Parent/Child Handbook For Linda's Millrise Dayhome 120 Millside Road SW Calgary, AB T2Y2R3 (403) 201-9921 *This handbook is only to be used as a guideline. PARENT/CHILD HANDBOOK Welcome to Linda's Millrise Dayhome. In order to make our relationship as enjoyable as possible and to prevent any misunderstandings; I have created this handbook. Please feel free to discuss with me any questions or concerns 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 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 the child(ren). . You are encouraged to call me at any time between the hours of 6:00 a.m. -6:30p.m. 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. I am looking forward to a terrific relationship with you and your child! ENROLLMENT POLICY The following forms are required need to be completed prior to placement. Registration Form General Consent Form Signed Contract It is the parent's responsibility to keep me informed of any change in addresses, telephone numbers, and other pertinent information listed on any/all of the above forms. Please inform me if your child has ever had fever related seizures, other serious medical conditions or food allergies DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION My dayhome is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. and 6:00 am until 6:00 pm on Thursday's; with the exception of days off listed in this handbook and contract. When you enroll in my daycare I will ask you for specific hours you plan for your child(ren) to attend. Although I am open from 6:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m., I base your fee on the hours you contract for. If you have contracted for a later arrival or earlier departure and need to leave your children later or bring them earlier, I am usually able to accommodate you. However, please be considerate and give me as much notice as possible. Also, if an early arrival or later departure becomes a fairly regular event, I may need to adjust your rate. Late arrival does not always justify late departure. Please notify me by your scheduled arrival time if your child will not be arriving for the day or if you will be late in arriving. Our day is scheduled around everyone's expected arrival time. ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents, or cry when being dropped off. A smile, cheerful good-bye kiss, and a reassuring word that you will be back are all that is needed. In my experience, children are nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone. Please be assured that if your child is having a difficult time settling down and is crying for a prolonged period of time, I will contact you. With pick-up times this is a time of testing when two different authority figures are present (the parent and the provider), and all the children will test to see if the rules still apply. Please bring your child dressed (in weather appropriate clothing) and ready to begin their day. Children should be transported to and from daycare according to provincial laws concerning car seats and seat belts. If there is a question as to who will be picking up your child, leave the car seat here. RELEASE OF CHILDREN My normal procedure is to release the child only to his/her parents or someone else the parents designate. If someone other than the parent is to pick up the child, please notify me ahead of time. A verbal notice is fine on that day if this person is on the list of people who are authorized to pick up your child. If the person is NOT on that list, I MUST have written permission to release your child. If written permission is not available then please call me and update me on who is picking up your child. I will not let a child leave without a parent's written/verbal permission. Please note that the child(ren) will not be released to anyone whom I suspect has been drinking! The child(ren) will remain in my care until suitable arrangements have been made, a late fee may apply. PROBATIONARY PERIOD The first two weeks of care are considered probationary. Two-week's notice is required by either party to terminate the agreement (See Termination Policy). In the event of any violation of any article of our contract, provider reserves the right to terminate the contract without notice and deposit will be forfeited. TERMINATION Two weeks notice is required for withdrawal by the parents. Parent will be required to pay the full two weeks regardless of the child's attendance. For termination by the "dayhome provider" for reasons other than contract violations, two weeks notice and a refund will be given. Any violation of any article of our contract will be just cause for immediate termination of care and deposit will be forfeited. COMMUTING TO PRE-SCHOOL AND SCHOOL For 2007-2008 school year. I will be commuting school age children to and/or from school. Eugene Coste: Kids grades 1-6 must commute to and from my home on their own to the bus stop at the corner of Millrise Blvd and Millrise Dr. Kids in the AM kindergarten program (only) will require the parent to drop them off at the bus stop in the morning and I will pick your kindergarten child up from the bus stop at lunch time. Our Lady of Peace: I will be commuting children of all ages to OLP for the AM bell. However, I will only pick up AM kindergarten children and re-commute them back to my home. This may done by vehicle or walking depending on the pre-school days and times. Children in grades 1-6 will need to walk back to my home on their own during light hours. Midnapore: I will pick up AM kindergarten children. Parents must drop off their child at school. Canyon Meadows: I will pick up and drop off PM kindergarten children at the bus stop (pickups may vary between myself and another school age child if there is a time conflict). School age children are to walk to and from the bus stop on their own (except when I'm available to pick up). Le Roi Daniels: Children must walk to and from the bus stop on my own. Other Schools: Please arrange your own transportation to and from school. FEES Daycare Fees are as follows: *Please remember my fees are not based on actual time the child is in care. Since current provincial laws only allow me 6 Daycare Slots at any given time, you are paying for the spot in my childcare, that your child is occupying. Your child's spot will be held as long as it is being paid. PAYMENT PROCEDURES Payment is due on a prepayment basis. If the fee is not paid when due, a late fee of $5.00 per day may be assessed. If payment is not received by the following morning, child(ren) may not be permitted to return until all fees have been paid in full. Payments may be made by e-mailed direct deposit funds, cheque or cash and payable in full on the 1st of the month or you can split payments up between the 1st and 15th. If your child is not in attendance due to vacation, payment is due BEFORE you leave. In cases of illness, your payment is still expected unless other arrangements have been made. Full Days 2007 $550/month or $35/day 2008 $550/month or $35/day *Additional Child full day $400/month or $20/day 1/2 day - up to 4.5 hrs $20.00 BS or AS - up to 2.25 hrs $155 Both BSAS - up to 4.5 hrs $300 Preplanned overtime $6 p/h per child $6 p/h per child Lateness $12 per 1 hour increments (or $6 per 30 minutes) 3 days a week flat rate $420 Late payment fee $5 per day N.S.F Cheques $25.00 per item Parent is responsible for payment of all charges incurred due to bounced cheques. After a cheque is bounced, the required payment method is cash. If any charges and/or late fees are unpaid at the time of termination, all legal fees and court costs necessary to collect the outstanding charges will be the responsibility of parents/guardian. Before your child is admitted full time, to hold a future spot, a non-refundable security deposit must be paid. This deposit is equal to one week of childcare. This deposit will be credited to your last week's fee when you decide to depart from our dayhome. Repeated late payments may be grounds for termination and your deposit will be non-refundable. I ask you to consider how you would feel if your employer came to you on your expected payday and told you that your pay cheque would be delayed. I will give you a minimum of two-week's notice of any increases in your childcare fee. Your fees are my entire income, which includes taxes. Beyond that, your fees pay for food, toys, equipment, art supplies, and all of the other items that your child will use. Like other self-employed workers, family childcare providers do not receive the benefits many employees take for granted. Unlike other forms of self-employment, family childcare is very restrictive. There is no room for growth. The province dictates the size of my business. I cannot take time off for appointments or obligations without careful planning and covering of my responsibilities. I hope this helps with understanding the rates and the reasoning behind my payment policies. DROP OFF / PICKUP LATE FEES You are scheduled for childcare for the hours listed in your Contract and Rate Agreement. The late fees will be as follows: I will charge an overtime rate of $5.00 per child per every 30 minutes that you are late to pick up or early to drop off (will not be charged for first 3 late pickup up to 30 minutes.) Calling me to inform me that you will be unavoidably late may not waive your late fees. If overtime is pre-arranged, my fee will be $6.00 per hour, per child. This is to assure that children are picked up on time as not to impose on my family time. Late drop off does not constitute late pick up. These rules will be strictly enforced, and your habitual tardiness may result in termination of services. The above late fees will also be charged to you if grandma or another person is suppose to arrive to pick up your child and is late. 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 pick 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. Bad traffic or weather (except in extreme situations) will not be an accepted late excuse and you will be billed accordingly. Please remember that it is your responsibility to allow ample time to get here to pick up your child on time. In cases of extreme bad weather a phone call from you would be expected to let me know you are on your way. I would not want you to put yourself in danger in rushing to my home to be on time, but I would still expect to be reimbursed for my services at my overtime rate of $6.00 per child per every 30 minutes. ABSENCES There will be no refunds or adjustments made to your child care fee for your time missed due to illness (flat rate children, up to 3 days (1 child) or 5 days (2 children) without being charged), extended holidays, days off (during regularly scheduled week), last minute cancellations (outside of a minimal 48 hours notice) or days off. A place has been reserved for each child that cannot be filled on a short-term basis. I'm open to finding an alternate child for PT family's if I can find a replacement then you will receive a credit for that day otherwise the drop-in rate will be charged. Although I will make every attempt to be available each day, there will be occasions when another family member or I are ill and I am unable to provide service. You will be notified as soon as possible of any personal or family illness, funeral, or emergency. It will be your responsibility to obtain substitute care on such occasions and to arrange payment to the substitute. If I am unable to provide care for any of these reasons, you will not be charged for theses days. I strongly suggest that you have a family member, a friend, or a substitute provider lined up for the times I am closed due to illness or emergency. Then you will receive a refund in accordance to your daily/monthly rate. TAXES You will receive a receipt after payment is received for tax purposes. NSF & late fee payments are not childcare deductible expenses. Receipts are only issued for childcare related expenses at year-end. ADDITIONAL FEES At times provider may take children on an outing or field trip or plan special projects requiring an additional fee to cover the cost of the outing or project. Advance notice will be given to the parent(s) of such fees. If parent chooses not to send child(ren) on a planned field trip or outing, no adjustment will be made in the weekly daycare fee. ABSENCE DUE TO OTHER REASONS There are a limited number of spaces available; therefore, payments are not based on child's attendance. No refunds or reductions in fee are given for late arrivals/early departures, last minute cancellations, extended parental vacations (please see vacations and holidays), weather or exclusion due to illness. VACATION AND HOLIDAYS (not applicable to casual care) A minimum of two weeks' notice of provider's vacation will be provided when possible to enable parents to obtain other care during that time. The parent is responsible for finding back up care. Provider's vacation is unpaid vacation; any additional days (aside from the days listed below) are unpaid. 2 weeks unpaid holiday is allowed with a min of 2 weeks notice given, otherwise full payment is expected. Full payment is expected for the parent's vacation exceeding 2 weeks (per year from the child's start date, which may not necessarily be according to the calendar year). Once you have given me notice of upcoming vacation, I may revise our scheduled activities. No daycare services will be provided on statutory holidays. FULL DAYS payment is expected for all of these days. If this is similar to your work situation (otherwise childcare will be provided if the weekend statutory does not mirror your work schedule) - should an above paid holiday fall on a Saturday, the preceding Friday will be taken as the paid holiday; or if an above paid holiday should fall on a Sunday, the following Monday will be taken as the paid holiday. Occasionally, I may need to take additional days off for appointments, family activities, vacation, etc. I will try to schedule these days as far in advance as possible so that you can arrange other care for your child. I also will try to pick a day that is convenient for the majority of parents, if possible. These days will be unpaid. INCLEMENT WEATHER Daycare service is usually available and no adjustment will be made due to absenteeism. In the event of severe weather all efforts will be made to accommodate your late pickup or drop off times. BACK UP CARE When choosing Family Child Care it is imperative that you have reliable back up care available. In the event of provider illness, vacations, or personal time off, it is the responsibility of the client to arrange alternate care. SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN If your child attends school, it is still your responsibility to keep the school office informed of any changes to your child's information. In any case of emergency, and you are unable to be reached, the school may contact me. Please also inform the school when your child will not attend classes for the day. In the event of summer holidays, P.D. Days or other school breaks daycare will be provided at the normal full day rate. If your child is too ill for school, they are also too ill for daycare. They may not attend when sick. You will be responsible for your own backup arrangements. SICKNESS POLICY If other children become ill due to exposure to your sick child, either because he/she was returned to child care before full recovery or because he/she was not picked up promptly upon notice of becoming ill, other parents will be unnecessarily inconvenienced. If my family or I become ill due to exposure to a sick child, all of the children may need to arrange alternate care, and it is possible that I may lose a portion of my income. Because this is disruptive to other children and their families, as well as my own, your cooperation on this issue is extremely important. The following illness policies will be strictly enforced, for the health, well-being and safety of all concerned. However, exceptions (half day) can be made if care is urgently required. SYMPTOMS REQUIRING REMOVAL OF CHILD FROM CHILD CARE Fever: Fever is defined as having a temperature over 98.6°F taken under the arm, over 99.5°F taken orally, or over 100.4°F taken rectally. A child needs to be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to childcare; that means the child is fever free without the aid of Tylenol or any other fever reducing substance. Diarrhea: runny or watery stools, or 2 or more loose stools within last 4 hours. Not applicable to children that are teething. Vomiting Runny nose: Your child may be brought to care if he/she has a common cold (slight cough, clear runny nose, occasional sneezing). Discharge of any color other than clear is not acceptable in child care. Runny and/or Crusty Eyes: Watery, matted, and/or red/pink eyes are not acceptable in childcare. Unexplained Rash Your child will not be accepted into childcare if he/she has had any of the above symptoms within the last 24 hours. A sick child should be allowed to recover fully after an illness so that other children in the group do not risk exposure and so that the child is able to fully participate in childcare activities. If you are unable to remain at home with your sick child it will be necessary for you to make substitute child care arrangements at your own expense. If your child becomes ill while in my care, I will notify you immediately. You are required to pick up your child within 60 minutes of notification. If you cannot be reached then your emergency contact will be called. If your child is out ill, regular fees still apply. I reserve the right to determine when a child should be sent home due to illness. Children may return to care 24 hours after symptoms of illness end. Please notify me as soon as possible when your child becomes ill so that I may notify the other parents. If your child is thought to have a communicable disease, you will be notified and asked to pick him/her up. He/she will be isolated from the other children and given special attention and comfort until you arrive. Your child will be accepted back into care when no longer contagious. All other parents will be notified of the possibility of a communicable disease and what symptoms to watch for. If someone in my family has any of the above symptoms, I will call you the previous evening, or as soon as I am aware of the situation, so that you may determine whether or not you want your child exposed to such symptoms. However, I reserve the right to ask you to make other arrangements if I feel the illness(es) in my family will hinder the quality of care for your child. If I specifically request that you find alternate care on any given day, then I will not require payment. However absences by your choice qualify as your sick or absent days and are to be paid as stated above. I do not expect to be paid when I am not available for care due to illness. If your child becomes ill while in my care, I will make the determination as to whether or not the parent is to come for the child. Each case is different and new situations may arise, but in general, aside from obvious symptoms of illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) if your child is acting sick, lethargic or too uncomfortable to participate in our normal daycare routine, I will be calling you to come get your child. Please know that when I make that call to you I have done everything I can possibly do, and we have reached a point where parental care is needed. MEDICATION Written parental consent is required to permit me to give medication of any kind. Please try to give medication at home whenever possible. Please do not send medication in a bottle or cup of milk, juice, etc. to daycare with your child. There is no guarantee your child will finish this drink and get all of their necessary medication. Also, if there are other little ones around, they may accidentally pick up your child's drink and take medication not meant for them. All medication must be provided in the original container and include written instructions. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES In case of EMERGENCY, I will administer the necessary first aid. 911 will be called and your child will be transported to the nearest hospital. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY. If an ambulance is called to transport your child, the cost of the ambulance will be your responsibility. You are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency transportation, if required. I Linda Englehart, or my family will not be held liable for any sickness/injury of either parent/guardian or child while on these premises, or while the child is on field trips or outings. FIELD TRIPS AND TRANSPORTATION Field trips or outings may be taken occasionally. All children will be properly restrained in an appropriate car seat depending on their age. You may be asked to pay any fees associated with field trips or provide annual passes for the specified venues. It is not required that your child attends field trips, but it will be your responsibility to find and pay for alternate care if you do not wish for them to attend. You must still pay your regular childcare fee. NAP/REST TIME All children are required to lie down for a rest period in the afternoon, or have quiet time. Quiet time consists of colouring reading, watching a video/ TV or quiet play. Although our naptime may vary depending on our activities on a particular day, usually it is from 12:50pm - 2:00pm. Rest gives everyone a much needed break during the day. If your child has a special blanket or stuffed animal he/she sleeps with please feel free to send it along. Or if you choose not to have your child participate in nap time please let me know. ACTIVITIES The main goal of my dayhome is to have fun, improve social skills, and encourage creative expression. I will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. Free play, reading, arts and crafts, music/singing, dancing, dramatic play/pretend, puzzles, and educational TV/videos numbers and ABC, are just some of the activities we will be doing. BIRTHDAYS & PARTIES Each child's birthday is his/her "Special Day." I will buy the child a gift that is from all of us. It will be the your responsibility to provide a cake, cupcakes, or treats for your child's special day. I will let you know which day we will celebrate. I also have holiday parties occasionally throughout the year. TOILET TRAINING I am happy to assist in potty training. If possible, it is best for you to initiate potty training over a weekend or vacation. Please do not begin training before your child is ready. If potty training is begun when your child is ready, the task is easy and quick. When the time is right for your child and until he/she is totally successful in his/her toileting, he/she should wear clothes that promote his/her independence. The best items are shorts and pants with elastic waists, or dresses. Try to avoid really tight clothing, pants with snaps and zippers and belts, overalls and onesies. These are difficult for children to remove "in a hurry". Please send 2 extra outfits while potty training. SUPPLIES NEEDED Parents are responsible for supplying formula, baby food, disposable diapers and wipes, ointments, etc. You must also supply at least two COMPLETE change of clothing appropriate for the weather. You will be asked to bring bathing in the summer. I will request certain items for certain times of the year such as boots or snowsuits. All items need to be labeled with your child's initials. You must maintain these items at all times. Please keep in mind that if you do not bring a needed item, it may prevent all of the children from going outside. MEALS Breakfast is served as soon as child arrives, up until 8:15 am, morning snack is served at approximately 10 am, lunch is served around 11:50 am and afternoon snack around 2:30 pm. Children are always offered all the food group items but are not forced to eat. Parents are responsible for providing food for children on a special diet. PETS We do have 1 friendly 5.5 year old terrier named, Tigger. HOUSE RULES There are certain house rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow. The following rules are enforced for the safety and well being of everyone. There will be no running permitted in the house. Hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching other children/infants/adults will NOT be allowed. No standing or climbing on chairs, tables, or furniture. No playing on the steps (either inside or out). No disrespectful language will be used. No play fighting, I have found that from experience all play fight tends to end with someone getting hurt. Children are to keep food and drink in the proper area. Children and families are welcome in any areas of the home that are used for childcare purposes. If your child intentionally damages my property through destructive behavior or roughness, you will be liable for the damages. DISCIPLINE My philosophy is that you use discipline to teach a child. I achieve this through love, consistency and firmness. I stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people and respect for property. The children are explained the rules of the child care home frequently so they are all familiar with the guidelines. Please keep in mind that there will be disagreements between children. Young children, especially, who are not adept at communication and have a hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit or throw toys, etc. Although teaching children appropriate behavior is what I will be doing, remember that this behavior is normal in most cases. The following methods of discipline will be used: Encourage children to solve problems themselves Intervention and discussion Re-direction to another play area Loss of privileges Time out If I feel there is a chronic behavioral issue that needs attention, I will let you know so that you and I are handling it in the same way and your child has continuity in discipline between our homes. These types of behavior might include such things as biting, chronic hitting, etc. Together we will try to find a solution. If your child's behavior prevents me from being able to properly care for the other children, you will be called to remove your child from daycare. If the problem continues, other arrangements for the care of the child will have to be made, for the safety and well being of all. As a home care provider, I have a responsibility by law to recognize and report any evidence of child abuse-physical, emotional or neglect. REVISIONS TO HANDBOOK AND CONTRACT Parents will receive at least two weeks notice concerning changes/updates in this handbook UNLESS it is a new provincial regulation that I have no control over, in which case the change will take place immediately. I will notify parents in writing of any changes. The handbook will be "refreshed" with contract renewal every year. I/We have read, understand, and agree to comply with the provider's handbook. Parent's Signature__________________________________ Date _________________________ Parent's Signature__________________________________ Date _________________________ Provider's Signature________________________________ Date _________________________