
Policies and Procedures
WELCOME!!
I am pleased that you have chosen my program for your childcare needs. We both have a great responsibilty for the health, care, and instruction of your child. You, of course are the primary focus for your child; but during the day and for many hours I am the support to whom they come, look to and depend upon. I take this role very seriously, both as professional in childcare and as a mother of two.
I provide quality childcare in a loving home environment for children from newborn to school age. At Simply Unique Creations Family Day Care, children are allowed to be children and families are always priority. I believe that family involvement is essential to any quailty childcare program and do encourage parent participation.
My program is designed to meet the needs and abilities of each child's physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. The environment is hands-on, educational and of course, FUN! My desire is to assist and encourage each child's abilities and skills throughout every stage of their development. Your child will have a safe, clean, healthy place to grow and learn.
Children learn through play. I try to provide many opportunities for them to "discover" things about the world they live in. The children are provided an environment full of opportunites for exploration and discovery through science, reading, music, art, dramatic play and outdoor play.
Summary
The following information has been compiled to familiarize you with the policies and procedures of my program. Please read this handbook to ensure that you understand all items, and feel free to ask questions about any material that may be unclear to you. Please keep your copy of this handbook easily accessible so that you can refer to it often as questions arise.
Registration
The following forms must be completed and receive by me, before care begins:
_____ Signed Contract
_____ DFCS Parent Handbook Packet
_____ Emergency Medical Authorization
_____ Field Trip Permission
_____ Original Immunization Record
_____ Copy of DL for everyone authorized to pick up the child (please cross out your personal information, I only need a
the photo)
Changes of Contract Information
Families frequently have changes; new home, new jobs, and new telephone numbers. It is important that I have current contact information. Accurate information is critical for efficient, professional handling of emergencies. please inform me if you are at any other location than what is listed on your Enrollment Form and to provide a telephone number for that place.
My Privacy Policy
I will keep all records and information about your child and your family private and confidential, unless I have your permission to reveal specific information.
Ages: The ages of children that I care for are newborns up to five years old and afterschoolers.
Basic Rates:
The payment fee shall be as follows:
Ages |
Fee per week: |
Infant (6 weeks – 12 months) |
$100.00 |
Toddler (13 months – 24 months) |
$100.00 |
Preschool (25 months – 5 years) |
$100.00 |
Before/Aftercare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65/week
Aftercare Only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50/week
Part-Time (up to 30 hours a week)
Ages |
Fee per week: |
Infant (6 weeks – 12 months) |
$90.00 |
Toddler (13 months–24 months) |
$85.00 |
Preschool (25 months – 5 years |
$85.00 |
Drop-Ins (up to 10 hours a day; Any Age) $25 per day/ Holiday Care/Overnight Care( if not registered)
Sibling Discounts Applied at 10% off each rate.
Please call me as far in advance as possible to see if there is a spot available for your child)
Supplies Needed:
Your child will need a family picture and the following items EVERY day:
All Items Must Be Labeled!!
Infants: |
Prepared Formula Bottles |
Disposable diapers |
Baby wipes |
Baby food |
(2) complete changes of clothes |
Pacifier if needed |
Toddlers and Twos: |
Disposable diapers or training pants |
Baby wipes |
Zippy cups |
Two complete changes of clothes |
Threes, Fours and Fives: |
One complete change of clothes |
Meals and Snacks:
My nutrition program provides two healthy snacks and a nutritious breakfast and lunch everyday. My menu is filled with food kids love. If your child is an infant or toddler who is not ready for table food, I ask you supply me with the appropriate food. Please let me know of any food allergies your child may have. I will gladly support and work with you and your pediatrician to accommodate your child's needs. NO candy may be brought from home except for special days and parties. please check with me first.
Parties:
A birthday is a special event in a child’s life. Children enjoy sharing this exciting day with their friends. I am happy to have you participate with us on that day. Please feel free to bring “goodies” to celebrate the special day. We will also be having “parties” at Christmas, Halloween, Valentines Day, etc. I am always open to parents bringing treats for these “parties”. Please notify me in advance if you want to participate.
Personal Items:
Your child will be playing with fun, educational toys at Simply Unique Creations Family Daycare every day. Therefore, to avoid loss or breakage, I ask you to keep your child’s toys or special personal items at home. For occasional Show and Tell and sharing times, your child may bring in an item as long as it is safe and labeled wit his or her name. If your child loses anything, let me know immediately. I’ll be glad to look, but I cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged items.
Clothing:
My program is designed to keep children active – both indoors and out. Your child should wear comfortable, washable clothes because a full day at Simply Unique Creations Family Daycare can include such activities as painting, dancing, eating, singing and playing, both indoors and outdoors.
Discipline Policy:
Learning self-control is just a normal part of growing up, and my policy is never to embarrass or ridicule a child when he or she misbehaves. Corporal or physical punishment is never allowed at Simply Unique Creations Family Daycare. Instead, I use positive strategies that strengthen the self-esteem of children. Most situations can be handled by redirecting a child to another, more appropriate activity. This approach is called “positive redirection.”
It is my policy that discipline is to be guidance that improves, strengthens, molds and helps a young child control his or her own actions. For that to happen we must set the example for the child to follow, give positive re-enforcement, provide acceptable choices, set realistic limits, encourage a child to express feelings with words when they are able, use consequences that are related to the behavior, and listen carefully to what our children are saying to us. Please inform me of the discipline method you most prefer and working together we will ensure a well disciplined child.
Behavior Issues:
If your child exhibits a severe behavioral problem (such as regular biting, hitting etc.,) I will discuss this with you and ask for your cooperation in solving the problem. Because I provide childcare and education in a group setting, I must be concerned for the welfare and safety of all of our children. When a particular child’s or parent’s behavior threatens the safety of or becomes abusive toward other children in the daycare, I reserve the right to unenroll the child immediately.
Child ABUSE/NEGLECT: I am required by law to report any suspected signs of child abuse and/or neglect. This includes any form of physical punishment by the parents in my home.
Homework:
I provide hands-on, take-home activities once a week, so children and parents can extend the learning experience and have fun together. Parents can best support their child’s learning by reading with their child each day, starting with infants and toddlers. In fact, reading to your child is the single most important thing you can do to foster literacy development.
Naps and Quiet Time:
After hours of exciting, educational and fun activities, the children will take a nap or observe a quiet time in the afternoon. All the children lie down during this time. Each child has his or her own clean and separate bedding. Your child may bring a favorite blanket or sleep toy from home. Please label it and wash it every week.
Television:
Will only be use during an activity or maximum of one (1) hour or less per day. Television viewing will not be used on a regular basis, please do not allow children to bring personal movie from home unless discussed with me ahead of time.
Hand Washing:
I want to help teach your child valuable personal skills. That’s why I require hand washing before eating, after bathroom visits and at any other appropriate time.
Diaper Changes:
Diapers are checked and changed every 2 – 2 1/2 hours or more frequently if required. Exception: Each child will be diapered after waking up from their nap. Hand washing of myself and child is performed after each change.
Toilet Training:
Teamwork is the key to mastering this often challenging phase in child development. I will not start any toilet training until you decide the time is right. (Most children start at around two years of age.) Once you start at home, I’ll make every effort to coordinate my program with yours. I ask you to supply with at least two complete changes of clothing, and an ample supply of training pants for each day your child attends. If your child has just started toilet training, he or she may still wear a diaper at rest time.
Health Requirements:
I must have a copy of immunization records for all children in my care. Please keep this file updated. This information is required before first day of care. Please inform me of any medical conditions such as allergies, etc. It is important to keep in mind that in compliance with state laws, forms must be updated from time to time. Please bring me your child’s shot and physical record each time they go to the doctor and receive a new immunization.
Sickness:
To make sure illness does not spread; sick children (with fever more than 100, diarrhea, or vomiting for example) may not be brought to the daycare. At least 12 hours lapse of fever and/or vomiting is required before your child may return. Payment is still required if days are missed.
Allergies:
Please inform me about any allergy your child may have, so that I can take the right precautions to protect his or her health.
Medications:
To make sure I administer medicine in a safe, healthy manner, I will only administer dated, labeled, prescribed medications (or authorized, “over-the-counter” with the labeled instructions unless otherwise authorized in writing by a licensed physician.) You must complete a Medication Authorization form for each week your child needs medication. All of my medication policies meet or exceed state regulations. If your physician recommends changes, I will work with your to accommodate your child’s needs.
Injuries & Emergencies:
I take every precaution to make sure your child is safe. This includes a comprehensive safety awareness program, as well as frequent inspections and maintenance of my house, playground and equipment. But because children will be children, accidents may happen.
MEDICAL PROCEDURES
In the event of an accident or sudden illness requiring immediate care:
* 911 will be called and emergency procedures will be followed
* The parent(s) of the child will be contacted immediately. If a parent(s) cannot be located, the listed emergency contact on file will be notified.
* Documentation of the incident or problem will be filed in the child's permanent folder, including specific information related to the accident or illness that caused the emergency.
* Minor injuries & concerns will receive appropriate first aid and parent will be notified. Documentation will also be filed in child's permanent record.
Signing Children IN and OUT:
Each morning, when you bring your child in, I require you to sign in on a roster. I will release your child only to parents or guardians with legal custody or persons over the age 18 that are designated by you on the Emergency Contact and Child Release Authorization form. When you return to pick up your child, I ask you to sign out. Adults other than parents will be required to show proper ID.
Verification of Legal Custody:
I must have on file, a copy of the court order recognizing the parent who has custody of the child. Otherwise, I must release the child to either biological parent.
The Bulletin Board:
A most important communication center is the bulletin board. It is used to display developmental articles, holidays, educational certificates, messages, and other important information directed at parents. The bulletin board, enrollment form, contract and this handbook all work together as the contractual agreement between parent and provider. There will be policy alerts posted on the bulletin board that become part of our contractual agreement upon posting. Be sure to read the bulletin board frequently.
Holding Fee/Deposit:
When enrolling, you must pay a non-refundable deposit/registration fee of $50 of childcare to hold your spot. This deposit will apply to the first week when the child starts childcare. If for any reason the child fails to start when expected the deposit will be forfeited as a holding fee.
Day Care Payment:
Payment is always due in advance of the next week (on Friday by 6:00pm.)
Payment Options:
I will accept payment in the form of a money order made payable to Jonita Simmons, or in cash. I don't carry change for cash payments but will deduct any due change from the following payment. If payment is not made by the end of the second business day agreed, there will be a late charge of $10.00 added to the next payment due. Unpaid fees may be subject to immediate suspension or termination of care unless reasonable arrangements are made and accepted by both parties.
PAYPAL COMING SOON!!
Late Pick-Up/Overtime Charge:
In the mornings I can be flexible with arrival times with prior written approval; however, closing time is firm. The overtime rate is $5.00 for the first 15 minutes and $10.00 every 15 minutes thereafter. This charge goes into effect 5 minutes after daycare closing time of 6:00p.m, unless day care provider has been previously notified. In cases of emergencies or other problems, which may hinder you from picking your child up on time, I will expect a phone call. Late charges will not be charged for unpreventable lateness (example: auto accident, natural disasters, etc.; but not for unforeseen work requirements.) Excessive abuse will lead to loss of “late fee exception” privileges.
Payment Procedures:
Please understand tuition is based on enrollment NOT attendance. If a day(s) is/are missed during any given week, payment is still required for the entire week.
Taxes:
A year end statement of all daycare fees paid during the past year will be given to you in January of the next year for tax purposes.
Days and Hours:
I will be open Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to Midnight and Saturday and Sunday by appointment. Your specific hours will be outlined in your childcare contract. I require one week notice if you need to change your contracted hours. Children may be allowed to arrive earlier or stay later if prior arrangements have been made. I may provide overnight care due to a birth or death in your family. Please ask me if this service is possible when the need arises.
Day Care Absence:
Please give advance notice if your child will not be attending day care for any given day. There will be no refunds made to your childcare fee for days missed due to illness, holidays, vacations, or days off.. If your child misses an entire week, I will only charge half the regular week’s tuition as a reservation fee. I define a week as five consecutive days, Monday through Friday.
Holidays:
Payment is required for any and all national holidays that fall on a weekday. Day care will be open on most national holidays, see list for paid holidays in which day care will be closed unless appointment is made in advance.
New Years
New Years Eve
Good Friday
Easter
Memorial Day
Fourth of July
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
(When one of these holidays falls on a weekend, the holiday is either the Friday before it or the Monday after it)
Please Note: My family and I take a one week vacation each year. I will give ample notice to all parents and references for back up care with another provider that I know and trust. You will not be obligated to pay me during this time. Your payment will forward to the back up provider.
Pictures:
I will take candid pictures of the children at various times during the day. Some of these pictures may be used on my web site, placed in photo albums that are viewed by prospective clients and in my home.
Smoking:
Simply Unique Creations Home Daycare is a completely smoke free environment. No smoking is allowed at any time on these premises.
Open Door Policy:
You are invited and welcome to visit Simply Unique Creations Daycare anytime your children are present. Please note that the door may be locked at times for security reasons. Parents are also free to call at any time. Keep in mind there may be times when it is not possible for me to run to the phone (diaper changing, kids painting, etc.) If the phone goes unanswered, please do not become alarmed, simply leave me a message and I will call you as soon as I am able.
Substitutes:
I may employ a substitute caregiver if necessary. This caregiver will have required training, current CPR & First Aid certification and will be familiar with the children before being left alone.
* Someone that I know, trust and knows exactly how I conduct my duties*
Equal Opportunity Provider:
Simply Unique Creations Family Daycare is an equal opportunity provider. Applications for enrollment are accepted without regard to marital status, race, sex, disability, religion, or nationality.
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