WELCOME!
Following is a list of information about Kelly's Childcare a Home Daycare and information I need about you and your children. Hopefully this will answer many questions you have concerning my childcare. Feel free to ask anything not answered for you.
AGES:
I care for children from Pre-school, Junior Kindergarten and up. Including before and after school.
OUR ENVIRONMENT:
- Child friendly, safe and stimulating environment.
- No firearms of any kind.
- Non-smoking home.
- Children's playroom with a variety of toys for all ages.
- Quiet time is provided for children who are too old to nap, but still need a rest.
We have a fish tank & reptile tanks with friendly small leopard geckos.
DISCIPLINE:
Rules will be explained to the children to the best of their understanding. They will be reminded of the rules when necessary. I use positive discipline techniques, encouragement and redirection to curb undesired behavior. When necessary, I will use a time out. Time out consists of a short "time away" from the others so that the child can focus on what he/she would like to do better next time. This is not used as a punishment, but rather as a "cooling down" time. Children will be given time-outs for certain behaviors. Biting, hitting, slapping, screaming, kicking and other forms of violent behavior will NOT be tolerated!
DEPENDABILITY:
It is my intent to be available as per contract. However, instances will arise where I will not be available for care. This could range from illness, holidays, doctor's appointments, special family functions, funerals etc. Every effort will be made to give you enough notice to find back up. You should consider having one already planned out for these such occasions.
I am open 5 days a week from 8 a.m. To 8:00 p.m. Should something arise that I would not be able to provide care for your children, you will be responsible to find back up care. I may book up to 4 weeks of vacation time per year. Typically, 2 weeks off in the summer. Other days are allocated for special days, such as family day’s etc. You will always be notified at least 2 weeks in advance of any holidays, or days off. You will not be charged for my days off. I am not open on any statutory holidays. You will be charged for these days. Please see a complete list of statutory holidays, when I will be closed.
**New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Canada Day, Victoria Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day**
**Where possible I will get someone in to cover the daycare during my holidays**
CHARGES AND FEES INFORMATION:
- You will be denied care for your child when payments are not made as per contract.
- Payment is always due at pick up time on Fridays.
- You will be expected to pay weekly.
- You may choose to leave post dated cheques.
PAYMENTS:
- Payment is due on Friday's by pick up time. (or last day of scheduled care)
- You will be refused entry the following week if you haven't paid.
- You will be charged a $5.00 late fee for every day you are late with your payment.
- You will be charged for all NSF charges. More than one bounced cheque will result in cash only terms.
- You may make payments by cheque or cash, or post-dated cheques.
- I require three weeks notice if you wish to terminate care.
- I require two weeks written notice of any changes to your schedule which would affect the fees and payment schedule.
WHAT I ASK OF PARENTS
- Please remove your shoes.
- Bring your child(ren) in and help them with their coats and shoes if necessary. Please have your child hang up their coats and other belongings on the hooks. Help them put on their indoor shoes. Give any special instructions at this time.
- Say Good bye to your child in a happy manner, which will allow your child to associate Daycare with pleasure.
- Abide by prearranged hours.
- Bring a change of clothing for your child.
- Dress them appropriately for the weather
- Please check your child(ren)'s bag(s) daily, for notes, soiled clothing and artwork.
- A child's birthday is an important day. Please notify me in advance if you'd like to arrange anything special. I will provide a small birthday party for your child which will include special decorations, birthday cake, and other treats, and games.
- You will be asked to provide the following: Sun block, any medications needed for your child, one pair of slippers/indoor shoes), a toothbrush, all outdoor clothing such as mittens, hats, rainboots etc. (A more detailed list is provided under Clothing in this handbook).
- Be respectful of my family, my home and me.
- If you have a problem or concern, please feel free to talk to me about it, in an honest and open manner.
- Your children should arrive clean, well rested, sick-free, and dressed.
- Try to discourage your child from bringing blankies or soothers (pacifiers), other than for the purpose of sleeping or rest.
SICK POLICY:
If your child is not feeling well, for whatever reason, you must make other arrangements for their care until they are feeling well and/or no longer contagious. I have a responsibility to protect your child, the other children in my care, myself and the parents of the other children in my care. It is unfair to expose them to illness. In daycare’s, illness can be easily spread, so every precaution will be taken to minimize the spread of illness.
- It is not necessary for you to keep a child with a cold, home, unless the discharge from their nose is green, they have a fever, and/or coughing badly.
- You will be contacted whenever your child is sick, and you will be notified whether or not you should come pick them up. Please do so in a timely manner.
- You will be responsible to arrange your own back up if needed.
- All medications must be in original container, clearly labeled with the child's name, date, correct dosage, expiry date, and the doctor's name and a contact number on the bottle.
- You will be required to administer morning and evening doses. If you forget, and need me to, please include a signed note.
- All medications to be administered must accompany a signed Administration of Medication Form. In the case your child has had a severe allergic reaction to food, or other allergens, your child may not attend until a doctor and/or allergist have seen him. Your child may need an epipen before re-entry into daycare. You will be responsible to provide all medications for allergies, including Benadryl, and epinephrine/or other antihistamines. If your child is severely allergic he/she may not attend without their epipen. (A severe allergy is hives or any swelling in the facial area, including lips, and eyes, throat and /or hands, vomiting, and or diarrhea.)
- All signs of abuse, sexual, emotional or physical will be reported. (it's the law)
Your child may not attend with the following symptoms:
- Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing
- Rash, other than diaper or prickly heat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Severe sore throat with a fever
- Pain in stomach with fever
- Pain when going to the washroom
- FEVERS above 38 degrees or 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pus or discharge from eyes or open wounds sores.
- Severe allergic reactions
- Fainting spells or dizziness
- Severe headaches
MEDICAL EMERGENCY:
You will be notified immediately. If I am unable to reach you I will make the necessary arrangements at that time. If a true emergency is at hand and I am unable to reach you, an ambulance will be called, to transport your child to the hospital. You will be responsible for any and all other charges incurred for the emergency. Every effort will be made to contact you ASAP. It is imperative that you keep your emergency information form up to date at all times.
EARLY AND LATE:
If you need to pick up your child early, please call so that I can make sure we are at home the time you'd like to pick them up. You will still be charged for the full day.
If you need to drop off your child late, please call so that I am not waiting around, wondering if your going to show up or not. You will still be charged a full day if you are late. If you "forget" to call, I cannot guarantee that I will be here when you decide to drop them off.
If you need to drop off your child early, please contact me in advance, If you need to drop them off before I open at 8a.m., special arrangements can be made.
You must always notify me if you anticipate a late arrival for pick-up. You WILL be charged for late fees, if you do not call in advance.
SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN:
It is still your responsibility to keep the school office informed of any changes to your child's information. In any case of emergency, and you are unable to be reached, the school would want to contact me. Please also inform the school when your child will not attend classes for the day. You could call them after you've notified me they will not be attending daycare. Otherwise, the school will call here looking for them when they have not arrived. Always notify me in advance when you will be picking up your child at school.
QUIET TIMES:
All children, will require to have a Quiet Time from 1:00 - 2:30. Quiet time will consist of low key activities such as puzzles, stories, movies, or quiet play.
FOODS:
- All children will be provided a nutritious and balanced meal at lunchtime, and mid morning & mid afternoon snack.
- I do not serve dinners.
- On occasion I reserve the right to serve special treats such as cookies, ice-cream.
- Milk is served at breakfast and lunch and juice or water is served with morning and afternoon snacks.
- Children will be encouraged to drink lots of water whenever possible. Children will not be forced or bribed to eat nor will I offer anything different than planned.
- Please advise me if your child has a special diet, or food allergies.
- Please note that we are NOT NUT FREE!
FORMS: You must keep all information up to date on all forms.
- You will be required to complete all forms accurately and completely before admittance into my home.
- When required to do so, you must fill out all subsequent required forms and return them to me ASAP.
TERMINATION OF CONTRACT:
This contract shall be terminated if any one or more of the following occur:
- Serious illness of a child preventing attendance.
- The account becomes delinquent.
- I determine it is unable to meet the needs of the child.
- After much discussion it is determined that it is not in the best interest of the daycare or the children enrolled to be in attendance.
- Parental termination. You are required to give a written three week notice.
- Caregiver Termination: I will give you a two week written notice. You will be notified in writing of any changes.
CLOTHING:
You are asked to dress your child appropriately for play.
You must supply at least 1 change of clothing for your child which will be kept here in their bag.
If soiled clothing is sent home, please remember to replenish your child's clothing the next day.
I will not be responsible for soiled, stained or torn clothing.
You must dress your child appropriately for the weather.
If your child happens to be sent home in clothing that is not his/hers, please wash and return it as soon as possible, so that it can be returned to it's rightful owner.
Please find below a complete list of articles you will be asked to provide for your child.
Winter:
- Snowsuits are a must. Please make sure they are warm and waterproof and that there are no strings attached, anywhere on the snowsuit. Snowsuits must be large enough for the child, but not too large. A good way to judge, is to have your child sit with the snowsuit on and see if the legs and arms on the suit ride up. If they do, it is too small. Since your child will spend a large amount of time outdoors playing it is important to have one that fits properly.
- All children will need a warm hat, either fastenable with velcro or a slip on hat.
- All children will need at least two pairs of mittens. One pair will be always be kept here.
- A scarf or neck warmer for extremely cold or windy days.
- Warm, waterproof boots.
Spring:
- A raincoat
- Splash pants
- A heavy weight sweater or spring jacket (both would be preferred)
- Light mittens
- Light hat
- Rubber boots
- A pair of running shoes
Summer:
- Sunscreen (labelled)
- A sun hat (large brim hats, or hats with long neck tails are preferred to caps. Remember it must cover your child's ears, forehead, and back of neck).
- A bathing suit (which will be kept here)
- A large towel (which will be kept here)
- A sweater or light jacket for rainy or colder days
- Please put sunscreen on your child before they come to daycare. I will add sunscreen before going out in the afternoon.
FALL:
- Rubber Boots
- A lightweight hat
- Lightweight mittens
- A pair of running shoes
- Warm coat, and or sweater (both are preferred).
Please make sure your child comes to daycare ready and dressed for the day and that all personal belongings are labelled.
GUIDELINES:
Following is a list of some of the guidelines in my child care. They are listed only to give you insight into my child care and my philosophies.
- Name calling, foul language, or yelling is not allowed.
- No hitting, kicking, pushing, pinching, biting or hair pulling. We have a 'Hands Off!" Rule which will be enforced.
- Food and drinks are only for designated areas.
- "Back Talking" will not be tolerated.
- Rude, disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
- I emphasize the importance and practice of good manners. Every young child is capable of learning some of the most important phrases, "Thank You", "No Thank You", "Please", and "You are Welcome".
- Children will be encouraged to use the phrases, "I'm Sorry", and "I Forgive You".