New Horizons Frequently Asked Questions
Q Does the price include meals and snacks, or do I need to
bring food for my child?Q What types of meals and snacks do you serve?
Q What time do you open and close?
Q What kinds of activities and curriculum are offered at New
horizon on a daily basis?Q What is your policy regarding sick kids?
Q Do you have a sick care option?
Q What is your discipline policy?
Q Can I observe/visit my child whenever I like?
Q Are your services and fees written down in the form of a
contract or service agreement?A The center participates and maintain strict adherence to
the USDA Food ProgramBreakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack will be served each
day. You are not allowed to bring any food into the Center
for your child except for medical or religious reasons. We
must be notified in writing if you need an exception to the
food policy due to these reasons. Please inform us in
writing if there are certain foods your child cannot eat or
would result in an allergic reaction. If we do not hear from
you, we assume your child is not allergic to any foods. A
menu will be posted weekly. A Prayer of Thanks, table
manners, setting the table, serving food, conversation, and
clean-up are an integral part of our meals.There is a full-time cook on staff who prepares all meals in
our program. Fresh meals are prepared each day on the
premises. All meals meet the guidelines of the State of
Maryland Child Food Program.A The center participates and maintain strict adherence to the
USDA Food ProgramBreakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack will be served each
day. You are not allowed to bring any food into the Center
for your child except for medical or religious reasons. We
must be notified in writing if you need an exception to the
food policy due to these reasons. Please inform us in
writing if there are certain foods your child cannot eat or
would result in an allergic reaction. If we do not hear from
you, we assume your child is not allergic to any foods. A
menu will be posted weekly. A Prayer of Thanks, table
manners, setting the table, serving food, conversation, and
clean-up are an integral part of our meals.The hours of operation for childcare are from 6:30 a.m.
until 6:00p.m. Monday through Friday. The Educational
Program and Kindergarten are in session between 9:00 am. To
3:00 p.m.Waldorf
The hours of operation for childcare are from 6:00 a.m.
until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Educational
Program is in session between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.In the event of the Prince George's / Charles's County
schools being closed due of inclement weather, we will still
try to remain open. If the schools are delayed due to road
conditions, we may also be slightly delayed in opening. If
the snow is very heavy and the roads are hazardous, listen
to the radio station VVTOP (1500 AM) or watch local
television stations for the center closing. You may also
call the Center before leaving to receive a "Special
Recording" concerning the day's opening or closing status.HOLIDAYS we will be closed on the following holidays
New Year’s Day
Dr. Martin L. King’s Birthday
Memorial Day
Christmas Eve
Independence Day
Veteran’s Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas Day
President’s Day
A When children leave our program, parents are asked to do an
official withdrawalRequest a withdrawal form from the Director. If your child
is just leaving for the summer and will be returning, also
request a student return form.A NEW HORIZON Has an educationally based curriculum designed
to meet the needs of each age group? Special activities take
place that emphasize good character and are designed to
build self-esteem. New Horizon has an educationally based
curriculum, which provides a full day of learning. The
curriculum is divided into ten monthly themes with
behavioral objectives that correspond to logical knowledge,
language development, social knowledge, physical knowledge,
socio-emotional development, physical development, cultural
awareness, health development, nutrition development, and
parent involvement. These nine component areas of
development set the stage for educating the complete child.
During the months of July and August, our program becomes a
summer program with weekly interest themes. Social skills,
language development, and physical development become the
focus. Our center environment is set up for cognitive
experiences through exploration, observation, and
experimentation. The child and teacher using the environment
as a learning tool initiate this approach. Each child is
also given opportunities to develop his/her potential
physically, socially, and emotionally.The planning and implementation of activities are based on
the developmental level and abilities of each individual
child. Children are assessed three times a year to determine
their specific needs and achievements. A daily schedule is
posted in each classroom to give parents an idea of how the
day is spent. Our program presents an array of paths from
which each child selects materials and activities
appropriate to his/her level and interests, with an emphasis
on hands-on learning. Extended experiences such as field
trips, cooking activities, music, computers, foreign
languages, children's programs, and guest entertainers are
provided to enhance concepts and skills. Our newsletter
"Horizon Kids" gives curriculum information and other
newsworthy items. We believe that by taking advantage of the
many innovative early childhood techniques and materials, we
can build a solid foundation for each child's future
achievement and success. Each classroom has a schedule
posted which informs parents of the daily activities of that
class. A monthly newsletter is given to each child's parents
to give curriculum information and other newsworthy items.The Maryland State Department of Human Resources requires
that a signed physician and parent consent form must be
provided before any kind of medication can be administered
to your child. This includes diapering, baby aspirin, cough
syrup, cough drops, etc. Medication must arrive in a labeled
prescription bottle with the prescribed time of dosage and
amount of dosage. Parents must sign the medication sheet
each day upon arrival if their child is to receive medication.HEALTH
All children are required to have the proper medical forms,
emergency card, and immunization form on file before
admission. (Each child must have a lead test on time and
their measles shot).Any child who shows signs communicable illness, such as
fever, diarrhea, ringworm, etc. should not be sent to the
center. If your child has had any of these symptoms at home,
please wait until the symptom has ceased for at least 24
hours before bringing your child to the Center.If upon arrival, the staff notices any signs of your child's
illness that is contagious you will be asked to take your
child home. If the staff notices signs of illness after you
have left, and the condition appears to endanger the health
of others, your child will be isolated immediately and you
will receive a call to pick-up your childPlease notify the Center Director immediately if your child
has been diagnosed as having any communicable disease. When
a child is absent for an illness for more that three
consecutive days, a written note from your child's physician
must be submitted to the Center Director before returning
your child to school.In case of slight injuries at the Center, first-aid will be
administered by the staff. In case of more serious injuries,
parents will be notified immediately and necessary steps
will be taken. We will use the information on emergency
cards. In the event there is an emergency, which needs
immediate attention, New Horizon Child Development Center,
Inc., will grant authorization for a doctor or hospital to
administer treatment. Our Center has a doctor who is on call.A Anytime your child receives another immunization, please
have her/his doctor to sign a statement indicating your
child's name, type of immunization, date, and the doctor's
signature. This will be placed in the child's folder. It is
imperative that these forms are kept up-to-date. This is a
mandate of the County and State Departments of Human
Resources. Children cannot be admitted into any center
without proper health records.A In case of slight injuries at the Center, first-aid will be
administered by the staff. In case of more serious injuries,
parents will be notified immediately and necessary steps
will be taken. We will use the information on emergency
cards. In the event there is an emergency, which needs
immediate attention, New Horizon Child Development Center,
Inc., will grant authorization for a doctor or hospital to
administer treatment. Our Center has a doctor who is on call.A Discipline is maintained in a positive manner. Behavior
standards are taught in each classroom. A child who abuses
the rights of others will be taken aside to discuss the
problem and may be isolated from the group (usually in a
chair) in full view of the teacher until an understanding
has been reached.A All parents and visitors must report to the office upon
entering the building. This is a security precaution. Each
visitor must sign the visitor's log upon arrival into the
building. Parents are encouraged to visit the Center at
anytime. Often times, new children need an adjustment period
before initial visits commence or the child will cry and
cling to parents. Carefully choose a time after your child
has adjusted to his/her new environment. Please consult with
the Center Director.A A registration packet of information and forms are only
given to the parent when the registration fee has been paid
and the student application has been completed and
submitted. The following forms must be completed and/or
signed and returned before enrollment.1. Application Form
2. Parents' Policies and Procedures Form
3. Parent Financial Agreement Form
4. The Maryland State Department Health Form
5. The Maryland State Department Immunization Form #896/
Lead Addendum Emergency Card (w/three reliable contacts for
emergencies)6. Food Program Meal Benefit Form
7. Parent Photo / Consent Form
8. Child Care Information Booklet
