Policies

Enrollment:

The parent and child must visit the school before enrollment can be completed. It is important for the parents and child to have the opportunity to evaluate the school program and the director by means of an interview process to ensure that the school meets the particular needs of each family. Little Oak Nursery School will also evaluate the needs of your child and make sure that we can accommodate his/her needs.

If enrollment is jointly agreed upon, the parent must fill out and return to the school the following forms as required by state law, so that enrollment can begin. The school will provide these forms.

  1. ID and Emergency Information
  2. Preadmission Health History
  3. Physicians Report (to be completed by the child’s doctor)
  4. Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment
  5. Signed and dated Admission Agreement
  6. Parent’s Rights
  7. Personal Rights

*A copy of the child’s up to date immunization record is also required for enrollment.

Sign In/Sign Out:
California State Licensing requires that children are signed in and out with a full signature by a parent or an authorized representative. Children will not be released to anyone who is not on their Identification/Emergency information form. I.D. will be required for pick up.

Discipline Policy:
At Little Oak Nursery School discipline will be dealt with in a positive and respectful manner. Corporal punishment will never be accepted as a form of discipline. Any form of discipline that violates a child’s personal rights will never be permitted regardless of authorized representative consent or authorization. (Please refer to Personal Rights form).

The teachers at Little Oak Nursery School will model positive behavior and affective communication skills. Teachers will give children guidance in recognizing the affects of their actions and words. Through these interactions children will gain positive social skills, build self-esteem, and an awareness of others in their environment. When necessary a child may be redirected to a quiet activity such as a book or a puzzle, thus helping the child to find alternatives when needing time to regroup.

Emergency Preparedness:
We have monthly fire and earthquake drills. In the event of a natural disaster we will remain at the school until families are able to pick up their children. If we need to leave the building we will either gather in the church parking lot or if need be go down the street to Hopewell Baptist Church. If the authorities decide to relocate us a notice will be left for the parents.

Health and Illness:
Keeping the children healthy and safe is a top priority in our program. Parents can help us control communicable illnesses among children by following policies and guidelines. Please keep your child home if he/she is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever: While the average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), a normal temperature range is between 97.5°F (36.4°C) and 99.5°F (37.5°C). Most pediatricians consider a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) as a sign of fever. Anything above normal but below 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a low-grade fever. Source: healthychildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)
    Please note: Your child must be fever free for at least 24 hours, without the use of medication, before he/she returns to school.
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • *Please keep your child home if he/she has experienced diarrhea or vomiting within the last 24 hours.
  • Breathing trouble, sore throat, loss of voice, persistent hacking cough.
  • Persistent runny nose (other than clear).
  • Rash and/or spots that resemble childhood rashes/skin diseases such as Ringworm, Impetigo, Fifth Disease, etc.
  • Lice and/or nits: Frequent itching/scratching of scalp, mostly behind the ears or at the base of the neck. If you are concerned that your child may have head lice, the director is available to do a head check if needed.
  • Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Eyes that are red, swollen, itchy and/or have discharge. Viral Pink Eye is usually associated with a watery discharge whereas Bacterial Pink Eye has a thicker discharge that is typically yellow or greenish in color and can sometimes make the eyelashes stick together. Both types of Pink Eye are contagious.
  • If your child is not feeling well and is unable to participate in daily activities at school it is best to keep them home, even if they don’t have a fever.

If a child experiences any of the above symptoms at school the parent(s) will be called and asked to pick the child up. If the Parent(s) cannot be reached the emergency contact person will be called and asked to pick the child up. Depending on the type of illness, your child may return to school when he/she is symptom free and able to resume normal activities, has been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours, or with a note from a pediatrician stating that he/she is not contagious and is able to return to school. If you are not sure about whether or not you should bring your child to school, please contact the director.

Children with a mild cold or cough will be evaluated for school attendance on a case by case basis but must be without fever and able to fully participate in activities. Allergy related symptoms do not require exclusion from school unless your child is unable to participate in normal school activities. Each child will be evaluated when he/she arrives to school for any sign of illness.

Medical or Dental Emergency:
Little Oak Nursery School shall immediately notify the child’s authorized representative if the child becomes ill or sustains an injury more serious than a minor cut, scrape or scratch. In case of a life threatening emergency we will call 911 first, then immediately contact the parent or guardian.

COVID-19 Policies – Updated March 2022:

Below is a summary of our policies regarding COVID-19. These policies were created using guidance provided by the California Department of Social Services (licensing), the CDC, the California Department of Public Health, and guidelines put forth by the County of Napa. Please note that these guidelines may change or be expanded upon at any time.

Illness Policies for COVID-19

Please keep your child home if he/she is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Children with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher or COVID-19 symptoms will be isolated from the other children. Parents will be notified and asked to pick up their child.
  • Please be sure that someone is always available to pick up your child immediately should they become ill at school.
  • If anyone in your family/household has a confirmed case of COVID-19 please notify the director immediately.
  • Anyone that has a confirmed case, suspected case, or exposure to COVID-19 must contact the director before returning to Little Oak.
  • Guidance for returning to school will be given by the director and will be based on guidance provided by Napa County Public Health.
  • In the event that we have an exposure to COVID-19 (confirmed case) you will be notified immediately.
  • In the event that we have a confirmed exposure to COVID-19 you will only be provided with the necessary information, such as the date(s) of possible exposure. The name of the family/child with a confirmed case will never be shared.
  • Please note that if we have a confirmed exposure at Little Oak we may have to close temporarily.

Daily Heath Screening

  • Visual wellness checks of all children will be conducted upon arrival and health related questions may be asked if concerns arise.
  • Staff and children will be monitored throughout the day for any signs of illness.

Drop Off and Pick Up

  • We will have a station set up outdoors for sign in/sign out procedures.
  • We will be conducting drop off and pick up procedures outside whenever possible.
  • Hand sanitizer will be readily available for parents and staff as needed.
  • When you arrive for drop-off and pick-up please be as brief as possible.

Cleaning and Hygiene

  • Little Oak will use cleaning products that are on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved list for use against COVID-19.
  • High touch surfaces, bathroom surfaces, tables, and toys will be disinfected frequently.
  • Hands will be washed frequently and thoroughly with soap. Paper towels will be used to dry hands.
  • We will continue to remind the children to cough/sneeze in their elbow or a tissue. We will also give the children gentle reminders to keep their hands/fingers away from their eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Children are not permitted to share or touch each other’s food.
  • You are welcome to bring a special snack or treat on your child’s birthday day, which will be served after lunch. We will only be allowing store bought treats in their original unopened packaging. We will not be allowing homemade treats.

Face Coverings

Other Important Information

  • We will be spending more time outdoors, weather and air quality permitting.
  • As stated in our Parent Handbook and Admission/Tuition Agreement, Little Oak has a no refund policy.
  • Please keep in contact with us and check your email regularly.
  • In the event that our policies change you will be notified by email.
  • Please refer to the Parent Handbook for a full outline of our general illness policies.
  • Please don’t hesitate to contact the director if you have any questions or concerns. It is our number one priority to keep the children, families, and staff at Little Oak safe and healthy. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.