| "The Kids Place"
Handbook |
W e l c o m e ! ! !
Welcome to "The Kids Place", Home Day Care and Preschool. My name is Rose, and I am a professional childcare provider. I have been operating a home day care since 1990 and a home day care and preschool since 1994. I operate a Certified Type B Family Day Care in accordance with Ohio Law. To facilitate greater understanding between us I have created this "Handbook & Contract". It covers everything from my childcare philosophies, child care service policies, to my expectations.
In order to make our relationship as enjoyable as possible, the following pages contain mutually beneficial requirements, which are necessary to ensure that there are no misunderstandings between either party. The words "I" or "me" or "my" refers to the childcare provider. The words "you" or "yours" refers to the child's/children's parent(s) or guardian(s).
Please read this handbook/contract carefully, and feel free to discuss with me any questions that you may have.
I would like to personally thank you for considering "The Kids Place" Home Day Care and Preschool, and your interest in my Family Day Care. Thank you for your patronage and for the pleasure of watching your child grow and being a part of that growth!
MY CHILD CARE PHILOSOPHY
As a family day care provider, my goal is to care for your child/children lovingly, with compassion and to provide a happy and safe environment where they can grow and learn. I will help your child become the best that they can be by placing high, yet obtainable, expectations on them and the belief that they can succeed in friendships, learning, and behavior. I believe children learn through play and benefit from a structured yet flexible schedule. Children will be taught to respect each other, adults, and property.
Since I am a family day care provider, my day care can offer the comforts of home as well as the structure of a school, or large center. It is my goal to make your child feel comfortable, secure, and at "home" I pride myself on giving each child the attention they deserve, the love and encouragement they need, and striving to help each child become "the best they can be".
"What greater joy can there be, than to touch the life of a child!"
MY QUALIFICATIONS
My home is registered in the state of Ohio as a Type B Family Child Care Service. I have completed the state's requirements including classes on Nutrition, Child Behavior, Hygiene, Communication, Infant/Toddler/Adult CPR, First Aid, Child Abuse and Neglect as well as graduating from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio with a B.S. in Education. I was certified in the state of Ohio to teach both elementary (grades 1-8) and secondary Math (grades 9-12). As well as continuing to update my training as a day care provider yearly, I also take classes that pertain to my teaching degree. I also belong to a network of family day care providers and we take pride in sharing and giving support to each other in our quest for excellence in the day care field and making a difference in a child's life. I also receive inspections by the Medina County at least twice a year and by my food program sponsor at least four times a year.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is very important to me. When I accept a new family into my home, I like to be sure that we can share openly any concerns or questions that may arise. It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between us. I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child(ren). Sensitive issues will be discussed in private outside of regular childcare hours either by telephone or conference.
Conferences will not be scheduled as a routine part of your child's care; however, should you like to have a conference, you may request one at any time.
You will receive a daily report that will share your child's day and a monthly newsletter that will explain what your child will do throughout the month, along with the curriculum theme and the objectives taught for the month. It will also give you any pertinent or fun information that may be of interest to you. You are always welcome to contribute to the newsletter.
You are encouraged to call me at any time between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00P.M. If you call during the day, please be aware that I may be busy with the children and may not be able to answer the phone. If you would leave a message on my answering machine, I will call you back as soon as possible. The best time to call me is between 1:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
I am looking forward to a terrific relationship with you and your child!
ENROLLMENT POLICY
There are several forms that I MUST have completed and in my possession before I can assume the responsibility of caring for your child. NO EXCEPTIONS! This is to ensure that your child will get the very best care possible from me. The forms are as follows:
You are required to keep me informed of any changes in address, telephone numbers, and other pertinent information listed on any/all of the above forms. If you have any questions regarding the completion of these forms, please feel free to ask.
TRIAL PERIOD
All new children will be cared for on a two-week (14 calendar days) trial period beginning on your child's first actual day of care. During that time the parent or provider may terminate the childcare agreement with 24 hours notice. After the trial period, a two-week WRITTEN NOTICE is required by either party to terminate the agreement (See Termination Policy).
HOURS OF OPERATION
Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Your specific hours will be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement. I require at least a two-week notice if you need to change your hours. I also reserve the right to terminate if the new hours will not work well for my childcare services.
I offer full-time care. In some instances I may offer part-time care, however full-time is generally preferred over part-time. I reserve the right to terminate a part-time position, if the position can be filled with a full-time family. You may opt to pay for a full-time position in order to keep your part-time position with my day care.
Please call by 8:00 A.M. if your child will not be coming for the day. This allows me to get started with the day and properly plan for the day. Also if your child will be late coming on a particular day, please call and let me know by 8:00 A.M. so that I may plan accordingly... you only need to call if your child will be later than 9:00 A.M.
At times I am available for extended hours/evening hours/weekend hours. I need at least a two-day notice for this type of care and cannot guarantee that I will always be available for this type of care. If this type of situation is agreeable to you and me there will be an additional fee of $5.00 per hour with a minimum payment of $30.00 for one child and an additional $2.00 per hour with a minimum of $10.00 for each additional child.
PAYMENT PROCEDURES
Your specific rates will be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement. Your weekly payment is due in advance, on Monday morning or your child's/children's first day of attendance for the week, unless another arrangement has been agreed upon by both parties. Payment will be accepted in the form of Personal Check or Cash. Make checks payable to: XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX.
Personal checks returned to me as non-sufficient funds will be assessed a fee of $30.00, plus all fees that are incurred from the bank. In the event that a second check is non-sufficient all fees as stated above apply as well as all future payments will be made in the form of cash.
TAXES
I will supply you with a year-end summary of all daycare fees paid during the year for tax purposes. This will be given to you by the last day in January. You will also be given a receipt of all payments made for day care services. If termination occurs I will mail a statement by the last day of January.
LATE FEES
You are scheduled for child care for the hours listed in your Contract and Rate Agreement. If you drop off before or pick up after the times agreed upon an early/late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged to your account. The payment will need to be paid by the drop off time of the next scheduled day or day care services will not continue until the fees have been paid in full. You will not be credited any days missed because of a late fee balance on your account.
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
Please have your child dressed, fed (if after breakfast is served)and ready for the day. When arriving to my home please enter through the garage door --PLEASE RING DOORBELL LOCATED AT THE GARAGE DOOR-- then proceed into garage and home. As you arrive please check bulletin board for daily messages, mail, etc... AND PLEASE SIGN YOUR CHILD IN. It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents, or cry when being dropped off. It is better to spend no more than 5-minutes during drop-off time because usually the longer you stay the harder it gets for the child. A smile, cheerful good-bye hug and kiss, and a few reassuring words that you will be back are all that is needed. In my experience, children are nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone.
When returning to pick up your child, again, please enter home through the garage door --PLEASE RING DOORBELL LOCATED AT THE GARAGE DOOR-- then proceed into garage and home. If we are out back playing, in the back yard, a note will be posted along with your sign-out sheet --please sign your child out, pick up their belongings and come around the exterior of house to pick up your child. If we are inside (no note posted) please come in, check bulletin board and mailbox, and sign your child out. I am happy to talk at this time about your child's day, however, this is a time of testing because two authority figures are present (provider and parent) so if problems do occur we will need to keep this time as brief as possible.
Please back up my rules during arrivals and departures (See House Rules).
I prefer that there are NO drop-offs or pickups during our daily quiet time -nap time-, but if necessary please inform me so I may make arrangements so that others will not be disrupted from their quiet time. Quiet time is usually from 1:30 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.
My normal procedure is to release your child(ren) to only his/her parents /guardians or someone else parents/guardians designate. If someone other than parent/guardian is to pick up the child/children, please notify me ahead of time. A verbal notice is fine on that day if this person is on the list of people who are authorized to pick up your child(ren). If the person is NOT on that list, I MUST have written permission to release your child(ren). Please inform emergency contacts, or people designated to pick up your child(ren), that if I do not know them, I will need to ask for photo identification. I do not mean to offend them. This is simply a measure taken for your child's/children's protection. I will not let a child leave without a parent's verbal permission even if that person is listed as one of your designated pickup people.
SIGNING IN & OUT
As you arrive to drop-off or pickup your child(ren) you will need to sign in/out. Each day is listed on the WEEKLY TIME IN & OUT LOG and person dropping off or picking up the child(ren) must put the TIME and SIGNATURE so that there is a written record of the child's/children's attendance, hours, and the person who brought/picked up the child each day. For your convince your child's WEEKLY TIME IN/OUT LOG will be placed next to your families mailbox, along with a pen and a clock above the bulletin board. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND I APPRECIATE YOUR DILIGENCE IN FILLING OUT THIS LOG.
OPEN DOOR POLICY
I maintain an open door policy for parents. This means that you are always welcome to call or drop in to see your child(ren) at any time during regular childcare hours. You are required to let me know of your presence before entering my home. Please ring the doorbell at garage door before entering home. My door may be locked, for the safety of all inside my home, so you may have to knock on door going in to my home (we spend time in the basement, and unfortunately the house was designed so that the doorbell can't always be heard. Usually we can hear several knocks at the door.). Also, I can not always answer the phone... your child(ren) is/are my priority. Please leave a message on my answering machine and I will return your call as soon as possible.
ABSENCES
There will be no refunds or adjustments made to your child care fee for your time missed due to illness, holidays, days off, or any other reason other than your designated vacation time (See Holidays and Vacations).
A place has been reserved for each child that cannot be filled on a short-term basis.
Although I make every attempt to keep my day care open each day, there will be occasions when I will be unable to provide care due to illness, emergency, vacation, or something unexpected. It will be your responsibility to have an alternate provider to provide care for your child during these absences. On days when I cannot provide service I will not expect to be paid for the day(s) that I am absent. I will deduct or credit your account for the days that I close my day care. I understand that you will be paying your alternate and do not feel it fair that you would have to pay twice on a given day.
At times I may have an illness in my home, yet I feel that I can adequately provide day care services as well as meet the needs of the ill person as well as keep the ill person in a different area of the home as not to expose your child(ren) unnecessarily. I will always notify parents in advance, if possible, of any illness concerns. This gives you the opportunity to decide if you want to bring your child to my home. Depending on the situation, I reserve the right to charge or credit/deduct the fee for that day if you choose not to bring your child(ren).
At times when I am unable to operate my day care, I may provide an alternate provider. Usually if I must leave for a short period or an emergency occurs. If the alternate provider is unable to care for the duration of my absence, then it will be necessary to close my day care for the time needed. A credit/deduction will be applied to your account for the closing. My alternate provider is authorized to carry out the terms of this contract.
A CREDIT will be applied to the following weeks fee if day care closes on a normal business day and your weeks payment was already made, A DEDUCTION may be applied to the week the day care closes on a normal service day IF the day care closes on your first scheduled day of the week and therefore payment has not been made.
HOLIDAYS AND VACATIONS
The following days are to be considered holidays in which no care will be provided:
New Years Eve
New Years Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Fourth of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
The Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
These are to be considered paid holidays. The exception is if 2 holidays fall in the same week (example: Thanksgiving and the Friday after Thanksgiving) a deduction of 1 day will be given. This means one day is a paid holiday and the other is not. See Contract & Rate Agreement for daily rate.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday, I will observe the holiday on the Friday before the actual holiday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, I will observe the holiday the Monday after the holiday. Payment will be as though the holiday were on the observed day.
Each family will be given a 1-week, either 5 consecutive day (Monday-Friday) or 5 days during the course of the year, vacation in which no payment will be expected per calendar year starting each January 1-st. I MUST have a ONE-WEEK WRITTEN NOTICE for the unpaid vacation. FULL PAYMENT will be expected for any extra time off that is taken other than the 1-week of vacation. Vacation days will not carry over from year to year.
I will also be taking vacation time off during the course of the year. I will give at least a 2-week notice, if not more, so that you may have time to find alternative care for your child. No payment will be expected while I am on vacation.
STATE CAPACITY
I follow the State of Ohio regulations and abide by the law that says I may have NO MORE THAN SIX CHILDREN AT ANY ONE TIME and NO MORE THAN THREE UNDER THE AGE OF TWO. The EXCEPTION to this rule is CHILDREN RELATED TO ME AND OF THE AGE OF SIX WILL NOT BE INCLUDED INTO THE RATIO.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
I prefer that no toys or personal items be brought from home, however, I understand that at times children like to bring something from home. If a child brings something from home:
1. They MUST share the toy.
2. It must be age appropriate for ALL children in my day care (so please make sure that it is not a choking hazard or that there are small pieces).
3. No weapons or guns (exception: I do allow squirt guns in the summer)
If one of the three rules about toys or personal items from home are not met, the toy or item will either be sent home with parent immediately after arriving, or it will be put up, out of reach, and given to the parent at the end of the day to take back home. Be aware that I WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TOY OR PERSONAL ITEM BROUGHT FROM HOME, WHETHER LOST, MISPLACED, OR BROKEN. All children will get a turn to play with it ,and things do happen!
MEALS
I am a participant in the Ohio Child and Adult Care Food Program. Nutritious meals (see Appendix A) for meal components) will be served to all children in my program at no extra cost to you. I have set meal times (See Daily Schedule). I post my menus on my Parent's Bulletin Board and my menus are filled-in as the meal is served. This way at the end of the day you can see what your child ate at meal times. You will be responsible to feed your child if they are not present at the start of a meal time.
Except for special occasions or if there is a reason (example: pink cookies to share with group on pink day) please do not send any food, drink, or candy with your child. Other children do not understand why they don't get one.
I believe mealtime should be pleasant, therefore, children are offered all components of the meal and are encouraged but not forced to eat. If a child refuses to eat, they will not be served any food until the next meal.
I will not administer a modified or special diet for your child.
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE
I do my best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Children's hands are washed before meals and they are cleaned up after meals. I also wash my hands often. Each child has their own sleeping bag and only they are allowed to use it. I also have a separate nap mat placed under their sleeping bag that is cleaned weekly. I also provide each child a pillow and pillow case which is washed weekly. I keep my home neat, safe, and clean as possible. Hands are washed after toileting. Bathrooms are cleaned regularly.
PETS
I have the following pets in my home, which are county registered, properly groomed, and have all updated shots:
A mixed lab/German shepherd/ terrier dog "Patches"
TOILET TRAINING
Toilet training will be done in a relaxed manner with the cooperation of the family. If potty training is begun when your child(ren) is/are ready, the task is quick and easy. If a parent undertakes the task of potty training when they want it to happen, the task is arduous and painful for all concerned. When the time is right for your child, I ask that it is started in the home. Try doing potty training over vacation, a long weekend, or even a weekend. If things go well, and we aren't having but one or two accidents a day I will be glad to start the potty training at my home. I feel children are more comfortable at home and usually have a better success rate if it is initiated at home. If the child is having more than one accident in a day, then a diaper/pull-up is still necessary while at my home. I don't mind taking children potty while in diapers/pull-ups however I will not schedule a time to go potty. They must be able to either ask to go or when asked say "yes" to going on the potty. Children potty training MUST wear pull-ups or 5-ply training pants with rubber pants over while at my home at all times, and a pull-up or diaper while napping. Pull-ups or training pants with rubber pants over will be used until I determine that your child is ready for just 5-ply training pants and then underpants.
If your child does not have immediate success they will be put back into diapers, and I ask that after a rest we start the process over. Children must be kept in pull-ups or 5-ply training pants with rubber pants at all waking periods of the day to be successful at potty training. Wearing pull-ups or training pants part-time and diapers the other time is confusing and can delay the process.
Please keep in mind that the activity level at my home can be more distracting to your child than it is at home. Therefore, children must be able to respond to going potty willingly or announce when they must go as well as have control over their bladder/bowels for a few minutes beyond that announcement.
Most importantly, when potty training begins children must wear clothes that promotes their independence. This way they can get their clothes off quickly to use the potty. I strongly urge that they wear shorts or pants with elastic waists or dresses. Try to avoid really tight clothes, pants with snaps, zippers, or belts, overalls, and onesies. These are difficult for children to remove "in a hurry". And please do not bring child in underpants until we agree that they are ready!
While potty training, children MUST have TWO COMPLETE SETS OF CLOTHES (don't forget the socks) at my house as well as a supply of diapers and pull-ups or 5-ply training pants with rubber pants.
Your child's readiness is something we can discuss because consistency between our homes is VERY IMPORTANT! This is a special time for your child, a sign that they are growing up. Toilet training should be A GOOD EXPERIENCE!
DAILY SCHEDULE
Children enjoy a structured schedule that allows for flexibility. A schedule helps the day to flow more smoothly, allows the children to anticipate coming events, and aids in achieving a variety of goals. I will adhere to my written schedule (see Appendix B) to the best of my ability, keeping in mind the present needs of the children.
NAPS & QUIET TIME
All children are required to lie down for a rest period in the afternoon (See Appendix B -Daily Schedule). All children are required to rest or sleep during this period. Rest gives everyone a much-needed break during the day. Children not in Kindergarten are required to rest for 90 minutes and will not exceed 3 hours. Children in Kindergarten or older will be required to rest for 30 to 45 minutes by reading or laying down. If they fall asleep I will let them sleep until rest time for the younger children is over.
I ask to try to avoid drop-offs and pickups during rest time. I understand at times there is a need to do so and would greatly appreciate to be forewarned before the rest period begins so that I can make arrangements so as not to disturb the other children.
Children younger than Kindergarten age must have a sleeping bag to rest in and will take their rest in the Day Care Room.
ACTIVITIES & CURRICULUM
The main goal of this child care is to have fun, improve social skills, and encourage creative expression. I will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. Freeplay, reading, puzzles, games, preschool program, arts and crafts, possible performances, computer learning games (4 and older), music and singing, puppet and flannel board stories, and educational TV and videos are examples of some of the activities your child will be involved in.
I provide a preschool program from September - May for children 2 - 5 years of age. Preschool will be three days a week usually) in which we will cover a full curriculum of subjects. Each month will have a theme in which many of our lessons will relate to and help reinforce the theme as well as learn the concept. Please understand that I am not "certified" to teach preschool nor is my program a "Preschool". I offer the "preschool program" as an added activity your child will receive while they are in my care. At times I do have openings just for the hours I offer the "preschool program" and am willing to care for children just during these hours.
Lessons might include arts and crafts, songs (music), recognizing numbers and counting (pre-math), talking about animals (science), learning how to cross a street (safety skills), catching a ball (physical education), recognizing letters and their sounds (pre-reading), playing games (social skills), and much more. We have daily activity papers your child will bring home to share and most even have suggestions to reinforce and get involved in your child's education. This way you know what fun things we are doing each day and are able to be involved in the excitement of watching your child learn. We do many hands-on learning activities in preschool - worksheets just supplement and reinforce what we are learning.
In order for your child to obtain the full curriculum they need to be three years of age. I do include two year olds in preschool curriculum, but we do simplify some of their work so they can do it and do succeed.
There is a supply list that you must supply for your child in order for them to participate. (See Appendix C for supply list and monthly themes and concepts being taught for the months of the two-year cycle) You will also receive a monthly newsletter that will tell you what we will be doing in our preschool curriculum, as well as, any other supplies your child may need.
T.V. VIEWING
I limit the amount of t.v. viewing to no more than one-fourth of their time spent here. Programs will be carefully monitored. If any parent disagrees with what is being watched, their wishes will be respected.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
You are always welcome to get involved in your child's day care experience. You are welcome and encouraged to participate in whatever way you can. Some ways parents have been able to participate are:
Chaperoning on field trips
Lending objects of study that go along with our preschool program
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are learning or reviewing there school papers
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Suggestions for involvement are always taken, so please share your suggestion with me.
 
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©"The Kids Place" Home Daycare and Preschool 2005
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