Heavenly Hive Homeschool
Policies Handbook

                                      Welcome to the Heavenly Hive Christian Homeschool
     

Dear Parents,

The Heavenly Hive is a family resource ministry dedicated to assisting parents in finding solutions when faced with a need.  The Heavenly Hive Christian Homeschool is part of that resource hub.  Whether your need is temporary, part time or routine, we desire to create a quality christian environment for your child. If we cannot accomodate your child care need, we will make every effort to help you secure services elsewhere; in a qualified setting. 

At the Heavenly Hive, it is our goal to provide a safe, educational and fun atmosphere for children.  In order to do so, we have established some policies that we feel will help us meet our goals.  The guidelines in our handbook apply to every student and family; full, part time and temporary.  

Please remember that we have an open door policy and any concerns and questions are always welcomed.  We are guided by, but not limited to the standards set forth by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Families and Children and the National Association of Education for Young Children.

The curriculum used is one that has been developed utilizing Ms. Connie’s thirty-five years of experience in early childhood education and children’s evangelism.  
 

Our desire is to care for and nurture your children to love God and to love one another.  We provide a variety of experiential learning activities; both teacher and student directed, that allow children to learn through play. We have established an environment that stimulates and motivates the child to engage in gross and fine motor activities with opportunities to work independently and with others.

All children regardless of race or religion are welcomed.  We ask that all families, desiring to participate in our program, meet with Ms. Connie for an interview- for mutual approval. 

Confidential information regarding immunization and health records, background checks, and family finances will remain confidential and be securely filed.

Please take the time to read this handbook carefully.  Then, if you desire to enroll your child in our program; sign and return the Letter of Commitment to Ms. Connie with your completed enrollment forms.

Thank–You,

Ralph and Connie Conkright

Proprietors of Heavenly Hive Christian Home School

Heavenly Hive Ministries LLC

Heavenly Hive Homeschool Handbook

ARRIVAL/ DEPARTURE/ TRAVEL

DRIVEWAY SAFETY AND COURTESY

Please be cautious when arriving and departing.  Your child must be accompanied to and from your vehicle- preferably by holding your hand or being carried.  We request that your child be within arms reach when near the public sidewalk.

When dropping off and picking up your child, please remember that Kentucky is one of the states that has adopted Kaitlyn’s Law, whereby:

A parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child who is 6 years of age or younger may not leave that child inside a motor vehicle without being subject to the supervision of a person who is 12 years of age or older, under either of the following circumstances:
(1) Where there are conditions that present a significant risk to the child's health or safety.

(2) When the vehicle’s engine is running or the vehicle's keys are in the ignition, or both.

We ask that no child under the age of 12 be left unattended in your automobile while dropping/picking up a sibling.  In addition, if you must make more than one trip to your automobile, we request that your child remain inside with proper supervision until such time that you are able to physically accompany your child to your vehicle. 

If there is a car parked in the drive, we request that you do not block the vehicle in the drive.  When parking on the street, please make certain that you are parked legally.

In inclement weather, we will make every effort to remain available for child care services. However, please understand that weather conditions may make roads, walkways and drives hazardous or inaccessible.  Please use extreme caution- as we cannot guarantee your safety while entering or exiting our building.

AUTHROIZATION TO PICK-UP
Students will be released only to the persons listed on the enrollment and child care forms in the student’s files.

The Authorization to Pick-up form gives us the legal written permission needed to release your child.  This form must be on file and include the name of any person who is allowed to take your child from the premises.  

If we are not familiar with the person picking up your child we will request a photo I.D.  Please make sure that you have made the proper arrangements for your child’s departure and that the person collecting your child is prepared to provide identification upon request.

EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION FOR PICK-UP
If the persons listed on your child's enrollment forms are not available; then, a parent must call and give oral permission.  When giving oral consent you will need to supply one or all of the following: 

• A brief description of the person picking up your child.
• The persons name and driver’s license number.
• OR      we can arrange a code number.

If there is any concern about the legitimacy of the pick up request we will use whatever method we deem necessary to verify the change.

YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO ANY PERSON WITHOUT A PROPER CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT.  THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.  We will loan you a seat.

CALL AHEAD PICK-UP
If you are running behind schedule, you may call ahead and let us know that you would like to pick up your child at the door. If given a five minute window, we will do our best to accommodate your request and have your child prepared for departure and waiting for you… with possessions in hand.

EARLY PICK-UP
Please try to schedule your child's pick up either before or after nap time (1:00-3:00).   If you are not able to work around this time frame, please call to let us know of your arrival and we will help make your child’s exit to be as non-interruptive as possible.

TRIPS/ OUTINGS

Included in your information packet is a trip slip.  Please fill out and return it with your enrollment paperwork.  This slip and your Emergency information form will accompany us on all outings.

Outings to the library, park or local restaurant can be considered a part of our routine and we will go whenever we have the opportunity.  Special events will be advanced notice outings so that parents are given the opportunity to travel with us. 

We encourage families to participate in our excursions.  Please understand that, when traveling with us, you will assume the role and responsibility as the parent with regard to your child’s care and discipline.  This is done in order to curtail your child’s confusion concerning the lines of authority; remembering that we are simply a surrogate in your absence.  This rule will hold true whether visiting or on an outing.

SEPARATION ANXIETY

If your child has never attended an organized program before or has separation anxieties; please feel free to come a little early and spend some time helping your child adjust. You have a bond with your child and it should be expected that he/she may shed tears upon your departure.

We encourage you to prepare your child verbally before their arrival discussing how excited you are for them to be attending school- while describing your expectations for their behavior. 

Please develop a routine in the mornings to help your child prepare for the day ahead. Using the same language, routine and positive attitude conveys to your child that you feel safe and comfortable about your decision to leave them where you have brought them. They, in turn, will adopt your feelings.

Tears usually dry within minutes of your departure, as the child engages in our activities.  Ms. Connie will contact you if your child has unusual difficulty in coping or cries for periods exceeding ten minutes.  Adjustment periods vary, but most children are accustomed to the routine within the first 2 weeks. Often you will find them unwilling to leave when you come to retrieve them. J

ILLNESS POLICIES AND PROCEEDURES
 

ILLNESS
These following guidelines determine exclusion due to illness:

1.     Fever of at least 100 º F as read under arm (axillary temp.) accompanied by one or more of the following:   

·         Diarrhea

·         vomiting        

·         earache

·         thick yellow or green nasal discharge

·         headache        

·         signs of irritability or confusion        

·         sore throat        

·         rash 

·         fatigue that limits participation in daily activities

2.     Vomiting:  2 or more occasions within the past 24 hours.

3.     Diarrhea:  2 Watery, foul smelling stools within the past 24 hours or any bloody stool.

4.     Chronic cough: dry, hacking or croupy cough

5.     Thick yellow or green nasal discharge

6.     Rash, especially with fever or itching.

7.     Eye discharge or conjunctivitis (pinkeye) until clear or until 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.

8.     Sick appearance, not feeling well, and/or not able to keep up with program activities.

9.     Open or oozing sores, properly covered and 24 hours has passed since starting antibiotic treatment, if antibiotic treatment is necessary.

10. Lice or scabies: 

Head lice: Until after treatment and until no nits are present.

Scabies: Until after treatment is begun.

Children are readmitted to the program when Public Health exclusion guidelines for child care are met. They are:

24 hours after last symptoms/incident  

24 hours after administered antibiotics

Note from physician declaring clearance to participate
                                                                                 

ILLNESS PROCEEDURES / MEDICATION POLICY

These are the requirements as stipulated by State regulations 922 KAR 2:120. Child-child care center health and safety standards. Section 7.

A child showing signs of an illness or condition that may be communicable shall not be admitted to the regular child care program.

ACCIDENTS/ TREATMENT AND RESPONSE

MINOR ACCIDENTS                                                                                                                 
If your child has a minor injury, (i.e. bump/ bruise/ skinned knee) we will administer proper first aide according to our certified Red Cross training.  Parents will receive an incident report if first aide is required/ administered.

SERIOUS ACCIDENTS OR ILLNESS ONSET                                                               
In the event of a serious accident or the onset of a medical condition, requiring emergency treatment or parent notification, the following steps will be taken:

• We will assess the need for emergency treatment or parent pick-up.
• We will notify the parent immediately.  If we are not able to reach the parent or emergency contact persons we may opt to seek emergency medical treatment according to parental consent.
• We may seek emergency treatment for the child by dialing 911.
• If your teacher deems it necessary, transportation to an emergency treatment center will be done by ambulance.
• We will provide emergency information from your enrollment form to the hospital/Doctor.  Therefore, it is extremely important that all information forms are accurate and current.
• Continued efforts will be made to notify parents until reached.
• In the event that your child needs to be transported to an emergency medical facility and you cannot be reached, every effort will be made for your teacher to travel with him/her.  If that is not possible, and your child is in dire need of medical attention, he/she will be placed under police protective custody until you arrive to be with your child.

DISCIPLINARY POLICIES AND PROCEEDURES

BEHAVORIAL GUIDLINES                                                                                                    
At the Heavenly Hive, we believe that God sets the guidelines and standards of our behavior.   We are instructed to love God with all of our heart and our neighbors as ourselves.  If we love God, we will try to follow His commands.  In His word, He has a lot to say about the way we honor Him and others.  Our instructions come from Bible scripture and we talk about what God expects from us and how we should treat others.

We review behavioral guidelines frequently.  Defining right and wrong choices is the first step in establishing acceptable behavior.  Our rules are simple and repeated whenever we transition to another area or activity.   We also preview the consequence and do not waiver in our application of them. 

The ultimate authority is God.  As we seek to serve Him, it becomes an issue of pleasing God and not any man.  We become partners with each other, and thus, honoring God together.  Children come to realize that the rules apply to all of us (even parents and teachers).  These lessons last throughout all of life. 

The sooner we capture the foundational truth of God’s design for our life, the more successful we become in building our lives on this foundation.  We call our rules- Word Rocks… because the Word Rocks! (And- a wise man builds his house upon the rocks J)

When correcting a child for a poor choice, we do not deny food or events.  We do not use intimidation, humiliation, loud voices, harsh touch or corporal punishment.  We speak the truth in love.

METHODS OF DISCIPLINE

The options we utilize when making a behavioral correction are:

VERBAL WARNING/ PHYSICAL REDIRECTION- (Level 1 response)                     

It is very important that we make every effort to mold the will of the child without breaking his/her spirit.  Therefore, we encourage children to make good choices by reminding them of our scripture rules and the consequences that they face for making wrong choices.  

Redirection is the best way to assist children in learning how to focus on more successful decision making.  Therefore, reminders and redirection are our first line of defense when establishing behavior boundaries for children.

If the child disregards reminders, suggestions and redirection; we will opt to remove the child from the activity or situation, in order to allow him/her the opportunity to review and understand how their decision affected them and others. 

When Phase One Discipline is not successful we proceed to Phase Two…

TIME OUT TO THINK AND MAKING CORRECTIONS-  (Level 2 response) 

Very often, removing the child from a group and/or activity for a brief period of time, allows the child an opportunity to collect their emotions, think more clearly and commit rules and consequences to memory.  Time becomes well spent in the “thinking chair” (No more than one minute per year of the child’s age).  The teacher assists in reciting the scripture rule that was infracted and then helps the child in deciding how he/she could have behaved differently or if there is something they need to do to undo the harm done by the wrong choice.

Often we will utilize a coloring page, book and/or ‘talk time’ with the child to embed the importance of good choices.  We will encourage the child to tell their parents about their ‘thinking chair’ experience.  If the behavior is of a chronic nature, we will make certain that parents are informed and participating in setting parallel boundaries at home. 

There are times when the consequence of inappropriate behavior is better addressed by the revoking or restriction of privileges.  

Phase Three Discipline is “Immediate Response Discipline” and will sometimes supersede Phases One and Two...

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE DISCIPLINE                                                                 
Restriction of behavior and the revoking of privileges is a consequential event directly related to the incident.

There are times when an immediate correction is needed for safety's sake and then training child to think logically about the situation and circumstances.

It is a technique by which the child is given a choice.   It is an- if… then… moment of decision making.     

An example of the IF/ THEN process of loss of privileges:                                
IF you cannot share the toy- THEN the toy will be put away.                           
IF you continue to disturb the group- THEN you will have to sit next to your teacher rather than with your friends.

CONTROLLED COMPROMISE/ DELIBERATE DEAL MAKING                                 

As parents and teachers, defining realistic guidlines and teaching them to our children will go far in maintaining healthy behavior development.  Equally important is our determination to let our yes- mean yes and our no- mean no.  Consistency in instruction is paramount.  So is there room for compromise?

We train our children to be independent and as soon as they are verbal... we hear, those most beloved and yet frustrating words, “I do it myself!”  While we want to promote confidence and foster assertiveness, we also want our children to be compliant and obedient. Sounds a little conflicting doesn’t it? 

So what’s the answer?  Let’s let scripture guide us...
In Eph. 6:4, however, we are instructed “not to provoke our children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” 

Setting clear boundaries is important. Letting a child function within those boundaries represents compromised freedom. 

Discipline and Instruction of the Lord are the staff and rod of Jesus, our good shepherd.  A shepherd uses an instrument called a crook. The rod portion of the crook is ‘long, straight and narrow.’ The rod of discipline marks boundaries by prodding the sheep- keeping them in the safe zone.  The staff of instruction is like the hooked end of a Shepherd’s crook.  When the sheep goes outside the boundaries, they are pulled back- redirected.

Be the shepherd- clearly in charge and consistent when setting boundaries.  Eliminate frustration and anger in your child by giving them choices that you can live with.

This is called controlled compromise.                                                                             

Utilizing this technique in behavior guidance goes a long way in molding the child’s will without breaking their independent spirit.   It gives the little lamb a sense of freedom while being under the watchful eye of the shepherd. The difference between surrendering authority and compromising control is subtle to the child and cleverly disguised by the parent/teacher.

When they select something else; if it is a choice that we can live with, we acknowledge that- ‘that is a good choice and is acceptable’.               

We limit the number of options and by option three… we revert to the IF/THEN process.  IF they cannot make a choice … THEN they will lose the option to choose… "I’ll make the choice for you."

The invisible fence will not eliminate your child’s attempts to cross the boundaries from time to time.  In reality we want them to question and analyze choices.   This is a critical step in logical thinking. We don’t however, want them to become argumentative. And there are times when your yes is simply yes… and your no will have to be obeyed.

OUR ENVIRONMENT… ‘THE FLOW’
Just like constant flow of water has the potential to etch grooves in rock… a good routine will have a significant impact on our day.

We realize that consistency in instructional language and routine is the most important tools we can utilize to build a healthy learning environment.  We know that when a child is unclear of expectations, is out of sync in their routine or struggling with emotional inconsistencies; their desire to act-out overpowers their ability to verbalize the frustration they are experiencing.

It is important to maintain a schedule each day.   We include a variety of activities that help keep our day fresh and exciting without interrupting the child’s physical and emotional routine. 

We encourage our parents to maintain “The Flow” when dropping off, picking up or visiting their child.  You will note that we use a similar style of greeting and departure every day… we encourage you to develop a two or three step process that works for you and your child.  You will be amazed how it takes the edge off of an emotional good-bye and sets the mood for your child’s day.

Our goal, for each day, is to make the routine and schedule so comfortable that the children know what is coming next, thus avoiding,  potential problems or melt-downs.

PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT
Parents can help us maintain ‘the flow’ of our day by observing these simple rules as you enter, exit, and participate in our environment.

When bringing food, drinks, treats, or gifts, please call to discuss this with your teacher.  We LOVE SURPRISES… but, we want to be sure that no child is left out because of the number of children in attendance or allergies.

When entering our environment, we encourage you to interact with the children.  However, please be respectful of their personal space.  If they don't engage, please don't take it personally.  

As the parent, you are responsible for your child’s conduct and discipline when you are present. In this way your child is not confused about the line of authority.  

Parents  are never in charge of the conduct or discipline of another child.  You may intervene only to assist when there is impending danger and then it is only for the purpose of rescue. Discipline will then be administered by the child’s parent or the teacher.

We want children to enjoy your visit.  Please help us maintain a safe environment by resisting the desire to insight intense excitement.

If you arrive and we have children that are still napping, please use gentle voices in order to allow children to wake on their own.

Addressing problems or business issues must not be done in the presence of our children.  Please call, email or make an appointment to meet.

Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.  Do not use foul, coarse, or off color words; no profanity, cursing or the taking of God's name in vain.

When entering our environment or picking up your child; we require parents to be sober and of sound mind. 

Parents are responsible for the behavior, activities, and safety of any visitor that accompanies them into our environment.  When visiting and/or interacting with our children all visitors must adhere to the policies of the Heavenly Hive Handbook and observe the Parent's Code of Conduct rules, as well.

A parent’s habitual use of inappropriate conduct or language will result in that child’s dismissal.

The Parent’s Code of Conduct also applies to outings and all gatherings.

 
HOURS OF OPERATION
TUITION AND FEES

Payment Terms                                                                                                
Fees are calculated by reservation of services and therefore will be charged regardless of your child’s attendance.  There will be no prorating of tuition for absences.  Full tuition is due even if your child does not attend.  This payment secures your child’s position of enrollment in our program.  

Tuition, hours of service and terms of payment are set at the time of enrollment.  The Commitment Letter is a document that defines terms and services and must be signed and submitted at the time of enrollment.

In order to secure your position of enrollment, tuition is due on the Friday (or the last day of your child’s attendance) prior to services rendered for the upcoming week.  A day of grace is given and tuition is accepted on Monday without the potential assessment of a late fee. 

A $10 a day late charge will apply to payments made later than Monday of the week of service. If tuition becomes three days late, without negotiating a payment, you could lose your enrollment position.

Returned Checks                                                                                                        
A fee of $35 will be charged by the Heavenly Hive, on each/all check(s) returned for insufficient funds.  In addition, you will be required to pay all banking fees incurred as a result of returned checks.

When a check is returned for non-payment, cash payment for the check and the fee, will be required.  If any of these fees are waved, a deposit may be required in order to maintain enrollment.

Late fees will be assessed until full payment is received for your child's tuition and for any fees charged by the Heavenly Hive and the Bank.

Payment Method
Payments are to be made by check to:  Connie Conkright.  Please be certain that the check is delivered in hand. 

Tax Law
Please see tax laws for eligibility for tax deductable amounts.  Exchange of information for tax reporting purposes can be obtained upon request.   

Termination of services
We require a written two weeks notice prior to terminating your child’s enrollment in Heavenly Hive.   If you do not give notice you will be billed for up to two weeks of child care services. This applies to all full and part-time enrollees.

Full Time and Part-time Enrollment (Birth to 4 years old)
Time is reserved and contracted

Full time enrollment for School Age (5 to 12 year olds)
Time is reserved and contracted

Part-time Contracted Weekly Schedule 3 years and up
Time is reserved and contracted

                                                                                                   
Drop in space is based on availability.  Proper forms for drop in child care must be filled out prior to the parent’s departure. Drop In Rates for ages 3 and up.

Holiday pay                                                                                                           
Holiday pay is a part of Heavenly Hive’s contracted services and includes 10 days per year.  Tuition will remain the same for the weeks that include these following paid holidays.

• New Years Eve and New Year’s Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• July 4th
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day and the day after
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

In the event that a holiday falls on the weekend, we will be closed either the Friday before and/or the Monday after.

Vacations                                                                                                       
Each child enrolled in a full-time program, will be given one week of vacation per year.  A two-week notice is required and your child must have been enrolled for 6 months in order to qualify for this exemption.

Heavenly Hive will retain the right to provide a substitute teacher or close for one week during the spring and one week during the summer for a vacation break.   A two-week or greater notice will be given. 

Field Trip Fees                                                                                                                     
From time to time, field trips will be a part of our preschool experience.  If there is a trip planned, we will inform you of any fees that may be assessed for food or entertainment.

Student Files                                                                                                                 
It is the Parents responsibility to keep us informed of any changes in their child’s enrollment files. These changes may include, but are not limited to: Immunization updates, medical information, parents contact numbers, emergency numbers, pick–up lists, etc.
 

Incorrect information could create devastating problems in the event of an emergency.  The state/ NAEYC will examine our records for licensing so it is imperative that we maintain accurate records.

Celebrations                                                                                                                  
All traditional Holidays such as: Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc… are openly celebrated at The Heavenly Hive.

Please keep us informed of any family celebrations and birthdays so that we don’t miss any opportunity to celebrate with you.

Photographs and Publishing
We often take photographs of the children at The Heavenly Hive during parties, special occasions and everyday activities. These photographs may be used on our web site, in scrapbooks and in other forms of promotional materials.  If you do not want you child’s information shared with other parents of the Center, please be certain to indicate that on your Commitment Letter.

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