Chapter 5 - Discussion

     It is so important to have a handbook.  This is where your procedures and policies are stated. The handbook is one of your first impressions and projects your centers image and also reflects your center's professionalism.  The handbook will be a very important vehicle of communication. Your mission and philosophy will  be stated in it. Also new families can get a feel of and learn a little about the staff members that work there.  You can put a little about all the staff that work there in it. 
     The most important part of the handbook is the Introduction, Policies and Procedures, Curriculum and the extras.

     1) Introduction: this is where you welcome your reader, include strenghts of your center which sets you apart from other centers in your area. The introduction is another place to explain your philosophy on child care. This is also an area you can provide families with background information about your teaching staff. This section is also where you can state your center's goals and objectives. Your introduction should provide families with a solid background of who you are and what you believe in.

     2) Policies and Procedures:  this is a very crucial part of your handbook. The policy and procedure section will keep your families well-informed to what your rules and regulations are.. This is where they will find answers to a variety of questions. This section also tell your families what you emergency policies and procedures are and what steps you take in each. This area states your operation hours and the importance of prompt arrival and pickup, what forms are necessary for enrollment, what your discipline policy is, your policies for treating injuries and what your sick child procedures are.

    3) Curriculum:  this area of your handbook should describe each age groups  developmental and educational needs. This area should include information on the typical level of social and emotional de- velopment displayed by each specific age group, curriculum objectives, areas of instruction and sample daily schedule.

    4)Extras:  this area describes what makes your center stand out from all the rest. This is where you would include what extracurricular programs you offer.  You can also include information on tuition and registration for these programs.