We have a Parent Handbook for each of our families that explains our different policies and procedures. We encourage our families to take some time to read this booklet when they tour our facility. Below are abbreviated selections of the handbook to answer frequently asked questions.

Parent Participation

We welcome parents into the center with open arms! We feel that parent participation is a valuable key to the success of a ministry involving children. You, as a parent, are able to participate in a variety of ways at the center.

We love extra sets of hands during special projects, parties, and field trips. We try to provide a variety of ways for parents to support the staff of HCDC, thereby enriching the lives of the children. We encourage you to get involved in these activities with arrangements through your child's teacher.

Nap Times

All children under first grade will take some form of nap/rest during the course of the day. This is required per "Minimum Standards" for child care centers.

Snacks & Lunches

We try to keep the children involved in the meal process at the center. When possible, children serve their own lunch family style. Snacks are provided twice a day. Teachers are encouraged to have the children make snacks in their class. Full-time programs plan a cooking project each week in the class. Our part-time programs plan a cooking project once a month. The children really enjoy this experience!

A hot nutritional lunch is provided for children who are in our full-time or public Kindergarten programs. Our hot lunch program meets all the nutritional requirements. Menus are available for all of our families. We have a special infant/toddler menu for our little ones. Families are required to bring food for infants who are not on table food. Children may be encouraged but not forced to eat. We will keep you informed if your child is not eating well.

Parents' Day Out families will need to send a sack lunch and a drink each day with your child. Please send a nutritional lunch that is well balanced. We are required by law to ensure that most of your child's nutritional requirements are met.

State licensing requirements dictate that if a child must be served a therapeutic or special diet, there must be written approval from a physician or a registered or licensed dietitian. All food allergies must be brought to our attention in writing.

Security

Harvest Baptist Church requires that every adult in the facility wear a security badge while on premises. HCDC has special security badges for all staff, parents, and visitors to wear. These badges will have the name of your child/children typed on them and they also will serve as the "key" to open our doors. This badge is required to be worn while on Harvest property. Employees will be able to identify if a person is authorized to pick up your child from this system.

If you arrive between the hours of 6:30 am and 7:30 am or 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm, you will need to enter through our West security door. It requires a code to be entered for entry. Any HCDC employee can provide you with this code by showing them your I.D. badge.

Fire, Tornado & Other Emergencies

We take pride in the fact that we prepare ourselves fully for the possibility of emergencies. Fire drills are held monthly. Such drills are scheduled during a variety of times during the day to ensure that we are prepared for all situations. Yes, drills are held during inclement weather months. We do try to choose a day that has the best weather forecast. A tornado drill will be held twice a year. In the case of total evacuation, we will take the children to the closest and safest elementary school. The City of Watauga will be able to advise you to where the children have been relocated.

Bad Weather Policy

In the event of foul weather, we will be following the Keller School District's decisions concerning closings or delays. Please stay tuned to KXAS Channel 5. If the weather turns inclement, we ask that our families are considerate and pick up their children as soon as possible so that we can get our staff home safely. No tuition credit is available for days closed due to weather closings.