POLICY HANDBOOK:
Welcome to Laurie's Lil' Tyke Childcare. In order to make our relationship as enjoyable as possible, the following pages contain mutually beneficial, which are necessary to ensure that there, are no misunderstandings between either parties.
Please read this handbook carefully, and feel free to discuss with me any questions that you may have.
COMMUNICATION:
Communication is very important to me. When I accept a new family into my home, I be sure that we can share openly any concerns or questions that may arise. It is important that there is a similar child care philosophy between us.
I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child(ren). Sensitive issuses will be discussed in private outside of regular childcare hours. You are encouraged to call me at any time between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. If you call during the day, please be aware that I may be busy with the children (diaper changing, bottle feeding, etc.) and may not be able to answer the phone. If the phone goes unanswered, please do not become alarmed, simply leave me a voice mail and I will call you back as soon as possible. The best time to call during the day is during our quiet time.
ENROLLMENT POLICY:
NOTE: There are several forms that I must have completed and in possession before I can assure the responsibility of caring for your child. NO EXCEPITIONS! This is to ensure your child will get the very best care possible from me.
Forms:
Child Care Home Registration,
Signed Contract and Rate Agreement,
Emergency Medical Authorized Form,
Cerification of Immunization Status,
Parent Authorization for the Administration Medication,
Release of Child Permission,
Authorization for Transportation
If you have any questions regarding the completion of these forms, please feel free to ask.
NOTE: You are required to keep me informed of any changes in address, telephone numbers, and other pertinent information listed on any/all of the above forms. All forms must be updated yearly.
ADJUSTMENT:
It is normal for your child to have some fears and misgivings about being away from you. Children, like adults, need time to get used to new situations. Try to prepare your child for the changes as far in advance as possible. Discuss any concerns they may have. Talk about some of the new people your child will meet and the new things your child will do. If you are enthusiastic, soon your child will be as well. If this is the first time your child has been separated from you, it is natural for he/she to be hesitant. A cheerful good-bye kiss, a smile, and a reassuring word that you will be back after work is all you need to do. I will take it from there. Usually the child settles down shortly after you leave. Depending on their age, some children will "act out".
Act out their feelings by:
Clinging to you and refusing to let go
Having tantrums
Forgetting their toilet training
Not eating
Waking up at night or having bad dreams
Thumb sucking
Bed wetting
Expressing desire to stay home
NOTE: Usually these problems are temporary. If your child is treated loving but firmly, this behavior should go away. Please feel free to call me when you arrive at work. Chances are that your child will be busy playing and you can relax and concentrate on work.
TRAIL PERIOD:
All new children will be cared for on a two - week (14 calendar days) trial period beginning on your child's first actual day of care. During that time the parent or provider may terminate the child care agreement with (24 hours notice). After the trail period, a two week's written notice is required by either party to terminate the agreement. At the time of notice, the full amount of your child's tuition, and late fees for his/her remaining time at child care is due. No refunds will be given for services un-rendered due to unacceptable notice by the parent to the provider. If the child is with me past the two week trail notice in which payment and any late fees are due in full (See Termination Policy).
PAYMENT PROCEDURES:
Your specific rates will be outlined in your "Contract and Rate Agreement". Payments is due every Friday of each week. There are no refunds in fees for absences due to a child's illness or any other reason. Full fees are required regardless of whether or not child attends. No later than pick up time every Friday. Other arrangements must be written form and signed by both parties. If this is a holiday, payment is expected on the previous day. If you go away on vacation, payment is due before you leave. If it is my planned day(s) off, payment is expected before you leave. In case of illness, your payment is still expected unless other arrangements have been previously made. If I close the child care due to my own illness or emergency, payment will be expected on your first day back to child care.
I realize the financial burden that child care places on parents, and hope parents understand that as a business child care places financial burdens on their provider. These include, but not limited to groceries, utilities, insurance, programming, toys and equipment. I also have a financial responsibility to my family. If fees are not received when due a $5.00/per day charge will be applied to the amount owing. This charge will be in effect until all monies plus late charges are paid in full.
Due to cost of living increases, I intend on evaluating my rates every year. I will give you a minimum of two - week's notice of any increases in your child care fees. All fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
NOTE: Please make all chacks and/or money orders payable to Laurie Hinchey (owner).
DEPOSIT & RETAINER:
A non-refundable one week childcare advance deposit per child will be due at time of enrollment (up to 15 days prior to your child's period), and will be credited to your first week's child care. Parents wishingto reserve a position for their child (ren) in excess of 15 days will be charged a retaining fee. The retainer will be paid first day of every month basis, and will be equal to two weeks of your child's monthly child care.
NOTE: All retainers are non-refundable, and will not accumulate credit towards future tuition payments.
NSF CHARGES:
If paying by check, please be advised that if a check is returned for any reason parents are liable for any and all collection cost as allowed by law. Parents who have one NSF check will be required to pay cash or money order. I will gladly accept checks unless a problem occurs. Should it become necessary to take legal action to recover monies unpaid, the parent(s) will be liable for any and all collection costs such as legal fees, process service, my loss wages and/or hiring a substitute provider.
PAST DUE ACCOUNTS:
If your child care account remains unpaid for any reason, be advised that your account will be reported to (ProviderWatch) immediately. ProviderWatch is a credit reporting agency specializing in childcare accounts. Your delinquent account being reported to ProviderWatch will likely make it more difficult for you to find childcare providers willing to accept your children until any such accounts have been paid in full. You may contact ProviderWatch if any childcare provider informs you that their decision not to accept your child into care is based in whole or in part on information received from this agency. ProviderWatch will disclosed any delinquent account information on record so that you may resolve these accounts. (http://www.providerwatch.com/. (866) 267-3691
HOURS OF OPERATION:
I provide child care from Monday through Friday during your contracted working hours or attending full time school only. We will figure your hours plus commute time and this will become your"Schedule Hours". Any changes to your scedule have to be discussed and re-scheduled based on my ability to meet your new need with my schedule. For parents not attending work or school, but needing care, we will discuss this together and determine hours based on my present scheduling. There is an extra fee of $5.00 per child for every fifteen minutes or portion thereof that your child is dropped off earlier than their contracted arrival time (without prior approval) and for children not pick up by their contracted pick up time. If you arrive late without a phone call, I may not be present. It will be the parent's responsibility to find and finance an alternate for their child for the day. Late arrivals does not allow late pick ups. Care will not recommence until such fees are paid in full. Please be on time daily. If you have the day off, I expect your child to be with you. Children grow so fast, take this opportunity to spend time bonding with your child. Untimately the care of the child is the parental responsibity. Please understand: The hours in which your child is here are strictly "childcare hours" and does not reflect all of the additional hours necessary to provide quality childcare. I am available in cases of emergency, but do not want to work "over time". Just as you do, I schedule appointments round my schedule work hours and am anxious to spend time with my family in the evenings. I also apperciate your consideration if you are done with your job early to let me know and please come and pick up your child. Your personal errands (i.e. grocery shopping, golf playing, running home to change clothing) should not be on my time. I am here to serve families who must work outside of the home.
NOTE: To assure accuracy and fairness to all parents, drop off and pick up times will be according to my child care clock, as to meant for early and late charges. PLEASE set your watches/clocks accordingly.
ABSENCES:
There will be no refunds or adjustments made to your childcare fee for your time missed due to illness, holidays, or days off. A place has been reserved for each child that cannot be filled on a short-term basis.
Although, I will make every attempt to be available each day, there will be occasions when another family member or I are ill, and I am unable to provide service. You will be notified as soon as possible of any personal or family illness, funeral, or emergency. It will be your responsibility to obtain substitute care on such occasions and to arrange payment to the substitute. I strongly suggest that you have a family member, a friend, or a substitute provider lined up for the times I am closed due ti illness or emergency.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS:
No toys should be brought from home. Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others, and it is even harder with their own toys. The only exceptions to this policy is a special blanket or stuff animal/doll to be used during quiet/nap time. This will be put up and only used for appropriate time. Please limit your child to one thing. I am not responsible for any loss or breakage of your child's personal items. All personal items must be clearly marked with child's name.
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES:
Children are to arrive clean. In my experience, children are nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone. Please be very brief at pick up times also. This is a time of testing when two different athorities figures are present (the parent and the provider), and all the children will test to see if the rules still apply. An early arrival to pick up your child does not mean you may stay until the close of business. If you'd like to stay and visit please arrange this with me beforehand. But typically pick up time needs to be kept brief. When picking children up at the end of the day, you are asked to always come to the front door unless there is a note on the door saying we are all out back. Please knock - For the safety of myself and the children; doors are kept locked. Please feel free to drop in and check on your child; however, keep in mind a child adjusting to a new surrounding will want to leave with you if you pop in for a visit.
Please do not allow your child to walk to the door by themselves at drop off. It is to take a minute to walk them to the door and greet me. This gives us both the opportunity to discuss any schedule changes for the day or anything else.
Please do not allow your child to run out to your car while you are still inside or while you are in my backyard! The safety rules is, "no one goes outside without their parent with them". During arrivals and departures, I expect you to back up my rules (See House Rules), but if you do not, I will remind your child that their behavior is inappropriate and take action, if needed. Please be in control of your child during these times.
It helps your child tremendously if your child is aware that you will be arriving early or late in that they come to expect regularity and thrive on it. I also have children put their coats and shoes on in preparation for your arrival time. Please keep me informed so I can in turn keep the child informed! Drop-off and pick-up times are not good times to discuss problems. Little ears and minds hear and understand everything. I am comfortable discussing children in the presence of anyone except their parents. T opic that concern day-to-day events or lighthearted discussions are fine.
My normal procedure is to release the child only to his/her parents or someone else the parent designate. If the person is not on that list, I must have written permission to release your child. Please imform emergency contacts, or people designated to pick up your child, that if I do not know them, I will need to ask for photo identification. I do not mean to offend them. This is simply a measure taken for your child's protection. I will not let a child leave without a designated pick up people.
SIGN-IN & OUT:
I am required to have all parents sign in out for pick-ups and drop-offs each day. A sign in/out sheet, pen and a clock are located by the front door for your convenience. This gives me written record of the child's attendance, hours, and the person who brought/pick-up the child each day.
NOTE: Verification of Legal Custody: I must have a copy of the order recongnizing the parent who has legal custody of the child, as well as visitation schedules. Otherwise, I have no choice except to release the child to his/her parent.
SUPPLIES:
Parent's are responsible for supplying the following:
Formula, Juice, baby food,
Bottles, nipples, liners
Disposable diapers/pull ups, baby wipes
Blanket, full change of clothing (including socks nad underwear etc.) appropriate for the weather, and any other supplies your child my need.
You may bring a whole package of diapers/pull-ups and wipes to be stored for your child (I will let you know when your supply runs low). During cold weather months, please send a warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves and boots. Please keep in mind that if you do not bring needed items; it may prevent all of the children from going outside.
Baby bottles brought from home must be noticeably marked with child's name and date. Baby bottles will be kept in the refrigerator no loner than one day. If the baby does not consume all the formula or milk, I will immediately discard all remaining milk or formula. The child will not lay with the bottle for the cause of dental decay and other dangerous reasons.
You are required to supply a blanket for your child to be kept at the child care home. All blankets and bedding will be laundered every Friday or more often if needed. Soiled clothing will be sent home and clean change of clothing should be brought back the next following day. Young children, toddlers and babies enjoy a structured schedule; helps the day to flow more smoothly, allows the children to anticipate coming events, and aids in achieving a variety of goals. I will adhere to my written schedule to the best of my ability in mind that anything can happen when children are involved. There will be times when I have to make adjustments to the schedule. I would appreciate it if you consider my schedule when picking up or dropping off your children. It is better if arrivals and departures do not occur during quiet time, but when they do, please take note of the fact that children may be sleeping. Come and go as quietly and quickly as possible. Children who arrive during quiet time will be expected to rest or play quietly until the rest period is over.
MEALS:
Nutritions meals will be served to all children ages 12 months and up at no extra cost to you. I provide mid-morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack depending on the hours your child is attending . I will provide a nutritious lunch, a.m. snack and p.m. snack. Children who choose not to eat will not be served again until next schedule meal or snack. If the child will be arriving after mealtime please feed them before they arrive. (See Daily Schedule) Breakfast foods must be supplied by the parent if you choose for your child to have breakfast here. Children arriving after 8:15 a.m. must eat breakfast at home before arriving. NO EXCEPTIONS! I provider paper plates, bowls, cups and plastic utensils appropriate in size and shape for the child in care. Parents please feed your child breakfast before arriving at child care if all possible.
Infants: Parents are to provide the iron-formula, cereal, baby food, and juice.
CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE:
I do my best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Children's hands are washed before and after meals and toileting. I use paper towels for drying hands, so children do not use the same towel. I wash my hands frequently with antibacterial soap and also antibacterial gel. Infants sleep in separate playpens or pack n' plays with clean sheets used only by them. Beginning at about age 2, washable mats are used. Each child has a separate nap mat, with sheets, blankets and pillows that are washed weekly (unless soiled, then they are washed as often as necessary). Children use paper plates, bowls, cups and plastic eating untensils. High chair trays, tables, etc. are disinfected with a bleach water solution after each use.
Diaper/Pull up Changing Procedure:
Take off dirty disposable diaper-throw away (I will only use disposable diapers/pull-ups)
Clean child with a wet and discard
Wash hands with baby wipe
Diaper and dress child
Wash/dry child's hands and put down
Disinfect diapering area
Wash/dry my hands with anti-bacterial soap and rinse
NAPS & QUIET TIME:
All children are required to lie down for rest period in the afternoon. (See Daily Schedule) All children must nap, rest, read or play 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 real happy when they go home in the evening. Nap time is my only opportunity to take a break, clean up after lunch, do paper work, and activity planning. I provide child size mats and sheets. If your child has a special blanket or stuffed animal that he/she sleeps with, please send it along.
Once more I would ask that you please avoid picking up or dropping off your child during nap-time, but if it is necessary please be as quiet and brief as possible. Children who arrive during the 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. Infants nap at varying times and theirs will be accommodated. Somewhere between 12 and 18 months, children usually drop down to one nap per day. At this time, I will attempt to put them on the schedule nap/rest period. Home temperature will be maintained at 70 degrees when children are sleeping. Children will be dressed according to the environment temperature. Your child will be constantly supervised during rest period. I will ensure that all sleeping equipment is safe.
SIDS:
Your infant/toddler will not be permitted to sleep in a car seat or baby swing. The child will not be permitted to sleep with the bottle. Your child will not be permitted to lie down with any toys, heavy blankets, pillows, or other objects in the playpens/pack n' plays for the safty of the child.
TOILET TRAINING:
Toilet training will be done in a relaxed manner with the cooperation of the family. If potty training is begun when your child is ready, the task is easy and quick. If a parent understakes the task of potting training when they want it to happen, the task is arduous and painful for all concerned. Thirty months of age is a good rule thumb to start checking for signs of readiness. When we agree that the time is right for your child and until he/she is totally successful in his/her toileting, he/she should wear pull-ups and clothes that promote their independence. In addition, your child must have two complete change of clothes (do not forget socks). The best items are shorts and pants with elastic waist, or dress. Try to avoid tight clothing (pants with snaps and zippers and belts and overalls). Thses are difficult for children to remove "in a hurry". Do not bring your child in panties or underwear until he/she has nap time and bedtime control established. I ask that you begin toilet training at home during a weekend or vacation. I will follow through and encourage your child while in my care. When a child is ready, the process should go pretty quickly. If your child does not have immediate success, he/she will be put back into pull-ups, and after a respite, the process will be attempted again. The child must be kept in pull-ups at all times. Putting a child in diaper part-time, and pull-ups part time, can be confusing and delay the training process. Please keep in mind that the activity level here can distract your child from responding to an urge to use the potty, more so than at your home. Therefore, I continue to use diapers or pull-ups until your child can and will announce that he/she must use the bathroom (not just at home, but here, as well) and control his/her bladder and bowels for a few minutes beyond the announcement. Your child's readiness is something we can discuss because consistency between our homes will be very important. This is a special time for your child, a sign that he/she is growing up. Toilet training should be a good experience.
ACTIVITIES & CURRICULUM:
The main goal of this child care is to have fun, improve social skills, and encourge creative expression. I will utilize a variety of activities we will be doing at no additional cost to you. It will not be a rigorous academic program as young children still learn best from participating in and observing the environment around them.
Music helps to develop young brains and will play a strong role in day-to-day activities. We may have special music activities and may also play music during other activities, for example, during arts and crafts or meal time.
INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLAY:
Indoor play: I provide a variety of age-appropriate toys for outdoor play. Toys may be rotated or placed temporarily out of use so that the children do not become bored. Younger children have less-developed organizational skills and can get easily frustrated or upset when there are too many toys to choose from. It is also more difficult for them to help with clean up, when there are toys everywhere, because it is so overwhelming to them. For this reason, during free play times, each child may select one or two things at a time to play with. They will be shown how to put those things away before selecting something else.
Outdoor play: We will be playing every day that weather permits. Please make sure that your child is appropriately dressed for outdoor play at all times. Our activities will include backyard playground (gym climbing and slide), water play (sprinkler), riding toys and more! During spring and fall, our outdoor play will probably range from 20-45 minutes, and, in the summer it may be two hours or more long (maybe not all at once).
DISCIPLINE:
My philosophy is that you use discipline to teach a child. I achieve this through love, consistency, and firmness. I stress two main patterns of behavior: Respect for other people and respect property. The children are explained the rules of the child care home frequently, so they are all familiar with the guidelines.
Please keep in mind that there will be disagreements between children. Young children, especially, who are not adept at communication; have hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit or throw toys, etc. Although teaching children appropriate behavior is what I will be doing, remember that this behavior is normal in most cases.
The following methods of discipline will be used:
Encourage children to solve problems themselves
Intervention and discussion
Loss of privileges
Time out
If I feel there is a chronic behavioral issue that needs attention, I will let you know so that you and I are handling it in the same way and your child has continuity in discipline between our homes. These types of behaviors might include such things as biting, use of bad words, chronic hitting, etc. Together we will try to find a solution. You may be called to remove your child if his/her behavior prevents me from being able to properly care for other children. If the problem continues, other arrangements for the care of the child will have to be made, for the safety and well being of all.
HOUSE RULES:
Please respect my profession, my home, and me. The respect that you show me, including my home, furnishings, equipment, yard, and other children will communicate itself to your child and will make a better working relationship.
There are certain house rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow. In addition, although I realize that I must expect a certain amount of wear and tear where children are concerned, I do not want to have my home "demolished".
The following rules are enforced for the safety and well being of everyone. There will be no running permitted in the house. Hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching other children/infants/adults will not be allowed. No standing or climbing on chairs, tables, or furniture. There will be no use of obscene, derogatory or disrespectful language. Children may not walk around the house with food, cups or bottles. Children are not permitted to lift and /or carry other children while in my home or on property. Respectful treatment of other people and all property, toys, and furniture is expected. Willful destruction of property will be charged to the parent at the cost to replace the item. Toys are meant to be played with, and if they break it is most likely from wear and tear. Unless a child deliberately takes a toy and breaks it, you or your child will not be held accountable. Please support me in the enforcement of these rules, in order to create a better environment for all.
Children and families are welcome in any areas of the house that are used for children purposes. My family and I also need some privacy and separation from the childcare. Please respect this. It is hard for my husband and children to share their home/wife/mother, so intimately, with other children/families, for so many hours a day. It is important for them to feel that they have their "own" space. Therefore, children and child care families are not permitted in the bedrooms.
RELIGIOUS STATEMENT:
We do observe Christmas and will be singing Christmas carols, but I will not practice religious rituals of any kind with your child(ren).
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
I will admit children of any race, religion, color, national and ethnic origin background. I do not discriminate in any way within the administration of my enrollment policies, discipline proceduces or financial plans. Discrimination by and between children is considered unacceptable and will not be tolerated in my home.
ILLNESS POLICY:
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will parents be allowed to bring a sick child to my home. Sick children expose children, as well as myself and my family, to the spread of their illness and required additional care and attention that I am unable to give. Moreover, sick children want care from their parents in the comfort of their home. If other children become ill due to exposure to your sick child, either because he/she was returned to childcare before full recovery or because he/she was not picked up promptly upon notice of becoming ill, other parents will be unnecessarily incovenienced. If my family or I become ill due to exposure to sick child, all of the children may need to arrange alternate care, and it is possible that I may lose a portion of my income. Because this is disruptive to other children and their families, as well as my own, your cooperation on this issue is extremely important.
The following illness policies will be strictly enforced, for the health, well being and safety of all concerned. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will parents mask their child's symptoms with over-the-counter medications and bring them to child care anyway is not allowed. It is also inconsiderated to all families involved. A sick child should be allowed to recuperate fully at home after an illness so that the other children and the provider do not risk unnecessary exposure. If you are unable to stay home with your child it will be necessary for you to make arrangements at your own expense. If your child is out ill regular fees still apply.
Your child may be brought to child care if they have common cold which means (slight cough, clear running nose, snezzing). However, I will call you if your child is just plain miserable: whining, crying, repeatedly asking for you. Your child should not attend if they are not feeling well enough to participate in our daily activities (i.e. a child wanting to sleep all day, lay on the couch and watch TV etc.).
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES:
In case of emergency, I will administer the necessary first aid. The Zillah Police Department or Paramedic Unit will be called and your child will be transported to the hospital designated on your "Emergency Transportation Authorized" form. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELT!
NOTE: If an ambulance is called to transport your child, the cost of the ambulance will be your responsiblity.
If an emergency you need to be prepared with emergency caregivers unplanned absences of short duration caused by unanticipated circumstances such as illness or accident. You may be requested to pick up your child.
You are responsible for all cost involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency transportation, if required. The owner of "Laurie's Lil' Tyke Childcare" or my family will not be held liable for any sickness/injury or either parent/guardian or child while on these premises.
I will record all injuries on the, "Record of Injury" form.
As a childcare provider, I am responsible to obtain CPR and First Aid training and to keep it updated. My First Aid Kit will be stored inside my kitchen cupboard of my home. For in case of an emergency I am required to store a First Aid Kit inside my vehicle when transporting children in my care.
Consent for emergency medical treatment on each child will be kept in my vehicle during transportation of children in care.
My two fire extinguishers will be mounted on wall of the first floor area and second floor basement wall in the hallway.
Emergency contacts will be available by the phone on the kitchen wall and in vehicle compartment. I will store all emergency contacts in my "Emergency" file.
PETS:
I have 2 dogs and 3 cats. The pets in my home are in good health and are non-aggressive, they have their (updated) required immunizations. Their waste are disposed dily or more often if needed, and litter box are inaccessible to children. I have restricted areas for my pets from children to relieve themselves. The children are supervised at all time indoor/outdoor when pets are present. The children and myself will wash our hands after handling pets or pet items.
SYMPTOMS REQUIRED REMOVAL OF CHILD FROM CHILD CARE:
NOTE: The Health Department regulation prohibit the admittance of any child into a family childcare home that exhibits any of the following symptoms:
Fever: Fever is defined as (100 degress or higher). A child needs to be fever free for a minimum of (24 hours) before returning to childcare; that means the child is fever free without the aid of Tylenol or any other fever reducing substance. This means I can not have child here if there is a fever, even if you think it is just teething unless you have a written note from the doctor. Futhermore, under no circumstance should you bring your child with sore throat, continious coughing, running nose other than clear, draining eyes or ears, unexplained rash, head lice, etc. (If you are not sure your child is well enough to attend child care call and discuss it with me).
Diarrhea: Child running or watery stool or two or more loose stools (within last 4 hours). The child must be symptom free for (24 hours) without the aid of medication. Infants with fevers and/or diarrhea and as it pertains to teething, I will only accept a child with these symptoms back into care after the child has been seen by a doctor and a note is sent from doctor stating that these symptoms are due to teething.
Vomiting: Child must be symptom free for (24 hours) without the aid of medicaton.
Running nose: Discharge of any color other than cear is not acceptable in childcare. Your child may be brought to care if he/she has a common cold (slight cough, clear running nose, occasional sneezing). Discharge of any color other than clear is not acceptable in child care.
Running and/or Crusy Eyes: Watery, matted, and/or red/pink eyes are not acceptable in childcare
Discharge from ears: Check with doctor
Unexplained Rash: Check with doctor
Lice: Child needs to be treated and nits removed before return
Communicables diseases: Chicken pox, measles, mumps, conjunctivitis (pink eye), influenza etc. The child may return when the incubation and contagious period is passed and the child is well enough to resume normal childcare activities.
NOTE: Excessive Crankiness: Child is irritable, excessive whining or crying, want constantly held, or requires more attention than I can provide without jeopardizing the health, safety, or well being of the other children in my care. Your child will not be accepted into childcare if he/she has had any of the above symptoms within (last 24 hours). A sick child should be allowed to recover fully after an illness so that other children in the group do not risk exposure and so that the child is able to fully participate in childcare activities. If you are not able to retain at home with your sick child it will be necessary for you to make substitute child care arrangements at your own expense. If your child becomes ill while in my care, I will notify you immediately. You are required to pick your child up within 60 minutes of notification. If you can not be reached then your emergency contact will be called. If your child is out ill regular fees still apply. I reserve the right to determine when child should be sent home due to illness. Children may return to care 24 hours after symptoms of illness end or with written authorization from doctor stating the name of illness and when child may return to group care. Please notify me as soon as possible when your child becomes ill so that I may notify the other parents.
If your child is thought to have a communicable disease, you will be notified and asked to pick him/her up. He/she will be isolated from the other children and given special attention and comfort until you arrive. Your child will be accepted back into care when no longer contagious. All other parents will be notified of the possibility of a communicable disease and what symptoms, I will call you the previous evening, or as soon as I am aware of the situation, so that you may determine whether or not you want your child exposed to such symptoms. However, I reserve the right to ask you to make other arrangements if I feel the illness(es) in my family will hinder the quality of care for your child. If I specifically request that you find alternate care on any given day, then I will not require payment. However, absences by your choice qualify as your sick or absent days and are to be paid as stated above. I do not expect to be paid when I am not available for care due to illness. However, I set aside time in my schedule to accommodate your schedule and feel that I should be compensated for the time that I am available.
Many times the child care may get blamed for the illness of a child, meaning that I have "allowed" sick children to come here. Parents may not stop to think when sick children are brought to my home, my entire family is also at risk of exposure. How would you feel if another parent brought their sick child and exposed your child?
I will always respect your need to be at work. I ask, however, that when deciding if your child should be at home, you give consideration to the other children. Ask yourself how you would feel if another child were ill as your child was. Would you want your child exposed to these symptoms? Futhermore, there are times when a child is not, that ill, but is terribly uncomfortable, and really needs some "one-on-one". At those time I strongly urge you toconsider keeping your child at home. If your child is unable to participate in the normal activities of the daily schedule, then your child must stay home.
FIRE SAFETY:
Children will be transported by me to 303 SECOND AVENUE in case of an emergency we will need to leave the home, we will be at the ZILLAH INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. The contact number is 829-5555. Any special equipment needed for the child will be taken with me. I will contact you as soon as possible, please keep me informed of your current work number and the number of an emergency contact person.
If you are unable to pick up your child(ren) because of a disaster, I can provide food, water and shelter for up to 3 days. Remember I need a complete change of clothing for your child in case of a disaster.
TERMINATION POLICY:
I reserve the right to terminate for the following reasons (but not limited to):
Failure to comply with the policies set forth in this booklet
F ailure to comply with the contract
Non-Payment of child care fees or late and/or recurring late payment of fees
Failure to show up for 5 days in a row without any communication
Failure to complete require forms
If parents knowingly bring their child ill
Failure to pay
Lack of parental cooperation
Failure of child adjust to the child care after a reasonable amount of time
Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property
My inability to meet the child's needs
Serious illness of child or provider
False information given by parent either verbally or in writing
Decline in the performance to picking up their child(ren) on their present agreement pick up schedule.
NOTE: NO REFUNDS will be given for services unrendered due to unacceptable notice by the parent to the provider. I appreciate as much advance notice as possible when terminating, and will give the same courtesy in return. You are required to give two-week's written notice when you decide to terminate child care. The two weeks will be paid in full, regardless of whether or not your child is in attendance. I will give two-week's written notice of termination for which full payment is due, whether or not your child is in attendance where there are extreme circumstances that affect the well being of myself or other children in attendance. Termination notice will not be accepted while provider or parents are on vacation. You may pay two-week's fees in lieu of two-week's notice.
NOTE: If the child is with me past the two-week trail period and I run into complication with discipline, I will give a two-week notice.
TRANSPORTATION:
Swim Lessons!!
Swimming throughout the hot summer months is a lot of fun, active, and healthy way for children to spend their leisure time. During the months of June and/or July children may participate in (Toppenish) swim lessons. We usually undertake (4 weeks) during the summer months. Swimming is a fun matter that enhances children's self-esteem, coordination, follow instruction, social behaviors, respect, swimming techniques, natural flexibilities, exercising all their major joints through a ful range of motion, builds strong bones, muscles, fitness, how to set goals and enjoy their achievements, to make intelligent choices/decisions, and water safety; learn to respect the water and shed their fear!
Parents that would like to see their child(ren) participate in swim lessons are required to the following:
Provide the cost for their child(ren) swim lessons
Provide him/her swim-trunks/swim-suits
Provide easy wearable slip-on/off shoes such as water shoes, flip flops, slip-on shoes without shoelaces/buckles
Provider suntan lotion in their original container
Provide proper written instruction forms to administer non-prescription tropical ointments, creams, or lotions
Provide transportation back-up for day(s) the child care is closed
NOTE: Parent(s) are required to provide back up transportation for their child(ren) to/from school, swim lessons etc. for the day(s) child care is closed. The parent (s) are responsible for any/all cost of substitute care/transportation.
If needed I will transport to and from school. Each child will be seat belted in his/her seat before the vehicle is in movement.
I have residential and vehicle medical/liability insurance through, "State Farm Insurance Company".
HOLIDAYS & VACATIONS:
I will be closed on the following holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. I close early (usually 3:00 p.m.) on Christmas Eve futhermore, New Years Eve in which regular fees still applies. There will be no reimbursement. I will give you two months notice when planning a vacation. If your vacation coincides with mine there will be no charge. If it does not, I will charge the regular fees. I need at least one month notice when you are planning a vacation.
REVISIONS TO HANDBOOK AND CONTRACT:
I reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies, as I deem necessary. You will be notified, in writting, of any, changes that may occur. Every attempt will be made to give at least two-week's notice of changes.
HANDBOOK CONTRACT:
The following contract pertains to the policies set forth in the "Parent Policy Handbook" governed by the "Family Child Care Home". It is the parent(s) responsibility to read the "Policy Handbook" completely before signing and it is the parent(s) responsibility to abade by the policies stipulate in the "Policy Handbook". This is a legal and binding contract and signing it obligates you to this contract legally. By signing (initialing) each page I (the parent) hereby acknowledge that I (the parent) am aware of the conditions stated in the "Family Child Home's Policy Handbook", and agree to abide by the above signed policies and requirements in conjunction with the financial agreements and the "Agreement for Child Care Services".
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Parent full Name Parent Signature Date
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Parent full Name Parent Signature Date
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Provider full Name Provider Signature Date
