![[Photo] A happy child](/images/branding-photo-1.jpg)
Sunny Corner Cottage Policies
Table of Contents
Parent Handbook
Introduction
Welcome to licensed family childcare. I have been providing quality childcare for 21 years and am licensed for eight children. The goal of childcare is to help with the growth of young children. I will focus on your child’s strengths and accomplishments in my home, a fun and friendly environment.
As required by the state of California I maintain my CPR and First Aid certificate. I am a Mandated Reporter of suspected child abuse. I participate in the Child Care Food Program and the Subsidized Child Care Program.
Top of page
Enrollment Requirements
Before your child may attend childcare, it is required by law that you complete and return the following forms:
- Consent for Medical Treatment
- Identification and Emergency Information
- Affidavit Regarding Liability Insurance
- Personal Rights
- Parent’s Rights
- Acknowledgment of Addendum to Notification of Parents’ Rights
- Parent Notification of Additional Children in Care
- Immunization Record
- Food Program Child Enrollment
Most of these forms (consent, identification, affidavit, etc.) can be found at www.ccld.ca.gov, or you can request them from me.
Please make a copy of your child’s record each time your child is immunized so that I may update his/her records.
Top of page
Hours of Care
Childcare will be provided Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. I will not accept children before 7:30 or after 5:30 unless prior arrangements have been made. Your specific hours will be outlined in your childcare contract. There are additional fees for early delivery and for late pick-up.
Top of page
Arrival and Departure
All children must be brought into my home by an adult each day and will only be released to an adult. If some one other than the parent is to pick up your child, please notify me ahead of time.
It is your responsibility to have a list of responsible adults that are capable and ready to pick your child up in an emergency when you are not able to. It is important that I have current contact information. Accurate information is critical for professional handling of an emergency.
Parents must sign in and out on the sign-in sheet when leaving and picking up your child. If a child is dropped off later than normal, pick-up time still remains the same.
Some children have a hard time with the transition from home to childcare. If you’re brief, smile and say a cheerful good-bye, your child will mirror your emotion. Help your child at reunion time also, as children are tired at the end of their day, and will test the different authority figures.
Top of page
Holidays, Vacation and Best Interest Days
My paid holidays are:
- New Year’s Day
- Washington’s Birthday
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
In addition to these paid holidays I will be closed the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
I will take five paid personal and/or continuing education days. I attend Early Childhood Education classes and conferences to continue to grow in this profession.
Child care fees must be paid, even for parents’ sick days, holidays and any no show days. I do not substitute additional days for days missed.
Each year your child will receive ten Best Interest Days. On BID's I will not charge the childcare fee when your child is not in attendance. If a child’s Best Interest Days are used as a week’s vacation I need a 30 day, written notice of the dates the vacation will be taken. Please write Best Interest Day on the sign in sheet for the date(s) that you choose. Best Interest Days are not valid for a two week notice.
Top of page
Illness
I will not care for a sick child. Your compliance is appreciated, and you will be compensated with the assurance that all ill children will be kept at home.
My definition of a sick child includes one with a fever within the last 24 hours, diarrhea - two or more loose bowel movements within the last 24 hours and/or vomiting within the last 24 hours. Please be fair to your child and do not leave your child here if he/she is becoming sick. Your child needs you. A dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen before he/she arrives at childcare isn’t fair to your child or the other children.
If your child becomes ill during childcare, I will call you. If I cannot reach you, I will call the next person on your list. Please keep your emergency numbers current.
If your child is known to have a communicable disease or a contagious skin condition (including but not limited to impetigo, cold sores/fever blisters, conjunctivitis/pink eye, head lice, etc.) please stay home together. Contagious diseases are never allowed in childcare at any time. Your child will need a doctor’s note saying that your child is well and no longer a risk to the other children upon returning to childcare.
Top of page
Medication
If your child is on medication and it needs to be administered while he/she is in childcare, the medicine must be in the original container and labeled with your child’s name, doctor’s name, dosage, and when to be taken. I will administer as needed only if I am given a signed, written notice that includes the date, dosage and exact time to administer. A form is available. All medications must be handed to me. Do not leave medication in your child’s bag or cubby.
Top of page
Meals and Snacks
Nutritious meals and snacks are provided at no additional cost. I serve food that meets the guidelines of the Childcare Food Program, which is monitored by the state of California. Formula will be provided for infants until they reach one year of age. Please do not allow your child to bring food or snacks from home.
Top of page
Nap Time
Nap time is after lunch and each child will have separate, clean bedding and will sleep in a warm, quiet place.
Infants will be placed on their backs unless the child’s health care provider provides written instructions for another position.
Top of page
Daily Program
I offer a variety of activities, both child initiated and adult directed. The children have time to expend energy and time to relax. For routines and transitions I try to involve the children in an individualized approach, with plenty of time.
Meals and snacks are at a consistent time. Weather depending (because of age and nap differences) we have indoor and outdoor play. We have story time, music, art - with the emphasis on creativity rather than the final outcome.
Social skills are taught by cooperative play, snack time, and conflict resolution. Sensory activities such as sand play, play-doh and water play are enjoyed. Music and movement helps the children gain practice in large motor skills through exercise movement activities to a variety of music. Outdoor activities focus on large muscle development with running, jumping and crawling, along with social skills. Counting and math skills are used every day, taking turns, counting what place you’re in line waiting for a swing. Small motor skills are practiced with sensory activities and by cutting with scissors, tearing with fingers, coloring, beading, puzzles and writing. Your little one’s imagination and language skills will be stimulated with the creative play of dress up, store and doctor’s office.
Children are encouraged to problem solve, observe a bug, develop in language with reading, group conversations, taking turns talking, and listening. To help build independence and self esteem, each child is encouraged to be responsible for clearing their snack/lunch dishes. To place their backpacks and sweaters in the cubby area, and to help me fold their nap blanket.
Top of page
Guidance
I encourage the children to be kind.
I use redirection to show what is acceptable behavior. I reinforce appropriate behavior by praising the desired behavior rather than punishing the negative behavior. I make suggestions, help a child problem solve with open ended questions and encourage good manners. Be kind and care for others.
The children are my teachers also. A little child’s love is a big reward.
Top of page
Parent Communication
I welcome questions and discussions of any kind that help in the positive outcome for your child. If for any reason you want to talk with me, please feel free to call me. Sensitive issues should be discussed outside of regular hours so that we aren’t discussing a child in front of another child or parent.
You may also send me a message through my contact form.
Please ask me about anything that you may have a question on.
Thank you for your time.