Discipline

Our goal is to help each child learn self-discipline. Our form of discipline is very positive and respectful in nature. It begins with our efforts to provide an age-appropriate environment, to set limits that are easily understood and consistently maintained, and to give each child an opportunity to make decisions concerning his/her behavior. We strive to help each child learn to verbalize her/his needs, to listen respectfully to others, to negotiate, to solve problems and resolve conflicts peacefully and to make amends as appropriate. When needed, we seek to lead a child to modify his/her behavior by helping him/her to identify more appropriate behavior. Any consequence allowed or imposed is reasonable, related, and respectful and also clearly understood by the child at their age level. For example, continued misuse of materials in a certain area (after first being shown or reminded of appropriate use) might result in the child having to choose another activity.

If a child’s behavior is adversely affecting the class (e.g., continued hurting of others, self, or property) and the above discipline techniques fail, it may be necessary to have a teacher-director-parent conference to work together and/or an outside consultation using professional community resources. If the behavioral problem persists the child may be temporarily or permanently removed from the school at the discretion of the Director.

Sick Policy

The health of the children and staff in our care is of the utmost importance to us. All staff members are trained and use “Universal Precautions” as defined by OSHA. By using these precautions, we hope to prevent or curtail the incidence of infectious diseases such as colds, flu, diarrhea, and other contagious illnesses. You will see our teachers using disposable gloves to change diapers, wipe runny noses, and clean scrapes.

Any child showing symptoms of illness should not be sent to school. These symptoms may include fever, intestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or vomiting, an undiagnosed rash with fever, an abnormal discharge from any part of the body, and any communicable disease. A communicable disease is any disease that can be transmitted from one person to another directly by contact with excrement, other body fluids, or discharges from the body; or indirectly, via substances or inanimate objects, such as contaminated drinking glasses, water, or toys. The teacher may ask for a doctor’s statement stating that the child is able to take part in the normal routine before he may return to the classroom. Your child may return to school when he/she has been free of all symptoms (without fever-reducing medicines) for 24 hours. If your child develops any of the above-mentioned symptoms during the day, we will contact you to make arrangements for your child to go home.

The school will notify parents any time that children have been exposed to a communicable disease. We ask that parents notify the school if their child is diagnosed with any communicable disease.

We will only administer prescription medicine. Each should be properly labeled with the child’s name on the container. All prescription medicines must be taken to the administrator’s office to be properly stored during the day. A signed Medicine Authorization Form must be completed. Whenever possible, please arrange your schedule so medicines can be given before/after school.

School Closings

The Weekday School will close for the following holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, and Easter. Please review the calendar for a list of the actual dates that the school will be closed.

One of the ways we provide quality care is to provide our staff with continuing education and professional development. The school will close for teacher workdays, parent-teacher conferences, and staff development as the calendar stipulates.

Severe Weather Closings

The Weekday School will follow the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools’ decisions for snow or inclement weather closings. Please listen to or watch local radio or television stations for information about school closings. The Weekday School does not operate on a delayed opening schedule. If the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools open on a delayed schedule, the Weekday School will be closed. It is the policy of the Weekday School that inclement weather days are not made up.

Child Abuse and Neglect

The staff of Trinity Presbyterian Church and the Weekday School recognizes the seriousness of child abuse and neglect. All of our staff has been trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of neglect and abuse. Our staff is legally obligated to report suspected child abuse/neglect to the Mecklenburg Department of Social Services. Additional procedures for reporting and responding to allegations are listed in the Trinity Child Protection Policy. A copy of the policy is maintained in the Weekday School office and is available to review.

Allergic Response

The WDS staff understands that there is a wide range of allergies and allergic reactions that are common to children – examples are peanut, dairy, wheat, and insects. We cannot guarantee an allergy free school, but will strive to work with all of our school families to provide a safe environment for their child while in our care. A list of all classroom allergies will be posted within the classroom. Written documentation, instructions, and medication as directed by a doctor should be provided to each teacher. Our teachers have been trained on the proper use for an epi-pen in an emergency situation. These will be stored safely in the classroom. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep this information clearly labeled and current. We welcome information that can help inform our staff and/or share with the families regarding this special need for your child.

Emergency Procedures

The Weekday School has formulated plans to deal with various emergencies that may arise during the school year. As part of our plans, we have fire drills and have a designated fallout shelter (approved by the Fire Marshall) where we might be evacuated in an emergency. Our fallout shelter is a large area under the Trinity Presbyterian Church sanctuary. In order for our emergency plan to work, it is imperative that all emergency contact information be kept current with the school office. Please notify us in writing when you have a change of address, home phone, or cellular phone numbers. Please keep your cell phones with you and turned on at all times while your child is in school. If you cannot be reached during an emergency, the school will allow the designated authorized pick-up person to care for your child. Please feel confident that we will provide a safe and secure school environment while your child is in our care.