​General Parent Policies: For more information or details please feel free to read over our Parent handbook
Arrival and Dismissal-

• Park their cars in the parking lot or designated parking areas.  Parents parked in designated no parking zones may be ticketed or towed at their own expense. 
• Sign in/sign out children upon arrival and departure
• Accompany their children in and out of the building

The Center closes promptly at 6:30 pm.  We require that children, accompanied by an adult, vacate the Center no later than 6:30 pm.  A late fee is applicable for children picked up after closing time.  

Food Service and Nutrition-
The Center provides a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks at designated times. Menus are posted for parents to review and emailed at the first of each month.  Our menu conforms to all USDA nutrition guidelines.  Food from home is permissible under special circumstances, and on field trips.  
 
Health and Safety-
​Sick Policy: We ask that you keep children at home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms: 

• A fever of 100 degrees or more
• Vomiting within the previous 24-hour period
• Diarrhea within the previous 24-hour period (including recurring episodes
• of diarrhea at school)
• A heavy nasal discharge indicative of infection
• A constant cough or sore throat
• Fussy, cranky behavior and generally not himself/herself
• Redness and irritation of the eyes
  
• A skin rash (doctor's note needed to return to school)
  
• Head lice
• Symptoms of a communicable disease (doctor's note needed to return to school)
  

 *****Children may not return to the Center until they have been fever free and symptom-free for 24 hours without medication.

Medication
The following rules apply in order for Westgate Child Center staff to administer medications to children.

• All oral medications must have a doctor’s prescription.  A medication release form signed by the parent/guardian must accompany the medication. The form must specify the dosage to be administered, the time to be administered, and the length of time that the child is expected to be on the medication.
• Written authorization from the parent or guardian is also required in order for us to apply topical products, such as insect repellant or sunscreen.
• Medication must be in the original container and prescription medication clearly labeled with the full pharmacy label.
• Medication must also include the insert with all potential side effects and counter indications.
• Medication must be clearly labeled with the child’s first and last name, the name of the medication, and the directions for use.
• Prescription medication shall be used only for the child named on the label.
• Medication is not allowed in cubbies or book bags.
• The school cannot administer medicines or perform procedures requiring specific skills or prior medical training.

 
Inclement Weather and Emergencies
The Center has an Emergency Response Plan in place in the event of emergencies that may occur during school hours.  Fire and Shelter-in-Place Drills are held as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
 
The Center follows the US Federal Government Inclement Weather Policy in general, but reserves the right to close the school if conditions are determined to be too dangerous for the children or staff.  The Center will send out school closing notification via email regarding delays, early release, and/or closures.Information on the Federal Government’s status is available at the following site:  http://www.opm.gov/status/