Kingdom Kids Child Development Center

Staff Handbook
______________________________________________

About the Center

Welcome
As an employee of this center you will be expected to exemplify the love of Christ in everything
you do. We will strive to care for children while coming along side parents to develop the child
spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially.
The Staff
This center does not hire based on age, gender, race, religion, creed, national origin, marital or
veteran status, national origin, or the presence of handicaps or disabilities. All employees will be
treated fairly and equally.

The Program
Mission
Kingdom Kids is a faith based childcare center that provides care for children 6 weeks - 6 years.
Our program embraces the "whole child" mentally, spiritually, and physically. We will provide a
safe, loving, and encouraging environment that not only meets children's developmental and
academic needs, but also their spiritual needs. The center will provide a faith based curriculum
taught by certified teachers with an emphasis on creative learning and development through
various activities such as: circle time, gross motor play, educational centers, and arts and crafts.
We strive to offer every child a bright beginning for a successful future.
Philosophy
Kingdom Kids Child Development Center is based on the belief that all children are a gift from
God with unique God-given talents. We believe that the church and families are meant to partner
together in fostering and adopting biblical truths. We also believe that Jean Piaget's theory of
cognitive development is important to consider as we care for children. Piaget believed that
children take an active role in the learning process, acting much like little scientists as they
perform experiments, make observations, and learn about the world. As kids interact with the
world around them, they continually add new knowledge, build upon existing knowledge, and
adapt previously held ideas to accommodate new information. The environment and experiences
of our program are vital to the development of our children.

Our teachers serve as role models to the children, as well as their families. They guide the
children to express their thoughts and feelings in a positive, productive manner, including the use
of prayer. The teachers also create a nurturing environment which encourages active learning and
provides activities which nourishes the children’s cognitive, spiritual, physical, intellectual, and
social/emotional growth.

Curriculum
Our curriculum and its activities are implemented in a warm, supportive atmosphere where the
uniqueness of each child is recognized and valued. This is accomplished by exposing the
children to a large variety of hands-on experiences, appropriate to their age and developmental
level. The curriculum also includes character lessons based on biblical values in order to help the
children make sense out of the complicated world in which they live.
State Licensing Rules and Regulations
We are licensed by the Kentucky Division of Regulated Child Care and participant in the KY
STARS quality rating program.
Guidance and Socialization (Discipline)
Time out and physical punishment must never be used to discipline a child. Staff are encourage
to redirect children, help problem solve, and remove a child from the classroom if problems
continues. Our center provides multiple similar items to promote availability of toys and help
alleviate issues from sharing.
Children with challenges or children with special needs
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free
appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and
ensures special education and related services to those children. We agree and adhere to this law.
Confidentiality
Maintaining confidentiality between families and staff is of upmost importance. Due to the
sensitive nature of information you will know as a teacher, it is extremely important to keep
sensitive information confidential. Information should be shared on a ‘need to know’ basis only.
We strive to maintain trustworthy relationships with the children in our care and their families.

General Policies and Procedures

Curriculum
For each age grouping, and when appropriate small groups or particular individual children at
Kingdom Kids Child Development Center written daily activities will: Be appropriate to the age
and needs of children, Encourage active learning through direct experiences, Offer a variety of
experiences to accommodate individual styles of learning, Foster social, intellectual, emotional,
and physical growth, include intervals of stimulation/relaxation/active/quiet/rest times.

Outdoor Play

Mealtimes
Kingdom Kids CDC promotes healthy food in children by not serving processed, or sugary foods with
meals. Such foods are only permitted on very special occasions. Children and all staff must wash their
hands well with soap and water before meals or any food prep.

Toileting
1. All children will be allowed to use the toilet when needed. 2. Children will be supervised
during toileting but allowed as much privacy as is appropriate. 3. No child will be punished for
soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet. 4. Children must wash their hands with soap and running
water after toileting and before snacks, meals, or meal preparation. 5. All educators must wash
their own hands after assisting a child with diapering/toileting. Individual paper towels will be
used to dry hands. 6. Disposable gloves will be used whenever cleaning feces, urine, blood, or
vomit. 7. Contaminated areas will be cleaned and sanitized using an approved disinfectant
solution.

Diapering
1. Wash hands and put on disposable gloves. 2. Gather necessary supplies. Cover diapering
surface with disposable paper towel. 3. Place child on covered diapering surface. Clean child’s
bottom from front to back with disposable wipe. 4. Fold all contaminated disposable items into
the soiled paper and into a plastic bag and discard into lined covered trashcan. Diaper and dress
child. Wash the child’s hands. 5. Clean diapering area with paper towel and disinfectant solution.
After each use the changing table will be cleaned and sanitized using an approved disinfectant
solution. 6. Wash hands thoroughly. Return supplies to child safe storage area.

Hand Washing
Children are instructed on how to wash hands by use of friction, soap and water and drying with
paper towels. The hand washing protocol is posted in the bathroom. 1. Use warm water and
liquid soap 2. Rub your hands together scrubbing backs of hands, wrists, between fingers and
under fingernails 3. Rinse well under running water 4. Dry hands with paper towel (turn off
water with towel before throwing away) 5. Discard paper into lined trashcan

Napping
All children shall be given the opportunity to nap or rest without distraction or disturbance from
other activities in the child care center. Developmentally appropriate rest times are integrated
into the day. Children have unique needs for rest; some may not sleep. You can’t force a child to
sleep but you can insist on a quiet rest time. Children who are tired at times other than the
scheduled naptime will be offered a quiet place to rest. No child who is tired will be forced to
stay awake. Children who do not need a nap will be offered an opportunity to “rest” which may
include reading books or doing quiet activities.
All infants under the age of 12 months will be laid flat on their backs for sleep in an approved
crib. If parents request an alternate sleep position or device there must be a written order from a
health care professional.

Maintaining Equipment, and Materials and Purchasing

Teachers are responsible for reporting to the Director and/or Assistant Director when supplies
are running low so they can be replenished before supplies are completely depleted. Toys will be
rotated quarterly to offer many different elements to the play environment.
Meetings
Monthly staff meetings to review policies/procedures and currently curriculum implementation.
This will be an opportunity to voice needs or concerns. These meetings are mandatory.

Supervision
Children will be supervised at all time while in our facility. Insure you have a view of the entire
space at all times and move around frequently to change view point. This applies to outdoor play
as well.

Professional Behavior
Confidentiality and Right to Privacy
It is important that all staff members be discreet in sharing information regarding the children
and their parents in public areas. Names and identifying characteristics of children and families
should not be shared with anyone other than staff members working in the classroom and the
Director and/or Assistant Director. Confidentiality is expected and required when grievances
arise; staff members who discuss issues with individuals not directly related to the situation may
be subject to the Disciplinary Procedure.

Dress Code policy

Staff members are expected to observe the 3 C’s for appropriate attire at work as follows:
COMFORTABLE – Staff is expected to play with the children and be down at their level
whenever it is appropriate. To do this, staff must be dressed in comfortable clothes that allow
free movement and activity. Staff members should wear clothing they feel comfortable getting
dirty or stained, as staff members are expected to participate alongside the children during all
daily activities. Flip-flops and sneakers are appropriate footwear.
CLEAN - All clothing should be clean with no stains, rips or tears, and must smell appropriate.
This also applies to personal hygiene.
COURTEOUS - Staff members interact with children and parents on a daily basis and should
dress professionally. Clothing may not contain alcohol, drug, or cigarette references. Vulgar
sayings or suggestions are forbidden. Certain articles of clothing are never appropriate for the
work environment, including: halter tops, strapless “tube” tops, short skirts/shorts (must hit at
fingertip length or below), sweatpants, excessively torn jeans/shorts, and low-rise jeans/shorts
which expose undergarments. It is expected that all staff members will present themselves and
Kingdom Kids CDC in a professional, respectable manner. Any staff member not adhering to the
dress code may be asked to leave and return dressed appropriately.

Smoking
Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products are prohibited on premises, including parking lots
and outdoor play areas. Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products is also prohibited in
vehicles or in personal vehicles being used for the transportation of children, and while on field
trips. Staff members who smoke are strongly suggested against doing so immediately before or
during their shift, as smoke can stay on clothing and hair for an extended time. Staff members
must wash hands immediately after smoking, before returning to work.
Music and Television
Music will be made available in the form of CD’s. Music from outside sources, including but not
limited to, cell phones, radio, iTunes, are not permitted. Music in the class is appropriate and
available to all teachers.
Television should not be used in our program expect for special circumstances approved by the
Director. In the event that television is approved, viewing time should be limited to less than 30
minutes for the entire day.

Personal Phone Calls

Personal phone calls should be made before/after shifts or during breaks. It is not acceptable to
receive personal calls during the learning times of the day.

Cell Phones
Cell phones are not to be used in the classroom and should be locked in personal space while
working.

Staff Schedules
Staff schedules will be posted every Monday for the following week. If requesting time off,
request should be put in 1 week in advance. Forms are provided in the staff lounge to request
vacation or sick time.

Calling in Sick
In the event you are sick and cannot work, it is your responsibility to call in a substitute. If one
cannot be found, contact the Director immediately to insure your room is covered. If you have
more than 2 sick days in a row, a doctor’s note stating the need for time off will be required.

Paychecks
Pay periods are bi weekly and your checks will be direct deposited. Provide banking information
upon hire.

Orientation
6 hour orientation is required within the first month of employment. Employees must have 15
hours of professional development every year. A calendar of available classes and links for
online classes will be provided by the Director. Upcoming trainings will be discussed at monthly
staff meetings as well as your status for attaining these hours.

Gross Misconduct
Kingdom Kids CDC uses progressive discipline as a positive way to correct unacceptable job
performance. The following are the steps, which are taken using progressive discipline.
STEP 1 Verbal Warning - If a staff member’s job performance is not meeting standards, or if a
staff member is in violation of any policy stated in this handbook, he/she will be informed of the
problem and the possible penalties if performance does not improve. Suggestions on ways to
improve job performance are discussed. Verbal warnings may be given for violation of policies,
failure to follow procedures, unsatisfactory performance, absenteeism or tardiness. Verbal
warnings will be recorded, discussed, and signed by both the staff member and Director and/or
Assistant Director. After one (1) verbal warnings has been issued for any reason within a period
of six (6) months, a written warning will be issued.
STEP 2 Written Warning - A written warning is given if a problem/s identified by multiple
verbal warnings has not been corrected. Written warnings will be recorded, discussed, and signed
by both the staff member and Director and/or Assistant Director. A staff member may receive
only one (1) written warning during a six (6) month period. After one (1) written warning has
been issued, any further issues or actions subject to the Disciplinary Procedure may result in
suspension or termination. Written warnings will be issued immediately for refusal to follow
lawful instructions or any other serious policy violation, which endangers the safety or integrity
of a child or staff member.
STEP 3 Termination - Termination may result when using progressive discipline if steps have
not produced satisfactory and acceptable performance. Termination may be immediate without
using progressive discipline. Reasons for immediate termination may include, but are not limited
to: Commitment of child abuse
Abuse of a parent/guardian of a child or another staff member
Harassment
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while at work
Theft
Possession of a weapon
Violation of any policy which states that violation of such policy may result in termination
The above violations are only examples and are not meant to be all-inclusive. Disciplinary action
up to and including termination may be taken immediately at the discretion of the Director.

Benefits
Health/Dental Care, Life Insurance
Kingdom Kids Child Development Center does not provide Health/Dental or Life insurance at
this time.
Paid Vacation
Vacation time will be accrued based on hours worked. For every 80 working hours an employee
will earn 4 hours of vacation time.
Paid Holidays
We are closed during these holiday and full time staff will received normal pay rate for these
days.
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Special Holidays – we will remain closed from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day. December
26-Dec.30 will be paid when they fall during the normal work week.
Sick Leave
Employees will receive 3 Personal Days Off (PTO) for the entire years. This includes doctor
visits, personal days, or feeling unwell. In the event that an employee misses 2 consecutive days,
a doctor’s note will be required stating the necessary time off.
Bereavement Leave
Employees will be granted 5 days with pay for immediate family members (spouse, child, and
mother/father).
Employees will be granted 2 days off with pay for extended family members (aunts, uncles,
cousins).

Heath, Safety, and Emergency Procedures

Accident Procedure
Staff members shall document accidents and incidents that occur using an Accident/Incident
Report. Please document all biting incidents as accidents. If a biter breaks the skin of another
child, an accident/incident report needs to be completed for the biter as well as the child who was
bitten. Use great detail when explaining events, but never include other children’s names. If the
injury is serious, a parent needs to be contacted before pick-up. The parent shall sign the report
the same day as the incident. A copy may be given to the parent. All Accident/Incident Reports
must be given to the Director and/or Assistant Director to be placed in the child’s permanent file.
Medical Emergencies and Health Care Needs
An Emergency Care Plan will be on file for any child or staff member with special health care
needs (seizures, etc). A copy of the Emergency Care Plan must be kept in the classroom
emergency binder. All staff working in the classroom must familiarize themselves with this plan,
should an emergency arise. If necessary, staff will receive training regarding a child’s or staff
member’s specific health care needs.
Emergency Guidelines
A First Aid kit is located on the wall near the outdoor exit in each classroom. An additional First
Aid kit is also available in the office. The Assistant Director will restock items monthly;
however, staff members are responsible for reporting when additional items are needed before
that time.
Blood borne pathogens kits are available in the office and in each of the hallway bathrooms.
All incidents or accidents (including biting) are reported to the parents, Teacher, Director and/or
Assistant Director using the Incident/Accident Report form. A completed form must be signed
by a parent on the day of the incident. A copy must be given to the parent and the signed original
given to the Assistant Director to be filed in the child’s enrollment folder. In some cases, (i.e.,
there is a large cut, bruises or a bite mark visible on the child’s body) staff members are required
to call parents before pick up to inform them of the incident.
Parents are discouraged from trying to pick up their child during an emergency. However, if a
parent arrives during such a situation, the child must be released to the parent.
In the event of an emergency, it is important to remain calm.
As a staff member, your first responsibility is ensuring the safety of the children in your care
Guidelines for Exclusion Due to Illness
Our first priority at Kingdom Kids CDC is providing a healthy, safe learning environment for all
children. Children/staff will be sent home as soon as possible if any of the following is
experienced: an illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in activities (as
determined by the staff); an illness results in a greater need for care than the staff can reasonably
provide without compromising the health or safety of other children in the classroom; or a child
is experiencing any of the following conditions: fever, diarrhea, vomiting, pink eye, head lice,
scabies, impetigo, hand, foot, mouth disease, strep throat, chicken pox, pertussis, mumps,
hepatitis A virus, measles, rubella, herpes simplex.
A child who becomes ill must be removed from the classroom in order to limit exposure of other
children to communicable disease.
Handwashing Policy
HOW TO WASH YOUR HANDS MOST EFFECTIVELY
Use soap and warm (between 60 and 120 degrees F), running water
Rub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds (sing the “ABC’s”).
Wash all surfaces, including backs of hands, wrists, under fingernails with fingers pointed to the
sink drain
Rinse hands well with the water running
Dry hands with a disposable towel
Turn off water with the paper towel
WHEN TO WASH YOUR HANDS
Upon arrival in the classroom
When changing from one group of children to another
Before preparing or serving food
After eating food
After diapering/toileting a child
After contact with bodily fluids (vomit, blood, mucus)
Before and after administration of medication
Before and after sensory play, including water play
After coming indoors or returning from a break
After handling pets
After using the restroom
WHEN TO WASH THE CHILDREN’S HANDS
Upon arrival in the classroom
Before eating, drinking or preparing snacks for others
After eating
After using the toilet or having their diapers changed
After contact with bodily fluids (vomit, blood mucus)
Before and after sensory play, including water play
After returning indoors from the playground
After handling pets
Medication Policy
Staff members may not administer medication to any child unless a parent has completed a
Medication Authorization Form. Parents must indicate a start date and end date, a reason for the
medication, and the dosage or medication cannot be administered. Medications must be stored in
a locked box (refrigerated medications) or in a high cabinet (non-refrigerated medications).
Medications may be administered only by Teachers, the Director, or Assistant Director. When a
medication is given, the teacher will document the type of medication administered, the dosage,
and the time it was given as well as any unusual reactions or circumstances.
Cleaning
Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting are important steps to removing dirt and reducing the
spread of germs in child care settings. Routine cleaning with detergent soap and water removes
dirt and grime from surfaces. Floors, carpets, walls and windows are cleaned.
Sanitizing
When using bleach and water for sanitizing eating utensils or toys that are mouthed, a weaker
bleach and water solution may be used.
1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of cool tap water
Dishes, eating utensils and toys should be submerged in the bleach and water solution for at least
1 minute then allowed to air dry. Food preparation and food service items should not be towel
dried.
Disinfecting
Use a stronger bleach and water solution on diaper changing tables, hand washing sinks, toilets,
and other surfaces that need disinfecting. Use the following recipe to mix bleach and water for
disinfecting.
¼ cup household bleach in 1 gallon of cool water OR
1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart of cool water
Allow the surface to remain wet for 2 minutes
Please sign the attached forms that document your understanding of the enclosed policies. By
signing below, employees and director agree to abide by the written policies as stated in this
handbook.

_______________________ ________________________________
Director’s Name (print) Director’s Signature Date

__________________________ _______________________________
Employee’s Name (print) Employee’s Signature Date