Enrollment Form



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Handbook



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Policy Handbook

Nondiscrimination

I will not discriminate in relation to admission of any child based on race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex or disability.

House Rules

The children will be taught by example here, to have respect for themselves and each other. They will
also be taught to respect my daycare property and possessions.

Discipline

I will strive to offer praise for good behavior. Should negative behavior happen, I will deal with it in one of three ways.
Redirection: Toddlers will simply be told “no” and redirected to another activity or area.
Talking: Once a child reaches the age of two, they can be talked to. They will be told in easy to understand terms why the behavior should not continue. Typically, this is highly effective.
Time-out: Should the behavior continue; the child will be placed in a time out chair. I use the one minute per age of the child rule (a three-year-old gets three minutes).
Should a behavior continue after a few time outs, I will talk to the parent. A workable solution can almost always be found.

Drop off/Pick up children

Please arrive on time. If you will be late for drop off/pick up, let me know as soon as, so I may adjust my schedule if need be.
All children over the age of 12 months are expected to arrive fully dressed and ready for the day. Do not bring your child in pajamas (there will be times when this is allowed).
At drop off time, make sure that you say good bye to your child(ren) and let them know when you will be returning. Although this may produce tears, rest assured…by the time you are out of the driveway, the tears have stopped. This also helps to make the child feel secure in that while you may leave them when you must, you are always coming back.
At the moment you walk in to pick up, you are in charge of your child(ren). Sometimes children will “test” to see who is really in charge. A child who has been well behaved all day will suddenly bounce all over the daycare when a parent arrives. The respect you show me, my daycare and my possessions will speak volumes to your child.
When you drop off or pick up, do not linger. Ten minutes is typically more than sufficient. During daycare hours, I have a job to do. If you need to talk to me, I am available after hours.

Fees

I am paid bi-weekly. Fees are expected in advance, payable on the first day of care in any given week.
My daycare has regular hours. Notify me as soon as possible if you will be arriving early/late. Early/late, meaning…any time before/after your regular scheduled hours. An early/late fee of $2.00 every 1 minute will apply. These fees are expected to be paid immediately.
I DO NOT accept checks. Forms of payment are Cashapp, Zelle or Apple pay.
Fees are expected to be paid whether or not your child attends daycare.
I require a two-week written notice if you are terminating child care. If none is given, two weeks additional payment must be made, whether or not your child is present. If I find I can no longer provide care for your children, I will give you at least a two-week notice.

Vacations/Holidays

I am closed on the following holidays New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4 th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
I take a week or two off every year. You will be given a minimum of two-week notice.

Safety

Your child’s safety is paramount. All lower cabinets (kitchen and bathroom) have safety locks. Upper cabinets that could pose a problem (i.e. medicine cabinet) are also locked. All electrical outlets have child proof safety covers. I have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor, two fire extinguishers.
The door at the top of the stairs is sturdy and child proof. Emergency numbers are posted and next to the phone. I also have first aid kits, several flashlights and a battery-operated radio. Tornado/storm and fire drills are practiced monthly and logged.
I have taken classes in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid, Child car restraint safety, SIDS prevention (Back to Sleep Program) and a class to help reduce the risk of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Clothing

Do not send your child to daycare in “dress clothes”. Play clothes only. Although I try my best to keep the children clean, even in the best circumstances accidents happen.
Make sure your child always has a complete change of clothing here, including underwear and socks. Please provide a different change of clothes should the one here be used or If the season changes.
Provide a summer type jacket to be left here. Please do not buy a new jacket for this purpose. Occasionally in the warmer months a child will come without a coat, due to warmer temperature in the
morning, should the day turn chillier, he/she will still be able to play outside in comfort.
Do not bring your child in sandals or flip flops. Only shoes that cover the entire foot should be worn. During the summer months I will on occasion make use of a wading pool, sprinkler or water toys. You will
be notified in advance. Please provide a swimsuit or swim diaper if you wish for your child to participate.
During the winter months, make sure your child has the appropriate clothing. This includes a jacket, snow pants, boots, mittens and a hat. If your child does not have the appropriate clothing, he/she will not be
able to play outside. If you would like to leave a spare hat and mittens here, its fine.

Quiet Time

Quiet Time:
Every day between 12:30-2:30, we have quiet time, all younger children will lay down to rest. Older children will be given quiet time activities (coloring supplies, puzzles, movies etc.). I ask that you keep visits and phone calls to a minimum. Unless there is an emergency. Please refrain from picking up during this time frame.
Items from: Your child may bring a special blanket for quiet time. Please do not allow your child to bring anything else into the daycare setting. No toys, candy or snacks, money etc.

Meals and Snacks

All food served during the day will include servings from each basic food group as specified by the United states Department of Agriculture.
Breakfast is served at 7:00 am. If you will be arriving later than 7:00 am, please see that your child(ren) have eaten breakfast prior to arriving.
There will be a snack served at 10:00 am, lunch at 12:00 pm and another snack at the end of quiet time.
No dinner will be served to daycare children unless we have a prearranged agreement. *If any food or bottles are brought from home, they must be clearly labeled with the child’s name. It is
important to let me know if your child has any known allergies.

Sick Policy

I will notify you immediately should your child develop any of the following symptoms:
– Underarm temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or over, oral temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or over (no rectal temperature will be taken).
– Vomiting or diarrhea
-Any rash other than mild diaper or heat-related rash.
Should your child develop any of these symptoms, you will be expected to pick up your child within one hour. If this is not possible, you will need to have another person listed on your emergency information form that can. You will also be called at my discretion should your child clearly appear to be uncomfortable, regardless of whether other symptoms have appeared.
I am not willing to accept a child with any of the above listed symptoms. Symptoms must be gone for 24 hours prior to re-admittance.
I will not take a child with confirmed lice unless the hair has been washed with an approved product twice (24 hours apart). I will check the child’s head personally upon arrival. Should I find anything, your child will not be able to stay.

Immunizations

All children in my daycare must have the appropriate immunizations for their age or written notarized documentation on the immunizations form opposing immunizations.

Reportable Diseases

Indiana rules requires that the parent/guardian notify me within 24 hours of the diagnosis of any serious contagious illness or parasitic infestation listed below. Any illnesses in bold lettering are immediately
reportable to the Indiana Department of Health. The Indiana Public Health office is 219-874-5611. I will notify you of any confirmed case the same day I am notified by a parent/guardian. Your child’s name or
any other child’s name will not be disclosed. If you have any questions regarding an illnesses contagious period, symptoms or policy, please ask.

Medications

Prior to administering prescription medication, I must have written permission and instructions for each medication. Medicine with the child’s name and current prescription information on the label constitutes instructions.
Non-prescription medications will be administered with the parental permission according to manufacturer’s instructions unless written instructions are from a licensed physician. Parents must sign a
permission slip for each medication.

Sleeping

Each child will be provided with safe comfortable sleeping space with separate bedding. Infants will sleep in porta cribs with waterproof mattresses or pads. I will sleep infants on their backs according to the recommended guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and SIDS. If your baby needs to sleep on their stomach or in an unauthorized sleeping arrangement, you must obtain a written statement from a doctor.

Emergencies/Back-Up

If, for any reason, I need to leave for an emergency, I have an adult who can come in for a short period of time until you arrive. In the event that I am ill or on vacation and cannot provide care, you will need to have your own back-up arrangements available. I will notify you as soon as possible, when I am unable to provide care for your child.
Should your child require emergency medical attention, I need written permission to follow any steps necessary for his/her wellbeing. I will notify you at the earliest possible time. You will be responsible for all medical expenses incurred.

Supervision

I am required to be within sight or hearing of an infant, toddler or preschooler at all times so that the caregiver is capable of intervening. For school-age children, I am required to be available for assistance and care. Written permission is needed from you if your school age child is needed to be off my property. This includes walking to/from the bus stop or school.

Authorized Persons

Occasionally your child may need to be picked up from care by someone other than a parent/guardian. Unless the names are listed on your emergency forms, your child will not be released. In case of an  emergency, please provide a reliable list of people to reach.

Parents in Daycare

You have the right to stop in anytime during your child’s regular daycare hours. You do not need a reason. You are welcome to pop in anytime.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in the childcare during daycare hours.

Daycare Forms

All forms must be completed prior to the first day of care. All weekly fees must be paid prior to the start of care in any given week. If forms are not completed or fees are not paid, no care will be provided.