Policies and Handbook

Release of Children

Only a child's parent/guardian will be permitted to take a child from the JSU CDC. Parents/guardians may leave a list of adults approved for pickup. They may also update the initial information provided, when necessary, through ProCare.

All adults will be asked to provide photo identification and pick up authorization will be confirmed by a JSU CDC Administrator prior to the release of a child. Your child’s safety is our number one priority.

Clothing & Supplies for Children

Children should be dressed for play at the JSU CDC. Children are encouraged to learn through their senses. Young children acquire added information best through active, hands-on play, which sometime gets messy. Please take that into consideration when helping children dress for the center. 

Extra clothes and underwear should be kept in a backpack in each child’s cubby, regardless of the child’s age, since spills or accidents can happen to anyone. Children play outside daily for at least 2 hours, weather permitting. Inclement weather and air-quality alerts are closely monitored prior to children going outdoors. Make sure each child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Layers that can be added or removed are recommended. All clothing should be labeled with the child’s name. 

Parents/guardians/caregivers should provide their children with the following supplies: 

• Reusable water bottle with permanently attached lid, labeled clearly with your child’s full name.
• Blankets or nap mat. Nap mats will be sent home once a week for washing. Pillows are not permitted.
• Sunscreen and insect repellant (if desired) clearly labeled with your child’s name and corresponding authorization form.
• Diapers and wipes if necessary.

Student Confidentiality

The JSU CDC observes both the Alabama DHR Minimum Standards requirement and Jacksonville State University’s written policies regarding the protection of confidentiality and the disclosure of children’s records. Disclosure of children's records beyond family members, program personnel, and consultants having an obligation of confidentiality requires parental consent (except in the case of abuse or neglect). 

Active children’s files are maintained in a locked cabinet in the JSU CDC’s administrative offices. Teachers have access to these with permission from the Director or Assistant Director; files are read on-site and are never removed for the JSU CDC. Files of children who have graduated or withdrawn from the JSU CDC are archived in compliance with the State of Alabama.

We carefully maintain confidentiality and respect each family’s right to privacy, refraining from disclosure of confidential information and intrusion into family life. Exceptions to this policy occur only when we have reason to believe that a child’s welfare is a risk, and it is permissible to share confidential information with agencies as well as with individuals who have legal responsibility for intervening in the child’s interest.

Photo Release

Photographs, videos, and audio recordings of the children are taken occasionally to benefit the program. During the registration process, parents are asked to complete a release form for their child to be photographed, videoed, and recorded while at the CDC. Parents who disagree may indicate so on the form. Administrators and teachers are aware of children who do not have permission to be photographed, videoed, and recorded and will ensure that decision is enforced. 

The JSU CDC will not sell any child’s likeness without prior permission from the family.

Camera Access

Parent/Teacher Communication

We value and facilitate frequent communication between families and teachers and consider this exchange an important contribution to the planning and implementation of the program. Teachers and administrators use ProCare to communicate with families. ProCare is both a browser-based and app communication tool created for childcare centers. The CDC uses ProCare for tuition payments, attendance, notifications, and messaging. It can message one parent or a group. CDC teachers use ProCare to share classroom updates and pictures. It is a secure platform for communication and has a social media-type format available within the system, so all photos and information remain private.

Inclement Weather Advisories