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Nebula 09:36 PM 10-09-2013
Hi Everyone

I wonder if anyone would be willing to look over my handbook? I Have been looking at several examples and pulled a few things here and there....... Any thoughts on changes or anything I might be missing?

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Parent Handbook of Policies & Procedures
Revised October 2013

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Our Mission, Philosophy & Goals

“For each child that enters our home, we strive to welcome them to our family and embrace them as the gifts of God they are, so they may become well rounded and affluent members of society. Our vision is for each child to feel loved, cherished, and confident as they embrace life, and live out God’s plan for their life to the fullest”

We believe…
Children learn best when they are able to make choices, and reap the consequences of those choices whether negative or positive.

Children should be able to make these choices in a positive, loving environment with lots of positive reinforcement.

Children are a gift from God and he has given them to us on this earth so that we too may love them, encourage them, and help them grow into well-rounded, loving, and contributing members of society.

Each child is a unique individual, and was created special by God to live out and fulfill his purpose in life.

Program Objectives & Goals

Our program is designed to facilitate learning on all levels of care. Children are given ample opportunity for “sensory” learning. They learn through touch, taste, sight, smell, and tactile. Every child has an individual learning style, and our goal is to channel in your child’s natural abilities and talents so they can further progress in their academic career. We provide “developmentally appropriate” activities to ensure that each child’s Spiritual, Physical, Social, and Emotional needs are being met on a daily basis.

Enrollment Procedures

The State of Texas requires certain paperwork to be filled out and kept on file for each child who enters our child care home. The following forms & documents must be turned in upon enrollment on or before your child’s first day:

* Child Information Form
* Enrollment Form w/ Emergency Consent
* Vaccine Records


Hours of Operation & Attendance Policy

Monday- Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Class begins at 8:00 AM for our pre-school class.

Regular attendance at class is essential for your child’s growth and development. When you enter our home, please sign your child in, you will also sign your child out. If your child is not going to make it one day, it is your responsibility of notifying me as soon as possible.

We are closed on all national holidays

Fees & Payments

We accept ages 18 months through 12 years, and offer a 50% discount for each additional child. Payment is due weekly at pickup, you choose your payment day (Mon-Fri)

Ages 18 months to 2 years:
Full Time Weekly: (4-5 Days a week) - $80
Part Time Weekly: (3 or less days per week) - $65
Daily Drop In (up to 9 hours a day during opening hours) - $30

Ages 3-4 years
Enrollment Fee: $20 to cover basic art & curriculum supplies
Part Time Weekly: (3 day/week program) - $80
Full Time Weekly: (5 day/week program)- $120
Daily Drop In (up to 9 hours a day during opening hours) - $30

After School Children (5-12 years)
Daily Drop In: $15
Weekly: $40
Summer full time (4-5 days/week) - $60
Summer part Time (3 or less days/week) - $40

Payment Forms Accepted: Cash, postal money order, Cashier’s Check, or Debit / Credit Cards. We do not accept Checks, so please be prepared to pay with an alternative method.

The provider does not keep cash on hand for change. If paying by cash, please have exact change. If you do not have exact change, any amount you pay over will be credited to your next week of care.




Holidays and Vacations

You are allowed one week per school year (August through May) for a vacation in which you do not have to pay tuition. Vacation days do not have to be consecutive, but they do not carry over. The daycare will be closed on the following holidays. These are PAID holidays therefore full tuition will still be required and no credit will be given for these days.

 New Year’s Day
 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
 Memorial Day
 Independence Day
 Labor Day
 Thanksgiving Day
 Christmas Eve
 Christmas Day

If your child misses, you are still responsible for tuition, unless you use your vacation.

Attire and Clothing

Please send your child to the family care home in something that you don’t mind getting messy. A child’s play is their work, and a child’s work can be very messy at times! We love to draw on the sidewalk with chalk, paint, play in the sand, and get dirty!

Children and parents are to remove shoes if they are coming beyond the entrance. This helps keep the environment safe for any infants we might have crawling around! Socks must be worn at all times. Each child has a cubby in which to place his or her shoes.

Children must arrive in comfortable, well-fitting clothing suitable for the current weather conditions and temperature. We will be participating in daily outdoor activities as weather permits.

Daily Schedule

Our Daily Schedule & Routine is subject to change based upon the needs of the children present. Currently, this is our standard schedule that we use.

7:45 AM – 8:00 AM- Arrival & Get Ready for Class (Put Backpack up, take shoes off)
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM – Morning Routine (Pledges, Attendance, Daily Preview)
8:15 AM – 8:30 AM – Circle Time
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Child- Directed Interest center choices
9:00 AM- 9:15 AM – Cleanup, Wash Hands, Morning Snack
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM – Lesson & Table Work, Small motor skills/Art
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Music & Dance
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM – Outdoor Play (Weather Permitting)
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM – Wash Hands, Get ready for Lunch
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Quiet Reading Time
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Lunch- Served family style
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Bible Story & Prayer, Get ready for nap
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Nap/Rest Time
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM – Wake Up, Put mats up
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM – Afternoon Snack
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Afternoon Activity- Schoolers Arrive, Schoolers Snack
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM – Small Groups- Interest Centers Choice
4:15 PM – 4:30 PM – Cleanup, Get ready to go home
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Daily Review & Recap FRIDAY: TV Time

Diapers and potty needs are checked every hour, and children are changed/allowed to go potty when they need it. Please be sure to send an extra change of clothes for your child, as well as diapers, wipes, and any other supplies they need. If there is a habit of not bringing diapers, you will be billed $0.50 per diaper we use from our backup stock, this does not count if a child runs out or an occasional oversight happens.

Curriculum Information

Our Curriculum is focused on encouraging a child to be independent and uses a variety of methods. The following is our curriculum overview for September through May.

MONTH COLOR SHAPE LETTERS NUMBER CHARACTER TRAIT
August Red Octagon L, T, H, I 0 Sharing
September White Square F, E, X, V 1 Compassion
October Orange Rectangle Y, N, Z, A 2 Thankfulness
November Brown Triangle K, M, W, D 3 Honesty
December Green Diamond P, B, R, J 4 Obedience
January Blue Heart U, C, G, S 5 Love
February Pink Star O, Q 6 Patience
March Purple Circle Sight Words 7 Self-Control
April Black Oval Sight Words 8 Organization
May Yellow Sight Words 9 Helping Others

We have a weekly Bible Verse and Animal that corresponds with each letter, and we have a monthly song that incorporates either our color or shape. We introduce a community helper every month, and starting in March, we build upon the letters we have learned and start basic sight words and reading.

Our curriculum is based and focused around a Child directed approach, small group teacher approach, and large group teacher directed approach. Ages 18-24 months are in our “Preppers” class, and this is where they start to learn foundational skills for pre-school. Our pre-school program is ages 3 years through 4 years of age.

Children in our home learn and grow through a variety of different ways through various activities which include the following:

Interest Centers
We have various interest centers readily available for your child. Interest centers are specific parts of the classroom set aside for specific types of play. We have The Block Center, which also contains cars, trains, train tracks, and all kinds of building blocks, including Mega Blocks, Duplos, and Legos. Our Home Center includes a small kitchen, dress up things for dramatic play, dolls, doctor kit & other professional play kits, pretend food, a cash register and much more. We do not portray gender stereo-typical roles. Our Reading Corner allows children to individually select a book and look at it, or ask their teacher to read it to them. By looking at books with basic words, children will begin to learn to read and identify objects. Through the various activities, children learn problem solving skills which will be great for them throughout all stages of their life.



Practical Life Skills
Children learn to perform healthy habits for themselves including hand washing, getting enough rest, brushing teeth, and eating healthy. Meals are nutritionally balanced, and we introduce a healthy living topic every month. Additionally, through interaction with the teachers and other children through small and large group, and individual play they gain an understanding of people skills, and start to develop socially. Children learn self esteem, confidence, and how to succeed in life. There are several opportunities throughout the year to help others in the community.

Circle Time
Circle time is a favorite time with children, because they get to have fun! Circle time is the first large group gathering of the day, and is a chance for children to interact with one another, while building on basic skills such as Weather recognition, songs, and an overview of the upcoming activities for that day.

Music & Dance
Music & Dance is scheduled every day. Children look forward to music and dance, and it is an opportunity for them to grow large motor skills. Through music and dance, children learn how to express themselves verbally and non-verbally. The children are encouraged to dance in whatever way they choose… Dance & Music time is always fun, and we always use upbeat & encouraging music.

Arts & Crafts
We offer ample opportunity for children to develop creativity skills through arts and crafts. We do lots of arts and crafts. We offer non-toxic paint, markers, crayons, chalk, and various other media for art. Children learn interaction through art, and they gain small motor skills. Basic coloring, cutting, gluing, and painting skills are encouraged and focus is placed on creatively expressing themselves. We do not have any “do like me” or “copycat” projects, though we do at times have focused projects for a specific color or letter.

Discipline & Guidance Policy

Discipline is focused for the individual child and the goal is to teach the child to make better choices in the future. This is done through discussion, relevant to the child’s age and understanding, as well as “making up” for what they did. This can be through apologizing to a friend they hurt, helping care for a child they hurt, or anything else which puts the responsibility on the child to understand how their actions affected other children. We believe that each child should be held accountable and responsible for his or her actions.

The child will be given a warning and/or discussion to stop the behavior, and if they continue the behavior they will be placed in time-out for 1 minute for each year of age (a four year old goes in a four minute time out, etc…)

If the behavior is continued, you will be asked to come discipline your child, or remove them from care the rest of the day. Actions which threaten the life or safety of another child will be grounds for immediate parental contact.

Medication Policy

We will give medication, provided that the following things are in order
• All medications must be listed with the child’s name and specific dosing instructions (amount, time, how often).
• All medications must be in the original container
• All medications must be current and not expired. Under no circumstance will we administer expired medication.
• Prescription medication must be prescribed for that child, be in date, and have the child’s First and Last name, specific dosing instructions, pharmacy phone number, and doctor’s information.

Sick Care Policy

While our desire is that your child remains well throughout their childhood, we know this is not always a reality. Sometimes children get sick, and while we understand and sympathize, your child cannot be admitted for care if the following are present:

• A fever of 100.4 or more (For armpit temperature, add a degree and for rectal temperature subtract a degree)
• The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in child-care activities, including outdoor play
• The illness results in a greater need for care than caregivers can provide without compromising the health, safety, and supervision of the other children in care.
• Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness, such as lethargy, abnormal breathing, uncontrolled diarrhea, two or more vomiting episodes in 24 hours, rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling, wheezing, behavior changes, or other signs that the child may be severely ill.
• For more information, see reference sheet at end of packet

If your child becomes ill while in care, you will be required to come and pick them up – or send a designated representative and authorized person to pick them up. We will notify you immediately if your child becomes ill while in care. Per your request, we will give Motrin (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen), or Benadryl (diphenhydramine). You must specifically tell us to give your child the medication. We do not keep other medicines on hand we can give.

Please see sheet at end of Handbook called “Keep me home if”, it will give you a quick reference for when to keep a child home.



Pickup & Dropoff Policy

Children will be released only to the Parent, Legal Guardian, or another authorized representative. If someone other than the parent/legal guardian is going to be picking up the child, you are to notify the caregiver when you drop your child off in the morning. You must list the First and Last Name, and an ID will be checked before releasing your child, so please be sure your designated person has a picture ID. Without an ID, or with an incorrect (expired, information difference, etc…) ID, your child will not be released under any circumstance.

We will make a copy of the ID and keep it in your child’s file.

We understand you may be nervous about dropping your child off in the morning. It is not uncommon for children dealing with separation anxiety to cry and not want to stay, however these feelings only last a few minutes. When dropping your child off, be sure you let them know you are leaving and that you will be back, do not try to “sneak out” without your child knowing you are going. Please keep the following things in mind when leaving: Your child will most likely stop crying by the time you pull out of the parking lot. Do not linger after you say goodbye, as this will confuse your child and the crying will be prolonged. The teachers are trained to handle the mixed emotions a child is feeling at that moment, and will redirect them to something fun.

Visitor Policy

You are free to visit your child or visit the home any time during operational hours. For security reasons, we cannot allow anyone other than prospective clients or current clients to visit, unless this has been arranged in advance. The only exception to this policy is in an Emergency situation; in which case you need to call the home as soon as possible and let them know what is going on, and who will be coming to get your child.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency involving your child, necessary first aid and CPR will be administered and you will be notified. If a higher level of care is needed, we will contact Vital Care EMS in Bells, Texas. Their number is 903-965-7777. The care and transportation received by Vital Care, and the receiving hospital will be the responsibility of the parent.

Staff Information

The director of the child care facility is Mel McKibbin. Her husband Richard is on the grounds most of the time, and is trained in First Aid and CPR- he has also been through all of the legal required steps to be an official assistant and / or substitute. We have several other substitutes and assistants which work from time to time in the event the director must be gone. If you will be encountering a different caregiver, you will be informed the day before if at all possible. Emergencies occasionally happen, and in that case you will be notified as soon as possible.

All staff and assistants have gone through a background check and extensive training.



Field Trips & Transportation

We go to the city park daily, weather permitting and depending on the ages of child in care. We do one big field trip in late fall to The Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville, and we try to do one small (generally free) trip per month, most of the time it is to visit our current community helper.

Food & Nutrition Policies

We use a four week rotational menu, and the current week’s menu is posted at the parent information center as you enter the home. Reasonable substitutions may be made. Your tuition includes food for your child.

Morning and Afternoon snack will be provided for your child. The snacks include at least 2 of the 4 core food groups, and are designed for healthy standards according to the Child Nutritional Services Recommendations.

Lunch will be provided to your child consisting of a nutritious balanced meal, including something from all four of the food groups. Our meals are served family style, meaning the children are seated in a group to eat and are allowed to self-serve their food. Our staff sits and eats with children on a daily basis. Lunch is unhurried, and children are encouraged to talk about anything they wish. Milk is served with every meal and water is available all day.

If your child is in care after 6:00 PM, a light dinner will be provided.

If you wish to provide a lunch for your child, you may do so- but realize that we are not responsible for making sure your home sent meal is nutritionally adequate. We urge you to utilize the family home’s food, since you pay for it in your weekly tuition. We have a “one bite” policy here at the home. If your child has never tried an item, they must try one bite of it before they can determine they don’t like it. If they still do not like the food item, then they do not have to eat it.

Complaint Procedures

We hope that you will be completely satisfied with the care that your child receives in our home. If this is not the case, please speak to the Director as soon as possible with any concerns. If your case is still not resolved, you may contact Texas Department of Family & Protective Services.

Emergency Closings

We go with the Savoy school district. If they are closed due to inclement weather, then our facility is also closed. However, private sitting may still be available if needed.

Parent Conferences

We will meet with you once a month to discuss your child’s progress, to address any concerns you may have, and just catch up. You will be given a complete progress report on your child that will include achievements, efforts, and a list of skills to be continued to be worked on. If you wish to request a conference sooner, please notify the director.


Withdrawal & Termination Policies

If you wish to withdrawal your child from case, you must give us two weeks written notice. You are responsible for two weeks tuition, so that we have a chance to fill your child’s slot. Your first week is a trial period, and can be terminated by yourself of the family home with or without warning. After the first week, you will enter into a care contract. Fee for breaking the contract will be 2 weeks tuition. If it is determined that your child has substantial behavioral needs that cannot be met at our facility, we reserve the right to terminate, with two weeks’ notice. If you have a concern, please approach the director about it. Most of the time problems can be solved by communication.

Diapers & Supplies

Your child has a cubby that is their own. The policy is required that you send diapers, wipes, and anything your child needs. Please send at least one change of clothes daily. We send children home in fresh clothes, so please have some on hand for us to change your child into if needed. Accidents also happen, so be sure to send at least one outfit to leave at the center. If you wish to leave a package of diapers or wipes at the home, they will be put up for your child.

The child care home is not equipped to handle cloth or non-disposable diapers. If your child is in cloth diapers, you will need to send disposables for use while in care.

Parental Involvement & Contact

Any pertinent information from the day will be shared with you upon arrival to pick up your child. Parents are encouraged to be involved in every level of their child’s care. You are free to visit the facility any time during operating hours, and there are various opportunities of parents to share cultural or job things with the students. Opportunities for parent involvement include but are not limited to the following: Helping in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, bringing treats for birthday parties, etc…

Emergency Drills

Severe Weather, Fire, and Tornado drills are conducted on a monthly basis, in a random fashion without notice. Our relocation place is the City Hall across the street.

Nap Policy

A child needs rest, period. There is a nap/rest time scheduled everyday after lunch. If your child does not “nap” you are free to pick them up after lunch. A child will never be forced to sleep, but they are required to lay on a mat and be quiet, so as not to disturb others. Rest time is not optional. Pillows are not used in daycare. A blanket will be provided by the daycare for each child. These will be washed on a weekly basis unless they are dirtied in which case they will immediately be washed. If your child has a special security stuffed animal, they may bring it provided it is clearly labeled with their name.

Pets & Animals
We love animals in our family, and we currently have a family cat. He has had all of his vaccines and is very friendly. Your child is to respect him as he would any member of the family. Due to health and safety reasons, your child may not bring in a pet from home.
Reply
butterfly 07:49 AM 10-10-2013
I think the bones are good - REALLY good, but I would rewrite some areas. It almost seems like some things are written by 2 different people. Some areas seem so professional and others not so much.

"If your child misses, you are still responsible for tuition, unless you use your vacation." Is one of the areas, I'm referring to. I would put something more along the lines of. Tuition is due weekly, regardless of attendence... or something other than "if your child misses".


I personally wouldn't offer a 50% discount for multiple children. If they have a large family, you are shooting yourself in the foot. That's a HUGE pay cut. I understand wanting to offer a discount (I don't at all, due to the limited #of spaces and what I need to make to make a living.) but that's too generous - in my opinion.

Letting the parent choose a payment day, seems like a nightmare waiting to happen. I would pick a day and state that "payments are due by"

"you will be billed $0.50 per diaper we use from our backup stock, this does not count if a child runs out or an occasional oversight happens." I'd change this too. I'd set a daily fee for supplies not available or just refuse services. I can see a parent disputing how many diapers you used of your own... I would also take out the part of occasional oversight happens - we all know this, but it isn't necessary in your handbook.

Question: are you currently watching children and is this how your day is really scheduled? I started out with a very structured schedule too (printed in my handbook) but when I started I found out that it just wasn't going to happen with the dynamics of the children I had. We still did all the things in my schedule but it just couldn't be done at the times I had stated. This can cause issues with parents if you state things will be very structured and it doesn't happen. I don't really know where I was going with that, but something to think about. I finally just took out the schedule of my day. If the parents wanted to know I gave them a brief over view of what we do in a day, but it's not specific to time, necessarily.

I'm not sure center information is necessary - As far as what is in each center. This is something that can be discussed with a parent or shown in an interview. If you want to mention that you have centers, that's wonderful! I just wouldn't spell out what's included in a block area, etc.

"The children are encouraged to dance in whatever way they choose… Dance & Music time is always fun, and we always use upbeat & encouraging music."
I type in ... too, but I would change this in your handbook. Just end with a period. I would leave out the dance and music is always fun. It may not always be fun to some personalities. I'd leave out opinion as much as possible in your handbook.

"We do lots of arts and crafts." I'd just take that out. It's repetitive.

"We do not have any “do like me” or “copycat” projects, though we do at times have focused projects for a specific color or letter." I would just state your crafts are process oriented. I'd make this statement more professional or leave it out all together.

"If the behavior is continued, you will be asked to come discipline your child, or remove them from care the rest of the day. Actions which threaten the life or safety of another child will be grounds for immediate parental contact." I'd find a way to reword this. As a parent, I'd be concerned that you'd be calling me to pick up my child every time he acts up. I would be really concerned if the provider is making me leave work to "discipline" my child. I see what your going for, but I'd word it differently. - not sure how at the moment.

Discipline - what about redirection? That's often an easier solution to behaviors that isnt' even discussed...

or send a designated representative and authorized person to pick them up. this statement is unnecessary.

Per your request, we will give Motrin (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen), or Benadryl (diphenhydramine). You must specifically tell us to give your child the medication. We do not keep other medicines on hand we can give.
I wouldn't do this either. Huge liability. If you are going to administer meds, it needs to come from the parents and have them sign that they ok'd administering it to them.

Without an ID, or with an incorrect (expired, information difference, etc…) ID, your child will not be released under any circumstance. You won't release the child if their driver's license is expired? I'd leave that part out too. You could state if they do not have proof of identification, the child will not be released to their care.

We have several other substitutes and assistants which work from time to time in the event the director must be gone. As a parent this appears that several different people are going to be coming in and out. I'd just state that you have substitutes available in the event that the director is absent. Then explain how this is handled - as you did.

If you wish to withdrawal your child from case, you must give us two weeks written notice. You are responsible for two weeks tuition, so that we have a chance to fill your child’s slot. case - spelling error "care". Leave out the "so that we have a chance to fill your slot".

We send children home in fresh clothes, so please have some on hand for us to change your child into if needed. leave this out. It implies that you are changing their clothes everyday. State what you need and leave it at that.

Also you discussed diapers earlier in your handbook. Get it all in the same section.

Parental Involvement & Contact

Any pertinent information from the day will be shared with you upon arrival to pick up your child. Parents are encouraged to be involved in every level of their child’s care. You are free to visit the facility any time during operating hours, and there are various opportunities of parents to share cultural or job things with the students. Opportunities for parent involvement include but are not limited to the following: Helping in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, bringing treats for birthday parties, etc… You discussed this earlier in visitor section. I'd combine the 2. Or word it differently so it's not redundant.

A child needs rest, period. I'd take this out. You already stated rest time is not optional.

Pets & Animals
We love animals in our family, and we currently have a family cat. He has had all of his vaccines and is very friendly. Your child is to respect him as he would any member of the family. Due to health and safety reasons, your child may not bring in a pet from home.
Somehow, I think this should change... it implies your pet is better than theirs. ? I don't know how to say it and I think it needs to be said, but I think it should be reworded. I agree that I wouldn't want other pets coming in and out and that I wouldn't want them messin' with my cat...

I might change the order that things appear in your handbook too. I put my most important policies first. If they get tired of reading and don't read it, I want to make sure they read when my payments are due and who can pick up the child, etc. Maybe this is how it's most important to you and that's fine. Just a thought...

Anyways, that's my 2 cents. Hopefully I didn't come across as too offensive. I think you have a great program and a great start to your handbook!
Reply
My3cents 10:20 AM 10-10-2013
Originally Posted by butterfly:
I think the bones are good - REALLY good, but I would rewrite some areas. It almost seems like some things are written by 2 different people. Some areas seem so professional and others not so much.

"If your child misses, you are still responsible for tuition, unless you use your vacation." Is one of the areas, I'm referring to. I would put something more along the lines of. Tuition is due weekly, regardless of attendence... or something other than "if your child misses".


I personally wouldn't offer a 50% discount for multiple children. If they have a large family, you are shooting yourself in the foot. That's a HUGE pay cut. I understand wanting to offer a discount (I don't at all, due to the limited #of spaces and what I need to make to make a living.) but that's too generous - in my opinion.

Letting the parent choose a payment day, seems like a nightmare waiting to happen. I would pick a day and state that "payments are due by"

"you will be billed $0.50 per diaper we use from our backup stock, this does not count if a child runs out or an occasional oversight happens." I'd change this too. I'd set a daily fee for supplies not available or just refuse services. I can see a parent disputing how many diapers you used of your own... I would also take out the part of occasional oversight happens - we all know this, but it isn't necessary in your handbook.

Question: are you currently watching children and is this how your day is really scheduled? I started out with a very structured schedule too (printed in my handbook) but when I started I found out that it just wasn't going to happen with the dynamics of the children I had. We still did all the things in my schedule but it just couldn't be done at the times I had stated. This can cause issues with parents if you state things will be very structured and it doesn't happen. I don't really know where I was going with that, but something to think about. I finally just took out the schedule of my day. If the parents wanted to know I gave them a brief over view of what we do in a day, but it's not specific to time, necessarily.

I'm not sure center information is necessary - As far as what is in each center. This is something that can be discussed with a parent or shown in an interview. If you want to mention that you have centers, that's wonderful! I just wouldn't spell out what's included in a block area, etc.

"The children are encouraged to dance in whatever way they choose… Dance & Music time is always fun, and we always use upbeat & encouraging music."
I type in ... too, but I would change this in your handbook. Just end with a period. I would leave out the dance and music is always fun. It may not always be fun to some personalities. I'd leave out opinion as much as possible in your handbook.

"We do lots of arts and crafts." I'd just take that out. It's repetitive.

"We do not have any “do like me” or “copycat” projects, though we do at times have focused projects for a specific color or letter." I would just state your crafts are process oriented. I'd make this statement more professional or leave it out all together.

"If the behavior is continued, you will be asked to come discipline your child, or remove them from care the rest of the day. Actions which threaten the life or safety of another child will be grounds for immediate parental contact." I'd find a way to reword this. As a parent, I'd be concerned that you'd be calling me to pick up my child every time he acts up. I would be really concerned if the provider is making me leave work to "discipline" my child. I see what your going for, but I'd word it differently. - not sure how at the moment.

Discipline - what about redirection? That's often an easier solution to behaviors that isnt' even discussed...

or send a designated representative and authorized person to pick them up. this statement is unnecessary.

Per your request, we will give Motrin (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen), or Benadryl (diphenhydramine). You must specifically tell us to give your child the medication. We do not keep other medicines on hand we can give.
I wouldn't do this either. Huge liability. If you are going to administer meds, it needs to come from the parents and have them sign that they ok'd administering it to them.

Without an ID, or with an incorrect (expired, information difference, etc…) ID, your child will not be released under any circumstance. You won't release the child if their driver's license is expired? I'd leave that part out too. You could state if they do not have proof of identification, the child will not be released to their care.

We have several other substitutes and assistants which work from time to time in the event the director must be gone. As a parent this appears that several different people are going to be coming in and out. I'd just state that you have substitutes available in the event that the director is absent. Then explain how this is handled - as you did.

If you wish to withdrawal your child from case, you must give us two weeks written notice. You are responsible for two weeks tuition, so that we have a chance to fill your child’s slot. case - spelling error "care". Leave out the "so that we have a chance to fill your slot".

We send children home in fresh clothes, so please have some on hand for us to change your child into if needed. leave this out. It implies that you are changing their clothes everyday. State what you need and leave it at that.

Also you discussed diapers earlier in your handbook. Get it all in the same section.

Parental Involvement & Contact

Any pertinent information from the day will be shared with you upon arrival to pick up your child. Parents are encouraged to be involved in every level of their child’s care. You are free to visit the facility any time during operating hours, and there are various opportunities of parents to share cultural or job things with the students. Opportunities for parent involvement include but are not limited to the following: Helping in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, bringing treats for birthday parties, etc… You discussed this earlier in visitor section. I'd combine the 2. Or word it differently so it's not redundant.

A child needs rest, period. I'd take this out. You already stated rest time is not optional.

Pets & Animals
We love animals in our family, and we currently have a family cat. He has had all of his vaccines and is very friendly. Your child is to respect him as he would any member of the family. Due to health and safety reasons, your child may not bring in a pet from home.
Somehow, I think this should change... it implies your pet is better than theirs. ? I don't know how to say it and I think it needs to be said, but I think it should be reworded. I agree that I wouldn't want other pets coming in and out and that I wouldn't want them messin' with my cat...

I might change the order that things appear in your handbook too. I put my most important policies first. If they get tired of reading and don't read it, I want to make sure they read when my payments are due and who can pick up the child, etc. Maybe this is how it's most important to you and that's fine. Just a thought...

Anyways, that's my 2 cents. Hopefully I didn't come across as too offensive. I think you have a great program and a great start to your handbook!

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Chuckles 08:31 PM 11-04-2013
I know I am a little late to this post, but hopefully you still see it. I am assuming you are a child care home and based my input on that. If you are a center I have no problem providing feedback on that.
This is a required policy, but it is a required document that I did not see mentioned.
- Health statements. The rules allow parents to sign for a year; however, you must have a doctor’s note within the first year of enrollment. I think it is best to ask for the doctor’s note up front so you don’t forget.
- If you are licensed, four year olds in care are subject to the hearing and vision test requirements.
I don’t know what the child care need is in your area. Based on the several programs listed, I would just caution you to watch your ratios so you don’t accidentally overbook yourself with part time children and drop ins.
Your schedule outline does not include afternoon outdoor play. The rules require that children have outdoor play twice daily, once in the am and once in the pm as weather permits. Child care homes are required to have a posted schedule like centers, but if you were a center with hours 7a-7p, what do children do between 7-745am and 5-7pm?
As previously noted, the discipline policy as written is concerning. I recommend including the section from the rules about discipline. One of the rules states that you cannot use corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment. If you are calling parents to have them come discipline their children, and the parent believes in physical discipline, you could be finding yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Furthermore, if you allow parents to spank their children at your home, children may not be able to distinguish between you spanking them or the parent spanking them if someone asks them what happens when they get in trouble at day care.
Part of your medication policy is a direct violation of the Texas standards. Medication can only be administered for the child it was intended for. This means you cannot purchase your own medicine to dispense to children with parent permission. The only time this is acceptable is in the event of an emergency. I would also recommend specifying to parents that you will only administer medication according to label instructions. Many parents will try to provide medicine that is not age appropriate or that requires a doctor’s note for the age of their child. Please check the labels carefully!
Sick care- I think the state temperature is 100 underarm, not 100.4. It used to be 99.4.
I believe the emergency policy is supposed to include additional information. I believe the steps are, call 911 or take child to the ER, administer first aid or cpr if required, contact the child’s parent, and then ensure the supervision of the other children in the group.
I don’t know if you have a different emergency preparedness plan somewhere else, but the emergency drill section listed in the policies does not begin to cover the required information.
The information posted did not include procedures for parents to contact the local licensing office and abuse hotline or how parents can review the most recent inspection report or a copy of the minimum standards.
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daycare 08:46 PM 11-04-2013
I didnt make it past the 50% discount..

speaking from experience, siblings are usually always much harder to deal with than single children. That is a huge discount that you will be taking, but you won't be getting any discount on food or supplies that you are supplying for this second child, so I would really think that one over.

I give a discount of $50 and only for FULL TIME. I do not give any form of benefits to PT.
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melilley 06:11 AM 11-05-2013
Originally Posted by daycare:
I didnt make it past the 50% discount..

speaking from experience, siblings are usually always much harder to deal with than single children. That is a huge discount that you will be taking, but you won't be getting any discount on food or supplies that you are supplying for this second child, so I would really think that one over.
My thoughts exactly!
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Nebula 02:16 PM 11-05-2013
Hi Everyone

I was in a major I MEAN MAJOR car accident......... And am now stuck with 2 broken legs in a nursing home while hubby takes over the child care home for a couple of months........... It could have easily been a fatal accident.... I am just now able to respond.

Anyway, the Discipline policy is what I picked up from a place I used to work at. A parent has to actually remove their child from the premises (i.e go to their car to discipline) and it would only be for extreme instances, so if they chose to spank, they would not be getting spanked on daycare property. Maybe it is a bit extreme, but I definitely believe in spanking (even though we are not allowed to) and if a parent wants to spank their child, I have no right to stop them. While I don't spank, I have no problem explaining extreme discipline problems to parents, and if they choose to spank that's fine. In public school, if a child is suspended or out of control, the parents get called to pick them up........

I don't have the health statement requirements, as I am what they call a "Listed Family Home".

I want to be flexible with parents, if they get paid on Friday, then I have no problem with their payment day being on Friday. Since we are only allowed a total of 3 kids (and right now, we only have 1) it isn't hard to keep up with. Although, I am thinking of making payment day be on Fridays, period.

I was not aware that Texas didn't allow you to keep medication in the center. Suppose a kid spikes 103 fever, mom is an hour away from the center... but asks you to give him/her age appropriate Tylenol, and you don't have it available. When my parents enroll their child, they sign a form authorizing those 3 medications in an emergency, and with their contact. In other words, I keep Infant and Children's Tylenol, Motrin, and Benadryl on hand for that very purpose (think bee sting kid is allergic...). The parents sign a statement when they enroll them, giving me permission to give those medications so I can contact them- and I already have their consent. They also sign another form when they pick them up where I signed that I gave them the medication......

All things aside, as a listed family home- we aren't bound by minimum standards. We are moving to a bigger house, and hope to upgrade to registered or licensed, so I am trying to meet all minimum standards anyway, because it is a safer environment- even though I am not required to.

I will get rid of the 50% discount.

Thanks for all your input, our grand opening & such is January 1, so I have several months to perfect the handbook!!


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Blackcat31 02:37 PM 11-05-2013
Originally Posted by Nebula:
Hi Everyone

I was in a major I MEAN MAJOR car accident......... And am now stuck with 2 broken legs in a nursing home while hubby takes over the child care home for a couple of months........... It could have easily been a fatal accident.... I am just now able to respond.
Holy cow!!!

I am sorry to hear about your accident! I sure hope you are ok!

Sending good thoughts and prayers your way for a speedy recovery.
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Nebula 07:19 PM 11-05-2013
Nuff said!! I'm very very thankful to be alive....... The daycare is ON HOLD until January all things considered. Hubby is keeping one kid, to keep us afloat., for which I am very proud of him for doing so. Thanks everyone, this is the time for me to be able to really perfect my handbook.





Nuff said!! I'm very very thankful to be alive....... The daycare is ON HOLD until January all things considered. Hubby is keeping one kid, to keep us afloat.
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daycare 07:24 PM 11-05-2013
omg hugs to you. I hope that you recover well and soon.


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spinnymarie 07:15 AM 11-06-2013
Originally Posted by daycare:
omg hugs to you. I hope that you recover well and soon.

Well said!
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Chuckles 02:59 AM 11-08-2013
Originally Posted by Nebula:
I was not aware that Texas didn't allow you to keep medication in the center. Suppose a kid spikes 103 fever, mom is an hour away from the center... but asks you to give him/her age appropriate Tylenol, and you don't have it available. When my parents enroll their child, they sign a form authorizing those 3 medications in an emergency, and with their contact. In other words, I keep Infant and Children's Tylenol, Motrin, and Benadryl on hand for that very purpose (think bee sting kid is allergic...). The parents sign a statement when they enroll them, giving me permission to give those medications so I can contact them- and I already have their consent. They also sign another form when they pick them up where I signed that I gave them the medication......

All things aside, as a listed family home- we aren't bound by minimum standards. We are moving to a bigger house, and hope to upgrade to registered or licensed, so I am trying to meet all minimum standards anyway, because it is a safer environment- even though I am not required to.

First, sorry to hear about your accident, I hope you have a speedy recovery.

Second, you are allowed to have your own medication at your home, however, you are only supposed to administer medication to the child it was intended for. This means that the parent should provide the medication. The only exception to this would be providing medication to a child in the event of an emergency. Although you are listed, the law requires listed homes to abide by this rule.

Sec. 42.065. ADMINISTERING MEDICATION. (a) In this section, "medication" means a drug that may be obtained with or without a prescription, excluding a topical ointment obtained without a prescription.
(b) This section applies only to a day-care center, group day-care home, before-school or after-school program, school-age program, or family home regardless of whether the facility or program is licensed, registered, or listed.
(c) A director, owner, operator, caretaker, employee, or volunteer of a child-care facility subject to this section may not administer a medication to a child unless:
(1) the child's parent or guardian has submitted to the child-care facility a signed and dated document that authorizes the facility to administer the medication for not longer than one year; and
(2) the authorized medication:
(A) is administered as stated on the label directions or as amended in writing by a practitioner, as defined by Section 551.003, Occupations Code; and
(B) is not expired.
(d) Notwithstanding Subsection (c)(1), a director, owner, operator, caretaker, employee, or volunteer of a child-care facility subject to this section may administer medication to a child under this section without a signed authorization if the child's parent or guardian:
(1) submits to the child-care facility an authorization in an electronic format that is capable of being viewed and saved; or
(2) authorizes the child-care facility by telephone to administer a single dose of a medication.
(e) An authorization under Subsection (d)(1) expires on the first anniversary of the date the authorization is provided to the child-care facility.
(f) This section does not apply to a person that administers a medication to a child in a medical emergency to prevent the death or serious bodily injury of the child if the medication is administered as prescribed, directed, or intended.
(g) A person commits an offense if the person administers a medication to a child in violation of this section. If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under a section of the Penal Code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or both sections.
(h) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
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spinnymarie 07:14 AM 11-08-2013
So, my suggestion to your handbook is to get rid of any quotation marks. Hope you are feeling better!
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Nebula 10:32 AM 11-08-2013
Originally Posted by Chuckles:
First, sorry to hear about your accident, I hope you have a speedy recovery.

Second, you are allowed to have your own medication at your home, however, you are only supposed to administer medication to the child it was intended for. This means that the parent should provide the medication. The only exception to this would be providing medication to a child in the event of an emergency. Although you are listed, the law requires listed homes to abide by this rule.

Sec. 42.065. ADMINISTERING MEDICATION. (a) In this section, "medication" means a drug that may be obtained with or without a prescription, excluding a topical ointment obtained without a prescription.
(b) This section applies only to a day-care center, group day-care home, before-school or after-school program, school-age program, or family home regardless of whether the facility or program is licensed, registered, or listed.
(c) A director, owner, operator, caretaker, employee, or volunteer of a child-care facility subject to this section may not administer a medication to a child unless:
(1) the child's parent or guardian has submitted to the child-care facility a signed and dated document that authorizes the facility to administer the medication for not longer than one year; and
(2) the authorized medication:
(A) is administered as stated on the label directions or as amended in writing by a practitioner, as defined by Section 551.003, Occupations Code; and
(B) is not expired.
(d) Notwithstanding Subsection (c)(1), a director, owner, operator, caretaker, employee, or volunteer of a child-care facility subject to this section may administer medication to a child under this section without a signed authorization if the child's parent or guardian:
(1) submits to the child-care facility an authorization in an electronic format that is capable of being viewed and saved; or
(2) authorizes the child-care facility by telephone to administer a single dose of a medication.
(e) An authorization under Subsection (d)(1) expires on the first anniversary of the date the authorization is provided to the child-care facility.
(f) This section does not apply to a person that administers a medication to a child in a medical emergency to prevent the death or serious bodily injury of the child if the medication is administered as prescribed, directed, or intended.
(g) A person commits an offense if the person administers a medication to a child in violation of this section. If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under a section of the Penal Code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or both sections.
(h) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
So like the kid suddenly spiking 103 fever, would be considered an emergency, or getting stung by a wasp and swelling up etc? What would the protocol be.

So also, would it be acceptable to ask each parent at the beginning of the year, to send a bottle of Motrin or Tylenol and Benadryl with their child's name on it, then keep them separate and have the parent sign the authorization form? In other words, "we won't administer any medication to your child unless you send the medication" etc...
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Chuckles 06:37 AM 11-09-2013
You can keep your own for emergencies. If you want to be able to provide them medication for a non-emergency fever I would ask the parents to provide the medication up front that way you are protected.
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Cradle2crayons 07:04 AM 11-09-2013
I don't see anywhere in the above mentioned rules that says the PARENT has to provide the medication.

Nor do I see where it says you can ONLY administer in case of emergency.

It says you have to have written permission to give it and that permission is valid for one year.
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