5545 55th Loop SE
Olympia WA 98513
(360)915-6451
Welcome to my home!
It is my goal to make your child feel like our home is theirs. I will provide your child with the best, most loving care in a safe, comfortable, fun, educational environment. I feel that children do their best with a semi-structured day, of course we all know how spontaneous children are but each day I will strive to provide activities that teach our children their colors, numbers, letters, feelings, animals, senses and so on. I will do this through story time, arts and crafts, music and dance and since children at this young age learn best through play we will have structured and free play time. I will also feed your child nutritious meals & snacks based on the food triangle put out by the USDA and encourage personal hygiene skills and manners. An example of a typical day menu is Breakfast: Cheerios, banana, milk. Lunch: Spaghetti, green beans, apple sauce & milk. Snack: milk, cheese & crackers.
I will limit the time the children watch television to only during drop off & pick up times. Though there may be the occasional movie, or educational program.
It will be beneficial for you and your child to visit my home prior to arriving for care, if possible. This will help to ease separation fears and give us a chance to meet one another.
I believe that children must be taught to be independent. If we as parents or caregivers do everything for them they learn that they can�t do it without us. Sometimes this is hard for parents because it may take a little (or a lot) longer to get things accomplished, but in the long run it�s what�s important to the healthy development of our children. So you may see me ignoring a child who is whining or crying over something, I am not doing this for any other reason but to let the child learn to do something on their own. I will step in when necessary and show the child how to do whatever it is that�s frustrating them, but I will not do it for them. So if you practice these concepts at home you will be a much happier parent and your child will be a much happier child in the long run.
Permission for Free Access
I encourage you to drop in or call at any time to check on your child. You may inspect any areas of my home used for child care during child care hours.
Admissions & Enrollment
Before your child may be left in my care, the following documents must be completed and returned to me:
Child Care Home Register
Child Care Agreement
Immunization Records
Child Profile
Emergency Information Sheet
It is important that I have current information on file. Please let me know of any changes that may occur, such as a new work number or emergency contact number.
There is an annual registration fee of $50 per child, due upon enrollment. This fee is applied to the cost of licensing my home each year, and classes that I am required to attend throughout the year, such as child development seminars, First Aid/CPR, nutrition classes, etc. Registration fees are non-refundable for any reason and due upon registration and each anniversary after that.
There is also an annual $25 materials fee for children 18 months and older, this fee is used to buy new paint, paper and other art & craft supplies that we may use throughout the year. These fees are due the first week of January and will be pro-rated for new clients. Registration fees are non-refundable for any reason.
Upon registration and enrollment, your registration and material fee and your first tuition payment is due (see next section for tuition rates).
Either a parent/guardian or myself, as the provider, may terminate this agreement within the first two weeks of care with verbal notice for any reason. Payment will be calculated for the days the child was in care and if there is a remaining balance it will be refunded within 3 business days. As the provider, I retain the right to terminate this agreement at any time during your child�s enrollment. Registration fees are not refundable.
Parents are required to provide diapers/pull-ups, wipes/flushable wipes, a change of clothes, playpens (for children under 18 months of age), bottles, formula or breast milk and baby food (under the age of 1). Please label your items with your child�s name.
Rates
The following definitions will apply to this agreement:
Toddler � 24 months to 36 months (a child who is over 36 months and not potty trained)
Pre-School � 3-5 years
Part-time � Enrolled minimum of 3 full days per week or 5 days, 4 hours or less each day
Tuition rates as follows:
Full-day (more than 4 hours)
Toddlers - $575 per month
Pre-School - $550 per month
� day Kindergarten - $450 per month (September - June) $500 (July & August)
School age - $325 per month (September - June) $500 (July & August)
Part-day (4 hours or less)
Decided on a case-by-case basis.
Providing part-time care is decided on a case-by-case basis. I may not accept a child part-time due to the restrictions set by my licensing requirements. If I do enroll a child part-time once the days & hours of care are set I may not be able to accommodate you in changing them. Please be sure to discuss with me well in advance if you need to make any changes to your schedule, even if it is a temporary change.
If your child is in my care longer than the hours specified on our Child Care Agreement and has not been discussed in advance you will be charged overtime (see Payments section regarding Overtime).
Changes in tuition rates may be amended during the first week of each calendar year. I will review my policies at this time as well and make any changes deemed necessary. Day to day procedure, policy or any law changes may force me to amend my contract at any time.
Payments
Parents are required to pay for the times their child is scheduled to be in care. The Child Care Agreement that is filled out upon enrollment is what designates when your child is scheduled to be here. In essence, parents are paying for a space whether their child is here or not. This applies to full and part-time clients.
Tuition is always on a prepaid basis, which means that I do not provide the service until it is paid for. I am open to payment schedules based on whenever your payday is, however once a payday is established, it must be maintained. You must leave your tuition payment with me WHEN YOU DROP YOU CHILD OFF, not at pick up time or a late fee will be imposed. Just like any other job, I depend on my earnings.
Tuition payments are due prior to you going on vacation, having a day off, or holidays. For example if you are using your 5 days of vacation but you are actually going to be gone for 10 days you must pay me for the remaining 5 days before you leave. In the event of illness tuition is due on the 1st day back.
There will be a $10.00 per day late charge for payments not received when you drop your child off on your set date. Payments not paid within 3 business days may result in your child no longer being accepted for care. Prior arrangements made with me are the exception.
There is a $20.00 NSF charge for returned checks, to cover bank charges incurred due to the NSF check. Parents/Guardian�s may be liable for any collection cost or attorneys fees needed to collect monies on your account. If check payments continue to be a problem, payments may be required in cash/money order form for future care.
Scheduled overtime - Scheduled overtime is charged when you are late picking up your child but call to notify me first. You must notify me a minimum of one hour prior to the scheduled pick-up time. Scheduled overtime also will be charged if you drop off your child prior to your scheduled drop off time, in this instance you must notify me the night before, or sooner, so I know to expect you early.
In some extreme situations I may choose not to charge you for being late; it is at my discretion. This time is designated for emergencies or situations in which you have no control over (i.e. traffic or weather). I will not allow you to schedule overtime so that you can run your errands. The scheduled overtime rate is $5.00 per hour.
Unscheduled overtime � Unscheduled overtime will be charged if you are late and fail to notify me or if notify me less than one hour from your scheduled pick up time.
There will be no exceptions for unscheduled pick up time. The rate is $1 per minute.
Late fees will be billed separately from your tuition and invoiced the following day, and paid within 2 days.
If you are a current client and are laid off, or for any other reason do not bring your child; you will be required to pay your regular tuition to hold your slot until you return, if not terminating care. See Termination section for my Parental Termination policy.
Provider Holidays, Vacation and Absences
Holiday and vacation time prevent BURN OUT on my part, and gives your child a break from their normal childcare experience. Each year I will take 5 unpaid days of vacation, 4 of these days are taken the 1st week of July (this includes the 4th of July as a paid holiday) the 5th day that I take is the day after Christmas. I will give you a minimum of one months notice if any of these dates change.
If you and/or your child are sick or if you choose not bring your child to daycare it is expected that you will pay for that day or days.
We observe and close for the following holidays:
New Year�s Day
Martin Luther King Day
President�s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran�s Day
Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday)
Christmas Day
The following are early closure days at 3:00pm
New Year�s Eve
Christmas Eve
Although I will make every effort to be available each day, there will be occasions when my family or I will be, and I will be unable to provide care. I will also be asking you to pick up early on occasions due to school activities or doctor/dentist appointments for myself or my children. Early closures or late openings may occur under unusual circumstances but will be posted 5 days in advance, omitting any emergencies.
I will make every effort to contact you as early as possible in the event that I or one of my children is ill. Alternate care arrangements are parent/guardian responsibilities in these cases. I do not have a back up provider in my absence. You may contact Child Care Action Council at 360-754-0810 to find back up drop in care. I have allowed myself 2 paid sick days for the year. The reason I have these 2 days is because most often I get sick because of illness that has been brought into the daycare by the children. I will only use these 2 days for times that I deem that I got sick because of the daycare children and I will not use it when my children are sick, I will find alternatives for their care. You will not be expected to pay on the days that I or my children are ill for any other reason (you will have a credit for the day(s) on your next tuition payment). As most of you know I rarely take sick days, I know how much you rely on me to be available every day, so I will use my best judgment and will not abuse these 2 days.
Termination
This contract shall be terminated if any one or more of the following occur:
1. Repeatedly fail to pay tuition on time.
2. If I determine I am unable to meet the needs of the child.
3. Troubles adjusting to daycare.
4. If I determine it is not in the best interest of my daycare or the children enrolled to have the child in attendance.
5. Lack of parental cooperation, communication and respect for me and my business.
6. Failure of parent to comply with written policies.
7. If you attempt to conceal an illness with medication before bringing your child to daycare.
8. Parental Termination � Required to give a written two week notice for which you will be charged your normal child care rates. Please give this notice in writing with the exact date of termination. If there is no two week notice you will be required to pay the two weeks of child care, whether your child is here or not. Failure to pay this will result in it being sent to collections. Any collection fees that I incur will be added to the amount you owe.
Business Practices
Regular operating hours are Monday through Friday 7:00am to 5:30pm. My hours have been established so as to be a convenience for parents. My family time is just as important to as your time with your family, so I ask that you do not abuse my business hours for your personal errands (grocery shopping, playing golf, going to the gym, running home to change, etc�) unless it is during nap time, this is the only exception. MY FAMILY TIME IS PRECIOUS TO ME SO PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE OF THIS TIME BY HAVING YOU CHILD PICKED UP ON TIME.
Anyone picked up past 5:30 pm or your scheduled pick-up time will be charged a overtime.
I do not carry liability insurance at this time for my business. In the unlikely event that an accident happens we will work together to determine what route we will go to resolve matters.
Individuals who have disqualifying or unknown backgrounds, or demonstrate abusive and/or assaultive behavior are prohibited to be on the premises, and will be told to leave immediately. 911 will be called if the individual refuses to leave.
In the event of a power outage I will not open the daycare, or may be forced to close early. The law requires that I cannot operate my business if I cannot keep the home at 68 degrees or if my hot water cannot be kept at 100 degrees. If my power returns during my normal business hours I will notify everyone and give you the option to bring your child. It is expected that you will pay for these days, as they are beyond my control.
I don�t close the daycare on days that we get snow. If you can get here I�ll be open. If you chose not to bring your child it is expected that you will pay for that day.
All children will be offered the same meal or snack while in my care unless there is a special dietary need. In this case I will ask the parent to provide a proper supplement that meets the nutritional guidelines set up the USDA food program.
If anything gets broken in my home by your child, intentionally or because they were not following the rules you will be responsible for the replacement cost of that item.
Smoking is prohibited in my home or on my property during business hours.
I am required by law to report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities.
My state license is posted. Feel free to contact my licenser with any concerns or comments you may have. Upon request you also have the right to review my licensing inspections and compliance agreements.
I do transport children from time to time when weather is too bad to walk to the bus stop and when we go on field trips. I drive a 2005 Honda Odyssey with full coverage insurance. I have 2 extra cars seats that suit children from 5 to 40 pounds. I also have 1 booster seat for children over 35 pounds. I carry a first aid kit in my van at all times and I also have copies of each child�s emergency information with my first aid kit.
Dress Code
Please send your child clean and dressed appropriately for the day. I understand the desire to have your little one dressed up and looking their best but please keep in mind that this is daycare and we play hard and get dirty. A pair of pants, or shorts, and tenni shoes are the best clothes to wear, no sandals or flip flops! Please be aware of the weather. In the Northwest, as you know, sometimes the mornings can be cold but by the afternoon it�s 80 degrees so please pay attention to the afternoon temperatures as well as the morning.
Drop-off and Pick-up Procedure
Please make your goodbye brief (no more than a couple minutes), the longer you prolong departure the harder it gets. However, never leave without telling your child goodbye.
Please be in control of your child during drop off and pick up times, please don't allow them do anything that breaks my rules. If your child is doing something they are not supposed to do and you do not discipline them I will, I believe that consistency is the number one issue in discipline.
Children must be escorted to and from my home by an adult. A child�s presence in the child care must be documented, on a daily basis, by the child�s parent or guardian, or an authorized person by using the sign-in and sign-out procedure for each child in attendance. The parent, guardian or authorized person must use their full signature when signing the child in and out of the child care.
Please try to avoid picking your child up or dropping your child off during nap/rest time between 11:30 and 2:30. This can be very disruptive for the children that may already be sleeping. I am aware that there may be times that this is unavoidable but please do you best to respect this time period.
Written notice is needed when someone other than yourself, as parents/guardian�s, will be picking up your child. This will include their full name and phone number. I will accept verbal permission only for an emergency contact person or other persons listed to take your child from my care. ID will be checked upon arrival.
Children will not be released from my care to anyone under the influence of any alcohol or drug substance. Alternate pick up arrangements will need to be made. My interest is with the well being of the child. Proper authorities may be contacted should the need arise.
Emergency/Medical Information
If a medical emergency exists, I will call 911 and notify you or your emergency contact immediately. I am trained in First Aid and CPR and will use those skills until help arrives. If a non-emergency situation emerges, I will contact you as soon as possible. You may need to make arrangements to have your child picked up. Mild scrapes, cuts and the occasional �boo-boo� will be treated with soap, water, a Band-Aid and TLC. I have a fully stocked first aid kit. These are bound to happen occasionally. I will let you know when you pick up your child. Any injury or incident that requires any type of first aid or medical attention will be documented on an accident report, you will receive a copy of this and one will stay in the child�s file. If the injury is bad enough to need to be seen by a doctor a copy of the report will also go to my licensor.
In the event that there is a major emergency, earthquake, major power outage, blizzard etc, I will make every effort to contact you and to care for your child to the best of my ability. Parents/guardians should be prepared to pick up your child from my care if at all possible. In the event I am unable to reach you or you are unable to reach me, I will make my best effort to contact your emergency contact person(s). Sometimes in state phone lines are down, but state to state may be working. To relay information, FEMA suggests using an out of state contact in extreme emergency situations, if you have someone that lives out of state that could be this contact please give me that information so that I may contact them if need be. You may want to keep their number with you as well.
Health and Safety
If your child is ill use the following guidelines to keep your child home for the day or make other arrangements for care.
1. Two or more incidents of diarrhea within the last 24 hours
2. Two or more incidents of vomiting within the last 24 hours
3. A draining rash or blister
4. Suspected communicable skin infection such as impetigo, pinkeye, and scabies. The child may return 24 hours after starting antibiotic.
5. Lice or nits.
6. Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher combined with any of the following symptoms:
a) Rash
b) Fatigue/Irritability that prevents normal activity
c) A thick greenish or yellow drainage from your child�s nose.
d) Consistent complaints of ear, stomach or other pain.
e) Severe coughing
f) one or more incidents of vomiting in the last 24 hours
g) one or more incidents of diarrhea in the last 24 hours
Your child may not return to daycare until they have been free from any of the above for a complete 24 hour period. If I send your child home at anytime during the day they cannot come to daycare the next day. They may return the day after that as long as they have not had any of the symptoms for 24 hours. This is for the health and safety of all children in my care and for my health.
When a child has a communicable disease (any illness that can be spread from one person to another either by direct or indirect contact) parents will be notified and must come get their child immediately. If you are not able to pick up your child within an hour you must arrange for someone on your emergency contact list to come and pick your child up. I will isolate the child until that time to prevent exposure to other children. In some instances parents may be required to present a written statement by the child�s physician in order for the child to return to care. This will be determined at my discretion. If a child has symptoms of illness, such as a cough, extreme runny nose or a rash, that last longer than 3 days I may require you to take your child to the doctor before I allow them to return to child care.
If your child has a cold/cough or clear runny nose but still plays and is acting normally, I welcome them. However, when the cold reaches the point when your child will not play, cries, whines, wants to be held constantly, or is coughing a lot, you really should consider keeping your child home. Your child must be well enough to venture out of doors as well, if they are too sick to go outside, they are too sick to be at daycare. You know your child best and I expect you to use your best judgment in bringing them if they seem ill.
Please be sure to call me before the time that you would normally drop your child off, to let me know if your child will not be attending during any day he/she is ill, you may call as early as 6:30 am this helps me to plan for meals & activities for the day. It is expected that you will pay on the days that your child is ill.
I ask that parents strictly follow the above listed guidelines for illness. This is for the protection of everyone. I�ve heard it many times parents say �my child got sick at daycare�, yet, parents don't realize the majority of this is brought into daycare by others not following the guidelines. I STRESS this again - if you are not sure if your child should be here, feel free to call me ahead of time.
� � � REMEMBER - WHAT GOES AROUND - COMES AROUND� � �
Parents with infants or toddlers - if your child has a continuous runny nose or bad cold, he or she may be placed in a playpen or restricted from play with some toys until they are better. This reduces the messes and "yuck" in the carpet and on toys, therefore, hopefully reducing the chances of it being passed on to another child. It's hard with this age, as all the children want to put everything into their mouths. These precautions will be taken when necessary.
Immunizations
If a child does not have an immunization based on religious or personal beliefs the parent or guardian must sign the exemption portion of the immunization form. If there is an exemption for medical reasons the physician must sign the form prior to the child being able to begin or continue care.
It is the parent or guardian�s responsibility to notify me of updates in regards to immunizations. It is very important that my records are as up to date as possible. When my licensor comes to check up on me the files on each child are reviewed. I will do my best to notify parents when my records need updates however it is easier for you as the parent to remember than for me, please do your best to do this.
Medications
All medications, regular or temporary will be administered providing that a medical permission slip has been signed. I am restricted to administering medications only from the original package with written instruction specific to your child on the bottle. Over the counter medications may require a written instruction from your physician. For example, if the medication states that use under 2 years of age is �consult physician,� I will need written instruction from your child�s Dr. Permission slips are also needed for diaper ointments and powders. Faxed copies are allowed in these cases though phone confirmation is not. When your child no longer needs the medication I will send it home for you to dispose of. I will also keep a log of when, what and how much medication I administer to the children that parents have access to any time. If at any time I have to administer medication, such as Tylenol or Orajel, etc. to your child that you have not provided to me you may be charged $5 per day that I supply this medication. I will only administer the medication under extreme circumstances.
My Beliefs & Discipline Policy
I do not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or use of trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person.
My family observes Christian holidays. We pray at meal time, we may, on occasion, sing songs, talk about the religious aspects, such as Baby Jesus� birth at Christmas and His rising at Easter, we may decorate and do crafts relating to these holidays as well. Please tell me if there is something more I can do with your child to that follow your religious beliefs. I also will celebrate your child�s birthday with your permission. To celebrate your child�s birthday you may bring a store bought snack item or for a lot of fun some cake mix & frosting, the kids will enjoy decorating their own cupcakes and them eating them for snack.
My discipline policy will be based on your child�s needs. Discipline will be designed to help your child develop self-control, acceptable behavior and respect for others. I will most commonly stop your child, state what the matter is and re-direct them to a new activity. If the behavior continues your child will be asked to take a time out from the group. Time outs will consist of 1 minute per year old that your child is and not used on children under the age of 18 months. Spanking or any form of corporal punishment is prohibited by law and not allowed in my home or on my property, by me or anyone else, including parents.
Child Care 101
Each child is provided with separate sleeping arrangements. Linens and blankets, must be provided by the family, and will be kept separate from other children�s. Linens and blankets will be laundered once a week unless they need it more often.
I follow current guidelines for prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Infants are placed to sleep on a firm mattress, on their backs without stuffed toys, pillows or bumper pads.
There is a napping/quiet time though your child is free to sleep or rest at any time of day. Examples of quiet time activities are looking at/reading books, doing puzzles, & coloring.
I check indoor and outdoor play equipment daily, before each use, to ensure that it is safe and comfortable for your child�s use.
If a child is unable to sit in a high chair, I will hold the child in a semi-sitting position for feeding, I will not prop a bottle and I will remove the bottle when the child finished feeding.
Bottles, sippy-cups and lids, pacifiers, bibs and blankets will need to be marked with your child�s name. I cannot guarantee return of toys or blankets and will not replace lost ones.
Daycare toys are cleaned and sanitized weekly or as needed, bathrooms cleaned daily or as needed and sanitized weekly or as needed, and will be done twice weekly during cold & flu season. Floors are swept every night and mopped twice a week, or as needed; carpeted areas are vacuumed twice a week, or as needed as well. High chairs and eating areas cleaned after each use and sanitized.
Diapering areas will be cleaned and sanitized after each use. You may bring disposable or cloth diapers, I have no preference. If you use cloth, please provide plastic bags for return and ample plastic pants to cover your child�s diaper. I can store larger supplies of diapers & wipes and will let you know when your supply is running low. Parents are responsible for providing diapering/toiletry needs.
I will work with your child on toilet training provided it is consistent and they seem to be comfortable and ready. I will not force your child to use the �potty�. I am open to any suggestions you have that may make toilet training easier for them and for you.
Diapers are changed on demand and checked often, same with potty time and training. Urine is referred to as �potty� and feces referred to as �poo poo� or �poop�. When the time comes to begin potty training I will provide you with my policy on this subject matter.
You will need to provide your child with a full change of clothes, and more during potty training. Please make sure clothing is appropriate for the season. We will venture out most days, at least for a short while.
You may bring toothbrush and toothpaste if you want your child to brush teeth after meals. Please be sure to label them with your child�s name.
Rules are established for the health and safety of the childcare provider and the children. They are also needed to teach respect for people and property.
Daycare house rules:
1. No gum at daycare
2. No toys from home come to daycare. There are several reasons for this; one being that it causes too many arguments between the children and two being a cleanliness/sanitation issue. If a family member or the child has been sick I don�t know whether that toy has been properly sanitized, to keep the kids here healthy.
3. No candy brought to daycare unless cleared in advance for special occasions.
4. We only walk while we are in the house; running is an outside activity.
5. We use nice and polite words to others.
6. We do not hurt anyone, we give hugs instead.
7. We use quiet voices indoors; loud voices are for outside.
8. We respect each other.
9. We play with toys nicely so as not to break them or hurt others with them.
10. We use out manners at all times. �Please� �Thank You� �Excuse Me� and �I�m Sorry� will be used at daycare.
11. We clean up after we are done playing. Clean up is done before each meal, nap time and at the end of the day.
12. We do not throw things in the house.
Thank you for the opportunity to share in your child�s development and to care for your precious little one! I look forward to working with you and caring for your child.
Sincerely,
Caileen Hill