Heaven Sent Family Daycare

Family Handbook and Policies

About Me

My name is Sheri and I operate Heaven Sent Family Daycare out of my home in York County, PA.  My daycare has been in operation since June of 2000 and I have been registered in the state of Pennsylvania as a Family Daycare Home since that time.  I completed my AAS degree in Early Childhood Education in Spring of 2008 and am accredited through NAFCC (National Association of Family Child Care.)   Our daycare also participates in and was recently awarded a Star Four through Keystone Stars. 

I am fully committed to the field of childcare and believe that we all are responsible for making this world as safe and nurturing as possible for children.  In addition to being a child care provider, I am also very active in early childhood organizations like the York Area Association for the Education of Young Children (YAAEYC), participating in the Week of the Young Child committee and events, and also am active in Child Care Providers United.   I am involved in those organizations as well as others that provide advocacy for early childhood education because I know that our future resides in these tiny bodies.   

My goal as a family daycare provider is to provide a loving, home-like atmosphere for your child when you must be at work.  This is best accomplished through open communication and clearly defined policies.   This handbook was written with that goal in mind.  While here, your child will be treated in a respectful and caring way.  I think of the children in my care as an extension of my own family and treat them as such.  All children and adults are to treat others as they would like to be treated.  Manners and kindness are stressed in our home.  

My Child Care Philosophy 

My child care philosophy is to treat each child as the wonderful individual that they are and give them the time and room to grow into the person they are becoming. Children need structure as well as freedom and I try to give a balance of that in each day. 

Through free and guided play, the children will be exposed to lessons about colors, shapes, senses, letters, numbers, feelings, nutrition and health, science and math concepts and creative expression. 

I believe that hands-on is the best type of learning and try to allow children to discover things for themselves. 

Hours 

Heaven Sent Family Daycare is open from 7:15 am to 4:45 pm, Monday through Friday.  If your child does not arrive by your contracted time without notice, I may assume they are not attending for the day and we may proceed with our day.  If I am not available to receive your child at a later time, it is your responsibility to find alternate care for the day. 

If you drop your child off and will not be available at work or have alternate contact information for the day, I need to know that in case of an emergency or illness.  I also will need to know whom you would like to be contacted first in your absence if needed.  I realize that some appointments are unable to be scheduled except during working hours, but I ask that departures from your contracted times be kept to a minimum.  Children do become accustomed to their pickup times, and even those who can’t tell time know when their schedule is off. 

Tuition Information

All tuition is to be paid on the preceding Friday of each week of care.  If payment is not received by 5:00 pm on Friday, there will be a $5.00 per day late fee assessed until paid in full.  Weekly fees are not affected by Act of God closings such as inclement weather, your child’s absence, personal days or holidays.  Please make arrangements with me if your child will not be here on Friday. You may pay monthly or bi-weekly in advance as well if that is simpler.

All checks are to be made payable to me.  Any checks returned to me by my bank for any reason will be assessed a $30.00 returned check fee.  I may also require future payments to be made in cash. 

Each family must pay a $35 registration fee per child upon enrollment.  This is to defray the costs of advertising, supplies and other expenses for each child.  To prevent a monthly supplies fee being charged, I may ask for donations occasionally for projects or daycare needs.   

If a child is starting care more than 1 month from the date of acceptance, a deposit equal to two weeks of care must be paid before the spot will be reserved.  If for any reason the child does not start care with me, the deposit is forfeited. For an extended absence or maternity enrollment, half tuition may be due each week whether your child attends or not. 

At the end of each calendar year you will receive a statement outlining your tuition payments and my tax information.  All of my child care income is claimed as income and you may be entitled to claim it as a deduction on your taxes. 

If you need a receipt each time you pay, please let me know that and I will provide one for you.

Enrollment Procedure 

Each child at Heaven Sent Family Daycare must have the following papers to begin care: 

• Signed Child Care Contract

• Completed Emergency Contact form

• Completed Food Program enrollment form

• Change of clothing and any other needed supplies

Health Assessments are due within 60 days of start date.  If not received by that time, I may suspend care until received.

Backup Provider 

Each family is responsible for having a backup provider that they can call in the even that I need to close.  Family childcare is a home-based business and my family and me will get sick sometimes.  I will make all efforts to stay open but if I am unable to protect your children from the germs, I will close to prevent the spread.  If I close for illness, there is no charge for the day. 

Emergency Policy 

If an emergency arises with one of the daycare children or my family, I will contact each of you as soon as possible.  Either Troy or I will transport the child to the hospital if able, or call an ambulance.  In the event that one of us would need to leave the home, the other would be left responsible for the children until you arrive.   

In the case of a fire or emergency at our home, we would transport the children to a safe location and contact information will be made available to you.

Illness Policy 

Our daycare is a well child care facility.  This means that if your child is not feeling well, you need to find alternate care for them for the day.  The determination about whether to exclude a child from care rests with me and will be based on the severity of your child’s symptoms and my ability to meet your child’s needs as well as the needs of the other children.  Certain conditions automatically exclude your child until they have been symptom free for 24 hours.   

These symptoms include: 

• Fever of over 100 degrees

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea more than 3 times in the past 24 hours

• Contagious illness such as chicken pox, flu, strep throat, etc.

• Head Lice

• Pink Eye

Symptom free means that without medication to mask symptoms, your child does not exhibit them.  If your child is not contagious, but requires prescription medications, I ask that they are at home with you for the first 24 hours to monitor any side affects.  After that time, they may return to daycare and if medication needs to be given, it is in the original container with written instructions and your child’s name. 

If any over the counter medications are needed for teething, cough, etc, please send all information in writing as well.  A doctor’s note is preferable, but I know not always reasonable. 

If a child reaches the point where they are exhibiting any of the above symptoms, or if they are requiring constant attention, wanting to be held, cries all the time and won’t play, I will contact you to come and take them home.  They are too sick to be at daycare at that point.   

Holidays 

I am closed for the following paid holidays: 

New Years Eve and Day

Good Friday & Easter Monday

Memorial Day

Fourth of July

Labor Day

Thanksgiving and the day after

Christmas Eve and Day 

If a holiday falls on a weekend all Saturday holidays will be closed the Friday before and Sunday holidays will be closed the Monday following.

Vacation/Personal Time 

I am closed for 15 days of vacation time per year, ten days are paid, five are unpaid.  I am closed occasionally for personal days as paid time off and my sick time is all unpaid.  

Each family has 5 days of unpaid time to be used at their discretion, whether for sick, personal or vacation.  The year begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st.  There is no carryover of days, and the unpaid time cannot be used for days I am closed.  

Vacation and Personal days give your child a chance to become familiar with their backup provider as well as to give me a chance to prevent burnout - a very common occurrence in the child care field.  I will give as much notice as possible when I will be scheduling a closing because I want to inconvenience your family as little as possible.

Discipline Policy 

I will use positive discipline that includes guidance, redirection, encouragement of appropriate behavior, consistent rules and problem solving to foster each child’s ability to learn self-control.  I will encourage each child to respect other people, play fair and be responsible for their actions. 

Aggressive physical behavior is unacceptable and I will intervene immediately when a child becomes physical with myself or another child.  The child will be separated from the group and if the child is able to communicate we will discuss the proper behavior.  Time-out is used as a last resort and is limited to 1 minute of time out per year of age.  

Damages 

I believe that children should be taught to respect other’s property and if your child intentionally damages my property or another child’s property, you will be asked to replace it. 

Zero Tolerance 

If you come to take your child home and you are obviously under the influence of an intoxicating agent, I will have no choice but to contact the police to manage the situation. 

If for any other reason, I feel you are unable to safely provide transportation home for your child, I may contact someone on your emergency contact list or if no one is available, I will contact Department of Public Welfare. 

Child Abuse 

As a registered child care provider, I am required by law to report any form of physical, sexual or emotional abuse of any child in my care.  I have been trained in the recognition of signs of all forms of abuse and will continue to update my training in this area as it is available.  If I suspect abuse of any kind, I will document in writing and in pictures if needed and give a copy of the documentation to you as the parent and also to Childline and keep a copy for my files.   

Custody/Domestic Concerns 

As your child care provider, I need to be made aware of all custodial concerns with your child.  If there is a custody situation in which one parent may not pick up, I will need a copy of the custody order to have on file here, or I will be forced to allow the parent access to the child.   

Also, if you are concerned that someone may try to remove your child from care without your permission, please make me aware of that so that extra precautions can be made. 

Pickup Procedure 

Only a parent, guardian or authorized person may pick up your child.  If a person shows up to pick up your child that is not listed on your emergency contact form, they will NOT be allowed to remove your child from my home.  If your child is unable to recognize your child, identification may be requested and a copy of it put on file. 

Also, even if they are on the list, I would appreciate knowing someone other than you is picking up. 

Pick-up/Drop-off Information 

Transition times are difficult sometimes, and children may not want to stay good bye to you in the morning, or may not want to leave in the evening.  These are all natural reactions depending on your child’s age and development. 

I encourage parents to react positively to these actions and not show reluctance to leave, or hurt at a child that wants to stay.  Your emotions will set the tone for your child.  Although you should never sneak away from your child at drop-off, a brief goodbye and a kiss usually work best.  

If you child misbehaves at pick-up and/or drop-off, please correct them.  When your child is in my home, my rules apply and your child is aware of the expectations.  Because we are both authority figures in their life, they will try to test us from time to time.  If I correct their behavior, I expect you to back me up and I will do the same for you. 

Unless prior arrangements have been made and agreed upon, your child is expected to be dropped off and picked up at their contracted times.  Because of this, there is a $1 per minute late fee assessed at my discretion if you arrive outside of these times.  A habit of arriving late or early affects my family life and I will charge these fees if I feel a pattern of late pickups are emerging. 

Please feel free to discuss with me if you do need a change in your hours and I will be as flexible as I can be, but this is to be the exception more than the rule as this is first and foremost my family’s home outside of daycare hours. 

Meals and Snacks 

I provide all meals and snacks in accordance with the CACFP (Child Adult Care Food Program).  Our meal times are as follows: 

Breakfast 8:00-8:30 am

AM Snack 10:00 – 10:15 am

Lunch 11:30 – 12:00 pm

PM Snack 3:15 – 3:30 pm 

Children attending at these meal times will be served.  It is up to them whether to eat or not, but if they choose not to eat what is on the menu, they will not served again until the next scheduled mealtime.  If your child will be arriving before or after these mealtimes, please be sure they are fed before arrival.

If you would like to send in a snack for your child to celebrate a special day, please refrain from sending in too much “junk food” The sugary snacks are not the healthiest choice for little bodies and healthy snacks can be just as much fun.  Our daycare meals are now over 70% organic, with as few exceptions as possible. 

Food allergies and dietary restrictions need to be included in your child’s paperwork at enrollment so that arrangements can be made.  I may require a doctor’s note to serve certain foods outside of our menu. 

Smoking 

This is a non-smoking home and I allow no smoking on the property during daycare hours and that includes in my driveway.  Please be considerate of this policy. 

Supplies

You will be responsible for providing the following for your child: 

• Diapers

• Diaper Rash Ointment

• Sterilized bottles and liners if needed

• All prescription and over the counter medications

• Nail clippers for infants

• Change of clothing

• Nap equipment; crib sheet, blanket, pillow

A supplies fee of $8 monthly will be charged once children are using art supplies on a regular basis.  A donations list may be distributed occasionally in lieu of the supplies fee being charged. 

Field Trips and Transporting of Children 

We will take several field trips throughout the year and information will be sent home early enough to allow for planning.  If chaperones are needed, I will let you know that as well in advance.  

In addition to planned trips, local trips may be made with no notice occasionally.  If it is more than ½ hour from my home, I will ask for your written consent at all times, except in case of emergency. 

Children are buckled securely in approved safety seats at all times while in my vehicle. 

Daily Schedule 

Our daily schedule is posted on the parent information board at all times, but is subject to change as the children’s interests change.  I try to balance our day between quiet and active activities and child-directed free play as well as teacher directed activities.  Free play is clearly marked on the schedule and your child is able to choose what activities they would like to participate in at that time.  We play outside daily, weather permitting.  Weather permitting means that if it less than 20°, above 95° or stormy, we will not go out.  Otherwise, we will spend at least 30 minutes per day outdoors.  TV time is kept to a minimum and is always educational. 

Nap times are quiet times for little bodies to recharge.  All children must rest quietly during this period.  Older children may be allowed to quietly sit with a book, puzzle or other quiet activity instead.  Each child has an assigned nap mat and linens are washed regularly.  If your child has an allergy to a specific detergent, you will be asked to supply an acceptable one, or launder their bedding at home. 

I would appreciate you taking our daily schedule into account when planning your pickup/drop-off times or scheduling early pickup or late drop-offs.  Thanks! 

Parent Conferences 

Conferences will be held as needed, but at least once per year to review your child’s progress and development. 

Pets

We have three pets in our home, Cally, Junie and Maxie.   

Maxie is a domestic shorthair cat.  She has always been an indoor cat, and although skittish, she is good around the children.  She is also kept up to date on her immunizations and check-ups.   

The children are usually kept separated from the pets by a gate in the playroom, and I always supervise contact outside of that room. 

Potty Training 

The decision of when to begin potty training is a personal one to each child and family and should be based on your child’s emotional and physical readiness.  I will provide information and support your decision, but will not begin actively training here until you have experienced some level of success at home.  A copy of my potty training agreement will be made available to all parents of children aged 2 and above. 

Weapons and Firearms 

At not time will I allow weapons or firearms of any kind in my home.  This includes but is not limited to:  guns, knives, swords, stun guns, pepper spray, mace, martial arts accessories, handcuffs, lassoes, any kind of bomb.   If your child or you are found to be in possession of any of these types of items, I will require your child’s removal for the day and need a written assurance from you that it will not happen again.  If you refuse to do this, your contract for care will be terminated immediately and all deposits forfeited. 

If your child arrives with an inappropriate toy such as depicting a weapon, it will be stored in their cubby until pickup with a note requesting it not be brought again. 

Termination of Child Care Agreement 

Either party may terminate care for any reason with two week’s notice.  Payment for the two weeks is due whether or not your child attends. 

I may immediately terminate care for the following reasons: 

• If a parent fails to abide by my policies

• If a parent does not make a scheduled payment

• If a child becomes a danger to the other children, or myself

• If a parent presents a check that is returned for non-sufficient funds more than twice.

The first two weeks of care are considered to be a trial period and either party may terminate care with no notice.  This is to ensure that the childcare relationship is working well for both parties. 

Non-Discrimination

I will not discriminate on the basis of special needs, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or sex for any reason. 

Birthdays and other Holiday Celebrations 

You may bring a special treat for your child to share at daycare with the other children, but there is no obligation to do so.  If you wish, you may also plan to attend during lunch time for this special day, but I will need at least one week notice to be able to prepare the children for the disruption to our normal routine.

Other holidays and festivities are celebrated, and inclusion of many multi-cultural festivities is celebrated as well.  If you family has a particular holiday or tradition you would like to share, you are more than welcome to do so.  Advance notice of this is appreciated so I can adjust our lesson plans. 

Because we all come from different backgrounds and beliefs, I will refer questions about spirituality to you as the parent to address.  Please let me know if you have a preference in how these questions are handled. 

Gift exchanges will be held at the end of December, but if you don’t want your child to participate for any reason, that is at your discretion and I respect your decision.  I enjoy giving children a gift on their birthday, but don’t expect each family to do so.   

Assistant/Substitute Provider 

Occasionally, I may need the assistance of another person, either on field trips or a special day.  My friend, Cindy has helped us many times and the children are very comfortable with her.  She is a registered nurse and has all her child clearances.

In Closing

My door is always open to the parents of children in my care and I welcome you coming to me with comments or suggestions.  I am here for you and your children.  Please keep in mind also that this is my family’s home, as well as a business, and my policies have been created with that in mind.  Each family must follow the same set of policies and exceptions can’t be made.  My family is asked to share our home and me with six other families during each day, so I ask that you respect the sacrifices they make for me to pursue my career as a child care provider.  This isn’t a hobby and I’m not a babysitter.  I am a trained, quality, child care provider and I work very hard to provide the best care for your child while you are at work. 

Through many classes and trainings, I continue my education to better provide for your families.  This is an ongoing commitment that I have made and will continue to make.  Because of my commitment to my childcare business, I expect communication between us to be open and honest.  I expect you to respect my family, and me as I do yours.  I expect you to abide by my policies, as I abide by your requests. These are expectations that any parent or child care provider should be able to make about each other. 

I hope that our relationship will be a long and beneficial one to both of us.  I love what I do for a living and am happy to be able to welcome you and your family into our home.