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Parents are required to respond as soon as possible concerning the sick child when contacted by WPCC staff.

Symptoms that will require children to be picked up immediately are:

• Fever of or in excess of 100.5 degrees*
• Diarrhea or increase in loose stools over the normal amount for the individual*
• Vomiting*
• Suspected “pink eye” or conjunctivitis
• Impetigo or suspicious rash
• Mouth sores
• Head lice

*Children who were sick with a stomach virus should be symptom free (no diarrhea or vomiting, without medication) for at least 24 hours in order to return to school.

*A child sent home with a fever may return after the child has been fever-free without medication for twenty-four (24) hours.

*A child who has chicken pox may also return after all blisters have dried and crusted over.

Unwell child… Requests for a child to stay indoors or have additional rest are generally indicative that the child is not ready to participate in a group situation. Guidelines have been established by WPCC in accordance with state childcare law and other best practices concerning sick children.

Please refer to the Family Handbook or contact the Center with any questions or concerns.

Medications

If a child requires regular daily administering of medication for an illness or medical condition, the staff of WPCC may administer medication following the listed guidelines:

• WCPSS Students: WCPSS utilizes a 1702 medical form. Students being served through WCPSS are required to follow WCPSS’s policies and procedures in regards to medication administration.
• Over-the-counter medication: A medication form for an over-the-counter medication must be signed by the parent AND a physician stating appropriate dosage, time to be given and duration of the request. The medication must be in its original bottle/package with manufacturer’s label which includes:
  • Drug name, strength, quantity and expiration date of the OTC drug
• Prescription medication: A medication form for a prescription medication must be signed by the parent stating appropriate dosage, time to be given and duration of the of the request. The prescription medication must be in its original bottle/package with pharmacy label which includes:
  • Child’s name
  • Prescriber’s name
  • Current dispensing date
  • Name, strength, quantity and expiration date of the prescribed drug
  • Name, address and phone number of the pharmacy or dispensing location

PRESCRIPTION LABEL DOSAGE, TIME AND ROUTE MUST MATCH FORM THAT PARENT COMPLETES

• Medications will be stored in a locked cabinet in the classroom or locked box in the Center refrigerator, depending on the medication. Medications for external use will be stored separately from medications for internal use.
• WPCC may request to establish a ‘Care Plan’ to use with children who require a daily dose of medicine over a long-term period.
• Forms for long-term medication will be considered confidential and treated as such.Please contact the Center for any questions regarding medications.

DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS, WE ARE A NUT-FREE FACILITY. NUTS OR FOODS CONTAINING NUTS (INCLUDING ALMOND BUTTER AND ALMOND MILK), SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE BUILDING AND WILL NOT BE SERVED.

ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST BE STORE BOUGHT DUE TO HEALTH REGULATIONS.

Parents who wish to celebrate their child’s birthday in the classroom are asked to limit the celebration to one simple snack food such as cupcakes or cookies. All families may not be able to afford elaborate parties, and we would like to keep this type of celebration as equitable as possible for all children. The teachers will make sure that it is a special day for your child. 

Please contact your child’s teacher or the office with any questions.

• Menus are posted online and on the Parent Bulletin Board. All meals are served and prepared in accordance to the Child and Adult Care Food Program/USDA requirements for children ages twelve months to six years. WPCC receives reimbursement from the USDA for the meal program. As a result, parents will be asked to complete an Income Eligibility Form each year.

• We recognize that students may have special dietary needs or restrictions. This may include tube feedings, puree diets and sensory challenges related to feeding. For those with special dietary needs, alternatives may be sent from home. WPCC is a NUT-FREE facility*. Please discuss any changes with the classroom teacher beforehand. Please do not send snack foods, candy or gum with your child as this can cause a problem within the classroom.

• If a family has a meal time preference (ex: different foods or liquids being served), WPCC requires a parent request in writing. This will be posted in the classroom and placed in the child’s file. Please contact the Center to document this request.

• We work with all children on independent feeding as part of our program. Food is cut up in small pieces for children when necessary. All eating times are closely supervised and assistance is given as needed.

Meal Times

AM Snack: 9:00-9:30am

Lunch: 11:30am

PM Snack: 3:00-3:30pm

*Please note: WPCC is a NUT-FREE facility. This includes ALMOND BUTTER and ALMOND MILK. Rice, coconut, soy, potato and hemp milks are all acceptable substitutes.

*All meals are included in tuition cost.

• A sign-in sheet is posted by the classroom. Please note arrival and departure times by initialing the sign-in sheet accordingly. It is imperative for the parent to make contact with the teacher upon the child’s arrival and departure.

• Written authorization is required when someone other than designated persons arrive to pick up a child. Please be aware, photo identification will be required if staff is unfamiliar with the adult picking up your child.

• Currently WPCC does not transport children for any reason.

• Parents are required to accompany their child to and from the classroom each day with the exception of carpool when a teacher escorts the child. For more information on carpool, please visit the carpool and transportation page.

• Late Pickup Policy– The Center closes at 6:00 m.; however, it is understood that occasionally uncontrollable situations (i.e., emergencies or traffic problems) occur that may prevent arrival at the Center at exactly 6:00 p.m. A late fee of $10.00 will be charged for every five-minute period, or portion thereof, after 6:00 p.m. The process for exacting late fees is as follows:
  • A late fee form will need to be signed, and a bill will be placed in your child’s cubby at the end of the month. The bill will have the total fees for the month and indicate the dates fees were charged. The fees will be paid directly to the center.

• Parent conferences are scheduled 2 times each year. The dates are included on the annual calendar. If additional time is needed to talk with an educator, a meeting or phone conference should be scheduled. A good time to reach an educator is when children are sleeping.

• It is important for families to be involved with their child’s education, even at the preschool level. At White Plains Children’s Center we strive to have high family involvement.

• Parents are always welcome in the building! We ask that you do not disrupt the flow of the classroom or your child’s day unless you are taking him or her home.

• Clothing – Children should have one complete set of extra clothing suitable for the current season in their cubby at all times. All items should be labeled with your child’s name to eliminate any confusion. Soiled items are placed in a plastic bag and put in your child’s cubby or hung on his/her hook and should be taken home to be laundered. A replacement must be brought back the next day to be kept in the cubby.

• Nap and Rest Items – Children will need to bring a light blanket, travel-size pillow, and any other item they may need during rest time (cot sheets are provided). All items need to be labeled clearly. Nap items are to be taken home weekly to be laundered.

• Diapers and Wipes – Parents of children in diapers and of children who are toilet training are required to provide an on-going supply of diapers, wipes, and additional necessary clothing. Cubbies and coat hooks should be checked daily for items that need to be laundered.

• Additional Personal Items – Teachers may request that items be brought from home for the purpose of “share and tell” or as a “security blanket,” particularly if a child is new to the center.

• Items to be avoided are: money, toy weapons or action figures.

• Please clearly label all items to eliminate confusion for the children and teachers. Teachers cannot be held responsible for any items brought from home, particularly library books or videos.

WPCC is dedicated to being as supportive as possible to families in their efforts to nurture and teach their children. In order to be a family-centered program we encourage parent participation and open communication. There are several opportunities in which parents can be involved in their child’s program.

Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Read a story or implement an activity in your child’s class.
• Participate in cleaning, maintenance or renovation days at the center.
• Participate in Parent Association meetings.
• Donate needed items to the center and /or classroom.
• Attend Parent Workshops or other classes that are scheduled throughout the year.
• Participate in the fundraising activities that we sponsor.
• Volunteer to be a Parent Representative on the Board of Directors.
• Attend ‘Together Time’ events throughout the year.
• Attend Parent-Teacher conferences.
• Make needed items for the classrooms (playdoh, colored noodles, etc).
• Assist teachers with necessary tasks (laminating, cutting items out, etc).
• Solicit items to be used for staff appreciation.
• Help organize a special event or visit to the program by a community member or group.
• Join local, state, and /or national parent and early childhood.
• Assist on the playground and play a game with the children.
• Organize a family support group.
• Assist in organizing the teacher resource room.
• Participate in evaluating the effectiveness of the program.
• Assist in orienting a new family to the program.

As special events arise, we will inform you with notices throughout the classrooms as well as through the WPCC newsletter. Each team of teachers will also provide you with a list of opportunities specific to individual classrooms.

WPCC will make every attempt to remain open during inclement weather conditi The Director will exercise the authority to make decisions concerning closings or delays. Safety of children and staff will be taken into account when making decisions.

Closings and delays will be posted as early as possible on WRAL-TV, WPCC social media sites, and on the Center’s Inclement Weather/Announcements voice mail greeting (919-469-2217 x 607).

• Children are placed in classes based on WCPSS kindergarten birthday cut-off of August 31st and the child’s current developmental stage.

• WPCC attempts to maintain a 50:50 ratio of children with developmental delays and children whose development is following a typical pattern.

• All children 3 years or older with developmental delays are placed at White Plains Children’s Center by Wake Country Public Schools Preschool Services. Children must be three years of age and reside in Wake County.  The recommendation for placement is made by the child’s IEP committee which includes the parents. Placement is then approved by WPCC.

• For all other children, enrollment is dependent on availability. WPCC does maintain a wait list. Wait listed spots are filled according to the following priority system:
  • White Plains Church members
  • Children’s Center staff children
  • Siblings of currently enrolled children
  • Previous WPCC families
  • General Public

• Payment should be made by check or money order.
• We DO NOT give credit for illness, holidays, or other days that we are closed.
• There will be a service charge for any returned checks. In the event of a returned check, a money order will be due immediately and late fees will apply.
• Non-Payment of Fees– While we are a non-profit organization and strive to take the needs and problems of our families into consideration, we must maintain financial stability.
• If no tuition has been received by the 7th of the month and no special arrangements have been made with the Executive Director, you will receive a reminder for payment and late fees will be assessed.
• Renewal registration fees are due in April for the following school Only one renewal registration fee is due from each family. This fee is nonrefundable. Families who enroll after January 1st of the current calendar year will not be required to pay the renewal fee for that year.
• Receipts will be given upon request.  Please let the Finance Administrator know if this is required by your employer for reimbursement plans.
• In case of withdrawal, two weeks written notice is required, otherwise a fee equal to two weeks tuition will be charged.
• Tuition will be pro-rated for families entering or leaving during a month.
• Late Pickup Policy– The Center closes at 6:00 m.; however, it is understood that occasionally uncontrollable situations (i.e., emergencies or traffic problems) occur that may prevent arrival at the Center at exactly 6:00 p.m. A late fee of $10.00 will be charged for every five-minute period, or portion thereof, after 6:00 p.m. The process for exacting late fees is as follows:
  • A late fee form will need to be signed, and a bill will be placed in your child’s cubby at the end of the month. The bill will have the total fees for the month and indicate the dates fees were charged. The fees will be paid directly to the center.

• Children who attend White Plains through the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) follow the traditional school calendar developed by the public school system each year. A calendar is provided for those families at the beginning of the school year. Attendance on days public schools are not in session is available at a daily rate and can be coordinated with the office.

WPCC observes the following holidays and closings:

• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday
• Approximately one week at Christmas – The dates vary from year to year; depending on what day the holiday occurs. The beginning of the vacation will change, but WPCC remains closed through New Year’s Day.
• Spring Holiday (dates will vary)
• Memorial Day
• July the Fourth
• 3 teacher workdays – These are usually scheduled in conjunction with public school workdays. Some years we may schedule a workday to meet our own staff development needs.
• Staff Development Week: The church sponsors Vacation Bible School each summer and requires use of space in the children’s wing. WPCC is closed during this week to children. Continuing education workshops are planned for staff and they use the remaining time to work in their classrooms.

• WPCC  does not require a child to be “potty-trained.” We believe best practice is what is developmentally appropriate for each individual child. Our staff works on toilet-training with children who are showing signs of readiness. Staff also work closely with families to ensure consistency between the home and school settings.

• Parents of children in diapers and of children who are toilet training are required to provide an on-going supply of diapers, wipes and additional necessary clothing items. For children who are toilet-training, we recommend at least one full outfit (including socks and shoes) be kept at school at all times. Cubbies and coat hooks should be checked daily for items that need to be laundered.

License and Accreditation- White Plains Children’s Center (WPCC) has earned a 5 star license from the NC Division of Child Development .  This accreditation guarantees your child will be provided with a healthy and safe environment.  Key to that accreditation is our skilled qualified staff, high teacher-to-child ratios, age-appropriate activities and knowledgable administration.

WPCC has a partnership with Wake County Public Schools to provide special education services for children 3 to 5 years of age.

We are a member of the Cary Chamber of Commerce and a participating member of the United Way of the Greater Triangle.

Staff Qualifications-The quality of the program is due to the quality of the staff. It is important to attract staff that is experienced and knowledgeable in the field of early childhood. Each classroom is staffed with three full-time teachers and one part-time teacher. WPCC strives to hire educators with the following qualifications:

• Lead Teachers – Must be licensed with the Department of Public Instruction with a Birth -Kindergarten License
• Teachers – Must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a Child Care Credential
• Co-Teachers -Must have a high school diploma or GED

Staff Training- Each staff person is required to receive twenty hours of training in child development or special education each year. This requirement is over and above what state licensing regulations require and is crucial in maintaining qualified teachers for the ongoing success of the WPCC program.

Program Oversight– Our program’s quality and compliance with state laws is carefully regulated and evaluated annually by the DCDEE and other government programs with whom we are affiliated. In addition, we also ask parents to complete and return an evaluation of the program intermittently. Summaries of evaluations are presented to our Board of Directors to enable them to monitor the quality of our services.

WPCC follows The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Preschool.

Creative Curriculum is an early childhood curriculum that focuses on four areas of development: social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language. The curriculum is designed to foster development of the whole child through teacher-led, small and large group activities centered around 11 interest areas (blocks, dramatic play, toys and games, art, library, discovery, sand and water, music and movement, cooking, computers, and outdoors). The curriculum provides teachers with details on child development, classroom organization, teaching strategies, and engaging families in the learning process. Online record-keeping tools (Teaching Strategies Gold) assist teachers with the maintenance and organization of child portfolios, individualized planning, and report production.

Dodge, D., Colker, L., & Heroman, C. (2002). The Creative Curriculum for Preschool (Fourth ed.). Washington, DC: Teaching Strategies.