POLICIES AND PROCEDURES HANDBOOK
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES HANDBOOK
INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENT
3. FEE AND PAYMENT PLAN
4. DAILY SCHEDULE
5. MEALS AND SNACKS SERVED
6. FREE ACCESS
7. ABUSE REPORTING
8. CHILD GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE
9. RECORD MAINTAINENCE
10. NO SMOKING POLICY
11. PET POLICY
12. SIGN-IN AND SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES
13. INFANT CARE
14. NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
15. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
16. TRANSPORTATION AND FIELD TRIPS
17. TYPICAL STAFFING PLAN WHEN ABSENT
18. HEALTHCARE PRACTICES
19. DISASTER PLAN AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
20. SUPPLIES AND CLOTHING
21. COMMUNICATION
22. OPEN DOOR POLICY
23. PHOTOGRAPHS
24. REST TIME
25. TERMINATION POLICY
I also maintain yearly updates on early childhood education. My husband is my fully qualified assistant even though he is at his job away from home the majority of the time. He has had experience as an assistant teacher in a church childcare program and also as a father and uncle for over fifteen years. We are both current on First Aid and CPR.
To facilitate greater understanding between you and I, I have created this handbook. It covers my childcare philosophies, business policies, expectations, and relevant local laws for home childcare facilities. 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. The words �our,� "I," "my," and �we� refer to the childcare provider. The word �you� or �your� refers to the child's parents or guardian. Please read this handbook carefully, and feel free to discuss with us any questions that you may have.
I am dedicated to the nurturing of children. The goal of this childcare is to provide a safe, educational, comfortable, fun, loving, home-like Christian environment for the children where children can grow, thrive and have fun! I believe that each child is unique and I honor that uniqueness by focusing on individual developmental needs and providing a rich and secure environment. With care, I encourage each child to grow at his or her own pace. I value the importance of your child's developmental needs and do our best to meet those needs in a caring and educated manner. Offering values and materials for children that encourage stimulation, creates a challenge, offers activities, opportunities, and information beneficial to children, their total family and the community that surrounds them.
Children learn through play and benefit from a structured yet flexible schedule. I offer a creative curriculum to help in the development of their exploration and creativity, to provide and atmosphere with other children for social and emotional stimulation, provide toys, exercise, and outdoor stimulation to meet physical needs. In this atmosphere they can learn and grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially at their own pace. Respect toward others, the environment and self will be emphasized.
2. ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENT
There are several forms that we must have completed and in our possession BEFORE I can assume the responsibility of caring for your child. There are NO exceptions. This is to ensure that your child will get the very best care possible from us. The required forms are as follows:
All new children will be cared for on a two-week trial period beginning on your child's first actual day of care. The purpose of the trial period is to make sure that the childcare and the child are a good fit for each other. During that time the parent or provider may terminate the childcare agreement with 24 hours notice. No pre-paid fees will be credited upon cancellation during the trial period. For termination after the trial period, please see the Termination Policies near the end of this handbook.
You are required to keep me informed of any change in addresses, telephone numbers, and other pertinent information listed on all of the above forms. Please notify me in writing immediately if any changes occur. Contracts need to be renewed each year. The need to renew contracts shall be determined by either changes in the contract and/or an increase in the rates of childcare. This childcare reserves the right to make changes in the body of the contract as the need arises. This means that while the normal renewal time is January, contracts may be amended during the year, at the discretion of this childcare, with 30 days notice.
Drop-in Care. I am happy to accept children in my care on a drop-in basis, although every child in my care must be registered. Before we can accept any child into our care all of the required forms must be filled out and the registration fee paid. In addition, payment for that day�s care must be made at the time of drop off. Please note that drop-in care does not mean that you can stop by without notice and expect childcare. I may be at maximum capacity so I require all parents to call first and schedule a time for their children to receive drop-in care.
3. FEE AND PAYMENT PLAN
Your tuition payment is paying for the spot that your child holds in the daycare and not necessarily the time that your child is here. Due to limited enrollment, I must have exact scheduling arrangements which reserves a spot for your child, therefore you will be charged even if your child is absent. These fees insure your reservation for the spot. I also need to know my income just as you do. For your maternity or other extended leave, your child will be required to come 8 times a month. If this is impossible you will still need to pay for the days in order to secure your spot.
Payments may be made by check or cash and checks should be made out to me. Checks must be dated for the day they are due, no post-dated checks will be accepted.
Additional Fees
Arrivals and Departures
The success of the childcare depends on the prompt payment of tuition for each child. Tuition and fees are computed with the following expenses in mind:
Although child care tuition and fees may seem high, keep in mind the amount that is returned directly to your child via food, supplies, benefits from provider education, etc. The provider�s wage is the amount that remains after all of the above expenses have been paid. �Quality childcare is not expensive, it is priceless!�
In case of my illness or if a family emergency arises and I am unable to provide care, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will be responsible for finding alternate care for your child for these days.
Refund Holidays/Closures
We will be closed on the following days:
Vacations
Personal Days
4. DAILY SCHEDULE
Our Daily Schedule
7:00 Opening Time, Free Play Free Play times are always monitored and the children are offered a variety of activities to participate in. They are encouraged to play with educational toys and games.
TV/movie time is closely monitored and is primarily educational-style programming. The children may be permitted to watch appropriate children�s television programs or a movie during the day usually while I am preparing lunch, although many times they will do quiet activities instead. The children may also watch a movie if we are unable to go outside due to weather conditions. Children who are not picked up at closing time will watch a movie until the parents arrive to pick the children up.
Music helps to develop young brains and will play a strong role in day-to-day activities. We may have special music activities and may also play music during other activities throughout the day.
5. MEALS AND SNACKS SERVED
Mealtime should be a pleasant time; therefore, children are always offered food but are not forced to eat it. I do encourage each child to try one or two bites of everything. If a child chooses not to eat their meal, no food will be served until the next designated meal/snack time.
Sample menu for one day:
6. FREE ACCESS
7. ABUSE REPORTING
8. CHILD GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE
Child Guidance
Discipline
9. RECORD MAINTAINENCE
10. NO SMOKING POLICY
11. PET POLICY
Lilly spends most of the day outside and does not go into the daycare room at all. She is never in the kitchen during food preparation, usually she is outside.
You will be given a form with the choices of giving your child permission to play with Lilly or to state if you would prefer limited or no access.
12. SIGN-IN AND SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES
If a licensor stops by for a visit and a child has not been properly signed in, that is a $75 fine which will be added to your next tuition payment if you have not signed your child in properly.
It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents. Please make your drop off brief; the longer you prolong the departure, the harder it will be for your child. Children are always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone. Please also note that we have a �shoes off� policy in our home and we ask that you and your children remove shoes upon entering.
Please be brief at pickup times as well. If you do not want to take off your shoes we have a large mat at the front door where you can wait for us to bring your children and their belongings to you. Children will usually get very excited when their parents arrive to pick them up; at times, this can be a distraction to the other children and may result in children not following the rules. Please remain in control of your child at all times.
I will only release a child to his/her parent or guardian. If someone other than a parent or guardian will be picking up your child, I will need to be notified prior to the pick up time. This person must be on the list of authorized persons to pick up your child, and we will ask for identification. These precautions are designed for the safety of the children. Non-custodial parents have the same rights unless we have a court document on hand stating otherwise. If problems occur, I will not hesitate to call 911.
I ask that you respect our neighbors and our neighborhood by driving slowly in our residential neighborhood and by making sure that everyone abides by the childcare rules even when outside the house.
13. INFANT CARE
Supplies: Please bring the following for your infant: diapers, wipes, pacifier, bibs, bottles, baby food, plastic bags for disposing diapers and placing soiled clothing, and at least two (2) complete change of clothes.
Meals: Infants will be fed bottles and baby food as needed. They will be held and NOT PROPPED when being fed a bottle. Infants who are nine (9) months and older are allowed to hold a bottle in a high chair. Under no circumstances are infants or toddlers allowed to lay with a bottle at naptime.
Breast feeding: Infants being breast fed need to be willing to take feedings from a bottle with minimal stress for 2 weeks prior to beginning care. If the infant is still showing signs of stress after 3 days at feeding time the enrollment will be postponed until the infant can feed willingly and stress free. It is good to have other people bottle feed the infant while at home as it helps the infant to associate the bottle with other people and the breast with mom, this helps to reduce stress for the infant. A three day supply of breast milk is required on hand.
14. NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
15. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
16. TRANSPORTATION AND FIELD TRIPS
The Silver Lake Elementary bus picks up at the end of our street. This childcare cannot be held accountable for any accidents or problems when children have left the direct supervision of our care. Parents must sign a release form for this purpose. If children become ill at school, it is the parent�s responsibility to pick them up at school. We do not provide sick childcare.
17. TYPICAL STAFFING PLAN WHEN ABSENT
12. HEALTHCARE PRACTICES
Minor Injuries
Major/Life Threatening Injuries
Parents are responsible for all costs involved in medical treatment obtained for their child, including but not limited to transportation to hospital or medical facility.
First Aid
Cleanliness and Hygiene
The diaper changing mat and toilet training equipment are sanitized after each use. Toys and playroom items are washed and sanitized on a regular basis and as needed. Eating areas are cleaned thoroughly after each meal. Children use separate dishes, utensils, and cups. If parents are heavy smokers, we may find it necessary to place the child�s belongings outside, very quietly and unnoticeable as not to embarrass the child. This odor can make others ill.
Handling of bodily fluids
Potty Training
The parent will need to supply training pants and a few changes of clothes while the child is learning. Open communication and feedback between the parent and provider is very important during this time.
Potty training is considered finished when the child has gone one month with no accidents. Then the child may wear underwear at nap time.
Illness Policy
If a child should become ill while in our care the child will be isolated in a comfortable and visible area and the parent will be immediately to pick up the child. The child must be picked up within two hours.
A sick child will not be permitted to return to care until the child has been symptom free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medications. If a child has been sent home sick they will not be allowed to return the following day but they may return two days later if symptom free for 24 hours.
If you aren't sure about whether or not to bring your child to care, please call to discuss it. Please have a back up plan available to you in case your child is sick and you feel you cannot miss work. Although it may seem inconvenient when your child is sent home, you will appreciate knowing your child�s exposure is minimized when other children are sick also. This is so I can keep everyone as healthy as possible, including myself so I can provide the best care to your child as possible.
If someone in my family has any of the symptoms below, I will call you the previous evening, or as soon as I am aware of the situation, so that you can determine whether or not you want your child exposed to those symptoms. I will ask you to make other arrangements if I feel the illness(es) 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 are considered as your sick or absent days and are to be paid.
Symptoms requiring immediate removal of child from facility (but not limited to):
Any reportable communicable disease will be reported to the Snohomish County Health District.
Ill children can also spread their illness to the other children. Every effort is taken to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices.
Medications
19. DISASTER PLAN AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Disaster Plan
Evacuation Plans
Preparing for disaster. I hold monthly fire drills with the children and the evacuation routes are posted. The children are taught to take the nearest exit and meet at the row of trees in the front yard and attendance will be taken at the row of trees. Smoke detectors are in good working order and are tested monthly. All children that are old enough are taught to dial 911 in the event that the provider is unable. We have a battery operated radio, first aid kit, fire extinguishers, battery operated flashlights, extra food, water and blankets. We also keep a whistle for a backup fire alarm. The disaster plan will also be reviewed annually.
Supplies: I keep a three (3) day supply of food and water on hand. A first aid kit will be on hand in the room used for childcare, the first aid kit will be kept fully stocked at all times and will contain emergency information for all of the children. The providers have had first aid training and we keep an emergency first aid booklet on hand.
Emergency Contact Procedure: In the event of a disaster Stacy�s Little Stars Childcare will contact parents as soon as possible. In many types of disasters the phone lines are busy and it is nearly impossible to make local calls. We have an out-of-region contact person for such an event. Upon enrolling you will receive her name and phone number. We will call her to inform her of the location and well being of the children so that she can inform you when you call her.
Contacting Parents: Parents will be notified by phone when possible. We will use a cell phone in the event that the home phone lines are not working. If we are unable to contact the parents or emergency contacts, we will call our out-of-region contact person and let her know what is going on. If we have to leave the house, we will let her know exactly where we are going. We will also notify local authorities and/or other emergency institutions of the emergency if they are not already on the scene.
20. SUPPLIES AND CLOTHING
We prefer that children do not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (i.e. books, etc.). Children have a difficult time sharing with others, and it is even harder with their own special toys. We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items. Each child has their own cubby. The cubby contains all of the child�s personal belongings. Parents are welcome to check, remove or add anything to their child�s cubby.
Parents will need to supply the following: extra clothes, pillow, blanket, diapers and wipes (if necessary), bibs and pacificiers (if necessary), and any other necessary items.
21. COMMUNICATION
22. OPEN DOOR POLICY
Open door policy does NOT mean that our doors will be kept unlocked. I believe that it is extremely important to keep the doors locked for the safety of the children and our home. I do not want unwanted or unexpected visitors to enter without my permission or knowledge. I ask that you knock when arriving to drop off or pickup your child, please only ring the doorbell if the knocks have gone unanswered.
23. PHOTOGRAPHS
24. REST TIME
25. TERMINATION POLICY
The decision to terminate service will be at my sole discretion and will be based on the needs of the childcare facility and the child in question.
You are required to give two weeks (14 calendar days) written notice of termination. When we receive notice the two weeks will be paid in full, regardless of whether or not the child is in attendance. If the child is not in attendance, this will serve as severance pay. This is legal and binding. We will give you two weeks (14 calendar days) written notice of termination for which full tuition is due, whether or not the child is in attendance. The two weeks notice begins the day that we receive the notice, it does not matter if the written notice is dated before we receive it.
We also reserve the right to give written notice of immediate termination where there are extreme circumstances that affect the safety or well being any person or property.
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Stacy's Little Stars Childcare gives permission for other home daycare providers to copy and use portions of our Policy Handbook in their own handbooks. If the handbook is used online, then we ask that you provide a link to our webpage (www.geocities.com/sclaflin77/) in order to give credit. Thank you.
I would like to welcome you and to my home child care! I have been working with children since 1990 as a baby-sitter, daycare teacher and assistant, church childcare worker, teacher for Vacation Bible School, mentor for inner-city youth, and as a nanny. I am also a mom, stepmom, and an aunt. I earned my BA in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University in 1999. My study of psychology included childhood development and leadership skills training.
* �Child Care Home Register�
* �Certificate of Immunization Status�
* �Permission Form�
* �Child Care Agreement� form
* �Enrollment Questionnaire�
* �Policies & Procedures Handbook Agreement� form
Tuition Payments
For the exact weekly fees and the rate for drop-in care, please contact me as I do not post these online. Tuition is payable in advance and is due no later than pick up time on FRIDAY for the following week�s care. The rates will be re-evaluated on a yearly basis. The following policies apply to tuition payments:
* When the payment due day falls on a holiday or your child will not be in attendance, your child�s tuition is expected on the last day your child is in attendance that week.
* If you go away on vacation, your child�s tuition is due BEFORE you leave.
* If the day is a planned day off or during my vacation, your child�s tuition is expected on the last day your child is in care.
* In cases of illness, your child�s tuition is due at the time of drop-off Monday.
* $50 non-refundable registration fee per child at time of enrollment
* $10/hour for exceeding 10 hours of care each day and/or 50 hour per week
* $1 per minute (per child) fee for picking your child late�a late drop off does NOT constitute a late pickup!
* $1 per minute (per child) fee for dropping your child off early�an early pick up does NOT constitute a late drop off! (Early drop offs require prior approval.)
* $20 per day minimum for a partial day of care
* $10 per day (including weekends) for late tuition payment
* $45 fee for a returned check; cash will only be accepted afterwards; you will also be responsible for any other fees that we incur due to the returned check
* Cost of an item broken due to willful destruction of that item
Parents need to arrive and depart at the proper hours. I often have plans right after closing time and it is very inconvenient for me to have to wait for a parent who picks their child up late. If you are unable to pick your child up on time you will need to find someone else to pick your child up on time in your place. It is very important that you show up only during *your* daycare hours (on the child care agreement form) as I may not be able to accept care of your child if you show up earlier than your hours. If the first daycare child does not arrive until an hour after I open then I will not be expecting any children before that time even at my technical opening hour. My true opening time is always the time of the first child's arrival. If you need me to watch your child earlier than normal, you must ask me at least one day prior to find out if that will work or not. Early drop off fees may or may not apply depending on how many hours your child is in care for the day and/or week.
* Preschool curriculum, craft and activity supplies
* Toys, books, games and equipment
* Energy costs and use of provider�s home and equipment
* Additional time spend on record keeping, parent-provider communication, clean up and shopping trips for supplies and food
* Business taxes, insurance, and my continuing education
There is no refund or reduction in payment for changes that you make in your schedule that is already set. In extreme cases of extended illness or hospitalization, I may make considerations only if this is discussed prior to the incident.
When one of the holidays falls on a Saturday, I will be closed the preceding Friday, when a holiday falls on a Sunday, I will be closed the following Monday. You are responsible for finding alternate care for these days. Please note that we will be open on school snow days. The days listed below are paid holidays therefore there will be no reduction in tuition.
* New Year�s Eve and New Year�s Day
* Memorial Day
* Independence Day
* Labor Day
* Veteran�s Day
* Thanksgiving and the day after
* Christmas Eve, Christmas and the day after
I will be closed for two (2) weeks each year for vacation. Tuition will not be reduced for this time and will be expected on your child�s last day of care prior to vacation. These weeks may be taken separately or together. I will notify you at least Fourteen (14) days in advance of an expected vacation. You are responsible for finding alternate care for these days. No childcare will be provided on our vacation time even if we choose to spend our vacation at home. There will be a half rate reduction in payment for your vacations, you are allowed two weeks per year at the half rate price.
From time to time, a personal day is needed for me to take care of personal business, doctor�s appointments, sick days or for other reasons. Although I do my best to be reliable and available for the families, there may be times in which I will need to take a personal day. I am entitled to five (5) personal days each year. I will do my best to provide you with at least two (2) weeks advance notice of an expected personal day when I am able to. You will be responsible for finding alternate care for these days. We will not be able to provide childcare these days.
Young children and toddlers enjoy a structured schedule that allows for flexibility. A schedule helps the day to flow more smoothly, allows the children to anticipate upcoming events, and aids in achieving a variety of goals. We will adhere to our schedule to the best of our ability, keeping in mind that anything can happen when children are involved. I appreciate families considering our schedule when picking up or dropping off their children. I ask that pick up and drop offs take place either before or after nap/rest time, not during.
Please note that our schedule changes from time to time in order to meet the needs of the children in care. I do not force the children to follow a set schedule, rather work the schedule around the needs of the children!
7:45 Wash hands, potty
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 Clean up
8:45 Worksheets and Circle Time � numbers, letters, spanish, shapes, etc.
9:00 Arts and Crafts
9:15 Wash hands, potty
9:30 Outside Play and/or Free Play inside
10:30 Inside, clean up
11:00 Lunch Time
11:30 Nap/Rest Time
1:30 Wake up, Quiet Activities
2:15 Potty, Wash Up
2:30 Snack Time
3:00 Songs, Stories and other Interactive Activities
3:30 Outside Play and/or Free Play
4:30 Potty Time, Quiet Activities
6:00 Closing Time See you tomorrow!
We are a member of the USDA Food Program which means that meals and snacks are not charged to the parent, but are reimbursed by the state. Meals will consist of breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Children who arrive after meal times should be fed before they arrive. Please do not send food or candy with your children (with the exception of birthdays�you are welcome to bring treats to share).
Breakfast: whole grain cereal with berries and milk
Lunch: turkey sandwich, green beans, apple slices, milk
Snack: string cheese and crackers, apple juice
Children, parents and any staff are welcome in any areas of the home that are used for childcare purposes. These rooms include the main childcare room, the kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and the entryway. These areas do not include any of the bedrooms. However no parent may be left unattended with any other child (other than their own) without first completing a Criminal History Back Ground Check.
As a licensed child care provider I am required by the State of Washington to report suspected child abuse and civil immunity under the law of good faith, reporting to the Department of Social Health Services, Child Protective Services, or law enforcement. This will happen in an instance when the child care provider has reason to suspect the occurrence of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, child neglect or child exploitation, as required under Chapter 26.44 RCW.
I maintain a positive discipline policy, which focuses on prevention, redirection, consistency and praise for good behavior. The children are explained the rules of the childcare home frequently, so they are all familiar with the guidelines.
- Children will be encouraged to exhibit courtesy, manners, consideration for others, positive choices, and working out problems on their own
- Children will be redirected to other areas and friends if they have trouble getting along with a particular child or group
- Teachers or assistants may point out solutions to problems by listening, guiding, or redirecting
- If problems are reoccurring and consistent, the child will take time to think and calm down in an area away from the other children. This may include reading, coloring, a nap period for younger children that may be tired, or a time out. If a toy is a problem the toy may take a time out.
- Extreme or very consistent problems will require parent participation. The childcare reserves the right to terminate services if a solution cannot be worked out.
- Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will corporal punishment, physical abuse, verbal abuse, name-calling or humiliation be used. Physically holding a child may be necessary if the child poses harm to themselves, another child, another person, any property, or is out of control. This is to protect the child and others.
All of the forms that are required to be filled out when enrolling need to be kept up to date and accurate. If anything changes, we need to be notified immediately of those changes so that the forms can be updated promptly. Changes include, but are not limited to new immunizations and new address and/or phone number. Please see the Admission and Enrollment section of this handbook to see the forms that we need have and kept up to date.
Our home is a smoke-free home; therefore smoking will not be permitted on the premises, including outside. According to state law, nobody may smoke within 25 feet of an outside door nor may anyone smoke within in eyesight of a child in care. We do not allow anyone to smoke anywhere on our property.
We have a friendly and sweet black labrador named Lilly. She is great with children of all ages and the daycare children love her and usually ask to see her as soon as they arrive.
Parents need to arrive and depart at the proper hours. Parents must bring their children into the childcare personally and sign the children in and out. Your signature must be your full legal signature (the way that you sign your checks). When you sign in you need to write the date, your child's name, the time of drop off and your signature. When you sign out you need to write the time of the pick up and sign your signature.
Naps: Infants nap throughout the day as needed. Infants are placed on their backs for naps in accordance with SIDS prevention policy.
I do not discriminate in client services or employment practices on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person.
The children have the opportunity to participate in a number of non-denominational Christian activities. The activities may include praying before meals, reading stories from a Children�s Bible, singing songs and watching cartoons with Biblical themes such as the Veggie Tales series. We will also celebrate and discuss Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Due to our small environment and open atmosphere, it would be almost impossible to separate any child from these activities, so please keep this in mind. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to discuss them with us.
We do not provide transportation to and from school for school aged children nor do we go on field trips. This is something that may happen in the future, but is not something we are providing right now.
In the case that I cannot be here the parents will need to find alternate care. I do not have any substitutes or anyone else qualified to stay with the children in my absense.
Injury prevention
I make every effort to keep the children safe through direct supervision and the use of safety features such as checking indoor and outdoor areas and equipment daily.
Minor injuries receive appropriate first aid. The parent will be informed of the minor injury upon arrival to pick up the child. Any injury that requires medical attention or large bumps, bruises and cuts will be documented and the parent will be notified immediately. An Injury/Accident report form will be completed and signed by the parent. This form will be kept in the child�s file.
For an injury that requires immediate medical attention, we will call 911 and administer any necessary first aid. The parent will be notified as soon as possible. If the parent cannot be reached, we will contact the emergency contact person listed on the Enrollment Information form. An Injury/Accident report form will be completed and signed by the parent. This form will also be kept in the child�s file. The Department of Childcare Licensing (DSHS) will also be notified.
The items listed below are a part of Stacy�s Little Stars Childcare first aid kit. Those items with an asterisk (*) before them are NOT �standard�. However, they all have been recommended in first aid courses and guidebooks. Items in the First Aid Kit: ipecac syrup, thermometer, scissors, tweezers, ice pack (in the freezer), tape, protective gloves, cotton balls, band aids, square bandages, gauze, *note pad (important for recording information), *pen, *Children's Emergency Cards.
I do my best to maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards. Staff and children's hands are washed before and after meals, before preparing food, after coming in contact with bodily fluids, and after using the bathroom. We use paper towels for drying hands, so children do not have to use the same towel.
These are the precautions used for cleaning up messes from blood, bodily fluids, waste, etc.
1. To clean up these spills, we wear disposable gloves and wipe with paper towels or disposable rags.
2. Then we wipe the surface with a freshly made solution that contains 1 tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach for every quart of water (1/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water). We wash the surface and let it air dry and put used disposable gloves and used rags or paper towels in a closed, leak-proof container and place in a rubbish container.
3. After we take off the gloves we wash our hands with soap under running water for 10 seconds.
4. For spills of body fluid on bedding, clothes or other washables, we launder items separately in a normal cycle in the washing machine and add 1/2 bleach tot he wash cycle and presoak heavily soiled items.
5. We wash hands before and after changing a diaper and wear disposable gloves while changing the diaper. Both diapers and gloves will be placed in a leak-proof rubbish container.
6. If a child has bitten another person we wash the area immediately with soap and water.
Potty training should begin at home. Once the child has started potty training, I will be happy to continue while the child is in our care. I ask that results have been consistent at home prior to bringing your child in pull-ups or training pants. It is our goal to work with the parents so that this time is successful for the child.
I maintain a "well childcare home�. When children arrive for care, they must be in good health and free from symptoms of contagious disease or, according to state law, they must be refused admittance. Bringing a child into the childcare with any of the symptoms listed below puts other children and caregivers at risk of getting sick. Additionally, when children do not feel well, they need additional attention and rest that I cannot provide.
- Fever of 100 F or higher
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Undiagnosed rashes
- Cough or sore throat, especially with swollen glands
- Excessive crying and/or fatigue that prevents usual activities
- Green or yellow discharge from nose or eyes
- Lice or nits
- Eye discharge or pink eye
- Earache
I will not administer medications to children. If a child needs medication for an illness then they need to be home if they are not feeling well enough to be at daycare and keep up with normal activities. If prescription medication (such as antibiotics) are needed during the day the parent needs to bring the medication and administer it to his or her child personally and take the medication when leaving the childcare. Any medications in my home for my family are kept locked away from the reach of children.
The purpose for a written disaster plan is to provide guidelines for the Stacy�s Little Stars Childcare providers and assistants, children, and parents to follow in an emergency situation. It is our goal to be fully prepared in event of a disaster.
This childcare holds monthly drills for staff and children to ensure a safe evacuation in case of fire, earthquake, etc. Children are instructed to walk safely to the front door and to the driveway by the row of trees and wait at that meeting place. For the safety of everyone children are taught how to dial 911 in case of an emergency.
Children should arrive clean and fully dressed. Please do not send your children in pajamas. Clothing should be comfortable and appropriate for outdoor play regardless of the time of year. It is up to the parent to provide an extra change of clothes for accidents that may occur.
We would like to maintain open communication at all times with parent participation, phone calls, and conferences if necessary. We welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are oriented toward a positive outcome for your children.
My home maintains an open door policy for parents during the hours in which childcare is provided. This means that parents are always welcome to call or drop in to see their children. If you do call during the day, please be aware that we may be busy with the children and may not be able to answer the phone right away. Please leave a message and I will return your call.
If you have any objections to your child�s photograph being taken, please sign the proper form. I am in the habit of taking many photographs for our Stacy�s Little Stars Scrapbook and also for holiday projects for the children to take home. The children enjoy seeing pictures of themselves and would miss out on a great opportunity if they were to miss out on being a part of the childcare�s scrapbook.
Naptime/rest time is from 12:00pm � 2:00pm each day. Children who arrive after 12:00 will be expected to remain quiet or take a nap until naptime is over, so that others will not be disrupted from their naps. We prefer that children not be dropped off or picked up during rest time and if it becomes disruptive we will ask that you drop off or pick up outside of the rest time. Children will also be expected to be fed lunch prior to arrival as lunch has already been served. All children are required to lie down for naptime and must nap or rest quietly during this period. If a child arrives shortly before or during naptime we ask that he or she is ready to nap or rest quietly, please do not bring a child who has just taken a nap at this time. Mats are used for children to sleep on. Parents are to provide bedding (blankets and a pillow) for the child. Mats and bedding are cleaned on a weekly basis and as needed. Older children may read or play quietly or watch a movie during the naptime.
I reserve the right to terminate childcare services for the following reasons (but not limited to):
- Failure to pay or continuous late payments
- Failure to complete the required forms
- Lack of parental cooperation
- Child�s inability to adjust to the childcare setting after a reasonable amount of time
- Provider unable to accommodate needs of child or parent
- Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property by parent or child
- Disrespectful behavior towards provider, family, and other parents and children
- Child exhibits disruptive behavior
- Consistent discipline problems that do not improve
- Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
- Serious illness of child or provider
- Continuous late pick-ups