Kelly's Kiddy Korner

KELLY'S KIDDY KORNER
Kelly Plater
381 Edgehill Drive
Barrie, ON L4N 9X4
Phone # (705) 305-9533
[email protected]

Policy Handbook
Thank you for your interest in Kelly's Kiddy Korner. My goal is to provide your child (ren) with a clean and safe, comfortable, and nurturing home environment where they can play and learn with guidance and loving care. I will provide your children with careful, individual attention, affectionate care, and stimulating activities so he/she will experience happy and healthy growth and development while in my care. Promoting children's self-esteem is one of my primary goals, and I will do so by treating them with respect and allowing them to feel confident in what they do, while offering just enough of a challenge to encourage growth.
I will provide healthy snacks and meals, outdoor playtime, and developmentally appropriate activities for your children. Activities will be child-centered, in that we will have a flexible program in both timing and content, based on the children's interests. Since play is one of the most important methods of learning for children, play experiences will be a crucial part of every childcare day.
Your child will be offered all-¬encompassing play experiences that offer sensory and creative activities, as well as plenty of opportunity to read. Art activities will offer opportunities for creativity and exploration, not just the end result.
I maintain a consistent routine for children. A structured day is beneficial for all children. It is necessary to establish a set of guidelines upon which my day care will be operated.
Please carefully review all the enclosed information and feel free to discuss any of it with me.
As stated, this is a home childcare program, which means it is my home. Because I have my own family to consider, it is important that I establish hours of operation, an illness policy, and a need for prompt payment of fees, which I expect to be respected by parents of children in my care.
Please treat me as a professional. This is my career choice! I am a professional, qualified, childcare provider, not a babysitter.
The policies listed below are set forth by the Childcare Provider and are in accordance with Childcare regulations. These policies and accompanying contracts become effective upon acceptance by the parent/guardian and the Childcare Provider.
*Please note: This is a private home childcare program; it is not licensed by the Government of Ontario*

Business Hours/Overtime
I provide regular childcare 6am – 6pm a day Monday to Friday based on your contracted hours. Hours beyond this may be discussed at an additional fee. This is not a drop off day care center. Any changes to your schedule must be discussed and rescheduled, based on my ability to meet your need. There is a late fee of $5/child for every fifteen minutes, or part thereof, that your child is not picked up by their contracted pickup time. Care will not recommence until such late fees are paid in full. This policy is not intended to be a revenue source but may be strictly enforced to discourage late pick-ups. Please be on time daily. Please call to notify us of late arrivals or cancellations by 8:00am. THERE ARE NO DROP OFFS BETWEEN 8:30AM – 9:00AM
An Example of our Day
7:30 a.m. - breakfast
Free play
9:30 am - snack
Outdoor play / program playgroup
12:00 p.m. - lunch
Story time
1:00 p.m. - Rest / nap time
3:30 p.m. - snack
Free play / outdoor play
6:30 p.m. - supper
Programs
The program includes a wide range of activities including:

 Monthly Calendars
 Pre-reading and Pre-writing skills
 Numbers, counting and other Pre- Math Skills
 Drawing, coloring, painting, 'crafts'
 Sensory activities
 Listening experiences
 Social skills development
 Dramatic play
 Music and songs
 Resting and storytelling
 Nutrition
 Health and safety
 Both Fine-motor and Gross-motor skills
 Outdoor and indoor play

Admission Paperwork
Before I will assume responsibility of caring for your child (ren) I require the following: Signed Policy Handbook Contract Signed Financial Agreement Child profile Emergency Contacts Emergency Medical Attention Consent PLEASE NOTE: All forms must be updated annually.
Orientation
It is important to me to hold a pre-registration interview with parents. This is an informal exchange in which you can learn about my philosophies, and I can learn about your child and family.
I request that children have made at least one visit with us prior to beginning care. This will assist your child in becoming familiar with us. Most likely we have just had our pre-registration interview.
The first week of childcare is to be an adjustment period. It is my responsibility to let the parent know if the child seems unhappy or the arrangement is unsatisfactory for any other reason. It is the parent's responsibility to let me know the same. Either party can terminate the contract immediately at any time during the adjustment period in writing, during the one-week care.
Arrival and Departures
Please keep drop-off times brief, whenever possible. Lengthy good-byes only allow children more time to work themselves up to a high level of anxiety.
At pick-up, I encourage you to take a moment to discuss your child's day with me, however, let's try to keep this period brief as well (as I may have other children to attend to) and carry out any important discussions outside of regular childcare hours, (i.e. not in front of your child, or the other children).
Please refrain from using foul language in my home.
Children are to arrive clean and fed (unless arriving just prior to a mealtime).
Please do not allow your child to walk to the door by themselves at drop off. It is important to take a minute to walk them to the door and greet me. This gives us both the opportunity to discuss any schedule changes for the day or anything else.
At pick up, please do not let your child leave the house until you are also leaving.
Children are to arrive on time. If you need to bring your child early, you must call first to confirm. If you need to bring your child late, you must call to notify me.
If you need to cancel, you must call to notify me (fees still apply).
It helps your child (ren) tremendously if they can predict pick-up times. Please keep me informed.
If you have any important issues to discuss with me, please contact me outside of childcare hours so that we may have the opportunity to speak privately.
Children will not be allowed to leave with anyone except the parent/guardian, or those adults designated 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. Please make the alternate pick-up person aware of the requirements. I will not release a child to someone who does not appear capable of providing safe care. Authorized alternates will be called to pick up the child under such circumstances.
If a child is not picked up at the scheduled time, I will call the parent. If I cannot reach the parent, I will call one of the authorized adults for pickup.

Open Door Policy
While your child is in my care, you can always be assured that the door is open to you. "Open Door" does not mean that we keep our doors unlocked, for the safety of myself, and the children, doors are usually kept locked, except for scheduled drop off and pick up times.
I appreciate you taking into consideration our daily schedule when calling (please avoid calling during Rest Time as much as possible).
Please keep in mind there may be times when it is not possible for me to run to the phone (diaper changing, bottle feeding, etc.) If the phone goes unanswered, please do not become alarmed, simply leave me a message and I will call you as soon as I am able.
Dress Code
Please dress your child appropriately. Activities may be messy.
Please send your child (ren) in 'play clothes'.
We will spend time outdoors, please send child (ren) dressed appropriately for seasonal weather.
I also require that a complete change of clothing be supplied in case of an accident; I do not supply clothing for the children. If the child has no spare clothing, the parent will be called to bring some.
Water Play: I have a sprinkler for summer water play. A swimsuit will be requested for these days.
Monthly calendars may state certain colors on certain days.
I encourage the children to use creativity, problem solving, and take pride in their skills. Sometimes these values get messy. Some days we will be painting, so please send your child in appropriate clothing.
Please dress your child for real success. There "work" here is play!
The childcare provider is not responsible for your child's clothing or personal items brought into childcare home.
The childcare provider is not responsible for getting your child ready for appointments, pictures, etc. Please allow yourself enough time when scheduling these appointments to get your child ready.
Supplies
Please label all supplies with your child's name. Parents are responsible for supplying:
 Prepared Bottles, Baby Food (any special foods) Diapers, Wipes & Cream
 A full change of clothing (2 for infants & toddlers)
 Appropriate outerwear for seasonal weather: Waterproof splash pants, boots, jacket, mittens & hat for rainy days
 Winter coat, boots, mittens, hat & snow pants for snowy/cold weather
 Hat and bathing suit during warm weather
 Any other supplies your child may need.
 Sunscreen IS provided. Bug repellant is NOT.
All personal belongings should be labeled with your child's name, and either remain at the center or be provided daily in a labeled diaper bag or backpack.
It is not necessary to bring eating utensils, cups, or dishes, as they will be supplied.
Toys
I provide a wide variety of playthings.
I ask that no toys be brought from home.
Anything brought will be put up safely until the child is picked up.
This policy is for the concern of all children in my care. Children often have a hard time, sharing the toys they bring from home.
The ONLY exceptions to this policy are: A special blanket AND/OR stuffed animal/doll to be used during Naptime. This will be put up and ONLY used for the appropriate time. Please limit your child to one item.
"Show and Tell". At times we may have a "Show and Tell" activity. I will inform you ahead of time when this may occur.
Meals & Snacks
I will provide a nutritious lunch and snacks as well as 2% milk and water; depending upon the hours your child is attending care.
The meal schedule I follow is included in the example of our day listed previously.
If your child (ren) will be arriving after mealtime, please feed them before they arrive.
Children arriving after 7:30 A.M. should eat breakfast at home before arriving.
Arrangements may be made with me ahead of time, if your pick-up time is later than others are, and your child (ren) requires a light snack to hold them over until pick-up and supper at home.
If your child requires a special diet due to allergies, medications, age and/or cultural or religious beliefs it will be the responsibility of the parent to provide a well-balanced lunch and snacks for their child.
No junk food, pop, gum etc.
Nap/Quiet Time
All (age appropriate) children will be required to lie down for a nap/rest time each day.
Naptime generally begins around 1 pm and end around 3:30pm (allowing children to wake on their own).
Please try to keep pick-ups or phone calls during this time to a minimum to lessen disturbance to the resting children.
All children will rest in their beds/playpens/cribs with individual linens.
Toilet Learning
I will assist in toilet learning with the understanding that it will only work if we work together. Your child will not learn if it does not happen, both in care, as well as at home.
Please work with your child at home before I begin potty training here. Clothing should be easy to manage to encourage self-help skills.
I also require that each potty-training child have 5 changes of training pants or underwear and at least 5 changes of clothing, including socks.
Please replace any clothing sent home, the next day.
Cleanliness/Hygiene
We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards.
Children's hands are washed before and after meals, coming in from outside and after toileting.
Infants sleep in separate cribs/playpens with clean sheets and blankets, used only by them. Each child has a separate nap mat, with crib sheet. These are washed weekly (unless soiled, then washed as often as necessary).
Toys are sanitized with a diluted bleach solution once a week.
Child Abuse/Neglect
It is my responsibility as a childcare provider to report all signs of abuse or neglect to a child. Therefore, I will notify Family & Children's Services when I suspect that a child in my care is being physically, sexually, or emotionally abused, neglected, or exploited.
This phone call will then be documented, detailing date and time, child's full name, child's age and date of birth, description of observations or alleged incident, and my signature.
Medical Emergencies
I make every effort to ensure your child (ren)'s safety through supervision and child proofing, however accidents do occur, and minor bumps and scrapes are inevitable.
Minor injuries will receive appropriate first aid, and if a serious injury or illness occurs, you will be contacted immediately.
In the event of a serious medical emergency or accident, I will contact 911 first, and then contact the child's parent. If necessary, your child will be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. Parents are responsible for costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including transportation if required.
All incidents and accidents will be documented on an accident report requiring your signature.
Evacuation Procedures
In the event of an emergency, I will evacuate the building with the children through the exit furthest from the source (i.e., fire), most likely the front entrance.
All children and I will gather in the front yard of our neighbor's home (386 Edgehill Dr. - across the road), and then access the telephone, to call 911 and parents.

Child Illness
Under no circumstances should you bring your child to care sick.
Your child should not attend if they are not feeling well enough to participate in all our daily activities, indoors and outdoors.
If you are not sure if your child is well enough to attend childcare, please call and discuss it with me.
An ill child should be allowed to recuperate fully at home after an illness so that the other children and the provider do not risk unnecessary exposure. If you are unable to stay home with your child, it will be necessary for you to make alternate care arrangements at your own expense.
If your child is absent due to illness regular fees still apply. A space is being reserved for your child; therefore, that space must be paid for.
Regulations prohibit the admittance of any child into a childcare home that exhibits any of the following symptoms:
 Fever (100°f or higher) - child needs to be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medication.
 Vomiting - child must be symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medication.
 Rash – must be checked with a doctor before resuming daycare.
 Discharge from eyes or ears
 Lice - child needs to be treated and nits removed, and second treatment given 7 days later before returning.
 Communicable diseases - chicken pox, measles, mumps, conjunctivitis (pink eye), influenza etc. The child may return when the incubation and contagious period is passed, and the child is well enough to resume normal childcare activities.
 Diarrhea – child must be symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medication.

I have the right to refuse care for a sick child. If your child develops any of the above symptoms while in my care, you or your alternate will be required to pick up your child immediately. If I must call a parent to pick up a child that is ill, the child will be required to stay at home the following day.
Your child may return to care a minimum of 24 hours (depending of contagious period) AFTER symptoms of illness end without the aid of medications.
Medication
If your child is on antibiotics, he/she continues to be contagious for a minimum of 24 hours after the first dose of medication and may not return to childcare until this time period has passed.
Childcare regulations prohibit me from giving your child medication of any kind (prescription or over the counter) unless you have filled out and signed the Medication Release Form.
All medication must be in the original container, clearly labeled with your child's name, name of the medicine, dosage, and administration frequency. Please arrange your child's medication schedule such that frequency and requirement for receiving medication while in care is minimized.
Child Guidance
I believe the most effective way of guiding children's behavior is by encouraging positive behavior, through modeling, praise, respect, redirection, and positive reinforcement.
I use strategies to engage children in their own problem solving.
I also use counting out and "adult initiated" time outs (one minute per year of age).
Children will NOT be subject to spanking, hitting, kicking, restraint, or to, verbal, emotional, or physical punishment.
If something of a more serious or continuous nature should occur, I will need to discuss it with you so we can jointly decide on a strategy that will be followed through, both at home and in care.
General Excursions
We may be making excursions in our immediate area, on foot (going for walks, to bus stops).
Transportation: I do not transport your child by car.
Communication
Communication is very important to me. When I accept a new family into my home, I like to be sure that we can share openly, any concerns or questions that may arise.
If we can work together, then your child will feel secure in knowing they have two families who care for them very much.
It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between us.
I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind.
Sensitive issues will be discussed outside of regular childcare hours either by letter, phone or scheduled conference. You may call me between 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., any day.
I will provide a periodic newsletter and monthly calendar that will update you on important information and any other topics that may be of interest to you.
You are always welcome to contribute to our newsletter.
Each full-time family will be provided a "family communication" binder that will travel between childcare and home each day. This will contain the child's daily notes, newsletters, any artwork, childcare information, and blank Permission to Administer Medication forms. You may also use this to send me notes or reminders. This communication binder is a wonderful way for you to know about your child's day, and for us to stay in touch. This binder is property of Kelly's Kiddy Korner.
The daily reports will be filled out each day your child attends until your child reaches the age of 3 years old.
Damages
It is expected that your child be respectful of my personal property and furnishings. A certain amount of "wear and tear" is normal, but if your child intentionally damages my property through destructive behavior or roughness, you will be liable for 100% of the replacement costs. This reimbursement is due with your next weekly payment.
Closures
Kelly's Kiddy Korner will remain open regardless of weather/storm conditions.
Provider Holidays / Sick days
I will be taking two weeks of vacation per year. I will provide at least one months’ notice of the dates. No daily fees will be collected for these dates.
I will make every effort to provide an alternate caregiver for all other absences on my part (doctor’s appointment)
If I am providing an alternate childcare provider in my home, and you wish to make alternate arrangements for childcare, daily rates still apply.
Parent/Child Absences
Please notify me at least 1 month in advance prior to taking vacations.
I will allow each family two weeks-unpaid vacation/absence (with notice) per year.
For absences in addition to the initial 2 weeks, full payment is expected for all days/hours your child is normally scheduled to be in care.
A space is being reserved for your child; therefore, that space must be paid for.
These holidays may only be taken in weekly intervals, not day by day.
Payment and Late Payment Fees
At Kelly's Kiddy Korner you are paying for a specific childcare space; per hour or per day attended, no discounts are given if your child does not come to care.
All payments must be received on the Friday* by 6:30 p.m. of each week by CASH/EMTONLY.
*If a STAT holiday falls on the Friday, payment is due on the last open day.
If fees are not paid your child (ren)'s space will be considered open. You will run the risk of your childcare space being filled by another family.
There are no refunds of fees for absences due to a child's illness (or any other reason).
Full fees are required regardless of whether your child attends.
Receipts are handed out yearly.
Schedules are based on contracted hours. Remember cancellation fees apply.
If childcare fees are not received when due a $15.00/per day charge will be applied to the amount owing. This charge will be in effect until all monies, plus late charges, are paid in full.
Statutory Holidays
If a statutory holiday falls on a day that your child normally attends daycare, regular rates still apply.
If a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday, Kelly’s Kiddy Korner will be closed.
Regular rates STILL apply.
Maternity Hold
Due to Bill 10 – I will ONLY be able to hold a daycare space at full time rate.
Termination
To terminate the childcare contract, one month written notice, on or before month-end, for the following month is required (i.e., written notice must be provided by Nov. 30th for Jan. 12th).
Fees will still be due if the parent withdraws the child before notice is given, for the remainder of the period up to the termination date.
One month's fees may be paid in lieu of one month's notice.
Termination notice will NOT be accepted while the provider is on vacation.
I will provide the parents with one month written notice if I am no longer able to provide care for your child. Payment of fees is still required until the date of termination, regardless of whether your child attends or not.
I may terminate childcare contract/arrangements immediately for any of the following reasons (but not solely limited to):
 Failure to comply with the policies set forth in this book.
 Failure to comply with the contract.
 Destructive or hurtful behavior of child that persists even with parent cooperation in stopping the behavior.
 Non-Payment of childcare fees or late and/or recurring late payment of fees.
 Failure to show up for 5 days in a row without any communication.
 Failure to complete required forms.
 Disrespect toward childcare provider or provider's family.
 If parents knowingly bring their child ill.
Policy Revisions
Revisions to policies and procedures, contracts and forms may be done with a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice UNLESS it is a new provincial childcare regulation - these changes will take place immediately.
Policies, contracts, and forms will be reviewed periodically and updated annually at the first of the year.
I will notify parents in writing of any changes.
All previous forms will become obsolete.

Policy Handbook Contract
The following contract pertains to the policies set forth in the Parent Policy Handbook governed by Kelly's Kiddy Korner.
It is the Parent's responsibility to read the Policy Handbook completely before signing.
It is the Parent's responsibility to abide by all the policies stipulated in the Policy Handbook.
This is a legal and binding Contract and signing it obligates you to this Contract legally.
I (the parent) hereby acknowledge that I am aware of the conditions stated in Kelly's Kiddy Korner Policy Handbook (p.1 through 12 of this document)
I understand and agree to abide by the above signed policies and requirements, in conjunction with the Financial Agreement & Agreement for Childcare Services.
Date signed _______________________________________________
Parent full name ____________________________________________
Parent signature ___________________________________________ _
Parent full name ____________________________________________
Parent signature ___________________________________________ _
Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone # ____________________________________
Email Address _____________________________________________
Childcare provider's signature ________________________________

Rates
Financial Agreement & Agreement for Childcare Services Payment
All payments must be received by the Friday of each week for the following week of care by cash or EMT
Fees for Childcare
FULL TIME
$225.00 weekly
(between the hours of 6am – 6pm)
Any additional hours at $5.00 per hour
BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL
$75.00 weekly
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL
$125.00 weekly
Late Fee: $5.00/15 minutes
Cancellation Fee, Sick Days, and Statutory Holidays: REGULAR RATES APPLY
Late Payment Fee: $15.00/day
All prices are per child, per day
To guarantee your child a spot at Kelly's Kiddy Korner, I require the parent to guarantee the provider with certain hours and fees per week.
You must pay the provider each week by cash the said amount even if your child does not attend daycare (minus 2 weeks of holidays).
Your rates are based on this.
The parties to this agreement have agreed to the following schedule of care:
MONDAY HOURS ________________________ TO ______________________
TUESDAY HOURS ________________________ TO ______________________
WEDNESDAY HOURS _____________________TO ______________________
THURSDAY HOURS _______________________TO _____________________
FRIDAY HOURS _________________________ TO ______________________
The following contract pertains to the policies set forth in the Parent Policy Handbook governed by Kelly's Kiddy Korner. It is the Parent's responsibility to read the Policy Handbook completely before signing. It is the Parent's responsibility to abide by all the policies stipulated in the Policy Handbook.
This is a legal and binding Contract and signing it obligates you to this Contract legally.
I (the parent) agree to pay Kelly’s Kiddy Korner a weekly fee of $ ____________ to provide childcare for my child.
Date signed __________________________________________________
Parent full name ______________________________________________
Parent signature ______________________________________________
Parent full name ______________________________________________
Parent signature _______________________________________________
Childcare provider's signature _____________________________________

**AT THIS TIME, I ONLY HAVE AVAILABILITY FOR BEFORE SCHOOL ONLY. I AM NOT AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER CARE, THEREFORE WEEKLY FEES ARE NOT REQUIRED DURING THE SCHOOL SUMMER BREAK. FULL DAYS FOR P.A. DAYS, CHRISTMAS BREAK AND MARCH BREAK CAN BE DISCUSSED**

Before and after school daycare available September 2021.
Hillcrest Public School and Good Shepherd Catholic School.
Message or call for details.

Ontario bill threatens 140,000 daycare spots, group warns As many as 140,000 daycare spaces may be lost if the Ontario Liberal government refuses to make changes to its bill updating the province’s childcare laws, independent care providers warn.

I hope each and everyone of you have a very Merry Christmas!! xoxox

Touching the Future

I don't wear power suits, make speeches, or drive a fancy sports car.

I've never talked on a car phone, made a big sale, or been elected to the Senate.

I don't "do lunch", have a big impressive office, or carry a beeper.

I spend my days wiping away tears, giving hugs, and serving chicken nuggets.

A good day is when I go through a whole day without a temper tantrum,
bite mark, or a toilet training accident.

My "office" is a room full of brightly colored toys and laughing children.

You may not think that what I do is very important and you may even whisper behind my back, "What a waste of a good mind" But I know better...

I make a difference because I'm changing the world one child at a time.

Everyday I'm getting the once in a lifetime chance to touch the future.

I'm proud to say "I'm a child care provider"

- By Marti Doyle