive a one-hour, one-on-one private lesson. Four-year-olds will receive a two-hour lesson either alone or paired with one other 4-year-old Academy student. These lessons are held once a week during the winter ski season when the Academy is open and are subject to change based on business trends. Additional ski time may also be available for an additional charge. It’s important to note that our ski instructors are pre-booked and on tight schedules. If you are late for a lesson, that day’s lesson will be shortened accordingly so the instructor can keep other commitments. We appreciate your on-time arrival for both Academy and ski lessons. Please note that all children participating in the ski program must be at least three years old and fully potty-trained. Parents must provide ski equipment for their child; children may bring their own, or rental reservations for equipment can be made per day by calling 435-645-6648.
Dressing for School
Children should arrive at Deer Valley dressed comfortably and prepared for many indoor and outdoor activities, including water play. There are plenty of opportunities each day to work with paint, markers, play dough, sand and water; expect your child to get dirty. We will go outside as a group for play in most weather, and we expect that your child will be appropriately dressed, including sturdy shoes or winter boots. Each child must have a full change of clothes (age appropriate)--shirt, pants, sturdy shoes, winter boots, socks and underwear (if toilet trained)--in his/her cubby at all times. It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure that the change of clothes is always re-stocked and changed for each new season. We require a weekly supply of diapers for children not yet toilet trained. Parents will receive reminders when their diaper supply is low. Families whose preschool children participate in our ski program must supply the child’s ski equipment.
Saying Goodbye
It is in the children’s best interest that parents do a thorough job of preparing them for the new school year. This can be accomplished in several ways: role playing; driving to Deer Valley; meeting the teachers; and/or discussing in depth the morning routine. When it is time for the ‘real thing,’ a quick and loving goodbye is best. Tears only last a few minutes and will worsen if you hesitate. Explain to your child that Deer Valley is a safe, fun place to be and that you will be back soon. Then make sure you are on time to pick up your child. Adjusting to a new routine can be taxing on a child. Your patience and consistency will make the transition easier for both you and your child.
Personal Belongings
Deer Valley is not responsible for lost or stolen items in the Children’s Center. Make sure all your child’s personal belongings are clearly labeled. Please leave toys at home.
Snacks and Lunch
All children ages 12 months and older will be offered a healthy snack in the morning and afternoon and will receive a well-balanced lunch every day. If your child is a very picky eater or has strict dietary restrictions, please make arrangements to provide the appropriate food for your child. For infants (2-11 months), please bring milk and bottles and discuss your child’s eating habits with the caregivers. Deer Valley’s Children’s Center is a nut-free environment. The Deer Valley Academy lunch menu can be found on the Deer Valley Academy website.
Celebrations, Holidays and Birthdays
Our curriculum will expose children to the traditions, cultures and customs of different people throughout the world. One significant way to learn about people and their cultures is through the study and recognition of holiday customs. These holidays may or may not be celebrated by the students in their homes, but it is a chance to enhance a basic understanding of what is happening in the world around them. We would love to recognize your child’s special day at school. As part of our students’ birthday celebrations, we invite you to share one of your child’s favorite books in the library that week. We’ll incorporate the story into our weekly activities in honor of your child. We encourage you to bring a healthy, store-bought treat for all the children in his/her class. Please remember that we are a nut-free environment and must accommodate the many different dietary needs of our students. We ask that you contact the center director a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to your child’s birthday so we can discuss what you plan to bring to share. Although we don’t hold birthday parties in the Center, we would be happy to help distribute invitations to the children for an off-campus celebration. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of all children in the Children’s Center.
Family Participation
We encourage parents to participate by sharing and observing in the classroom setting at any time during the year. However, we do ask you to first make arrangements with the teacher at least one week in advance.
Communication and Problem Solving
Understanding your family’s feelings, questions and concerns is vital to the effectiveness of our program. In order to do the best job we can for your child, we ask for your feedback. Please share your comments, questions and concerns with the teachers or center director. Your input is very important and always welcomed. A monthly Family Newsletter highlighting the curriculum focus each month can be found on the Deer Valley Academy website.
Photo Release
Deer Valley Resort and its agents may use your child’s photograph for the purpose of publicity, public relations, editorial or other advertising purpose without restriction as to frequency or duration. Neither your minor child nor you will be entitled to any compensation in exchange for granting this exclusive permission to Deer Valley Resort and its agents.
Enrollment opens to currently enrolled participating families in March and is made available to the general public shortly thereafter on a “first-come, first-served” basis. A completed application and non-refundable Enrollment Fee is due at the time of registration and may be charged to the credit card on file (see Billing Policies). A Utah School Immunization Record, signed by your child’s doctor, must be submitted on or before the first day of the program (see Immunizations). All families will receive a confirmation letter once they have been accepted. All children are welcome at the Deer Valley Academy. We do not discriminate against race, color or creed. Children must be physically and emotionally able to participate in the program appropriate for their age. If necessary, a child may be moved to a program that better supports their individual development.
Age Groups
State licensing requires that we maintain strict age requirements for the age groups based on the child’s birth date. A child will be placed in the appropriate group based on his/her age on the first day of the semester and will remain in this group even if he/she celebrates a birthday during that semester. Please note that children must be at least three years of age and fully potty-trained to participate in the preschool program.
Guidance and Discipline
The Academy staff use positive guidance techniques to promote self-governing behavior by the children. The framework that we practice is natural, can be implemented calmly and is very effective. Natural and logical consequences are not perceived or administered as punishment. They are most effective when their application is appropriate to the infraction. For example, a child tears the pages of a classroom book. The logical consequence is that the teacher removes the book from the child’s possession after the child helps repair the page. If the behavior is repeated, the child might experience loss of library privileges for several days. Practice in fully experiencing the results of one’s own choices acts as the most effective means toward the growth of self-discipline. Occasionally, a child may exhibit behavior that is aggressive, violent or otherwise unacceptable and is unable to respond to the teacher’s methods for controlling such behavior. Enrollment may be terminated upon notice should the removal of a child from the classroom be necessary in order to assure the safety of the other children and the quality of the environment.
Ski Program
Three-year-olds will receive a one-hour, one-on-one private lesson. Four-year-olds will receive a two-hour lesson either alone or paired with one other 4-year-old Academy student. These lessons are held once a week during the winter ski season when the Academy is open and are subject to change based on business trends. Additional ski time may also be available for an additional charge. It’s important to note that our ski instructors are pre-booked and on tight schedules. If you are late for a lesson, that day’s lesson will be shortened accordingly so the instructor can keep other commitments. We appreciate your on-time arrival for both Academy and ski lessons. Please note that all children participating in the ski program must be at least three years old and fully potty-trained. Parents must provide ski equipment for their child; children may bring their own, or rental reservations for equipment can be made per day by calling 435-645-6648.
Dressing for School
Children should arrive at Deer Valley dressed comfortably and prepared for many indoor and outdoor activities, including water play. There are plenty of opportunities each day to work with paint, markers, play dough, sand and water; expect your child to get dirty. We will go outside as a group for play in most weather, and we expect that your child will be appropriately dressed, including sturdy shoes or winter boots. Each child must have a full change of clothes (age appropriate)--shirt, pants, sturdy shoes, winter boots, socks and underwear (if toilet trained)--in his/her cubby at all times. It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure that the change of clothes is always re-stocked and changed for each new season. We require a weekly supply of diapers for children not yet toilet trained. Parents will receive reminders when their diaper supply is low. Families whose preschool children participate in our ski program must supply the child’s ski equipment.
Saying Goodbye
It is in the children’s best interest that parents do a thorough job of preparing them for the new school year. This can be accomplished in several ways: role playing; driving to Deer Valley; meeting the teachers; and/or discussing in depth the morning routine. When it is time for the ‘real thing,’ a quick and loving goodbye is best. Tears only last a few minutes and will worsen if you hesitate. Explain to your child that Deer Valley is a safe, fun place to be and that you will be back soon. Then make sure you are on time to pick up your child. Adjusting to a new routine can be taxing on a child. Your patience and consistency will make the transition easier for both you and your child.
Personal Belongings
Deer Valley is not responsible for lost or stolen items in the Children’s Center. Make sure all your child’s personal belongings are clearly labeled. Please leave toys at home.
Snacks and Lunch
All children ages 12 months and older will be offered a healthy snack in the morning and afternoon and will receive a well-balanced lunch every day. If your child is a very picky eater or has strict dietary restrictions, please make arrangements to provide the appropriate food for your child. For infants (2-11 months), please bring milk and bottles and discuss your child’s eating habits with the caregivers. Deer Valley’s Children’s Center is a nut-free environment. The Deer Valley Academy lunch menu can be found on the Deer Valley Academy website.
Celebrations, Holidays and Birthdays
Our curriculum will expose children to the traditions, cultures and customs of different people throughout the world. One significant way to learn about people and their cultures is through the study and recognition of holiday customs. These holidays may or may not be celebrated by the students in their homes, but it is a chance to enhance a basic understanding of what is happening in the world around them. We would love to recognize your child’s special day at school. As part of our students’ birthday celebrations, we invite you to share one of your child’s favorite books in the library that week. We’ll incorporate the story into our weekly activities in honor of your child. We encourage you to bring a healthy, store-bought treat for all the children in his/her class. Please remember that we are a nut-free environment and must accommodate the many different dietary needs of our students. We ask that you contact the center director a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to your child’s birthday so we can discuss what you plan to bring to share. Although we don’t hold birthday parties in the Center, we would be happy to help distribute invitations to the children for an off-campus celebration. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of all children in the Children’s Center.
Family Participation
We encourage parents to participate by sharing and observing in the classroom setting at any time during the year. However, we do ask you to first make arrangements with the teacher at least one week in advance.
Communication and Problem Solving
Understanding your family’s feelings, questions and concerns is vital to the effectiveness of our program. In order to do the best job we can for your child, we ask for your feedback. Please share your comments, questions and concerns with the teachers or center director. Your input is very important and always welcomed. A monthly Family Newsletter highlighting the curriculum focus each month can be found on the Deer Valley Academy website.
Photo Release
Deer Valley Resort and its agents may use your child’s photograph for the purpose of publicity, public relations, editorial or other advertising purpose without restriction as to frequency or duration. Neither your minor child nor you will be entitled to any compensation in exchange for granting this exclusive permission to Deer Valley Resort and its agents.
Attendance Policies
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Families may drop off and pick up their children by entering the door marked “Deer Valley Academy,” closest to the main Children’s Center door of Snow Park Lodge, and using the security process shared on the first day of the program. Drop-offs should be no earlier than 8:00 a.m. Fifteen-minute parking is available in front of Snow Park Lodge at drop-off and pick-up times. It is important that arrival and pick-up times be closely observed. Parents should refrain from dropping off or picking up their children during Children’s Center quiet times between noon and 2:00 p.m. In the event of your late arrival due to circumstances beyond your control, please quietly escort your child into the classroom. Parents who pick up their child later than the scheduled time (5:00 p.m. regular care or 5:30 p.m. extended care) will be charged a late pick-up fee (see Late Pick-up and Fees). If a late pick-up is inevitable, please notify us as soon as possible. Children will only be released to authorized individuals (see Releasing Children to Authorized Individuals).
After-Hours Extended Care
One staff member will be available to supervise children from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. with advance notice. The cost for this additional supervision period is $15 per day. You must make the supervisor aware of your desire to use this service 24 hours prior, or the regular late fees will apply. See Late Pick-up and Fees.
Late Pick-ups and Fees
Per state licensing, parents and children are not permitted to be left in the Children’s Center alone. We ask that you be on time when picking up your children so you won’t incur late fees and we won’t have to keep staff beyond their scheduled work hours. You must make the supervisor aware of your desire to use this service 24 hours prior, or the regular late fees will apply. See After-Hours Extended Care. A late fee of $2 per minute will be charged for children picked up after 5:00 p.m.
Absences
If your child will not be in attendance, please call 435-615-6089 or email Tracy Webb at twebb@deervalley.com to let us know. Missed days cannot be made up.
Drop-in Days
Parents with a child enrolled in the program may bring their enrolled child on a day that he or she is not regularly scheduled if they check with the program supervisor at least one day in advance. Children will be allowed on a space-available basis; parents will be charged the current daily rate for the respective program.
Snow Days and School Cancellations
Deer Valley Resort may observe the Park City School District snow days or cancellations due to weather or health notices and may not be open on these days. We will contact you via email by 7:00 a.m. on the morning of if we will be closed.
Families may drop off and pick up their children by entering the door marked “Deer Valley Academy,” closest to the main Children’s Center door of Snow Park Lodge, and using the security process shared on the first day of the program. Drop-offs should be no earlier than 8:00 a.m. Fifteen-minute parking is available in front of Snow Park Lodge at drop-off and pick-up times. It is important that arrival and pick-up times be closely observed. Parents should refrain from dropping off or picking up their children during Children’s Center quiet times between noon and 2:00 p.m. In the event of your late arrival due to circumstances beyond your control, please quietly escort your child into the classroom. Parents who pick up their child later than the scheduled time (5:00 p.m. regular care or 5:30 p.m. extended care) will be charged a late pick-up fee (see Late Pick-up and Fees). If a late pick-up is inevitable, please notify us as soon as possible. Children will only be released to authorized individuals (see Releasing Children to Authorized Individuals).
After-Hours Extended Care
One staff member will be available to supervise children from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. with advance notice. The cost for this additional supervision period is $15 per day. You must make the supervisor aware of your desire to use this service 24 hours prior, or the regular late fees will apply. See Late Pick-up and Fees.
Late Pick-ups and Fees
Per state licensing, parents and children are not permitted to be left in the Children’s Center alone. We ask that you be on time when picking up your children so you won’t incur late fees and we won’t have to keep staff beyond their scheduled work hours. You must make the supervisor aware of your desire to use this service 24 hours prior, or the regular late fees will apply. See After-Hours Extended Care. A late fee of $2 per minute will be charged for children picked up after 5:00 p.m.
Absences
If your child will not be in attendance, please call 435-615-6089 or email Tracy Webb at twebb@deervalley.com to let us know. Missed days cannot be made up.
Drop-in Days
Parents with a child enrolled in the program may bring their enrolled child on a day that he or she is not regularly scheduled if they check with the program supervisor at least one day in advance. Children will be allowed on a space-available basis; parents will be charged the current daily rate for the respective program.
Snow Days and School Cancellations
Deer Valley Resort may observe the Park City School District snow days or cancellations due to weather or health notices and may not be open on these days. We will contact you via email by 7:00 a.m. on the morning of if we will be closed.
Health Policies
Immunizations
State licensing regulations mandate that we have your child's immunization records from your doctor on file prior to the first day of school before we can let him or her attend the Academy. Failure to do so can result in fines and/or school closure until the regulations have been met. If you do not choose to immunize your child, you must submit a letter from your doctor prior to the first day of school stating this decision and his/her compliance.
llness
Children are expected to be in good health when in school. For the safety of all children and staff in the program, children may not attend with any of the following conditions:has had a fever of 100.4 or higher within the last 24 hours, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rash, contagious illness, conjunctivitis (pink eye), infected eyes with discharge, irritability, lethargy, a persistent cough, during the first few days of cold/flu symptoms.
If your child needs acetaminophen, cannot go outside or requires one-on-one care, he/she should not be in school. If your child shows any of these symptoms at school, he or she will be isolated from the other children and you will be contacted to pick up your child from the program immediately. Please notify us of any communicable diseases as soon as they are diagnosed. We may require a doctor’s note clearing your child to participate in the program after an illness. State licensing requires a doctor’s note if your child exhibits any of the above symptoms within the last 24 hours. For instance, if your child goes home in the afternoon with a fever, he/she cannot be brought back to school the next morning (less than 24 hours) without a doctor’s note.
Medication
We will not administer medication to a child unless it is in the original container, is labeled with the child’s name and dosage and is given directly to the center director by the parent with a completed medication form and the written order of a licensed health practitioner.
State licensing regulations mandate that we have your child's immunization records from your doctor on file prior to the first day of school before we can let him or her attend the Academy. Failure to do so can result in fines and/or school closure until the regulations have been met. If you do not choose to immunize your child, you must submit a letter from your doctor prior to the first day of school stating this decision and his/her compliance.
llness
Children are expected to be in good health when in school. For the safety of all children and staff in the program, children may not attend with any of the following conditions:has had a fever of 100.4 or higher within the last 24 hours, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rash, contagious illness, conjunctivitis (pink eye), infected eyes with discharge, irritability, lethargy, a persistent cough, during the first few days of cold/flu symptoms.
If your child needs acetaminophen, cannot go outside or requires one-on-one care, he/she should not be in school. If your child shows any of these symptoms at school, he or she will be isolated from the other children and you will be contacted to pick up your child from the program immediately. Please notify us of any communicable diseases as soon as they are diagnosed. We may require a doctor’s note clearing your child to participate in the program after an illness. State licensing requires a doctor’s note if your child exhibits any of the above symptoms within the last 24 hours. For instance, if your child goes home in the afternoon with a fever, he/she cannot be brought back to school the next morning (less than 24 hours) without a doctor’s note.
Medication
We will not administer medication to a child unless it is in the original container, is labeled with the child’s name and dosage and is given directly to the center director by the parent with a completed medication form and the written order of a licensed health practitioner.
Safety Policies
Emergency Preparedness
Fire drills are conducted on a monthly basis; additional emergency drills are conducted semi-annually. All staff are trained and consistently updated. In case of an emergency evacuation, parent emergency information is taken and parents will be notified immediately. Please make sure that all telephone numbers and contact information are kept up-to-date throughout the year.
Releasing Children to Authorized Individuals
Your child will only be released to individuals designated on your signed Release of Liability form. Please make sure this information is complete, accurate and updated as needed. Your child’s teacher will verify individual IDs and sign your child in and out electronically each day.
Biting & Aggression Policy
The safety and well-being of every child in our care is our highest priority. We recognize that biting and other aggressive behaviors, including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, scratching, or any behavior intended to harm or distress another person, while distressing, are a normal part of early childhood development. However, it is our responsibility to address these behaviors promptly and appropriately to protect all children and foster a respectful, nurturing environment. We understand that children, particularly in the infant and toddler stages, may bite or act aggressively due to a variety of factors including teething, frustration, communication challenges, or overstimulation. Our approach is developmentally informed, supportive, and grounded in positive behavior guidance. Please make yourself aware of the details of our Biting and Aggression policy, which can be found on the Deer Valley Academy website.
Fire drills are conducted on a monthly basis; additional emergency drills are conducted semi-annually. All staff are trained and consistently updated. In case of an emergency evacuation, parent emergency information is taken and parents will be notified immediately. Please make sure that all telephone numbers and contact information are kept up-to-date throughout the year.
Releasing Children to Authorized Individuals
Your child will only be released to individuals designated on your signed Release of Liability form. Please make sure this information is complete, accurate and updated as needed. Your child’s teacher will verify individual IDs and sign your child in and out electronically each day.
Biting & Aggression Policy
The safety and well-being of every child in our care is our highest priority. We recognize that biting and other aggressive behaviors, including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, scratching, or any behavior intended to harm or distress another person, while distressing, are a normal part of early childhood development. However, it is our responsibility to address these behaviors promptly and appropriately to protect all children and foster a respectful, nurturing environment. We understand that children, particularly in the infant and toddler stages, may bite or act aggressively due to a variety of factors including teething, frustration, communication challenges, or overstimulation. Our approach is developmentally informed, supportive, and grounded in positive behavior guidance. Please make yourself aware of the details of our Biting and Aggression policy, which can be found on the Deer Valley Academy website.
Billing Policies
Tuition and Payments
A non-refundable Enrollment Fee is due at the time of registration and may be charged to the credit card on file; $300 if registering for one semester or $500 for a full-year registration. Tuition will be charged at the beginning of each month. The amount charged will be based on the number of days your child is enrolled each month. There are no refunds for missed days. Weekly ski lessons are included in the tuition for children ages 3 and up. Additional ski time may be available for an additional charge.
All charges discussed here will be charged to the credit card on file unless instructed otherwise. Add-on charges and late fees will be processed at the end of the month. We must have a credit card on file for all products.
Cancellations
Once reservations are confirmed via email, this cancellation policy goes into effect. Cancellations or changes received within six (6) weeks of the start of a semester will be subject to a fee equal to 50% of the original semester total per child. Withdrawals during the semester will be charged for the portion of the semester attended as well as 50% of the remaining portion of the semester’s charges per child. Cancellation fees are non-refundable.
A non-refundable Enrollment Fee is due at the time of registration and may be charged to the credit card on file; $300 if registering for one semester or $500 for a full-year registration. Tuition will be charged at the beginning of each month. The amount charged will be based on the number of days your child is enrolled each month. There are no refunds for missed days. Weekly ski lessons are included in the tuition for children ages 3 and up. Additional ski time may be available for an additional charge.
All charges discussed here will be charged to the credit card on file unless instructed otherwise. Add-on charges and late fees will be processed at the end of the month. We must have a credit card on file for all products.
Cancellations
Once reservations are confirmed via email, this cancellation policy goes into effect. Cancellations or changes received within six (6) weeks of the start of a semester will be subject to a fee equal to 50% of the original semester total per child. Withdrawals during the semester will be charged for the portion of the semester attended as well as 50% of the remaining portion of the semester’s charges per child. Cancellation fees are non-refundable.
Biting & Aggression Policy
Purpose
At Deer Valley Child Children's Programs, the safety and well-being of every child in our care is our highest priority. We recognize that biting and other aggressive behaviors, while distressing, are a normal part of early childhood development. However, it is our responsibility to address these behaviors promptly and appropriately to protect all children and foster a respectful, nurturing environment.
Philosophy
We understand that children, particularly in the infant and toddler stages, may bite or act aggressively due to a variety of factors including teething, frustration, communication challenges, or overstimulation. Our approach is developmentally informed, supportive, and grounded in positive behavior guidance.
Definitions
Staff Response Protocol
When an incident occurs:
Behavioral Support Plan
If a child demonstrates recurring biting or aggressive behavior:
Temporary Exclusion
While we strive to support every child, we must also ensure the safety of all. If a child's behavior poses a consistent risk:
Permanent Dismissal
Permanent dismissal is a last resort and only considered if:
Communication and Confidentiality
We are committed to open, respectful communication with families. We will never disclose identifying information about any child other than your own. All incidents will be handled with discretion and professionalism.
Review and Updates
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect best practices in early childhood care.
At Deer Valley Child Children's Programs, the safety and well-being of every child in our care is our highest priority. We recognize that biting and other aggressive behaviors, while distressing, are a normal part of early childhood development. However, it is our responsibility to address these behaviors promptly and appropriately to protect all children and foster a respectful, nurturing environment.
Philosophy
We understand that children, particularly in the infant and toddler stages, may bite or act aggressively due to a variety of factors including teething, frustration, communication challenges, or overstimulation. Our approach is developmentally informed, supportive, and grounded in positive behavior guidance.
Definitions
- Biting: Any instance of a child intentionally using their teeth to bite another child or adult.
- Aggression: Includes hitting, kicking, pushing, scratching, or any behavior intended to harm or distress another person.
Staff Response Protocol
When an incident occurs:
-
Immediate Intervention
- Separate the children involved.
- Administer first aid if needed.
- Comfort the child who was harmed.
- Calmly and firmly address the behavior with the child who bit or acted aggressively.
-
Incident Documentation
-
Complete an Incident Report including:
- Date, time, and location.
- Description of what happened before, during, and after the incident.
- Any injuries sustained and actions taken.
- A copy will be provided to the parents/guardians of both children. Names of other children involved will be kept confidential.
-
Complete an Incident Report including:
-
Parent Notification
- Parents/guardians of both children will be notified by phone or at pick-up the same day.
-
Observation and Tracking
- Repeated incidents will be documented and patterns will be monitored (e.g., time of day, specific triggers, interactions).
Behavioral Support Plan
If a child demonstrates recurring biting or aggressive behavior:
-
Parent Conference
- A meeting will be scheduled with the parents/guardians to discuss concerns and collaborate on a behavior support plan.
-
Behavior Plan Development
-
Teachers and administration will implement strategies tailored to the child’s needs, such as:
- Increased supervision.
- Environmental adjustments.
- Emotional coaching and social skill building.
- Positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors.
-
Teachers and administration will implement strategies tailored to the child’s needs, such as:
-
Outside Support
- In some cases, we may recommend consultation with a behavioral specialist, pediatrician, or early intervention services.
Temporary Exclusion
While we strive to support every child, we must also ensure the safety of all. If a child's behavior poses a consistent risk:
- Temporary removal from the classroom may be required (e.g., short breaks in a calm area).
-
In rare and severe cases, temporary suspension may be considered if:
- There is repeated, injurious behavior that does not respond to interventions.
- A safety risk to other children or staff persists.
Permanent Dismissal
Permanent dismissal is a last resort and only considered if:
- All support strategies have been exhausted.
- There is no improvement in behavior and continued enrollment compromises the safety or well-being of others.
Communication and Confidentiality
We are committed to open, respectful communication with families. We will never disclose identifying information about any child other than your own. All incidents will be handled with discretion and professionalism.
Review and Updates
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect best practices in early childhood care.