Creative Minds Learning Center, LLc
PARENT HANDBOOK
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January 1, 2025
Our Mission
Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC recognizes that each child is unique. We are an integrative learning facility that offers a safe and nurturing environment for all types of children. Children ranging from 6 weeks to 5/6 years of age will benefit from our structured and supportive programming that encourages and fosters social, educational and developmental growth.
Philosophy of Learning and Development
At Creative Minds Learning Center LLC, we recognize the unique potential and specific needs of every child, understanding that no two learners are the same. We are committed to embracing diverse approaches to teaching and learning, ensuring that each child thrives in an environment tailored to their development.
We believe that learning through play is essential to a child’s growth and fosters a lifelong love of discovery. By combining play-based learning with foundational academic skills, we create a balanced approach that nurtures both creativity and competence.
Our dedicated teachers craft monthly lesson plans that incorporate engaging, innovative, and educational activities designed to stimulate the senses and enhance both gross and fine motor skills. From sensory-rich experiences to hands-on projects, we make learning an exciting adventure, encouraging children to explore, imagine, and grow.
At Creative Minds Learning Center, we are passionate about making learning fun while celebrating the joy of childhood. Here, we inspire young minds to dream big and embrace the simple happiness of being a kid!
Duty to Warn
All Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC staff are mandated reporters. This requires all staff to report any reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected.
Family Involvement
Family involvement is very important, and we encourage our parents to stay involved. Strong communication lines between parents, directors and teachers will be developed and maintained to ensure that everyone is on the same page. We warmly encourage parents to volunteer for classroom activities during select times of the year, as their participation greatly enriches the learning experience and fosters a strong sense of community.
To ensure a smooth daily transition for your child and minimize confusion, we kindly ask that any extended stays in your child’s classroom be approved in advance by both the office and your child’s teacher. For safety reasons, it is essential for office staff to be aware of everyone present in the facility, particularly in case of an emergency requiring evacuation. To avoid disruptions to activities and curriculum, daily visits are limited to five to ten minutes unless a special event, such as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, is taking place. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and productive environment.
We believe that the center and the families it services are a team. CMLC facilitates parent-teacher conferences twice annually, with additional meetings scheduled as needed, including transitional meetings to support smooth progressions. We encourage parents to actively engage with our teachers through the Brightwheel app to ensure the highest level of communication and collaboration. A monthly calendar of events will also be clearly posted in each classroom. Please note, supervision of the children in our care is our number one priority. If you message your child’s teacher, they may be busy with the children and unable to answer you straight away. If it is an emergency, please call the center.
** Please note that volunteering for certain activities may require additional clearances and the completion of specific signature forms. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a safe and compliant environment for all.
Program Hours
CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC Hours of Operation are Monday – Friday Open 7:00 a.m. Close 5:30 p.m. While we accommodate pick-ups at any time of the day, we kindly ask that drop-offs not occur between 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM to avoid disruptions during lunch and naptime. If you anticipate arriving close to this time, please ensure that your child has had lunch prior to dropping off. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a peaceful environment for all children.
Inclusion Program
CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC recognizes and supports the need for outside occupational, physical, developmental, therapeutic support, or speech therapists as well as any consultants collaborating with the families. An IEP must be kept on record for any child to receive services while enrolled and appropriate services must be provided during the child's scheduled time in the classroom. At Creative Minds Learning Center LLC, we are committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for all children. However, we reserve the right to request that children receive additional services if their actions or behaviors exceed the scope of what our staff and ratios can effectively accommodate. This ensures the safety and well-being of all children in our care. Thank you for your understanding and partnership.
Vacation, Sick Days, Holidays
Tuition is based upon the days your child is enrolled. Tuition rates are based on 52 weeks of program service per year for each child enrolled. Tuition is used to secure your child’s spot at the center; therefore, credits are not provided for holidays when the center is closed, weather-related delays or closures, or when your child is absent due to illness or vacation. For prolonged vacations or extended absences (such as summer vacation), please contact the office to discuss arrangements. If a holiday falls on a weekend, then CMLC will modify the holiday closing. If your child is going to be absent due to sickness or vacation, please inform CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC via Brightwheel so that we may adequately plan for staffing.
Creative Minds will be closed (or early closure) on the following holidays:
Presidents Day **Effective 2026** (Inservice day used for staff training purposes)
Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) **Effective 2025**
Memorial Day
Independence Day – 4th of July
Labor Day
Halloween – 3pm Closure
Thanksgiving Day
Black Friday (Day after Thanksgiving)
Christmas Eve Day THROUGH New Years Day (dates subject to change based on calendar year)
Weather Policies
Since Creative Minds Learning Center LLC is located in Castle Shannon Borough, we primarily follow the Keystone Oaks School District for weather-related delays and closures, but not always. We also take into consideration all local school closings and delays, as we have staff and families traveling from various areas.
We understand that living in a city with unpredictable weather can present challenges. The center will make every effort to plan ahead, when possible, for delays or closures. However, due to the nature of our environment, advance notice may not always be feasible.
For any weather-related delay or closure updates, notifications will be provided exclusively through the Brightwheel app. We strongly encourage parents to check Brightwheel each morning, particularly during the winter months.
Delay and closure details to follow on the next page.
Delay and Closure Details:
Please note that for weather-related closures or delays, no discounts, credits, or schedule changes will be offered. After a total of four weather related closures, any additional winter closure days beyond that will be reimbursed if they become necessary.
Application, Hold Fee, and Enrollment
Enrollment at Creative Minds Learning Center LLC is determined on a first-come, first-served basis and is influenced by several factors, including classroom availability based on state-mandated ratios, the specific needs and preferences of each family, current family schedules, and more.
Please note that currently enrolled families are given priority over the waitlist for sibling enrollments and schedule changes before new enrollments are considered.
To begin the process, families must join our waitlist, which can be found under the "Enroll Now" tab on our website as Step 1.
Following the waitlist, Step 2 involves completing the application, which can also be found under the "Enroll Now" tab on our website, directly below Step One. We kindly request that this application be filled out prior to your tour, as it is an integral part of our enrollment process. Failure to complete these initial steps may result in delays in securing an available space.
Scheduling a tour provides an excellent opportunity to meet our office staff, connect with some of our teachers, discuss classroom availability and placement, explore curriculum, learn about family communication methods, and much more.
When space becomes available for your family, you will be notified and given a two-week window to accept or decline the offer. At the time of acceptance into Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC, a $75 non-refundable, enrollment fee will be charged. This fee applies to summer enrollment, yearly enrollment, and temporary enrollment.
This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with enrolling and securing your child’s spot at the center.
Failure to respond or a declined offer will forfeit your spot to the next family on the waitlist, and you will need to rejoin the waitlist if necessary.
Once you decide to enroll, all necessary paperwork will be provided and must be completed in full. Please note that failure to complete all tasks promptly may delay your child's enrollment.
A two-week written notice is required for any schedule changes or withdrawal from the center. Creative Minds Learning Center LLC reserves the right to withhold refunds or tuition discounts in the absence of proper advance notice.
HOLD FEE -
This Hold Fee Policy outlines the terms and conditions under which Creative Minds Learning Center LLC ("CMLC") will implement hold fees for securing a spot for a child at our center.
1. Hold Fee Requirement:
Once a family has been guaranteed a spot for their child at CMLC, a hold fee will be required to secure the spot. Our hold fee consists of a full month's tuition payment, which will secure a spot for up to 12 weeks. Upon enrollment, 50% of the hold fee will be refunded and applied towards the first month's tuition. We do not hold a spot for any longer than 12 weeks.
2. Exceptions to Hold Fee:
A hold fee will not be instated if CMLC is able to fill the spot for the duration of the hold period OR if the start date falls within a 30-day window of guaranteeing a spot.
3. Refund Policy:
Hold fees are non-refundable except in cases where CMLC fails to fulfill its obligation to provide the guaranteed spot on the agreed-upon start date.
4. Hold Fee Application:
The application of hold fees will be clearly communicated to the family upon guaranteeing the spot for their child at CMLC. Families will be required to acknowledge and accept these terms before the hold fee is applied.
5. Changes to Start Date:
Any changes to the start date must be communicated to CMLC at least 30 days prior to the initially agreed-upon start date to avoid any hold fee charges or adjustments.
6. Discretionary Authority:
CMLC reserves the right to exercise discretion in individual cases regarding the application or waiver of hold fees, taking into consideration factors such as extenuating circumstances or capacity constraints.
7. Agreement Acknowledgment:
By accepting a spot for their child at CMLC, families acknowledge and agree to abide by the terms outlined in this Hold Fee Policy.
CMLC reserves the right to amend this Policy as necessary, with any changes being communicated to affected parties in a timely manner.
Recording and Photography
At Creative Minds Learning Center LLC, we are committed to maintaining a safe and private environment for children, families, and staff. The following policy outlines our stance on recording and photography, in accordance with Pennsylvania laws:
By adhering to this policy, we aim to uphold the safety, privacy, and trust of everyone in our community. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Termination Policy
At Creative Minds Learning Center LLC, we understand that children may occasionally face challenges adapting to the daycare environment or following behavioral expectations. In such cases, we will schedule a conference with you to discuss the situation and collaborate on potential solutions. Our goal is to work closely with families to address and resolve any concerns.
However, if a child's behavior continues to disrupt the group dynamic, we reserve the right to request withdrawal from our care. While we recognize that children express themselves in various ways, our priority is to ensure that every child feels safe and well-cared for.
Our staff are responsible for providing attentive care to all children in their group. If a situation arises where one-on-one care becomes necessary, it may compromise the level of care provided to other children. In these cases, we may explore options such as additional support through an external aide. If resolution cannot be reached, termination of the family contract may become necessary.
A two-week written notice is required when voluntarily withdrawing your child from Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC. Families are responsible for all tuition payments through the end of the notice period, regardless of whether the child is in attendance.
If less than a two-week notice is provided, Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC will not reimburse or prorate tuition for the current payment period
If the rules and policies set forth are not followed, we reserve the right to terminate the daycare contract agreement at any time. In such an event, we will be paid in full through the end of the week in which such termination occurs.
The childcare arrangements will be terminated immediately for any of the following reasons (but not limited to):
• Failure to comply with the policies set forth in the parent handbook.
• Failure to comply with the contract.
• Destructive or hurtful behavior of a child that persists even with parent cooperation in stopping the behavior (including biting, or behavior that poses threat to children in care or caregivers).
• Non-payment of childcare or late fees and/or recurring late payment of fees.
• Repeated failure to pick up the child at scheduled times.
• Failure to show up for 5 consecutive days without any communication.
• Inability to meet the child's needs without additional staff or support.
• Blatant disrespect towards the provider or provider's family.
• If a parent knowingly brings their child ill.
• Consistent child-rearing style differences between the parent and provider.
• False information given by a parent either verbally or in writing.
If for any reason legal services are needed, Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC, or Emilie Stock will not be responsible for any legal or court costs incurred.
Tuition Policies and Procedures
Tuition at Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC, is a flat rate based on your child’s age and will decrease as they grow older. This rate is calculated on a 52-week calendar year, meaning tuition remains consistent throughout the year, regardless of any missed days your child may incur. Tuition payments are required in advance and can be made on either a monthly schedule or a semi-monthly schedule (1st and 15th of the month).
All invoices and payments are processed exclusively through Brightwheel using a debit/credit card or bank account. Please note the following processing fees:
Brightwheel offers an autopay option for added convenience. A late fee of $5.00 per day will be applied for any late payments. This fee will be issued as a separate invoice through Brightwheel. We do not accept cash, checks, or any other forms of payment for tuition.
SUPPLY FEE - Effective October 2024, Creative Minds Learning Center LLC implemented a Supply Fee to support the operational needs of our center and maintain the quality of care and education provided to your children.
This fee will be collected twice a year, in April and October, and will appear as a one-time charge on your Brightwheel account at the beginning of these months. We kindly ask that the fee be paid in full by the end of the respective months. If the fee is not paid by the end of the month that the fee is due, a late fee of $25 will be applied. If the balance remains unpaid after the 15th of the following month, an additional late fee of $50 will be applied.
Please note that if the fee is not settled by the end of that following month, Creative Minds Learning Center LLC reserves the right to terminate care.
We understand that circumstances may arise, so please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Fee Structure:
The Supply Fee is intended to help offset the costs of essential supplies and resources, including snacks, equipment, art materials, and other daily necessities that ensure the happiness, safety, and enrichment of your children. By implementing this fee, we aim to minimize the need for frequent tuition increases and reserve tuition adjustments for when they are truly necessary.
Schedule Options
Creative Minds offers several schedule options: a five-day option, three day option, or a two day option. Families will complete a schedule for their child upon enrollment. This schedule allows CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC to adequately staff the center, and we ask that you maintain a consistent schedule throughout the year. Family requests for schedule changes during the calendar year will be considered and implemented as quickly as possible in order to allow classroom or schedule vacancies to be filled. *One- or four-day options are available, but limited, and need to be discussed with a center director. There is not a bill plan for this schedule as we only offer a 10% discount when accommodating a 1 or 4 day schedule*
Late Pick Up Fee’s
Children must be picked up at their scheduled time so that we may always comply with state licensure ratios of children to adults . This is a strict policy that will always be adhered to.
The center closes promptly at 5:30 pm. Parents will be charged a late fee according to the following:
1-10 minutes late: $25.00
11-15 minutes late: $30.00
15-20 minutes late: $35.00
20 minutes or more: $45.00.
Late fees will be invoiced through Brightwheel and are due along with your next tuition payment.
If a parent or emergency contact cannot be reached within 20 minutes of the designated pick-up time, the local authorities will be notified.
Drop-In Days Option
CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC will meet the needs of drop-in requests for enrolled children whenever possible. Drop in days are only available if your classroom is under room maximum.
The following procedures have been established to ensure quality of our drop-in day’s program:
• Drop-in day must be coordinated via the ADMIN section of Brightwheel
• Drop-in days are considered additional time to your child’s tuition and will be charged at an hourly rate. Please check with the office for the current drop-in rate.
• If you schedule a drop-in day, and do not bring your child in for the scheduled drop-in day, you will be charged a full drop-in day rate of 8 hours.
• Drop-in days are only available to children currently enrolled in CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC
• Drop-in days are available when your classroom is under room maximum
• Drop-in days are on a first come, first serve basis.
Guidance and Discipline
Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC provides transitional meetings for children and parents who are experiencing a transition to a new classroom. Families have the option to participate in a formal meeting with directors to discuss the transition or to engage in an informal transition meeting with the classroom teacher. If parents/guardians choose to not participate in a transitional meeting, please see a director to sign a waiver to such a meeting.
Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC believes in least intrusive forms of guidance and discipline. ALL staff members are required to utilize these methods. We promise that we will treat you and your child with respect; we will speak to them at eye-level, and facilitate the development of responsibility, self-regulation and problem-solving skills. Creative Minds staff will promote an environment that is arranged so that a minimum number of “no’s” are necessary and problem-solving skills are developed and strengthened. We will not use corporal punishment or seclusion as forms of discipline. At times however, it may be necessary to utilize calming strategies, quiet times, cool-down periods and sensory integration to assist a child having difficulties with following center rules or over-stimulation. These strategies can be further explained by your classroom teacher and are based upon each child individually.
Creative Minds Learning Center LLC prioritizes the safety, well-being, and positive learning environment of all children in our care. To maintain this standard, we reserve the right to send a child home if they receive 3 incident reports in a single day for behaviors or actions that:
This policy ensures we can address the needs of all children effectively and maintain a productive and nurturing environment.
Parking/Dropping Off/Picking Up
CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC provides designated parking spots for drop-off and pick-up in our parking lot. If these spots are occupied upon your arrival, we kindly ask that you use another available parking space and refrain from blocking traffic.
For the safety of all children, we enforce a strict policy for the drop-off and pick-up process. Families are given a unique 6-digit access code for the main entrance door. This code is only valid for the main entrance and will not work for any other classroom doors. The code should only be shared with designated individuals on your child’s pick-up list, who must regularly pick up your child (at least a few times per month).
The Policy for Picking Up and Dropping Off Your Child:
Emergency Procedures
In the case of an emergency, the Parent/Guardian will be contacted first. If we are unable to reach the parent or guardian, the emergency contacts listed in the child’s file will be contacted. If we are unable to reach any person listed on the child’s emergency contact list, the police will be contacted and if medically necessary, the child will be taken to the nearest hospital.
Health Precautions
All precautions will be taken to ensure the health and safety of children within the center. CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC utilizes universal health precautions in sterilizing, washing, diapering/toileting and preparing meals. Medications that can be administered at home should be. However, some medications may need to be given at the time your child is at the center. Parents/Guardians may request to have the center administer the medication by completing a medication release form. For the safety and well-being of all children, all medications must be provided in their original container, clearly labeled with the child's name, the name of the medication, and directions for administration.
No exceptions will be made to this policy. We are unable to administer medication that does not meet these requirements.
Medications will be stored in areas that are not accessible to children and according to pharmacy instructions. Each child’s medicine will be bagged individually with his/her name on the bag and instructions for administration on the bag. When medications are no longer needed, they will be returned to the parents/guardians. They cannot be disposed of at the center.
Parents must make other arrangements for the care of their children when they show symptoms of any deviation from normal health. If a child becomes ill at CMLC the director or teacher will immediately notify the parents. Children will not be permitted at our school with any of the following conditions:
1. Fever of 100.4 degrees under arm (auxiliary) or higher
2. Vomiting of any sort
3. Diarrhea – two or more watery stools in a 24-hour period.
4. An undiagnosed rash
5. Eye discharge or pink eye. - Children can be readmitted after medical diagnosis to rule out bacterial or viral infection, OR 24 hours on antibiotic treatment.
6. Fatigue that prevents participation in regular activities.
7. Open oozing sores and scabs, unless properly covered and 24 hours on antibiotic treatment.
8. Head lice – until treatment is effective Parents shall be advised to make alternate plans for care in the event that the child becomes ill and is not able to attend CMLC.
In case of minor injury or accident, the staff will administer basic first aid. All injuries or illnesses not requiring immediate parental notification will be documented and reported to parents when the child is picked up at the end of the day.
In case of medical injury or illness requiring immediate professional care (emergency), the staff will call 911, giving location and nature of emergency. As appropriate, the staff will administer CPR or first aid measures. Parents will be notified immediately. If parents are unavailable, those individuals designated as emergency phone contacts will be notified. All children must have an emergency medical release form on file in case of such an emergency.
Diapering and Toilet Training
Staff will be trained in proper diapering techniques. Universal Precautions that guard against disease require a change of disposable gloves, washing of children and caregivers’ hands and sanitation between the changing of each child. Children will not be left unattended at a changing table. We are happy to assist families in toilet training when applicable. When you are toilet training your child, please let your teacher know the procedures you are using and what works best for your family. We will try to use the same techniques you are using so that we can maintain consistent teaching strategies.
** Parents are required to provide all diapers, pull-ups, and wipes for their child. For pull-ups, please ensure they are the type with attachable, Velcro sides for easy removal and proper care.
Meals and Snacks/ Allergies
CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC will provide breakfast, a morning (young toddler and older toddler classrooms only) and afternoon snack. We ask that you provide the center with your child’s lunch. CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC is a nut free center that also recognizes GFCF diets as well as other specialized dietary considerations.
Mealtimes are listed on your child’s daily class schedule which is posted in your child’s classroom. Please note that any child arriving past a scheduled mealtime should be fed prior to arrival.
Nut Free Policy
Due to the increasing nut allergy that affects so many children, CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC is a nut free center. When you are bringing in treats for your child or your child’s classroom, please be sure that these treats are nut free. We will send home treats if the labels are not clear or if they do not specify being fully tree nut/nut free. If your child has a severe nut allergy, you may wish to bring in “back up treats” for them to eat on birthday party or holiday party events.
Birthday and Holiday Policies
CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC will recognize all major holidays including Christmas, Hanukah, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentines Day, and Independence day through art activities, stories, associated lesson plans, etc. Other holidays can also be recognized upon parental request and directors’ approval and activities can be coordinated as appropriate with classroom teachers. Birthdays will be celebrated and parents may bring a special snack in observance of the child’s birthday; however, all allergies must be accounted for and the structured routine of the classroom should not be disturbed. CMLC will incorporate any birthday observances into classroom curriculum via special helpers, etc.
Rest/Quiet Time Policies
A quiet rest or nap time is required every day for all children in our program. Each infant, toddler, and preschooler will have their own bedding, which should be provided by parents. Our teachers will encourage rest using calming techniques to help children settle.
Children may bring a favorite blanket or small lovey from home to assist with relaxation during rest time. While some children may no longer require a nap or may not fall asleep, they are still expected to remain on their mats for a quiet rest. This rest period is essential to allow our teachers to take their mandated breaks.
During nap time, while children are on their mats, our ratios temporarily double, enabling teachers to take their deserved and required breaks. For children who do not sleep, teachers will provide quiet toys or activities.
We understand that this can be a challenging time, especially as children grow older and begin to phase out naps. However, rest time remains an essential part of our daily schedule to ensure a balanced and smooth environment for all children.
Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC Staff
At Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC, the safety and well-being of your child is our top priority. All staff members are required to provide the following clearances before entering a classroom:
Upon hiring, our staff also undergoes comprehensive training, including:
We ensure that all of these clearances and trainings are kept up-to-date in compliance with state regulations. Additionally, all staff are required to complete 12 hours of professional development training annually to continue providing the highest level of care and education.
Children’s Belongings
CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC will provide age-appropriate learning materials, toys, and play equipment for all children enrolled at the center. Please do not send special toys or other favorite items from home to the center, except for a blanket or stuffed animal for nap time or for designated show and tell per child.
Referral Bonus
CREATIVE MINDS LEARNING CENTER, LLC is excited to offer an enrollment bonus to our current families! If you refer a new family to CMLC and they are accepted into the center, you will receive a $75.00 credit on your next billing cycle as a thank you for your referral.
Summer/Extended Leave Hold
For families who take a vacation lasting more than one week or choose to keep their child home for the summer, a hold fee will be required to secure your child’s spot for when they return.
The hold fee compensates the center for giving up the opportunity to fill the opening, as we lose income during this period. Families are required to pay the hold fee upfront. Please note that this fee is non-refundable if the child does not return on the agreed-upon date.
The hold fee will be 50% of the family’s regular tuition rate and is a one-time, non-refundable fee. This fee will hold your child’s spot for a maximum of 12 weeks and does not apply to any future invoices.
At Creative Minds Learning Center LLC, we are excited to welcome you and your family to our center and look forward to building a positive and enriching partnership.
Parent Agreement Form
(To be signed and returned prior to enrollment)
I, the undersigned, have read and understand that our family will follow the practices and policies set forth in the Parent Handbook for Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC. I acknowledge that if I have any questions, I am to contact the office administrator, Lexi Siriano, and/or the owner, Emilie Stock, for clarification or answers to my questions.
I understand that it is my right to file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare if Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC does not adhere to state and federal regulations, and all formal attempts at discussing the issues with the above-listed directors have been unsuccessful.
In the event that legal services are required, I understand that Creative Minds Learning Center, LLC or Emilie Stock will not be responsible for any legal or court costs incurred.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I understand and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this document.
Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________________ Date__________________
Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________________ Date__________________
Director or Office Admin. Signature__________________________________________________
Date__________________
Thank you for taking the time to review and acknowledge the updates to our handbook, effective January 2025