Happy
Heart's
Family
Child Care Home
~*~
Policy
Handbook
~*~
Touching The Future
I
don't wear power suits, make speeches, or drive
a
fancy sports car.
I've
never talked on a car phone, made a big sale,
or
been elected to the Senate.
I
don't "do lunch", have a big impressive office
or
carry a beeper.
I
spend my days wiping away tears, giving hugs,
and
serving chicken nuggets.
A
good day is when I go through a whole day without a temper
tantrum,
bite
mark or a toilet training accident.
My
"office" is a room full of brightly colored toys and laughing
children.
You
may not think that what I do is very important
and
you may even whisper behind my back
"What
a waste of a good mind."
But
I know better.
I
make a difference because I'm changing the world one child at a
time.
Everyday
I'm getting the once in a lifetime chance to touch the
future.
I'm
proud to say "I'm a child care provider".
~
by Marti Doyle
Seth
& Ute Brown
(254)519-2621
http://happyheartschildcarecenter.com
daycare@happyheartschildcarecenter.com ute@hot.rr.com
Financial Agreement\Policy
Handbook Contract\Miscellaneous\Communication\Open
Door Policy\Policy Revisions\Field
Trips\Behavioral Goals\Potty
Training\Damages\Nap/Quiet
Time\Medical Emergencies\Medication\Child
Illness\Meals & Snacks\Toys\Supplies\Child
Abuse/Neglect\Termination\Cleanliness/Hygiene\Arrival
and Departures\House Rules\Extended
Absences\Provider Holidays / Sick
days\Payment And Late Fees\Admission
Paperwork\Deposit\Weather\Business
Hours/Overtime\
Happy Heart's Family Child Care Home
I am a
Professional
Child Care Provider, not a babysitter. My goal is to
provide your child
with a clean, safe, comfortable
environment where they can play and learn with guidance
and
loving care while you are at work or
attending school. In order to make our relationship as
enjoyable as possible the following are some
mutual beneficial requirements that are necessary
to assure that there are no
misunderstandings between either party, that each party is aware
of
the requirements, and that these
requirements are carried out in a businesslike manner. There
is
a lot of information here. Please
read all of it. If any of my policies seem unfair or
unnecessary,
please take a moment to think about that
policy and how it would apply to your current working
situation… I’m sure it will make sense in
that light. These policies are enforced for the same
reasons policies are enforced in any job
situation - for fairness and respect. If you have any
questions please ask.
At Happy Heart's
Family Child Care Home you are paying for a specific slot, NOT per hour or
per
day, so no discounts are given if your
child does not come to care.
The policies
listed below are set forth by the Child Care Provider and are in accordance
with
Saskatchewan Child Care
regulations.
These policies and accompanying contracts become
effective upon acceptance by the
parent/guardian and the Child Care Provider.
I provide
childcare from Monday to Sunday during your contracted
working hours or attending full
time school only. We will figure your
hours plus fair commute time and this will become your
"scheduled hours". Any changes to your schedule have to be
discussed and re-scheduled based
on my ability to meet your new need
with my schedule. For parents not attending work or
school, but needing care, we will discuss
this together and determine hours based on my present
scheduling.
There is an
extra fee of $5.00 per child for every fifteen minutes or portion thereof that
your
child is dropped off earlier than their
contracted arrival time (without prior approval) and for
children not picked-up by their contracted
pick-up time. If you arrive late without a phone call, I
may not be present. It will then be
the parent’s responsibility to find and finance an alternate
for
their child for the day. Late arrival
does not allow late pick-up. Care will not recommence
until
such late fees are paid in full. Please
be on time daily.
If you have the
day off, I expect your child to be with you. Children grow so fast, take
this
opportunity to spend time bonding with your
child. Ultimately the care of the child is the parental
responsibility.
To ensure the
safety of your child, only you or your designates may pick up your child.
Phoning
me to let me know someone other than
yourself will be picking up your child is fine if I know
the
person or your child can identify him or
her.
Verification of
legal custody: I must have a copy of the court order recognizing the parent
who
has legal custody of the child, as
well as visitation schedules. Otherwise I have no choice
except
to release the child to his/her
parent.
If we are under
severe or threatening weather conditions we are closed: tornadoes,
blizzards,
and severe wind chills and/or
temperatures. Typically if the schools are closed then we
are
closed.
I will require a
deposit for all families.
For Parents who
qualify for subsidy:
The deposit will
be the amount of one-month's subsidy portion of your fee's. This will be
refunded when I receive the final subsidy
payment for your child care, providing you give me
proper notice as required before
termination of care, and have no other outstanding fees owed
to
me. If you don’t give me proper
notice and/or have fees outstanding, this fee will not be
refunded.
For Parents who
do not qualify for subsidy:
The deposit will
be the amount of half of the monthly fee’s payable for the care of
your
child(ren). This will be refunded towards
your last month child care providing you give me proper
notice as required before termination of
care, and have no other outstanding fees owed to me. If
you don’t give me proper notice and/or
have fees outstanding, this fee will not be refunded.
PLEASE NOTE: I
will not start providing childcare nor will your opening with us be
considered
saved until this deposit is
paid.
Before I will
assume responsibility of caring for your child I MUST have the
following:
•
Signed Policy Handbook
Contract
•
Signed Financial
Agreement
•
Paper work as required
by Social Services
•
Client & General
information forms
•
Transportation, Photo
and Swimming (summer only) release
forms
PLEASE NOTE: All
forms must be updated yearly.
All payments
must be received on the 1st of each month. When the first falls
on a weekend or a
statutory holiday, fees are due on the
Friday before. If fees are not paid I will not watch your
child, I will consider your spot to be
open and I will keep your childcare deposit as your
notice.
You will run the
risk of your childcare spot being filled by another family. There are no refunds
in
fees for absences due to a child's
illness or any other reason. Full fees are required regardless
of
whether or not your child
attends.
I realize the
financial burden that childcare places on parents, and hope parents understand
that
as a business childcare places
financial burdens on the provider. These include, but are
not
limited to groceries, utilities,
insurance, programming, toys and equipment. I also have a
financial
responsibility to my family. If fees are not
received when due a $5.00/per day charge will be
applied to the amount owing. This charge
will be in effect until all monies plus late charges are
paid in full.
I will take all
outstanding accounts to court and collections. Should it be necessary,
parent/guardian is responsible for all court
costs.
Cheques: There will be a $25.00 charge for
all checks returned N.S.F. plus any additional
Charges incurred to myself and/or by the bank.
Parents who have two or more N.S.F. checks
Will be required to pay by cash or money
order.
Due to cost of
living increases, monthly childcare fees will increase by $5 per child per year.
The
monthly fees established in the Financial
Agreement will be in effect until January of the following
yea r.
•
We are closed on all
Statutory Holidays, with pay. Statutory Holidays at Happy Heart's
Family
Child Care Home
will include; New Year’s Day,
, Thanksgiving
Day, and Christmas Day, .
•
I will be taking 2
weeks vacation per year. I will provide at least one months notice of
the
dates. One week is paid and one
unpaid
•
I will cover all other
absences. When I do not have an alternate, I will pay back the daily
rate
less 10% for operating
costs.
•
When I am providing an
alternate child care provider in my home and you wish to make
your
own arrangements for child care you
will not be reimbursed as the only way I can afford to
provide an alternate is through the parent
fees. If all parents agree to find their own
alternates, I will reimburse fees upon receipt of services from the alternate you choose,
all
parents would need to sign a letter
agreeing to such.
Please notify me
as at least 2 weeks in advance when you plan to take vacations. I expect
full
payment for all days and hours your child
is normally scheduled to be here. I expect children to
be with their parents during parental
vacation times. Payment is due prior to your vacation.
Even
while you are on vacation I am still
holding your child’s space.
In cases of your
potential absence due to maternity leave, summer, or extended leave from
your
job, I will require ½ of your monthly
fees for the entire time of your absence to hold your
child’s
position. I must receive at least a 1 month
written notice and the leave must be for no longer
than a 1 month period during the months
September – June and no longer than 2 months from
July -
August.
Please respect
my profession, my home, my family, and me. The respect that you show
me,
including my home, furnishings, equipment,
yard, and other children will communicate itself to
your child and 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.
•
NO RUNNING PERMITTED
IN THE HOUSE
•
FOUL LANGUAGE, BACK
TALKING OR YELLING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
•
NO TEASING OR NAME
CALLING
•
NO HITTING, KICKING,
PUSHING, PINCHING, BITING OR HAIR PULLING
•
NO STANDING OR
CLIMBING ON CHAIRS, TABLES, OR FURNITURE
•
NO
WRESTLING
•
NO THROWING OR
INTENTIONALLY BREAKING ANYTHING
•
DRINKS ARE ONLY FOR
DESIGNATED AREAS
•
CHILDREN ARE NOT
PERMITTED TO LIFT AND/OR CARRY OTHER CHILDREN WHILE IN MY
HOME OR ON MY
PROPERTY
Children are to
arrive clean and fed (unless arriving before a meal time). I prefer that there
are
no pick-ups or drop-offs during the
designated daily quiet time.
Please do not
allow your child to walk to the door by themselves at drop off. It is important
to
take a minute to walk them to the door
and great me. This gives us both the opportunity to
discuss any schedule changes for the day
or anything else. At pick up, please do not let your
child leave the house until you are
leaving also.
It helps your
child tremendously if your child is aware that you will be arriving early (or
late) in
that they come to expect regularity and
thrive on it. I also have children put their coats and
shoes on in preparation for your arrival
time. Please keep me informed so I can in turn keep the
child informed! Drop-off and pick-up
times are not good times to discuss serious problems.
Little
ears and minds hear and understand
everything. I am not comfortable discussing a child in the
presence of anyone, but their parents.
Topics that concern day-to-day events or light-hearted
discussion are fine.
We do our best
to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Children's hands are
washed
before and after meals, coming in from
outside and after toileting. If these skills are stressed
at
home also your child may remain a good
hand-washer when he/she gets older. Please have your
child bathed and dressed for play. A
clean child is a healthy child.
Infants sleep in
separate cribs/Play-Pens with clean blankets, used only by them. Beginning
at
toddler age washable nap mats or couches
are used. Each child has a separate nap mat with
blankets. These are washed weekly (unless
soiled, then they are washed as often as necessary).
Toys are
sanitized with a bleach solution once a week (Fridays).
The first two
weeks of childcare are to be an adjustment period. It is my responsibility to
let the
parent know if the child seems unhappy or
the arrangement is unsatisfactory for any other
reason. It is the parent’s responsibility
to let me know the same. The parent or myself
can
terminate the contract anytime during the
adjustment period in writing on or before the 14th day
after care starts.
One months
written notice (on or before the first of the month, for the following month)
is
required by the parent to myself. Fees will
still be due if the parent withdraws the child before
notice is given, or at any given time
during the notice. One month’s fees may be paid in lieu of
one month’s notice. Termination notice
will NOT be accepted while provider or parents are on
vacation.
I will provide
the parents with one months written notice if I am no longer able to care for
your
child. You are still responsible for
paying the monthly fees during this notice regardless,
whether
your child attends or
not.
I will terminate
our child care arrangements immediately for any of the following reasons (but
not
solely limited to):
•
Failure to comply with
the policies set forth in this book.
•
Failure to comply with
the contract.
•
Destructive or hurtful
behavior of child that persists even with parent cooperation in
stopping
the behavior.
•
Non-Payment of
childcare fees or late and/or recurring late payment of
fees.
•
Failure to show up for
5 days in a row without any communication.
•
Failure to complete
required forms.
•
Inability to meet the
child’s needs without additional staff.
•
Blatant disrespect
towards provider or provider’s family.
•
If parents knowingly
bring their child ill.
It is provincial
law and also my responsibility as a childcare provider to report any and all
abuse
or neglect performed on a child. I
cannot turn my head on a child that has been abused or
neglected. Therefore, I will notify
Children's Protective Services and the Police Department
when
it appears that a child in my care is
being physically, sexually, or emotionally abused,
neglected,
or exploited.
Parents are
responsible for supplying:
•
Bottles, Formula, Baby
Food
•
Diapers &
Wipes
•
A full change of
clothing, Mats, Blanket and Pillow
•
Any other supplies
your child may need.
All personal
belongings should be marked with child's name. It is not necessary to bring
eating
utensils, cups or dishes as they will be
supplied.
Donations help
me keep costs down, so if you have any of the following items on hand and
are
willing to donate them, it would be
greatly appreciated. This is not mandatory.
•
Snack Foods (fruits,
crackers, etc)
•
Dress up clothing,
costumes, jewelry, hats etc.
•
Magazines for cutting,
especially ones like National Geographic that depict other cultures,
or
any that have lots of pictures of
people, children, or animals. We are looking for pictures
that
would appeal to
children.
•
Paper of any kind,
brown, white, colored, waxed, foil etc.
•
Crayons, water color
paints or any misc. art supplies such as fabric scraps, glitter, pipe
cleaners, paper plates,
etc.
•
IDEAS! We welcome any
ideas that you may have for fun activities or crafts!!!
I teach the
children creativity, problem solving, and pride in their skills. Sometimes these
values
get messy. Some days we will be
painting, so please send your child in appropriate
clothing.
Please dress
your child for real success. Their “work” here is play! If there is an occasion
that
calls for special clothing please bring
this clothing in an extra bag and I will help your child
change before you arrive for pickup.
Provider is not responsible for your child’s clothing or
personal items brought into childcare home.
I will let you know when I need more supplies for
your child.
Happy Heart's
Family Child Care Home provides a wide variety of playthings. I ask that no toys
be
brought to daycare from home. Anything
brought will be put up safely until the child is picked
up.
This policy is
for the concern of all children in my care. Often times
children have a hard time
sharing the toys they bring from
home.
The ONLY
exceptions to this policy Are:
• A special
blanket OR stuffed animal/Doll to be used during Nap Time. This will be put up
and
ONLY used for
the appropriate time. Please limit your child to one
thing.
• Show and Tell.
At times we will have a “Show and Tell” period. I will inform you ahead of
time
when this may
occur.
I will provide a
nutritious lunch and snack as well as well as 2% milk and fruit juice depending
on
the hours your child is attending. The
meal schedule I follow is listed below. If the Child is
here
during those times, they will be served.
Children who choose not to eat will not be served again
until the next scheduled Meal or Snack.
If the child will be arriving after mealtime please feed
them before they arrive. Breakfast
foods and condiments must be supplied by the parent if you
choose for your child to have breakfast
here. Children arriving after
at home before arriving. The menu
plan is posted on the parent bulletin board.
•
•
•
3:
If your child
requires a special diet due to allergies, medications, age and/or cultural or religious
beliefs it will be the responsibility of
the parent to provide a well balanced lunch and snack that
meets the Canadian food guide standards
for the age of the child. No junk food, pop, gum etc.
Under no
circumstances should you bring your child to care sick (fever of 100°f or
higher,
vomiting, diarrhea not contained in a
diaper, sore throat, continuous coughing, runny nose other
than clear, draining eyes or ears,
unexplained rash, lice, etc.) If you are not sure your child
is
well enough to attend child care call
and discuss it with me.
Masking your
child’s symptoms with over-the-counter medications and bringing them to
care
anyway is not allowed and could be cause
for immediate termination. It is also inconsiderate to
all families involved. A sick child
should be allowed to recuperate fully at home after an illness
so
that the other children and the
provider do not risk unnecessary exposure. If you are unable
to
stay home with your sick child it will
be necessary for you to make arrangements at your own
expense. If your child is out ill regular
fees still apply.
Your child may
be brought to care if they have a common cold (which means a slight
cough,
clear runny nose, sneezing); however I
will call you if your child is just plain miserable
(whining,
crying, repeatedly asking for you). Your
child should not attend if they are not feeling well
enough to participate in our daily
activities (i.e. a child wanting to sleep all day, lay on the
couch
and watch TV
etc.)
The Health
Department regulations prohibit the admittance of any child into a family
childcare
home that exhibits any of the following
symptoms:
•
Fever (100°f or
higher) – child needs to be fever free for 24 hours without the aid
of
medication
•
Diarrhea – child must
be symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medication
•
Vomiting – child must
be symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medication
•
Runny nose with colored discharge –check with doctor
•
Rash – check with
doctor
•
Discharge from eyes or
ears
•
Lice – child needs to
be treated and nits removed before return
•
Communicable diseases
– chicken pox, measles, mumps, conjunctivitis (pink eye),
influenza
etc. The child may return when the
incubation and contagious period is passed and the child
is well enough to resume normal
childcare activities.
I have the right
to refuse to care for a sick child. If your child develops any of the
above
symptoms while in my care, you or your
alternate will be required to pick up your child
immediately. If the child is not picked up
within an hour of my calling a $5.00 for every 15
minutes or portion thereof charge may be
assessed. If I have to call a parent to pick up a child
that has been dropped off for care too
ill to participate in the day the child will also be
required
to stay at home the following day.
Your child may return to care 24 hours AFTER symptoms of
illness end. Which means if your child is
sent home with a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting they
cannot return until they have been
symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medications.
I
am responsible for the health and
well being of many children so I will closely follow
health
department regulations when it comes to
illness. I understand and respect your need to be at
work, but your cooperation is extremely
important on this.
If your child is
on antibiotics he/she continues to be contagious for 24 hours after the first
dose
of medication and can not return to
childcare until this time period has passed.
Provincial child
care regulations prohibit me from giving your child medication of any kind
unless
you have filled out and signed a
Permission to Administer Form. All medication must be in
the
original, labeled container. Blank
permission to administer medication forms are kept in
your
family connection
folder.
Minor bumps and
scrapes are inevitable, but I make every effort to keep your children
safe
through supervision and childproofing.
Minor injuries will receive appropriate first aid, and if
an
emergency injury or illness occurs, you will
be contacted immediately. If I am unable contact
either parent, I will call the emergency
contact numbers supplied to me to make the medical
decisions for the child. If necessary your
child will be transported by ambulance to the nearest
hospital. Parents are responsible for costs
involved in emergency medical treatment, including
transportation if required.
All children
will be required to lie down for a nap/quiet time each day. I will not force
your child
to sleep but they must lie down
quietly. This is my “coffee break” during the day, my time to
recharge,
plan programming and do
paperwork.
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.
I will assist in
potty training with the understanding that it will only work if we work
together.
Your child will
not learn if they do not do it while in my care and at home. You must work
with
your child at home, either during
vacation or over a weekend before I will begin potty
training
here. Clothing should be easy to manage
to encourage self-help skills. Buckles, belts, overalls
and suspenders when in a hurry to use
the bathroom may create a problem. I also require that
each potty training child wears pull
ups till they are completely dry, without accidents for
one week
Extra changes of
clothing are also
necessary, including
socks.
While in my care
only positive encouragement is enforced. Children will NOT be subject
to
spanking, hitting, kicking, restraint, or
to, verbal, emotional, or physical punishment. I believe
the
most effective ways of enforcing
positive behaviors are: Praise, Respect, Re-Direction, and
Positive
Re-Enforcement.
I don’t play “REF”; I use strategies to engage children in their
own
problem solving. During conflict it is
important for children to feel respected, secure, loved,
important and special. They need to know I
am always available to listen and help, not to judge.
My goal is to
coach the children so they can negotiate, compromise, brainstorm and work it
out
together. I do not believe in “adult
initiated” time outs, as I feel when used punitively it
takes
away from a valuable teaching
experience. I will only place a child in time out if I feel that
they
are a threat to the safety and well
being of themselves or others. When this becomes necessary
I
make sure everyone is all right, then I stay with the child