Jump Start Learning Center

Facility and Staff Handbook

Martha Smith
Director

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 Table of Contents

About Jump Start………………………………………………………………………….pg. 3

Mission Statement………………………………………………………………………...pg. 3
Philosophy…………………………………………………………………………………...pg. 3
Center Information……………………………………………………………………….pg. 3-4
General Staff Expectations……………………………………………………………..pg. 5-7
Professional Development……………………………………………………………..pg. 7-8

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 About Jump Start Learning Center
Jump start learning center was founded in Breckinridge County in 2022 with the intention to give
each child a head start on their education. We serve children from birth to 6 years of age offering
four different types of programs. We strive to give each child the things they need to succeed in
life and let them learn through play and interaction with other students.

Mission Statement
Our mission at Jump Start Learning Center is to maintain developmentally appropriate education
individualized for each child's needs, and prepare parents and students for school readiness,
while providing a safe environment for all.

Philosophy
At Jump Start Learning Center we believe that children learn best through interactional
environments. We strive to provide them with knowledgeable teachers and hands on activities to
help them learn through play.

Center Information
We are located at 143 19th St. Hardinsburg, KY 40143.
Administration:
Director: Martha Smith Administration: Tameka Banks
Martha.smith@jumpstart.org tameka.banks@jumpstart.org
270-756-2255 ext. 205 270-756-2255 ext. 206

Hours of Operation:
Jump Start Learning Center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am – 5:00 pm CST. We
are closed for the following days:

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New Year’s Day Labor Day
Memorial Day Thanksgiving (Thurs and Fri)
Independence Day

We are also closed for Spring Break, Fall Break, Last Two Weeks of December, and 8 weeks in
June/July. (Except for the summer program)

Our Programs:
 Infant Program: 6 weeks to 12 months
 Toddlers Program: 12 months to 36 months
 Pre-K Program: 3 years-6 years
 After School Hours Program: All Ages
 Summer Program: All Ages

Ratio
We maintain ratio of staff to children based on daycare guidelines:

Age of Child Minimum of Staff to Children

6 weeks-12months 1:4
12months-36months 1:4
3 years-6 years 1:8

RATIOS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES, INCLUDING WHEN

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ARE IN EFFECT!

Licensing
Jump Start Learning Center is a public program licensed by the state of Kentucky. A copy of
licensing rules is available for review in the office, the staff breakroom, and on the web.
https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oig/drcc/Pages/default.aspx

Weather-Related Closings
We will operate in suit with the public school system. A one call will be sent out to all staff
members and families enrolled in the program.
If for some reason we have to close during hours, all parents are to be contacted and children will
have to be picked up within the hour to ensure all parents and staff can arrive home safely.

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 General Staff Expectations
Professionalism
We take pride is being a professional childcare center and call all staff members childcare
professionals and they should act as such. The guidelines for professionalism should be followed
at all times:
 Arrive on time and stay entire shift, if needed.
 Is not absent from work on a regular basis and finds a substitute when necessary.
 Dress appropriately for interaction with children.
 Take directions, suggestions, and criticisms, and follow through to improve performance.
 Respect confidential information regarding children, families, and co-workers.
 Display a positive attitude toward the entire center (the program, children, families and
co-workers).
 Attend staff meetings and other Center events.
 Complete DHS required training courses in a timely fashion.

Dress Code
All employees are expected to come to work clean and professional. This includes proper
hygiene of bathing, teeth, wearing deodorant, washing, and brushing hair, etc. Failure to do so
can be action to be sent home.

Employees are to look professional during work hours. Tattoos and piercings are permitted as
long as they are not offensive to other staff or clients. Be mindful when working with children
that they do tend to pull on piercings. Wearing jewelry that dangles is not acceptable in the
classroom.

Employees are to wear company logo shirts or plain shirts. These shirts may have a small brand
logo on them but no bigger than 3 inches.

Slacks, Skirts, and Jeans are acceptable to wear in the workplace as long as there are no holes or
frays in the pants. All pants and skirts but come below the knee.

Leggings and workout clothing is not permitted.

Staff who are not working in the classroom can wear sandals as long as they are not thong flip
flops. Classroom staff must wear shoes that cover the toe and have a back on the shoe.

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Cell Phones
CELL PHONES ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE CLASSROOM. We use active supervision
within each classroom and cellphones can cause a distraction when monitoring children. Cell
phones should be placed on silent in a purse, bag, coat, or classroom cell phone box while you
are clocked in. You may use cell phones during breaks.

It is expected that when staff are taking children on a walk, field trip, etc. that one staff member
will have a cell phone with them. The phone may ONLY be used in the case of an emergency
and NOT for personal use.

Computers
Computers are property of Jump Start Learning Center and my only be used for work purposes.
No installing software on the computers without permission from the director. Personal
computers may be brought to be used ONLY during breaks.

Unmonitored Contact
No staff member should be left alone with a child for the protection of the child and staff
member. Another staff member should be within sight/sound at all times.

Timecards and Payrolls

Staff members are responsible for getting their timecards done for supervisors to approve. You
cannot clock in more than 5 minutes early and they are to clock out as soon as the shift is over.

We are paid biweekly, and it is your discretion if you want to sign up for direct deposit. Please
get with HR to sort out all direct deposits.

Food/Meals
WE ARE A PEANUT FREE FACILITY! Staff members food MUST be stored in the facility
break room with your name and the date. Food should be removed and discarded after one week
from the date. Food can only be eaten during your approved break time.

Hand Washing
Staff members must wash their hands at the following times:
• Upon arriving at the center
• After each diaper change
• After helping a child use the toilet
• After wiping a nose, coming into contact with saliva or any other bodily fluid.
• Before preparing meals
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• Before and after mealtimes
• Before and after using the sensory table
• After removing gloves
• After using the restroom
• After returning to the center from a break
• After coming indoors from the playground
**Frequent hand washing with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds is the most
effective way to reduce
and prevent the spread of illnesses like diarrhea, the flu, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Professional Development
Required Trainings
Training hours are required every year to stay up to date and keep the quality of the program
high for the children. Staff are required to complete at least 15 hours of professional
development each program year.

Staff must be up to date on CPR, blood borne pathogens, and first aid.

Staff will also be required to complete all preservice training prior to the program year starting.
THIS IS MANDATORY!

Staff Meetings
We will hold monthly staff meetings on the last Friday of every month. ALL STAFF are
required to join the meeting and engage. We will go over important updates and policy and
procedure changes that may have occurred. There will be a month in advance notice for the day
of the meeting and if you cannot attend you must reach out to the director. All staff meetings are
paid.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Being a part of Jump Start learning center, all staff are mandated reporters. Suspected child
abuse or neglect MUST be reported to DCS.

If a staff member is accused of abuse and/or neglect by a parent or co-worker, such an accusation
will be reported to the Director and a determination will be made as to whether there is
reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse and/or neglect. If there is
reasonable cause, a report must be made to the Department of Child Services (DCS). Jump Start
will cooperate with any DCS investigation. In addition, the accused staff member will be

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informed of the allegations and be given an opportunity to respond to those allegations.
Termination of employment after a child abuse allegation is at the discretion of the Director.
Substance Abuse
Any staff members reporting for work under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
will be asked to leave immediately. If the Director and/or Assistant Director or other staff
member has probable cause to believe a staff member’s faculties are impaired while on the job,
the staff member will be terminated immediately.

Tobacco Use
All tobacco use including, but not limited to, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vapes, etc. are
prohibited on Jump Start premises and in all company vehicles. Staff members who smoke are
strongly suggested against doing so immediately before or during their shift, as smoke can stay
on clothing and hair for an extended time. Staff members must wash hands immediately after
smoking, before returning to work.

Non-Discrimination Statement
Jump Start Learning Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion,
national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a
U.S. veteran. Jump Start Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer.