Home Away from Home - Paula's licensed childcare / Daycare in Highlands Ranch Colorado.

I believe in taking a professional approach in what I can offer the children.  I will provide a licensed childcare home in compliance with the Colorado Child Care Regulations.  I will work to keep abreast of current information on child care and Early Childhood Education.  I am active in continuing my education through workshops, conferences and in-services through various state and national child care organizations.  I am also very involved in the Douglas County Child Care Association.  I have been the Referral for the Highlands Ranch area, Membership Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, and Education Coordinator.  I feel you have to give at least a little to get out what you want in life.

This handbook has been prepared for you, the parent or guardian.  Please take the time to read this handbook thoroughly, as every parent is expected to be aware of this information and will have agreed to the policies and guidelines herein upon signing the child care contract.                                                                                                                 

 Trial Period:

Your child’s adjustment is important to the both of us.  There will be a two week trial period that will be used to determine whether the child(ren) will be able to fit into my child care program.  It is appreciated that a child does not always adjust easily to a new situation.  This will give the child, the other children in my home and me an opportunity to discover one another.  In this manner, we can determine if there is a working relationship for all involved.  Both parties agree to give two weeks to see if the child(ren) can bond with other children and the provider.  After two weeks, if either the provider or the parents do not feel the child is adjusting, both have the right to terminate the contract without further notice.

Rates and Fees:

The cost of child care will be based on IF your child is potty trained and old enough to take part in the preschool program; (please see Potty Training and Preschool on page 3).  This rate is what you would be charged when your child(ren) are attending child care and will be charged to hold your opening in my home.  This rate is subject to change as deemed necessary.

Upon enrollment, the parent shall complete and return all forms with payment for the first week of care, as well as a two week deposit in advance.

All services are PREPAID and payment will be made on the first weekday morning for the current week of care.  No post dated checks will be accepted.  Parents are welcome to pay multiple weeks if they wish.  There will be a $20.00 charge for each day the payment is late, including times when a back-up provider is used.  Checks returned for insufficient funds, closed accounts, or similar reasons must be rectified immediately by a cash payment plus an additional $35.00 service fee, as that is what I will be charged by my bank.  From that point on, all payments must be made in CASH.

There will be an overtime charge for all children picked up after their scheduled pick up time, & or no later than 5 p.m.  My intent is not to increase my income, but to have my opening and closing times respected so I may follow through with my family plans and commitments.  Overtime is charged at a rate of $1.00 per minute.  This is payable at the time the child is picked up for the day.  If your payment is late, you may be asked to withdraw your child from the child care home.

On a rare occasion, you may be asked to provide small amounts of money for entrance fees for special field trips.

If your child purposely damages any child care property, or personal property of the provider or provider’s family, such as toys, books, equipment, or furnishings, you will be expected to replace the item or pay for the replacement or repair.

POTTY TRAINING

A $5.00/day or $15.00/week additional fee will go into effect while your child is being potty trained.  Potty training periods will be discussed and approved by both the parents and the provider at a prior conference.  Children must exhibit all signs that they are ready for potty training prior to commencement.  This fee will be in effect from the first day your child wears any type of training pants until he/she can use the bathroom unassisted for at least one full week.

                 -Unassisted – My not telling them to use the potty.  They pull their pants down

get onto the potty, clean themselves, get off the potty, pull up their pants, flush, and wash & dry their hands-

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

A monthly fee of $10.00 will be charged for children old enough (usually around 2 years old) to take part in preschool activities in order to assist with purchasing supplies and materials for the program.  Please add this $10.00 fee to the first check of each month.

PAID HOLIDAYS

The following days are the holidays which my child care home will be closed and are regarded as paid holidays:

            New Year’s Day

            Martin Luther King Day (3^rd Monday in January)

            Presidents Day (3^rd Monday in February)

            Memorial Day

            Fourth of July

            Labor Day

            Thanksgiving Day

            Friday after Thanksgiving

            Christmas Eve

            Christmas Day

            New Year’s Eve

If the holiday falls on a weekend, I will take either the Friday before or the Monday after as the paid day off.  If a holiday falls during my scheduled vacation period, it is still expected to be paid in advance to the provider and is this is a Holiday not a vacation day.  If families choose to take their free vacation week during a holiday, I am not paid for that holiday and the entire week then would be your “free week.”

Absences/Sick Days:

I will be fully compensated for any day your child is not in my home due to illness.  If I become ill and unable to care for your child, I will notify you as soon as possible and inform you of arranged back up care or in the very worst case, that I need you pick up your child.  I will be fully compensated for any time missed due to illness when back up care is available, even if you choose to find alternative care.

Bereavement Leave

The provider is to be allowed 1 week of paid bereavement leave.  This leave is to use in the occurrence of a death in the family, a family member is involved in a major accident of some kind, or a family member becomes suddenly ill and needs my assistance.  The provider reserves the right to take any vacation days available in addition to the 1 week of bereavement.

Emergencies:

I must have numbers where parents can be reached plus the number of a personal physician or clinic.  It is extremely important that these numbers be kept current so that I may reach you when necessary, not just during emergencies.  The numbers may be checked from time to time to verify accuracy.  In case of emergency, I always carry a cell phone when I am not at home, or outdoors with the kids.  My cell phone number is listed at the top of this handbook.  Parents must sign an emergency medical treatment form.  This form must be notarized and filled out yearly.  In the event of a medical emergency concerning your child, I will make every effort to contact you.  If you cannot be reached, or time does not allow an attempt, the release form will be used.                                         

Emergency Situations:  Of course we all strive for nothing but wonderful & perfect days, but the reality is “things happen” especially with children, it’s just a fact of life.  So should the unthinkable arise, I want you to know that I have already thought ahead of time of what my actions would be, so to be prepared to serve your child(ren) to the best of my ability.

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Accidental Poisoning:  I, (the provider) will call the poison control center, determine what the child got into, follow the poison center’s recommendations, call 911 and alert one of the parents of the incident.

Blizzard:  During a blizzard, all parents should try to pick up their child(ren) early while roads allow travel.  However, get to me a.s.a.p. most importantly please get to me in one piece, drive carefully, which is obviously more important than getting to me by 5 p.m. on days like this.

Car Accident:  Should I or an authorized agent be involved in a car accident, we will attend to the needs of the children, find alternate transportation home if necessary, and notify all the parents of the children in care.  If I am incapacitated, I will have records on file easily assessable in the vehicle to aid the rescue crew.

Child Not Picked Up By Closing:  If a child is not picked up by closing time and I have not been contacted, I will try to call both parents and then the other people listed to pick up on your enrollment form.  As required by the State of Colorado, if no one can be reached, the provider can call the police and report the child(ren) as abandoned.  Please don’t make me do this.  It’s the last thing in the world I would ever want to do.

Electrical Storms/High Wind/Hail:  During electrical storms, children will be kept away from window and electric devices.  All electric devices not required will be turned off.  Children afraid of thunder and lightning will be calmed to the best of my ability.

Fire:  We have four exits from doors from the child care area and a window downstairs that is close to the ground.  In case of a fire, I will gather the children away from the danger of the fire and have the exit from the closest and safest exit.  We will gather at a neighbor’s house, call 911 and then I will inform all the parents of the situation.

Gas Leak/Neighborhood Evacuation/Power Outage:  In case of a neighborhood evacuation for whatever reason, I will load the children up into the car and go to my sister’s home at 9717 S. Red Oakes Place, Highlands Ranch, CO, if it is safe to do so.  Directions from my home to get to my sister’s (Robin Howard’s) home are: - the first stop light headed North on Broadway, turn right onto Salford, and right on the first street, which is Red Oakes Place.  If it is not safe to go, then I will go to the nearest shelter indicated by the authorities and will notify the parents of our location via cell phone, if possible, as soon as we arrive there. 

Injured Child:  Small bumps, scrapes and cuts will have first aid administered (soapy water and band aid per the Department of Social Services) and the parent will be notified at pick up time as to what happened.  For more severe injuries, I will call a parent, or if needed 911 and then notify the parents.  Should the child need to be transported, I will relay the parent’s choice of hospital as indicated by intake records.

Lost Child:  God Forbid, if I cannot locate a child, but I would contact the police and the child’s parents immediately.  If a child is lost, all children will be gathered in one area while I check the remainder of the child care area and house for the lost child.  I will then also check outdoors and neighboring homes.                                                                                                                   

Tornado Watch/Warning:  Once we are aware of a tornado watch or warning, I will gather the children and move them to the basement away from the window to the interior of the play area.

 Health:  The State of Colorado requires that every child in a child care home or center to maintain a current physical exam.  The parent is required to provide the child care home with a physician’s statement certifying the child’s health PRIOR to the first day of enrollment and must be updated annually ( infants more frequently; 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 15 months, 18 months and 2 years.  Please let me know when the child’s next appointment is, and I will give you the Medical Form to be filled out with current information, signed and dated.  Additionally, the State of Colorado requires written permission from a physician to allow a child care home to administer any drugs to your child.  These regulations apply equally to both prescription and over the counter drugs.  Written permission from the doctor may be sent to the child care home via e-mail.  Until the written authorization to give medication is received, no medication will be given per Colorado Law without this written authorization.  All drugs and medications must be provided in their original containers and display their prescription labels.  The child care home reserves the right to determine when a Sick Child Re-admittance Form must be signed by the child’s doctor indicating the diagnosis and when the child is not contagious to return back into child care.

Please inform me of any allergies your child has.  I will accept children with clear runny noses, and minor ailments that are not contagious.  Please remember, when you send a sick child to me that spreads to the other children and probably back to your own child a never ending cycle.  Now, let’s also mention me, the Provider around the sick child(ren) all day, not good for you if I’m too sick to work.  Generally, a visit to the Doctor and some medication for your child and he/she will be ready to roll in no time, nip it in the bud early and save a lot of headaches for all of us in the long run, and without a doubt appreciated by all.  As we all know all kids have their moments and none are exempt from being sick.

Children who are on daily medication that I need to administer, I must have a medical health plan signed from their doctor for me to keep at the child care home, to refer to as needed.

Children with the following conditions will not be allowed into the day care home:

• Runny nose thick, not clear or cough for more than 3 days
• Diarrhea – Must be free of diarrhea for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to child care.  If your child needs to drink (Pedialyte) or eat certain foods applesauce, bananas, etc. after being ill, and hasn’t quite gotten their appetite back, please don’t assume I have these items that you may need on hand, you need to bring them so that your child is assured to get what you/your doctor want them to have.
• Vomiting – If child is vomiting at home, please do not bring them to child care they must have not vomited for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to child care.
• Fever – No temps over 100 degrees for at least 24 hours
• Ear infection/sinus infection – child must be on medication for at least 24 hours before re-entering the child care home

Clothing:

The parents will provide the following:

• A change of clothes (several for younger children who may spit up or be messy eaters)
• Diapers & wipes when you bring the diapers each time.
• Ointments
• Swimmers for the summer
• And in the winter, snow boots, mittens/gloves, hat, snow pants or extra pair of pants, extra socks.

 Also, I ask that parents dress their children in clothing appropriate to the season and weather.    I also ask that the children not be dressed in their “Sunday” best dress clothes, as we will be getting dirty playing outside or will be crawling around on the floor.  The child care home is not responsible for misplaced or unlabeled articles of clothing or personal belongings (toys).  Please write on the label on inside collar your child’s name on coats, boots, hats, jackets, sweaters, etc. you have no idea how many boys come in with size 6 blue boots from Target on the same day.  I do…

Field Trips:

The child care home will be going on field trips either on foot or by vehicle.  As required by Colorado State Law, all children will be in a car seat secured by a seat belt until they reach the weight or age limits set by the law.  If they exceed the limits, they will be secured by a seat belt.  Field trips can be taken on a regular basis.  For safety reasons, advanced planned trips will be cancelled in case of bad weather or other unplanned emergency.

Television Viewing: 

When in use, the television will be on a station showing appropriate shows for young children, or the children will be viewing an age appropriate tape or DVD.

Discipline:

I believe in positive discipline.  I will try to reward children for correct behavior.  If the child’s behavior is not acceptable, however, I will use “time outs” and discussion according to the age of the child.  Other methods of guidance I may use will be logical and natural consequences, substitution, and role modeling.  If unacceptable behavior continues, despite all efforts to discipline, a conference will be necessary with the parents, the child and me.  Major life changes may often affect behavior, so please let me know of anything going on that may be affecting your child’s behavior (a death, divorce, someone sick, a problem with their pet etc.).  I ask you as parents to back me up at all times on discipline for misbehavior.  Failure to do so may result in immediate termination.  We need to work together as “a team” for the better of the child(ren).

People allowed to pick up your child(ren)

Please list the people other than you (the parent’s) that will be permitted to pick up your child(ren) on the Child’s Admission Form. Please be aware that I will only release your child with your prior permission, and if person is unknown to me, I will ask to see a picture ID before releasing your child to him/her.

Thank you

Pre-payment/Deposit

A prepayment of TWO weeks care is required as a "deposit" upon the enrollment of your child (ren). This deposit is non-refundable UNLESS THREE WEEKS advanced notice is given prior to termination of this contract. This two weeks payment will then be applied to the last two weeks of childcare in my home. NO CASH REFUNDS ARE GIVEN. Also, payment will be required to hold any spot for your family for more than one week. HOWEVER, IF I AM HOLDING A SPOT TO ENSURE A SPACE FOR YOUR CHILD AND YOU CHOOSE NOT TO USE MY SERVICES FOR WHATEVER REASON BEFORE SERVICE HAS BEGUN, YOUR DEPOSIT WILL NOT BE REFUNDED,

Vacation/Pad Holidays

I am happy to give the children in my childcare one week's FREE vacation, per year (Jan. - Dec. not to be carried over from year to year). Vacations are to be taken by the week only, not individual days. I do request at least a TWO WEEKS NOTICE prior to your taking your week of FREE vacation. I will be taking three week’s vacation per year in which I am to be paid for 2 of these weeks, or 10 days.  The third week is unpaid by you, I will let you know at the beginning of the year which of my vacation weeks will be unpaid.  So, in short I am paid 50 weeks a year for child care.  You are required to find your own care for these three weeks that I am off, however, I will also be happy to assist you, if needed, in finding substitute childcare during these weeks. 

Jury Duty

I will try my very best to see that I don't have an issue with Jury Duty as far as coverage for my childcare children goes.  However, if I am called, and I do not have anyone available to watch your children, I have no choice other than to take this time off.  I will then take 3 PAID DAYS OFF IF I AM CALLED FOR JURY DUTY, pursuant to Colorado State Statutes.  (Sections 13-71-126, 127, 128, 129).  (Since 1989, zero days have been used for this situation).

Meals

If you would like your child to eat breakfast at my home, you will need to be in my home by 8:30 a.m.  If you need me to prepare breakfast and are running late please call and let me know.  I would really appreciate your cooperation in this matter, this way I am not feeling like a ^“short order cook" and can get on with my daily plans with all the children.

I will be serving well-balanced meals and I do follow specific FDA guidelines. I provide breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack each day, provided your child is in my home during the scheduled meal/snack times. The children are encouraged to taste all food items. Meal and snack-time is an ideal setting to notice colors, tastes, textures, similarities, and differences, smells, counting objects and socializing. Good table manners and polite behavior are encouraged.  If your child has any FOOD RESTRICTIONS, (such as milk allergy, peanut butter, etc.) please indicate all these restrictions in writing on your "Child's Admission Form" as well as let me know.  I do send home a menu each month as to what the children will be eating.  Also, I send home a a "Cuddle Gram" each day showing how their day was until the child reaches the age of about 3 years old where they can tell you themselves what they did on that day.

Parent Responsibilities:

The following forms need to be read, signed and notarized when indicated and returned to me upon your child's first day of childcare in my home: Medical Statement; participation in Activities/substitute care. Medical Authorization (*) Admission Form and Transportation Release (*) It is a SOCIAL SERVICE REQUIREMENT that you have a yearly check-up for your child(ren), newborn babies through 2 years requires additional immunizations & check-ups. These check-ups will assure your child's good health to the other daycare children and their families, as well as me and my family, not to mention your own family. Parents must have their pediatrician fill out and sign a Health Evaluation Form to keep in my file and reference for Social Services during their inspections. If you will let me know in advance of a check-up, I will see to it that you have the proper forms that need to be updated and signed by your physician; much easier than going back to the Doctor to have this done.  This helps to make the paperwork part of my job go so much smoother.

Any changes in address. Phone numbers. Work place. Etc. must be reported to me immediately in order for all changes to reflect in my records should an emergency arise.

Special "diet foods", diapers, bottle pacifiers, etc. are to be supplied by parents of the child(ren) in my care. A special stuffed animal, doll, or blanket used for naptime can also be sent each day if desired, or left at my home to be available to use each day. I prefer any additional items be left at your home, unless it’s your child’s scheduled show-n-tell day. However, books, tapes, songs etc. are always welcome. 

Court Orders/Restraints

IN THE EVENT of a court order restraining one parent or guardian from your child, I must have a written note from the custodial parent or guardian AND a copy of the court order. WITHOUT THESE TWO ITEMS. I cannot legally and will not prevent a non-custodial parent from picking up the child.

Doctor’s Appointments/Well Baby Visits

It would be very much appreciated that when making your child’s Doctor, Dentist, picture taking appointments you do it the first thing in the a.m. or the last in the afternoon.  It tends to be VERY disruptive to the children when they come, leave, come back, leave etc.  Also, when doing these visits the first thing in the a.m. or the last thing in the afternoon; it doesn’t disturb any of the children’s nap time, your child’s lunch time etc.  Also, when planning I’m to go on a “field trip” – outing that too isn’t compromised for everyone.  All in all the day goes much smoother when planning appointments this way, Thank you very much in advance. Also, when taking your child to the Doctor for his/her checkup – please remember to let me know IN ADVANCE so that I have his/her paperwork ready for you to take with you for any shots, a signature and current date….. Thanks, we can all keep Social Services Happy this way!

Birthday & Holidays Celebrations

We celebrate all Birthday’s and many Holiday’s.  Generally, the parents like to send a “special” snack for their child’s birthday.  However, if you prefer I am happy to prepare a special snack for after naptime for that day.  Please let me know of your choice so that we do not “double do!”  Our holiday parties are generally in the morning considering the various pick up times for each child in the afternoon.

Naps and rest time

A "QUIET' time is observed in my home between the hours of 12:30-3:00 P.M. infants are on their own schedule. If you will be picking up your child within these hours, prior notice would be appreciated. This way special arrangement will be made so that the other children will not be disturbed during their much-needed time of rest. I can also be sure your child is ready for his/her trip home (diaper changing, hair brushed, face washed, use the bathroom, etc.).  Unless you absolutely can’t avoid it, please avoid picking up/dropping off your child during this time.  Thank you

Substitute Care

I do have fellow childcare providers to use as “back up” in case of my vacations and you need help, or an emergency or severe illness in my family to watch your child(ren).  However, you are also responsible to have a person in mind should my backup person be unavailable at that time to you.  Having someone (family member, friend, neighbor etc.) that you can rely upon will make this time less stressful and a better experience in that unpredicted time of need.

By Colorado Law, I am required to report any signs of abuse or neglect of children in my care to Social Services, and I will promptly do so.  I am liable as a child care professional for this responsibility and can be fined or jailed for failing to do so.

Parents also have a responsibility to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.  You may contact the Douglas County Department of Human Services at (303) 688-4825 to file a report.

*****Termination of Contract:*****

Termination of this contract must be given to the child care home in writing signed by both you and Paula J. Williams, AT LEASE 3 FULL WEEKS, beginning with Monday, before the child is to leave the child care home.  Failure to give proper notice will result in the normal fee being due and payable to cover the three week period.  I, as the provider, reserve the right to terminate the contract at any time.

Miscellaneous:__________________________________________________________

I ask that you let your child(ren) bring an item that provides them with security as needed for nap time.  Please leave other toys in the car or at home unless its your child's scheduled "Sharing" day.  If your child does bring in a toy, (on their scheduled "Sharing Day" he/she will be expected to share them with all the other children (except for infant toys).  Please do not send items that are easily broken, or has more than 3 pieces.  I will not be responsible for damage or lost toys brought into my home.

For my child care home to exist peacefully in my neighborhood, I ask you to respect my neighbor’s driveways.  Please park only in legal spots, and do not Double Park.  Also take care to watch your speed through the neighborhood as there are many children that live along these streets.

During snow storms, and after, if the driveway has not been cleared of snow, please do not park in it as it can be very slick and it is difficult to clean off the packed snow.  We will try to have the driveway cleared as soon as possible.  Also, please remove your shoes at the door when I have laid de-icing material outside.  I would like to minimize this material being tracked inside since there is always a crawling child around that could get a hold of it.  If you would prefer, and I am available, feel free to call for me, and I will bring your child to you to the front door, so you need not take off your shoes/boots.

Child care is a legally deductible expense and I am happy to provide you with weekly/ bi-weekly/or monthly receipts, if needed, just mention it, also a year-end statement for your income taxes will automatically be given to all families.

Closing:

I am a self employed Licensed Child Care provider.  I have tried to be fair in setting up these guidelines to help us both see what we can do for each other.  The financial arrangements are there for my family to maintain a monthly balance we depend on and you can budget.  I do expect the respect and consideration you would give any other professional.  Please remember my business is necessary for the support and well being of my own family.  Changes in the services contract should be fully discussed and agreed upon.

Your child(ren)’s well being is very important to me, and I want to keep communication open.  Please ask me for a conference at any time.  If necessary, I will ask the same of you.  Please feel free to bring me any complaints or compliments.  As required by regulations, I am listing the number to the Colorado Department of Human Services, which is (303)866-5958. 

Rev. 1/2009