HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 03221994 - 1.87 1,!87
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra
Costa
FROM: Joan Sparks, Director County
Community Services Department
DATE: March 22, 1994
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION'S
PARENT HANDBOOK.
. SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATIONS) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
I. RECOMMENDED ACTION
APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE the Community Services Department Child
Development Division's Parent Handbook ("Handbook") .
II. FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact at this time. Copies of the handbook will be
produced by the staff at each site out of budgeted Child Development Funds
through the Department of Education (DOE) . These funds are already
reflected in CSD FY 1993-1994 budget.
III. CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE ACTION
The approved Parent Handbook is required by the contract to the DOE for
Child Development. If the plan is not approved there is a potential of
loosing the funding for this program.
IV. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDED ACTION
The approved Handbookplan must be included as a informational exhibit to
the parents of Child Development attendees.
This is a second edition of the (July 1990) Handbook.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
_RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR E OMMENDATIO OF BOARD COMMITTEE
—APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S) :
ACTION OF BOARD ON March 22 , 1994 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT - - ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
CONTACT: Joan Sparks 313-7350 March 22 1994
cc: CSD ATTESTED c
AUDITOR-CONTROLLER PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
M382 (2/94) BY ,DEPUTY
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
I'
CHILDREN S CENTER PARENT HANDBOOK
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Community Services Department
Child Development Program
CHILDREN " S
CENTERS
PARENT
HANDBOOK ,
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
TOM POWERS
JEFF SMITH
SUNNE MC PEAK
GAYLE BISHOP
TOM TORLAKSON
COMMUNTIY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
JOAN-V. SPARKS, DIRECTOR
CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
WILDA DAVISSON, MANAGER
CHILDREN'S CENTERS
BROOKSIDE
CARLSON
CRESCENT PARK
LAS DELTAS
LAKE
MARITIME
MARTINEZ PRESCHOOL
PULLMAN'
VERDE
WELCOME TO CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
PURPOSE OF THE PARENT HANDBOOK
The purpose of this Parent Handbook is to familiarize you with the _
rules and regulations that children, parents, and center staff must
follow for the program to function efficiently, effectively and
comply with State Regulations. There are also some recommendations
on how to handle various situations related to your child's care so
that services can be provided without interruption or difficulty.
Please read this book carefully. Keep it handy for future
reference. Fill in the information below for your future
information.
CENTER NAME:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
HOURS:
Names and phone numbers of people authorized to pick up the
child(ren) :
CENTER DIRECTOR:
ROOM 1: STAFF:
ENROLLMENT DATE:
RECERTIFICATION DATE:
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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
MISSION STATEMENT•
Contra Costa Community Services Department, Child Development
Division is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive
child development services, county wide, to low and moderate income
families .
PHILOSOPHY AND OVERVIEW:
Developmentally appropriate activities and environments that
nurture young children, encourage them to make positive choices ,
promote independence and involve families in all aspects of the
program are at the heart of our philosophy. Staff , working with
the children and families , focus on building, not only the child's
self-esteem, but that of the parents. The program connects with
community resources , providing accessible and affordable services
so that the child's and families' needs can be met.
Children learn through play. The program reflects a developmental
approach to working with young children that emphasizes exploration
and creativity. Lesson plans are designed to meet individual needs
in small and large groups, and through active and passive
activities. Support services such as: mental health-, health
services, speech and language , and dental hygiene are provided at
the site to enhance the quality of the program.
The program prohibits religious instruction or worship but respects
the cultures of all individuals.
PROGRAM GOALS:
Contra Costa County Children's Centers have programs designed to
create:
1 . An environment that:
* is comfortable, enriching, and meets the Department
of Social Services' Title XXII Licensing Regulations
for health and safety.
* is organized to use both indoor and outdoor space
for a variety of age-appropriate activities.
* is organized with specific areas for dramatic play,
block constructions, arts and crafts, eating, circle
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time, fine motor skills, large motor skills, a book
nook, listing station, display areas, learning
centers, and other activities as needed.
* has suitable equipment and materials sufficient for
the group size or activity. They are age-
appropriate, well organized, in good repair and
accessible to the children for a wide variety of
activities.
* has equipment and furnishings arranged for the safe
and smooth flow of traffic.
* provides a place for each child to keep personal
possessions.
2. A comprehensive program that:
* uses lesson plans to present a wide variety of age-
appropriate activities to meet the assessed needs of
the children.
* schedules the daily activities for smooth transition
and time for large and small group instruction as
well as non-structured and resting periods.
* includes a balance of activities in art, music,
literature, science, social science, mathematics,
physical education, self help skills, and social
interaction at an age-appropriate level.
* includes time for self-selected individual, small
and large group activities.
* builds a partnership with parents to improve the
language, social/emotional, cognitive, physical, and
creative development of their child(ren) .
* involves the parents in activities that will improve
skills as parents.
* provides individual developmental assessment
and visual screening - and hearing by
appropriate staff members.
3. Activities that:
* will assist in building children's self-esteem.
* are attached to the children's play.
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* facilitate children's learning by doing.
* provide opportunities for children to interact with
others.
* provide opportunity for children to make choices,
solve problems and recognize consequences.
* provide opportunity for children to hear and use
language.
* incorporate the use of both large and small motor
integration.
* arouse the curiosity of children about their own and
the larger environment.
* respect the diversity of the children's abilities
and cultural backgrounds.
* help children learn self-control and responsibility
for their own actions.
* help children to get their own..needs met.
* help children learn respect for the rights of
others.
* expand children's knowledge about their world.
* provide opportunities for children' to express their
feelings through art, music, dance, drama and
language.
Activities are planned in curriculum areas of language, art, music,
science, sensory motor, reading, dramatic play, math, gross and
fine motor coordination, and multi-cultural awareness. The
children are assessed twice. a year. The teacher will make an
appointment to discuss each assessment with the family. If
concerns arise at other times of the year, the center will contact
the family, and we ask parents to contact us if they have any
concern about their child(ren) .
The Child Development employees are required to observe the
children's rights as stated in Section 101223 of Child Day
Care Manual of Policies and Procedures. January 1989.
They are required by law to report any suspected child abuse to the
appropriate authorities.
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VISITATION'
We welcome parents visits to our centers before and after
admission. Many parents enjoy volunteering in their child's class
when they have time. Please see the Head Teacher if you are able
to schedule this.
STAFF
Child Development Center . Instructors meet the qualifications
required by California Department of Education and Department of
Social Services, Community Care Licensing. ' Our Staff members work
together to provide experiences in a wide variety. of curriculum
areas.
DISCIPLINE•
Our disciplinary policy reflects the respect for the person and
property of others that is fostered at the centers. The safety and
well-being of all children is of. utmost concern when rules and
policies are formulated. Children are taught the reasons for rules
as well as the consequences for not following rules. Consequences
will vary according to the age and behavior of the child. They
will begin with problem solving.and verbal reminders and proceed to
time our and suspension from the Children's Center Program. Under
no circumstances do we resort to corporal punishment, humiliation,
intimidation, or denial of access to food, water or sleep. If a
child has difficulty in social adjustment the parent will be
consulted in a conference to work out a plan of. action to help the
child.
ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURE:
Eligible families are enrolled in our program without regard for
sex, race, religion, ethnicity, or physical handicap to the extent
that our centers can provide the least restrictive environment .for
the child.
To apply for services, parents must call the center of their choice
to request placement on the waiting list. Income eligibility and
need requirements are determined by the California Department of
Education. The following criteria are used to determine admission:
1. Parents are certified as low income
2. The family is referred by Child Protective Services
3 . The parent(s) are employed
4. The parent(s) are in training
5,. The parents) are disabled
6. The child has special needs
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7. Parent(s) who are actively seeking employment (service
is limited to six hours per day for not more than sixty
days per year. )
ADMISSION PROCEDURE:
When an opening in the center occurs, the Center Director will call
the parent with the highest priority on the waiting list and make
an appointment for certification of eligibility. Within 30 days of
receiving an signed application supported by documents verifying
income and need for service, the parent/guardian will receive a
NOTICE OF ACTION (NOA) approving or disapproving services. The NOA
has a section on the back listing the parent's appeal rights.
The following forms and documents are required:
I. PARENT FILE CHECK LIST:
Confidential Application (CD9600)
One or more of the following (as needed) :
* Verification from Protective Services
* Verification of Employment
* Verification of Income (2 ' Consecutive Pay Stubs)
* Training Verification (Specific classes and hours
of class time)
* Statement of Medical Incapacity (if applicable)
* Verification of AFDC grant (if applicable)
* Verification of Social Security Allotment
*' Verification of Child's Special Needs
* Verification of Parent's age (if applicable)
Food Program Eligibility Form
II. CHILD FILE CHECK LIST:
Emergency Card (with three contact person and their
current phone numbers)
Immunization Records (Must be up-to-date prior to
admission as shown on the- yellow imminuziation card or doctors
report)
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Physician's Report (Pre-Admission Health Evaluation
within 30 days of admission)
Child's Pre-admission Health History (Parent's Report)
Developmental Profile By Parent
Release Form _.
Parent's Rights Receipt
Child Abuse Receipt
Contra Costa County Policy for Sick Children
Perscription Medicine Consent Form
Parent Hand Book Receipt
Birth Certificate
Car Seat Contract
Child Assessment Form (By Instructional Staff)
Two Parent Conferences/year (By Child Development Staff)
Record of "up to date" immunizations must be in our file before
children can attend Contra Costa . County, Community Services
Department, Child Development Centers. A complete physical
examination by the child's physician is required within thirty
days of admission. A form is provided at the intake interview for
use by the family physician. An immunization record must be
provided by a Medical -Doctor or a Registered Nurse. It will be
checked at the time of enrollment by the Center Director or Support
Services Assistant. Immunizations must be kept current while your
child is attending the centers. The Director will notify you when
immunizations are due. Children whose immunizations are not kept
up to date . will be suspended fromthe center. Although
immunizations are required prior to admission the current T.B.
clearance annually must be obtained within thirty days of
admission. Be sure your physical indicates the result of the T.B.
screening on your child's record. Your child maybe eligible for a
free physical through Child Health Disability Prevention Program.
Discuss this with the Director.
All information is kept confidential with only: (1) authorized
program . staff, (2) California Department of Education program
evaluators (3) authorized public officials from the other County
Departments having access to the files. Information will not be
released without your permission, except as mentioned above.
8
Contra Costa County Children's Centers are operated on a non-
discriminatory basis, according equal treatment and access to
services --without regard to sex, race, religion, national origin -or
ancestry to eligible families.
Children with special needs are accepted by the centers when we are
able to provide an appropriate program.
The written NOTICE OF ACTION (NOA) approving or denying service
will include the effective day of enrollment and the daily fee if
any. The NOA also lists the parent's appeal procedure for times
when the parent believes the agency has taken an adverse action in
error .
RECERTIFICATION:
Families must recertify for eligibility at least once every year.
Conditions requiring additional certification:
1 . Within 30 days whenever the family size , income or
eligibility status changes
Within 60 calendar days if the parent is looking for work
3 . Within 6 months for children receiving protective
services .
4 . Others at the discretion of the Agency or State.
A Notice of Action will be sent when recertification is due.
However , it is the family's responsibility to notify the center
when family size , income or status change. If papers are not
completed and returned by the date due, the State will consider the
family ineligible for service, and we will be forced to discontinue
your child's care. Parents who are students must submit a form
from the registrar at the beginning_ of each term and a transcript
of successful completion of each course at the end of the term, to
remain eligible for services. Parents who are in training are
.required to show progress toward their future employment goal to
remain eligible for subsidized childcare .
FEES:
Daily fees are based on a schedule set by the State Department of
Education, Division of Child Development. The fee schedule is
available in the center's office and can be obtained upon request.
Whether a family is required to pay a fee and what its amount will
be is determined by the family's gross monthly income , and number
of family members . The amount of the daily fee is stated on the
Notice of Action you received at enrollment and recertification of
eligibility. You are required to report any change in income,
need , or family size with in 30 days. Failure to do so can result
in back billings and/or termination of services.
9
The fee assessed is a family fee. Families with more than one
child enrolled, pay the fee for the child who is enrolled the most
hours each day. Fees are not charged for other children in the
same family.
NO DEDUCTION IS MADE FROM THE FEE FOR ABSENCES OF LESS THAN A WEER.
If your child is ill for a week or longer, you may present the
Center Director with a receipt for off-site child care and complete _.
a request for credit.
Fees must be paid in advance on a weekly. Some parent prefer to
pay bi-weekly or monthly but that must be in advance of service.
Fees that are delinquent for more than seven days will result in
the termination of services.
Fees are to be paid by check or money order. Returned checks will
result in a service charge and the requirement that all future
payments be made with money orders.
A notice of Action for termination of services will be sent . to
parents for non-payment of delinquent fees (CCD, Section 18116) .
A reasonable repayment plan may be made available for parents with
delinquent fees in cases of emergency. See the Center Director for
assistance.
TERMINATION OF CHILD CARE SERVICES:
Child care services may be terminated for any of the following
reasons:
1. Failure to maintain eligibility and/or need
2. Failure to recertify in a timely manner
3 . Failure to pay child care fees
4. After five occasions of not picking up your child by 5:45
p.m. If a child is picked up later than 5:45 p.m.
three times within a six-month period, he/she will
be suspended for a week. If a child is picked up
late a fourth time he/she is suspended for two
weeks, if it occurs a fifth time the child is
permanently excluded from the Children's Center
Program.
5. Multiple unexcused absences of the child.
6. Verbal or physical abuse of any child, staff member or
other parents.
7. Failure- to keep immunizations current.
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7 . A child's inability to adjust to large group functions.
The child has unusual needs that cannot be met within
the center's structure.
APPEALING ADVERSE ACTIONS:
When a parent eligibility changes , their fee , hours of care or _.
service may be changed according to State Regulations . If you feel
your services have been changed in error you have a right to appeal
the adverse action. Refer to the back of the Notice of Action for
the written procedure . Parents must follow carefully .the steps
listed to appeal adverse action by this agency. Failure to follow
those steps will disqualify the parent from appealing . Services to
the family continue during the appeals process . HOWEVER, parents
will be charged the full cost of care for each child if the appeal
is denied.
PROGRAM OPERATION:
HOURS•
The Children's Centers are open from 6 : 45 a .m. until 5 : 45 p.m. ,
Monday to Friday except for County Holidays.
We do not encourage children to arrive in the morning later than
9 : 00 a .m. Exceptions are made if your child has a medical
appointment and you notify the center before 9 : 00 a.m. Bring a
note from the physician to verify the appointment.
Children are considered tardy when they arrive at the center after
9 : 00 a .m. (Kindergartners may not be accepted after 7 : 30 a .m. )
Families who accumulate multiple unexcused tardies will be
evaluated for termination of services. When children arrive at the
center late they disrupt the program for others and miss vital
parts of the instructional day.
SCHEDULING•
Contract hours are monitored closely. to see if the assigned hours
are appropriate .
We encourage parents to help us maintain our kindergarten service
by taking advantage of our breakfast program at the Children's
Center.
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NUTRITION:
BREAKFAST - 8: 30 a.m. (Kindergarten children's schedule is 6:45 a.m.
8:15
LUNCH - 11: 30 a.m. (2 years old)
12:00 p.m. (for kindergartners)
P.M. SNACK - 3 :00 P.M.
Special diets, for the allergic or diabetic child, will be arranged
for your child after the parent brings a note from the child's
doctor. .It must state specifically what the restrictions are.
Religious restrictions require a note from a minister or pastor.
If you have questions about . the menu the Center Director will
arrange for you to talk with our Food Service Manager.
Please notify the office staff and room staff two days in advance
if you plan a birthday party for your child at the center.
Arrangements may be made with them.
ATTENDANCE•
To receive the maximum benefit from the center's program, and to
learn life-long habits children must attend regularly and promptly.
Please, notify the center promptly when your child is absent. The
only absences we can excuse are:
1 . Child is ill (state nature of illness in excuse)
2. Parent is ill
3 . Medical appointment
4 . Family emergency: death in family, family illness outside
. the area, morning court appearance, "Acts of God" like,
house fire others at the discission the Center
Director. (state nature of emergency in writing excuse)
5. Time spent with a parent or relative as required by a
court of law.
6. Ten days of absence are permitted in the best interest of
the child. BEST INTEREST DAYS (BID) may be used for:
family vacation, field trips., religious observance, travel
outside the area to attend family celebrations, visitation
from family members from outside the area, others as
defined at the discretion of the Center Director.
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UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:
Families - services may be terminated if a child accumulates more
than three unexcused absences within six month period. Please be
certain to record and sign the reason for your child' s absence on
the daily time sheet to ensure continued enrollment.
LATE PICK-UP:
No child may be left at the center after 5 : 45 p.m. Every effort
will be made to find an authorized person to pick up your child
before 5 : 45 p.m. If no one can be located , our staff is instructed
to call the local Police Department. A note will be posted on the
front door of the center to let you know what we have done with
your child should you arrive after the Center has closed.
If a child is picked up later than 5.: 45 p.m. three times within a
six-month period, he/she will be suspended for a week. If a child
is picked up late a fourth time , he/she is suspended for two weeks .
If it occurs a fifth time , the child is permanently- excluded from
the Children 's Center Program.
.DAILY INSPECTION:
Daily physical inspections are part of the Center procedure each
morning . The children are checked- as they are greeted by a
designated person. If the child appears healthy, the child will be
directed to join the activity. If there is doubt about the child's
health , indicated by listlessness , deep coughing , rash, fever,
runny nose(green mucus) or other signs of illness the teacher will
question the parent about the child's health. If she/he thinks the
child is ill she/he will refer the parent to the office where the
temperature may be taken and further checks may be made . If
warranted the child will be denied admission by the authorized
person .
Medication may not be administered by the Center's staff . However
a staff member may ASSIST IN ADMINISTERING medication with
written permission from the parent. Only prescription medication
in the original container with written instruction from the doctor
for a particular child will be permitted.
SIGNING IN AND SIGNING OUT:
An attendance book with your child's monthly enrollment page is in
his/her room. Sign your full name, rather than your initials , when
you are bringing your child to the center and when you are picking
him/her up. If you are unable to escort your child to the center,
the person you designate to do so must be at least 16 years of age.
13
on the attendance sheet is a space marked "comments" for you to
record the reason for any absences your child(ren) have from the
center. Please be specific, example: "cold or flu" rather than
"sick". ---Absences must be signed for as well as days present.
A doctor's note may be required before your child may return to the
center if the absences is greater that 3 days. Please, notify the
center immediatly if you child has contacted a communicable _.
disease. We will then notify other parents so they can watch for
signs on illness in their child. It will help us to control the
spread of disease.
SEPARATION'
The way a parent separates from a child at school is very
important. Starting the day in a positive way will assure a good
day for the child, and the. staff. Take the time to bring your
child into the, classroom, sign in, and then spend a few minutes
with him/her before you leave. Always say good-bye. To wait until
your child is involved and then disappear does not help develop
trust. At pick-up time, take a few minutes to look over your
child's work and talk about his/her school day. Be sure to inform
the staff about any unusual events that might effect your child
during the day. . .such as a late night, change in family routine or
when the child has taken any medication.
It is important to reassure your child before you leave that you
will be returning to take him/her home. Sometimes children will
cry for a short time while their parents are leaving but stop as
soon as the parent is gone. If your child is having difficulty
adjusting to the new situation, discuss this with the center's
staff and something will be worked out to make the transition
easier.
EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION:
All children must have a signed emergency card on file at the
center. When you sign the emergency card, you are authorizing the
centers to obtain whatever medical help might be necessary to
preserve the "life, limb, or well being" of your child at YOUR
EXPENSE. Please be sure to keep it updated as changes occur.
NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE A CENTER WITH AN UNAUTHORIZED
PERSON. THE AUTHORIZED PERSON MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE.
Waivers to this policy may be available at the discretion of the
Center Director but in no case for a person under 12 years old.
PARENTS RIGHTS•
Upon presentation of identification, a parent or guardian has the
legal right to enter and inspect any facility where his/her child
14
j
is receiving care without giving advance notice.
We welcome parent visits and -the law prohibits discrimination or
retaliate-on 'against any child or parent 'for exercising the right to
visit the primises .
However , the law does establish two exceptions to this right. .The
person in charge of the child care facility is authorized to deny -
access to a parent or guardian if :
1 . The parent or guardian is behaving in a way which poses
a risk to children and to the staff in the facility .
7.7 . The adult is a noncustodial Parent and the facility has
been requested in writing by the custodial parent to deny
access to the noncustodial parent.
We require that parents who chose to. visit to sign the "visitor's
log" and conduct themselves so as not to disrupt the children's
daily activities . , The Teachers are very busy supervising twenty-
four active children. They do not have time to chat. If you need.
to talk with them we will be happy to arrange a conference at a_
convenient time for both you .and the staff .
RESOLUTION OF PROBLEMS:
In carina for children it is normal for problems to occur. Parents
and child development staff must work closely together to provide
a healthy and nurturing environment for the child's development.
Dealing with problems effectively is part of "good" parenting and
"good" teaching. Communication between the home and school are
essential to the development of healthy , happy children. We need
each other.
If you have a concern about your child or worry about your child's
care please take it to the Head Teacher in your child's room
immediately. Don't let it grow. The Head Teacher will be happy to
work with you to resolve the problem. It is best if the Parent and
the Head Teacher .work closely together on mutual concerns since
they are the responsible adults closest to the child's daily care
and have the most knowledge about the child and the events in the
classroom.
If after working -with the Head Teacher you are not able to resolve
a problem, see the Center Director for help. ' If the Center
Director is unable to resolve the problem it should be discussed
with the Child Development Division Manager and the Community
Services Department Director respectively. If a problem is very
serious, steps in this process may be skipped over.
15
DEAR P�+►�2 ENT�
WE WELCOME YOU TO CONTRA COSTA __
COUNTY � COMMUNSTY SERVSCES
DEPAR`..Z'MEN2'� CHSLD DL4VELOPMENT
DZ�TSSSON ! 1 1
WE APPRECSATE ANYTHSNG YOU HAVE
TO SHARE WITH US THAT WSLL
BENEFST THE CHILDREN SN OUR
CHILDREN� S CENTERS .
WE HOPE OUR CENTERS MEET YOUR
NEED FOR AFFORDABLE� QUALITY
CHSLD C A R F AND D�TVELOPMENT
SERVICES AND THAT YOUR
EXPERIENCES WITH US WSLL
CONTSNUE TO BE POSITIVE ONES FOR
YOU AND YOUR CHSLD(REN J .
THE CHSLDRZ�'N S CENTER STAFF
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