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Parent's Portal
Parental Access & Involvement
After enrollment, parents have access to, and are free to observe all areas of the facility used for childcare during operating hours, without appointment. Parent involvement can make a difference in a child’s education. We provide various ways and opportunities for parents to be involved in a variety of activities throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to attend all events; such as being a chaperone on field trips, reading to the class, sharing information about your profession, attending functions and celebration events, volunteering to help with projects and games, and sharing about cultural traditions. Speak to your child’s teacher about how you can become involved in the classroom and your child’s educational experience.
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Policies
Children learn a great deal from our daily play activities. Playing with play dough, finger painting, drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, singing, reading books, planting flowers in the garden, pretending to be fire fighters, or making snow angels are typical activities that we might do. I strongly believe that children learn by doing and I try to provide activities that are appropriate for children of different ages and interests. As these activities can be a bit messy, I encourage you to dress your children in comfortable, washable play clothes every day. I will not be responsible for stained or torn clothes. You are welcome to clean up and change your child when you pick up if needed for your after-work activities.
I take the children outside every day for fresh air and exercise. We will bundle up and go outside on cold
days for at least a few minutes. On warm, sunny days we may spend a lot of time outdoors. Please make
certain your child has appropriate clothing for outside play. Sunscreen and bug spray will be used when
needed. If you have special preference regarding brand, please provide it with your child’s name on the
bottle. If you prefer none be used at all, provide a written note to that effect.
Communication between us is especially important. I welcome questions, feedback or discussions of any
kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for your child(ren). I like to be certain we can discuss any
concerns or questions that may arise. Notices may be posted on the door and letters may be placed in your
child’s cubby. Please be sure to read these. Not reading them may cause problems. You may call me any
time during the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. If you call during the day, be aware that I may be busy with the
children and unable to answer the phone. Kindly leave a message and I will return your call as soon as
possible. For faster response, please text me. I am able to respond to text easier while the children are
engaged in activities or rest. Sensitive issues will be discussed in private—outside of regular childcare hours
either by phone or by conference. A conference is not routinely scheduled but may be requested at any
time.
There are several forms that must be completed and returned to me before I can begin care of your child. It
is suggested you make copies of these forms for your own record. These forms include: Registration form Health Record (within 60 days) Emergency medical release form Immunization Record
Handbook Child and Adult Food Care Program enrollment form Signed Child Care Agreement
A payment equivalent to TWO weeks of childcare is due at registration. Without the completed registration
forms and the deposit, a spot will not be held. The 2-week deposit will be credited to the last two weeks of
childcare when you turn in your two weeks exit notice. If enrollment is delayed or terminated by you, the
parents/guardians, before it begins, half of the amount will be credited to the cost of holding a spot that another child could have enrolled in. You are required to keep me informed of any changes of address, phone, or other pertinent information on
any of those forms. These forms are also updated yearly and lack of cooperation in their update can result in
termination since most are forms required by licensing standards.
Your specific childcare rates are outlined in our Contract agreement. Payment is made for the spot reserved,
not the time used. Payment is payable by the end of the business day on Friday for the next week of
childcare unless other arrangements have been agreed upon. If this day is a holiday or other scheduled day
in which childcare is closed, or your child will be absent, payment is expected on the previous day. If you go
on vacation, payment for the next week of childcare is due on the last day of childcare prior to your
vacation. If provider goes on vacation, payment that would otherwise be due during that vacation period is
due on the last day of childcare prior to that vacation. (Most often, those checks may be post-dated.)
Payments may be made in cash or by check made payable to Michelle Schwarz (providing no checks are
returned for insufficient funds or post-dated). There will be a $20.00 per day fee for payments received
after pick up time on Friday, or the date due—whichever comes first. Late fees continue to accrue on
weekends. Repeated late payments may be grounds for termination. I ask you to consider how you would
feel if your employer did not give you your paycheck on your expected payday.
I will give you a minimum of one-month notice of any increase in childcare fees. Payments made are not
reimbursed if care is terminated or interrupted for any breach of contract by the parent. If your childcare
account remains unpaid for any reason, you will be responsible for all fees incurred by the provider to collect
those fees. This is including, but not limited to, postage, printing, long-distance phone calls, income lost due
to closure of childcare, and legal expenses. Any care provided on an “as needed/if available” basis will
require payment no later than drop-off time on the morning of care.
Payment is the responsibility of the parent contracting services. Payment from other (third) parties is not the
responsibility of the provider. Provider will, however, cooperate with a third party when appropriate. It is the
parent’s responsibility to ensure the entire payment is made on time. Late fees continue to accrue if third
party payments are not timely, and the parent does not self-pay.
In the event of your extended absence due to maternity, disability, or other leave from your job (i.e., teacher
off for summer), I still require full childcare payments for the entire time of your absence to hold your child’s
spot at Little Darlings Daycare. Payments for the coming week are due by Friday of the week before. If
payment is not timely, your child’s spot may not be reserved.
If a check is returned to me for non-sufficient funds, you will be required to pay all fees I incur as a result of
the returned fee as well as a $35.00 NSF fee. Childcare services may be immediately halted until full
payment of all fees—tuition and NSF charges—has been made in cash. In addition, future payments from
you will be required in cash if there is a second occurrence.
My time is valuable to me (and to my family) and is not free. It may cost you to be early in dropping off or
late in picking up your child. Late/early fees for care not pre-arranged and agreed to in advance by provider
will be incurred at the rate of $25 per quarter hour or portion thereof. These fees are calculated from the
times specified in our agreement. Please do not call/text at the last minute that you are running late. When
you know you may be late, it is your responsibility to have an authorized person pick up your child. I do not
want to work “overtime” without prior agreement. Please do not “assume” it is okay to be early/late because
another child will still be here. While often the case, you may not be aware of a change in the schedules of
other families, and I may have plans. Just as you do, I schedule appointments around my planned work
hours, as well as look forward to time with family and other activities in the evenings. Consideration for, and
respect of, providers personal and family time is anticipated and appreciated. Repeated misuse of the hours
of operation may result in termination of your contract. The late fee will also apply to noticed early closings
that have been scheduled for any reason.
Your specific hours are outlined in our childcare agreement document. Your scheduled drop off and pick up time is according to your work schedule—in most cases allowing ½ hour travel time to and from work. Two parent homes should share in the responsibility of dropping off and picking up in such a way (if possible) as to avoid the child being in childcare any longer than necessary. Just as adults feel their workday is long, so
does a child. A nine- or ten-hour day in childcare is a long day for a child and should be, whenever possible,
alleviated with this practice, which will also allow more quality family time. I do reserve the right to excuse
overtime charges for an occasional unscheduled time of care. But because I may excuse it one time, it does
not imply that it will be waived other times.
I require a minimum of two weeks’ notice if you need to change your enrollment hours on a regular basis.
Care may be terminated if the new hours will not work well for my childcare business.
The rate remains the same if your child(ren) does not attend childcare during your reserved time. Parents
are paying for a reserved spot, not for hours used. Provider depends on commitment and adherence to
these times in scheduling childcare and personal activities, and in accepting other children into childcare.
In January of each year, I will provide you with a total of all daycare fees paid during the year for tax
purposes. If care is terminated prior to January, the statement will be mailed to you at your last known
address. You may request a statement at any time during the year.
I maintain an open-door policy for parents. This means you are always welcome to call or drop-in to see your child any time during childcare hours. If the door is unlocked, you are welcome to enter without
knocking. I may be involved in something best not walked away from. I believe you have the right to walk in and observe your child as they normally are in childcare. However, for safety’s sake, if you come (especially outside of anticipated hours of drop-off and pick-up), you may find the doors locked. I do not want strangers or unknown visitors to enter without permission or knowledge. I also do not want children leaving my home unsupervised. Their safety is my first priority.
It is normal for children to sometimes have difficulty separating from parents, and to cry, when being
dropped off. Please be brief in doing so. The longer you prolong your departure, the more difficult it may
get. Please be brief at pick up times also. These can be a time of testing when two different authority
figures are present (parent and provider), and the children may test to see if the rules will apply. During
arrival and pick-up, please also allow your child to do for him/herself that which he/she is capable of doing.
That includes hanging up coats, putting shoes/boots away, etc. This fosters their abilities, confidence, and
independence. During arrivals and departure, all rules will apply and parental cooperation in this is
expected. If needed, I will remind your child that their behavior is inappropriate and take corrective action.
Please do not allow your child to go outside if you are inside, or to your car without you if we are outside.
The safety rule is “No child goes outside without their parent.” Cars shall be turned off while in the driveway
during arrival and pick-up time. Normal procedure is to release the child to the parents or someone the
parents designate. If someone other than you is to pick up the child, please give me advance notice. A
verbal notice is acceptable if the person is on your list of authorized pick-up people. A written notice or text
message is required for those not on that list. Please inform those others who may pick up your child that, if
I do not know them, I will ask for photo identification. This is not meant to offend but is for your child’s
protection. The designated quiet/nap time is 12:00 pm to2:30 pm. If you must pick up or drop off at that
time, please text me when you are nearby. I will meet you outside to avoid disrupting the napping children.
There will be no refunds made to your childcare fee for time missed due to illness, holidays, or days off. A
place has been reserved for each child that cannot be filled on a short-term basis. Although I will make
every attempt to be available each day, there may be occasions when illness or other situations arise, and I
am unable to provide childcare. It will be your responsibility to secure alternate care for such occasions that I
cannot provide back-up care and to provide payment to that substitute. The parent agrees to inform the provider by 8 a.m. if the child is not coming for the day, or if the child will be coming later than their reserved time. This is important as it relates to our daily activities. Your child could be the only one in attendance that day, we could have activities planned, or we could be waiting to leave the childcare premises that day. Waiting for your child in any of these potential situations is not fair to the others involved. If a child arrives later than their contracted time without notice, or arrives significantly earlier than usual, parent accepts the “risk” that provider may be off site with the other childcare children. (See next section.)
Provider will occasionally leave the premises with your child. This could include a walk around the
neighborhood, a walk to the park, or in the car for routine errands such as grocery shopping. Provider will
be considerate so as not to upset parent’s normal and contracted schedule. Acceptance of this contract
implies consent, thus not requiring separate “field trip” permission slips each time.
Occasionally childcare will schedule a field trip for the children. Parents will be given advance notice, with a
permission slip to sign. Parents will be advised if there is a fee not covered by the provider. Sample field
trips include apple or pumpkin picking, McDonalds, and the Kid Time Museum. If a field trip is scheduled and
your child cannot attend for any reason, you will need to make alternate arrangements for care of your child.
Parents are welcome to join us on any field trip at their own expense. All children will be placed in safety-
approved car seats as required by state laws. I carry copies of the emergency medical release forms as well
as your child’s registration form in the event of an emergency.
Childcare will be closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day July
4th, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Additionally, childcare will close at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Any of the above that
falls on a Saturday will be observed on the Friday prior. Any of the above that falls on a Sunday will be
observed the following Monday. All the above are with pay to the provider.
Provider will have three weeks paid vacation. Said vacation may be taken in weekly increments or broken
up into smaller increments as desired. A minimum of two weeks’ notice will be given for vacation days
taken. Vacation days may also be taken as sick/urgent personal days. As much notice as possible will be
provided, but provider is not required to give advance notice in such situations. You are responsible for
alternate care in all cases.
After six months of care, parents may take one-week vacation where childcare is UNPAID per year,
provided it is not during a paid closing or vacation, and provided a minimum of two weeks WRITTEN notice
is given. Such a vacation is allowed for one child on any given week. The one approved will be the family
that first submits their request in writing. Payment will be required for any other time off you take. It is
acceptable if you prefer to use your vacation week as separate days. In the event of using one day instead
of a week, the amount credited will be your rate divided by five. Two-week written notice is still required.
Any vacation time, yours, or mine, not used within one year calendar year (January 1 to December 31) will
be forfeited. Vacation time will not accrue. No reduced payment because of your vacation time is to coincide
with that vacation time. Payments made (due to lack of notice or any other reason) will not be credited for a
later time. Vacation may not be applied to your final two weeks of childcare or to outstanding debts from
late pick-up or late payment fees. You may not use vacation days when your child is in attendance. It is not
my responsibility to remind you that you have vacation days remaining. However, you may inquire, and I will
check my records for you.
Childcare will generally remain open on days of inclement weather. It does not necessarily close if the
school systems close, however provider reserves the right to close if provider deems circumstances warrant
closure. If any such closure is called due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, including
but not limited to the childcare home having no heat, water, or electricity, a closure of this nature does not
constitute a vacation day but is with pay to the provider.
You are required to leave a full change of clothing for your child. It should fit them and be suitable for the
current season. This is to include socks and underwear. In the summer, your child will need a sunhat/ball
cap for protection from the sun and a swimsuit and t-shirt for water activities. In the winter, your child will
require a snowsuit, boots, hat and mittens. Failure to provide these items may prevent your child from
playing outside. I will provide sunscreen unless you prefer a specific brand. If you do, you may provide that
yourself. Please put your child’s name on the bottle. I will provide a nap mat and blanket for each child. I will provide a port-a-crib with sheet and blanket for infants. Toys are not to be brought from home. This creates disruptions to our day. Additionally, children have a difficult time sharing their special toys. If you allow you child to bring something from home, it will be sent back with the parent dropping off. I am not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal belongings.
We provide breakfast and snacks at no extra charge to you. If your child will not be here
during breakfast (8-8:30), please make sure they have had something.
Toilet training will be done in a relaxed manner with the cooperation of the family. If begun when your child
is ready, the task is generally easy and quick. If a parent begins when they want it to happen, the task is a
struggle for all. Two to two and one-half years old is a good time to start looking for the signs of readiness.
We can discuss your child’s readiness at any point. When we agree that the time is right to begin, he/she
should wear clothes that promote their independence. That means your child should not wear onesies,
bibbed overalls or items with snaps, buckles, and zippers. These are difficult to remove when the child is in
a hurry. Sweatpants/shorts with elastic waistbands or dresses are best. I ask you to begin training at home
during a weekend or vacation. If/when your child has had success at home, I will follow through and
encourage your child while in my care. If the child is ready, the process should proceed quickly and easily.
Please keep in mind the activity level at childcare can distract your child from responding to an urge to use
the potty—more so than at home. Therefore, I will continue to use diapers or pull-ups (Pull-ups are to be the
type that open on the sides, as well as pull up) until the child can and will announce he/she must use the
bathroom and can control his/her bladder and bowels for a few minutes beyond that announcement–not
just at home, but at childcare as well. This is a special time for your child and means he/she is growing up.
We want toilet training to be a good experience.
All children are required to lie down for a rest period in the afternoon. Rest/quiet time (generally 12:00 pm
to 2:30 pm) gives everyone a much-needed break during the day. No one is required to sleep, but without
rest time, some children become argumentative, short-tempered, and grouchy in the afternoon. Studies
have shown the lack of a rest time makes bedtime more difficult for children. I provide nap mats/cots and
blankets. If your child has a special blanket he/she naps with, your child is welcome to bring it. It will be put
up until naptime. Infant’s nap at varying times throughout the day and their needs will be accommodated.
Somewhere between 12 and 18 months they generally adjust to just one nap per day. Then I will attempt to
get them in sync with the scheduled nap/rest time.
Respect for my profession, my home, my family, and me is appreciated and anticipated. The respect you
show me, including my home, furnishings, equipment, yard, and other children will communicate itself to
your child and will make a better working relationship. There are certain house rules that all children will be
taught and expected to follow. Additionally, although I expect normal “wear and tear,” I do not want my
house “demolished.” For everyone’s safety and well-being, the following rules will be enforced:
1. No running in the house.
2. No hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or punching other children/infants/adults.
3. No standing or climbing on chairs, tables, or furniture.
4. No use of obscene language, derogatory or disrespectful language.
5. Children are required to sit with food or drink. This includes bottles.
6. Children are not allowed to lift or carry other children in my home.
7. Respectful treatment of other people, all property, toys and furniture are expected.
Please support me in the modeling, teaching and enforcement of these rules to create a better environment
for all.
Discipline is a tool for teaching a child. This is done with love, consistency, and firmness. Emphasis for
discipline is based on respect of others and property. The children are explained the rules frequently and all
are familiar with them. Please keep in mind there will be disagreements between children. Young children,
especially, who are not proficient at communication, have a hard time expressing themselves. Sometimes
they hit or throw things, etc. Although teaching children appropriate behavior is what I will be doing,
remember that, in most cases, this behavior is normal. The following methods of discipline will be used:
Encourage and assist children to solve problems themselves, intervention and discussion, re-direction to
another activity and loss of privileges. If a behavior issue becomes chronic and needs attention, I will let you
know so we can discuss it. Continuity in discipline between homes would be helpful to your child and the
unwanted behavior. Such behaviors might include biting, using bad words, chronic hitting, etc. Together we
will work to find a solution. If your child’s behavior prevents me from being able to properly care for the
other children, you may be called to remove your child from care for a day. If the behavior continues, for the
safety and well-being of all, childcare for your child may be terminated. As a home childcare provider, I am
obligated by law to report any evidence of child abuse—physical or emotional, and neglect. This is strictly
for the benefit of your child.
A child with signs of a contagious condition may not attend daycare. The health and well-being of all
children must be considered first. I do not have the facilities to care for sick children, so it necessary to
arrange alternative care for your child when he/she is ill. Sometimes it is hard to remember that, when a sick
child is brought to childcare, the other children and I, and our families, are also at risk of exposure. How
would you feel if another parent brought their sick child and exposed your child? I will always respect your
need to be at work. But I do ask, when deciding if your child should be at home, you consider the other
children. If another child were as ill as your child, would you want your well child exposed to these
symptoms? There are also times when a child is not that ill but is terribly uncomfortable and really needs
some “one on one” at home with a parent. At those times I strongly urge you to consider keeping your child
home. If your child is unable to participate in the day’s normal activities, or would require more care than I
can give, considering the other children in care, then your child must stay home. Our goal is to keep your
children safe and healthy by allowing time for rest and recuperation.
Fever is defined as having a temperature over 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit taken under the arm, over 99.5
degrees if taken orally, or over 100.4 degrees if taken rectally. A child needs to be fever free for a minimum
of twenty-four (24) hours before returning to childcare. That means the child is fever free without the aid of
fever reducing medications. If they were absent/sent home with a fever one day, they would automatically
be excluded from attending the next day.
If your child is sick during the day, you will be called to pick up your child as soon as possible and the child
will be isolated until you can pick him/her up.
In accordance with licensing regulations, provider shall observe each child each day for injuries and
symptoms of illness which:
1. Impair or prohibit the child’s participation in the regular childcare activities; or
2. Require more care than provider can provide without compromising the health and safety of the ill or
injured child or the other children.
The symptoms of illness referenced above shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Uncontrolled coughing or wheezing.
4. Unusual or extreme fatigue or lethargy.
5. Skin lesions that have not been diagnosed or treated by a licensed health practitioner.
6. Fever, especially, but not necessarily combined with any of the following:
a. Diarrhea
b. Rash
c. Earache
d. Sore throat, or
e. Vomiting
When a child exhibits symptom of illness as specified above, you will be contacted and informed of the
need for him/her to be removed from care. You are required to pick up your child within 60 minutes of
notification. If a parent cannot be reached, I will contact the emergency contacts on your registration form.
The child may not return until he/she is symptom free without the aid of medication (prescription or OTC)
for 24 hours. If your child has been diagnosed with the flu or Covid19, their return to childcare will be up to
7 days from the time they become ill.
If you want me to give medication to your child, I must have a written order from a physician and a note
from you authorizing me to do so. The note must include how much and how often I am to give the
medication. The frequency of administration must not be more than recommended if it is an OTC
medication, or more than the doctor prescribed. Medication should be labeled and in the original container
with the child’s name and dosage. If you have taken your child to the doctor’s and he or she is placed on a
medication, he/she may not return to childcare until the child has been off the medication for 24 hours. If
you have given your child any medication (prescription or OTC) in the 24 hours prior to childcare, I should
be told what it is and why it was given.
Parents of a child diagnosed with any contagious condition (measles, mumps, chicken pox, flue,
conjunctivitis, etc.) are asked to notify the provider as soon as possible so other parents may be notified.
I reserve the right to determine when a child should be excluded from childcare based upon what illness
they had, how long they were absent, and if they can participate actively in our normal routine as compared
to needing more care than I can provide given the other children in attendance.
If, on any given day, you are not going to be available at your work or home numbers you provided, you are
required to inform me how to contact you in the event of an emergency.
In case of a medical emergency, I will administer the necessary first aid. The local police department or
ambulance will be called, and your child will be transported to the hospital. You will be notified immediately.
If an ambulance is needed to transport your child, the cost will be your responsibility. You are responsible
for all costs related to the emergency medical treatment. The owner of Little Darlings Daycare, or my family,
will not be held liable for any sickness/injury of any parent/child/guardian while on these premises, or while
the child is on a field trip.
Parent and provider will give each other a two-week written notice of termination. This will allow time to fill
your child’s spot. This will allow you time to find another caregiver. Payment is not due for that period
provided you supply the 2-week notice. your deposit will be applied.
Examples or reasons I may terminate care include, but are not limited to:
failure of parent to pay on time.
failure of parent to complete or provide required forms.
failure to pick up child(ren) on time.
lack of parental cooperation or communication
failure of child to adjust to childcare after a reasonable amount of time.
provider’s inability to meet the child’s needs.
breech of contractual agreements
non-compliance with handbook regulations
false information given by parent—either verbally or in writing
In situations that are harmful to the other children or to the childcare program, Provider may terminate this
agreement at will, rather than being required to give the parent any notice before terminating. Such
situations would include, but not be limited to, if a child’s behavior has become violent/harmful to others,
failure of parent to pay in a timely manner, a parent threatening the provider or a member of the provider’s
family, or if a parent is bad-mouthing the provider to other parents. The Provider shall determine if a
situation is harmful to the program.
Any outstanding fees must be paid on or before the child’s last day. If it becomes necessary for the provider
to resort to legal action to collect fees, the parent(s) or guardian(s) will be responsible for any and all
collection fees incurred by the provider, including but not limited to legal expenses, postage, phone, closing
of childcare, etc.
Every rule potentially has an exception. While all policies will be standard practice, parents are welcome to
inquire when a specific situation creates a specific need. The choice of the provider to not require
performance of any provision shall not affect the provider’s right to require performance at any time
thereafter, nor shall a waiver of any breach or default of this Contract constitute a waiver of any subsequent
breach or default or a waiver of the provision itself.
If any provision of these polices or our contract is held unenforceable, then such provision will be modified to reflect the parties intention. All remaining provisions of this Contract shall remain in full force and effect.
Policies
Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Please notify me if your child will
not be here or will be late so I won’t be expecting them and holding up scheduled
activities, meals etc.
I maintain an open-door policy for all parents. This “Open Door Policy” does not mean my door will always be unlocked. What it does mean is You are more than welcome to join us for meals or visit whenever your schedule allows. I do ask that you avoid visiting during Nap/Quiet Time as much as possible (11:30-2:30). Parents are also free to call at any time. If I do not answer the phone, please leave a message, and I will call you back as soon as we are finished with the current activity, or time allows. Text is preferred as the children tend to go a bit crazy when I am on the phone.
Please remember when visiting, children may react in an excited manner or act out which does not normally occur when parents aren’t present, and I am alone with the children. If the visit(s) cause a disruption, I will ask that you make it short, so we can continue with our planned activities.
This daycare is a well child care. This means that if your child is not feeling well, for any reason, you will need to find alternate care. Please do not bring your child if he/she has a contagious illness or exhibits any of the following symptoms: fever of 101 degrees or above, Vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctivitis (pink eye), consistent complaints of ear or stomach pain, bleeding other than minor cuts and scrapes, excessive greenish nasal discharge (indicating possible infection), head lice.
All children must be up to date on their immunizations. You must provide a current and up to date copy of the child’s immunization record within 30 days of enrollment and must be kept current at all times while the child is enrolled. The record must be on an official State of Oregon form. (If you have just come from another state any doctor’s office or the health department can transfer it over for you.) It must state at the bottom this child is current through with an appropriate date.
Payment is due on Friday the week before but no later than Mondays for the following week (see Contract). I require that you pay in advance. If you are not going to be here, please pay on Friday. I also require a two-week written notice with 2 weeks payment prior to removal of your child from daycare. If you do not give notice and your child is withdrawn, you will still be responsible for 2 weeks payment from the last day your child has attended daycare. I need this notice to begin interviewing to fill your child’s slot, so there is no interruption of my only source of income. Receipts are given monthly and a yearend tax statement will be provided.
There is a charge of $15.00 for early drop or late pickup if we have already agreed to that. If we have not agreed to late pickup there is a $3.00 charge for every minute you are late. It is to be paid that Monday with your normal payment. There is $20.00 per day charge for late payments. A $35.00 fee will be charged on returned checks and only cash will be accepted thereafter, also you will pay all my fees if it causes me to have bounced checks. Accounts that become 14 days delinquent will result in IMMEDIATE TERMINATION of our contract and will be reported to Provider Watch and sent to collections. Accounts sent to collections will include liability for any and all collection costs as allowed by law.
Children are taken outside unless there is active precipitation, extreme heat or cold conditions, or public announcements that advise people to remain indoors. Child Care Resource Network lists extreme heat and cold conditions and weather that poses a significant health risk shall include wind chill at or below 15 degrees F and a heat index at or above 99 degrees F as identified by the national weather service.
It is my policy, belief, and practice that children need nurturing, and adult physical contact for their care and healthy development. This contact can be described in three ways:
1. Nurturance: This includes hugs and non-intimate kisses, hand holding, carrying, cuddling. This type of contact is never made against the expressed wishes of the child.
2. Safety and Guidance: This includes restraining the children from harmful situations, separating physically conflicting children, directing children by gently leading or guiding them, and administering first aid to injuries.
3. Hygiene: This includes face and hand washing, assisting with toileting (as appropriate to the age of the child), diapering, examining rashes or unusual marks, nose blowing, and assisting with or conducting necessary clothing changes. It is also my philosophy and belief that it is normal and healthy for children to express physical affection with their peers. This includes hugs and non-intimate kisses, hand holding, and cuddling. This type of contact is never made against the expressed wishes of the other children. From the time the children are very small, I use the words “gentle” and “be nice” to express all forms of touch.
Doctors recommend that we don’t force toileting but when children reach age 3 they are most likely ready to start trying. If your child meets most of the criteria below, he/she’s ready to try. If not, wait a month or two and reevaluate. Potty-Learning should begin at home over the weekend. Once you have started the process please
notify me so that we can work as a team. Your child MUST wear pull ups during the training process while in my care. Under no circumstances will your child be allowed to potty-train in regular underwear or diapers. Regular underwear cannot contain urine & feces to prevent the spread of germs in my home & is a health concern to all and a child cannot pull down/up diapers. Please dress your child in easily removed clothing. No overalls, no zippers, snaps or buttons. Pants with elastic waistbands works best. Further, if your child shows resistance to toilet learning (no child will ever be forced to toilet learn) we will discontinue learning or if your child shows no sign of progress after 1 week, we will try again at a more appropriate later date. I also reserve the right to put your child back in pull ups, if he/she has more than one accident per week after being potty trained. Specific skills your child must have before they are ready for this big step and will be allowed to begin toilet learning while in my care.
I try to stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people, and respect for property. As a result, I don’t allow children to hit or shove other children or verbally abuse them. I also stress that they treat material possessions (mine or theirs) with respect. A few simple, clearly stated rules will be appropriate to the situation and the child’s level of understanding. I will focus on the acceptable behavior, Trucks are for driving, rather than negative, don’t throw the truck, so children will know what is expected of them.
My first concern is for the safety and wellbeing of the children. I have locked
cabinets, safety locks, socket covers, safety gates, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers.
The yard is fenced, and the gate is shut at all times. This is for the safety of your
child(ren) as well as other children under my care. The children are not allowed
outside the fence or outside my front door unless you or a grown up are with them.
Please do not have your child go outside the door (not even to your vehicle) without
you. For their safety and the safety of other children small toys, money etc. are not
allowed in daycare. It is impossible to assure that no child will ever be injured in
childcare; however, I do attempt to keep the children as safe as possible.
I maintain certain rules in my daycare. I feel discipline is necessary in childcare for the safety of all the children. (See Child Guidance & Discipline Policy) No hitting, kicking, biting, pushing or fighting, etc. No throwing things in the house, or intentionally breaking anything. No running, jumping, wrestling, climbing, etc. in the house or on the furniture. No name calling, teasing, yelling, etc. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and have respect for others and their belongings. No touching the television. No picking up babies or toddlers. No walking around the house or yard with juice or food. No Screaming or loud noises when adults are on the phone. Use indoor voices inside and outdoor voices outside. We must share all daycare toys. Nap Time is Quiet time. You do not have to sleep but you do have to respect others and their wish to sleep by remaining on the cot quietly. If a child doesn’t nap they can read a book or color quietly.
Please provide diapers, baby wipes, pull-ups, a few changes of clothes and a blanket for nap. Please mark your child’s name on all supplies. Bring your child appropriately dressed for the day in play clothes. Bring extra clothes for a change in weather or accidents. I will notify you when I need fresh items.
We provide breakfast and snacks at no extra charge to you. If your child will not be here
during breakfast (8-8:30), please make sure they have had something.
If you are going to be out for any reason, please let me know ahead of time. If you are going to be out for vacation, etc. you must pay me in advance to ensure your child’s place in my daycare. Because this is my sole source of income without payment in advance this becomes a financial burden on myself and my family. As for myself I do reserve 10 PAID days a year for vacation. I also reserve 5 PAID sick days which I may not be able to give much notice on. I will let you know as soon as possible if I will not be able to care for your child. (This is very rare, I seldom get sick enough to close.) Please have alternate care available in this case.
Payment obligation is based on our contract. Both full-time and part-time fees are not based on actual days in attendance, fees are charged based on contracted days, including missed days due to illness, holidays, vacations. This also applies to early and late drop-offs. Late drop off does not constitute late pick-up. In a sense, you are paying for your child’s slot as well as for my services. This daycare is closed for major PAID holidays. New Year’s Day and the day prior or after, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and the day after.
They can recognize the feeling of urgency.
They can control the urge to go.
They can pull pants up and down with minimum assistance Emotional
The child wants to please adults.
The child wants to be a “big” girl or boy.
The child likes to imitate others.
The child can follow directions.
There are three steps that will show you a child is ready to start potty learning. The child can communicate that he or she has already gone or messed their diaper. The child can communicate that they are in the process of eliminating. The child can predict and communicate that they need to go to the toilet soon.
