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General Information:
While in my care your child will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, which promote all aspects of development. Family childcare provides for children the comfort and experience of belonging to an extended family. I provide a home like setting; therefore I do not follow a strict routine. My approach to childcare is child centered and child directed. Children are offered choices whenever possible. Your child may bring home a calendar each month, with special events. Just because you are not seeing anything in the way of papers does not mean that we have not been busy all day. I am a Professional Child Care Provider, as well as the teacher, the nurse, the janitor, mediator, dishwasher, fire marshall, musician, counselor, friend, reader, safety instructor, activity director, waitress, storyteller, life saver, dietician, chief cook, and bottle washer. But I also get to play with little people and legos, wear short and t-shirts to work and get lots of hugs and kisses all day long. About Me and My Family: Brian and I have
been married for 5 years. We have one son,
Ian, who is 4, and one daughter, Emma who is 1.
Brian was born in Wabasha, and raised in Brian and I have
several nieces and nephews who are very special and dear to us. We do not smoke in
our house and do not allow it. We also
do not have any guns in the house. I am
hoping that this answered some of your questions and please do not hesitate to
ask me anything! I will be looking forward to taking care of your child(ren). Hours of Operation: Lil?
Miracle?s Daycare is normally open from New Year?s Day Memorial
Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving The day after Thanksgiving Christmas
Eve (close at Christmas Day and day after Christmas *If it happens where Christmas falls on a Saturday I will have the Friday before off and if it falls on a Sunday I will have that Monday off. The above are paid holidays for Lil? Miracle?s Daycare if they fall on a contracted day for your child. In addition, Lil? Miracle?s Daycare will close for 2 weeks or 10 days of paid vacation per calendar year per child and may take 10 personal days (no charge) per calendar year. Notification of at least 2 weeks will be given prior to any closed days, with the exception of emergencies or illness. There will be no charge when my children or I are sick. Please have a backup childcare provider for these occasions. Lil? Miracle?s Daycare is not responsible for finding alternate care for your child. In the event that I will be away for a period of time less than three hours (Doctor Appointments, errands, etc.) substitute care will be provided by my licensed subs, Brian(My husband), Jennifer(My sister-in-law), and an approved Substitute Provider. You will be notified if a Sub is coming to cover prior to me leaving. Definitions: Before/After School: Includes breakfast and afternoon snack. Any day that school is not in session, a full day rate will be charged. No Show: If your child will not be attending Lil? Miracle?s Daycare, a one half-hour notice of absence is appreciated. Drop Ins: I do except children if I have the open spot for them. Full-time: Childcare contracted on a set scheduled time 4-5 days per week, more than 4 hours per day. Part-time: Childcare contracted on a set scheduled time 3 days per week or, less than 4 hours per day. Payment: DUE ON MONDAY or your first scheduled day of the week. Please make payable to: Michelle Rand. Payments are currently accepted in the following ways: Cash, Checks, or Money Order. NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT Before your child is admitted into Lil? Miracle?s Day Care a security deposit must be paid. This deposit will be credited to your last week?s fee when you decide to depart from Lil? Miracle?s Daycare. WEEKLY PAYMENT GUARANTEED regardless of child?s absence for any reason. VACATION PAY is due before you leave for vacation. Your funds will not be used/cashed until your first normal day of the week. NSF Checks: Extra Charges: Late payment charges- There will be a $5.00 late charge for each day your payment is late. Overtime
charges- will occur past the time of Sick Care Fee- $25.00, if not picked up within 1 hour of call. If supplies are requested and parents fail to bring them, I will purchase them and add them to your bill. Open Door/Security: You are invited and welcome to visit Lil? Miracle?s Daycare anytime your children are present. You are asked to avoid visiting during Quiet Time as much as possible. Because the layout of our home does not allow me full eyesight of our entrance, I keep our front door LOCKED during most of the day! This is done for the security of my home and the well-being of the children. We ask that you ring the bell and wait to be greeted when dropping off or picking up your child. This is not a policy to keep you from entering, but a safeguard to KEEP STRANGERS OUT! If you come into my home further than the entrance, PLEASE REMOVE YOUR SHOES! Parents are also free to call Lil? Miracle?s Daycare at any time. If I do not answer the phone, please leave a message, and I will call you back as soon as we are finished with the current activity.
Sick/Vacation Days: In the event that your child is ill and needs to miss a day, please call ? hour before arrival time. Parent agrees to provide 2 weeks notice prior to any vacation time. Parent agrees to pay childcare fees to hold child?s position during any vacation time or extended leave due to illness etc., up to 2 weeks per year. Full payment must be received whether or not child attends. Vacation (Families): Full-time children will be given one ? week rate, if a 2 week notice of vacation is given. This does not apply to part-time children, or summer care children. After they are used, no other days will be allowed until one year has passed. All vacation days must be used together, not individually. This time cannot be used when I am taking my paid vacation. Funeral Leave: If
there is a death in the Maternity Leave: I do not offer an unpaid maternity leave for family?s who are home with a new infant. My business and my income are based on my enrollment at all times. If you chose to keep your child who is enrolled in my care, home during your maternity leave, the full weekly rate is still due each week on Monday. If you are planning to have a baby in the future, please ask me about my infant opening status. I generally do not provide infant care for families outside of my child care and typically have infant openings available. Maternity Leave for
provider: Rate Increases/Annual
Fees: There may be a time when I need to increase rates. You will be given at least 30 day notice prior to an increase. Please keep in mind that your childcare fees is not based solely on the care that is provided to your child. It is also based on the age of your child, the number of hours of care that is needed each week and other costs associated with running my childcare effectively. These expenses include but are not limited to: art/craft supplies, Preschool curriculum, training, taxes, insurance, helper/substitute costs, relicensing fees, increase in utilities, and special activities. A yearly fee of no more than $25.00 per family is due November 1st each year. Revisions to Handbook and Contract: There will be a yearly revision to this handbook and the accompanying contract. A new contract will be signed by all families each year. I reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies, as I deem necessary. You will be notified, in writing, of any changes that may occur. Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks notice of changes. Television: I
allow limited TV viewing consisting of Nickelodeon, PBS, Noggin, and the Disney
Channel only. On occasion I let the children pick a child appropriate video to
watch. Children are NEVER required to sit and watch TV, and TV is not offered
in place of Free Play or Learning Activities. Guidance: Some people call it discipline, I prefer guidance. No child will be hit, spanked, belittled, or otherwise intimidated at Lil? Miracle?s Daycare--even with parental permission. No corporal punishment will be used. Children will be treated with courtesy, respect, and patience. Guidance will be according to age and understanding level. Younger children, babies and toddlers, will be redirected to another activity. Older children will be given time outs depending on the severity of the offense (almost always 1 minute per year of age, never to be more than 15 minutes). If a child becomes a persistent behavior problem, I will address it with you and we will try to resolve it together. AT NO TIME WILL A CHILD BE SUBJECTED TO PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OR SHAMING, FRIGHTENING OR HUMILIATING METHODS BE USED, OR ANY TYPE OF VERBAL ABUSE, THREATS, DEROGATORY REMARKS, OR DEPRIVATION OF A MEAL OR ANY PART OF A MEAL BE USED. NO CHILD WILL EVER BE PUNISHED FOR TOILET ACCIDENTS.
Meals: Breakfast
I
participate in the Food Program sponsored by Child Care Resource and
Referral. I provide
nutritionally balance meals and snacks for your child and receive a small
reimbursement. Please do not send any food or drink with your
child without prior approval through the provider. Feed your child breakfast if you will be
arriving after Activities: Age appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of the individual child and day. I will offer times for outside play, crafts, stories, instruction, and naps appropriate to the child's ages, interests, and abilities. I will provide your child with tender loving care, understanding, patience and guidance in a happy family setting. Chores, such as picking up, putting dishes in the dishwasher will likely be a part of the day. We do many arts and crafts where the focus is on the process, not the product. Free play is an important part of a child's early years. It is here that they learn social skills that will be needed the rest of their lives. There is a tape/CD player for the children to use. I encourage the school age children to read books privately or to the other children. An example of a day at Lil? Miracle?s Daycare: 7:00AM-8:00AM: Arrival, Free play (quiet play), TV time 9:00 AM-10:00AM: Craft time, Music time, Computer time 10:00AM-11:15AM: Outside time (weather permitting), inside play otherwise 12:30PM-3:00PM: Quiet time/Movie time 3:30PM-4:30PM: Free time, Computer time, Study time for older children, Outside time (spring, summe, and fall only) House Rules: 1. No hitting, biting,
pinching, throwing, pushing, hair pulling, or otherwise hurting ourselves or
others. 2. No intentionally breaking anything. 3. No running,
jumping, wrestling, climbing, etc. in the house or on the furniture. 4. No picking up
babies or toddlers. 5. No leaving the
house or yard without permission. 6. No name calling,
yelling, fouls language or teasing?everyone deserves to be treated with
respect. 7. All food and drink
will remain in the dining room/kitchen area. 8. Please treat my home and family with respect. Dress Code: Please dress your child appropriately. The activities may be messy. Do not send your child in clothing that you do not want stained. Weather permitting; we will spend a lot of time outdoors. Make sure to include hats, mittens, boots, snow pants, and coats for cold weather. You also need to supply a complete change of clothing in case of an accident; I do not supply clothing for day care children. If the child has no spare clothing, the parent will be called to bring some. Water Play: I have a sprinkler for summer water play. A swimsuit will be requested for these days. House Cleaning: My
house is not always spotless. My main
concern is the care of the children. I
clean my house during rest time, if all are asleep, during non-business hours,
and occasionally with children?s help.
The children will help clean up toys before meals and naps. Transportation: I may transport the day care children, if the need arises. You will be notified and proper car seats and/or seat belts will be used. I may ask that you leave your car seat for the day. Toys: Please refrain from sending any toys from home with your child. If your child needs a special toy or item for sleeping, it will be allowed, but it will remain put away until Quiet Time. Lil? Miracle?s Daycare assumes NO responsibility for lost, stolen, or broken toys from home. Should the child deliberately destroy my toys or other property through misuse or willfulness, the parent will be required to replace it. Rest Period: All children will have a rest period. No child is forced to sleep, however they must remain quiet. Older children, and those who wake early, will participate in a quiet activity until Quiet Time is over. Please try not to schedule pick ups or visits during this time to lessen disturbance to the resting children.
Toilet Learning: I will assist you in toilet training your child with the understanding that it will be successful only if we work together. I will use cotton underwear or pull-ups supplied by the parent. Send your child ONLY in easy on/easy off clothing until they are able to completely undress and dress themselves. I require at least 2 complete changes of clothing during Toilet Learning. I do not launder soiled items and will send them home in a plastic bag. Please replace any clothing sent home the next day. Holidays/Birthdays: We honor major holidays and all children?s birthdays. If you would like to bring a special Treat for the children, please arrange this with the provider. You are more than welcome to participate in ANY activities we have planned. Confidentiality: The
information you supply to Lil? Miracle?s Daycare will be kept confidential. I
will, at all times, respect your privacy. Before any of the information is
released to outside persons, the parents will sign a release form. Non-Discrimination: I will not discriminate in relation to admissions of any child on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Photographs/Video Recording of Children: Parents give permission to have the child
photographed, video taped, and/or voice recorded. These reproductions will not
be publicly viewed outside the daycare home (i.e. published in newspaper,
website) without the consent of all parties in the picture. See Photo Consent form. Drug and Alcohol Policy: I prohibit employees, helpers, substitutes, and volunteers, when directly responsible for caring for the children from abusing prescription medication or being in any manner under the influence of a chemical that impairs the individual?s ability to provide services or care. I will train employees, helpers, substitutes, and volunteers about this drug and alcohol policy. Back-to-Sleep (SIDS Prevention): The Back-to-Sleep campaign began in this country in 1994 to promote the message that babies should sleep on their backs, not on their stomachs, to reduce the risk of SIDS. Since then, the number of babies dying from SIDS has decreased by more than 40%. According to state regulations, all infants must sleep in a pack-and-play or a crib, no sleeping in swings or car seats are allowed. It is a practice at Lil? Miracles Daycare that babies are placed on their backs for sleeping in a pack-and-play. Babies should be kept warm, but they should not be allowed to get too warm; therefore, if needed, a light blanket will be used. No toys or stuffed animals will be allowed in the pack-and-play. Emergencies: Fire: There is one fire extinguisher located in my home. It is in the kitchen under the sink. If there is a fire that cannot be extinguished quickly, the children will be evacuated immediately before calling 911. We will practice fire drills monthly so the children will be prepared in the event of a fire. The fire evacuation plan is located on file and you are free to view it at any time. Tornado: In the event of a tornado warning, the children will gather in the basement. We will remain in the basement until the inclement weather has passed. Tornado drills will also be practiced monthly. The tornado plan is located on file and you are free to view it at anytime. Power outage: There are flashlights located in the upstairs and downstairs. If the power remains out for some time, there are non-perishables located in the kitchen that will be used to eat. If the weather is inclement and the house is getting too cold for the children, you will be called to pick up your child. Mandated Reporter: As a Childcare Provider, I am required by law to report any suspected signs of child abuse and/or neglect. This includes any form of physical punishment by the parents in my home. See attached Reporting policy for licensed family child care program. Supplies: All supplies must be labeled with your child?s name. You will need to provide the following things to be left here: 1. 1 complete change of clothing (more if we are toilet training) to be left here. This includes shirt, pants/shorts, socks, and underwear. 2. Any over the counter medication that you may wish to be used. This must have the child?s name on it. Remember, I will always ask your permission before administering. 3. Comb or Brush. 4. Blanket, if they use specific/special one, otherwise one of mine will be used.
FOR CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 18 MONTHS (and those not yet potty trained and/or weaned from the bottle) 1. Diapers or Pull-ups, 1 full package. They will be stored in your child?s cubby and I will notify you when the supply is low. 2. One tub of Wipes. They will be stored in your child?s cubby, and I will notify you when a refill is needed. 3. 1 pacifier and pacifier fastener to be left here, if these are used. 4. 2 changes of clothing (T-shirt, sleeper, outfit, and socks). Careful attention must be paid to maintain current sizes left here. I will notify you when more are needed. 5. Any cream, powder, etc. that you wish me to use. 6. Baby Tylenol or Orajel, if you wish it to be used. 7. Comb or Brush. 8. Baby Formula/Breast Milk, Cereal, or Baby Food, if you are supplying. 9. Blanket, if they use specific/special one, otherwise one of mine will be used. The option of leaving these items here is for your convenience and is not required. However, all of the above items are required for me to care for your child, so they will need to be brought daily. Medications: No child will be given any medication, prescription or over the counter, unless written permission is given by the parent. Prescription medication shall have the child?s name, name of medication, Doctor?s name, name of pharmacy, prescription number, date, and directions for administering. The medication must be in the original container as dispensed by the pharmacy. I have Permission to Administer Medication forms to be filled out each time your child will need medicine to be administered. Written permission is required in order to use diapering products, sunscreen lotion and insect repellents. EXCEPTION: As your childcare provider, I will administer Syrup of Ipecac if instructed to do so by poison control or emergency medical services. Medical Emergencies: Although supervision is constantly given, I cannot be by the child?s side at all times to prevent falls, tripping, bumps, blows from other children, etc. If the child is injured in a non life-threatening way, I will assess the child and provide home first aid. If the injury is more serious, the parent will be notified so the child can be transported to the hospital or doctors office. (I.e. needs stitches, broken arm, or dislocation, etc.) All costs associated with injuries to the child will be the responsibility of the parent, unless I have been found to be negligent. In case of a medical emergency, I will attempt to contact you immediately. If I am unable to reach you, I will start calling the people designated as your emergency contacts. If I am unable to reach you or your emergency contacts, I will transport your child to his/her doctor or to the hospital, if necessary. If immediate intervention is required, I am certified in infant, child, and adult CPR and First Aid and will take appropriate action including calling 911 and having your child transported to the appropriate hospital. You or your family's insurance is/are responsible for the cost of medical help or treatment due to accidents or illness while in childcare. Non-Discrimination: As license provider, I shall not discriminate in relation to admissions on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion or sex. Availability
of Regulations: A complete copy of the regulations that govern licensed day
care is available upon request from the office of the Insurance: I do carry liability insurance on my day care business. If you have any questions about this insurance, please feel free to ask. Swimming Pool: I do have a swimming pool on the property. There are gates that have locks from either entrance of the pool. The pool is closed to daycare children unless there is an individual agreement with parent. See child enrollment paperwork. Illness: Many illnesses are contagious. I will not unnecessarily expose the children to them. While I can appreciate your work related concerns, I am not in the business of caring for sick children. Therefore, please DO NOT bring your child to day care when they are not feeling well. When the child is ill, they need their own environment and with an adult who can give them their full attention. Obviously, with other children in my care, I can not fulfill that role for your child. If your child becomes ill during the day, you will be notified and a decision will be made as to whether or not they should be sent home. If during the night or over the weekend your child have been ill, I would appreciate being informed so I may watch them during the day for continuing symptoms; other parents will be informed as necessary. I will not hesitate to request that you take your child home if your child appears too sick for day care when they arrive. Finally, please do not expect me to make the decision as the whether or not your child should be at day care! Symptoms of illness can include, but not
limited to: FEVER?This is a temperature of 100 degrees F, or the fever requires medication at regular intervals to control. I am unwilling to care for a child who has a fever. A child needs to be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to child care; that means the child is fever free without the aid of Tylenol or any other fever reducing substance. VOMITING?.More than the usual infant ?spitting up? is considered vomiting. Children must be vomit and fever free for 24 hours before returning to the day care. DIARRHEA?This is characterized by frequent watery or green-colored bowel movements which are not related to meds or food reactions. Even without other symptoms, I am unwilling to care for a child who has diarrhea. RUNNY NOSE?Your child may be brought to care if he/she has a common cold (slight cough, clear runny nose, occasional sneezing). Discharge of any color other than clear is not acceptable in child care. RASH?An undiagnosed rash other that mild diaper rash or heat rash should be closely watched. STREP THROAT?A sore throat that needs culturing because other signs are present means that a child should not me at day care until the culture results are known. I will be responsible for notifying the other parents that their child has been exposed. Re-admittance to day care for the following communicable diseases shall be: CHICKEN POX?all lesions are dry and crusted. IMPETIGO?(blister covered with honey-colored crusts) No sooner than 24 hours after the start of meds. If no improvement in 48 hours, the child should be reassessed by a Dr. CONJUNCTIVITIS?(pink eye, redness of the eye with burning and thick purulent discharge) No sooner that 24 hours after the start of meds and no drainage present. LICE AND SCABIES?The child can be re-admitted following medical treatment. HEPATITIS?Physician?s
statement is required prior to re-admittance to day care. In the best interests of your child and the other children in my care, all health care policies are STRICTLY ENFORCED! Your cooperation will be appreciated. Failure to comply with the health care policies may result in termination of the placement agreement and loss of care for your child. Parent Responsibilities: Please bring immunization sheets when your child receives shots, in order to update my records. Address or telephone changes for home or work must be reported ASAP! Refrain from sending your child with candy, gun, food or beverages! Special treats may be brought for everyone. Please notify me as early as possible if your child will not be attending day care, if you will be arriving late, or if someone other than yourself will be picking your child up. If that person is not known to me, please have them bring a photo ID. I will not allow a child out of my care to a stranger. Trial Period: There will be a two-week trial period, beginning on the child?s first day of care. Either party may terminate this contract within the trial period, without further obligation. Termination Procedures: Parents will notify me in writing 3 weeks in advance if they are terminating this contract and removing the child from day care. The parents will be responsible for any and all collection fees, including certified mail charges, postage, and small claims court charges as a result of non-payment. The parents will be responsible for the tuition fees if the child is in attendance or absent during this termination period. The provider will give 3 weeks written notice if the child is to be terminated for any reason other than non-payment of tuition, which will take place immediately. By giving your 3 week notice, vacation time is forfeited, and therefore cannot and will not be applied to the last three weeks when giving notice. Teamwork: As parents and provider, we must work together to ensure that your child has the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential in a warm, loving, and nurturing environment. It is important that we communicate effectively about your child. Your input on any issue concerning your child is very much appreciated. The policies in this contract are necessary to ensure quality experiences for your child and a good working relationship for me. The previous pages are intended to detail those policies which establish the framework for my child care business. I have expectations of you and hope these pages have helped to explain my preferred way of doing business. While I will not be arbitrarily changing policies, this contract is not meant to imply that a policy, once developed, can never be modified or improved. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. You may review my copy of the Rule #2 for Family day care or you can request a copy from Olmsted County Day Care Licensing Unit, 285-7009 I look forward to a long and happy working relationship with you and your child. Child?s Name ___________________________________ Date of Birth _____________ Child?s Name___________________________________ Date of Birth______________ Child?s
Name___________________________________
Date of Birth______________ I have read and understand this is a legal
and binding contract and accept all terms and conditions. Parent Signature ____________________________________ Date _______________ Parent Signature ____________________________________ Date _______________ Provider Signature __________________________________ Date ______________ Created: Revised: 10/25/05
Handbook 2006 |
Copyright(c) 2004 lil' miracle's daycare. All rights reserved.