The Wazhin'ga Ti Zhin'ga Program is an accredited Early Childhood Program by the National Association for the Education of Yound Children. The center is partially funded by grants through the Nebraska State Department of Education and is limited to children below the age of five by October 15. It is primarily designed to allow parents to continue their high school education. Based on availability, the program also provides services to parents participating in college courses, Walthill Public School employees, and other caregivers in the community. High school student-parents are expected to take a child development class during their course of study at Walthill Public School. Wazhin'ga Ti Zhin'ga coordinates with other services within the community, such as Head Start, that are available for utilization by the parent and child.
Wazhin'ga Ti Zhin'ga will provide a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of young children. We will encourage children to discover their own special qualities and abilities.
Priority is given in the following order:
1. Enrollment Form completed
2. Copy of your child's immunization record turned in
3. Copy of your child's physical turned in
4. Food program application completed
5. Payment authorization from HHS
or private pay deposit of $100 received.
6. Class schedule from high school and college student
The center accepts payment from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for eligible clients. The following fee schedule applies to private paying clients. Payment is due 7 days after billing.
Health Policy
To protect the health of all children enrolled and staff, children shall be excluded from care if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
** If parent is notified of any of the above symptoms, the child MUST be picked up within thirty minutes of first phone call.
** Please notify the center when your child is ill and will not be attending. If your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease, it is important that you notify the center right away so that staff can be alert for other cases.
** School personnel are required by law to report any suspected instances of child abuse or neglect to appropiate agencies.
Age of Child
Hourly
Daily
6 wks. to 18 mos.
$3.00 $21
18 mos. and older
$2.50
$19
Before medication can be given, parents need to fill out and sign a permission form stating the type of medication, amount and time the medication is to be given. Medication must be in the original container and can only be given to the child for which it is prescribed. Expired medication will not be given.
Termination of Enrollment
Enrollment may be terminated for:
1. More than two late pick-ups
2. Bills not being paid for after seven days.
3. Failure to comply with health policies.
4. Safety concerns. When child is having problems or poses a danger to themselves or others, parents wil be notified to discuss the situation and brainstorm for possible solutions. If termination of enrollment is necessary, parents will normally be given up to two weeks to make other child care arrangements. In extreme cases, immediate termination of enrollment may occur.
Meals and Snacks
The center participates in the child and adult food program (CACFP). The center is reimbursed for the costs of the food; however, that amount of reimbursement depends on the family income. Parents can assist us by filling out the applcation for the food program.
Infants--Parents are responsible for providing their own formula, baby cereal, and jar baby food if they do not choose to participate in the CACFP Food Program. The center will provide crackers and table food when children are ready for solid food. Infants are fed according to their own schedules and on demand.
Toddlers and Preschoolers
The following meals are served to children who are ready for table food:
*Food from Home--In order to set a healthy example, we ask that parents do not bring non-nutritious items into the center for themselves or their children (candy, pop, chips, or other "junk food".) A birthday treat maybe brought to send home with the children.
Parents need to provide these items if their child uses and of the following:
Toys from Home
Wazhin'ga Ti Zhin'ga has a wide variety of toys for each age group to enjoy at the center. We recommend that children do not bring toys from home since it is difficult for young children to share their "special" possessions. Children who bring toys are asked to leave them in their storage bins until the end of the day, which can be very disappointing to the child. An alternative would be to leave the toy in the car so that your child can look forward to having it at the end of the day. Staff are not responsible for toys went from home if they should become lost or broken.
Visitation is limited to:
Emergency Procedures
Fire drills are practiced monthly and tornado drills in season. In the event of a fire, the center will be evacuated and the children transported to the school office until parents are notified. The two handicapped restrooms have been designated as the tornado shelter.
Staff Qualifications
Caregivers at Wazhin'ga Ti Zhin'ga are certified in CPR and First Aid. Each year, regardless of previous training, caregivers are required to obtain a minimum of 12 clock hours of inservice in the field of early childhood or child development. The director must have a teaching certificate and be endorsed in early childhood education. Teachers are required to have 12 college credits in early childhood education.
Child/Staff Ratio The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has established the following adult/child ratios to ensure adequate supervision and care.
Communication Communication is a key factor in the relationship between parents and staff in order to develop the best plan for your child's individual development and growth. As parents bring their child each day it is important to inform staff of changes in the routine, medication, or health status of their child. Throughout the day caregivers will record the daily eating, sleeping, and diapering information on parent notes and will let parents know other important infomation when they pick their children up in the afternoon. We welcome parent input and invite all families to participate in parent meetings. We appreciate hearing your concerns and suggestions so we can evaluate our program and make any improvement that may be needed. We will do our best to accommodate the needs of each family within reasonable limits. Please begin by sharing any concerns or suggestions with the director. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, the parent is encouraged to contact the superintendent of Walthill Public School. If necessary, a conference involving parents, staff, and school administration will be arranged to address the concern. Civil Rights Statement In accordance with Federal law and U. S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Age of Child
# of Staff
# of Children
6 wks. to 18 mos.
1
4
18 mos. to 3 years
1
6
3 years
1
10
4-5 years
1
12