1326 Kansas Avenue
Atchison, Kansas 66002
Phone (913) 367-6441

Welcome | General Information | Programs and Activities | Parent Letter | Policies 1 | Policies 2 | Medical Information | Miscellaneous | Additional Information | About Us | Discipline (SRS)

Welcome

Welcome to the Atchison Child Care Website!  We are experimenting with a new way to present the information, so please be patient.  We will get things updated soon.  Get ready for Autumn's Awesome Activities.  The children are excited to see what's happening!



 





Top

General Information 

The Atchison Child Care Assoc.

YEAR-ROUND CHILD CARE CENTER

HOURS: 6:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

INFANT/TODDLER HOURS 6:45-5:15

MONDAY-FRIDAY

Infants 2 weekprogram:s-12 months $3.16/hr

Toddlers 12 months-2 1/2 years $2.85/hr

2 1/2-6 years $2.33/hr (if completely potty trained)

School Age $2.19/hr

Includes within child care


Nursery School 8:45-12:15 lunch included

Early Preschool 8:45-12:15 lunch included

Preschool 8:45-12:15 lunch included

Before and after school care: Breakfast & snack included

Summer full day recreational programs


 
Transportation to and from local schools for Kindergarten and School Age children (K-5) is provided.
Plan on visiting us during the school year. WE WANT YOU TO COME!
Please call if your child is not coming to the center on the expected schedule.
Periodic newsletters will be sent to you, informing you of your child's program and progress.
Please check your child's locker daily.
One fourth of Atchiosn Child Care Board will be made up of parents. If you are interested in serving on a board this year, please let the Executive Program Director know.
Please inform the office if you intend to withdraw your child from the center. If you are withdrawing your child because of a problem, moving, or no longer working, we want to know the reason. We require a twoweeks notice.
 
Serving families from all income levels, race. color, natural origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.

Top

Programs and Activities

Nursery News-

Katrina Killoren and Tracey Boldridge are the lead teachers. Katrina has over four years experience and will be attending classes through an apprenticeship program to obtain a degree in Early childhood.
Throughout the year this class will learn about socialization, safety, colors, shapes, numbers, and positive self-esteem. We have a very relaxed schedule with plenty of time for free choice. We have a daily circle time, where we sing songs, we talk about the weather, assign daily jobs, and have weekly themes. We have activity time at 9:00 and our outdoor time at 10:00. At 11:00 we will have group/speech enrichment/time along with verbal skill/listening building time. Lunch is served at 11:30. You will be getting a weekly note sharing with you the theme, color, number, and letter of the week. We ask that the children dress in the "color of the week" on Fridays. Show-n-tell is on Fridays. We would like for you to send something for your child to share that has to do with the theme, letter, or color for that week. Please send the show-n-tell in a sack with your child's name on it. We have naptime around 12:30 until 2:15, snack around 2:45.

Early Pre-School News-

Sarah Kramer is the lead teacher with Tandy LaHue as the teacher's assistant. We are excited because Sarah has received her CDA and will soon be receiving her degree in Early Childhood. Congratulations!
Throughout the year this class will learn about colors, shapes, numbers, and letters. We have a daily circle time, where we sing songs, we talk about the weather, assign daily jobs, and have weekly themes. We have our class time at 9:00 and our outdoor time at 10:00. At 11:00 we will have group speech enrichment time along with verbal skill/listening building and free time. Lunch is served at 11:40. You will be getting a weekly note sharing with you the theme, color, number, and letter of the week. We ask that the children dress in the "color of the week" on Thursdays. Show-n-tell is on Fridays. We would like for you to send something for your child to share that has to do with the theme, letter, or color for that week. Please send it in a sack with your child's name on it.
We are implementing a developmental screening for each child three times per year. We will have an assessment in September, December, and a final assessment in May. A copy of the assessment we use will be posted on the parent board. It is interesting and exciting to watch the children progress throughout the year.

Pre-School News-

We are honored that you have chosen us for your child's early educational years. Terri Harden is the Lead Teacher and Amy Collins is the teacher focusing on speech/language development. Terri has taught preschool with our center for 17 years, and Amy has been with us since July, but has taught preschool for several years in other licensed facilities. We are delighted to have such great teachers to care for your children.
Class time is from 9:00-11:00 beginning with "Circle Time". We sing, talk about the calendar and weather, and pass out daily jobs such as; feeding the fish, light keeper, and line leader. Class time consists of fine and gross motor skills, speech and language enrichment, and kindergarten readiness skills. We have outdoor time at 11:00, lunch time at 11:45, and nap time from 1:00 to 2:15. You will be getting weekly notes describing the letter, number, shape, and color of the week as well as the theme of the week. Show-n-tell is on Friday and we ask that you send the item in a sack labeled with your child's name. We go to the Library every Thursday. Please sign the permission to transport form as well as the list so we are legal with KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Education).
We are implementing a developmental screening for each child three times per year. We will have an assessment in September, December, and a final assessment in May. A copy of the assessment we use will be posted on the parent board. It is interesting and exciting to watch the children progress throughout the year.

News from the Director-

We are in the process of carpeting the infant/toddler area and fixing some of the water damaged concrete on the outside as well as the inside walls. Please bear with us as we are undergoing this awesome time! We have to close one side or the other as the repair work begins. Thanks for your patience!

Top

Parent Letter

Dear Parents,

The Atchison Child Care Center staff extends a cordial welcome to you for this school year. We are pleased that you have chosen us to care for your children. We need and want your involvement. Your interest and cooperation will play an important part in making our program run smoothly. Your suggestions are welcomed.

We have converted Franklin Elementary School, 1326 Kansas Avenue, into a childcare facility and a preschool. Our facility houses all of our programs; infants (2 weeks) through 5th grade.

You were given a booklet when you enrolled your child that you will need to read and keep in a convenient place for quick referral. It contains rules and regulations governing the Center, board members and staff along with important things you will want to know.
The Center receives United Way, City and County Funds; and The McConaughy Fund and Trinity Episcopal Church awards some scholarship funds.

We provide a variety of daily activities suitable for your child's age, all of which are designed to encourage mental, physical and emotional growth for the children.

The Center participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program administered by the State Department of Education School Lunch Section. By participating in this program, we make meals available to all children who are in attendance at mealtime, regardless of race, color, national origin, or ability to pay.
We enjoy having your children during the summer months too. Our summer program is primarily recreational, with swimming 5 days a week, School Age (1st-5th) M-W-F and Preschool/Kindergarten T-Th (if weather permits), field trips, walks, trips to parks, picnics, arts & crafts and we also go to the library every week.

We welcome you to ACCA. If you have questions, please give us a call at 367-6441 (8-5), 367-4406 or 367-1697 after hours.

We look forward to working with you and your children.

Sincerely,

Dr. Frances Strieby
Executive Director

Carrie Sowers
Program Director

 

 

Top

Policies 1

ADMISSION POLICY
Get an application from the office.
Have an interview with the Executive Program Director, Assistant Program Director, or Office Manager.
A school lunch income form, emergency medical form, family history form, and physical exam from a licensed physician or qualified health person is required to be filled out and returned to the office before the child may begin the program. Please return all forms at least 2 days prior to the child's first day of attendance.
A plan for immunizations must be made if immunizations have not been started or completed.
Check eligibility for assistance if desired and needed.
HOURS OF OPERATION
The Atchison Child Care Center is a year-round licensed program, We are open Monday through Friday from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. After 6:00 P.M., there is a $1.00 charge per child for every one minute you are late. The closing teacher collects the money at the time of departure. Emergencies will be taken into consideration.
We are closed for legal holidays (Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day).
It the holiday falls on the weekend, Saturday or Sunday, we may or may not be open the Friday before or the Monday after. Closings will depend on the number of children who need care.
 PICKING UP CHILDREN FROM THE CENTER
Please list the people who have your permission to pick up your child/children from the center on your enrollment papers. If at a later date you wish to add someone to your pick up list or delete someone from the pick up list, please notify the office in writing so that we may record this in your child/children's file. ANYONE NOT ON THE LIST CANNOT TAKE A CHILD FROM THE CENTER. If you are divorced, we will need file-stamped court papers stating which parent has legal custody.
DISMISSAL POLICY
A child will be subject to dismissal if:
Fees become over two weeks delinquent without making special arrangements with the Center Administration. A written notice will be sent to notify parents of delinquency and reinstatement is possible when the bill is paid in full.
Health records and other required forms are not current.
Discipline or major behavior problems.
A child may also be dismissed from the Atchison Child Card Association at the discretion of the Executive Program Director, if staff finds a parent to be extremely uncooperative or abusive to the staff. This would also apply to other family members or persons significant to the child who become extremely problematic for staff. 

 

Top

Policies 2

FEES
The fees for the Atchison Child Care Association are assesssed through the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services and are subject to change. The current fees are as follows:
$3.16 per hour-under 12 months
$2.85 per hour-12 months-2 1/2 years
$2.33 per hour-ages 2 1/2-6 (if completely potty trained)
$2.19 per hour-ages 6 and over
ALL ACCOUNTS MUST BE PAID AT THE END OF EACH MONTH. If special arrangements need to be made, please contact Carrie Sowers, Frances Strieby, or Dawn Smith in the office between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
Effective January 1, 2002, Atchison Child Care requires a two week notice if you intendt to withdraw your child from the center. If you are withdrawing your child because of a problem, moving, or no longer working, we want to know the reason.
Effective September 1, 2005, Infant/Toddler, Nursery, Early Childhood, and Preschool have a minimum charge of 35 hours per week. Kindergarten and School Age have a minimum charge of 5 hours for am or pm care only, or a 10 hour minimum charge for both am and pm care.
MEALS
Well-balanced meals are another important feature of the Atchison Child Care Center services. We serve breakfast at 7:30 A.M. to Kindergarten and School Age Children and at 8:00 A.M. to Infant/Toddler, Nursery, Early Preschool & Preschool Children.
Dinner is served around 11:45 A.M. and we serve a mid-afternoon snack. We are participants in the Child Care Food Program under the State Department of Education.
SAMPLE MENU

SICK-DAY POLICY
You are required to notify the Child Care Center office if your child is ill (367-6441). Parents whose fees are paid by SRS should notify the office of the reason for any absence. A child must be fever free for a 24 hour period before returning.
VACATION TIME POLICY
It would be greatly appreciated if written notices were given to the office prior to vacations. This helps us to know when to expect your child. We allow 2 weeks per year for a child missing due to being on vacation, after that we charge for time missed unless ill with a doctor's note.

Top

Medical Information

MEDICAL INFORMATION
EACH CHILD MUST HAVE A MEDICAL RECORD ON FILE at the center. When a child is ill, he/she cannot attend the program and parents must provide care elsewhere. The center should be notified of the child's absence for illness or any other reasons, please call. The following immunizations are REQUIRED:
4 DPT Boosters
3 Oral Polio Boosters
2MMR (Measles-Mumps-Ruebella)
You may make arrangements at the local Health Department for immunizations or go to your physician.
PARENTS OBJECTING TO IMMUNIZATIONS
Parents objecting to immunizations must submit a written statement objecting to immunizations.
I hereby refuse to have my child immunized on religious grounds and/or immunization is harmful to my child's/children's health and well being (parent and physician).

DATE:

                                                                                                

CAREGIVER'S SIGNATURE:

 

MINISTER'S SIGNATURE:

 

PHYSICIAN'S SIGNATURE:

 

 ILLNESS
When a child becomes ill at the center, the Executive Program Director, Assistant Program Director, Office Manager, or Head Teacher will notify the parent or guardian.
If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, we will then call the person listed in your family history form. The child will be isolated from the other children, preferably in the office. Parent/Guardian or designated person must come after the sick child.
EMERGENCY CARE
In case of emergency the parent/guardian will be notified. The Executive Program Director and the Assistant Program Director are the designated personnel who will take the injured child to the hospital or doctor's office and will stay with the child until the parent/guardian arrives. If the Executive Program Director and Assistant Program Director are out of the office, the Office Manager or Head Teacher of the building will assume this responsibility.

Top

Miscellaneous

TORNADO DRILLS
 Tornado Drills are to be carried out from April through September, NO EXCEPTIONS. During a tornado drill, classes will go to the lowest area of the building (the carpeted area in front of the infant/toddler or kitchen area); pull down the serving area windows (in kitchen), shut all doors; and avoid all entrance ways which are surrounded by glass.
 FLOOD POLICY
At our location, it is unlikely we will experience a flood. During extreme weather we will be in touch with the proper authorities and follow their instructions. Should serious flooding occur, the children will be moved to higher ground. The director will be listening to a battery operated radio for further instructions.
 STORMS
 The director will notify each lead teacher of weather conditions that may be hazardous. If high winds, lightning, etc. occurs, the staff will be required to keep children away from windows. If more serious conditions occur, the director will follow the tornado plan.
 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
 According to the Kansas Child Protection Act passed July 1, 1977, a child care center must report suspected child abuse and neglect. The parent may or may not be notified by the director if reported. The staff at the center has received training in this area. Parents, please give explanations concerning bruises and cuts on the child. This will be helpful. Please know we are here to help you with any problems you may have.

Top


Additional Information

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
The Atchison Child Care Association operates a licensed comprehensive Child Care Program Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M., with facilities for 178 (2 weeks to 12 years of age) children under the requirements of the Department of SRS, Department of Health and Environment, Bureau of Maternal and Child Health.
The program of the Atchison Child Care Center is not seen as primarily custodial care for children but a program providing a flexible, loosely structured atmosphere fostering physical growth, emotional maturation, mental development, social skills, and for achievement of each child's interests and abilities, with prime attention being paid to each child's needs. We have a major purchase of service contract with Social Rehabilitation Services (SRS) for families who need assistance with child care.
The purpose of this project is to operate a licensed year-round program for children who need child care.
The educational program is based upon principals of child development and growth. The program's flexibility will include a variety of indoor and outdoor activities planned to promote optimum development of children.
Equipment will be provided to encourage play in the following areas:

Imaginative play:

Example: Doll house corner, blocks, trucks & cars, dress-up clothes, sand & water table.

Creative play:

Example: Paints, crayons, scissors, paste, and play dough.

Large motor coordination:

Example: Climbing equipment, swings, wagon, tricycles, slide.

Fine motor coordination:

Example: Peg boards, puzzles, parquet blocks.

Intellectual development:

Example: Books, music, study of nature, science.

Language development: (individual and small groups)

Field trips to a farm, apple orchard, fire station, Topeka Zoo.


 
The Child Care Center schedule includes afternoon rest periods.
Transportation provided to and from local schools (K-5).

Top


 

About Us

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

PRESIDENT:

DEBBIE MCGUIRE

SECRETARY:

VIRGINIA BERNEY

TREASURER:

JUDY OYER

BOARD MEMBERS

DEE DEE JULO

JIM TAYLOR

VIRGINIA BERNEY

DEBBIE MCGUIRE

JUDY OYER

 

 

ATCHISON CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION STAFF

EXECUTIVE PROGRAM DIRECTOR:

Dr. Frances Strieby

(913) 367-4406

PROGRAM DIRECTOR:

Carrie Sowers

(913) 367-1697

BOOKKEEPER:

Robert Carroll

(913) 367-6012

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:

Dawn Smith

(913) 370-3846

LEAD STAFF

Kathy Sellers

Sarah Erpelding

Terri Harden

Courtney Sanders

Towanda Jeannie Ernzen

 

Other Staff Members

Montica Minard

Tracey Boldridge

Cassie Siard

Shirley Wallace-(Housekeeping/Opener)

Barbara Chapman

 

Tandy LaHue

Tina Barajas (Extended Day USD 409)

Amy Collins

Dr. Wayne Wallace (Medical Advisor)

Substitutes

Elaine Schrader

Mary Jane Sowers

Pat Porter

 

Other Helpers:
Benedictine College Work Study and Internship Students
KAN Works/Employment Preparation Services SRS
USD #409 Redmen Student Volunteers

Top

Discipline (SRS)

STATE DEPARTMENT
OF SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICES (SRS)
POLICY STATEMENT ON DISCIPLINE

Discipline is an essential part of child rearing and when used positively it contributes to the healthy growth and development of a child and establishes positive patterns of behavior in preparation for adulthood. The object of discipline is to promote behaviors beneficial to the child's development and welfare and to change and/or eliminate behaviors which are injurious to his or her well-being. Therefore, we encourage positive discipline as a most important aspect of child rearing practices for children and youth for whom the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services purchases and/or provide services and care.

Discipline is a positive growth experience when it is approached as a developmental concept and administered in the form of teaching, guidance, and role modeling; conversely, it is a negative experience when it inflicts fear, pain and humiliation.

There are laws which protect adults against actions which many children must endure and suffer under the guise of discipline. Many children who are in the care of SRS have previously suffered too much physical pain, fear, humiliation, and emotional stress. We cannot perpetuate this when we assume the role of substitute parents and guardians, and we must accept and assume the positive roles in our child rearing practices of which positive discipline is an essential part.

Therefore, SRS does not view as positive, acceptable discipline any action administered in a fashion which may cause any child to suffer physical or emotional damage. Disciplinary acts which include spanking which causes pain, hitting, beating, shaking, cursing, threatening, binding, closeting, prolonged isolation, denial of meals, and derogatory remarks about the child or his or her family are not acceptable.

While the forgoing statement is not all inclusive in terms of unacceptable forms of discipline, it does provide a guideline for the establishment of the following statement of policy:
IT SHALL BE THE POLICY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICES THAT WE NOT PURCHASE OR CONTINUE TO PURCHASE SERVICES FROM THIRD PARTY PROVIDERS WHO USE NEGATIVE AND/OR PHYSICAL METHODS OF DISCIPLINE NOR SHALL SUCH METHODS BE TOLERATED WHEN PRACTICED BY SRS EMPLOYEES.
(March 6, 1980)

Links we like... 

http://www.atchisonksnews.com/

 



email us: csowers@atchchildcare.org

Top

Welcome | General Information | Programs and Activities | Parent Letter | Policies 1 | Policies 2 | Medical Information | Miscellaneous | Additional Information | About Us | Discipline (SRS)

Date Last Modified: 10/2007