You can email me at kdkids_learning@yahoo.com and I’ll email you the individual word documents as well as the handbook that includes this information.
Provider’s Expectations of Parents and Guardians
Open communication: Please explain clearly and carefully your wishes and expectations about how your child will be cared for. Also provide updates on problems and progress that you child is making. Please remember that some requests may not be feasible in a group setting, in which case a compromise in the best interest of the child will be made. Good communication helps us work together in the best interest of your child.
Agreement on Terms /Arrangements: You should fully understand the terms of the contract and the policies and procedures that you as the parent are agreeing to. You will be asked to sign this handbook/contract verifying that you read, understand, and agree to the terms stated within.
Honesty and Trust: This includes being honest about how you believe the arrangement is working. Although you need to be vigilant in order to safeguard your child, you should trust me as your childcare provider to do the best for your child. Show you trust by asking questions rather than jumping to conclusions when apparent problems develop.
Pick up on Time: I as your provider have a personal life too. My online coursework begins when the last child goes home for the day J If tardiness becomes an issue, your childcare contract will be terminated.Payment: Payments should be on time and in money order form.
Respect: Realize that taking care of children is a job and that I am a professional at my job, just like you. Recognize that this is not an easy job. I am not “just a Baby-sitter”. I will do everything I can to care for, educate and enrich your children as they grow. Last but not least I am only human; I’m not “superwoman”. Please don’t expect me to do things that you yourself would not want to do.
Educational Philosophy
I believe a child’s early experiences enrich and stimulate future growth. Children deserve to be treated and respected as individuals in an environment that welcomes reason, exploration, question, and imagination. I respect each child’s need for love, security, acceptance, warmth, and stimulation. My approach is child centered meaning that the teaching and activities are adapted to the child’s specific learning style and unique personality.
Educational Goals
While in my care your child will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, which promote all aspects of development. Family childcare provides for children the comfort and experience of belonging to an extended family. I provide a home like setting; therefore I do not follow a strict routine. My approach to childcare is child centered and child directed. Children are offered choices whenever possible. Your child will bring home a newsletter each month, which will give a brief overview of what we will be doing. Just because you are not seeing anything in the way of papers does not mean that we have not been busy all day. Although there is no strict schedule monthly developmental goals will be met.
About Me
I have volunteered with youth sport programs since 1996 and have worked professionally with children since 2004. I hold a BA in Spanish with a minor in Psychology and am currently enrolled in a MEd. program at Grand Canyon University. I came to Germany to help my aunt and uncle who are dual military with childcare. My ultimate career goals include and running a preparatory K-12 school with an attached early childhood learning facility.
Program Capacity
8 total children allowed including my two cousins, (There are 6 open slots) of this number, only 3 children maybe under 12 months, one of which must be older than 6 months.
Ages allowed: 6 weeks to 36 months. I will continue to provide care for children who have turned four years old after enrolling in the program until the local school year begins. I am not a licensed head-start/pre-kindergarten teacher, thus I would not be able to guarantee that your four year old would be ready for kindergarten the following year.
Hours of Operation
KD Kids Home Daycare is open from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. Hours of care will be contracted from child to child. No childcare will be provided on Saturday and Sundays or on the following holidays:
New Year’s Eve (close early), New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving , The day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (close early*), Christmas Day and day after Christmas
*If it happens where Christmas falls on a Saturday I will have the Friday before off and if it falls on a Sunday I will have that Monday off. All other holidays will be discussed among all parents enrolled and the provider.
The above are paid holidays for KD Kids Home Daycare if they fall on a contracted day for your child. In addition, KD Kids Home Daycare may close for 2 weeks of paid vacation per year and 5 days for childcare training. Notification of at least 2 weeks will be given prior to any training closed days, and 30 days prior to vacation closed days, with the exception of emergencies or illness. Please have a backup childcare provider for these occasions. KD Kids Home Daycare is not responsible for finding alternate care for your child.
Money Matters
Rates: per month
Full Time: $500.00 Part Time: $300.00 Before/After School: $275.00 (includes breakfast, after school snack, and tutoring) Drop Ins: $25.00 a day
Fees:
Enrollment Fee: A fee of $100.00 is required to hold your slot. Your child must begin care within 30 days of the payment of the enrollment fee, or slot and fee will be lost and you will have to re-enroll. The amount is due no later than the first day of care. This fee is non refundable. The fee will be directly invested towards the care of the children enrolled at KD Kids Home Daycare.
No Show Fee: $25.00 will be assessed if child is not brought as arranged without notice in addition to the regular contracted rate, this fee will be due with your next months payment, or before the child’s last day in the instance of termination of care.
Late Payment Fee: $10.00 per day that payment is not received.
Late Pick Up Fee: $1.00 per min, to be paid in cash on arrival
Payment Plan Monthly Surcharge: If you opt to pay for daycare in payments (biweekly or weekly) rather than in full on the first, a payment plan surcharge of $20.00 a month will be assessed. It will be your option which payment to pay the surcharge with, as long as it made once every 30 days (within your child care month).
No Payment: You will be liable for cost fees, late fees and any cost for loss of wages if there is a small claims case as well as court costs/legal fees. In the event of mediation or a small claims court case the late fee will continue until payment is received/judgment is made.
Definitions:
Full Time: Childcare contracted on a set scheduled time slot 4 hours or more per day or 4 – 5 days per week.
Part Time: Childcare contracted on a set scheduled time slot less than 4 hours per day or 3 days per week or less. Part Time Childcare occupies a Full Time position. Should a potential client need a full time position, termination notice may be given with the option of parent paying the full time rate to preserve the child’s slot. Daycare can only be guaranteed to children that attend full time, or part time and pay full time rates
Before/After School: Includes breakfast and afternoon snack. Care will not begin before 6:00 AM or end later than 6:00 PM. Any day that school is not in session, a full day rate will be charged. Should a potential client need a full time position, termination notice may be given with the option of parent paying the full time rate to preserve the child’s slot. Daycare can only be guaranteed to children that attend full time, or part time and pay full time rates
No Show: If your child will not be attending KD Kids Home Daycare, a one-hour notice before normal arrival time or notice before 9:00 am (whichever is soonest) of absence is required. If notice is not received, the fee will be assessed in addition to the regular fee for the day.
Drop Ins: I do accept children if I have the open spot for them. Drop ins should call after 9:00am. Payment Procedures: All payments are due by 6:00 PM on the 1st of every month. (Every other Monday for biweekly, and every Monday for weekly) After 6:00 PM, the late fee will be assessed. If payment is not made within 3 days at drop off, your child will not be accepted into care until payment, including all late fees, is made. If a period of 1 week passes without payment received, the contract will be terminated, the position filled, and the collection process begun. You will be responsible for any costs related to collection of the childcare fees. Money order is the only accepted form of payment, with tracking stub, and a receipt will be given upon request. A year-end statement of all childcare fees paid will be provided within the first month of the New Year. Childcare fees are due regardless of whether or not your child attends.(NO exceptions) You are paying for a position, as well as a service. No refunds are given for late arrivals or early departures. (NO exceptions) A position at KD Kids Home Daycare will be considered open until the enrollment fee is received. This fee is non refundable and may only be used for 1 month. Payment is due in full no later than 6:00pm on the first of every month. If you begin mid-month, full monthly rate will still be due, and is due on the day that care begins. There will be no prorating for the first month of care. If you opt to pay the weekly rate it will be $125.00 payment is due Monday before childcare begins. If you opt to pay the biweekly rate it will be $250.00 due on the 1st and 15th of every month (or the first following business day, before care begins.)
Daily Doings
Drop Off/Pick Up: I assume responsibility for your child only while he/she is on my property. No child will be allowed to leave with anyone except the parent, unless indicated on the alternate pickup list, without written permission from the parent. Telephone permission will not do! Anyone unfamiliar to me will be required to show proof of Identification. It is normal for your child to cry on arrival, especially for the first few weeks. Please make your goodbye brief and tell your child exactly when you will be returning. The crying usually stops within seconds of your departure. You are welcome to listen outside the door. Never leave without telling your child goodbye. Please be in control of your child during drop off and pick up times. If the person picking up the child appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, another authorized person will be called to pick-up both the child and the adult. Court Order: If there is a court order keeping one parent or guardian away from the child, I must have a written note from the custodial parent or guardian in my file to that effect. Otherwise, I cannot prevent the non- custodial parent from picking up the child. Children must be signed in and out daily.
Sick/Vacation Days: In the event that your child is ill and needs to miss a day, please call 1 hour before arrival time or before 9:00am (whichever is soonest). If NO notice is given, you will be charged the No Show Fee in addition to the normal daily rate. Parent agrees to provide 2 weeks notice prior to any vacation time. Parents agree to pay childcare fees to hold child’s position during any vacation time or extended leave due to illness etc. that exceeds your two free weeks. You will receive two free weeks (meaning vacation time away from the home that you are not required to pay for) in exchange for my 2 weeks of paid vacation.
Television: On occasion I let the children pick a child appropriate video to watch. Children are NEVER required to sit and watch TV, and TV is not offered in place of Free Play or Learning Activities. Discipline: No child will be hit, spanked, belittled, or otherwise intimidated KD Kids Home Daycare–even with parental permission. No corporal punishment will be used. Children will be treated with courtesy, respect, and patience. Discipline will be according to age and understanding level. Younger children, babies and toddlers, will be redirected to another activity. Older children will be given time outs depending on the severity of the offense (almost always 1 minute per year of age, never to be more than 15 minutes). If a child becomes a persistent behavior problem, I will address it with you and we will try to resolve it together. AT NO TIME WILL A CHILD BE SUBJECTED TO PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OR SHAMING, FRIGHTENING OR HUMILIATING METHODS BE USED, OR ANY TYPE OF VERBAL ABUSE, THREATS, DEROGATORY REMARKS, OR DEPRIVATION OF A MEAL OR ANY PART OF A MEAL BE USED. NO CHILD WILL EVER BE PUNISHED FOR TOILET ACCIDENTS.
Meals: I provide balanced meals and snacks for your child. Please do not send any food or drink with your child without prior approval. If your child arrives after a meal or snack has been served, he/she will wait until the next meal/snack time to eat. Children are encouraged to use this time to share their experiences with each other. Manners are taught, and practiced during this time as well. Please list on the medical report any food allergies child may have. If your child needs a special diet, the parent must furnish these foods.
Activities: Age appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of the individual child and day. I will offer times for outside play, crafts, stories, instruction, and naps appropriate to the child’s ages, interests, and abilities. I will provide your child with tender loving care, understanding, patience and guidance in a happy family setting. I provide preschool curriculum, developing large and small motor skills. We do many arts and crafts where the focus is on the process, not the product. Free play is an important part of a child’s early years. It is here that they learn social skills that will be needed the rest of their lives.
An example of a day at KD Kids Home Daycare:
6:00 AM: Table Games, Quiet Transition into day
7:00 AM: Breakfast, Table Games, Quiet Transition into day
8:00 AM: Free Play (Diaper Changes, Potty Time)
8:30 AM: Curriculum Time/Crafts/Developmental Activities
9:30 AM: Video/Music
10:00 AM: Free Play (Diaper Changes, Potty Time)
10:30 AM: Flex Time (In case some activities run longer)
11:00 AM: Lunch
11:30 PM: Slow down and Quiet Time. (Diaper Changes, Potty Time)
12:00 PM: Rest Time
2:30 PM: Wake up, Transition into afternoon (Diaper Changes, Potty Time)
3:00 PM: Afternoon Snack.
3:30 PM: Organized Activities. Study Time for older children. Story Time, puzzles, coloring, games.
4:30 PM: Outside Time (Weather Permitting) Simulated Outdoor Activity (Rainy Day Activities)
5:00 PM: Table Games, Transition Home
House Rules
1.No hitting, biting, pinching, throwing, pushing, hair pulling, or otherwise hurting ourselves or others.
2.No intentionally breaking anything.
3.No running, jumping, wrestling, climbing, etc. in the house or on the furniture.
4.No picking up babies or toddlers.
5.No leaving the house or yard without permission (no one is allowed outside without adult supervision, even when parents are here).
6.No name-calling, yelling, fouls language or teasing—everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
Dress Code: Please dress your child appropriately. The activities may be messy. Do not send your child in clothing that you do not want stained. Weather permitting; we will spend a lot of time outdoors. You also need to supply a complete change of clothing in case of an accident; I do not supply clothing for day care children. If the child has no spare clothing, the parent will be called to bring some.
Water Play: Some activities will involve water. I require a permission slip signed before the child is allowed to play in the water if I use a small wading pool or an activity that involves water. A swimsuit will be requested for these days.
Toys: Please do NOT send any toys from home with your child. If your child needs a special toy or item for sleeping, it will be allowed, but it will remain put away until Rest Time. KD Kids Home Daycare assumes NO responsibility for lost, stolen, or broken toys from home. Should the child deliberately destroy my toys or other property through misuse or willfulness, the parent will be required to replace it.
Rest Period: All children will have a rest period. No child is forced to sleep, however they must remain quiet. Older children, and those who wake early, will participate in a quiet activity until Rest Time is over. Please try not to schedule pick ups or visits during this time to lessen disturbance to the resting children. All children will rest on their mats with individual linens.
Toilet Learning: I will assist you in toilet training your child with the understanding that it will be successful only if we work together. I will use cotton underwear or pull-ups supplied by the parent. Send your child ONLY in easy on/easy off clothing until they are able to completely undress and dress themselves. I required at least 5 complete changes of clothing during Toilet Learning. I do not launder soiled items and will send them home in a plastic bag. Please replace any clothing sent home the next day.
Transportation: In the event that we may plan a field trip or it may be necessary for me to transport your child by car. A permission form is provided upon enrollment. All traffic and safety laws will be followed. No child will ever be left unattended in a vehicle. Also, because this business is run out of my home, it may be necessary to run occasional errands with the children. Parents will be notified at drop off time or with a phone call. The only time we may leave without notice is in the case of an emergency, in which case a note will be placed on the door leaving instructions where the children can be found. Unless it is an emergency, you will always be notified prior to any outing from KD Kids Home Daycare and reserve the right to refuse. If I do not have your permission to transport your child, you are expected to pick up your child immediately and make alternate childcare arrangements for that day.
Holidays/Birthdays: We honor major holidays and all children’s birthdays. If you would like to bring a special treat for the children, please arrange this with the provider. You are more than welcome to participate in ANY activities we have planned.
House Cleaning: The daycare room will not always be spotless. My main concern is the care of the children. I will clean during Rest Time, if all are asleep, during non-business hours, and occasionally with children’s help. The children will help clean up toys before meals and naps.
Other Goodies:
General Statement: Should an issue arrive, not covered in this handbook/contract, the provider and the parent will have a discussion, the provider will make a decision on that issue, and that decision will be honored. If legal issues should occur the recourse will be mediation or small claims court at the expense of the parent.
Confidentiality: The information you supply to KD Kids Home Daycare will be kept confidential. I will, at all times, respect your privacy. Before any of the information is released to outside persons, the parents will sign a release form. Changes to Policies: Changes may be made to these policies as needed with 2 weeks notice. Please give written notice of any changes that may occur, especially of name or address, or of updated immunizations.
Enrollment Requirements
Before enrolling your child in KD Kids Home Daycare there are several things you must do:
1.Read through and become familiar with the Policies. You will be required to sign this document that indicates you have read, understand, and agree to ALL the Policies as outlined.
2.An acquaintance visit must be made. I will not care for children unless they have had one, and preferably two, visits to KD Kids Home Daycare to become familiar with me and the service provided.
3.All appropriate forms must be filled out, signed, and on file PRIOR to admission. All necessary forms/consents will be given to you in your welcome package. You will also initial next to each form listed below that you received and signed the following forms: (your initials will be considered your signature on the required forms in the event that they are misplaced, destroyed, in an emergency case, or in legal proceedings.
a. immunization record ______
b. physical from doctor ______
c. child pick up authorization _____
d. student information form _____
e. administration of medication authorization ______
f. emergency treatment authorization _____
g. emergency transportation authorization _____
h. exclusion policy _____
i. external preparation _____
j. permission to leave ______ (schoolage only)
k. photo release _____
m. waterplay release ____
4.All required supplies must be brought within 2 weeks of your child’s first day. If you do not bring the required supplies, I will purchase them for you and you will be responsible for reimbursing me the full cost. All supplies must be labeled with your child’s name. You will need to provide the following things to be left here:
FOR CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 18 MONTHS (and those not yet potty trained and/or weaned from the bottle)
1. Diapers or Pull-ups, 1 full package. They will be stored in your child’s cubby and I will notify you when the supply is low.
2. 1- box of baby wipes.
3. 1 pacifier and pacifier fastener to be left here.
4. 2- changes of clothing (T-shirt, sleeper, outfit, and socks). Careful attention must be paid to maintain current sizes left here. I will launder these as needed and notify you when more are needed.
5. Any cream, powder, etc. that you wish me to use.
6. Baby Tylenol or Oriel, if you wish it to be used.
FOR CHILDREN OLDER THAN 18 MONTHS
1. Pull-ups, 1 full package or training underwear. They will be stored in your child’s cubby and I will notify you when the supply is low.
2. 1- box of baby wipes.
3. 2- changes of clothing (T-shirt, sleeper, outfit, and socks). (5 for toilet training)
4. Any cream, powder, etc. that you wish me to use.
5. Baby Tylenol or Oriel, if you wish it to be used.
Note: If you prefer not to supply these items to be left here, you may send them daily in a diaper bag. The option of leaving these items here is for your convenience and is not required. However, all of the above items are required for me to care for your child, so they will need to be brought daily. Again, if you choose not to supply me with the required items, I will purchase them for you and you will be responsible for the cost.
Termination of Care: Care can only be terminated with 2 weeks notice by the parent. I reserve the right to immediately end care for non-payment, failure to respect me, my home, my neighborhood, behavior of the child, which is harmful to the physical or emotional well being of the other children, or failure to abide by my policies. If you terminate care without giving appropriate notice, you will be responsible for payment of the full month of care whether or not your child attends. Please be advised that you will be charged the No Show Fee in addition to your scheduled daily rate until you notify me that your child will not be returning. *Provider has the right to terminate a contract without notice in the case of harm to other children or a dangerous situation due to that child has caused intentionally or other wise.
Child Abuse/Neglect: I am required by law to report any suspected signs of child abuse and/or neglect.
Health Matters
Illness: Under no circumstance is a sick child to attend KD Kids Home Daycare. The other children in care are exposed to any disease your child may bring into the home. If you are unable to remain home with your child, it is your responsibility to make substitute childcare arrangements. Obviously, it is not possible to prevent the spread of all illness. However, minimizing exposure and providing good hygienic practices in the daycare home are means by which we can limit the problem and the resulting inconvenience. Accordingly, for the benefit of all involved, the following policies will be strictly enforced:Children who have exhibited ANY symptoms of infectious illness within the proceeding 24-hour period are likely to be contagious and should remain at home. Examples of associated symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever of 100F measured orally or 101F measured rectally, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, loss of voice, hacking or continuous coughing, yellow or green runny nose, draining eyes or ears, rash, or head lice. I reserve the right to determine whether a child should remain in the home where illness is a consideration. Parents of children who become ill during the day will be promptly notified and are expected to arrange to pick up their child immediately. The sick child will, if possible, be isolated from the other daycare children to minimize exposure. If the parent cannot be reached, the person designated as the emergency contact will be notified.
Medications: No child will be given any medication, prescription or over the counter, unless the parent gives written permission. Prescription medication shall have the child’s name, name of medication, Doctor’s name, name of pharmacy, prescription number, date, and directions for administering. The medication must be in the original container as dispensed by the pharmacy. I have Permission to Administer Medication forms to be filled out each time your child will need medicine to be administered. Written permission is required in order to use diapering products, sunscreen lotion and insect repellents. EXCEPTION: As your childcare provider, I will administer Syrup of Ipecac if instructed to do so by poison control or emergency medical services.
Medical Emergencies: Although supervision is constantly given, I cannot be by the child’s side at all times to prevent falls, tripping, bumps, blows from other children, etc. If the child is injured in a non life-threatening way, I will assess the child and provide home first aid. If the injury is more serious, the parent will be notified so the child can be transported to the hospital or doctors office. (I.e. needs stitches, broken arm, or dislocation, etc.) All costs associated with injuries to the child will be the responsibility of the parent, unless I have been found to be negligent. In case of a medical emergency, I will attempt to contact you immediately. If I am unable to reach you, I will start calling the people designated as your emergency contacts. If I am unable to reach you or your emergency contacts, I will transport your child to his/her doctor or to the hospital, if necessary. If immediate intervention is required, I am certified in infant, child, and adult CPR and First Aid and will take appropriate action including calling 911 and having your child transported to Owatonna Hospital. You or your family’s insurance is/are responsible for the cost of medical help or treatment due to accidents or illness while in childcare.
Open Door Policy
You are invited and welcome to visit anytime your children are present. You are asked to avoid visiting during Rest Time as much as possible. Please knock first. Parents are also free to call at any time. If I do not answer the phone, please leave a message, and we will call you back as soon as we are finished with the current activity.
