PARENT HANDBOOK

Hello!

I am happy to welcome your child into my child care home. I am a Quality Early Learning Program that
provides a loving, safe, and happy environment in which your child can feel comfortable and grow. In
order for this environment to work the best for you, as parent(s), I have drawn up these terms of
agreement. Please feel free to discuss with me any questions you may have or any specific situations
concerning you or your child that is not covered in the agreement as it is written before signing the
contract.

PHILOSOPHY
I will provide a positive atmosphere for your child's growth and development that welcomes exploration,
question, and imagination.
I will provide a safe, clean, and loving environment for all the children in my care where they can play,
learn and have fun!
I respect each child's need for love, security and acceptance. Each child is an individual and will be
treated as such.

WHAT IS A QUALITY EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM?

As a Quality Early Learning Program I exceed minimum standards set by the state and provide a rich and
stimulating atmosphere in which your child will mentally, socially, emotionally and physically thrive and
reach their full potential.
I participate in a program called Quality Counts. As a part of this service I provide the Ages & Stages
Questionnaire(ASQ-3) to help keep track of your child's development and the DRDP to record individual
progress. I follow up with a parent-provider conference once a year or more if needed.

GOALS
While in my care your child will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities. I use
play, structured and unstructured, as the method for children to learn. The experiences of play allows
children to try new things, problem solve, invent, create, test ideas, take risks and explore. Some play
includes water and sand play, creative art, painting, building, baking, STEAM/STEM projects, modeling
dough, dramatic play, loose parts, and nature, math and science exploration. Children will have an
opportunity to play and learn in small and large groups as well as individually.

Physical play is an important part of my program. This will include active indoor and outdoor activities,
such as stretching, nature walks, gardening, dancing, music and movement. I participate in a program
called Let's Move! which encourages fun and healthy living through interactive physical play and healthy
eating.

Social and emotional support is an important part of my program, as well. Through dramatic play, books,
games, songs, and lots of support and modeling my goal is to help children build relationships, get along
and relate to others, show good manners, learn how to handle positive and negative emotions, learn how
to comfort themselves and others, learn how to share, how to listen, and how to compromise.

Page | 1
MATTERS OF MONEY
All payments are due monthly at the beginning of each month by 5:00pm prior to child care services
being provided. Payment due dates are listed on your invoice. Bimonthly payments can be arranged if
needed however, if the 1st payment is not received on time, the full month's payment is due and I will go
back to monthly billing. If a monthly payment is $400 or less I do not allow bimonthly payments.
Cash or Check is accepted.

If payment is not made within 5 days your child will not be accepted into care until payment, including all
late fees, is made. If a payment is still not received after the first week the contract will be terminated, the
position filled, and the collection process begun.

A 4 week written notice is required for any change in schedule or termination of the agreement. This
gives me time to adjust and be prepared for the change. If you change or terminate care without giving
appropriate notice, you will still be responsible for payment whether or not your child attends, no refunds
will be given.
***You are paying for a position, as well as a service. No refunds are given for late arrivals, early
departures or days your child doesn't attend.

RATES
$55 a day
*Half day rates are not available.
Drop In: $10.00 per hour up to 5hrs then a $55.00 daily rate applies. Drop in only applies to children with
a fixed/ongoing schedule at my daycare who need an extra unscheduled day. I do not reserve a space in
my daycare for drop ins, they are contracted day to day if space is available.
*Rates are subject to change with prior notice.

FEES
*Registration Fee(one-time fee): $75
*Annual Supply Fee: $75 The annual supply fee will be added to your bill every January. This fee goes to
curriculum, art supplies, materials, furniture, replacement of broken or missing toys, etc.
*Late Pick Up Fee: $1 per minute. This is a penalty not a pass to leave your child late. So please pick up
your child on time. This fee will be added to your following month's invoice.
*Late Payment Fee: $10.00 per day that payment is not received
*Returned check: $20.00 plus any additional costs I incur. All future payments will then be made by cash.
*Diaper Fee: $1 per diaper I provide.

HOURS OF OPERATION
My hours are from 8:00AM until 5:00PM Monday through Friday. Days and hours of care will be
contracted from child to child. No early drop off or late pick up is offered.

CLOSURE DATES
The below are paid holidays if they fall on a contracted day for your child.
No child care will be provided on the following holidays:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January)
Presidents' Day (February)
Memorial Day (May)

Page | 2
The 4th of July (July)
Labor Day (September)
Veterans Day (November)
Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving (November)
*I also close for winter, spring and summer break. See MY VACATION below for details.
*If it happens where any holiday falls on a weekend I will be closed either the Friday before or the
Monday after.
*I do not reimburse for emergency closures due to circumstances beyond my control; e.g. natural
disasters, power outages, etc., up to 5 days.
If I will be closed for any other reason, notification of at least 2 weeks will be given, with the exception of
emergencies or illness. Please have a backup childcare provider for these occasions, I am not responsible
for finding substitute child care arrangements.

MY VACATION
I close for winter and spring break, and 2 weeks for summer vacation. Advance notice will be given.
Dates subject to change with advance notice. I do not charge for these weeks that I am closed.
I do not receive vacation/sick pay.

YOUR VACATION/SICK DAYS

Please let me know at least 2 weeks in advance when you will take your vacation. You will not be
charged for 1 week vacation/sick days per year. A week varies from child to child. If your child comes 2
days a week you will not be charged for 2 days. 3 days a week = 3 days vacation/sick days at no charge. 4
days a week = 4 days vacation/sick days at no charge. 5 days a week = 5 days vacation/sick days at no
charge.
Vacation/sick days not used by the end of the year cannot be cashed out or rolled over to the next year.
Vacation/sick days cannot be used for days I am closed.
Anymore vacation/sick time throughout the year will be charged the regular rate in order to hold your
child's space.

SUPPLIES
I will supply all food, baby wipes, bibs, water bottles, sunscreen, furniture, bedding, and toys.
You will need to provide a fabric tote bag that will be brought back and forth each day. In the bag needs
to be 2 sets of clothes including shirts, pants, shorts, skirts or dresses(whatever your child prefers), socks,
underwear, a jacket or sweater, all depending on the weather. Please don't overfill! No backpacks, diaper
bags or bags with zippers. Soiled clothing will be sent home in their bag and a clean change of clothes
needs to be brought back the next day.
You will also need to provide the following things to be left here:
*Diapers. I try to remind parents when diapers are getting low but it is your responsibility to make sure
there is always diapers here. Pull ups are needed only when your child is staying dry and using the toilet
consistently.
*A complete change of clothing to be left in a bin here just in case their bag is left at home.
*Diaper rash ointment. I do not supply any creams.
All required supplies must be brought on your child’s first day. All items need to be labeled with your
child's name or initials.
***Please do not send any toys from home with your child. Sometimes children need a transitional

Page | 3
toy/item from home. That is okay. Once I see they are comfortable without it I will put it in their bag. If
your child needs a special stuffie or item for sleeping, that is okay too, but it will remain put away until
nap time. I am NOT responsibility for lost, stolen, or broken toys from home.

DRESS CODE
Please dress your child in "user-friendly" clothing appropriate for the weather. No tight clothes, overalls
or onesies. I encourage children to take off and put on their own shoes, so slip on or Velcro shoes only.
No shoes with laces that we have to tie. Remember, don't dress your child in any clothing you don't want
stained. On rainy and/or wet days please provide rain boots and a rain jacket.

DROP OFF/PICK UP
*I open at 8am. My door is locked until then. Please no knocking before 8am.
*When you first arrive read my 'Parent Board' for helpful information.
*Please come in and wash your child's hands.
*Make your goodbye brief and positive. We are here to help make this transition as easy as possible for
you and your child! I reserve the right to ask a parent to leave if drop off is disrupting our schedule
or causing negative behaviors from his/her child or the other children. A handoff at the door may
be required to help with this transition.
*Please be in control of your child during drop off and pick up times. This is a time of testing the parent
and provider to see if the house rules still apply. I will remind your child of appropriate behaviors if
negative behaviors are being displayed. If a child's negative behavior continues, drop off and/or pick up
will be made at the door. This allows for a positive beginning and end to the day!
*I encourage morning check-ins to keep ongoing, open communication but if you need to speak to me at
length, please make an appointment.
*No child is allowed outside without supervision, even when parents are present.
*No child will be allowed to leave with anyone except the parent, unless indicated on the alternate pickup
list. Anyone unfamiliar to me will be required to show proof of identification. Please make the alternate
pick up person aware of the requirements.
*Please notify me if you are running late (after 5:00pm) or if you are coming to pick up/drop off your
child at a different time than usual.
*If the person picking up the child appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, another
authorized person will be called to pick-up both the child and the adult.
*If you do not have a car seat you cannot pick up your child. I will ask you to go back and get it. Your
child's safety is very important to me!
* Court Order: If there is a court order keeping one parent or guardian away from the child, I must have a
written note from the custodial parent or guardian in my file to that effect. I cannot prevent the non-
custodial parent from picking up the child if he/she is violent.
*I maintain an open door policy; therefore, you are welcome to visit anytime your child is present. Please
be respectful of our schedule and the other children. Avoid coming during naptime. Visits disrupting our
schedule and/or children will be made in the front yard.

DISCIPLINE/GUIDANCE
My goal is to love and respect your child and to guide, model and teach them to love and respect
themselves and others. Discipline/guidance will be according to age and understanding level. Children
will be redirected to another activity or separated from the group depending on the severity of the offense.

Page | 4
I talk the situation over with the child to help him/her learn what is expected and accepted. We reinforce
positive behaviors with reminders, encouraging words, hugs, high fives, etc. If needed, consequences are
given, e.g. removed from the area/activity, separated from friends, toy/item taken away, and/or time alone
on their mat or in designated quiet area. I also have many tools, toys and materials available for the
children to assist in the calm down process and to teach positive behaviors. I am happy and willing to
work with a child with challenging behaviors but I have certain procedures I follow so that the child's
behavior doesn't gets in the way of the other children's play and leaning. If a child has a persistent
behavioral problem, I will meet with the parents and go over a Behavior Plan to try and resolve the
problem together. This also includes excessive crying usually the result of overstimulation due to the
large group of children or need of one-on-one attention. A child will be asked to leave my daycare only
after attempts to help have been unsuccessful and I view it necessary to ensure the well-being of the other
children, myself, and employees.

NAPTIME
Rest time is very important for the development of your child. Naps are required at my daycare. If your
child doesn't fall asleep they must rest quietly. If your child no longer naps that is a sign he/she is ready
for preschool! Each child will have his/her own sleeping mat and blanket. Soothing music is played. We
help your child fall asleep with tummy, head or back rubs.

MEALS
Healthy eating is very important to me! We practice healthy eating habits, try new foods, grow food in
our garden, and make healthy snacks.
I participate in the 4C's Food Program and serve nutritionally balance meals and snacks. I receive training
every 6 months and home visits every 3 months from their staff regarding meal
planning, food preparation, health and nutrition.
I serve a morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack. I offer organic fruits and vegetables with every
meal. Manners are taught, and practiced during this time as well.
Please leave all outside food and drink at home as well as candy and other sweets. Only on special
occasions will sweets be served.

POTTY TRAINING
When it comes to potty training we follow the lead of the child. If potty training is done at a time
when your child is truly ready it should go very easily and quickly! We support them and
encourage them but we do not initiate using the potty until they can stay dry until potty time.
When your child is regularly staying dry, pull ups are required. If within 2-3 weeks, your child
shows no signs of progress, I reserve the right to put your child back in diapers and try again in a
few weeks. Under no circumstances will your child be allowed to potty train in regular
underwear. This is for sanitary reasons.
Once your child is accident free for 2 weeks, in underwear at home and in a pull up here, he/she
is allowed to come in underwear!
***If your child is in underwear at home but requires a pull up in the car, at the store, or anytime
away from home etc. he/she is not potty trained and will not be allowed to come in underwear.
Nap time accidents are an exception. You must provide me with 1-2 pull ups for nap time.
The regular toilet will be used with a potty seat on top.
You cannot bring your child's potty from home.
When your child is ready to begin potty training we will go over my entire potty training policy
to make it an easy transition for all of us.

Page | 5
INJURY
Scratches and scrapes are inevitable when children play and will be treated with basic first aid.
For anything more serious(stitches, broken arm, or dislocation, etc.), you will be notified at once
so the child can be transported to the hospital or doctor's office. All costs associated with
injuries to the child will be the responsibility of the parent. In case of a medical emergency, I will
attempt to contact you immediately. If I am unable to reach you, I will start calling the people
designated as your emergency contacts. If I am unable to reach you or your emergency contacts,
I will transport your child to his/her doctor or to the hospital, if necessary. If immediate
intervention is required, I am certified in infant, child, and adult CPR and First Aid and will take
appropriate action including calling 911 and having your child transported to the nearest hospital.
Injury from biting, hitting and pushing happens as well. I have my procedures that I follow when
such an incident occurs. I work with the parents and the child to promote positive behaviors.

ILLNESS
Please do not bring your child if sick, feverish or contagious. Please let me know ASAP if your child is
sick and not coming to daycare. I take many precautions to limit exposure to the kids, parents and
providers. I do care for children if they have a cold but if possible PLEASE stay home with them the first
couple of days to prevent the spread of their cold.
***Under no circumstance is a sick child, with the listed illnesses, to attend my daycare. Children must be
symptom free for at least 24hrs before returning to daycare. If your child has nausea, diarrhea or
vomiting, has a fever over 99.5F, hacking or continuous coughing, thick mucus or pus draining from their
eyes or has a communicable disease (mumps, chicken pox, lice etc.) please keep your child home. If a
child comes down with any one of these illnesses while at daycare, parent will be called to pick up child
immediately. If I cannot reach you, the person designated as the emergency contact will be
notified.
I reserve the right to determine whether a child should remain in my home or be sent home
where illness is a consideration. No refunds are given for sick days.

HEALTH PRACTICES
Toys are cleaned daily and mouthed toy are put in a basket immediately to be washed. All frequently used
surfaces, doorknobs, faucets, etc., are sanitized throughout each day. The toilet and changing table are
sanitized after each use. Blankets are stored in individual bags and washed weekly. Tables are sanitized
before and after use. The floors are mopped and vacuumed daily. Children and adults wash hands upon
arrival, before and after eating, after wiping a nose, and after a diaper is changed or after using the toilet.

MEDICATIONS
A "Permission to Administer Medication" form needs to be filled out each time your child needs medicine
to be administered. No child will be given any medication, prescription or over the counter, unless the
parent gives written permission. All information on the form must match the information on the
prescription or directions from the doctor in order for me to administer. Prescription medication shall
have the child’s name, name of medication, Doctor’s name, name of pharmacy, date, and directions for
administering. The medication must be in the original container as dispensed by the pharmacy.

HOLIDAYS/BIRTHDAYS
We honor major holidays and all children’s birthdays.

Page | 6
Parents are welcome to bring a treat and join us for a little birthday celebration during snack time.
If you prefer your child not to have sweets, please let me know.
Please check in with me about children's allergies.

GENERAL
· Parents are required to keep me informed of any change in addresses, telephone numbers, and other
pertinent information.
· No smoking is allowed on premises.
· We have a fire drill once a month.
· I am required by law, as a mandated reporter, to report any suspected signs of neglect or abuse of the
children in care.
· Parents are encouraged to call or text me at any time during the day. I may not be able to answer right
away but I will get back to you as soon as I can.
· Television is not a part of our daily schedule.
·I am a Christian. Your child may come across Christian material (books, pictures, etc.) in my home.
Unless they ask, I will not impose my religious views on your child.

LICENSE CAPACITY
I am licensed for a large family child care. With a large family license I can care for 12 children, no more
than 4 infants or 14 children, no more than 3 infants and 2 need to be 6 years or older.

NON-DISCRIMINATION
As license provider, I shall not discriminate in relation to admissions on the basis of race, creed, color,
national origin, religion or sex.

DISCLAIMER
If I fail to enforce one or more terms of the agreement, that does not waive my right to enforce that or
other terms of the contract.

CHANGES TO POLICIES
Changes may be made to these policies as needed with 2 week notice. The policies, contracts, consents,
and forms will be reviewed and updated, if needed, yearly in January.

PRIVACY POLICY
I will keep all records and information about your family confidential and private. I will abide by my
state’s child care licensing rules concerning privacy and will only release information about your family
as required by state law or with your written permission.

TERMINATION OF CARE
This agreement may be terminated by either party by giving a 4 week written notice. If you terminate care
without giving appropriate notice, you will still be responsible for payment of the final month/weeks of
care whether or not your child attends, no refunds will be given. I reserve the right to immediately end
care without giving notice for non-payment, failure to respect me, my home, behavior of the child, which
is harmful to the physical or emotional well being of the other children, if inappropriate behavior causes
disruption in the program or failure to abide by my policies.

Page | 7