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Policies and Procedures
Welcome to Sunny Sky Childcare – your child’s home away from home.
Policies and Procedures
MY PHILOSOPHY OF CHILDCARE
I believe that learning takes place in a safe and healthy environment where children develop individually to their maximum potential. This learning is achieved through play and developmentally appropriate planning.
I will observe and record individual children’s behaviour to identify what will benefit them in their development. I strive to meet each child’s needs in the various areas of Social, Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, and Creative development. The children will be challenged with several hands-on activities throughout the day. I encourage decision-making and problem solving with peers, and promote respect and acceptance of each other.
Sunny Sky Childcare is in the country where the natural environment offers many opportunities for learning.
Your child’s individual values and needs come first within a program that is both developmental and interactive. I offer a Preschool Program in the morning and in the afternoon we have quiet time and free play in the comfort of a home environment. We will be going outdoors once in the morning and once in the afternoon weather permitting.
MY QUALIFICATIONS
This is a Licensed Facility: I hold a Licensed ECE Certificate. I am licensed for an In-Home Multi-Age Child Care, which allows me to have eight children. The children can range from 0 to 12 years old. Care offered is Full Time and Part Time, space permitting.
HOURS OF OPERATION
I am open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm to be better able to assist parents who leave early and those who work late.
GETTING STARTED
Before accepting a child(ren) into the facility I require an interview with child and parent(s). The interview is an opportunity to review the level of childcare offered, to discuss contractual requirements and to answer any questions.
The following Documents are to be completely filled out before care begins:
1. Child-care home register
2. Certificate of immunization status
3. Permission forms
4. Child-care agreement
NEW CHILD TRANSITION
The first few visits are designed to facilitate a smooth adjustment to the childcare facility. It is advisable for the parents to stay for a short period of time each day to acclimate to the new setting and begin to form bonds with myself and the other children and parents. The child and parent should feel free to explore the childcare environment together and when a child appears comfortable the parent’s presence will no longer be required.
TRIAL PERIOD
The first three months of enrollment will be considered a trial period. It is necessary to have open communication during this time. In the unlikely event that we determine your child needs care in a different setting, I will assist you with referrals and resources, although I cannot guarantee to find an alternate place for your child(ren).
DAILY CHILDCARE SUPPLY LIST & PROCEDURES
Parents are required to provide a large box of tissues, sunscreen, diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, baby food, bibs, extra clothes (base it on weather, snow suits mittens, toques etc.) indoor shoes/slippers, milk, juice, lunch, snacks and a special blanket for quiet time.
Please do not bring toys from home (we are not responsible for lost or broken toys)
MEALS AND SNACKS
Please bring all snacks and meals that your child will need, including juice and milk. (No chocolate milk please) Healthy snacks only, as we promote the Canadian Food Guide. Your children play hard and burn up a lot of energy, and will require more fuel, so please be sure to provide plenty of snacks. I will have water accessible at all times for the children.
We will have special snack days upon request and I will be sending home an information notice for those days. (Such as: Today will be letter “A”. Please bring a snack starting with “A”) Please no gum, chocolate bars or candy of any sorts. We will have small parties and celebrations for Holidays and Birthdays.
Infants will be fed on demand; I will hold them while bottle-feeding. Please send age appropriate foods for infants.
NAP TIME
Sunny Sky Childcare will offer a quiet time for the children. At this time the children will have individual napping mats in the children’s playroom or, if an infant, they will be in a playpen in the living room area. This is a valuable time for children’s bodies to rest and grow. There is no playing during quiet time, which is one hour long. In the case of a child who doesn’t sleep, they will be able to have a book to read for 20 minutes and then move onto a craft or quiet activity while the other children are resting. Most children do fall asleep. I also comply with the SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) recommendations, which does change periodically. For Infants who do not yet roll over on their own; they will be placed on their backs to sleep. Parents, please provide a special blanket or some form of security for quiet time. Children younger than 24 months will not have a set naptime as they sleep and wake on their own time. Infants and toddlers usually have 2 nap times in a day on their own schedule.
TOILET TRAINING
Toilet training is a very special time. I will be happy to help with the training that you have started at home first. Please let me know what works for your child. Since “potty” training can be messy you will need to supply a box of baby wipes stored in your child’s cubby and a few changes of clothes.
SAFETY AND DISCIPLINE
I strive to help each child learn and use appropriate behaviour. If a child is dangerous to him/herself or other children, or daycare property, the child will be offered several solutions to help him/her to solve the problem. Will try to redirect or engage a child in something else and I will model appropriate behaviour. In the event that a child is unwilling to change unacceptable behaviour through encouragement and redirection, the child will be asked to “Play by Self” in a quiet area or at the table, still in the same room as the other children and in view at all times. The child will not be isolated at any time. The child can re-enter the activity when she/he feels comfortable in doing so. No corporal punishment will be used or shame of any kind!!! I appreciate your help and ideas in dealing with your child.
DAILY SCHEDULE AND EXAMPLE EVENTS
Normal hours of operation are from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The activity schedule will change depending on season, weather, children’s ages and school hours, and to help accommodate parent’s schedules.
Example daily schedule: (may change from day to day)
Open at 6:00 a.m. Welcome and come right in!
7:00-8:30 a.m. Breakfast for children who require it (parents provide) and Free Time
8:30-9:30 a.m. Free Play (arts and crafts preschool program)
9:30-10:00a.m Circle time - preschool program
10:00- 10:30 a.m. Morning snack
10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Outside play (weather permitting) Free Play
11:45 a.m. Wash up for lunch
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Lunch Time
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Circle time, story, wind down
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Quiet time/ rest on mats/ sleep/quiet activity
2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Snack Time
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Outside free play, weather permitting (or inside group play)
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Free play (during pick up)
FIELD TRIPS AND OUTINGS
• Field trips will be planned in advance. I will send home field trip permission slips for parents to sign.
• Outings will be short walks which will be spur of the moment. I will post where we are going on my door.
• Outings also may be doing some errands. I will ask parents for consent in advance to take their children in my car.
• I will need car seats (no child will sit in the front seat).
• I have current insurance and a driver’s license available for you to see as well as seat belts in every seat.
• I have an up to date First Aid Kit that will be with us at all times.
• Your child’s emergency card, which contains all their information, will be with me at all times.
• I will carry my cell phone at all times.
• I always have water and food in the vehicle in case of an emergency or detainment.
• There will be no smoking in the vehicle or on the field trips.
• The children will never be left alone in the vehicle.
• The children will always remain with me during all our outings.
THE FINE PRINT – OUR CONTRACT
Fee Schedule
• Hourly charge = $6.00 per hour
• The daily minimum charge is for 6 hours or less which would equal $36.00
Hours above the 6 hours are to be charged at $6.00 per hour.
• Early drop off and late pick up will be charged $1.00 per minute that are not in your previously discussed scheduled times, to comply with licensing regulations, and to reduce scheduling conflicts.
Part Time is welcomed, space permitting but Full Time takes precedence.
PAYMENTS
Payment for the upcoming month is due on the first day of each month and will be charged by your scheduled drop off and pick up times. At the end of each month we will adjust accordingly and apply to next invoice period.
Pre-pay for services. No exceptions!
Payments can be made by cheque, money order or cash. If your cheque is NSF you will be charged $25.00 on any additional bank charges.
Make cheque payable to B.J.Clingwall.
WITH-DRAWAL FROM CHILDCARE
You must give me one months written notice of your intention to withdraw your child or you will be charged for the month of care whether your child attends or not. I reserve the right to cancel our agreement and will give you two weeks notice unless the circumstances require immediate termination. All notification must be in writing.
Emergency care is accepted. Emergency Drop-ins will be welcomed if space is available.
ABSENTEE
When you enrol your child(ren) they are taking up a slot. You will pay for this slot even if your child is absent. Absenteeism is anytime your child is not at the daycare on their scheduled day. This includes sick days, holiday, unexpected parents day off, grandparents/relatives visiting and watching the children etc.
The schedule on the childcare agreement form needs to be followed. Notice of absenteeism must be received before 8:00am or a $5.00 charge will apply in addition to the full-time or part-time rate. We may be leaving for a field trip or having a planned activity and waiting for someone who never shows up disrupts everyone’s schedule.
You have to pay your day rate whether your child is here or not because this is their spot.
If the center has to be closed for an emergency such as repairs, etc., you may apply your pre-paid days to your next month’s fees or Sunny Sky Childcare will reimburse you with a repayment cheque on the next opening day.
Late charges are due before I can provide care for your children again.
HOLIDAYS
I will be closed on the following Holidays:
New Years Day - January 1st
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Victoria Day
July 1st
B.C. Holiday August
Labour Day September
Thanksgiving October
Remembrance Day November
Christmas Eve - December 24
Christmas Day - December 25
Boxing Day - December 26
It will be your responsibility to find alternative care for your children on days that the childcare is closed.
If I am ill, on vacation, or if an emergency situation arises I will try my best to find a replacement caregiver. BUT, in the event that I can’t, it will be your sole responsibility. There may be no warning if this happens.
I recommend that you have a back-up provider: Always! If I am sick I will try to call you. In the event that I can’t reach you there will be a sick note posted on the door saying I’m sick and closed until further notice.
Please note: I close for personal vacation for two weeks each year, and I will give at the very least 2 weeks notice in writing to parents (you will not be charged for that time).
HOUSE RULES
Parents have free access to all child-care areas during child-care hours and only when it’s their child’s scheduled day.
PLEASE no smoking on my property. Smoking is prohibited.
PETS
We have a Chocolate Lab Dog who is part of the family and has all current vaccinations. Please let me know of any allergies to animals or if your child is frighten of dogs.
**IF YOUR CHILD IS ILL
We recognize the difficulty-working parents have when their child is ill. However, we ask that you find alternate care when your child is sick.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AT HOME IF:
1. Green mucousy discharge from eyes or nose, coughing up discharge
2. Diarrhea (that is associated with illness)
3. Fever over 37.8 degrees
4. Vomiting within 24 hours
5. Lice or Nits
6. If your child is lethargic and looks sick please keep them home
7. Any contagious illness, childhood diseases, rashes
If your child shows any signs of illness I will call parents as soon as possible to pick up their child(ren). If a parent brings their child(ren) to childcare sick, then I will call them to come back and pick the child up. While waiting for the parent/guardian to arrive the child will be kept in a quiet, clean, supervised resting place. Upon returning I will request a Doctors note saying the child is healthy and can return to childcare.
Healthy children only! It is unfair to the other children to expose them to illness.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1. Administer First Aid or CPR
2. Call 911
3. Contact parents or emergency contacts
4. Contact Physician
MEDICATION
Parents must complete a “medication release form” before leaving any medication.
By Law I cannot administer any prescribed medication without a pharmacy label stating when to administer and how much, and the bottle has to be labeled. If the medicine is over the counter I need a letter from parents saying the same. Please do not leave any medication in your child’s backpack or lunch kit, as it needs to be stored appropriately by me.
DISASTER PLAN
In the unlikely event of a natural disaster I will be prepared with food on hand and gallons of water and extra clothing and all other essentials in a disaster plan kit.
Emergency Lockdown Procedures:
Should an event ever occur which threatens the safety of the daycare children and staff; the following lockdown procedures will be followed. All doors into the home will be locked and dead bolted. Children will be moved to the lower level of the home where there are no windows or doors, authorities and parents will be called immediately, in that order. I will remain with the children to keep them safe on the lower level.
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING
By Law I am required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.
CUSTODY AGREEMENT POLICY
The childcare staff will not get involved in the marital or custody issues of our families. Our professional role demands that we stay completely impartial as we often work closely with both sets of separated parents.
If you are divorced, separated or going through custody negotiations, please inform the staff of the relevant custody and parental access details. If there are any restrictions on parental access such as no visits or no pick-ups, we will require official documentation to that effect, such as a court order or a restraining order. Without proper documentation, we cannot deny a parent access to their child. The childcare staff will only be accountable to the enrolling parent, who will provide the daycare with all relevant information and documentation.
If an unauthorized parent comes to visit or pick up their child, we will request that he or she leave. In case of difficulty we will call 911 and have that parent accompanied away from the property.
DISCRIMINATION
I will not discriminate against anyone in the childcare based on race, creed, colour, national origin, religion, disability, or marital or veteran status.
NEWSLETTERS
I will send home newsletters, letters, documentation, and child-care information periodically so please read them or you may miss out on very important information. For example, I will let you know about closures. Please also check your children’s cubbies weekly.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
For your child’s protection, I ask that you 1) accompany your child to the room, 2) sign your child in, 3) leave your child only after, I have accepted your child. You must sign your child out daily. NO ONE WILL BE PERMITTED TO TAKE A CHILD OFF THE PREMISES WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE PARENT. There may be times when you or your designees are required to present valid picture identification. I will require a copy of the Custody Order if a parent is unauthorized to pick up the child. If an authorized adult arrives to pick up the child and appears to be intoxicated I will suggest alternate method of transportation, or call the emergency contact to come and pick up the child.
SIGN IN SHEET
It is very important that you sign your children in/out with your full signature. This helps me keep up to date records that are required by law.
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Lost or damaged property your child brings to my home. If you are worried about your children’s property please leave toys, etc. at home. I also have small cubbies for their belongings.
Sunny Sky models only acceptable language. If your child comes home with unacceptable words, he did not learn them in our childcare centre.
FIRE DRILLS
We will be practicing regular Fire Drills. These Fire Drills will be practiced once a month.
AMENDMENTS
I reserve the right to amend, update or change any and all policies stated in this document. I reserve the right to change rates. Changes will be made in writing and given to the parents then signed by both parties. The policy will be reviewed annually.
Thank You!
I want parents to feel open to talk over any problems they may be having with their child at home because I may be having the same problems at childcare. Perhaps together we can come to an understanding of the problem and work together to correct the situation in the best possible way. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask me. This avoids any conflict, misunderstandings or hurt feelings. Parent conferences are available after closing hours, once a month or upon request. At such time, a date and time will be set up for your discussion.
Yours truly,
B.J. Clingwall
Sunny Sky Childcare
250-833-5371
Sunny Sky Childcare
5371 Mayfair Road
Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2P8
(250) 833-5371
5371 Mayfair Road
Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2P8
(250) 833-5371
