Parent Handbook

LITTLE TREASURES DAY CARE
Corine Davis
Laramie, WY 82072
PARENT HANDBOOK
Welcome to Little Treasures Daycare
The following will provide information on what to expect from me, what I can expect from you and your child, and how we can work together to make this a comfortable, fun, safe, learning environment for your child. It is my sincere desire to provide responsible, loving care for your child. It is not my purpose to displace you as the natural parent - but to make my care an extension of your family unit. You should feel confident that your child will be safe and happy with me. I want to work with you to help your child develop physically, emotionally and mentally. I feel the following rules can be mutually agreeable to achieve this goal.

ABOUT ME
My name is Corine Davis. I am 26 years old and have been married for 7 years. I have a four year old and a one year old daughter at the time of this contract writing. My husband, Sean, was part of the Hospital Corps in the Navy for five years. We were stationed in the beautiful area of Puget Sound. We have returned to school and I am working towards my Education degree. I enjoy working with children and am very thankful that I am able to stay at home with my daughter. I keep my daycare above the standards of one that I would place my own child in if I had to work. My rates are reasonable, my hours flexible, and I wish to provide a healthy, stable environment for the children in my care. I believe that child care should be a second home to the children. I strive to provide the security and love they are provided at home. I provide a nurturing, playful and educational atmosphere that encourages each child to be themself and try their best, along with encouraging social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth and development as a whole.

MY PROGRAM
My curriculum includes sharing time, stories, songs, creative arts and crafts; games and large and small muscle activities; field trips throughout the community; food preparation; science and nature activities; exposure to shapes, colors, numbers and letters; and celebrations of birthday and holidays. I also try to promote a Christian environment including stories, picture books etc. We celebrate all Christian holidays in our home. I have a preschool program that I do with the children in my care who are ages 2 - 5.

MY QUALIFICATIONS
While in Washington, I received my certification through the Department of Defense's program for Family Home Child Care. I went through numerous training sessions including Health and Sanitation, First Aid and CPR training, AIDS awareness, Child abuse awareness and prevention, Fire safety, among others. In the Navy program, we were inspected at least monthly and had monthly trainings. I was part of the program for a year before my husband and I moved to Wyoming. I have received my license for Family Home Child Care in the state of Wyoming. I will comply with all the standards put forth by the State of Wyoming and any training needed in order to maintain my license. Previous to this experience I student taught at two elementary schools in Cheyenne, Wyoming and worked at La Petite Academy as a 5 year old teacher, a total of 6 years experience with child care.

COMMUNICATION
You will of course be given a daily verbal report of how your child's day was. I don't feel it is healthy to discuss children's problems in front of them, so in event of a serious problem, either a note will be sent home, or I will call you. You will also receive a sheet each Friday which contains several things; your total hours for the week, your amount due, specialized sections including what we did, how behavior was, any concerns I have, and any information I need to get out to parents, and reminders of things to bring, field trips, etc. This booklet is intended to answer many of your questions. Please contact my if you have other questions. Parents are encouraged to visit Little Treasures Daycare at any time. If I am not free to speak with you when you come to visit, please understand that the children come first during daycare hours.

A. TERMS OF CARE

1. Upon request, before and after hour care may be available at the rate of $4.00 per hour. Care will not be provided overnight or on weekends. Please give me as much advance notice as possible when requesting additional hours. I reserve the right to refuse any additional hours due to conflicting schedules or previous commitments.
2. I will be closed on all legal holidays. Just as you are paid for holidays on which you do not have to work, I require payment for these holidays, if they are on your child's usual day. I may take an additional day or two off at a holiday. If so, I will advise you of this in advance and no payment will be required for the additional days off. Little Treasures Daycare will be closed with pay on the following holidays:

1) New Year's Eve and Day
2) Martin Luther King Day
3) President's Day
4) Memorial Day
5) Independence Day
6) Labor Day
7) Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after
8) Christmas Eve and Day

If any of the above days fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the day designated by the Federal Government will be taken. I am paid for 5 personal days per year, whether they be used for sick or personal purposes.

3. Please be aware that if I lose power, ie., heat, electricity, then I will be closed for the day with pay. This is a situation beyond my control, however, I am unable to provide the best care for your child in these instances.

4. I agree to maintain a healthy, safe environment. I will encourage the development of positive self-esteem in children through communication and age appropriate activities. Activities are not rigidly structured, but rather informally scheduled to meet each child's needs. A typical day might be as follows:
Arrival Time/Free Play/Stories---Breakfast---Arts & Crafts/Preschool Activities---Story Time/Music/Show & Tell/Sharing Time---Outdoor Play(weather permitting)---Coloring/Games/Play Doh---Exercise/Large Motor Games---Lunch---Nap Time---Books/Puzzles/Quiet Play---Snack---Preschool Activities/Coloring/Play Doh--Outdoor Play (weather permitting)---Free Play/Clean Up/ Departure.

B. TUITION

1. The tuition for the above mentioned child(ren)is $75.00 per week for full-time and $3.00 per hour for part time. If care exceeds 50 hours per week additional care will be $4.00 per hour. Any care outside of normal contracted hours will be charged at $3.00 an hour with plans made in advance with provider. All late fees still apply with care that is outside normal hours.

2. A non-refundable deposit in the amount of the first week of care will be paid to hold child care opening until start date. The deposit will go towards the first week of care. Once paperwork is filled out in whole or part this deposit is required and will NOT be refunded for any reason. To hold a place (before your child starts) for more than two weeks, you will be required to pay one week tuition as a holding fee. This will not be applied to any further tuition, but is a fee to hold the place for your child. This will NOT be refunded for any reason.

DEPARTURE DEPOSIT: A deposit totaling two weeks tuition is due at time of admission. The deposit will be used to pay for the last two weeks if an appropriate termination notice is given. The deposit will NOT be returned if a two week written notice is not given. The deposit will also be forfeited if the child is not enrolled for at least 6 months. The deposit will also be used to pay any fees that are owed at departure. If the deposit is forfeited, it becomes the property Little Treasures Daycare.

3. Payment obligation is based on the reserved times in the agreement, not on the actual times used. Payment is due and expected for all days that Little Treasures Daycare is open and that you are contracted for. Payment for all reserved time is required whether the child(ren) actually attends or not, for whatever reason.

4. Parent will not be charged for two weeks of family vacation per year provided a notice of one month is given. If one month notice is not given or if you have exceeded your two week vacation time payment will be required. For University closings, an extra, week without, pay is allowed, provided you return after the vacation time.

5. There will be an additional cost of $15.00 per month if your child is between the ages 2-5. Little Treasures Daycare has a preschool program in which curriculum must be bought for each child attending the preschool. This is in an effort to help child learn basic skills and help develop attention spans. This material helps the child prepare for Kindergarten. The program runs for 1 hour per day. The most important learning a child can have is with interaction and playtime so all activities are centered around the child's age and abilities. This fee for the curriculum is due by the 15th of each month.

C. LATE FEES

1. If pick up is after ____________ o'clock an additional fee of $1.00 per child will be charged for each minute past the agreed time. Unless extenuating circumstances occur, the late fee remains and must be paid when your child is picked up. Your child will NOT be admitted back to day care until the late fee is paid. If you have not called or arrived to pick up your child one hour after contracted time, I will begin calling the emergency contacts listed on your enrollment form. If I am unable to reach you or an emergency contact, I will notify the local Department of Human Services. Consistent lateness will be cause for dismissal. If I am notified that you will be late the fee may be reduced to $5.00 every 10 min. until your child is picked up. I understand that unusual circumstances may occur, such instances can be discussed on a case by case basis. Arrival time is important too. If you are going to be early or late you must call me. Child will not be accepted into day care if they are more than 10 minutes early or 30 minutes late - this only applies if parent does not notify me with a phone call. Consistent lateness at drop off time will result in a change of contracted time. If you are contracted until 4pm, for example, then at 4:01 late fees are applied. Late fees will be strictly enforced. If late fees are not paid and child is not accepted into care, parent is still be responsible for payment on missed days.

D. TERMS OF PAYMENT

1. Payments will be made in advance on the Friday of each week by cash, check, or money order. Other arrangements can be made for monthly or bi-weekly payments. Payments will always be made in advance of child care.

2. Parent has until pick up time on Friday to pay provider. After that parent will be charged $10 per day-this includes the weekend. Child will not be accepted into care until payment and late fees have been paid. If late fees and/or payment is not paid and child is not accepted into care parent will still be responsible for payment for those days that are missed.

3. If a check should be returned or determined to be "NSF" for any reason, the parent must make all future payments by cash or money order. A fee of $30.00 will be charged for NSF checks or closed accounts. This fee plus the amount of check is due the same day you are notified, by the bank or myself, of your bounced check. The parent agrees to pay a $20.00 service fee for returned checks and any of the fees incurred due to the returned check. Receipts will be issued for payments.

4. All parents that are part of the daycare assistance program through the Department of Social Services are responsible for payment of the difference of what DFS pays and the actual fees charged.

E. NUTRITION

1. Meals and snacks that are to be provided by Little Treasures Daycare will br nutritious foods that are accepted by the USDA food program of which I am enrolled in. The sponsor of my program is Nutrition and Child Development Inc., out of Casper, Wyoming. Their number is 1-800-543-2428 if you would like information on this program other than what I give to you at enrollment time.

2. Those items not circled above will be your responsibility to provide. Any special food, i.e., baby food, formula, special diet, must be provided by the parent in unopened, labeled containers.

3. Children are encouraged to try some of everything that is served. They are offered food and not forced to eat it. If a child chooses not to eat, he/she will not be served food until the next meal or snack time. When possible, children are offered the chance to help prepare meals and snacks (such as pouring and mixing, spreading peanut butter on crackers, etc.) Children are never allowed to use the stove, microwave, or toaster and are always closely supervised when cooking.

4. Any food allergies will need to be documented by a physician, and brought to me. I am required by the Child Care Food Program to serve the food unless a physicians note is on file.

5. Nutritious meals and snacks are served at approximately the following times:
Breakfast: 8:30 am Lunch: 12:00 Snacks: 10:30am and 3:30pm.
Water is available at all times. Infants are fed on their own schedule or as needed. Infants who are on formula and / or baby food must have their food supplied by the parent.

6. If your child will not be in attendance during meal time, it will be your responsibility to provide that meal.

7. No gum or candy is allowed. Please do not allow your child to bring snacks from home unless they bring enough for every child.

F. MEDICAL

1. A medical power of attorney will be provided to Little Treasures Daycare to cover any emergency situations. It is understood that a conscientiousness effort will be made to notify the parents. If the you are unable to be located, your child will be transported by ambulance to the most appropriate medical facility. The expense of this service will be the responsibility of the parent. At time of registration parents must supply the names of three people to be contacted in case of emergency if the parents cannot be reached.

2. A copy of the child's immunization record must be on record with Little Treasures Daycare before child is to attend daycare and must be kept up to date.

3. If illness occurs during the time of care, the parent will be notified. The child will be isolated in a comfortable place until the child can be picked up. Pick up must be arranged within one hour of notification. --No exceptions-- If child is not picked up within one hour you will be billed a late fee of $1 per minute. If you cannot be located, then the emergency contacts on your registration sheet will be notified to pick your child up.

4. Please do not bring your child to my daycare if he/she has any fever, rash, is vomiting, has diarrhea, or if an infectious condition is suspected. Admittance will be refused to any child who displays one or more of these symptoms:
* Unknown rash
* Fever of 100 degrees or higher--Child needs to be fever free for 24 hours
* Heavy nasal discharge (colored or need to wipe his/her nose consistently)
* Constant cough or sore throat
* Diarrhea
* Discharge from eyes or ears
* Vomiting
* Communicable diseases (chicken pox, roseola, conjunctivitis, mumps, measles, influenza, hand foot mouth disease, etc..)
* Including the incubation period for a communicable disease
* Child is inconsolable for over an hour but displays no other symptoms of illness
Your compliance is appreciated, and will be compensated with the assurance that all ill children will be kept home. Child will be admitted back into care 24 hours after no symptoms or 24 hours after a doctor's note is given to provider stating that the child is not contagious to other children AND the symptoms have ceased. If the child begins antibiotics, they will not be admitted until they have taken them for 24 hours. The provider, however, holds final say when the child will be admitted back into care. Payment is required for sick days.

5. If your child is sick enough to require Prescription medication - Pink-Eye, Strep Throat, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, etc... I will require you to keep your child(ren) home until he or she has been on medication for 48 hours and they are no longer contagious.

6. If your child will be out sick, please try to call me the night before or early that morning. This helps me my planning for the day. Payment is required for sick days.

7. I will make every effort to arrange for a substitute if I am ill or my child is ill, but it will be the ultimate responsibility of the parent to arrange for back up care when I am not able to. You will not be charged for care when you arrange for your own back up care. If there is an emergency with me or my family, and if parent cannot be located and back up care cannot be found then the emergency contacts on your registration cards will be notified to pick your child up.

8. All medication must be in the original prescription bottle with name of medicine, child's name, date, and time of dosages. Health regulations require that parents must sign medicine consent form. No over the counter medicine can be given including but not limited to Tylenol, diaper cream and Orajel without this written notice. Please bring a medicine dispenser with your child's name on it whenever you bring medicine. Please do not leave medicine in diaper bags.

9. All injuries or illness will be documented by myself at the accident and a copy of the form will be given to you for your signature. Minimal First Aid will be administered as needed.
PARENTS: YOU OR YOUR FAMILY INSURANCE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR COST OF MEDICAL HELP OR TREATMENT DUE TO ACCIDENTS OR ILLNESS WHILE AT LITTLE TREASURES DAYCARE.

G. TRANSPORTATION

1. I hereby give Corine Davis or authorized agent permission to transport said child(ren) in a car, bus or other mode of transportation whenever necessary while in this day care home with appropriate car seats and / or restraints as required by the state of Wyoming. I understand that all reasonable precautions for my child(ren)'s safety will be taken during field trips, excursions, or in transit to and from Little Treasures Daycare.

2. Parent is responsible to leave an appropriate car seat or booster seat for child to use. This should be done on a daily basis.

H. FIELD TRIPS

We will be going on two field trips each year; one in the fall and one in the spring. It is not mandatory that your child attends these trips but you will be required to provide back-up child care for your child. There is no deduction in the weekly tuition if your child does not attend the field trips. Specific information about the location, cost of the trip, transportation and exact dates will be provided to you in the form of a field trip permission slip. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children on all field trips.

I. DISCIPLINE

1. Active and happy children are the sign of a good child care. Occasionally discipline problems do arise, if this happens, the discipline will be administered with love, will be reasonable and fair, and suited to the age of the child. Discipline shall be limited to a verbal reprimand, loss of a privilege (i.e., use of a favorite toy), or some time spent in "time out" (which I rarely must resort to) away from the other children and activities. Redirection will also be used. I always make sure the child understands why he/she is being disciplined. Parental support of discipline is very important. If you have any questions regarding the discipline of your child, please bring them to my attention. A copy of Positive Guidance and Touch must be initialed. I need your full cooperation on disciplining in my home. The child may feel confused when parents override daycare policies.
IF YOU ARE USING A CERTAIN METHOD AT HOME, PLEASE INFORM ME SO THAT WE CAN BE CONSISTENT.

J. CHILD ABUSE

1. Please understand that corporal punishment by myself or you, the parent, is prohibited while in the daycare home and that by law, I am required to report evidence of, or knowledge of suspected child abuse or child neglect to the proper authorities.

K. SUPPLIES

1. Parent agrees to bring a full change of clothing (including socks) to be kept on site for emergency use. Parent agrees to supply a full bag of disposable diapers, a carton of diaper wipes, booster seat for eating and any special food or equipment your child requires.

2. Provider agrees to notify parents when diapers or wipes are low or if extra set of clothing is used and needs to be replaced. Parents agrees to bring items as soon as notified. If supplies are requested and parents fail to bring them, I will purchase them and add them to your bill.

3. Parent understands that a sufficient supply of infant needs (i.e., disposable diapers, baby wipes, formula and clothing) will be provided by the parent. Parent will provide a blanket and pillow (pillow only for 3 and over) for child to use at daycare for nap. Please do not bring toys from home.

4. Provider agrees to provide equipment necessary for class work and art supplies as well as facial tissues, toilet tissues and equipment necessary for a safe environment. Furthermore, I will supply careful attention, affectionate care, and stimulating educational activities so your child will experience happy, healthy development while in my care. I agree to keep parent informed of child's activities and development while in my care.

L. MISCELLANEOUS

1. It is your responsibility to come into the daycare and sign your child in and out each day.

2. Christian videos, music, and books may be used along with other children's materials and prayer will be said before eating.

3. Parent understands that if a child breaks or damages an item deliberately, or by intentional misuse, you will be responsible for payment of the full replacement value of the item. The parent is responsible for any damage and/or cost of clean up necessitated by any act of their child. Cost occasioned by more than one child, shall be prorated between the parents.

4. Parent understands that every child is expected to rest or nap (1 PM � 3 PM) and must observe quiet time. Your child will have his/her own resting area with a clean nap mat and sheet and you must provide a blanket and any special stuffed toy your child likes to sleep with if needed. This toy will be kept up until naptime.
5. When potty training, I require that parents supply Pull-ups. The child must have success at home for two weeks before I will begin potty training at daycare. Clothing should be easy to manage to encourage self help and independence skills. Buckles and suspenders when in a hurry to use the restroom may create a problem.

6. Failure of provider to not enforce a policy, does not make the rest of the policies or contract void. Provider may enforce at other times or when she feels it is needed.

M. TERMINATION

1. Unless this contract sets a definite time of duration of child care, parent must agree to providing two weeks written notice for discontinuation of services. No refund will be made if parent does not give proper written notice and payment will be made for those two weeks.

2. If parent becomes delinquent on payment, I have the right to refuse providing services until payment is made, inncluding late fees, and may terminate this contract. A late fee of $10.00 per day will be added unless arrangements are made with the provider.

3. Any violation of any article contained within this agreement will be just cause for termination of Family Home Care as determined by the Family Home Care provider.

4. During the first two weeks of care there will be a trial period. Either the parent or provider may end the agreement by giving five days written notice.

5. I reserve the right to terminate any child or family from the program who does not abide by the policies set forth in this policy handbook. A two week written notice is required by either party to terminate care, though payment is still required for those two weeks. The provider may terminate without two weeks notice for non payment of tuition or habitual lateness in payment of tuition.

N. VISITS FROM PARENTS

1. Parents are welcome to visit my program at any time during business hours. No appointment is necessary. My program is a mixture of free play, art, computer skills and verbal interaction. We don't follow a strict regiment of scheduled "class" time, and grab every opportunity to turn play time into a learning experience. Parents are welcome to call anytime (during business hours you may get the answering machine as sometimes we are outside or too busy to answer the phone. If you leave a message and phone number I will get back to you ASAP), or after hours and on weekends if it's before 8pm. Communication between parents and provider is essential. If you ever feel the need to talk to me or desire a personal conference, I will be more than happy to meet with you. It is only through parent/provider interaction that a goal of quality, nurturing care can be achieved.

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