HAPPY BABIES DAYCARE PARENT HANDBOOK
Welcome to Happy Babies Daycare
The purpose of this Parent Handbook is to outline the policies and procedures under which I operate as a licensed child care provider.
Registration Checklist
Children may be enrolled from six weeks through five years of age, regardless of race, creed, or religious beliefs. The following forms are required by the state of Massachusetts and need to be read, completed and/or signed prior to
enrollment:
1. Parent Handbook (read and initialed)
2. Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment Application (complete/sign/date)
3. Immunizations Card must be up to Date at Time of Enrollment (supply)
Definitions
Full time childcare: Monday through Friday anytime between the hours of 7:30am and 4:00pm
Part time childcare: Monday through Friday anytime between the hours of 7:30am and 12:30pm
Infant/Young Toddler: younger than 15 months
Older Toddler/Preschooler: 15 months and older
State Licensing Requirements
Happy Babies Daycare is licensed and complies with all applicable licensing regulations and standards. These standards relate to my home, possible staff, health, safety procedures, nutrition, care giver to child ratios, and record keeping. I believe that these standards are in the best interest of the children. My home is subject to inspection by several agencies.
Termination Policy
The first two weeks will be regarded as a trial period, in which case either party may terminate the contract without notice. After the first two weeks of enrollment, one month written notice from parent or provider is required to terminate the contract, with the exception of gross misconduct on part of the provider, parent, or child. This is grounds for immediate discontinuation of service. In cases of non-payment, legal action may be taken, and the parents will pay all legal fees incurred.
Daycare Hours
The daycare is open Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm with the following holiday exceptions:
Holidays
Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Patriots Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day
Note:
If the holiday falls on a Saturday daycare might be closed the Friday before. If the holiday falls on a Sunday daycare might be closed the Monday after.
Sick/Personal Days
As strong as my immune system has become over the years, I unfortunately still get sick from time to time. Because of this I allot myself two paid sick/personal days per year. I may also use these days for my continuing education classes (CPR, Pediatric First Aid, etc) in order to keep my childcare license in good standing. Of course I will give you as much of an advance notice as possible if I need to use these days.
Vacations
I allot myself two paid weeks of vacation a year. The dates of my vacation will be posted at least two weeks in advance.
Regular payment rates apply for my vacations, your vacations, weeks with holidays, and provider's sick/personal days.
Note:
Parents are responsible for finding back-up care for their children during provider vacations, holidays, and sick/personal days resulting in the daycare closing.
Deposit
A nonrefundable deposit equal to two weeks of childcare costs is due at time of enrollment. However, do not give me the deposit until you have signed the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application and thoroughly read the parent hand book. Your child's spot is not secured until I have received both the deposit and the signed Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application. The deposit will be credited towards the last two weeks of your child's enrollment.
Note:
Please make checks payable to Happy Babies Daycare or Ida Matuskova.
Payment Policy/Attendance
Payment is due on Monday of each week or on the first day of the week attending daycare. If payment is received after Tuesday of each week, a $20 late fee will be charged. It must be understood that to hold your child's space, payment must be paid whether your child attends or not. Payment is based on contract, not attendance.
Your weekly daycare payment will remain the same (AKA grandfathered in) through your child’s first day of enrollment to their last except when changing contracted days of attendance. Your new payment will default to the current price of the newly enrolled schedule and not to that of the price of the “newly enrolled schedule”was when your child first enrolled.
The following paragraph only concerns part-time schedules. Unfortunately, I cannot switch around your child’s scheduled days of enrollment on an occasional or semi-occasional basis. In other words, your days contracted are your days and cannot be altered on a weekly basis. If you feel you need and/or want a more flexible schedule then you may want to consider adding days or going to full time. However, keep in mind you can also pay for extra days on an as needed basis for the cost of your current average daily amount, if I do have an opening on that particular day.
Non Sufficient Funds Checks
Due to the inconvenience of NSF checks, a $50 fee will be charged for NSF checks.
Late Pickup Policy
If your child is picked up after 4:00pm there will be a late charge assessed of $5.00 for every five minutes (unless prior arrangements have been made). Please be courteous and arrive on time. After hours is time with my family.
Health Matters
For the health and safety of your child and all of the children in my daycare, please do not bring your child to daycare sick. In which case I in turn may become sick, making it difficult to care for the children at the high standards that I have set for myself. I can only care for children with mild cold like symptoms that are otherwise feeling and
acting well. Mild cold like symptoms are clear runny nose, slight cough, and no fever. If you are not sure if your child should be brought to daycare, then please call and check with me. If a child becomes ill during daycare hours the
parents will be contacted to pick up their child. Parents need to pick up their children within one hour of being notified. If parents are not available, the emergency contact person will be notified.
Note:
Once the child is removed from daycare due to illness, they may not return to daycare until symptoms requiring removal are no longer present. The child must also be void of any contagious disease, unless accompanied by a doctor's note stating the illness in question is not contagious, and the child is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule.
Guidelines for Children Requiring Exclusion from Daycare
A child with any of the following illnesses must be completely free of any symptoms before returning to daycare. If the child is taking antibiotics for an illness, the child may return to daycare after the initial 24 hours of beginning antibiotics as long as he or she has no fever, is no longer contagious, and is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule. Signs of illness include the following; unusual lethargy, irritability, persistent crying for no reason, runny nose (more than clear), cough (more than slight), difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, mouth sores, rashes (note from doctor stating non-contagious is ok), pink eye, chicken pox, mumps, measles, roseola, hepatitis A, impetigo, lice, ringworm, scabies, strep throat, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, shingles, and any other contagious disease or rash. Any child with a fever of 100 degrees or above, orally (in the mouth), or under the arm, may not attend daycare. This applies to babies with rectal temperature of 101 degrees or higher.
State law requires that I notify parents of children who have been exposed to certain contagious diseases. Please notify me if your child becomes infected, so a note can be posted.
Note:
A fever in and of itself is not all bad (given that it is not too high). A fever is your body’s natural way of trying to protect itself against whatever virus or bacteria is attacking it. Illnesses that cause fevers cannot live in our bodies'
abnormally hot environment. However, a fever is an obvious indicator that the child is sick and possibly contagious, therefore requiring exclusion from daycare. Additionally, a sick child will benefit from a one on one care you can provide at home, that I just can’t offer while caring for other children in my daycare. Therefore it is in the best interest of your child to stay at home while sick.
Child's Absences and/or Vacations
If your child will not be attending daycare due to illness or other, please let me know as soon as possible so the day's activities won't be held up waiting for your child to arrive. Also, I need to know how many children I need to prepare meals for. In order to encourage you to keep your child home when sick, I offer a 10% discount for the days your child is kept at home because of sickness. No discounts will be given for your child's absences due to vacations. But please do remember: if your child will not be attending daycare for whatever reason, you are still required to pay.
Medication
At Happy Babies Daycare I do not give medications to the children. If your child needs to be medicated in order to get through the day, and be able to comfortably participate in my classroom activities, then it is quite possible
he or she may be too sick to attend daycare. I will however give certain doctor prescribed medications to the children, of course given that they are no longer contagious, and only if the medication consent form has been signed. Examples of these would be; antibiotics for ear infections etc and Tylenol for teething or pain associated with bumps or bruises (not to bring down a fever). If you're not sure if I will administer a certain medication or not, please feel free to ask.
Reporting Child Abuse
I am required by law to report any suspected incidents of possible child abuse or neglect. Your child can be questioned by child protective services at any time without your consent.
Medical and Dental Emergency Procedures
Emergency information is kept on file at the daycare. In case of illness or injury this information will be used to notify you or the person designated by you, of your child's status. If your child is injured while at the daycare, first aid will be administered. If treatment by a doctor is necessary, I will make every effort to contact you or the doctor you have chosen to treat your child. In all cases, an injury report is completed, and a copy might be given to the parents as well as the EEC in certain cases. Authorization for emergency treatment must be signed at the time of enrollment to ensure that in the event of an emergency, I can make sure your child receives the necessary emergency treatment he or she needs. It is very important that all emergency contact information is kept up to date and correct. Please inform me immediately of any changes to keep your information current.Parents are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency transportation if required. Please note that unless you instruct me to do so, I will not notify you when your child gets a small “boo-boo” – scraped knee/elbow, trips and/or falls lightly and gets right up, etc. I will, however mention it in your daily report and verbally at pick up time.
Note:
In case of a serious accident or sudden illness requiring immediate medical attention, the following procedures will be
followed.
1. A phone call to 911 is made.
2. Child's parents (or emergency contacts) are called.
3. Child is separated from the other children and appropriately cared for.
4. Parent, provider, or ambulance takes the child and health records to the doctor or hospital.
Evacuation Procedures
Happy Babies Daycare has written policies and procedures for dealing with emergencies and natural disasters. Evacuation plans are posted in the daycare. In the unlikely event, the children will be evacuated to an emergency location, and you will be notified as soon as possible. My emergency location of choice is the parking lot of Kennedy
Elementary School. A notice will be posted at the daycare with all information on the alternative site. Directions to the parking lot are as follows: From my house on Pond St turn left out of my drive way. Make a left at the traffic lights into the school parking lot. In case the town of Franklin establishes a shelter, I will be taking the children to said shelter and notify parents of the location as soon as possible.
Diaper Policy
It is the parent's responsibility to provide diapers, wipes, and diaper cream for your child. It is also the parent's
responsibility to check periodically to see if or when your child needs more diapers, wipes, and cream, (not the providers). I will do my best to remind you on your daily report. Each child has his or her own clearly labeled diaper
bin. Diapers are checked frequently, and changed every three hours or more often if required. Diapers containing #2 are changed immediately. The diapers are changed on a blanket on the floor as it is the safest place to do it. Hand
washing of childcare provider and child is performed after each diaper change.
Toilet Training
I am more than happy to encourage potty training as long as the child is ready (typically between 2 and 3 years old). The initial start needs to be done at home for at least two weeks with success before it can be effectively started at daycare. Parents will be required to supply pull-ups and wipes. Children will be allowed to come to daycare in cotton
training pants/underwear after they have been accident free for at least two weeks in pull-ups. Communication between parents and the daycare provider is imperative for a successful transition from diapers to toilet.
TV Viewing
Television viewing is only done once or twice a week, no more than a half an hour at a time and is limited to PBS, Sprout, and Baby Einstein for the younger ones. On occasion, usually only on Fridays, I may pick an appropriate children's video to watch i.e. (Little Einstein's, Blue's Clue's, etc). The movie is often a part of a theme day. Children
are never required to sit and watch TV, and TV is not offered in place of free play or learning activities.
Toys
I have well organized, separate, age appropriate toys for all children. Infants will not be allowed to be around or play with small objects and toys. During the initial adjusting period I encourage your child bring a piece of home with them; a special blanket, toy, or teddy can be very comforting. Photos of family members, neighbors, and pets can be left with me to help remind your child of familiar people if he or she feels lonely during the day and each child has a special place on my wall where she/he can see pictures of all their favorite things and people (including mommy, daddy, siblings’ pictures, etc.). However, please do not bring your child's toys to daycare except on designated sharing/show and tell days. As much as I try to encourage sharing, this seldom works when it is the child's own personal toy. It only causes problems between them and the other children. Never send your child to daycare with toy
weapons.
Miscellaneous
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Understand that your child may be included in classroom evaluations by State Licensing officials, USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program, and other parents observing their right to my open door policy.
Understand that your child may be included in pictures connected with my daycare program, unless otherwise specified by you, the parent. I only use these on my website.
Open Door Policy
Please feel free to come and go at any time throughout the day to visit your child. However, please keep in mind that in doing so it can prove to be disruptive to the other children in my care. During times like these the other children have a hard time listening and following my directions. Furthermore, if you or any other part of your family (i.e. grandparents, etc) would like to come and visit or play with the child for an extended period of time, please take the child in question out of the daycare, to places such as your home, a park, or on a walk, etc, after which, feel free to bring the child back to daycare.
Behavior Management & Discipline
I believe that the discipline of a child is achieved through patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. I also try
and teach the children in my care good manners, kindness, consideration for the needs of others and to be respectful to others. One of the ways in which I do this is by the example I as a provider set. I understand that my actions and
reactions speak much louder than my words. The children are explained the rules of the daycare frequently, so they know what's expected of them. Once a child is old enough to understand the rules and disobeys them by exhibiting inappropriate behavior (hitting, aggression, etc), hurts others, or property, the following developmentally appropriate guidance techniques will be used. These techniques are as follows:
1. Positive Reinforcement:
The child will be encouraged when he or she is demonstrating acceptable behavior.
2. Redirection:
The child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try again at another time.
3. Time-Out:
The child is separated from the group for an age appropriate amount of time (one minute per one year of age). This technique is only used when a child repeatedly will not follow my directions or listen to my words (usually after three
warnings), is exhibiting temper tantrum type behavior, or hurting oneself, others or equipment. When the child shows that he or she is ready to demonstrate acceptable behavior, they are encouraged to join the rest of the group to try
again.
4. Last Resort:
When a child's behavior is continually upsetting or dangerous to others, a conference will be called with the parents. If the problems cannot be resolved, arrangements will have to be made for the child to go elsewhere for care.
Note:
Sometimes if both a parent and a provider are both in the same area (examples would be during drop-off and pick-up times) a child may forget the rules or test the boundaries. Please help show your child that you respect me, the rules of my house, and my property by reminding them that the rules still apply when you are around. I will also remind them of the rules and correct them if needed. Whenever you are present, you are ultimately responsible for your child’s actions and behavior (you are in charge).
Cleanliness
I take the well-being of your child very seriously and work hard to provide an environment that is as healthy as
possible. I am committed to keeping my home and the children in it as clean as possible, in order to help minimize and/or prevent the spread of germs. My home is kept as clean as possible and disinfected at all times. I thoroughly clean surfaces that children come in close contact with using soap and water, or Lysol, etc. The high chairs are cleaned between each use, and the diaper changing blankets are switched between each diaper change. I have and often use
an air purifier in the playroom, especially in the winter when windows don’t get open very often. Toys are cleaned and disinfected often, and water-play tables are cleaned and disinfected before being filled with water and carefully
supervised when in use. Hand washing is the single most effective practice in preventing the spread of germs. I wash our hands many times throughout the day, as well as the children's hands before and/or after engaging in a thorough list of activities.
I wash my hands:
· Before beginning work
· Immediately before handling food or feeding children
· After using the toilet, helping a child use the toilet or after changing soiled clothing or diapers
· After coming into contact with any bodily fluid, such as a wet or soiled diaper, runny nose, spit or vomit
· After handling a pet or pet equipment
· Whenever hands are visibly dirty
· After cleaning a child, the room, toys, or bathroom
· Before giving medication or applying ointment
· After work
Children wash their hands:
· Immediately before and after eating
· After using the toilet or having soiled clothing or diaper changed
· Before and after using water tables
· After using play-dough or other substances
· After playing on the playground
· Whenever hands are visibly dirty
· Before going home
Arrival and Departure
Please send your child clean, dressed (no pajamas, unless you don't mind your child wearing their pajamas all day), fed and ready for the day, as well as all of your child's necessary supplies needed for that day's care. Please do not send food (i.e. half eaten breakfasts, breakfast bars, candy, etc) or gum with the children. Please make your goodbye
brief (no more than a couple minutes): the more you prolong the departure the harder it gets for both parent and especially for your child. Never leave without telling your child goodbye. Please be in control of your child during
drop-off and pick-up times. As much as I enjoy talking to you, please do not linger and chat at drop off and pick up times as it prevents me from giving my full attention to the children already in my care. A brief report about previous night and/or a short update about anything that is pertinent to the day are welcome but if you need to discuss any issues in bigger detail, we can arrange a phone conference. Please do not arrive before 7:30 AM unless previously discussed and agreed on.
No one other than the parent or person designated by you will be allowed to pick up your child without advanced written permission indicating the person's name and relationship to your child. If there is a court order keeping one parent away from the child, I must have a written note from the custodial parent in our file to that effect. Otherwise, I cannot prevent the non-custodial parent from picking up the child.
Supplies Needed at Daycare
Parents are responsible for supplying the following items: diapers/pull-ups, wipes, diaper creams, tooth brush, weather appropriate clothes and a change of clothes, jacket, shoes that lace-up or Velcro (preferred) and/or stay on feet (no flip-flops please), pacifier (if needed), and a swimsuit and swim diapers (when necessary). You also supply sunscreen in the summer, please apply before dropping your child off and I will reapply as necessary to your child when playing outside. There is a good possibility your child will get dirty throughout the day because of food, paint, markers, dirt, bubbles, etc. So please dress your child accordingly for play. I do not wash the children's clothing and will send it home with your child at the end of the day. Providing some plastic bags (reuse those shopping bags!!) is welcome but not necessary. I am not responsible for replacing stained or soiled clothing. I would also suggest that you write your child's name on the tags of their clothing (especially socks and underwear) in order to prevent any clothing mix-ups.
Note:
Please periodically check your child's backpack/bag to make sure they still have all of their necessary items needed at daycare. Furthermore, as the weather changes throughout the year, so do your child's items needed at daycare. Also remember that infants grow at a very fast rate, so please check their extra clothes for size often and if possible, send several sets of clothes as babies are known for their leaky qualities. I greatly appreciate your adherence to this subject, as it helps mine and the children's day run more smoothly to have all of his or her necessary belongings with them at daycare. This way I can care for your child in the best possible way.
Meals/Snacks
I participate in the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program providing nutritious and well balanced meals and snacks. I provide morning snack at roughly 9:00am, lunch at 11:30am, and afternoon snack at 2:00pm. Milk or water is served with all the meals and snacks, and more water is offered throughout the day. Please note you provide formula and/or expressed breastmilk for infants. On Monday of every week the week's menu is posted in the kitchen if you wish to review it and I will also email it to you sometimes during the weekend before. Breakfast can be served to the children arriving before 7:30AM. If arriving after 9:00am, please make sure your child has been fed breakfast and a snack (unless prior arrangements have been made).The children are offered the food, but they will not be forced to eat. Children who choose not to eat will not be served additional food until the next meal time. Hands are washed before and after meals, and teeth are brushed after lunch. The meals and snacks for each week constantly vary in order to ensure the children receive a well-balanced diet. It is my goal to offer nutritious meals and snacks to the children in my care, as nutrition is a vital part of a child's health. Children need to eat well-balanced meals in order to meet their daily energy needs and to help them build a strong body and mind. I know that the good food habits a child develops will help her/him prevent cavities, iron deficiency anemia, and obesity, etc - all common nutritional problems in young children. It is my hope that both you and your child will be as enthusiastic as I am about my nutrition program. You do have a choice to opt out of the program, in which case you will be responsible for providing your child’s food and drinks. Food cost is part of the tuition but no discounts will be given if you opt out of the food program.
Special Diets
If your child has any particular dietary needs resulting from being a vegetarian, or having allergies, religious beliefs, or non religious beliefs, etc, then I must be informed, and when applicable given a doctor's note stating to the fact. At that time it will be determined if your child can participate in the food program. Only in that case certain meals and different types of foods will be substituted and still fulfill the dietary requirements of the food program. However, if a viable solution can not be reached between parent, provider, and the food program with regards to their rules and regulations, then all of the child's meals and snacks will have to be provided by the parent.
Learning and Fun
For ages two through five, I offer a structured preschool curriculum that is both entertaining and educational. Your child will enjoy activities ranging from art and craft projects to games, songs, finger plays, storytelling, creative dramatics, exercises, science, shapes, numbers, colors, alphabet, and much more through various themes. Some of these projects will be taken home to share with you, and others will be group activities that you can ask about. I know that children learn best by "doing". Therefore, the activities the children participate in are developmentally appropriate, concrete, hands-on, and most of all fun, because I believe that learning is an exciting experience. For ages 24 months and younger I work on and with the following: throughout each day we practice on large and small motor skills by reaching, grasping, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, climbing, throwing, catching, kicking, cooing and talking; whichever developmental stage your child happens to be in at the time. Infants and toddlers learn through play by utilizing books, numbers, shapes, colors, the alphabet, stacking blocks, puppets, age-appropriate toys, and much more. I encourage participation, but the child will not be forced to participate. Most importantly, my goal is to make learning for all ages fun, and non-intimidating. It is my hope that both you and your child will be as enthusiastic as I am about my program. I also often take pictures during the day and will email them to you as soon as I can.
I follow a professionally compiled curriculum by KID SPARKZ.
Activities
My program is loosely based on the Reggio-Emilia approach and so I know that children learn best through play; because of this, I do not under estimate its importance on a growing child's mind, body and spirit. Therefore, the children under my care receive lots of both free-play and structured-play throughout each day. During structured-play I primarily have only one group of toys or activity out at a time in order to allow the children to concentrate fully on each thing they do. Age appropriate activities will be scheduled with the flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of each individual child and their various ages. Activities that I and the children participate in, include, but are not limited to the following:
Indoor activities include: books and story-time, Legos, circle-time, tumbling exercises, music and dancing, dress
up, play food, interactive stuffed animals, cars/trucks/planes, arts and crafts, puzzles, flash cards, animals/dinosaurs, trains, musical instruments, balls, dolls and doll houses, various learning toys, musical instruments, various
games, Mr. Potato Head, bean bag toss, blocks, beads and string, song games, play dough, slime, various tactile materials in individual bins or to share, coloring, sing along story books, painting, science, board games, puppets,
Simon-says, and singing.
Outdoor activities include: climbing, sliding, jumping, running, balls, jump rope, racing, water balloons, parachute,
catch, bubbles, follow the leader, squirt bottles, ride-on toys, wagons, tunnels, safe water toys, various games, water table, painting, neighborhood walks, exploring nature/weather, soccer, and yes falling. As you know, children
play hard and will get some bumps and bruises from time to time. I do my best to limit the amount of times this occurs, with constant supervision and watchful eyes. Thanks to the safe environment/toys I have surrounded myself with, I hope to prevent any injuries before they can happen. During the summer months (June, July and August) I allow for more outdoor activities and creative art projects. Weather permitting, we play outdoors every day.
Nap Time
The children can sleep together or in separate rooms. The infants sleep in provider provided portable cribs, and the toddlers sleep on mats. As much as I would love to have everyone sleeping on the same afternoon nap schedule I know that each child is different and has her/his own internal rhythm. I do roughly try to have the nap time for children 18 months and older during the time between 12:00pm and 2:00pm each day. Typically children 18 months and younger will take a morning nap as well, moving toward a one nap a day schedule between 12 and 18 months. Children 6 months and younger may need a third nap during the day, which can be incorporated into their late afternoon schedule. No child will ever be forced to sleep, however they are encouraged to remain quiet and on their mat during this time. Children do need this time to take a break from our busy schedule and from each other.
Daily Schedule
This schedule is meant to give you an idea of your child's day. Actual times and activities may vary depending on time of the year, weather, age and temperament of the children. Age appropriate activities are scheduled with the flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of each individual child and their various ages.
Older Toddler/Preschooler (24 months and older)
7:30 - 8:30 drop-offs, welcome children, free-play and/or structured-play, trains, story-time, etc.
8:30 - 9:00 snack, clean-up/wash-up
9:00 - 9:30 circle-time
9:30 - 10:00 arts and crafts, story-time, various learning games, music, song and dance, tumbling exercises
10:00 - 11:30 outside play-time
11:30 - 12:00 lunch time, clean-up/wash-up, brush teeth, and get on mats
12:00 - 2:00 rest-time and/or quiet-time
2:00 – 2:30 afternoon snack, clean-up/wash-up
2:30 - 3:30 free-play and/or structured-play, puzzles, books, various learning toys, etc.
3:30 - 4:00 pick-ups, outside play (depending on season), coloring, play-dough, toys, story-time, etc.
Infant/Young Toddler (younger than 24 months)
Throughout each day we practice on reaching, grasping, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, climbing, throwing, catching, kicking, cooing and talking; whichever developmental stage your child happens to be in at the time. For a younger child still taking three naps a day, a third nap can be incorporated into their late afternoon
schedule.
7:30 - 8:30 drop-offs, welcome children, free play and/or structured-play, story-time, toys, etc.
8:30 - 9:00 snack, clean-up/wash-up
9:00 - 10:00 naptime (depending on age), arts and crafts, story-time, stacking blocks
10:00 - 10:30 music, song and dance, games, free-play and/or structured-play
10:30 - 11:30 outside play-time
11:30 - 12:00 lunch time, clean-up/wash-up, brush teeth (when applicable), nestle into cribs
12:00 - 2:00 rest-time and/or quiet-time
2:00 - 3:30 afternoon snack, clean-up/wash-up, free-play and/or structured-play, books, flash cards, various learning toys, etc.
3:30– 4:00 pickups, outside play (depending on season), puzzles, musical instruments,
story-time, etc.
Infant (3 to 6 months)
7:30am - 4:00pm cuddles, love, and affection, eat, poop, and sleep
Guidelines - What Is Asked Of Children – SAFETY, HEALTH, RESPECT
1. All food and drinks must be kept in the kitchen area.
2. No playing in the bathroom.
3. No coloring on anything but paper.
4. Name calling and foul language or yelling is not allowed.
5. No hitting, kicking, pushing, pinching, biting, spitting or pulling hair.
6. No pulling or picking of plants, grass, trees, or flowers.
7. No picking-up, pulling, poking or squeezing of babies.
8. All kitchen and bathroom cupboards are off limits to daycare children.
9. Take turns and share.
10. Help clean up.
11. Laugh, smile, play, and be happy.
Communication
So I can provide the best possible care, please feel free to communicate any needs, wants and/or concerns regarding your child. It's only through good parent/provider interaction that good quality nurturing care can be achieved. I periodically check in with parents to ensure everyone is happy about the care children are receiving.
Referrals
Referrals from a client are one of the biggest compliments I can receive. As a special thanks to you, I offer families a free week of childcare for each referral that has successfully enrolled in my daycare. Your free week will be credited to your tuition costs after the referred child has attended the daycare through the two week trial period without gross misconduct on part of the parent, or child. If at the time of the referral I am full and have no more spots available for the child, then the family will be given the option to be put on a waiting list. If in the future when a spot becomes available the family in question takes the spot, then at that time you will be given the amount of money equal to one week's childcare. If at that time your child no longer attends our daycare, the specified amount of money will be mailed to you.
Contract Adherence
This is my home as well as my business, so please be respectful of my family and home by adhering to the policies and procedures outlined in the parent handbook. I realize this is a lot of information to absorb. Because of this, please keep your parent handbook accessible so you can periodically review our policies and procedures as necessary. I reserve the right to amend any portion of the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment Application, and Parent Handbook at any time. If and when I do make a change to the contract you will be given a copy.
A Final Note
It is important that you feel comfortable with my policies and procedures. If you do not understand something, have a concern, or you feel uncomfortable with one or more of my policies and/or procedures it is important that you express that to me before enrolling your child in my daycare. I am always open to suggestions and feel communication is a very important part of a quality daycare. If there are any problems or concerns in the future, I encourage you to talk to me about them. If a lengthy discussion is needed, a time that is convenient for both of us will be scheduled, as yours and all other children still need my attention during business hours. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and care for your little one(s). I look forward to a future of keeping your child smiling and safe.
Note:
By signing the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment Application and initialing each page, it is understood that all of the policies and procedures of Happy Babies Daycare handbook are understood and agreed upon.
Welcome to Happy Babies Daycare
The purpose of this Parent Handbook is to outline the policies and procedures under which I operate as a licensed child care provider.
Registration Checklist
Children may be enrolled from six weeks through five years of age, regardless of race, creed, or religious beliefs. The following forms are required by the state of Massachusetts and need to be read, completed and/or signed prior to
enrollment:
1. Parent Handbook (read and initialed)
2. Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment Application (complete/sign/date)
3. Immunizations Card must be up to Date at Time of Enrollment (supply)
Definitions
Full time childcare: Monday through Friday anytime between the hours of 7:30am and 4:00pm
Part time childcare: Monday through Friday anytime between the hours of 7:30am and 12:30pm
Infant/Young Toddler: younger than 15 months
Older Toddler/Preschooler: 15 months and older
State Licensing Requirements
Happy Babies Daycare is licensed and complies with all applicable licensing regulations and standards. These standards relate to my home, possible staff, health, safety procedures, nutrition, care giver to child ratios, and record keeping. I believe that these standards are in the best interest of the children. My home is subject to inspection by several agencies.
Termination Policy
The first two weeks will be regarded as a trial period, in which case either party may terminate the contract without notice. After the first two weeks of enrollment, one month written notice from parent or provider is required to terminate the contract, with the exception of gross misconduct on part of the provider, parent, or child. This is grounds for immediate discontinuation of service. In cases of non-payment, legal action may be taken, and the parents will pay all legal fees incurred.
Daycare Hours
The daycare is open Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm with the following holiday exceptions:
Holidays
Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Patriots Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day
Note:
If the holiday falls on a Saturday daycare might be closed the Friday before. If the holiday falls on a Sunday daycare might be closed the Monday after.
Sick/Personal Days
As strong as my immune system has become over the years, I unfortunately still get sick from time to time. Because of this I allot myself two paid sick/personal days per year. I may also use these days for my continuing education classes (CPR, Pediatric First Aid, etc) in order to keep my childcare license in good standing. Of course I will give you as much of an advance notice as possible if I need to use these days.
Vacations
I allot myself two paid weeks of vacation a year. The dates of my vacation will be posted at least two weeks in advance.
Regular payment rates apply for my vacations, your vacations, weeks with holidays, and provider's sick/personal days.
Note:
Parents are responsible for finding back-up care for their children during provider vacations, holidays, and sick/personal days resulting in the daycare closing.
Deposit
A nonrefundable deposit equal to two weeks of childcare costs is due at time of enrollment. However, do not give me the deposit until you have signed the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application and thoroughly read the parent hand book. Your child's spot is not secured until I have received both the deposit and the signed Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application. The deposit will be credited towards the last two weeks of your child's enrollment.
Note:
Please make checks payable to Happy Babies Daycare or Ida Matuskova.
Payment Policy/Attendance
Payment is due on Monday of each week or on the first day of the week attending daycare. If payment is received after Tuesday of each week, a $20 late fee will be charged. It must be understood that to hold your child's space, payment must be paid whether your child attends or not. Payment is based on contract, not attendance.
Your weekly daycare payment will remain the same (AKA grandfathered in) through your child’s first day of enrollment to their last except when changing contracted days of attendance. Your new payment will default to the current price of the newly enrolled schedule and not to that of the price of the “newly enrolled schedule”was when your child first enrolled.
The following paragraph only concerns part-time schedules. Unfortunately, I cannot switch around your child’s scheduled days of enrollment on an occasional or semi-occasional basis. In other words, your days contracted are your days and cannot be altered on a weekly basis. If you feel you need and/or want a more flexible schedule then you may want to consider adding days or going to full time. However, keep in mind you can also pay for extra days on an as needed basis for the cost of your current average daily amount, if I do have an opening on that particular day.
Non Sufficient Funds Checks
Due to the inconvenience of NSF checks, a $50 fee will be charged for NSF checks.
Late Pickup Policy
If your child is picked up after 4:00pm there will be a late charge assessed of $5.00 for every five minutes (unless prior arrangements have been made). Please be courteous and arrive on time. After hours is time with my family.
Health Matters
For the health and safety of your child and all of the children in my daycare, please do not bring your child to daycare sick. In which case I in turn may become sick, making it difficult to care for the children at the high standards that I have set for myself. I can only care for children with mild cold like symptoms that are otherwise feeling and
acting well. Mild cold like symptoms are clear runny nose, slight cough, and no fever. If you are not sure if your child should be brought to daycare, then please call and check with me. If a child becomes ill during daycare hours the
parents will be contacted to pick up their child. Parents need to pick up their children within one hour of being notified. If parents are not available, the emergency contact person will be notified.
Note:
Once the child is removed from daycare due to illness, they may not return to daycare until symptoms requiring removal are no longer present. The child must also be void of any contagious disease, unless accompanied by a doctor's note stating the illness in question is not contagious, and the child is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule.
Guidelines for Children Requiring Exclusion from Daycare
A child with any of the following illnesses must be completely free of any symptoms before returning to daycare. If the child is taking antibiotics for an illness, the child may return to daycare after the initial 24 hours of beginning antibiotics as long as he or she has no fever, is no longer contagious, and is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule. Signs of illness include the following; unusual lethargy, irritability, persistent crying for no reason, runny nose (more than clear), cough (more than slight), difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, mouth sores, rashes (note from doctor stating non-contagious is ok), pink eye, chicken pox, mumps, measles, roseola, hepatitis A, impetigo, lice, ringworm, scabies, strep throat, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, shingles, and any other contagious disease or rash. Any child with a fever of 100 degrees or above, orally (in the mouth), or under the arm, may not attend daycare. This applies to babies with rectal temperature of 101 degrees or higher.
State law requires that I notify parents of children who have been exposed to certain contagious diseases. Please notify me if your child becomes infected, so a note can be posted.
Note:
A fever in and of itself is not all bad (given that it is not too high). A fever is your body’s natural way of trying to protect itself against whatever virus or bacteria is attacking it. Illnesses that cause fevers cannot live in our bodies'
abnormally hot environment. However, a fever is an obvious indicator that the child is sick and possibly contagious, therefore requiring exclusion from daycare. Additionally, a sick child will benefit from a one on one care you can provide at home, that I just can’t offer while caring for other children in my daycare. Therefore it is in the best interest of your child to stay at home while sick.
Child's Absences and/or Vacations
If your child will not be attending daycare due to illness or other, please let me know as soon as possible so the day's activities won't be held up waiting for your child to arrive. Also, I need to know how many children I need to prepare meals for. In order to encourage you to keep your child home when sick, I offer a 10% discount for the days your child is kept at home because of sickness. No discounts will be given for your child's absences due to vacations. But please do remember: if your child will not be attending daycare for whatever reason, you are still required to pay.
Medication
At Happy Babies Daycare I do not give medications to the children. If your child needs to be medicated in order to get through the day, and be able to comfortably participate in my classroom activities, then it is quite possible
he or she may be too sick to attend daycare. I will however give certain doctor prescribed medications to the children, of course given that they are no longer contagious, and only if the medication consent form has been signed. Examples of these would be; antibiotics for ear infections etc and Tylenol for teething or pain associated with bumps or bruises (not to bring down a fever). If you're not sure if I will administer a certain medication or not, please feel free to ask.
Reporting Child Abuse
I am required by law to report any suspected incidents of possible child abuse or neglect. Your child can be questioned by child protective services at any time without your consent.
Medical and Dental Emergency Procedures
Emergency information is kept on file at the daycare. In case of illness or injury this information will be used to notify you or the person designated by you, of your child's status. If your child is injured while at the daycare, first aid will be administered. If treatment by a doctor is necessary, I will make every effort to contact you or the doctor you have chosen to treat your child. In all cases, an injury report is completed, and a copy might be given to the parents as well as the EEC in certain cases. Authorization for emergency treatment must be signed at the time of enrollment to ensure that in the event of an emergency, I can make sure your child receives the necessary emergency treatment he or she needs. It is very important that all emergency contact information is kept up to date and correct. Please inform me immediately of any changes to keep your information current.Parents are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency transportation if required. Please note that unless you instruct me to do so, I will not notify you when your child gets a small “boo-boo” – scraped knee/elbow, trips and/or falls lightly and gets right up, etc. I will, however mention it in your daily report and verbally at pick up time.
Note:
In case of a serious accident or sudden illness requiring immediate medical attention, the following procedures will be
followed.
1. A phone call to 911 is made.
2. Child's parents (or emergency contacts) are called.
3. Child is separated from the other children and appropriately cared for.
4. Parent, provider, or ambulance takes the child and health records to the doctor or hospital.
Evacuation Procedures
Happy Babies Daycare has written policies and procedures for dealing with emergencies and natural disasters. Evacuation plans are posted in the daycare. In the unlikely event, the children will be evacuated to an emergency location, and you will be notified as soon as possible. My emergency location of choice is the parking lot of Kennedy
Elementary School. A notice will be posted at the daycare with all information on the alternative site. Directions to the parking lot are as follows: From my house on Pond St turn left out of my drive way. Make a left at the traffic lights into the school parking lot. In case the town of Franklin establishes a shelter, I will be taking the children to said shelter and notify parents of the location as soon as possible.
Diaper Policy
It is the parent's responsibility to provide diapers, wipes, and diaper cream for your child. It is also the parent's
responsibility to check periodically to see if or when your child needs more diapers, wipes, and cream, (not the providers). I will do my best to remind you on your daily report. Each child has his or her own clearly labeled diaper
bin. Diapers are checked frequently, and changed every three hours or more often if required. Diapers containing #2 are changed immediately. The diapers are changed on a blanket on the floor as it is the safest place to do it. Hand
washing of childcare provider and child is performed after each diaper change.
Toilet Training
I am more than happy to encourage potty training as long as the child is ready (typically between 2 and 3 years old). The initial start needs to be done at home for at least two weeks with success before it can be effectively started at daycare. Parents will be required to supply pull-ups and wipes. Children will be allowed to come to daycare in cotton
training pants/underwear after they have been accident free for at least two weeks in pull-ups. Communication between parents and the daycare provider is imperative for a successful transition from diapers to toilet.
TV Viewing
Television viewing is only done once or twice a week, no more than a half an hour at a time and is limited to PBS, Sprout, and Baby Einstein for the younger ones. On occasion, usually only on Fridays, I may pick an appropriate children's video to watch i.e. (Little Einstein's, Blue's Clue's, etc). The movie is often a part of a theme day. Children
are never required to sit and watch TV, and TV is not offered in place of free play or learning activities.
Toys
I have well organized, separate, age appropriate toys for all children. Infants will not be allowed to be around or play with small objects and toys. During the initial adjusting period I encourage your child bring a piece of home with them; a special blanket, toy, or teddy can be very comforting. Photos of family members, neighbors, and pets can be left with me to help remind your child of familiar people if he or she feels lonely during the day and each child has a special place on my wall where she/he can see pictures of all their favorite things and people (including mommy, daddy, siblings’ pictures, etc.). However, please do not bring your child's toys to daycare except on designated sharing/show and tell days. As much as I try to encourage sharing, this seldom works when it is the child's own personal toy. It only causes problems between them and the other children. Never send your child to daycare with toy
weapons.
Miscellaneous
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Understand that your child may be included in classroom evaluations by State Licensing officials, USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program, and other parents observing their right to my open door policy.
Understand that your child may be included in pictures connected with my daycare program, unless otherwise specified by you, the parent. I only use these on my website.
Open Door Policy
Please feel free to come and go at any time throughout the day to visit your child. However, please keep in mind that in doing so it can prove to be disruptive to the other children in my care. During times like these the other children have a hard time listening and following my directions. Furthermore, if you or any other part of your family (i.e. grandparents, etc) would like to come and visit or play with the child for an extended period of time, please take the child in question out of the daycare, to places such as your home, a park, or on a walk, etc, after which, feel free to bring the child back to daycare.
Behavior Management & Discipline
I believe that the discipline of a child is achieved through patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. I also try
and teach the children in my care good manners, kindness, consideration for the needs of others and to be respectful to others. One of the ways in which I do this is by the example I as a provider set. I understand that my actions and
reactions speak much louder than my words. The children are explained the rules of the daycare frequently, so they know what's expected of them. Once a child is old enough to understand the rules and disobeys them by exhibiting inappropriate behavior (hitting, aggression, etc), hurts others, or property, the following developmentally appropriate guidance techniques will be used. These techniques are as follows:
1. Positive Reinforcement:
The child will be encouraged when he or she is demonstrating acceptable behavior.
2. Redirection:
The child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try again at another time.
3. Time-Out:
The child is separated from the group for an age appropriate amount of time (one minute per one year of age). This technique is only used when a child repeatedly will not follow my directions or listen to my words (usually after three
warnings), is exhibiting temper tantrum type behavior, or hurting oneself, others or equipment. When the child shows that he or she is ready to demonstrate acceptable behavior, they are encouraged to join the rest of the group to try
again.
4. Last Resort:
When a child's behavior is continually upsetting or dangerous to others, a conference will be called with the parents. If the problems cannot be resolved, arrangements will have to be made for the child to go elsewhere for care.
Note:
Sometimes if both a parent and a provider are both in the same area (examples would be during drop-off and pick-up times) a child may forget the rules or test the boundaries. Please help show your child that you respect me, the rules of my house, and my property by reminding them that the rules still apply when you are around. I will also remind them of the rules and correct them if needed. Whenever you are present, you are ultimately responsible for your child’s actions and behavior (you are in charge).
Cleanliness
I take the well-being of your child very seriously and work hard to provide an environment that is as healthy as
possible. I am committed to keeping my home and the children in it as clean as possible, in order to help minimize and/or prevent the spread of germs. My home is kept as clean as possible and disinfected at all times. I thoroughly clean surfaces that children come in close contact with using soap and water, or Lysol, etc. The high chairs are cleaned between each use, and the diaper changing blankets are switched between each diaper change. I have and often use
an air purifier in the playroom, especially in the winter when windows don’t get open very often. Toys are cleaned and disinfected often, and water-play tables are cleaned and disinfected before being filled with water and carefully
supervised when in use. Hand washing is the single most effective practice in preventing the spread of germs. I wash our hands many times throughout the day, as well as the children's hands before and/or after engaging in a thorough list of activities.
I wash my hands:
· Before beginning work
· Immediately before handling food or feeding children
· After using the toilet, helping a child use the toilet or after changing soiled clothing or diapers
· After coming into contact with any bodily fluid, such as a wet or soiled diaper, runny nose, spit or vomit
· After handling a pet or pet equipment
· Whenever hands are visibly dirty
· After cleaning a child, the room, toys, or bathroom
· Before giving medication or applying ointment
· After work
Children wash their hands:
· Immediately before and after eating
· After using the toilet or having soiled clothing or diaper changed
· Before and after using water tables
· After using play-dough or other substances
· After playing on the playground
· Whenever hands are visibly dirty
· Before going home
Arrival and Departure
Please send your child clean, dressed (no pajamas, unless you don't mind your child wearing their pajamas all day), fed and ready for the day, as well as all of your child's necessary supplies needed for that day's care. Please do not send food (i.e. half eaten breakfasts, breakfast bars, candy, etc) or gum with the children. Please make your goodbye
brief (no more than a couple minutes): the more you prolong the departure the harder it gets for both parent and especially for your child. Never leave without telling your child goodbye. Please be in control of your child during
drop-off and pick-up times. As much as I enjoy talking to you, please do not linger and chat at drop off and pick up times as it prevents me from giving my full attention to the children already in my care. A brief report about previous night and/or a short update about anything that is pertinent to the day are welcome but if you need to discuss any issues in bigger detail, we can arrange a phone conference. Please do not arrive before 7:30 AM unless previously discussed and agreed on.
No one other than the parent or person designated by you will be allowed to pick up your child without advanced written permission indicating the person's name and relationship to your child. If there is a court order keeping one parent away from the child, I must have a written note from the custodial parent in our file to that effect. Otherwise, I cannot prevent the non-custodial parent from picking up the child.
Supplies Needed at Daycare
Parents are responsible for supplying the following items: diapers/pull-ups, wipes, diaper creams, tooth brush, weather appropriate clothes and a change of clothes, jacket, shoes that lace-up or Velcro (preferred) and/or stay on feet (no flip-flops please), pacifier (if needed), and a swimsuit and swim diapers (when necessary). You also supply sunscreen in the summer, please apply before dropping your child off and I will reapply as necessary to your child when playing outside. There is a good possibility your child will get dirty throughout the day because of food, paint, markers, dirt, bubbles, etc. So please dress your child accordingly for play. I do not wash the children's clothing and will send it home with your child at the end of the day. Providing some plastic bags (reuse those shopping bags!!) is welcome but not necessary. I am not responsible for replacing stained or soiled clothing. I would also suggest that you write your child's name on the tags of their clothing (especially socks and underwear) in order to prevent any clothing mix-ups.
Note:
Please periodically check your child's backpack/bag to make sure they still have all of their necessary items needed at daycare. Furthermore, as the weather changes throughout the year, so do your child's items needed at daycare. Also remember that infants grow at a very fast rate, so please check their extra clothes for size often and if possible, send several sets of clothes as babies are known for their leaky qualities. I greatly appreciate your adherence to this subject, as it helps mine and the children's day run more smoothly to have all of his or her necessary belongings with them at daycare. This way I can care for your child in the best possible way.
Meals/Snacks
I participate in the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program providing nutritious and well balanced meals and snacks. I provide morning snack at roughly 9:00am, lunch at 11:30am, and afternoon snack at 2:00pm. Milk or water is served with all the meals and snacks, and more water is offered throughout the day. Please note you provide formula and/or expressed breastmilk for infants. On Monday of every week the week's menu is posted in the kitchen if you wish to review it and I will also email it to you sometimes during the weekend before. Breakfast can be served to the children arriving before 7:30AM. If arriving after 9:00am, please make sure your child has been fed breakfast and a snack (unless prior arrangements have been made).The children are offered the food, but they will not be forced to eat. Children who choose not to eat will not be served additional food until the next meal time. Hands are washed before and after meals, and teeth are brushed after lunch. The meals and snacks for each week constantly vary in order to ensure the children receive a well-balanced diet. It is my goal to offer nutritious meals and snacks to the children in my care, as nutrition is a vital part of a child's health. Children need to eat well-balanced meals in order to meet their daily energy needs and to help them build a strong body and mind. I know that the good food habits a child develops will help her/him prevent cavities, iron deficiency anemia, and obesity, etc - all common nutritional problems in young children. It is my hope that both you and your child will be as enthusiastic as I am about my nutrition program. You do have a choice to opt out of the program, in which case you will be responsible for providing your child’s food and drinks. Food cost is part of the tuition but no discounts will be given if you opt out of the food program.
Special Diets
If your child has any particular dietary needs resulting from being a vegetarian, or having allergies, religious beliefs, or non religious beliefs, etc, then I must be informed, and when applicable given a doctor's note stating to the fact. At that time it will be determined if your child can participate in the food program. Only in that case certain meals and different types of foods will be substituted and still fulfill the dietary requirements of the food program. However, if a viable solution can not be reached between parent, provider, and the food program with regards to their rules and regulations, then all of the child's meals and snacks will have to be provided by the parent.
Learning and Fun
For ages two through five, I offer a structured preschool curriculum that is both entertaining and educational. Your child will enjoy activities ranging from art and craft projects to games, songs, finger plays, storytelling, creative dramatics, exercises, science, shapes, numbers, colors, alphabet, and much more through various themes. Some of these projects will be taken home to share with you, and others will be group activities that you can ask about. I know that children learn best by "doing". Therefore, the activities the children participate in are developmentally appropriate, concrete, hands-on, and most of all fun, because I believe that learning is an exciting experience. For ages 24 months and younger I work on and with the following: throughout each day we practice on large and small motor skills by reaching, grasping, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, climbing, throwing, catching, kicking, cooing and talking; whichever developmental stage your child happens to be in at the time. Infants and toddlers learn through play by utilizing books, numbers, shapes, colors, the alphabet, stacking blocks, puppets, age-appropriate toys, and much more. I encourage participation, but the child will not be forced to participate. Most importantly, my goal is to make learning for all ages fun, and non-intimidating. It is my hope that both you and your child will be as enthusiastic as I am about my program. I also often take pictures during the day and will email them to you as soon as I can.
I follow a professionally compiled curriculum by KID SPARKZ.
Activities
My program is loosely based on the Reggio-Emilia approach and so I know that children learn best through play; because of this, I do not under estimate its importance on a growing child's mind, body and spirit. Therefore, the children under my care receive lots of both free-play and structured-play throughout each day. During structured-play I primarily have only one group of toys or activity out at a time in order to allow the children to concentrate fully on each thing they do. Age appropriate activities will be scheduled with the flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of each individual child and their various ages. Activities that I and the children participate in, include, but are not limited to the following:
Indoor activities include: books and story-time, Legos, circle-time, tumbling exercises, music and dancing, dress
up, play food, interactive stuffed animals, cars/trucks/planes, arts and crafts, puzzles, flash cards, animals/dinosaurs, trains, musical instruments, balls, dolls and doll houses, various learning toys, musical instruments, various
games, Mr. Potato Head, bean bag toss, blocks, beads and string, song games, play dough, slime, various tactile materials in individual bins or to share, coloring, sing along story books, painting, science, board games, puppets,
Simon-says, and singing.
Outdoor activities include: climbing, sliding, jumping, running, balls, jump rope, racing, water balloons, parachute,
catch, bubbles, follow the leader, squirt bottles, ride-on toys, wagons, tunnels, safe water toys, various games, water table, painting, neighborhood walks, exploring nature/weather, soccer, and yes falling. As you know, children
play hard and will get some bumps and bruises from time to time. I do my best to limit the amount of times this occurs, with constant supervision and watchful eyes. Thanks to the safe environment/toys I have surrounded myself with, I hope to prevent any injuries before they can happen. During the summer months (June, July and August) I allow for more outdoor activities and creative art projects. Weather permitting, we play outdoors every day.
Nap Time
The children can sleep together or in separate rooms. The infants sleep in provider provided portable cribs, and the toddlers sleep on mats. As much as I would love to have everyone sleeping on the same afternoon nap schedule I know that each child is different and has her/his own internal rhythm. I do roughly try to have the nap time for children 18 months and older during the time between 12:00pm and 2:00pm each day. Typically children 18 months and younger will take a morning nap as well, moving toward a one nap a day schedule between 12 and 18 months. Children 6 months and younger may need a third nap during the day, which can be incorporated into their late afternoon schedule. No child will ever be forced to sleep, however they are encouraged to remain quiet and on their mat during this time. Children do need this time to take a break from our busy schedule and from each other.
Daily Schedule
This schedule is meant to give you an idea of your child's day. Actual times and activities may vary depending on time of the year, weather, age and temperament of the children. Age appropriate activities are scheduled with the flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of each individual child and their various ages.
Older Toddler/Preschooler (24 months and older)
7:30 - 8:30 drop-offs, welcome children, free-play and/or structured-play, trains, story-time, etc.
8:30 - 9:00 snack, clean-up/wash-up
9:00 - 9:30 circle-time
9:30 - 10:00 arts and crafts, story-time, various learning games, music, song and dance, tumbling exercises
10:00 - 11:30 outside play-time
11:30 - 12:00 lunch time, clean-up/wash-up, brush teeth, and get on mats
12:00 - 2:00 rest-time and/or quiet-time
2:00 – 2:30 afternoon snack, clean-up/wash-up
2:30 - 3:30 free-play and/or structured-play, puzzles, books, various learning toys, etc.
3:30 - 4:00 pick-ups, outside play (depending on season), coloring, play-dough, toys, story-time, etc.
Infant/Young Toddler (younger than 24 months)
Throughout each day we practice on reaching, grasping, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, climbing, throwing, catching, kicking, cooing and talking; whichever developmental stage your child happens to be in at the time. For a younger child still taking three naps a day, a third nap can be incorporated into their late afternoon
schedule.
7:30 - 8:30 drop-offs, welcome children, free play and/or structured-play, story-time, toys, etc.
8:30 - 9:00 snack, clean-up/wash-up
9:00 - 10:00 naptime (depending on age), arts and crafts, story-time, stacking blocks
10:00 - 10:30 music, song and dance, games, free-play and/or structured-play
10:30 - 11:30 outside play-time
11:30 - 12:00 lunch time, clean-up/wash-up, brush teeth (when applicable), nestle into cribs
12:00 - 2:00 rest-time and/or quiet-time
2:00 - 3:30 afternoon snack, clean-up/wash-up, free-play and/or structured-play, books, flash cards, various learning toys, etc.
3:30– 4:00 pickups, outside play (depending on season), puzzles, musical instruments,
story-time, etc.
Infant (3 to 6 months)
7:30am - 4:00pm cuddles, love, and affection, eat, poop, and sleep
Guidelines - What Is Asked Of Children – SAFETY, HEALTH, RESPECT
1. All food and drinks must be kept in the kitchen area.
2. No playing in the bathroom.
3. No coloring on anything but paper.
4. Name calling and foul language or yelling is not allowed.
5. No hitting, kicking, pushing, pinching, biting, spitting or pulling hair.
6. No pulling or picking of plants, grass, trees, or flowers.
7. No picking-up, pulling, poking or squeezing of babies.
8. All kitchen and bathroom cupboards are off limits to daycare children.
9. Take turns and share.
10. Help clean up.
11. Laugh, smile, play, and be happy.
Communication
So I can provide the best possible care, please feel free to communicate any needs, wants and/or concerns regarding your child. It's only through good parent/provider interaction that good quality nurturing care can be achieved. I periodically check in with parents to ensure everyone is happy about the care children are receiving.
Referrals
Referrals from a client are one of the biggest compliments I can receive. As a special thanks to you, I offer families a free week of childcare for each referral that has successfully enrolled in my daycare. Your free week will be credited to your tuition costs after the referred child has attended the daycare through the two week trial period without gross misconduct on part of the parent, or child. If at the time of the referral I am full and have no more spots available for the child, then the family will be given the option to be put on a waiting list. If in the future when a spot becomes available the family in question takes the spot, then at that time you will be given the amount of money equal to one week's childcare. If at that time your child no longer attends our daycare, the specified amount of money will be mailed to you.
Contract Adherence
This is my home as well as my business, so please be respectful of my family and home by adhering to the policies and procedures outlined in the parent handbook. I realize this is a lot of information to absorb. Because of this, please keep your parent handbook accessible so you can periodically review our policies and procedures as necessary. I reserve the right to amend any portion of the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment Application, and Parent Handbook at any time. If and when I do make a change to the contract you will be given a copy.
A Final Note
It is important that you feel comfortable with my policies and procedures. If you do not understand something, have a concern, or you feel uncomfortable with one or more of my policies and/or procedures it is important that you express that to me before enrolling your child in my daycare. I am always open to suggestions and feel communication is a very important part of a quality daycare. If there are any problems or concerns in the future, I encourage you to talk to me about them. If a lengthy discussion is needed, a time that is convenient for both of us will be scheduled, as yours and all other children still need my attention during business hours. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and care for your little one(s). I look forward to a future of keeping your child smiling and safe.
Note:
By signing the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment Application and initialing each page, it is understood that all of the policies and procedures of Happy Babies Daycare handbook are understood and agreed upon.