At ABC Great Beginnings we recognize that children learn best by doing. Our program offers a wide variety of coordinated, age appropriate activities. Included are many opportunities which encourage children to use their own creativity, as well as teacher directed learning experiences.

We partner with families to help children grow emotionally, socially, intellectuality, and physically. We are committed to help each child build a strong sense of their own individuality and self-esteem in a safe, clean, quality learning environment.

Operating Schedule

Calendar: Holidays, Center Closures, and Closures Due to Severe Weather or Other Disasters

The center shall be open Monday through Friday (or Saturdays and or Sundays at some locations) year-round. All locations will be closed on the following Holidays:

New Year’s Day
President’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Day

Centers will post any changes to this list including any early closures for special days like Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, etc.

Emergency Center Closures

Our company’s Core Focus is to support working families, and we provide an essential service to our clients and community. We do not close a center unless there is a severe emergency that would compromise the safety of the children or our employees.

Emergency center closure decisions are made on a case by case basis. Center Management will attempt to email, text, or via our electronic parent communication application of any emergency center closures.

In the event of inclement weather, our centers will remain open unless conditions pose a direct safety risk to children or employees. Unlike local schools, we do not automatically follow school district closure decisions. Closure decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Center Management in consultation with corporate leadership. Parents will be notified via email, text, or via our electronic parent communication application as soon as a closure decision is made.

Please check with your Center Director or review the Emergency and Disaster Plan for specific information. If it becomes necessary for the center to close early, it will be the family’s responsibility to arrange for the child’s pick up. There is no reduction in tuition because of holidays or emergency center closures.

Hours of Operation

Hours and days of operation vary from one center to another based on the needs of the community. Hours are posted on our company website (ABCGreatBeginnings.com) and at each location.

Pick Up Policy

For safety purposes only people listed on a child’s registration paperwork in the authorized pick up list may pick up a child from the center. They must bring ID and present it to the front office and be 18 years or older.

Any changes to the authorized pick up list must be submitted to the center in writing by one of the primary parents or guardians on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure your child is picked up at the end of your contracted schedule. Should something occur preventing you from picking up your child until after the end of your schedule, you must contact the center as soon as possible. In the event your child has not been picked up we will attempt to contact you and then your child’s emergency contacts. If we receive no response, 30 minutes after the end of business hours Child Protective Services or other authorities may be called.

A $5 fee will be assessed for every 15 minutes before and after your contracted schedule. $1 per minute per child will be charged after the center closes if you have not picked up.

Enrollment

The center serves children regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability*, ethnicity, or national origin, from the ages of six weeks to 12 years.

Initial enrollment and annual re-enrollment require completion of a new Registration/Health Form and any other center, state, and federal specific forms provided to you by your Center Director. All forms must be completed, returned, and have the Center Directors signature on the orientation sheet (one per family) before your child may attend.

Please be sure to update all contact information, emergency contact information, changes in your child’s medical information, and the list of persons authorized to pick-up your child. We must be able to reach you at any given time in case of an emergency.

Registration

A nonrefundable registration fee is due at the time of enrollment and annually upon re-registration.

*Enrollment Guidelines for Children with Disabilities or Special Needs

Our policy is to accept children in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As well as all local, state, or federal laws pertaining to individuals with disabilities.

ABC Great Beginnings makes reasonable accommodations for all children who can safely participate in a group care environment within our state determined ratios. If you have a child with a disability or special needs diagnosed by a healthcare professional, you must disclose this at the time of registration. Collaborating with parents and the child’s health care professional will help us determine the best strategies to meet the child’s needs.

Special needs and accommodations may also include but are not limited to: the use of special equipment, assisting children with movement, feeding, using the restroom, or the administration of medications that require specialized procedures.

The enrollment of each child on a case by case basis as follows:

The Center Director will meet with the child and family in the center before enrollment.
A member of Center Management will observe the child in the classroom.
Assess the staff person’s ability to cope with the disability and the child’s ability to cope in a group.
Discuss the potential enrollment with an administrative supervisor and with the staff.
In some cases center directors will collaborate with corporate to assess the enrollment of a child with special needs to be sure we have analyzed the child’s needs and can make a decision as to whether we can meet the child’s needs in our program, while meeting the needs of the group.
If it is determined we can possibly meet the child’s needs, enroll the child for a 30-day trial period, with follow up meetings as necessary throughout the trial period and develop a special care plan.
Utilize the child’s IEP / ICP when determining care needs to allow our teachers to provide the best possible care for the child.
The needs of the child will be re-evaluated whenever changes occur, including changes to the IEP / ICP, or the centers ability to make reasonable accommodations.
At a minimum, the child will be re-evaluated upon re-registration each year.
Parents must provide the center with updated and current IEP / ICP information as updates are made.

Records

All children’s records are confidential. State and Federal licensing and Health department agencies may ask to see files to assure information is adequate and current. All documents given to us by parents or guardians, as well as any incident reports related to the child, and signed by parents or guardians will be available for parent inspections upon request.

Immunizations

We require complete and current immunizations for your child upon enrollment and immunizations must always be kept current. Check with a healthcare professional or our Center Management for information about necessary immunizations.

If you would like an exemption to immunizations, you must apply for and receive an exemption from the local health department and give a copy of the exemption to Center Management. If your child has an exemption, and there is an exposure in the center to one of the required immunizations, your child will not be able to attend until the health department clears the center from risk. There will be no tuition adjustments for children excluded from care due to an immunization exemption.

Withdrawing Your Child

Two weeks’ written notice is required prior to withdrawing your child from our program. Verbal notice will not be honored. To formally begin the withdrawal process, please complete a Disenrollment Form available at the front desk. If a family leaves without providing two weeks’ written notice, tuition for the notice period remains due, and the credit card on file will be charged accordingly.

Sometimes children or families may not adjust to the center environment. In these cases, we may ask the parents or guardians to withdraw their child. If we make that decision, we will usually give the family one week’s notice to find alternative care. Certain instances may require an immediate withdrawal – see Grievance/Termination Policy below.

Special Accommodation Plans

We will use the following tools in collaboration with parents to accommodate children with various special needs. The use of these plans does not guarantee a child will be successful in the group care environment we provide.

Special Care Plans

A special care plan will be developed on a case by case basis for any child requiring any sort of reasonable accommodation. Special Care Plans are developed by Center Management after observation and assessments have been completed. Any employee working with the child will be made aware of the Special Care Plan.

Positive Behavior Contract

Positive behavior contracts are intended for children who are exhibiting inappropriate behavior, which is behavior that is disruptive, harmful, or unsafe, to themselves, peers, employees or property. When a positive behavior contract is needed for the child, the child, their parents, and a member of Center Management will meet and discuss the inappropriate behavior and discuss social and emotional behavior goals and expectations going forward to avoid expulsion.

Special Care Action Agreement

Special Care Action Agreements are intended for individuals who, in most but not all cases have already had a special care plan or positive behavior contract without success. Additionally, Special Care Action Agreements may be needed when a child begins to exhibit behavior outside typical development for their age or is a safety risk. A plan will be developed requiring collaboration between parents and Center Management in an effort to avoid expulsion, however, in most cases this will require parents to seek outside professional resources in addition to our efforts to maintain.

Tuition

Tuition is billed monthly for your contracted schedule. Full days are a maximum of 10 hours per day. Kindergarten children are considered full-time. Tuition is due on the first day of the month or the first day of attendance if you are a new client, unless you have an auto pay agreement in which case it is due according to the auto pay agreement. We do not make refunds or adjustments for days absent (including vacations) or legal holidays as we are holding a place for your child in the class and overhead expenses continue. There will be an additional activity fee for school age summer camp.

As we continue to improve our facilities, services, and employee compensation, tuition and fees are reviewed periodically. Families will receive a minimum of 30 days’ written notice prior to any tuition or fee rate increase.

Payments

We encourage all clients to sign up for autopay in their center, with a member of Center Management. We offer several payment options. You may also sign up to pay online through myprocare.com by registering with a member of Center Management, this method is not automatic. You may also pay manually within the first three business days.

Cash

We do not accept cash, cash in the building is a hazard to safety, as it may invite theft. If you are unable to pay with other means, please pay with a money order.

Checks

If you pay by check it will be processed as a one time ACH transaction on the day it is received. We do not accept postdated checks.

Returned Payments for Insufficient Funds

Any payments returned with insufficient funds will be charged a $25 returned payment fee. After the second occurrence of a returned payment, you will no longer be allowed to pay with that method.

Agency Assistance Payments

If you receive payment assistance or subsidy for childcare from any third party, it is your responsibility to pay your contracted amount each month. If there is an issue with your agency payment, it is your responsibility to pay the full balance on time. If you pay the full bill, and the agency pays later in the month causing a credit on your account, you may discuss refund options with Center Management.

If your agency requires additional documentation like invoices, proof of attendance, etc. you may request documents from a member of Center Management. They will get you those documents as soon as possible. You are responsible to submit the documents to your agency.

Discounts

For families with no agency support or other childcare subsidy, your center may be able to offer discounts. Ask a member of your Center Management if you qualify for any discounts. Discounts will vary by location.

Absences, Sick Days and Vacations

If your child will be absent, please notify Center Management with as much notice as possible. Center Management should also be notified in advance if your child will be out for multiple days due to illness, vacation, or other family activities.

Parent and Center Partnership

Arrival / Departure and Security

Children must always be supervised while in our center and must be accompanied all the way into their classroom by their parents / guardians or a center employee. When you drop off or pick up your child from their class be sure their teacher knows the child is entering or exiting the class.

Please be aware that during peak pick up and drop off times teachers are busy supervising their classes. Quick questions are fine, but if your question requires a longer discussion please speak with a member of Center Management to schedule a phone call or a parent teacher conference with your child’s teacher.

We will only release your child to persons 18 years or older who are authorized on the child’s Registration form. For safety reasons, we require that anyone authorized to pick up your child, provide government-issued photo identification at the time of pick up.

For the safety and security of your child, we can only make changes to your authorized pick up list with you in person or with a written request by one of the signers on the registration form, through a verified communication method. Which means an email or text from your email or cell phone number on file. If you want to give someone temporary authorization, include the dates they will be authorized to pick up on your written request.

To ensure that we follow any court orders pertaining to the custody of your child, we require a copy of all custody orders. We keep this information confidential and solely for the safety and well-being of your child. If a new custody order is issued or if a restraining order has been issued against either parent, we will also need to have this information on file. It is our policy to remain neutral in all custody matters and the center may not serve as a visitation site. ABC Great Beginnings will not be responsible for determining compliance with visitation schedules, nor will we deny a legal custodian access to their child.

Open Door

We offer parents the opportunity to visit their child’s classroom prior to enrollment and any time after enrollment. Parents and families are an integral part of the center program. We encourage parents to be as involved as possible in their child’s care and education. Parents are welcome at any time in the center and we hope that you will feel free to visit and participate often. Newsletters, lesson plans and other announcements will be posted inform parents of themes, special activities, or events. We hope you will use this information to share your talents or interests in these areas. We also encourage you to share family culture and traditions to allow the children the opportunity to learn about other celebrations, diversity and inclusion.

Family Communication / Parent Conferences/ Grievance Policy

We are fully committed to your child’s well-being and to your satisfaction with our programs. Experience has taught us that open communication is the key to maintaining a positive relationship. We welcome your feedback regarding our programs.

Please share your ideas, suggestions, or concerns with a member of Center Management.
If you need additional assistance resolving your concern to your satisfaction, grievance and escalation procedures can be found in each center on the parent board.

Your children have a busy day here at ABC Great Beginnings, and we understand you want to hear all about it. Information on your child’s daily activities can be found on the classroom lesson plan, bulletin boards, newsletters, or in person with your child’s teacher. If you are interested in receiving a “my day form”, please inform the office or your child’s teacher.

If you would like a more in-depth parent teacher conference, you may schedule an appointment with Center Management.

The center will offer parent conferences two times per year, typically in fall and spring or as needed.

Classroom Assignment and Aging Up Transition

Your child will be assigned to a classroom by Center Management. This assignment is largely based on your child’s age, but other factors may change which class your child is assigned to. As the needs of the children and the center fluctuate it may be necessary for children to be regrouped at various times of day to accommodate staffing. Center Management will notify parents before any permanent classroom reassignment or change.

English as a Second Language

When enrolling a student who does not speak English or when it is not their first language, we encourage the parents to share common and comforting words in their native language with the teachers to use when communicating with the child. The words will be spoken, written, and / or posted on the common items (table, restroom, door etc). The teachers will use pictures and words for common directions as well (eat, sit down, outside etc). This will help the child communicate with the teacher as they learn English as spoken in the classroom. We add books and music whenever possible in their native language as well. We will work with interpreters as needed upon request.

Termination Policy

ABC Great Beginnings is a professional private childcare company. We provide childcare and education in a group setting at state determined ratios. Our primary concern is the safety and welfare of the children in our care and our employees. If a child or parent’s behavior threatens the safety or wellbeing of themselves, the children, employees, or company property we may decide to, send the child home for the day, suspend the child for a period of multiple days, disenroll the child or deny entry to the child or parent immediately.

Disenrollment may occur for any of the following reasons, including but not limited to:

Failure to pay tuition in full and on time.
Verbal or physical abuse or aggression by a child toward other children or staff, including but not limited to: use of hurtful, sexual, or profane language; throwing objects; kicking; hitting; or aggressive biting. Behavior severe enough to pose an immediate safety threat may result in disenrollment without prior warning or a behavior improvement plan.
Non-compliance with immunization requirements, or exclusion due to a contagious illness that poses a risk to others in the center.
Failure to abide by the policies and procedures outlined in this handbook by a child or family member.
The center’s inability to adequately meet the child’s individual needs within the group care setting we provide.
Disruptive or dangerous behavior that interferes with the safety or well-being of other children, staff, or the learning environment.
Continued or repeated violations of center policies by a child or parent/guardian.

If we disenroll a child, we will pro-rate and refund the balance of the pre-paid tuition based on attendance.

ABC Great Beginnings reserves the right to refuse enrollment or to ask families to make alternative care arrangements at any time. We are committed to direct communication and will make every effort to work with families before a disenrollment decision is made.

Parent Code of Conduct

We are in the business of modeling appropriate behaviors for the children in our care. We expect that our children and staff follow our code of conduct, and expect that our families/guests follow the same code of conduct. This includes but is not limited to;

Language and interactions must be family friendly. Swearing, yelling or threatening words are not permitted in our center or on our premises.
Dress and appearance must be family friendly. Please ensure when you are in our building, you dress appropriately. Clothing should not be transparent or revealing private parts in any way. Children are very curious and impressionable.
Discipline and guidance is restricted to your own child(ren). Please leave the discipline and guidance of all other children to the ABC Staff.
We ask that while you are at our centers, you refrain from photographing or recording other children. You are always welcome to capture moments with your own child — however, other families may have personal, legal, or safety reasons for keeping their child’s image private. Please do not post photos or videos on social media or share them publicly if other children are identifiable in them. We appreciate your help in protecting the privacy and safety of every child in our care.

Discipline and Guidance

Appropriate behavior allows a child to express themselves freely in ways that show respect for the health, safety and welfare of themselves, their peers, and staff members. It is also behavior that shows respect for property.

Inappropriate behavior would be disruptive, harmful, or unsafe, to themselves, peers, staff members or property.

If inappropriate behavior occurs teachers will implement calming and focusing strategies to engage them in appropriate activities attempting to redirect the child’s behavior.

If a pattern of inappropriate behavior persists, we will assess the child and meet with parents to develop a plan to try to help the child succeed in the group environment. (See Special Accommodation Plans)

If a child’s behavior creates an immediate safety risk to themselves, other children, or staff, the child may be sent home for the remainder of the day. As with illness-related exclusions, a parent or guardian will be contacted and must arrange pickup within one hour.

Our curriculum and classroom environment teach appropriate social and emotional behavior and we strive to give a positive example for children to follow.

The director shall not use, nor permit any staff member, parent, guest or child to use physical punishment or any humiliating and/or frightening method of discipline to control the actions of any child. Name-calling, shaming, or threatening the wellbeing of children is prohibited. Discipline shall not deprive a child of food, rest, or access to the restroom.

Positive Guidance Policy

Employees are not permitted to grab, pull, drag, hit, or otherwise physically reprimand children. It is expected that employees will make every effort to guide children with verbal cues, positive prompts, and redirection.

In cases of imminent harm or unsafe situations, employees should intervene. In such instances they may need to use restraint or physical guidance. Employees should use the least amount of physical force necessary when they hold a child’s arm, leg, torso, etc to keep the child, or the other children and adults safe. Restraining a child is not to be aggressive, mean, or violent, it must be protective and caring.

If restraining or physical guidance is necessary, the employee must explain to the child why it is happening and give the child an opportunity to calm down or make a safer choice. Employees must ensure the situation ends in a caring and compassionate manner. Do not simply release the child and move on. Ensure the child is all right and understands what just happened and why.

Biting

Biting is not uncommon in children under the age of three. During early-childhood, children are learning to regulate themselves and sometimes express themselves by biting. In addition, children at a young age do not have fully developed language skills. Impulse control can lead children to bite as a way of making their needs known. We do realize that biting can be a concern to families, and we strive to minimize biting incidents if your child is involved in a biting incident you will receive an incident report. If you have any concerns regarding a biting incident involving your child, please talk to your child’s teacher or Center Director.

School-Age Suspension Policy

If a school-age child is placed on out-of-school suspension by their school, GBA is unable to provide care for that child during the suspension period. This policy applies to out-of-school suspensions. Families must provide documentation of the suspension from the school, if provided. Regular tuition remains due during the suspension period, as we continue to hold the child’s spot in the classroom.

Use of Assessment Tools

To establish appropriate learning goals and outcomes for children we use various assessment tools. If needed a member of Center Management will review assessments with parents to determine next steps for the child. This discussion can take place at a parent conference or in other meetings as needed.

Some government agencies ask us to share the assessment data we collect so the child’s future schoolteachers can have a record of a child’s progress over time. If you would like to opt out of having your child’s assessment scores shared, discuss it with your center director.

Fraternization Policy

Though we encourage good relationships between our clients and employees, we prefer those relationships to be professional in nature. Fraternization between clients and employees creates conflicts of interest and impacts professionalism at the center. Fraternization includes but is not limited to:

Attending social functions together outside of the center
Dating or pursuing a romantic relationship
Connecting on personal social media
Discussing center operations, other families, or staff in unofficial settings

If any relationship may constitute a conflict of interest, both the client and employee will be required to disclose the nature of that relationship in writing to Center or Corporate Management and agree to guidelines set by the employee’s supervisor.

Staff members are prohibited from providing private childcare, babysitting, or any other personal care services for any family they have met through Great Beginnings Academy or any of its partner companies. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the family is currently enrolled and has no expiration — it extends to any family a staff member has ever served in their role at the center. Staff found to be providing private care for GBA families are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Solicitation

We prohibit any distribution of literature or products without approval from Corporate.

Tobacco, Alcohol, Illegal Substances, Sexually Explicit Materials

All employees are responsible to ensure the following are not accessible to children anywhere on the premises or in vehicles used by the center:

Tobacco Products
Electronic Cigarettes
Alcohol
Illegal drugs, medications, or other legal or illegal substances that are known to cause impairment.
Sexually Explicit Materials

Other Beverages

These beverages are unsafe if accessible to children.

Energy Drinks
Hot Drinks (Scalding)

Pets and Animals

ABC Great Beginnings allows centers and classrooms to have long term aquarium pets. Ex. Fish, turtles, frogs. The animals must be contained in the aquarium. We do not want anything that could get out, bite, or cause harm to the children. The aquarium must be set up in a way that children do not have access to the animals. Fish shall be fed and cared for by center staff only. Tanks or containers will be cleaned in nonfood service sinks which will be disinfected afterward using the center cleaning practices. We also allow Center Directors to have other science demonstrations like growing butterflies etc.

With Center Director permission other animals may be brought in as a short activity. No animals that could pose a risk to the children are ever permitted.

No pets, aside from service animals, are allowed on the premises without prior Center Director approval.

Use of Digital Media, Television, Movies, Computer & Other Electronic Devices

Great Beginnings Academy is committed to providing an educational environment for the children in our care. Children learn through play and exploration. We recognize there are some programs that may be available on video, computer, or other electronic devices that may have some benefit to the children.

The use of all electronic devices, digital media, television, or computers will be strictly limited to items that enrich our curriculum for children 3 and older. Children 2 years and under will not participate in any of these types of activities. The use of these items will be approved in advance by management. The activity will be limited to 15 minutes per use, with a 30 minute per week maximum.

Center Directors may approve infrequent and occasional movie days to be used as an incentive for children and classrooms that have accomplished a goal. The movie must be age appropriate and relate to classroom curriculum. Parents must be given advanced notice and have the opportunity to have their child moved to a different class during the movie.

To keep our full attention on the children in our care, staff are required to store personal cell phones out of the classroom during working hours. Personal cell phone use in classrooms is prohibited except in the case of a genuine emergency. Work-related communication is conducted through center-approved channels. If you have concerns about a staff member’s cell phone use, please speak with the Center Director.

Our Commitment to Health

We value your child’s health and recognize that preventing the spread of infectious diseases is an important and necessary component of quality childcare. We actively strive to monitor the health and well-being of all children in our care. If a child is recognized as having certain communicable diseases, control measures may require:

Sending the child home from the center
Documented evaluation and treatment by the child’s health provider
Notification of the families of other children in our center
Notification of local health authorities
Notification of staff members

Daily Health Screenings and Illnesses

Please notify Center Management as soon as possible if your child has experienced fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any other symptoms before bringing them in. When a child is returning to the center after an illness, a member of Center Management may check in or ask a few questions before the child returns to their classroom. If an employee observes that a child is showing signs of illness or is too ill to participate in the day’s activities, Center Management will be consulted and the child may be excluded from the group.

A child with a temperature of 100.1°F or higher will be excluded from the center and a parent or guardian will be contacted immediately to arrange pickup. The child must be fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol or ibuprofen) before returning to the center.

A child who arrives with, or develops during the day, any of the following symptoms will not be permitted to remain at the center. A parent or guardian will be contacted and must arrange pickup within one hour:

Fever (see fever policy above)
Vomiting two or more times within a 24-hour period
Diarrhea — two or more episodes within a 24-hour period, or any incident a child was unable to contain
Any other condition that prevents the child from comfortably participating in the day’s activities, or that poses a health or safety risk to other children or staff

A child excluded for any of the above must be symptom-free for 24 hours without the aid of medication before returning to the center.

We will keep you informed of any instances of contagious illnesses affecting children who may have had direct exposure in the center. When required by law and we will immediately report such illnesses to the local health authorities. If a child is absent because of a contagious illness, he or she may return to the center per Health Department regulations. Sometimes this requires a physician’s written statement indicating that the child is no longer contagious and can participate in group activities.

If your child is sick and you will decide to keep them at home, please notify your Center by 9 a.m.

Communicable Illnesses

The center should be contacted immediately if a child has contracted a communicable disease such as chickenpox, mumps, measles, rubella, impetigo, shigella, tuberculosis, scabies, strep throat, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis A virus, or any other illness requiring exclusion from group care in accordance with state Health Department regulations.

Children will not be allowed to attend if they have any other contagious condition, including but not limited to head lice.

Handwashing

Employees and children will wash and scrub their hands for 20 seconds with liquid soap and warm running water at the following times:

Upon arrival
After using the toilet or helping a child use the toilet
Before and after eating meals and snacks or feeding children
Before and after administering medication
After coming into contact with body fluids, including breast milk
After cleaning or taking out garbage
Upon returning from outdoor playtime
After wiping noses
After handling animals
Before and after preparing food and bottles
Before using books, and sensory tables.

Employees and children will dry their hands with:

A single use paper towel from a covered dispenser

Employees will wash their hands immediately after changing a diaper and between diaper changes.

Hand washing procedures will be posted at each hand-washing sink.

If running water is unavailable at the center or on a field trip, hand sanitizer will be used as a replacement.

Medications

We will administer medications when there is no other option. We prefer all medications be administered at home under the supervision of the parent or guardian.

If you have medication that you need the center to administer to your child, whether it is prescription or over the counter, the following rules apply:

Authorization

You must complete a Medication Authorization Form fully and accurately before any medication may be administered. The form must include: the child’s full name, medication name, prescription number (if applicable), dosage, route of administration, frequency and times of administration, reason for the medication, and the date of authorization.

The instructions on the Medication Authorization Form must match the instructions on the medication container, or be accompanied by a written note from the child’s healthcare provider.

If the medication label indicates it should not be given to children under a certain age without consulting a doctor, a healthcare provider’s written note must accompany the Medication Authorization Form.

Medication Requirements

All medications must be brought to the center in the original container with the child’s first and last name clearly labeled.

Prescription medications must be in a pharmacy-dispensed container with a current, legible pharmacy label.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications must be in the original manufacturer’s container, labeled with the child’s name. The center does not stock its own supply of OTC medications — all medications must be provided by the parent or guardian.

No medication that has been transferred from one container to another will be administered.

OTC medications will not be administered in a manner inconsistent with the label instructions unless written authorization from the child’s healthcare provider is on file.

Administration & Storage

A Center Management-designated staff member is responsible for all medication administration at the center. Only one staff member per shift will be designated to administer medications.

All medications are stored in a locked, secure container that is inaccessible to children. Medications requiring refrigeration are stored in a locked container within the refrigerator.

A medication administration log will be maintained for every dose given, documenting: the child’s name, medication name and amount administered, date and time of administration, and the signature of the administering staff member.

If the medication is a controlled substance, a parent or guardian must count and sign off on the number of remaining doses with a member of Center Management at the time of drop-off.

All unused or expired medications will be returned to the parent or guardian when they are no longer being administered or when the authorization period has ended.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen policies vary by location — some centers provide sunscreen for outdoor play, while others ask that parents supply it. Please check with your Center Director for your center’s specific practice.

Regardless of who provides the sunscreen, staff will only apply sunscreen to your child with a completed Sunscreen Authorization Form on file. Authorization forms are available at the front desk. If you are supplying your own sunscreen, please bring it in its original container clearly labeled with your child’s first and last name. If you have any questions or need to update your sunscreen preference, please speak with your Center Director.

Pest Control and Extermination

ABC Great Beginnings contracts with a licensed pest control company for all pest control and extermination services. Pesticide applications are conducted only when children are not present on the premises.

Parents and guardians will receive at least 48 hours’ advance written notice before any scheduled pesticide or extermination application. A notice will also be posted at each entrance to the center at least 48 hours prior to the application. The notice will include the name of the product used, the date and time of the application, and the contact information for the pest control company. The posted notice will remain in place for at least 48 hours after the application is complete.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all pesticide and pest control products used at our centers are available for review in the Center Director’s office upon request.

Records of all pest control applications and parent notifications are maintained at the center for a minimum of three years.

Food and Nutrition

We make every effort to provide a relaxed and pleasant environment during mealtimes. We practice family style dining, where the children are involved with meal service. Teachers will sit with the children and engage in meaningful conversations regarding nutrition, manners and other health topics during mealtime. They will model good nutritional choices as they eat with the children.

We provide:

Breakfast
Lunch
Afternoon Snacks
Dinner (Only available at centers open past 8:00pm)

The meals that the center will serve are in accordance with the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, which include whole grains and fruits and vegetables daily. These items will be offered as fresh options when available. These requirements are posted in the center for parent review. Menus are also posted for parent review.

Allergies

Please advise Center Management of all allergies your child has to any food, so substitutions can be arranged. If we can substitute with an item we typically stock, it will be substituted free of charge to you. However if your child requires a substitute that we do not typically stock, you will be responsible to supply us with that item. Ex. gluten free foods, almond milk, etc.

If your child does have an allergy to one of our menu items, in compliance with CACFP you will be asked to fill out a “Food/Beverage Substitution Request Form”, which may require a physicians signature. If your child has severe allergies that require a medical response, please indicate on the Registration / Health Assessment Form and give specific instructions including physician name and number, preferred hospital, and any contact information.

ABC Great Beginnings are peanut/tree nut free facilities, except for medically prescribed almond milk. We do not serve or allow anything else with any type of nut.

Food Preferences

Please advise Center Management if your child has any religious, cultural, or other personal food substitution preference so substitutions can be arranged. If it can be substituted by an item we typically stock, it can be substituted free of charge, however if it is not, you will be responsible to supply us with that item. Ex. vegan or vegetarian meat substitutes, organic milk, etc.

If your child does have an allergy to one of our menu items, in compliance with CACFP you will be asked to fill out a “Food/Beverage Substitution Request Form” because it is not a medical need, it will not require a physician’s signature.

TOP Star

Our company is committed to the Top Star program. The following is a description from their website.

Teaching Obesity Prevention in Childcare Settings – is a program developed by the Utah Department of Health, local health departments, and other partners to help prevent obesity among children in childcare. The goal of TOP Star is to help childcare providers improve their nutrition and physical activity environments.
choosehealth.utah.gov/prek-12/childcare/top-star-program (September 2020)

Birthday and Holiday Celebrations

We love to celebrate Birthdays, Holidays, and other special events. Many parents like to bring snacks and other party favors to help celebrate. Celebrations can be fun with other nonfood items like stickers, pencils, fun party favors, etc.

If you would like to bring a snack, please be sure it is healthy, store bought, and sealed in the original container. Examples of healthy food items would be cutie oranges, cheese sticks, fruit snacks, etc. During our Holiday celebrations, we will be providing crafts and other physical activities for the kids to focus on instead of cookies, and other sweet treats.

Infant Food

We realize families have a variety of preferences when it comes to the nutritional needs of infants. We follow the Infant Food Program under the Child/Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and offer the required foods and portions. Please review the menu and portions and talk with your Center Director and your child’s teacher as you introduce new types of foods to your child. Alternatively, you may provide any or all food you want your child to be fed while in center care. All foods brought from home must be clearly labeled with the date (if opened), child’s first and last name and the contents. The leftover contents of any food or bottles will be discarded each night. For the safety of all our infants, we are unable to use glass bottles in our centers.

When nursing a child, we will provide you with a comfortable, nurturing and secure space. In addition, our centers are equipped to handle your expressed breast milk. Breast milk must be self-contained in a sack or small cooler and have the child’s first and last name, and date of preparation on container.

We can store frozen breast milk for up to one week at a time, at the end of the week, breast milk or other refrigerated food will be sent home. Frozen breast milk, like all other food will be discarded within 24 hours of thawing or opening.

We encourage you to discuss your decision to breastfeed with your Center Director to ensure we provide the right environment and support for you and your child.

Infants who cannot hold their own bottle will be held during feeding.

When you and your child are ready to transition to solid foods, complete the infant feeding milestone paperwork provided by your child’s teacher and collaborate with them as you introduce new foods.

Our Commitment to Safety

ABC Great Beginnings is committed to providing clients, children, and employees with a safe and healthful childcare center. All are invited and encouraged to report unsafe conditions and activities. No such report will result in retaliation, penalty, or other adverse action.

Supervision and Protection of Children

The safety of the children is the number one priority at ABC Great Beginnings. To ensure their safety, the children must be supervised at all times, by an employee who has cleared all required background screenings. Employees are responsible for child safety in all areas including the playground, the classroom, the bathroom, and hallways or other areas where children may be walking from one place to another. Supervision requires physical presence, knowledge of children’s needs, accountability for the care of the children and intervention when needed. Our supervision includes maintaining minimum child to caregiver ratios. We maintain supervision by making sure we can see and hear all children. Center Management will ensure that ratios are adjusted to maintain the levels of supervision and care.

Supervision requirements for children age five and older require a teacher to always be able to hear the children and be close enough to intervene, sight is not necessarily required.

During nap/rest time, our center may double our ratios for children 18 months old and older. Ratios will be doubled for no more than two hours daily per class, from 11:30 – 2:30.

When children are in a large group, such as outside on the playground, during off site activities, or participating in a special mixed group activity, supervision and protection will be maintained. We may exceed the maximum group size for a period of time for a planned activity or transition time, not to exceed two hours.

Bathroom Supervision

No more than one child is allowed in the bathroom without direct teacher supervision.

Teachers directly supervise children under the age of three while in the bathroom. Children three and older must let their teacher know when they go to the bathroom. In cases where the bathroom is not directly visible, either due to building design or during outside time, the teacher will keep track of time each child spends in bathroom by noting when the child leaves and returns. Help will be given as needed.

Child Accidents

We take every precaution to make sure your child is safe and that you receive communication regarding accidents or injuries. This includes a broad staff and child safety-awareness program, as well as frequent inspections and maintenance of our buildings, playground, and equipment. Despite all our efforts, accidents do happen. In the event your child is injured at the center you will receive an Incident/Accident Report at the time of pickup. If your child needs treatment by a health care professional, we will call 911 when necessary, as well as every effort to contact the primary parents and guardians followed by other emergency contacts listed on the child’s Registration/Health Form.

Be aware our insurance provides secondary/supplemental coverage for accidents/injuries. You must submit all claims through your individual insurance prior to being submitted for review by our insurance carrier.

Bags and Backpacks

We reserve the right to check all bags and backpacks in the center for unsafe and inappropriate items. Be aware that bag and backpack straps can be long and pose a strangulation hazard to children, for example string backpacks. Please secure loose straps and strings on your child’s bag or backpack. Always be aware of what is in your child’s bag or backpack. Items to watch for include but are not limited to:

Medication (Medication needs a permission form and must be given directly to Center Management).

Snacks

Jewelry (Excluding Pierced Earrings)
Makeup and Lip Products (Children tend to share these items)
Potential Choking Hazards
- Cough Drops
- Hair Accessories
- Small Toys
- Money & Coins

Emergency and Disaster Plan

To maintain a safe environment for your child, our center has an emergency and disaster plan which includes procedures for reporting emergencies and evacuating the facility. This written plan is at the center and immediately accessible to all employees and parents. Evacuation plans are posted in prominent locations of each room or area of the center. Please be aware of the procedures and evacuation location in the event of an emergency evacuation. If an actual emergency requires evacuation of our center, we will notify you as soon as the children have been relocated to a safe area. The evacuation location will be posted on the front door of the center. If you need information regarding emergency or disaster issues for your center and are unable to reach the center directly, please call our corporate emergency line at 801-808-7775. The center holds monthly fire drills and semiannual disaster drills which are documented. The center is inspected annually by the local fire authority and maintains fire extinguishers with a current tag. The Emergency and Disaster Plans are reviewed annually to ensure all possible safety precautions are in place.

Abuse/Neglect

Everyone working directly with children in the State of Utah is required by law to report evidence of child neglect or abuse to the Child Protective Services or law enforcement agencies. Those who fail to report per state regulations can be held accountable under the law. It is also prohibited by law for anyone to interfere with an individual’s attempt to report child abuse or neglect. Please contact your Center Director for more information on the mandatory reporting requirements. It is our responsibility to ensure all children in our centers are safe and well cared for, not only while they are at our center, but always.

Weapons and Violence

Great Beginnings Academy, and all of its partner companies — including ABC Great Beginnings, DNJ, Kidz, and Leap into Learning — are committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for every child, family, and staff member across all of our centers. All of our locations are weapons-free facilities.

Family members, children, and guests are strictly prohibited from possessing firearms or other weapons on our property or at any events sponsored by us. An exception may be made for sworn law enforcement officers as required by law. If a child is found to be in possession of a weapon, Center Management will confiscate the item, notify the child’s parents or guardians, and contact proper authorities when necessary.

Toy weapons are not permitted at any of our centers. Violent play is not allowed in our classrooms or on our premises.

Threatening or violent behavior — by a child, parent, family member, authorized contact, or any guest — toward children, staff, or other families will not be tolerated. Such behavior may result in the immediate disenrollment of the child or denial of entry to the individual, without prior warning.

Guests in The Center

Guests occasionally visit our centers including but not limited to, magic acts, puppet shows, dance teachers, etc. These guests will not be left alone with children unless they have passed the required background checks. Any guest that is not directly supervised by an employee will need to wear a guest tag.

Video Surveillance at Our Centers

Great Beginnings Academy and all of its partner companies use video surveillance cameras at our centers to help maintain a safe and secure environment for children, families, and staff. Cameras are placed in common areas and classrooms in accordance with applicable state licensing requirements, do not always record audio, and footage is retained for a limited period consistent with company and state guidelines.

Requesting to Review Footage

If a parent or guardian has a specific concern about an incident involving their child, they may request to review relevant camera footage by speaking with their Center Director or District Manager. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and are intended to help clarify a specific incident and resolve questions or misunderstandings.

When a request is approved, the viewing will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time and must take place in person, with a member of center or district management present throughout. Management will provide context to help ensure the footage is understood accurately and fairly.

Protecting the Privacy of Footage

Camera footage is company property and is handled with care to protect the privacy of every child, family, and staff member. Recording, photographing, or otherwise copying footage during a viewing — by phone, camera, body-worn device, or any other means — is not permitted, and copies of footage will not be provided to parents, guardians, or staff.

Because our cameras may capture children and staff other than the parent’s or guardian’s own child, Great Beginnings Academy reserves the right to limit or decline a viewing request when necessary to protect the privacy of other families or employees.

Requests from Law Enforcement or Government Agencies

Great Beginnings Academy will comply with a valid subpoena or court order. Any such request is reviewed by the company’s legal counsel to confirm its validity and the scope of what must be provided, and we comply fully with applicable legal requirements.

Questions

If you have questions about this policy, please speak with your Center Director.

Daily Operations

Personal Belongings

Children will have a cubby or locker space to store personal belongings. Please, only bring personal items that can fit in your child’s cubby. Children’s personal toys and belongings may be brought for "show and tell" or “share day”. However, the center will not be responsible for lost or broken toys or other personal belongings. No weapons at the center, this includes toy weapons. We do not allow violent play at the center.

Cell phones, tablets, and other smart devices are not allowed in the classroom. Primarily because we do not want children to have unsupervised internet access. We also discourage other types of devices that can communicate with or without internet access. We are not responsible for theft or damage to yours or your child’s property. If your child is found using one of these devices inappropriately or without permission, it will be taken and kept at the front office for parents to pick up.

Clothing

Children should wear comfortable clothing that will allow them to be involved in planned daily activities. Daily activities involve indoor activities like painting, gluing, and other messy crafts. We also have daily outdoor play which may be on grass, concrete, dirt, rubber mats, climbing equipment, slides etc. Your children will get dirty.

Clothing that is easy to manage encourages independence and self-help. Many toileting accidents are prevented if children can unbutton or unbuckle pants without a struggle. All children below age six must have an extra set of clothing at the center in case of accidents or spills. Parents will provide appropriate clothing for outdoor weather in all seasons. All clothing must be marked with the child’s first and last name and stored in the child’s cubby.

Shoes must always be worn in the center in preparation for any emergency, or emergency drills. Footwear must be closed toed. Open toed shoes are not safe, and your child may be excluded from participating in certain activities if they are worn. Our many years of experience have also proven to us that open toed shoes result in many stubbed toes. If your child is wearing inappropriate footwear, you will be called and asked to bring different footwear for your child.

Pictures and Videos of Children

Pictures and videos are only to be used for the following reasons. Identification, for example on cubbies, clock in and out system, bus pickup, etc. Capturing memories like classroom activities, field trips, special activities, etc. Creating training materials for internal company use.

We have security cameras at many centers. The security camera footage is not available to parents without approval by a Center’s District Manager. Security Camera footage it is only to be accessed by Corporate and Center Management.

Pictures and videos of children are only to be displayed on company property. Any other use not mentioned here, requires prior written consent of parents / guardians.

Occasionally throughout the year we invite professional photographers to take individual and class pictures of the children. Parents / Guardians will be given an opportunity to purchase the pictures from the photographer directly.

Staff Social Media Policy

Staff members are strictly prohibited from posting or sharing photos or videos of enrolled children on their personal social media accounts or any other public or private digital platform, regardless of privacy settings. This applies to all platforms including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. Violation of this policy may result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination.

When referencing children in any center communications, newsletters, or digital materials, only a child’s first name will be used. Full names of children will never appear alongside their image in any center publication or material.

Photography by Parents and Guests

We understand you want to capture special moments with your child. When taking photos or videos in the center, we ask that you be mindful of other children in the background. Please do not post images or videos of other enrolled children on social media or share them publicly without the explicit consent of that child’s parent or guardian. If you have any concerns about photography in the center, please speak with Center Management.

Outdoor Play

Children will be involved in outdoor play daily (weather and air quality permitting). In the event weather conditions prevent outdoor play, alternate indoor gross motor activities will be substituted. Outdoor play will include both free choice and teacher directed activities. Our playgrounds include outdoor spaces and equipment designed for active play and exploration to provide your child with exercise, fresh air and different learning experiences. Children will need appropriate clothing to be comfortable outside. Please see the Sunscreen section under Our Commitment to Health for our sunscreen policy.

Diaper Changing

Children in diapers must be checked and or changed at least every two hours or as needed. Diapers and wipes are provided by the parent / guardian and children tend to go through one diaper every two hours they are in the center. We disinfect the changing table / changing surface between each child, whether soiled or not. The diaper changing procedure is posted in all areas where diapers and pull-ups are changed, to ensure consistency and good health.

If your child runs out of diapers or wipes, the center will provide diapers or wipes and there will be a fee.

Potty Training

Potty training will begin in our Two’s classes. Potty training is a self help skill and developmental milestone for this age. We start this training as soon as the child enters this classroom. Our center will collaborate with parents to develop consistent routines between the center and home. Parent partnership is essential for this to be a positive experience. Please collaborate often with your child’s teacher during this time to help your child through this milestone. During this process please provide several changes of clothes, due to accidents during the potty training.

For children to be prepared for the Preschool classrooms, where the ratios are higher and the instruction is more advanced, it is essential that children become potty trained prior to entering the Preschool classrooms. In rare instances where your child is not potty trained by the age of 3, there will be a fee assessed until the child is fully potty trained.

Napping Routines

All infants will be assigned a crib for sleeping on their own schedule. The center will provide clean sheets for cribs. Parents are to provide a small blanket for their child. This blanket is to go home at least once a week for washing. All cribs will be sanitized at least weekly.

Infants will always be put on their backs to sleep unless a doctor’s note is provided and kept on file.

All children under the age of five will have a ‘nap time’ not to exceed 2 hours per day during the hours of 11:30 – 2:30. Each child will be assigned a cot or mat that will be covered with a sheet. Parents are required to send a small, light blanket (like a receiving blanket) for their child. This blanket is to go home at least weekly for washing. All mats or cots will be sanitized at least weekly.

Children who are not able to fall asleep will have a quiet time. If the child has a cot or mat they will be required to stay on it and read books, do puzzles, or other silent activities until nap time is over.

School age and Kindergarten classes will have a quiet activity time during the center’s nap time. School Age and Kindergarten children who would like to nap in one of the younger napping rooms will be given the opportunity depending on space.

Bus Transportation Policy

Bus transportation needs and walking schedules must be filled out for any school age child attending school and updated as changes occur.
We transport to many schools and it is your responsibility to make us aware of any changes to your child’s school schedule.
We cannot guarantee transportation outside of the normal daily schedule to accommodate field trips, school events, etc.
We will not accept the word of a child for any transportation changes. The parent/guardian must personally notify us of any changes on the Transportation Change Form at the front desk, or by phone 30 minutes prior to the end of school to allow us time to adjust our bus schedules. (Some centers may have different notification requirements, ask a member of Center Management for specifics.)
$10 will be charged if you or your child cause a delay to the bus schedule. Ex, if you fail to notify the center of a change to your child’s bus schedule, or if your child is more than 5 minutes late to the bus.
The center will always assume that we are picking up your child from school even if we did not take them to school earlier in the day.
Children will be dropped off at school no earlier than 20 minutes before the first bell rings unless other arrangements have been made with the school.
If one of our buses is ever going to be more than 20 minutes late to a school due to bus issues, weather, traffic, etc. We will contact the school to notify them of the delay and ask that they keep the children in the front office until we can pick up. If there is a delay that causes our bus to be more than 25 minutes late, parents will be notified of the delay.
We are responsible to drop off and pick up at the school’s designated area. Each school has given us a different area, ask a member of Center Management about your specific school. Your child is responsible for finding their own way between the designated area and their classroom.
If you drop off your child to the center after their bus departs, we cannot guarantee that we can make a special trip for your child. If we can accommodate the special trip, we can’t guarantee your child will be on time, or given breakfast/lunch. If we can accommodate the special trip you will be charged a $10 fee.
If your child does not show up to the bus after school, the driver and the center will coordinate to call the school, the parent/ guardian, and if necessary, other emergency contacts on your registration page. If we cannot locate your child the bus may be instructed to leave the school. The center will continue to try and contact the parent/guardian. We cannot guarantee that we can make a special trip to pick up your child when they are located.
Children’s behavior must not distract the bus driver or the teacher walking the children.
The following bus rules must be followed at all times:
- Inside Voices at All Times
- KYHFOOTY (Keep Your Hands Feet Other Objects To Yourself)
- Take Backpacks Off and Place In Front of You
- Sit Facing Forward At All Times
- Wear Seatbelts At All Times
- No Food, Drink, or Treats on the Bus.
- Pick Up All Trash Before Exiting
- Unload One Seat at A Time, Front to Back
- Respect Others and Their Property
- Be Kind to One Another
Inability to follow these rules, may result in the temporary or permanent loss of bus privileges.

Off Site Activities / Transportation

On Site Learning Experiences

Our centers often collaborate with museums, dentists, doctors, police officers, fire fighters along with other educational entities to bring learning experiences into the center. We also invite members of the community to partner with us during our family nights to educate children and families about their services, programs, and careers.

Field Trips

Our School Age and Kindergarten classes offer field trips to enable your child to have hands-on, real-world learning experiences.

The following field trip rules are to help ensure field trips are both meaningful and safe for your child:

Children must be at least five years old and be attending kindergarten to go on a field trip.
Parents are notified at least one week in advance of each field trip with the time, schedule, location, and any extra costs associated with the field trip.
Parents / Guardians are required to sign the permission form. We must have your written permission authorizing your child to participate. Permission via a phone call is not acceptable.

We welcome parent / guardian volunteers on field trips. When volunteering to participate in a field trip parents / guardians may transport their own child in their personal vehicle.

Other Center Information

Research Activities

Occasionally we receive requests from university programs or other childcare researchers to observe our classrooms, conduct surveys or test products (such as child safety caps, etc.). If any activities like this require or request documentation or specific child information, we will not participate without first obtaining permission from parents and guardians of the children in the involved classroom(s).

On occasion, we will conduct parent satisfaction surveys. These surveys will be conducted by ABC Great Beginnings Child Development Centers solely for the purpose of reviewing and improving the services we provide. Participation in these surveys is voluntary. If you have any concerns regarding a specific survey or our survey process, please contact your Center Director.

Training for Employees

ABC Great Beginnings has a comprehensive training program that all employees must participate in. One of our company’s core values is that we are committed to learning. We are dedicated to continuing education and developing new expertise in the field of Early Childhood Education. In many instances we cover or assist covering the cost of additional education and training.

Non-Discrimination

Procedure for Complaints of Discrimination

Great Beginnings Academy shall accept all complaints of discrimination, whether written or verbal, relating to the child and Adult Care Food Program. Discrimination is defined as different treatment which makes a distinction of one person or a group of persons from others; intentionally, by neglect, or by the actions or lack of actions based on the six protected classes in the Child Nutrition Programs: race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

All discrimination complaints will be turned over to our legal department. Please see discrimination statement at the end of this document. If you feel you have been discriminated against, let your Center Director know immediately.

The person filing the complaint must do so within 180 days of the incident. If submitted to Great Beginnings Academy, it will be immediately forwarded to USOE or USDA, Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication. We will handle anonymous complaints in the same manner as other non-anonymous complaints.

Utah State Office of Education, Director of Child Nutrition Programs 250 E 500 S, PO Box 14400, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114 or as instructed in statement at the end of this document.

Great Beginnings Academy will keep a log of all discrimination complaints, with the same information as that forwarded to the USOE or USDA.

Child and Adult Care Food Program Non-discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Modifications to This Document

ABC Great Beginnings, Inc., reserves the right to make changes or modify this document as needed without prior notification. Any changes to this document will be accompanied by a revision date in the footer of the document.

Change Log

Updated on 9/21/2022
- Potty Training Policy
- Food and Nutrition Section
- Modifications to This Document Policy
- Infant Food
Updated on 9/19/2023
- Discounts available
Updated on 11/21/23
- Clarified that in joint account scenarios either parent can add people to the pickup list, but both parents need to agree to remove anyone.
  - Pick Up Policy, Arrival / Departure and Security
Updated on 9/20/24
- Clarified that rate increase notices are for private and out of pocket.
Updated on 11/19/24
- Included that some locations are open Sunday.
Updated on 12/12/24
- Removed training note from Holiday Closure list.
- Clarified policy on Positive Behavior Contracts.
Updated on 6/17/25
- Added that controlled substance medication must have a dosage count signed off by parent and center management.
Updated on 8/20/26
- Added the Video Surveillance Camera Footage Policy for Parents (Our Commitment to Safety section).

GBA General Policies & Procedures

State Addendums

Related Policies

Company Values

Core Focus

Core Values

Philosophy and Goals