Curriculum:
In my program, I use The Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care. Its philosophy is that children should be allowed to grow at their own pace and to learn in ways that help them become confident in themselves as learners. The curriculum has 2 goals:
- To help children learn about themselves and the world around them
- To encourage children to feel good about themselves and capable as learners.
These goals guide everything I do in my program.
For example, I have organized my home to make it a safe place for children to explore and to learn. I keep the children’s toys and material on low shelves, in low and easy-to-open drawers, or on a blanket on the floor. This makes it easier for the children to find and play with the toys they like. It helps them learn how to make choices and be independent. All children also have a place to keep their jackets, blankets, and pictures to bring home. This lets them know they are a valued part of my family child care home.
When you visit, you will notice that we have a schedule that we follow. This lets children know what comes when. It helps them feel secure when they know that every day I will read to them before naptime or that after snack we go outside. The schedule also allows for the times when we all do things together such as music and story time, and times when the children are doing things on their own, such as coloring and playing with toys.
I plan many activities for the children. We build with blocks, dress up and make-believe, put puzzles together, read books, tell stories play with sand and water, draw and paint, cook, dance to music, and play outdoors. All the activities are aimed at helping the children learn new things and feel good about what they can do. I encourage the children to do things on their own and to be curious and interested in all that’s going on around them. I talk to them, ask questions, and answer their questions to help them learn new words and to express their ideas and feelings. All activities in my curriculum are age-appropriate, but I do encourage younger children participate if I feel they can learn by watching older children and then join under my close supervision.
I value working in a partnership with parents. Many of the things we do here are activities that you can do at home. I’d be glad to share my curriculum with you and to have you contribute to our program in any ways that you like.
Guidance and Discipline:
While in my care, only positive encouragement is enforced. Children will NOT be subject to spanking, hitting, kicking, restraint, or to verbal, emotional, or physical punishment. I believe the most effective ways of enforcing positive behaviors are: Praise, Respect, Re-Direction, and Positive Re-Enforcement. I use strategies to engage children in their own problem solving. During conflict it is important for children to feel respected, secure, loved, important and special. They need to know I am always available to listen and help, not to judge.
My goal is to coach the children so they can negotiate, compromise, brainstorm and work it out together. I do not believe in “adult initiated” time outs, as I feel when used punitively it takes away from a valuable teaching experience. I will only place a child in time out if I feel that they are a threat to the safety and well being of themselves or others.
Admission:
Before I will assume responsibility of caring for your child I ‘m required by State Regulations to have the following:
- A copy of Physical examination results obtained on each child before or within 30 days after enrollment;
- and up-to-date immunization records on each child in care unless I have a statement of medical or religious exemption;
- The parent’s signed authorization for the child’s emergency medical treatment and written consent for giving medications;
- Names of persons authorized to visit or call for the child, as well as those who are not to visit or call for the child.
- The emergency contact information.
- A written agreement made between the family day provider and the parent, guardian or other responsible person. The agreement may cover hours of care per week; cost of care per week; frequency and amount of payment per week.
Tuition:
Tuition is due weekly on Friday for the following week; tuition for child’s 1 week in my care is due upon signing the child care agreement.
I realize the financial burden that childcare places on parents, and hope parents understand that as a business childcare places financial burdens on the provider. These include, but are not limited to groceries, utilities, insurance, programming, toys and equipment. I also have a financial responsibility to my family. If fees are not received when due, a $5.00/per day charge will be applied to the amount owing. This charge will be in effect and no care will be provided until all tuition plus late charges are paid in full. I will take all outstanding accounts to court and collections. Should it be necessary, parent/guardian is responsible for all court costs. There is an extra fee of $5.00 per child for every fifteen minutes or portion thereof that your child is dropped off earlier than their contracted arrival time (without prior approval) and for children not picked-up by their contracted pick-up time.
Checks: There will be a $25.00 charge for all checks returned N.S.F. plus any additional charges incurred to myself and/or by the bank. Parents who have at least one N.S.F. check will be required to pay by cash or money order.
Holidays:
Child care will not be provided in observance of the following holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Eve
These holidays are paid.
Vacations:
Provider is eligible for 2 weeks of paid vacation a year. I will go above and beyond to provide a qualified substitute, but if it’s not possible, than parent is responsible for finding a back-up care provider. I offer 1 week of unpaid vacation to parents 1 year after signing the contract, every additional week of vacation is paid to reserve child’s spot in my care, vacation payment plus tuition for the week the child is back in my care will be required on the child’s last day in my care before parent’s vacation.
Arrivals and Departures:
Children are to arrive clean and fed (unless arriving before a meal time). I prefer that there are no pick-ups or drop-offs during the designated daily quiet time. 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 leaving also. Drop-off and pick-up times are not good times to discuss serious problems. Little ears and minds hear and understand everything. I am not comfortable discussing a child in the presence of anyone, but their parents. Topics that concern day-to-day events or light-hearted discussion are fine.
Meals:
In accordance with USDA standards I provide healthy nutritious meals (breakfast and lunch) and afternoon snack. Menu is always displayed on the parents’ board.
Breakfast includes milk, fruit or vegetable, grain or bread. Lunch includes milk, 2 different servings of fruit or vegetable, grain or bread and meat or meat alternate. Snacks include 2 of the following items: milk, fruit or vegetable, grain/bread, or meat/meat alternate.
Child Release Policy:
To ensure the safety of your child, only you or your designate(s) may pick up your child. Phoning me to let me know someone other than yourself will be picking up your child is fine if I know the person or your child can identify him or her. Verification of legal custody: I must have a copy of the court order recognizing the parent who has legal custody of the child, as well as visitation schedules. Otherwise I have no choice except to release the child to his/her parent.
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. I feel that we are a team raising your child. If we can work together then your child can feel secure in knowing they have two families who love them very much. I grow to love each child I keep very much and I am always glad to have a chance to be a part of their lives. It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between us. I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that affect a positive outcome for the child. Sensitive issues will be discussed outside of regular hours either by letter, phone or a scheduled conference.
