Maryslittlemunchkins daycare

Mary’s Little Munchkins Welcome to Mary’s Little Munchkins home based daycare. I’m sure you and your children will feel right at home. I try to provide a safe, caring, homelike atmosphere for your children while at the same time providing for their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development. Please read the contact and rules of the daycare before you sign the contact.

HOUSE RULES: Your child will be taught by example. To have respect for themselves and each other. They will also be taught to respect my home, property, and possessions. Any negative behavior will not be allowed. This includes but is not limited to: hitting, biting, punching, kicking, standing or jumping on furniture, throwing anything in the house, bad language.

DISCIPLINE: I will strive to offer praise for good behavior. Should negative behavior happen, I will deal with it in one of three ways. 1) Redirection: toddlers will simply be told "no”, and redirected to another activity or area. 2) Talking: Once a child reaches the age of two they can be talked to. They will be told in easy to understand terms why the behavior should not continue. Typically, this is highly effective. 3) Time out: Should the behavior continue the child will be placed in a time out chair. I use the one minute per age rule. Should a behavior continue after a few time outs I will talk to the parent. A workable solution can almost always be found.

DROP OFF/PICK UP CHILDREN: Please arrive on time. If you will be late for drop off/pick up please let me know as soon as possible. At drop off time, make sure you say good bye to your child and let them know that you will be back for them. Although this may produce tears, rest assured by the time you are out of the driveway, the tears have stopped. This also helps to make the child feel secure in that while you are gone you will be returning. At the moment you walk in to pick up, you are in charge of your child. Sometimes children will test to see who is really in charge. A child who has been well behaved all day will suddenly bounce all over the place. The respect that you show will speak volumes for your child.

FEES: I am paid weekly. Fees are expected at the end of your child’s week. If payment is not made then your child will not be able to come back till your balance is brought current unless other arrangements have been made. I do except personal checks however there will be a $45.00 NSF fee. If a second check would be returned then you will be placed on a cash only for future daycare and will be charged another $45.00. I require a two week written notice if you are terminating child care. If none is given, two weeks additional payment must be made, whether or not your child is present. If I find that I can no longer provide care for your child. I will give you at least a two week notice.

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS: I am closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas day. I take a one-two week vacation every year. This is no charge while I am on vacation. You will be given at least a 3 week notice. Should your family go on vacation ½ your weekly fees will be due since that is a loss of income during that time.

SAFETY: Your child’s safety is paramount. All lower cabinets (kitchen) have safety locks. All electrical outlets have child proof covers. I have smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide detector, and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Emergency numbers are posted by all the phones. I also have first aid kits, several flashlights, and a portable battery operated radio. Tornado/fire drills will be practiced monthly and logged.

CLOTHING: Do not send your child to daycare in dress clothes. Play clothes only. Although I try my best to keep the children clean, even in the best of circumstance accidents happen. Please make sure your child has a change of clothes with them every day. Example: socks, underwear, pants, shirt. Provide a spring jacket if the weather is nice we will go on walks or to the park/playground. On really hot days we will use the pool but you will be notified ahead of time. Please make sure on these days you have a swimmer with your child if they are not potty trained.

QUIET TIME: Every day between 12:30-2:30pm we will have quiet time. All younger children will lay down to rest. Older children will be given quiet activities to do (puzzles, movies, and coloring books). If your child has a special item (blanket, stuffed animal) please feel free to bring it along. Please leave all other toys, money, and candy at home so there isn’t any arguing over these items.

MEALS: Breakfast will be cereal and will be served by 8am. If you are arriving after then please make sure you feed your child unless other arrangements have been make with me. Lunch will be provided daily and will be served around noon. 2 snacks will be provided daily once at 10 am and the other after quiet time at 2:30pm. If your child has a special diet or food allergy you can bring your own food please put your child’s name on the items marked clearly.

SICK POLICY: I will notify you immediately should your child develop any of the following symptoms: Underarm temperature of 100 degrees or oral 101 no rectal temps will be giving. Vomiting/diarrhea Any rash other than mild diaper or heat-related rash I will not take a child with confirmed lice unless the hair has been washed with an approved product twice (24 hours apart). I will check the child’s head upon arrival. Should I find anything, your child will not be allowed to stay.

IMMUNIZATIONS: All children in my daycare must have the appropriate immunization for their age or written notarized documentation. You can get a copy from your child’s doctor.

MEDICATIONS: Prior to administering prescription medication, I must have written permission and instructions for each medication. Medicine with the child’s name and current prescription information on the label constitutes instructions. Non-prescription medications will be administered with parental permission according to the manufacturer’s instructions unless written instructions are from a physician. Parents must sign a permission slip for each medication.

EMERGENCIES/BACK-UP: If, for any reason, I need to leave for an emergency, I will have an adult who can come in for a short period of time until you arrive. In the event that I am ill or on vacation, and can’t provide care, you will need to have your own back-up arrangements. I will notify you as soon as possible, when I am unable to provide care for your child. Should your child require emergency medical attention, I need written permission to follow any steps necessary for his/her well-being. I will notify you at the earliest possible time. You will be responsible for all medical expenses incurred.

SUPERVISION: I am required to be within sight or hearing of an infant, toddler, or preschooler at all times so that the caregiver is capable of intervening. For school-age children, I am required to be available for assistance and care. Written permission is needed for your child to be off my property on their own.

PARENTS IN DAYCARE: You have the right to stop in anytime during your child’s regular daycare hours. You do not have to have a reason to stop by you are always welcome!

DAYCARE FORMS: All forms must be completed prior to the first day of care. If forms are not completed then care cannot be provided. The undersigned have read and agree to abide with the Daycare Policies.