PARENT HANDBOOK
PHILOSOPHY
At Little Hands Childcare Center, Inc. we strive to provide a loving, nurturing and creative environment for children. We are sensitive to their social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs. We provide developmentally appropriate programs that focus on the process of learning while also helping them to enjoy many other successful experiences. We believe in provid
ing a physical environment that is safe, clean, healthy and child friendly. Classrooms are arranged to offer challenging play and learning choices at a range of developmental levels. Learning centers allow children the opportunity to explore and to experience the environment. The strength of our program is the experience, expertise and dedication of our staff. We support the teachers with training, resources, and the freedom to create a unique learning environment. We provide many opportunities for the teachers to share and grow professionally. Our teachers create a caring and nurturing atmosphere that fosters each child’s creativity and positive self-image. We establish consistent and appropriate limits to help children function in their world. Our programs are designed to develop in children a sense of independence and responsibility. We strive to strengthen each child’s own cultural identity, while instilling a respect for others. Parents are the most significant adults in a child’s life. We strive to create mutual respect between parents and teachers – a partnership for the benefit of the child. We encourage daily communication between parents and the center staff. Our doors are open to parents at all times. Our center values people: the children in our care, their parents, and our employees. We continually work to earn the trust placed in us. We strive each day to provide the best early childhood education services possible. PROGRAM SPECIFICS
Little Hands provides a high-quality educational and childcare program. We are open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round. The program serves children ages 6 weeks through 12 years, and is licensed through the NYS Department of Family Services, Office of Children and Family Services. Our Nursery School program is from 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. daily with a minimum of two days per week required. Daycare children receive the Nursery School program daily and there is also a requirement of a minimum of two half days per week attendance. We offer a before and after school program for children ages 5-12 years. LICENSING
We are licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. We are held to strict regulations. A copy of the regulations is always available for sign-out if a parent wishes to view them. Please contact the Director regarding sign-out. STAFF
Staff qualifications and child/teacher ratios always meet and often exceed state requirements. Our staff is always available to discuss any special needs or concerns you may have regarding your child or the center. All staff are trained in first aid and CPR and certification is kept current. All staff are required to attend a minimum of 30 hours per year of early childhood training. STAFF/DIRECTOR/PARENT COMMUNICATION
Parent involvement is valued and therefore encouraged. Your child will benefit most from our program if parents and staff communicate regularly in both formal and informal conversation. By working together we can design a program that will respond to the individual needs of each child.
1. Parent Conferences – are scheduled in the Fall and the Spring. Notices will be posted on the parent bulletin board in the hallway and in the monthly newsletter. You are welcome to make an appointment at any time during the year to meet with your child’s teacher if you have concerns.
2. Home/School – parents need to communicate pertinent information with the center. This should include such things as illnesses, changes in sleeping or eating habits, teething or any other pertinent information that will help us understand your child. All information provided about your child will be kept confidential.
3. Donations – as your child develops mentally and physically, please consider whether books, or outgrown toys may be appropriate for use in our center. All donations are appreciated.
4. Parent Concerns – if you have any problems or concerns about our operation or your child’s progress, please contact the Director immediately. Your concern is
our concern and unless you tell us we may not know. Little Hands is committed to working with families. We strongly encourage them to participate in all aspects of their child’s program. Parents are welcome to visit the center at any time. Our main focus is your child. It is vitally important that you as parents/guardians communicate your needs and desires regarding your child’s development openly and honestly with your child’s teachers and the Director. DISCIPLINE
One of our goals is to help your child develop a positive self-image. We recognize that children need clearly defined limits set in a non-threatening yet firm manner. We encourage children to be self-directed and exhibit self-control. In order to achieve these goals, we apply principles that build individual esteem and avoid any shaming practices. As such, we accomplish order and thus discipline through close supervision, gentle guidance and re-direction. When all else fails, we will utilize a brief time out. This practice is never over used. We do not condone or employ corporal punishment as a means of discipline. If behavior problems persist, the parent is asked to a conference to discuss what may be helpful in motivating the child to behave in an acceptable way. It may be suggested that the child and parents be involved in a behavior modification program. Continued behavioral problems that disrupt the daycare will result in the parent having to find other daycare arrangements. SAFETY POLICIES
The staff is informed of safety rules and procedures, evacuation procedures, first aid and CPR. All staff are required to have current first aid and CPR. Monthly fire drills are held so children and staff are familiar with fire procedures. The building is protected by a central fire system which is automatically hooked into a central fire station and monitored continually. We also have only one entrance to the building for parents and children. All other entrances are locked from the outside but are accessible for fire evacuation from the inside. Our parking area can be a busy place at certain times of the day. Please help us in providing a safe environment. We offer the following tips and ask for your cooperation.
1. Children are never to be left alone in the parking area or allowed to enter or leave the building by themselves.
2. Please drive slowly in the parking lot and driveway. Always yield to the incoming cars so they do not have to back out into the street. Please be careful pulling or backing out of parking spaces.
3. Please use caution in bad weather. We always try to plow and sand and salt the lot for your safety, but please be cautious. ENROLLMENT CRITERIA
Children must be between the ages of 6 weeks and 12 years. No child will be accepted at the center until the following has been furnished:
1. Evidence that the child has received a health examination within one year prior to admission by a physician or other authorized medical person. All children must have proof of immunizations including HIB shots, TB tests and lead tests. Dental exams are encouraged but not mandatory. Medical forms provided by the center are the only acceptable form of proof of physical.
2. Registration fee of $100 and all registration forms, including information sheet, healthcare permission form, emergency blue card, medical form and signed contract. The center does not discriminate on the basis of s*x, race, religion, ethnic, national origin, or handicapping conditions. Children are admitted on a space available basis. A waiting list is maintained by the Director and will be used when an opening presents itself. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
You will be required to fill out and sign a blue emergency card and a healthcare permission form at registration and once yearly at re-registration. These forms contain the necessary information we need to transport any child by ambulance in an emergency. Please make sure all information is kept up to date on these forms. Parents will be contacted immediately in the event of an emergency. Please keep us informed of any changes in work, home or emergency numbers so that you can easily be contacted. If you cannot be reached, we will call the physician specified on your child’s health record form/blue emergency card. In case of serious emergency, the closest hospital via ambulance service will be used. You will be contacted to meet your child at the hospital. HEALTH INFORMATION
Because of our concern for the health of your child and all other children at the center, the following guidelines have been created. We appreciate your cooperation in complying with them. We ask that you not bring your child to daycare if he/she is showing signs of illness including, but not limited to:
1. a temperature of 101 degrees or any fever accompanied by
a. a deep cough or spasms of cough
b. earache, draining ear or sore throat
2. a rash of any kind until diagnosed, treated or declared harmless by a physician
3. very bad colds with extreme discharge
4. diarrhea or vomiting the previous evening or early morning – child needs to be
free from vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to daycare
5. red, runny or matting eyes – may be pink eye – please call your doctor
6. bronchitis or pneumonia – if your child is coughing frequently
Your child may return to daycare when he/she is free of any of these symptoms for at least 24 hours. No child with a contagious or communicable disease will be accepted for daycare. A child who is not well does not benefit from our program and can adversely affect the health of our other children and employees. If you have any doubts about your child’s health, please keep your child home and contact your family doctor. In the event your child becomes sick while at the center, you will be promptly notified. We expect that you will come to the center as quickly as possible to take your child home. You will be contacted if your child shows any of the following symptoms:
1. a temperature over 100 degrees
2. discharge from eyes or pink eye
3. vomiting or diarrhea
4. any skin rash or skin lesion that blisters or oozes
5. excessive signs of a cold including tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing coughing
6. earache or draining ear
7. a persistent cough
If your child is dismissed from school early due to any of the above symptoms they may not return to daycare until they are free of symptoms for at least 24 hours. When a child is absent due to illness, the parent is asked to notify the center as early as possible in the morning. It is important that you advise staff of any special allergies or medical conditions your child may have. This will assist us in being better prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise. We are able to administer medication. If your child needs to take medication at the center please see the director for proper procedures. If you feel your child is not well enough to go outside in good weather, he/she should not be at daycare. MEALS
Little Hands provides a morning snack, which consists of breakfast type foods, a hot lunch everyday and an afternoon snack. All meals are served family style and are included in tuition prices. If your child has any allergies to foods, please let us know. Monthly menus are posted in the hallway wall files on the 1st of each month. Baby food must be provided by the parent for those children not yet able to eat table foods by themselves. All formulas must be provided by the parent. Milk is served daily to all children except those on formula or with allergies. CLOTHING AND SUPPLIES
Parents of infants and toddlers are required to provide an adequate supply of disposable diapers and wipes. Each infant and toddler should have at least one change of clothing in their baskets at all times. Please check your child’s supplies on a weekly basis. Infant room bedding is supplied by the center and cleaned by the center on a daily and weekly basis. Toddlers and Pre-School children must supply a small blanket and pillow for naptime. Due to limited storage space, we must ask that large items not be brought. All children should have one complete change of clothing and appropriate outdoor wear, including sturdy shoes or sneakers, left in their cubby box at all times. Please label all of your children’s belongings to avoid confusion. The center supplies cots for Toddlers and mats for Pre-Schoolers. They are reserved specifically for your child. Please take blankets home periodically for cleaning. Our cots and mats are sanitized on a regular basis. TOILET TRAINING
We are happy to work with children who are potty training. We focus on positive reinforcement. We will do our best to support your at-home initiatives. Please let us know when you and your child are ready to train. We enjoy helping your child become independent. If your child comes dressed in an outfit that zippers or buttons down the back or front or with a belt, it can be frustrating. We recommend sweat pants and enjoy seeing those big smiles and confident looks that say “I did it myself.” Please provide us with several changes of underwear and outer clothing including socks and an extra pair of shoes or sneakers. DROP OFF
Our motto at drop off is “the shorter the goodbye, the shorter the cry”. We know from experience that after your child has been here a few times, the fuss will be less, if at all. Children have a unique capacity to make new friends quickly. PICK UP
No person other than those who appear on your child’s emergency pick-up list will be allowed to pick up your child. If you will not be picking up your child, please call and let us know who will. Anyone you authorize for pick up will be required to show identification until we get to know that person. The center is open until 6:00 pm to accommodate parents who work late. Therefore, we ask that you pick your child up no later than 6:00 pm. In the event that you are late, there is a late fee of $10 for the first 10 minutes and $5.00 for every 10 minutes thereafter that you are late. BIRTHDAYS
Parents are encouraged to allow their child to share his/her birthday with the class. Parents provide the fixings, we provide the song. Please let your child’s teacher know ahead of time when you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday. BOOK CLUB
We participate in the Scholastic Firefly Book Club on a monthly basis. Order forms are placed in your child’s mailbox at the beginning of each month. Return the order form and cash or a check made out to Scholastic and place them in the payment box in the office. Books are then ordered and usually arrive within two weeks of ordering. Participation is not mandatory, but we appreciate your orders as the center receives free items for our classrooms when you order. BULLETIN BOARDS
The parent bulletin board is located in the main entrance area. It contains important information and is continuously updated. Parents may place items on the board with the Director’s approval. Each classroom has a dry-erase board on the door for parent-teacher messages. CONFIDENTIALITY
Information relating to your child is confidential and will not be released unless written authorization is provided by a parent or legal guardian. CUBBIES
A cubbie space is provided for each child at our center. Please hang coats, hats, etc. there in the morning. Please leave naptime articles in the designated cubbie space in each classroom. Again, please label all of your child’s belongings. Baskets are provided in cubbies for extra changes of clothing. Please check them from time to time to replace clothing. TOYS
Parents are strongly advised not to allow their children to bring in toys from home. To avoid hurt feelings or loss of children’s treasures, we need your cooperation. Children may bring in a stuffed animal, book or other comfort object for naptime. At no time are children permitted to bring in toys associated with violence including guns, knives, swords, etc. SICK DAYS, VACATION DAYS, SNOW DAYS, EMERGENCY CLOSINGS, AND HOLIDAYS
Snow closings – we make every effort to open on snow days. There may be a delay in opening time so that the driveway and walkways can be cleared for your safety. Please listen to radio stations 92.1 FM, Z93.3 FM or 107.3 WRWD FM for snow closings and delays. Please be aware that if the center is delayed 1 hour we will open at 8 am, if the center is delayed 2 hours we will open at 9 am. If we are forced to close the center early due to the weather parents/guardians will be notified by phone. There are no charges for authorized FULL DAY snow closings. We offer full day care for school-age children when the local school districts are closed. Sick days – sick days are paid in full. If your child will be absent due to illness, you
are still responsible for payment for those days. We appreciate a call in the morning if your child will not be coming into daycare. Vacations – vacations are paid in full. Payments for vacation weeks are due on the last day your child is in attendance before vacation. You may date the check for the Monday of your vacation week and we will not deposit it before then. Please let us know in advance when your child will be out due to vacation.
4. It is the responsibility of the parent to pay for all scheduled days off, this includes all holidays, unless your child attends Kid’s Klub 5 full days per week, in this case you are not responsible to pay for holidays. REGISTRATION FEES
There is a $100 non-refundable registration fee payable at the time of registration and yearly on the start date of your child. FEE SCHEDULES
The following fee schedules are based on full-time (more than 5.5 hours per day) or part-time (up to 5.5 hours per day). Our nursery school program runs from from 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. and includes snack and lunch. For a complete daily schedule please see the director or your child’s teacher.
6 weeks– 18 months $48.00 per full day
19 months – 3 years $44.50 per full day
$35.00 per half day (5.5 hours)
3 years – 4 years $44.50 per full day
$35.00 per half day (5.5 hours)
4 years – 5 years $44.50 per full day
$35.00 per half day (5.5 hours)
School-Age – 5-12 years $22.00 per day before & after
$12.00 for morning only
$12.00 for afternoon only
$33.00 for half day
$33.00 for 2 hour delay
$43.00 for full day
LATE PAYMENT FEE $25.00
LATE PICK-UP FEE $10 first 10 minutes/$5.00 every 10 minutes after
RETURNED CHECK FEE $30.00 per check
REGISTRATION FEE $100.00 yearly
TUITION PAYMENTS:
Upon acceptance, a $100.00 non-refundable registration fee is required. Tuition payments are due in ADVANCE each week. If you wish to pay once a month you may do so. If you prefer this option, payment in full for the coming month is required on the first week day of the month. Please pay by check made out to Little Hands or pay cash. We also accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Please place your payments in the “Winnie the Pooh” payment box in the office on the wall next to the desk. This box is always locked and no one has access to payments except the Director. If you are paying cash, please put it in an envelope, seal it, mark your name, and place in the payment box. A cash receipt will be issued to you within a day of your payment. Checks do not need to be placed in envelopes. Please do not leave payments on the desk or with employees. You are required to sign a contract, which is legally binding, that states your payment plan. You are also required within this contract to provide the center with a debit/credit card number for billing should your payments not be made on time. If you do not have a credit or debit card, a cash deposit in the amount of 2 times your weekly fee will be required to establish a cash account to draw from. Please read the contract carefully as it is legally binding. If you have any questions, please make sure you speak to the Director. CALENDARS
You will receive a calendar upon registration and every Fall for reference. Please refer to this calendar for information on closings and other important dates concerning the center. ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
We open at 7:00 am and appreciate your letting us know if your child will be in at that time so that we may arrange for required staff coverage. If there is any change in your morning arrival time, please let us know. We close promptly at 6:00 pm and appreciate your being on time. Our staff appreciates being able to go home to their families on time also. There is a fee of $10.00 for the first 10 minutes and $5.00 for every 10 minutes thereafter. If you are consistently late, you will have to find other daycare arrangements. We ask that you do not put yourself or others in danger when attempting to get here. We would rather you be late than not get here at all. Please judge your time and allow ample time to get here. And if you must be late please call the center to let us know. WITHDRAWAL POLICY
If you intend to withdraw your child permanently from the daycare center for any reason, including medical reasons, you are required to give us a two week notice, IN WRITING. You are responsible for full payment of fees for those two weeks. We retain the right to give a two-week notice if a child is not working out in the program or if parents fail to comply with the established policies of the daycare center. Fees for this two week notice are to be paid in full. REMINDER
This handbook is given as a guide to information regarding the policies of Little Hands Child Care, Inc. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference. Any change in policies will be forwarded to you to replace the current information. These policies are legally binding and it is the parent/guardian responsibility to abide by them. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to serving your family. Should you have any questions regarding this handbook, please contact the Director.
