handbook

~Hours and days of operation~

I offer full time care but will welcome part time as well. I will operate Monday through Friday 6:00am - 6:00 pm. Unless arranged otherwise before hand. Saturday care is available with advance notice and specific drop-off and pickup times. Anyone needing second shift care should arrange this well in advance to be assured available

~Parental involment and visiting~

I encourage parents to be involved in the home child care process, to ask questions, share ideas and to visit if the child reacts well. I would like the parents to come and visit during quiet time if the object is to discuss with me. The parents are welcomed at other times in the day, but I may be too busy to talk very long.

~Admission and discharge~

Once the contract is signed it is good until September 1st of the next year. At that time it will be renewed and is good for the period of one year and will be renewed at that time if both parties agree. If care is to be terminated, two weeks notice or payment is to be given by the parents. The provider will also give two weeks notice for termination.

Exception: If the parents don't follow these policies and procedures, I will terminate with no notice and the parent shall have to pay me two weeks notice anyways.

~Drop of and Pick up~

Children depend on regular routines for security. Please establish and keep regular drop~off and pick up times, If there is an occasional change , please let me know. If your child is to be late for any reason, please let me know as soon as possible.

Please say "GOODBYE" to your child in the morning.

Please note: According to the law, both parents have access to the child and information about the child,(in the event of a separation). I can only deny access if there is a written separation agreement or a legal court document. A copy to the caregiver must be provided.

~Nutrition~

I will provide two meals and two snacks. All foods are chosen in accordance with the USDA Food Guide. The parents will supply baby food and formula and anything that comes in jars or bottles. As the infant begins to eat more adult like foods, the parent should inform the provider which new foods that your child has tried so the provider will know that the child is not allergic to this food.

Sample menu:

Snack: Banana, cheese and crackers and apple juice
Lunch: Vegetable and chicken, milk, fruit
Snack: bagel with cream cheese, apple juice

Important note: For children who have peanut allergies, the condition can be deadly or very dangerous. It is very important that if you send any food for the daycare children or your child that you take this into account. Please try to make sure that you bring nut free products.

Here is a link for you to learn more about this allergy.: http://www.allergy.qc.ca/peanutallergy.htm#character

~Health Policies~

Your child should be kept at home if your child has the following:

~fever of 101 F or more
~vomiting or severe diarrhea
~severe pink eye (discharge from the eye)
~unexplained rash or skin eruption.
~severe cold where no other symptoms
are present (child is not able to (function)


Please have back up care available if needed. I reserve the right to refuse any child that I deem to sick to participate in my program.

We brush our teeth after breakfast every morning.

~Nap/quiet time~

All children are encouraged to have a nap. If after one hour, the child is not sleeping, a quiet activity will be offered to your child to keep busy. The children are to nap/rest for a minimum period of two hours.

~Sanitary Practices~

In order to reduce the spread of germs, I follow strict guidelines for hand washing for me and your children. Good hygiene habits are encouraged. Surfaces and toys are disinfected weekly or as needed with a mixture of Clorox and water or Lysol.

~Toilet Learning~

Your child will show a variety of signs to show that he/she is ready for toilet learning. I do not like to rush toilet learning , this could result in regression and often constipation if the child is not ready or willing. I ask that the child be doing well (actually peeing in the toilet) at home for two weeks before I will try and continue here at my home. The parent and I should approach this in an easy going manner.

~Discipline~

Means to teach

Your children are disciplined in a positive manner, at a level that is appropriate for their age and their actions. The main mottos are:
a) You may not hurt yourself
b) You may not hurt others
c) You may not hurt or damage toys or equipment.

I like to give the children choices and I give them consequences to their actions, IE: "If you continue to throw sand, you will have to leave the sandbox" EXPLANATION: You have two choices a) Stop throwing sand and continue to play or b) Continue throwing sand and you have to leave the sandbox and play elsewhere where sand cannot be thrown.
I also occasionally use time out when the behavior keeps repeating itself.

~Outings~

If you check my newsletters page you will get an idea of which outings we do.

~Clothing~

What your child will need every day:

Summer:

swimsuit
swimmers (for diapered children for pools)
sunscreen (I have this if you have a preferred brand please provide)

Winter:

hat/mittens/scarf
warm boots and snowsuit

Spring/Fall:

rain boots and jacket

Note: For toilet learning , please have two extra outfits in each season and lots of underpants.

I hope that your experience in my home will be an enjoyable one. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know so we can keep a good communication line open. Our children are worth it. :O)