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Principal Nancy Klinedinst
Lewis Ames Elementary School
7300 S. Clermont Drive
Centennial, Colorado 80122
Telephone: 303.347.4400
Attendance: 303.734.3000
School Hours:
8:31 a.m. – 3:13 p.m.
AM Kindergarten dismisses at 11:28 a.m.
Map to Ames Elementary School
 
 Parent handbook Minimize

Parent’s Handbook of Rules and Procedures
Lewis Ames Elementary School

Eagle’s Nest Club

School Age Child Care Program
K-5

Jesse Campbell
Program Manager

Erin Heim
Assistant Program Manager


7300 S. Clermont Dr.
Centennial, Colorado 80122

303-347-4105

 
  
 PHILOSOPHY
School and Family Working for the Total Child”
 
The Eagle’s Nest Club is open from 6:30 a.m. – 8:31 a.m. and 3:13 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. offering activities for kindergarten through fifth grade students who attend the school daily. On non-student days the program will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The full day Summer Program is open from 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Eagle’s Nest Club focuses on child-centered care, which complements the school day experience of Ames students. Activities promote the development of the whole child and vary with number, ages, and interests of participating children. Children learn to function cooperatively and positively with one another.
 
A typical day includes transition before school activities, supplemental kindergarten activities, in the afternoon, planned time for transition between the regular school day and the after school program. This is provided through opportunities for sharing with friends and afternoon snack. Structured activities in small groups feature arts and crafts, drama, music, games, and organized sports. Time for supervised free play, computer lab, outside play, gym activities, videos and field trips is provided. Time for individual pursuits, such as recreational reading and completion of homework assignments is also provided.
 
The program operates under the supervision of the school principal. Staff members include a program manager, assistant manager, activity leaders and activity aides. All staff is trained in organizing activities for elementary children. To ensure quality adult guidance for the participating students, a minimum ratio of one adult for every fifteen children is maintained.
 
The Eagle’s Nest Club is based on input from interested parents, participating students and school staff. Stimulating children’s interests and meeting their needs are our foremost goals.
 
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 POLICY STATEMENT
The Eagle’s Nest Club is licensed by the State of Colorado Department of Human Services to accept children 5-13 years of age. It has been inspected by the Department of Health and the Littleton Fire Department to ensure a safe, clean and healthy setting for your children. The program accepts children without regard to race, religion, sex or national origin. A child with special needs will be accepted on the same basis as other children, unless accommodation of the child’s special needs would require a fundamental alteration of the program or create an undue financial hardship upon the program.
 
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 Rates

No refunds or credits are given for missed days (with the exception of a long- term illness of 3 consecutive days or more).  All credits granted by program manager.

Registration Fee (non-refundable)              $25.00 per child
Before school care                                   $7.00 daily
Late-start before school care                    $14.00 daily (6:30 – 10:30)
                                                             $8.00 daily (8:30 – 10:30)
After school care                                     $9.00 daily
Half day p.m. session                              $15.00 daily
All day program                                       $30.00 daily
(In-service days, conference days, and summer program)
 
Drop-In Rate
(Non-Contracted Days Added If Space is Available)
Before school care                                   $10.00 daily
After school care                                     $12.00 daily

 
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 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Enrollment Procedures
• Families are required, at the summer and fall registration, to fill out a contract stating the days their child(ren) will attend Eagle's Nest.  This status will stay the same throughout the summer or school year.
 
Registration Procedures 
  1. This program is made available as a service to the Lewis Ames community.
  2. Registration Forms are available by contacting the program manager.
  3. Applications for registration will be accepted based on the maximum number of spaces available and upon the programs ability to meet your child’s needs. If it is determined that your child’s special needs cannot be accommodated in the Eagle’s Nest Club, you will receive a written explanation of reasons for that decision.
  4. On the Registration Form your child’s contract days will need to be indicated. These days will stay the same through out the summer or school year.
  5. A $25.00 non-refundable registration fee must accompany all registration applications annually. Please make checks payable to the Eagle’s Nest Club. A complete Registration Form with the contract days indicated must be mailed or hand delivered to the program manager before the child is able to attend the program. The fee will be refunded only in the case that your child cannot be accommodated in the program.
  6. If the number of registrations exceeds the space available, application priority will be given to those families requesting full-time care, then part-time requests. If requests still exceed the space availability, priority will be given to families with the longest residency in the Ames community.
  7. When withdrawing your child from The Eagle’s Nest Club, a two- week written notice must be returned to the program manager. Once tuition is paid, refunds will not be given.
  8. If a change in contract needs to be made a two-week written notice is required. Accommodations will be made if space is available. This change will be considered permanent. The change of contract will go into affect after the two-week notice.

Contract Days
• A family’s contract days will be held for them every week.
• Families are required to alert the Eagle’s Nest Staff if their child or children will not be attending on their contract day.
• When alerting Eagle’s Nest of your child’s absence, the absence must be indicated in writing, in the parent log. Parents may also call the Eagle’s Nest Classroom at 303-347-4105.
• Tuition is due on the first school day of the month for that month. Tuition is required to hold the family’s contract days even if the child or children are not in attendance on their days.
• Families that choose part-time status are required to attend a minimum of two-days per week. These days will be held for the child every week. These two contract days must be the same every week.

• Non-contracted days may be added, if there is room, at the drop-in rate.
• Families must contact the Eagle’s Nest Staff to coordinate non-contracted days in advance.
• Children will not be allowed to attend the program on non-contracted days without proper notification.

 Contract Changes
• Changes, in the contract, may be made, by contacting the Director of the Eagle’s Nest program.
• Additional days can only be added to the contract if there is space available. This will be considered a permanent change. Any further changes must go through the same procedure. Every effort will be made to accommodate changes.
• Contract changes must be made in writing and a minimum of two weeks written notice must be given. The change will begin two weeks after the notice.

Vacation Policy
The accrual period for vacation will begin on the first day of school and end the last day of school.
• Full-time families will receive 10 days of vacation.
• Part-time families will receive vacation days according to their schedule.
• Attendance 2 days a week = 4 days vacation
• Attendance 3 days a week = 6 days vacation
• Attendance 4 days a week = 8 days vacation
• Drop in attendance = no vacation available
• Vacation days may be used with a two-week notice. This needs to be indicated on a Vacation Day Form. Upon approval of a vacation request, the following month will be adjusted accordingly.
• School year vacation will not be carried over into the summer session.
• Summer Camp vacation policy will be included in the summer packets.

 
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 PAYMENT PROCEDURES

Billing
• A monthly tuition bill will be available on the parent table a week before the due date. Parents are responsible for picking up their family’s tuition bill.
• Late fees will apply.

Late Payment Policy
• Late fees of $5.00 per day will be charged if tuition payments are not received on the first school day of the month by 6:00 PM.
• Children can be dismissed from the program if tuition is not received in full, with late charges, after being delinquent for five days.
• Families may be re-instated upon payment of current balanced plus a $20.00 re-enrollment fee.

Late arrival Fees
Late fees will be assessed for care of children who are not picked up by 6:00 p.m. There will be a $5.00 charge beginning at 6:01 p.m. and an additional $10.00 charge for every 15 minutes thereafter per child. Late fees are payable to the Eagle’s Nest Club at the time of pick up. Human Services has suggested that if the Eagle’s Nest Staff has not made contact with a responsible party explaining the delay by 6:45 p.m., the Littleton Police Department would be called.

Fees for Late Pick Up
6:01-6:15 p.m.     $5.00 fine per child
6:16-6:30 p.m.     $15.00 fine per child
6:31-6:45 p.m.     $25.00 fine per child
6:46-7:00 p.m.     $35.00 fine per child

Insufficient Funds
Eagle’s Nest Club follows the LPS District policy for returned checks outlines below.

Beginning February 2004, Littleton Public Schools (LPS) will begin using Global Payments Check Recovery Services to facilitate the collection of returned checks due to non-sufficient funds (NSF) and closed bank accounts.  Any checks returned after February 1st will be sent to Global Payments for recovery.  The collection process will be similar to the one used to collect returned checks for local retailers.  The key steps in this process are:

1. The returned check will be entered into the Global Payments data bank.  This will affect the ability of the check writer to pay with checks at local retailers. 

2. Subsequently, a Global Payments representative will attempt to contact the check writer by phone and/or by mail to make arrangements for payment of the returned check plus a $40 fee.

3. After 45 days, Global Payments may report the returned check to all three major credit bureaus. 

4. After 60 days, Global Payments may opt to litigate to recover face value of the check plus collection fees.

Please note that parents/guardians will not be allowed to settle returned checks with the school per the District’s contract with Global Payments.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

Credit Card Payments
The Eagle’s Nest Club now accepts credit cards (Visa & MasterCard) as a form of payment for tuition.  If you are interested in paying your tuition by credit card, please speak with the program manager or assistant program manager. 

 

 
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 OPERATING PROCEDURES

Program Check In and Check Out

Each child is to be signed in by a parent, guardian, or staff member.  There is an “information table and board” indicating where the Eagle’s Nest children and staff are at all times. Staff members are responsible for doing a head and name count every half hour and when the children move to a different area. The Eagle’s Nest sign-in sheet is with the children.

 

All absences must be reported to the Eagle’s Nest Club by dialing 303-347-4105.  Please indicate your child’s name and the day of the absence.

 

All parents or authorized adults are required to enter the building to sign-in and sign-out and pick up their children in the afternoon.

 

Only authorized adults will be allowed to pick up a child.  Authorized adults are to be listed on each registration form.  Parents must advise the Eagle’s Nest staff of any changes in authorization.

 

Each child is to be signed out by a parent, guardian or authorized adult.  No child will be allowed to check out of the program by him or her self or walk home alone.

 

Schedule

1. The Eagle’s Nest Club will operate from 6:30 a.m. – 8:20 a.m., 11:25 a.m.-3:10 p.m. for K+ and 3:10 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  The regular school day begins at 8:40 and ends at 3:10 p.m. On Minimum days, the program will operate on the same schedule with the after-school program beginning immediately after student dismissal.

2. The Eagle’s Nest Club follows the school calendar.  The program operates on minimum days, in-service and conference days, but does not operate on legal holidays or other full day closures, such as snow days.  The program is also closed on Spring Break and Winter Break. Rates reflect this operation schedule.

3. Early dismissal for snow and storm emergencies does not apply to the Eagle’s Nest Club.  The program will remain open until all children are picked up. Eagle’s Nest will be provided on Late Start Days due to snow. The Eagle’s Nest staff will care for the children until school starts.

 

Activities

1. A monthly activity calendar and newsletter will be available for each family.

2. Children are expected to participate in planned physical education activities unless a note is received from a parent. Children are asked to wear appropriate clothing when participating in physical activities, including footwear.

3. Children will participate in supervised free time to allow transition between the structured school day and the organized eagle’s Nest Club enrichment activities.

 

Safety

For each activity offered, safety rules and procedures will be reviewed with the children.  If an accident occurs, the following procedures will be followed:

1. The program staff member will assess the seriousness of any injuries and apply appropriate first aid procedures.

2. The program staff will contact the paramedics if necessary.  Any expense incurred as a result of emergency treatment will be the responsibility of the parent.

3. Parents will be notified immediately.

4. A school accident report will be completed and filed with the district.

 

Meals and Snacks

During the afternoon session of Eagle’s Nest, children will receive a nutritious snack.  The list of snacks is posted in the Eagle’s Nest classroom.  A fifteen minute period of time will be allotted for snack daily.

On full days (summer and in-service days), parents will be responsible for providing lunch for their own child.       

 

Field Trips

1. Parents will be notified in advance of any planned field trips.

2. Parent/Guardians’ request for permission to attend field trips is required on the registration form for each child.

3. Additional fees may be required for admission prices, lunches, or transportation costs.

4. A staff member will not be left at the school to supervise late arrival students, so please observe field trip departure times.

5. Parents may be asked to delay picking up their child(ren) until a specified time.

6. It is Littleton Public Schools policy that all students and staff, who are riding in district vehicles, be given all standard rules and procedures before departing. LPS bus drivers are CPR trained.

 

Transportation

Parents are expected to arrange transportation to and from Eagle’s Nest.  The Littleton Public Schools transportation department will provide transportation for field trips.  The Eagle’s Nest staff and bus driver supervise the children.  The staff will have the student emergency cards with them at all times while on a field trip.   The driver or a staff member will read the LPS emergency evacuation and bus safety rules to the students before the field trip. The buses have a two way radio communicate with the LPS transportation department.

 

Late Arrivals

If a student arrives late for any of the Eagle’s Nest Club activities, the parent or person responsible for signing the student in must escort the student to whatever area the group is in or conducting an activity.  There is an information board designating where the group, which is by the parent table.

 

Lost Child

In the event that a child from the program becomes lost, all necessary steps will be taken to locate the child.  If these attempts are unsuccessful within ten minutes, the proper authorities will be notified and the child’s parent/guardian will be contacted.

 

Illness Policy

If your child becomes ill while at the Eagle’s Nest Club, he/she will be isolated from the group to lie on a clean mat and be observed by a staff member.  A parent/guardian will be notified and requested to take the child home or to a doctor.

 

Please keep your children home if they have a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, an unknown skin rash or outbreak or discharge from eyes or ears.  Children are not only uncomfortable and fussy when they are ill, but may be contagious until treated.

 

Parents/guardians will be notified if an incident of infectious disease has been reported to the program.  In turn, please contact The Eagle’s Nest Club if your child has been diagnosed with strep, measles, mumps, chicken pox, pin worms, scabies, pink eye or any other infectious disease.

Children should be free of fever and symptoms for at least 24 hours and display no sign of illness before returning to the program.

 

Medicine Administration

We prefer not to administer medications.  If it is absolutely necessary for medicine to be administered, a medication form must be completed and on file with the Eagle’s Nest manager.  Medicine must be in the original bottle.  Medication will be stored in a lock box in the manager’s desk.

The Eagle’s Nest Staff is required to have medicine training provided by Children’s Hospital.

 

Nurse Practice Act Statement:  The procedure for storing and administering children’s medicines and delegation of medication administration is in compliance with section 12-38-132, C.R.S., on the “Nurse Practice Act.”

 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen will be provided by Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Company. There will be a permission slip provided to allow Eagle’s Nest staff to help put sunscreen on your child. If your child burns easily, PLEASE have them bring a T-shirt to wear swimming. It is always a good idea for parents to put sunscreen on their child before arriving at Eagle’s Nest.

 

Toys/ Money from Home

Toys and money should be left at home unless brought for a specific sharing day or field trip. Any money or personal items brought to the program are sole responsibility of the child. The Eagle’s Nest staff cannot be responsible for toys or money brought from home.  It is often difficult for children to share special toys or toys get lost or broken which causes anger and tears.

 

Video and Cable Viewing

The program will occasionally offer students the opportunity to view “G” rated and family oriented videos and/or educational television programs.  Parental permission will be required if any subject matter received a “PG” rating. Please advise the staff upon your child’s enrollment of any concerns so that alternative activities may be offered to your child.

 

Staff

The program staff is qualified caring individuals who enjoy children and are dedicated early childhood education professionals.   We welcome parents to discuss freely any suggestions, questions or concerns they might have.

 

Visitors

Visitors are welcome in the Eagle’s Nest program.  For the safety of our students, please check in at the main office for assistance and directions.  You will need to wear a visitor badge while spending time in the Eagle’s Nest.  You will also need to sign the visitor log.  Your cooperation and support is appreciated.

 

Inclement and Excessively Hot Weather

1. The children will not be allowed to play outside when the temperature falls below 20 degrees F, including the wind chill factor. The children will not play outside in moderate to heavy rain or snowfall or in heavy winds.

2. The children will be expected to wear appropriate outerwear.

3. The Eagle’s Nest Club will return to the building when lightning has been seen in the area.

4. The children will be expected to wear appropriate outerwear.

5. The children’s outdoor time will be closely monitored during hot days. There will be access to water and shade. We will be inside during the hottest part of the day. All children will wear sunscreen.

 

Natural Disaster Procedures

In the event of a natural disaster (tornado, flood, fire, electrical storm or power outage), the staff will follow the procedures set in the Littleton Public Schools Emergency Procedures Manual. The Emergency Procedure Manual is available for parent use.

 

Disenrollment Policy

A student may be disenrolled from the Eagle’s Nest Club for any of the following situations:

1. If a student has inappropriate behavior in which he or she endangers another student, staff member, or parent.

2. If a student creates an unsafe environment for himself or herself, another student, staff member, or parent.

3. If parent/guardian or a student is insubordinate, disrespectful and/or defiant to the Program Manager and/or staff members.

4. If tuition payments are not paid in a timely manner.

5. If a student is picked up after 6:00 P.M. on a regular basis. Late fees do apply.

 

Other

1. All children are expected to attend and participate on a regular basis to ensure continuity in their relationships and enrichment activities.  Eagle’s Nest is not a drop in daycare.

2. Eagle’s Nest is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  All lost items will be placed in the lost and found.  Parents are encouraged to provide their children with a bag to keep all of their belongings.  All clothing and personal items should be clearly labeled with the child’s name.  Younger children should carry a change of clothing in their backpacks.

3. All District and School Policies, Rules and Procedures will apply to the Eagle’s Nest Program. Eagle’s Nest operates as an extension of the school day.  For this reason, all rules and procedures that exist for students during school hours remain in place for the before and after school program.  The LPS code of conduct will continue to be the foundation for positive behavior.  The program manager will work closely with the building principal for any situations that involve major consistent deviations from the behavior outlined in the code of conduct.  Warnings, conferences and temporary suspension from the program are examples of possible interventions.

 

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Colorado law requires that staff in childcare settings report known or suspected child abuse and neglect.  Staff who willfully fails to report can be punished and be liable for damages.

The Eagle’s Nest program is licensed by the state of Colorado and has met the required standards for the operation of a childcare facility.  We make every effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for children.  Unfortunately, on rare occasion, an incident of physical or sexual abuse may occur.

 

If you believe that your child has been abused, you should seek immediate assistance from your county department of Social Services.  The telephone number to report child abuse is listed below:

Arapahoe County Human Services Department

14980 East Alameda Drive

Suite 007

Aurora, CO 80012

303-636-1750

For additional information regarding licensing or for concerns about a childcare facility contact Colorado Division of Child Care at 1575 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203-1714 or by phone at 303-866-5958.

 
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 EAGLE'S NEST DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

The philosophy of Ames and the Eagle’s Nest Club is to assist each student to be responsible for and in control of his/her behavior. School rules will be consistently enforced throughout the day.

All Eagles Nest Staff has been trained in “Discipline with Love and Logic”. Love and Logic methods will be used in Eagle’s Nest. Information about this method of discipline can be found at www.loveandlogic.com. Each child is allowed one verbal warning before a written discipline referral. When a child receives a written referral; the referral will be sent home for parent signature and returned to school.

 
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 NOTICE TO PARENTS

Dear Parent:

Your child was recently enrolled in a childcare facility that is licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services. The license indicates that the facility has met the regulations for the operation of a childcare facility.  If you have not done so, please ask to see the license.

Most licensed facilities make every effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for children.  Unfortunately, on rare occasion, an incident of physical or sexual abuse may occur.  If you believe that your child has been abused, you should seek immediate assistance from your county department of social services.  The telephone number to report child abuse in Arapahoe County is 303-636-1750.
 
Colorado law requires that child care providers report all known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

Child care services play an important role in supporting families, and strong families are the basis of a thriving community.  Your child’s education, physical, emotional, and social development will be nurtured in a well planned and run program.  Remember to observe the program regularly, especially with regard to children’s health and safety, equipment, play materials, and staff.  For additional information regarding licensing, or if you have concerns about a child care facility, please consult the Colorado Division of Child Care at 1575 Sherman Street, Denver, Colorado  80203-1714, or by phone 303-866-5859.


 
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