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EMPLOYEE
HANDBOOK
Nurture and Grow Child
Development Center

Apr 12, 2024

Version No. 1.0
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Table of Contents

Table of Contents
What We Believe…………………………………………………………………………………………………3-4

- Characteristics of a Nurture and Grow Faculty & Staff Member

- Commitment to Community
- Mission Statement
- Vision Statement
- Philosophy Statement
- Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Administrative Team………………………………………………………………………………………………5

Relationship to Play Therapy 6

Accreditation………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….. 7

Curriculum 7

Assessment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7

Policies & Procedures 8

Employee Policies…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9-12

- Application
- Interview Process
- Training Process
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WHAT WE BELIEVE
The Finance Handbook aims to provide comprehensive guidance to the finance
department of H. Vincent Inc., enabling efficient financial management, reporting, and
decision-making processes. This handbook serves as a valuable resource to foster a
cohesive and transparent financial environment.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A NURTURE AND GROW FACULTY & STAFF

MEMBER
An effective staff member in our center should possess several key characteristics.
Some of them are as follows:
● Nurturing
● Patient
● Compassionate
● A passion for helping children thrive
● Communication skills
● Flexibility
● Adaptability
● Knowledgeable about child development

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

● Finance Managers: Oversee financial operations and provide strategic insights.
● Accountants: Handle day-to-day bookkeeping, reconciliations, and financial
reporting.
● Financial Analysts: Conduct data analysis to support informed business
decisions.

MISSION STATEMENT
At Nurture and Grow Child Development Center our vision is to provide high
quality care to each child and their families. We will do this by having a child-
centered approach to learning, promoting family partnerships, utilizing
assessment-supported and observational evidence to ensure growth, and creating a
nurturing and inclusive environment. Our highly qualified staff will use
developmentally appropriate practice to ensure that your child is receiving quality
care and education through play, curiosity driven learning, and teamwork! We offer
both child initiated play and teacher initiated play. Our goals for your children and
family:
● Build individualized relationships between the children, families, and staff.​
● Provide nurturing, responsive, and safe care.
● Welcome and celebrate diversity
● Focus on building independence, problem solving, and self regulation skills
● Use assessment tools that allow flexibility when assessing children's​
development.
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VISION STATEMENT

Our vision is to create a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can

reach their full potential. We are committed to providing high quality care, promoting

earling learning, and fostering a sense of belonging for children and their families.

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

Building Bright Futures

with A Beautiful Place
to Grow
At Nurture and Grow Child Development
Center, we are committed to providing a
safe, inclusive, and engaging environment
by fostering children's social, emotional,
cognitive, and physical development. Each
child is unique and has individualized
talents, interests, and potential and we want to heighten these qualities while they are
in our care. We recognize that forming family partnerships are crucial because parents
are a child's initial teacher. Our staff will provide meaningful learning environments
while also inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning. WIth embracing
diversity and advocating respect, we strive to influence children to become
responsible, confident, and compassionate individuals who will thrive in the dynamic
and evolving world.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We are dedicated to creating an environment that celebrates and values the diversity
of all children and families. We commit to fostering an inclusive space where every
child feels seen, heard, and respected, regardless of their background, abilities, or
identity. We strive to provide equitable opportunities for learning and growth, ensuring
that every child has access to a high quality education that meets their unique needs.
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ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

DIRECTOR

Meet Hope Clontz, the director of Nurture and Grow

Child Development Center. Hope graduated from
Eastern Kentucky University with her Bachelor’s in
Child and Family Studies with a concentration in Child
Development. She went on to receive her Master’s
from the same university in Interdisciplinary Early
Childhood Education where she obtained her Child
Care Director Certification. She is passion driven
about the success of early children and their success.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Meet Paige Clontz, the assistant director of Nurture

and Grow Child Development Center. Paige
graduated from the University of Kentucky with a
bachelors in Business Administration. Paige has a
love for children and is currently working on her
Master’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from
Eastern Kentucky University. She handles a lot of
the paperwork and finances for the center.
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RELATIONSHIP TO PLAY THERAPY

Meet Heaven Pearson, who is our play therapist. Heaven

Graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with her
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy with a focus on Play
Therapy.

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy and allows children to express themselves

in the most natural way, through play! Play therapy has been researched and proven
to be an effective way for children to navigate their big emotions. Through play
therapy children are able to build coping skills in the following areas, plus many
more:
● Anxiety
● Attachment Issues
● Pro-Social Skills
● Positive Self-Talk
● Emotion Regulation
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ACCREDITATION

We are NAEYC Accredited. Visit the Website below to learn more about the
standards.

https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/early-learning-program-accreditation

CURRICULUM
At our center, we believe in providing a comprehensive and play based learning
curriculum that fosters holistic development of each individual child. Our curriculum is
designed to promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth through
hands-on experiences, creative expression, and meaningful interactions. We prioritize
individualized learning, cultural responsiveness, and a balance between child-led
exploration and teacher led experiences. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of
learning and lay a strong foundation for future success. Check out this book that each
teacher has in their classroom!

ASSESSMENT
We use Teaching Strategies GOLD to assess our children. Assessment plays a vital
role in understanding and supporting a child's development. Through ongoing
observation and documentation, we assess each child’s progress and tailor our
teaching approaches to meet their individual needs. Our assessment practices are
designed in forming authentic relationships with children and their families. We use
informal observations, checklists, and work samples to track the progress of each
child.
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Following this link to find Kentucky’s Standards of Practice Child-Care Licensure
https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oig/drcc/Documents/SOPLicensed.pdf

Here is a list of each category and title for each child care regulatory guidance -

BACKGROUND CHECKS

SUPERVISION

STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

DIRECTOR REQUIREMENTS

EMPLOYEE RECORDS

PROGRAMMING

PREMISES

HYGIENIC PRACTICE

FIRST AID/MEDICATION

OUTDOOR PLAY AREA

EQUIPMENT

TRANSPORTATION

KITCHEN REQUIREMENTS

FOOD SERVICE

MEAL PLANNING/CENTER PROVIDES MEALS

CHILDREN’S RECORDS

WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION

POSTED DOCUMENTATION

ANIMALS
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EMPLOYEE POLICIES

Application:
EMPLOYMENT / JOB APPLICATION PERSONAL INFORMATION FULL NAME:
___________________________________ DATE: __________________ First
Middle Last ADDRESS:
_____________________________________________________________ Street
Address Apt/Suite
_____________________________________________________________ City
State Zip Code E-MAIL: __________________________________ PHONE:
_____________________ SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN): _____-____-_____
DATE AVAILABLE: __________________ DESIRED PAY: $_________ ☐ HOUR ☐
SALARY POSITION APPLIED FOR:
_________________________________________________ EMPLOYMENT
DESIRED: ☐ FULL-TIME ☐ PART-TIME ☐ SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
ARE YOU LEGALLY ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE U.S? ☐ YES ☐ NO* HAVE YOU EVER
WORKED FOR THIS EMPLOYER? ☐ YES* ☐ NO *IF YES, WRITE THE START AND
END DATES: ____________________________________ HAVE YOU EVER BEEN
CONVICTED OF A FELONY? ☐ YES* ☐ NO *IF YES, PLEASE EXPLAIN:
____________________________________________________ EDUCATION
HIGH SCHOOL: _____________________ CITY / STATE:
_____________________ FROM: _____________________ TO:
_____________________ GRADUATE? ☐ YES ☐ NO DIPLOMA:
_____________________ COLLEGE: _____________________ CITY / STATE:
_____________________ FROM: _____________________ TO:
_____________________ GRADUATE? ☐ YES ☐ NO DEGREE:
_____________________ OTHER: _____________________ CITY / STATE:
_____________________ Page 2 of 4 FROM: _____________________ TO:
_____________________ DEGREE/CERTIFICATION: _____________________
OTHER: _____________________ CITY / STATE: _____________________ FROM:
_____________________ TO: _____________________
DEGREE/CERTIFICATION: _____________________ PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYER 1:
__________________________________________________________ Company
/ Individual E-MAIL: __________________________________ PHONE:
_____________________ ADDRESS:
____________________________________________________________ Street
Address Apt/Suite
____________________________________________________________ City
State Zip Code STARTING PAY: $_________ ☐ HOUR ☐ SALARY ENDING PAY:
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$_________ ☐ HOUR ☐ SALARY JOB TITLE: ______________ RESPONSIBILITIES:

_____________________________ FROM: _____________________ TO:
_____________________ REASON FOR LEAVING:
_______________________________________________________ EMPLOYER 2:
__________________________________________________________ Company
/ Individual E-MAIL: __________________________________ PHONE:
_____________________ ADDRESS:
____________________________________________________________ Street
Address Apt/Suite
____________________________________________________________ City
State Zip Code STARTING PAY: $_________ ☐ HOUR ☐ SALARY ENDING PAY:
$_________ ☐ HOUR ☐ SALARY JOB TITLE: ______________ RESPONSIBILITIES:
_____________________________ FROM: _____________________ TO:
_____________________ REASON FOR LEAVING:
_______________________________________________________ EMPLOYER 3:
__________________________________________________________ Company
/ Individual Page 3 of 4 E-MAIL: __________________________________ PHONE:
_____________________ ADDRESS:
____________________________________________________________ Street
Address Apt/Suite
____________________________________________________________ City
State Zip Code STARTING PAY: $_________ ☐ HOUR ☐ SALARY ENDING PAY:
$_________ ☐ HOUR ☐ SALARY JOB TITLE: ______________ RESPONSIBILITIES:
_____________________________ FROM: _____________________ TO:
_____________________ REASON FOR LEAVING:
_______________________________________________________ REFERENCES
(PROFESSIONAL ONLY) FULL NAME: _______________________________
RELATIONSHIP: ______________ First Last COMPANY:
________________________________ TITLE: ______________ E-MAIL:
__________________________________ PHONE: _____________________
FULL NAME: _______________________________ RELATIONSHIP:
______________ First Last COMPANY: ________________________________
TITLE: ______________ E-MAIL: __________________________________
PHONE: _____________________ FULL NAME:
_______________________________ RELATIONSHIP: ______________ First Last
COMPANY: ________________________________ TITLE: ______________
E-MAIL: __________________________________ PHONE:
_____________________ MILITARY SERVICE ARE YOU A VETERAN? ☐ YES ☐ NO
BRANCH: _____________________ RANK AT DISCHARGE:
_____________________ FROM: _____________________ TO:
_____________________ Page 4 of 4 TYPE OF DISCHARGE:
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_____________________ IF NOT HONORABLE, PLEASE EXPLAIN:

______________________________________ BACKGROUND CHECK CONSENT
IF ASKED, ARE YOU WILLING TO CONSENT TO A BACKGROUND CHECK? ☐ YES ☐
NO DISCLAIMER Applicant understands that this is an Equal Opportunity Employer
and committed to excellence through diversity. In order to ensure this application
is acceptable, please print or type with the application being fully completed in
order for it to be considered. Please complete each section EVEN IF you decide to
attach a resume. I, the Applicant, certify that my answers are true and honest to
the best of my knowledge. If this application leads to my eventual employment, I
understand that any false or misleading information in my application or interview
may result in my employment being terminated. SIGNATURE
_________________________________ DATE _____________________ PRINT
NAME _________________________________

INTERVIEW PROCESS
Stage 1: Introduction
Stage 2: Q&A
Stage 3: Your questions
Stage 4: Closing
TRAINING PROCESS
Your first 2 weeks will consist of new hire training!
1st day: Onboarding
- You will complete paperwork, communicating your role expectations, making
introductions, and learning protocols
2nd - 4th day: Shadowing
- You will be in the classroom you are assigned to and will shadow your role. At
the end of the week you will have taken notes and questions to be asked
before your 2nd week starts.
5th day: Training
- You will now implement what you learned throughout your training week and
will be out on the floor with the children and other staff
Week 2: Follow up
- Throughout the week you will follow up with the director. If you have any
questions or concerns about being a new employee, this will give you time to
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set up a meeting and discuss to ensure that you are comfortable with
performing the duties of your job!