Page 2
This is the handbook I give all my new clients. It outlines all of my policies and what is expected of each parent. Please feel free to use any part of my handbook. All I ask is that you let me know you found it useful by either signing my Guest Book or email me.
About the Provider
Please allow me to tell you a little about myself. My name is Tara M. and I am a Family Child Care Provider.
I understand how difficult it is for parents to find good quality child care anymore. I feel I have the love, knowledge, experience and qualities needed to provide a warm, loving environment in which children can learn and grow. I believe that children are the most important part of our future, and I will work with you to help establish the solid foundation children need to feel secure and to provide stability for their future.
I take my profession as a child care provider, not a "baby sitter", very seriously. I have completed many hours of early childhood education and will obtain as much continuing education as possible in order to constantly improve my knowledge and skills. I have also received Red Cross certification in Infant, Child and Adult CPR and First Aid.
Although family child care is a form of self employment, unlike other businesses, there is no room for physical growth or expansion due to licensing regulations. I am not guaranteed any benefits that most employees take for granted such as: health insurance, paid sick days, paid vacation days, personal days, workmen's compensation, unemployment insurance, retirement/pension plan or bonuses.
Admission and Enrollment
Teddy Bears' Learn & Play serves children ages 6 weeks though 12 years. No child will be denied admission on the basis of his/her race or religion. I do retain the right to deny admission if all my slots for a particular child's age group are filled.
Enrollment Procedures
In order to enroll your child at Teddy Bears' Learn & Play there are some items that will need to be taken care of prior to the beginning of care. I will not assume care of your child(ren) if I do not have the required paperwork, fees and supplies. I will supply you with all the necessary paperwork and will help you with any questions you may have. I will also provide you with a summary of the family child care licensing rules. All information will be kept confidential and is for my records only.
Paperwork:
• Child Enrollment Form
• Emergency Medical Care Consent
• Child Health History
• Child Health Report
• Day Care Immunization Record
• Intake Information for Child under 2 years (if applicable)
• School Age Transportation Agreement (if applicable)
• Transportation Permission (if applicable)
• Field Trip Consent (when necessary)
• Authorization to Administer Medication (when necessary)
• Signed Childcare AgreementFees:
• Final two weeks fees (see pg. 2)
• First week's feeSupplies (see pg. 6 for details):
• Complete change of clothes including socks and underwear
• Blanket & favorite cuddly toy
• Diapers & wipes (if applicable)
• Diaper rash ointment (if applicable)
• Tube of toothpaste & toothbrush
. Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (summer only)
• Backpack or book bagHours of Operation
Teddy Bears' Learn & Play is open Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. I am open year round. I do not have snow days, so in the event of bad weather I will be open.
I am occasionally available for overtime or weekend care. Any non contracted care is by special arrangement only and will be at the rate of $3.00 per hour or any portion thereof. I reserve the right to refuse any additional hours. If you are looking for care before my opening time of 7:00 AM, I require a fee of $10.00 each day.
Open Door Policy
Teddy Bears' Learn & Play maintains an open door policy. Parents are welcome to visit our day care at any time during business hours. As I am busy with children I am not always available to answer the door immediately. Therefore, upon arrival, please don't panic if it takes me a few minutes. You are welcome to observe our program, but please understand that I will not be available to give you my undivided attention. I will continue with our normal schedule while you are present.
Enrollment Fees
• A registration fee of $20.00 for all paperwork and other necessary enrollment forms. Deposit for final two weeks fees. The fees for the final two weeks of care are to be paid in advance at the beginning of care. If you have more than one child needing care I am willing to have this fee added to the weekly fees over the first 8 weeks of care in equal payments. If you choose to remove your child from my care and give the required two weeks written notice the final fees will be applied to your last two weeks of care. If you fail to give two weeks written notice the deposit will not be refunded. Regular enrollment fees must be paid in advance with no deductions for holidays or absences. Child's family vacation time & child's absences due to illness will be charged regular tuition rate.
Attendance
Payment obligation is based on the contract hours you agree to use child care, not on actual hours of attendance. Both full-time and part-time fees will be charged based on contracted hours, including missed days due to illness, holidays, vacations, or snow days. This also applies to early and late drop offs. Late drop off does not constitute late pick up. In a sense you are paying me for your child's "slot" as well as for my services.
Overtime rates
A fee equal to $5 hr. per child shall be made per 15 minute interval for drop offs earlier than or pick ups later than the contracted time. This fee will be imposed beginning 5 minutes prior to or 5 minutes later than the actual contracted time. Example: Contracted drop off time is 7:00 AM and contracted pick up time is 5:00 PM. Drop off earlier than 7:00 AM or pick up later than 5:00 PM will incur a $5.00 fee, per child, per 15 minute interval, or portion thereof. Please keep this policy in mind when contracting hours. Including travel time in your contract will help to alleviate early drop offs or late pick ups. Payment for unscheduled overtime will be added to the following weeks fees and will be due with the regular payment on the first day of care for the week. Prearranged overtime will be charged at the current drop-in rate. The digital clock located with the sign in/out pad will be the official time clock. This policy will be strictly enforced as early drop offs and late pick ups infringe on my family's personal time. Young children get upset and scared when parents are not on time at the end of the day.
Payment Schedule
I have a "No Pay, No Play" policy. Payments will be made in advance for child care and are due no later than drop off time on the first day of the week the child is contracted for care. If child is in care earlier than normal contracted time, payment is due at actual drop off time. If you do not have your payment in hand at drop off do not bring your child to me for care. I will kindly ask you to return with payment. There will be a $10.00 per day late fee for payment not received as described above. Please do not put me in the position of having to tell your child he/she can not come inside and play.
I will accept payment in the form of cash, personal check or money order. In the event of a returned check parents will be responsible for a $30.00 returned check fee as well as any fees incurred due to the returned check. All future payments must be made in cash or money order.
All parents that have a third party payment arrangement (such as county or state assistance or employer vouchers) are responsible for payment of the difference of what the third party pays and the actual fees. You are responsible for paying your part of fees by the 1st Mon. of each month. If your fee is over $50.00 the payment may be divided into 3 equal payments due in the first three Mondays of each month. In addition, you are responsible for payment of all days that I have listed in my Holidays, Vacation and Personal Days sections of this handbook that are not paid by the third party. All parents using a third party payment arrangement are also responsible for a deposit of the final 2 weeks fees. This fee may be paid in 8 equal payments over the first 8 weeks of care. If required two weeks written notice is given for termination of care, deposit will be refunded after final third party payment has been received. If you fail to give two weeks written notice the deposit will not be refunded.
All subsidy (County pay) parents OJFS will only pay for 10 absentee days per child from Jan 1st - June 30th and July 1st - June 30th. Absences must be authorized according to CDJFS authorization notice. Please see me for your # of absences if you are unsure. Once your absences run out you are required to pay me for those days yourself. I still get paid whether child attends or not. If you have any questions please see me.
Receipts
Receipts will be furnished weekly upon request and a year end payment summary will be provided for tax purposes.
Trial Period
The first 10 calendar days from a child's start date are a trial period for the child, parents and provider. During this period, either the parent or provider may terminate care without notice. Any and/or all final two weeks fee deposit will be refunded. The $10 paperwork/materials fee will not be refunded.
Termination of Service
After the trial period parents may withdraw their child from care by giving a minimum of two weeks written notice. If this notice is given the final two weeks payment deposit, made at the beginning of care, will be credited to your account. If less than the full final two weeks deposit has been made, parent will be responsible for the difference equal to two weeks fees. If less than two weeks written notice is given no refund of deposit will be made.
In the event that I should ever find it necessary to end our agreement I also will give the parent at least two weeks written notice, except for reasons such as, but not limited to: destructive, uncontrollable or violent behaviors, habitual lateness in pick up of child(ren), lateness of payment or nonpayment. These situations will be grounds for immediate termination. In the case of immediate termination deposit will not be refunded. If it becomes necessary for me to resort to legal action to collect fees, the parent(s) will be responsible for any legal fees incurred by Teddy Bears' Learn & Play.
Holidays
Teddy Bears' Learn & Play will be closed for the following 6 nationally observed holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. If the holiday is on a weekend I will be closed either the Friday or Monday as a paid day. These holidays are all paid holidays. There will be no discount in fees for the weeks in which these holidays occur. You will be given a schedule of the annual holidays and closings.
Provider Vacation
Each Calendar year Teddy Bears' Learn & Play will be closed 2 weeks for provider's vacations. In most instances the two weeks will be taken separately, however I reserve the right to take vacations consecutively. Parents will be given as much advance notice as possible, with a minimum of two weeks notice when I plan my vacations. Parent pays provider for 1 week vacation as per schedule. Payment for this week is required to be remitted by the friday before vacation begins. Charges related to parent scheduled vacation: Parent will pay the usual fee for child care if your vacation falls on days when I am open for care. This payment is due and payable prior to your vacation. Parents should be prepared with their own backup care. The child care provider will schedule one or more weeks vacation annually. One of these weeks is with pay. You will be given at least two weeks notice of any vacation time.
Personal Days
Occasionally I may find it necessary to take a personal day off for training, workshops or family reasons. No more than 6 paid personal days will be taken per calendar year. A minimum of two weeks notice will be given for provider's personal days.
Illness/Emergency
In the case of my illness I will call at least one hour before your scheduled drop off time. In the event of a family emergency I will give as much notice as possible.
Parent's Vacations
Each calendar year each family may take up to two weeks vacation while the center is open. Your weekly fee will remain the same. A two week written notice of vacation is required.
Substitute/Emergency caregiver policy
Should I need to be away from the child care for a short time due to unforeseen circumstances, a planned absence or in the event of an emergency, substitute care will be provided by my emergency caregivers, Kevin W. (My Fiancé), Stephanie B. (My Aunt) or Janice M. (My Grandmother. My emergency/ substitute caregivers must meet the following requirements:
1) At least 18 years. or older
2) Signed a conviction statement attesting he/she has not been convicted or pleaded guilty to any offenses listed 1 section 5104.09 of the revised code.
3) Have a criminal records check
4) Provides a safe and healthy environment when infants/children are present
5) Ensures that any individual whose behavior or health endangers the health, safety and well being of infants/children are not present in the home while child care is being provided
6) Has access to a working telephone with all emergency numbers at hand.I will contact parents immediately when an emergency caregiver shall be used for unplanned absences of short duration caused by unanticipated circumstances such as illness, accident or other family crisis.
I will contact the parents prior to all planned absences when a substitute caregiver will be needed and have a form for you to sign.
In the event of an emergency if a backup caregiver can not be located parents will be called to pick up their child(ren).
*PLEASE NOTE:
Parents are responsible for providing their own back up care for illness, holidays, provider's vacations, provider's illnesses, emergency and personal days. Provider will not be responsible for providing back up caregivers.
Parent Involvement
Parents are encouraged to participate in their child's experiences at Teddy Bears' Learn & Play. As you are leaving your child with me while you are working I understand that direct involvement is not always possible. There are other ways you can contribute to our program such as: sharing interests and skill, perhaps associated with cultural traditions, careers or hobbies; taking responsibility for repairing toys and equipment; assisting on field trips; donating your child's outgrown toys, baby equipment, craft supplies; etc. Any other ways you can think of to be involved I would be happy to discuss with you.
Birthdays and Celebrations
At Teddy Bears' Learn & Play we will observe special days with activities, treats and possibly outings. You are welcome to bring treats, decorations, games, etc. to help celebrate as long as there is enough for everyone. Please discuss this with me in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Proper Dress
Clothing worn to child care should be appropriate for the day's weather and play. Please do not send your child to care wearing anything new or special. I teach the children creativity, problem solving, and pride in their skills. Sometimes these values get a little messy. Please dress your child for real success! Onesies or shirts that snap at the crotch, too tight shoes the child cannot slip on themselves (I have no problem with tying!) and tight jeans with belts, buttons and snaps that the children can't handle alone are not appropriate in a day care situation. It has proven to be a source of frustration to all involved. Children take pride in being able to care for themselves. If there is a special occasion that calls for special clothing (a visit or party right after childcare or a trip to the photographer), please send the special clothing with your child and I will help them clean up and get dressed prior to your arrival.
Supplies
The following items are not furnished by Teddy Bears' Learn 7 Play and must be provided by parent(s):
• 1 complete change of clothing, including underwear and socks, appropriate for the weather, to be kept at the day care. Soiled clothing will be sent home and a clean change of clothes needs to be brought back the next day of care.
• Proper outerwear for outside play. Kids need fresh air on a regular basis and unless the weather is really inclement we will spend some time outside daily. Please be sure your child has all necessary items each day: hat, mittens, snow pants, boots and coats, for example.
• Summer months - swimsuit, towel and sunscreen to be left at the day care.
• Toothbrush & paste to be left at day care.
• Blanket & cuddly toy (cover blanket will be provided). This is to be left at the day care. These will be washed and/or disinfected weekly and whenever soiled.
• Bag disposable diapers & box of wipes (when applicable). You may choose to buy a large pack of diapers to leave at the day care and I will let you know when you are running low.
• Diaper rash ointment (if used).
• For infants: extra bottle for water to be offered throughout the day.As I see many duplicate items, please clearly mark all of your child's belongings with his/her name. I reserve the right to mark any unmarked items as needed.
Arrival and Departure Times
Drop off and pick up times can be stressful for some children. Parents are required to bring their child(ren) to the door each morning and help their child(ren) get settled. In the morning they may not want to say good-bye to you and at pick up time they may not want to go because they are involved with a fun activity. This is a natural occurrence. To ease the situation I'd like to encourage the parent to take a minute to help the child feel comfortable and to adjust by offering positive statements. A parent who shows reluctance to depart only makes the transition harder for their child. The parent should never sneak out without saying "good-bye" to their child. A brief good-bye works best. Crying will usually stop a few minutes after the parent departs. It is important that you establish a consistent routine and stick with it.
If your child misbehaves during these times, please correct their behavior. My house rules apply from the time they walk in to the time they walk out. This is a time of testing when two different authority figures are present (parent and provider), and this situation will be tested at one time or another to see if the rules still apply. I will remind your child if inappropriate behaviors are being displayed. Please be prepared to back me up. If your rules or desires are being tested, I am ready to back you up.
Children of all ages adjust to transitions differently. Most do not like to be too rushed, or to wait too long once they are ready to depart!
When leaving, please DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO RUN OUT TO YOUR CAR WHILE YOU ARE STILL INSIDE! Our safety rule is "No one outside without their parent (or guardian) with them." There are other cars that may be coming and going in the driveway and a serious incident could occur.
Sign In/Out
Each day upon arriving the parent is required to sign their child(ren) in, noting the time arrived, and initialing where indicated. A sign in/out pad, pen and clock are all located by the door. The same procedure is used to sign the child(ren) out.
Release
Children may be released only to persons indicated on the release form. No child will be released without written parental consent. When arrangements are made for someone not identified on the release form to pick up your child, parents are responsible for notifying me in advance in writing. Please inform your emergency contacts that if I do not know them and the child is too young to recognize them ("Hi Grandma!"), that I will ask for identification. Explain to them that I do not mean to offend them. This is simply a measure taken for the child's protection.
Intoxication
If the parent or other authorized person arrives intoxicated or under the influence of drugs in the opinion of the provider, all reasonable steps will be taken to avoid releasing the child to that person, including offering to call an emergency contact. While I can not legally withhold a child from a legal guardian, if I feel the child is in jeopardy, I will not hesitate to call the police.
Medical and Other Emergencies
Minor cuts and abrasions suffered while at the day care will receive proper care, specifically, they will be washed with soap and warm water and properly bandaged. Injury and treatment will be logged and I will tell you how and when the injury occurred. I am also required to log any injuries I observe on your child which have occurred outside my care.
If a medical emergency arises I will try to contact a parent first, unless doing so endangers the child's life. Then an ambulance will be called, I will accompany your child to the hospital and the parent will be contacted and requested to go immediately to the hospital. If the injury is insignificant, such as a bruise, first aid will be used and the child will be held and comforted. If the child is cut, the parent will be contacted to take child to hospital or doctor. In the meantime first aid measures are employed. I will take necessary steps, putting the child first (calling 911, doctor, poison control, etc.). Parents are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment.
In the event of a fire, we would evacuate the house immediately (2 exits are available) and gather at the neighbor's tree. This will be practiced at least monthly so the children are familiar with the procedure. A written fire evacuation plan which consists of a floor plan marked with a primary escape route and a alternate escape route to a designated meeting place outside the home. The date and time of all monthly fire drills will be kept in a written log.
If sever weather arises and a tornado warning is issued, we will proceed to the center of the basement where the children will crouch and cover their heads. This will also be practiced at least monthly.
Although bathroom times are regularly scheduled throughout the day, any child needing to use the bathroom will be allowed to do so at any time.
Preschool Program
I will be incorporating a preschool curriculum into our daily activities for fun and to prepare the older children for school. This is a theme based curriculum set up on a weekly basis, but if a theme is of particular interest to the children we will spend extra time on it. Activities include arts & crafts, stories, music, games, etc. These activities will allow your child(ren) to be successful and feel good about themselves, use and develop language skills, use large and small muscles, learn new ideas and skills and expose the child(ren) to a variety of cultures. The program will also encourage creativity and imagination through the use of various materials and mediums.
Rest/Quiet Time
All children under the age of five are required by state law to have a rest time. Our rest time will be from 12:30 PM until 3:00 PM. I will provide a safe, warm quiet place for your child(ren) to rest. Parents are required to provide a blanket, labeled with child's name, for their child(ren) to be left at day care. These will be laundered and/or disinfected weekly and whenever soiled.
Children who do not fall asleep or who awaken early will be guided to quiet activities that will not disturb other sleeping children.
Infants will be allowed to follow their own patterns of sleeping and waking.
Toys From Home
Teddy Bears' Learn & Play furnishes a wide variety of appropriate playthings. I ask that no toys be brought to day care from home. Anything brought will be put up safely until the child is picked up. This policy is for the concern of all children in my care. One of the behaviors I encourage is respect for others. This includes sharing. Often times children have a hard time sharing the toys they bring with them from home. Also, since children share toys anything from home would have the potential to be damaged or misplaced. The only exceptions to this policy are:
• A special lovey to be used at rest time. This will be put up and only used at the appropriate time.
• Show and Tell. At times we will have a "show and tell" period. I will inform you ahead of time when this will occur.Behavior Goals
At Teddy Bears' Learn & Play I try to stress two main patters of behavior: respect for other people and respect for property. As a result I do not allow hitting, pushing, biting, kicking or pinching other children. Obscene language is not allowed. I also stress that they treat material possessions (both mine and theirs) with respect.
To reinforce these behaviors I use the following procedures. Rules are first explained, then followed up with plenty of reminders and lots of positive reinforcement. For children age 3 and older, redirection and "time-out" are the only methods of discipline used when it is necessary. In a time out situation the child will be separated from the group. There is no "time-out chair" in my home as I feel it is humiliating to a child to be sent to the "bad" chair. The child will sit in an appropriate place for 1 minute per year of age, not to exceed 5 minutes. When "time-out" is up, I will talk to the child and try to explain why that behavior was inappropriate. The child is encouraged to give the offended party an apology and assist in "fixing" whatever went wrong, to the best of their ability.
Children under the age of 3 years will not be given "time-out" and will be corrected with redirection.
If something of a more serious nature or a persistent behavior should occur that is of concern to me, I will need to discuss it with you so that we can jointly decide on a course of action that is followed at home and in my care. If the problem can not be resolved arrangements must be made for the child to receive care elsewhere.
Children are never punished for lapses in toilet training or for accidents (spilled milk, for example). In either situation I will have the child help me clean up if possible, not for punishment, but to help teach responsibility.
This statement from the Rules for Licensing Family Day Care sums up my policy:
"Punishment that is humiliating or frightening to a child such as hitting, spanking, shaking, verbal or sexual abuse, withholding or forcing food or punishment for lapses in toilet training and other forms of physical punishment are prohibited." These forms of punishment will never be used, even at the request of the parent.
Potty Training
Upon the arrival of potty training time I will assist in helping with this, provided the child is at least 18 months of age, is showing signs of readiness (able to indicate the need to use the bathroom, is interested in staying dry, is dry for long periods during the day, etc.), and the parents initiate the process at home first, either over a weekend or during a vacation. Please keep in mind that the activity level here can distract your child(ren) from responding to an urge to use the potty, more so than at your home. Therefore, once potty training has begun the child needs to be in training pants (5 ply, not plain terry cloth) with plastic pants (preferred method) or pull-ups at all times until your child can and will announce that he/she needs to use the bathroom and can control his/her bladder and bowels for a few minutes beyond that announcement.
During potty training the child needs to be dressed in "user friendly" clothing as much as possible. The best items are shorts and pants with elastic waists. Try to avoid really tight clothing, pants with snaps & zippers and overalls as often as you can. Your child will want to help pull pants, etc. up and down, plus clothing with too many "gadgets" makes it harder to get the child on the potty in time.
During potty training you are asked to supply me with 3 extra full changes of clothing, including socks and training & plastic pants or pull ups. These are to be left at the day care and replaced as needed.
Illness
I am trained in CPR and first aid and in the prevention and recognition and management of communicable diseases. In addition I am trained in the proper hand washing procedures laid out by the Ohio Dept. of Health. It is the law for certified and licensed providers not to care for children who are ill. We will be written up for having an ill child with other children. A child can not attend childcare running a fever, even if it is covered with Motrin, tylenol etc.. because the contagious illness will spread within the childcare and then to us who care for all the children. Please do not bring your child to care if he/she is ill. Masking your child's symptoms with over the counter medication (i.e. Tylenol) before care will be grounds for termination of contract. The Health department discourages the admittance of any child into a family day care home or center who exhibits any of the following symptoms. Therefore it is the policy of Teddy Bears' Learn & Play not to accept for care any child who exhibits the following:
. Difficult or rapid breathing
• Unusual rash
. Untreated infected skin patches
. Yellowish skin or eyes
• Fever over 100 degrees F (auxiliary, (oral), 99 (armpit) or 101 (rectal) - child needs to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to care
• Runny nose with colored discharge
• Excessive coughing
. Sore throat of difficult swallowing
. Stiff neck
• Diarrhea within last 24 hours
. unusually dark urine or gray or white stool
• Discharge from eyes or ears
• Vomiting - DO NOT bring your child if he/she has vomited within past 24 hours
. Evidence of lice, scabies or other parasitic infestation
• Lice - Cases of lice must be treated and child must be lice and nit free before returning to care.
• Communicable diseases - All cases of communicable diseases require notification of parents of all children in my care as well as notification of the public health department.Children with a mild cold can attend care if they can participate in normal activities (if child is too sick to go outside, he/she is too sick to be at day care.). They will be monitored and if the cold reaches the point that the child will not play, has a continuous cough or the nose secretions are not clear, then the parent will be required to pick the child up and keep the child home until they have been symptom free for 24 hours. I am not equipped to care for sick or contagious children.
If your child becomes ill while in my home they will be isolated from the other children, still within sight or sound of provider, and given special attention and comfort. You will be notified immediately and will be required to pick your child up within one hour. If parent(s) can not be contacted, emergency contacts will be notified and they will be required to pick up child. If reasonable efforts are not made to pick up a sick child, the child care contract is subject to immediate termination. This policy is for the health and safety of all concerned.
Before returning to care your child must be free of ALL symptoms for 24 hours, or be accompanied by a doctor's note. If your child has been absent from care due to an illness for 3 or more days, you must bring a doctor's note indicating the child is well enough to return to care.
Emergency medical release forms are to be signed by parents. This authorizes me to seek emergency help if necessary. I follow the Ohio Dept. of Health Child Care Communicable Disease Chart for the appropriate management of suspected illness. The chart is in nursery for view by me, my helpers and parents. Children are required to be immunized for all childhood diseases according to age. This is required by law.
Children requiring prescription medication for a contagious illness must stay home until the child has been on the medication for a period of 24 hours. Some illnesses require the child to be out of care longer.
These policies benefit your child(ren) as well as other children. Your compliance is appreciated and will be compensated with the assurance that all ill children will be kept at home.
Medication
Prescription medications can not and will not be administered unless ALL the following conditions are met:
• Prescription is current
• Medication must be in original container
• Container must be labeled with child's name, doctor's name, and when to be administered
• A signed medication consent form is on file for each medication to be administeredNon-prescription medications must be in original container and labeled with child's name, name of medication and dosage. A signed consent form must also be on file for each non-prescription medication.
Please give all medications directly to me upon arrival. Do not leave them in the diaper bag or school bag.
A written log of all medication administered will be kept by the provider.
Transportation policy
I will have a written and signed permission slips from parents before transporting or escorting children away from my home for routine trips and field trips. The permission slip shall have child's name, destinations, parents signature and the date which permission was signed. The written permission for all routine trips shall be valid until withdrawn by the parents. During each field trip a new permission slip must be signed by parents and dated but the same info above will be included. Each child will have attached to them a phone number and name to contact in the event they are lost. Health records, emergency transportation authorization forms and fist aid kit are always a part of any trips. The cost of field trips are not included in your regular fees. There will be a small fee for each trip we take. Any parent wishing to go on trips is welcome. Children will never be left unsupervised in vehicle. I will have a valid drivers license and proof of insurance coverage. All children under 1 year and 20 lbs. will ride in a rear facing infant seat. All children under 4 years and 40 lbs and under will ride in a car seat. All other children will be buckled in a booster seat if necessary or a lap and or shoulder belt. The driver and all passengers will be properly restrained in seat belts before the vehicle is started and remain buckled until motor is shut off.
Drop-In Care
I do occasionally accept children for drop in care if I have a space available on any given day. Therefore if you tell me that you will not be bringing your child, there is a chance I will fill your spot for that day and you could potentially lose your day if I do so. Because of this I do require that you give me a minimum of 48 hours notice if you change your mind and want or need to bring you child to care after all on your day. You are still responsible for paying all fees for your contracted days whether your child comes to care or not. I do not accept drop-ins solely for the purpose of earning a little extra income, rather I do it as a service to all my parents, which may include you if you would ever need or want day care on an unscheduled day. Your 48 hour notice is not only put into place because I may schedule a drop-in on your day, but this will give me time to adjust my menus and activities accordingly.
Reserving Slots (new clients)
Due to a numerous number of requests for child care I do not hold spaces without pay. Each space represents a percentage of my income. When you chose to place your child in my care I will reserve the slot for you as soon as, but not before, all completed paperwork is returned to me along with the $10 paperwork/ materials fee as well as the full final 2 weeks fees (in this situation final 2 weeks fee will not be spread out over first 8 weeks of care). This acts as a commitment to me on your part. Until that time I will continue to interview for other clients. If paperwork and fees are returned to me, I will hold your slot for up to 4 weeks for normal fee. This fee is due each Monday morning. These fees are non-refundable, even if other child care arrangements are found. Late payment policies will apply to fees not received as described above.
Leave of Absence (current clients)
Unemployment, layoffs, summer vacation or any leave of longer than two weeks will be charged at the weekly fee. Your child may of course attend care for the paid hours. This fee is due each Monday morning. Late payment policies will apply to fees not received as described above.
Referrals
Referrals from a current client are one of the biggest compliments I can receive. As a special thank you, Teddy Bears' Learn & Play offers families a free day of care for each referral that enrolls. Your free day will be deducted from your weekly fee after the referred child has attended for 3 weeks. Rate of free day will be figured based on your contracted hours of care.
Child Abuse and Neglect
As a child care provider, I am obligated by the state of Ohio to report all known or suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect. As your child's well being is my first and foremost concern, I can assure you that I will not turn my head the other way if I see, hear of or suspect your child is being abused and/or neglected.
General
• Please notify me by 7:00 AM if your child will not be attending for the day. Please also notify me by 7:00 AM if your child will arrive later than normal contracted time. Failure to call me will result in a $20 fine. I need to know which children will be present each day.
• If you will not be reachable at your normal telephone number listed on your enrollment form please let me know and give me an alternate phone number if possible so that you may be contacted promptly in the event of an emergency.
• Parents are required to keep me informed of any change in address, telephone numbers and other pertinent information.
• No smoking is allowed on the premises. Please do not leave cigarette butts in the driveway, yard or walkways.
• The day care home will have fire and tornado drills at least once per month.
• Please be sure to read all newsletters and notes sent home!
• Parents are encouraged to call me at any time during the day or evening. Lots of times I will not be available to answer the phone as I am quite busy with the children. Please leave a message and I'll return your call as soon as possible.
• I will give a minimum of 2 weeks written notice of any increase in fees or significant changes to this agreement. Notification will require your signature.
• There is a kitty in the daycare home. She is up to date on all shots and is very friendly with the children.
• I maintain liability insurance on both my operation and premises, including vehicles used in transportation.
• I retain the right to enforce these policies at will. Lack of enforcement of a certain policy at any time does not indicate that the particular policy is no longer in effect.In Closing
Please remember that although I chose this profession because of my love of children, it is also my job. My family depends on my income as I am sure yours does. Prompt fee payment, adherence to pick up times, consideration for your sick child and consideration for my personal time is very much appreciated. I take my job very seriously, and am committed to the very best for your child. I consider it a privilege to have been entrusted with the care of your child, and I will always treat your child with love and respect. If at any time you have suggestions, comments or questions, please feel free to bring them to my attention.
Disclaimer: I have taken some of the information for my handbook and forms from many sources. If you find that I have used any of your information and would like credit for it, please e-mail me and I will give you proper credit. Thank you.
Special thanks to:
for the bear graphics on this page. Animated Baby (c) Kitty RoachCopyright © 2000-2004 Teddy Bears' Learn & Play Family Child Care. All rights reserved.
