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Parent Handbook
Welcome to Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center! The purpose of this handbook is to
outline the policies and procedures under which Carousel Corner Preschool and
Childcare Center operates as a licensed child care provider. Carousel Corner
Preschool and Childcare Center gives the children in our care opportunities to
learn in a family-like setting with mixed age groups, where they can feel safe
and loved, and can begin to build a positive self image. Your child will receive
quality personal and individualized care in a warm and loving preschool. Your child
will have the opportunity to gain practice in language, fine motor, large motor
& self help skills. Your questions and comments are important so we can achieve
the very best experiences for your child. Children will not be denied enrollment
on the basis of sex, race, religion or disability.
Hours of operation:
6:00 am to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drop-in (hourly) care is provided
from 7:00-12:00 and 2:30-5:00. Non-traditional hours are given on occasion.
Enrollment Procedures:
The following forms required by the State of Washington and need to be completed
prior to placement.
1. Registration form signed by parent or guardian, which includes the date of
last physical examination.
2. Complete record of immunizations.
3. Signed consent for child to receive medical treatment, medicine, and go on
any trip off the premises
4. Signed Contract.
Note: All forms must be updated at least every year or sooner according to need.
Also the registration/processing fees must be paid, prior to admission. A
position will not be held if the above requirements are not made.
Trial Period and Termination:
A period of 2 weeks trial is given for adjustment. After this time period the
parents or the provider may decide to terminate care without prior notice.
* After the trial period, care can be terminated with 2 weeks written notice.
Payment for two weeks will be accepted in lieu of notice. All final payments are
to be paid at the time of notice. In cases of non-payment, legal actions may be
taken and the parents will pay all legal fees incurred.
* Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center will also give two weeks notice
if the child is to be terminated from care. Any abuse or violation of the
rules/policies of the contract/handbook may be just cause for termination.
* Immediate termination can occur for behavior problems, or dangerous parental
situations. If immediate termination is given by Carousel Corner Preschool and
Childcare Center for the above or any other
reason to be at our discretion, any deposit will be forfeited.
Vacation and absences:
Daycare may be closed 2-3 weeks for vacation, and up to 3 professional training
days per year. Notification of at least 4 weeks will be given prior to any
closed days, with the exception of emergencies or illness.
* There are a limited number of spaces available therefore; weekly payments are
not based on child's attendance. No refunds are given for late arrivals/early
departures, parental vacations or exclusion due to illness.
Holidays:
Daycare will be closed for all federal holidays and the following days with pay
(unless noted):
New Year's Day, - Martin Luther King Day, - Presidents Day, - Memorial Day, -
Independence Day, - Labor Day, - Thanksgiving, - The Day after Thanksgiving
(optional pay) - Christmas Day
* Please note if the holiday falls on Saturday (daycare will close the Friday
before), if the holiday falls on Sunday (daycare will close the Monday after).
* If care is needed on a scheduled holiday the rate will be $5.00 an hour.
Rates for 2003:
Rates are based on a 45-hour week, if more hours are needed the fee will be
adjusted. Your individual weekly fee is outlined in your signed contract. All
rates may be reviewed and increased on January 1 of each year.
Definitions:
Full Time: Daycare contracted on a set scheduled time slot for 40-50 hours per
week.
Part Time: Daycare contracted on a set scheduled time slot for less than 30
hours per week.
Drop-In (hourly): Self-explanatory. There is a $10.00 minimum.
Overtime: Overtime is considered any time outside the contracted time interval
and, any time before 6:00 am or after 6:00 pm. Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center
is under no obligation to provide an extension of time. Late arrival does
not justify late departure.
Other fees:
*Overtime Fee:
$3.00 per hour for prearranged overtime (with a 24-hour notice)
$5.00 per 15 minutes or any increment of 15 minutes when time wasn't
prearranged.
*Late Payment Fee:
$10.00 per day that payment is not received. If fee isn't paid by Monday morning
of the next week, your child will not be cared for until the outstanding balance
is paid. Continued late payments will result in termination of our contract.
*Returned Check Fee:
$ 20.00 plus any additional costs Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center
incur for a returned check. If two checks bounce in one year's time, cash will
then be required.
*Registration Fee:
Part time, Full time care, Before and After school equal to 2 weeks fee
Drop-in, Hourly, Short Term, Temp care = $30.00 for processing
** For Part time, Full time, B/A this fee is split up two ways. The first half
is credited to your first week of care, the second half is for your last week of
care if the required two-week termination notice is given. If care is terminated
without the required two weeks written notice, the last week's fee will be
forfeited. If necessary, you may pay the fee in 4 installments over the first 4
weeks of care.
**For Drop in, Hourly, Short term or Temp this fee is for processing forms and
records.
All fees will be forfeited if enrollment is canceled, or care or is terminated
within the first week.
Payment schedules:
Payment or CO-payment is due weekly by 6:00 on Friday or on the last day of care
(in full). Exception to this is drop-in (hourly) care; payment is due the day of
service.
Over time is paid in the week it was made.
**D.S.H.S: Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center will accept payment
through DSHS. The application must be filled out and returned to DSHS within 3
days of your child's enrollment. If care is started in the middle or end of the
month, CO-payment is paid at enrollment for that month. A fee of 1 week's
payment will be required by at the time of enrollment, this fee will be for the
last week of care. Parent will be responsible for any charges not covered by
DSHS, such as overtime, and late fees. Extra fees are paid the week they were
made.
Arrival and departure:
Please send your child clean, dressed for the day, and fed (if arriving after
7:45). Please make your goodbye brief (no more than a couple minutes), the
longer you prolong departure the harder it gets. Never leave without telling
your child goodbye. Please be in control of your child during pick up times, and
don't allow them to play on, in, or around the planters, rocks or driveway.
*No one other than the parents or designated person will be allowed to pick up
your child without prior arrangement. Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare
Center must be notified in advance and have a written note with the person's
name and relationship to the child.
*If there is a court order keeping one parent away from the child, Carousel
Corner Preschool and Childcare Center must have a written note from the
custodial parent in our file to that effect. Otherwise, Carousel Corner Preschool
and Childcare Center cannot prevent the non-custodial parent from picking up the
child.
Communication:
To provide the best possible care, please feel free to communicate any needs,
wants, and or concerns regarding your child. It is only through parent/provider
interaction that a goal of quality, nurturing care can be achieved. A monthly
newsletter will keep you up to date on general issues and what we are doing, but
Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center will give you daily reports about
your child.
A Typical Day:
Depending on the needs of the children, schedules are flexible and may very.
6:30 - 7:30 Arrival, quiet time, Education TV
7:30 - 7:45 Breakfast
7:45 - 9:00 free play
9:00 - 1030 Pre-school program/ Story, Circle time, Singing, ABC's, Crafts
10:30 - 11:15 free play, outside play or walk (weather permitting)
11:15 - 11:30 Clean up
11:30 - 12:00 Lunch
12:00 - 2:30 Change diapers/potty, Nap/rest time - everyone participates
2:00 - 2:30 Wake up
2:30 - 3:00 Change diapers/potty, brush hair, Barney
3:00 -3:15 snack
3:15 - 5:00 free play, Educational TV - Departure
Activities:
Age appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed responding to
the needs of the individual child/baby. Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare
Center provide a preschool curriculum from September through May for children
age 2-5. My schedule is the same as the public schools. If they are not in
session for any reason (i.e., snow days, conferences, etc.) then preschool will
not be in session either, however, daycare will continue except for listed
holidays and vacation. The activities include daily circle time with, letter,
shape, color, and number recognition, singing and story reading. We will have
crafts and projects a few times a week, and have a lot of free play. There is a
supply charge of $ 5.00 a month per child due on the 1st of each month.
TV viewing:
Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center allows limited TV viewing
consisting of Channel 9 and the Disney Channel only. On occasion Carousel Corner
Preschool and Childcare Center let the children pick a child appropriate video
to watch. Children are NEVER required to sit and watch TV, and TV is not offered
in place of Free Play or Learning Activities.
Nap/rest time:
All children under the age of 5 are REQUIRED by Washington law to have a rest
period. No child is forced to sleep; however they must remain quiet. No child is
to be dropped off or picked up during this time, it has proven to be very
disruptive to the other children. If you have to make an appointment for your
child, please make it before 12:00 or after 2:30.
Behavior Management & Discipline:
My philosophy is that you use discipline to teach a child. Carousel Corner
Preschool and Childcare Center achieve this through love, consistency, and
firmness. The children are explained the rules of the daycare frequently so that
they know the guidelines. Once a child understands the rules and disobeys them,
hurts others or property, the following developmentally appropriate guidance
techniques will be used. These techniques are as follows:
1. Positive Reinforcement: The child will be encouraged when he/she is
demonstrating acceptable behavior.
2. Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and given an
opportunity to try again at another time.
3. Time out: The child is separated from the group for a child-regulated period
of time. This technique is used only when a child is exhibiting temper tantrum
type behavior or hurting self, others, or equipment. When the child shows that
he/she is ready to demonstrate acceptable behavior, they are encouraged to join
the rest of the group and try again.
4. Last resort: When a child's behavior is continually upsetting or dangerous to
others, or myself a conference will be called with the parents. If the problems
can't be resolved, arrangements will have to be made for the child to go
elsewhere for care.
*Sometimes, if both a parent and a provider are both in the same area (ex.
drop-off, pick up, parties, etc.) a child may forget the rules, or test the
boundaries. Please help show your child that you respect me, the rules of my
house, and my property by reminding them that the rules still apply when you are
around. Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center will also remind them of
the rules and, correct them if needed.
Child abuse:
Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center is required by law to report to
the local Social Services Office of any suspected physical, emotional, sexual or
suspected abuse or neglect.
Meals:
Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center participates in the Federal Child
and Adult Care Food Program. Breakfast, for children arriving prior to 7:45am,
lunch and afternoon snack will be served. The children are offered the food, not
forced to eat. Children who choose not to eat will not be served additional food
until the next mealtime. Please do not send food (half-eaten breakfasts, candy
found in the car, etc.) or gum with the children. Infants need to provide
formula/breast milk and baby food until age one when table food is started.
Special Diets:
If a child has a particular dietary need, substantiated by a medical evaluation,
Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center must be informed and given a
doctor's note. Substitute meals or snacks may then be brought from home.
Potty training:
Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center will be more than happy to help
with potty training provided that it is not done before the child is ready.
Parents are asked to initiate the training at home (on vacation or weekend)
before starting it at daycare. Once training is initiated, parents are to supply
5 ply-training pants with plastic pants or pull-ups. Carousel Corner Preschool
and Childcare Center has a great handout
available, which lists the signs of readiness as well as tips on potty training.
Diaper Changes:
Diapers are checked and changed every 1 1/2 - 2 hours or more frequently if
required. Exception, each child will be diapered after waking up from their nap.
Hand washing of myself and child is performed after each change.
Supplies needed:
Parents are responsible for supplying Diapers & Wipes, Weather appropriate
change of clothes (2 changes of clothes for children who are being toilet
trained). *Swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen (summer time only), *Blanket for rest
time *Fever and cold medication *Any other necessary items (powder, ointment)
NOTE: Please provide enough diapers, and wipes to last one week. Carousel Corner
Preschool and Childcare Center will notify you when your child's supply needs to
be replenished.
Toys:
No toys should be brought from home. If your child needs a special toy or item
for sleeping, it will be allowed, but it will be put away when they first
arrive. Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center take no responsibility
for lost, stolen, or broken toys brought from home. Should the child
deliberately destroy my toys or other property through misuse or willfulness,
the parent will be required to replace it.
Transportation and field trips:
We will be going on outings such as field trips or local places in the general
area. Generally all trips are scheduled, however, there will be times that quick
local trips are unplanned.
*It is not mandatory that your children attend these trips, but you will be
required to provide back-up childcare for your child if your child cannot
attend. Of course, all children will be restrained in seat belts (over 4 years)
or in approved car seats (under 4 years.)
Health Matters:
Please do not bring your child if he/she is sick; Carousel Corner Preschool and
Childcare Center can only care for children with mild cold like symptoms (clear
runny nose, slight cough, and no fever). Per Health Department regulations
children will not be allowed to attend the daycare if they exhibit symptoms such
as:
*Rash *Fever (100 F. higher) *Excessive cold and/or cough *Vomiting *Diarrhea
*Lice or nits *Discharge from eyes or ears *Unusual drowsiness *Persistent or
excessive crying *Communicable diseases (chicken pox, roseola, conjunctivitis,
mumps, measles, influenza)
If they become ill during daycare hours - parents will be contacted immediately
to remove their child within 1 hour of being notified. If parents are not
available, the emergency contact person will then be notified. Once the child is
removed from daycare due to illness, they may not return for a full 24-hour
period, or be accompanied by a doctor's note. Note: This sickness policy applies
to my family or myself as well. If Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare
Center am unavailable due to illness, you will be notified by 6:00 am. Payment
for the days that Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center am not
available is not required.
Medication:
Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center can administer medication if
needed, but only if the Medication Consent Form has been signed. All medicine
must be in the original container with the child's name clearly written on it.
Written instructions with the child's name, dose and times, needs to accompany
the medication.
Medical emergencies:
In case of a serious accident or sudden illness requiring medical attention, the
following procedures are followed:
1) A phone call is made to 911.
2) Child's parents (or emergency contacts) are called.
3) Child and health records are taken to emergency service at Harrison Memorial
Hospital.
4) In all cases, an emergency report is completed and a copy given to parents as
well as the Department of Public Welfare.
* It is extremely important, especially in instances of illness or emergency
that the emergency contact information is up to date and all information is
correct. Please report any changes immediately to keep your emergency contact
information current.
* For minor injuries like bumps and bruises, Carousel Corner Preschool and
Childcare Center will provide home first aid. If the injury is more serious,
(i.e. needs stitches, broken arm, or dislocation, etc.) the parent will be
notified immediately. Parents will be responsible for all costs involved in
emergency medical treatment, including emergency transportation if required.
Referrals:
Referrals from a client are one of the biggest compliments we can receive. As a
special thank you, we offer families a free day of care for each referral that
enrolls. Your free day will be deducted from your weekly fee after the referred
child has attended for 4 weeks.
A final note:
Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center is always open to suggestions and
we feel communication a very important part of
this business. If there are any problems or concerns, we encourage you to talk to
us about it. If a lengthy conference is needed, a time that is convenient to
both of us will be scheduled, as the other children still need our attention
during business hours. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your
child, and Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center looks forward to the future.
Carousel Corner Preschool and Childcare Center retains the right to enforce these policies at will. Lack of enforcement of
a certain policy at any given time does not indicate that the particular policy
is no longer in effect.
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