Handbook of Policies
About Me:
Welcome! I am a licensed elementary teacher with 7 years of classroom experience. I have also worked as a teacher at a day care center in the preschool room. I enjoy spending my days teaching and playing with the children, they are a joy to be around! I am an avid reader, love to garden (and the kids get right in there with me!), shop, scrapbook, and spend time with my family and friends. My husband, Jamie and I have two sons, Christopher and Joseph.
Please help me operate my childcare business in a professional manner by carefully reading through this parent handbook, and filling out all necessary forms. It is important that you are aware of all of my policies, as I want you to make your decision about childcare based on the terms that I provide.
It is my goal to offer your family the quality childcare experience that you deserve.
Again, welcome to our daycare! I look forward to getting to know you and your child!
What to expect:
Through the daily curriculum, the children will be encouraged to discover about themselves, others and their environment. I believe strongly that children need routines to their days, so they know what to expect and can be an active participant in the day. Children participate in a wide range of activities throughout the week, large and small motor, teacher-directed as well as child-directed activities, inside and outside play, crafts, calendar, art, music, stories, letters, numbers, science, math, colors and much more. Your child can expect to have healthy meals and snacks. Children will be taught to respect themselves and others, no violent play such as guns or wrestling is allowed, neither is potty talk.
Hours of operation:
My hours of operation are
In the event that you need to change your hours, I require two weeks written notice. Please note that I may not be able to accommodate the new hours. Any changes in hours may result in a change of your tuition fees.
Additional hours that you may need on an occasional or temporary basis will require additional childcare tuition. I must approve these hours in advance. I CANNOT accommodate hours after
As a parent myself, I do understand that there are times when you need to leave your children with me while you take care of personal business, such as doctors appointments, I just ask that you respect my policy and let me know when these times arise and where you can be reached in an emergency.
A late fee of $15 for the first 10 minutes or portion there of will be assessed if your child is picked up later than closing or your contracted hours. After the first 10 minutes a $1 fee per minute is assessed. This fee is due upon pickup. Please call if you know you are going to be late, as I may have personal plans after my working hours. Please avoid dropping off or picking up your child during rest time.
Open Door Policy:
You are welcome to visit the daycare anytime your children are present. You are asked to avoid rest time if at all possible. If you should need to come by during rest time, please DO NOT ring the doorbell. The front door may be locked during the day. This is done for the security of your children and the home. If you come into the home further than the tiled entry, please remove your shoes. If you need to call during the day, please be aware that I may not be able to answer the phone at that time because I am with the children. Leave a message and I will return your call when I am not busy with the children. I check my e-mail at various times during the day and it is the easiest way to communicate with me. My E-mail address is JCH-16@msn.com.
Guidance:
I provide guidance in a loving and supportive manner using limit setting, respect, support, encouragement and choices. Children will be treated with courtesy, respect and patience. Guidance will be according to age and understanding level. Younger children, babies and toddlers, will be redirected to another activity. Older children may be given time outs depending on the offense. (1 minute per year of age) I will ask children to assume responsibility for their behavior by guiding them to make appropriate choices. I will never use physical or corporal punishment; no child will ever be punished for toilet accidents.
If behavior becomes an issue, I will speak with you about it and we will resolve it together. In the rare case of extreme behavior, you may be required to pick your child up if I feel it is warranted.
House Rules:
No hitting, biting, pinching, throwing, pushing, hair pulling, or otherwise hurting ourselves or others. No intentionally breaking anything. No running, jumping, wrestling, climbing, etc in the house or on the furniture. No picking up babies or toddlers. No leaving the house or yard without permission. No name calling, potty talk, yelling, foul language or teasing – everyone deserves to be treated with respect. No chasing the cats. All food and drink stays in the kitchen or dining room. Treat others, my home and family with respect.
I cannot care for children whose behavior is unacceptable such as biting, hitting, fighting, swearing...etc. I know sometimes things happen, but if a child is always acting out or running wild and causing problems, this will be grounds for termination and you will be asked to make other arrangements. It is my goal to make sure the children in my care are happy and free from harm. When I have such children this makes it very hard to create a happy environment for the other children in my care. So such a child will be removed. I believe children are responsible for their actions and we teach them to respect other people's property and the value of those items.
Toys:
Each child is permitted to bring a small “lovey” and blanket for rest time. This toy will only be taken out for rest time and may not be played with during the remainder of the day. No other toys may be brought to daycare. School age children that are attending full days during breaks or summer are allowed to bring a book to read during rest time. I have plenty of books to choose from for all ages but I understand the need to finish that book you have gotten yourself wrapped up in!
Rest Time:
Approximately
Preschool Program:
Preschool activities are provided year round. These activities provide routine and structure. In the past I have subscribed to a preschool curriculum called Twosteps. I also create my own curriculum based on the children’s interests and ages of the group we are working with. Coloring is a huge part of preschool fine motor skill development and as such they always have different coloring sheets available to them to practice this skill. We will work on getting your child ready for Kindergarten. As a Teacher, I feel I have a great amount of knowledge in this area. Age appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of the individual child and day. Every year we have watched the robins build a nest, lay eggs and raise their baby birds. We plant in the garden, water the flowers, pick weeds, harvest the tomatoes and eat them for lunch. I will offer times for outside play, crafts, stories, games, and instruction appropriate to the child's ages, interests, and abilities. My instruction will introduce them to letter, shape, color, and number recognition in a monthly theme format as well as science, and social studies. Free play is a critical part of a child's early years that is often getting overlooked in our crazy busy days. It is here that they learn social skills that will be needed the rest of their lives. I provide the time for this for them here.
There may be some occasions when I may ask for small house hold items to go towards crafts and supplies.
Example of our Daily Schedule:
The schedule varies daily but here is an example day:
Before 8:00: Daycare opening- quiet play. 8-8:30 Breakfast
Required Daycare Supplies:
Parents must provide the following:
A full change of clothing to be kept at daycare- 2 for infants- (shirt, underwear, socks, pants) please bring this in a labeled bag. If these are used, a clean change of clothing will be expected the following day at daycare.
Disposable diapers and diaper rash creams you want me to use if the child is not toilet trained. (Pull-ups if needed for nap and for toilet training children)
I provide all wipes.
Formula or breast milk, bottles, pacifier and pacifier fastener for infants.
No-rub spray-on sunscreen during the summer months. This makes it easy for me to apply sunscreen to many children multiple times a day as we spend a lot of time outside in the summer.
A swimsuit to be left at daycare during the warm months- clearly labled! We have sprinkler time on those hot days!
Other items to consider bringing - Small pillow, comb, brush, hair detangler spray for after we run thru the sprinkler, hair binders.
Any medication that you may wish to be used. This must be labeled with your child’s name and a permission form filled out before administering.
These items need to be replenished as used.
Please label anything that comes with your child to daycare!
Appropriate clothing:
Children need to come dressed in seasonal outerwear. We are outside daily, weather permitting. In the winter; snow pants and coat or snowsuit, gloves or mittens, hats, boots. In the spring and fall; boots for muddy weather, coats or sweatshirts, light gloves and hat or hood.
Summer; swimsuit for sprinkler days, light jacket for cool mornings.
Shoes need to be ones that your child can easily put on and take off by themselves, with the exceptions of toddlers and infants.
Please be aware that we play and have fun. This involves lots of messy activities, so make sure you dress your child in clothing you don’t mind having them get dirty.
Daycare Meals and Food from Home Policy:
. I serve breakfast, morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. Children are not forced to eat what we are having, but they will be encouraged to try a bite or two. Studies have shown that it takes multiple exposures to a food for a child to determine if they really don’t like a food or if they just need to acquire a taste for it. If your child will be arriving after our scheduled meal time, please feed them at home before coming. Infants will be fed on demand. Water will be offered between meal times. Milk or juice will be served with each meal or snack.
I have the children help with the garden and then they get to eat the product of their work. I like to talk to the children about the difference between a snack and a treat. A snack fills your tummy and gives you energy to play and learn. A treat is a special cookie or candy that you have just once in a while.
No outside food, drinks, candy, gum or snacks may be brought to daycare. I do not allow children to bring sippy cups from home. Please do not wait to take food or drink away from your child until you are at my door. No special meal will be prepared for a child because they do not like what I am serving that day. (Exceptions are only made for medical reasons, with a doctor’s note.) Please contact me in advance if you would like to provide a special treat for your child’s birthday.
Days of Operation:
The following are paid holidays, no care provided, if they fall on a contracted day for your child:
Independence Day
Thanksgiving and the day after
Christmas day and the day after
New Year’s Day
Labor Day
Memorial Day
If the holiday falls on a weekend, the daycare will be closed on the Monday or Friday that is the observed holiday.
The daycare will close early on the following days:
Christmas Eve – close at
New Year’s Eve – close at
Maternity leave for the provider:
If Heidi Highet should become pregnant, 6 to 8 weeks of unpaid maternity leave is allowed after the baby is born, in addition to any unpaid medical leave that is necessary before giving birth. You will be responsible for making alternate arrangements for child care.
Maternity Leave/ Extended Leave:
I do not offer an unpaid maternity leave for family’s who are home with a new infant or those with extended vacations. My business and income are based on my enrollment at all times. Your payment is still due each Monday in order to hold your child’s existing spot in my care. If you have vacation time and would like to use that while you are on maternity leave for your children, you can do so. If I am taking infants at this time and you have made arrangements for me to hold a spot for your child, (please tell me right away if you are expecting, I may or may not have an opening) there is a monthly charge to hold the spot until your infant comes on a regular or planned basis.
My Vacation / Personal Days
Each calendar year I will take 10 days of paid vacation / personal days. I will let you know at least one week in advance whenever possible and will try to let you know even earlier.
Smoking:
There is no smoking in my home at any times. If you are a smoker please extinguish smoking materials in your vehicle.
Firearms:
There are no firearms in the home.
Non-Discrimination Policy:
I do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex or disability.
Substance Abuse Policy:
I prohibit employees, helpers, substitutes and volunteers, when directly responsible for caring for the children, from abusing prescription medication or being in any manner under the influence of a chemical or alcohol, to the extent that the use or abuse has or may have a negative effect on the ability of the person to give care or is apparent during the day care hours. I will train employees, helpers, substitutes and volunteers about this substance abuse policy.
Grievance Procedure:
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the services provided, please discuss it with me.
Pets in the Home:
We have 2 cats, Tiger and Sweet Cheeks, and a fish tank in our home. Both cats are current on their shots, are friendly and do not have front claws. Children are taught not to chase or annoy the cats. Pets are a wonderful learning tool for children. Besides the wonderful, unconditional love that they give, a child can learn gentleness and the proper way to handle the pets. My pets are made to behave around the children and the kids are taught to be respectful of my pets.
Sick Child Policy:
I do not care for sick children.
Please do not ask me to make the decision whether or not your child is to sick to attend daycare.
If you are questioning it, they probably are to ill.
The following are my rules on illness in my daycare. Sick children expose other children and their family, me and my family to their illness. They 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 daycare they need to stay home.
Communicable Diseases: Not permitted. Examples are- Infectious Conjunctivitis – pink eye, Impetigo, Hepatitis A, Scabies, Ringworm, Infectious Diarrhea, Chicken Pox, Scarlet Fever, Lice, Strep Throat. If your child is thought to have a communicable disease, you will be notified to pick your child up. 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.
Fever (over 100.0) and or Diarrhea: Not permitted. Your child must be fever free- without the aid of a fever reducer- for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to daycare. Administering Tylenol to reduce your child’s fever so you can bring them to daycare is grounds for termination. Uncontained diarrhea will result in an immediate call to the parents to pick up. If a child has more that 2 episodes of diarrhea in a day they parent will be called to pick up the child. Infants and toddlers with fevers and/ or diarrhea pertaining to teething will be accepted with a doctor’s note stating this
Vomiting: Not permitted. If your child vomits while at daycare you will be called to pick them up. The child must stay home until 24 hours have passed with no vomiting episodes.
Runny Nose: clear, related to common cold, acceptable. Discharge of any other color is not permitted at daycare. If your child has a consistent clear runny nose that has to be wiped constantly for longer than a week, I may ask that they see their doctor to determine if it is due to allergies or an illness. I will then require a doctor’s note stating the same. It is not a pleasant thing for a child to have a constant runny nose.
Rashes: Not permitted. Any rash, other than diaper rash, must have a doctor’s note stating it is not contagious for the child to attend daycare.
Lice: Not permitted to return until after the second hair treatment.
24- Hour Rule: Your child must be free from any of the above symptoms for a minimum of 24 hours before they can return to daycare.
It is always best for you to have a back up plan available to you in the event you feel you cannot miss work and your child is ill.
Medical Conditions:
All parents must inform the provider of any medical condition the child has, no matter how minor. I also must be kept current with any changes to the child’s condition Medications the child is taking regardless if they are given here must also be noted. Before starting care here parents must notify me of medical conditions their child has.
Injuries and Medical Emergencies:
Although supervision is constantly given, I cannot be by the child’s side at all times to prevent falls, tripping, bumps, blows from other children, etc. If the child is injured in a non life-threatening way, I will assess the child and provide home first aid. If the injury is more serious, the parent will be notified so the child can be transported to the hospital or doctors office. (I.e. needs stitches, broken arm, or dislocation, etc.) All costs associated with injuries to the child will be the responsibility of the parent, unless I have been found to be negligent. In case of a medical emergency, I will attempt to contact you immediately. If I am unable to reach you, I will start calling the people designated as your emergency contacts. If I am unable to reach you or your emergency contacts, I will transport your child to his/her doctor or to the hospital, if necessary. If immediate intervention is required, I am certified in infant, child, and adult CPR and First Aid and will take appropriate action including calling 911 and having your child transported to the appropriate hospital. You or your family's insurance is/are responsible for the cost of medical help or treatment due to accidents or illness while in childcare.
Transportation:
I may transport day care children, if the need arises. Proper car seats, booster seats and/or seat belts will be used. I may ask that you leave your car seat for that day. I do not provide transportation to or from school. By signing this policy, you give me permission to transport your child as outlined here.
Fire Drills and Storm Drills:
Once a month we do a planned fire drill and storm drill. We practice the routine to evacuate each room in case of fire and practice meeting at the designated spots for roll call. This will prepare children in case their ever really is a fire or storm. I have battery operated flashlights and a radio. Please do not call to see if we have heard the sirens, as we can hear them well here and we will all be taking cover.
Safety Plans:
I pride myself in having a warm, loving and safe environment in which your child can explore, learn and experience many different things. Some features that help insure your child’s safety are:
* Gates are used on stairways when infants 6- 18 months are present.
* Fire extinguishers and alarms are maintained properly. Fire extinguisher is located in the kitchen.
* Toys are age appropriate and in safe manner.
* Toys are washed regularly, and any time there has been an illness
* Electrical outlets are covered.
* Fire drills are practiced regularly.
* Cleaners and chemicals are locked and out of reach.
* The hot water heater is regulated at 120 Degrees.
* Medications are out of reach.
* Tornado and fire drills are practiced regularly.
Toilet Training:
I will assist with toilet training once some success at home has been obtained. Children will typically begin to show signs of readiness between 24 months and 30 months of age. I will have children sit on the potty often and will have a reward chart of stickers for going in the potty. Children need to remain in pull ups or diapers until the habit has been thoroughly mastered at home. Daycare is a highly distracting, multi age setting and it is easy for children to not realize they need to use the potty. Children who come to daycare in big kid underwear, after a couple of weeks of mostly dry diapers, need to have 4 complete changes of clothes, including socks, with them. (If your child has an accident they will be changed, the wet clothing double bagged and sent home that day) They also need diapers or pull ups for naps. Please dress your potty training child in easy to get out of clothes, those urges to go can hit fast and now! (Avoid - bib overalls, belts, one piece outfits, excessive layers, lots of buttons etc.)
Biting Policy:
It is normal for young toddlers to bite one another as a means of communication before they are able to express themselves with words. Although I will try my best to prevent biting, it occasionally will happen too fast for me to intervene and sometimes there is no warning before it happens. When a child is bitten, I will wash the bite area with warm soapy water immediately and comfort the child. The biter will be talked to, explaining that they have hurt another child and that is not ok, they need to make a different choice next time. The child will then be redirected to a different activity close to me. Parents will be notified if their child has been bitten at pick up.
Medications:
No child will be given any medication without the permission of the parent. Over the counter medications as well as prescription medications must be in their original containers. I have “Permission to Administer Prescription Medication” forms to be filled out each time your child will need medication. Written permission for diapering products, sunscreen, insect repellent and first aid items will be obtained at the beginning of care on the “Permission to Administer” form.
Insurance:
I carry liability insurance in accordance to licensing rules and regulations.
Mandated Reporter:
As a licensed childcare provider and teacher, I am a mandatory reporter of all child protection concerns. I must report any concerns or suspicions of child abuse, neglect, sexual, mental, emotional or physical abuse. Please see attached pages for a detailed description of this requirement. These pages need to be signed and returned.
Substitute Caregiver:
In the case that I am unable to provide care, my husband, Jamie Highet or other adult may serve as a substitute caregiver. This would primarily be if I have to leave for an appointment or emergency. You will need to have backup care for vacation/ personal days as well as sick days. All backup providers have had a background check and required training. I will try to give you notice if another provider besides myself or Jamie will be here.
Drop off and Pick up:
It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents, or cry when dropping off when beginning a new daycare. To help everyone’s day start well, please be brief when dropping off your child.
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 quickly as possible.
The quicker the departure the faster the recovery of the child when they are crying, I promise!
If someone else is picking up the child please notify me in advance and inform anyone who is picking up your child that I will ask for identification if I do not know them.
Please arrange to pickup your child before or after rest time if at all possible. (Approximately
House Cleaning:
Please do not expect my house to be spotless at all times. My main concern is the care of the children. We have been playing and learning all day and we do our best to maintain a clean home. Children will help clean up toys after playing and will help with age appropriate chores such as setting or clearing the table for meals or snack. I do have a housecleaner who comes once a week to thoroughly clean the house.
Two Week Trial Period:
The first two weeks of child care is considered a trial period. During this period of time, the parent or provider my terminate care at any time without further notice. After completion of the trial period, parents must give two weeks written notice before termination.
My License:
My license allows me to care for 12 children.
A complete copy of the daycare rule may be obtained from Daycare Licensing or my copy may be reviewed at my home.
Application Fee:
Your first week’s payment will be due at application to reserve your spot. This is nonrefundable.
Payment Policy:
Payment is due at drop off on Monday or your first contracted day of the week. I accept cash or check. You may also use online bill pay thru your bank to arrange for the payments. This makes it easier for you to make you daycare payments weekly without having to take the time to write a check each week. You can set it up so it is automatically sent to me by your bank. It is actually a very easy process and I have a few families using it and they really like it. If you need assistance with this just ask.
Reason for Rates:
Please keep in mind that your childcare fee is not based solely on the care that is provided to your child. It is also based on the number of hours of care that is needed each week and other costs associated with running my childcare effectively. These expenses include but are not limited to: art/craft supplies, training, taxes, insurance, helper/substitute costs, re licensing fees, special activities, and curriculum.
Extra Fees:
There will be a $10.00 late charge for each day your payment is late.
Late pickup: $15 for first 10 minutes, $1 per minute after that- payable at pickup.
Sick Care Fee: $25.00 if not picked up within 1 ½ hours of call.
Supplies: If supplies are requested and parents fail to bring them, I will purchase them and add them to your bill.
Holding fee:
If you require me to hold a spot for your child longer than 2 weeks before starting (the standard notice to previous daycare), a holding fee will apply. This is ½ of the weekly tuition, due every Monday. The holding fee continues until your child is physically in attendance. Holding fees are non-refundable and do not count towards tuition in any way.
NSF Checks:
Checks are always an acceptable form of payment until you present me with a bad check. You are responsible for all charges I may incur from my bank as a result for your bad check. Child care will be immediately halted until you reimburse me for the amount of the check and all expenses that have incurred. You will continue to be charged for all contracted days. Reimbursement will be in cash only. Future payments will be required to be made in cash. There is a $30.00 NSF fee.
Daycare Families Vacation Days:
Year-round families may take one week (full time= 5 days, part time= contracted number of days per week) of vacation with no charge. You may also take a second week at half charge. Parents must notify me one week or more before they are planning on taking vacation days. A child must be here for at least 6 months before using any vacation days. The vacation days start over on the anniversary of care each year. These weeks do not accumulate, any unused time is forfeited on the anniversary of care. Vacation time may not be used for the last two weeks notice.
Termination Policy:
I reserve the right to terminate care for the following reasons (but not limited to)
1. Failure of parent to pay/ habitual late payments.
2. Failure to complete requested forms.
3. Habitual tardiness when picking up your child.
4. Failure for the child to adjust to childcare after a reasonable amount of time.
5. Continuous disruptiveness, disrespect or harmfulness of the child.
6. Serious illness or injury of the child, provider or provider’s immediate family.
7. False information of the parents, written or verbal.
8. Lack of parental cooperation- lack of open discussion.
9. Physical or verbal abuse of any person.
Parents are required to give two weeks written notice any time they are planning to terminate care. The last two weeks must be paid in full at notice of termination of care regardless of whether or not the child is in attendance. Vacation time may not be used for the last two weeks payment. I will give two weeks written or verbal notice of termination for which full payment is due, whether or not the child is in attendance. The provider reserves the right to give written or verbal notice of immediate termination when there are extreme circumstances that affect the well-being of the provider, on going argumentative behavior or non-cooperative behavior, or if the behavior could or does affect the children in attendance. In this situation, the two weeks payment is still required.
If payment is not made by
Failure by the provider to enforce one or more terms of the contract does not waive the right of the provider to enforce any other terms of the contract.
In addition to the above fee, if a parent does not pay for the 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.
Changes in Contract, Handbook, and Rates:
The contract, handbook, and or rates may be changed at anytime by the provider giving all parents a two week notice in writing of the change prior to changing it.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to talk to me about them. I am happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.