Faith Lutheran School is a licensed Child Care facility and we must abide by WACs 110-300. Please take some time to familiarize yourself with these requirements.

Anti-Bullying Policy

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, ultimatums, jokes, innuendos, demeaning comments, drawing cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral, or physical actions. “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act, rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).

Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or suspension will be used to change the behavior of the student and remediate the impact on the victim. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation, or bullying also constitute violations of this policy.

Early Childhood parents, teachers, and caregivers should use age-appropriate information and definitions on recognition and prevention of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, and a child’s rights and responsibilities under this and other policies and rules during the school year. This informational discussion should include a child-friendly understanding to maintain a safe learning environment.

Staff will use guidelines put forth in the student handbook, strategies from Second Step Social/Emotional curriculum, Faith ECE Behavior Management Policy, and guidelines from “Kelso’s Choice” to teach children appropriate choices.

Behavior Management and Guidance

The school uses indirect guidance techniques:

We give advanced notice: “You have 5 more minutes before it’s time to clean up.”
We give choices: “You may paint with the other children, or you may read a book in the quiet corner.”
We have a regular routine: “We always wash our hands before lunch. After lunch is circle.”
We avoid nagging: We tell the child what we expect just once, follow it by asking if the child remembers what we asked, and then offer to help the child do what was asked.
We are consistent: We do things the same way each day so the children know what to expect and learn to trust and feel safe in their environment.

We also use direct guidance techniques:

We use positive statements: We use “walking feet” rather than “don’t run!” Or “use your words to tell us you are angry” rather than “don’t hit!”
We get the child’s attention by being at their level: We crouch down to their level, making eye contact, speaking quietly, and asking the child to repeat the direction.
We try very hard to be fair: We examine our expectations to make sure they are age appropriate, and don’t make rules just because an activity is too noisy or messy.
We avoid arguments: By following through with solutions that address the problem, but also offer the child a way to exit gracefully from the problem. “You can choose a quiet place to calm down, or I can choose one for you.”

If a child is unable to demonstrate self-controlling behavior, a brief time away results for the child to regain control. Time away occurs when other measures fail, and is used as an opportunity for the child to regain self-control, not as a punishment.

By law, and by program philosophy and policy, the following forms of discipline are forbidden: hitting, spanking, shaking, scolding, shaming, isolating, labeling (bad, naughty, etc.), or any other negative reaction to the child’s behavior. All forms of corporal (physical) punishment are strictly forbidden.

Some negative behavior is best ignored, since its goal is often to get attention. This technique can be used for some of the negative behaviors children do, but would not be used with unsafe or hurtful behavior.

If a child is unable to gain control and requires more individual attention than can be given with child-to-teacher ratio, the teacher will begin and/or continue documentation and then the director will be contacted and a parent may be notified. A child requiring one-to-one attention may have to leave the school temporarily for safety’s sake. Repeated documentation of uncontrollable behavior can lead to the requirement of a one-on-one support person to help the child. The school reserves the right to require the family to provide this support person. If the family is not willing to work with FLS administrators, discontinuation of enrollment at Faith is possible.

One of the behavior management resources Faith uses is Love and Logic, which includes:

A way to help students own and solve their own problems.
Adults providing limits in a caring, respectful way.
Behavior management involving building students up so they feel more capable, even after being disciplined.
Educators interacting with students by staying calm and avoiding provoking, threatening, demoralizing, or lecturing.
Using polite statements that are enforceable, and offering children choices within limits, thus avoiding power struggles.
Using a cooperative planning approach with families when difficult problems arise.
Discipline maintained with compassion & understanding.
Problems viewed as an opportunity for helping children grow through their mistakes, and helping children learn to be responsible and gain self-confidence.
Logical consequences being used instead of punishment, when possible. There is a connection between the infraction and the consequence.
Providing a constructive atmosphere with sensible limits, socially, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

Love and Logic suggests the following for student behavior:

You may engage in any behavior which does not create a problem for you or anyone else.
If you find yourself with a problem, you may solve it by any means that does not cause a problem for you or anyone else.
You may engage in any behavior that does not jeopardize the safety or learning of yourself or others. Unkind words and actions will not be tolerated.

Child Abuse and Reporting Procedures

ALL SCHOOL EMPLOYEES are legally obligated to report to Child Protective Services (CPS) or a law enforcement agency if they believe reasonable cause exists to believe abuse has occurred. Information will be immediately reported to the building administrator. The building administrator will report the incident to CPS.

King County reporting line: 1-800-609-8764
Statewide End Harm line (available 24/7): 1-866-363-4276

Parents will not be informed by the school administrator. It is CPS’s or law enforcement’s responsibility to investigate and inform parents.

School staff is required to cooperate with investigations being conducted by CPS or law enforcement agency.
The CPS representative or law enforcement officer questioning the student about possible abuse will determine if a school official may be present during the interview.

What is child abuse or neglect?

Child abuse or neglect means the injury, sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation of a child by any person under circumstances that indicate that the child’s health, welfare, or safety is harmed, or the negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by a person responsible for or providing care to the child. An abused child is a child who has been subjected to child abuse or neglect as defined in this section.

Physical abuse means the non-accidental infliction of physical injury or physical mistreatment on a child. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, such actions as: (a) throwing, kicking, burning, or cutting a child; (b) striking a child with a closed fist; (c) shaking a child under age three; (d) interfering with a child’s breathing; (e) threatening a child with a deadly weapon; or (f) doing any other act that is likely to cause and which does cause bodily harm greater than transient pain or minor temporary marks or which is injurious to the child’s health, welfare, or safety.

Physical discipline of a child, including the reasonable use of corporal punishment, is not considered abuse when it is reasonable and moderate and is inflicted by a parent or guardian for the purposes of restraining or correcting the child. The age, size, and condition of the child, and the location of any inflicted injury shall be considered in determining whether the bodily harm is reasonable or moderate. Other factors may include the developmental level of the child and the nature of the child’s misconduct. A parent’s belief that it is necessary to punish a child does not justify or permit the use of excessive, immoderate, or unreasonable force against the child.

Sexual exploitation includes, but is not limited to, such actions as allowing, permitting, compelling, encouraging, aiding, or otherwise causing a child to engage in: (a) prostitution; (b) sexually explicit, obscene or pornographic activity to be photographed, filmed, or electronically reproduced/transmitted; (c) sexually explicit, obscene or pornographic activity as part of a live performance, or for the benefit or sexual gratification of another person.

Sexual abuse means committing or allowing to be committed any sexual offense against a child as defined in the criminal code. The intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of the sexual or other intimate parts of a child or allowing, permitting, compelling, encouraging, aiding, or otherwise causing a child to engage in touching the sexual or other intimate parts of another for the purpose of gratifying the sexual desire of the person touching the child, the child, or a third party. A parent or guardian of a child, a person authorized by the parent or guardian to provide childcare for the child, or a person providing medically recognized services for the child, may touch a child in the sexual or other intimate parts for the purposes of providing hygiene, child care, and medical treatment or diagnosis.

Negligent treatment or maltreatment means an act or a failure to act, or the cumulative effects of a pattern of conduct, behavior, or inaction, on the part of a child’s parent, legal custodian, guardian, or caregiver that shows a serious disregard of the consequences to the child of such magnitude that it creates a clear and present danger to the child’s health, welfare, or safety. A child does not have to suffer actual damage or physical or emotional harm to be in circumstances which create a clear and present danger to the child’s health, welfare, or safety. Negligent treatment or maltreatment includes, but is not limited to: (a) failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, supervision, or healthcare necessary for a child’s health, welfare, or safety. Poverty and/or homelessness do not constitute negligent treatment or maltreatment in and of themselves; (b) actions, failure to act, or omissions that result in injury to or which create a substantial risk of injury to the physical, emotional, and/or cognitive development of a child; or (c) the cumulative effects of a pattern of conduct, behavior, or inaction by a parent or guardian in providing for the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of a child, or the effects of chronic failure on the part of a parent or guardian to perform basic parental functions, obligations, and duties, when the result is to cause injury or create a substantial risk of injury to the physical, emotional, and/or cognitive development of a child.

Children with Special Needs Policy

It is well documented that the beginning years of all children’s lives are critical for building the early foundations of learning and self-care needed for success in school and later in life. During these years, children’s brains develop rapidly, influenced by the experiences they share with their families, teachers, peers, and in their communities. Like all children, it is critical for children with disabilities to be exposed to a variety of rich experiences; where they can learn in the context of play and everyday interactions, and engage with their peers with and without disabilities. In partnership with families, and our high-quality early childhood program, we can facilitate the experiences that foster learning for all children.

Children with disabilities and their families continue to face significant barriers to accessing inclusive high-quality early childhood programs, and Faith Lutheran School would like to assist with these barriers. We have developed a list of guidelines in efforts to contribute to the best possible outcome for the child. Please note that research shows that an upfront discussion about differences and diversity is more valuable at promoting successful inclusion than not talking about the differences at all.

In order for successful service delivery, the family must provide FLS a copy of an IEP (Individualized Education Program), IHP (Individualized Health Plan), IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan), or paperwork that includes a diagnosis as soon as the family receives the document.
FLS may request a trial period to determine appropriate supports.
FLS reserves the right to require the family to provide a one-on-one aide/support during the child’s school day. The professional one-on-one/support aide’s primary function is to assist only the assigned/contracted student in all aspects of the school day – from instruction time, work time, recess, bathroom, and lunch and specialist time. The one-on-one/support’s job is to provide support for the child moving towards independence.
Any volunteer or privately hired person working in FLS classrooms must abide by the Department of Early Learning’s licensing requirements. If the child’s diagnosis suggests that they can’t abide by the Department of Early Learning’s requirements then the Director, along with the family, must fill out a Plan to Meet the Special Needs of an Individual Child document.
FLS staff will observe if the child is able to access the class curriculum and if the environment can accommodate to support the best outcome for the student. If we feel the student has a special need that we cannot accommodate to provide the best possible outcome for the student, then we reserve the right to deny acceptance.

Classroom Visitations

Parents are welcome in the classroom. However, to protect instructional time, we ask you to coordinate visits with the teacher in advance to reduce interruptions to the classroom. Please do not use classroom visits for conferring with the teacher; rather, we request you schedule an appointment with the teacher. Please note that oftentimes having a parent in the class can be difficult for the child and can cause other behaviors.

Communication

It is best to email teachers and other school staff to make an appointment to talk with them. If you need to contact someone immediately, please call 425-885-1810, and the message will be delivered as soon as possible.

Faith will communicate with families via email and Brightwheel. Families will need to check their emails and Brightwheel at least weekly. If you do not have access to email or internet please inform the leadership team.

Diapering/Toilet Training

Faith uses stand-up diapering as appropriate and will ensure that diaper changing is safe and does not spread infections by ensuring the diaper-changing table and area:

has a washable, moisture-resistant diaper-changing surface that is cleaned and sanitized between children;
is a table or counter with a protective barrier on all sides that is at least three and one-half inches higher than the surface that the child lays on;
has a garbage can with lid, plastic liner, and method for disposing of hand-drying supplies so that a garbage can lid does not have to be opened with hands;
is on a moisture impervious and washable flooring that extends at least two feet surrounding the diaper-changing and hand-washing area; and
is directly adjacent to a sink used for hand-washing that is supplied with warm, running water (between 85 degrees Fahrenheit and 120 degrees Fahrenheit), soap, and a sanitary method for drying hands (single-use towels).

Faith Lutheran School does not require that your child be potty-trained to enroll in the school. If your child is enrolled in any class (with the exception of Toddlers) and they are not potty-trained, we require a commitment that you, along with the teachers, are actively working on a potty-training plan.

Field Trips

Occasionally, Faith will conduct field trips for the purpose of curriculum enrichment. Parents will be asked to assist in providing transportation, and must have a Volunteer Driver Authorization Form on file in the office, even if you are only driving your child. If you plan to drive children other than your own, you must have a cleared Department of Early Learning background check, a current CPR and First Aid card, and approved TB test results. However, parents can drive other children if a staff person is in the car with the above qualifications. No child will be allowed to take a field trip without parental approval. Participation in field trips is conditional on the return of required approval forms. Parents must also provide an approved car seat or booster chair as mandated by the State of Washington.

Medications

Managing Medication

As required by Washington State child care licensing, Faith Lutheran School has a medication policy that includes safe medication storage, reasonable accommodations for giving medication, mandatory medication documentation, and forms pursuant to WAC 110-300-0500.

Medication Training

An early learning provider must not give medication to a child if the provider has not successfully completed:

An orientation about the early learning program’s medication policies and procedures;
The department standardized training course in medication administration that includes a competency assessment pursuant to WAC 110-300-0106(10) or equivalent training; and
If applicable, a training from a child’s parents or guardian (or an appointed designee) for special medical procedures that are part of a child’s individual care plan. This training must be documented and signed by the provider and the child’s parent or guardian (or designee).

Medication Administration

An early learning provider must not give medication to any child without written and signed consent from that child’s parent or guardian, must administer medication pursuant to directions on the medication label, and using appropriate cleaned and sanitized medication measuring devices.

An early learning provider must administer medication to children in care as follows:

Prescription medication must only be given to the child named on the prescription. Prescription medication must be prescribed by a health care professional with prescriptive authority for a specific child. Prescription medication must be accompanied with medication authorization form that has the medical need and the possible side effects of the medication. Prescription medication must be labeled with:
- A child’s first and last name;
- The date the prescription was filled;
- The name and contact information of the prescribing health professional;
- The expiration date, dosage amount, and length of time to give the medication; and
- Instructions for administration and storage.
Nonprescription (over-the-counter) oral medication brought to the early learning program by a parent or guardian must be in the original packaging.
- Nonprescription (over-the-counter) medication needs to be labeled with child’s first and last name and accompanied with medication authorization form that has the expiration date, medical need, dosage amount, age, and length of time to give the medication. Early learning providers must follow the instructions on the label or the parent must provide a medical professional’s note; and
- Nonprescription medication must only be given to the child named on the label provided by the parent or guardian.
For other nonprescription medication, an early learning provider must receive written authorization from a child’s parent or guardian and health care provider with prescriptive authority prior to administering if the item does not include age, expiration date, dosage amount, and length of time to give the medication. Medications of this type include:
- Vitamins;
- Herbal supplements;
- Fluoride supplements;
- Homeopathic or naturopathic medication; and
- Teething gel or tablets (amber bead necklaces are prohibited).
A parent or guardian must annually authorize an early learning provider to administer the following nonmedical items:
- Diaper ointments (used as needed and according to manufacturer’s instructions);
- Sunscreen;
- Lip balm or lotion;
- Hand sanitizers or hand wipes with alcohol, which may be used only for children over twenty-four months old; and (*allowed during pandemic)
- Fluoride toothpaste for children two years old or older.
An early learning provider must not give or permit another to give any medication to a child for the purpose of sedating the child unless the medication has been prescribed for a specific child for that particular purpose by a qualified health care professional.

Medication documentation (excluding nonmedical items). An early learning provider must keep a current written medication log that includes:

A child’s first and last name;
The name of the medication that was given to the child;
The dose amount that was given to the child;
Notes about any side effects exhibited by the child;
The date and time of each medication given or reasons that a particular medication was not given; and
The name and signature of the person that gave the medication.

Medication must be stored and maintained as directed on the packaging or prescription label, including applicable refrigeration requirements. An early learning provider must comply with the following additional medication storage requirements:

Medication must be inaccessible to children;
Controlled substances must be locked in a container or cabinet which is inaccessible to children;
Medication must be kept away from food in a separate, sealed container; and
External medication (designed to be applied to the outside of the body) must be stored to provide separation from internal medication (designed to be swallowed or injected) to prevent cross-contamination.

An early learning provider must return a child’s unused medication to that child’s parent or guardian. If this is not possible, a provider must follow the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations for medication disposal.

An early learning provider must not accept or give to a child homemade medication, such as diaper cream or sunscreen.

ECE Children may NOT take their own medication.

Toothbrushing

If your child is enrolled in full day school, developmentally appropriate tooth brushing activities will be provided. Tooth brushing activities are safe, sanitary, and educational. Toothbrushes are stored in a manner that prevents cross-contamination.

The parent or guardian of a child may opt out of the daily tooth brushing activities by signing a written form.

Office Procedures

Visiting the School

During school hours, all visitors (outside of parent/guardian) must report to the office upon arrival to obtain a visitor’s badge identifying them as an approved guest of the school.

Requesting Student Files

Copies of observation reports and portfolios will be given to parents during parent-teacher conferences. If you require records to be sent to another school, please complete a Transfer of Records Request Form and allow at least 5-7 business days for processing.

Requesting a Tuition Credit Tax Letter

Please contact the Director to obtain a letter, and please allow 3-4 business days for the request to be processed.

Positive Communication

We need your eyes, ears, and perspectives to make this school the best it can be for our children. If you are aware of a problem or have a specific concern, please let us know. We cannot address problems if we are not aware of them. We encourage all parents and staff to speak in a loving, Christian manner about all members of our community, including children, parents, caregivers, and staff. This is important during school events, in the parking lot, and out in the community.

We at Faith believe our school and it’s community must be free of:

gossip
speaking ill of others
jumping to conclusions
all the other human weaknesses we can become trapped in within an organization

Faith must be a “safe zone” as much as possible. We want to model for our children the very best in all of us. If problems arise between adults, we ask that the following system be used:

Speak with the person directly to get all the needed information. Find a time when you can both sit down, without interruption, and truly listen and talk. Classroom issues must be addressed first with the classroom teacher.
Seek to understand and work out a solution in the best interest of the children. If the issue is a classroom one, and you have spoken with the teacher, the matter may need further assistance. At that point, speak with the Director or Associate Director. Often the Director/Associate Director can serve as a facilitator or give advice if the issues are challenging. If issues are more serious, the Director will certainly intercede with any staff member or parent. If you are still not comfortable with the solution, please speak to our School Board President or any board member.

Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and illegal drugs are prohibited on our grounds.

Religious Activities / Non-Discrimination Policy

Christian Activities and Involvement

Students at Faith participate in a daily prayer, prayer prior to snacks and lunches, and weekly lessons and songs related to Christian concepts and virtues (love, joy, self-control, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, generosity, peace, and integrity). We recognize that not all people pray the same or hold to the same beliefs, but all are loved and cared for at Faith. Children are not required to participate in songs or prayers.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Faith does not discriminate in employment practices or client services on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, class, age, religion, or disability. Faith reserves the right to select staff and students on the basis of commitment to Faith behavior standards and school policies.

Separation Anxiety

For younger children, a complete and successful transition into school on their own may take some time. It is helpful for teachers to know their home life: toileting, sleeping and eating patterns, or their interests. Your child’s teacher will be warm and caring, and has experience working with separation anxiety. We encourage quick, honest, and consistent goodbyes with your child. Having a consistent routine in the morning may be helpful. Starting your early learning experience is a positive step for both you and your child!

Sexual Development Policy

Children need a safe and nurturing environment to explore gender and gender expression. It’s important for all children to feel good about who they are and what they can do. At Faith, we create learning environments and provide materials that encourage healthy gender and sexual development. We offer a range of toys, books, and dramatic play props that expose children to diverse gender roles, consent, and accurate information. The teachers will also use inclusive phrases to address the class. All teachers will teach the correct terms for body parts (i.e. penis, vulva, vagina) as soon as a child can talk. Research shows that the correct name lessens the shame around sexuality. We will model consent and empower children to understand their own desires and those of other people, and what behaviors or actions are appropriate (i.e. asking “Would you rather give a hug or high-five?” or asking to give a hug before doing so).

Tuition

Regular Tuition Schedule

Tuition is payable on the first of each month through Brightwheel billing direct deposit only. For your individual payment schedule and amount, please refer to the Brightwheel app. Payment can be made from a checking, savings, or credit card account (additional fees may apply).

Long vacations do not excuse a family from tuition payments. Extenuating circumstances may be presented to the FLS Board for consideration.

Non-Compliance with Agreed Payment Schedule

If tuition obligations are not met, nor complied with the negotiated plan approved by the FLS Board, all requests to forward student school records will be held until tuition obligations are met. Please take the time to communicate your financial concerns or situation so that the school can help to avoid any problems. Students may be suspended from school if financial obligations are not met. The FLS Board will determine any deviation from this policy.

Future Enrollment

Families in debt to the school from a prior school year will not be allowed to enter students for the current school year until their account is paid in full. If, by June 30 of the current school year, there are unpaid debts to the school for tuition or parent volunteer hours, any refundable registration fees paid for the ensuing school year will revert to cover prior debts and the child(ren) will not be registered for school.

Information about tuition obligations after withdrawal can be found in the Withdrawal section.

Weapons

In keeping with Washington State law, students who bring a weapon to school will be subject to the following: Parents notified, Redmond Police notified, and student expelled from Faith Lutheran School.

Withdrawal

How to Withdrawal

If you need to withdrawal your child from Faith, please complete a Student Withdrawal form in the main office and notify the Director or Associate Director.

Tuition Obligation Scale for Voluntary Withdrawal

Faith Lutheran School relies on tuition commitments when budgeting and making operating expense commitments. It places a financial hardship on the school when families enroll but do not complete the year with the school. Tuition adjustments will be made only in the case of moving away from the area (10+ miles), loss of income or financial hardship, or if it is mutually determined that your child has needs that Faith cannot meet (e.g. if the program does not seem developmentally fit for your child based on early childhood standards).

Should the school need to close due to a state health emergency, families will not be responsible for tuition. If the school needs to close temporarily for 14 days or less due to COVID-19 exposure, families will be responsible for payment.

For any other voluntary withdrawal, the family is responsible for the full tuition amount, or adjusted amount according to the tuition obligation scale below. For any other voluntary withdrawal, due to financial dependency of the school on tuition funds, a replacement must be found to eliminate financial obligation for the full tuition amount. If the school is not able to find a replacement, families are financially responsible.

Prior to June 1: No tuition obligation
June 1 to July 1: One month’s tuition
July 1 to August 1: Two months’ tuition
August 1 to December 1: Six months’ tuition
After December 1: Remainder of the years’ tuition

Expulsion

The school reserves the right to expel or not accept any student or family who fails to comply with established standards of behavior. FLS may ask any family that interrupts the education, climate, and /or operating principles established at Faith to leave at the discretion of our school board and administrators. Students or families who are asked to leave will be reimbursed any remaining unused portion of tuition payments except for the required application fees.

We know from research, that when children are expelled from preschool, they are dramatically set back in their development. Therefore, expulsion is a last resort after the following supports are completed by both teacher and family: parent meetings to discuss challenges, visits to other programs, expert evaluations, and thorough documentation of intervention.

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