Daycare Handbook

Please read this ~Handbook~ thoroughly, as it covers very important policies and procedures that not only govern our childcare contract agreement, but also pertain to the care of your child. There may seem to be a lot of information, if you have any questions regarding my policies, please do not hesitate to ask. We will go over this book during your interview, but this copy is for you to reference back to. There will be a yearly revision to this ~Handbook~ and the accompanying contract. All families will sign a new contract each year. I reserve the right to make changes to the policies and procedures, as I deem necessary. You will be notified, in writing, of any changes that may occur.                      

DEAR PARENTS,

What I as a provider should expect from you, the parent:

Open communication. Explain clearly and carefully your wishes and expectations about how your child will be cared for. Also provide updates on problems and progress that you child is making. Good communication helps us work together in the best interest of your child.
Agreement on Terms or Arrangements. You should fully understand the terms of the contract and the policies and procedures that you as the parent are agreeing to.
Honesty and Trust. This includes being honest about how you believe the arrangement is working. Although you need to be vigilant in order to safeguard your child, you should trust me as your childcare provider to do the best for your child. Show you trust by asking questions rather than jumping to conclusions when apparent problems develop.
Pick up on Time. I as your provider have a personal life too. No trip to the grocery store etc. on your way here just because you find it more convenient, ultimately the care of your child is your responsibility.  Payment on time and no “rubber” checks. I have bills to pay and food to buy also.
Respect. Realize that taking care of children is a job and that not only am I a worker, but also a working parent. Recognize that this is not an easy job. I am not “just a Baby-sitter”. Last but not least. I am only human; I’m not “superwoman”. Please don’t expect me to do things that you yourself would not want to do.

Philosophy

We believe a child’s early experiences enrich and stimulate future growth. Children deserve to be treated and respected as individuals in an environment that welcomes reason, exploration, question, and imagination. We respect each child’s need for love, security, acceptance, warmth, and stimulation.

Goals

While in my care your child will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, which promote all aspects of development. Family childcare provides for children the comfort and experience of belonging to an extended family. I provide a home like setting; therefore I do not follow a strict routine. My approach to childcare is child centered and child directed. Children are offered choices whenever possible. Your child will bring home a newsletter each month, which will give a brief overview of what we will be doing. Just because you are not seeing anything in the way of papers does not mean that we have not been busy all day.  

ABOUT ME AND MY FAMILY 

I am married with four children. We are originally from northwest Ohio and have been in Columbus for 5 ½ years. My two oldest children attend Licking Heights South and are very active in youth sports. My youngest children are 2 ½ yr old twins that stay home during the day. My husband is an accountant for a local company.

Capacity: 10 total children allowed including my own.

Ages allowed: 6 children under kindergarten (of this number, only 2 children maybe under 12 months and 1 child may be under 24 months). Or  (1 child maybe under 12 months and 2 children maybe under 24 months). 

Hours of Operation

Kristi’s Kids Daycare is open from 7:00 AM until 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. Hours of care will be contracted from child to child. No childcare will be provided on Saturday and Sundays or on the following holidays:

New Year’s Eve (close at 1:00 PM)

New Year’s Day

Independence Day

Memorial Day

Labor Day

Thanksgiving

The day after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve (close at 1:00 PM)

Christmas Day and day after Christmas

*If it happens where Christmas fall on a Saturday I will have the Friday before off and if it falls on a Sunday I will have that Monday off. 

The above are paid holidays for Kristi’s Kids Daycare if they fall on a contracted day for your child. In addition, Kristi’ Kids Daycare may close for 1 week of paid vacation per year and 10 personal days (no charge) per year. Notification of at least 2 weeks will be given prior to any closed days, with the exception of emergencies or illness. Please have a backup childcare provider for these occasions. Kristi’s Kids  Daycare is not responsible for finding alternate care for your child. In the event that I will be away for a period of time less than three hours (Doctor appointments, errands, etc.) substitute care will be provided by my Husband.

Payment Procedures:

Rates: per child

Full Time: $125.00 per week toddler and up

Full Time: $135.00 per week infant 6 weeks –18months

Before/After School: $50.00 a week

Drop Ins: $35.00 a day   

I will talk to you about my prices during our interview.

Fees:

No Show Fee: $20.00 assessed if child is not brought as arranged without notice in addition to contracted rate

Late Payment Fee: $10.00 per day that payment is not received

Returned Check Fee: $50.00, and additional costs incurred, along with my late fee if a check is returned to Provider. There after payments will be cash.

No Payment: You will be liable for cost fees, late fees and any cost for loss of wages if there is a small claims case. 

Definitions:

Full Time: Childcare contracted on a set scheduled time slot 4 hours or more per day or 4 - 5 days per week.

Part Time: Childcare contracted on a set scheduled time slot less than 4 hours per day or 3 days per week or less. Part Time Childcare occupies a Full Time position. Should a potential client need a full time position, termination notice may be given with the option of parent paying the full time rate to preserve the child’s slot. Daycare can only be guaranteed to children that attend full time, or part time and pay full time rates

Before/After School: Includes breakfast and afternoon snack. Care will not begin before 7:00 AM or end later than 5:30 PM. any day that school is not in session, a full day rate will be charged.

No Show: If your child will not be attending Kristi’s Kids Daycare, a one-hour notice of absence is required. If notice is not received, the fee will be assessed in addition to the regular fee for the day.

Drop Ins: I do except children if I have the open spot for them. 

Open Door:

You are invited and welcome to visit Kristi’s Kids Daycare anytime your children are present. You are asked to avoid visiting during Rest Time as much as possible. Please knock first. Parents are also free to call Kristi’s Kids Daycare at any time. If I do not answer the phone, please leave a message, and we will call you back as soon as we are finished with the current activity. 

Matters of Money:

All payments are due by arrival on the chosen day prior to childcare services being provided. After 5:30 PM, the late fee will be assessed. If payment is not made within 3 days at drop off, your child will not be accepted into care until payment, including all late fees, is made. If a period of 1 week passes without payment received, the contract will be terminated, the position filled, and the collection process begun. You will be responsible for any costs related to collection of the childcare fees. These costs will include late fees, day of loss wages, cost fees and childcare fees. Cash or Check is accepted and a receipt will be given upon request. A year-end statement of all childcare fees paid will be provided within the first month of the New Year. A fee of $50.00, plus any additional costs I incur, along with my late fee will be charged to you for a returned check. All future payments will then be made by cash. Childcare fees are due regardless of whether or not your child attends. You are paying for a position, as well as a service. No refunds are given for late arrivals or early departures. All childcare services will be contracted. The contract is a legal document obligating me to provide a service for you and obligating you to pay me for that service. There are other requirements in the contract. I urge you to thoroughly read the contract/handbook and realize that it is legal and you will be held liable for each item of the contract. By signing it, you are accepting it in all it’s terms. Payment of the weekly rate will be charged for any extended leave due to illness or maternity leave, etc. You are welcome to send your child for a period of time equal to the payment received. A position at Kristi’s Kids Daycare will be considered open until the enrollment and first weeks’ fees are received. If care is to start more than 2 weeks in the future, a fee in the amount of 50% of the regular rate must then be paid weekly or the position will not be held open. This fee is non refundable and may only be used for 1 month. 

Daily Doings

Drop Off/Pick Up:

I assume responsibility for your child only while he/she is on my property. No child will be allowed to leave with anyone except the parent, unless indicated on the alternate pickup list, without written permission from the parent. Telephone permission will not do! Anyone unfamiliar to me will be required to show proof of Identification. Please make the alternate pick up person aware of the requirements. It is normal for your child to cry on arrival, especially for the first few weeks. Please make your goodbye brief and tell your child exactly when you will be returning. The crying usually stops within seconds of your departure. You are welcome to listen outside the door. Never leave without telling your child goodbye. Please be in control of your child during drop off and pick up times. This is a time of testing when two different authority figures are present (parent and provider) and this situation will be tested at one time or another to see if the rules still apply. I will remind your child if inappropriate behaviors are being displayed. Children of all ages adjust to transitions from one activity to another differently. Most do not like to be too rushed and most do not like to wait too long once they are ready to depart. If the person picking up the child appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, another authorized person will be called to pick-up both the child and the adult. Court Order: If there is a court order keeping one parent or guardian away from the child, I must have a written note from the custodial parent or guardian in my file to that effect. Otherwise, I cannot prevent the non- custodial parent from picking up the child. 

Sick/Vacation Days:

In the event that your child is ill and needs to miss a day, please call 1 hour before arrival time. If NO notice is given, you will be charged the No Show Fee in addition to the normal daily rate. Parent agrees to provide 2 weeks notice prior to any vacation time. Each family is allowed 2 one-week vacations without pay. Anything beyond that is to be paid at your full contracted rate. Vacation days are to be used in weekly increments only to mitigate confusion and possible discrepancies between parties.

Television:

I allow limited TV viewing consisting of Nickelodeon, PBS and the Disney Channel only. On occasion I let the children pick a child appropriate video to watch. Children are NEVER required to sit and watch TV, and TV is not offered in place of Free Play or Learning Activities.  

Guidance:

Some people call it discipline. I prefer guidance. No child will be hit, spanked, belittled, or otherwise intimidated at Kristi’s Kids Daycare--even with parental permission. No corporal punishment will be used. 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 will be given time outs depending on the severity of the offense (almost always 1 minute per year of age, never to be more than 15 minutes). If a child becomes a persistent behavior problem, I will address it with you and we will try to resolve it together. AT NO TIME WILL A CHILD BE SUBJECTED TO PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OR SHAMING, FRIGHTENING OR HUMILIATING METHODS BE USED, OR ANY TYPE OF VERBAL ABUSE, THREATS, DEROGATORY REMARKS, OR DEPRIVATION OF A MEAL OR ANY PART OF A MEAL BE USED. NO CHILD WILL EVER BE PUNISHED FOR TOILET ACCIDENTS.

Meals:

 I provide nutritionally balance meals and snacks for your child. Please do not send any food or drink with your child without prior approval through the provider. Please see Activities for a list of meal times; if your child arrives after a meal or snack has been served, he/she will wait until the next meal/snack time to eat. Meals and snacks are served family style. Children are encouraged to use this time to share their experiences with each other. Manners are taught, and practiced during this time as well. Please list on the medical report any food allergies child may have. If your child needs a special diet, the parent must furnish these foods.

Activities:

Age appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of the individual child and day. I will offer times for outside play, crafts, stories, instruction, and naps appropriate to the child's ages, interests, and abilities. I will provide your child with tender loving care, understanding, patience and guidance in a happy family setting. Chores, such as picking up will likely be a part of the day. I provide preschool curriculum, developing large and small motor skills. We do many arts and crafts where the focus is on the process, not the product. Free play is an important part of a child's early years. It is here that they learn social skills that will be needed the rest of their lives.

An example of a day at Kristi’s Kids Daycare:                                                                               

8:00 AM: Breakfast and clean up. Toilet time.

8:30 AM: Free Play

9:30 AM: Crafts. Toilet Time.

10:30 AM: TV

11 AM: Lunch and clean up. Toilet Time.

12:30 PM: Slow down and Quiet Time.

1:00 PM: Rest Time.

3:30 PM: Afternoon Snack. Toilet Time. Study Time for older children. Story Time, puzzles, coloring, games.

4:30 PM: Clean up time and get ready to go home. 

House Rules

1.No hitting, biting, pinching, throwing, pushing, hair pulling, or otherwise hurting ourselves or others.

2.No intentionally breaking anything.

3.No running, jumping, wrestling, climbing, etc. in the house or on the furniture.

4.No picking up babies or toddlers.

5.No leaving the house or yard without permission (no one is allowed outside without adult supervision, even when parents are here).

6.No name-calling, yelling, foul language or teasing—everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

7.All food and drink will remain in the dining room/kitchen area.

Pets:

Kristi’s Kids Daycare has one bunny and one boxer puppy. She/He/They have been certified as healthy by a veterinarian and is current on all immunizations. The children will be exposed to the daily aspects of care for the pets.

 Dress Code:

Please dress your child appropriately. The activities may be messy. Do not send your child in clothing that you do not want stained. Weather permitting; we will spend a lot of time outdoors. You also need to supply a complete change of clothing in case of an accident; I do not supply clothing for day care children. If the child has no spare clothing, the parent will be called to bring some.

Water Play: I have a sprinkler for summer water play. I require a permission slip signed before the child is allowed to play in the water if I use a small wading pool. A swimsuit will be requested for these days.

Toys:

Please do NOT send any toys from home with your child. If your child needs a special toy or item for sleeping, it will be allowed, but it will remain put away until Rest Time. Kristi’s Kids Daycare assumes NO responsibility for lost, stolen, or broken toys from home. Should the child deliberately destroy my toys or other property through misuse or willfulness, the parent will be required to replace it.

Rest Period:

All children under the age of 5 will have a rest period. No child is forced to sleep; however they must remain quiet. Older children, and those who wake early, will participate in a quiet activity until Rest Time is over. Please try not to schedule pick ups or visits during this time to lessen disturbance to the resting children. All children will rest on their mats with individual linens.

Toilet Learning:

I will assist you in toilet training your child with the understanding that it will be successful only if we work together. I will use cotton underwear or pull-ups supplied by the parent. Send your child ONLY in easy on/easy off clothing until they are able to completely undress and dress themselves. I required at least 5 complete changes of clothing during Toilet Learning. I do not launder soiled items and will send them home in a plastic bag. Please replace any clothing sent home the next day.

Transportation:

At times, we may plan a field trip or it may be necessary for me to transport your child by car. A permission form is provided upon enrollment. All traffic and safety laws will be followed. No child will ever be left unattended in a vehicle. Also, because this business is run out of my home, it may be necessary to run occasional errands with the children. Parents will be notified at drop off time or with a phone call. The only time we may leave without notice is in the case of an emergency, in which case a note will be placed on the door leaving instructions where the children can be found. Unless it is an emergency, you will always be notified prior to any outing from Kristi’s Kids Daycare and reserve the right to refuse. If I do not have your permission to transport your child, you are expected to pick up your child immediately and make alternate childcare arrangements for that day.

Holidays/Birthdays:

We honor major holidays and all children’s birthdays. If you would like to bring a special Treat (no homemade treats please) for the children, please arrange this with the provider. You are more than welcome to participate in ANY activities we have planned.

House Cleaning:

My house is not always spotless. My main concern is the care of the children. I clean my house during Rest Time, if all are asleep, during non-business hours, and occasionally with children's help. The children will help clean up toys before meals and naps.

Other Goodies Confidentiality:

The information you supply to Kristi’s Kids Daycare will be kept confidential. I will, at all times, respect your privacy. Before any of the information is released to outside persons, the parents will sign a release form.

Changes to Policies:

Changes may be made to these policies as needed with 2 weeks notice. The policies, contracts, consents, and forms will be reviewed and updated, if needed, yearly in January. Please give written notice of any changes that may occur, especially of name or address, or of updated immunizations. 

Emergencies:

Fire: There is one fire extinguishers located in my home. One is in the kitchen behind the door going to the basement. If there is a fire that cannot be extinguished quickly, the children will be evacuated immediately before calling 911. We will practice fire drills monthly so the children will be prepared in the event of a fire.

Tornado: In the event of a tornado warning, the children will gather in the bathroom downstairs. We will remain in the bathroom until the inclement weather has passed. Tornado drills will also be practiced monthly.

Power outage: There are flashlights located in the kitchen. If the power remains out for some time, there are non-perishables located in the kitchen that will be used to eat. If the weather is inclement and the house is getting too cold for the children, you will be called to pick up your child.

Enrollment Requirements:

Before enrolling your child in Kristi’s Kids Daycare there are several things you must do:

1.Read through and become familiar with the Policies. You will be required to sign a form that indicates you have read, understand, and agree to ALL the Policies as outlined.

2.An acquaintance visit must be made. I will not care for children unless they have had one, and preferably two, visits to Kristi’s Kids Daycare to become familiar with me and the service provided.

3.All appropriate forms must be filled out, signed, and on file PRIOR to admission. All necessary forms/consents will be given to you in your admission package.

4.All required supplies must be brought within 2 weeks of your child’s first day. If you do not bring the required supplies, I will purchase them for you and you will be responsible for reimbursing me the full cost.

Termination of Care:

Care can only be terminated with 2 weeks notice by the parent. I reserve the right to immediately end care for non-payment, failure to respect me, my home, my neighborhood, behavior of the child, which is harmful to the physical or emotional well being of the other children, or failure to abide by my policies. If you terminate care without giving appropriate notice, you will be responsible for payment of the final 2 weeks of care whether or not your child attends. Please be advised that you will be charged the No Show Fee in addition to your scheduled daily rate until you notify me that your child will not be returning. *Provider has the right to terminate a contract without notice in the case of harm to other children or a dangerous situation due to that child has caused intentionally or other wise.

Child Abuse/Neglect:

I am required by law to report any suspected signs of child abuse and/or neglect. This includes any form of physical punishment by the parents in my home.

Supplies:

All supplies must be labeled with your child’s name. You will need to provide the following things to be left here:

1. 1 complete change of clothing (more if we are toilet training) to be left here. This includes shirt, pants, socks, and underwear.

2. Any over the counter medication that you may wish to be used. This must have the child’s name on it. Remember, I will always ask your permission before administering.

FOR CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 18 MONTHS (and those not yet potty trained and/or weaned from the bottle)

1. Diapers or Pull-ups, 1 full package. They will be stored in your child’s cubby and I will notify you when the supply is low.

2. 1- box of baby wipes.

3. 2 - bottles and 1 pacifier and pacifier fastener to be left here. It will not be necessary for you to send bottles daily.

4. 2- changes of clothing (T-shirt, sleeper, outfit, and socks). Careful attention must be paid to maintain current sizes left here.

5. Any cream, powder, etc. that you wish me to use.

6. Baby Tylenol if you wish it to be used.

Note: If you prefer not to supply these items to be left here, you may send them daily in a diaper bag. The option of leaving these items here is for your convenience and is not required. However, all of the above items are required for me to care for your child, so they will need to be brought daily. Again, if you choose not to supply me with the required items, I will purchase them for you and you will be responsible for the cost.

Health Matters

Illness:

Under no circumstance is a sick child to attend Kristi’s Kids Daycare. The children should be allowed to recover fully from an illness in the comfort of their own home. The other children in care are exposed to any disease your child may bring into the home. If you are unable to remain home with your child, it is your responsibility to make substitute childcare arrangements. Obviously, it is not possible to prevent the spread of all illness. However, minimizing exposure and providing good hygienic practices in the daycare home are means by which we can limit the problem and the resulting inconvenience. Accordingly, for the benefit of all involved, the following policies will be strictly enforced:

Children who have exhibited ANY symptoms of infectious illness within the proceeding 24-hour period are likely to be contagious and should remain at home. Examples of associated symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever of 100F measured orally or 101F measured rectally, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, loss of voice, hacking or continuous coughing, yellow or green runny nose, draining eyes or ears, rash, or head lice. I reserve the right to determine whether a child should remain in the home where illness is a consideration. Parents of children who become ill during the day will be promptly notified and are expected to arrange to pick up their child immediately. The sick child will, if possible, be isolated from the other daycare children to minimize exposure. If the parent cannot be reached, the person designated as the emergency contact will be notified.

Medications:

No child will be given any medication, prescription or over the counter, unless the parent gives written permission. Prescription medication shall have the child’s name, name of medication, Doctor’s name, name of pharmacy, prescription number, date, and directions for administering. The medication must be in the original container as dispensed by the pharmacy. I have Permission to Administer Medication forms to be filled out each time your child will need medicine to be administered. Written permission is required in order to use diapering products, sunscreen lotion and insect repellents.

EXCEPTION: As your childcare provider, I will administer Syrup of Ipecac if instructed to do so by poison control or emergency medical services.

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,  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.

Non-Discrimination: As a daycare provider, I shall not discriminate in relation to admissions on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion or sex.