Miss Pattycake of Heights will follow HISD’s (713-267-1704 or www.houstonisd.org) decision to close due to inclement weather and adverse situations (water breaks, blackouts, etc.) information concerning closing of school or early dismissal due to weather conditions will be announced on local radio or television station. Parents are asked to monitor radio and television announcements whenever inclement weather  is forecast. please listen to the following radio and television stations:950AM 740AM, KPRC Channel 2; KHOU Channel 11; KRIV Channel 26.

In the event that an evacuation becomes necessary,  a notice of whereabouts will be immediately relayed to all parents once it is safe to do so.

Animals are prohibited in center including all reptiles.

Each class has an Emergency Plan posted on the bulletin board and is available for parents review at any time. Please also see the Emergency Preparedness Plan located at the end of this hand book. 

Happy Times Academy receives Federal assistance to provide healthy meals to our children. In order to participate in the program, Parents must fill out a form provided by office after enrollment. The school will then provide breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks to your child. Parents may pack their child’s  food if desire. Please note that if a parent chooses to provide their child meal and/or snacks, the center will not responsible for its nutritional value or for meeting the child daily food needs. please notify the teacher about the food being brought from home.

The monthly menu is posted on the board  in the lunch room area and in most rooms and copy can be requested. Please let us know if your child has any food allergy known so the cook and teacher will be made aware for it. For food references, parents are welcomed to bring alternatives. we encourage parents to bring their child’s sippy cups that will be labeled and used for water, milk and juice.        

Mothers who are breastfeeding are welcome to come to come to the center and breastfeeding their child. we will accommodate your needs. A private room a rocking chair will be available to you. 

Parents are request to send with their child (3) sets of clothes on their first day to leave at the center, in case they need to change. These items need to labeled with your child’s name. In addition all parents must give written authorization to staff to put insect repellent(Off! ) on their child. The Center does not provide sunblock but parents may send sunblock with their child if desired.

At no time will a child be physically punished, threatened intimidated. Caregivers will only use positive methods of discipline and  guidance that encourage self esteem, self-control, and self direction. please see the attached Discipline and Guidance Policy. 

Research indicates that approximately 50% of toddlers enrolled in a day care will be bitten. Toddlers especially will often use  biting as a form of defense or communication. If a child becomes a repetitive biter parents will  be asked to assist in stopping the behavior. Parents will be informed of the behavior and asked to monitor for the behavior at home. Next the parents will asked to bring a teeter or an appropriate toy for a child to bite on throughout the day and if the problem persist, the center reserves the right to exclude the child from care for the safety of the other children. 

Unfortunately, there are sometimes reasons we have to ask that a child be removed from our program either on a short term or permanent basis. We want you to know we will do everything possible to work with family of the child(ren) in order to prevent this policy from being enforced. Please see attached Suspension and Expulsion Policy for further information. Written warning  and parent-teacher-director conferences will be held before any final mutual decision is taken. A child will not be expelled if parent’s:

1-Made a compliant to Office of licensing regarding a school’s alleged violation of the licensing requirements.

2- Reported abuse or neglect occurring at school.

3-Questioned the school regarding policies and procedures.

Happy Times Academy takes abuse and neglect seriously. As such, our staff is required to take annual training to gain knowledge in warning signs, speaking with parents and actions to take for victims of abuse and/or neglect.

In addition, flyers and posters are placed at the center creating awareness for parents and Children who may suspect abuse or neglect.

Definition of abuse, neglect, exploitation. Abuse means an intentional, knowing neckless act or omission to cause emotional harm or physical injury, or death of child. Exploitation means illegal or improper use of a child or of the resource of a child for monitory or personal benefit, profit or gain. Neglect means a negligent act or omission or including failure to comply with an individual treatment plan, plan for care, or individualized service plan, that causes substantial emotional or physical harm to the child. if abuse or neglect is suspected, caregivers are to come to the Director. Evaluative steps will be taken, if necessary, Child Protective Services will be called to investigate the matter.

Helpful Numbers:

PRS Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-5400

Local Licensing Office:(713)940-3009

Upon arrival both the teachers and the parents will be encouraged to engage in a dialogue in which behavioral questions will be asked such as how was the child sleep schedule the night before, has the child been fed prior to arriving at the facility and if their are any special instructions to be followed at the day. Together with these questions, parents will be notified and asked about any apparent bruises, scratches, lesions and abnormalities that the child might parent.    

Parent are welcome at any time -we have an open-door policy. Also we welcome your comments opinions and suggestions. However, we request limited parent visits during designated nap time and certain other times to minimize disruption of the Children’s schedule.

Throughout the year, plan many parties and events where parents are not only invited, but highly encouraged to attend to show their support for their children.

1. Parents are welcome to contact the director to discuss any concerns or questions about the policies and procedures of the center, in person, or by phone at 713-426-5678.
2. Parents are also welcome at any time during the centers hours to observe their child, and/or the center operations and program activities, without having to secure prior approval.
3. Parents are encouraged to participate in the center ‘s operations and activities by contacting the Director in person or by phone.
4. Parents may review a copy of the minimum standards and Happy Times Academy’s most recent Licensing Inspection report.
   1. Parents may report any misconduct or abuse to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 713-940-3009 or hotline number 1-800-252-5400 0r www-dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care

Under the Texas penal Code, any area within 1000 feet of a licensed Child care-center is a Gang free zone, where criminal offences related to organized criminal activity are subjected to harsher penalty.

Open carry is not permitted by license holder regardless of whether the handgun is holstered:

1-On the premises of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education.

2-On any private or public driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage or other parking area of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education.

3-By an individual who is acting as a personal protection  officer Chapter 1702 Occupations Code and is not wearing a uniform.

ReWhen dropping and picking up your child, please make sure a staff on duty has acknowledged the arrival and departure of your child. when picking up your child. please keep your child with you at all times. Children are not allowed outside the building without adult supervision; this includes children who are not enrolled in our facility.

Fire Drills are performed monthly and are not announced in advance. All children are to report to the Happy Times parking lot or playground. Staff are to assist teachers in evacuating all children in a safe and timely manner. Teachers should close al doors behind them and have their attendance with them. Walking children are encouraged to walk in a line and line up with their classmates along the playground fence. Non-walking Children will be rolled out on a rolling crib or carried to Happy Times parking lot.

Lock-down Drills are performed four times a calendar year. Children are relocated to a locked room and encouraged to remain calm and quiet when performing this drill.

Sheltering Drills are performed four times a calendar year. Children are moved away from windows or items that may fall causing injury. Children will be encouraged to remain calm and cover their heads.

In an emergency, the first responsibility of staff is to move the Children to a designated safe area or alternative shelter known to all caregivers. Sajida “Sam” jivani,  Sandra Martinez, and other staff members are responsible for implementing the Emergency Preparedness Plan and ensuring the safety of the Children. Those under 24 months of age that can not walk will evacuated in a rolling crib. Our off-site evacuation area is a follow:

1- Mirror Magic Beauty Salon 1619W.25th St.77008(713)862-5052

Teachers will have their attendance and backpack with them. Student will walk in a single file line holding onto the person in front of them by their shoulder. Children will be encouraged to walk, not break the line and to remain calm. Children will not be allowed to stop and grab any personal items. The director and/or person in charge will grab their cellphones Emergency Relocation Bag: the person working on front desk is to grab the Emergency Contacts binder. The director and/or a person in charge will be the last person to exit the building in order to ensure all staff and children have exited. It will be staff and teachers responsibility to plan “Rainy days” activities with the children while office personnel will contact all families and being reunification. The Emergency contacts binders contains the emergency contact number of all the registered parents and instructions on emergency care for each child. The Emergency Relocation bag has books, snacks and necessary information on local authorities.

The complete Disaster and Emergency plan for Happy Times Academy is located at the center. Items in plan include:  purpose, assignment of responsibilities, location of children’s attendance, emergency contacts, and emergency supplies; children in care, emergency assessment; types of emergency response; staff training and monthly or quarterly drills; parent notification; contact numbers; and evacuation plan.