Communication

The purpose of these policies is to keep misunderstandings from happening.  I hope it provides parents with a clear picture of the expectations I have for them and that they may have for me.  If at any time a parent has a question concerning any part of these policies I urge them to talk to me about it immediately.

Payment Policies

Payment is due each Monday whether your child is in attendance or not.  Payments can also be made every other Monday, on the 1st and 15th of the month or monthly with payment being due on the 1st of the month.  Please make arrangements with me regarding what payment schedule you would like to use.  Payment late fees will be enforced if I suspect abuse of the policies.  If payments are more than five days behind, your children may not be allowed to attend care.  If payment issues arise or payments cannot be made, please contact me so we can work something out.

Common Courtesy

I am fortunate enough to be working from my home.  But please remember that this is my HOME. I ask few things from you:

Please remove your shoes after entering my home.   Whether or not there is a sign on the door it is expected of you. If you need to use a bathroom, please use the half bath on the main floor of my home.  The bathroom downstairs is for the children. If there is a fresh snowfall, please do not park on my driveway as it does pack the snow making removal more difficult. If your child brings a wet umbrella, please leave it on my porch.

Sleeping & Rest Arrangements

All infants will have a portable crib or portable bed to sleep in.  Toddlers and other children will each have their own mat to sleep or rest on.  I ask each child to bring a blanket and/or toy for naptime that will make them more comfortable.  Infants will be slept on their back, with no blanket.  Studies have shown this reduces the risk of SIDS significantly.

Smoking

There is no smoking at any time in my home.

Toilet Training

When a parent feels a child is ready and a child shows readiness, I will assist parents in the toilet training of their child.  Parents will need to bring extra clothing and the type of toilet training products they prefer to use such as pull-ups.  I will not force the child to sit on the potty and will only use positive reinforcement in order to promote the use of the potty.  I believe a child will start using the potty or trying to use the potty when they are ready.  Please remember that your child is potty training and clothing that is easy to remove should be worn by the child.  One of my children learned before 18 months of age and another waited until she was 30 months old.  This is often a frustrating time for everyone.  Remember children will learn it eventually in their own time!

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Snack will be provided.  Treats from home are welcome for special events like holidays, birthdays, etc.

Behavior & Discipline

I believe in positive discipline for children rather than punishment.  When children exhibit negative behavior I will:

• Tell them gently yet firmly that their behavior is unacceptable
• Redirect them (show them what is acceptable)
• Talk to the child about his/her behavior. Reprimands will not be public or frequent
• If a child bites another child in my care more than two times, they may be asked to leave

Loss of privileges or a time out will only be used as a last measure.  Time-outs will not exceed one minute per year of age and the child will not be left unattended. If there is a major behavior problem with any child, the parents will be informed and a conference may be scheduled to devise a plan to help the child over-come the behavior.

Medication

To be able to administer medication written instructions by a physician must be provided and written authorization to administer medication must be given by the parent.  I must also have the original prescription bottle with the name of the drug, child’s name, physician’s name, dosage and times to be given.

Discrimination

I will not and cannot discriminate against any child on the basis of sex, religion or national origin. I will not accept any child whose parents oppose immunizations.

Substitute Staff

Arrangements for a responsible adult substitute have been made to come into my home in case of an emergency.  If a substitute is needed for reasons other than an emergency, I will notify you in advance.

Pets

I have two dogs in my home.  Both are licensed and kept current on their annual shots.  Both of my dogs are Boxers.  Echo is a ten year old female and Forrest is a 6 year old male.  Boxers are amazing family pets and been stellar daycare animals.

Fire & Storms

I rehearse fire and tornado drills with the children monthly.

Personal Belongings

A special container is provided in the coat area for your child’s personal belongings, such as blankets, show and tell items and projects.  Please be sure to clean out your child’s basket daily.

Clothing

An extra set of clothing must be kept at the daycare at all times in case of emergencies.  Clearly mark your child’s clothing with his or her name.  If clothing is sent home wet or soiled, please be sure to replenish the next day.

Insurance

I have certification of insurance for liability covering bodily injury in the amount of at least 100,000 per person and 250,000 per occurrence.

Outdoor Play

This is an important part of your child’s day.  We will go outside everyday if weather is permitting.  If the temperature is above 20 degrees Fahrenheit (Taking wind chill into account) we will be going outside.  Please be sure that in the winter months that your child has a jacket, boots, mittens and a hat every day.  I am assuming if they are healthy enough to be at daycare, they are able to participate in everyday day care activities.

We will use a wading pool during the summer time.  The wading pool will be cleaned with bleach before and after being used.  There will not be more than 6” of water in the pool at any given time and the children will never be unsupervised during water play. Human services restrictions require my back yard to be fenced due to the pond.  Neighborhood covenants disallow us to fence in the backyard.  Due to these circumstances, the children will never be allowed to play in the backyard.  When outside we will play in the park across the street, in the front yard or locked onto the deck.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an accident needing immediate medical attention, I will call 911 and have the child transported to the hospital.  I will notify the parents immediately.

If a less serious accident occurs, I will administer the necessary first aid, and contact the parents so the child can be taken to a physician.

Illness & Health Policy

Your child will not be able to attend daycare if the following symptoms exist (this is to protect all the children):

Temp over 100 Degrees, contagious rash, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Symptoms of the flu, pink eye, or impetigo.

If your child has a fever over 100 degrees they should not return to daycare for 24 hours after the fever breaks without the aid of medication.  Remember, your child typically has a fever for a reason.  If they come here and get another child sick or get my helper or I sick we may have to close and that affects more than just your family.

If your child vomits while in my care, they will not be allowed to return until 24 hours has passed since they last vomited.

If your child is diagnosed with Pink eye they will not be allowed back in my care until they are initially treated.

If your child shows signs of illness while at daycare, I will contact you immediately, and you will need to make arrangements to have your child picked up as soon as possible, with a one hour maximum wait time.

This also applies to me and members of my family.  I will not be able to provide care under these same circumstances.

Please Note:

If you have more than one child in my daycare and one is being kept home ill with a contagious illness (i.e. strep, flu, diarrhea etc.) the other child/ren will not be accepted into my care unless it can be verified that the child was/is not contagious.  Unfortunately various virus’ and bacterial infections have been carried into my home by the healthy sibling who was already exposed.  Because they have already been exposed to the illness, they need to be kept at home.  This of course would not be enforced for a child who has ear infections and other NON contagious illness.

I will not take any child whose parents oppose immunizations and do not have their child immunized. I must keep current immunization records from the county for each child enrolled in my care.

Contagious Diseases

Minnesota Rules 9502.0315-9502.0445 require that a child’s parent notify me within 24 hours of the diagnosis of a serious illness or parasitic infestation below:

• Kawasaki disease
• Amebic dysentery
• Toxic Shock Syndrome
• Brucellosis escherichia coli infections
• Diptheria
• Encephalitis (all types)
• Hepatitis A, B, Non A, Non B
• Lead poisining
• Leprosy
• Leptospirosis
• Malaria
• Retrovirus infections
• Meningitis
• Meningococcemia
• Streptococcus agalactiae
• Ophthalmia neopatorum
• Occupationally related diseases
• Escherichia Coli infections
• Plague
• Psittacosis
• Hemophilus Influenzae
• Reye’s Syndrome
• Rubella
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Salmanellosis
• Tetanus
• Toodborne Illness
• Trichinosis
• Tuberculosis
• Tularemia
• Typhus
• Herpes Simplex infections
• Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
• Chancroid
• Yellow Fever
• Yersiniosis
• Legionellosis
• Rheumatic Fever
• Influenza
• Lyme Disease
• Babesiosis
• Histoplasmosis
• Echinococcos
• Campylobacteriosis
• Listeriosis
• Mycobacterioses
• Staphylococcus
• Blastomycosis
• Giardiasis
• Gonorrhea infections
• Shigellosis
• Q fever
• Chlamydia Trachomatis infections
• Diphyllobothrium Latum infection
• Aquired immune deficiency syndrome (aids)
• Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV)

Parents must notify the provider immediately of the diagnosis of the following:

• Anthrax
• Botulism
• Cholera
• Measles (Rubeola)
• Mumps
• Rabies
• Poliomyelitis
• Syphilis

I shall inform you of each exposed child the same day I am notified of a positive diagnosis of any illness or parasitic infestation listed above.  I am required to notify the health officer or Minnesota department of health of any suspected case of reportable disease as specified above.

Photos

Through the course of our days I will take many pictures of your child/ren.  I post these photos on this website in password protected posts where parents will be allowed to look at the photos.  Please note that this website is secure.

Field Trip Policy

On occasion we will have things planned for the children which require transporting them away from my home.  Many of those activities are included but not limited to the list below:

• Zoo
• Museum
• Gymnastics
• Bible School
• Dance
• Pre School
• Swimming
• McDonalds
• Dairy Queen
• Swim Park
• Lake Elmo Park

Non-Prescription Medication Policy

I will administer the following per the recommended dosage noted on the medication’s packaging, unless there is written authorization from a physician prescribing otherwise.  Most of these will be provided by you, the parents.

• Syrup of Ipecac, under direction of Poison Control Center, in an emergency only
• Cream for diaper rash
• Otoscope
• Diaper wipes
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Lotion for dry skin
• Anbesol or Orajel for teething
• Bacitracin ointment or Neosporin for minor scratches and abrasions
• Calamine lotion for minor skin irritations
• Acetaminophen (weight appropriate dosage) for an auxilliary temperature over 100 deg F and/or any physical discomfort

Change of Hours or Days

If a change in hours or days is needed – a two week notice must be given and a new contract must be signed.  I reserve the right to terminate care if I do not agree to the changes.

Trial Period

There will be a four week trial period for all children and their families starting at Whee Care.  Either I or the child’s parents may terminate the contract during this trial period if either party feels there are reasons to do so.  Whee Care or the child’s parents may terminate during this time without the need for a two week notice.  Your holding fee will not be returned.

Termination Procedure

This contract may be terminated by either parent/guardian or provider by giving two weeks written notice in advance of the ending date.  Payment by parent/guardian is due for the notice period, whether or not the child is brought to the provider for care.  The provider may terminate the contract without giving any notice if the parent/guardian fails to comply with the contract terms including but not limited to timely payment of fees.  Failure to enforce one or more of the terms of this contract does not waive the right of the provider to enforce any other terms of this contract.

Grievance Policy

An applicant or license holder must have a program grievance procedure that permits persons served by the program and their authorized representatives to bring a grievance to the highest level of authority in the program (Minnesota Statutes 245A.04, subdivision 1d)

My grievance policy is: Good communication between parents and the provider is an essential part of any successful childcare arrangement.  Each party should feel free to share concerns and ask questions.  I welcome your questions and feedback so that together we can assure a happy, safe, and nurturing childcare environment for your children.  If concerns cannot be satisfactorily resolved between us, you may call the following agencies:

Ramsey County Human Services Family Child Car licensing Unit
Kristin Erickson 651-238-3429

Drug & Alcohol Policy

An applicant or license holder must have a policy that prohibits license holders, employees, subcontractors, and volunteers, when directly responsible for persons served by the program, from abusing prescription medication or being in any manner under the influence of a chemical that impairs the individual’s ability to provide services or care.  The license holder must train employees, subcontractors and volunteers about the programs drug and alcohol policy (Minnesota Statutes 245A.04 Subdivision 1c)

My drug and alcohol policy is:  There are no drugs or alcohol allowed in my daycare.  Any employee, helper, subcontractor or volunteer who uses drugs or abuses prescription medication or alcohol during working hours will be terminated on the spot.

Also, I will not release any child/ren to a parent that comes if I see indications of excessive drinking.

Miscellaneous

I would like to ask that any damage that occurs to personal property that goes beyond normal wear and tear and exceeds a replacement value of $10.00 and over, be replaced or paid for by the child’s parents/guardian.  I have had toys and items in my house broken in the past when children were rough housing or abusing the toys in my presence.  When an item is broken and I am aware that it was not an accident, I ask that it be replaced with the same item, or paid for so I can replace it.  The children are taught how to respect and take good care of the toys and my personal property while they are in my care, sometimes; they forget what they have been taught.

The password to view the daycare calendar is Forrest