parenthandbook

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Brock Family ChildCare. My name is Becky Brock, and I am a professional childcare provider. I am licensed by the State of Ca (103807919) to facilitate greater understanding between us I have created this handbook. It covers my childcare philosophies, business policies and expectations.

In order to make our relationship as enjoyable as possible, the following pages contain mutually beneficial requirements, which are necessary to ensure that there are no misunderstandings between either parties. The words "I" or "me" or "my" refers to the childcare provider. The word "you" or "your" refers to the child's parents or guardian.

Please read this handbook carefully, and feel free to discuss with me any questions that you may have.

MY CHILD CARE PHILOSOPHY

As a family child care provider, my goal is to provide a safe and happy place for children where they can learn and grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially at their own pace. I believe children learn through play and benefit from a structured yet flexible schedule. Activities will be offered which stimulate sensory motor development, language development and social interaction. The development of strong self-esteem is also a major goal. Children will be taught to respect each other, adults, and property. Also we are Christ Centered facility and believe that every child is a precious gift from God .

COMMUNICATION

Communication is very important to me. When I accept a new family into my business, I like to be sure that we can share openly any concerns or questions that may arise. It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between us. I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for your child (ren). Sensitive issues will be discussed in private outside of regular childcare hours either by telephone or conference.

Conferences will not be scheduled as a routine part of your child's care, however, should you like to have a conference, you may request one at any time. You are encouraged to call me at any time between the hours of 7:30a.m - 5:00p.m to check on your child. If you call during the day, please be aware that I may be busy with the children and may not be able to answer the phone. If you would leave a message on my voice mail, I will call you back as soon as possible. The best time to call during the day is during our daily nap/quiet time.

I am looking forward to a terrific relationship with you and your child!

ENROLLMENT POLICY

Due to the limited spaces available, weekly payments are based on using or holding your slot, not on the child's attendance. No refunds are given for late arrivals/early departures, parental vacations or exclusion due to illness. You must pay for your child's scheduled time - regardless of whether or not your child is here. Those days and times are reserved for your child.

Registration Fee of $40.00 per child is due at enrollment time.

***There are several 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.

You are required to keep me informed of any change in addresses, telephone numbers, and other pertinent information listed on any/all of the above forms. If you have any questions regarding the completion of these forms, please feel free to ask.

If you would like to take the enrollment forms home there will be a refundable deposit of $25 to take the handbook and paperwork home. The $25 dollars will be returned when the completed paperwork is returned and/or completed.

AGES SERVED

My ratio for care is as follows:

Infants up to 2 years..................3 infant

12 months to 5 years old.......................3children

Infants up to 2 years…………………………… 4 children

TRIAL PERIOD

All new children will be cared for on a two-week trial period beginning on your child's first actual day of care. During that time the parent or provider may terminate the childcare agreement with 24 hours notice. No pre-paid fees will be credited upon cancellation during the Trial Period. After the trial period, a two-week's written notice is required by either party to terminate the agreement.

PAYMENT PROCEDURES

Your specific rates will be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement.

Payment is payable in advance and is due no later than 5:30 pm Friday for the following week. If this day is a holiday, payment is expected on the previous day. If you go away on vacation, payment is due BEFORE you leave. If it is my planned day(s) off, your payment is expected BEFORE I leave. In cases of illness, your payment is still expected unless other arrangements have been previously made. If I close the childcare due to my own illness or emergency, payment will be expected on your first day back to childcare.

Payments may be made by check or cash and should be made out to Becky Brock. Checks must be dated for the day they are due, no post-dated checks will be accepted. There will be a late fee of $10.00 per day for any payments received after the due date. If payment is not received by drop-off time on Monday, childcare will not be provided until payment and any applicable late fees are paid in full. You will be liable for any and all costs of collection with regard to delinquent tuition fees. Repeated late payments may be grounds for termination of childcare services. Also as part of Brock Family ChildCare HandBook your weekly fees will never be raised as long as your child is in my care

The success of my business depends on the prompt payment of tuition for each child. Tuition and fees are computed with the following expenses in mind:

1 Food

2 Craft and activity supplies

3 Toys, games and equipment

4 Energy costs and use of provider’s home

5 Additional time spent for record keeping and clean up each day

LATE FEES

You are scheduled for childcare for the hours listed in your Contract and Rate Agreement. If you drop off before or pick up after these times, you will be charged a late/early fee. An overtime fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged if you are late picking up your child or early dropping your child off. Late drop off does not constitute late pick up. Payment of the late fee is expected at the time of pick-up in cash.

It is your responsibility to have your child picked up on time. If you know you will be unavoidably late, it is your responsibility to have an authorized alternate person picks up your child. It is not my responsibility to tell you that I have plans after childcare hours so that you can be here on time. Traffic or weather problems (except in extreme situations) will not be an accepted late excuse and you will be charged accordingly. Please remember that it is your responsibility to allow ample time to get here to pick up your child on time.

Continued late pick-ups may result in termination of childcare services.

Please keep in mind that this is an in-home childcare facility and time with my family is very important. I would very much appreciate that you be prompt in picking up your child each day.

RETURNED CHECKS

There will be a $40.00 fee for all returned checks. You are also responsible for any other fees that I may incur as a result of the returned check. This fee as well as the tuition that was due will be required within 24 hours upon notification of the returned check or childcare services will not be provided.

In addition, I will only accept cash or money order from that point forward.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30a.m to 5:30p.m.

I require two-week's notice if you need to change your enrollment hours. I also reserve the right to terminate if the new hours will not work well for my childcare business.

I offer both full-time and part-time care. Full-time positions will generally be preferred over part-time positions. I reserve the right to terminate a part-time position, if the position can be filled with a full-time family. You may opt to pay for a full-time slot in order to keep your part-time position.

My hours have been established so as to be convenient for parents who must work outside the home. As my time with my family is just as important as your time with your family, I ask that you do not use my hours of operation for your personal errands (grocery shopping, playing golf, running home, etc). I understand that from time to time a brief stop may be necessary, however abuse of this policy can result in termination of childcare services. ***I will not watch your children while you are off work. My child care is for your time at work or in school. You are welcome to pay for extra care. You are to give me a weekly schedule of your work hours or school hour each week if they are to change weekly. ****

. You need to schedule your child’s time here to allow time for traffic. Please keep in mine that you need to have a back up person to pick up your child.

PERSONAL DAYS/VACATION

Although I make every attempt to be available each day, there will be occasions when I am sick or another family member are sick, I will be closed on those days. I will notify you as soon as possible of any personal or family illness, funeral, or emergency. It will be your responsibility to obtain alternative care and to arrange payment to your alternate provider.

Occasionally it may be necessary for me to close for half a day or a full day due to appointments. I will make every effort to schedule appointments during my off time. I will let you know as soon as possible of any closures due to appointments. I strongly suggest that you have a family member, friend, or an alternate provider lined up for times I am unable to provide care. I am entitled to five additional days as personal or sick days each year without pay.

Also I take 2 weeks of paid vacations a year . Of which you will pay your normal weekly daycare fees. One will be the week of Christmas and One one week in the summer of which I will give you at least a 30 day notice when I will be taking it,so as to give you ample time to find alternate care.

After your child/children have been with me a year you will only be required to pay ½ the normal fee.

FUNERALS /FAMILY EMERGENCY/ILLNESS

The provider will notify you as soon as possible if I will be closed due to illness or a funeral. Parents may wish to secure their own back-up provider for all of these situations.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

My home maintains an open door policy for parents during the hours in which childcare is provided. This means that parents are always welcome to call or drop in to see their children. If you call during the day, please be aware that I may be busy with the children and may not be able to answer the phone. Please leave me a message and I will return your call as soon as I am free to talk.

Open door policy does NOT mean that our doors will be kept unlocked. I believe that it is extremely important to keep the doors locked for the safety of the children and my home. I do not want unwanted or unexpected visitors to enter without our permission or knowledge.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURES

It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents. Please make your drop off brief, the longer you prolong the departure, the harder it gets. In my experience, children are always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone.

Please be brief at pick up times as well. Children will usually get very excited when their parents arrive to pick them up. At times, this can be a distraction to the other children and may result in children not following the house rules. Please remain in control of your child during pick up times.

Drop-off and pick-up times are not good times to discuss problems. Little ears and minds hear and understand everything. I am not comfortable discussing children in the presence of anyone except their parents. Topics that concern day-to-day events or light-hearted discussion are fine.

I will only release a child to his/her parent or guardian. If someone other than a parent or guardian will be picking up your child, I will need to be notified prior to the pick up time. If this person is not on the list of authorized persons to pick up your child, I will ask for identification. These precautions are designed for the safety of the children.

SIGNING IN/OUT

Each child should be signed in and out by the parent or other authorized person. This is for safety and record-keeping reasons and will be kept on file.

Under scheduling

Your child could be the only child in attendance on any given day and I need to know if he/she is still coming. Even though I have set hours it does not mean that I will always have children to care for during these hours. If I am not home, please leave a message. Because these hours are guaranteed, billing will be made whether the hours are used or not.

If your child is absent and no phone call is made informing me of the absence (No Call/ No Show):

*** I am not required to call you***

Termination Policy*

You are required to give a 2 week written notice when you decide to terminate childcare. The full 2 weeks will be paid in full regardless of whether or not your child is in attendance. If you decide not to return your child for the 2 weeks, all fees will be due immediately. No prepaid fees will be refunded.

I will also give a 2 week written notice of termination for which full payment is due whether or not your child is in attendance. Termination notice will not be accepted while provider or child is on vacation or leave of absence, nor during their vacation time..

***Cash only Payment***

ABSENCES

Childcare tuition will not be adjusted for late arrivals, early pick-ups or missed days. A spot has been reserved for each child and this spot can’t be filled on a short-term basis. Tuition is paying for your child’s spot, not for the amount of days or hours your child is in attendance. In case of illness of myself, family member or if a family emergency arises and I am unable to provide care, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will be responsible for finding alternate care for your child for these days. If this occurs you will be credited for the following week for the days that an emergency or there is a family illness. I strongly suggest that you have a family member, a friend, or a substitute provider available for the times I am closed due to illness or emergency. If your child will not be in care please call me at least 2 hours before you are to arrive for childcare. Otherwise I will be expecting your child to come that day. If you do not call me it is considered as a NO SHOW/ NO CALL.

MATERNITY/EXTENDED LEAVE

In cases of your potential absence due to maternity or extended leave from your job, 50% of your weekly tuition is still required for the entire time of your absence in order to hold your child's position.

HOLIDAYS/VACATIONS

Brock Family Child Care will be closed each year on the following holidays:

1 New Year's Eve & New Year's Days (closed)

2 Martin Luther King JR’s Birthday

3 President’s Day

4 Memorial Day

5 Independence Day

6 Labor Day

7 Veterans Day

8 Good Friday

9 Thanksgiving Day and the day after

10 The Week of Christmas(pd vacation)

11 Providers Appreciation Day

Tuition will not be adjusted for these holidays. When one of the above listed holidays falls on a Saturday, Brock Family Child Care will be closed the preceding Friday, when a holiday falls on a Sunday, Brock Family Child Care will be closed the following Monday.

Brock Family Child Care will close for two weeks each year paid vacation. expected for these I will provide you with a 30 day written notice of my expected vacation. You are responsible for finding alternate care for these days. There are times when I may have to take a trip in those times out side of my vacation time; my mother who is a licensed nurse will be substitute for me. I will remain open and you have that chose of bring your child or finding alternate care.

*Note: When the day care is still open you still have to pay your tuition in full.

You may take up to 1 weeks of vacation you required to pay 100% of the weekly tuition rate. After the first year you will receive 1 vacation week free . You must provide me with two weeks written notice of expected family vacations. Full weekly tuition will be due for any additional family vacations. Payment of tuition will be due prior to your vacation.

Any vacation days not used within your one-year period will be forfeited. Vacation days may not be applied to your final two weeks of childcare nor can they be applied to any outstanding childcare debts you may owe such as late pick up or late payment fees, etc. You may not use any of your vacation days for days when your child is in attendance. I will keep a record of your vacation days used; however, it will not be my responsibility to remind you of how many days you have left until the end of the year.

CLOTHING/ATTIRE

Children should arrive clean and fully dressed. Please do not send your children in pajamas. Clothing should be comfortable and appropriate for outdoor play regardless of the time of year.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

I prefer that children do not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (i.e. books, videos, etc.). Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others, and it is even harder with their own special toys. If toys are brought from home, and are the cause of disagreements between the children, I will put the toy in the child’s cubby until the child goes home. I am not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items. Each child has their own cubby labeled with their name. The cubby contains all of the child’s personal belongings. Parents are more than welcome to check remove or add anything to their child’s cubby.

SUPPLIES

Parents must supply the following items:

Infants/Toddlers (not potty-trained): Diapers, pull-ups, , powders/ointments, pacifier, bottles (label w/child’s name) and two complete changes of clothes. Wipes and formula are provided as I am a on a Food Program.

Toddlers/Pre-schoolers: Two complete changes of clothes.

** Please check your child’s cubby weekly**

*From time to time, I may request that a parent bring a specific item for the benefit of the child (swimsuit & towel, craft or activity supplies, etc). If this item is not supplied by the parent, your child may not be able to participate in the activity.

*** I have added a supply list as well with the package***

(Unless you choose to have this added to your tuition)

DAILY SCHEDULE

The main goal of this childcare is to have fun, improve social skills, and encourage creative expression. I will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. Bible, Free-play, reading, arts and crafts, music/singing, dancing, dramatic play/pretend, puzzles, and educational TV/videos are just some of the activities we will be doing.

Creativity plays an important role in my daycare program. We do not follow a strict regiment of scheduled "class" time, but grab every opportunity to turn playtime into a learning experience. In order for children to be creative, they must be free to make choices, and then receive the encouragement to carry them out. Open-ended play materials will be provided that will enhance the individualistic abilities of the children. Young children still learn best from participating in and observing the environment around them. Freedom of expression will be encouraged!

Young children and toddlers enjoy a structured schedule that allows for flexibility. A schedule helps the day to flow more smoothly, allows the child to anticipate coming events, and aids in achieving a variety of goals. We will adhere to our schedule to the best of our ability, keeping in mind that anything can happen when children are involved. There will be times when we have to make adjustments to the schedule. We appreciate families considering our schedule when picking up or dropping off their children.

TV time is closely monitored and is limited to PBS, Nick Jr. and Playhouse Disney. Movies are limited to only educational videos.

Music helps to develop young brains and will play a strong role in day-to-day activities. We may have special music activities and may also play music during other activities throughout the day.

MEALS

I participate in the California Child Care Food Program. Meals and snacks are included in your tuition at no extra charge. Meals will consist of breakfast, morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack.

Children who arrive after meal times should be fed before they arrive. I believe mealtime should be a pleasant time; therefore, children are always offered food but are not forced to eat it. I do encourage each child to try one or two bites of everything, and they must eat a little of everything before given seconds of anything. If a child refuses to eat their meal, there will be no food served until the next designated meal/snack time.

I am unable to accommodate children who have a special diet. If this situation applies to your child, you will need to bring the food each day for your child.

Breakfast: 7:30am-8:30am

Morning Snack: 10:00-10:30am

Lunch: 12 pm-12:30pm

Afternoon Snack: 3:00pm-3:15pm

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

There will be times and ways you can get involved in your child's experience at Ms. Kitty's Kiddies. You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any or all of these. Some examples of ways to be involved include:

· Lending objects for units of study
· Helping your child prepare for "Show and Tell"
· Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties

BIRTHDAYS

The provider will recognize each child’s birthday by announcing it on the chalkboard as well as singing the birthday song with all the children. Parents are welcome to bring a special treat (cupcakes, brownies, etc.) as long as you bring enough for everyone.

CLEANLINESS/HYGIENE

I do my best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Children's hands are washed before and after meals and after toileting. We use paper towels for drying hands, so children do not have to use the same towel.

Young toddlers sleep in separate mats, with clean sheets used only by them, washable nap mats are used. All mats are cleaned twice a week.

Children use either paper plates/bowls & utensils that are discarded after each use or plastic plates/bowls and utensils that are washed in the dishwasher after each use. High chairs and table areas are cleaned thoroughly after each meal.

The provider’s hands are washed after every diaper change and as needed throughout the day. The area is sanitized and the diaper is wrapped in a diaper disposal bag and thrown away. Toys and playroom items are washed and sanitized on a monthly basis.

POTTY TRAINING

The parent will need to supply pull-ups, training pants and a few changes of clothes while the child is learning. Please make sure your child is in clothes that will come off in a hurry if necessary. Open communication and feedback between the parent and provider is very important during this time.

During this time, Brock Family Child Care requests that the following guidelines are followed:

1. Your child MUST wear loose fitting clothing that are easy for the child to pull up or down.

2. NO overalls, pants that require the use of a belt, t-shirts with snaps between the legs or dresses (girls can not

see to pull down their underwear) be worn.

3. A supply of clothing with no less than 3 changes of clothing including socks be kept at child care in case of

accidents everyday.

4. Bring an extra pair of shoes if available.

5. 5 to 6 pairs of training pants (the thick 5 layer underwear) pullups are fine until this skill is learned

6. If your child is male, inform the caregiver if your son will sitting or standing. This really should be determined

right from the beginning of the potty training process. It is recommended that boys first learn to sit and pee in

the potty and once they are consistent then can be taught to stand and go. This will also lessen problems with

learning to put BM’s in the toilet and will also avoid constipation issues.

7. Keep a small supply of pull – ups available at child care until the child has shown naptime dryness for a week.

Your child will be in a pull-up during naptime until I see that she or he has shown me that they can stay dry for

that time.

8. Brock’s Child Care does not rinse out or wash soiled clothing so any clothing that becomes soiled during the day

will need to go home that afternoon.

Please keep in mind that often children will show a readiness and have success for potty training at home before

the signs are seen at child care. There may be a period of time where your child is potty trained at home and not

at child care. That is perfectly normal and has been seen quite often! If your child comes to child care with

underwear on and has 2 accidents in a short period of time, I will put a diaper or Pull –Up on your child and we can

try again another day when he or she shows signs of being ready at child care. I can not emphasize enough that

patience is the key thing here! Potty training occurs for all children sometime in their life – there is no right or

wrong age!

NAPS/QUIET TIME

Naptime is from 1:00pm - 3:00pm each day. All children are required to lie down for naptime in the afternoon and must nap, rest or read quietly during this period. Naptime gives everyone a much-needed break during the day. Naptime is my only opportunity to take a break, clean up after lunch, do paperwork, fill out daily notes, and do activity planning.

I prefer that there are no pick-ups or drop offs during nap time, but if it is necessary, please be as quiet and brief as possible. Children who arrive during naptime will be expected to remain quiet or take a nap until naptime is over, so that others will not be disrupted from their naps.

SUBSTITUTE CHILD CARE

Parents are responsible for providing their own back up care for illness, holidays, provider’s vacations, provider’s illnesses, and provider’s personal days. I will do my best, and to give enough advance notice.

HOUSE RULES

Please respect my profession, my home, and me. The respect that you show me, including my home, furnishings, equipment, yard, and other children will communicate itself to your child and will make for a better working relationship. There are certain house rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow. This is for the safety and well being of everyone.

There will be no running or yelling permitted in the house. Hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching will NOT be allowed. No standing, jumping or climbing on chairs, tables or furniture. There will be no use of obscene, derogatory or disrespectful language.

Children may not walk around the house with food, cups or bottles. Respectful treatment of other people and all property, toys, and furniture is expected. Willful destruction of property will be charged to the parent at the cost to replace the item.

My home is a smoke-free home therefore smoking will not be permitted on the premises.

My home is a no shoe home. If there is a need to walk around in my home for any reason at you, you must remove your shoes.

Children and families are welcome in any areas of the home that are used for childcare purposes.

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 monthly payment.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR PLAY

Indoor Play: We have a large playroom area designated for the children to play in. This room has plenty of toys and floor space for each child to play together with the other children or by themselves if they choose. With the exception of meals and outside play, the children will spend most of their day in the playroom as it is easier to monitor and safer for the children to be in one area of the home. The children will be expected to clean up as needed throughout the day.

Outdoor play: We will be playing outside everyday that weather permits. Please make sure that your child is appropriately dressed for outdoors play at all times. During the colder months, our outdoor play will probably range from 15-30