Late Pick Up Charge: According to Licensing Regulations, children need to be picked up by program closing time. A Late Fee of $1.00 per minute per child will be charged after the program has closed.
Over 10 Hour Charge: Due to additional staffing costs and because we do not believe it is healthy for children to remain in any group setting for more than 10 hours a day, any childcare slot which requires more than 10 hours on any given day will be charged the hourly drop-in rate for each child beyond this limit. This includes children who may be out of the center during part of their day.
** During a health pandemic or significant outbreak, Encompass may change the “exclusion of care” criteria. All notifications will be shared via email.
When a child returns to the center after an illness, he/she needs to be able to go outdoors when the weather permits. If you feel your child should not go outdoors, you should keep him/her home from care.
Active Tuberculosis- Until child’s primary physician or Brown County Health Department states child is on appropriate treatment and can return
Blood or Mucous in Stool- Exclude if cannot be explained by dietary change, meds, or hard stools
Varicella (chicken pox)- Exclude until all lesions are dried and crusted.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)- Drainage is gone and on medication for 24 hours.
Diarrhea (unknown origin)- 3 or more in 24 hr. period. Exclude until asymptomatic for 24 hours. Exclusion is required for all diapered children and toilet-trained children if the diarrhea is causing soiled pants or clothing. In addition, diapered children with diarrhea should be excluded if the stool frequency exceeds two or more stools above normal for that child.
Fever- Free for 24 hours with no medications
Fifth Disease- none
Hand Food Mouth- None unless fever or child cannot maintain hygiene or avoid close contact with others
Impetigo- Medication for 24 hours and no discharge from sores
Influenza- Fever Resolved
Lice- Nit Free. GBAPS and Pulaski may have other standards that must be followed for 4K only children. 4K wrap children will need to follow EEEC no nit policy.
Measles- Exclude 4 days after rash
MRSA- Exclude if drainage from lesions cannot be contained
Pertussis (whooping cough)- 5 days after antibiotics
Rash- Rash with fever or behavioral changes should be excluded until provider has determined that the rash is not infectious
Rotavirus- Refer to diarrhea guideline above
RSV- Exclude until fever is resolved.
Scabies- Until treatment is complete
Strep- Medication for 24 hours
Vomiting- Vomiting no more than 2 times in the previous 24 hours, unless vomiting is determined to be caused by a non- infectious condition and the child is able to remain adequately hydrated
We encourage all families to administer all medications prior to attending care if possible. We will give your child medications under the following circumstances:
Medications, which we can safely administer, include:
To be able to give any medication, the following rules apply:
Please inform center personnel if your child has any known food allergies. In the event of a Special Dietary Need, Encompass Early Education and Care works in conjunction with families to provide alternative meal choices. Please complete all necessary paperwork for food allergies.
During the initial tour of the center, you will have the opportunity to meet the Center Director and educators, learn about educator credentials, receive information about our curriculum and classroom procedures, and receive answers to any other questions you have. We invite every family to participate in classroom and center functions that occur throughout the year. We want you to be a part of your child’s learning and we value your participation.
Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a research based, reliable, and family driven screening tool which provides a quick check for a child’s general, social, and emotional development. ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 are developmental screens that allow collaboration between teachers and families to help get a clearer picture of a child’s development.
ASQ-3 focuses on developmental progress and addresses five developmental areas: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social. ASQ:SE-2 is used to complement the ASQ-3 by providing information specifically addressing the social and emotional behavior of children. Drawing on parents’ expert knowledge, ASQ screening is designed to pinpoint developmental progress and catch delays in your child, paving the way for meaningful next steps in learning, intervention, and monitoring.
Encompass partners with Help Me Grow NE Wisconsin (HMG), an evidence-based program that promotes healthy growth and development for young children. HMG is all about making sure that young children get connected to the services they need. It connects various sectors like health care, education, and family support to help your child thrive. With using ASQ and the partnership with HMG, an Encompass Child and Family Advocate will help provide answers to your questions and a summary of your child’s current development based on the ASQ screening. Encompass will administer ASQ screening at regular intervals to help you and your child’s educators work together to better understand how your child learns and provides the best activities to support their growth.
We would appreciate it if you pick up/drop off or visit the center that you please silence your cell phone. These times are great opportunities to communicate with your child’s educator.
Records concerning your child (i.e., enrollment forms, health records,) are confidential and will only be accessible to you, the Center Director, your child’s educator, and persons designated by the WI State Licensing Department and NAEYC Accreditation when reviewing our records.
At Encompass, we are dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment for all children, families, and staff. We understand that concerns or misunderstandings may occasionally arise, and we believe open communication is the best way to resolve them.
If you have a concern about any aspect of our program, we encourage you to first address it directly with the staff member involved, when appropriate. If the concern is not resolved, or if direct communication is not possible, you may bring the matter to the Center Director, who will work with you in a supportive and confidential manner. Families also have the option of submitting a written grievance if additional steps are needed. The Center Director, in consultation with the Regional Director, will provide a timely response, and unresolved issues may be further elevated to the Executive Team.
A full copy of the Grievance Policy, which outlines the process in detail, is available upon request from your Center Director. We value your feedback and are committed to working together to ensure a positive experience for every child and family in our care.
Arrival and departure times of a child will be registered by an educator each day. Families must bring their child directly to the classroom and make sure the educator is aware of the child’s arrival. This is often a busy time in the classroom. Families should allow extra time to ensure that this transition is a positive one.
If children are enrolled in a program where attendance is required, (4K program outside of Encompass or Head Start) we will not allow the children to attend the center until those program hours are in session.
A child will only be released to the family/guardian or an adult 18 years or older who is authorized by the family. Identification may be requested from the designated person. Children are not allowed to leave on their own or with unauthorized persons. It is the family’s responsibility to keep Encompass informed of any changes which may need to be made on the “Authorization to Pick Up” release form. We may ask for verification of custodial arrangements. Please know without a legal document we cannot presume one family has rights over another. We must have a copy of the court order filed. A registered sex offender who is the family of a child enrolled is required to notify the Center Director. The Center Director will confirm with probationary officer or other official to determine authorization on the premises.
During the enrollment process, we ask for your email and cell phone to provide information on important events, closures, classrooms and center happenings. Please update regularly.
To ensure the safety of all children enrolled at our center:
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for all children and families.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) Licensing requires centers to verify attendance of children enrolled. Please remember to inform center staff if your child(ren) will not be attending the center or if your arrival will be more than one hour past your usual drop-off time.
It is the responsibility of each family to inform the center of their child’s daily transportation needs. Timely and accurate communication is essential to ensure the safety and coordination of transportation services.
Thank you for helping us keep all children safe.
Encompass believes in an open-door policy. We invite you to visit the center and want you to feel free to ask questions. We seek your active involvement as a family in the center’s program, particularly in following your child’s progress. Families are welcome on field trips, at lunchtime, for special events or daily activities. Please contact your child’s educator to schedule arrangements. We also encourage you to attend family events and family-educator conferences.
When changes in the family status occur; (i.e., moves, job changes, student schedules, separations, divorce, marriage, emergency contacts, etc.), you will be required to fill out a “Family Change Form”. This will enable us to help meet the needs of your child and maintain accurate records.
In the case of a divorce and other related situations, new enrollment paperwork will be requested from those families wishing to continue care and we may ask for verification of custodial arrangements. Families should know that without a legal document, we cannot presume one family has rights than the child’s other family. If there is a court order keeping one family or guardian away from the child, we must have a copy of that court order on file. Otherwise, we cannot prevent the non- custodial family from picking up the child.
The center will transition your child from one classroom/group into another as they develop. These transitions are based on your child’s individual needs and the center’s ability to accommodate the move. Center staff will inform you of any changes prior to the transition. If you have questions regarding your child’s transition, please speak to your child’s educator or the center director.
In the case of extreme severe weather, when centers need to close, families will be notified through ProCare, Encompass’ Facebook, local television stations, and email. A full week’s tuition will be charged for these weeks.
Encompass believes in creating an environment to support children and families by providing family activities to strengthen bonds between family and their children. Throughout the year, Encompass holds special events at the centers and in the community to create opportunities for families to socialize and foster a sense of community. We invite families to visit and observe their children in the classroom. Encompass provides information through resource libraries, newsletters, and day-to-day conversations. We will provide up-to-date information that helps link our families to community resources. Encompass values and supports the families we serve.
You have chosen an early childhood program that aligns with the standards and criteria established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
NAEYC is the nation’s largest organization of early childhood educators and administers the most widely recognized accreditation system for early childhood programs, including preschools, childcare centers, and schools serving young children.
By choosing a program that follows NAEYC guidelines, you are ensuring your child receives care and education that meets high standards for:
• Developmentally appropriate practices
• Health and safety
• Staff qualifications
• Family engagement
• Continuous improvement
We are proud to uphold these standards and provide a nurturing, high-quality learning environment for your child.
Upon enrollment, children are assigned to an educator who will have primary responsibility for caring for that child. Most classrooms within Encompass have a minimum of two educators and two groups of children. Your child’s primary educator, along with co-educator(s), will be responsible for ongoing personal contact, meaningful learning activities, supervision and immediate care as needed to protect the children’s well-being.
Families can help educators to meet the needs of children by sharing information. If your child has an I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) or learning plan, we strongly encourage you to share it with Encompass so educators can incorporate those objectives into their daily plans for your child. Teaching teams will work closely with service providers as outlined in your child’s care plan. To provide the best, most consistent care for your child, families will be asked to submit a copy of a child’s I.E.P. or other care plan.
To ensure that individual needs of children are met, Encompass collaborates with many community resources such as: Brown & Oconto County Health and Human Services, Birth to Three Programs, public and private schools, Bellin College, City and County Health Departments, Family and Childcare Resources of NE Wisconsin, and Encompass internal resources (i.e., Advocate Team).
The Foster Grandparent Program joins two generations-seniors and children. The program enhances the quality of life for seniors and gives them a sense of purpose while mentoring and encouraging children in social play and classroom activities. The Foster Grandparent’s presence in the classroom gives parents and children an extra sense of security. The program is a component of AmeriCorps Seniors governed by the Corporation for National Service and funded by federal and state dollars. If you are interested in more information about the program, please reach out to your Center Director.
The Early Education Support Team partners with families, children, educators, and community organizations to ensure that the program supports the whole child, classroom, and family. Our Child and Family Advocates provide in-classroom coaching and mentoring to enhance the child’s experience and promote a positive learning environment. They also work closely with families to build trusting, culturally responsive, and strength-based relationships that are centered on family goals. Advocates help connect families with community resources and support systems as needed. In partnership, our Director of Curriculum guides educational practices across all Encompass centers, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
Our center follows the developmentally appropriate HighScope Curriculum, a research-based framework that emphasizes active learning—where children are engaged both physically and mentally.
In this approach:
• Children plan, make decisions, and develop the ability to seek out and organize information independently.
• The curriculum fosters creative and independent thinking, focusing on the process of learning rather than just outcomes.
Educators:
• Understand the thinking and reasoning processes of young children.
• Carefully plan activities that support emerging skills.
• Adapt the curriculum to meet the individual needs of all children.
Children participate in a daily routine that includes:
• Planning: Choosing activities and setting goals.
• Doing: Engaging in hands-on experiences with people, places, and materials.
• Reviewing: Reflecting on their choices and learning.
This cycle strengthens decision-making skills and encourages learning through real-world experiences. You will find a Daily Routine posted in each preschool room, along with lesson plans and updates about daily activities.
Each day, teaching staff record anecdotes based on classroom observations of your child. The educators record the anecdotes using High Scope’s online COR Advantage Assessment tool. The anecdotes provide valuable and practical information to understand and plan for the developmental needs of your child. This applies to children enrolled up until they enter kindergarten. Exceptions may include children enrolled in Early Head Start, Head Start, 4K, or limited hours of care used.
Families are an important part of this process and are encouraged to share observations from home. Information shared through the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2), as well as additional home-based observations shared with educators, can be included in your child’s assessment documentation in COR.
Each day, children under the age of 3 will receive a daily note recording the events that happened during your child’s day. In addition, each week you will receive a “Weekly Digest” summarizing the pictures and notes captured during the week. Please make sure you update your contact information so you can continue to receive up to date information on your child’s early learning experiences. In addition, you will receive monthly classroom storyboards letting you know what is happening in your child’s classroom. You can also download the COR app.
The State of Wisconsin Child Care Licensing Requirements for child to educator ratio is maintained during all hours of operation. Encompass makes every attempt to meet the commitment of high-quality care which includes lower child to educator ratios as outlined by NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
The intent for best practice of quality early education discipline is to encourage self-control, self-esteem, and respect for the rights of others. We do this by providing positive guidance, redirection, and setting clear limits. For children with persistent and serious challenging behaviors, individualized plans are designed to support inclusion and success and are jointly developed with families, educators, and advocates.
• Center leadership will observe the children and classroom, identify events, activities, interactions, and other factors that predict and may contribute to challenging behaviors.
• Rather than focus on only eliminating the behavior, teaching staff shall focus on teaching the child social, communication, and emotional regulation skills using Conscious Discipline strategies while intentionally using environmental modifications, activity modifications and coaching teaching strategies to support the child’s appropriate behavior.
• Teaching staff shall respond to challenging behavior, including physical aggression, in a manner that provides for the safety of the child and safety of others in the classroom. Our response will be calm, respectful and provide the child with information on what is acceptable behavior and what is not.
• We will document challenging behavior and follow the Child Behavior Intervention Procedure.
• Educator-parent discussions regarding a child’s behavior shall be held in private and shall focus on working as a team to develop and implement an individualized plan that supports the child’s inclusion and success.
• If deemed necessary, Encompass may provide recommendations to community resource providers, such as Birth-to-Three, school districts, Head Start/Early Head Start, or behavioral health specialists.
The following steps will be completed when a child must be removed temporarily for challenging behaviors that constitute an imminent danger to the child or others. The goal is to limit or eliminate the use of suspension, expulsion, and other exclusionary measures.
• Make a referral to the Early Education Support Team to determine steps needed to act for the child and safety of others.
• If a child’s behavior is such that it necessitates temporary removal on a repeated basis, there should be sufficient documentation, and the Early Education Support Team will be involved.
• Maintain documentation on file of the outcomes of the incident, subsequent parent conference, and plan developed that includes appropriate intervention strategies. The purpose of the parent conference is to develop a plan jointly with the family and available resources, to address the specific behaviors which constitute an imminent danger (recurring violence, behavior, or aggression).
• If exclusionary measures are not considered until all other possible interventions have been exhausted and there is agreement that exclusion is in the best interest of the child. The program will work with the family in assessing services and possible alternative placement.
Due to liability purposes, pets (cats, dogs, etc.) are not allowed in Encompass buildings. Fish are the only acceptable pets.
Young Star is a program of the Department of Children and Families created to improve the quality of care in Wisconsin. Young Star evaluates childcare providers on education, learning environment, business practices, and the health and well-being of children. All Encompass’ nationally accredited centers have been designated as “5 Star”.
Daily outside activities are a part of our morning and afternoon schedules. Encompass recognizes that physical activity is critical for healthy development and promotes active indoor and outdoor play daily. We provide at least 75 square feet of outside space for each child to play outside at any one time. The children will be kept indoors during inclement weather and provided with large motor activities indoor under the following conditions:
• Heavy Rain
• Temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
• Wind Chills of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below for children aged 2 and above
• Wind Chills of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below for children under age 2
If a child is well enough to be in the center, the child is generally assumed to be well enough to go outside.
On occasion, field trips are planned for children ages 3 years and older. Families will be notified of fieldtrips 48 hours prior to the scheduled trip either through the monthly classroom calendar, messaging through ProCare, and posted notes. Families who arrive after field trip departure may be required to transport children to field trip destinations. Safety precautions will be used to safeguard children including having a cell phone in the event of an emergency, emergency contacts for all children, and first aid supplies on hand. Depending on the location of the fieldtrip, children and staff may walk, use city transit, or use contracted bus service as means of transportation to and from the fieldtrip. Children under the age of 3 will only take walking trips.
Additional fieldtrip costs may apply. Encompass contracts with Lamers Bus Lines for transportation services. Lamers Bus Lines can be reached at 1-920-496-3600. Public transportation is sometimes used for field trips requiring transportation. Children will never be left unattended in a vehicle. When children are transported, educators will be responsible for accounting on regular intervals by name and sight for all children using the Fieldtrip or Walking Safety Checklist.
We believe in active, “messy” play. The center provides smocks or paint shirts, but this cannot guarantee clothes will not get messy. Please dress your child appropriately so she/he can participate without fear of ruining good clothes. Sandals, flip-flops, and jelly shoes can be dangerous. Please leave a pair of athletic shoes in your child’s cubby for outdoor use.
Families will be asked to provide the following: (All clothing and supplies must be labeled.)
For infants and toddlers:
• feeding supplies needed by your child.
• all bottles containing breastmilk need to come to the center ready to serve, labeled with the infant’s name and the date the milk was expressed. The bottles will be dumped after 1 hour, rinsed, and stored back in the original container.
• disposable diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes, and diaper cream if needed.
• an extra set of labeled clothing.
• for toddlers, one napping item, i.e., a pillow, cuddly toy, blanket (According to best practices of SIDS Risk Reduction, blankets are not allowed in cribs or rest equipment for infants younger than 12 months)
• non-aerosol sunscreen when needed.
• toothbrush (toddlers) if applicable
• FDA and DCF alerts families and health providers that necklaces, bracelets, and jewelry marketed for relieving teething pain should not be used with infants. Such use could lead to strangulation, choking, serious injury, or death. Due to this information, these items will not be allowed at the center.
For preschoolers:
• an extra set of seasonally appropriate clothing including socks and underwear.
• one napping item, i.e., a small pillow, cuddly toy, blanket
• disposable diapers and baby wipes, if necessary
• non-aerosol sunscreen – SPF 15 or greater
• toothbrush if applicable
• non-aerosol insect repellent*
Note: On occasion there may be circumstances (i.e. blood or urine) when laundering supplies (i.e. cot sheets) may be asked of the family. Please return these soiled items when possible. Also, when potty training all soiled clothing will be bagged and sent home for laundering. If you wish to have the items thrown away, please let the classroom educator know. We are not allowed to rinse or wash soil materials according to Health and Safety guidelines.
Encompass centers are very well equipped for the development of children. To avoid lost or damaged toys, we discourage children from bringing toys from home into the center. Encompass will not be responsible for any lost or damaged toys.
Transportation to schools is available at select locations. Please ask your center director for more information and related forms.
ALL families will be required to pay a $100 non-refundable registration fee per child or $125 per family (Bellin employee rates are $90 per child or $112 per family) when enrolling in Encompass programs. This fee is due prior to starting care and helps support the additional fees of licensing requirements. WI Shares families may request payment of the registration fee from WI Shares.
An annual registration fee of $100 per child or $125 per family (Bellin employee rates are $90 per child or $112 per family) will be charged to your account on January 1. This annual registration fee will be billed unless your family is billed for their initial registration fee during the months of November or December in the preceding year. WI Shares families may request payment of the registration fee from WI Shares.
Full Time Care consists of over 30 hours of care per week up to a maximum of 50 hours per week at 10 hours a day.
Prime Time Care consists of 30 hours per week.
Daily Rate (If available) consists of up to 10 hours of care per day.
Occasional or Hourly Care is available for children 3 years and above on an hourly basis. This option is based on availability and availability of care is not guaranteed.
Before and/ or After School Care consists of 5-Year-Old Kindergarten and older children using care prior to school in the morning and after school in the afternoon during the school year only.
Care for School-age Children may be available. If you need care for your school-age child on “no school” days, contact your Center Director to determine if space is available.
The center will not provide care for your child when he/she should be in school, or if your child has been suspended from their school. This includes no care available for children in a 4K and Head Start program at an offsite location.
Fees are DUE ON FRIDAY by closing (or Sunday if paying online), prior to the week of care. New Enrollments must pay for the current week of care and the registration fee in full prior to starting care at Encompass. Encompass reserves the right to suspend and/or terminate your child(ren) from the program for not following Encompass fee policies. Fee payment agreements may be requested due to financial hardship situations.
If a family wishes to pay bi-weekly or monthly, the payments must be made in advance. Please note that four months out of each year have 5 weeks and an additional week of payment is required during these months if you choose to pay monthly.
Families will receive an account statement by the end of Thursday each week. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your account, please see the Center Director immediately. If at any time you dispute the balance owed in the account or question the validity of a transaction, please contact your Center Director for clarification and/or explanation. If you are unable to work out the dispute with your Center Director, you may call (920) 469-1236 and ask to speak with an Encompass Regional Director.
Flexible Schedules (BELLIN HEALTH CENTER (BHC) ONLY- includes BHC community families)
Flexible schedules require a minimum of eight days scheduled per month. A full day is charged for any days needed to make the eight-day minimum. Schedules are due on Monday, two weeks ahead of the week scheduled. Once space is reserved, the days may not be traded or canceled. The family will be billed whether the child is present or not. If space is available, care may be added at the daily rate. Children who occasionally schedule five days a week will be charged the daily rate for all five days. Late submission of schedule may result in loss of space. Children that use Flex Care that either starts during the month or change care types during the month will have a prorated number of flex days that they are required to use. Calculation: 8 days of flex required / of days opened during the month x # of days enrolled in flex care during the month = required flex days.
Families that enroll more than one child in care are eligible for a multiple child discount. If two children are enrolled, a 10% discount is given to the child with the lowest weekly rate. If three or more children are enrolled, the child with the lowest rate will receive a 15% discount, the second lowest rate will receive a 10% discount, and highest rate will receive no discount. Multi-Child discounts are rounded to the nearest dollar except for Hourly Care. Hourly Care children do not receive a percent discount but rather receive a $0.50 per hour discount for the children that are not billed at the highest rate.
Emplify Health employee families will receive reduced rates at the Bellin Center for all care types. Families can also utilize care at other Encompass locations but will only receive Emplify reduced rates at these centers for full time care. It is advised to contact the Center to check availability and initiate the waiting list process, particularly for infant care, as this is a highly utilized group. The enrolling Emplify family must have employment verified by Bellin Human Resources to be eligible for the discounted rate. Emplify staff with Casual Part-Time or Per Diem Status do not qualify for Emplify Health Discounts or Benefits. Check with the Bellin Center Director for any additional questions.
Encompass is closed New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, centers will close on Friday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, centers will close on Monday. Please refer to specific dates on page 3 of the Family Handbook.
All Encompass Early Education and Care Centers will be closed for one (1) day in late August for an All-Staff Professional Development Day.
If your child is normally scheduled for a day of Encompass closure (holiday, All Staff Professional Development Day, or inclement weather day), you will be billed for care as normal and are expected to pay for care on the Friday prior to the week of care.
Cash/Check Payments: Check payments can be made by inserting them in the locked box at the center. It is strongly encouraged that all families directly give any cash payments to the Center Director and in turn receive a receipt as proof of payment.
Credit/Debit Card: Encompass offers families the opportunity to pay for childcare using MasterCard®, VISA®, or Discover® credit or debit card. Families can make credit card payments through My ProCare, the ProCare App, or in person at the center.
Automatic Withdrawal: Encompass offers automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account. Please see your Center Director for more information.
4-year-old Kindergarten is offered at most Encompass locations. Fees may apply depending on the type of care needed. Please contact the Center Director regarding the enrollment process and applicable fees. 4K collaborative models with the Pulaski, Oconto Falls, and Green Bay School District may have additional requirements for enrollment and applicable fees.
(See 4K Handbook information at the end of this handbook)
If your child is normally scheduled to attend on the day of absence, you will be billed for care as contracted and payment is due on Friday prior to the week of care. You may be eligible to receive vacation credit for absences depending on the primary care type and number of days not in care. See Vacation/Sick Leave Policy for more information.
Any check or automatic withdrawals from a checking or savings returned to us will be charged a $30.00 fee. Encompass will maintain the option of refusing any future checks or EFT’s. Postdated checks will not be accepted.
According to Licensing Regulations, children need to be picked up by program closing time. A Late Fee of $1.00 per minute per child will be charged after the program has closed.
Due to additional staffing costs and because we do not believe it is healthy for children to remain in any group setting for more than 10 hours a day, any childcare slot which requires more than 10 hours on any given day will be charged the hourly drop-in rate for each child beyond this limit. This includes children who may be out of the center during part of their day. If a parent is scheduled to work a 10+ hour day and have no other options to pick up/drop off the child for care, the 10th hour charge may be waived with documentation from the employer.
Encompass receives funding from United Way and other Community partners to assist families in affording tuition for high- quality childcare. To be eligible for a reduced fee, verification of gross monthly household income (wages, child support, rental income, grant funding for students, etc.) is required at the time of enrollment and your income must fall below a specified level. Both parents must be working, or attending school, or in the case of a single-family family, the parent must be working or attending school. Encompass will ask for income verification periodically throughout the year to confirm eligibility. The care type used must be justified based on work/school schedule. Families receiving WI Shares assistance are not eligible for this funding source. If a family qualifies for any other 3rd party funding, the family may not be eligible for this Tuition Assistance.
To qualify for tuition assistance as a student, you must be taking a minimum of 6 credits per semester at a post high school institution. 12 credits or more qualify you for Full Time care. 6 -11 credits qualify you for up to Primetime care based on true care needs. A copy of your schedule is required along with a signed release form allowing Encompass to obtain information from the institution regarding your student status. If your status changes, Encompass will adjust your rates accordingly. If you drop out of school, your assistance rate terminates immediately. A C average or better must be maintained to be eligible for the assistance rate for the next semester. Students must discuss with the Center Director the options available for childcare during school vacation breaks.
If you would like to enroll an additional child into our program, we ask that you speak to the Center Director regarding the following: availability of space, necessary paperwork, and additional fees (i.e., registration fee and new weekly rate). Families will receive a second child discount, which will be applied to the lowest child rate. Your childcare account must be current and in good standing to enroll an additional child into any Encompass program.
Family initiated childcare option status changes that are requested for 3 weeks or less are not acceptable. Changes for over 3 weeks may be granted if status is available and allowed at a specific location. Changes will go into effect on Monday and cannot be changed mid-week. Additional care above the contracted care type cannot be guaranteed. Families on Drop-In Care are not guaranteed care.
At times some families find it more convenient to transfer their child(ren) to another Encompass facility if space is available. All paperwork will be transferred, and there will not be an additional charge for the transfer. Encompass requests two weeks’ written notice prior to the move. Families receiving WI Shares assistance need to notify their case worker prior to the funds loading on their EBT care for the month of a transfer of locations.
If employment is terminated with Emplify Health, the employee is responsible for notifying the Center Director at Encompass immediately as they will no longer be eligible for the Bellin reduced rates. If notification is not provided to Encompass, once it is determined the individual is no longer a Bellin employee, the former employee will be responsible for any back payments due.
The option to continue to utilize care at the Center will be based on availability.
Parent/Guardian Initiated
A parent/guardian may decide to terminate childcare enrollment at the center at any time. Parent/guardians are required to submit a two-week written notice to their Center Director. Vacation cannot be used as any part of the termination notice.
If you received any scholarship assistance during the past 12 months, any credit balance in your account may be lowered based on the total scholarship amount awarded. This funding is used to continue to support other families needing financial assistance.
Encompass Initiated/Behavior Related
Encompass will regularly advise parents/guardians of their child’s progress. If a situation arises where a child is having problems adjusting to the daily schedule, following classroom rules, and/or there are safety concerns, the following steps will be taken, after the child guidance procedure has been thoroughly followed:
• Make a referral to the Early Education Support Team to determine steps needed to act for the child and safety of others.
• If a child’s behavior is such that it necessitates temporary removal on a repeated basis, there should be sufficient documentation, and the Early Education Support Team will be involved.
• Maintain documentation on file of the outcomes of the incident, subsequent parent conference, and plan developed that includes appropriate intervention strategies. The purpose of the parent conference is to develop a plan jointly with the family and available resources, to address the specific behaviors which constitute an imminent danger (recurring violence, behavior, or aggression).
• If exclusionary measures are not considered until all other possible interventions have been exhausted and there is agreement that exclusion is in the best interest of the child. The program will work with the family in assessing services and possible alternative placement.
Reasons which may result in the termination of care are as follows:
• Non-payment for childcare services and/or lack of adherence to our fee payment policies and procedures (Immediate Termination)
• Abusive behavior and/or verbal threats by families (including profanity) or child toward program staff, other families, or children (Immediate Termination)
• Continued failure to comply with program policies.
• Child exhibits severe behavior problems which would endanger safety of self and/or others.
• Lack of cooperation from families with the program’s efforts to resolve differences and/or to meet the child’s needs through family/staff meetings or conferences.
• Child exhibits special needs or needs related to a serious illness that are not possible to meet at the program. In adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Encompass will make every effort to reasonably accommodate a child’s needs, but those that would create undue hardship to the program may result in care not being able to be offered. In this case, the Center Director and program staff will make every effort to involve the families, and other resource persons (as appropriate), to decide together on the best course of action for this child.
• Failure to keep emergency information up to date and accurate (i.e. phone numbers, emergency contacts, etc.)
If Encompass needs to terminate care, families may be given two-week notice in writing and options for alternative care may be discussed.
We understand that families may have alternative fee payment arrangements due to the sharing of the cost of childcare. Encompass will hold the responsibility of registration fees and tuition payments to family(s)/guardian(s) signing off on the enrollment form.
If you feel that you have been billed incorrectly or have a payment dispute, please speak with your Center Director to resolve the issue. If you are unable to work out the dispute with your Center Director, you may call (920) 469-1236 and ask to speak with an Encompass Regional Director.
WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD(REN) AT HOME
To help prevent the spread of illness and ensure your child receives appropriate care, please keep your child home if any of the following apply:
CHILD BECOMES ILL AT CENTER
If your child becomes ill while in our care, we will notify you and ask that you pick up your child within one hour. If you cannot be reached, your emergency contact will be called. While waiting, your child will rest comfortably in a separate, supervised area with their own crib or cot and blanket if able.
The Center Director will determine when a child needs to go home due to illness. During a health crisis or pandemic, exclusion recommendations may be adjusted based on current public health guidance and communicated via email.
** During a pandemic or public health emergency, exclusion criteria may change. Families will be notified via email.
When your child returns to the center after an illness, they should be well enough to participate in the full program, including outdoor play. If your child cannot go outdoors, please keep them home until they are fully recovered.
Some illnesses are highly contagious and may be subject to State Public Health Statutes. Please notify your Center Director if your child has been diagnosed with a communicable illness. Staff can help determine when your child may return.
• When there is a pandemic or other considerable health emergency, Encompass may change “exclusion of care” recommendations and will communicate changes to families.
• When a child is suspected of having a communicable disease or condition (such as, — but not limited to chicken pox, German measles, infectious hepatitis, measles, mumps, poliomyelitis, lice, ringworm of the scalp, scarlet fever, whooping cough, diphtheria or meningitis) the appropriate county health department will be notified.
• When a diagnosis of a communicable disease is made, the exposed children shall be watched for symptoms of the disease, and the families shall be notified. A posting of the notice shall be made that day and placed at the family entrance to the classrooms. Identity shall not be posted and procedures for confidentiality shall be maintained.
• A child may be re-admitted without a statement from physician after a communicable disease if the child has been absent for a period designated by the Health Department.
• Due to its length, the AIDS/HIV policy is available from the Center Director.
We encourage all families to administer all medications prior to attending care if possible. We will give your child medications under the following circumstances:
• when dosage/treatment cannot be adjusted to exclude childcare hours
• when a chronic medical problem may make urgent administration necessary
• when giving medication enables a recovering child to return to childcare sooner
• a situation where home administration is not possible
Medications, which we can safely administer, include:
• those prescribed by a physician.
• Over the counter (OTC) medications prescribed by a licensed health provider.
To be able to give any medication, the following rules apply:
• A signed, dated, written authorization from the family is on file (and renewed each week if necessary) with dosage amount and time of dosage specified.
• Prescription and OTC medication is in the original container and labeled with the child’s name, name of drug, specific age dosage, directions for administration, date and physician’s name. OTC medication may include Tylenol, orajel, cough syrup, etc.
• We reserve the right to refuse to give medicine dosages if they appear too high.
• It is necessary to alert staff DAILY of the medicine to be administered. All changes need to be given to a staff member in written form as well as verbally.
• Once your child’s medicine has been administered, it will be written down on the family permission form as well as in our medical logbook.
• Medication needs to go home each Friday except in situations where medication needs to be kept on hand for emergency or long-term administration. All medications are kept in a locked container except for life-saving medication (i.e. Type I).
• Families must give all medications to the educator. The only exception is a severe medical issue that requires lifesaving medication. Children may not have medication in their possession at any time.
Please inform center personnel if your child has any known food allergies. In the event of a Special Dietary Need, Encompass Early Education and Care works in conjunction with families to provide alternative meal choices. Please complete all necessary paperwork for food allergies.
• Due to USDA requirements, Encompass may only honor menu change requests based on a Special Dietary Need and determine whether it is a disability or a non-disability special dietary need. Special Dietary Needs Tracking Form will need to be completed for each participant in the program.
• A Food Allergy and Special Dietary Needs for Children Procedure will need to be followed along with necessary forms.
• We post pictures of children who have been identified with food allergies and special requests. A permission to post authorization is found on the Health History Form. This is to ensure each child’s safety when it comes to food allergies and medical health needs.
Encompass Early Education and Care follows the DCF suggested protocols for sudden infant death syndrome risk reduction. Unless the child has a note from a physician or authorized medical personnel specifying otherwise, infants shall be placed in a Supine (back) position for sleeping to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Families should consult their physician about this choice. Encompass follows SIDS guidelines set forth according to DCF, NAEYC, and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Infants up to twelve months of age should be placed to sleep in a supine position (wholly on their back) for every nap or sleep time. Swaddling infants is not necessary or recommended. Swaddling infants needs to be requested by the families and included on the intake form with a date. Blankets are not allowed in cribs or equipment for infants younger than 12 months.
Please refer to the Safe Sleep information in your enrollment folder.
Get more information here.
• Each child shall have an initial examination not more than 6 months prior to, no later than 90 days or 3 months after admission to a center.
• Evidence of current physical examination shall be provided by a report on the form provided, must be signed, and dated by a certified health professional in this state or in the state where the examination is done, or a copy of the well child statement is acceptable.
• Each child 2 years of age and older shall have a subsequent physical examination at least once every 2 years thereafter by a physician.
• Each child under 2 years of age shall be given a physical examination by a physician every 6 months after admission.
• The health examination requirement does not apply if the family of a child requests in writing that the Department of Health and Family Services grant an exemption based on the family’s adherence to religious belief in exclusive use of prayer or spiritual means for healing in accordance with the teachings of a bona fide religious sect or denomination.
• The child’s completed Health History Form must be on file at the center on the first day of attendance and updates every 6 months if there is a significant medical concern.
Families with children who have long-term/chronic medical problems must meet with the Center Director prior to enrollment to create a care plan, which relates to medical treatment their child receives at the center. The plan must be updated every 6 months and more frequently when necessary.
Encompass reserves the right to deny care if essential medication or supplies are not provided for your child.
• Children’s hands shall be washed with soap and water upon entering the classroom, before eating and after toileting.
• Children’s hands and faces shall be washed after meals.
• People working with children shall wash their hands with disinfectant liquid soap and hot water before handling food and before/after assisting with toileting.
• Wet or soiled clothing shall be changed promptly from an available supply of clean clothing. Wet and soiled clothing, according to licensing regulations, cannot be rinsed. These will be placed in a plastic bag and sent home.
• Latex and vinyl gloves are provided for all staff. (Please inform staff immediately if your child is allergic to latex.)
• Before entering infant play space, adults and children must remove, replace or cover with clean foot coverings any shoes they have worn outside that play area.
• Employees are kept informed of new cleanliness procedures.
IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, ALL CHILDREN ATTENDING ENCOMPASS WILL BE TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL INDICATED ON ENROLLMENT FORM. IF NO HOSPITAL IS SPECIFIED, CHILD WILL BE TRANSPORTED TO NEAREST EMERGENCY CENTER.
If your child becomes injured while at Encompass, the following procedure will be followed:
• Superficial wounds should be cleaned with soap and water only and protected. Families will receive an accident report on such minor injuries.
• All injuries to the head area will be subject to an immediate phone call regarding the injury.
• If the injury does not appear to be serious or life-threatening but may require medical attention, the family will be notified and asked to determine the necessity of medical attention.
• If it is necessary to call 9-1-1 for an ambulance, the family will be immediately contacted. All ambulance fees incurred will be the responsibility of the family.
• Written permission from the family to call the family physician or refer to the child for medical care in case of accident or emergency shall be on file at the center. Current emergency contact information will be kept up to date using the blue and white emergency cards.
• Medical logs are kept, and all records of accidents shall be reviewed by the director with staff to determine that all possible preventive measures are being taken.
Every precaution is taken at our childcare centers to assure the safety of the children. If, however, a child should be injured and medical attention is required, please file any expenses incurred with your medical insurance carrier or with Medical Assistance.
The Encompass insurance policy is a secondary insurance policy, that may help offset out-of-pocket medical care expenses related to an accident a child experiences while in care at Encompass. The final determination regarding eligibility of payment of expenses is solely at the discretion of the insurance company.
To submit any charges to our insurance company, it is REQUIRED that you provide Encompass with a copy of your Explanation of Benefits – EOB or a copy of the denial of coverage letter from your insurance company along with the bill.
Each child shall have an immunization history which states that the child has been immunized against diphtheria, PCV, chicken pox, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, HIB, and the day, month, and year each dose was administered. This written statement shall be on file at the center prior to the child’s admission or one of the following compliance alternatives shall be met prior to the child’s admission:
• Signed permission by the family to have the child immunized in a prompt and timely manner by either a physician specified by the family or the local public health agency.
• A statement signed and dated by the family authorizing the administration of needed immunization through medical arrangements made by the childcare center with a physician or local public health agency.
• Upon written and dated statement by a physician that, in the opinion of the physician, a particular immunization required under SS.140.05, is or may be detrimental to the health of a particular child, the requirement for that particular immunization shall be waived by the department for that child until it is certified by that physician or another physician chosen by the family that the particular immunization is no longer detrimental to the health of the child; or
• Upon written statement from the family regarding the type and date of any immunization required under SS.140.05, which is administered to a child after the immunization history has been submitted to the center, shall be on file within 30 school days (6 calendar weeks) of admission to childcare center or according to the required immunization schedule.
• Please update the center with any updated immunizations.
• For religious reasons and personal conviction reasons, a family, guardian, or legal custodian may waive and record on the form.
Please note that your vaccination decision affects not only the health of your child, but also your family, your child’s friends, and community. Children who are not immunized can readily transmit vaccinated preventable diseases.
Exclusion of care may be warranted if a communicable disease is evident.
Compliance with required physical examination and immunizations is required and your child can be terminated from childcare, if physical exam and immunizations are not current.
Encompass will prepare and serve daily a nutritionally balanced, attractive and satisfying breakfast, lunch and snack to children and staff as established by Federal, State and local Agencies. These meals will meet high standards of sanitation and operate within the budget of Encompass. Meals and snacks are planned to utilize the nutritional and serving standards outlined by the food program and our Mosaic software.. Menus are varied and new foods are occasionally introduced to give children an opportunity to expand their appreciation of different tastes. Many families find that family-style eating helps their child to enjoy foods that formerly went untried. While the menus and eating times will not meet everyone’s personal preferences, we provide a variety of attractive foods and serve them in a manner that encourages positive attitudes about food. Our menus will provide a variety of fruits and vegetables, an abundance of whole grains, sugar is used sparingly, and salt intake is limited. We make every effort to provide a large variety of highly nutritious foods. Menu items are posted at each site and available on the Encompass website.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD- 3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. Fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: [email protected]
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Encompass is mandated by the USDA to provide formulas, baby cereal, and baby food to all infants. Upon enrollment, and when your infant reaches these new nutritional milestones, you will have the option of using center supplied formula and food or to provide your own.
Breast fed babies are less likely to develop allergies or serious illnesses. There have also been proven benefits to the mother. For this reason, Encompass will be glad to work with you to support these efforts. This may include:
• A welcoming environment in which to breastfeed at the Center.
• Staff trained in the proper storage and handling of expressed milk.
• Supplementing with center supplied and/or family provided formula.
• And/or a combination of the above
View the additional links with more information:
Wisconsin WIC Program Information- Brown County
Wisconsin WIC Program Information- Oconto County
Food that comes from home for sharing among children must be either whole fruits or commercially prepared packaged foods in factory sealed containers.
All food allergies in the classroom also need to be recognized.
To provide the best physically active environment for the children in our programs, we have adopted the following practices to promote wellness and do our part in making change in the rise of childhood obesity.
• We provide 60-90 minutes of active playtime each day.
• We provide opportunities for active exploration daily.
• We provide outdoor time daily for approximately 60-90 minutes, weather permitting. For non-mobile infants’ outdoor activity is based on the individual development of each child.
• We ensure tummy time for the infant.
• We provide safe indoor equipment (both stationery and portable) to be always used. Outdoor portable play equipment is diverse.
• Container apparatus is used minimally in the classroom.
• We rarely utilize computers in the classroom or show television or videos.
• We encourage teaching staff to be active and engage the children in active play, both indoors and outdoors.
Encompass is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for children and families. It is the policy that there will be no smoking or vaping in Encompass Centers or on the premises. (I.e. parking lot, front entrance, playground, etc.) Encompass prohibits smoking, vaping, firearms, and other significant hazards that pose risks to children on its property. The only exception to firearms is licensed emergency personnel and a badge shall be worn to identify them as emergency personnel. Failure to comply with this policy may result in termination.
Encompass discourages idling vehicles (buses, families’ automobiles) in our parking areas, except if vehicles need to idle in extreme heat or cold to maintain interior or engine temperatures. Please help us keep the parking lot safe.
What constitutes abuse and neglect? Here are some definitions:
Child abuse is “any physical injury inflicted on a child by other than accidental means, sexual intercourse, sexual contact under S940.225, or exploitation, or allowing or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution.”
Neglect is defined as when a child’s family or guardian “refuses or is unable for reasons other than poverty to provide the necessary care, food, clothing, medical or dental care or shelter so as to seriously endanger the physical health of the child.”
Emotional damage is defined as “harm to a child’s psychological or intellectual functioning which is exhibited by severe anxiety, depression or aggression, and is caused by the child’s family, guardian, legal custodian and for which the child’s family, guardian or legal custodian has failed to obtain the treatment necessary to remedy the harm.”
The State of Wisconsin requires professionals who work with children to report suspected abuse or neglect and threatened harm. Those who willingly fail to report may be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned for up to 6 months or both. The list of persons required to report includes “childcare workers in any day care center or child caring institution.”
Any evidence of unusual bruises, lacerations and burns shall be noted on the child’s record and reported immediately to the person in charge of the center; Brown County Human Services may be notified. Anyone may report suspected abuse or neglect. Those who report “in good faith” are immune from civil or criminal liability.
At Encompass, the safety and well-being of all children and staff is our highest priority. Each center maintains comprehensive emergency procedures for a variety of situations, including fire, severe weather, facility evacuations, medical emergencies, intruders, and missing children. Emergency drills—such as fire and tornado drills—are practiced monthly to ensure staff and children are prepared to respond calmly and efficiently. Staff are trained to follow posted emergency routes, conduct name-to-face attendance checks, and communicate with emergency personnel as needed.
In the event of an actual emergency, Center Directors or their designees will contact 911, notify families, and coordinate any necessary evacuation or sheltering procedures. Classrooms are equipped with clipboards containing emergency contact information and ratio sheets to account for all children during any emergency. A quick reference guide is posted near the phone in every classroom. Families are encouraged to reach out to their Center Director if they would like more information about specific emergency protocols.