Policy Handbook
Background Checks
Provider, all family members and substitutes have clean background checks as required for a licensed child care home.
Child Ratio
I stay within the state ratios at all times.
Due to child ratio limits, scheduled days and hours of care will be followed strictly. If I have any open spots for a day, they will be filled on a first come first serve basis.
Daily Sign In/Out
Parents must sign-in the child each morning with full signature or first initial and full last name.
Parents must also sign-out each time children are picked up from care.
Unless prior arrangements have been made in writing and presented by the parent in person, only parents or parent designee listed on the registration card may pick up a child.
Clothing
Parents will provide a change of clothing. Children should wear washable, comfortable play clothes according to the weather and suitable for messy activities.
Shoes are required to protect the children's feet. The children play outside daily and parents should bring appropriate outdoor clothing each day.
Your infant or toddler may bring a favorite blanket or stuffed toy for naptime.
Children’s soiled clothing will be placed in a plastic bag to be taken home and washed.
Disposable diapers are required. Diapers and wipes will be supplied by the Provider.
I will assist parents in toilet training children as the child shows interest (usually 13-18 months old) and developmental readiness.
Supplies
Parents should provide combs, hairbrushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste in a plastic bag. 12 months old and up brush teeth after lunch and supper.
I am not responsible for children’s personal possessions. Children may wish to bring a “security” item from home to ease transition from home to the Child Care home; however, parents are generally asked to not to send personal items/ toys with their children as it may become lost or mixed up with another child's things.
I provide diapers and wipes and food.
Nap and Rest Time
Nap and rest time is an important part of the daily routine, which allows children to restore their energy. While children are not forced to sleep, they are encouraged to rest at least one hour.
Transportation
This ONLY applies to children that need care for the evening, nights or weekends. We are a Christian family, and children in care during church times would attend church with me and my family. Children in care on Saturday mornings go with us to watch our sons' bowling league. Transporting children for any reason requires a signed form giving provider permission to transport children.
Nutrition and Meal Service
Breakfast will be served at 8:30 am
Lunch will be served at 11:30 pm
Afternoon Snack will be served at 3:30 pm
If a child does not eat at the meal/snack time, they will have to wait until the next meal/snack time before they are offered something to eat again. Please feed your children if they miss a meal more than hour past the time it is served. Please do NOT bring food or drinks from home.
I participate in the USDA Adult and Child Care Food Program. Menus will be posted on my bulletin board
each week for parents to see.
Special dietary request will only be accommodated with a Doctor’s note stating that a special diet is required. Parents shall also note any known allergies to food or other substances.
I provide meals to all children in my care. I will provide Enfamil Gentilease and Gerber Good Start Soy. If a parent declines this offer of formula, they must sign a form stating that they decline and will provide an unopened can of formula to the Child Care Home. Breast milk must be brought to Providers’ home in a bottle ready to serve, dated and labeled.
Health/ Illness
As part of the admission procedure, parents shall certify that their child is free from obvious illness and is in good health. Children accepted for care must be free of communicable disease. I will observe each child for obvious signs of illness upon arrival and before the parent leaves. Parents will be responsible for arranging the pickup of the child within an hour of phone call.
Children shall not return until sufficient time/treatment has elapsed. Without a statement from a medical facility or physician, the child may not be accepted back into care.
In an effort to prevent the spread of disease, children shall be denied admission or sent home if one or more of
the following conditions exist, (this list may not include all excluded conditions):
Medications
I am required to adhere to strict regulations regarding administering medication. All medication shall be kept out of the reach of children in a locked area. A medical release or current medication label is required from the physician that certifies the medication is necessary and provides information concerning dosage, time(s) of day, and duration of administration. I am required to keep a written medication log with record of date, time and amount of medication administered. Parents must provide children with the first dose of medication.
Topical Non-Prescription Products
If you want Sunscreen, Diaper Rash Cream/Ointment, Dry Skin Cream/Lotion, Petroleum Jelly or other topical products used on your child you must sign a form giving Provider permission to apply topical non-prescription products that you supply.
Positive Guidance/Discipline Policy
Positive Guidance means guiding and directing children toward acceptable behavior. The most important
goal of Positive Guidance is to help children gain inner controls. I redirect children based on an understanding of individual needs and behaviors of children at varying developmental levels. Consistent, positive methods are used such as redirection, praise for appropriate activities and if necessary separation from an activity (no longer than five minutes) to help children learn the consequences of their actions. Simple understandable rules are established so
limitations and expectations are clearly defined.
Touch Policy
Physical contact is important for a child’s development. Children’s self-esteem grows when they are cared for in a loving manner.
Acceptable forms of touch by Provider are:
Nurturing Touches: Hugging, holding on laps, rocking, rubbing and patting backs
Comforting Touches: holding or carrying in arms, kissing foreheads or injured fingers, etc.
Touches for Necessary Restraint: To protect the child or any person, from injury, to facilitate separation from the parent at arrival or departure, holding tightly in arms or carrying in arms.
Unacceptable touch can have a negative impact on children and is prohibited. This includes any form of
physical punishment (slapping, hitting, shaking, jerking, etc.), isolating a child or intentional touching of a child’s intimate body parts for any reason other than routine physical care of the child.
Child Abuse Reporting
Parents are asked to point out to the Provider any existing cuts, bumps, bruises or injuries. I am required by
law to report any suspected cases of abuse or neglect.
Pet Policy
Thunder is our pet Sheltie. We have had him for 13 years, and he has never shown any type of aggression. He is current on all immunizations and is free from any disease. He is on a flea, tick and worm control program. Children are not allowed to chase or abuse Thunder.
Probation Period
The first two weeks of care for any child will be considered a probationary period. Either party may
terminate care within the first two weeks without notice for any reason.
Sick and Personal Days
For any days that I cannot provide care due to sickness in my family or a personal emergency, you are not
required to pay. I will notify families with as much notice as possible if I need to close suddenly.
Parent Vacation/Sick Days
Parents will be required to pay in advance for vacation time to hold their child's spot with me. When a child will
miss a day of care due to illness, parent will let me know as soon as possible that their child will not be present. Payment is required for days missed due to a child or parent's illness.
Provider Vacation
I reserve the right to take 2 weeks of vacation time each year of unpaid vacation: one week at Christmas and one week during June/July.
Holidays
I will be closed on all Federal Holidays plus Black Friday; these days will not be deducted from the agreed upon fee.
Parents Terminating Child Care
Parents may terminate care with 2 weeks’ notice given in writing. Parents are required to pay in full for
the final two weeks of care whether or not the child is present.
Provider Terminating Child Care
I reserve the right to terminate care with two weeks written notice, with the exception of non-payment in which two weeks is not required.
In the event of termination of the contract, all childcare fees and late fees will become immediately due and
payable. In the event that collection becomes necessary, you will be responsible for all costs of collection, including collection agency fees, attorney’s fees and court costs.
Back-up Provider
I have substitute care providers which work for me in my home as needed. In case of emergency, parents may be asked to pick children up from childcare.
Background Checks
Provider, all family members and substitutes have clean background checks as required for a licensed child care home.
Child Ratio
I stay within the state ratios at all times.
Due to child ratio limits, scheduled days and hours of care will be followed strictly. If I have any open spots for a day, they will be filled on a first come first serve basis.
Daily Sign In/Out
Parents must sign-in the child each morning with full signature or first initial and full last name.
Parents must also sign-out each time children are picked up from care.
Unless prior arrangements have been made in writing and presented by the parent in person, only parents or parent designee listed on the registration card may pick up a child.
Clothing
Parents will provide a change of clothing. Children should wear washable, comfortable play clothes according to the weather and suitable for messy activities.
Shoes are required to protect the children's feet. The children play outside daily and parents should bring appropriate outdoor clothing each day.
Your infant or toddler may bring a favorite blanket or stuffed toy for naptime.
Children’s soiled clothing will be placed in a plastic bag to be taken home and washed.
Disposable diapers are required. Diapers and wipes will be supplied by the Provider.
I will assist parents in toilet training children as the child shows interest (usually 13-18 months old) and developmental readiness.
Supplies
Parents should provide combs, hairbrushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste in a plastic bag. 12 months old and up brush teeth after lunch and supper.
I am not responsible for children’s personal possessions. Children may wish to bring a “security” item from home to ease transition from home to the Child Care home; however, parents are generally asked to not to send personal items/ toys with their children as it may become lost or mixed up with another child's things.
I provide diapers and wipes and food.
Nap and Rest Time
Nap and rest time is an important part of the daily routine, which allows children to restore their energy. While children are not forced to sleep, they are encouraged to rest at least one hour.
Transportation
This ONLY applies to children that need care for the evening, nights or weekends. We are a Christian family, and children in care during church times would attend church with me and my family. Children in care on Saturday mornings go with us to watch our sons' bowling league. Transporting children for any reason requires a signed form giving provider permission to transport children.
Nutrition and Meal Service
Breakfast will be served at 8:30 am
Lunch will be served at 11:30 pm
Afternoon Snack will be served at 3:30 pm
If a child does not eat at the meal/snack time, they will have to wait until the next meal/snack time before they are offered something to eat again. Please feed your children if they miss a meal more than hour past the time it is served. Please do NOT bring food or drinks from home.
I participate in the USDA Adult and Child Care Food Program. Menus will be posted on my bulletin board
each week for parents to see.
Special dietary request will only be accommodated with a Doctor’s note stating that a special diet is required. Parents shall also note any known allergies to food or other substances.
I provide meals to all children in my care. I will provide Enfamil Gentilease and Gerber Good Start Soy. If a parent declines this offer of formula, they must sign a form stating that they decline and will provide an unopened can of formula to the Child Care Home. Breast milk must be brought to Providers’ home in a bottle ready to serve, dated and labeled.
Health/ Illness
As part of the admission procedure, parents shall certify that their child is free from obvious illness and is in good health. Children accepted for care must be free of communicable disease. I will observe each child for obvious signs of illness upon arrival and before the parent leaves. Parents will be responsible for arranging the pickup of the child within an hour of phone call.
Children shall not return until sufficient time/treatment has elapsed. Without a statement from a medical facility or physician, the child may not be accepted back into care.
In an effort to prevent the spread of disease, children shall be denied admission or sent home if one or more of
the following conditions exist, (this list may not include all excluded conditions):
- Temperature of 100 or higher-Auxiliary (under the arm)
- Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness (such as unusual lethargy, uncontrolled coughing, irritability, persistent crying, difficult breathing, wheezing
- Uncontrolled diarrhea: increased number of stools; increased stool water, and/or decreased form that is contained by the diaper. (Three times in eight hours)
- Vomiting illness: two or more episodes in the previous 24 hours
- Rash with fever or joint pain; until health care provider determines communicable disease is not indicated
- Purulent conjunctivitis (defined as pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge)
- Scabies, head lice, or other infestation
- Tuberculosis, until a health care provider or health official states that the child can attend child care
- Impetigo
- Hemphilus influenza type B (HIB) and meningococcal infection
- Strep-throat or other streptococcal infection
- Chicken pox, at least until 6 days after onset of rash, but in any event not until all sores have dried and crusted
- Pertussis, until 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment has been received
- Mumps, until 9 days after onset of parotid gland swelling
- Hepatitis A virus as directed by the appropriate health official.
- Measles, until 6 days after onset of rash
- Rubella, until 6 days after onset of rash
Medications
I am required to adhere to strict regulations regarding administering medication. All medication shall be kept out of the reach of children in a locked area. A medical release or current medication label is required from the physician that certifies the medication is necessary and provides information concerning dosage, time(s) of day, and duration of administration. I am required to keep a written medication log with record of date, time and amount of medication administered. Parents must provide children with the first dose of medication.
Topical Non-Prescription Products
If you want Sunscreen, Diaper Rash Cream/Ointment, Dry Skin Cream/Lotion, Petroleum Jelly or other topical products used on your child you must sign a form giving Provider permission to apply topical non-prescription products that you supply.
Positive Guidance/Discipline Policy
Positive Guidance means guiding and directing children toward acceptable behavior. The most important
goal of Positive Guidance is to help children gain inner controls. I redirect children based on an understanding of individual needs and behaviors of children at varying developmental levels. Consistent, positive methods are used such as redirection, praise for appropriate activities and if necessary separation from an activity (no longer than five minutes) to help children learn the consequences of their actions. Simple understandable rules are established so
limitations and expectations are clearly defined.
Touch Policy
Physical contact is important for a child’s development. Children’s self-esteem grows when they are cared for in a loving manner.
Acceptable forms of touch by Provider are:
Nurturing Touches: Hugging, holding on laps, rocking, rubbing and patting backs
Comforting Touches: holding or carrying in arms, kissing foreheads or injured fingers, etc.
Touches for Necessary Restraint: To protect the child or any person, from injury, to facilitate separation from the parent at arrival or departure, holding tightly in arms or carrying in arms.
Unacceptable touch can have a negative impact on children and is prohibited. This includes any form of
physical punishment (slapping, hitting, shaking, jerking, etc.), isolating a child or intentional touching of a child’s intimate body parts for any reason other than routine physical care of the child.
Child Abuse Reporting
Parents are asked to point out to the Provider any existing cuts, bumps, bruises or injuries. I am required by
law to report any suspected cases of abuse or neglect.
Pet Policy
Thunder is our pet Sheltie. We have had him for 13 years, and he has never shown any type of aggression. He is current on all immunizations and is free from any disease. He is on a flea, tick and worm control program. Children are not allowed to chase or abuse Thunder.
Probation Period
The first two weeks of care for any child will be considered a probationary period. Either party may
terminate care within the first two weeks without notice for any reason.
Sick and Personal Days
For any days that I cannot provide care due to sickness in my family or a personal emergency, you are not
required to pay. I will notify families with as much notice as possible if I need to close suddenly.
Parent Vacation/Sick Days
Parents will be required to pay in advance for vacation time to hold their child's spot with me. When a child will
miss a day of care due to illness, parent will let me know as soon as possible that their child will not be present. Payment is required for days missed due to a child or parent's illness.
Provider Vacation
I reserve the right to take 2 weeks of vacation time each year of unpaid vacation: one week at Christmas and one week during June/July.
Holidays
I will be closed on all Federal Holidays plus Black Friday; these days will not be deducted from the agreed upon fee.
Parents Terminating Child Care
Parents may terminate care with 2 weeks’ notice given in writing. Parents are required to pay in full for
the final two weeks of care whether or not the child is present.
Provider Terminating Child Care
I reserve the right to terminate care with two weeks written notice, with the exception of non-payment in which two weeks is not required.
In the event of termination of the contract, all childcare fees and late fees will become immediately due and
payable. In the event that collection becomes necessary, you will be responsible for all costs of collection, including collection agency fees, attorney’s fees and court costs.
Back-up Provider
I have substitute care providers which work for me in my home as needed. In case of emergency, parents may be asked to pick children up from childcare.