Safety, Security and Health at Endless Discoveries Child Development Center in Saginaw, Glen Rose, and Hico, Texas

Safety, Security and Health

Training

The State of Texas requires all professionals in the child-care field to complete at least 30 clock hours of training per year. All training records and in-house training curriculum are available for review by request. We will complete these hours during two in-service days, President’s Day and Columbus Day, as well as during our staff monthly meetings. Endless Discoveries will be closed during the in-service days, so you will have to make other arrangements if child care is needed during those days.

Health and Illness

As a requirement by the state of Texas, a member of Endless Discoveries staff will conduct a quick visual and/or physical health check as each child enters the classroom for the day. If any concerns arise, the staff member may choose to take the temperature of the child or send the parent or guardian with the child to a member of management.

If your child shows the following symptoms of illness, they should not be brought to school:

Vomiting
Fever of 99.4 or greater
Diarrhea
Sore Throat
Pink Eye
Skin Disorders
Head Lice

Please have your child seen by a doctor to determine if they can return to school. Children who have been ill may return to school if they have a signed doctor’s statement, or if they have not shown any symptoms for 24 hours. This includes being fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medication. If your child becomes ill while in care, they will be isolated, and pick-up within 45 minutes will be required by either parent or emergency contacts. This is necessary for health and safety reasons. As always we will look at the whole picture; for example, temperament, bowel movements, appetite, etc. We understand that every parent has a very demanding job, otherwise your children wouldn’t be here, but we have the responsibility to provide the healthiest care we can for each child.

We ask that all families be open and honest about any illnesses your child experiences. This allows our management staff to track these illnesses and communicate on a need-to-know basis to the classroom teachers and other families in care. We will take all measures to keep your child’s confidentiality.

Tuberculin Testing Requirements: If the regional Texas Department of Health or local health authority requires tuberculosis testing for children attending the center, then you must have documentation of the test on file at the center.

Hearing and Vision Screening Requirements: The state of Texas requires vision/hearing screening for all four year olds. If you choose to obtain this through your primary doctor, the verification of the screening must be on file at the center for all children 4 years of age and older.

Due to the nature of business that Endless Discoveries conducts, all families that enroll must understand that there is a risk of exposure to illness. Endless Discoveries takes health and sanitary precautions very seriously and is willing to explain our daily cleaning and sanitation processes. By enrolling your child in Endless Discoveries, you inherently understand that while present in the facility your child will be in contact with children, staff and other families who are also at risk of exposure to illnesses. You must also understand that no list of restrictions, guidelines or practices will remove 100% of the risk of exposure to illnesses as most illness can be transmitted by persons who are asymptomatic and before some people show signs of infection. Everyone plays a crucial role in keeping everyone in the facility safe and reducing the risk of exposure by following our health policy, using proper handwashing techniques, and following local, state, and federal guidelines.

Parents/guardians are required to remove their children from carseats at the beginning of the day and place their children in carseats at the end of the day. Children must always be awake during the transfer of care from parents/guardians to Endless Discoveries staff in order to comply with safe sleep practices.

Medications

While your child is in care, medications can be distributed within the following State of Texas guidelines:

Prescription medications must be in the original container labeled with the child’s name, date, directions, and the physician’s name. The label dosage must be followed unless otherwise instructed by a doctor.
Non-prescription medication must be in the original container and labeled with the child’s name and date it was brought. Either a health personnel or the child’s parent must approve the medication in writing. The label dosage must be followed unless otherwise instructed by a doctor. This includes all diaper cream.
Medications that are to be given twice daily (i.e., once in the morning and once at night) should be given at home by parents. Endless Discoveries will only administer medication per doctor’s instructions to be given during school hours.

Security

Endless Discoveries is very secure, equipped with a door access system for entry through the front door. In order to enter our building, persons need to have either an active access key or an escort. No unfamiliar persons are able to enter the building without having a state/government issued ID. In the instance that your child is being picked up from Endless Discoveries-Saginaw, Building 2, and you do not have a card, you will need to come to the main office in Building 1 to be escorted by a member of management to your child’s class. With our door access system, each family is issued one access key upon enrollment. If an additional access key is needed, a charge of $10.00 will be posted to the family’s account, to be paid with the next tuition payment. In the case of withdrawal, access key will be deactivated and need to be returned to the office.

One part of having a secure facility is not allowing others to enter that you don’t recognize. For this reason, we ask that you do not hold the door for unknown persons out of kindness. Please allow a member of management to follow their process with visitors. Not following this procedure could result in the deactivation of your access key.

When visiting our facility for a tour, parents will be asked to complete an Inquiry Form. A state/government issued ID will be required to verify information on the Inquiry Form before a tour will be given and prior to enrollment paperwork passed out to the parent. We will make a copy of the state/government ID for our records.

Camera Policies

Endless Discoveries Saginaw and Endless Discoveries Glen Rose are equipped with digital video security cameras and are installed in various parts of our building and outside areas that may conduct video surveillance of any portion of the premises at any time, excluding private areas of restrooms and changing areas. These cameras are placed strategically around the premises to help promote the safety and security of people and property. A video/audio/photo release of privacy rights for any child attending a facility operated by Endless Discoveries Child Development Center Series, LLC is a condition upon enrollment.

Student Accident Policy

Endless Discoveries carries a student accident policy for children injured at the school.

Yearly Updates

Every September, Endless Discoveries requires each family to review their enrollment information. It is imperative that emergency contacts and phone numbers are correct. We require any changes during the school year to be made in writing either through email or signed note.

Gang-Free Zone

Endless Discoveries has a strict policy regarding the safety of our facilities and all who enter the premises. Endless Discoveries designates 1,000 feet from our center as a gang-free zone. Gang-related activity or engaging in organized criminal activity within 1,000 feet of Endless Discoveries is a violation of this law.

Volunteers/Parent Chaperones

Volunteers and Parent Chaperones are welcome at Endless Discoveries. Volunteers are people who request to come into the center to either observe the children or work with the children. Volunteers are never counted into the teacher-to-child ratio; however, they can participate in activities with the children. Parent chaperones are parents who attend on- and off-site activities with their child. These activities may include class parties and field trips. To ensure the safety of the children in our care, all volunteers and chaperones will need to have a copy of their driver’s license on file and a signed agreement of the code of conduct while participating in Endless Discoveries’ sanctioned events. Additionally, all volunteers will be required to submit a background check, which is done at the cost of the volunteer.

Not Permitted

Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (Trespass by Holder of a License to Carry a Concealed Handgun), a person licensed under Sub-chapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (Concealed Handgun Law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun.

Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (Trespass by Holder of a License to Carry a Concealed Handgun), a person licensed under Sub-chapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (Concealed Handgun Law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun.

In addition to firearms, hunting knives, bows and arrows, and other weapons are prohibited on the premises of the child care center.

E-Cigarettes and vaporizers are restricted from entering the child care center.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellant

Endless Discoveries will apply sunscreen and insect repellant as needed. Sunscreen and insect repellant must be provided by the parent, in its original container, must not have expired, and labeled with the child’s full name. A “Sunscreen/Insect Repellant Permission Slip” must be completed by the parent before these items can be applied. All children under the age of two must be provided sunscreen in a cream form, and children ages two and up must bring sunscreen in the aerosol form.

Release Policy

Your child will be released only to the names listed on your enrollment form. For you and your child’s security, we require a picture ID for any person we do not recognize. We also require a written permission from you for any person not listed on your enrollment form. Should an emergency arise during the day, you are to call with any necessary instructions and email the Director. In cases where the child is subject of a court order (custody order, restraining order, or protection of abuse order, for example), Endless Discoveries must have a certified copy and all amendments on file. The orders will be strictly followed. In the absence of the court order, both parents shall be afforded equal access to their child as stipulated by law. Endless Discoveries cannot limit the access of one parent by request of another parent, regardless of the reason. Parents/guardians must give Endless Discoveries written permission for any therapists or counselors that come in to work with your child during the day, and must be listed on the child’s pick-up list to remove the child from our classroom setting.

Anti-Idling Policy

Endless Discoveries prohibits vehicles outside of our center to idle for more than 5 minutes consecutively. This policy has been created to adhere to state laws and for the safety of children and the quality of air that they breathe.

Procedures for Medical Emergencies

For parents’ peace of mind, Endless Discoveries has procedures in place for emergencies. Listed below are the steps we will take for each situation. The full emergency preparedness plan is available in the office.

Shelter and Intruder Drills: Shelter drills include bad weather and lock-down emergency preparedness. We will take refuge in hallways and bathrooms in the center of the building with a flashlight and a radio. We will stay there until bad weather passes or notified by authorities that the environment is safe.
Fire, Explosion, Toxic Fumes, or Other Chemical Release: We will place infants and toddlers into the labeled fire beds and follow fire exit procedures shown on classroom walls. Older children will be escorted by their primary caregivers following fire procedures. Each classroom teacher will have their emergency book. The director will also have a school-wide emergency book as well as a cellular phone to contact emergency personnel and parents.

In the case of an emergency that requires Endless Discoveries–Saginaw to evacuate the children from our facilities, we will relocate the children to American Bank, 825 North Saginaw Blvd., Saginaw, TX 76179. Endless Discoveries–Glen Rose will relocate to 202 Bo Gibbs Blvd., Glen Rose, TX 76043. Endless Discoveries Hico will relocate to 106 College St., Hico, TX 76457. All staff and children will relocate by walking with a designated person leading and a designated person following after the center has been cleared of all persons. In this instance, parents will be notified via email, the parent communication application, phone call or text immediately and pick-up will be required within 45 minutes. In the event of a sheltering or lock-down emergency, the children will be relocated to the designated refuge locations until the Director gives further instructions. No one will be permitted to enter or leave the premises during this time. An emergency relocation diagram with instructions for staff is posted inside each classroom and available upon request. Staff have been trained, through the orientation process and drills, of care for the children if a situation requiring a lock-down occurs. Parents will be notified by the Director when children may be reunified with their families.

In the event the center needs to close, tuition will not be refunded or reduced for closures less than five days. If an extended closure past five school days occurs, all prepaid tuition will be refunded within 30 days. As we are unable to predict future scenarios and create policies for them, please understand that one of the core values of Endless Discoveries is fairness. We will always strive to make sure we are weighing the responsibility of the health and safety of our center in respect to our families and staff along with our financial responsibilities for the school and our staff to create a policy that works for the majority.

Minimum Standards, Parents’ Rights & Important Numbers

Every licensed child care center is required to follow detailed standards regarding the care of your child. These standards and the rights for all parents/guardians are available to read upon request. Additionally, the most recent licensing report on Endless Discoveries is available for all to read. Whereas the standards are in a digital format, the other documents are located with the center’s Required Postings in the main foyer. All parties are able to review the child care facility’s public records, inspection reports and can review the online compliance history. For parents’ information the following numbers are listed to report concerns or to answer questions:

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: www.dfps.state.tx.us
Child Abuse Hotline: 800-252-5400
Poison Control: 800-222-1222

Saginaw and Glen Rose: Local Department of Family and Protective Services Licensing Office is located at 1501 Circle Drive, Suite 310, Fort Worth, Texas 76119, Local Number: 817-321-8604. Hico: Local Department of Family and Protective Services Licensing Office is located at 4601 S. First Street, Abilene, Texas 79605, Local Number: 325-795-5545. All concerns reported will be free from retaliation.

As a child care center, all staff are required to uphold the regulations and standards issued by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services Child Care Minimum Standards at all times. All staff are required to notify the management team immediately of any violations to the minimum standards by anyone in the organization. Additionally, we are mandated reporters to the Department of Human Services if we feel a child is being abused or neglected. Always be sure to let your child’s teacher know when you drop your child off if he/she has any unexplained cuts or bruises. All children that come to Endless Discoveries with injuries will have them logged into the child’s file. Parents may request to review written records of their children at any time. Additionally, parents may request to review any video recording per the policies and procedures listed on the “Camera Policies” form, however may not retain any part of the video recording depicting a child that is not their own. Any child that is captured in a video recording for review will receive written notice from the child care center before allowing another parent to review a recording.

To help prevent child abuse you need to understand what it is. It’s any mistreatment of a child that results in harm or injury. There are four basic types of child abuse, though children often experience more than one kind of abuse. Examples of abuse include Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Sexual Abuse and Neglect.

Children who are abused might show physical signs or sudden changes in their behavior or school performance. These signs don’t prove that children are being abused, but they could be a signal that the children or their families need help.

General signs of abuse may include:

Nervous around adults or afraid of certain adults.
Reluctant to go home (come to school early or staying late, for example).
Very passive and withdrawn or aggressive and disruptive.
Tired a lot, or they might complain of nightmares or not sleeping well.
Fearful and anxious.

Prevention techniques may include:

Take a deep breath.
Call someone or ask a friend to watch your kids while you calm down.
Call the hotlines listed to find someone to talk to.
Find a parenting class in your community to learn about ways to handle the stresses of dealing with kids.

More information on Abuse and Neglect can be found on www.helpandhope.org.

Additionally, if you feel that you need to report abuse or neglect you can report anonymously on www.txabusehotline.org or Child Abuse Hotline: 800-252-5400.

Transportation

Endless Discoveries will not provide transportation for children four and younger, with the exception of children enrolled in the Pre-Kindergarten program. Endless Discoveries will provide on-site learning activities for children not permitted to be transported. Infants and Toddlers may occasionally take walks in the four-seat stroller.

Endless Discoveries will provide transportation for children five and older to and from school, based on the needs of our families. If your child is scheduled to be picked up from a local elementary school and will not need transportation, you are required to notify Endless Discoveries an hour before the release of school. Non-notification will result in your account being charged $10.

Additionally, Endless Discoveries will periodically take the School-Age children on field trips during school holidays and summer. All field trips will be posted 48 hours in advance, and all children wishing to attend must be signed up to go by their parent or legal guardian. In the event a child is not signed up, we will try to contact the parent/legal guardian for written permission, time permitting. If you do not want your child to participate in the field trip activities, alternative care will need to be arranged.

Our drivers are required to turn off the vehicle during children loading and unloading procedures.

Water Play

Endless Discoveries will provide sprinkler play during the summer months and water table play year round. School-Age children may be taken to a pool or splash park during the summer field trips. All children will be required to swim in the shallow unless they express an interest otherwise. At that point, each child will be given a swim test by a certified lifeguard to establish their swimming ability. Any child who is marked on our paperwork who cannot swim will need to bring a US Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III life jacket to wear during swimming field trips. These life jackets must be marked with your child’s name.

Pets

Each classroom will be given the option to have a class pet. Class pets must be aquarium kept and not handled by the children at any time.

Suspension and Expulsion of Children

Endless Discoveries is proud of the history of working with the individual needs of each child and their families. Our center invites occupational and physical therapists during the day with prior communication and applicable clearances to work with children as well as making outside referrals to families as needed. However, any child who is a safety threat to themselves or others, or knowingly damages our facility may be subject to suspension and/or disenrollment from the center in accordance to all laws and regulations. Furthermore, any family member that shows disrespect to our center or staff in any way may be subject to this policy as well.

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