Communication is very important to us. When we accept a new family into our home, We like to be sure that everyone can share openly any concerns or questions that might come up. It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between all of us. We welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child(ren).

Months Notice

If you decide that you no longer need care you will have to give one months notice this is intended for our finacial well being and we will also give you a months notice if we need to cancel care for your child for any reason

  If you do not give a months notice you are still required to pay the full fee for the month you are not there

House Rules

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. There will be no use of obscene, derogatory or disrespectful language. Children may not walk around the house with food, cups or bottles. Children are not permitted to lift and/or carry other children while in my home or on my property. 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. Toys are meant to be played with, and if they break it is most likely from wear and tear. Unless a child deliberately takes a toy and breaks it, you or your child will not be held accountable. Please support me in the enforcement of these rules, in order to create a better environment for all.

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; 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 behaviors might include such things as biting, use of bad words, chronic hitting, etc. Together, we will try to find a solution. You may be called to remove your child if his/her behavior prevents me from being able to properly care for the other children. 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.

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will there be any spanking, physical abuse, verbal abuse, name-calling or isolation used. Neither food nor sleep will ever be withheld from children as a means of punishment.

As home care providers, We have a responsibility by law to recognize and report any evidence of child abuse-physical or emotional-or neglect. This is strictly for the benefit of your child.

Termination Of Contract

I reserve the right to terminate for the following reasons:

- Failure to pay

- Failure to pay on time

 - Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property

 - My inability to meet the child's needs

 - Serious illness of child or provider

- Continued late pick-up

I appreciate as much advance notice as possible when terminating, and will give the same courtesy in return. You are required to give one month written notice when you decide to terminate childcare. The one month will be paid in full, regardless of whether or not your child is in attendance.

Sickness

Dear Parents

Mary had a little lamb,
she also had the flu.
And when she left my day care,
the others had it too.
So anytime your child is sick,
please keep her home with you.
Then the children in my care
will be happier and healthier too!

~ Author Unknown ~

Under no circumstances will parents be allowed to bring a sick child to our home. Reason being is becuase sick children expose other children, as well as myself and my family, to the spread of their illness and require additional care and attention that I am unable to give becuase they pass thier illness onto other children my fiance also has a very rare blood disorder and therefore is not able to be around sickness. It is better for sick children to be cared for by their parents in the comfort of their own homes where they can rest properly and recover faster. 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. We would really appreciate it if all parents consider and understand why we are not able to care for sick children.

The following illness policies will be strictly enforced, for the health, well being and safety of all concerned.

Fever 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 Vomiting, Consistant cough, Runny nose, Runny and/or Crusty Eyes Watery, matted, and/or red/pink eyes or unexplained rash are not acceptable in childcare.

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 you will not recive a refund or discount on your childcare fee for the days your child stays home sick or is sent home sick. 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 to pick up your child asap.

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 or with written authorization from your doctor stating the name of illness and when child may return to group care. 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

Many times the childcare may get blamed for the illness of a child, meaning that I have "allowed" sick children to come here. Parents may not stop to think that when sick children are brought to my home, my entire family is also at risk of exposure. How would you feel if another parent brought their sick child and exposed your child? I will always respect your need to be at work. I ask, however, that when deciding if your child should be at home, you give consideration to the other children. Ask yourself how you would feel if another child were as ill as your child. Would you want your well child exposed to these symptoms?