Hugs & Kisses Home Childcare

Introduction I am a Professional Childcare Provider and you are purchasing a childcare service from this childcare business. I am not a babysitter nor am I your "employee" but a small business owner. I would love for your family to have a chance to enjoy all that my childcare has to offer, but in order for us to have a successful placement for your child you MUST read and fully accept the terms in the contract and all the policies in this handbook of Hugs & Kisses childcare. If you have ANY questions, please ask them! It is very important that we communicate openly from the start. My fees, hours, and policy are well thought out and non-negotiable. Please keep in mind that I am a working parent. Like you, I too have family demands on my time and a life outside of childcare. To facilitate greater understanding between parent(s) and provider, I have created this handbook. It explains more fully items in the contract and also covers anything not in my contract relating to my childcare Philosophies, business policies and expectations. Please read this hand book carefully, and feel free to discuss with me any questions that you may have.

All policies and rules in this hand book are enforced and are non-negotiable.

My goal is to provide all of the children in my care, a clean, safe, comfortable, loving, home-like environment, where they can play and learn. Each child in my care is, and will be treated equally and fairly regardless of parent(s) provider disagreement(s), and or disability, religion, race or sex or behavior. Respect towards self, others and the environment will be emphasized. I believe in the value of both structured and flexible schedules. Structured activities, etc. Outdoor play, free play, birthday parties, and educational-style videos are some of the more flexible activities we have. The most important priority is to have FUN! Please don’t expect my home or your child to be perfectly clean at pickup time. We do lots of activities that are messy and will do our best to maintain cleanliness and order, but fun and well being of the children will always take precedence over cleaning.

It is mandatory that you keep me advised of any difficulties in your life that may affect the welfare of your children or jeopardize our business relationship. When I accept a new family into my home, I like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise. It is important that there is a similar daycare philosophy between the parents and myself. I welcome all questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for your child. Sensitive issues will be discussed in private outside of regular Childcare hours.

The main goal of this daycare is to have fun, improve social skills, and encourage creative expression. We will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. Free play, reading, arts and crafts, music/singing, dancing, dramatic play/pretend, puzzles, and

educational TV/ videos are just some of the activities we will be doing. Music helps to develop young brains and will play a strong role in day-to-day activities. We may have special music activities and may also play music during other activities, for example, during arts and crafts or meal times. Some of the music we will be using may include classical, children's songs (by a variety of artists), holiday music and others. It is my goal to have a variety of toys readily available to the children. Tactile and sensory projects are a part of my basic program. We will utilize a variety of experiences each day. These experiences range from looking for bugs on the sidewalk and park to helping make lunch and snacks. They may also include small chores, like baking cookies and cakes, clearing the table after meals, pushing in chairs, and touching on the everyday routines which your child would be learning how to do if you were at home, such as sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, etc. Studies have shown that these types of activities nurture a sense of well being and belonging in children, and contribute dramatically towards the development of self-esteem.

Television will be used as a tool to help children unwind and relax. We usually watch no more than two hours of television per day, and some days none at all. Remember, just because the television is on does not mean the children are always watching it. The exception may be on rainy days, or if we are having a particularly difficult day. Viewing will be limited to PBS and child-friendly, educational-style videos, such as Barney, Dora, The Wiggles, Blues Clues, etc.

I carefully screen everything the children watch, and either watch along with the children or make sure the video is one that I have previously watched. I avoid any type of graphic images, potentially frightening images, unpleasant language, or anything of that nature, as I believe that young children are extremely impressionable. I prefer to err on the conservative side when choosing appropriate viewing.

Children over the age of 2.5 yrs. will participate in a year round, daily preschool curriculum. This will include a variety of activities ranging from art and craft projects to games, songs, finger plays, storytelling, creative dramatics, exercises, science and much more. The goal of this childcare is to have fun, and provide a little extra learning stimulation for the older children. It will not be a rigorous academic program as young children still learn best from participating in and observing the environment around them.

Hugs & Kisses childcare is open from 6:30am till 5:30pm. Therefore, arrival & departure time depends on your Parent/Provider contract agreement.

Daily Activities This is an example of the schedule that I will follow. We do not have a firm schedule here at Hugs & Kisses childcare due to the different drop off times and some days children not wanting to do a particular activity. However, there is a set time for meals, snacks and nap time.

6:30-9:00 Breakfast/Free Play

9:00-9:30 Circle Time

9:30-9:45 Music/Movement

9:45-10:15 A.M Snack

10:15-10:45 Craft

10:45-11:15 Free Play

11:15-11:30 Clean up & Prep for lunch

11:30-12:15 Lunch

12:15-1:00 Outdoor play/Story time

1:00-2:45 Rest/Quiet time

2:45-3:00 Rest area clean up

3:00-3:30 PM Snack

3:30-5:30 Departure/Free Play

We will provide the children with a theme based early childhood curriculum. The children will have opportunities to explore letters, numbers and math concepts, shapes, and colors. We will also explore physical and social science concepts as we learn about the great, wide world around us.

I believe that discipline is helpful as guidance and support for the children trying to achieve self-control and acceptance. Children will be given a happy, safe environment in which to play and learn. Discipline is always handled on this belief: The child is a good person; it is his/her behavior that is unacceptable and needs to be changed or guided to a more acceptable means of expression.

Rules are an important part of good discipline. We try to have as many rules as are needed to maintain order, but not so many that the children feel burdened and restricted. Hugs & Kisses childcare embraces these basic rules:

Use your inside voice.

Walk while inside.

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Respect others.

Respect the property of others.

Remain in your seat until the meal is over or you've been excused.

I feel that these rules help minimize the primary causes for disruption; however, from

time to time, new rules are introduced to address specific behavior needs. When this

occurs, I explain why we have the rules and children are given time to learn the new

rules. The children are explained the rules of the daycare frequently so that they know the guidelines. Once a child understands the rules and disobeys them, hurts others, or property, 1 need to intervene. The goal is to help each child develop a strong sense of self-discipline and self-esteem. I believe children need consistency in enforcing rules; therefore, I adhere to the following discipline procedures:

Positive Reinforcement: The child will be encouraged when he/she is demonstrating
acceptable behavior. An occasional reward/treat may be given. This reinforces a child's
good feeling about his/her behavior and serves as an example to the other children to act
in such a way.

Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try
again at another time. This is often used with toddlers and preschool age children.

At times, I may choose to ignore the misbehavior, as long as the behavior is not
harming the child, other children, or myself.

Time out: The child is separated from the group for a child-regulated period of time
(approximately one minute per year of age or until the child is calm and ready to try
again). I explain that the child seems to need to ''take a little break and settle
down." This is only used when the child is exhibiting temper tantrum type behavior or
hurting self, others, or property. When the child shows that he/she is ready to
demonstrate acceptable behavior, he/she is encouraged to rejoin the rest of the group and
try again.

Last Resort: When a child's behavior is continually upsetting or dangerous to others
or myself, you will be called to come and get your child. I have more than one child to
care for and if all my energy were spent on that one child it would not be fair to the other
children.

I do reserve the right to terminate any contract if a child's behavior becomes unsafe to
the other children, themselves, or myself.

NOTE: Sometimes, when parents bring their children or pick their children up from daycare, a child may forget the rules or just test the boundaries. Please help show your child that you respect me, the rules of our house, and our property by reminding them that the rules still apply when you are around.

Always notify us of any changes such as working hours, employment, going from full time to part time etc. This daycare may not be able to accommodate your needs if you go from full to part time, or part time to full time. All changes must be given to the provider in writing as soon as possible.

We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygienic standards. Children's hands are washed before and after meals and after toileting. We use paper towels for drying hands, so children do not have to use the same towel. Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays, with clean sheets used only by them, between washings. Beginning at about 12 months, mats are used.

Children will arrive at daycare dressed, clean, and in a clean and dry diaper (or pull up if potty training), and ready for the day. Children should be dressed according to the weather. Children need to keep at least one spare change of clothing in their cubby,

including bringing a jacket or sweater, if needed. If a child arrives dirty or wet, the parent will take time to change them before leaving.

Minor bumps and scratches are inevitable, but I make every effort to keep the children safe through supervision and child proofing. Minor injuries receive appropriate first aid, and if an emergency injury or illness occurs, you will be contacted as soon as possible. If necessary, your child will be taken to the nearest hospital where you will be asked to meet us. If you are not going to be at your usual place of employment, or at home, please make sure that I have a number where you can be reached. I am prepared with emergency caregivers in cases of unplanned absences of short duration caused by unanticipated circumstances such as illness or accident. Parents will be notified when an emergency caregiver will be used. If an emergency caregiver cannot be located, parents may be asked to pick up their children. For life-threatening emergencies, I will call 911 and notify the parents. Your emergency contacts must be kept up to date at all time.

I have a "No pay, No stay" policy. The child will not be allowed to attend until all fees are made current - No exceptions! I am certain that you would not continue to work for a company that continued to give you your paycheck later than your agreed upon payday. I Also will not work under these circumstances. Childcare can be terminated with no notice if tuition is continuously late. It is very unfair to expect me to wait for my paycheck.

Registration Fee: A registration fee of $25 is due at time of enrollment. This fee is non-refundable and will only hold your spot for one week.

Late pickup: If you are late picking up your child, you will be charged a late pick up fee of $2.50 for every 30 minutes past set pick up time.

Late payment: You will be charged $5 for each day the payment is late.

Returned Check: If a check is returned, you will be charged $25. If two checks are returned, you must pay in cash thereafter.

Daycare will be closed on the following holidays: New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. If one of the above named holiday falls on a Saturday, we will be closed the prior Friday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, we will be closed the following Monday. Please note that tuition remains the same for weeks containing holidays. The Daycare will also be closed for my personal vacation time to which I will take up to 2 weeks. During this time, no tuition will be due. Parents will receive a one month in advance notice of this personal time.

Families with children attending childcare may take 2 weeks of vacation without payment due. A two week written notice is required. Other than the yearly 2 week vacation time, your set weekly fee is expected to hold your child's spot in the daycare for any additional time off.

Occasionally, we take field trips at no extra cost to you. You will be required to sign a permission slip that I will carry with me (including an attached picture of the child). In the event of an emergency, your child will be cared for and you will be notified. If you do not wish for your child to participate in the field trip, you will be required to make other arrangements for that day.

Do not allow your child to bring any food, candy or gum from home. Do not allow your child to carry any food, drinks, or snacks into the house. Do not make me the "bad guy" by having to take it away at arrival.

There are certain house rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow. This is for the safety and well being of everyone. In addition, although we realize that we must expect a certain amount of wear and tear where children are concerned; we do not want to have our home demolished.

There is no running in the house, no standing or climbing on chairs and/or tables, no use of obscene, derogatory or disrespectful language. No skirts/dresses allowed unless shorts

or tights are underneath. Respectful treatment of other people and all property, toys, and furniture is expected. Willful destruction of property will be charged to the parent at the cost to replace the item. Please support us in the enforcement of these rules in order to create a better environment for all.

Children and families are welcome in any area of my home that is used for childcare. My family and I also need some privacy and separation from the daycare. Please respect this. It is important for them to feel that they have there- "own space".

Exclusion Guidelines: Very few illnesses make it necessary to keep a child at home. If the child has already exposed others to the infection and is being treated, the disease usually cannot be passed. However, children with certain infectious diseases should stay home. These include: Chicken pox, Hepatitis A, Impetigo, Conjunctivitis, Infectious diarrhea, Lice, Ringworm, Scabies, Strep throat & scarlet fever, Vaccine-preventable diseases.

When a child has certain symptoms, he/she should stay home or be cared for in a special care setting. The child may return when a physician has said that the child does not put the other children at risk of getting ill and the child is well enough to participate in the activities.

These symptoms include the following: A fever and the child is feeling/acting ill, vomiting or upset stomach, looser and more frequent stools than usual (diarrhea), runny nose, pain, and if too sick to fully participate.

Reporting Illnesses: Parents are obligated to report any time the child is ill. The parent must also report to the daycare if the child has been exposed to another child with a contagious illness, especially illnesses like Chicken pox, Measles, etc. that have a week to 3-week incubation period. At no time are parents allowed to mask illnesses by giving the child medications or fever reducers and then bring the child to daycare. Always keep in mind: Would you want someone to bring a sick child to daycare and infect your child?

24-Hour Policy: Your child must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to the daycare (Example: if I call you at 1:00 p.m. for a pick up, do not bring your child back any earlier than 1:00 p.m. the next day). The child must be fever free without taking any medications or fever reducers for 24 hours. Your child must be able to eat and hold down all fluids for 24 hours. Your child must be clear of diarrhea for 24 hours. All rashes and anything contagious must be gone.

Contagious illnesses are never allowed at daycare. Your child must be kept at home or with alternative care during any contagious period of an illness. Your child will need a doctor's note saying the child is fit to return to daycare and is no longer a risk to the other children. Unless you provide a doctor's note stating that your child is expected to be out for longer than 5 days, there is no deduction in fees any time your child is absent due to illnesses. Fees are still due and payable in full and on time.

Indoor play: I provide a variety of age-appropriate toys for indoor play. Toys may be

rotated or placed temporarily out of use so that the children do not become bored.

Younger children have less developed organizational skills and can get easily frustrated

or upset when there are too many toys to choose from. It is also more difficult for them

to help with clean up, when there are toys everywhere, because it is so overwhelming to

them.

For this reason, during free play times, each child may select one or two things at a time

to play with. They will be shown how to put those things away before selecting

something else.

Outdoor play: We will be playing outdoors every day (If whether permits). Please make

sure that your child is appropriately dressed for outdoor play at all times.

Infants and toddlers will not necessarily follow the same schedule as the preschoolers. They are not capable of sitting still for circle time, may need a morning nap, etc. Infants are always fed on demand and toddlers usually eat meals and snacks with the older children. This is one reason our daily schedule is not "set in stone". While the older children engage in free play, I try to take some time to play with the infants and toddlers (especially infants - toddlers often play along side the older children). Feeding and diaper changing times are good times for interaction with infants and toddlers. Of course, children develop differently, and whenever these "wee ones" wish to join in with the older children (unless it is not a safe activity for them), they will be allowed.

Please do not come during naptime hours. Children are down for naps by 1 :00 and sleep to 2:45. They will not nap, or they will awake easily if someone comes in during naptime. The children need their rest time (as do providers). However, we do have special days when parents come for lunch or snack (birthday parties/pizza parties) and we prefer you take the child home with you after these celebrations.

Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided for all children at no additional cost. Except Formula for infants, parent must provide . All meals will meet the USDA guidelines.

Meals are served:

Breakfast- Arrival till 9:00am

Lunch: 11:30 till 12:15

Snacks:9:45 am & 3:00pm

Meals are at scheduled times and if your child is going to arrive after a meal is scheduled to be served, you must feed them before bringing them to daycare. Any child not present for a meal will wait until the next meal is served. Exceptions will be made for infants who are fed on demand.

I prefer that children do not bring food, drinks, etc. from home unless requested. Children tend to think the "grass is greener" when they see someone eating something different from them. I will either give the food/drink back to you or put it in the child's bag to bring home.

All children will be offered the same foods and will not be forced to eat them. If they choose not to eat, they will not be offered anything until the next mealtime. Children with dairy or milk allergies must have a note from the doctor stating they are allergic to dairy or milk products (parents will have to bring a milk substitute recommended by the doctor). If your child has allergies, and requires a modified diet, I must be notified of this in writing. I will need to have a physician's written instructions describing any foods the child is not permitted to eat. An appropriate substitution will be made, if possible, but if a child has so many allergies that he/she cannot eat from our menu, I may require the parents to provide his/her lunch and snacks.

At this time, we practice manners. We use please and thank you and ask to be excused from the table. I provide all food at no extra charge. Meals will consist of breakfast, lunch, and two snacks. Copies of the menus are provided to parents upon request.

We practice fire drills monthly. We use a special whistle for this purpose. We have

smoke detectors on every floor as well as fire extinguishers. A floor plan is posted on the main floor . In the event of an actual fire, we will proceed out of the nearest

exit and meet at my neighbor's house, you will then be notified.

In the event of a severe weather warning, we will gather in the basement.

We have flashlights and blankets available in the closet. We will wait there and read with

the children until the warning is lifted.

All medication must be handed to me! Do not leave medication in your child's bag --this is very dangerous! I am not allowed to give your child medication in a baby bottle nor can I administer any medication to your child that he has never taken before (in case the child has a reaction to the medication). I can only administer medication that you have supplied.

I must know if you have given any medication during the 24 hours prior to coming to day- care. If there is an emergency I need to inform the doctor of all medications taken. This will also prevent overdosing in the event that your child is very ill!

If you bring any medications (over the counter or prescription) they must come in the original package, showing instructions. Prescription medications must be for the child only with his/her name on the label and you must sign a note of permission for me to administer these medications to your child. I will administer any medicine only once a day. It is your responsibility to give the medicine to your child, not mine. Asthmatic children must have a note from the doctor, and a signed release by the parent to enable me to help the child with any and all asthmatic medications or nebeulizer.

At the time of enrollment, a copy of your child's immunization record is required. All

children must be receiving their immunizations in order to attend our childcare.

This means you can come any time during the daycare hours - that is your right; however, the doors are locked during the day after the last drop off until pick up time. This is to prevent a stranger from just walking into the home and to prevent parents in custody disputes to just walk in and snatch the child. If you want to visit your child during the day, please come and pick the child up and take the child out to lunch. You will have a better visit if you do it away from the other children who will not leave you alone while you are here. It is disruptive. We just ask you to have some common sense when dropping in to the see the child. Avoid nap time whenever possible.

Personal Items From Home

We do not allow personal items such as toys, blankets, pillows, etc. brought from home. Please leave those items at home or in the car. Do not wait till you get to the door to take these items from the child. Do it before you arrive at daycare so the child is not upset when arriving. The first couple of weeks we will allow a security item until the child makes the adjustment.

Each child has their own section (separated by dividers) and a daily sign in/out sheet. Please sign them in and out with the current time and your initials. Use the "Notes" column to make note of important information (I.E.: a morning dose of medication, early pick up time, Dr. appointment, new work phone number, etc.).

Parents are responsible for finding back up care for any day that the daycare is closed. "Procrastination and disorganization on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."

Diapers, pull ups, bibs, and formula/food for infants are all supplied by you the parent. We do ask for parents to bring at least one complete extra change of clothing for backup. Any diapers used from Hugs & Kisses personal supply will be charge to you or replaced by you.

My philosophy in "assisting young children with their toileting skills" is JUST THAT. In my opinion, toileting skills are polished when the child is ready. Usually (but not always), this occurs around 21/2 years of age, maybe a few months later.

Toileting is another child developmental milestone, and as with all stages of development, it cannot be forced. You cannot force a child to roll over, sit up, crawl, walk, etc. It is a natural progression that will occur when the child is physically, emotionally, and developmentally ready. I let the child decide when he/she is ready; Toileting is just another step towards independence. We need to be there to assist, NOT INSIST. However, I do not relate "toilet learning" to being a "big boy" or "big girl". I also do not believe in high praise every time they use the toilet. I believe in encouragement throughout the process.

Toileting is a natural function of every day life, so I prefer not to make a huge deal out of it. If you are relaxed about the process, children will be also. I'm sure you've already noticed with young children that no matter what you would like for them to do, if you INSIST, they will RESIST.

You are purchasing a childcare service from this childcare business. I have informed you of the service I am providing for you and how much it will cost. The tuition for this

childcare facility is a set amount for one year's enrollment (52 weeks) and is broken down in weekly installments for your convenience.

Your tuition pays for the slot you want reserved, not actual hours used. You will be required to pay the full amount even if the time during that scheduled slot is not used. As a result, if you want your school age child to attend this childcare facility, full tuition is due. Although childcare tuition and fees may seem high, please keep in mind the amount that is returned directly to your child via food, health and craft/activity/curriculum supplies, parenting magazines/books for the parents, toys, play equipment, videos and books for the children and outside activities, provider's medical expenses, social security, federal, state and self-employment taxes, benefits from provider education, etc., energy costs and use of provider's home and equipment, additional time spent each day in record keeping, parent/provider communication, clean up from childcare and shopping trips for food and supplies. The provider's wage is the amount that remains after all of the above expenses have been paid.

Other than parents, there are no visitors allowed at the daycare. For the safety of the children, we do not allow visitors during daycare hours without being accompanied by parents. If you want someone to visit your child then bring that person with you and pick the child up for the day. We do not allow the visiting here. It is too disruptive to the

other children and the provider.

Provide a family atmosphere for the children for the contracted hours of care, as
determined by the provider and the parents.

Maintain a positive discipline policy as outlined in the Policy Handbook.

Provide a.m. and p.m. snacks, and lunches according to the USDA Food

Guidelines.

Maintain an "Open Door" policy, as stated in the Handbook.

Provide adaquate rest time, outdoor play, and limited television viewing.

Keep the parent(s) apprised of any policy changes.

Give at least two weeks notice of any time off (when possible) excluding "sick days".

Provide the parent(s) with a written statement of childcare expenses at the year end.

Bring the child on time, and pick up the child at the agreed upon time so as to respect
the provider's free time with her family, and child ratio's.

Pay the provider on time, in advance of care, the full amount owing each week
regardless of the child's attendance.

Keep all information current for the child's medical information, as it affects the
daycare situation.

Keep the provider informed of how to reach the parent(s) at all times, while the child is in care.

Provide their own backup childcare should they be requested to do so (ie. illness of
provider, etc.)

Provide all necessary clothing and supplies as outlined in the Handbook, or as
requested by the provider.

Not bring a sick child, or their siblings to daycare until they are symptom free, without
medication, for 24 hours. Illness policy is defined in the Policies Handbook.

Give 2 weeks notice in writing to terminate the contract.

Abide by all of the policies set out in Hugs & Kisses Home childcare Policies
Handbook

Don't worry, Choosing Hugs & Kisses Home childcare could be a better choice!