Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

 

Child Care Center FAQ

Note: If you do not find the answers you are looking for, or if you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail the Director of the Campus Child Center, Judy Coleman Brinich.

Is the Campus Child Center open all year?

Yes, the center is open all year and coincides with the University's schedule. When registering your child, you will receive a list of days the center is closed. Any circumstances that may arise requiring the Center to be closed (for example inclement weather) announcements will be made either on the local radio station (WHLM) or will be displayed on channel 16 on TV.

How do I register my child?

Call the Center and make an appointment. At that time, parents must complete:

An Agreement Form

An Emergency Contact Information Sheet

A Copy of their work / class schedule

A Child's Health Assessment must be on file by the first date of attendance

The Center must be able to reach at least one parent or designated emergency

person at all times. The child will be released to the following persons only:

The name on the sign-up sheet

Names on the registration form

A person who has been designated by the parent in a phone call to the Director.

Any person who is unknown to the staff must have a picture identification.

What time does the Center open and what time does it close?

The Center opens at 7:45 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. Upon arrival the parent/guardian must sign the Parent/Child sign-up sheet stating who will pick up the child that day and at what time. Failure to do this will require a staff member to estimate the departure time. Not only is it important that you sign-in and out for monetary purposes, but it is a safety measure for the kids. Keep In Mind: If the University cancels classes due to inclement weather, the center will be closed. If the University announces a compressed schedule, the child center will open at 9:45 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. If the class schedule has begun and classes are cancelled for the remainder of the day, the Center will close.

During arrival and departure where do I go to drop-off and pick-up my child? Is there designated parking for drop-off and pick-up?

The double doors in the back of Elwell Hall, marked Campus Child Center, are the only appropriate doorways for arrival and departure for parents and their children (except during inclement weather). The four parking spaces directly in front of the doors have been designated by the University as drop-off spots. Please exercise caution in walking to and from the tri-level parking lot. Do not allow your children to enter or exit the Center alone.

What is the staff-Child Ratio for this Center?

Age Levels	Staff	Children
Infant	1	2
Young Toddler	1	5
Older Toddler	1	6
Preschool	1	10
Young School-Age	1	12
Older School-Age	1	15

Age levels are defined as:

• Infant - A child 6 months through 12 months
• Young Toddler- A child from 13 months through 24 months
• Older Toddler- A child from 25 months through 36 months
• Preschool- A child from 37 months through the date the child enters 1st grade
• Young School-Age- A child from 1st grade through the 3rd grade
• Older School-Age- A child from 4th grade through 12 years of age

What about lunches?

Parents/guardians can choose from hot lunches or packing lunches.

Hot lunch is available daily on a full or part time basis during the Fall and Spring semesters. An agreement is done in advance. Payment is made in advance and is due whether or not the child attends. Lunches are provided by Aramark Food Services. Milk and fruit are included. The cost is $1.75 per lunch.

Lunches packed by parents/guardians should be easy for the child to handle, including a cold drink, and should not require heating or refrigeration. Sharing or exchanging lunches is not permitted.

Are there any recommended guidelines to follow in packaging my child's lunch?

Yes, the following information can serve as a checklist for you when preparing your child's lunch:

• All lunches must be in a lunchbox that is clearly marked with their first and last name, along with thermos, cups, etc…
• All lunches must have a coldpack in them.
• All hot foods must be in a thermos.
• If foods require utensils, please send metal, do not send plastic, because they are unsafe for
• small children.
• Infants and young toddlers are required to have written feeding instructions on a daily basis. Bibs are required.
• We are required to throw away formula, milk, juice, etc… immediately after a child has finished drinking from the sip cup or bottle. We are not permitted to reuse these items. Because we do not have the proper kitchen facilities to wash cups, we will make sure they are returned to you so you can clean them and return them the next day.
• Once foods have been served they must be discarded.
• To avoid wasting food and drink, please be mindful of the portions that you send.
• Styrofoam or glass is not permitted.
• Please understand that your child's lunch will be served as you send it! We cannot heat or cut foods.
• Two particular items to take note of: grapes must be cut in half or they will not be served and the children are not permitted to have peanuts at the Center

What time is lunch?

Lunchtime at the Center begins around 11:00 for infants and young toddlers. Lunchtime for older toddlers and preschool begins around 11:30.

What will I need for my baby?

The following will serve as a checklist for you as you prepare for your baby's day with us:

• A general schedule that would describe your child's day. It would include
• information as to when they would nap, general feeding and bottle routine and any particular items that would enhance their day e.g. if they like to be rocked to sleep or prefer laying down awake.
• Bring in two crib sheets.
• Sheets that have been used are required to be taken home weekly to be laundered.
• Bottles and food must be in an insulated lunch bag with ice packs. There is no refrigeration available.
• Include a daily note with specific feeding instructions (this includes bottles and food). Food should be packed in serving size portions. Uneaten baby food that has been opened must be discarded. Do not send in opened baby food jars. They cannot be served.
• Formula, milk or juice must be discarded after a child has finished drinking from the sip cup or bottle and we are not permitted to reuse these items. Please make sure that they have enough individual bottles for the day and check on sip cup information when your child begins to use one.
• Styrofoam is not permitted.
• Please bring in a container of face wipes that can be left in their locker.
• Label everything such as bottles, spoons, bibs, food jars, blankets, crib sheets, clothes, and socks, orajel, baby ointments, wipeboxes, extra bags of diapers, nuks, and toys if you bring them.
• Please include signed and dated written instructions for orajel and baby ointments.

Does the child center staff administer medication?

No we do not. Medication should not be left in diaper bags or lunchboxes. Medication should not be mixed in food, bottles or drinks.

Will my child be able to nap?

Yes, as long as your child is in attendance for five or more hours a day, he or she is required to have a rest period. Rest time is approximately 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children should bring a small blanket from home that is clearly marked with their name. It can be left at the Center. Please do not send medication. We are not permitted to administer it and it should not be left in their diaper bags or lunchboxes.

If my child does not nap, what will he or she do during the rest time?

Rest.

Is there a dress code?

No. However, clothing should be the type that can be managed easily by young, inexperienced fingers. Weather permitting, the children will go out to the playground daily. Please dress them appropriately (i.e. boots, gloves, hats, scarves, etc.). Also, please mark all Clothing with the child's first and last name. The only thing a parent is required to supply is an Art Smock for when they do art activities. It is important that the child wears clothing that launders easily due to these activities.

Can my child bring toys from home?

We ask that no playthings be brought to the Center from home. Because of the number of children, we cannot be responsible for any item that is misplaced or broken. If the child has a security toy, please mark it clearly with the child's full name.

What are the discipline procedures at the Center?

The children will be encouraged to discuss their feelings of anger with the teacher and or peers. Absolutely no physical form of punishment is allowed. When a child disobeys and breaks a rule, depending on the severity of the situation, the “time out” method of discipline will be used. The child will be instructed to “sit out” (located away from the center of activity) for 3 to 10 minutes. Again, the amount of time will depend upon the nature of the situation and the age of the child. The problems will always be discussed with the child.

What will happen in the case of an emergency?

Please come to the center as quickly as possible and take your children home.

Does the center celebrate birthdays?

We will be happy to celebrate your child's birthday at the Center. If you wish to bring a simple treat (cookies, cupcakes, etc.) for the occasion, please make arrangements ahead of time with the staff for the specific day.

Are parent volunteers welcomed?

Yes. Please make arrangements in advance. Any help with the following items would be greatly appreciated: Kleenex, sponges, paper towels and plastic bags (for diaper disposal and soiled clothes).