2009 Policies Handbook
HOURS OF OPERATION:
The childcare is open from 7 am to 6 pm. However, I encourage parents to contract for specific hours within that time.
AGES:
I care for a mixed age of children from age 6 weeks to 8 years old, including before and after school care.
DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
I will not discriminate against any child on the basis of their sex, religion, national origin, or disability.
WHAT’S OFFERED:
Wee Ones Childcare offers a home away from home. This is a place where your child will feel safe, nurtured and loved while you are away at work. I am not a babysitting service. Your child will receive exceptional quality care as well as a structured environment while in my care.
ENVIRONMENT:
Every effort has been made to make my home childproof and safe.
1. Smoke free home.
2. All chemicals and cleaners are out of reach.
3. Each child has his/her own playpen/mat for Nap/Quiet time.
4. Toys are washed and disinfected frequently.
5. Master bedroom, laundry room, and the second upstairs bedroom are off-limits.
6. Children are supervised at all times; at no time are children out of ear shot (including Nap/Quiet time).
7. Our family cat is up to date on all shots, and is healthy and excellent with children. She has never shown any signs of aggression towards anyone.
ENROLLMENT POLICY:
All necessary forms MUST be completed and returned to me before your child will be allowed to come for childcare. A new contract will be signed every year in January.
TRIAL PERIOD:
A two (2) week trial period will be given, upon enrollment, to determine the suitability of the arrangements. During this trial period, either party may terminate care with only a 24-hour notice; however, you deposit is non-refundable. After the trial period, I require two (2) weeks’ written notice for termination. Notice will not be accepted while provider or parent is on vacation. I also have the right to terminate, with the same notice, if I feel it is not working out or is affecting the care that I am giving the other children. After the trial period is over, a written two (2) week written notice will be required if you intend to withdraw your child from my care.
DEPOSIT:
There is a deposit equal to one (1) week's care required. The deposit is due in full when the contract is signed. The deposit will cover the last week of care. When the contract is terminated with two (2) weeks’ written notice, you are still responsible for one (1) week; the last week is covered by your deposit. Should you pull your child from care without a two (2) week written notice, the deposit will not be refunded.
LATE FEE:
Please be prompt when dropping off and picking up your child from childcare. There may be a fee of $15.00 for the first 10 minutes (or any fraction thereof) and $1 per minute per child thereafter if you are late in picking up your child or early in dropping them off. Late fees are due upon pick up of your child that day. Please be prepared to pay this if you are late.
ABSENCES:
Please call me as soon as you know your child will not be attending day care, preferably by your scheduled drop-off time.
The operating expenses of Wee Ones Childcare are the same whether your child attends daily or not. Therefore, no deductions in the weekly fee will be made for holidays, snow days, emergency closings or sick days.
HOLDING A CHILDCARE SLOT:
I cannot hold a child’s spot while you are not working, on maternity leave, parent or child illness, etc., unless you continue to pay for childcare services.
CUSTODY AND VISITATION:
In the event of a court order restraining one parent from the child, I must have a copy of the restraining order and a written note from the custodial parent. Without these items on file, I cannot legally prevent the non-custodial parent from picking up the child. Should this happen, it will also be necessary to update the Emergency Form.
ILLNESS:
As a registered family childcare provider, I am not allowed to care for children when they have communicable diseases. It is for the protection of the children that I must insist on strict adherence to my Health Policy. Please read it carefully. If you have any questions or doubts regarding the statements below, please discuss them with me now. Do not wait until your child is sick to think about what would be best for all concerned. Even with all of our precautions children do get sick and/or hurt. Due to my concern for all of the children enrolled in my childcare, there are certain guidelines that I require my parents/guardians to observe.
Children with minor illnesses may attend childcare at my discretion. It is important to realize that if a child is unable to participate in the normal routine or needs more care than I can provide without neglecting the others in my care, that child must stay home. I know we agree there are times a child needs to be with a parent for both physical and emotional comfort. There are also some illnesses and symptoms that, by law, exclude the child from attending child care. Some of those illnesses/symptoms are but not limited to:
- Unexplained rash
- Fever (100 degrees or higher) – MUST be fever free for 24 hours
- Runny nose with colored discharge
- Excessive coughing
- Diarrhea – MUST be diarrhea free for 24 hours
- Discharge from eyes or ears
- Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing
- Vomiting – DO NOT bring your child if he/she has vomited within the past 24 hours
- Communicable diseases (chicken pox, conjunctivitis, mumps, measles, influenza, hand foot mouth disease, head lice, etc.)
- Puss or discharge from eyes or open wounds/sores
- Severe allergic reactions
- Fainting spells or dizziness
- Severe headaches
- Lice – MUST be treated and all nits removed
I reserve the right to refuse children who look or act sick without any “solid” evidence, and you may be required to prove non-illness with a written doctor’s approval, before re-entry into childcare. If your child becomes ill while in my care, you will be notified immediately and will be required to pick up your child within 1 hour. If a parent cannot be reached, then their emergency contact will be notified and they will be required to pick up the child. If reasonable efforts are not made to pick up a sick child, then this contract is subject to immediate termination. I must institute this policy for the health and safety of all concerned.
Before returning to childcare, your child MUST be free of ALL symptoms for 24 hours. In some cases your child may need a doctor’s note.
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION:
By Maryland State law, I am allowed to give a child prescription medication only if the doctor fills in the Medication Order Form. For over-the-counter medications, the parent needs to fill out and sign the Medication Order Form. It is preferable that if your child requires a prescription medication for several days, please ask your doctor for one that is given twice daily. This way you can give it to him/her in the morning before dropping him/her off, and give it to him/her in the evening after picking him/her up.
I must be notified of any and all health conditions, including allergies and communicable diseases, blood infections, etc. Your child will not be refused care because of these, but it will enable me to be a better provider if I am aware of what I am dealing with. You may be asked to supply information about your child’s condition.
ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING:
As a licensed childcare provider, I am required by state law to report any suspicion of child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, verbal and/or emotional abuse. I will not hesitate to report any suspicions that I may have to the proper authorities.
PROVIDER HOLIDAY, VACATION AND PERSONAL DAYS:
The following are paid holidays:
New Year’s Eve (close at 3pm) Thanksgiving Day
New Year’s Day Day after Thanksgiving
Memorial Day Christmas Eve (close at 12 pm)
Independence Day Christmas Day
Labor Day
Should a holiday fall on a Saturday, I will have the preceding Friday before off. Should it fall on a Sunday, I will have the following Monday off.
I am entitled to 10 paid vacation days, 5 sick days, 3 personal days, and 3 continuing education days each calendar year. Days off will be taken with as much notice as possible. Each year, I will take one full week vacation. Typically, the remaining 5 vacation days will be spread out during the year. However, I reserve the right to take the remaining 5 vacation days at one time. As much notice as possible will be given when I require a day off. Unfortunately, sick days are near impossible to plan for.
Should you take vacation at a time when the childcare is open, you will be responsible for full payment.
On the occasions that I am absent, due to illness or other scheduled absences, you will be responsible for finding alternate care. I will give you as much advance notice as possible. I would suggest that each family have a person in mind for alternate, occasional back-up care if needed.
PARENT VACATION:
Please have the courtesy of notifying me at least two (2) weeks’ in advance of a family vacation. Once you have given me notice of the upcoming vacation, I will revise our activities accordingly. Payment is due in full before leaving for vacation; post-dated checks are acceptable.
WEATHER CLOSINGS:
In the event of severe weather, all efforts will be made to keep my doors open. However, cancellation of childcare, delayed opening or early closing will be up to my discretion. Please call in advance if you have any questions.
SPECIAL DAYS:
I will observe special days with activities (i.e. birthdays, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc.). You are welcome to bring treats, decorations, games, etc. to help celebrate as long as there is enough for everyone. Please discuss this with me in advance.
NAP/QUIET TIME:
Infants will be allowed to sleep as needed. All children will have Nap/Quiet Time in the afternoon, typically 1pm to 3pm. If your child is used to having 2 naps a day, please let me know; a morning naptime can be arranged. Otherwise, they will only receive a nap in the afternoon. Picking up and/or dropping off during Nap/Quiet Time is strongly discouraged. Nap/Quiet Time is essential to a child’s development. This time during the day gives everyone a break and a chance to recharge. Children who nap during the day sleep better at night.
MEALS:
The following times for meals and snacks are approximate:
7:45 – 8:15am - Breakfast
10:00am - Morning Snack
11:45am – 12:15pm - Lunch
3:30pm - Afternoon snack
If your child will not be in attendance during mealtime, it will be your responsibility to provide that meal. Children arriving after these times will not be fed until the next mealtime.
All meals should be as nutritious as possible. Children are always offered food but are not forced to eat. Children who choose not to eat will not be served additional food until the next mealtime. If your child has any allergies, please let me know. If your child wishes to bring an occasional treat, please call me to verify quantity and approved foods.
We practice manners at childcare. We use thank you, please, you’re welcome, and many more! All children sitting at the table will learn proper seating and table manners.
TOYS FROM HOME:
The following are NOT allowed at day care:
- Candy - Loose jewelry
- Gum - Small toys
- Coins - Toys with many small parts
- Make-up
Please keep in mind that toys brought from home will be shared with others. This helps them learn the art of sharing. Because toys from home will be shared in childcare, they may get damaged, destroyed or misplaced. I am not responsible for lost, broken or stolen objects that are brought from home. Please do not allow your child to bring a very favorite or valuable toy or keepsake that cannot be replaced.
If you have any questions about items that your child would like to bring to childcare, please give me a call in advance so we can discuss it. You’ll find that I am flexible, but I am also responsible for the health, safety and happiness of many children of varied ages and stages. We also like to avoid the upset and grief should special treasures be damaged or misplaced.
Children are allowed to bring a favorite stuffed animal or quiet toy for Nap/Quiet time. However, the stuffed animal or quiet toy will be kept out of sight until Nap/Quiet time. Once Nap/Quiet time is over, the stuffed animal or quiet toy will be once again put away.
FIELD TRIPS/OUTINGS:
While your child is in my care, we may go on field trips and outings. We may go to a park, a firehouse, or other places of interest, and we may go for walks around the neighborhood. For specific field trips (i.e. firehouse, museum, etc.) I will send home a permission slip. However, there are days that we may decide to go on a spontaneous outing. For that reason, I will have you sign a blanket permission slip that will allow me to take your child in my car. This permission slip will also cover walks around the neighborhood and playing at the local playground.
BEHAVIOR GOALS:
Rules of our household and childcare are first explained, followed with plenty of reminders and suggestions, and lots of positive reinforcement. Redirection and “time-out” are the methods of discipline used when discipline is necessary. The wrong action is then discussed, loving assurance is dispensed, and the child is encouraged to give the offended party an apology or assist in “fixing” whatever went wrong, to the best of their ability. If something of a more serious nature or a persistent behavior should occur that is of concern to me, I will need to discuss this with you so that we can jointly decide on a course of action that is allowed at home and at childcare.
The following is a list of some of the guidelines in my childcare. They are listed only to give you insight into my childcare and my philosophies.
- Name calling, foul language or yelling is not allowed.
- No hitting, kicking, pushing, pinching, biting or hair pulling. We have a “hands-off” rule, which will be enforced.
- Food and drinks are only for designated areas.
- Children are not allowed to play outside unsupervised.
- Picking up babies or small children is not allowed.
- No climbing in trees, pulling on or swinging from the branches.
- “Back Talking” will not be tolerated.
- Rude, disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
- Good manners will be practiced. Every child is capable of learning and using some of the most important phrases: “Thank you,” “No thank you,” “Please,” and “You’re welcome.”
- Children will be encouraged to use the phrases “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you.”
- Children are not allowed to hurt themselves, others or property.
- Children need to respect the property and rights of others.
- Children will avoid excessive roughhousing.
- EVERYONE helps at clean-up time.
- Children will be encouraged to solve their own problems whenever possible.
ACCIDENTS:
Minor bumps, bruises, and scrapes are inevitable, but I make every effort to keep your child safe through supervision and childproofing. Minor injuries will receive appropriate first aid. If an emergency injury or illness happens, you will be contacted immediately. If necessary, your child will be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. Parents are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including transportation if required.
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS:
I have to admit, I took this from someone else’s handbook; I couldn’t help myself – it’s adorable and it’s true.
I have the right to be here.
I have the right to be a child.
I have the right to belong to a loving family.
I have the right to play.
I have the right to make a mistake.
I have the right to be treated with respect.
I have the right to proper food, clothing, and cleanliness.
I have the right to learn.
I have the right to tender care when I am sick or hurt.
I have the right to do things for myself and to get help if I need it.
I have the right to express myself without interruption.
I have the right to move freely at my own initiative.
I have the right to make my own friends.
I have the right to make choices.
I have the right to enter into meaningful activities.
I have the right to develop at my own pace and to be unhurried.
I have the right to privacy.
I have the right to be listened to.
CHILDREN’S RESPONSIBILITIES ARE:
- To honor others and their feelings.
- To treat others fairly.
- To keep others safe. This means that I will not touch anyone’s body without permission.
- To listen when others are speaking and speak respectfully to others.
- To participate in activities and encourage others to participate with me.
PARENT AND CAREGIVER COMMUNICATION:
Communication is very important to me. When I accept a new family into my business, 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. I welcome questions, feedback, and/or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child. Sensitive issues will be discussed in private outside of regular childcare hours either by telephone or conference.
For infants, I send home a daily child report. For those over 1, I send home a weekly child report. This is to inform you as to how your child has behaved and some of the things he/she may have done during the day/week. I will inform you every day of how your child's day went overall. If you should have any questions, please feel free to voice them at that time.
***PLEASE NOTE: Since the children in my care will receive my utmost attention during the day, my phone may not be answered during daycare hours. Should you call during these hours, do not be alarmed. Simply leave me a message and I will return it during Nap/Quiet Time (1pm to 3pm). Should it be an emergency, please immediately call back. I will answer the phone the second time.
LEARNING EXPERIENCES AND PLAYTIME:
Attending Wee Ones Daycare should be an enjoyable experience for the child as well as the parent/guardian. While in my care, your child will be exposed to many kinds of learning experiences, including:
- Arts and Crafts
- Music and fingerplay
- Story and listening adventures
- Poems, books and puzzles
- Large and small muscle play
- Self-initiated play
- Numbers and counting
- Letter recognition
Parents can be confident their children are being well cared for in a cheerful environment. Parent involvement is encouraged and maintained through an open door policy. Parents are welcome to visit any time during childcare hours. However, please be respectful of Nap/Quiet Time from 1-3pm. Visiting during this time is strongly discouraged.
AGE SPECIFIC PROGRAMS:
My programs are based on each child’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical developmental needs. I believe children are happy and secure when they have plenty of opportunities to succeed in each day. Success breeds self confidence and self confident children approach learning as fun, and actively search for information and solutions to problems. As a result, they develop into well-rounded, capable adults.
Infant time Children begin learning at birth. I encourage babies to communicate by playing games such as Peek-A-Boo, and Pat-A-Cake. Through holding, singing and talking to your child, I give individualized care and attention that help develop the foundation for language and learning.
As a toddler, your child still needs the individualized attention and interaction. There are fun things to watch, touch and do. I listen and talk with each child, and try to anticipate individual needs. Since children learn through playing and exploring, I provide them with a wide range of activities throughout the day. Language, self-help and potty skills develop during this time period. Toddler activities also help develop small and large muscle groups.
Preschool Program Preschoolers love to learn. My preschool program is designed to encourage children’s love of learning. My preschool program themed activities include: hands-on, pre-reading, basic math, concepts, science, etc. I run the preschool program from September to May. I’m sure you will enjoy the concepts and skills that your child will be learning each day.
COMPUTER TIME:
Children age 2 and older will be given the opportunity to have computer time (assisted until age 4). I have several education games and programs available. They include learning ABCs, 123s, colors, shapes, and letter sounds. If a child is age 3 or over, they will be allowed to play the “games” unassisted. I feel it is important for children to learn at an early age the wonderful technology we have at our fingertips. At no time will a child be allowed to use the computer unsupervised.
OPEN DOOR POLICY:
You can always be assured that the door is open to you. Please feel free to drop in and check on your child; however, keep in mind a child just adjusting to a new surrounding will want to leave with you if you pop in for a visit. You may drop by anytime during business hours; however, please keep in mind that Nap/Quiet Time is from 1pm to 3pm, and it is not advisable for children to be disturbed during this time. Rest is as important as playtime, so please be considerate of this.
PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES:
It is the parents’ responsibility to supply the following:
For Infants:
- Breast milk and/or formula
- Enough bottles for 1 day of feedings (to be left)
- Supply of diapers
- Jar food (if needed)
- At least 2 complete changes of clothing (to be left)
It is my suggestion for you to purchase a full package of diapers and enough formula for a week to be left here. Should you be breast-feeding, bringing a day’s supply every morning is fine. Should your child be eating jar food, it is fine to bring it daily, or you may leave a week’s supply with me. Whatever supplies you bring, they will be used for your child only; they will be placed in a container with your child’s name on it. I will let you know when your supply is running low. Bottles will be washed and sanitized nightly. Any soiled clothing will be sent home nightly, but will need to be replaced the next day. Creams and ointments are not routinely used. On occasions that these products are needed, please send it with your child that morning.
For Toddlers:
- 2 complete changes of clothing (to be left)
- Diapers/Pull-ups (if needed)
- Sippy cup (to be left)
- Nap/Quiet Time blanket (and pillow if your child uses one) (to be left)
It is my suggestion for you to purchase a full package of diapers/pull-ups to be left here. Whatever supplies you bring, they will be used for your child only; they will be placed in a container with your child’s name on it. I will let you know when your supply is running low. Sippy cups will be washed and sanitized nightly. Any soiled clothing will be sent home nightly, but will need to be replaced the next day. Nap/Quiet Time blanket (and pillow if one is brought) will be washed weekly.
***Please make sure your child has weather appropriate clothing. During the winter, please make sure your child has proper warm clothing and footwear for outdoor play.
CLOTHING:
Clothing worn to childcare should be appropriate for the day’s weather and PLAY. Please do not send your child to childcare wearing any new or special clothing. I teach the children creativity, problem solving, and pride in their skills. Sometimes these values get a little messy. Please dress your child for real success! If there is a special occasion that calls for special clothing (a visit or party right after childcare or a trip to the photographer), please send the special clothing with your child and I will help them clean up and get dressed prior to your arrival.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE:
Please bring your child clean and dressed for the day. Please walk your child to and from your car to my door. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO COME IN FROM OR GO OUT TO YOUR CAR WITHOUT YOU! Our safety rule is “No one goes outside without an adult.” There may be cars coming and going on the street, and a serious incident could occur.
I will not release a child, without advance notice from you, to any person other than a custodial parent or those listed on the enrollment form. If you need to arrange alternative transportation, I will need a note with the person’s name no later than that morning. Please inform them that I will need to check their license if I do not know them personally, before I can release the child into their care. If I cannot release a child because of identification issues, you will still be held responsible for any and all late fees incurred.
Upon arriving, to ease the situation, I encourage you to take a minute to help your child feel comfortable and safe. Crying will usually stop within a few minutes after you leave. It is important for you to reassure your child that you will return at a specific time. If your child does a significant amount of crying at drop-off time, please make your stay brief. Kiss, hug and tell your child you love him/her, and make the good-byes short. It is harder on the child when you prolong your stay. You are encouraged to listen outside the door if you are concerned, to be sure the crying stops, as it normally does.
If you have any suggestions of activities, or field trips, for the children, please let me know. I whole-heartedly encourage parents, and family members, to be involved and participate as much as they wish.
UNKNOWN VISITORS/PERSONS:
When picking up or dropping off your child each day, please note that persons not listed on the Emergency Form, contract, or I do not know personally, will not be admitted into my home. This is not only for the safety of your child, but for all children in the home.
TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT:
We hope it doesn’t happen, but one of us may find it necessary to say good-bye and terminate our childcare relationship. Children grow up, work arrangements change, people move away, and children’s needs also change. Regardless of the reason we must end our childcare relationship, we need to agree in advance that the transition will be kept as loving and comfortable for your child as possible.
All new children will be cared for on a two (2) week trial basis. During this trial period, either party may terminate care with only a 24-hour notice; however, you deposit is non-refundable. After the trial period, I require two (2) weeks’ written notice for termination. Notice will not be accepted while provider or parent is on vacation.
When the contract is terminated with two (2) weeks’ written notice, you will need to pay for the last week of childcare; payment for the last week of contracted time is covered by your deposit. If, for some reason, you pull your child out of my care unexpectedly and without two (2) weeks’ written notice, your deposit will not be refunded.
I reserve the right to terminate for the following reasons, but not limited to: late payment; late pick-up; blatant disrespect towards me or my family; if a parent knowingly bring child to care while ill; failure of child to adjust to childcare after a reasonable amount of time; lack of parental cooperation; lack of compliance of outlined policies; failure to complete required forms; failure to get required immunizations; destructive, uncontrollable, violent behavior; and/or failure to show up for two (2) consecutive days without any communication. I reserve the right to give written notice of immediate termination in these cases. The one (1) week deposit is still applied and there will be no refunds.
CHANGES TO AGREEMENT/UPDATES:
The need may occur to revise our agreement due to changes in childcare needs or childcare policies.
I will give as much notice as possible if it is necessary for me to change anything regarding policies or terms of our arrangements, except in the case of a policy that needs to be implemented immediately for health or safety reasons.
Agreements will need to be updated by you when any changes occur:
- In the number of children you have in care change
- In the hours childcare is needed
- In you or your spouse’s employment or residence
- In who may or may not pick up the child from childcare
- In medication or care routines for the child
- In any of the emergency contacts, the physician, hospital or dentist
- Or any of the other information on the enrollment form
You will be required to sign a new contract each January, regardless of any changes. Immunization information needs to be kept up-to-date on the immunization certificates at all times. Please inform me when your child will be receiving his/her immunizations.
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Please make sure your child’s clothing (what is being left here) is labeled with their name.
- Please help me to keep the carpet clean for the children by wiping your feet on the mat outside the door. The carpet will be deep cleaned once a month, but by wiping your feet, it will help the carpet stay cleaner longer.
- Please call me in the morning, by your scheduled drop off time, if your child will not be coming that day.
- Please share information with me that will help me to better care for your child. For example: child complaining of a tummy ache, throwing up over the weekend, change in household environment, etc.
- Please respect my profession, my home, and me. The respect that you show me, including my home, furnishings, and equipment will communicate itself to your child and will make for a better working relationship.
- Please keep in mind that children learn through playing. What may seem like play to you will really be learning to them. Please encourage them to share their day with you.
- Please, don’t walk into my house unannounced after childcare hours.
I retain the right to enforce these policies at will. Lack of enforcement of a certain policy at any given time does not indicate that the particular policy is no longer in effect.
I may change the contents of Wee Ones Childcare handbook with 30 days’ notice to the parents. Should a policy be changed, I will provide an addendum to you to be read and signed.
I look forward to working with you to provide the most loving, caring, nurturing environment for your child. Mutual honesty, understanding and respect will go a long way to making this happen.
Again, welcome to Wee Ones Childcare!