If you have any questions regarding the completion of these
forms, please feel free to ask.
I will not discriminate against race, creed, religion, sex,
or color.
The first 2 weeks (14 days) of
the child's enrollment will be considered a trial period. During that time the
parent or provider may terminate the child care agreement at any time. After the
trial period is complete, two weeks written notice is required to terminate the
agreement (see Termination Policy).
We like to have fun! Having fun
involves outdoor play and lots of messy activities, so make sure that your child
is dressed appropriately. Please do not dress your child in
nice clothing and expect
them to be spotless when you arrive to pick them up. Clothing should be comfortable and seasonally appropriate
for outdoor play. Make sure to include hats, mittens, boots and coats for cold
weather. If neccessary, I may need to call the parents to bring weather
appropriate clothing, but if I cannot reach them or they cannot come, then the
child will have to join us with out those things. ( rain, storms and winter
storms of any kind we do not go outside)
I do not allow children to bring toys from
home. Little
ones have a difficult time sharing with others, and it is even harder with their
own special toys. My children will be expected to keep personal toys in an area
where the other children do not have access. Exceptions to this policy will be
that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only (this includes blankets and stuffed animals. Even for toddlers, I will
need the blankets and stuffed animal put up when dropped off) and toys may be
brought for show and tell activities. I am not responsible for any loss or
breakage of personal items. All personal items must be clearly marked with the
child's name.
No sippy cups or
food/snacks may come in with them. All food and drink must be finished before they come in my house. If not, I will hand it to
the parent when they come in to take with them.
Parents must supply the
following items:
* Season appropriate
outerwear, (includes hat mittens, scarf, boots, snow pants, coat.)
* FULL CHANGE OF CLOTHING. (this means: shirt, underwear, socks, pants (or shorts
season permitting) or sweats, shoes.
If these are used, a
clean, FULL CHANGE of clothing will be expected the following day they are
here.)
* Diapers and breast milk
if you baby drinks it
**I will supply wipes,
sunscreen and baby food.
If you refer a family to
me, and that family begins care with me and is with me at least 3 months, I will
credit you a referral bonus in the form of credit towards a weekly payment. If
the new family is 4-5 days a week, then I will credit you $40. If the new family
is part-time, I will credit you $20.
The main goal of this daycare is to have fun, improve
social skills, prepare children for kindergarten and encourage creative
expression. We will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish this goal.
Free-play, reading, arts and crafts, music/singing, dancing, dramatic
play/pretend, puzzles, and educational TV/videos are just some of the activities
we will be doing. I purchase and use “Mother Goose Time Preschool Curriculum” with my daycare
kids.
Our schedule is firm but not ridged. We do try to follow
this schedule but things may change if the children enjoy a certain activity we
may continue with that instead our planned activity. Plans could change when
nice weather is permitting to play outside more. Children need the fresh air and
exercise. **If you call during the day, please be aware that I may be busy with
the children and may not be able to answer the phone. If you would leave a
message, I will call you back as soon as possible.
TELEVISION
Television will be used as a tool to help children unwind
and relax only when needed. TV is kept to a minimum. My schedule points out when
TV time is likely. Other times could be rainy days, or if we are having a
particularly difficult day. Viewing is limited to PBS, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, and
Playhouse Disney. Mostly, we watch Noggin and PBS as they are our favorites!
OUTDOOR PLAY
We will be playing outdoors everyday that weather permits.
Please make sure that your child is appropriately dressed (see Clothing/Attire
section) for outdoor play at all times. Our activities will include walks,
playground, water play (sprinkler in summer), bike/toy riding and others.
Your specific rates will be outlined
in your Contract and Rate Agreement. Tuition is payable in advance. When is
payment due? **Payment is due no later than drop off
time the first contracted care day of each week. I enforce this rule.
I do allow for a few times of forgetting, but after that the late fee will be
enforced. Payment may be made by check or cash, as long as no checks are
returned to me for non-payment. There will be a late fee of $10 for each day
that payments are received late or not paid at drop off. As with any job, people
expect to be paid when they are supposed to, my job is no different. :
)
** The success of my business depends upon the prompt
payment of tuition/fees in order to take care of day-to-day expenses that are
encountered.
If a check is returned to me for non-sufficient funds, you
will be required to pay all fees that I incur as a result of the returned check.
Childcare services will be immediately halted until full payment of tuition and
NSF charges has been made, in CASH. In addition, I will only accept cash payment
from that point forward.
Overtime~ Overtime is defined by MORE than 10 hours a day,
on any day, or anytime past 5:30pm. Late Pick-ups and Overtime are allowed, but
after a few times or if it becomes habitual, I do charge a fee. I will be
enforcing these fees. It is as follows:
Example: If you are 10 minutes
late picking up your child, you owe $10.00, if you are 12 minutes late picking
up you owe $12.00. While I do understand people run late, my family time is very
important to me and my family looks forward to spending time with me after I am
done working at
Late Payment Fees: There
will be a late fee of $10 for each day that payments are received late or not
paid at drop off.
It is
normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents, or cry when
dropping off when beginning at a new daycare. To make my day, your day and the children’s
day start off good please be brief in dropping off your child.
**Please read the
following, as this is the drop off time routine at my daycare:
I always expect parents to do the following when their
child arrives:
1. Inform me of any important information;
2. Give them their hugs and kisses;
3. Assure them you will see them after work;
4. LEAVE AS QUICKILY AS
POSSIBLE. Though it may take time for a child to adjust to a new daycare, they
will.
PLEASE
NOTE:
***If a child is crying at drop off and it is apparent to me that a drop
off is taking too long and stressing out the child because of that, I will
prompt you to leave, and then hold and comfort the child.
The
quicker the departure, the faster the recovery of the child when they are
crying. I
PROMISE!
: )
Children are to arrive clean, with a dry diaper and fed
(unless arriving just before a meal time). I will try my best to send your child
home with a clean diaper, and would appreciate the same consideration when you
drop off.
This is a time of testing, when two different authority
figures are present (the parent and the provider). All
children will test to see if the rules still apply.
But if you and I are talking and
your child acts up…..or if they just start acting up
….I will remind them about my rules, if they still
act up….. I will then give them a time out if needed. This does not happen
often. It usually takes only a few times of this for it to sink in. Please
do not rush out as that tells them they can make you hurry up and leave.
If someone other than the parent is to pick up the child,
please notify me ahead of time. ONLY people on the pick up list you give me,
will be allowed to pick up.
Please inform emergency contacts,
or people designated ON THE PICK UP LIST YOU GIVE ME that if I do not know them
and the child is too young to recognize them ("Hi, Grandma!"), then I will need
to ask for identification. I may ask even if the child recognizes them. I do not
mean to offend them. This is simply a measure taken for the child's
protection.
During arrival and departure, I expect parents to back up our
rules..
NAP TIME
DROP OFFS
I prefer that there are no
pick ups or drop offs during the designated daily quiet time, which is 1:00
pm-3:00 pm, but if it is necessary, please be as quiet and brief as possible, if
this is not possible, drop offs at nap time may not work
out for some. Children who arrive during quiet time will be expected to
remain quiet (they may play/read quietly) until quiet time is over, so that
others will not be disrupted from their naps.
Drop off and pick up times are
not good times to discuss serious problems. Little ears and minds hear and
understand everything. I am not comfortable discussing children in the presence
of anyone, but their parents. Topics that concern day-to-day events, or
light-hearted discussion is fine.
I cannot guarantee that my children or myself will not be
sick, no one can. IF the situation should occur, please have a back up person
just incase. I will notify parents when it becomes apparent to me that my
children or I are ill.
*I do charge if you or your child
is sick or does not come for any reason. There will be no refunds or
adjustments for days missed. ****A place has been reserved for each child that cannot be filled on a short term basis.
You are required to pay for all legal holidays. The
only exception to this would be if the holiday falls on a regularly scheduled
day off.
*New Year's Eve (close at
*Thanksgiving Day and the day after
*Halloween (Close at
*When a holiday falls on
a weekend, (except Halloween) I will pick which day(s) I will be closed. It will
either be Friday or Monday.
*If both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day fall on the
weekend, I will be closed on Friday and Monday.
*If New Years Day falls
on a weekend, I reserve the right to take that Monday off for my New Years Day
paid day off.
In the event my children, myself or my husband (if my
husband is very ill, I may close to prevent the kids from getting his bug) are
ill and will not be open, I will use my paid sick days. When and if they are all
used up, I might use a paid personal day if there are some left. After that, if
we are ill, it will be unpaid. I will allow myself up to
5 paid sick days each year.
Each year I will take up to 7 days for my vacation
time, 5 unpaid, and 1-2 (at the most) paid personal days if necessary (to get
ready to go on vacation and/or for unpacking and such when we get back). This
could change in years to come. I will give no less than 2 weeks advance notice
(and will do my best to give more) of the vacation dates.
Occasionally, I may need to take a day off for an appointment, family activity, to catch up at home,
attend additional training or just relax. I will try to schedule these days
as far in advance as possible, so that you can arrange other care for your
child. I also will try to pick a day that is convenient for the majority of
parents, if possible.
I will allow myself up to 7 PAID personal
days per year.
I will allow up to 7 paid Funeral Leave days per year. * I
reserve the right to use some paid personal days (if I have paid personal days
left) along with the 7 paid funeral days, if needed.
If I have no paid personal days left, and feel I need a few extra days, they
will be unpaid after the 7 paid funeral days.
Each Family is allowed
a certain number of “Free Vacation/Daycare days” a year. This is based on the number of days the child is here each week. If
the child is here not here a set number of days each week, I will average how
many days a week the child is here. A child must be here 6 months before any
“Free Vacation Days” can be used. A two-week notice must be given for using these vacation
days. After they are used, no other days will be allowed until one year
has passed. NO days will be allowed to be used when giving a 2 week notice of
terminating care.
Rules:
Times you cannot use your
free days:
MATERNITY--TEACHERS--EXTENDED
LEAVE
In cases of your
potential absence, of 2 weeks or more, due to maternity or extended leave from
your job (teachers for example) etc, the following rules apply for the entire
time of your absence to hold your child's position.
If your child is here
4-5 days a week normally, you will need to pay me 3 days a week the entire
time.
If your child is here 3
days a week, you will need to pay me for 3 days a week the entire time.
This means the first 2
weeks you are gone, you will be expected to pay the full
rate you normally do, and after that it will be as stated above.
Please
check with me if you want to know if I will have a spot for your little
bundle of joy you are planning to have or are pregnant with.
An
Infant is a child under 12 months of age.
A Toddler is a child 12 months of age to 2 years of
age.
A
Preschooler is a child ages 2 years to 5 years (I charge my Preschool rate until
they start Kindergarten).
*Please
note the State guidelines: If I have 8 children under the age of 5
(including my own children under 5 years), I can only have 2 toddlers and one
infant or two infants and one toddler, the rest must be preschool age.
If I have 10 children under the age of 5 (including my own children
under age of 5 years), I can only have one infant and one toddler the rest
must be preschool.
I will
do my best to take a baby in, but I cannot promise. Though I rarely have ever had a problem with a current
family adding a baby to my daycare, it can happen. I have run into two
families having a baby at the same time, when I already had one infant here.
When we talk, I will let you know when I can take another baby.
If I can't take a baby when a family is wanting to
have another one, then I ask that they please talk it over and let me
know if they plan to wait a while until I can or not.
Meals will consist of a breakfast, lunch and afternoon
snack. Breakfast served from
**I do not allow children to bring food, drinks, gum,
candy, snacks or meals from home. Children tend to
think the "grass is greener . . ." when they see someone eating something
different from them and it is not fair to the other kids. No special meals will
be provide to any child except those who a medical condition or allergies
(doctors slip required) indicating that a special meal must be served. I am a
part of a food program and I am required to feed your child a well balance meal.
I never force a child to finish what is on his/her plate, but I do encourage
each child to try one or two bites of everything. Sometimes they are surprised
by what they like!
We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene
standards. Children's hands are washed before meals and after toileting. We use
dry wash cloths for drying hands and then they are put in a basket for
laundering. I wash my hands frequently.
Children use separate cups, plates, bowls and eating
utensils that have been washed in the dishwasher and dried on the heat setting.
High chair trays, etc. are disinfected with a bleach water solution. I use Lysol
Touch-ups to wipe toilet seats, and to clean potty chairs between each use.
Your child should meet both physical and emotional
readiness before the training process begins.
When your child is showing signs of readiness I ask that
you work with them for 2 full weekends and at night time during the week, before
I begin here. Your child must show signs of readiness (see below). Just because
a child turns two doesn’t mean they are going to be ready right away. Everyone
has their reasons for wanting their child trained, but the child must WANT to
start potty training 1st. Everyone gets excited
when children are getting to the age where they can start potty training. I get
excited too!
What I do with all children here that show signs of
readiness is the following:
That is
really all you can do.
Some think just because they are at daycare all day, they
should be potty trained in a heartbeat. Not true. You cannot make a child be potty trained, only encourage it.
Together, with patience and teamwork we can get the job
done, but we must be patient and not have a timeline set, each child is
different. Some train quickly and others take time. I will tell you
verbally if your child went on the toilet, if I do not tell you, assume they
didn’t. After
a month, if a child isn’t showing any progress, I will ask you to put it on the
back burner in your mind. I will still prompt them to try and go though. They
might not be ready. The less stress for the child, the better.
I will not do any of the following and expect parents to not do them at my house (and hope
they don’t at their house) either:
*Say to them anything belittling For Example: “ Now why didn’t
you go potty on the toilet?”, “That’s naughty not to go potty on the toilet”,
“Tomorrow/today you will go potty on the toilet”, or anything else that subtly
or obviously belittles them. If your child doesn’t go when here, just say “ok,
maybe another time”. This must be a positive experience for them and myself.
THEY must feel that they are in control and can go at their own pace.
Signs that toilet
training can begin:
·
Stays dry for at least 2-3 hours at a time during the day.
·
Dry when waking from a nap.
·
Can follow simple two step instructions and answer simple
yes-no questions
·
Is uncomfortable with soiled diapers and wants to be
changed.
·
Can walk to and from the bathroom, and undress himself.
·
Can get on and off the toilet by himself.
·
Able to sit still for at least 5 minutes at a time.
·
Asks to use the toilet.
·
Can say and understand one word statements like "wet",
"dry", "potty", and "go".
·
Has regular bowel movements.
·
Understands the association between dry pants and using the
potty.
The biggest sign is
that the child WANTS to try to go potty on the toilet. That has to be the 1st step.
The second and
third biggest
sign is
that they can
tell me they need to go and can undress themselves. These must be happen 1st, before I will try to train them.
**Remember, if your child does all the above at home, it
doesn't necessarily mean they are willing to perform these signs at childcare.
The signs need to be evident in the childcare setting before training
begins.
When a child is
ready, the process should go pretty quickly. The child must be kept in "pull-up"
diapers at all times, until they master both urinating and bowel control.
Parents need to supply pull-ups, plus a couple of extra changes of clothing each
day (don't forget the socks!).
**Do
not bring your child in panties or underwear until (s)he has naptime and
bedtime control established. **I will let you know
when you may bring them in underwear.** I will wait a few weeks once they stop having
accidents altogether before giving the “ok” usually. This will not discourage them from wanting to be potty
trained. During toilet training, I ask that the child be dressed in "user
friendly" clothing, as much as possible.
*Do not
send your child in:
Pants/shorts with buttons, overalls/shortalls of any kind,
anything that snaps in the crotch area, or belts. All of these are difficult for children to
remove "in a hurry".
**I only allow pull ups while
training, that velcro on the side, they must have velcro on the
side (no pull ups with Velcro that wrap around in the front like a diaper
does).
There will be a designated nap/rest time each day. All
children (including schoolage children) must nap, rest, or read quietly during
this period. Rest time gives everyone a much-needed break during the day.
Without rest time, some children are argumentative in the afternoon,
short-tempered with others, and not very happy when they go home in the evening.
Sal’s Lil’ Ladybugs Daycare is a well-child care facility.
At no time do I provide sick childcare. The following illness policies will be
strictly enforced, for the health, well being and safety of all
concerned.
SICK
CHILD POLICY:
I cannot and will not accept a child for care if he/she is
sick. This Sick Child Policy is VERY important to me, my family, you, your
child, and other families involved in my childcare. I do my best to
keep a sick-free daycare.
Sick
children expose other children and their family, myself and my family to their
illness. They also require additional care and attention that I am unable to
give. Moreover, sick children want care from their parents in the comfort of
their own homes. If your child is unable to participate in the
normal activities of the day care (including being able to play outside), then
your child MUST stay home.
All Parents MUST inform
the provider of any medical condition the child has, no matter how minor. This
must be stated on the forms where it is asked. Medications the child is taking
regardless if they are given here must also be noted.
Minor bumps and scratches are inevitable, but I make every
effort to keep the children safe through supervision and childproofing. Minor
injuries receive appropriate first aid, and if an emergency injury or illness
occurs, you will be contacted as soon as possible. If necessary, your child will
be taken to the nearest hospital where you will be asked to meet us. If you are
not going to be at your usual place of employment, or at home, please make sure
that I have a number where you can be reached. Parents are responsible for all
costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency
transportation, if required. The owner of Sal’s Lil’ Ladybugs Daycare, or her
family will not be held liable for any sickness/injury of either parent/guardian
or child while on these premises, or while the child is in the company of the
provider during field trips or outings.
As a childcare
provider, I am a mandatory reporter of all child protection concerns. I MUST
report any concerns or any suspicions of Child Abuse, neglect, sexual, mental,
emotional, or physical abuse.
Once a month we do a planned fire drill. We discuss the
emergency exits and the different route we would take if there was ever a fire
in the daycare.
I also discuss the meeting place.
I prohibit any substitutes when directly responsible for
the children, from abusing prescription medication or being in any manner under
the influence of a chemical that impairs the individual’s ability to provide
services or care. I will train any substitutes about this drug and alcohol
policy.
If at anytime you have questions or concerns, please feel
free to come to me to discuss it.
I do not provide transportation for any of the kids in my
car. We will
walk to the park when appropriate, and hopefully daily (weather permitting).
Parents will be notified ahead of time about field trips. If you do not wish for
your child to participate in a field trip, you will be required to make other
arrangements for child care for that day. There will be no reduction in tuition
for the field trip day.
I reserve the right to terminate for the following
reasons (but
not limited to):
*Failure of parent to pay/habitual lateness in
payments
*Failure to complete required forms or provide
me with a copy of your child's immunization record
*Habitual tardiness of picking up your child
late; not calling if child will be arriving late or not coming at all
on a scheduled day.
*Lack of parental cooperation, verbal abuse or
not being able to discuss concerns with the provider in a positive non-defensive
way.
*Failure of child to adjust after a reasonable
amount of time.
*My inability to meet the child's needs
without additional assistant(s), if the child is needing more time than I can
provide, because of any reason (behavior situations, developmental situations or
physical situations etc.).
*Continuous harmful or disruptive behavior of
a child.
*Physical or Verbal abuse of any person.(This
includes argumentative behavior with the provider or constant
negativity)
*Serious illness of child or provider.
*False information given by parent/guardian
(Verbally or Written) failing to inform the provider of any medical condition no matter
how small.
*Any reason that dictates to me that either
the child, parent, or myself is not satisfied with the child care
arrangements.
*Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
**2-week notice at my daycare will be due. Whether or not I
am open. The 2-weeks pay is due in full.
Parents are required to give two weeks written notice when
they decide to terminate child care. The two weeks will be paid in full,
regardless of whether or not the child is in attendance. I will give two weeks
written notice of termination for which full tuition is due, whether or not the
child is in attendance. The provider reserves the right to give written notice
of immediate termination where there are extreme circumstances that affect the
well-being of the provider or other children in attendance. In this situation, the two weeks
payment of tuition is still required.
WHEN TERMINATING: Payment is expected on time after being
given notice of termination. It is still due on the first day of each week the
child is or normally would be here. If not received by
****In addition to the above fees, if a parent does not pay
me for those final two weeks, I may resort to legal action. If I do, I will
request that the courts order the parent to reimburse me for any and all legal
costs or any other court related costs I encountered. The signed contract is
legally binding.
There will be a yearly
revision to this handbook and the accompanying contract. A new contract will be
signed by all families each year. I reserve the right to make changes in rates
and policies, as I deem necessary. You will be notified, in writing, of any
changes that may occur. Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks
notice of changes.
I love working with kids.
This is my chosen profession.
I do not consider myself
a “babysitter”, I am a Childcare Provider. Babysitters do not use curriculum, schedule
monthly menus, plan activities and teach children on a daily basis. I take my
profession seriously and ask that you do also. If you have any questions or comments,
please feel free to speak with me.
Thank You!
Sally