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This curriculum combines a structured Montessori program with immersive nature experiences, promoting independence while meeting Georgia State Pre-K requirements.

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**Mission Statement:**
The Early Learning Center fosters young children's inherent curiosity and connection to nature through interactive exploration, play-based learning, and environmental stewardship. This approach aims to develop confident, compassionate, and environmentally mindful individuals. 

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The value of this setting extends beyond monetary considerations:
- Promotes children's physical and mental well-being
- Supports staff retention through an engaging, natural work environment
- Creates strong community connections through shared environmental values
- Provides unique learning opportunities not available in traditional indoor-only settings
- Reduces long-term facility costs through sustainable practices

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What?
The importance of licensing and accreditation cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, health, and educational quality of early childhood education programs. For directors, it means managing a program that consistently meets or exceeds regulatory standards, thus enhancing the program's reputation and trust within the community. Teachers and staff benefit from a structured environment with clear guidelines, ongoing professional development, and a sense of pride in maintaining high standards.

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Who?
For children, licensing and accreditation translate to receiving care and education in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that promotes their overall development. Parents gain peace of mind knowing their children are in good hands, with the assurance that the program adheres to rigorous standards. The community as a whole benefits when high-quality early childhood education programs are available, promoting lifelong learning and development that contribute to a more educated and responsible citizenry.

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How?
Achieving and maintaining these standards can present challenges, such as meeting staff qualifications and curriculum requirements. To prepare for these obstacles, programs can create professional development plans, partner with colleges for education certification, and align with staffing standards. By adhering to stringent guidelines and striving for continuous improvement, licensing and accreditation help ensure that early childhood education programs deliver outstanding care and education to children, while also benefiting families, educators, and the broader community.

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Location and Accessibility The early childhood education center maintains its central location with safety features including being set back from busy streets. The facility remains: Accessible via an adjacent side street Near public transit options Close to emergency services (fire department and police station) A standalone building for security and dedicated space Within walking distance to a small public park

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Facility Size and Capacity With the revised capacity of 8 students per classroom, the center now accommodates 48 students total, organized into 6 classes. Based on recommended space requirements: 1,680-2,160 square feet for classroom spaces (35-45 square feet per child) Additional 1,200-1,800 square feet for common areas, offices, and hallways Total indoor facility size: approximately 2,880-3,960 square feet

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Indoor Facilities Each classroom (6 total) features: 280-360 square feet of space per classroom Built-in bathroom facilities with child-sized fixtures Floor drainage systems and water spigots for easy cleanup Ample storage solutions for educational materials Flexible open floor plan for both active play and quiet/nap time Space for 8 individual cots during nap time Common areas remain the same with: Wide, wheelchair-accessible hallways Large doorways meeting ADA requirements Central kitchen facility Administrative offices and staff areas Central heating and air conditioning throughout

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Outdoor Spaces The outdoor area is slightly reduced but maintains the same features: Securely fenced playground with slides and swings Approximately 3,600-4,800 square feet of outdoor space (75-100 square feet per child) Varied surfaces including safety surfacing under equipment Garden space for nature-based learning Covered area for outdoor activities in variable weather Outdoor storage Water features with proper drainage

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**Program Description:** Growing Roots is an early learning program that integrates traditional early childhood education with outdoor activities and environmental studies. The program is designed for children aged 2-4 years, divided into two age groups: Seedlings (2-3 years) and Sprouts (3-4 years). This program design reflects current research on the benefits of nature-based early learning while meeting the community's need for high-quality early childhood education. The initial investment in appropriate outdoor and indoor spaces will be balanced by the long-term benefits to children, families, and the community.

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1. Outdoor Supervision Policy

Staff are required to maintain constant visual and auditory supervision of children during outdoor activities. For Seedlings (ages 2-3), the staff-to-child ratio must be 1:4, while for Sprouts (ages 3-4), it must be 1:6. To ensure full coverage, staff must position themselves strategically throughout the outdoor learning area. Before engaging in outdoor activities, a thorough safety inspection of the area must be conducted to identify and address any potential hazards.

1a. Inclement Weather Procedures

Staff must follow the program's weather safety guidelines for determining appropriate outdoor activities. In cases of extreme weather (severe heat, cold, storms, poor air quality), staff must implement alternative indoor nature-based activities from the program's inclement weather curriculum bank. Staff are required to check weather forecasts daily and prepare appropriate clothing recommendations for families. All staff must be familiar with and follow the emergency response procedures for severe weather events.

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2. Health and Safety Standards Staff must complete daily health checks for each child upon their arrival to the classroom and the upon the child's arrival to the classroom. Staff are required to maintain current certifications in Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and emergency response procedures. All staff must follow established handwashing protocols before and after outdoor activities, food handling, diapering, and administering first aid. Staff must report any safety concerns or incidents to the Program Director immediately and complete required documentation within 24 hours.

2a. Accident/Incident Forms All accidents must be reported immediately to the Director/Assistant Director. Accident(s) reports must be filled out, signed by an administrator, given to parents, and copied for the child’s file. Close supervision of children is the best anecdote to accidents. Use risk management to keep the environment safe and hazard free. We strive to provide the best in equipment, that is kept maintained, and in overall good working conditions, so all children will be safe in the classroom or playground areas. Safety is a joint effort of all staff and employees requiring all of us to become risk managers. Director’s must inform parents ahead of time of any accidents with a phone call.

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3. Conceal & Carry Policy

Prohibits the possession of any dangerous items including, but not limited to, firearms, ammunitions, knives, and explosive devices on the premises of a state licensed child care facility. - Addresses the presence of firearms and ammunition in a licensed group child care center as follows: - Firearms, ammunition and other potentially dangerous items may not be kept on the premises. This code applies regardless of whether or not the individual is licensed to carry a concealed weapon under Law. This code does not apply to law enforcement officers while engaged in their official capacity.

3a. Zero Tolerance for Workplace Violence

Within reason, do whatever is necessary to protect the lives and health of employees and provide a workplace free from verbal abuse, threats, or as a result that could cause or result in harm to those who are employed. We have a definitive “zero tolerance” for violence of any kind, including threats of violence.

3b. Drug and Alcohol Policy

We advocate that our institution be free from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of controlled substances by employees. Additionally, employees are to work free from the effect of alcohol and other performance-impairing substances. Drug testing may be required by any employee, who while on duty, demonstrates signs of being under the influence, and demonstrates inappropriate behavior suggesting impairment or who is observed consuming alcoholic beverages or drugs. Refusal to cooperate with drug testing and/or rehabilitation will result in immediate discharge. Violations of this policy will subject the employee to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Because prescription medication can also affect an individual’s demeanor and job performance, it is the employee’s responsibility to notify the Administrator/Program Director if he or she is taking legal prescription drugs. Such prescription drugs must be given under medical supervision and may not interfere with the performance of job duties. Depending on the seriousness and circumstances of the offense, and at the company’s sole discretion, an employee who tests positive for drugs and/or alcohol may be referred to a counseling, rehabilitation, or employee assistance program. Refusal to cooperate in this program may result in discipline, up to and including termination.

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4. Communication 4a. Staff meetings will occur monthly or when needed. These meetings are planned so that information can be passed to all staff. They are also a time where staff can communicate as a group about issues. Meetings are mandatory and no exceptions will be made. Staff meetings are held after work hours and will not be paid. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Meeting with staff is a common way to ensure regular communication. The most effective meetings will follow a concise agenda and allow for both administrators to staff communication and for the staff to share concerns. Discuss any new issues, resolve problems if possible and inform staff of upcoming events. We may also try to have occasional parent meetings, but it is difficult to work with all the parents' varying schedules to get a meaningful number of them to participate at the same time. Instead, we will have an open house combined with a brief parent meeting late twice a calendar year.

4b. Consider establishing a Parent-Staff Advisory Committee — this group would meet periodically to discuss center operations, share information, provide both groups with the opportunity to communicate concerns, and assist with the planning and conduct of special events for the children and staff. 4c. Communication between Staff is encouraged to work as a team. If an employee has an issue with another employee talk to the other employee first. If a solution is not reached with open communication, the Director can help. The Director`s door is always open for employee’s questions and concerns. Please make use of the Communication Binders in each room to note any unusual or pertinent contact with others. 4d. Other Communications Methods For special events, field trips or urgent notifications, you can send home printed material. If you cannot give this directly to the parent to make sure they sees it, rather than trusting a younger child to remember it or burying it in a diaper bag. Set up a secure drop box so parents can drop off their payments after hours. Put up eye-catching posters in prominent places at the center to share information about upcoming special events or outings, and to remind parents of holiday closures or temporary changes in the center's operating hours. Send daily or weekly reports home with infant and toddler parents describing the child's day, so parents know whether the child took a nap, played outdoors and ate his meals.

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5. Social Media Policy For the protection of our Staff and Families, we ask that there be NO social media interaction between our children/families that attend this facility. Example of Social Media Outlets: Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok, Instagram, etc. We believe this is important to implement because these are personal outlets and are not professionally appropriate forms of communication between our Families and Staff. If you do have information you would like to share, please feel free to exchange your email address and communicate that way. If you have prior interaction with a family member, please notify the administration so this can be documented and ended. Only accessible social media posts will be communicated through the facility’s official pages. Depending on the seriousness and circumstances of the offense, and at the company’s sole discretion. Refusal to cooperate in this program may result in discipline, up to and including termination.

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6a. Probation Period: A three-month probation period is provided for a new employee whose performance is being evaluated to determine whether further employment is appropriate. When an employee completes the probation period; the employee will be notified of his/her new status. During this introductory period, both the employee and the employer have the right to terminate employment without advanced notice. There may be an additional 3 months depending on staff performance.

6b. Record Keeping All employees are to record their time at the facility in the Day Care staff attendance binder. This record keeping is mandatory.

6c. Staff Absences If a staff member is unable to come to work, please call the Director ________________________. If the Director is unavailable keep trying texting or email is acceptable to start however a phone call is mandatory. Please make sure that the Director is contacted prior to 6:00 am. A doctor’s note will not be required for illnesses, unless the absence is for 3 days or more. And should be given to the Director. Please note that if you take responsibility for the opening shift which starts at 6:20 am to 7:00 am it is absolutely mandatory that you open the daycare in the morning. If you are ill you will have to notify the Director 24hrs prior to your shift or you will be expected to be at work. If the opening staff is not willing to comply by this then she will be losing this shift ASAP. Please remember by accepting the opening shift it will still be your responsibility to open the Center depending on the severity of your illness. Every attempt will be made to send you home as soon as possible. Please DO NOT take this shift if you are not willing to show up to work under any circumstances.

6d. Time off for Appointments Staff must inform the Director as soon as possible of the appointment. Staff should try to arrange appointments around their work schedule. All appointments will be written on the calendar and approved by the Director. Please note that 48 hrs. Is mandatory for all appointments in most cases. Requests will be evaluated based on a number of factors, including anticipated work load requirements, staffing considerations and hardship to the daycare operations during the proposed period of absence.

6e. Sick Days provides employees with time off due to illness. All sick days must be accompanied by a doctor’s note if longer than 3 days. All sick days are unpaid. Staff members need to call in sick as soon as they believe they may not be able to be at work, but no later than 12:00 p.m. the night before they are scheduled. You may call either the director or assistant director at home with the numbers provided to you during orientation. If it is after 12:00 p.m. the night before your shift or before you are scheduled to begin work the next day, you should call in sick only if it is an emergency or you are contagious as it is difficult to find substitutes on short notice. If you are still unable to come to work please make sure you call the Director or Assistant Director before 5 AM that morning.

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7. Child Guidance Policy: Our goal is to help children develop self-control and learn appropriate social behavior’s.

7a. Methods of Guidance: Use of positive reinforcement • Support positive behavior by praising the child at all times • Encourage self-control, self-respect and respect for others • Guide the children in a positive and gentle way • Interact positively in response to conflict and inappropriate behaviors in order to • help children to make proper choices • Re-direction • Give the child the time to calm down • Set clear and simple limits • Time away is used only if the child loses control and tries to harm him/her or • others If behavior concerns arise, staff will speak to the manager who will try to deal with the situation before addressing the issues to the parent. We believe that talking and listening to the children are also the most reliable ways to dealing with the behavior. A major influence that could affect the child’s self-esteem is not feeling the support from the most important people that surround them.

7b. Experiencing negative feedback from peers can be very negative on the child’s self-esteem. As a result, consequences occur such as: • Low social intersection skills • Little or no effort towards realizing their projects or goals • Irresponsible, shy • Might become aggressive/hostile • Unsure/anxious • Lack of confidence on goals they achieve • Poor performance • Increase of the risk of depression By communicating positively with the children, they will be able to deal with positive and negative emotions, act independently, assume responsibility of their acts, take pride in their accomplishments and have high self-esteem.

7c. Guide/Model Problem Solving: • Intervene when conflict is noticed • Identify and sum up the problem in a non-judgmental manner • Ask questions as some problems may require further investigation until a • statement can be made that the children feel comfortable with • Decide on a mutually agreeable solution and follow through (this may involve • notifying the parent of the conflict)

7d. Facilitate Effective Problem Solving: During the problem-solving process, the staff is expected to stay calm (it is difficult to solve problems when staff is emotional and owns the problem), take time (proper solving requires time and energy), keep the child’s perspective (children’s small problems and conflicts are important to them). We also use other methods to avoid conflict such as redirection, offering choices and restructuring the environment. Our Guidance philosophy is one which we feel best meets the needs of the children. We encourage children to talk about their feelings rather than to use aggressive behavior to express feelings of anger, hurt or confusion. We encourage children to independently deal with their conflicts and encourage them to reach a solution.

• Disciplinary action is to be reasonable given the particular circumstances.

• Under no circumstances can the following actions be employed or applied:

• physical punishment, restraint, confinement or isolation • verbal or physical degradation

• emotional abuse

• staff must not deny or threaten to deny any basic necessity.

7e. Bullying Policy: We have a No Bully Zone for Staff or Children/Parents. We take this very seriously. At a low level, our staff will immediately interrupt the bullying situation and follow our guidance policy. At a high level, the child who is bullying will be removed from the situation and will shadow a staff member until the parent(s) arrives. The parent will be appraised regarding the bullying event and sign an incident report. Please note that ongoing bullying can be grounds for termination of child care services at our center.

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2.	Fees and Payment Arrangements
a.	Weekly Tuition: Full Time (Mon-Fri)
b.	Payment Schedule: Due by Friday for the upcoming week
c.	Accepted Methods: Check, cash, credit card, or electronic transfer
d.	Late Fee: $25 for payments received after Monday morning
e.	Absences: Full tuition is required regardless of attendance; after 2 consecutive weeks of pre-notified absence, a 50% holding fee applies
f.	Multi-child Discount: 10% discount for siblings enrolled simultaneously

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3.	Arrival and Pickup Procedures
a.	Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
b.	Arrival Time: Children must arrive by 9:00 AM to participate in morning activities
c.	Sign-in/Sign-out: Required daily using our digital check-in system
d.	Late Pickup: TBD
e.	Authorized Pickup: Photo ID required for anyone picking up a child
f.	Early Pickup: Please notify staff in advance if your child will be picked up before 3:00 PM

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4.	Health and Safety Policies
a.	Illness Policy: Children must be fever-free (without medication) for 24 hours before returning to the center
b.	Symptoms: Fever over 100.4°F, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rash, pink eye, or severe coughing
c.	Medication: All medication requires a completed Medication Authorization Form; medication must be in original packaging with prescription label
d.	Emergencies: Staff are trained in CPR and First Aid; families will be notified immediately in case of injury or illness
e.	COVID-19 Protocols: We follow current Georgia Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines
f.	Sick Child Procedure: Children who become ill during the day will be isolated from the group and parents contacted for immediate pickup (within 1 hour)
g.	Immunizations: Georgia Form 3231 (Certificate of Immunization) required before enrollment
h.	Allergies: Written Allergy Action Plan required for all known allergies

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5.	Nutrition and Meals
a.	Meals Provided: Breakfast, lunch, and two snacks daily
b.	Menus: Posted weekly and follow USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines
c.	Special Diets: Accommodations made for allergies and religious/cultural preferences with documentation
d.	Outside Food: Not permitted except for special diets with prior approval
e.	Sample Snack Menu: 
i.	Monday: Apple slices and cheese cubes
ii.	Tuesday: Yogurt and graham crackers
iii.	Wednesday: Hummus and pita triangles
iv.	Thursday: Fresh vegetables with ranch dip
v.	Friday: Whole grain crackers and fruit
f.	Birthday Celebrations: Store-bought, sealed treats only (must be nut-free)

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6.	Family Support Services
a.	Parent-Teacher Conferences: Scheduled twice yearly (fall and spring)
b.	Additional Conferences: Available upon request
c.	Family Resource Center: Located in our lobby with parenting resources
d.	Developmental Screenings: Conducted at enrollment and annually
e.	Community Referrals: Available for families needing specialized services
f.	Parent Workshop Series: Offered monthly on various child development topics
g.	Translation Services: Available upon request for non-English speaking families
h.	Family Events: Quarterly family nights to build community

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7.	Discipline Policy
a.	We use redirection, natural consequences, and positive reinforcement
b.	Staff model appropriate behavior and communication
c.	We help children identify and express feelings appropriately
d.	Physical punishment is never permitted
e.	We work with families to ensure consistent approaches between home and school
f.	For persistent behavioral challenges, we develop individualized behavior plans in partnership with families
g.	Our goal is to help children develop self-regulation and problem-solving skills

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8.	Family Involvement Opportunities
a.	We welcome family participation in our program:
b.	Classroom Volunteers: Read stories, share cultural traditions, or assist with projects
c.	Field Trip Chaperones: Assist with supervision during community outings
d.	Special Skills Sharing: Share your profession, hobby, or talent
e.	Advisory Committee: Join our parent advisory group that meets quarterly
f.	Maintenance Days: Participate in seasonal playground and classroom improvement projects
g.	Fundraising Events: Help organize and participate in center fundraisers
h.	Documentation: We request families complete a yearly volunteer interest form w/ background check

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9.	Transition and Personal Items
a.	Comfort Items: Children may bring ONE small comfort item for rest time
b.	Clothing: 2 complete changes of weather-appropriate clothing must be kept at the center
c.	Labeling: All personal items must be clearly labeled with child's name
d.	Toys from Home: Discouraged except for designated share days
e.	Gradual Transition: We offer a phase-in schedule for new children (shortened days for the first week- prorated tuition fee)
f.	Classroom Transitions: Children move to new classrooms based on development, not strictly age, with a structured transition process

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10.	Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse
a.	All staff members are mandated reporters under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. §19-7-5)
b.	We are legally required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)
c.	Signs of possible abuse or neglect will be documented and reported
d.	Reports are confidential and made in good faith
e.	Our priority is always the safety and well-being of children
f.	This reporting requirement applies to all children regardless of who may be responsible for suspected abuse
g.	Staff receive annual training on recognition of abuse and neglect and reporting procedures

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1)	Hiring/ Orientation
a.	Current staff qualifications, skills, and experience
2)	Professional Development
a.	Regulatory requirements for professional development in your area
b.	Program quality metrics and areas needing improvement
c.	Evaluations
3)	Leadership Development
a.	Staff input regarding professional growth needs
4)	Budget constraints and resources available
a.	Bonuses/ Pay Raises
b.	Additional Positions (if needed)