16 INTRODUCTION Ida Kids Center (IKC) was opened as a non-profit organization in 1995. The center participates in the Great Start To Quality Program, and has earned a Three Star Rating. We are dedicated to providing affordable, quality childcare for children 13 months up to 13 years of age. IKC provides the Ida Community with a locked and secure childcare setting where children can learn, play and socialize; a place where children are nurtured and encouraged and Christian values are constantly modeled. Listed are the State of Michigan’s guidelines for caregiver to child ratios (caregiver:children). 13 months to 2 ½ years 1:4 2 ½ years to 3 years 1:8 3 to 4 years 1:10 4 years to 5 years 1:12 6 to 12 years 1:18 **Our goal is to maintain smaller class sizes than those established by the State. At no time will we exceed State ratios. PHILOSOPHY Whether at home or in childcare, we believe that children need a consistent predictable environment. An important part of the childcare experience is giving parents as well as children a supportive and loving atmosphere on a daily basis. With this environment we strive to create parental peace of mind, child confidence, and developmental progress. We believe children learn by doing, by being offered interesting and challenging activities along with guidance, encouragement, and appropriate limits. The overall goals of our program are to provide care and experiences that help each child develop mentally, physically, emotionally and socially. We see child care as an extension of parent care, not a substitute. To be beneficial, it takes all three components: STAFF
16 INTRODUCTION Ida Kids Center (IKC) was opened as a non-profit organization in 1995. The center participates in the Great Start To Quality Program, and has earned a Three Star Rating. We are dedicated to providing affordable, quality childcare for children 13 months up to 13 years of age. IKC provides the Ida Community with a locked and secure childcare setting where children can learn, play and socialize; a place where children are nurtured and encouraged and Christian values are constantly modeled. Listed are the State of Michigan’s guidelines for caregiver to child ratios (caregiver:children). 13 months to 2 ½ years 1:4 2 ½ years to 3 years 1:8 3 to 4 years 1:10 4 years to 5 years 1:12 6 to 12 years 1:18 **Our goal is to maintain smaller class sizes than those established by the State. At no time will we exceed State ratios. PHILOSOPHY Whether at home or in childcare, we believe that children need a consistent predictable environment. An important part of the childcare experience is giving parents as well as children a supportive and loving atmosphere on a daily basis. With this environment we strive to create parental peace of mind, child confidence, and developmental progress. We believe children learn by doing, by being offered interesting and challenging activities along with guidance, encouragement, and appropriate limits. The overall goals of our program are to provide care and experiences that help each child develop mentally, physically, emotionally and socially. We see child care as an extension of parent care, not a substitute. To be beneficial, it takes all three components: STAFF
Childcare_Handbook_-_organized_into_booklet.docx