Kids' Safari Learning Center

Kids Safari Learning Center
207 Commerce Parkway
Cottage Grove, WI 53527
608.839.9095 / 608.839.9816 fax

Admission and Enrollment Policies

Administrative Structure
Owner: Linda K. Vial
Administrator: Leighanne Dockerty
Business Director: Beth Horstmeier
Program Director: Terra Perrizo

At least one management staff member and one senior teacher staff member are always within five minutes of the building and are available at any time as need arises. The names and numbers of these staff members are posted next to each phone.

NON-Discrimination policy

Kids’ Safari Learning Center does NOT discriminate on the basis of age, race, cultural ethnicity, color of skin, gender, gender identity, handicap, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation of prospective or enrolled child(ren) or family in regard to admission, benefit of enrollment, or termination provisions except as to meet requirements for age limitations specified by state licensing.
Kids’ Safari does not discriminate against persons with disabilities on the sole basis of a disability; that is, we provide children and parents with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in our programs and services unless the child’s presence would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others and/or require a fundamental alteration of our program. We make every effort to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services needed for effective communication with all children and/or adults with disabilities.

ADA STATEMENT- Kids’ Safari is a program that celebrates diversity and maintains a commitment to individual and group success and accomplishment. We are committed to the growth and development of all children. Kids’ Safari does not discriminate on the basis of ability. We believe and value the principles set forth in the American Disabilities Act and will pursue all reasonable accommodations to preserve a positive and comprehensive learning environment for all.
Kids’ Safari strives to create a balanced environment that best suits the needs of all children. It is our anticipation that all children will benefit from a program that values and recognizes the importance of individuality, as well as human similarities. Curriculum and the learning experience will be evaluated and modified to provide success and accomplishment for the abilities and developmental levels of individual children.
Success of an inclusive environment is dependent upon the willingness, acceptance, and cooperation of all parents, children and staff. To uphold the commitment of an educational and supportive program that encompasses such diversity, it is imperative that relations between families and staff are open and encouraging. It is our intention that parents, children, and staff receive the educational and supporting resources that are required to fully implement the curriculum and fundamental nature of this program.
Advocating, communicating and educating is the nucleus for success to develop and maintain an environment that enriches and enhances the lives of our children, families, staff and community.

Operation Standards

Kids’ Safari offers year round preschool and childcare for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. We also offer year round before and after school, as well as summer camp for children in K – 4th grades. We are licensed for 302 FTE.
Hours of Operation: 6:00am – 6:00pm / Monday – Friday

Availability: There are three schedules available for enrollment;

• Monday – Friday
• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Tuesday and Thursday

• Annual- Includes both summer and school year enrollment
• School Year only- This contract includes only the school year months and runs with the Monona Grove School District calendar
• Summer only- This contract includes only the months of June, July and August and runs opposite of the Monona Grove School District Calendar

1. Children of current staff members.
2. Currently enrolled children.
3. Siblings of currently enrolled children.
4. Families working for Monona Grove School District, Johnson Health Tech, or any business located in the Cottage Grove Commerce Park.
5. Families on the waiting list prioritized by date of initial contact.

• Scheduling needs of classrooms and families
• Age of children in enrolled
• Licensing teacher–to–child ratios
• Peer groupings
• Parent request
• Special needs of a child or family

1. State law requires all children in child care centers to present evidence of immunization against diseases within 30 days of admission to the center.
2. An electronic printout of the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or other registry maintained by a health check provider may used in place of the DCF Immunization Form

1. Children under the age of 2 must have an initial health exam not more than 6 months prior to first date of attendance at Kids’ Safari and have a follow up exam at least once every 6 months while in attendance.
2. Children over the age of 2 must have an initial health exam not more than one year prior to the first date of attendance and a have a follow up exam at least once every two years while in attendance.

1. Children under the age of two must have an intake form completed by a parent or guardian every three months while in attendance. A copy will be kept in the child’s office file and classroom file for reference.

• Parents are responsible for bringing an extra change of weather appropriate clothing including, socks, underwear, shirt, and pants. Parents will be charged a “rental fee” for clothes that are borrowed from Kids’ Safari. Parents of potty training children are required to bring in more than one change of clothing.
• Parents of children who are not potty trained are responsible for bringing in diapers, wipes, and ointments (if necessary) for their child.
• Parents of infants are required to bring in prepared formula or breast milk bottles, baby cereal and other necessary nutritious items if the child is not yet eating table foods. Parents must bring in enough bottles equal to the number of times per day an infant/toddler has a bottle. (Table foods and milk will be provided when nutritiously and age appropriate for a child.) Please label all bottles and food.
• Parents are responsible for bringing in a blanket, crib sheet, and pillow or child-size sleeping bag if their child is required to have rest period (all children under 5 years of age). Mats will be provided by the school.
• A one-inch binder with divider tabs to be used as the child’s work portfolio.

1. Call another authorized person
2. Call for a cab and/or
3. Call for law enforcement officials

• New Year’s Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day (professional training for staff)
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Eve (close at 3:00p.m.)

• Failure of the parent or legal guardian to observe the policies and regulations of the school set forth in the Parent Policy Handbook.
• Failure of proper and on time payment by a parent or legal guardian for enrollment of a child in which they are financially responsible.
• Failure of the parent or legal guardian to submit required child health information and other pertinent state licensing requirements.
• Inappropriate behaviors or actions made by parents or family members while visiting, picking up or dropping off at the center.
• The inability of the child to benefit from the curriculum, experience, or opportunity of learning at Kids’ Safari. If we feel that a child is not benefitting from our program due to special needs, an outside agency or resource may be contacted for assistance. If an outside agency is incapable of providing the necessary assistance to provide quality care and education for the child while maintaining appropriate and necessary care for all other children, the center reserves the right to continue with the termination of care. (Please see special needs policy.)
• Inappropriate and unsafe behavior that can be harmful to the child or others while in attendance at Kids’ Safari. Inappropriate and unsafe behaviors will be documented in the classroom incident log for a time period of no less than one month before a determination of center-initiated termination is made.
• The inability to perform and appropriately participate in school activities including curriculum, fieldtrips, and daily routines. Teachers will keep parents informed and up-to-date with the child’s progress through the Creative Curriculum © online journal, verbal communication, and progress reports prior to any termination decision being made.

• Kids’ Safari reserves the right to charge additional fees for (but not limited to) fieldtrips, curriculum activities, transportation, and lunch that is served by the center on brown bag lunch days.
• The cost for fieldtrips may or may not be refunded according to the activity that is planned if a child is absent on the day of the trip.
• Curriculum activities include the Creative Curriculum© electronic portfolio, “Let’s Find Out” magazine orders, 'à la carte programs and additional items as deemed necessary.
• Transportation fees include but are not limited, to transportation to and from schools, extra-curricular activities and fieldtrips.
• A charge may be incurred (not to exceed $5.00) for a center-provided lunch on a designated brown bag lunch day.

• On the first occurrence, an oral and written warning will be given to the adult who picks up along with a charge slip stating the amount that is owed for the late pick up.
• On the second occurrence, a written warning and charge slip will be given to the adult who picks up. The incident will be reported to the proper Director.
• On the third occurrence, a final written warning will be given and the following charges will apply $25.00 + $1.00 for every minute per child. A conference may be called between a director and the parents/legal guardian to seek a solution.

• Any subsequent occurrences will result in termination of care. A two week notice will be given to the parents or legal guardian regarding the conditions of the termination of enrollment. Supply fee is non-refundable; however, any unused tuition will be refunded.

• Kids’ Safari operates under a priority system for enrollment purposes.
• Children of Kids’ Safari employees have first priority.
• Siblings of children presently enrolled in the program have second priority.
• Children of employees of the Monona Grove School District and employees of the Commerce Park businesses have third priority.
• All other applicants have fourth priority.

1. Any parent or person authorized by a parent (must be submitted in writing) to receive such information.
2. Any agency assisting in the care and education of the child with written parental consent.
3. Agencies authorized under 48.78 of the Wisconsin Stats.
4. All records required by DCF for licensing purposes may be reviewed by a DCF licensing specialist.

• Child-to-Adult-Ratios and Group Size- Research has shown that the number of children per adult has a direct effect on a child’s overall well-being. Lower ratios allow for staff to be more responsive to the individual needs and interests of the children in their class. Kids’ Safari always remains within the state of Wisconsin’s Licensing Requirements for adult to child ratios and group size maximums.
• Staff Training - Kids’ Safari is committed to furthering the education of the staff and offers one paid continuing education training a year with focus on various child development topics. Kids’ Safari also supports the Wisconsin TEACH initiative and REWARDS program. Kids’ Safari is resolute that their staff complies with the licensing requirements for continuing education.
• Staff Retention- Research has shown that fewer staff turnovers in early childhood settings allow children to build long-lasting and trusting relationships with their teachers and caregivers. These relationships build positive self-esteem and self-reliance in children. It is our goal to offer bonuses and awards to staff that pursue excellence in early childhood. We will treat staff with respect and ensure that they know they belong and are welcomed as a staff member of Kids’ Safari.
• Primary Teacher- Children will identify with a primary teacher or caregiver during their day at Kids’ Safari. These primary relationships will form trusting bonds and an intimacy between the child and the teacher. Families will receive information and support from their child’s primary teacher.
• Teamwork- Although the bonds formed by primary relationships are extremely important, it is also important for the secondary staff to build positive relationships with every child. These relationships will build social trust and security. It is important for the goal of every individual to work together for the best interest of the child and to support each other as necessary.
• Diversity- We embrace diversity in our teaching techniques by modeling positive behaviors and recognizing that our efforts now will instill values that will carry forward as a child grows. Thus, we have made the commitment to create a program that reflects the varied lifestyles of the children, their families, our staff, and our community.
• NAEYC- The mission and philosophy of the National Association for the Education Young Children is an intricate part of our program. It is our goal to become accredited and maintain that commitment throughout.
• DAP- Developmentally Appropriate Practice is the incorporation of an infant, toddler, or child’s individual development and learning ability based on observation and the staff’s knowledge of child growth into the daily learning environment. Also incorporated are the strengths, interests, and needs of the individual child. Finally, applying our knowledge of the child’s social and cultural customs and traditions to the child’s daily routine at Kids’ Safari will give lasting meaning and understanding of the concept being learned. Simply stated, DAP is an interactive approach to learning in which the role of the teacher is to guide, observe, facilitate, pose problems, extend activities, and in Vygotsky's (1978) words, "create a natural moment" in the child's environment. To learn more about DAP, there are many resources available in the Parent Resource Area or you may speak with the child’s teacher or a director.

• Transitions (limited)
• Meals and Snacks
• Diapering and Toileting
• Sleeping and Resting
• Small and Large Group Activities
• Outdoor Activity
• Fieldtrips
• Discovery Time (child initiated choice)
• Library
• Phy-ed

• All staff will be expected to change diapers if necessary.
• It is not necessary for children to be potty trained through the age of three years of age. Because of the characteristics of the Pre-Kindergarten classrooms, it is necessary for children entering these rooms to be toilet trained and can do so with a certain independence.
• Toilet training must be in cooperation with the parents so that the child’s routine is consistent between the school and home.
• Any child under the age of 18 months will not be involved in the process of toilet training.
• Diapers are to be checked within two hours of the last change, and changed promptly when diaper is soiled/wet.
• Parents must furnish their own diapers and wipes.
• Lotions, powders, and ointments can only be applied after the proper authorizations has been completed and signed by a parent. (Lotions, powders, etc are furnished by parents)

• Observations
• Assessments
• Writing and Work Samples
• Photographs and Memorabilia

• Set clear, consistent rules.
• Make certain the environment is safe and worry-free.
• Show interest in the child's activities.
• Provide appropriate and engaging playthings.
• Encourage self-control by providing meaningful choices.
• Focus on the desired behavior, rather than the one to be avoided.
• Build children's images of themselves as trustworthy, responsible and cooperative.
• Expect the best from the child.
• Give clear directions, one at a time.
• Say "Yes" whenever possible.
• Notice and pay attention to children when they do things right.
• Take action before a situation gets out of control.
• Encourage children often and generously.
• Set a good example.
• Help children see how their actions affect others

• If a parent has a conflict or concern, they are encouraged to seek resolution of the matter on an informational basis. The following steps should be taken in order until such conflict or concern is resolved:

• First discuss the concern with the child’s primary teacher. The parent may request a special conference time to discuss the concern in detail.
• If the discussion with the staff member is not productive, the parent may request to speak with the director. In most cases, the administrator or director will call a meeting with involved parties, facilitate discussions, and help to reach an acceptable solution.
• If the parent feels that the concern has still been resolved in an acceptable manner, the parent may request a meeting with administrator or owner. The administrator will call a meeting with involved parties, facilitate discussions, and help to reach an acceptable solution.
• If all procedures fail to meet the parent’s expectation for an acceptable solution, the parent may initiate the two-week withdrawal of enrollment procedure.

• Changing a diaper
• Feeding
• Burping
• Cuddling and/or swaddling
• Carrying and/or walking around
• Rocking and/or bouncing
• Singing and/or talking softly

• A favorite toy to hold or we may help create a special ritual, like blowing kisses at the window or curling up on the comfy couch with a book or animal.
• Physical contact such as a hug, a high-five, or some time to cuddle with the staff.
• Soothing activities such as sensory bags, quiet music, or puzzles that create a sense of control.
• Gross motor activities to help rid excess energy or to get their frustrations out.
• A quiet retreat located in the classroom with toys and materials that provide comfort and care.
• A perfumed scarf that "smells like mommy" or a photo of familiar family members and friends.

• Exploration: A toddler doesn't make a distinction between a cigarette butt found in a park, a rubber toy, or a person's body. All are fair game for this natural form of exploration.
• Teething: This could be a cause for periodic biting, as the pressure on the mouth and gums relieves the pain and discomfort of teething.
• Affection: The toddler also hasn't learned to distinguish between her feelings and those of others. She experiences relief from her discomfort, and she isn't able to understand that this experience isn't as pleasant for others as it is for her.
• Lack of skills for expressing needs: Young children don't have words to express feelings of frustration and anger. They may use physical actions (biting, hitting, grabbing) if they want a toy, if they are angry, or if another child takes something from them.
• Experimenting for cause and effect: Lots of interesting things happen when a child bites. The other child gets upset, and the caregiver often responds very strongly. There may be an internal rush of adrenaline that comes as a result of the fear, anger, or excitement that follows the biting.
• Attention: Biting often results in lots of attention! The more powerful the attention (even if it's negative) the more likely the child is to continue biting.

• Overstimulation: The child may respond to noise and confusion by feeling frustrated and tense.

• The ability to use words to get what they want
• The ability to understand the feelings and needs of others

• The ability to control their actions

1. We will let the wound bleed gently.
2. We will clean the wound carefully with soap and water.
3. We will check whether the child has been vaccinated against tetanus and make sure that the shot is up to date.
4. Parents will be called immediately to inform of the following information:

• Call and talk with your child’s physician about whether the child needs a vaccine against Hepatitis B.
• To watch the wound over the next few days.
• If it gets red or begins to swell, call the child’s physician.

• Immunization record (completed and returned prior to first day of attendance).
• Health examination record signed and dated by a M.D., P.A., or health check provider (completed and returned prior to first day of attendance and subsequently thereafter in accordance with state policy and regulation).
• Health history record (completed an returned prior to first day of attendance).
• Written permission to contact the child’s physician or to obtain pertinent medical care in the case of an emergency.

• If the State Health Department requires Kids’ Safari to close, we must do so and follow their recommendations.
• If there is a suspected or probable case within the center, as determined by a physician, we will close until proper tests and safety precautions have been performed and it is determined by the Administration and the State Health Department to be safe to return to the center.
• If the local schools are closing, Kids’ Safari will reserve the right to close until it is determined by the Administration and the State Health Department to be safe to return to the center.
• Kids’ Safari will require that any child with symptoms associated with the Pandemic Illness be kept home until they are symptom free without medication for fever or pain for at least 24 hours or they have been tested negative for the illness.

• Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and running water.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue if possible or cough/sneeze into your elbow. Do not cough/sneeze into your hands. Then wash.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or showing symptoms.
• If you or your child is sick, or showing symptoms related to Pandemic Illness, please be considerate of the health and safety of the children, families and staff members of Kids’ Safari and do not bring your child to the center until they are well.

• Shell Station, Commerce Parkway;
• Mini Mall, Commerce Parkway.

•  A general guideline for winter weather:
• In general, Kids Safari will close if the Monona Grove School District is closed for the day due to hazardous driving conditions.
• In general, Kids Safari will NOT close if Monona Grove School District closes due to extreme cold weather.
• Kids’ Safari reserves the right to close if the Administrator feels that the driving conditions are unsafe and may cause harm to any staff member or family.    
• Kids’ Safari reserves the right to close if we cannot adequately staff the center within state licensing ratios due to poor driving conditions for staff trying to make it to work.

• Heavy rain or thunderstorms.
• Temperatures that rise above 90 degrees.
• Temperatures that fall below 10 degree including wind chill.
• Temperatures that fall below 25 degrees including wind chill for infants and toddlers.
• Storm or Tornado Warnings issued by the National Weather Service for our area.

• Infants and toddlers will and must follow their own eating schedules.
• Parents of infants are required to bring in prepared formula or breast milk bottles, baby cereal and other necessary nutritious items if the child is not yet eating table foods. Parents must bring in enough bottles equal to the number of times per day an infant/toddler has a bottle. (Table foods and milk will be provided when nutritiously and age appropriate for a child.) Please label all bottles and food
• All food and formula filled bottles brought from home are labeled with the child’s name and dated, and are refrigerated if needed.
• Formula will be iron-fortified and will be prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• All infants from 6 weeks – 12 months will be offered breast milk or formula.
• Toddlers over the age of 12 months will be offered breast milk or milk.
• Infants requiring a substitute other than breast milk or formula will require a written physician’s statement.
• According to state policy and regulation we must discard any leftover, unused formulas or milk and rinse bottles immediately after use.
• Offer drinking water to infants and toddlers several times throughout the day.
• An infant that cannot hold his or her own bottle will be held while feeding. Bottle propping is not allowed. If assistance is needed, a director will be called to help with feeding time.
• All commercial baby food containers or center prepared foods that are stored and have been opened must be covered, dated and refrigerated. Any food that has not been used in 36 hours will be tossed.
• Any child too young to sit in a high chair will be held in lap or placed in an infant seat with a safety strap during the feeding of foods. The infant seat will be placed on the floor and the staff will sit next to the infant seat. All high chairs will be wide based and have a safety strap.
• Children will be encouraged to experiment with self feeding with their hands and spoons. All eating utensils and cups will be developmentally appropriate in size and level for individual children.

1. Child abuse and neglect law.
2. How to identify children who have been abused or neglected.
3. The process for reporting known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

• Availability of supportive resources to the school.
• Willingness of the parents to work with the school in meeting the needs of the child.
• The extent and/or scope of the special need in relation to the resources available.
• The ability of the child to benefit and participate in the school’s activities.

• Family physician or pediatrician.
• Medical specialists.
• Early Childhood Programs or local school.
• Mental Health Professional.
• Dane County Human Services.
• Birth to Three.
• Rainbow Project.

• Availability of supportive resources to the school.
• Willingness of the parents to work with the school in meeting the needs of the child.
• The extent and/or scope of the special need in relation to the resources available.
• The ability of the child to benefit and participate in the school’s activities.

• Complete and sign a background information disclosure form.
• Consent to a criminal background check and no offenses that would ban the volunteer from working with children.
• Fill out a volunteer application and emergency form.
• Complete orientation with a director using the orientation checklist.