Policies
Enrollment
“Child Care Home Register” enrollment form must be completed and returned before your child is left in my care. “Policies and Procedures” form must be completed and returned before your child is left in my care. “Parent Fee Agreement” form must be completed and returned before your child is left in my care. “Certificate of Immunization” is required by the State and I should have updated copies in my files. “Authorization and Permission” forms must be completed and returned before your child is left in my care. USDA Food program enrollment forms. >> Download Forms Here
Sign In and Sign Out
Every morning when signing in your child for child care State law requires a full signature and time of arrival. Every afternoon or evening time when picking your child up from child care State law requires a full signature and time of departure. If I receive a fine for a lack of signature that is required on your part, I will have to re-direct that fine onto you, and you will agree to reimburse me for that fine. I need a FULL signature in the AM with time of arrival and a FULL signature in the PM and time of departure. (State law for ALL in home licensed providers and centers.)
Fee Agreement
Child care payments are always paid in advance prior to Child Care Services. Child care payment is agreed upon at the time of enrollment, at which time you will need to submit a completed “Fee Agreement” form. Please read this form carefully since this is a contract. Child care payments are always paid in advance prior to Child Care services. For example; if Child care needs to begin on Monday morning, payment needs to be made for that week or two on that Monday morning and their after on Monday mornings. Please attach your payment to your sign-in calendar. Please read all Child care forms carefully since they are a contract. I do not give out refunds. I will apply credit if credit needs to be applied. If you have a child care credit you will have up to 6 months or years end, to use your credit at child care.
Schedule
I need your next few weeks of schedules if your times and dates are different each week. It also helps me plan ahead for meals and arts and craft projects. I always want to include everyone. Please call me that night or early the next morning if your schedule has changed or your child is ill and will be unable to attend child care for the day.
Contagious and or Ill Children
Please be considerate and think of the other children and myself. If you think your child is contagious or is ill and has a question please call me and ask. We do not want to expose the other children or myself to any contagious illness, rash or other. I cannot accept a child who is vomiting or has diarrhea. I cannot accept a child who has a fever of 101 or above, and cannot be controlled by Motrin or other fever medicines. I cannot accept any child who even thinks they might have, or has been exposed to Head Lice. This exposure to other children will lead to a huge outbreak in Head Lice. If you think your child has head lice or nits, Please let me know or ask me for help in treatment or just look in your child’s head to make sure there are no lice or nits. I cannot accept any child with a contagious rash, or an illness that requires medication for the first 24 hours after diagnosis. If your child is sick and you are unsure, please call me.
Medications
A prescription medicine can be given if the medicine is in the correct bottle and comes with a complete doctors instructions. Non prescription medicine such as Tylenol or cough syrup can be given with complete directions on times, and a signature from parent or guardian. If your child needs sunblock and or bug spray please apply to your child that morning, prior to child care services for the day. I do not apply sunblock and or bug spray to children. Sun block and or bug spray can not be stored at child care. Children can not be responsible to apply their own sun block and or bug spray at child care. Your child may bring a tooth brush and tooth paste to child care. Place them in a zip lock baggie to store in their locker. I do not assist in the brushing process. It will be up to your child to remember and brush on their own.
Minor Emergencies
A minor emergency is usually falling down on their hands or knees while playing. I would handle this situation by helping the child up, give them a hug and say ‘you are going to be ok, lets go get a really cool band aid’. If that didn’t quite work, I might have the child call mom or dad at work, and just go from there until the child is calm and feels better.
Medical Emergencies
The first thing I would do in a medical emergency is check the child, find out what kind of medical emergency, stabilize the child and the other children, call 911, administer CPR and or first aid, and call the parent or guardian. On the Authorization form, the parent must check the ‘yes’ box that reads ‘to obtain medical care’ for the ambulance driver to drive your child to the hospital.
Diapering & Pull Ups
I usually change a child’s diaper or pull up every two hours or as needed. The parent or guardian must supply diapers, pull ups and wipes. About potty training, I think the parent and the provider need to agree that when the child is ready, it takes both parent and provider to work together. I always sanitize my hands and the child’s hands before and after diapering, changing pull ups and potty training. Change Of Clothing School-agers to younger children should have a change of clothing such as undies, socks, shirt, pants or shorts, rubber boots, hat & gloves appropriate for what the weather may be at the time. Maybe a tooth brush, tooth paste (in a zip baggie) comb or hair brush. Items should be kept in their lockers in the event of getting dirty or wet. This is their home away from home and I would like them comfortable.
Nap Time
Nap time is right after lunch. I provide a cot & sheet for the children to sleep on. Please provide a small pillow and blanket from home. Every child who is at child care between 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm ( Kindergarten and younger ) will quietly lay down and sleep or rest. I ask if planning a doctors appointment or hair appointment or if the parent just wants to pick up their child early from child care. Please make appointments or pick up time before 12:00 noon or after 2:00 pm. So the other children napping have NO interruptions and get a good sleep.
Health Care Plan
Planning for healthy & happy children starts at home. Please have your child bathe at home and arrive at child care in clean clothing & a positive attitude. I plan breakfast around 7:00 am lunch at 11:00 am and PM snack around 3:00 pm Good food is very important to little lives and I always try to make all meals yummy. I supply plenty of age appropriate activities, toys and games. During business hours I am always keeping a safe environment for the children. While playing with the children, I keep an eye out for any broken or damaged toys, or things that might be harmful. I also look to make sure that child care is kept clean and sanitary. With a clean and safe environment, children can play with-out any worries. That makes for a happy & healthy day.
Disaster Plan
If a state wide disaster was to occur while your child was in my care, I would seek covered shelter. I always keep on hand extra batteries, dry blankets, water and canned food. If we were to seek a safer shelter other than my home, such as Felida Elementary or the local Fire Dept. on Lake Shore Ave. I would leave behind a note or possibly paint the information on my house to let you know where your child would be. But my number one job would be to make sure we are all safe.
What Not To Bring
Please do not let your child bring money to play with, or small objects such as marbles, hard candies and those very small rubber balls that like to be bounced off of walls. Anything else, just ask me. I don’t mind if the children bring toy’s from home as long as they are safe and shared with everyone. Please NO GUM. Most children do not remember where to put their gum when they are done chewing it. Please no special snacks, unless they are prepared to share with all 12 day care children. Please do not allow your child to bring matches, lighters, knives or anything else that is dangerous to themselves or the other children.
Non-Discrimination
I will not ever discriminate in Employment Practices, and or with parents and children. Nor will I ever discriminate because of race, creed, national origin, gender, marital status, age or presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability, or use of trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person.
Child Abuse or Neglect
The children are MY first priority. I keep records of Children that enter child care smelling of urine or just being dirty for days. Any suspicious or unexplained bruises, cuts burns or scratch marks. Children that haven’t been feed a proper meal the night before, or are to late for breakfast and the child is hungry. Mental abuse or other physical abuse will be kept on a file or called in to Child Protective Services ( CPS ) Again, children are our future and while in my care are MY first priority. I always want to provide a safe and happy place.
Free Access
During business hours which are 6:00-ish am thru 5:30 pm I allow custodial parents and or guardian (whom ever the child resides with and or the signature on the ” Child Care Home Register ” form free access to all child care rooms. I have on file a copy of “Compliance agreement” forms, ” Last monitor visit ” forms and ” Renewed check list” forms Just ask.
Behavior management and Discipline
I believe every child should experience success. I strive for a setting in my home that provides the children with many opportunities to explore the environment limits, and in the calm environment, most behavioral issues are prevented. If behavioral issues occur, my philosophy is to help the child learn human values, problem solving skills and to take responsibility for their choices. I have the children follow the progressive guidance techniques and to minimize inappropriate behavior while creating a positive environment for all the children. I will offer alternatives to a child engaging in inappropriate behavior by offering a different toy, or suggesting a new activity or independent play. I believe each child is a unique individual. I’m sensitive to the child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs. I focus on the process of learning and help children enjoy successful experiences. I believe in providing a physical environment that is safe, clean, healthy and orientated to a child. Child sized furniture makes children feel more at home. I offer challenging play, learning choices, and the opportunity to explore. I create a caring and nurturing atmosphere and a positive self image. We always use our manners – ‘please and thank you’s’ I will offer the children a good balanced breakfast, lunch and pm snack. Eating with the children at meal times and encouraging light conversation at the table while using our manners. I will always provide a positive environment by establishing age appropriate limit to help the child function. I offer a child a sense of independence and responsibility by letting the child do things on his or her own, and strengthens each child’s own cultural identity. I believe a parent is the most significant role model in their child’s life. I strive to create a mutual respect between parents and myself. I do encourage daily conversations with parents, and my door is always open for any questions and or advice. I’m just a phone call away. As an adult interacting with your child, I will always show your child respect and affection by listening to your child when your child speaks, sitting low or kneeling while your child speaks, making eye contact while your child speaks, ask your child’s opinions and suggestion and choices when possible. Spanking, hitting or any other form of corporal punishment is prohibited in my home, by the provider and parent.
Religious Activities
The children and I always celebrate every holiday, and then some. When ever we have the opportunity to decorate the house with arts and crafts and other things, we will. Please let me know if you and your child do not want to participate in our religious and or holiday events.
Outside Play
A 4 foot cyclone fence has been installed in my back yard to keep the children together. Weather permitting, the children will play outside. The children may get dirty on some days so maybe a spare change of clothing can be kept at day care. I ask, but not require sneakers, so the cedar play chips in the back yard do not get stuck between the children’s toes and prevents splinters. I’m always outside with the children and when I’m outside, I’m also looking around and making sure everything and everyone is playing safe and having fun.
Staffing Plan
You as the parent are responsible for a back up child care provider on days that I am closed or in the event of an emergency.
Television Time
Some television is watched during Child Care hours. I supply an abundance amount of activities, toys and games for the children to entertain them selves with so television is NOT a main part of our day. The television we watch is age appropriate, and educational.
Daily Schedule
Go to my calendar and schedules page
9:00 am – Last Call
I would really like to have all of my Day Care children here by 9:00 a.m. It helps me put together a routine and or a schedule. If you are running late or have a doctors appointment, please call me or let me know the night before. I like to keep to a routine and schedule as it really does benefit the children.
Meals and Snacks
I practice in the USDA food program. This program provides me with a well balanced portion controlled USDA food guideline for meals and snacks. Meal Examples – I do like to get creative but here are a few examples. Breakfast: Egg, toast, banana and milk or USDA cereal, banana and milk. Lunch:Top Ramen with bits of chicken, corn or green beans, a fruit and milk. Snacks: Crackers with peanut butter and juice, crackers with cheese and juice. It will always be USDA and always good. And remember, we do have other foods. This is just an example. I think that food is very important to children. Food helps them grow big and strong, the food also has to be good or the children won’t eat it. If a child does not eat then the child gets crabby and has a bad day at child care, and that is something I do not want. So that means I ask the children to eat. If the child says ‘no’, I ask them to “please eat, it’s yummy”. I also ask the child to try the food, because it’s good for them. I do not ever force a child to eat, I can not make a child eat. I do not make special foods for any child. Every child will eat the same thing. No special foods can be brought from home unless there is enough food for all twelve children. Please be respectful of the other children and my self. Do not bring your child into child care with a donut, pop tart, muffin or something “SPECIAL” for them to eat in front of the other children.
Transportation
Transportation is some time provided. An example would be if the school aged children missed the bus in the morning, or a school aged child missed the bus after school. During summer vacation, the day care children and I sometimes go places, always with parents permission. So if you are comfortable with this, please check the boxes accordingly on the form “Permission Authorization”.
Weekend Child Care
At this time, I do not watch children on the weekends.
Sick Days
When your child is contagious with a rash, or diahrea or just sick and not feeling well, and your child will not be in child care for the day. Please call me by 9:00 am and let me know, your child will not be in child care for the day. I would very much appreciate it. Even though your child is sick and will not be attending child care, the rate is still the same.
If I happen to be sick (which is on very often) and or contagious I will definitely call you.
Closed Days
The days that child care is usually closed are on holidays, sometimes in the summer months I may be closed on a Friday or Monday. The parents are always notified in advanced. As a very responsible and very reliable child care provider, I should be paid for Holidays, even if I am closed. My philosophy is that if the parent receives Holiday pay, then the child care provider should also receive Holiday pay. There is a calendar on this web site that you can reference.
Vacation Time
I will allow my full time day care children 1 vacation day per one month of paid child care. If your child is enrolled into child care and payment has been made for 1 FULL month (Monday thru Friday) then you have qualified for 1 vacation day. 2 months of enrollment and paid for child care qualifies you for 2 vacation days and so on. You may use one vacation day at a time or save them up for a longer vacation time. I would very much appreciate it if you could provide me with AT LEAST 2 weeks’ notice before using your vacation time. A respectful 2 weeks’ notice is always helpful in planning child care activities and meals.
My full time Before and After school children can earn a half day vacation day per month of paid child care.( to use in the summer months) Only if you are needing summer child care. In the summer months 2 half vacation days equal one full day of child care. If you have questions regarding half vacation days for Before and After school children please ask me.
Please mark your monthly sign-in & sign-out calendars with days off, Non-attendance days, doctor’s appointments & vacation times. Also mark your calendars with a “YES” or “NO” for Holidays. If you do not need child care I may be able to close for that day. If you did not mark your calendar stating that you DO need child care on a Holiday, I may not know you needed child care and be closed. Please remember to mark your calendars to keep me informed. I would never want any confusion regarding with open of closed days. If my child care business is not needed at any particular time or day I would definitely like to sleep in and or take a day off. Thank you!
My paid vacation:
As a State Licensed Child care provider for over 15 years I try to be extremely flexible for ALL of my Child care parents and their children. There are times when we all need a little vacation. I will try my best to keep every parent notified of my vacation schedule. ( If you don’t have my schedule or if you don’t know when my next vacation is, let me know.) I would like to take up to 10 paid vacation days per year. (My year starts January 1st – December 31st) If you as the parent have earned vacation days in child care then you may use your vacation day the same time I use my vacation day.
If for any reason I may need more than 10 vacation days per year, such as a death or an emergency in the family I would not require payment for that specific day or days. ( If I am over my 10 vacation days) If any emergency was to happen I will try to notifiy you as soon as possible if there are any changes in my child care schedule.
If you have any questions regarding my vacation days, your vacation days and or Holidays please speak with me via telephone, email or in person. I would always like to keep an open line of communication and a stress free environment for all. Holidays are seperate from vacation days
Just a reminder to please let me know or mark on your sign-in calanders that you would like to take a vacation day. Or that you do not need child care for a specific day such as a Holiday. I am paid for Holidays even if care is not needed and I am closed.
No Longer Needing Child Care
If for any reason child care is no longer needed, a respectful 2 week notice and a letter is required. Payment for the final two weeks of childcare is required even in the event of early termination by the parent. I will also give out a respectful 2 week notice if needed. I will not tolerate a disrespectful parent who is disrespecting me and or my day care children. If you have something to share with me please be respectful and always remember there are children present. I am available to chat after 6:00 pm, email me or call me. I always want to make sure our line of communication is always open and available. Please remember we are adults and we can work things out if they need working out. In the event of a heated discussion erupting and or I feel I have been disrespected a 2 week notice will not be given and child care will immediately be terminated and NO refunds will be given.
Closures
I have never closed down my child care business without notice. But if something was to ever happen, such as the electricity was to go out and my house had no power, I would notify you by cell phone. If this was to happen while your child was in my care, I would use my own judgment as to whether I would call you at work, or just wait until you arrived at child care.
Pets
I have one large yellow Labrador retriever. He might bark at you, at first glance but he is very loving and loves children. I also have one white furry cat but she stays outside.
No Smoking
No Smoking is allowed inside or outside my child care business.
As a Parent and Child Care Provider
I know we all want happy and healthy children. I always try to be the best provider every day. I always try to be positive and happy. Every day is a new day, so tomorrow we always start with a clean slate. If for any reason you feel something was said out of content, I really would appreciate if you would bring it to my attention. I would never want any one to leave my home confused on what was said or done. If you have any questions or advice for me, speak with me in person in a respectful manner especially if children are present. Remember we are all human and treating others with respect is the adult way of communication even if we don’t agree. If communication is not in a respectful manner, Child Care will be terminated that minute and a 2 week notice will not be given. I like to run a very happy, healthy and safe Child Care business. I am always positive and want the best for all of my Child Care families. I will always show you respect and kindness. I would like the same in return. Thank you very much in allowing me to help you out while you are away at work. I do mean this with the most sincerity and warmth from my heart.