Regular care Policies

All Full time & Part time contracts will be negotiated and signed in person when a parent interviews... there is a 2 day minimum for contracted care. Each family has different needs so no two contracts will be the same. Fees are prepaid weekly on Friday. Parents can receive a 5% discount on their fees if they pay in full every month by the 1st.

POLICY STATEMENT 2008

Please note that this policy statement works in conjunction with my agreement and that by signing the agreement, you agree to abide by the policies stated on this Website. I respect and appreciate the trust you have placed in me in caring for your child. I believe that parents are the most important people in a child’s world, and I will make every effort to support you as a family. I will try to offer the very best care that I can for your child. You can help me by keeping me informed about health concerns, favorite foods, fears or special interests. I will try to share information about your child’s growth and activities during the time spent in my program.

Age appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of the individual child. I will provide your child with tender loving care, patience, understanding, and guidance in a happy, family setting. Chores, such as picking up toys and setting the table at meals will likely be part of the day. It is here that they learn social skills that will be needed the rest of their lives

Trial Period: All new children will be cared for on a two-week (14 calendar days) trial period beginning on your child's first actual day of care. During that time the parent or provider may terminate the child care agreement with 24 hours notice. After the trial period, at least 2-week's written notice is required by either party to terminate the agreement (See Termination Policy). No prepaid fees will be refunded.

Arrival, departure and overtime: Childcare is offered Monday thru Saturday. Hours of operation are variable, so I only work the hours and days you have requested for your child. I plan drop-ins, appointments & family activities according to each child’s contracted hours. A late pick-up/early drop-off fee of will be charged regardless of the reason for early arrivals & late pick-ups. If you will be late arriving for the day, please call as I may have planned a walk for the children; If you do not call by your scheduled arrival time, I will assume your child is not coming that day - It will then be your responsibility to make and pay for other arrangements for care that day.

Child Safety & Security: Children will only be released to individuals listed on the registration form. Parents are always welcome to drop in and visit at any time during the hours their child is in my care. Parents are to let me know of their presence before entering premises by knocking and waiting for me to answer. The front door will always be kept locked. This is for the safety of the children and to prevent unwanted visitors from entering. Please do not just walk into my home, especially if it after your child's care hours as this is my home first and my business second ( this was added because I had a parent just walk in one night and his child wasn't even there that day)

CUSTODY ISSUES

1. All custody issues must be resolved outside of daycare; this includes joint custodial cases
2. Problems between custodial and non-custodial parents will be immediate cause for termination. Additionally, a one-week non-notice fee will apply.
3. I must have custody papers showing in writing the terms of custody and visitation and they may not interfer with my home life or business

NON CUSTODIAL PARENTS

1. Non custodial parent's must call and make an appointment to visit the daycare. The custodial parent must state in writing the terms of the visit and allowable times. This also applies to phone calls
2. Non custodial parents that cause problems when picking up their child at the daycare will be permanently barred from the premises. If you show back up, you will be charged with trespassing.
3. Do not call and ask me for information about your child. You will have to obtain this from the custodial parent.
4. Do not call and ask if your child is in care. I am not at liberty to divulge this information to anyone than those authorized on the child's forms. If you want this changed then go through the custodial parent for authorization. I am a daycare provider, not a mediator for custody issues.

Child Abuse: As a family childcare provider, I am mandated by law to recognize and report any evidence of child abuse and neglect whether physical or emotional. If, at the time of your child’s pick-up, I suspect you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other substance, I have no choice but to release your child to you, though I would prefer not to. I will do one of the following: 1. Call someone on your contact list or 2. Call a taxi (your expense). Late fees will apply until another authorized person picks up the child. If you take your child anyway, I will have no choice but to call 911.

Clothing & other Needs: Please bring your child in clean, weather appropriate clothing each day, including sneakers and a jacket if needed. I request parents keep at least two full extra set of clothing here in case of accidents along with the weekly supply of diapers or pull-ups. I accept Parents who prefer to use cloth diapers, provided they supply a small-lidded pail along with the child's diapers and plastic pants.
Deposits: Due to the high demand of care, you will be required to pay the first week's tuition upon confirmation of your enrollment; This fee will automatically be credited to your first week of tuition, but is non-refundable if your child doesn't start by contracted date. If your child will be starting 2 or more weeks after acceptance, payment of 1/2 the weekly fee is due for each week a hold is required before space will be reserved. This fee is not credited, nor refundable.

Discipline: Discipline for infants is a matter of safety. There is no such thing as a bad or naughty baby. They do not understand rules or consequences. A safe environment is provided to prevent problems by: Removing and keeping the child away from harmful areas Saying "no" in a calm but firm manner when s/he is in danger Child-proofing areas where infants play Helping older children understand what things need to be kept away from babies and why

Toddlers are beginning to understand simple directions, but they are unable to remember things, so rules are repeated frequently. Because the toddler is struggling to understand his/her world, s/he often exhibits acceptable behavior with unacceptable objects; i.e. throwing blocks. Safety procedures used with infants are used with toddlers as well as: Keeping things out of reach Removing him/her from frustrating situations Talking to him/her about his/her feelings and giving him/her words to express those feelings Redirecting attention Focus on "do*s" instead of "don*ts" and outline for them how to handle the situation in a better way.

Preschool children are better able to understand and remember rules and consequences. The children are reminded of what is expected of them at all times. When children know what is expected of them, problems are less likely to occur. The basic rules are: When a problem does occur, positive methods of discipline are used in a quiet, calm manner. These methods encourage self-control, self-direction and cooperation. The methods used are: Redirect attention Focus on "do*s" instead of "don*ts." Explain a more appropriate behavior. Have child sit in time-out, if necessary, to gain control of him/herself

If a child is misbehaving or hurting another child, and does not cease after attempts at redirection and verbal warnings, I will place him or her in a “time-out”. A child will never be left alone during a time-out. I use time-outs to calm the child down, and then I use behavior-modification techniques to encourage appropriate ways of acting. My goal is to help each child develop a strong sense of self-discipline and self-esteem. If a child seems to exhibit a behavior that is not age-appropriate and it continues to be a problem, I will set up a time when the parent and I can work together on possible solutions. If a problem becomes so severe that it is disrupting the other childrens' daily activities, removing the child from the program will have to be considered.

If a problem becomes so severe that it is disrupting the other children’s daily activities, then another child care arrangement will have to be considered. Should a child break a toy or personal item due to excessive roughness after they have been asked not to, or because s/he broke a rule, parents will be responsible for full replacement cost.

The following methods of discipline will never be used on any child at any time. spanking, hitting, pinching, slapping or any forms of physical force restricting a child's movement by binding or tying him/her mental or emotional cruelty depriving meals, snacks, rest or toilet use confining a child to a closet or locked room

Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency, fire or natural disaster I will take immediate steps to ensure your child’s safety and will contact you as quickly as possible. Please make sure that you keep me informed regarding your whereabouts. Whenever I leave the house with the children I always carry their medical consent forms and a cell phone. In the event that I need to seek medical attention for a child, you will be called to pick-up your child immediately.

Fee increases: I try very hard to shop wisely, and use resources economically. However, due to constant increases in my operating costs, small fee increases are inevitable, on average once a year on January 1st. Donations of any kind including Paper towels, various Art supplies, Books, “like new” wooden Toys, Dress-up clothing (dresses, costume jewelry, hats etc) or any other items you can think of that are suitable for my young charges would be helpful; This will help keep fee increases to a minimum

Fire Safety: I have a fire evacuation plan and practice a fire drill with the children at least once each month. In addition, I incorporate fire safety curriculum into my program occasionally. I also keep a written tornado plan.

Holding a Spot: If your child will be away from the daycare for an extended period of time such as a mother’s maternity leave or un-employement, I cannot hold your child’s spot during this time without full pay as each child's space represents a portion of my income.

Holidays: Tir Na nOg Playcare is closed on the following days unpaid... One week during the Winter break and one week in July for my Personal vacation. This year it's the last week in July. I am CLOSED WITH PAY on all Federal Holidays... this is my only perk. If a holiday lands on a day your child normally attends, then you are responsible for that days fees. Parents will be responsible for providing their own back-up childcare when I am unavailable to care for your child at anytime.

Illness/Injury: I have the right to refuse care for any child if I believe they do not belong in care due to illness. This includes, but is not limited to children who have lice (no nit policy), children who have been vomiting, or had diarrhea in the last 24 hours, children who have flu symptoms, fever of 100.5 or above and pink eye. Children who become ill will be separated and parents will be called to pick up promptly (someone is expected to arrive within 30 minutes or so). Late pick-up or Refusal to pick-up a child for illness or injury will result in an additional, non-negotiable sick child fee charge of $50 per hour past the grace period and possibly termination (I had an incident years ago where a mother was charged with neglect by CPS after I rushed her child to the ER with convulsions...her job was more important than the baby). This fee will be due immediately at child’s pick-up that day in cash.

Children cannot return to care until: Fever - fever free (without Tylenol/Motrin) for at least 24 hours or doctor’s note stating that treatment is being given or is not required. Upper Respiratory Infection - must be seen by a doctor and return with a doctor’s note stating that treatment is being given or is not required. Diarrhea - no diarrhea for 24 hours or doctor’s note stating that treatment is being given or is not required. Vomiting - no vomiting for 24 hours or doctor’s note stating that treatment is being given or is not required. Inflamed Eye - must be seen by a doctor and return with a doctor’s note stating that treatment is being given or is not required. Skin Infection (of unknown origin) - must be seen by a doctor and return with a doctor’s note stating that treatment is being given or is not required.

If an emergency arises, the parents will be called and if necessary, the child will be transported via rescue squad to the nearest ER. Parents will be responsible for all transportation and medical costs. Immunization forms and contact numbers must be kept current at all times.

Inclement Weather: I try to stay open at all times; however, I will close if very severe storms are being called for that would cause unsafe driving conditions. If I close early, you will be called to pick up your child immediately (within 30 minutes). In the event my power goes out for an extended length of time, or there is a possibility of not being restored for a while during any weather event, I will close. No credits will be issued for weather or safety related closings as these are acts of god and out of my control.

Meals/Snacks: I do not participate in the Child Care Food Program, which means, I am not reimbursed by the federal government for any food I serve. Due to the high cost of food, and the pickiness of little ones, I do not serve breakfast at all. I do provide 2 healthy snacks and one meal once children are eating table food; parents are requested to send beginner infant food & all formula bottles. Mothers who are nursing are encouraged to send breast milk for their child. Infants will be fed according to their own schedule. If you expect your child to arrive at the end of a mealtime or just after, please feed them before they come here.

This home emphasizes natural foods such as fresh fruits & vegetables, homemade soups and grain breads. Soy milk will be made when requested along with Juice and Organic milk for meals and snacks. Water is available at all times to all children.
Medications: Prescriptions/Natural remedies may be accommodated on a case-by-case situation; I must have written permission from the parent in advance. Medicine will only be give if it is brought to me in the original container. Prescription medication will only be given if accompanied by written instructions from a licensed physician or dentist. Medication must have child's name and current prescription information on the label. Parents will supply all prescription and non-prescription medications.

Naps/Rest Time: Our rest times will vary every day as babies follow their own schedules; The main quiet time after lunch. Children who do not want to sleep will be guided to quiet activities that will not disturb other children. Please send a child sized blanket or sleeping bag for toddlers over 18 months old for sleeping - I will send it home weekly to be laundered.

Outdoors play: Please dress your children appropriately for the current weather, and in play clothes. When the weather cooperates we will spend time taking walks. During spring and fall our outdoor time will probably range from 10 - 30 minutes, and in the summer it may be up to an hour (not all at once).

Parent/Provider communication: I do welcome questions, feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child. Please request a private meeting outside of childcare for sensitive issues.

Payments: Day care fees are charged on a weekly basis and are payable by Friday evenings every week in advance of care for the following week. I have a NO PAY, NO STAY POLICY. Your child will not be taken for care unless you pay for daily drop-in, but your child will lose their guaranteed space unless regular fees are paid that Friday. Any pre-arranged hours beyond the contracted hours will be done at an hourly drop-in rate. Each family is required to pay their weekly fee whenever childcare is open, whether or not the child is in attendance. This weekly fee ensures that the child's spot is held for him/her at the discounted rate. Whenever childcare is closed due to my illness or my vacation you are not required to pay. A two-week advance notice of any vacation time is required in writing and payment is due in advance of your leaving otherwise I will assume you have terminated your child's contract without notice.

There are no credits for absences of scheduled days including federal holidays, child's vacations or days your child is ill. No refunds will be given if you leave within the week due to immediate termination by either party, illness, vacations, moving, etc.

Referrals: Recommendations from a family are one of the biggest compliments I can receive. Refer a friend to us and, if they enroll 25 + hours/week, you will earn childcare for FREE! The more people you refer and enroll, the more FREE CHILDCARE YOU GET!. If parent enrolls for 20 hours per week, you earn 5 hours of FREE daycare. If they enroll for 30 hours per week, you earn 10 hours of FREE daycare etc. You will qualify for free daycare if a parent you refered to us does all of the following:

Mentions your name at their interview as who refered them

Commits to a 3 month contract

Stays current on all payments

The fine print

The newly enrolled parent must be paid up to date for a full three months to count as a legitimate referal. You will be able to take advantage your your FREE daycare 4 weeks after the newly enrolled parent's start date.

If care is terminated for any reason prior to meeting the 3 month qualification, you are responsible for paying the credited time back at your regular rate. This is to prevent any scandals where parents plot against me to get free daycare ( yes, it has happened). Free care is not good towards last weeks of care.

Smoking & Alcohol use: Smoking will not be allowed in my home or by my front door at any time. I must request that your refrain from smoking while visiting. Also, alcoholic beverages will not be served or consumed by myself or anyone visiting my household during regular care hours.

Termination: Parents are required to give at least 2-weeks written notice before services are to be terminated. In the case of immediate termination from the family, or me, No pre-paid fees will be refunded or credited. I terminate immediately without refund of any kind for any of the following reasons: Failure to comply with any policy, Disrespecting me, my family or my home, Lack of co-operation from parents, Failure to pick up an ill child if I call you, False or omitted information, Destructive behavior by a child, Non-payment of any fee, failure to complete or update forms, knowingly bringing a child to care ill. Physical/verbal abuse of any person, smoking on the property or bringing any type of weapon or drugs onto my property.

Toilet training: I will assist you, when your child is ready to begin training, but not before 18 months of age and then only after parents have started the process. Please dress your child in clothing that is easy to put-on and take-off during. I do request parents supply at least two additional sets of clothing, including socks during training and until two weeks after last accident.

Touch Policy: It is my belief that children need nurturing and adult physical contact for their daily care and healthy development. This contact can be described in three ways…1. Nurturing: This includes hugs, gentle tickling, caring and cuddling. This type of contact is never done against the express wishes of the child, 2. Safety and Guidance: This includes restraining child from harmful situations, separating physically conflicting children, and administering first-aid. 3. Hygienic: This includes hand and face washing, assisting with bathroom duties (age appropriate), diaper changes, examining rashes or unusual marks, nose blowing and assisting with changing clothes. This type of contact is never done against the express wishes of the child.

REVISIONS: Childcare contracts are reviewed every 3 months. 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 weeks notice of changes.