KIMBALL KARE

WELCOME

Welcome to Kimball Kare Childcare & Early Development. To facilitate greater understanding between us I have created this handbook. It covers my childcare philosophies, business policies and expectations.

In order to make our relationship as enjoyable as possible, the following contain mutually beneficial requirements, which are necessary to ensure that there are no misunderstandings between either parties. The words "I" or "me" or "my" refers to the childcare provider. The word "you" or "your" refers to the child's parents or guardian.

Please read this handbook carefully, and feel free to discuss with me any questions that you may have.


  

COMMUNICATION

Communication is very important to me. When I accept a new family into my business, I like to be sure that we can share openly any concerns or questions that may arise. It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between us. I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child(ren). Sensitive issues will be discussed in private outside of regular childcare hours either by telephone or conference.

Conferences will not be scheduled as a routine part of your child's care; however, should you like to have a conference, you may request one at any time.

I publish a monthly newsletter that will explain some of the activities we are doing, our current curriculum themes, events that will be happening during that month, my days off, and any other pertinent or fun information that may be of interest to you. You are always welcome to contribute to our newsletter.

Parents will receive a progress report every Friday for their child.

You are encouraged to call/text me at any time between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. If you call during the day, please be aware that I may be busy with the children and may not be able to respond right away. If you would leave a message, I will call/text you back as soon as possible.

I am looking forward to a terrific relationship with you and your child!


   

ENROLLMENT POLICY

There are several forms that I must have completed and in my possession before I can assume the responsibility of caring for your child. NO EXCEPTIONS. This is to ensure that your child will get the very best care possible from me.


The forms are as follows:

Application/Enrollment Form
Signed Contract and Rate Agreement
Health Record
Emergency Medical Authorization Form
Permission to Transport
Release of Child Permission
Water Play/Swimming Permission
Photo Permission Slip

You are required to keep me informed of any change in addresses, telephone numbers, and other pertinent information listed on any/all of the above forms. If you have any questions regarding the completion of these forms, please feel free to ask.

  
  

SECURITY DEPOSIT

Before your child is admitted into childcare, you must pay a one-week security deposit. This deposit will be credited towards your first week of childcare. 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.

For all slots held longer than one week in advance, you will pay ½ of the regular weekly fee for each week your child is not yet in attendance. All fee rules apply. This is in addition to your one-week security deposit. These monies are nonrefundable should you withdraw your child before our agreed-upon starting date.


  

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 childcare 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 canceled during your Trial Period.


  

PAYMENT PROCEDURES

Your specific rates will be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement. Payment is payable in advance and is due no later than Friday afternoon the week prior to care being received, unless another arrangement has been agreed upon. If this day is a holiday, payment is expected on the previous day. If you go away on vacation, payment is due BEFORE you leave. If it is my planned day(s) off, your payment is expected BEFORE I leave. In cases of illness, your payment is still expected unless other arrangements have been previously made. If I close the childcare due to my own illness or emergency, payment will be accepted on your first day back to childcare.

For your convenience, I accept cash, credit/debit, or check, as long as no checks are returned to me for non-payment. After the second check is returned, I will only except cash or credit/debit payments. Checks must be dated for the day they are due, no post-dated checks will be accepted. There will be a late fee of $5 for each day that payments are received late. This includes post-dated checks. Repeated late payments may be grounds for termination. 


  

HOURS OF OPERATION

Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Your specific hours will be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement. I require two-week's notice if you need to change your enrollment hours. I also reserve the right to terminate if the new hours will not work well for my childcare business. I occasionally will offer weekend care if scheduled in advance.


I offer both full-time and part-time care. Full-time positions will generally be preferred over part-time positions. 

I do occasionally accept children for drop-in care if I have a space available on any given day. If you tell me that you will not be bringing your child, there is a chance I will fill your spot for that day and you could potentially lose your day if I do so. Therefore I do require that you give me a minimum of 48-hours notice if you change your mind and want/need to bring your child after all on your day.
 You are still responsible for paying all fees for your contracted days regardless of whether you come or not.


Please understand that the contracted drop-off time is important because I plan our day around the collective time frame of each child as well as each other phase of our morning routine – please call/text me if you know that you will be more than 15 minutes late.

Our contracted pick up time is equally important; there are several things to do before the children leave: snack time, calm down time, clean up (personal as well as day care room), shoes on etc. Of course another reason is to know my “quit” time so I can complete other evening commitments.


  • Late Drop Off and Pick Up:

    Please call/text me if you will be late dropping your child off. It is very important to me and the other children to know our schedule (breakfast, etc.) and when we can move along from one activity to another.

    I’m sure you agree, personal time is precious; accordingly, it becomes extremely difficult and stressful to have an appointment or other plans scheduled if I cannot depend on the mutually agreed pick up time. I do understand that there may be an occasion of major traffic congestion or bad weather conditions causing a delay in your travel – if you have a cell phone, please call me and perhaps we can work out a contingency plan. Consistent tardiness could be cause for termination. A $5.00 late fee for each additional 15 minutes past our agreed pick up time will be added to your next payment.

SIGNING IN & OUT

I  require to all parents to sign in and out for pick-ups and drop offs each day. A sign in/out sheet, pen, and a clock are located by the door for your convenience. This gives me a written record of the child's attendance, hours, and the person who brought/picked up the child each day.


Release of Children:

It is important that I protect your child by ensuring that your child does not leave my home with a person you have not authorized on you “Child Information Card” to pick up your child. Also please tell me when someone else that you have authorized on your “Child Information Card” will be picking up your child. Even if it is an emergency, I must have your permission to release your child to someone other than you. I will need the person’s name and a description of what he or she looks like. The person picking up your child will have to show me a picture ID before I will release your child from my care.

I have to assume that both parents have the right to pick up your child, unless you give me a copy of a court order stating otherwise. We will need to discuss how I should handle the non-custodial parent who arrives to pick up your child. Without a copy of the court order, I cannot refuse a parent. If I have a court order and a non custodial parent tries to pick up the child, I will immediately call the custodial parent. If the non-custodial parent leaves with the child, I will immediately call the police and report the situation. I will not place the other children at risk in a confrontation with the non-custodial parent.

It is very important to me that your child arrives home safely. Therefore, if the person who arrives to pick up your child appears intoxicated or otherwise incapable of bringing your child home safely, I will call the parent or emergency contact person listed on the “Child Information Card” to request their assistance. If the situation occurs a second time, it will be grounds for terminating my care of your child.

All children should be transported to and from child care in a car seat or child restraint if under 6 years old. For further clarification refer to the Tennessee Law regarding children and seat belts and abide by that law for your child's safety. I will not release your child if the person picking up your child does not have a car seat.


ABSENCES

There will be no refunds or adjustments made to your child care fee for your time missed due to illness, holidays, or days off. Your continued payment secures your child keeps his/her spot at Kimball Kare Daycare.

If illness or other emergencies should arise during child care hours, every attempt will be made to have a substitute provider care for your child so that I can remain open for child care. If substitute care is not available you will receive a phone call to pick up your child. Whenever possible medical and personal appointments will be made after child care hours, however, if I must use child care hours to secure appointments, every attempt will be made to have a substitute provider. If a substitute is not available, I will have to close my child care home.

For you convenience, I will distribute my scheduled Child care closings for vacations and holidays with in the first quarter of each year and every attempt will be made to minimize any changes in this schedule.

In the event I have to close my Daycare, I will credit your next payment accordingly.



Holiday Closings

New Years Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.



Vacation Closing
 14 vacation days per year. I do not require a paid vacation. I reserve the right to take these days all at once or separate. I will give adequate time ( at least 2 months ) for you to make other childcare arrangements.

Please respect that when my child care home is closed for vacation, I am taking this time to rest and to be with my family or just to catch up on home duties. I take my job very seriously and consider this to be a legitimate long term career. In order to accomplish this, I need this time out to maintain the energy level it takes to give your child the quality care he/she deserves.

I do reserve the right to close for any reason in which I cannot operate in a safe manner. i.e. loss of electricity, water, heat or in extreme circumstances loss of air conditioning, and medical epidemics. Child care fees are refunded in these occurrences


  

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

No toys should be brought from home. Little ones have a difficult time, sharing with others, and it is even harder with their own special toys. Exceptions being their "lovey" for nap time, which will be put up until nap time, and Show and Tell and other special activity days. I am not responsible for any loss or breakage of your child's personal items. All personal items must be clearly marked with the child's name.


  

Supplies:

Parent/guardian will provide diapers, powder, any ointment (i.e. Desitin etc.), and baby bottles. To eliminate the daily bundle of items to carry you may bring me a package of each item to leave at daycare. I will notify you if items are running low. All items will be marked with the child’s name.

Parent/guardian will provide a change of clothes on a daily basis or keep a change of clothes at day care until needed – replacing as needed. An infant may require more than one change of clothing daily; please provide a few changes of clothing based on your own experiences with your infant.

I will supply wipes, sleeping mats, portable cribs/playpens, pillows (if age appropriate), blankets and sheets for your child. If your child has a favorite sleeping blanket or stuffed toy, he/she may bring them to sleep with.


  

DAILY SCHEDULE

Young children, toddlers and babies enjoy a structured schedule that allows for flexibility. A schedule helps the day to flow more smoothly, allows the children to anticipate upcoming events, and aids in achieving a variety of goals. I will adhere to my written schedule to the best of my ability, keeping in mind that anything can happen when children are involved. There will be times when I have to make adjustments to the schedule. I would appreciate it if you consider my schedule when picking up or dropping off your children. It is better if arrivals and departures do not occur during quiet time, but when they do, please take note of the fact that children may be sleeping. Come and go as quietly and quickly as possible. Children who arrive during quiet time will be expected to rest or play quietly until the rest period is over.


Typical Daily Routines

  • Arrival and Greeting

  • Breakfast and clean up

  • Bathroom and/or diaper change and hand washing

  • Infants usually nap in the morning as well as the afternoon

  • Circle time (including calendar, songs, story time etc.)

  • Arts and crafts or other learning activity

  • Bathroom and/or diaper change and hand washing

  • Outdoor play (weather permitting) or other large muscle activity

  • Hand washing

  • Lunch and clean up

  • Nap time

  • Bathroom and/or diaper change and hand washing

  • Snack and clean up

  • Free play

  • Calm down time and TV/DVD – Children’s programs (approximately a half an hour before pick up time)

  • Parents arrive to pick up children

(Your child is released to my care after you leave the premises in the morning, and he/she is released to your care as soon as you walk in the door at pick up time)Note: Bathroom and /or diaper change times vary to meet the child’s needs. This is a general schedule and is dictated mostly by the children’s needs and feelings each day.

  

Nutrition

Children are fed nutritionally on a daily basis – breakfast, lunch and a snack. Cakes, cookies, and other “not so nutritious food” may be served during special events like birthday parties, and holidays. Formula is provided by the parent/guardian, all other foods and beverages are provided by me. You are welcome to pack a lunch box/bag for your child if you wish to do so. Please remember to list any food allergies on the health card.


  

Potty Training
 Potty training shouldn’t be rushed; it is important that your child is psychologically and physically ready for training. Huggie’s Pull Ups (or other brand) must be provided by the parent/guardian during this transition period, no regular style training pants or underwear will be used until your child maintains 2 continuous weeks of bladder/bowel control; of course, if your child regresses after this 2 week period we will assess the next step. In addition, your child must have two complete changes of clothes (don't forget the socks!) The best items are shorts and pants with elastic waists, or dresses. Try to avoid really tight clothing, pants with snaps and zippers and belts, overalls, and onesies. These are difficult for children to remove "in a hurry".

NAPS & QUIET TIME

All children are required to lie down for a rest period in the afternoon. All children must nap, rest, read or play quietly during this period. Rest time gives everyone a much-needed break during the day. Without rest time, some children are argumentative in the afternoon, short-tempered with others, and not real happy when they go home in the evening.

Nap time is my only opportunity to take a break, clean up after lunch, do paperwork, fill out daily notes, and do activity planning. If your child has a special blanket or stuffed animal that he/she sleeps with, please send it along. I would ask that you please avoid picking up or dropping off your child during nap time, as it disturbs the other children's rest period.

Infants nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated. Somewhere between 12 and 18 months, children usually drop down to one nap per day. At this time, I will attempt to put them on the scheduled nap/rest period.

ACTIVITIES & CURRICULUM

The main goal of this daycare is to have fun, improve social skills, and encourage creative expression. I will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. Free play, reading, arts and crafts, music/singing, dancing, dramatic play/pretend, puzzles, and educational TV/videos are just some of the activities we will be doing.

Some of the activities include arts & crafts, music, math, science, stories, games, as well as letter, shape, color, and number recognition in a monthly theme format. Some of the projects will be taken home to share with the family. The goal 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 still learn best from participating in and observing the environment around them.

Music helps to develop young brains and will play a strong role in day-to-day activities. We may have special music activities and may also play music during other activities.

BIRTHDAYS & PARTIES

Each child's birthday is his/her "Special Day." I will buy the child a gift that is from all of us. If you feel you must purchase a personal gift for the birthday child, I ask that you give this outside of the childcare home. It will be your responsibility to provide a cake, cupcakes, or treats for your child's special day if you wish to do so. I will let you know which day we will celebrate should your child's birthday fall on a weekend or a day in which the daycare is closed. I also have holiday parties occasionally throughout the year. Sign-up sheets will be posted at the front door for your assistance with these days as needed on a voluntary basis. At Christmas time, parents are asked to purchase and wrap a toy or book gift to be presented to the children at our Christmas party. This item will remain in the childcare home for continued year-round use by all of the children.

HOUSE RULES

Please respect my profession, my home, and family. The respect that you show, including my home, furnishings, equipment, yard, and other children will communicate itself to your child and will make for a better working relationship. There are certain house rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow.  I realize that I must expect a certain amount of wear and tear where children are concerned. 

The following rules are enforced for the safety and well being of everyone. Hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching other children/infants/adults will NOT be allowed. No standing or climbing on chairs, tables, or furniture. There will be no use of obscene, derogatory or disrespectful language. Children are not permitted to lift and/or carry other children while in my home or on my property. Respectful treatment of other people and all property, toys, and furniture is expected. Willful destruction of property in extreme cases will be charged to the parent at the cost to replace the item.  Please support me in the enforcement of these rules, in order to create a better environment for all.

No smoking is permitted in my home.

Children and families are welcome in any areas of the home that are used for childcare purposes. My family and I also need some privacy and separation from the daycare. Please respect this. It is important for them to feel that they have their "own" space. My child is expected to keep any toys that he is not prepared to share, in his room, away from the other children. Therefore, children and childcare families are not permitted in the bedrooms, except when they are in use for napping.

OUTDOOR PLAY

Outdoor play: We will be playing outdoors every day that weather permits. Please make sure that your child is appropriately dressed for outdoor play at all times. Our activities will include taking walks, backyard playground , water play (sprinkler or wading pool in summer), bike/toy riding, sandbox, and more. During spring and fall, our outdoor play will probably range from 20 - 45 minutes, and in the summer it may be two hours or more long (maybe not all at once).
NOTE: If your child requires a special skin protection cream or ointment for outdoors, please provide. I will provide general sunblock as needed.


DISCIPLINE

Since children occasionally need discipline, it is important that you and I share a similar philosophy so that your child is not too confused as to where the boundaries are and what is expected of him/her. Children are taught which behaviors are inappropriate, and why, and given alternatives that are acceptable. In this way, the behavior is being changed, with out making the child feel “bad” or unloved. This helps develop their self-esteem, and teaches them how to handle difficult situations themselves in the future. I express my disapproval in a calm manner. I state my expectations and show your child how to make amends. I give choices, and in extreme situations a child may be given a “time out”; because at times a child may be having trouble making choices of their own and they just may need a couple of minutes to calm down, and think about their choices.


Gross Misconduct 
I will communicate to you immediately if your child is frequently and deliberately causing harm to others and/or is frequently and deliberately destructive. This behavior is unsafe and will not be allowed – immediate termination will occur if the behavior persists.


ILLNESS POLICY

Under no circumstances will parents be allowed to bring a sick child to my home. Sick children expose other children, as well as myself and my family, to the spread of their illness and require additional care and attention that I am unable to give. If other children become ill due to exposure to your sick child, either because he/she was returned to child care before full recovery or because he/she was not picked up promptly upon notice of becoming ill, other parents will be unnecessarily inconvenienced. If my family or I become ill due to exposure to a sick child, all of the children may need to arrange alternate care if I am unable to keep my daycare open. Your cooperation on this issue is extremely important.

The following illness policies will be strictly enforced, for the health, well being and safety of all concerned.


Child’s Health

    Parent/guardian must complete a medical emergency card entitled “Child Information Card” and update as necessary. My policy is as follows:  your child cannot be admitted to daycare with symptoms of illness as specified below; unless written documentation from a licensed physician, or verbal (with written follow up) states the child has been diagnosed and poses no serious health risk to the child or to other children. Should your child have signs or symptoms requiring exclusion from the family child care home he/she will be isolated and the parent/guardian or other authorized person by the parent will be notified immediately to pick up your child. There can be no exceptions since illness spreads quickly among children. Please make other arrangements if your child is sick and respect my decision if I feel your child is too sick to be in child care. I am sympathetic to the difficulties of taking time off, so discretion will be used. The symptoms of illness for possible exclusion shall include, but are not limited to any of the following…

  1. The illness prevents your child from participating comfortably in the day care environment,

  2. The illness results in a greater care need than I can provide with out compromising the health and safety of the other children in my care.

  3. The child has any of the following conditions:

  • Temperature: Oral temperature 101 degrees or greater; axillary (armpit) temperature 100 degrees or greater; accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness- until medical evaluation indicates inclusion in the facility.

  • Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness (such as unusual lethargy, uncontrolled coughing, irritability, persistent crying, difficult breathing, wheezing, or other unusual signs)- until medical evaluation allows inclusion;

  • Uncontrolled diarrhea, that is, increased number of stools, increased stool water, and/or decreased form that is not contained by the diaper- until diarrhea stops;

  • Vomiting illness (two or more episodes of vomiting in the previous 24 hours) until vomiting resolves or until a health care provider determines the illness to be non-communicable, and the child is not in danger of dehydration;

  • Mouth sores with drooling, unless a health care provider or health official determines the condition is noninfectious;

  • Rash with fever or behavior change, until a health care provider determines that these symptoms do not indicate a communicable disease;

  • Purulent conjunctivitis (defined as pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge), until 24 hours after treatment has been initiated;

viii. Scabies, head lice, or other infestation, until 24 hours after treatment has been initiated;

  • Tuberculosis, until a health care provider or health official states that the child can attend child care;

  • Impetigo, until 24 hours after treatment has been initiated;

  • Strep throat or other streptococcal infection, until 24 hours after initial antibiotic treatment and cessation of fever;

  • Chicken pox, until at least 6 days after onset of rash or until all sores have dried and crusted;

  • Unspecified respiratory illness if it limits the child's comfortable participation in activities or if it results in a need for greater care than can be provided without compromising the health and safety of other children.

  

Your child will not be accepted into childcare if he/she has had any of the above symptoms within the last 24 hours. A sick child should be allowed to recover fully after an illness so that other children in the group do not risk exposure and so that the child is able to fully participate in childcare activities. If you are unable to remain at home with your sick child it will be necessary for you to make substitute child care arrangements at your own expense. If your child becomes ill while in my care, I will notify you immediately. You are required to pick up your child within 60 minutes of notification. If you cannot be reached then your emergency contact will be called.

   

If your child is out sick, regular fees still apply. I reserve the right to determine when a child should be sent home due to illness. Children may return to care 24 hours after symptoms of illness end or with written authorization from your doctor stating the name of illness and when your child may return to group care. Please notify me as soon as possible when your child becomes ill so that I may notify the other parents.


  

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. NO EXCEPTIONS! 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.


   

Injuries

I will supervise your child closely in an attempt to prevent injuries, but accidents resulting in injury do occur. I have been trained in first aid and CPR and will follow my training. If the injury is minor (requiring only a band-aid or ice) I will tell you about it when you pick up your child. If it is serious, I will call you and may even suggest that you take your child to the doctor or emergency room. If an injury is very severe, I will call 911 for assistance before I call you. If I can not reach you, I will call the emergency contacts listed on your “Child Information Card” (Please remember to keep this card up-to-date).


   

Termination:

Parent/Guardian will give two weeks written notice, and two weeks full payment to terminate your child’s enrollment in child care regardless as to whether your child is present (with the exception of the trial period). If two weeks notice is not given, you are still financially obligated for the two weeks of child care fees and late payments; two weeks full payment still applies when notice is given in conjunction with provider’s vacation.

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 AND CONTRACT

There will be a yearly revision to this handbook and the accompanying contract. All families will sign a new contract each year. 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. Every attempt will be made to give at least two-week's notice of changes


A Few Final Thoughts:

    As a parent in my child care home, please…

  • Take an interest in your child’s activities and development at day care, and share your child’s habits, fears, and concerns with me;

  • Read all correspondence given to you, and those posted. Promptly sign and return those forms needing to be signed;

  • Remember that you are responsible for your child while on my premises so please remain in complete contact with your child during that time;

  • Call me! Your concerns and feed back are important to me.






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