This is a copy of the parent hand book, I know there is alot of information here, but please read it over carefully.
At 3 PEAS IN A POD DAYCARE you are paying for a specific slot. Not per hour so no discounts are given if your child does not coe to care. The policies listed below are set forth by the Child Care Provider and are in accordance with the Child Care regulations. These policies and accompanying contracts become effective upon acceptance by the parent/guardian and the Child Care Provide
Business Hours/Overtime
I provide childcare from Monday to Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm.
Verification of legal custody:
I must have a copy of the court order recognizing the parent who has legal custody of the child, as well as visitation schedules. Otherwise I have no choice except to release the child to his/her parent.
Verification of Immunizations record:
I must have a copy of your child`s immunization record on file and updated as needed with every immunization your child receives. My 2 Children are up to date with all there vaccines. I cannot accept a child into my care if they are not up to date, or they can inform me of up – coming appointments to receive the vaccine.
Deposit
I require a deposit for all families. The deposit will be the amount of one week`s fee’s payable for the care of your child(ren)
PLEASE NOTE:
I will not start providing childcare nor will your opening with us be considered saved until this deposit is paid.
Admission Paperwork
Before I will assume responsibility of caring for your child I MUST have the following:
ALL SIGNED FORMS AND PERMISSION AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Permission Forms Include but are not limited
• Child information page to be completed and signed
• Child Pick up Form to be completed and signed
• Water play permission form completed and signed
• Transportation permission form completed and signed
• Sunscreen application permission form completed and signed
• Photograph permission form completed and signed
• Licence plate and vehicle information form to be completed and signed if applicable
• Photo copy of immunization record – up to date
• Photo copy of any court orders regarding custody and or access agreement
• Medication administer form completed and signed – if applicable
• PLEASE NOTE: All forms must be updated yearly.
Payment And Late Fees
All payments must be received on Friday in cash only or money transfer or I will not provide care for your child on the following Monday. If you choose to pay monthly, fees are due on the 1st of every month.
There are no refunds in fees for absences due to a child's illness or for any other reason. Full fees are required regardless of whether or not your child attends . This includes Termination for any reason.
I realize the financial burden that childcare places on parents, and hope parents understand that as a business childcare places financial burdens on the provider.
These include, but are not limited to groceries, utilities, insurance, programming, toys and equipment. I also have a financial responsibility to my family.
If fees are not received when due a $5.00/per day charge will be applied to the amount owing. This charge will be in effect until all monies plus late charges are paid in full. ( Unless I stipulate a different day for fees to be paid)
Statutory Holidays:
I am open normal hours, Fees will be raised to $50 / Full time ( 6 hours and up) and $40 / Part Time ( 5 Hours and under)
Such holidays are:
• Family Day
• Good Friday
• Easter ( If it falls on a week day ONLY)
• Easter Monday
• Victoria Day
• Canada Day
• Civic Holiday in August
• Labor Day
Vacation times and Hold times:
When it`s time for family vacation, Full fees are not due. 50% of fees are due before you leave for vacation or your space will be taken by another family on my wait list. The same applies for when you cannot make it to daycare for whatever reason. Such as car breaks, loss of work etc.
Please notify me as at least two weeks in advance when you plan to take vacations. ( There is a form in your communication book to be completed for vacation) Fees are still due for all days your child is normally scheduled to be here. I expect children to be with their parents during parental vacation times.
My Vacation and Holidays
I take very few holidays. In the event of a vacation I will give you written notice of when the dates will be and you will be required to find alternative care and finances. I will not charge fees when I am away as I personally find that unfair.
My Time off when the Daycare will be closed
The only times my daycare will be closed are as follows:
· ONE WEEK OFF IN THE SUMMER ( Either July or August)
· Family emergency and I will do my best to contact you as soon as possible so you can find
· Any other days off I will give you written notice as soon as possible
Other Important Information
I celebrate Christmas and most other holidays and we will be doing crafts and activities for each season and holiday.
I celebrate Children`s birthdays
You must come sober and alert when picking up your child from me. I cannot with hold your child by any means, but I will not hesitate to phone the police as that is being unsafe and hazardous to your child and we only want what is in the best interest of your child.
I am NOT a peanut/ Nut Free home. I do have peanut butter, Nutella, and other nuts in the home at all times. I will not introduce Peanut products if your child has not yet had them at home in your presence. Once they are in the clear, please let me know.
Other Modes of Transportation
For those who take the London city bus, the following routes are available close to my home.
Bus
Bus # 10 – Wonderland Road South
Bus # 11 – Southcrest – turns into bus # 7 Wavel
Bus#23 - Berkshire
Arrival and Departures
Children are to arrive clean. I prefer that there are no pick-ups or drop-offs during the designated daily quiet time. 1-2 pm
Please do not allow your child to walk to the door by themselves at drop off. It is important to take a minute to walk them to the door and greet me.
This gives us both the opportunity to discuss any schedule changes for the day or anything else.
At pick up, please do not let your child leave the house until you are leaving also. It helps your child tremendously if your child is aware that you will be arriving early (or late) in that they come to expect regularity and thrive on it.
I also have children put their coats and shoes on in preparation for your arrival time.
Please keep me informed so I can in turn keep the child informed!
Drop-off and pick-up times are not good times to discuss serious problems. Little ears and minds hear and understand everything. I am not comfortable discussing a child in the presence of anyone, but their parents.
Topics that concern day-to-day events or light hearted discussion are fine.
Cleanliness/Hygiene
We do our best to maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards. .Please have your child bathed and dressed for play. A clean child is a healthy child.
Photo Permission
I also love taking photos of the activities that go on and celebrations. Again, providing I have a signed and completed form, I would love to include your child in these memories. I will burn a cd of your child`s photos at years end or end of your term here with us if you like
Child Abuse/Neglect
It is law and also my responsibility as a childcare provider to report any and all abuse or neglect performed on a child. I cannot turn my head on a child that has been abused or neglected. Therefore, I will notify Children's Protective Services and the Police Department when it appears that a child in my care is being physically, sexually, or emotionally abused, neglected, or exploited.
Meals & Snacks
I will provide a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack as well. If the Child is here during meal times, they will be served. Children who choose not to eat will not be served again until the next scheduled Meal or Snack. If the child will be arriving after mealtime please feed them before they arrive.
If your child requires a special diet due to allergies, medications, age and/or cultural or religious beliefs it will be the responsibility of the parent to provide a well- balanced lunch and snack for their child. No junk food, pop, gum etc.
Policy Revisions
Revisions to policies and procedures, contracts and forms I make may be done with a minimum of 2 week notice UNLESS it is a new regulation – these changes will take place immediately. Policies, contracts, and forms will be reviewed periodically and updated, if necessary (usually every January). I will notify parents in writing of any changes. All previous forms will become obsolete.
Supplies
Parents are responsible for supplying:
• A sufficient amount of diapers, pull ups, wipes and creams (I will inform you when we need more)
• A change of clothing daily - More if Potty Training
• Blanket/ Pillow with case
• Play pen for the little ones that need it for naps
All personal belongings should be marked with child's name. It is not necessary to bring eating utensils, cups or dishes as they will be supplied.
Toys
I provide a wide variety of playthings. I ask that no toys be brought to daycare 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. Often at times children have a hard time sharing the toys they bring from home.
The ONLY exceptions to this policy are:
• A special blanket to be used during Nap Time. This will be put up and ONLY used for the appropriate time. Please limit your child to one thing.
• Show and Tell. At times we will have a “Show and Tell” period. I will inform you ahead of time when this may occur.
Nap/Quiet Time
All children will be required to have a nap or quiet time activity each day. I will not force your child to sleep but they must lie down or engage in a quiet activity quietly. This is my “coffee break” during the day, my time to recharge, plan programming and do paperwork. Younger children are placed upstairs in playpens that the parent supplies. Baby monitors are on for the entire quiet time.
Potty Training
I will assist in potty training with the understanding that it will only work if we work together. Your child will not learn if they do not do it while in my care and at home. You must work with your child at home, either during vacation or over a weekend before I will begin potty training here.
Clothing should be easy to manage to encourage self-help skills. Buckles, belts, overalls and suspenders when in a hurry to use the bathroom may create a problem. I also require that each potty training child have 6 changes of training or pull ups. Extra changes of clothing are also necessary, including socks.
Termination
Written notice is required by the parent to myself. Fees will still be due if the parent withdraws the child before notice is given, or at any given time during the notice. Fees may be paid in lieu of the notice. Termination notice will NOT be accepted while provider or parents are on vacation.
I will provide the parents with one month written notice if I am no longer able to care for your child. Unless it is an emergency or immediate termination. You are still responsible for paying the fees during this notice regardless, whether your child attends or not.
I will terminate our child care arrangements immediately for any of the following reasons (but not solely limited to):
• Failure to comply with the policies set forth in this book.
• Failure to comply with the contract.
• Destructive/ hurtful/ un acceptable behavior of child that persists
• Non-Payment of childcare fees or late and/or recurring late payment of fees.
• Failure to show up for 5 days in a row without any communication.
• Failure to complete required forms.
• Inability to meet the child’s needs without additional staff.
• Blatant disrespect towards provider or provider’s family.
• If parents knowingly bring their child ill.
Damages
It is expected that your child be respectful of my personal property and furnishings. A certain amount of “wear and tear” is normal, but if your child intentionally damages my property through destructive behavior or roughness, you will be liable for 100% of the replacement costs. This reimbursement is due with your next payment. I also have a damage form that I will complete and have you sign and look at the damage done. You will have the option to pay for damages by the next date fees are due or you dix the damage yourself that is up to SIFTON standards.
Proper Clothing Attire
Please check the weather every morning before you dress your child. Please make sure your child comes dressed for play and crafts. I am not responsible for any damages to nice clothing. If the weather is cold outside, send a proper jacket, hat, and mitts, Snow pants for snow. Proper footwear that fits them well. If it is hot outside, please send a sun hat that covers their face and head and appropriate clothing as well.
Medication
If your child is on antibiotics he/she continues to be contagious for 24 hours after the first dose of medication and cannot return to childcare until this time period has passed. Child care regulations prohibit me from giving your child medication of any kind unless you have filled out and signed a permission to Administer Form. All medication must be in the original, labeled container. Blank permission to administer medication forms are kept in your family communication binder. You must discuss with me regarding ora-gel and tylenol
Medical Emergencies
Minor bumps and scrapes are inevitable, but I make every effort to keep your children safe through supervision and childproofing. Minor injuries will receive appropriate first aid, and if an emergency injury or illness occurs, you will be contacted immediately. If I am unable contact either parent, I will call the emergency contact numbers supplied to me to make the medical decisions for the child. If necessary your child will be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. Parents are responsible for costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including transportation if required.
Open Door Policy
While your child is in my care, you can always be assured that the door is open to you. Open Door does not mean that we keep our doors unlocked. For the safety of myself and the children doors are kept locked except for scheduled drop off and pick up times. Please feel free to drop in and check on your child, however, keep in mind a child adjusting to a new surrounding will want to leave with you if you pop in for a visit. I would appreciate your taking into consideration our schedule when dropping in or calling, and remember that visitors usually cause children to react in an excited manner that does not normally occur when I am alone with the children. Please keep in mind there may be times when it is not possible for me to run to the phone (diaper changing, bottle feeding, etc.) If the phone goes unanswered, please do not become alarmed, simply leave me a voice mail and I will call you as soon as I am able.
Child Illness
Under no circumstances should you bring your child to care sick . If you are not sure your child is well enough to attend child care call and discuss it with me. Masking your child’s symptoms with over-the-counter medications and bringing them to care anyway is not allowed and could be cause for immediate termination. It is also inconsiderate to all families involved. A sick child should be allowed to recuperate fully at home after an illness so that the other children and the provider do not risk unnecessary exposure. If you are unable to stay home with your sick child it will be necessary for you to make arrangements at your own expense. If your child is out ill regular fees still apply. Your child may be brought to care if they have a common cold (which means a slight cough, clear runny nose, sneezing); however I will call you if your child is just plain miserable (whining, crying, repeatedly asking for you). Your child should not attend if they are not feeling well enough to participate in our daily activities (i.e. a child wanting to sleep all day, lay on the couch and watch TV etc.)
The Health Department regulations prohibit the admittance of any child into a family childcare home that exhibits any of the following symptoms:
• Fever (100°f or higher) – child needs to be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medication
• Diarrhea – child must be symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medication
• Vomiting – child must be symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medication
• Runny nose with coloured discharge –check with doctor
• Rash – check with doctor
• Discharge from eyes or ears
• Lice – child needs to be treated and nits removed before return
• Communicable diseases – chicken pox, measles, mumps, conjunctivitis (pink eye), influenza etc. The child may return when the incubation and contagious period is passed and the child is well enough to resume normal childcare activities. I have the right to refuse to care for a sick child.
If your child develops any of the above symptoms while in my care, you or your alternate will be required to pick up your child immediately. If I have to call a parent to pick up a child that has been dropped off for care too ill to participate in the day the child will also be required to stay at home the following day. Your child may return to care 24 hours AFTER symptoms of illness end. Which means if your child is sent home with a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting they cannot return until they have been symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medications. I am responsible for the health and well- being of many children so I will closely follow health department regulations when it comes to illness. I understand and respect your need to be at work, but your cooperation is extremely important on this.
Behavioral Goals
While in my care only positive encouragement is enforced. Children will NOT be subject to spanking, hitting, kicking, restraint, or to, verbal, emotional, or physical punishment. I believe the most effective ways of enforcing positive behaviors are: Praise, Respect, Re-Direction, and Positive Re-Enforcement. I don’t play “REF”; I use strategies to engage children in their own problem solving. During conflict it is important for children to feel respected, secure, loved, important and special.
They need to know I am always available to listen and help, not to judge. My goal is to coach the children so they can negotiate, compromise, brainstorm and work it out together. I do not believe in “adult initiated” time outs, as I feel when used punitively it takes away from a valuable teaching experience. I will only place a child in time out if I feel that they are a threat to the safety and well -being of themselves or others.
When this becomes necessary I make sure everyone is all right, then I stay with the child. If something of a more serious nature or a persistent behavior should occur that is of concern to me or a threat to the safety of others, 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 cannot be resolved arrangements must be made for the child to receive care elsewhere.
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. I feel that we are a team raising your child. If we can work together then your child can feel secure in knowing they have two families who love them very much.
I grow to love each child I keep very much and I am always glad to have a chance to be a part of their lives. It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between us.
I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that affect a positive outcome for the child.
Sensitive issues will be discussed outside of regular hours either by letter, phone or a scheduled conference. You may call me between 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Parents will receive a daily note. Some typical things that you may find on this note would be daily activities,meals and things to remember or to bring.
All parents should check out their child`s communication books for important information, special announcements, Monthly calendars etc. Each Family will be provided a “Child Communication binder” that will travel between the child care and home each day.
This binder will contain your child’s daily notes, child care information and blank permission to administer medication forms and many other great information. You can also use this binder to send me notes or reminders as well as letting me know how your child slept or any dramatic changes your child has encountered. This is a wonderful way for you to know about your child’s day and for us to stay in touch.
Thank you for taking the time to carefully read over this handbook and please if you have any questions after reading this, do not hesitate to call me.
Stephanie
8:00am – 6:00pm MONDAY TO FRIDAYS ONLY
