| The following are the rules and guidelines governing our childcare contract agreement. Please take the time to read this handbook thoroughly, as it covers very important policies and procedures that pertain to the care of your child. Please initial each topic heading. I will keep one copy of the handbook on file and you will receive a copy of the handbook for your records.
Activities: My primary goal of my childcare program is to provide a safe, family-like environment for your child while you are at work. I will provide your child with tender loving care, understanding, patience, and guidance, in a happy, family setting. All activities are intended as an opportunity for building social skills and practicing self-help skills in a family-like environment. Chores, such as picking up toys, putting dishes in the dishwasher, helping to sort laundry, will likely be part of the day. 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 children�s ages, interests, and abilities. Free play/choice, reading, arts/crafts, music/singing/dancing, pretend play, puzzles/games and educational TV/videos are just some of the activities we will be donig. TV is very limited on an irregular basis. The process, not the product, is the focus of arts and crafts. A child�s work is play and play is an important part of a child�s early years. Play is learning, trying, being, and feeling. Children learn many things about themselves, others, and their world through play. They learn concepts, relationships, cause and effect, sizes, colors, textures, feelings, emotions, sensations, sounds, symbols, and language among other things. It is with their play that they learn social skills that will be needed the rest of their lives. We have a fenced in yard complete with a playground and equipment necessary to improve large and small motor skills, balance, coordination, & imagination. Back Up Provider: Parents are responsible for providing their own back up care for holiday�s, provider�s vacations, emergencies, personal days, and illnesses. Family childcare is a very illness prone profession and my family will and does get sick. If that happens, I will close to prevent the illness from spreading further. This is to help your family, not hurt you. Change of Policies: Any policy in this handbook may be revised or changed by Color Me Happy Daycare at any time. A notice will be given to parents prior to the effective date. Parents will receive a copy of the handbook and/or revisions that are made to the handbook. It is advisable to keep your copy of the handbook available for reference. There will be one handbook per family, if you misplace or lose your handbook and you need another the cost will be $15.00. Child Abuse/Neglect: As a mandated reporter, I am legally obligated to call the abuse hotline when I suspect abuse and/or neglect. Ethically I will not hesitate to do so. Court Order: If there is a court order keeping one parent or guardian away from the child, I must have a copy of the court order in my file to that effect. Discipline: Infants: Discipline for infants is a matter of safety. They do not understand rules or consequences. Toddlers: Toddlers are beginning to understand simple directions, but they are unable to remember things, so rules are repeated more frequently. Because the toddler is struggling to understand his/her world, s/he often exhibits acceptable behavior with unacceptable objects, ex. throwing blocks. . Preschool and School Age Children: Preschool and school age children are better able to understand and remember rules and consequences. The children are reminded of what is expected of them at all times. When children know what is expected of them, problems are less likely to occur. I use discipline to teach the children appropriate behaviors. I achieve this through patience and consistency. The children are explained the rules of the child care home frequently so they are all familiar with the guidelines. Please keep in mind that there will be disagreements between children. Young children, especially, who are not adept at communication; have a difficult time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit, or throw toys, etc. Although teaching children appropriate behavior is what I will be doing, remember that this behavior is normal in most cases. I will provide a �safe� place for your child to regain control and/or redirection to another activity from the one which caused the problem. This means I will remove the child from the situation and provide a �safe� place away from the other children. When your child is ready, I will talk to the child and try to explain why that behavior was inappropriate. They can then rejoin the group in their play or they will be provided with a separate activity. The children are directed to solve their problem using words and are encouraged to �make peace�. We give a handshake, hug, or a high five when we �make peace� with our friends. These methods encourage self-control, self-direction, and cooperation. Children are never punished for lapses in toilet training or for accidents, (spilled milk, etc.). In these situations, I will have the child help me clean up if possible, not for punishment, but to help teach responsibility. If something of a more serious nature or a persistent behavior should occur that is of concern to me, I will need to discuss it with you so we can jointly decide on a course of action that is followed at home and in my care. If I continue to have problems with a child not following our rules or being abusive, this is terms of having childcare contract terminated. Dress Code: All children must arrive dressed and ready for the day. Please do not send your child wearing anything new or special. Child's play is messy work. Your child will be painting, playing in the grass, in the sandbox, and other various activities. You also need to supply a complete change of clothing, in case of an accident, including socks. I do not supply clothing for the daycare children. If the child has no spare clothing, the parent will be called to bring some. Please dress your child appropriately, according to weather conditions for both indoor and outdoor play. Weather permitting; we will spend time outdoors. Drills Fire Drills will be discussed once a month throughout the year to acquaint children with evacuation procedures. Tornado Drills will be practiced during tornado season. We are fortunate to live near a warning siren that is tested on the first Tuesday of the month. This is the day I try to follow to discuss drills at my home with the children. Drop off /Pick up Times: It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents in the morning or not wanting to leave when it is time to go home. Please be very brief during these transition times. The longer you prolong the departure, the harder it is for the child. A smile, cheerful goodbye kiss, and a reassuring statement that you will be back are all that is needed. In my experience, children are nearly always quick to get involved in the activities as soon as the parent leaves. Please be very brief at departure times also. Please be in control of your child/ren 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. Please be prepared to back me up! At pick up, please do not let your child leave the house until you are leaving also. Children are not permitted to go out to their car unattended! Though I am very open to any questions or concerns you may have about your child, drop-off and pick-up times are not generally the best times to discuss these concerns in depth. Instead, please feel free to phone me during naptimes or in the evenings when I am able to give you my undivided attention. I prefer that there be no drop-offs or pick-ups during the daily naptime, (1:00-3:00). After fifteen minutes have passed from your contracted pick up time I will attempt to contact parents work, home, or cell phones numbers provided to me. If I am unable to reach you, I will begin calling your emergency contacts. After I have exhausted all numbers available to me I will, as required by licensing regulations contact the police for assistance or DCFS, (Department of Children and Family Services), child abuse hotline. No child will ever be allowed to leave with anyone except the parent, unless indicated on the alternate pickup list. Anyone unfamiliar to me will be required to show proof of identification. Please make the alternate pickup person aware of the requirements. I do not mean to offend them; this is simply a measure for the child�s protection. If a person shows up to pick up your child and is not on your authorized pick up list, they will NOT be allowed to remove the child from my home. If your child does not arrive by your contracted drop-off time, I will assume your child is not attending, unless alternate arrangements have been made. If I am not available after that time, it is your responsibility to find alternate care for the day. Early Drop Off/Late Pick Up Fees: My childcare is open 7:30-4:30, anytime before or after this time is subject to the additional early drop off or late pick up fee, no exceptions! The fee is $5.00, per 15 minutes, per child. The fee applies ANY time you arrive before 7:30 or after 4:30. This is a reminder that my time is valuable! Payment for unscheduled overtime will be due with the regular payment. If you do not include this fee with your payment, I reserve the right to deny care the following week until the fee is paid. Please do not put me in the uncomfortable position of reminding you that this fee is due. If you are early or late, you know it. I truly do not want the early and late fee; they are a reminder that I do not want to work early and I want to �get home� on time! If an alternate person is to pick up your child and they are late, the fee still applies. Continued late pick-ups will be cause for immediate termination. The digital clock located with the sign in/out pad will be the official time clock. Just as you do not like to start work early or stay late from work, the same applies to myself. This policy will be strictly enforced as early drop off and late pick-ups infringe on my families personal time. Enrollment Requirements: There are many forms that I must have completed and in my possession before I can assume the responsibility of caring for your child. There are no exceptions to this. You are required to keep me informed of any change in addresses, telephone numbers, and other pertinent information on these forms as they arise including notifying me of additional childhood immunizations. Read through and become familiar with the policies. You will be required to sign a contract that indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to ALL policies outlined. An acquaintance visit MUST be made. I will not care for children unless they have had at least one visit to become familiar with my home, my family, and myself. All appropriate forms must be filled out, signed, and on file PRIOR to admission. Forms include but are not limited to: DCFS application and enrollment form providers consent forms signed physical and immunizations TB test, Lead Test, Chicken Pox vaccine contract signed and approved by provider handbook signed and each paragraph heading initialed by enrolling parents/guardians food program enrollment forms All required supplies provided by the parent must be on hand. Fees: There are a limited number of spaces available; therefore, weekly payments are not based on child's attendance. No refunds or reductions in fees are given for late arrivals/early departures, parental vacations, early closures, or exclusion due to illness. Remember you are paying for QUALITY of care, not QUANTITY! There will be a yearly 5% increase in fees effective January 1st of each year. Gum, Soda, Candy, Change, Food, and Treats: A snack or a birthday/holiday treat is always welcome as long as there is enough for ALL the daycare children. Otherwise, food must be disposed of prior to entering my home. Because these situations lead to disruption, I am being preventive and asking that it not be brought into daycare. The same holds true for pocket change or money. It could be a choking hazard, so I ask that they leave it at home. Please do not tell your child they can have these things here. I know it is not what your child wants, but it is my rule. Health Matters: If you have any doubt as to whether your child can participate in our daily activities, please keep him/her home. The children should be allowed to recover fully from an illness in the comfort of their own home. Please do not use a fever reducer, such as Tylenol or Motrin, to mask their symptoms. I know that most of us cannot afford to take time off work to stay home with a sick child, but please remember the other children in care are exposed to any illness your child may bring into the home. 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 practices 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 home. Examples of associated symptoms include, but are not limited to: SYMPTOMS REQUIRING REMOVAL OF CHILD FROM CHILD CARE (no exceptions) Communicable Diseases: Not permitted by law in childcare. Some of those illnesses are but not limited to: Infectious Conjunctivitis (pink eye), Impetigo, Hepatitis A, Scabies, Ringworm, Infectious Diarrhea, Chicken Pox, Scarlet Fever, Lice, and Strep Throat. If your child is thought to have a communicable disease, you will be notified and asked to pick him/her 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 and what symptoms to watch for. Fever: Not permitted. A child needs to be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to childcare; that means the child is fever free without the aid of any fever reducing substance. Administering Tylenol to reduce your child's fever so that you can bring him/her to daycare is grounds for termination. Diarrhea: Not permitted. The child must stay home until 24 hours have passed with no episodes. Vomiting: Not permitted. If your child vomits while at daycare, you will be expected to come within the hour to pick up your child. The child must stay home until 24 hours have passed with no vomiting episodes. Runny nose: Your child may be brought to daycare if he/she has a common cold (slight occasional cough, clear runny nose, occasional sneezing). Discharge of any color other than clear is not acceptable in childcare. A constant runny nose, which needs wiped continually is not acceptable in childcare. Rashes: Not permitted. Any rash other than diaper rash must accompany the child to childcare with a note from the doctor stating it is not contagious. SYMPTOMS REQUIRING REMOVAL OF CHILD FROM CHILD CARE (no exceptions), cont�d Runny and/or Crusty Eyes: Not permitted. Watery, matted, and/or red/pink eyes are not acceptable in childcare under any circumstances. Excessive Crankiness: If your child is irritable, excessively whining or crying, wants constantly held, or requires more attention than I can provide without jeopardizing the health, safety, or well being of the other children in my care, you must keep your child home regardless of the presence of other symptoms. If this occurs during childcare hours, you will be called to come and pick up your child. Lice: Not permitted back to childcare 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 you can return to childcare. No exceptions. If you arrive and tell me your child's fever broke at noon the previous day, you will be asked to leave. Further, there are times when a child is not that ill, but is terribly uncomfortable and really needs some �one on one� care that I cannot provide without compromising the quality of care for the other children. If your child becomes ill while in my care, I will make the determination as to whether or not the parent is to come for the child. Each case is different and new situations may arise, but in general, aside from obvious symptoms of illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) if your child is acting sick, lethargic or too uncomfortable to participate in our normal daycare routine, I will be contacting you to come get your child. Please know that when I make that call to you I have done everything I can possibly do, and we have reached a point where parental care is needed. 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. Please take the above rules seriously. It is always best to call me and ask if you are unsure whether or not you may bring your child If someone in my family has any of the above symptoms, I will call you the previous evening, or as soon as I am aware of the situation, so that you may determine whether or not you want your child exposed to such symptoms. Sometimes my own children need their mommy to themselves when ill as well and need to be able rest comfortably in their home. I will ask you to make other arrangements if I feel the illness in my family will hinder the quality of care I give your child. If I specifically request that you find alternate care on any given day, then I will not require payment. However absences by your choice qualify as your sick or absent days and are to be paid in full. Holidays /Birthdays: We honor major holidays and all children�s birthdays. You are welcome to bring treats to help celebrate as long as there is enough for everyone. I may have special treats planned for holidays, but parent/guardians are responsible for providing treats for their own child/ren�s birthdays. Please discuss this with me in advance so we can plan accordingly. Hours of Operation/Holidays/Vacation: Color Me Happy Daycare is open Monday through Friday, 7:30-4:30, closed weekends. Contracted hours will vary with each family enrolled based on parents work schedules. There is a maximum of nine hours of care per day. I require a two-week notice if you need to change your enrollment hours. I also reserve the right to terminate if the new hours will not work well for my childcare business. Being a daycare provider is extremely rewarding, yet a very demanding job. We spend so much time caring for, entertaining, and loving the children that we forget to take care of ourselves. In order to provide your child the best possible care, I must remain in good physical and emotional health. Please understand that holidays, vacation time, and personal days off are necessary to avoid provider burnout. No childcare will be provided on the following holidays: Presidents Day Martin Luther King Jr Day Good Friday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas Eve Christmas Day New Years Eve The above are paid holidays for the provider, Michelle Gengenbacher. In addition, Michelle may close for two weeks, (10 days), paid vacation per year. Some holidays will fall on the weekend and may be observed either the Monday or Friday before or after. I will give you advanced notice on when I will be taking it. Notification will be given prior to any closed days, with the exception of an emergency or illness. Please have a back up for these occasions. I am not responsible for finding alternate care for your child. In the event that I will be away for a period of less than three hours, (doctor�s appointments, errands, etc.), substitute care will be provided by my licensed assistant and husband, Randy Gengenbacher. 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 fall asleep, during non business hours, and occasionally with the children�s help. House Rules: The respect that you show me, including my home, furnishings, equipment, yard and other children will communicate itself to your child and will make for a better working relationship. There are certain house rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow. The following rules are enforced for the safety and well-being of everyone. There will be no running permitted in the house. Hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching other children/infants/adults will NOT be allowed. No standing or climbing on chairs, tables, or furniture. No playing on the steps. No disrespectful language will be used. Children are to keep food and drink in the proper area. Children and families are welcome in areas of my home that are used for childcare purposes. My family and I need some privacy and separation from the childcare. Please respect this. It can be difficult for my family to share their home/wife/mother, so intimately, with other children/families, for so many hours each day. It is important for them to feel that they have their "own" space. My children are expected to keep any toys/objects that they are not prepared to share, in their rooms, away from the other children. Insufficient Funds/Closed Account: I will not tolerate bounced checks. If you bounce a check, you will be charged a minimum of $25.00 and possibly more if you cause me to bounce my account. All the fees my bank charges me, WILL be passed on to you. I reserve the right to receive all future payments in cash, or I have the option of terminating care immediately. Late Payment Fee: Payments are due on Friday, by 4:30 p.m. After 4:30, a late fee will be assessed. However, if your last scheduled day is before Friday, your payment is due on that day at 4:30. A 10.00 per day late fee will be added everyday that payment is late, including weekends. The child will not be allowed to attend until all fees are made current. NO EXCEPTIONS OR EXCUSES! Please keep in mind this is my family�s income. It is unfair to expect me to wait for my paycheck. I reserve the right to require payment at the beginning of the week is there is a continue occurrence of waiting for my paycheck. If a period of two weeks 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, loss of wages, cost fees and childcare fees. Leave of Absence: In the case of seasonal employment, (teachers), or medical leave you will be responsible for 1/2 of your contracted weekly rate. This is to hold your child/children�s position in the childcare until he/she returns. Days of care available for use are at the provider�s discretion. Only two days of care are available at this discounted rate. I reserve the right to change/alternate the days available to stay in compliance with licensing regulations or to accommodate my own work schedule. If I do not have full time children in care on a particular day, I will not be open to care for families on leave. Payment for vacation days is still required. Failure to pay this fee on time will result in termination of care. If you need to schedule additional days during this time, the full time weekly tuition rate will apply! Lending Library I have incorporated a lending library into my daycare program. Your child is welcome to check out books and videos to enjoy at home with you. They are only allowed one book or video out at a time. In most cases, they are encouraged to enjoy it as long as they would like. The only exception is if it is an item I use in my daily program then I will ask that it be returned by a particular date. You are responsible for the items that are checked out and I will ask you to replace it if it is returned damaged. Licensing: This daycare home has met the health, safety, and program standards required for the state of Illinois and adhere to those standards. In compliance with the state standards, the daycare home must have on file a physical examination sheet and all required paperwork filled out prior to furnishing child care. Meals: I participate in the Association for Child Development Food Program. This is to provide nutritionally balanced meals and snacks for your child and I receive a small reimbursement. Children are not forced to eat, but encouraged. A child who does not wish to eat one meal will not be served until the next meal/snack. If your child arrives after a meal or snack has been served, he/she will wait until the next meal/snack time to eat. Please also understand that if they are here for mealtime they will be served even if you already fed them. 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. Our meal times vary according to seasonal schedules. Please see me if you are unsure about our current times. Appropriate language (please, thank you) is strongly encouraged. Statements such as, "Get me a juice!" or "I want a cookie!" are corrected with, "May I please have a juice?" or "Can I please have a cookie?" Using their utensils, chewing with their mouths closed, and not talking with food in their mouths are all basic skills taught here. The older children are also required to help clean up in the kitchen after meals and snacks are served and possibly help prepare a meal or snack. I ask that infants be fed their first bottle of the day at home prior to arrival, so they are not hungry upon arriving. Except for special occasions and when requested, please do not send any food or candy with your child. If food or drink is brought in, it will be disposed of. Special treats and snacks are acceptable with prior approval by me. For example: birthdays, holidays, etc� Medical Emergencies: Although supervision is constantly given, I cannot be by the child�s side at all times to prevent falls, tripping, bumps, and blows from other children, etc. If the child is injured in a non life-threatening way, (minor cuts and abrasions), 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. (stitches, broken arm. dislocation, etc.) All costs associated with injuries to the child will be the responsibility of the parent. In case of medical emergency, I will attempt to contact you immediately. If I am unable to reach you, I will start calling the people you 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 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 Blessing Hospital. You or your families insurance is/are responsible for the cost of medical help or treatment due to accidents or illness while in childcare. Medication: 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. In addition, I would prefer it if you will bring the medications in a small baggy labeled with the child�s name, to avoid any possible confusion. You will need to provide me with droppers, syringes, etc. needed for administering the medication. I have Permission to Administer Medication Forms to be filled out each time your child will need medicine to be administered. In addition, forms are available the use of diapering products, sunscreen lotions, insect repellents, etc. Please give all medications to me upon arrival. Do not leave them in the diaper bag. Children on medication must remain out of care for 24 hours from the time of the first dose of medicine before returning to care. This is to protect the child in case of allergic reaction to the medication. No exceptions will be made. If the child refuses to take medication, the parent will be notified and must come to administer the medication. Medication is to be given at home whenever possible especially eye drops & nebulizar treatments. No Payment: You will be liable of cost fees and any cost for loss of wages if there is a small claims case. No Show Fee: $20.00 assessed if child is not brought as arranged without notice, in addition to contracted rate. Open Door: You are invited and welcome to visit Color Me Happy Daycare anytime your children are present, although you are asked to avoid visiting during rest time. I do normally have the doors locked for the children�s safety, so it may take a minute to get to the door, depending on what activity we are doing. Keep in mind also if we are downstairs, we normally do not here the doorbell if we are not expecting anyone. Please understand that I will not be able to give you my undivided attention, I will continue our normal schedule while you are present. Visitors tend to make the children behave in an excited manner that does not usually occur when I am alone with them. Your child may become upset when your visit is over and you leave without them. Please keep these things in mind when planning your visit. In the event that a parent makes an unannounced visit that leads to separation anxiety problems for the child, the parent will be required to take the child/ren with them for the remainder of the day. Parents are also free to call at anytime. Please keep in mind there may be times when it is not possible for me to run to the phone (i.e., diaper changing, bottle feeding, busy with an activity with the children, etc.) If the phone goes unanswered, please do not become alarmed, simply leave me a message and I will call you as soon as I am able. You may also communicate with me via E-MAIL. There may be those times when something comes to you at work that you do not want to forget to relay to me. If you have e-mail, please feel free to drop me a line and I will generally reply during quiet time. (email address: [email protected]) If we are out on an outing or errand, you may call my cell phone at ###-####. I do ask that out of respect for my time off and my personal time with my own family that you avoid calling me during holidays and vacations unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary. Parent Communication: To keep you the parent informed of your child�s activities, the following are incorporated into my program. Newsletters: I publish a newsletter containing information on activities, issues, upcoming events, notes to families, and other important information. Daily Journals: The journals are daily entries that will inform you of your child/ren individual activities and anything special that may have occurred. The journals are to be brought back to daycare daily. It is the parent�s responsibility to bring these back and if the journals are not returned, there will not be a daily entry for your child/ren that day. I will replace the journal once it is full, but if it lost or misplace before that it is the parent�s responsibility to replace it. You are welcome to keep the journals when they are full. You are also welcome to communicate messages back and forth to me in the journals. Keep in mind with a mixed age group, because the care of the children are my first priority there are days that I do not get an opportunity to complete the journal for the day. I encourage you to get involved in your child�s learning and development. Talk to your child/ren about what fun things he/she did in childcare. Parent Information Board: There is a parent information board at the front entrance where I post training certificates, the theme curriculum schedule, thank you notes and other pertinent information. Policy Changes The parent handbook is designed to promote an understanding of the program offered at Color Me Happy Daycare and to foster a spirit of cooperation between the parents and myself. While the handbook describes the programs policies and procedures of Color Me Happy Daycare, the childcare business is complex and ever-changing industry. As such, there may be times when I have to change the policies, procedures, or programs, with little or no notice. I reserve the right, in my discretion, to modify or change the policies, procedures, or programs, in whole or in part, at any time. PLEASE READ EVERYTHING I SEND HOME Pets: Color Me Happy Daycare has one dog, Lacy. She is very good, friendly, and protective with the kids. She is current on all immunizations. There are records on file if you care to view them. Photographs and Videos: I take photos of the children to put in scrapbooks for the children and myself. I also videotape various activities, holiday parties, special occasions or projects. I compile a CD that the parents are able to have to keep for their children�s memories here at . Through the pictures and video you may see what we are doing, see your child/ren interact with others and be able to Color Me Happy Daycare see some of the highlights of your child�s day. If you have an email address I will also occasionally send pictures to you at work or home, whichever you prefer. Pre-Arranged Overtime: Should you need my services outside of your contracted hours, you must notify me at least 24 hours in advance and it must be approved by me. Prearranged overtime fee is $4.00 per hour, per child, with a $4.00 per child, minimum. This fee is not prorated to the hour! Please do not be offended if I am not willing to accommodate you. I have become very strict with working additional hours beyond my regular business hours. Receipts: I do keep track of payments throughout the year for income tax purposes. I will give each family a receipt to be verified for accuracy and then signed and returned to me. Weekly or monthly receipts will be given upon request. Registration Fee: A registration fee of $25.00 for all paperwork and other necessary enrollment forms and deposit for final two weeks fees. The fees for the final two weeks of care are to be paid in advance at the beginning of care. I am willing to have this fee added to the weekly fees over the first eight weeks of care in equal payments. If you choose to remove your child from my care and give, the required two weeks notice the final fees will be credited to your last two weeks of care. I say credited, because your child�s fee at time of termination may not be the same amount that it was at the time of enrollment, and in this case, you will be responsible for paying the additional amount owed. If you fail to give two weeks notice the deposit will not be refunded. Rest Period: All children under the age of five will have a rest period. No child is forced to sleep; however, they must remain quiet. I will provide a quiet place for your child to rest. I will also provide children their own rest cot. Infants will be placed in a safety regulated pack �n play for naps. If your child has a special stuffed animal/doll or blanket that they use to sleep with, they will be allowed to use them at this time. These items will be put away during the day and only brought out for quiet time. Children who awaken early will be guided to quiet activities that will not disturb other sleeping children. Infants will be allowed to follow their own patterns of sleeping and waking. Please do not ask me to keep your child up at naptime. If you do not wish to have your child taking naps, my program may not fit your family�s needs. Rest gives everyone a much-needed break during the day. Please do not schedule drop off or pick-ups during this time. Scholastic Books: During the school year, you have the opportunity to order from the Scholastic Book Club. You will receive monthly flyers appropriate for your child/ren age group. The daycare receives free books and learning materials from accumulated orders. Sick/Vacation Days: Parent agrees too pay childcare fees to hold child�s position during any vacation time or extended leave due to illness, etc. In the event that your child is ill and needs to miss a day, please call. If NO notice is given, you will be charged a NO SHOW FEE, in addition to the normal daily rate. Full payment is expected for parent�s vacations. Please let me know in advance if you child/ren will not be here. This notice gives me time to adjust my menus and activities accordingly. Daycare may not be available if your plans change and I reserve the right to deny your child/ren for that day if I have already made other plans. If your child is not in attendance due to vacation, payment is due BEFORE you leave. Full payment must be received whether the child attends or not. Sign In/Sign Out Form: At the time of drop off and pick up, please be sure to sign your child in and out. This provides an accurate copy of attendance. You will find this form and a digital clock near the front entrance. There is also a sign in board for the children to sign themselves in and out for the day. Older children are responsible for signing younger siblings in and out for the day as well. Supplies and Clothing: You are required to supply the daycare supplies for your child. Examples being diapers, teething gels, rash ointment, wipes, bibs, sunscreens, binkies, etc. 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. However, all the items are required for me to care for your child, so they will need to be brought daily. Please be sure that I have on hand one complete seasonal set of clothing, for your child. I will also need swimsuit or trunks for the pool and or water play. Termination of Care: After a TWO-WEEK TRIAL PERIOD, care can be terminated with a two weeks notice by either party. If this notice is given, the final two weeks payment deposit, made at the beginning of care, will be credited to your account. If less than the full final two weeks deposit has been made, parent will be responsible for the difference equal to two weeks fees. If less than two weeks notice is given, no refund of deposit will be made. If no notice is given, please be advised that you will be charged a No Show Fee in addition to your scheduled daily rate until you notify me that your child will not be returning. Reasons why I may terminate childcare services are, but are not limited to: Failure of parent to pay/habitual lateness in payments/nonpayment Failure to complete required forms or provide me a copy of you child�s immunization records Failure to respect me, my home, or my neighborhood Failure to abide by my policies Failure to pay additional fees, (late fees, prearranged overtime fees, etc.) Habitual tardiness of picking up your child, not calling if child will be arriving late, or not coming at all on a scheduled day Lack of Parental Cooperation Failure of child to adjust after a reasonable amount of time My inability to meet the child�s needs without additional assistance Continuous harmful or disruptive behavior of a child Physical or Verbal abuse by any person False information given by parent/guardian, (verbally or written) Any reason that indicates to me that either child, parent, or myself is not satisfied with the child care arrangements Toilet Training: I will assist you in toilet training your child with the understanding that it will be successful only if we work together. The parents are required to initiate the process at home first, either over a weekend or during a vacation. Please keep in mind that the activity level here can distract your child from responding to an urge to use the potty, more so then at your home. I will first use pull ups supplied be the parent, and then after we have made progress we will move to the heavy ply cotton underwear. Please be considerate of my home and belongings and do not send a child in underwear that is not ready! Send your child ONLY in easy on/easy off clothing until they are able to completely undress themselves. I do not launder soiled items and will send them home in a plastic bag. Please do not begin training before your child is ready. Some signs to look for include: appropriate language skills to communicate the need to use the potty, staying dry for long periods of time the ability to dress and undress self interest in staying dry or clean Forcing your child to train before he/she is ready can result in frequent accidents, constipation or regression! Toys: Please, no toys from home! I have tried to be lenient with this , but it really creates a competition among the children. If your child needs a special toy or item for sleeping, it will be allowed, but it will remain put away until rest time. Transportation: At times, we may plan a field trip, run an errand, or it may be necessary for me to transport your child by car. A permission form is provided upon enrollment. No child will ever be left unattended in a vehicle. In addition, because this business is run out of my home, it may be necessary to run occasional errands, with the children. These errands will be made from time to time, without notice, I do try to keep these trips to the minimum, but occasionally the needs arises, if not even for a change of atmosphere for the children. All children will be buckled securely, or in an approved car seat, if needed. Trial Period and Deposit: The first two weeks of your child�s enrollment will be on a trial basis. If for any reason either the parent or provider finds that the childcare arrangements are not suitable, either the parent or childcare provider may immediately terminate the contract agreement with no further obligation. However, after the two-week trial period, a two week written notice must be given by either party to terminate childcare services. Website: Color Me Happy Daycare has a home on the web! Please visit us at www.geocities.com/chelz3/colormehappydaycare.html. I make every attempt to keep the site updated with newsletters, training updates, etc. For security reasons I use only first names if a child�s name is used in the newsletter. Zero Tolerance: Any person picking up a child in an impaired condition, (under the influence of drugs or alcohol) will be encouraged to allow me to find alternate transportation. I cannot legally withhold a child from a parent or legal guardian; however, I will not hesitate to call the police if I feel the child is in jeopardy, What Your Fees Pay For: Like most women today, I must work to help my family make ends meet. Contrary to popular belief, there is not a lot of money to be made in home childcare. What you pay for will buy quality childcare, nutritious meals and a nurturing environment for your child. Your fees must also provide my income, including taxes and social security. Beyond that, your fees pay for special insurance, training, food, toys, equipment, art supplies, and all of the other things that your child will use. Like other self-employed workers, family childcare providers do not get the benefits that many employees take for granted, such as: health/dental insurance, life insurance, unemployment insurance, retirement, flexible time off, etc. Family childcare is also very restrictive and there is absolutely no room for growth because the State of Illinois dictates the size of my business. Also, I cannot take time off for appointments or obligations without careful planning and covering of my childcare responsibilities. I hope this gives you a better picture of the true cost of childcare. In Closing: If you choose to enroll your child in Color Me Happy Daycare, I want to be the first to thank you for trusting me with the responsibility and opportunity to share in your child�s life and to let you know that I do not take the responsibility lightly. This is a partnership to be entered into with honest and open communication, both as parents and provider. As a parent, I know what a step it is to leave your child in the care of another person, and I want this to be as comfortable as possible. I guarantee your child will be showered with love and attention! However, as I stated in the beginning, this is my job/business. Prompt payment, adherence to contracted drop off/pick up times, consideration of your sick child, and consideration for my family are all part of that, and is appreciated. Quality Child Care������������.PRICELESS! |
| A special thanks to: |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Click Above to go Home |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
