Policies and Procedures
Discipline
I express my disapproval (without attacking character). I state my expectations and show your child how to make amends. I give choices, and in extreme situations a child may be given a "time out"; because at times a child may be having trouble making choices of their own and they just may need a couple of minutes to calm down, and think about their choices. No physical discipline is ever used in my care.
Gross Misconduct:
I will communicate to you immediately if your child is frequently and deliberately causing harm to others and/or is frequently and deliberately destructive. This behavior is unsafe and will not be allowed – immediate termination will ensue if the behavior persists.
Days/Hours of Operation:
Child care is available 7 days a week with the exception of closings as referred to in this handbook.
Actual days and hours are determined by the parent/guardian’s individual needs.
Please understand that the contracted drop-off time is important because I plan our day around the collective time frame of each child as well as each other phase of our morning routine – please call me if you know that you will be more than 15 minutes late.
Our contracted pick up time is equally important; there are several things to do before the children leave – snack time, calm down time, clean up (personal as well as day care room), shoes on etc. Of course another reason is to know my "quit" time so I can complete other evening commitments.
Late Drop Off and Pick Up:
Please call me if you will be late dropping your child off late. It is very important to me and the other children to know our schedule (breakfast, etc.) and when we can move along from one activity to another.
I’m sure you agree, personal time is precious; accordingly, it becomes extremely difficult and stressfull to have an appointment or other plans scheduled if I cannot depend on the mutually agreed pick up time. I do understand that there may be an occasion of major traffic congestion or bad weather conditions causing a delay in your travel – if you have a cellular phone, please call me and perhaps we can work out a contingency plan. Consistent tardiness could be cause for termination. A $3.00 per 15 minutes minutes past our agreed pick up time will be payable upon arrival.
Nutrition:
Children are fed nutritionally on a daily basis – breakfast, lunch and a snack as required through enrollment with the family and work place connection food program – See enclosed information and enrollment form for your child. Cakes, cookies, and other "not so nutritious food" may be served during special events like birthday parties, and holidays. Formula is provided by the parent/guardian, all other foods and beverages are provided by me.
Potty Training:
Potty training shouldn’t be rushed; it is important that your child is psychologically and physically ready for training. Huggie’s Pull Ups (or other brand) must be provided by the parent/guardian during this transition period, no regular style training pants or underwear will be used until your child maintains 2 continuous weeks of bladder/bowel control; of course, if your child regresses after this 2 week period we will assess the next step.
Transportation:
It will be rare, but there may be instances when your child may need to ride in an automobile or van. I have your written permission to do so.
Release of Children:
It is important that I protect your child by ensuring that your child does not leave my home with a person you have not authorized on you "Child Information Card" to pick up your child. Also please tell me when someone else that you have authorized on you "Child Information Card" will be picking up your child. Even if it is an emergency, I must have your permission to release your child to someone other than you. I will need the person’s name and a description of what he or she looks like. The person picking up your child will have to show me a picture ID before I will release your child from my care.
I have to assume that both parents have the right to pick up your child, unless you give me a copy of a court order stating otherwise. We will need to discuss how I should handle the non-custodial parent who arrives to pick up your child. Without a copy of the court order, I cannot refuse a parent. If I have a court order and a non custodial parent tries to pick up the child, I will immediately call the custodial parent. If the non-custodial parent leaves with the child, I will immediately call the police and report the situation. I will not place the other children at risk in a confrontation with the non-custodial parent.
It is very important to me that your child arrives home safely. Therefore, If the person who arrives to pick up your child appears intoxicated or otherwise incapable of bringing your child home safely, I will call the parent or emergency contact person listed on the "Child Information Card" to request their assistance. If the situation occurs a second time, it will be grounds for terminating my care of your child.
All children should be transported to and from child care in a care seat or child restraint if under 6 years old or 60 pound. For further clarification refer to the Texas Law regarding children and seat belts and abide by that law for your child safety. I will not release your child if the person picking up your child does not have a care seat and your child falls into the care seat requirement age bracket.
Supplies:
Parent/guardian will provide diapers, diaper wipes (if you wish to use a certain brand), powder, any ointment (i.e. Desitin etc.), and baby bottles. To eliminate the daily bundle of items to carry you may bring me a package of each item to leave at daycare. I will notify you if items are running low. All items will be marked with the child’s name.
Parent/guardian will provide a change of clothes on a daily basis or keep a change of clothes at day care until needed – replacing as needed. An infant may require more than one change of clothing daily; please provide a few changes of clothing based on your own experiences with your infant.
I will supply wipes, sleeping mats, portable cribs/playpens, pillows (if age appropriate), blankets and sheets for your child. If your child has a favorite sleeping blanket or stuffed toy, he/she may bring them to sleep with.
Fee Payment Guidelines:
Child care fees are paid in advance on a weekly basis – the Friday before the week begins or the last scheduled day of attendance for the week. Payment obligation is based on the hours agreed to use child care, not on actual attendance. There is no change in fee due to your child’s absences. If your child is absent or I am closed on the Friday before the week begins or the last scheduled day of attendance for the week, you are responsible to make payment as agreed. In the case of your vacation or absence, please postdate your check for the up coming date due and make payment before you leave.
Late payments – A $5 per day late payment fee (per child) applies for any payment not received on the Friday morning before the week begins. Your child will not be permitted to return to child care until both the payment and the late fee are paid in full.
A personal check or cash will be accepted for payment, however if a check is returned for any reason and I incur any bank charges from the return of your check, those charges will be added to the following weeks daycare fee additionally because I am unable to use these funds my late fee for payment also applies. After 2 check returns, all further payments must be made in cash. Non-payment or consistent late payments is cause for termination immediately with out 2 weeks notice.
A two week notice of any increase will be posted.
Early drop off
Any care needed prior to my normal opening time will need be scheduled at least by the Friday prior to the week care is needed. As a result there will be a charge of $3.00 per 15 minutes (or part of) for care prior to normal opening time. Payment for this additional time is due by the Friday prior to the week care is scheduled. This fee is non-refundable. This includes if you decide not to bring the child early.
Termination:
Parent/Guardian will give two weeks written notice, and two weeks full payment to terminate your child’s enrollment in child care regardless as to whether your child is present (with the exception of the trial period). If two weeks notice is not given, you are still financially obligated for the two weeks of child care fees and late payments; two weeks full payment still applies when notice is given in conjunction with provider’s vacation.
Trial Period:
There is a trial period of 4 weeks from the date child care begins. If the child care arrangements is not mutually satisfactory, either party can terminate this agreement with a 1(one) day notice – any moneys already paid are non refundable.
A Few Final Thoughts:
As a parent in my child care home, please…
Take an interest in your child’s activities and development at day care, and share your child’s habits, fears, and concerns with me;
Read all correspondence given to you, and those posted. Promptly sign and return those forms needing to be signed;
Remember that you are responsible for your child while on my premises so please remain in complete contact with your child during that time;
Call me! Your concerns and feed back are important to me.
