Introduction                                Revised June 2001

 

            Welcome to My Little Playland. This handbook has been prepared as an

 

Informative guide and basic reference for parents to understand my child care

 

philosophies and policies, business policies, and expectations. In order to make our

 

relationship as enjoyable as possible, the following pages contain mutually

 

beneficial requirements, which are necessary to ensure that there are no

 

misunderstandings between either party. Please read this handbook carefully, and

 

feel free to discuss with me any questions or concerns that you may have. I have left

 

"room" at the bottom of each page, this is so that you can jot down any questions,

 

concerns or comments. We can discuss these issues during our second interview.

           

            My purpose of providing childcare is simply to give each child a fun and

 

safe environment to be in while you the parent works to achieve your goals you

 

have set for yourselves and your family. This is a family child care home, I provide a

 

family home away from home like style of care. I believe each child deserves to be

 

cared for by someone who can respect and love him or her like you do. My reasons

 

for choosing to be a Child Care Provider are simple, I enjoy children of all ages. As a

 

professional family childcare provider, I am committed to providing high quality

 

care in a home environment. I believe that family child care offers children the

 

opportunity to learn and grow with siblings and children of different ages in a

 

supportive, family-like atmosphere. I value the chance and opportunity to work

 

closely with each child for several years. I sincerely believe that this practice

 

provides continuity and stability for each child and allows me to better nurture

 

and support each child as they grow and develop.

 

            My name is Velvet McCambridge. I was born in February 1971. I am a

 

married mother of 4 plus 1 stepchild. I have been providing childcare since I

 

was 14 (1985). I have cared for newborns on up for family members, friends of family,

 

my own children and daycare children enrolled with me. I have also

  

volunteered with the Headstart program. I took a parenting class on positive

 

discipline. I am also a Certified NYS CNA (certified nurse aide). I am listed with

 

the Child Care Council and Department of Children and Family Services of

 

Onondaga County. I opened in February 2000 and received my registration May

 

2000. I then had to close March 2001 due to complications in my pregnancy of my

 

last child and then reopened July 2001 and I am in process of re-registering. 

 

            Being a NY State Registered Child Care Provider. I am able to provide care

 

to 6 children under the age of 5 plus 2 school-aged children. If at anytime there is

 

a child under the age of 2 in my care, I am only able to provide care to 5 children

 

under the age of  5  and only 2 under the age of 2 plus 2 school-aged children. Also

 

being a NY State Registered Provider,  I  have to attend hours of training during the

 

year. I offer care Monday-Friday 6:30am-5:30pm. These hours cover families who

 

work either the 7am-3pm shift or the traditional 9am-5pm shift.

 

            My home is set up with 5 different areas. I have the main playroom where I

 

have lots of toys to keep your child active, entertained, and challenged. In this area

 

I have blocks, role playing, kitchenettes, tool chest, cars, dolls, library. This is the

 

main entrance area for pick-up and drop-off. This is where parents sign in and out

 

and check binders or bulletin board. I have 2 play areas outside. One is on the deck

 

for when the ground and grass are too wet. I have a lot of push toys here. The main

 

outdoor play area is in the backyard. My backyard is completely fenced in . It has a

 

nice even surface for play.  I have trees to provide shade. I have ride on toys in this

 

area. In my dining room, I have the eating area set up. This area is also used for craft

 

and computer time. And the last is the quiet area in my living room. I have the port-

 

a-cribs and the nap mats in there. I will use this area or main playroom for viewing

 

any movies we might watch. I am required to report any evidence or indication of abuse

 

or neglect. This is to protect your child. If I have to report, I am not required to notify the

 

parent. Remember, this is to ensure the welfare of your child.