Family Handbook 2018-2019

24 the building), we request that the classroom is provided with a 24-48 hour supply of expressed milk or formula. Additionally, as per recommended best practice:  Staff will discard after one hour any formula or human milk that is served but not completely consumed or is not refrigerated.  If staff warm formula or human milk, the milk will be warmed in water at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit for no more than five minutes.  Staff will not offer solid foods to infants younger than 4 months, unless that practice is approved by families and/or a health care provider.  Sweetened beverages will not be served. If juice (only 100% fruit juice is recommended) is served, it is served only to infants 12 months and older, and the amount is limited to no more than four ounces per child daily.  The program will not feed cow’s milk to infants younger than 12 months.  Staff will not offer infants or toddlers these foods: hot dogs, whole or sliced into rounds; whole grapes; nuts; popcorn; raw peas; hard pretzels; spoonfuls of peanut butter; or chunks of raw carrots or meat larger than can be swallowed whole.  Staff will cut foods into pieces no larger than ¼-inch square for infants and ½-inch square for toddlers and twos, according to each child’s chewing and swallowing capability.  If solid food is served, parents will bring solid food prepared at home for use by their child.  Teaching staff will offer children fluids from a cup as soon as the families and teachers decide together that a child is developmentally ready to use a cup  All baby bottles must be plastic or other unbreakable material. Bottles must be labeled with the child’s name and the date prominently displayed. Infant Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), MSC follows the recommended best sleep practice of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association for the Education of Young Children:  Infants, unless otherwise ordered by a physician and documentation provided, are placed on their backs to sleep on a firm surface manufactured for sale as infant sleeping equipment that meets the standards of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft items are not allowed in cribs or rest equipment for infants younger than 12 months.  Blankets are not allowed in cribs or rest equipment for infants younger than 12 months.  Infants are observed for items that could potentially cause choking/suffocation. Bibs, necklaces, and infant garments with hoods or ties, or other items that could potentially cause choking/suffocation are removed every time infants are placed to sleep.  Infants’ heads will remain uncovered during sleep.  Sleep positioner devices intended to keep an infant in a desired position while sleeping will not be used unless ordered by a physician and documentation provided.  Swaddling will not be used.