September Child Care Newsletter
September 27, 2012 Carol Viegelmann, Child Care Coordinator
Dear Parents,
Having a safe and caring environment for Child Care is one of the most important factors to each and every parent. During the past several weeks, I have heard many parents express their appreciation for the Newark Unified School District Child Care Program. The parents stated that they feel like they can go to work and have confidence that their children are in a safe and caring environment. Also, parents like the fact that students can come straight from school to the center. The staff and I deeply appreciate your support and confidence in our program.
Last year we had to cut our holiday and summer school programs due to the fact that the enrollment in these programs was low, our expenses for staff, materials, supplies, and snacks exceeded the revenue we brought in for child care. This is a huge concern and loss for many of our parents who did use the programs. It is important that you keep me informed of your needs as a customer in our child care program. As Child Care Coordinator, it is my job to keep Dr. Dave Marken, Superintendent of Education, informed about our program, its educational goals, financial solvency, and parent concerns. Please e-mail me at: cviegelmann@nusd.k12.ca.us, or call me (510- 818-4159) with any concerns, praise, or suggestions for our program.
Sincerely yours,
Carol Viegelmann
SHOWING IDENTIFICATION
For your child/children’s safety, parents or any person listed on your emergency card are required to show picture identification in order for your child/children to be released to that person. Please always carry your identification into the center with you. Also, inform anyone listed on your emergency card to bring his/her identification. We may have a substitute or an employee that does not know you. Many parents thank us for our diligence in this area. However, a few people are offended when they are asked for identification by the Child Care Employees. Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Each year we welcome parents to become involved in their Child Care Center. You may contribute games, cards, books, that have all of the parts, pieces, and pages to your Child Care Center. We have a Child Care Parent Advisory Board. Parents are welcome to serve on the board or attend any of our meetings. Look for the advertisement of our first meeting on the Parent Bulletin Board at your Center. Do take time to read the Parent Bulletin Board at your Center.
MARK ALL CLOTHING AND MATERIALS THAT ARE BROUGHT TO CHILD CARE. DO NOT SEND EXPENSIVE TOYS, GAMEBOYS, ETC. TO CHILD CARE. WE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM IF THEY ARE LOST OR DAMAGED
HANDBOOK
Each set of parents should have received our Child Care Handbook. Please take time to read the Handbook carefully. It is important to know and understand the rules in order to participate fully in your child’s center.
Please keep the copy of the handbook for referral in the future. If you need to refer to the handbook, you may also access it on the NUSD website. www.nusd.ca.schoolloop.com. (Go to Departments, click on Child Care.) All enrollment forms, newsletters, and handbooks are found under Quick Links.
PAYING MONTHLY FEES
ALL BILLS ARE DUE AND PAYABLE ON THE 1ST OF EACH MONTH AND NO LATER THAN THE 7TH DAY OF THE MONTH.
PLEASE PUT YOUR CUSTOMER ID NUMBER ON THE CHECK EACH MONTH. IT IS LISTED ON YOUR BILL AND ALSO ON THE RECEIPTS.
PAY ONLY THE AMOUNT LISTED ON THE BILL.
PLEASE SAVE ALL RECEIPTS FOR TAX PURPOSES. THIS WILL INSURE THAT YOU HAVE DOCUMENTATION FOR THE IRS. THERE IS A FEE OF $10 FOR US TO PREPARE A STATEMENT FOR YOU. WE NEED TWO WEEKS NOTICE TO PREPARE A STATEMENT.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS OR PAYMENTS OVER THE TELEPHONE.
PARENTS CAN SIGN-UP FOR ELECTRONIC CHECKS WITH THEIR BANK TO AUTOMATICALLY PAY CHILD CARE FEES EACH MONTH. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Newark Unified School District, Child Care, Customer ID number listed on your bill and student’s name.
PARENT EDUCATION
RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION
Here’s a list of examples of ways of acknowledging, appreciating, recognizing and energizing success with your child. The following list can be custom tailored to your way of showing gratefulness:
Kodak Moments (active recognition)
I have noticed the extra effort you’ve been using
Billy annoyed you and you walked away. Wonderful self-control.
I see that you’re upset and I appreciate that you’re handling your strong feelings well.
I noticed the effort you put into putting your things away in an organized way.
I notice that you got started on your homework right away and you are very focused.
I see that you are frustrated with the assignment and that you are sticking with it.
I notice that you’re getting along with your sister beautifully. You’re being respectful.
Polaroid’s (experiential recognition)
I appreciate the good choice you made to speak thoughtfully.
I love that you’ve shown responsibility in completing your homework assignments.
I appreciate that you just took “no” for an answer, without arguing or fussing.
I appreciate that you’ve been using good manners. That’s being respectful.
I appreciate that you’ve been sharing with your sister. That’s a great attitude.
I appreciate that you’ve been doing extra reading. That shows responsibility.
I appreciate that you’ve been focused on your project. That shows thoughtfulness.
I like how nice you were to Billy when he felt sad. That shows compassion.
I like that you were honest when it would have been easy to lie. That shows integrity.
You’ve been much nicer with your friends. I really appreciate the cooperation you are using.
You’ve been using much more self-control when you are mad. I appreciate that very much.
You did what I asked right away. You followed directions beautifully.
Canons (unbroken rules-proactive recognitions)
I appreciate that you haven’t been teasing or arguing with your brother
You haven’t been mean to the dog all day long. I appreciate that very much.
You have not been screaming or yelling since your time-out. I really appreciate the extra self-control you’re using…especially since I can see that you’re still disappointed.
I appreciate that you didn’t throw a tantrum when you were told “no” to your question.
I appreciate that you haven’t been demanding. Good job for being thoughtful.
You have not been a bully to your brother and haven’t used bad words. I really appreciate that.
I appreciate that you haven’t been aggressive. That’s a healthy way to be powerful.
I appreciate that you are attending school everyday and are not violating curfew. Your effort helps me a lot and it’s really using good judgment and is a wonderful choice.
I appreciate that you are speaking respectfully to your teachers. Thank you for using good manners.
Thanks for getting back in control of your strong feelings. You were really mad and you calmed yourself down. Good job for choosing peacefulness.
