Portland St. Patrick Catholic School

Program Director
Carol Kahn

Daycare Staff
Ashley Gardner, Lead Teacher
Joyce Pline

Program Philosophy
Because we believe each child is a precious gift from God, we strive to provide a welcoming, safe environment characterized by loving, Christian care which fosters positive child development.

Admission
St. Patrick Day Care will accept children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 6 years of age.  Your child must be potty trained to be admitted.  Registration form/fee, Health Appraisal form, and Child Information card are required and can be obtained at the school office or by calling 517-647-2415.

Day Care Hours
St. Patrick Day Care will be open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.  It will be open snow days, holidays and summers as requested in sufficient number (8 or more children).

Fee Policy
The cost is $4.00 per hour per child.  A registration fee of $50 per child is required.  St. Patrick Day Care reserves the right to change fees.  All registered families will be notified in writing of any fee changes at least 2 weeks prior to any change. 

Daily Schedule
Drop Off/Breakfast Time
Creative Play
Walk Children to School (for those attending morning school)
Lesson Time/Creative Play
Snack
Pick Up Children from School
Lunch
Walk Children to School (for those attending afternoon school)
Outside Play
Rest Time
Creative Play
Pick Up Children from School
Snack
Creative Play/Outside Play
Pick Up

Food Provisions
Parents provide breakfast/lunch/snacks as needed for the hours of attendence.  Refrigerator and microwave are available.  Nutritious foods are strongly recommended.

Withdrawal
One weeks notice is requested in the event a child is withdrawn from the day care. 

Discipline Policy
Staff shall refrain from the following:
 - Hitting, shaking, pinching or inflicting corporal punishment
 - Physically restricting a child's movement, except to keep the child from injuring self or others
 - Depriving a child from toilet use or meals/snack
 - Confining a child in a small, enclosed area
 - Picking up a child in an unnecessarily harsh way
 - Using abusive language
Non-severe discipline or restraint, including logical consequences for negative behaviors, will be used when necessary to prevent a child from injuring self or others, or damaging property, while promoting safety and encouraging social harmony. 
Having a child set quietly (Time Out) for an appropriate amount of time usually works best and helps the child regain control of their emotions and gives them time to think about "being a good friend" or observing the indoor rules while cooling off.  If a child is damaging property or using toys to harm another child, the item is usually put away until a later time and the child is redirected to another area.
Staff shall use positive methods of discipline to encourage children to gain self control, self direction, self esteem, and cooperation. 

For more information about what's happening at the Daycare, please visit the Pre-School page to read Miss Carol's reports.