~Parent Policy Handbook~
Building Blocks Child Care
La Crosse, WI 54601
Lisa Ann Bucher, Owner
Child Care Provider
(608) 519-3161 Home
(608) 799-0103 Cell
[email protected]
Policy Effective Date: July 2012
Program Philosophy:
At Building Blocks we are here to provide a safe and healthy environment
to children of all ages.
This is a place where children can learn from one another
and can grow up learning together.
I will always provide nutritious meals and snacks, a balanced structured day
with developmentally appropriate activities.
I am here for the children and for the parents, we can learn from one another.
Let’s work together to bring up some awesome children for the future!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Building Blocks Child Care Center is licensed by the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health and Family Services. I am licensed to care for no more than 8 children at any one time. I am inspected regularly to ensure that I meet licensing standards.
Building Blocks will provide care for children between the ages of 4 weeks and 10 years. Child care services are available without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, political persuasion, national origin, disability, ancestry or sexual orientation.
Child care services will be provided between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, January through December. No service will be provided on New Year's Eve and Day, Good Friday, One Friday in May for continuing education, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, the week between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. Regular fees will be charged for these holidays.
I will post the following items for your review:
Parents will receive a pamphlet, "Your Guide to Licensed Child Care" which is a summary of family child care licensing regulations, as part of an enrollment packet.
Parents are welcome to visit my child care program at any time during the hours of operation unless prohibited by a court order. If so, I will need a copy of the order.
Children will only be released to persons listed on the enrollment form. If anyone other than the child's parent or someone who is listed on the enrollment form is to pick up a child(ren), I need to be notified in writing or by a telephone call in advance. The person picking the child(ren) up may need to show a driver's license or other picture ID.
If the parent or other authorized person arrives to pick up a child and that person appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, all reasonable steps will be taken to prevent the person from leaving with the child, including offering to call a cab or another contact person. While I cannot legally withhold a child from the legal guardian I will not hesitate to call the local authorities if I feel the child is in danger.
It is important that we communicate daily concerning the needs and interests of your child. If there are issues or concerns that need to be discussed, please work with me to arrange a convenient time to talk on the phone at naptime or in the evening so we can give the issue the attention it deserves. To foster communication on a regular basis Building Blocks provides scheduled conferences, written newsletters, parent bulletin board and daily sheets.
To protect each family's confidentiality, Building Blocks will not share information about a child or a child's family with anyone who is not authorized to receive this information.
Building Blocks Child Care Center is covered by liability insurance for my premises and for my operations.
ENROLLMENT AND DISCHARGE OF ENROLLED CHILDREN
All children will be enrolled for a trial period of 1 week.
During the trial period either the provider or parent may terminate child care without advance notice.
Parents must meet with me to discuss their child's specific needs and to review program policies. I will make a reasonable accommodation for a child with disabilities as specified under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The following items must be completed and returned to the center by the first day of attendance.
The following items must be completed and returned to me by 30 days after your child’s 1st day.
A child may be discharged from the center for reasons such as, but not limited to:
Parents must give a 2 week written notice of their intent to withdraw the child(ren), and will be required to pay for those days whether or not children continue to attend. All outstanding fees must be paid.
PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS
Fees are to be paid on Monday for that week's services. If there will be a third party payment, as from an employer or the county, a special payment schedule will be arranged and detailed in the contract. Parents will be responsible for any specified co-payments or unpaid amounts.
Building Blocks does not charge a registration or an enrollment fee.
I will establish a regular rate based on your child's attendance for the week. Additional fees will be assessed for additional hours if care exceeds 10 hours per day.
A full-time rate is offered for children who will be in care for the week.
A part-time rate is offered for children who will be in part time care for the week.
An hourly rate is charged if children will attend on a drop in basis.
There will be an extra fee assessed for late payment or late pick up of a child.
Rates are higher for children under 2 ½ years of age than for older children.
There will be no discount for additional children from one family.
Regular charges will be charged for days when children do not attend due to illness or other reasons.
CHILD AND PROVIDER ABSENCES
A. Child Absence
If your child will not attend on a regularly scheduled day please let me know by 8 A.M. or within 1 hour of your child’s scheduled arrival time.
If a child who is scheduled to arrive at the center does not arrive within 1 hour of the specified time on the written agreement signed by the parent, and I have not been notified of the child’s impending absence, I will attempt to contact the parent or guardian to determine the child’s whereabouts.
I will not walk or transport children who attend school to and from the center in the morning and after school.
If parents wish to allow a school-age child to leave or arrive at the center unescorted, they must provide written authorization for this activity. School-age children who leave the center unescorted must be traveling to home, school or another activity where adult supervision is present.
B. Provider Absence
In case of an emergency situation that requires my immediate attention, I will call Clint Bucher. He will come to the center to stay with the child(ren) during my absence. Parents will be called to pick up their children as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00pm. I will provide my emergency back-up person with a brief orientation that will include the names and ages of children present, arrival and departure information for each child, the location of the children’s files and the procedures to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome if the center is licensed to care for children under 1 year of age. Regular tuition fees will not be charged when I am closed because of an emergency.
In the event that I am scheduled to be gone, I will have a substitute. Before my substitute or any other provider required to meet the staff-to-child ratios begins to work with the children, I will provide them with an orientation and document its completion. The orientation will cover all of the items specified in the licensing rules.
HEALTH
A. Child Illness / Injuries
Children who are ill are not to be brought to the center. The following are examples of children who are ill:
Children may return to the center when they are symptom free, have been appropriately treated or have been given medical approval to return to child care. I will follow procedures on personal cleanliness and communicable diseases in accordance with licensing rules and the guidelines for exclusion of children from child care as adapted from the Division of Public Health.
I will report all communicable diseases, when required, to the local health department and to parents of all enrolled children. Parents of all enrolled children will be notified when their child has been exposed to an illness other than a communicable disease.
I have not been authorized by the licensing agency to provide care for mildly ill children. When your child is mildly ill, you will need to pick up your child within 1 hour or less.
I have received training in first aid. I will follow standard emergency medical procedures for treating injuries. A head injury will be treated as a serious injury, and parents will be notified as soon as possible.
Superficial injuries will be washed with soap and water and covered with a bandage or treated with ice. Parents will be told about the minor injury when they pick their child up.
If there is a need for emergency medical treatment, 911 will be called and the child will be taken to Gunderson-Lutheran Hospital. Should an ambulance be needed, parents will be responsible for any costs. Parents will be contacted as soon as possible after contacting 911. If possible, I will ask that the ambulance take your child to the emergency medical facility that you designated on the child enrollment form.
All medication administered, accidents or injuries occurring during the time the child is in my care, marked changes in behavior or appearance and any observation of injuries to a child's body received outside of my care will be entered into the center's medical logbook. As a licensed child care provider, I am required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the local authorities.
B. Medications
I will administer medications. Prescriptive and non-prescriptive medication will only be given to children if parents have completed the authorization form provided. All medicine must be in its original container bearing the label with child's name, dosage and administration directions. I will not exceed the age-related dosage on the label of any medication without a written doctor's authorization. Blanket authorizations, such as dispensing Tylenol at my discretion, are not allowed.
I will apply sunscreen to a child prior to taking the child outside. I will apply insect repellent to a child prior to taking the child outside. Parents must authorize in writing the application of sunscreen or insect repellent. The authorization shall include the brand and the ingredient strength.
C. Smoking
Smoking is NOT permitted on the premises of the center during licensed child care hours.
D. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
To reduce the risk of SIDS I will do the following:
· Children under one year of age:
NUTRITION
I will follow USDA guidelines when planning our menus. No child will go without nourishment for longer than 3 hours. I will offer the following meals and snacks to all children in attendance at the times identified in the daily schedule.
Breakfast 9:00am
Lunch 12:00pm
Afternoon snack 3:00pm
Parents providing their own children's meals and snacks will be informed in writing of the USDA nutritional requirements.
If your child has special dietary needs (medical condition or personal choice) or has food allergies, parents must notify the center in writing.
Daily, weekly and monthly records of meals and snacks are available for your review.
Building Blocks does participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program.
School-aged children will be offered an afternoon snack upon arrival from school.
Children younger than 12 months must be served formula or breast milk unless written direction is on file from the child's health care professional. I will provide Similac formula if the parent desires. All bottles and commercial baby food must be labeled with your child's name.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
I do not include religious instruction or practices in my daily activities. We do not offer prayers before meals and snacks. We do not offer a religious education program or curriculum.
We celebrate the following occasions: Christmas, Easter, Halloween and each child's birthday.
I will plan activities and provide children with a variety of experiences. Some of the activities will include:
Children, including infants and toddlers, will go outdoors daily when weather permits.
The children may be kept indoors during inclement weather such as any of the following:
Infants and toddlers (children under two years of age) I will have a flexible schedule which reflects the child's individual needs. They will be given individual attention including lots of time for talking. The body position of non-mobile infants and their location in the center will be changed frequently. I will provide safe, open spaces for children who are creeping and crawling. Infants and toddlers will be encouraged to play with a wide variety of safe toys and objects.
Preschool Programming (children ages 2-5) I will plan activities so that each child may be or do all of the following:
· Be successful and feel good about himself or herself.
· Use and develop language.
· Use large and small muscles.
· Use materials and take part in activities that encourage creativity.
· Learn new ideas and skills.
· Participate in imaginative play.
· Be exposed to a variety of cultures.
· Develop literacy skills.
School-age children (5 and older) will have a quiet place to study or relax access to appropriate materials and activities and will have ample time for large muscle activities and to participate in food preparation.
Night Care. I am not licensed to provide care between the hours of 9 P.M. and 5 A.M.
Rest or naptime will be provided for all children younger than five years of age who are in care for more than four consecutive hours. Children who do not sleep may get up after 30 minutes, and children who awaken early will be allowed to get up when they awake. I will help wake the children find appropriate activities. Parent or provider will launder the bedding / sleeping bag after every five uses or sooner if necessary.
A crib or playpen is provided for each child less than one year of age. Children over the age of one year will sleep in a sleeping bag or on a 2 inch mat. Parents are required to provide this for their child. Please label and bring with on your child’s first day.
I do have a television for children to watch including DVDs, but we limit the amount of screen time to one hour a day. Children can bring DVDs from home. The children will only be allowed to watch television when appropriate. Children are not required to watch television, and other activities will be available during that time for children to use.
We occasionally take walking field trips which include walks around the neighborhood. Emergency information for each child will be taken whenever the children leave the premises. You will be notified in advance of any field trip requiring transportation.
CHILD GUIDANCE
Children's behavior will be guided by setting clear limits or rules for children. I will talk with children about expected behaviors and model those behaviors consistently for them. I will state positively what children can do, using specific terms (e.g., "you need to walk" rather than "don't run"). Undesirable behavior will be redirected to another activity. Children will be given a wide variety of age-appropriate activities to choose from and will be given the attention they need before they demand it. Behavior management will be for the purpose of helping children develop self-control, self-esteem and respect for the rights of others.
I understand that there will be times when a child will become distraught, fussy or won’t quit crying. My first action in these situations will be an attempt to determine the cause of the distress. It may be related to a basic need such as hunger or comfort, or it may be that the child just needs some extra time and attention. I understand that crying is normal, and that all babies will have times when they cannot stop crying.
At these times, I will stay calm and will do whatever I can to soothe your child. Sometimes this may mean just allowing the child to cry for a few minutes and then trying again. However, there also may be times when I need your advice or assistance, and I won’t hesitate to call you if I feel that it is necessary.
I do use "time outs" to deal with unacceptable behavior.
A "time out" or "take a break" may be used when other techniques have not been successful. A time out will be used to remove a child from a situation that has gotten out of control before a child could hurt himself or others. Time outs will never exceed five minutes and will not be used with children under three years of age. When used, the time out will immediately follow the behavior. I will stay with the child and talk about what behavior was unacceptable, and what else s/he might have done or said instead. Rather than use a specific time-out chair or corner, I will have the child "take a break" near the others so the emphasis is on relax / cool down rather than isolation and punishment. The child will be praised after completing the time out and will be helped to rejoin the group.
I recognize that no single technique will work with children every time. If a child exhibits unacceptable behavior, I will request a conference with parents to consider how to deal with the behavior. If the behavior continues, the next steps may include referrals to appropriate community resources, and / or discharge of the child from care.
In accordance with HFS 45 Licensing Rules for Family Child Care Centers, actions that are aversive, cruel or humiliating and actions that may be psychologically, emotionally or physically painful, discomforting, dangerous or potentially injurious are prohibited. Prohibited actions include spanking, hitting, pinching, shaking, slapping, twisting or inflicting any other form of corporal punishment on the child; verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks about the child or the child's family; physical restraint, binding or tying the child to restrict the child's movement; enclosing the child in a confined space such as a closet, locked room, box or similar cubicle; withholding or forcing meals, snacks or naps; or punishing a child for lapses in toilet training. These forms of punishment will never be used, even at a parent's request.
TRANSPORTATION
I will not transport children on field trips. If we do go on field trips, I would like each parent to provide transportation for their own child.
Public transportation is sometimes used for field trips requiring transportation. These field trips will only be in the city limits, such as the library or children’s museum.
Building Blocks Child Care does carry liability insurance on vehicles if I were to ever transport children in the future.
In order to track children being transported and ensure that their whereabouts are documented from the time the child is picked up until that child is relinquished to the responsible caregiver, I will also have an attendance record with.
I will obtain the driving record of any person who will be transporting children.
PETS
Building Blocks does have one pet. We have a wonderful dog, named Archie. He is a Dutch Shepherd. We rescued him from NADSA. He is great with kids and is fully vaccinated and is well behaved. I do carry liability insurance on our policy for him.
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN
I am required to complete a daily attendance record of each child that attends my family child care. I will have a clipboard with this required form and it will be by the front door at all times. Parents must sign their child in/out each day and on the child’s last day of the week; you must sign the form as well.
This will ensure that I will know the names and number of children in my care at all times.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
I do not provide care between 9PM and 5 AM.
Fire drills shall be practiced with the children every month. In addition, tornado drills shall be practiced during the tornado season which is April through October.
In case of an emergency that would require an evacuation, children will be evacuated through the nearest safe exit. The attendance form and list of phone numbers for parents and emergency contacts will be taken along to ensure that all children are accounted for and all families notified. Children will be assembled in the front yard by the driveway.
In the event of a tornado warning, the children will be taken to the basement. Blankets and a portable radio and flashlight, with extra batteries for both, are kept in the tornado shelter area at all times. The attendance form and emergency contact information will be brought along.
In the event of a lost child, I will check all areas of the center. If the child cannot be found, the child's parents and / or emergency contact and the police will be notified immediately.
If the center should lose the use of heat, water or electricity before the center opens, I will call the parents to let them know that the center will be closed until the problem is fixed.
If the center should lose the use of heat, water or electricity while children are in attendance, I will call the parents so that they can pick up their children.
If we are unable to re-enter the building after a necessary evacuation, I will take the children to a neighbor’s house and will contact the parents.
Building Blocks Child Care
La Crosse, WI 54601
Lisa Ann Bucher, Owner
Child Care Provider
(608) 519-3161 Home
(608) 799-0103 Cell
[email protected]
Policy Effective Date: July 2012
Program Philosophy:
At Building Blocks we are here to provide a safe and healthy environment
to children of all ages.
This is a place where children can learn from one another
and can grow up learning together.
I will always provide nutritious meals and snacks, a balanced structured day
with developmentally appropriate activities.
I am here for the children and for the parents, we can learn from one another.
Let’s work together to bring up some awesome children for the future!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Building Blocks Child Care Center is licensed by the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health and Family Services. I am licensed to care for no more than 8 children at any one time. I am inspected regularly to ensure that I meet licensing standards.
Building Blocks will provide care for children between the ages of 4 weeks and 10 years. Child care services are available without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, political persuasion, national origin, disability, ancestry or sexual orientation.
Child care services will be provided between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, January through December. No service will be provided on New Year's Eve and Day, Good Friday, One Friday in May for continuing education, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, the week between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. Regular fees will be charged for these holidays.
I will post the following items for your review:
- License certificate
- Results of the latest licensing/monitoring visit (CFS-294 or CFS-785)
- Menus
- Center policies
- Daily Schedule
- Important Notices
- Any stipulation, condition, exemption or exception that affects the license.
- Any warning letter or enforcement action—order, forfeiture, temporary suspension—issued by the Department as soon as it is received. These items will remain posted until the violations have been verified as corrected and the action is closed.
Parents will receive a pamphlet, "Your Guide to Licensed Child Care" which is a summary of family child care licensing regulations, as part of an enrollment packet.
Parents are welcome to visit my child care program at any time during the hours of operation unless prohibited by a court order. If so, I will need a copy of the order.
Children will only be released to persons listed on the enrollment form. If anyone other than the child's parent or someone who is listed on the enrollment form is to pick up a child(ren), I need to be notified in writing or by a telephone call in advance. The person picking the child(ren) up may need to show a driver's license or other picture ID.
If the parent or other authorized person arrives to pick up a child and that person appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, all reasonable steps will be taken to prevent the person from leaving with the child, including offering to call a cab or another contact person. While I cannot legally withhold a child from the legal guardian I will not hesitate to call the local authorities if I feel the child is in danger.
It is important that we communicate daily concerning the needs and interests of your child. If there are issues or concerns that need to be discussed, please work with me to arrange a convenient time to talk on the phone at naptime or in the evening so we can give the issue the attention it deserves. To foster communication on a regular basis Building Blocks provides scheduled conferences, written newsletters, parent bulletin board and daily sheets.
To protect each family's confidentiality, Building Blocks will not share information about a child or a child's family with anyone who is not authorized to receive this information.
Building Blocks Child Care Center is covered by liability insurance for my premises and for my operations.
ENROLLMENT AND DISCHARGE OF ENROLLED CHILDREN
All children will be enrolled for a trial period of 1 week.
During the trial period either the provider or parent may terminate child care without advance notice.
Parents must meet with me to discuss their child's specific needs and to review program policies. I will make a reasonable accommodation for a child with disabilities as specified under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The following items must be completed and returned to the center by the first day of attendance.
- Form CFS-62, "Child Care Enrollment"
- Form CFS-2345, "Heath History and Emergency Care Plan”
- Form CFS-104, "School-Age Agreement – Child Care Centers" (if applicable)
- Form CFS-56, "Transportation Permission – Child Care Centers" (if applicable)
- Form CFS-61, "Intake for Child Under 2 Years – Child Care Centers" (if applicable)
The following items must be completed and returned to me by 30 days after your child’s 1st day.
- Form CFS-60, "Child Health Report"
- Form DPH-4192, "Day Care Immunization Record" or an electronic record of your child's immunizations
A child may be discharged from the center for reasons such as, but not limited to:
- Failure to pay fees on time. (Grounds for immediate termination, without advance notice.)
- Lack of parental cooperation.
- Inability of child care program to meet the needs of the child. I will consult with the parent concerning how any problems might be solved before ending the care arrangement. The parent will be referred to other community resources.
- Repeated failure to pick up the child at scheduled time.
- Failure to complete and return required forms.
Parents must give a 2 week written notice of their intent to withdraw the child(ren), and will be required to pay for those days whether or not children continue to attend. All outstanding fees must be paid.
PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS
Fees are to be paid on Monday for that week's services. If there will be a third party payment, as from an employer or the county, a special payment schedule will be arranged and detailed in the contract. Parents will be responsible for any specified co-payments or unpaid amounts.
Building Blocks does not charge a registration or an enrollment fee.
I will establish a regular rate based on your child's attendance for the week. Additional fees will be assessed for additional hours if care exceeds 10 hours per day.
A full-time rate is offered for children who will be in care for the week.
A part-time rate is offered for children who will be in part time care for the week.
An hourly rate is charged if children will attend on a drop in basis.
There will be an extra fee assessed for late payment or late pick up of a child.
Rates are higher for children under 2 ½ years of age than for older children.
There will be no discount for additional children from one family.
Regular charges will be charged for days when children do not attend due to illness or other reasons.
CHILD AND PROVIDER ABSENCES
A. Child Absence
If your child will not attend on a regularly scheduled day please let me know by 8 A.M. or within 1 hour of your child’s scheduled arrival time.
If a child who is scheduled to arrive at the center does not arrive within 1 hour of the specified time on the written agreement signed by the parent, and I have not been notified of the child’s impending absence, I will attempt to contact the parent or guardian to determine the child’s whereabouts.
I will not walk or transport children who attend school to and from the center in the morning and after school.
If parents wish to allow a school-age child to leave or arrive at the center unescorted, they must provide written authorization for this activity. School-age children who leave the center unescorted must be traveling to home, school or another activity where adult supervision is present.
B. Provider Absence
In case of an emergency situation that requires my immediate attention, I will call Clint Bucher. He will come to the center to stay with the child(ren) during my absence. Parents will be called to pick up their children as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00pm. I will provide my emergency back-up person with a brief orientation that will include the names and ages of children present, arrival and departure information for each child, the location of the children’s files and the procedures to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome if the center is licensed to care for children under 1 year of age. Regular tuition fees will not be charged when I am closed because of an emergency.
In the event that I am scheduled to be gone, I will have a substitute. Before my substitute or any other provider required to meet the staff-to-child ratios begins to work with the children, I will provide them with an orientation and document its completion. The orientation will cover all of the items specified in the licensing rules.
HEALTH
A. Child Illness / Injuries
Children who are ill are not to be brought to the center. The following are examples of children who are ill:
- A temperature of 101 degrees F. or higher.
- Vomiting or diarrhea has occurred more than once in the past 24 hours
- A contagious disease such as chicken pox, strep throat or pink eye
- An unidentified rash
- Have not been on a prescribed medication for 24 hours or continue to have symptoms of illness
- Has a constant, thick, colored nasal discharge
Children may return to the center when they are symptom free, have been appropriately treated or have been given medical approval to return to child care. I will follow procedures on personal cleanliness and communicable diseases in accordance with licensing rules and the guidelines for exclusion of children from child care as adapted from the Division of Public Health.
I will report all communicable diseases, when required, to the local health department and to parents of all enrolled children. Parents of all enrolled children will be notified when their child has been exposed to an illness other than a communicable disease.
I have not been authorized by the licensing agency to provide care for mildly ill children. When your child is mildly ill, you will need to pick up your child within 1 hour or less.
I have received training in first aid. I will follow standard emergency medical procedures for treating injuries. A head injury will be treated as a serious injury, and parents will be notified as soon as possible.
Superficial injuries will be washed with soap and water and covered with a bandage or treated with ice. Parents will be told about the minor injury when they pick their child up.
If there is a need for emergency medical treatment, 911 will be called and the child will be taken to Gunderson-Lutheran Hospital. Should an ambulance be needed, parents will be responsible for any costs. Parents will be contacted as soon as possible after contacting 911. If possible, I will ask that the ambulance take your child to the emergency medical facility that you designated on the child enrollment form.
All medication administered, accidents or injuries occurring during the time the child is in my care, marked changes in behavior or appearance and any observation of injuries to a child's body received outside of my care will be entered into the center's medical logbook. As a licensed child care provider, I am required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the local authorities.
B. Medications
I will administer medications. Prescriptive and non-prescriptive medication will only be given to children if parents have completed the authorization form provided. All medicine must be in its original container bearing the label with child's name, dosage and administration directions. I will not exceed the age-related dosage on the label of any medication without a written doctor's authorization. Blanket authorizations, such as dispensing Tylenol at my discretion, are not allowed.
I will apply sunscreen to a child prior to taking the child outside. I will apply insect repellent to a child prior to taking the child outside. Parents must authorize in writing the application of sunscreen or insect repellent. The authorization shall include the brand and the ingredient strength.
C. Smoking
Smoking is NOT permitted on the premises of the center during licensed child care hours.
D. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
To reduce the risk of SIDS I will do the following:
· Children under one year of age:
- Child will be placed to sleep on his or her back in a crib, unless the child’s physician authorizes another position in writing.
- Child will not sleep in a crib or playpen that contains materials such as sheepskins, pillows, fluffy blankets, bumper pads or stuffed animals.
- Cribs and playpens shall contain a tight-fitting mattress and any mattress covering shall fit snugly over the mattress. Waterbeds may not be used.
- Sheets or blankets will be tucked tightly under the mattress and shall be kept away from the child’s mouth and nose.
- If child falls asleep in a swing or car seat, the child will be removed from the swing or car seat and placed to sleep on his or her back in a crib.
NUTRITION
I will follow USDA guidelines when planning our menus. No child will go without nourishment for longer than 3 hours. I will offer the following meals and snacks to all children in attendance at the times identified in the daily schedule.
Breakfast 9:00am
Lunch 12:00pm
Afternoon snack 3:00pm
Parents providing their own children's meals and snacks will be informed in writing of the USDA nutritional requirements.
If your child has special dietary needs (medical condition or personal choice) or has food allergies, parents must notify the center in writing.
Daily, weekly and monthly records of meals and snacks are available for your review.
Building Blocks does participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program.
School-aged children will be offered an afternoon snack upon arrival from school.
Children younger than 12 months must be served formula or breast milk unless written direction is on file from the child's health care professional. I will provide Similac formula if the parent desires. All bottles and commercial baby food must be labeled with your child's name.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
I do not include religious instruction or practices in my daily activities. We do not offer prayers before meals and snacks. We do not offer a religious education program or curriculum.
We celebrate the following occasions: Christmas, Easter, Halloween and each child's birthday.
I will plan activities and provide children with a variety of experiences. Some of the activities will include:
- Language development: Books, music, story time, finger plays, flannel board stories
- Large muscle skills: Balls, hula hoops, bean bags, swinging, outdoor play
- Small muscle skills: Arts / crafts, stringing beads, pegboards, blocks
- Creative expression: Dramatic play, puppets, music / instruments, flannel board
- Self-help skills: Assist with mealtime preparation, dress self for outdoors
Children, including infants and toddlers, will go outdoors daily when weather permits.
The children may be kept indoors during inclement weather such as any of the following:
- Heavy rain
- Temperatures above 90 degrees F.
- Wind chills of 0 degrees F. or below for children age 2 and above.
- Wind chills of 20 degrees F. or below for children under age 2
Infants and toddlers (children under two years of age) I will have a flexible schedule which reflects the child's individual needs. They will be given individual attention including lots of time for talking. The body position of non-mobile infants and their location in the center will be changed frequently. I will provide safe, open spaces for children who are creeping and crawling. Infants and toddlers will be encouraged to play with a wide variety of safe toys and objects.
Preschool Programming (children ages 2-5) I will plan activities so that each child may be or do all of the following:
· Be successful and feel good about himself or herself.
· Use and develop language.
· Use large and small muscles.
· Use materials and take part in activities that encourage creativity.
· Learn new ideas and skills.
· Participate in imaginative play.
· Be exposed to a variety of cultures.
· Develop literacy skills.
School-age children (5 and older) will have a quiet place to study or relax access to appropriate materials and activities and will have ample time for large muscle activities and to participate in food preparation.
Night Care. I am not licensed to provide care between the hours of 9 P.M. and 5 A.M.
Rest or naptime will be provided for all children younger than five years of age who are in care for more than four consecutive hours. Children who do not sleep may get up after 30 minutes, and children who awaken early will be allowed to get up when they awake. I will help wake the children find appropriate activities. Parent or provider will launder the bedding / sleeping bag after every five uses or sooner if necessary.
A crib or playpen is provided for each child less than one year of age. Children over the age of one year will sleep in a sleeping bag or on a 2 inch mat. Parents are required to provide this for their child. Please label and bring with on your child’s first day.
I do have a television for children to watch including DVDs, but we limit the amount of screen time to one hour a day. Children can bring DVDs from home. The children will only be allowed to watch television when appropriate. Children are not required to watch television, and other activities will be available during that time for children to use.
We occasionally take walking field trips which include walks around the neighborhood. Emergency information for each child will be taken whenever the children leave the premises. You will be notified in advance of any field trip requiring transportation.
CHILD GUIDANCE
Children's behavior will be guided by setting clear limits or rules for children. I will talk with children about expected behaviors and model those behaviors consistently for them. I will state positively what children can do, using specific terms (e.g., "you need to walk" rather than "don't run"). Undesirable behavior will be redirected to another activity. Children will be given a wide variety of age-appropriate activities to choose from and will be given the attention they need before they demand it. Behavior management will be for the purpose of helping children develop self-control, self-esteem and respect for the rights of others.
I understand that there will be times when a child will become distraught, fussy or won’t quit crying. My first action in these situations will be an attempt to determine the cause of the distress. It may be related to a basic need such as hunger or comfort, or it may be that the child just needs some extra time and attention. I understand that crying is normal, and that all babies will have times when they cannot stop crying.
At these times, I will stay calm and will do whatever I can to soothe your child. Sometimes this may mean just allowing the child to cry for a few minutes and then trying again. However, there also may be times when I need your advice or assistance, and I won’t hesitate to call you if I feel that it is necessary.
I do use "time outs" to deal with unacceptable behavior.
A "time out" or "take a break" may be used when other techniques have not been successful. A time out will be used to remove a child from a situation that has gotten out of control before a child could hurt himself or others. Time outs will never exceed five minutes and will not be used with children under three years of age. When used, the time out will immediately follow the behavior. I will stay with the child and talk about what behavior was unacceptable, and what else s/he might have done or said instead. Rather than use a specific time-out chair or corner, I will have the child "take a break" near the others so the emphasis is on relax / cool down rather than isolation and punishment. The child will be praised after completing the time out and will be helped to rejoin the group.
I recognize that no single technique will work with children every time. If a child exhibits unacceptable behavior, I will request a conference with parents to consider how to deal with the behavior. If the behavior continues, the next steps may include referrals to appropriate community resources, and / or discharge of the child from care.
In accordance with HFS 45 Licensing Rules for Family Child Care Centers, actions that are aversive, cruel or humiliating and actions that may be psychologically, emotionally or physically painful, discomforting, dangerous or potentially injurious are prohibited. Prohibited actions include spanking, hitting, pinching, shaking, slapping, twisting or inflicting any other form of corporal punishment on the child; verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks about the child or the child's family; physical restraint, binding or tying the child to restrict the child's movement; enclosing the child in a confined space such as a closet, locked room, box or similar cubicle; withholding or forcing meals, snacks or naps; or punishing a child for lapses in toilet training. These forms of punishment will never be used, even at a parent's request.
TRANSPORTATION
I will not transport children on field trips. If we do go on field trips, I would like each parent to provide transportation for their own child.
Public transportation is sometimes used for field trips requiring transportation. These field trips will only be in the city limits, such as the library or children’s museum.
Building Blocks Child Care does carry liability insurance on vehicles if I were to ever transport children in the future.
In order to track children being transported and ensure that their whereabouts are documented from the time the child is picked up until that child is relinquished to the responsible caregiver, I will also have an attendance record with.
I will obtain the driving record of any person who will be transporting children.
PETS
Building Blocks does have one pet. We have a wonderful dog, named Archie. He is a Dutch Shepherd. We rescued him from NADSA. He is great with kids and is fully vaccinated and is well behaved. I do carry liability insurance on our policy for him.
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN
I am required to complete a daily attendance record of each child that attends my family child care. I will have a clipboard with this required form and it will be by the front door at all times. Parents must sign their child in/out each day and on the child’s last day of the week; you must sign the form as well.
This will ensure that I will know the names and number of children in my care at all times.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
I do not provide care between 9PM and 5 AM.
Fire drills shall be practiced with the children every month. In addition, tornado drills shall be practiced during the tornado season which is April through October.
In case of an emergency that would require an evacuation, children will be evacuated through the nearest safe exit. The attendance form and list of phone numbers for parents and emergency contacts will be taken along to ensure that all children are accounted for and all families notified. Children will be assembled in the front yard by the driveway.
In the event of a tornado warning, the children will be taken to the basement. Blankets and a portable radio and flashlight, with extra batteries for both, are kept in the tornado shelter area at all times. The attendance form and emergency contact information will be brought along.
In the event of a lost child, I will check all areas of the center. If the child cannot be found, the child's parents and / or emergency contact and the police will be notified immediately.
If the center should lose the use of heat, water or electricity before the center opens, I will call the parents to let them know that the center will be closed until the problem is fixed.
If the center should lose the use of heat, water or electricity while children are in attendance, I will call the parents so that they can pick up their children.
If we are unable to re-enter the building after a necessary evacuation, I will take the children to a neighbor’s house and will contact the parents.