I am a professional childcare provider who has been operating since 2015. To facilitate greater understanding between us, I have created this virtual handbook. It covers my childcare philosophies, business policies and expectations. In order to make our relationship as enjoyable as possible, the following pages contain mutually beneficial requirements, which are necessary to ensure that there are no misunderstandings between either parties. Please read our policies carefully and feel free to discuss with us any questions you may have.

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CHANGES

This virtual handbook may be revised throughout the year. I will send out revisions as soon as possible. The revised set of policies will go in effect 2 weeks (14 days) after the revised handbook notification is made.

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ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

All necessary items and forms must be completed and returned before we assume the responsibility of caring for your child. NO EXCEPTIONS! Please inform us immediately of any changes. Listed below you will find the list of items that you will need to return to our family childcare before your child's first day. (Preferably the Friday before)

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• Childcare Profile Form

• Policy Acknowledgement Form

• Last Two Weeks Deposit 

• First Week's Tuition Due at or Before Your Start Day

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COMMUNICATION

Communication is VERY important to me. When I accept a new family into my home, I like to be sure that we can share openly any concerns or questions that may arise. It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between us. 

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I welcome questions, feedback or discussions of any kind that affect a positive outcome for the child. Sensitive issues will be discussed outside regular hours either by phone or a scheduled conference.

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You may call or text me anytime between 7:00am and 6:00pm. If you call during the day, please be aware that we may be busy with the children and may not be able to answer right away. If you leave a message via text or voicemail, we will return your call as soon as possible.​

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HOUSE RULES

Rules are a good thing. They help set boundaries and set up expectations of proper behavior not just at my home, but at your's as well. Please go over this section with your child (if it is age appropriate to do so) so they may know what is expected of them while in our care. We expect all children (age taken into consideration) to know the rules of our home. These I assume are quite similar to the ones you have in your own home. I don't intend for these to sound as though we don't allow the children to play and enjoy themselves, but we feel it is important with the number of children in our childcare setting to follow these rules to insure safety and lower maintenance of our home.

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• Sanitize both child and parents hands at our sanitizing station upon entering our home.

• Shoes off as soon as you enter and place in the provided shoe bin.

• No picking up babies or toddlers.

• No leaving the house or yard.

• No name calling/teasing. Everyone is treated with respect.

• No running, jumping on furniture or wrestling in the house.

• No hitting, biting, pushing, kicking, etc.

• No throwing or intentionally breaking anything.

• No open food or gum brought into the house.

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GUIDANCE & DICIPLINE

My program goals are to promote independence, self-esteem and caring toward others and the physical environment. I use redirection whenever possible. This means that if a child is in a potentially harmful situation to him/herself or to another child, we will remove him/her and try to redirect the child's attention to something else. Time-Out in our "Think About It Corner" will be used as a cooling off period for the child to regain self control. Temper tantrums, aggressive behaviors and complete defiance will warrant a period of time out no longer than one minute per year of age. No one, including the parent, will be permitted to spank a child while in my care.

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MEDICATION

I will not administer medication to any children while in my care. Please try to give your child necessary medications before bringing your child to our home. It is important you let me know what was taken and when it was taken upon arrival. 

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CHILD ILLNESS

I reserve the right to temporarily deny any child admittance, or to require an early departure should symptoms become apparent during the course of the day, for reasons obvious illness including, but not limited to, a temperature of 100 degrees or higher and/or symptoms of possible severe illness. If your child becomes ill while in my care, he/she will be isolated from the other children and one parent will be called immediately. If I am unable to contact the first parent, I will then call the designated emergency contact person on the child's profile sheet. The child will be unable to remain in my care if ill and I will expect the child to be picked up WITHIN the hour. 
 

If your child is unable to go outside and/or participate in daily activities, please inform me. Special needs required by one child restricts the activities of all the children. If the child is too ill to play, I may ask for you to keep your child home until they are able to participate in normal activities.

Keep in mind when small children are not feeling well, the thing they need most is TLC from mom and dad. If a child is too ill to participate in regular activities then he/she is too ill to be in my care.

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Children with consistent runny noses that are not caused by allergies may spread germs everywhere. The child might wipe his/her nose on their hand and then rub them on the other children, toys and other surfaces. Please keep in mind how you would feel if another child's parent brought their child to care and exposed illness to your healthy child. These cases will be handled on a case by case basis. If your child has a runny nose and/or bad cough that are allergy related. Ultimately, it will be up to my discretion if the child is well enough to stay in my care.

 

A child who has been vomiting can easily spread germs. If your child vomits while in my care, you will be expected to come immediately to remove your child. If you are not able to come as soon as you are called, please arrange for someone else to come pick your child up. The child must stay home until 24 hours after the vomiting has passed with no medication.

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A child who has a fever of 100 or higher must stay home for at least 24 hours fever free without medication before returning to daycare.

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When a child has a single loose stool, he/she does not need to stay home. However, if your child has runny stools that cannot be contained in a diaper or the child cannot reach the toilet in time the stool may contaminate the childcare setting and this child must remain at home. Please use your discretion with this. If the child has diarrhea that's not contained, you will be called to pick your child up from daycare.

 

There are some illnesses that by law exclude the child from attending childcare. Some of these illnesses are but not limited to:

• Infectious Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

• Diarrhea

• Impetigo

• Ringworm

• Strep Throat

• Fever (Over 100 degrees)

• Staph Infection

• Head Lice

• Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

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It is extremely important that you openly communicate with me when your child becomes ill. Even if it happens over the weekend. This way I am able to take proper precautions with the others.

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ABSENCES

Please inform me as soon as possible if your child will be absent, this will allow me to adequately prepare for the day. There will be no refunds or adjustments made to your weekly tuition fee for time missed due to illness. A space is reserved for your child and cannot be filled on a short term basis. 

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EXTENDED ABSENCES

In cases of potential absence due to maternity leave, summer (teachers), etc. I do not require a holding fee, although I want you to understand I cannot guarantee there will be a spot available when your child returns to our care. You are more than welcome to hold your child's spot while your child is out, I require your regular tuition to guarantee your child's spot when they return. I must receive a two week written notice and the leave must be for a two week or longer period. 

*In this case, your family will no longer be eligible for a child vacation.

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HOLIDAYS AND CLOSINGS

My family childcare will observe the following paid Holidays.
I will be closed and regular tuition will be required for the following days:

• New Year's Day

• Good Friday

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving 

• Christmas Eve

• Christmas

• New Year's Eve

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Parents are responsible for payment of these days. Dates that our childcare will be closed will always be posted on the calendar on the parent board and on the website. If closed on a Thursday, payments will be due the last day of the week that my childcare is open.

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CHILD VACATION

This is a benefit to YEAR ROUND, FULL TIME FAMILIES ONLY. (Year Round, Full Time = Monday - Thursday continuous care) After 90 days of being in my care you will receive half off tuition for your child's vacation. I must be notified, in writing, at least two weeks in advance. More notice is greatly appreciated but not required. Child's vacation cannot be used at the same time as another child vacation, during provider’s vacation or any closings on our 2019 calendar. 

Regular tuition applies for Part Time families vacation/time off.

In the case your vacation lands on a Thursday, it will be your responsibility to get tuition for the following week on Thursday morning by 11. (Most families pay in advance)

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Child vacations cannot be during Provider's Vacation. 

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PROVIDER PERSONAL DAYS AND VACATION

I have ten (10) paid personal days per year to use for continued education and to regroup. Some of these will be planned days off and will be on the calendar. I also have eight (8) paid sick days to use for myself. Parents should secure a back-up provider on these days.

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I allot myself five (5) days of paid vacation a year. I will announce the dates as soon as I find out myself! Regular tuition is due the Thursday before I take my vacation. The week following my vacation, regular tuition will be due by the Thursday of my vacation. It is encouraged that tuition is paid in advance to avoid late fees. 

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In order to be the best provider I can be, I need time to relax with my own family, accomplish household and/or childcare projects or attend training seminars/conferences. These things help me stay motivated and empowered to continue providing quality care.

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SUMMER ENROLLMENT (TEACHERS ONLY)
Our family childcare offers the following options for teachers during summer vacation time only:

1. Teacher family pays the normal tuition amount to utilize childcare as frequently as wanted during normal contracted hours (not to exceed existing contracted hours). Notice must be provided at least 24 hours in advance. This option is best families who desire a lot of flexibility over the summer. 

2. Teacher family pays discounted tuition of 50% with no attendance to hold child’s spot over summer vacation. Occasional drop-in care may be available at additional daily rate. Notice must be provided at least 48 hours in advance. This option is best for families who wish to guarantee their spot in the program and may only occasionally need childcare over the summer. 

3. Un-enroll child(ren) from care, understanding there is no guarantee space will be available to return in the fall. Two week notice of termination is required. 

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DROP OFFS AND PICK UPS

A few things to remember when dropping off and picking up:

• Child must be dropped off no later than 9:30am, keeps the rest of us on schedule

• Your child must be fed, dressed and ready for the day

• Absolutely NO shoes in my home, please place in the provided shoe cubby in the garage

• Try to make drop offs and pick ups quick, keeps the rest of us on schedule

• Infant carseats may be left in the designated area in the garage

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CLOTHING AND CUBBIES

My family childcare is designed to keep children active, both indoors and out. Children should wear appropriate clothing to accommodate the activities they will be involved in. Please don't dress your child in "Sunday clothes" and expect them to stay clean. We will do our best to keep your child's clothing as clean as possible!

• I will take reasonable precautions to protect children's clothing during messy activities

• An extra set of clothing must be kept in your child's cubby in my home at all times and must be updated by season

• An extra set of shoes must be kept in the "outside shoe" bin in my home at all times and must be updated as the child grows

• I am not responsible for lost or damaged clothing

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I ask that you leave the diaper bags at home and keep what you would have in a diaper bag in your child's cubby. This will eliminate unnecessary clutter and it'll be one less thing for you parents to have to carry in!

In your child's cubby you should always have:

• At least two extra sets of clothes

• An extra set of outside shoes

• Swimsuit, sun hat, and towel (summer time)

• Extra pacifiers

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OUTDOOR PLAYTIME

Children will play outdoors as the weather permits, in temperatures above 50 degrees and below 98 degrees. It is important for the children to have fresh air, new worlds to explore and a wider field of play. If a child is too ill for outside, he/she should not be in care. Outdoor time is where we will enjoy things such as ball playing, enjoying ride-on toys, running, water table, neighborhood walks and trips to my neighborhood park.

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MEALS

Children must arrive fed and ready for the day. Children must also bring their own packed lunch. I suggest to pack ready to eat "picnic foods" that do not need to be prepared. Children prefer foods they can feed themselves such as Lunchables, cut fruit/veggies, sandwiches, pretzels, etc - although the lunch you bring from home is completely up to you! I will provide water, along with their very own water bottle to keep at my home. Lunch is served around 11:00am. Snack is provided and is served after nap time.

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PHOTOS

I take candid photos of the children during different activities for use on projects and Facebook posts. If you wish to not have your child's photo posted on Facebook, please let me know. 

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PARTIES

A birthday is a special event in a child's life. Children enjoy sharing this exciting day with their friends. I am happy to have you participate on that day. Parents may send store bought cupcakes/goodies the day of their child's birthday. 

The following holidays will also have a coordinating party/event:

• Valentine's Day

• Easter

• Halloween

• Thanksgiving 

• Christmas

• New Year's

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TOILET TRAINING

I am more than happy to encourage potty training when the child is ready. (Typically between 2 and 3 years old) The initial start needs to be done at home for at least two weeks with success before it can be effectively started at daycare. Parents will be required to supply pull ups during this time. CHILDREN WILL BE ALLOWED TO COME IN COTTON UNDERWEAR AFTER THEY'VE BEEN ACCIDENT FREE FOR THREE WEEKS IN PULL UPS. Communication between parents and myself is imperative for a successful transition from diapers to toilet. 

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DEPOSITS, TUITION PAYMENTS, AND FEES

Last two weeks deposit are due before or on the first day. First week's payment is due by the first day as well. NO EXCEPTIONS!

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Tuition payments are due Thursday mornings by 11:00am prior to the week of care. Childcare will not be provided if tuition has not been paid in full and/or mutual arrangements have been made between the parents and childcare provider. If tuition is not paid by 11:00am on Thursday morning, a late fee of $25 (in cash) per day will be added to any payment not received on time. The late fee applies to payments not paid by 11:00am on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, etc. Late tuition and late fees must be paid asap in cash to continue care. You are responsible for tuition whether your child is in attendance or not. As you are paying for your child's spot and we cannot replace your child with short notice.

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• If your child will be absent Thursday or I am scheduled to be closed, you are responsible for payment on the last day the child will be in attendance. (Ex. Wednesday, you pay on Wednesday) Otherwise, late fees will begin on 11:01 on Thursday 

• Thursdays off, payments are then due the last day your child is in attendance (Ex. Thanksgiving week, off Thursday and Friday, payments are due Wednesday morning)

• A non-refundable enrollment deposit of the last two weeks of tuition is required to reserve a space for your child. The last two weeks deposit will be applied starting the date of when I receive the withdraw notice in writing.

• I reserve the right to change tuition rates within a 14 day notice

• I accept cash payments only

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CONTRACTED HOURS

The hours you provide at our interview will be your contracted hours of care.​ For every minute past your contracted time, a late fee of $2 will be expected at pickup. (Late 5 minutes = $10 due at pick up, in cash) This allows me to properly plan our day and make it easier for everyone in my care to follow a daily routine.

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There will be no switching or adding days week to week. Your set days and time given at interview is what will be followed. If you need to add a day, you will need to check with me and it will then need to be constant there on out. 

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TERMINATION

I reserve the right to re-evaluate any child or family's continued participation in my family childcare to determine whether or not the program can adequately meet the needs of the child or family. In this event there will be no refunds. Failure to abide by these policies may result in termination. I reserve the right to enforce these policies at will. Lack of enforcement of a certain policy, at any given time, does not indicate that a particular policy is no longer in effect. Absences of more than a week without notification or payment of tuition will result in an automatic termination. 

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WITHDRAWAL

Parents may terminate the service by giving a two (2) week's notice in writing. Earlier notice, if known, would be greatly appreciated. The two week deposit paid at the time of the child's enrollment will then be applied to these two weeks. In the event of leaving before the two weeks notice, you forfeit your two week deposit.