A Welcome Break Drop-In Childcare and Preschool
Policies 2024-2025
Your participation in our childcare or preschool programs indicates your acceptance of these policies. Failure to abide by our policies could result in you forfeiting your child’s place in our programs.
Our mission at A Welcome Break is to provide families a service of excellent care for their children, infant through pre-kindergarten, within a secure, loving, Christian environment. AWB is open to all children, regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation.
Arrival – BACK DOOR on N. Howard Ave. (and then directed to the side door.)
All drop-in clients arrive at their preferred time and ring the doorbell for entrance on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm. If you plan to drop your child after 4:00pm on Mon/Wed/Fri and you have not made verbal arrangements, please call the school phone (412)328-8350 and let the staff know of your plans. The staff will leave for the day after the last child leaves and clean-up is complete.
Preschool: Staff will meet you at the side door by the parking lot at the following times: 8:30am(4s) and 9:00am(3s). Staff will stay until 10 mins after class officially starts. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, please ring the doorbell at the N. Howard Ave. door.
All children will be greeted at the door by a staff member who will do a general health check. If a child has obvious signs of illness, they will not be admitted. Parents will not be admitted to the building.
Change of Clothing
Please bring a change of clothing for your child in case of spills, bathroom accidents, etc. Placing a full change of clothing in a Ziploc bag with your child’s name on it works well.
Changes at Home
Please let us know if your child has recently experienced anything out or the ordinary, such as a pet dying, a parent being away on a trip, giving up naps, potty training, etc. If we know about these special challenges, we can show your child extra support.
Cloth Diapers
Please let us know if your child wears cloth diapers at home. With discussion and your permission, AWB will provide and use disposable diapers during your child’s stay. If you have any questions about this, please see the director.
Clothing and Shoes at AWB
Tennis shoes/sneakers are preferred. No sandals, crocs, or flip-flops. SOCKS should be worn at all times. Pants are preferred over dresses as they are better suited for playing on the floor. Dresses should have tights, leggings, shorts, or other covering underneath. For children in diapers and potty training, pants that are easy to pull down and up are appreciated.
Discipline
If a child is having difficulty following class rules, staff will first attempt to distract or redirect. Next, staff will give a warning followed by a time out break, if necessary and age appropriate. Time outs are generally one minute for each year of age. After the time out break, children are encouraged to ask forgiveness of one another. Usually if we involve the child in another activity or spend some one-on-one time, the problem resolves itself. If a problem persists, we will talk with the parents.
Donations and Supplies
Preschool families will pay a supply fee ($155) due at Orientation (late August.) Drop-in families will be asked to supply (during the school year) 3 rolls of paper towels and 2 containers of diaper wipes. Any additional donations of paper products, snacks, or other supplies throughout the year are always appreciated.
Finance Policy Regarding Payments
The billing period for Drop-In care will end on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Payment envelopes will be given out the following Thursday/Friday. The due date will be listed on the envelope for the following Friday. If payment is not received by the due date, your child may not return to drop-in care until it is received.
Fundraising
Fundraising events are held throughout the year to help us cover our operating expenses. Participation is optional.
Health Forms
The completed health form with immunization record is required by the last Friday in September each year.
Hygiene and Sanitation – Frequent handwashing for all staff and children, and regular cleaning by staff will always be a significant part of our daily schedule.
Immunization Requirements
Children are required to be immunized according to their age level. Exceptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis and will be made for medical reasons only. A written document is required from a physician for a medical condition causing the child to be exempt. Religious or personal exemptions will not be permitted.
*We encourage all children to get the appropriate flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations/boosters annually as directed by your child’s pediatrician.
If your child is not on a current schedule to receive the CDC recommended vaccinations, we are unable to accept your child into our care. This schedule can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html.
Invitations (to private family events)
Party invitations can be distributed by staff if ALL children in the class are invited.
Labeling Property
Please label all lunch boxes or bags, backpacks, diaper bags, etc. Putting initials on tags of coats and jackets is helpful. For babies and toddlers, label all items that you can!
Late Fees
If you are late picking up your child after closing, you will be charged a late fee of $1.00 per minute per child, beginning at 6:05pm (MWF) and 11:45am (Tues/Thru). If lateness becomes a habit, the third offense may result in your child’s expulsion from our programs.
Lunch – AWB IS NUT-FREE.
No peanuts or tree nuts or products that contain them.
Lunch is from 11:45am to 12:15pm except the Baby room (where children eat according to their own schedules.) If your child is self-feeding, please include foods that he can manage himself, and cut any fruit/meat/cheese into bite-size pieces. We do have the use of a microwave and refrigerator for foods. Please limit pick-ups and drop-offs during lunchtime.
*For babies, please bring enough baby food and milk/formula for one extra feeding. (If you expect your child to eat twice during her stay with us, please pack enough for three feedings.)
*For toddlers/older drop-in/preschool, we will help children manage their lunch, if needed. We prefer the older children be able to be more independent. We can provide water in paper cups for drinks and utensils.
Medication
Please do not send your child to AWB while on any type of fever reducing medications. AWB will only administer medication in emergency situations (epinephrine pens, breathing treatments) or when prescribed by a physician. For antibiotics (after 24 hrs), you must include written instructions including dosage and frequency. If AWB staff is uncomfortable administering any medication (except in emergencies) we will notify you to come and administer it.
Naps and Rest Time
Children in the Baby/Toddler Rooms will rest, as needed. Children in the older drop-in will have a daily rest time. Children who do not fall asleep in about 30 minutes will do quiet activities in another room.
Pick-Up – SIDE DOOR next to parking lot
To pick up a drop-in child, ring the doorbell and announce yourself. A staff member will meet you at the side door with your child dressed and ready. Preschool children will be escorted to the side door for pick-up at the end of class. 4s preschool children staying for drop-in care will eat in their classroom and then be escorted to the drop-in room at 1:00pm.
**If your preschool child is going home with another child’s parent, we must have written permission and be informed at drop-off – there is a signed form for this.
Potty Training
Children are not required to be potty-trained to attend AWB. Any child who is not fully trained, must wear disposable diapers or pull-ups for hygiene purposes. If your child wearing underwear has multiple accidents, they must wear pull-ups to AWB until the director informs you otherwise.
Please dress your child in pants that are easy to pull up and down – no overalls, belts, suspenders, or snaps/buttons that they are unable to open or close by themselves.
Prayer Requests
If you have a prayer request, please write it down and give it to the director. She will give it to the prayer chain at New Life Community Church. Prayer requests may be anonymous.
Registration
The Annual Registration Fee is $70 per family (2024). This fee is required to hold your child’s spot in preschool and/or upon entrance into the drop-in childcare. A single fee covers both programs. The registration fee is due the first day you use the drop-in care or when you submit the preschool registration form.
Reservations (for Drop-In)
At any time, parents may reserve a spot for their child at AWB. Your child’s spot can be occasional or permanent (time/days that you specify.) If your child misses two consecutive visits without advance warning, your child will be taken off the permanent list and you will have to reserve spots on a day-to-day basis. Spots can be reserved by calling (412)716-2013 and leaving a message or by text.
**Due to room capacity, children in the BABY/TODDLER ROOMS REQUIRE advance reservations.
Security Code
We require each family to give us a security code (either a word or number) for your child. Anyone who comes to pick up your child – including both parents – must know the security code before child will be released. You must notify us at drop-off if someone else will be picking up your child. That person must present ID and know the security code before your child will be released to them.
Separation
Children will take their cues from you; a quick, cheerful goodbye will make their transition easiest. If you child continues to cry after you leave and can’t be consoled within a reasonable amount of time, staff will call you to come and get them.
Snow Delays/Cancellations
AWB follows the Northgate School District schedule. If Northgate cancels classes, AWB Drop-In and Preschool classes are cancelled. If Northgate has a two hour delay, Drop-In opens at 10:00am and preschool classes are cancelled.
***Sign up on TalkingPoints.org to receive texts regarding delays/cancellations. You can also check with WPXI and KDKA on TV or online. Delays/Cancellation will be posted on our Facebook page, and a recorded message will be on the school phone. (412)328-8350
Special Needs
AWB has limited spots for children with special needs in both childcare and preschool. Children are welcomed on a case-by-case basis. Acceptance to our programs depends on the type and severity of the child’s needs and the ability of the teachers to accommodate them appropriately. A tryout period of 2 months may be enacted to make sure the situation is workable and teachers are meeting the needs of the child. We want AWB to be a positive experience and will do our very best to provide care and educational opportunities for every child to the best of our abilities. Agency Support Specialists are welcome to make appointments with teachers to attend a child’s classroom according to their educational plan.
Supplies
All children should bring a backpack or tote bag. All children should bring a change of clothing to be kept in their classroom. Replace diapers/wipes/pull-ups as needed. Babies should come with a small diaper bag. For babies and toddlers, a good rule of thumb is to include one diaper for each hour of their visit.
Tax Information (subject to change each year)
***Please do your own current research. You can find more information on this at www.irs.gov or from your tax professional.
According to Publication 503(2023) from the IRS, under the heading Provider Identification Test, “You do not have to show the taxpayer identification number if the care provider is a tax-exempt organization (such as a church or school). In this case enter ‘Tax Exempt’ in the space where form 2441 asks for the number.”
According to the same Publication 503, “Expenses for a child in nursery school, preschool, or similar programs for children below the level of kindergarten are expenses for care.” Tuition is considered a child care expense when both parents (or one if single parent household) are employed.
Toys/Security Items
Please do not send toys from home with your child. If you child needs a small security item for resting, you may bring it inside child’s diaper bag, backpack or tote, packed so that it is not easily visible. When you pick up your child make sure it is going home with you. Drop-in children may keep their belongings in their labeled bin in the classroom or on their hook. Preschoolers will keep their belongings in their assigned cubby.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2024-25 school year is $185 per month for 4s and $155 per month for 3s. This is to hold a spot – not an daily/hourly amount. Payment is due on the first school day of each month and should be returned in the payment envelope sent home in the folder. Please put payment envelopes in child’s folder or hand it directly to a teacher. Preschool students using the drop-in will receive a separate envelope for their drop-in/late charges. Payment for drop-in will be issued two times per month (approx. middle and end of each month.) Preschool students will pay the yearly Supply Fee of $155 due by Orientation (August 22nd).
Waiting List
Preschool will accept a maximum of 12 children in the 4 year classes and 12 in the 3 year class. Children must be 3 or 4 BEFORE Sept. 1st to be registered for preschool. We may accept new students after the first month of preschool on a case-by-case basis. Registration begins in January of the previous year. If the classes are filled, you are welcome to use the structured drop-in program instead if there is space available.
Walk-ins
Walk-ins (ages 3-5) are welcome at AWB whenever space is available and if your registration fee/forms are submitted. Baby/Toddlers MUST CALL AHEAD to reserve their spot.
Wellness Policy – In an effort to keep all children, staff and families safe and healthy, please follow all policies regarding infections and illnesses. We will follow health department guidelines for most communicable diseases, but we reserve the right to protect our most vulnerable childcare populations (unvaccinated infants, children/staff with medical conditions, senior/older staff.) We may ask that your child spend additional time away from AWB to ensure the health and safety of the entire school community. See attached for most current policy.
Policies 2024-2025
Your participation in our childcare or preschool programs indicates your acceptance of these policies. Failure to abide by our policies could result in you forfeiting your child’s place in our programs.
Our mission at A Welcome Break is to provide families a service of excellent care for their children, infant through pre-kindergarten, within a secure, loving, Christian environment. AWB is open to all children, regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation.
Arrival – BACK DOOR on N. Howard Ave. (and then directed to the side door.)
All drop-in clients arrive at their preferred time and ring the doorbell for entrance on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm. If you plan to drop your child after 4:00pm on Mon/Wed/Fri and you have not made verbal arrangements, please call the school phone (412)328-8350 and let the staff know of your plans. The staff will leave for the day after the last child leaves and clean-up is complete.
Preschool: Staff will meet you at the side door by the parking lot at the following times: 8:30am(4s) and 9:00am(3s). Staff will stay until 10 mins after class officially starts. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, please ring the doorbell at the N. Howard Ave. door.
All children will be greeted at the door by a staff member who will do a general health check. If a child has obvious signs of illness, they will not be admitted. Parents will not be admitted to the building.
Change of Clothing
Please bring a change of clothing for your child in case of spills, bathroom accidents, etc. Placing a full change of clothing in a Ziploc bag with your child’s name on it works well.
Changes at Home
Please let us know if your child has recently experienced anything out or the ordinary, such as a pet dying, a parent being away on a trip, giving up naps, potty training, etc. If we know about these special challenges, we can show your child extra support.
Cloth Diapers
Please let us know if your child wears cloth diapers at home. With discussion and your permission, AWB will provide and use disposable diapers during your child’s stay. If you have any questions about this, please see the director.
Clothing and Shoes at AWB
Tennis shoes/sneakers are preferred. No sandals, crocs, or flip-flops. SOCKS should be worn at all times. Pants are preferred over dresses as they are better suited for playing on the floor. Dresses should have tights, leggings, shorts, or other covering underneath. For children in diapers and potty training, pants that are easy to pull down and up are appreciated.
Discipline
If a child is having difficulty following class rules, staff will first attempt to distract or redirect. Next, staff will give a warning followed by a time out break, if necessary and age appropriate. Time outs are generally one minute for each year of age. After the time out break, children are encouraged to ask forgiveness of one another. Usually if we involve the child in another activity or spend some one-on-one time, the problem resolves itself. If a problem persists, we will talk with the parents.
Donations and Supplies
Preschool families will pay a supply fee ($155) due at Orientation (late August.) Drop-in families will be asked to supply (during the school year) 3 rolls of paper towels and 2 containers of diaper wipes. Any additional donations of paper products, snacks, or other supplies throughout the year are always appreciated.
Finance Policy Regarding Payments
The billing period for Drop-In care will end on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Payment envelopes will be given out the following Thursday/Friday. The due date will be listed on the envelope for the following Friday. If payment is not received by the due date, your child may not return to drop-in care until it is received.
Fundraising
Fundraising events are held throughout the year to help us cover our operating expenses. Participation is optional.
Health Forms
The completed health form with immunization record is required by the last Friday in September each year.
Hygiene and Sanitation – Frequent handwashing for all staff and children, and regular cleaning by staff will always be a significant part of our daily schedule.
Immunization Requirements
Children are required to be immunized according to their age level. Exceptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis and will be made for medical reasons only. A written document is required from a physician for a medical condition causing the child to be exempt. Religious or personal exemptions will not be permitted.
*We encourage all children to get the appropriate flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations/boosters annually as directed by your child’s pediatrician.
If your child is not on a current schedule to receive the CDC recommended vaccinations, we are unable to accept your child into our care. This schedule can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html.
Invitations (to private family events)
Party invitations can be distributed by staff if ALL children in the class are invited.
Labeling Property
Please label all lunch boxes or bags, backpacks, diaper bags, etc. Putting initials on tags of coats and jackets is helpful. For babies and toddlers, label all items that you can!
Late Fees
If you are late picking up your child after closing, you will be charged a late fee of $1.00 per minute per child, beginning at 6:05pm (MWF) and 11:45am (Tues/Thru). If lateness becomes a habit, the third offense may result in your child’s expulsion from our programs.
Lunch – AWB IS NUT-FREE.
No peanuts or tree nuts or products that contain them.
Lunch is from 11:45am to 12:15pm except the Baby room (where children eat according to their own schedules.) If your child is self-feeding, please include foods that he can manage himself, and cut any fruit/meat/cheese into bite-size pieces. We do have the use of a microwave and refrigerator for foods. Please limit pick-ups and drop-offs during lunchtime.
*For babies, please bring enough baby food and milk/formula for one extra feeding. (If you expect your child to eat twice during her stay with us, please pack enough for three feedings.)
*For toddlers/older drop-in/preschool, we will help children manage their lunch, if needed. We prefer the older children be able to be more independent. We can provide water in paper cups for drinks and utensils.
Medication
Please do not send your child to AWB while on any type of fever reducing medications. AWB will only administer medication in emergency situations (epinephrine pens, breathing treatments) or when prescribed by a physician. For antibiotics (after 24 hrs), you must include written instructions including dosage and frequency. If AWB staff is uncomfortable administering any medication (except in emergencies) we will notify you to come and administer it.
Naps and Rest Time
Children in the Baby/Toddler Rooms will rest, as needed. Children in the older drop-in will have a daily rest time. Children who do not fall asleep in about 30 minutes will do quiet activities in another room.
Pick-Up – SIDE DOOR next to parking lot
To pick up a drop-in child, ring the doorbell and announce yourself. A staff member will meet you at the side door with your child dressed and ready. Preschool children will be escorted to the side door for pick-up at the end of class. 4s preschool children staying for drop-in care will eat in their classroom and then be escorted to the drop-in room at 1:00pm.
**If your preschool child is going home with another child’s parent, we must have written permission and be informed at drop-off – there is a signed form for this.
Potty Training
Children are not required to be potty-trained to attend AWB. Any child who is not fully trained, must wear disposable diapers or pull-ups for hygiene purposes. If your child wearing underwear has multiple accidents, they must wear pull-ups to AWB until the director informs you otherwise.
Please dress your child in pants that are easy to pull up and down – no overalls, belts, suspenders, or snaps/buttons that they are unable to open or close by themselves.
Prayer Requests
If you have a prayer request, please write it down and give it to the director. She will give it to the prayer chain at New Life Community Church. Prayer requests may be anonymous.
Registration
The Annual Registration Fee is $70 per family (2024). This fee is required to hold your child’s spot in preschool and/or upon entrance into the drop-in childcare. A single fee covers both programs. The registration fee is due the first day you use the drop-in care or when you submit the preschool registration form.
Reservations (for Drop-In)
At any time, parents may reserve a spot for their child at AWB. Your child’s spot can be occasional or permanent (time/days that you specify.) If your child misses two consecutive visits without advance warning, your child will be taken off the permanent list and you will have to reserve spots on a day-to-day basis. Spots can be reserved by calling (412)716-2013 and leaving a message or by text.
**Due to room capacity, children in the BABY/TODDLER ROOMS REQUIRE advance reservations.
Security Code
We require each family to give us a security code (either a word or number) for your child. Anyone who comes to pick up your child – including both parents – must know the security code before child will be released. You must notify us at drop-off if someone else will be picking up your child. That person must present ID and know the security code before your child will be released to them.
Separation
Children will take their cues from you; a quick, cheerful goodbye will make their transition easiest. If you child continues to cry after you leave and can’t be consoled within a reasonable amount of time, staff will call you to come and get them.
Snow Delays/Cancellations
AWB follows the Northgate School District schedule. If Northgate cancels classes, AWB Drop-In and Preschool classes are cancelled. If Northgate has a two hour delay, Drop-In opens at 10:00am and preschool classes are cancelled.
***Sign up on TalkingPoints.org to receive texts regarding delays/cancellations. You can also check with WPXI and KDKA on TV or online. Delays/Cancellation will be posted on our Facebook page, and a recorded message will be on the school phone. (412)328-8350
Special Needs
AWB has limited spots for children with special needs in both childcare and preschool. Children are welcomed on a case-by-case basis. Acceptance to our programs depends on the type and severity of the child’s needs and the ability of the teachers to accommodate them appropriately. A tryout period of 2 months may be enacted to make sure the situation is workable and teachers are meeting the needs of the child. We want AWB to be a positive experience and will do our very best to provide care and educational opportunities for every child to the best of our abilities. Agency Support Specialists are welcome to make appointments with teachers to attend a child’s classroom according to their educational plan.
Supplies
All children should bring a backpack or tote bag. All children should bring a change of clothing to be kept in their classroom. Replace diapers/wipes/pull-ups as needed. Babies should come with a small diaper bag. For babies and toddlers, a good rule of thumb is to include one diaper for each hour of their visit.
Tax Information (subject to change each year)
***Please do your own current research. You can find more information on this at www.irs.gov or from your tax professional.
According to Publication 503(2023) from the IRS, under the heading Provider Identification Test, “You do not have to show the taxpayer identification number if the care provider is a tax-exempt organization (such as a church or school). In this case enter ‘Tax Exempt’ in the space where form 2441 asks for the number.”
According to the same Publication 503, “Expenses for a child in nursery school, preschool, or similar programs for children below the level of kindergarten are expenses for care.” Tuition is considered a child care expense when both parents (or one if single parent household) are employed.
Toys/Security Items
Please do not send toys from home with your child. If you child needs a small security item for resting, you may bring it inside child’s diaper bag, backpack or tote, packed so that it is not easily visible. When you pick up your child make sure it is going home with you. Drop-in children may keep their belongings in their labeled bin in the classroom or on their hook. Preschoolers will keep their belongings in their assigned cubby.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2024-25 school year is $185 per month for 4s and $155 per month for 3s. This is to hold a spot – not an daily/hourly amount. Payment is due on the first school day of each month and should be returned in the payment envelope sent home in the folder. Please put payment envelopes in child’s folder or hand it directly to a teacher. Preschool students using the drop-in will receive a separate envelope for their drop-in/late charges. Payment for drop-in will be issued two times per month (approx. middle and end of each month.) Preschool students will pay the yearly Supply Fee of $155 due by Orientation (August 22nd).
Waiting List
Preschool will accept a maximum of 12 children in the 4 year classes and 12 in the 3 year class. Children must be 3 or 4 BEFORE Sept. 1st to be registered for preschool. We may accept new students after the first month of preschool on a case-by-case basis. Registration begins in January of the previous year. If the classes are filled, you are welcome to use the structured drop-in program instead if there is space available.
Walk-ins
Walk-ins (ages 3-5) are welcome at AWB whenever space is available and if your registration fee/forms are submitted. Baby/Toddlers MUST CALL AHEAD to reserve their spot.
Wellness Policy – In an effort to keep all children, staff and families safe and healthy, please follow all policies regarding infections and illnesses. We will follow health department guidelines for most communicable diseases, but we reserve the right to protect our most vulnerable childcare populations (unvaccinated infants, children/staff with medical conditions, senior/older staff.) We may ask that your child spend additional time away from AWB to ensure the health and safety of the entire school community. See attached for most current policy.
