Below you will find a copy of my policy hand book. Please take a few minutes to read.
Thanks, Marla
A Beary Happy Heart Home Daycare
POLICIES HANDBOOK
Hello, my name is
My focus with my daycare program is to care for a very small group of children, ages 6 weeks to Kindergarten. This enables me to provide more one on one attention for each child in my care. I also prefer smaller groups because we still are able to keep illnesses and head lice to a minimum. Most people agree a smaller group is better for the child too. I have had several doctors recommend home daycare to their patients for this very reason and because some daycares run anywhere from 50-200 + a day. It is no wander to me why children in typical daycare seam to always stay ill.
I try to incorporate as many learning opportunities as possible in my daycare program. We do this through play, arts and crafts projects, reading books, music time, going for walks, and other fun activities. As soon as your child shows the ability to start using a crayon they will then begin being encouraged to start learning. By your child’s 2nd birthday we will then move more into learning their letters, numbers, colors ect At the of 3 your child will move further along with learning more finger dexterity such how to use a pencil and scissors. Your child will also learn many important life skills in a small social group that they will take with them through the rest of their lives.
This home daycare is a smoke-free environment. Please remember this when dropping off and picking up your child. Use your vehicle ashtray, if you must smoke with your child in the car, as cigarette butts on the driveway pose a health danger to the children.
It is my goal to provide the best quality care for your child in a safe, loving and enriching family home environment.
Description of Program:
I provide care for children in a Christian family style loving environment. In my care, your child will experience music, books, educational (non-violent) television programs/videos/DVD’s, exercise and open communication. You will be provided with daily reports to communicate schedules, routines, any incidences, or other important information.
As stated before we are a private Christian family home daycare. We will be praying at each meal, singing and talking about God and his son Jesus Christ. We will read many stories and view many videos that help to reinforce our Christian beliefs. Being a private daycare family home, we will never receive any funds from our state. If you are uncomfortable with Christian values being taught to your child then I suggest you find another daycare provider.
I am a Professional Child Care Provider, not a babysitter. My goal is to provide your child with a clean, safe, comfortable environment where they can play and learn with guidance and loving care while you are at work or attending school.
In order to make our relationship as enjoyable as possible the following are some mutual beneficial requirements that are necessary to assure that there are no misunderstandings between either party, that each party is aware of the requirements, and that these requirements are carried out in a businesslike manner. There is a lot of information here. Please read all of it. If any of my policies seem unfair or unnecessary, please take a moment to think about that policy and how it would apply to your current working situation… I’m sure it will make sense in that light. These policies are enforced for the same reasons policies are enforced in any job situation - for fairness and respect. If you have any questions please ask. Please understand you are paying for a specific slot, NOT per hour or per day, so no discounts will be given if your child does not come to care. We do not offer family discounts.
The policies listed below are set forth by this Child Care Provider and are in accordance with the Child Care regulations. These policies and accompanying contracts become effective upon acceptance by the parent/guardian and the Child Care Provider. Initials_____
Objectives:
It is my goal to meet the needs of both you and your child. Your child will be cared for under safe and sanitary conditions, and will learn and develop in a loving atmosphere. I believe in an open door policy. This means that the door is always open for you and your child to discuss any issues/concerns. You are welcome to “drop in” at any time to visit and observe your child and his/her interactions in my home. Please keep in mind and try to be considerate of the children’s naptime. Feedback is welcome and appreciated. Initials_____
Personal Information about Me:
I am a mother of five girls in all and a grandmother to one. Only two of our daughters still live at home these days. I have been fortunate enough to be able to stay home to raise them for the majority of their childhoods. In addition to being a stay at home mother and childcare provider, I also have some administrative and childcare center experience. I am married to Terry, who is a wonderful husband, and a very supportive and loving father to our children. Terry works full-time at Wal-mart (ISD building) in
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Referrals
I love referrals and I expect everyone else in business does too. That means you get some great advertising and that you have happy customers as well that are bragging on you.
Here is a simple way I ask each of you to help me make my business grow. If you refer a new family to me, you will receive a credit of ½ off tuition for one week of childcare for one child’s tuition (a value of $66.50) for referring me to your friends and family if they enroll into my daycare. Plus, just to sweeten the deal a little further, I will also throw in one date night of FREE childcare for you to utilize within one month of the enrollment of the new family. You and your husband may utilize this night of free daycare for a total of 5 hours of FREE childcare for all of your children you have enrolled into my daycare. This is an incredible value of $35.00 of free childcare for one evening. Please make sure to ask a head of time when we can book your night of free daycare.
Just so you know, there are no limits to the referrals and credits you can receive. This credit is just my way of saying thank-you. Initials_____
FREE Childcare
Because I like to keep my daycare families happy, I offer FREE childcare. Yes, FREE childcare. I will have my doors open for free childcare for your family to utilize for the following days.
I offer one FREE date night of childcare in February (sometime around Valentine’s Day- date will be announced) and one FREE night of childcare in December (sometime before Christmas Day- date will be announced) so that you can go Christmas shopping without your children present. I also offer one free date night to each of my married couples to help them celebrate their anniversary each year. Be sure to tell me when your anniversary date is during enrollment so that you can receive your FREE night of childcare. This free anniversary night of childcare would need to be taken within the month of your anniversary. Also don't forget about your free night of childcare for referring me to family and friends. See referrals for more information. Please be sure to get with me to be sure I am available so that we can book your free night of childcare into my calendar.
Free Childcare is just my way of saying thank-you for being loyal families of this daycare.
Please keep in mind each free night of childcare is only offered to currently enrolled children in my daycare. Each night of FREE childcare is offered for no longer than 6 hours of free care each specified night. Each night your child is here, they will receive one meal and one snack along with other fun activities for the evening. Initials_____
If Bentonville schools are closed due to bad weather (ice & snow) then you have the choice as to whether or not you should bring your child to care. I will NOT be held responsible for ANY slips and falls that may happen in the case of ice and or snow at our location. If utilities are interrupted in my area due to the weather please do not send your children to care. This is for the health and safety of you child. Initials_____
I will require a deposit for all families.
The deposit will be 1 week of care for each child enrolled in to my care. This fee is payable for the care of your child(ren). This will be refunded towards your last month of child care providing you give me proper notice as required before termination of care, and if you have no other outstanding fees owed to me.
PLEASE NOTE: I will not start providing childcare nor will your opening with us be considered saved until all deposits and fees are paid. Initials_____
2008 RATES
•Infants:
•Toddlers:
•Preschoolers:
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Sorry but I do not accept school age children. This is for the protection of the smaller children in my care. School age children tend to play hard (I don’t want any of the babies or toddlers to get hurt) and they are also around a bunch of other germs that they will bring from school to childcare. These are the reasons I just do not feel comfortable having school age kids in my care.
Exception: if I have had this school age child in my care as an preschooler AND I have one of his/her siblings already in my care. I figure I know this child well enough and have already taught them how to be gentle around the babies and toddlers. I also understand that parents don’t want to have to go to 2 or 3 providers to pick up all of their children from care. With that said before and after school care is $75.00 per week per child or $50.00 per week for either before or after school care each week per child. Your child will receive all meals and snack while in care. If your school age child needs care during the summer, I charge $100.00 per week per child. Please keep in mind the prerequisites for your school age child to be in care.
Payments are always required if the child is absent due to illness, vacations, or other reasons.
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Payment Schedule:
All payments and fees must be paid no later than the Friday prior to attendance for the following week, and are payable in full each week. Due to the small number of children in my care, rates cannot and will not be prorated. All payments and fees are due in full each week regardless of attendance. You may pay, once a week, every 2 weeks, or once a month, whichever is more convenient for you. Payments not received by 5:30pm on Friday will be assessed a $10 per day late fee. Payments not received by the start of the day on the following Monday (Cash Only) will result in childcare termination and “lack of notice fees” (see Termination of Services).
Checks are not an acceptable form of payment. Instead, you may pay by cash or you may pay my paypal account. Either way you will receive a receipt for all childcare services.
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REGISTRATION FEE:
There is an initial one time administration/set-up fee of $50 for each child that is enrolled into my daycare family home and is due at the time the contract is signed and is non-refundable. Your child's space in my daycare is not secure until this fee has been paid, as it is part of the registration process. The fee is used to cover the interview materials, and to set up the supplies your child will need to start care as well. The balance is used to purchase essential equipment.
You must return all forms filled out completely and signed before your child/children enter my care. All forms and contracts are subject to renewal at the first of each year and must be kept up to date. Initials_____
Holding Fee:
When enrolling, if your child is not able to start daycare immediately and you would like me to hold your child’s spot for up to two weeks, you are required to pay 1/2 of your child’s require tuition per week per child for each spot to be held. This deposit will hold your child’s spot only and will not be used as payment for any childcare services. This fee in only for holding your child’s spot. Initials_____
Documents You are required to supply:
*A Copy of Immunization Records. (these must be kept up to date)
*Home Daycare Questionnaire. (these must be kept up to date)
*Medication Administration Authorization forms.
*Consent to administer basic first aid ointments.
*Parental consent forms & pictures for alternate pickup persons. Initials_____
Hours of Operation:
Childcare services are provided weekdays between the hours of 6:00AM and 5:30PM. Please keep in mind I am your childcare provider not your baby sitter. Please be respectful of this fact. I also ask that you remember that I too have a family and wish to have family time with my family members as well. Because of the fact, I want to have my own time off with my family I charge a HUGE extra fee of $1.00 per every 1 minute for each child that is dropped off earlier or picked up later than my hours of operation. Please ensure that you or other authorized individual(s) arrive on time daily. If multiple early drop offs or late pick ups occur, it may lead to termination of services with a two-week notice. Initials_____
More about Late pickups
Keeping in mind that my operating hours are between the hours of 6AM and 5:30PM; if you or your authorized representative have not arrived by 6:00PM and I have not heard from you that you will be later than my hours of operation I will begin going down your list of authorized persons that are allowed to pick up your child. Please keep in mind I do charge $1 for every 1 minute you are later than 5:30PM. There will be no excuses accepted. All late fees are paid on the day that they are accrued. You must sign your child in and out everyday in the sign in log. Initials_____
Safety
My first concern is for the safety and well-being of the children. I have locked cabinets, safety locks, socket covers, safety gates, smoke detectors/fire extinguishers, and hold fire drills with the kids. The yard is fenced -- keep the gate locked at all times. This is for the safety of your child(ren) as well as other kids under my care. The kids are not allowed outside the fence or outside my front door unless you are with them. Please do not have your child(ren) go outside the door (not even to your vehicle) without you. For their safety and the safety of other kids, no gum, hard candy, small toys, etc. are allowed in my daycare. Initials_____
Providers Vacation:
I typically will be taking off the week the
Holidays
I am closed but I do get paid for all legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day - If Independence, Christmas or Thanksgiving fall on a Thursday, I will also be closed the following Friday and it will be a paid holiday for your provider.
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If you become pregnant, please tell me right away along with your due date so that I can start making a place you’re your new infant to be in my care. That way I don’t have too many infants at one time in my care. If during your maternity leave you wish to not bring your other child(ren) to care I will completely understand. However I will require ½ of your weekly fees for the entire time of your absence for the child(ren) already enrolled into my care to hold your child’s position that will be due at the end of each week just as you normally would pay. I will need a 2 week written notice and the leave must be for no longer than a 2-month period. Late fees will apply if you are late with your payments during this time. Remember you can always paypal me with your payments. If you change daycare providers during this time, you will still be responsible for the 2-week notice.
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We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Children's hands are washed before and after meals, coming in from outside and after toileting/diaper changes. If these skills are stressed at home your child may remain a good hand-washer when he/she gets older. Please have your child bathed and dressed each day for play. A clean child is a healthy child.
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I also require for everyone that enters our home to remove his or her shoes. We have new carpeting and wish to keep it clean for the sake of the children as well as keeping it looking nice.
Please provide your child with socks or house shoes to wear inside the house as well as shoes for outside play.
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Toxic Free Environment:
I provide a toxic free environment when at all possible. I never allow any type of smoking within my home nor do I use any toxic chemicals such as cleaners when there are toxic free choices available. I also do not allow any type of perfumes to be sprayed in my daycare/home.
We use
Here is some information about the cleaners we utilize.
We Use Safer Cleaning Products Around Your Children AND Their Environment.
We are proud to be a customer of
Here is some for information about this disinfectant.
Sol-U-Guard Botanical is part of the One of the most common misconceptions in the home is that if it looks clean, it must be germ free. While typical cleaners eliminate surface stains, grease, and food residue, they can also spread bacteria all over the surface, creating an even larger contaminated area. On average 60% of household surfaces are infected with germs. The typical kitchen counter has 62,000 germs per square inch, and the kitchen faucet is swarming with a staggering 250,000 germs per inch! What’s more shocking is that while typical surface cleaners are effective at removing dirt and soils, they don’t kill the germs. Sol-U-Guard Botanical is the first botanical formula proven 99.99% effective against the toughest kitchen germs, including Salmonella choleraesuis, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), and HIV-1 (the AIDS virus).
Nature’s Botanical Germ Buster:
Humans and are not the only living things subject to attack from bacteria. In nature, plants are also susceptible to invading microbes, and, over time, a number of plants have developed weapons to defend themselves. One such plant is thyme. A common and popular seasoning, thyme produces an essential oil that functions as the herb’s immune system, protecting it from microscopic invaders. Sol-U-Guard Botanical harnesses the power of this oil, creating a disinfectant that uses this natural germ buster to eliminate bacteria on counters, sinks, and other surfaces—all with the fresh, herbal scent of thyme.
1 Disinfectant: 100s of Uses: Sol-U-Guard Botanical is effective on nearly every non-porous hard surface in your home. Use it anywhere you’re concerned about germs. Sol-U-Guard Botanical is effective on:
• Kitchen counters |
• Phone receivers |
• Kitchen faucets |
Clean Beyond the Kitchen While the highest concentration of germs is generally found in the kitchen, Sol-U-Guard Botanical has been approved for use in a variety of residential, commercial, and medical facilities, including:
• Day cares |
• Schools |
• Nursing Homes |
Sol-U-Guard Botanical is part of the EcoSense family of cleaners. Created biodegradable ingredients, EcoSense cleaners are the perfect combination of safety, performance, and value. From dishes and cabinets to floors and furniture, EcoSense gives you a cleaner, fresher home—without harmful chemicals, phosphates or bleach. It’s the kind of care your home, your family, and the environment deserve. That’s clean without compromise. That’s EcoSense.
Resources You Will Find Interesting.
How to Improve Your Indoor Air - by Aisha Ikramuddin
http://www.checnet.org/healthehouse/education/top10-detail.asp?Top10_Cat_ID=6
U.S. EPA's 'The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality'
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html
Generation and Behavior of Airborne Particles ( PDF)
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/aerosols/pdfs/Aerosol_101.pdf
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Indoor Air Quality Page
The Children's Health Environmental Coalition
Results of the EPA and American Lung Association Home Air Quality Awareness Survey
http://www.lungusa.org/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=34706&ct=132096
If you are interested in how you can start buying these non-toxic cleaning alternatives please let me know and I will show you how you can become a customer.
As you can tell, your child’s health and safety is our number one priority.
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Personal Belongings and Clothing:
Your child’s’ clothing should all be labeled with his/her name. Please understand I am not responsible for lost articles. Please do not send anything with your child/children that you would not want them to share with the other children. If your child/children do not share their personal items that he/she brings, I will take those items and hold them until the end of the day. This is to keep the children from arguing and fighting.
Please send your child/children with 2 extra changes of clothes per day incase of an accident. Children should wear play clothes and dress according to the weather. If your child/children is dressed inappropriately he/she may miss out on some outdoor activities. Please also be sure to provide your child with a sweeter or jacket in the spring and fall because these seasons bring sudden changes in weather.
I would prefer bottoms that easily slip off or outfits with snaps at the legs for easier diaper changing, and for potty trained kids, bottoms that are easy to pull up and down for successful potty experiences. Initials_____
Dropping Children Off
Please bring your child/ren dressed in a clean diaper (if not potty trained) and clothed and ready for the day. Make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather including shoes and socks, hats, mittens, snow pants, and boots (colder seasons). Outdoor play will be involved (unless the weather is unsuitable).
Please NEVER drop your child off at the door without you personally coming to the door with them. Your child must be signed in and out of care each day. This is for the safety of your child. Initials_____
Please provide for your child…These Personal Items :
*Pillow & pillowcase (toddlers- pre-k)
*2 Blankets or a Sheet and one blanket (toddlers- pre-k)
*Nap mat for your toddler age child that is 18 months of age or older.
*At least 2 changes of clothes per day
*8 diapers or underwear (minimum) (You may send them by the bag)
*5 Pre-made bottles of Infant formula or breast milk (You may send the dry formula to be mixed with your child’s infant water from home or your bottled water) (clean bottles must be furnished by parents/guardians) You may send frozen breast milk and clean bottles.
*Baby Cereal & Baby Food
*Baby Wipes (All children in care must have these no matter what their age)
*Diaper Rash Cream
*Sun block (All children in care must have these)
*Swimsuit (June-September)
*Painting smock (old adult’s t-shirt is fine) (toddlers & pre-k only)
* Baby food (if your child is not eating table food yet)
Please be sure to label ALL of your children’s items with their name clearly written on that item.
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Emergency Supplies
I will keep a generic brand of diapers, baby wipes, baby ointment and infant formula on hand incase we find that your child doesn’t have any of these items on hand for that day. This is done as a convenience for you so that you don’t have to leave work and bring me the immediate needed items. I would not recommend relying on my supply because I will charge you a much higher price than what you normally would pay if you had not run out of these supplies.
Should I have to supply any of the above mentioned items, you will be charged a supply fee of $2.00 per diaper (or pull-up), wipe, use of diaper ointment each time the child is changed.
I will also keep a generic infant formula on hand but you will be charged $2.00 per bottle of formula I have to supply for your child.
I will also keep baby food on hand but you will be charged $2.00 per jar of food used. Any and all emergency supply fees MUST be paid on the day of occurrence. Initials_____
Naptime
Your child may also bring any personal toy or item he/she likes to sleep with. I ask that you leave your child’s pillow, pillowcase and blanket ect here so that I can launder them as needed but no less than once per week.
I provide pack 'n plays for all infants and toddlers up to 18 months of age and each child is assigned their own bed to take naps in while they are in my care.
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Illnesses and Accidents:
This daycare can ONLY accept children in GOOD health. I depend on you to help me maintain this policy. You must notify me if your child/ren has been exposed to or has a contagious illness and I will notify you if your child has been exposed to a contagious illness due to another child in the daycare. Do not bring your child/ren with any fever of 101 or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplainable rash, head lice, green/yellow drainage, or other obvious signs of illness.
When sending medication with your child/ren, please fill out a medication request/permission form. Make sure you include a dose spoon/cup and place all medication in a labeled bag. If your child/ren requires an antibiotic, they may not attend this daycare home until they have been on the antibiotic for more than 24 hours. I must receive a copy of your appointment and a diagnosis when your child returns to care.
Children with fever of 101 or higher, vomiting, or diarrhea may not attend until the fever is normal for more than 24 consecutive hours or the vomiting and/or diarrhea is absent for more than 24 consecutive hours without the use of medication.
If your child/ren is sent home from daycare due to illness he/she MAY NOT return to daycare the next day but may return the day after if all symptoms of illness are gone.
In the case of head lice, your child/ren must be nit and lice free to return to daycare.
If your child/children is/are sick during the day, I will call you and isolate your child until you arrive to pick him/her up. If your child is sick to their stomach and vomits, you must pick up your child within 1 hour after being notified. Also, if your child has 3 or more watery bowel movements during the day you must pick up your child within 1 hour after being notified. For both situations, your child cannot return to my care until 24 hours after ALL of the symptoms have cleared. No child in the contagious stages of a communicable disease may be accepted for care.
In the event of an accident at this home daycare, you will be notified immediately. If you cannot be reached in the event of an accident or if your child needs emergency care, we will call 911 and have your child transported by ambulance to the closest hospital if immediate medical action is necessary. All medical treatment and transportation by ambulance provided for your child will be solely your responsibility. Initials_____
Medication
No medication will be administered without written consent (see registration form). Furnish me with a note for the prescribed medication on the times to be given each day. All Medication must have the child’s name clearly printed on it. Please do not leave medication in the diaper bag or on the counter. Make sure I personally get it. This is for the safety of all children.
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Runny Noses
From time to time all children have a runny nose and this provider understands this could be from an allergy. So long as the discharge is clear this provider will not consider this child sick. However you may want to give allergy medication and or pain reliever because as we adults know they still don’t feel good and can be crabby.
If the drainage turns yellow or green then this child has an infection and needs to be on antibiotics so please take your child to the doctor. If your child’s infection remains untreated, you will be terminated from care. I understand that you work and don’t want to take off all the time but there are many after hours doctor’s offices such as at Wal-Mart where you can take your child.
Children’s Schedules:
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided for your child. Breakfast will be served at 7:15AM, AM snack time is 9:45 AM lunch will be served at 12:30PM, and an afternoon snack will be served at about 3:00PM. Naptime for toddlers will be after lunch. Infant’s napping and feeding schedules will be on an as needed basis. All children are required to lay down and stay quite during nap time even if they do not sleep. Initials_____
Menu:
Our menu will vary from week to week but most meals will be freshly home cooked on a daily basis. All meals will be provided by your provider once the child is ready for table food. Initials_____
Child Custody:
I have no legal authority to refuse either parent the right to pick up their child unless a court has granted temporary or permanent custody to one parent or to a third party. I must be furnished a copy of the order bearing the court’s signature before I can enforce the document. Initials_____
Suspected Child Abuse:
The State of
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Dietary Needs:
If your child has special dietary needs and requires specific foods (including baby food/formula), you will be required to supply me with a list of allergic foods and a list of foods that are allowable foods for me to be able to regulate your child’s meals.
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Birthdays and Special Occasions:
We do try to do something special for each child in care for their birthdays. Parents are welcome to send store bought cookies, cakes, or cupcakes to share with their child/ren’s friends on birthdays or special occasions. Please let me know in advance if you will be bringing a treat. Initials_____
Discipline:
Discipline means guidance in the form of helping children change undesirable behavior into more acceptable, satisfying behavior. Guidance is a process. Discipline is the slow, time-consuming task of helping children to see the sense in acting in an acceptable way. It is helping a child learn self-control and self-direction. Discipline is to be guidance that improves, strengthens, molds, and helps a young child control his or her own actions. For that to happen, we must set the example for the child to follow. We provide consistent guidelines for the child to follow, give positive re-enforcement, provide acceptable choices, set realistic limits, encourage a child to express feelings with words when they are able, use consequences that are related to the behavior, and listen carefully to what our children are saying to us. Discipline and guidance should nurture love, patience, self-esteem and a positive self-image. I find that discipline is most effective when there is open communication between the parents and provider. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns you might have regarding my discipline policy and your child. Initials_____
If something of a more serious nature or a persistent behavior should occur that is of concern to me or a threat to the safety of others, I will need to discuss it with you so that we can jointly decide on a course of action that is followed at home and in my care. If the problem cannot be resolved arrangements must be made for the child to receive care elsewhere. Initials_____
Regular Attendance:
Consistent and prompt attendance is always advised. If your child will be late or absent, please notify me no later than your child’s regular arrival time in the morning. I encourage you to spend days off, vacations, and holidays with your child when possible, but please notify me of these days. You are required to keep your child home when ill and need to inform me as soon as possible in this
circumstance.
Since children thrive on routines I highly recommend that you follow as closely as possible the same daily routine as we keep while your child is at daycare. Meal times and naps that are consistent make for much happier child when they know what to expect each day. This also make for a much happier time while in your child is in daycare. Initials_____
Reasons Why I May Immediately Terminate Your Childcare Arrangements
I will terminate our childcare arrangements immediately for any of the following reasons (but not solely limited to):
· Failure to comply with the policies set forth in this book and signed contract.
· Destructive or hurtful behavior of child that persists even with parent cooperation in stopping the behavior.
· Non-Payment of childcare fees or late and/or recurring late payment of fees.
· Non-Payment for Extended Care or Emergency supplies.
· Failure to show up for 2 days in a row without any communication.
· Failure to complete required forms.
· Inability to meet the child’s needs without additional staff.
· Blatant disrespect towards provider/provider’s family or any family that is enrolled into care.
· If parents knowingly bring their to care when child is ill/contagious
· If parents medicates child/ children for ANY illness without telling the provider of an illness that the child may have.
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Donations
Donations help me keep costs down, so if you have any of the following items on hand and are willing to donate them, it would be greatly appreciated. This is not mandatory.
· Snack Foods (fruits, crackers, etc)
· Dress up clothing, costumes, jewelry, hats etc.
· Magazines for cutting, especially ones like National Geographic that depict other cultures, or any that have lots of pictures of people, children, or animals. Keep in mind we are looking for pictures that would appeal to children.
· Paper of any kind, brown, white, colored, waxed, foil etc.
· Crayons, watercolor paints or any misc. art supplies such as fabric scraps, glitter, pipe cleaners, paper plates, etc.
· IDEAS! We welcome any ideas that you may have for fun activities or crafts!!!
· Toys your child has outgrown.
· Dress up stuff for both girls and boys (old shoes, hats, gloves, dresses, neck ties ect)
I teach the children creativity, problem solving, and pride in their skills. Sometimes these values get messy. Some days we will be painting, so please send your child in appropriate clothing. Please dress your child for real success. Their “work” here is play! If there is an occasion that calls for special clothing such as having picture taken, please bring this clothing in an extra bag and I will help your child change before you arrive for pickup. Provider is not responsible for your child’s clothing or personal items brought into childcare home.
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I provide a wide variety of playthings. I ask that no toys be brought to daycare from home. Anything brought will be put up safely until the child is picked up. This policy is for the concern of all children in my care. Often times children have a hard time sharing the toys they bring from home.
The ONLY exceptions to this policy are:
• A special blanket OR stuffed animal/doll to be used during Nap Time. This will be put up and ONLY used for the appropriate time. Please limit your child to one or two things at the most.
• Show and Tell. At times we will have a “Show and Tell” period. I will inform you ahead of time when this may occur.
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Providers Emergencies Sick Days/ Personal Days
I do not want to have to take any time off due to illness but this is not always realistic so in the case that I am sick or if I need some dental work done or it there is a death in my family. With this being said, I am entitled up to but no more than 5 days paid sick leave or personal emergencies per year. This can be taken all at once or spread out throughout the year. If I need more time off than the 5 days off per year I will be taking this time off as unpaid time for your provider.
Just for your information, your provider normally takes the flu shot once per year to keep illness to a minimum and to keep from spreading the flu. I highly recommend each family that is enrolled do the same. This will tremendously help keep these kiddos from getting sick and passing it back and forth. Initials_____
Potty Training:
If your child is old enough to potty train, I will help you potty train them while they are in my care. I do expect you to continue the training once you pick up your child in the evening. I require cloth underpants and plastic underwear to cover pants so that we can prevent leaks. I will not train a child with pull-ups because I have found over the years that pull ups only delay a child’s desire to train quickly. I provide lots of praise and encouragement while toilet training. We make toilet training a “Big Deal” with tons and waving to the “potty” while flushing and saying good-bye to the prize we left in the toilet. We make toilet training lots of fun for all involved.
Initials_____
Transportation Authorization
On occasion, I will take the children for daily outings and/or field trips. (ie....shopping, errands, field trips, etc...) The means of transportation being my privately owned vehicle. You will be asked to keep a transportation authorization on file and updated each year.
Meals
I will provide a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily as well as well as 2% milk and fruit juice depending on the hours your child is attending. The meal schedule I follow is listed within this policy booklet. If the child is here during those times, they will be served. Children who choose not to eat will not be served again until the next scheduled Meal or Snack. If the child will be arriving after mealtime please feed them before they arrive. Initials_____
It is expected that your child be respectful of my personal property and furnishings. A certain amount of “wear and tear” is normal, but if your child intentionally damages my property through destructive behavior or roughness, you will be liable for 100% of the replacement costs. This reimbursement is due with your next payment. Initials_____
Trial Period
The first two weeks of childcare are on a trial basis. During this initial two-week period, childcare arrangements may be immediately terminated by either party, with or without cause. During the trial period, a two-week notice is not required to be given by either party to terminate childcare. Initials_____
Family Information:
*Please fill out the information as accurately as possible on the forms included in your packet.
Emergency Contacts:
You must provide at least 2 emergency contacts. These are people you authorize to pick up your child if you cannot do so. *Please fill out the information as accurately as possible on the forms included in your packet along with providing a good picture of each person you list. Without a picture on file for each person you list as an emergency pickup person, I can not and will not be able to release your child, No Exceptions. This is for the safety of your child.
Initials_____
EQUIPMENT:
Most equipment needed by your child during a regular daycare day will be supplied by the provider. This includes such items as highchairs, playpens, toys.
Initials_____
First Aid:
Scratches and scrapes will be treated with soap, water, and a Band-Aid. (if needed) along with first aid ointment to prevent infection. Initials_____
RELEASE OF CHILD:
Child will only be released to someone whose name appears on the contract forms or listed on your authorization form for alternate adult pick up. I only accept written authorization. You must provide their full legal name, address, and contact phone number of the designate persons along with a photo of each person. The person will be required to produce a driver's license with name, address and photo ID or drivers license verifying their identity. By law, I must have a copy on file, of any court-imposed restrictions regarding access. I realize these restrictions can pose a hardship for parents with demanding jobs or social schedules but it is done for the protection of your child. Just for a moment, imagine what the consequences could be.
Initials_____
Probation Notice
You will be sent of notice of probation for the following reasons but not limited to. *These items provider will give leniency to new children placed within my care for a limited time until child is familiar with his/her surroundings.
Behavior:
____aggressive to others
____hitting
____ biting
____ kicking/ pinching
____ swearing
____ crying excessively –preventing provider from caring for other children in care.*
____not resting/ during nap time*
Please keep in mind this is for the safety of all children in my care.
Health and Wellness:
___child is not dressed appropriately for weather conditions continually
If the situation does not change by the end of two weeks then at that time we will make a final evaluation. If necessary, we will either extend the probation period another week if the child is showing progress. If no progress has been made then we give the standard termination notice at that time so you have time to find adequate childcare. It is our hopes that your child will make progress over the next couple of weeks.
Initials_____
Termination of Services:
You must give two weeks (fourteen calendar days) notice before termination of the childcare contract and will be responsible for all final payments through the end of the notice period. You will be charged for two full-time weeks regardless if the child attends or not. The fees for the final two weeks will be due upon notification. You will be charged for two full-time weeks (through the end of the week, fourteen days from the child’s last day) upon “lack of notice”. This “lack of notice” fee is due upon my request and you will be charged a $10.00 per day late fee should you neglect to pay it upon such request. Should the need for a claim to be filed in small claims court arise, you will also be responsible for all court costs, collection costs, postage, and additional fees related to the collection of your outstanding debt. The contract is subject to early termination by me (the daycare provider) without prior notification should the child become disruptive or ungovernable. In such event, your fee for services will not be refunded. Initials_____
RECEIPT FOR PAYMENT:
A receipt will be available following each pay period. A yearly childcare statement for taxation will be given in January each year. Initials_____
Records:
You are required to supply me with a copy of your child/ren’s up to date immunizations each time they receive an immunization. You must keep your child/ren current on all required immunizations and update records accordingly. Failure to do so will result in termination of services.
This Policy Handbook is a Contract
The following contract pertains to the policies set forth in the Parent Policy Handbook governed by
Please Print
By initialing each section I, __________________________, (the parent/guardian) of the below list child(ren) am agreeing that I wish to enroll my child/ren into this home daycare. I have read and understand and agree to ALL Policies in the Policy Handbook.
Parent signature_________________________ Date _______________
Parent signature_________________________ Date _______________
Child’s Name ___________________________ Birth date_____________
Child’s Name ___________________________ Birth date_____________
Child’s Name ___________________________ Birth date_____________
Child’s Name ___________________________ Birth date_____________
Parent’s Anniversary Date ________________________
Provider’s signature______________________ Date _______________
Please be sure to fill out all additional forms. Feel free to make additional copies of each form that are needed to finish the enrollment of your child(ren) into this daycare.
Thanks!
