Lil' Pro Family Childcare Handbook
WELCOME!
First I want to welcome you into my home and childcare family! I have chosen to care for your child as my career of choice.
I also want to thank you for looking at our website and possibly considering me as your childcare provider of choice and plan on having a wonder time helping and watching your child grown into a well rounded whole person they are meant to be.
OUR CHILD CARE PHILOSOPHY:
My goal is to help children have fun, be safe, eat well, learn, and BE LOVED! In addition to all of this, I plan on teaching the children good social skills. I want to help them to be respectful, to have good manners, be polite, learn compassion for others, learn how to be a good friend, and most importantly to have a kind and loving heart.
These important things will not only help your child be well prepared to succeed in school…but will help your child succeed in LIFE!
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
To be licensed daycare providers in Minnesota, I must take many continuing education classes every year. I must keep extensive records, have all household members’ criminal and driving records checked, have home records and procedures checked, with both scheduled and unannounced inspections. I am a part of a Food program that does drop-in checks several times a year and menus are checked monthly.
Besides meeting the state’s standards for daycare licensing, I am certified in infant and toddler CPR and obstructed airway training. I am a parents of four, grown children and eight grandchildren. In addition I was the Toddler room director for our church at the time, Living Waters Christian Church, for 6 years. I was one of only 30+ Nationally Accredited Programs in the state and have had a 4 Star Parent Aware Rating. In December 2015 I graduated with Honors from Rasmussen University with an Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Since graduation I have become a Childcare Trainer, Mentor and works closely with my local Childcare Association.
Age and number of children limits for a C2 License
(Providers do not have any children in ages listed below)
Normal capacity of our daycare allows for up to 12 children under the age of 11, with no more than 10 under school age at a given time.
Infant (under 12 months): 1
Toddlers (12 to 24 months) and under: 2 – in which only 1 may be infants
Preschool (24 months to kindergarten): 6
School-age (kindergarten to 11 years): 2
FORMS NEEDED FOR ENROLLMENT:
The following forms are required to be in hand and complete in order for your child to be accepted his/her first day of care. If they are not completed in full, care will not start until completed.
*Family Daycare Admissions & Arrangements form
*Signed copy of contract
*Singed copy of acceptance of handbook
*Immunizations form
*Medication authorization
*Travel authorization
*Food program form – created after paperwork received to enroll
*Unsafe transportation form
*Permission to Photograph form
*Liability Insurance Notice
*Alcohol and Drug Use Policy
*Allergies Information Form
DEPOSIT:
A deposit is required to hold an opening and you are not guaranteed that spot until the deposit is made. The Deposit is equal to 1 week’s rate for childcare. This deposit is then to be used towards the child’s first week of care until Venmo or Applepay is set up. Deposits are non-refundable.
RESERVING INFANT SPOTS: we are currently NOT taking on any infants - moving to a strictly PRESCHOOL program of 2 years and up
Infant spots will be subject to availability in licensing capacity. Current families will be given first “dibs”, but unfortunately you will need to keep me informed as early as possible on all sibling news! Licensing ratios have very little flexibility and early planning is required. A 1 week deposit is required for all infant spots and will be applied to the first week a child is in care.
For a spot to be reserved beyond its available date, a “holding fee” equal to 1/2 the current week’s rate must be maintained until a family occupies the position. This must be set up thru the Auto-pay direct deposit system. This amount WILL NOT be applied to future childcare tuition, but is simply a fee to hold the spot open for your child. The provider guarantees to cease interviewing and attempting to fill the position as long as this holding fee is maintained. Both the deposit and the holding fee are non-refundable.
TUITION:
You will receive an invoice via email bi-weekly on Thursday. Payment is due Friday morning via agreed upon electronic direct payment the next day for the next two weeks care.
Part-time/drop-in care tuition is due at drop off on first day of care. A late fee of $5 per day per child is charged when your tuition is not paid on time. A charge of $35 is charged for returned checks or accounts that payment is not made when scheduled.
NSF CHECKS:
If a check is returned to me for non-sufficient funds, you will be required to pay all fees that we incur as a result of the returned check, $35 per bank charge. Childcare services will be immediately halted until full payment of tuition and NSF charges has been made, in CASH. In addition, we will only accept cash payment from you from that point forward
TUITION-RATES:
Rates will be based on the following breakdown. Rates are documented in your contract. Rates may be raised as needed, you will be notified by September when the new annual contracts are given out.
Full-time Care:
Infants/Toddlers - Birth to 24 months:
Preschool – 2yrs – Kindergarten:
School-age:
Before and after school:
Summer full-time:
Part-time:
Infants/Toddlers - Birth to 24 months:
Preschool – 2yrs – Kindergarten:
TRIAL PERIOD
All new children will be cared for on a two-week (14 calendar days) trial period beginning on your child's first actual day of care. During that time the parent or provider may terminate the childcare agreement with 24 hours notice. No pre-paid fees will be credited upon cancellation during the Trial Period. After the trial period, a two-week's written notice is required by either party to terminate the agreement (See Termination Policy). Your security deposit is not refundable if services are cancelled during your Trial Period
MATERNITY/EXTENDED LEAVE
In cases of your potential absence due to maternity or extended leave from your job, we still require payment for a minimum of day 3 of care for the entire time of your absence to hold your child's position. In cases of maternity leave where you will be placing your new baby into my care, you will be required to fill out all necessary enrollment forms no less than two weeks prior to the baby's starting date.
HOURS AND DAYS OF OPERATION:
We are open Monday – Friday, Hours are from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. If you require hours prior to 7:00 or after 5:00 you must make arrangements prior with childcare provider. Your child’s hours/days are based on your agreed upon your working hours, NOT our hours of operation. The service we are providing to your family is based on your need to go to work to provide for your family. I believe all children should be with their own parent’s whenever possible to nourish their emotional development and secure parent base. Previous arrangements must be made with us prior to care outside your normal hours.
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents, or cry when being dropped off. Please be very brief (no more than 5 minutes is sufficient) during drop-off times; the longer you prolong the departure the harder it gets. A smile, cheerful good-bye kiss, and a reassuring word that you will be back are all that is needed. In our experience, children are nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone.
Please be very brief at pick-up times also. This is a time of testing when two different authority figures are present (the parent and the provider), and all the children will test to see if the rules still apply. An early arrival to pick up your child does not mean you may stay until the close of business. If you'd like to stay and visit please arrange this with me beforehand. But typically pick-up time needs to be kept brief.
We expect you to back up our rules (see House Rules), but if you do not, we will remind your child that their behavior is inappropriate and take action to correct, if needed. Please be in control of your child during these times.
We prefer that there are no pick-ups or drop offs during the designated daily quiet time, but if it is necessary please be as quiet and brief as possible. Children who arrive during quiet time will be expected to remain quiet (they may play/read quietly) until quiet time is over, so that others will not be disrupted from their naps.
Do not allow your child to run out to your car while you are still inside or while you are in my backyard!! The safety rule is "No one goes outside without their parent with them."
Our normal procedure is to release the child only to his/her parents or someone else the parents designate. If someone other than the parent is to pick up the child, please notify us ahead of time. A verbal notice is fine on that day if this person is on the list of people who are authorized to pick up your child. If the person is NOT on that list, we MUST have written permission to release your child. Please inform emergency contacts, or people designated to pick up your child, that if we do not know them, we would need to ask for photo identification. We do not mean to offend them. This is simply a measure taken for your child's protection. We will not let a child leave without a parent's verbal permission even if that person is listed as one of your designated pickup people.
OPEN DOOR:
We maintain an open door policy for parents. This means that you are always welcome to call or drop in to see your children at any time during regular childcare hours. Open door policy does NOT mean that our door will be kept unlocked. We believe that it is extremely important to keep the doors locked for the safety of the children. We do not want unwanted or unexpected visitors to enter without my permission or knowledge. We also do not want little ones leaving the house unsupervised. Your child's safety is our first priority. We would appreciate your taking into consideration our schedule when dropping in or calling, and remember that visitors usually cause children to react in an excited manner that does not normally occur when we am alone with the children. We do change the note on the front door to notify you of where we may be if not in the home. Example: on a walk, at park, in back yard.
VACATION:
We will be taking up to 3 weeks per year (15 days). We will give you one month notice when we will be closed and you will need to use your back up provider for this time. We are paid for 52 weeks a year unless unforeseen circumstances arise. Generally we give the whole year vacation/holiday schedule to families the last month of the year.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS:
Occasionally I will take time off for Professional Development events that are not on evenings or weekends. This might include a national conference or one in another part of the Midwest, requiring travel time. Up to 3 paid professional development days are allotted each year for these events.
HOLIDAYS:
Our child care program will be closed on the following holidays each year:
New Year’s Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Provider’s Birthday August 29th, and one floating Holiday for 2nd provider Birthday
You will pay the regular rate for these holidays. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, I will be closed on Friday for that holiday. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, I will be closed on Monday for that holiday.
EMERGENCY CLOSING PTO:
In the event I need to close for emergency purposes, that time will be paid time off. Examples of such emergencies:
- Bereavement time
- Emergency weather (severe snow, ice, cold, etc.)
- Jury Duty
- After storm clean up (down trees, flooded basement, etc.)
- Loss of power issues (water, electricity, natural gas emergencies)
- Government mandated closures (weather, health & safety, “stay-at-home”, lock down orders, MDH quarantine orders, CDC or MDH mandated rules that must be followed in regards to childcare, etc.)
BACK-UP CARE/ALTERNATE CARE:
Back-up care is the sole responsibility of the parent. If we am ill, or otherwise unable to provide care we will notify you as soon as possible. This might come in the form of a text message at 6:00 am if we am suddenly ill in the night. Please check messages in the morning. We will try to have substitute care for my own Dental/Doctor appointments, but this is not always possible. We will try to schedule them at the end of the day, so as to minimize the interruptions to your workday. We will notify you as soon as possible of any such appointments.
NOTICE OF BEING ABSENT:
If your child is going to be gone for the day, please notify us to let us know ahead of time. You will be charged for all days your child is absent.
When you are late:
Our family and we appreciate our family time. Although we enjoy your children, a 10 hour day is a long day for anyone, your child included. Therefore please pick up your child on time as stated on your contract. If you know you will be late please call us to let us know. We will give a 5 minute grace period after that a fee will be charged until you enter our home that will need to be paid in cash the next day when you drop off your child. Late fees of $1.00 for every 1 minute will incur over your contracted hours. Our closing time is FIRM! We reserve the right to make a determination in each individual case regarding late fees. Any late fees will be due in cash by the next morning or you will not be allowed to leave your child here. NO EXCEPTIONS! (Continuous abuse of late time will result in termination of the contract by provider.)
WHAT TO BRING TO CHILDCARE:
We do not want you to have to bring a bag each day for your child while they come to childcare, instead you should send items that will be kept here for when the need arises. We supply diapers, wipes and any creams that may be needed. You are responsible for supplying a full change of clothing (including socks and underwear) appropriate for the weather, and any other supplies that your child may need. Good clothing is not recommended, we cannot be held responsible for anything that happens to good clothing while in our home. Soiled clothing will be sent home and a clean change of clothes should be brought back the next day. If there is a special occasion that calls for special clothing (a visit or party right after child care or a trip to the photographer), please send the special clothing with your child and we will help them clean up and get dressed prior to your arrival. You will be required to bring bathing suits to be kept at the childcare home in the summer. We will request certain items for certain times of the year such as boots or snowsuits. All items need to be labeled with your child's initials. You must maintain these items at all times. Please keep in mind that if you do not bring a needed item, it may prevent all of the children from going outside. As the children get older we have scheduled weekly “share days.” We ask that children only bring a toy or something special from home on their scheduled day. Also keep in mind that we are not responsible for this toy if anything happens while in our home with 13 other children. If a toy is brought from home and the child is unable to share the toy it will also be “put up” and no one will be able to play with it that day.
DAILY SCHEDULE:
A copy of our daily schedule is in your Parent Packet and hanging in the entry way. It is very important to the development of a child that they have a set schedule/routine. At the same time there is some flexibility to our schedule to allow for special events, birthdays and or babies/infants and their needs. We do ask that you take our schedule into consideration when it comes to drop off and picking up your child.
MEALS AND SNACKS:
We follow the nutritional guidelines for children set by the USDA, so my meals are well balanced. We do expect each child to try eating all the folds being served but they are not required to clean their plates. We serve breakfast, lunch and snacks and provide formula & baby food for infants. All babies are held for bottle feedings. We do not bottle-prop. We will assist in cup training as much as possible. The USDA food program requires that all children be off formula and baby food by their first birthday and eating the foods served to the other children at the daycare unless that child has special health problems or allergy concerns, both of which require a written doctor’s dietary statement. These USDA requirements are the same at all licensed daycare homes or centers. Please do not send bag lunches, snacks, candy, or gum for your child as this will cause problems with the other children.
Mealtimes:
Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00 am
Lunch 11:30 -12:00 pm
Snack 3:00 pm ~ non-school children
4:15 pm ~ when school children return from school
DISCIPLINE:
We believe discipline should give a child guidance which will help acquire a positive self-image, self-control, and teach acceptable behavior. It should be a learning tool, not a punishment to make a child feel bad about them-selves or lower their self-esteem. When children do not pay attention to our verbal reminders or are out of control a short time away from the other children often does the trick. Any chronic or serve discipline problems we will discuss with the parents.
CURRICULUM AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:
The main goal of this childcare is to have fun, improve social skills, and encourage creative expression. We will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. Free play, reading, arts and crafts, music/singing, dancing, dramatic play/pretend, puzzles, and educational TV/videos are just some of the activities we will be doing. We use Creative Curriculum to teach the children in our care.
This curriculum identifies goals in all areas of development,
- Social: To help children feel comfortable in school, trust their new environment, make friends, and feel they are a part of the group.
- Emotional: To help children experience pride and self- confidence, develop independence and self-control, and have a positive attitude toward life.
- Cognitive: To help children become confident learners by letting them try out their own ideas and experience success, and by helping them acquire learning skills such as the ability to solve problems, ask questions, and use words to describe their ideas, observations, and feelings.
- Physical: To help children increase their large and small muscle skills and feel confident about what their bodies can do.
Some of the activities include arts & crafts, music, math, science, stories, games, as well as letter, shape, color, and number recognition in a monthly theme format. Some of the projects will be taken home to share with the family and others will be ones that you can ask about. The monthly activity schedule is posted in the monthly newsletter. The goal of preschool is to have fun and provide a little extra learning stimulation for the older children. It will not be a rigorous academic program as young children still learn best from participating in and observing the environment around them.
In your parent packet you will find a copy of the Creative Curriculum Objectives for Infants, Toddlers & Twos as well as Objectives for Preschoolers. This list for each age group is what we will be looking at when we do assessments for each child. We will be having “conferences” to go over these assessments.
TOILET TRAINING:
Toilet training will be started with the parents and we determine the child is ready. A child needs to have developed enough verbal skills to express themselves and answer questions and also have enough muscle coordination to physically be able to control body functions. At this time we will discuss and develop a plan for toilet training.
SLEEPING/NAP/QUIET TIME:
We expect each child to take a quiet-time for sleeping or rest time each day. Separate cribs and/or port-a-cribs are provided for all infants and toddlers. Beginning at about age 2, washable nap mats are used. Each child has a separate nap mat, with sheets, blankets and pillows that are washed weekly (unless soiled, then they are washed as often as necessary). Quite time at the daycare will be between 1 and 3 pm. We understand that depending on the age of the child they may not need to sleep at this time, but we do expect them to respect those that are sleeping and to do quiet activities not to distract those that are sleeping.
OUTDOOR PLAY:
Children should come dressed or bring what is needed for outdoor play. We plan to go out each day and expect all children to join us, so they must have appropriate apparel for the current weather conditions. We ask that “flip-flops” not be allowed in the summer. We have found that while on walks children tend to have more tripping and accidents while wearing these, vs. a show with a back on it. IF your children do not come dressed for the weather they will not be allowed to go outside with us. We do allow for extra times to be left her if you like that way there is not an issue if something is forgotten at home. We do of course watch the heat index and wind chills to help plan our daily outings. On days that the weather effects our being able to go outside we will plan large motor activated indoors to help use up our outdoor energy. For safety issues in the summer we ask that children wear shoes that are other than “flip-flops.” We need to be able to play and or go for walks without the possibility of injury and ask for shoes that are able to securely stay on the feet.
BIRTHDAYS/SPEICAL EVENTS:
We do plan special events for holidays and birthdays. For birthdays we do not ask that parents send anything special, gift bags or treats. We make a treat as a group with input from the birthday child. We want to keep things simple and the same/equal for all children in our care. We do plan special events for holiday/celebrations. Because we have different children in our care on different days of the week, we will do our best plan these events/activities on the day that most of our children will be able to participate. We would never want to exclude any child from participating with everyone.
IN CASE YOUR CHILD IS ILL:
You will be notified immediately when a child in care develops any of the following symptoms. You will be expected to pick up your child within 1 hour time.
During this time we will make your child feel as comfortable as possible. Please keep your child home if any of the following appear:
1. Fever: Underarm temperatures of 100* degrees Fahrenheit or over, or an oral temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or over. A full 24-hour period of un-medicated, normal temperature before the child may return to Childcare.
2. Vomiting/Diarrhea: No vomiting or diarrhea for a full 24 hours before return to Childcare. This is strictly enforced.
3. Rash: Any rashes of unknown origin that continue to worsen must be diagnosed as non-communicable, and a written statement of this from the Doctor, must be given to Provider.
4. Common Cold/Ear Infection: If no fever is present and child is able to function within the group, attendance is fine. However, for excessive crying, that is not manageable; you may be called to pick your child up. (Vomiting, as a result of excessive coughing, may also require the child to go home)
5. Pinkeye: Medical treatment is required (drops, cream or oral antibiotics, usually). Pinkeye is notable by thick and continuous discharge from the affected eye, and can spread to both eyes. Children may NOT return until eyes are clear of matter and medication is being taken as directed by a Doctor for 24-48 hours. This is extremely contagious and fast moving! If the child is on medication or medication is not offered, but still requires frequent removal of discharge from their eyes, I will require them to be kept at home. Medical professionals have differing opinions on pinkeye these days, but I have my own rules that must be followed based on my experience dealing with it in group care.
6. Lice: A “no nit” policy will apply. Child must be completely free of infestation to return. (I will boast that in all my years in childcare, I have never had to deal with lice!)
Any undiagnosed illness or rash that seems to worsen will require the child to be kept at home until a medical evaluation determines the origin, and contagion level. A statement from the child’s doctor will be needed (along with any treatment info, or things to watch for), before they can return to Childcare. I will be referring to the state guidelines from the Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools manual for specific illnesses and offering information handouts when occasions arise.
In general, if you feel the need to medicate your child to make them more comfortable due to a cold or illness, they should not be at Childcare. Keep in mind that caring for one ill feeling child may not seem too difficult, but when several others require your attention, the difficulty level greatly increases. A noisy, chaotic house is not conducive to recuperation! Please also note that I always have the final say on whether a child is too ill to be in care at my home. I reserve the right to make the final decision in all cases.
CHILD ILLNESS ~ Serious Contagious Illness or Parasitic infestation:
Please reference the additional documentation included in your Parent packet called – “Too Sick for Childcare or School” to determine if a child should be going to childcare or school.
Parents are required to notify daycare provider within 24 hours if enrolled child develops or is diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
MEDICATION:
If your child is in need of any medication either doctor prescribed or over the counter we will need to have a signed authorization prior to administering.
IMMUNIZATION POLICY:
This home childcare has a policy that all children must be vaccinated on the schedule recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health, or a similar alternate schedule that closely matches it. Non-vaccination is a choice for all families, but as a private childcare, I also have the choice of accepting such children into the group care that I offer in my own home.
TRANSPORTATION:
If at any time we leave the daycare it will be to go on walks or walk to the park. We do not transport children in our vehicle as there are now strict guidelines to do so. Also your child must not leave my home with anyone other than their parents unless we have prior permission from the parents. That child will also NOT be released to drive in a vehicle that does not have adequate car seats for the child they will be transporting
INSURANCE COVERAGE:
We carry daycare liability insurance.
TERMINATION:
Termination after the Trial Period
After the two-week trial period has been completed, you must give us a two-week written notice if you wish to terminate this contract, we may terminate this contact at will without giving any notice.
Advance Payment for Last Two Weeks of Care
When you give me a two weeks written notice that you will be terminating this contract you will need to pay me the last two weeks of care at that time.
Immediate termination is allowed if provider feels blatant disrespect for policies, handbook or contract has occurred.
HELPERS AND SUBSTITUTES:
Sometimes the need arises for us to be away from the daycare for a short period of time for doctor’s appointments etc. In that event we have “helpers” that will be caring for the children so you don’t have to make arrangements or miss work.
HOUSE RULES:
Please respect our profession, our home, and us. The respect that you show us, including our home, furnishings, equipment, yard, and other children will communicate itself to your child and will make for a better working relationship. There are certain house rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow.
The following rules are enforced for the safety and well being of everyone. No amber beads and jewelry on children will be allowed while in care. There will be no running permitted in the house. Hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching other children/infants/adults will NOT be allowed. No standing or climbing on chairs, tables, or furniture. There will be no use of obscene, derogatory or disrespectful language. Children may not walk around the house with food, cups or bottles. Children are not permitted to lift and/or carry other children while in my home or on my property. Respectful treatment of other people and all property, toys, and furniture is expected. Please support us in the enforcement of these rules, in order to create a better environment for all.
No smoking is permitted on the premises.
If your car is leaking oil, please park along the street and not in my driveway while picking up and/or dropping off your child.
PETS IN RESIDENCE:
There are no pets in the residence. We do not plan on ever having dogs or cats in this daycare.
NONDISCRIMINATION PRACTICES:
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, or national origin.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:
Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.04, subdivision 1 (d). GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE. Requires that an applicant and license holder must have a program grievance procedure that permits persons served by the program and their authorized representatives to bring a grievance to the highest level of authority in the program.
**In accordance with the Minnesota Statues noted above, when you the parent or legal guardian have an issue or concern with the childcare provider, Wendy Prokosch, Lil’ Pro Family Childcare and Preschool, you may request a meeting to discuss this. You may request the meeting either before or after regular childcare hours when children are not present.
If during this meeting we cannot resolve the issue or concern you may then contact Hennepin County Licensing at 612-348-3883 and ask to leave a message and speak to my licensor.
ALCOHOL/DRUG USE POLICY:
Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.04, subdivision 1 (c). ALCOHOL/DRUG USE POLICY. Requires that an applicant or license holder must have a policy that prohibits license holders, employees, subcontractors, and volunteers, when directly responsible for persons served by the program, from abusing prescription medication or being in any manner under the influence of a chemical that impairs the individual's ability to provide services or care.
**In accordance with the Minnesota licensing requirements, no use of drugs or abuse of prescription medication will be permitted by the provider or any other person responsible for the care of children during childcare hours. If prescription drugs interfere with a person’s ability to provide care, that person cannot provide care while using the prescribed medication. This facility’s alcohol and drug use policy will be reviewed and shared annually with all who are directly responsible for the care of children at Lil’ Pro Family Childcare and Preschool.