There are a variety of toys, games, and activities offered that are geared towards enhancing your child’s growth and development. A variety of art materials are accessible to use anytime during free play. Dress up, roll play, singing, dancing, science and discovery, sensory play, story time, and circle time are just some of the things we may do during this time. Crafts and activities are planned to gear up for special days. Christmas, Easter, Halloween etc.
Closing Circle
Closing Circle happens when our day draws to a close. It’s a time to peacefully wrap up the day with stories and snuggles. We reflect on the things we did that day and talk about the things we will do the next day. Closing circle brings a sense of calm, safety, and comfort. Children leave feeling excited about their day and looking forward to the next day’s possibilities. It’s a perfect way to end our day on a positive note.
Daily Reports
Daily reports are done via Brightwheel. You may access this right from your phone or computer. Follow your child real-time throughout the day, check in/out, photos, reminders, meals, potty, and so much more. Brightwheel is secure and private for parents/guardians viewing only.
Discipline
Since children occasionally need discipline, it is important that you and I share a similar philosophy so that your child is not too confused as to where the boundaries are and what is expected of him/her. Your child will be taught which behaviors are inappropriate, and why, and given alternatives that are acceptable. I express my disapproval (without attaching character). I state my expectations and show your child how to make amends. If your child is unable to resolve a problem or take responsibility for their actions, they will be re-directed to another activity, or in special circumstances, be limited in the use of a piece of equipment/toy.
No physical discipline is ever used in my care.
Sleeping:
Naptime is part of our daily routine. Sleep is an important part of healthy growth and development. Regular naps provide predictable routines and while it may take several weeks to establish, it’s worth the effort. If a child has not fallen asleep within 45 minutes they are given a couple books to look through quietly while the other children nap. Your Child will be provided with a safe comfortable sleeping space with separate bedding.
Potty Training:
Potty training shouldn’t be rushed. It is important that your child is psychologically and physically ready for training. I will work with you and your child to the best of my ability during this transition. I recommend clothing that can easily be pulled up and down.
Child’s Health
Medical emergency information will be saved on your child’s profile via Brightwheel. You will be responsible to update this information as necessary.
I will notify you immediately should your child develop any of the following symptoms
· Temperature of 101 degrees or greater
· Vomiting or excessive diarrhea
· Any rash other than mild diaper rash or heat related rash
If your child appears to be uncomfortable, regardless if any of the above symptoms have appeared you will be contacted.
Note: Your child must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to daycare.
In the rare occasion that I become too ill to care for your child, you will need to find alternate care, however you will not be responsible for any fees on my absent days.
Injuries: I will supervise your child closely in an attempt to prevent injuries but accidents resulting in injury do occur. I have been trained in First Aid and CPR and will follow my training. Minor injuries (requiring only a Band-Aid or ice) will be documented on Brightwheel. If it is serious, I will call you and may even suggest that you take your child to the doctor or emergency room. If an injury is severe, I will call 911 for assistance before I call you. If I cannot reach you, I will call one of your emergency contacts listed.
Child’s Medication:
Prior to administrating prescription medication, I must have written permission and instruction for each medication. Medicine with the child’s name and current prescription information on the label constitutes as instruction.
Non-Prescription medications will be administered with your permission according to manufacturer’s instructions. Any medications administered will be documented on Brightwheel.
Transportation:
On occasion we may go on a field trip in the vehicle. I may also need to transfer a child in a medical emergency. Your child will be properly restrained in a certified car seat at all times. My vehicle will be properly licensed and insured. Your child will never be left unattended in a vehicle.
Daycare Rate and Tax Receipts:
Tax receipts are provided electronically on a weekly basis. Weekly fees are calculated on the Friday at the end of each week and payment is to be submitted on that same day.
I offer full time and part time care Monday - Friday. I am open between the hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; however alternate times may be discussed to accommodate your schedule.
Full Time $200.00 per child each week
Part Time $120.00 per child each week
Fee Payment Guidelines:
Child care fees are paid on a weekly basis every Friday before 6pm.
Late fees do not apply; however they may come into effect on an individual basis. This will be based on past tardiness and will be discussed ahead of time.
A personal cheque, cash or eTransfer will be accepted for payment; however etransfer is preferred. Non-payment is cause for termination immediately without notice.
A two week or more notice of any increase will be posted.
Vacation:
When I take vacation you will be given two weeks or more notice and no payment will be required on my time off.
Should your family go on vacation, I will require the regular fees agreed upon per week.
Note: daycare will be closed on statutory holidays and fees will still apply
Supplies:
I will supply all meals, wipes, diaper ointment, and sunscreen; however you will need to supply your own diapers, baby food, formula/homogenized milk, swim diapers and Children’s Tylenol/Advil.
You will also need to provide extra clothing in case an accident occurs. I ask that you leave at least 2 outfits here and replenish as necessary. Having clothing here for your child is your responsibility. If your child’s clothes have been changed through the day, please make sure to replenish. This is for your child’s benefit. I do not keep extra clothing here and I would hate to see your child go without.
To eliminate the daily bundle of items to bring, please leave some diapers, baby food, and formula/homogenized milk as required. Each child is provided with their own bin. All items will be marked with your child’s name, and I will notify you if items are running low.
**During the summer months I ask that you apply sunscreen to your child before dropping them off at daycare. This way they are ready to go and play as soon as they arrive. It’s important that you do not forget, as we spend 90% of our days outside during the summer. Make this part of your daily routine while dressing your child in the morning. I will do any necessary re applying throughout the day.
Late Drop Off and Pick Up:
Prior to starting we will mutually agree on a desired drop off and pick up time. It becomes extremely difficult to have an appointment or other scheduled plans if I cannot depend on the agreed times.
Please call me if you will be late dropping off or picking up your child. It is very important to me and the other children to know our schedule and when we can move along from one activity to another.
I do understand that there may be an occasion of major traffic congestion or bad weather conditions causing a delay in your travel. If you have a cellular phone, please call me.
Termination:
If you no longer require my care, I ask for a minimum two weeks’ notice if not more. I would hope that this sounds fare as I would never terminate your Childs care without two weeks or more notice.
Authorized Person:
Occasionally your child may need to be picked up from daycare by someone other than a parent/guardian. I will not release your child to any person unless consent by a parent/guardian is given prior to pickup.
Parents in Daycare:
You have the right to stop in anytime during your child’s regular daycare hours. My home will become your child’s daytime home and I want you to feel comfortable being here. You do not need reason you are welcome to pop in anytime! I believe that developing a relationship between parent and provider is important. It helps with any future communication and it helps knowing that your child is with someone you’ve learned to trust.
Photos/Videos
I do take photos/videos and occasionally post them on my Daycare page. If you prefer your child not to be in those photos, please let me know in advance.
Food Served
Two snacks and lunch are served daily. Milk is offered with each meal and water is available throughout the day.
Health and Safety Precautions
A home can be a dangerous place. Young children are naturally curious and do not easily recognize and avoid hazards; therefore, they need extra protection and care. I will supervise your child carefully and make sure that their surroundings are safe. I have taken a great deal of precaution to make sure all areas are covered.
Safe & Clean Sleep Arrangements
• Cribs will have a firm mattress, one fitted sheet, one comforter.
• Bedding will be cleaned biweekly or as necessary
Safe & Clean Play Environment
• Large shelving units will be anchored to the walls
• Potential choking hazardous toys will not be available without direct supervision
• Secure baby gates are used where needed
• Electrical outlets will be covered
• Floor will be swept and mopped daily
• Toys are sprayed with Lysol daily and Lysol wipes are used when necessary
First Aid
• A copy of my First Aid/CPR Certificate is available and will be updated as necessary
• First-Aid kits are stocked and readily available
• A first-Aid kit is taken with me when we leave the daycare (walk, field trip etc.)
Fire Emergency
• A fire extinguisher is on all levels of my home
• Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are installed on each floor and maintained regularly
Backyard Play
• Outside play area is enclosed
• Water is offered continuously to prevent dehydration.
Car Safety
• Car seats will be installed as recommended by the manufacturer
• Your child will be secured properly (straps snug, chest clip at armpit level etc.)
• Bulky coats will be taken off prior to securing your child
• Car seats will be replaced when out of date or recalled
• Your child will never be left unattended in my vehicle
• I will always drive in accordance to the law
Field Trips
• Emergency contact info for your child will be taken on any field trip
• A First-Aid kit will be readily available
• Your child will always remain close and within sight
• Field trip destination will be safe and appropriate (park, splash pad, picnic, farm etc.)
General Health & Safety
• There is an emergency evacuation plan on all levels of my home
• Exterior doors are locked at all times except during pickup and drop off
• The condition of indoor/outdoor toys are checked frequently for damage
A Few Final Thoughts:
· Take an interest in your child’s activities and development at daycare
· Read all correspondence provided to you.
· Remember that you are responsible for your child while on my premises, so please remain in complete contact with your child during that time.
· Communication is key to a successful child care arrangement.
· Call me! Your concerns and feedback are important to me.
