Who We Are:

Lion Academy Child Development Center is a full-time childcare and early education center

with well-planned and structured Christian preschool programs. The center operates on a

year-round schedule, serving children from 15 months through the end of their 5 grade year.

Mission :

Lion Academy exists to provide high-quality, developmentally appropriate childcare with a

Christian emphasis within the community. We endeavor to provide a safe and loving place for

children to grow academically, spiritually, and physically.

Philosophy:

At Lion Academy, we know every child is a precious gift from God, grounding our entire

approach in unconditional love and spiritual nurturing. Our environment is dedicated to the

simultaneous development of the young mind and heart, integrating a rigorous, play-based

academic curriculum that views purposeful play as the foundation of critical thinking and skill

mastery. We blend this spiritual foundation with the intentional structure of a micro-school

environment, ensuring individualized attention that cultivates intellectual curiosity and

provides the academic excellence necessary for every student to become a confident, lifelong

learner prepared to thrive in the world.

Operation Information:

Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Late Pick-Ups: A fee (This fee is outlined in the financial agreement you signed upon

enrollment) is applied for children picked up after the 6:00 PM closing time.

Children's Age Range: 15 Months -11 Years

Holidays:  

New Year’s Day 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day  

President's Day 

Spring Parent Teacher Conferences (12:30 closure) 

Good Friday 

Memorial Day 

July 4th and 24th 

Labor Day 

TBA Fall and Spring Parent Teacher Conferences (12:30 closure) 

Thanksgiving and the Day After 

Christmas Eve, Christmas, and the week between New  Year’s (This is a Christmas gift to our staff) 

Ratios: 

Class Divisions:

• Toddlers (12-24 Months)

• 2/3-Year-Old Class

• Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 years old)  

The class your child is in is determined according to the Granite School District birthday deadline

of September 1st. We aim to have your child grouped with the children they will enter school

with. Children will transition classrooms once per year, every June. Tuition rates are based on

your child’s classroom, not their age. 

Holidays (Lion Academy Closed):

• New Year's Day

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• President's Day

• Spring Parent Teacher Conferences (12:30 closure)

• Good Friday

• Memorial Day

• July 4th and 24th

• Labor Day

• TBA Fall and Spring Parent Teacher Conferences (12:30 closure)

• Thanksgiving and the Day After

• Christmas Eve, Christmas, and the week after until January 3rd. (This is a Christmas gift to

our staff)

Class Ratios:

• Toddlers: (15Mo-24Mo) 1:5 (class size 5)

• Two-Year-Olds 1:7 (class size 12)

• Three-Year-Olds 1:12 (class size 12)

• Four-Year-Olds 1:15 (class size 20)

• Five-Year-Olds and Up 1:20 (class size 35)

The class your child is in is determined according to the Granite School District birthday

deadline of September 1st. We aim to group your child with the children they will enter school

with. Children will transition classrooms once per year, every June. Tuition rates are based on

your child's classroom, not their age.

Tuition:

Tuition is payable either monthly (the 1st of each month) or on a bi-monthly basis (the 5th and

20th of each month). Payment schedules must be prearranged with the Director.

• A late fee will be applied to tuition not received by the 5th of the month.

• A returned payment fee will be charged for any payment transactions that are returned

unpaid.

• A fee will be charged for any credit or debit card payments.

Full-time tuition pays for your child to attend Lion Academy for up to 45 hours per week.

There will be a small tuition increase (5-8%) each January to account for rising supply costs

and cost-of-living wage increases for our staff.

The Financial Agreement Contract, which must be signed upon enrollment, details the above

and all other policies regarding payment. It also informs the parents that they are responsible

for any costs incurred.

Playground Tuition Payments:

Lion Academy uses an automated payment processing system called Playground to safely

process tuition each month. This system allows you to pay tuition and fees in one of two ways:

1. Signing up for recurring automatic bank-to-bank transactions.

2. Signing up for recurring automatic credit or debit card payments.

Invoices are sent out and due on the 1st of every month. Late fee will be applied if Payment is

received later than the 5th of the month. Payments will be processed the following Monday if

the 5th falls on a weekend. If payments are scheduled bi-monthly, tuition will be due and

processed in equal parts on the 5st and 20th of each month. Payment receipts and

statements will be emailed to the addresses on file after payments are processed.

Parent Responsibilities:

1. All parents/guardians must sign children in and out on the kiosk daily.

2. Children must be within arm's reach when walking to and from the classroom and parking

lot. Parents are solely responsible for their children when on Lion Academy/Southeast

Christian Church property.

3. Parents/guardians must provide lunches (and snacks for toddlers) each day.

4. Each classroom has a communication board. Please check it regularly.

5. Messages to staff may be sent directly through Playground. Please remember that staff

members are working and may not be able to respond to messages right away. If urgent,

please call the office to speak with the directors or your student's teacher.

6. All bedding must be taken home at the end of the week to be washed.

Supplies from home: 

Toddlers, Two’s and Three’s:

• Please label ALL items.

• Diapers and Wipes

• Change of Clothes

• Lunch/Bottles

• Pacifiers/Comfort Items

• Port-a-Crib Sheet

• Blanket and Mat Cover

• Sleep Sack (if needed)

• Stuffed Animal for Rest Time if Desired

Pre-Kindergarten:

• Please label ALL items.

• Lunch

• Blanket and Sheet (Toddler Bed Size) or Nap Roll

• Change of Clothes

• Stuffed Animal for Rest Time if Desired

The staff will communicate when your child needs more supplies or when special supplies

are needed. Please make sure that your child has enough supplies to last 48 hours in the

event of an emergency. If your child does not have needed supplies, Lion Academy will

provide items for a fee. This will be added to your monthly tuition charges.

Breastfeeding Mothers:

Lion Academy supports mothers who breastfeed their infants/toddlers and the practice of

using pumped breast milk. Lion Academy has a private room with a locked door for mothers

wanting to breastfeed their babies. 

Allergies and Special Needs:

Allergies:

Please provide a complete list of your child's allergies on their health assessment and notify

the office and teaching staff. A center-wide allergy list will be posted in every classroom.

Allergy medications and Epi-Pens should be left with office staff with a signed medication

release form.

Special Needs:

Lion Academy will make reasonable accommodations for special needs children. Children will

be accepted on an individual basis. Our staff has basic training in various special needs and

will work with families to create an individual education plan for children in need.

Sick Child And Medication Policy:

Illness:

If a child has had symptoms of illness within the past 24 hours, looks ill, or has a fever, they will

not be allowed in the center. If a child shows any of the following symptoms, they will be given

immediate care, and their parent or guardian will be contacted to take them home:

• Fever of 100.4+°F

• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

• Diarrhea (frequent, loose, watery stools)

• Unusual drowsiness or tiredness

• A sore throat, acute cold, or a persistent cough

• Red, inflamed, or discharging eyes

• Earache

• Swollen glands around jaws, ears, or neck

• Suspected impetigo or head or body lice

• Any skin sore oozing fluid or pus

• Chickenpox

• Any other symptoms where the child is not well enough to engage in the group.

We ask that parents/guardians pick up sick children within one hour. If parents/guardians

cannot be reached or do not come within that timeframe, we will reach out to the emergency

contacts.

If your child demonstrates any of the above symptoms, please keep them at home. If your

child is diagnosed as a carrier of an infectious disease, please report this to the Director as

soon as possible. Sick children will be excluded from care for the following day and for 24

hours after symptoms resolve.

Medication Administration:

Staff members may administer medication if a medication form is filled out in full and the

medication is used to treat a current condition. Medication will not be kept for ongoing

periods of time or for incidentals. The prescription must be in the child's name. All medication

must be hand-delivered to office staff. Any medication brought to the center MUST include

the following:

1. Must be labeled with the child's full name.

2. Kept in the original or pharmacy container (for inhalers: the original box the inhaler came

in).

3. Have the original label (for inhalers: the original pharmacy label on a box).

4. Have child-safety caps.

Any medication not handed directly to office staff may be grounds to terminate the child's

enrollment. DO NOT send medication to the center in lunches, backpacks, or cubbies. We

maintain a strict policy to ensure the safety of all children.

Attendance Policy:

As a full-day, year-round childcare center, we understand that family schedules can change.

We ask that families provide us with a general idea of their daily schedule. While there may be

changes to routines, please let your child's teacher know. However, all children must arrive

before 12:00 PM unless pre-approved by the director for special circumstances.

Attendance Tracking:

All parents and authorized individuals must clock children in and out using the kiosk system.

This is a state licensing requirement that also provides us with a digital record of all children's

attendance. This data is essential for tracking attendance times.

Authorized Drop-off and Pick-Up:

When dropping off a child:

• An adult must walk the child to the classroom.

• Ensure the teacher knows the child has arrived.

• Clock the child into the center on the kiosk.

A child may only be taken from the center by:

1. Parents or legal guardians who have clocked the child out on the kiosk.

2. Authorized adults listed on the pick-up form; must present a photo ID when picking up

the child. In an emergency, a parent may call the center to arrange a pick-up.

3. Emergency transport or evacuation personnel.

Staff will send away any unrecognized adult attempting to pick up a child.

Absences:

Please call (or Message) the center if your child will be absent or arriving late. This helps us to

staff appropriately and ensures that your child is safe and accounted for.

Late Pick-Up: You will be charged a $5.00 fee for the first minute and $1.00 for each

additional minute your child remains in the center beyond the 6:00 PM closing time. This

policy is also in place for pre-school pick-up at 12:00 PM. Excessive tardiness may lead to the

termination of childcare services.

Snow Days and/or Disasters: Lion Academy may close the center or alter hours as necessary

due to severe weather or disaster. If possible, we will announce a late start or closure.

Closures will be announced via email on Playground. When feasible, Lion Academy will also

send a mass text message to parents in the event of an emergency closure. Refunds or

credits will not be issued for these events.

Accident Policy:

All staff members are required to have First Aid and CPR training. We will call 911 for any

severe accident or illness. The Director or designated staff will immediately attempt to notify

parents or emergency contacts. If parents cannot be reached, the child will be transported to

the nearest hospital for treatment. Lion Academy carries liability insurance; however, all

medical bills incurred as a result of an accident will be the responsibility of the parents or their

primary medical insurance provider.

Food, Clothing and Naps:

Snacks and Lunches: Lion Academy provides morning and afternoon snacks. Parents are

required to provide a packed lunch for their child each day in a lunchbox-type container

labeled with the child's first and last name.

● For toddlers, if formula or other food items are prepared at home, please label the

date and time of preparation on the bottle or container.

● Lion Academy does not provide breakfast. Children are required to eat breakfast at

home.

● If your child has a special diet, please provide detailed instructions.

Clothing: Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and outdoor play.

• On cool days, a lightweight jacket or sweater is necessary for outdoor play.

• On specified days in the summer, you may be asked to provide swimsuits and towels for

water play.

• Please ensure your child's clothing is easy to unbutton or unbuckle to promote

independence and prevent toileting accidents.

• Each item of your child's clothing should be marked with their name.

• Every child is required to have an extra set of clothes at the center in case of accidents. This

set should include a shirt, pants/skirt, underwear, and socks.

Naps: Children aged four and younger are offered a daily nap or rest time. Children who do

not fall asleep are required to rest quietly for 30 minutes before engaging in other quiet

activities.

Discipline Policy:

Children will be redirected and encouraged to make positive choices. We will treat children

with respect and compassion. Children may also be directed to a designated calm-down area.

Lion Academy's discipline measures DO NOT include the following:

Any form of corporal punishment such as:

• Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, or pinching

• Any other measure that produces physical pain or discomfort

Restraining a child's movements by binding, tying, or any other form of restraint other than

gently holding a child who may be a danger to themselves or others.

Guidelines For Immediate Disenrollment:

Inappropriate behavior may result in immediate disenrollment from the program if it poses a

risk of harm to the emotional or physical health and/or safety of other children or staff. This

includes physical assault, emotional threats, or bringing weapons to the center.

Lion Academy reserves the right to permanently remove a child or a family member from the

program whose behavior creates a health and/or safety risk. We expect that all families act as

a team and support one another. If behavior problems arise, families are expected to support

action plans for the student. If families cannot support the action plans, this may be grounds

for disenrollment.

A family member or parent may also be expelled from the program if their behavior is

interpreted as inappropriate, unprofessional, or unkind, as determined by the program

administration. The expulsion will be immediate, and no tuition credits or refunds will be given.

Communication, Parent-Teacher Conferences, & Outside Services:

Communication with Families: We strive to keep families well-informed. Communication

occurs through the following means:

● Lead teachers are responsible for sending weekly emails to each family with lesson

plans, updates, and individual notes about their child's progress. Please ensure we

have your current email address on file.

● Each classroom uses the Playground app. Please download this app to your phone. For

toddlers, two-year-olds, and preschoolers, the child's day is documented, and their

daily report is available on the Playground app.

● Parents of children in older classrooms may also request daily updates for their child if

needed.

● If you have questions or concerns, please email your child's teacher on the Playground

app or call/email the office.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: For students aged two and older, your child's teacher will hold

two parent-teacher conferences during the year: one in the fall and one in the spring. The

center will close at 12:30 PM on these days to accommodate the meetings. Parents are

required to attend their child's conference. If you cannot attend, you may request a video

conference.

Outside Services: Due to liability and insurance issues, we do not permit Staff members to

personal favors of any kind on center property, including childcare or babysitting services for

our enrolled families outside of their scheduled working hours at the center. Staff members

may not be hired or compensated by parents for activities such as babysitting,

transportation, or providing other childcare services outside of the center. Staff members are

also prohibited from personal involvement for 18 months after employment termination.

Personal Belongings, Birthdays, & Media:

Personal Belongings: Our center provides many fun and educational toys for children.

Personal toys should not be brought to the center unless they are for show-and-tell. Each

child has a cubby for their personal items. Please ensure these items are marked with your

child's name to reduce the possibility of loss. Lion Academy is not responsible for lost or

stolen items.

Birthday Celebrations: We encourage celebrating important events in each child's life,

including birthdays. Please feel free to provide cookies, ice cream, or pizza. Please note that

the Utah Department of Health prohibits homemade treats or food in childcare settings.

Please only bring store-bought treats. If you include party favors, ensure they are

age-appropriate and free of choking hazards.

Media: Movies, Video Games, and Electronics TV and screen time are used sparingly and

never for children under the age of 18 months. All content must comply with our Christian mission

and be preapproved by the Director. We allow G or PG-rated movies and age-appropriate

games. We do not permit any media with violent or scary content. We also do not allow

children to bring electronics, games, tablets, or cell phones, etc., unless it is for a special

event. Please leave these items at home. Children and teachers can always be reached using

the Playground app or by calling the Director.

Field Trips & Outside Exercise:

Field Trips: The four-year-old Pre-Kindergarten class and Kindergarten class may take field

trips to expand the learning environment. The following limitations apply to all field trips:

1. Each child must have a seat belt restraint or car seat.

2. Children will not be transported in an open vehicle.

3. The doors of the vehicle will be locked during transportation.

4. Each driver must possess a Utah driver's license and proof of insurance.

5. Each vehicle will carry a first aid kit and a list of emergency contacts.

6. Children will not be left unattended in the vehicle.

7. Children will have a tag or shirt with the center's name and phone number.

8. Children will be counted before leaving, continuously during the trip, and again before

returning to the center.

9. At least one teacher and one aide will accompany the group. Parent volunteers may also

be needed. If we do not have enough volunteers, we may be forced to cancel the trip.

Outside Exercise: Each child in our care must have daily recreation time. Children will have 30

minutes of outside playtime each morning and afternoon. The time spent outdoors may be

shortened on cold or hot days, and the gym will be used instead. Please send appropriate

clothing every day.

Child Abuse Policy, Grievance Poilcy & Confinentiality:

Child Abuse Policy: information concerning your child and your family. We are committed to

maintaining your privacy and protecting your personal information. We will not disclose

information except as required by law or when there is a threat to the health and safety of the

individuals and families we serve. Only authorized staff have access to confidential

information.

Grievance Resolution :

Lion Academy encourages direct, immediate communication to resolve concerns. (Please

refer to Print-out for a table of steps)

Disclaimers:

Lion Academy reserves the right to refuse services or to exit any child/family for

any reason. Lion Academy is an equal-opportunity employer and school. We do not

discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability,

marital status, political association, national origin, or veteran status.

Confidentiality:

Lion Academy maintains strict confidentiality regarding all family, child, and

staff information.

● Secure Information: All personal records (medical, enrollment, financial) are kept in

secure, locked, or password-protected systems.

● Sharing Policy: Information is shared with staff only on a "need-to-know" basis. It will

not be shared with outside parties without the parent’s express written consent ,

unless legally required (e.g., mandatory abuse reporting or subpoena).

● Grievance Privacy: All discussions and documents related to a grievance are kept

confidential. Parents are asked to respect this process and refrain from discussing

issues with other families or non-involved staff.

● Respecting Others: Parents must respect the privacy of other children and families

by refraining from discussing them with staff or other parents.