Policies

SAFETY

Your child's safety is paramount. All lower cabinets (kitchen and bathroom) have safety locks. Upper cabinets that could pose a problem (i.e. medicine cabinet) are also locked. I have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor, a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and a Life Vac, all for emergencies. There are baby gates on all levels of house next to the stairs. Emergency numbers are posted. I also have two first aid kits and several flashlights. Emergency drills are practiced monthly and logged. 

I have taken and am up to date on classes in Infant/Child CPR, First Aid, Child car restraint safety, SIDS prevention (Back to Sleep Program), and a class to help reduce the risk of Shaken Baby Syndrome. You may request this at any time.

MEALS AND SNACKS

Meals and snacks are provided.

If any food or bottles are brought from home, they must be clearly labeled with the child's name. It is important to let me know if your child has any known food allergies.

DROP OFF/ PICK UP CHILDREN

If you will be late for drop off or pickup, please let me know as you are able- please review the late fee policy.

CLOTHING

Please do not send your child to daycare in dress clothes. Play clothes only. We ask that your child has two complete changes of clothing here at all times, including underwear and socks. Bring one stuffed animal for yoga and sound bowl sessions. Please provide a different change of clothes should either one of the two be used. Provide a summer-type jacket to be left here. Please do not buy a new jacket for this purpose. A hand-me-down from an older sibling or a thrift store find is good enough. Occasionally in the warmer months, a child will come without a coat, due to the warmer temperature in the morning. Should the day turn chillier, he/she will still be able to play outside in comfort.

Do not bring your child in sandals or flip-flops. Only shoes that cover the entire foot should be worn, as we play a lot. During the winter months, make sure your child has the appropriate clothing. This includes a jacket, snow pants, boots, mittens, and a hat (a hood that ties is not a substitute for a hat). If your child does not have the appropriate clothing he/she will not be able to play outside. If you would like to leave a spare hat and mittens here, please feel free to do so. However, I do have a bin of snow protective clothing., they may use items from if need be.

QUIET TIME

Every day between 1:00-2:30 PM, we have quiet time. All younger children will lay down to rest. Older children will be given quiet time activities (coloring supplies, puzzles, movies, etc.).

Items from home: Your child may bring a special blanket or stuffed animal for quiet time. Please do not allow your child to bring anything else into the daycare setting. No toys, candy or snacks (due to other children possibly having allergies) etc.

FEES

I am paid hourly and weekly. While the sum is hourly, the payments are required weekly. Fees are expected in advance, payable on the first day of care in any given week. Should you have a two week/monthly pay period, it is your option to pay me in advance for the two or four weeks, or pay me weekly.

My daycare has regular hours but can offer a 4 AM start time. Notify me as soon as possible if you will be arriving early/late. Early/late, meaning any time before/after your regular scheduled hours. An early/late fee of $8 for every 30 minutes will apply. These fees are expected to be paid with the weekly payment.

I do accept checks. Should I receive an NSF returned to me, you will be charged a fee of $40 this may change subject to bank billing, and will cover any costs my bank imposes upon me. A second NSF will result in all payments made in cash. Fees are expected to be paid whether or not your child attends daycare.

TRANSPORTATION

On occasion, we may go on field trips in the car. Also, I may need to transport a child in a medical emergency. I have taken the required car restraint system training. All children will be restrained in car/booster seats or seat belts (according to state law and child care rules) and will not be transported without your written permission, All vehicles will be properly licensed and insured. Your child will never be left unattended in a vehicle.

SICK POLICY

I will notify you immediately should your child develop any of the following symptoms:

• The underarm temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or over, or the oral temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or over (no rectal temperature will be taken).

• Vomiting or diarrhea.

• Any rash other than mild diaper or heat-related rash.

Should your child develop any of these symptoms, you will be expected to pick up your child within one hour. If this is not possible, you will need to have another person listed on your emergency information form that can. You will also be called at my discretion should your child clearly appear to be uncomfortable, regardless of whether other symptoms have appeared.

I'm not willing to accept a child with any of the above-listed symptoms. Symptoms must be gone for 24 hours prior to re-admittance.

I will not take a child with confirmed lice unless the hair has been washed with an approved product twice (24 hours apart).

IMMUNIZATIONS

All children in my daycare must have the appropriate immunizations for their age or written notarized documentation on the immunization form opposing immunizations.

NONDISCRIMINATION

I will not discriminate in relation to admissions of any child on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability.

HOUSE RULES

Aggressive behavior towards other children are not allowed for the safety of all.

EMOTIONAL REGULATION

I teach emotional regulation and will help your child with coping strategies.

Assistance: If a child has become overwhelmed, they will be assisted with grounding techniques that are age appropriate (most through play). (i.e. EFT animal tapping, deep breathing by blowing out birthday candles etc.)

Assisted Breaks: Once a child reaches the age of two they can be talked to. They will be told in easy to understand terms why the behavior should not continue. Typically, this is highly effective. If not, we will move into a break or time out away from other children and activities. If this is not effective, I will contact parents and come up with a plan together.

MEDICATIONS

Prior to administering prescription medication, I must have written permission and instructions for each medication. Medicine with the child's name and current prescription information on the label constitutes instructions.

Non-prescription medications will be administered with parental permission according to the manufacturer's instructions unless written instructions are from a licensed physician. Parents must sign a permission slip for each medication.

SLEEPING

Each child will be provided with a safe comfortable sleeping space with separate bedding. Infants will sleep in porta cribs with waterproof mattresses or pads. I will sleep infants on their backs according to the recommended guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics for SIDS.

EMERGENCIES/ BACK-UP

If for any reason, I need to leave for an emergency, I have an adult who can come in for a short period of time until you arrive. In the event that I am ill or on vacation, and cannot provide care, you will need to have your own backup arrangements available. I will notify you as soon as possible, when I am unable to provide care for your child.

SUPERVISION

I am required to be within sight or hearing of an infant, toddler or preschooler at all times so that the caregiver is capable of intervening. For school-age children, I am required to be available for assistance and care. Written permission is needed from you if your school-age child is to be off my property. This includes walking to/from the bus stop or school.

AUTHORIZED PERSONS

Occasionally your child may need to be picked up from care by someone other than a parent/guardian. Unless the names are listed on your emergency forms, your child will not be released. In case of an emergency, please provide a reliable list of people to reach.

PARENTS IN DAYCARE:

You have the right to stop in anytime during your child's regular daycare hours. You do not need a reason. You are welcome at any time.

SMOKING

Smoking is not allowed in my home whatsoever.

DAYCARE FORMS

All forms must be completed prior to the first day of care. All weekly fees must be paid prior to the start of care in any given week. If forms are not completed or fees are not paid, no care will be provided.

INSURANCE:

I am required to inform you that I have limited liability coverage.

The undersigned have read and agree to abide with the Day Care Policies.

To review policies in full, please click here.