Leslie's Home Daycare

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Handbook

Environment:

Every effort has been made to make my home fully accessible to all daycare children. Child friendly, child proof, NO guns of any kind (real or toy), all chemicals and cleaners are out of reach, each child has their own bedding which is washed weekly, toys are washed and disinfected weekly, children’s playroom has a variety of toys for all ages and stages, quiet area for napping, rec. room for older children to watch t.v., play the computer, play nintendo or do puzzles, any quiet activity. All stairs have doors on them so that children will not be tempted. All of my pets are kept up to date with their shots.

Enrollment Policy:

There are 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. All forms must be kept up to date. Address changes, emergency phone numbers, employment phone numbers, cell phone numbers etc.........................I also need a copy of your child immunization record.

Parent Responsibilities:

It is expected that your child will be dropped off and picked up on time. If you are going to be early or late, a phone call is expected. Additional fees may apply. if your child is to be absent, early or late for any reason a phone call is expected a.s.a.p. Please don’t let my inside cat (Gabby) out. Please remove your shoes in my home, the children who play on the floor "Thank You" and so do I. Make sure your child has a change of clothing. Depending on your child’s age and development you will be asked to provide the following: diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, sunblock, diaper cream, and any medications needed for your child, (tylenol, oragel). I prefer drop-offs to be brief, the longer you prolong the departure, the harder it gets for your child to settle into the routine. It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents or cry when being dropped off. Suggestion:  A smile, cheerful good-bye kiss and a reassuring word that you will be back is all that is needed. Children are nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone.

Hours of Operation:

Hours of operation are 24/7, I am available when ever you need childcare, week-ends included. I maintain and open door policy during daycare hours, which means parents are welcome to stop in or call, but please consider nap times when calling. Remember that visitors usually cause children to react in an excited manner that does not normally occur when I am alone with them. Please be aware that if you call during the day, I may be busy with the children and may not be able to answer the phone. If you would leave a message, I will call you back a.s.a.p. open door policy does NOT mean that my doors will be kept unlocked. I believe that it is extremely important to keep the doors locked for the safety of the children in my care. We do not want unwanted or unexpected visitors to enter without my permission or knowledge. I also do not want little ones leaving the house unsupervised. Parents are to inform me a.s.a.p if someone other then the child’s parents are picking them up. I will NOT release children to people I have not met prior to pick-up.

Meals:

Children will be served hot, nutritious meals. Two to three snacks served daily. If your child has a special diet, or food allergies, you may be asked to provide food for them. Parents supply formula, baby food and milk if your child is still drinking out of a bottle. My milk is 1%, not a good milk for infants. All children will be offered the same foods and I will NOT force a child to eat them. We have set times for meals, 7:00am is breakfast, 11:30am is lunch, and 5:30 pm is supper. You are responsible for feeding your child at home if he/she will arrive after set meals times. This is a daycare NOT a restaurant. Please discourage your children from bringing snacks, candy or gum from home. All meals and snacks and drinks are served at the table. "NO EXCEPTIONS"

Naps / Quiet Time:

All children must nap, rest, read, or play quietly during this period. Rest time gives everyone a much needed break during the day. Infants nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated. I ask that anyone dropping off or picking up at nap time, PLEASE be respectful of those sleeping. PLEASE do NOT ring the door bell during nap time. Nap time is 12:30 - 2:30. Not all children sleep this long, it is a rough guideline.

Children Have Rights:

Children will be taught right from wrong. No name calling, foul language, hitting, kicking, pushing, pinching, biting, hair pulling, yelling, these rules are not allowed in my daycare, by children or their parents! "HANDS OFF RULE" I will NOT allow a child to be hit in my daycare. I am required by law to report child abuse. If the adult who is picking up the child is intoxicated I will encourage them to wait here while someone else can be found to pick up the child. If the adult refuses to wait and takes the child, I cannot legally keep them here, BUT I will not hesitate to call the police.

Illness Policy:

I have a responsibility to protect your child, the other children, myself and the parents of the children in my care. It is not necessary for you to keep a child with a cold home. But you should be treating the symptoms, Benadryl or Dimetapp are great for colds. If your child becomes ill at daycare you will be notified whether or not you should come and pick up your child. If your child is on medication it must be in original container, clearly labeled with the child’s name, date, correct dosage, expiry date and dr.’s name. If at all possible, please ask the doctor to administer a medication that only need to be given twice daily, so that I do not have to administer any medication. Children cannot attend daycare if they have a fever over 100 degrees, if they are vomiting or have anything contagious. Please don’t leave medications in diaper bags, little fingers may find it. Hand me the meds. and I will put them up.

Medical Emergency:

You will be notified immediately, If I am unable to reach you, I will make the necessary arrangements at the time. If a true emergency is at hand and I am unable to reach you, an ambulance will be called, to transport your child to the hospital. You will be responsible for any and all charges incurred for the emergency. Every effort will be made to contact you a.s.a.p. It is essential that you keep your emergency info forms up to date at all times.

Bumps, bruises and scrapes are all part of growing up. Kids play hard. Minor injuries will be treated with antibacterial antiseptic and a band-aid. Life would be much easier if we could predict accidents. Bubble wrap may be the answer!

Head Lice:

Head lice is very common in children. I will do head checks monthly, but parents should do them weekly or even daily at home. If I see head lice on your child, I will contact you immediately! You must have your child picked up promptly. I then have to disinfect the house from top to bottom. I will let all parents know of the lice problem immediately. Your child may not attend daycare until all lice and nits are completely gone!!!!

Toilet Training:

When you feel your child is ready for toilet training, I ask that you begin training at home during a weekend or vacation. I will follow through and encourage your child while in my care. Toilet training will be done in a relaxed manner with the co-operation of the family. I require that the child must be showing signs of readiness. When a child is ready, the process should go pretty quickly. The child must be kept in pull- ups at all times. Putting a child in diapers part-time and training pants part-time, can be confusing and delay the training process. Please keep in mind that the activity level here can distract your child from responding to an urge to use the potty. Therefore I will continue to use diapers or pull-ups until your child can and will announce that he/she needs to use the bathroom, and can control his/her bladder and bowels for a few minutes beyond that announcement. Parents need to supply pull-ups, plus a couple extra changes of clothing each day. Do NOT bring your child in underwear until he/she is completely potty trained.

Clothing:

All children must have a change of clothing. You may keep it here if you wish. Make sure your child is dressed properly for the weather. Remember to include socks and underwear. I prefer to have parents bring a bag of diapers and a box of wipes to keep here. This is better then running out of diapers and wipes that are packed daily. All diapers need to be disposable. Cloth diapers are very unsanitary and I will not use them. A note will be posted when, more supplies are needed.

Damages:

any damages to my home and /or belongings caused by your child(ren) will be paid by you, the parent. I have baby proofed my home to the best of my ability, but can only do so much.

Field Trips:

I plan several field trip during the year. I will supply all of the carseats and booster seats needed for the children. Parents are required to sign a permission slip allowing me to travel with their child(ren) If we are not going to be back in time for lunch, we will eat out.

Supplies:

I supply the following: Highchairs, playpens (for napping only) car seats, bibs, exersauser, pillows, blankets, sheets for playpens, booster seats, toys, strollers, and hours of fun and T.L.C.

Incentive Program:

I sometimes have openings. I offer free daycare to all parents referring new clients. If a new client signs up for childcare, and you have referred them to me you will get 2 free days of childcare for a fulltime placement (after the child has been enrolled for a months time) If the new client enrolls part-time you will receive 1 day free childcare.

Termination of Contract:

All parents are required to sign a contract. The contract shall be terminated, by Leslie’s Home Daycare, if any of the following occur: your childcare fees become delinquent (not paying for services), uncontrollable behavior (by parent or child) Failing to comply with any or all of my polices. Parent’s will receive warnings. Three strikes, your out, I will give one months notice of termination or if a serious offense, immediate termination.

If parents wish to terminate, they are required to give one months WRITTEN notice stating the last day of care.

Payments, Absences, Vacations:

Payments are to be made EVERY Monday at drop-off, for the week in advance. If extra days are required through out the week the extra days will be paid on that Friday of the same week. NO EXCEPTIONS  Payments may be made by check or cash (I may not always have change, so you should have the correct payment) I need schedules at least a month in advance. If your child is booked in for daycare, and your child is absent for any reason, or leaves early or arrives late, you still have to pay for that day. I require that all parents have to pay for a min. of 4 days per week to hold your child’s daycare spot, for fulltime placement! Partime placement, you have to pay for the days and hours that your child is booked in for care.

"NO EXCEPTIONS"

I have to have a months notice of parental holidays and vacations. I will in turn provide parents with a months notice. I allow parents 2 weeks vacation per year, without tuition fees. After you have used your 2 week vacation time, you will pay to hold your child’s daycare spot.  PLEASE do NOT put my into a very uncomfortable position by asking you to pay your childcare fees. Parents will pay a late fee of $10.00 per day for EVERY day payment is late! N.S.F. charge $50.00 per check, more then 1 n.s.f. check will result in "cash only" terms. The success of my daycare depends on prompt payment of tuition/fees in order to take care of day to day expenses that are encountered.

SECURITY DEPOSIT:

Before your child is admitted into childcare, you must pay a 2 weeks security deposit. The deposit protects me from NSF checks and unexpected family departures from child care. This deposit will be credited towards your last 2 weeks of childcare when you decide to leave Leslie’s Home Daycare. I say credited because your rates may be higher when you leave Leslie’s Home Daycare, than when you initially enroll so you may still owe an undetermined amount when you leave my services. Deposits are equal to your normal weekly fee x 2. In the event your child does not start care by the agreed upon date, or not enough notice of termination, your position will be forfeited and your deposit to hold the position will become non-refundable.

In Closing:

Please feel free to come to me with any problems or concerns, in an open honest manner. If there is something you do not understand with this handbook please feel free to ask questions. Problems need to be resolved immediately. I look forward to spending time and helping your child grow!

Leslie Louks

mom, 

Childcare Provider,

cook,

referee,

janitor,

story teller,

nurse,

entertainer,

teacher,

supervisor,

peace keeper,

inventor,

bookkeeper,

activity director,

maid,

friend,

transportation expert,

zoo keeper,

on, and on and on..................

"Where Kids can be Kids"

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