Before your child is given a start date, you are required to visit the Center with your child to familiarize them with the facility and caregivers. Admission is open to all regardless or Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, Age, or Disability. The following paperwork needs to be completed and returned to the Center's office before your child's first day of care. Agreement A contract stating when care is required, cost of care (weekly, monthly) and persons designated to pick up the child, including a name, address, and telephone number. Emergency Contact Parental Consent Form General information about the child, parent(s), guardians, and emergency contact persons, including name, address, telephone number, and physician. This information must be reviewed, signed, and updated every six months, or when changes are made. Health Appraisal Each child must have a physical exam by a licensed physician with up-to-date immunizations within thirty days of enrollment. We also require annual health appraisals. The schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines suggests approximately every three months for infants (after their first year), and every two years for pre-school and school age children (after entrance into first grade). CCAFP Our Center annually participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, whereby the Center can be partially reimbursed for the cost of breakfast, lunch, and snacks served to the children based on family size and income. All information is confidential. Note: All meals served to children under the Child Care Food Program are served at no separate charge, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. There is no discrimination in admission policy, meal service, or the use of facilities. Any complaints of discrimination should be submitted in writing within 180 days of the incident to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Early Head Start, Head Start, and Pre-K Counts We collaborate with the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center and Pittsburgh Public Schools to provide Early Head Start (0-3 yrs), Head Start (3-5 yrs), and Pre-K Counts services if your family is eligible. An application must be completed for registration. A birth certificate or social security card, and proof of income is required with application. Means Test Worksheet This form is mandatory for our database requirements, as well as for Family Support Services from DHS/the Office of Community Services. Your child's social security number is required for enrollment. All information is kept confidential and will not be used for any purpose other than tracking and monitoring required updates and support services. Parent and Child Support Services Agreement Form & Individual and/or Group Play Sessions Observation and Permission Form This agreement explains our family support services that are required as part of Hilltop's enrollment policies. These services consist primarily of, but are not limited to, the following requirements: play therapy group and individual observation permission form, a minimum of quarterly in-home visits, and parent handbook confirmation form. There are also other options available to you such as our weekly parent's group, and "Nurturing Skills" or ACT: Act Against Violence programs. The parent support services are meant to form the partnership that is needed between your home and Hilltop's child care/early learning environment to ensure your child reaches their fullest potential. Signed Child Release/Drop off & Pick Up Policy Video Surveillance Release Form Rooms are monitored with video cameras.
