My Handbook is 17 pages long. I have never had anyone think it was overwhelming. I think they appreciate having it for reference. It shows parents you are organized and take your business seriously. Not to say that if you only have a 2-page policy you arent professional...different providers have different styles. But for me, I like to have everything outlined in writing so I don't feel like Im making things up as circumstances arise (which is how I felt before). I recently added a few things. Here is a list of my table of contents:

Welcome……………………………………………………………………………………..3
Mission………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Philosophy……………………………………………………………………………….…..3
Curriculum……………………………………………………………………………………4
Learning Goals………………………………………………………………………….…..5
Admission……………………………………………………………………………………6
Prospective Families.……………………………………………………………………...6
Reservations………………………………………………………………………………...6
Tuition……...………………………………………………………………………………...7
Receipts……………………………………………………………………………………...7
Enrollment…………………………………………………………………………………...7
Trial Period…………………………………………………………………………………..8
Withdrawal…………………………………………………………………………………...8
Annual Renewal…………………………………………………………………………….8
Personal Information………………………………………………………………………8
Arrival………………………………………………………………………………………...9
Departure…………………………………………………………………………………….9
Open Door Policy…………………………………………………………………………..9
Back Up Care………………………………………………………………………………..9
Holidays…………………………………………………………………………………….10
Vacations…………………………………………………………………………………...10
Personal Leave…………………………………………………………………………….10
Inclement Weather………………………………………………………………………..11
Substitutes…………………………………………………………………………………11
Dress for Play……………………………………………………………………………...11
Child Cubbies/Mailboxes……………………..…………………………………………12
Toys from Home…………………………………………………………………………..12
Newsletters………………………………………………………………………………...12
Parent Board……………………………………………………………………………….12
Online Resource Area……………………………………………………………………12
Holiday Celebrations……………………………………………………………………..12
Meals and Snacks…………………………………………………………………………13
Water Cups…………………………………………………………………………………13
Quiet Times/Naps…………………………………………………………………………13
Toilet Training……………………………………………………………………………..14
Television Viewing………………………………………………………………………..14
Field Trips…………………………………………………………………………………..14
Birthdays……………………………………………………………………………………14
Health………………………………………………………………………………………..15
Injury………………………………………………………………………………………...16
Medication………………………………………………………………………………….16
Emergency Procedures………………………………………………………………….16
Child Abuse and Neglect………………………………………………………………...16
Behavior…………………………………………………………………………………….17
Pets………………………………………………………………………………………….17

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