INTRODUCTION -- WELCOME
Hi, my name is Michelle and I'd like to welcome you and tell you a little about myself and my business. I have over 30 years of experience with children starting with babysitting jobs as a young teenager and later on with one son of my own. I am a level lll Senior Teacher licensed by the City of Boise. Jullion’s Jewels Childcare is located in Boise, Idaho and has been in operation since l992. I have been fingerprinted and FBI background checked, have completed the educational classes required by Boise city (as well as attend ongoing/additional classes on my own), and keep current on my Infant and Child CPR and First Aid certification.
In 2000 I was honored to receive the award of Early Childhood Educator of The Year for home providers. This was awarded by the Treasure Valley Association of Education of Young Children. I was nominated by parents of the children I cared for at the time. I was presented the award at a conference for Early Childhood Educators.
The information in this handbook is extensive and comes from years of experience. Please read it over thoroughly and talk to me about any questions you may have. You are welcome to call me at any time during child care hours. If I don't answer the phone, please do not be alarmed, I'm taking care of the children. Please leave a message. I believe parent/provider communication is key to a successful child care relationship. I strive to work with you as a team to provide a happy and safe environment for all children.
ENROLLMENT POLICY
There are many forms that I must have completed and in my possession before I can assume the responsibility of caring for your child. You are required to keep me informed of any change in addresses, telephone numbers, and other pertinent information on these forms as they arise including notifying me of additional childhood immunizations.
I do not charge an enrollment fee; however, before your child is admitted into child care (or to hold a future spot) a security deposit must be paid. This deposit is equal to one week of child care and will be credited towards your last week*s fee. In the event your child does not start care by the agreed upon date, your position will be forfeited and your deposit to hold the position will become non-refundable.
OPEN DOOR POLICY
I maintain an open door policy for parents during your specific contracted child care hours. You are required by Boise City to let me know of your presence before entering my home. Knock, then enter. My front door is kept locked for the safety of the children. I would appreciate your taking into consideration my schedule when dropping in or calling, and remember that visitors (even parents) usually cause the children to react in an excited manner that does not normally occur when I am alone with them. I ask that drop offs, pick ups, and visits not be made during our daily Quiet Time.
TRIAL PERIOD
All new children will be cared for on a two-week (14 calendar days) trial period beginning on your child*s first actual day of care. During that time the parent or provider may terminate the child care agreement with 24 hours notice. No pre-paid fees will be credited upon cancellation during the Trial Period. After the trial period, a two-week*s written notice is required by either party to terminate the agreement (See Termination Policy). Your security deposit is not refundable if services are cancelled during your Trial Period.
ARRIVALS -- DEPARTURES
It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents in the morning or not wanting to leave when it's time to go home. Please be very brief (no more than 5 minutes is sufficient) during these transition times. The longer you prolong the departure the harder it gets, and I need to focus my attention on the other children. A smile, cheerful good-bye kiss, and a reassuring word that you will be back are all that is needed in the morning. In my experience, children are nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone. This is a time of testing when two different authority figures are present (the parent and the provider). All the children will test to see if the rules still apply. During arrivals and departures, I expect parents to back up my rules (see House Rules). If you do not, I will remind the child that their behavior is inappropriate and take action to correct, if needed. Please be in control of your child during pick up times. Children are not permitted to go out to their car unattended at pick up times.
I will only release your child to you or someone else you designate. If someone else is to pick up your child, please notify me ahead of time. A verbal notice is fine on that day if this person is on the list of people who are authorized to pick up your child. If the person is NOT on that list, I MUST have written permission to release your child. Please inform emergency contacts, or people designated to pick up your child, that if I do not know them, I will need to ask for photo identification. I will not let a child leave without a parent*s verbal permission even if that person is listed as one of your designated pickup people including relatives.
FEES
Payment is due no later than drop off time on your first contracted care day of each week. If this day is a holiday, a vacation or planned day off for the parent or the provider, payment is due the previous day. If you or your child is ill, your payment is expected unless other arrangements have been previously made. If I close the child care due to my own illness or emergency, payment will be accepted on your first contracted day back to child care. Payments may be made by check or cash. No post-dated checks will be accepted. There will be a late fee of $10 for each day that payments are received late beginning the following morning for all payments not made before your contracted drop off time. This includes the weekends. See Hours of Operation for early drop-off and late pick up fees. If your check is returned to me for insufficient funds, you will be billed $25 plus all bank fees I incur as a result. Please do not put me in the uncomfortable position of having to ask for my money, including late fees.
You will be given 30 day's notice of any increases in your child care fees. A year-end statement of all daycare fees paid during the year will be given to you in January of the next year for tax purposes.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Normal daytime hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. However, the hours that your fee is based upon will be specified in your Contract and Rate Agreement and may not exceed 10 hours per day.
If you (or any of your designated drop off or pick up persons) drop off before or pick up after your contracted hours, you will be charged a late/early fee of $1 per child per every minute that you are late or early. Please respect my time and choose your drop off and pick up times carefully.
I require two-week's notice in writing if you need to change your enrollment hours. I reserve the right to terminate our child care arrangement if your new hours will not work well for my child care business.
I require you give me a minimum of 3 days notice if you decide to bring your child after all if you have told me your child will not be in attendance on any particular regularly contracted day. If this notice is not made I reserve the right to deny your child for that day because I may have scheduled a drop-in. You are still required to pay normal fees for your unattendance if this occurs. I do not accept drop-ins for the purpose of earning a little extra income; rather I do it as a service to all of my parents, which may possibly include you if you would ever need/want childcare on an unscheduled day. This notice also gives me time to adjust my menus and activities accordingly.
DROP-IN CARE
For those families using drop-in care, I require a minimum of 48-hours notice if you would like to cancel time you've requested me to care for your child(ren) on a drop-in day. If this notice is not given, regular drop-in fees will still apply.
MATERNITY--TEACHERS--EXTENDED LEAVE
In cases of your potential absence due to maternity or extended leave from your job (teachers for example), I still require full child care payments for the entire time of your absence to hold your child*s position. If I am able to fill some or all of your contracted days while you are away with a drop-in child, I may adjust your weekly fee accordingly. If you elect to place your new baby with me, I will require a one-week deposit and full pay to hold the slot for periods longer than two weeks.
YOUR ABSENCES -- NOTIFICATIONS
You are required to notify me prior to your contracted drop off time if your child will not be coming for the day or if you will be late in arriving. I reserve the right to fill your spot with a last-minute drop in, leave for a scheduled outing, and/or close child care for the day if no other children are coming in the event you do not call me by your contracted drop off time. You will not be notified if this occurs; it is your responsibility to call. There will be no refunds or adjustments made to your child care fee for your time missed due to illness, holidays, or days off. A place has been reserved for each child that cannot be filled on a short-term basis.
You are required to inform me if you are at any other location than what is listed on your Enrollment Record and to provide a telephone number for that place.
HOLIDAYS -- VACATIONS
I take 9 paid holidays and up to 10 unpaid sick/vacation days per calendar year January through December.
The paid holidays I take include New Year*s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving & the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. When a Holiday falls on a Saturday, Jullion’s Jewels Childcare will be closed the preceding Friday with pay. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, Jullion’s Jewels Childcare will be closed the following Monday with pay.
Occasionally, I may need to take additional days off for appointments, emergencies, family activities, to catch up at home, attend trainings, or just relax. When I plan for these unpaid days off I try to schedule them as far in advance as possible so that you may make other child care arrangements. I try to choose days that are convenient for the majority of the families in my care.
MEALS
I am a participant in Under The Umbrella Food Program. Nutritious meals are served at no extra cost to you. Infants, if enrolled in the program, are provided with “house” formula, cereal, baby food, and juice.
You are responsible for feeding your child if he/she will arrive at child care after a mealtime. Our meal times vary according to seasonal schedules. Please see me if you are unsure about our current times. Infants are always fed on demand.
Except for special occasions and when requested, please do not send any food, drink (this includes a morning sippy cup), gum or candy with your child.
Children are offered a variety of foods but are not forced to eat. I do encourage each child to try one or two bites of everything, and they must eat a little of everything before given seconds of anything. Sometimes they are surprised by what they like! If a child refuses to eat their meal, there will be no food served until the next designated meal/snack time.
I will not administer a modified diet to your child.
BELONGINGS -- SUPPLIES
Do not send toys with your children except on designated show-n-tell days. Children may bring a blankie or lovey for quiet time. This will be put up until that time so that it doesn't cause any fights or become lost.
You are responsible for supplying diapers (I will let you know when more are needed) or pullups (for potty training children), a minimum of one full change of clothing (including socks and underwear) appropriate for the weather, bathing suits or swim diapers (for children who are not fully potty trained) for summer, and appropriate outerwear as requested for the cold season. All items need to be labeled with your child*s initials. When soiled clothing is sent home, a clean change of clothes should be brought back the next day. It is your responsibility to maintain these items at all times. Keep in mind that if you do not supply a needed item, your child may not be able to participate. I reserve the right to go to the store to purchase the needed item or items for your child. You will be billed if this occurs.
ILLNESS POLICY
The health and well being of all of the children here are the utmost importance to me. It is for the protection of the children that I must insist on a strict adherence to my Illness Policy. Please read it carefully.
SYMPTOMS REQUIRING REMOVAL OF CHILD FROM CHILD CARE (no exceptions)
Communicable Diseases: Not permitted by law in child care. Some of those illnesses are but not limited to: Infectious Conjunctivitis (pink eye), Impetigo, Hepatitis A, Scabies, Ringworm, Infectious Diarrhea, Chicken Pox, Scarlet Fever, Lice, Strep Throat. If your child is thought to have a communicable disease, you will be notified and asked to pick him/her up. Your child will be accepted back into care when no longer contagious. All other parents will be notified of the possibility of a communicable disease and what symptoms to watch for.
Fever: Not permitted. A child needs to be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to child care; that means the child is fever free without the aid of any fever reducing substance. Administering Tylenol to reduce your child's fever so that you can bring him/her to daycare is grounds for termination.
Diarrhea: Not permitted. Infants and toddlers with fevers and/or diarrhea pertaining to teething will only be accepted into care with a doctor's note sent stating that these symptoms are due to teething.
Vomiting: Not permitted. If your child vomits while at daycare, you will be expected to come within the hour to pick up your child. The child must stay home until 24 hours have passed with no vomiting episodes.
Runny nose: Your child may be brought to daycare if he/she has a common cold (slight occasional cough, clear runny nose, occasional sneezing). Discharge of any color other than clear is not acceptable in child care. A constant runny nose which needs wiped continually is not acceptable in child care. If your child has a clear runny nose which lasts longer than a week and you suspect it may be due to allergies, I will require you to bring a doctor's note stating the same.
Rashes: Not permitted. Any rash other than diaper rash must accompany the child to child care with a note from the doctor stating it is not contagious.
Runny and/or Crusty Eyes: Not permitted. Watery, matted, and/or red/pink eyes are not acceptable in child care under any circumstances.
Excessive Crankiness: If your child is irritable, excessively whining or crying, wants constantly held, or requires more attention than I can provide without jeopardizing the health, safety, or well being of the other children in my care, you must keep your child home regardless of the presence of other symptoms. If this occurs during child care hours, you will be called to come pick up your child.
Lice: Not permitted back to child care until after the second hair treatment.
24-hour Rule: Your child must be free from any of the previous symptoms for a minimum of 24 hours before you can return to child care. No exceptions.
Please take the above rules seriously. It is always best to call me and ask if you are unsure whether or not you may bring your child. Please have a back up plan available to you in the event your child is ill and you feel you cannot miss work.
If someone in my family has any of the above symptoms, I will call you the previous evening, or as soon as I am aware of the situation, so that you may determine whether or not you want your child exposed to such symptoms. I will ask you to make other arrangements if I feel the illness(es) in my family will hinder the quality of care I give your child. If I specifically request that you find alternate care on any given day, then I will not require payment. However absences by your choice qualify as your sick or absent days and are to be paid as stated above.
MEDICATIONS
Both nonprescription and prescription medications, ointments, and creams can be given to your child if needed. Parents are required to fill out the proper forms and to supply all medications in their original containers. All written instructions shall be valid for six months unless a shorter time period is designated by the physician, dentist, or parent. These must be labeled with the child*s name. I may not exceed the manufacturer*s recommended dosage unless with written physician*s instructions when administering nonprescription medication. I may not administer nonprescription oral medication for longer than 3 consecutive days. I may not administer nonprescription topical ointments, creams, or lotions for longer than 14 consecutive days when used for skin irritations.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
In case of EMERGENCY, I will administer the necessary first aid required. The Boise Police Department or Paramedic Unit will be called and your child will be transported to the hospital designated on your Emergency Transportation Authorization form. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I am prepared with emergency caregivers in cases of unplanned absences of short duration caused by unanticipated circumstances such as illness or accident. You will be notified when an emergency caregiver will be used. If an emergency caregiver can not be located, you may be requested to pick up your child. All costs involved in emergency treatment and/or the cost of an ambulance is your responsibility. The owner of Jullion’s Jewels Childcare will not be held liable for any sickness/injury of either parent/guardian or child while on these premises, or while the child is in the company of myself during outings.
ILLNESS IN MY FAMILY
Although I will make every attempt to be available each day, there will be occasions when my son or I are ill and I am unable to provide service. You will be notified as soon as possible if this occurs and I will credit your next week of care day by day. I strongly suggest that you have a family member, a friend, or a substitute provider lined up for the times I am closed due to illness or emergency. When I must be away for a short time (1 - 4 hours), backup care will be provided by my sister, Angie Bishop, or another substitute provider. If I am unable to use one of my substitute providers then it will be necessary for me to close for half the day or the full day. My substitute providers are authorized to carry out the terms of this contract.
HOUSE RULES -- DISCIPLINE
Discipline is used to teach a child, not as a punishment. I achieve this through love, consistency, and firmness. I stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people and respect for property. The children are explained the rules of the child care home frequently, so they are all familiar with the guidelines.
*No running, jumping, or screaming permitted inside the house.
*No hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching others, including your parents.
*No standing or climbing on toys, chairs, tables, or furniture.
*No mistreatment of toys - ie standing on, throwing, bashing, hitting with.
*No mistreatment of my belongings and home. *No name calling, teasing, swearing, bad language such as 'shut up', tattling, or potty talk.
*No gun or violent play allowed.
*No roughhousing, climbing or sitting on, pulling, or lifting/carrying other children.
*No walking around the house with food, cups, or bottles.
*No going out the door or gate at pick up time without an adult.
The following methods of discipline will be used:
Encourage children to solve problems themselves
Intervention and discussion
Re-direction to another play area
Loss of privileges, Logical consequences
Time out
If I feel there is a chronic behavioral issue that needs attention, I will let you know so that you and I are handling it in the same way so there is continuity in discipline between our homes. These types of behaviors might include such things as biting, use of bad words, chronic hitting, etc. Together, we will try to find a solution. You may be called to remove your child if his/her behavior prevents me from being able to properly care for the other children. If the problem continues, other arrangements for the care of the child will have to be made, for the safety and well being of all.
As a child care provider, I have a responsibility by law to recognize and report any evidence of child abuse (physical or emotional or neglect) to the proper authorities.
Rules for parents
*No cars allowed in my driveway if leaking oil. Please park along the street.
*No food, drink, or gum brought into the house for your child. It will be disposed of.
*Always come to the front door.
*Knock prior to entering.
*No smoking is permitted on the premises.
TOILET TRAINING
Children generally achieve toilet training between the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years old. If potty training is begun when your child is ready, the task is easy and quick. It can often be achieved in one or two days. Some signs to look for include appropriate language skills to communicate the need to use the potty, staying dry for long periods of time, the ability to dress and undress self, and an interest in staying dry or clean. I take a very relaxed attitude towards potty training. Please realize this should be your child's accomplishment and not yours or mine. Children should not be compared to how others are doing. Children train easily when they are ready.
Parents must begin the toileting process at home. If successful and I'm in agreement that your child is ready, I will follow up with toilet training here. During this time I require that children wear pullups for health and safety reasons in my child care setting. Please keep in mind that the activity level here can distract your child from responding to an urge to use the potty, more so than at your home. Therefore, I will continue to use pull-ups until your child can and will announce that he/she must use the bathroom (not just at home, but here, as well) and can control his/her bladder and bowels for a few minutes beyond that announcement. We will need to go two full weeks with no accidents here before putting your child in big girl or big boy underpants at child care.
While your child is learning to use the potty my rule is: No overalls, onesies, belts, buckles, snaps, buttons, or zippers. A second set of spare clothing is required.
NAPS -- QUIET TIME
I ask that parents refrain from dropping off and/or picking up their children during our daily quiet time. This is very disruptive for the children.
All children (except infants who nap on their own schedules) must lay down in the afternoon for a quiet period of time. Even older children need a break from the day to rest and rejuvenate. Children under the age of 2 nap in Pack 'n Plays. Sometime between the ages of 18 months and 2 years, when I feel your child is ready, he or she will then nap with the other children on a nap mat. I provide all bedding, including mats for the older children. You may bring a blanket from home to keep here if you wish or I will supply one for your child.
PRESCHOOL -- ACTIVITIES -- BIRTHDAYS
My main goal at Jullion’s Jewels Childcare is to provide a variety of fun learning experiences for all of the children. I use the Mother Goose Time Pre-School Program. Letter, shape, color, and number recognition will be taught as a part of my program as well as arts & crafts, music, science, and story telling. The goal of preschool is to have fun and provide a little extra learning stimulation for the older children. It will not be a rigorous academic program as young children learn best from play!
Each child's birthday is his/her "Special Day.* You may supply a special food treat such as cake or cookies for all the children on your child*s special day if you'd like. We will provide the “birthday child” with a gift and balloons for everyone.
FIRE SAFETY
I have a written fire evacuation plan and practice a fire drill with the children at least once each month. In addition, I incorporate a fire safety curriculum into my program twice a year. My home is inspected regularly for fire safety.
TERMINATION POLICY
I reserve the right to terminate for the following reasons (but not limited to):
* Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
* Failure to pay or pay on time, bounced checks
* Failure to complete required forms
* Lack of parental cooperation, Disrespect
* False information given by parent either verbally or in writing
* Consistent late arrivals disrupting our routine
* Failure of child to adjust to the child care after a reasonable amount of time
* Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property
* My inability to meet the child's needs
* Serious illness of child or provider
I appreciate as much advance notice as possible when terminating, and will give the same courtesy in return. You are required to give two-week*s written notice when you decide to terminate child care. The two weeks will be paid in full, regardless of whether or not your child is in attendance. Likewise, I will give two-week*s written notice of termination for which full tuition is due, whether or not your child is in attendance. I reserve the right to give written notice of immediate termination where there are extreme circumstances that affect the well being of myself or other children in attendance. In this situation, the two-week*s payment of tuition is still required. Termination notice will not be accepted while provider or parents are on vacation. You may pay two-week*s fees in lieu of two-week*s notice.
REVISIONS TO HANDBOOK & CONTRACT
There will be occasional revisions to this handbook and the accompanying contract at which time you will be asked to sign a new contract. I reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as I deem necessary. You will be notified, in writing, of any changes that may occur.
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. ARRIVAL TIME -- FREE PLAY TIME
*Children may select toys, books, puzzles, and more from the shelves on their own. They may watch children*s programming on television if they wish.
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. BREAKFAST TIME
9:45 a.m. - 11 a.m. MOTHER GOOSE PRE-SCHOOL TIME
11a.m. – 11:30 (or noon) FREE PLAY / OUTSIDE TIME
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. LUNCH TIME
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. FREE PLAY (while I clean up kitchen)
1:00 – 1:30 STORY TIME (we read 3 stories before nap)
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. QUIET TIME
The children do not have to sleep, but they do have to lie or play quietly on their mat so as not to disturb the other children.
3:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. SNACK TIME
4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. FREE PLAY TIME -- PICK-UP TIME
*note: this is only a general guideline of your child*s daily activities; our schedule may vary due to infants in care, children*s wishes, special activity days, etc.
