Topics discussed in this Parent Handbook are arranged alphabetically. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact our office and we’ll be happy to talk with you.  

Absences
If your child will be absent, please notify the center in advance or by 9 am the day of. This helps with scheduling staff and getting accurate meal counts. If we have not heard from you by 9 am please expect a courtesy phone call from your lead teacher to ensure everyone is okay.

Action Plans
Reoccurring aggressive or inappropriate behavior by a child may result in a conference. During this conference, we will discuss an action plan with steps to address the behavior. If this action plan is not successful and your child continues to display such behavior, dismissal may occur.

Age Groupings
Age groupings are generally based on age, but a child may be moved from one group to another to meet special needs. The children will spend a major portion of their day in their specific groupings, but may be mixed with other children on the playground and before 8:30 am and after 4:00 pm.

  • Infant Studios: 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112
  • Toddler Studios: 101, 103, 105 and 206
  • Preschool Studios: 202, 204
  • Pre K Studios: 201, 203, 208, 210

Arrival and Pickup
Parent or guardian must check children in and out via our fingerprint system in the lobby. No child can be dropped off or picked up without first giving a ticket to the child’s teacher. Please do not put the ticket on board. Always give your ticket to the teacher you are dropping your child off to. This is to ensure the safety of all children.

If you do not have a registered fingerprint in our system, you may stop by the office to register. Also, please let us know if you will be late or if a different person will be picking up your child.

Authorization to Pick up a Child
No child will be released to a person who is not authorized by a parent to pick up. We must have written authorization for any changes involving this matter. “Information Update” forms are available in the lobby.

Birthday Celebrations
If you are bringing treats for a birthday, please make sure they are store bought and still in their original package in order for us to check the ingredients for allergy purposes. Please let your teachers know in advance so children with allergies can participate. The Kid’s Studio is a nut free facility.

Biting
We understand that biting is a part of every child’s growth and development. This is a common behavior for children 12 months up to 36 months. Children bite for many reasons such as teething, frustration, communication, curiosity or attention.

Although our staff tries hard to prevent biting by using intervention and redirection, it can happen at any time without warning or known cause. In these instances, a biting child will immediately be removed from the situation and directed to another area. We do understand that this is part of development, but the safety of children is our top priority. 

Bottles
Please bring as many bottles as your child will need each day. The Health Department does not allow us to reuse them. Used bottles will be placed in your child’s diaper bag to take home at the end of each day.

Car Seats
If you need to leave your car seat, there is a space available in the lobby on the specially designed car seat shelves.

Child Maltreatment
Our teachers at The Kid’s Studio are mandated reporters and are required to report any suspected abuse or maltreatment of a child. If you suspect abuse or maltreatment of a child, please call 1-800-482-5964 to report the problem.

Closings
We will be closed on the following days:

  • Five staff development days, see calendar for details
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Friday after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • The Day after Christmas (when applicable)
  • New Year’s Eve
  • New Year’s Day
  • Good Friday 
  • Memorial Day
  • 4th of July

In the event the holiday falls on a Saturday, we will be closed on Friday, and if it falls on a Sunday, we will be closed on Monday. On New Year’s Eve, we will close at 3:00 pm. We do not pro-rate for any closings. Tuition must still be paid in full.

Clothing
Please send an extra set of seasonally appropriate clothing. This will be kept at the center for ‘emergency’ use. PLEASE LABEL ALL EXTRA CLOTHES. When thinking about what to wear to school, consider the following:

  • Think of your child’s comfort – provide simple clothing that is free of complicated fastenings.
  • Think of the messy art materials and other messy activities – provide clothing that is washable.
  • Think of our playground – provide clothing that is sturdy.
  • Think of the changeable weather around here — provide sweaters and jackets even on the sunny fall days.

Communication

  • Call us. The number to our center is (479) 268-6675. If you need to speak to your child’s teacher, please call and ask for the Studio your child is in. 
  • “Like” us on Facebook (facebook.com/thekidsstudio.rogers) for information regarding day to day happenings.

Contagious Diseases
If your child contracts strep throat, chicken pox, pink eye, RSV, hand/foot/mouth or and other contagious disease, please notify management immediately. This will allow us to inform other parents about what their child may have come into contact with.

Curriculum
Our Infant Area uses a curriculum uniquely designed for each developmental stage. Each child has their own patterns for play, feeding and sleeping. We use these patterns as our guide to introduce daily activities that will prepare your infant for life through looking at pictures, singing songs and doing finger rhymes each baby is learning.

There is time given daily to exercise. Examples include holding and gripping objects, practice kicking and stretching with tummy time. Play is a vital part of their day. These activities promote learning about their world through play.

Our Toddler area uses a curriculum called Experience Learning. Their Bible curriculum is from the makers of The Read and Share Bible. Our Preschool and Pre-K areas use a curriculum called Mother Goose Time and Handwriting without tears. Their Bible curriculum is Experiencing God from the makers of our Mother Goose Time.

Our activities throughout our lesson plans embrace the unique learning style and skill level of each child. We believe it is extremely important to provide information and resources that support family involvement in their child’s learning experience.

Every month, we provide a collection of tools that guide parents in taking an active role in their child’s education and development. This creates a link from classroom to home learning. Because children come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique perspectives to the learning center, we intentionally design activities that also invite children to bring their experiences from home to the classroom.

Mother Goose Time is a professionally developed preschool curriculum that nurtures the whole child and supports the child’s social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Mother Goose Time is theme-based, with hands-on activities, art projects and early literacy games.

Daily Reports
Children in all 100’s Studios and any child in 200’s Studios who is not potty trained will have a daily report through the app. This will include basic information such as: how much your child ate at each meal, when they went potty and any supplies they may need for class. 

Diaper Bags/Backpacks
In every studio, children have a cubby to leave the bulk of their things during the week. Please make sure no medication or sunscreen is left in your child’s bag, as most of them are within reach of children during the day. Anything that reads “Keep out of reach of children” must be taken home or given to the teacher to be put in a locked cabinet.

Diapering
Here at The Kids Studio we aim to meet each individual family’s needs. If you choose to use cloth diapers we will be happy to accommodate you. With this accommodation, we ask that you provide:

  • disposable liners and Wet Bag
  • a fresh cover for each diaper
  • at least 7 diapers per day

Discipline Policy
We believe discipline should developmentally appropriate for each age. We use guidance that is positive but firm. The following are what we believe true about our method of discipline:

  • Discipline is used to teach children acceptable behavior and self-control, as well as help maintain a safe environment.
  • Children are not punished but are redirected through positive guidance. Discipline is never associated with food or toileting.
  • Children are never labeled as “bad” or “naughty”.
  • Children are never forced to participate in group activities and given alternative materials, equipment and/or activities.

Door Access
Door codes may only be used by individuals listed on a child’s parent approved pick-up list. All individuals on the pick-up list must have an active fingerprint in our system in order to check a child in or out. For the safety of all children, please do not share your door code with anyone. If someone walks in behind you without first entering their code please notify the nearest staff member. 

Evacuation Plan
The center conducts a fire, tornado and lockdown drill each month to familiarize the children and staff with the proper emergency evacuation procedures. Each staff member is instructed of his or her responsibilities in the event of an Emergency.

All children and staff members are expected to take all drills seriously and follow the appropriate procedure in an orderly manner. The written procedure is posted in each room. Written records of all Fire Drills conducted are kept.

In case of fire or environmental emergencies, children will be taken to: Cross Church Pinnacle Hills 2448 Pinnacle Hills Pkwy Rogers, AR 72758 Parents/Guardians will be notified and asked to pick-up their children at the Emergency Evacuation Site.

Expectations
All that we expect of children is that they come to school, be themselves, and have respect for others. What we expect of parents and guardians is that you read the procedures in this handbook and supplemental notes and newsletters that we send you from time to time; and that you feel free to be a part of the center, volunteer, offering suggestions, comments, and constructive criticisms, as well as financial and moral support.

Food Allergies
If your child is allergic to any items on our menu, we ask that you fill out a food allergy assessment form and allergy agreement form. We then ask that you provide an alternative to the food that meets current USDA guidelines which are available at the front desk. Lastly, we ask that you provide us a highlighted menu marking the foods your child may not have due to an allergy. Please ask your lead or stop by the office for a form. Please be sure to check your child in on the allergy/special request computer. This yellow tag alerts all staff of an allergy/special request.

Health Checks
Each morning upon children’s arrival, teachers will conduct a health check on them. They will be checked for any physical signs of injury, as well as symptoms of illnesses. This is documented daily according to DHS. As childcare providers, we are mandated reporters and must report any and all suspicion of child neglect or harm to the child abuse hotline.

Holiday Celebrations
Holiday celebrations are fairly low key at the center. We try to stick to routine as much as possible and usually celebrate holidays very simply. We believe that holidays, especially Christmas, put stress on families and we try not to contribute to the stress.

During the Christmas season, we concentrate on God’s gift of love and the birth of Jesus. During the Easter season, we remember Jesus and His life, and we concentrate on the signs of new life that we see in springtime.

Hours of Operation
We are open Monday- Friday from 7am-6pm. Please do not drop off children before 7 am, due to the fact that teachers are preparing their classrooms for the day.

Illness Policy
Any time a child complains of feeling ill or appears to be ill, they will be referred to management. We will take their temperature, evaluate the situation and administer minimal care. If the child has a temperature or is obviously ill, parents will be contacted to come and pick up their child immediately.

We ask that parents pick their ill children up within 30 minutes of being notified to prevent the spread of illness. Your child must be fever and symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Please refer to “The Kid’s Studio Sick Policy” at the back of the parent handbook for more in-depth information.

Immunizations
Children attending The Kid’s Studio must have up to date immunizations as required by the Arkansas Department of Health. We will not enroll children unless this is the case. Immunization records that are not up to date are subject to dismissal. It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure the center has up to date records for each child.

Inclement Weather
The safety of our children and staff is our top priority. We will make our decisions based on day to day weather conditions, and based on how many staff are able to travel safely to work to accommodate your children. Many of the Rogers Public School’s bus routes remain unsafe when the main roads are clear. Therefore, we will post any closings or abbreviated schedules for inclement weather on the following outlets:

  • TV: KNWA, 40/29
  • App: Procare Messaging 
  • Website: www.thekidsstudio.com
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/thekidsstudio.rogers

Information Changes
Please notify the front desk of any changes regarding phone numbers, allergy information, authorization for pickup, email addresses, work or home address so we can keep our records up to date.

Injuries
The Kid’s Studio is not responsible for any injuries sustained on the premises. In the event that your child becomes injured, we will contact you. If you can’t be reached, you will contact your emergency contact immediately. If necessary, 911 will be called and an ambulance may transport your child.

Late Pick-Up Fee
A fee of $1 per minute will be charged for late pick up of a child. These charges will be added to your ledger.

Licensing and Accreditation
We are licensed by the State of Arkansas through the Department of Human Services and monitored by the Department of Health. Children may be subject to interviews by licensing staff, child maltreatment investigators and/or law enforcement officials for the purpose of determining licensing compliance or for investigative purposes. Child interviews do not require parental notice or consent.

Medication Administration
We do not administer any prescription or over the counter medication other than those listed on our Medication Form. Prior, written parental consent is required. If your child is in need of medicine not listed on our medication form, you are welcome to come give it to your child as needed.

Menu
The Kid’s studio is dedicated to providing healthy well-balanced foods for our students. We have made it a priority to serve homemade meals and fresh fruits. There is an 8-week rotation for lunch. Our snack menus stay the same every week. Please remember our menu is subject to change on a daily basis as needed. Please note: The only time we allow outside lunches is in the case of a food allergy.

Opening and Closing Studios
We have an opening and closing studio in each area. We understand the need for consistency so it will be the same opening and closing studio each day. We will have all children in their assigned classes by 8:30 am and will begin combining down to our closing studios each day at 4:00 pm.

Outdoor Play
We understand your concern for your children when the weather is too hot or too cold. Our policy for outdoor play is as follows:  If it feels like 90 or above, we do not go outside. If it feels like 40 or below, we do not go outside. All children who are well enough to attend school are expected to be able to go outside when their classmates do. This means that you should dress your child appropriately each day, assuming that your child will play outside each day.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
All studio’s will have scheduled times for parents and teachers to meet and discuss the child’s progress, and issues and/or updates within the classroom, one in the spring and one in fall.

Ratios
Before 8:30 am and after 4:30 pm and during lunch the ratios may be a little more or less, but always will meet state minimum licensing requirements. However, general ratios are as follows:

  • Infants 1:3
  • Toddlers 1:5
  • Preschool 1:10 or 1:11
  • PreK 1:15 

Right of Custody

The center may not deny a child’s parent custody of the child unless it is ordered by the court. This court order must be in our possession.

Special Request
If you have a special request for your child, a special request assessment form must be filled out and on file in the office. You will need to check-in on the allergy/special request computer.

Stroller Ride Notice
Teachers in the Infant Studios facilitate stroller rides during the day in and closely around The Kids Studio campus.

Sunscreen
Children must have a signed “topical medication” form on file in order to have sunscreen put on them. We do not allow lotion sunscreen because of the health code. Please bring a labeled can of spray-on sunscreen for your child. Your child’s teacher will notify you when you need more. You are also welcome to bring a sunscreen stick for your child’s face. Please make sure this is also labeled.

Supply Fees
A supply fee of $100 per child is due each February and September. This fee helps to cover supplies for your child’s classroom.

Toys from home
Please do not bring toys from home as they may get lost or broken.

Tuition
The Kids Studio Fee Schedule is updated at promotion each year. Parents receive a letter in July stating new fees and tuition rates. These rate changes begin at promotion of each year. 

  • Automatic bank draft (ACH) is an acceptable form of payment. 
  • A late payment fee of $25 is charged for ACH returned by the bank unpaid.
  • We do not give credits for vacations, absences, sickness, weather or holidays. 
  • Weekly tuition is due Friday on the week before service. A late fee of $25 is charged for payments not made by Tuesday of the week of service.
  • Bi-weekly tuition is due on the 1st and 15th of each month. A late fee of $25 is charged for payments not made by the 5th and/or 20th of each month.
  • Monthly tuition is due on the first of every month. A late fee of $25 is charged for payments not made by the 5th of each month.  

Visitation
Parents are welcome in our center at any time. We strive to keep an open door policy, and encourage parents to come see what goes on during the day.

Water Bottles
In order to ensure that the children stay hydrated we ask that a water bottle be brought to school each day. Please do not fill water bottles with any other beverage. The health department does not allow us to refill them, so please make sure they are full each morning, and are taken home at the end of each day to be refilled. For your convenience, you may bring a package of water bottles to keep in your child’s cubby if you wish.

Withdrawal from the Center
A notice of at least two weeks is required for withdrawal from our program. Payment will be expected if a notice is not given.