Giggles~n~Grins Daycare

Parent Handbook

Welcome

Welcome to Giggles~n~Grins Daycare. My name is Jackie and my husbands name is Len. Our family consists of two daughters, Krystal and Victoria, and a son Benjamin. My husband is the counselor at NHS. In addition to my Bachelors Degree in Nursing, I've also obtained a CDA (Child Development Associate)and currently take courses in Early Childhood Education. Giggles~n~Grins was rated a four-star program by the Kansas Quality Rating System.

Philosophy

I am committed to providing consistent, loving, high-quality care. I believe children deserve a learning environment where their intellectual and social development is promoted in a positive and creative manner.

Pets

We are an animal loving family. Currently we have two dogs, two cats, and two guinea pigs. The animals have check-ups and vaccinations annually. The children will have direct contact with the animals on a daily basis.

Child Care Hours

Each family's specific contract will be determined by your working hours plus driving time to and from work. My services and rates are established so parents may work, so if there are days you go to work later than usual, leave work early, or don't work at all, your children will get to enjoy extra time with you. Special consideration may be given for situations such as surgery, field trips with school age siblings, etc.

Enrollment

Enrollment will be secure after all required paperwork and fees have been provided. Either party may terminate our agreement with a two-week written notice. Two weeks of daycare fees are due with termination regardless if your child attends or not. Provider reserves the right to terminate immediately if terms of the handbook and contract are not followed.

Tuition

Tuition is based on the opening your child occupies, therefore tuition is due whether your child is present or absent. Because I am restricted in enrollment by the state of Kansas, full time children take precedence over part time children. Families utilizing third party payment will be responsible for all fees/charges not reimbursed for care (ie. holidays/sick days/vacation/visitations/late fees/etc.). A two week written request is needed if you wish to change daycare hours/days. If the change is suitable, I will happily accommodate your request. Tuition is due on Friday at your scheduled pick-up time, prior to services the following week. Late fees in the amount of $20.00 per day, including weekends, will be assessed for late payment. Returned check fee is $35.00 plus any additional charges incurred. Childcare services will not be available to families with an outstanding balance.

Meals

Children present at mealtime will be served a well balanced breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack. Parents Choice with Iron formula is provided for infants until they reach their first birthday. Unless we have made arrangements for special treats, please do not bring food, drink, candy, or gum into Giggles~n~Grins. Children needing a modified diet are required by CCAFP to have a medical form completed and signed by a physician. Parents may be responsible for providing foods for a special diet.

Field Trips

The children and I enjoy outings. These may be by vehicle, stroller, wagon, or by foot. All children transported by vehicle will be properly restrained by a seat belt or in a car seat, according to their age and weight. Most outings will be for fun and education,however in order to keep my services available, there may be times I take your child with me on an errand or appointment. Any parent who does not want their child to attend an outing will need to arrange alternate care for the day.

Health/Illness/Medication

Each child enrolled is required to have a certificate of good health, signed by a physician annually, and immunizations up to date. Ill children should not be brought to daycare. A child is considered ill anytime they are not up to participating in our daily activities and/or place other children and caregivers at risk for exposure.

Open Door Policy

You are welcome to visit while your child is in my care. We will gladly allow you to read a story, guide us through a song, or assist with a craft project! Be prepared to take your child with you if your child's personality is such that he/she becomes upset with your departures. The front door will be unlocked during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. For safety reasons, the door will remain locked the remainder of the day.

Special Days/Parties

We will celebrate each child's birthday with games and a gift. Parents may provide a special snack for the occasion. I may also schedule parties on special occasions, such as Halloween, Christmas, Easter.

Substitutes

Occasionally I will utilize a substitute for Dr. appointments, special occasion at school, etc. Please be sure to have a back-up provider in case I am ill or unable to secure a substitute.

$$$$$$$

Refer a family who enrolls full time, stays a year, and you shall receive $100.00 off your daycare fees!

Child Abuse

I am a mandatory reporter of suspected child abuse. This includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.

Discipline

Discipline is a part of raising children. Three main patterns of behavior are stressed: respect for authority, respect for people/animals, and respect for property. Redirection, shadowing, time-out, and loss of privilege will be utilized for improper behavior. We use polite words like please, thank you, you're welcome, and excuse me. We always wait for an adults OK before we open any door. We climb on the forts rather than the fence, trees, or furniture. We use the toys appropriately and put them away when we are finished. We eat and drink in the kitchen. We remain at the table until we ask to be excused during meals. We solve our problems with our voices. We tell the truth. We remove our shoes at the front door.

Emergency

In case of fire, all children will exit through the front door and gather under the elm tree. In case of tornado, all children will proceed to the north east corner of the basement. In the event your child becomes seriously ill or injured, 911 will be summoned. Minor injuries will be treated with soap and water, ice pack, etc.

Holidays/Vacations

Giggles~n~Grins will be closed on the following paid holidays. For holidays falling on a weekend day, an alternate weekday will be taken.

New Years Day

Good Friday

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day

Day after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve Day

Christmas Day

I receive 10 paid vacation days and 5 paid personal days per year (August through July). Each full time, year-round family receives 10 free days per year with a two week notice. Seasonal full time (teachers)families receive 7 free days per year with a two week notice. Your free days may not override my paid days.

Preschool

Preschool is offered September through May at no cost to you! Children ages 2+ enjoy a curriculum including circle time, ABC's, 123,s, colors, shapes, music, science, arts & crafts, and much more.

Potty Trainers

Potty trainers will need to use pull-ups until they have been accident free three weeks and will announce they have to go potty and be able to hold it a few minutes after this announcement. Please dress them in clothes they can manipulate themselves.

Naps

All children will lie quietly in the afternoon between 1pm and 3pm. Children under two sleep in a port-a-crib. Older children have an individual mat and blanket. Linens are washed weekly. Please do not plan on picking-up or dropping-off your child during rest time as it disturbs the other children.

Items From Home

I prefer that children leave their possessions at home other than show-and-tell days. If you do allow your child to bring something to daycare, these guidelines are in place...Your child must share the toy with everyone. Toys representing weapons are not appropriate. Small items which are considered a choking hazard are not appropriate. I cannot be responsible for items lost or broken.

Arrivals/Departures

Feel free to use the driveway as long as your automobile isn't leaking fluids. Automobiles pulled into the driveway must be turned off. By law, all children are to be secured in an appropriate car seat during drop-off and pick-up. Please make sure anyone else who may arrive/depart with your child is aware of the policies and procedures. Children will wait inside until their parent is ready to accompany them during departure.

Pool

The children have a great time in the pool during the summer. The water is tested daily and chemicals are added per KDHE regulations. Those who haven't mastered potty training will be offered water play in the wading pool.

Communication

You are encouraged to call me anytime between the hours of 6:30am and 10:00pm. If you call during daycare hours simply leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. Feel free to send me an email anytime. Normally, I will return calls and check email during naptime. I welcome questions, concerns, or feedback of any nature that is oriented toward a positive outcome for the children. Sensitive issues will be discussed privately either by telephone or conference.

Policy Changes

There will be an annual revision of this handbook occuring each August. Provider reserves the right to make changes in policies as deemed necessary.