Aimee’s Playhouse

Please initial at the bottom of each page

Family will be required to re-sign yearly

Name is Aimee Nester and I own/operate “Aimee’s Playhouse”

Child Care. Our Daycare has been open since March 2001. My goal as a family childcare provider is to provide a loving home-like atmosphere, in an environment which stimulates your child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. In short I want to prepare your child so that they can be successful as they begin kindergarten and beyond…

This can best be accomplished through open communication and clearly defined policies. The policies in this hand book were written with these goals in mind. I have tried to provide as much practical information as possible, please see me if you have additional questions.

Our door is always open to you, the parent, and please feel free to come to me with your comments and suggestions. I am here for you and your children. But please keep in mind that although this is a home, it is also a business. My policies are made with those needs in mind. My family is asked to share their mommy with many others through out the day, please respect the sacrifices they make for me to pursue my career in

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child care and be understanding. This isn’t a hobby; it is my chosen career. I am a family daycare provider.

I hope that our relationship will be a long and beneficial one to both of us. I love what I do, and am so happy to be able to welcome you and your child into our family.

Provider Policies

Parent agrees that he/she is responsible for carefully reading this document before signing, as provider is very firm regarding all policies noted in this contract. It must be read and signed at the time of enrollment. All changes/amendments will be made in writing.

Hours

Hours of operation are from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. If your child does not arrive by your contracted drop-off time, I will assume your child is not attending (unless I have been notified in writing that your schedule has changed). If I am not available after that time, it is your responsibility to find alternate care for that day.

There will be a fee of $1.00 per minute for each minute after 6pm. If this occurs more than twice in a 6 month period, our agreement can be terminated at my discretion. (for more details, please refer to the section titled “Early Drop-Off/Late Pick-Up Fees”).

Sign-In / Sign-Out Procedure

All parents are required to sign in and out daily. I use this to:

a. Verify the number of children in care daily (in the event that I receive a visit from licensing).

b. We use this sheet to verify who is in attendance during our fire drills.

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The parent or guardian is the only one who may authorize another adult to take their child from care. I will not authorize phone calls as a request for an non-authorized individual to pick up a child; I must have it in writing. Also, no one under the age of 18 yrs. Will be allowed to pick-up a child (as required by California State Licensing).

Open-Door Policy

You may drop in to visit at any time during normal business hours without calling (you may wish to call because we could be out on a walk). Please be aware that it may be upsetting to some children to have you visit and know they will not be able to leave with you. Explain to them that you will stop to say, “Hi,” but have to go back to work and will return again after work. My front door and back gates are the only access to the house and they are locked at all times to prevent children from going outside unsupervised, (and to keep strangers from walking in).

Please do not be alarmed if I do not answer the phone during the day; please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as I can. I am very busy, feeding, rocking and preparing the children for the next activity and will not get up if I am in the middle of rocking a child to sleep or if it is not safe to leave the children unattended (even for a second).

Fees

Each families childcare needs and rates are private. The fees will be increased yearly on September 1^st. (I will announce your new rate two weeks before this date).

Parent agrees that provider will bill parent for childcare monthly. Payments are due promptly and in full on the first day of each month in advance for the coming month. Payment will not be accepted after the 5^th.

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If your child is absent or not scheduled to be here on the due date, the due date still applies and will not be accepted after 6:00pm on the 5^th.Tuition is non-refundable. Parent is solely responsible for payment of child care services.

Parent agrees to compensate provider for said services at the rates indicated on their contract.

Parent also agrees that provider will not credit the absence of their child for any reason, (e.g. child ill, provider ill, child vacation, provider vacation, etc). Absences are considered non-refundable and included in tuition. In other words, Tuition will fund in advance a child’s space in this facilities program for each coming month, rather than a payment for hourly/daily services.

Parent agrees to reimburse provider at the rate of $5.00 per hour for any “unexpected” child care during business hours which are not part of the child’s regular(written) schedule.

Back-Up Provider

Each family must have a back-up provider that they can call in the event that I need to close. Family childcare is a very illness prone profession and my family will and does get sick.

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If that happens I will close to prevent the illness from

spreading further. This is to help your family, and not to hurt you. I will give you as much notice as possible.

Vacation/Personal Time

Parent agrees Provider will be unavailable for child care on all national holidays (which are included in tuition).

I will issue an annual list of holidays I will be closed in the beginning of January of each year.

Parent agrees that provider will give 24 hour(unless there is an emergency) notice by phone notifying parent of unavailability of care, (due to illness), for the following day.

Parent agrees provider will give a written 2 week notice (or more) for scheduled time off.

Early Drop-Off/Late Pick-Up Fees

I plan my family activities around the hours I am open for care and I consider the times I am not open my time (unless we have a conference scheduled). Thanks for your help and consideration in this. I understand that some extenuating circumstances are unavoidable, but if you know you are going to be late, a phone call would be greatly appreciated so I know what’s going on.

Enrollment

In the event that a spot becomes available, I will request that the following forms be filled out and returned before I can begin care:

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*Emergency Card,

*Blue Immunization form,

*a copy of the Parent Handbook/Contract (initialed on each

page and signed on the last page),
*a current schedule form (this will show when your child will

be in care and will be adhered to unless a new form is filled

out),
*a Parents’ Rights form, And

*a notice of Additional Children in Care form.

This facility cares for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 4 years only, moreover, the activities and equipment are appropriate for this age group only. I will care for a child who is over four, but not yet in Kindergarten.

If you are in need of care for siblings who are school-aged I can offer referrals to facilities in the area.

In the event a parent wishes hold a spot here, there will be a deposit of ½ of the first month’s tuition due as soon as the parent decides this is where they would like to begin care.

I will not hold a spot indefinitely, over the summer, or past 30 days. We usually fill up quickly and I cannot guarantee that the spot will be available if a deposit is not placed.

The deposit will count toward the first month of care.

Meals

I participate in the Beanstalk Child Care Food Program administered by the USDA. As a participant in the program, I agree to offer nutritious, well-balanced meals for am snack (9:30), lunch (12) and pm snack (2:30).

Parents who are not able to have their child at day care during these times, will be Responsible to feed their children PRIOR to coming. Please do not send them to daycare with food to finish here. Once they are out of your vehicle, PLEASE leave the food and drink there.

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Children’s behavior can be adversely affected by foods that are high in sugar and salt, or lack the proper vitamins and nutrients for development. To minimize behavior problems and to insure children receive well balanced meals and snacks, parents are requested NOT to send candy or other snacks, they will be taken and put up until the end of the day when parents come to pick-up.

Children are encouraged, but not forced to eat their meals. They will be offered a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, a whole grain and protein along with milk. In the event a child does not wish to eat, no food will be offered until the next meal time. If a child requires a special diet, the parents are responsible for bringing these food items.

Clothing and Supplies

Please bring one extra (seasonally appropriate) change of clothing daily. Because we will be involved in art and outdoor play, please be sure to dress your child in comfortable clothes

that can get dirty. No Flip-Flop/Thong shoes are allowed. Please send your child in shoes that have a back or ankle strap. Sneakers are best!

Infant/Toddler Supplies

If your child is in diapers, please bring at least 5 per day, as

well as wipes.

In the event that diapers are forgotten, you may borrow (and bring the amount used the following day).

If your child is potty training Please bring 5 pairs of training underwear & at least 3 changes of clothing. It would be helpful if the potty trainer wears bottoms which are easy for them to pull up and down.

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Potty Learning

I will be more than happy to help with potty learning (training) provided that the child is showing signs of readiness (able to say they have to use the potty, showing an interest in the process, etc.), and parents initiate the process and follow through with the training in the evening/on weekends.

I expect parents to work with me in the process, which means once potty learning is initiated, the child is to wear underpants at all times other then when sleeping (no pull ups). I also require that parents send children who are learning to use the potty in clothes that are easy for them to handle successfully on their own, (no onesies, overalls, belt or jeans with buttons and snaps). Elastic waists are best.

What Not to Bring From Home

Candy, Gum, and any other individual snacks. Also, toys from home are okay as long as it is nothing dangerous or inappropriate. If inappropriate toys come to school, I will have to put them in your child’s cubby, and they may have them again when they are at home. Please see me if you have any questions.

If you would like to bring a snack for the entire group, please feel free, as long as they are not candy or junk food, and I am aware you are bringing it. It needs to be a wholesome snack. If you have any questions, please ask.

Toy donations are welcome, as long as they are not broken, have never been repaired and we can use the item(s).

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Health Policy

If you have any doubt as to whether your child can participate in our daily activities, please keep him/her home. If your child develops symptoms which warrant you to be contacted for pick-up, please do so within 90 minutes. A prompt pick-up of an ill child minimizes the other children’s exposure and is

greatly appreciated! Upon pick-up you will be provided with

a status report of your child’s condition and a form called a “Suspected Illness and Communicable Disease Form.” This will list your child’s symptoms and the conditions in which your child will be allowed to come back to childcare. Please read it carefully. In the event that I request a doctor’s note for re-admittance, it must be presented before the child returns for care.

Behavior policy

The first 14 days of the child’s attendance at this daycare

facility will be classified as a trial period.

If in the judgment of the provider, the child is not compatible with the daycare operation, the provider will issue a two-week termination notice.

Providers statement regarding behavior

I will be spending a great deal of time with your child during the day. I look forward to the warm bond which will be

formed. As your child’s provider I will make a great effort to come together with you to communicate regarding your child’s day, their behavior, progress, etc. However if after making observations concerning inappropriate behavior, conferencing with parent and doing my best to council and redirect your

child, I believe there is little progress, I reserve the right to terminate our agreement based on my evaluation of the behavior.

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Aggressive behaviors such as biting, hitting, spitting, pushing, pinching, kicking and the use of undesirable language may be commonly seen as a normal stage of development and are something that almost all young children will try at one time or another in their development.

As a provider, I recognize that all children are in the process of learning the appropriate behaviors.

Discipline

Basic respect for children is reflected in the providers discipline policies and procedures. Children are allowed to work out conflicts and frustrations with their peers without immediate intervention.

Discipline for inappropriate behavior is used consistently. The children are explained the rules of the child care home frequently so that all know the guidelines. Once a child understands the rules and obeys them, the following techniques are used for non-compliance:

*Redirection

*Reminders

*Use of “I” sentences

*Use of Natural Consequences ( and/or removal of privileges appropriate to the inappropriate behavior).

In addition, if a child is having difficulty with a peer, the provider will intervene by suggesting words that can be used by the child to convey the message that they are trying to say.

The provider will attempt to determine what may be

influencing an undesirable behavior through observation. In

turn the provider will communicate with the parent regarding inappropriate behaviors.

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Aggressive behaviors may occur for any of the following reasons:

New Situations or environments

Teething

Hunger or Fatigue

Changes of routine

Stress, frustration, or anxiety

Inability to express feelings or needs verbally

Mimicking behavior

As a last resort, when a child’s behavior is consistently upsetting or dangerous to myself or others, and conference with the parents has already taken place, provider reserves the right to ask parents to make arrangements for the child to go elsewhere (if in the opinion of the provider, the issues cannot be resolved at this facility).

Conferencing Policy

In the event that a parent or provider has an issue to discuss, parent agrees to schedule a conference after hours. Provider must at all times be attending to children and their needs during business hours.

Preschool Program and X-tra Curricular Activities

We are using The Funshine Express (www.funshineexpress.com) and Weekly Reader (www.weekly reader.com) for our preschool activities this year. There are wonderful themes, library books, take home projects including arts and crafts, daily calendar activity and much more. At the beginning of each month there will be a parent letter outlining the months theme and related activities.

Preschool is from 9:45 to 11:30. Please be sure if you have a child in the preschool program, that you are considerate of our preschool times with your arrivals and pick-ups.

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Renewal

This Handbook and Agreement will be renewed 6 months to the date of signing. All previous documents will be obsolete.

Rest time

Rest time is between the hours of 12:30 and 2:30

Our friends have a very stimulating day and need this time to rejuvenate.

Immunizations

As part of California state licensing requirements the provider must have evidence that all children attending have received the standard childhood immunizations.

A copy of your child’s immunization record must be given to your provider every time your child goes in for shots, in order

for provider to update your child’s file (as mandated by

licensing).

Medical reason (documented by a physician) or a religious belief (documented by signing a waiver) will be accepted for failure to receive all appropriate immunizations.

Medications

All over-the-counter medicines must be in their original packaging and come with an instruction note, signed by parent.

All Prescription medicines must be in their original container with child’s name and dosage instructions.

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Termination of services

The first 14 days of the child’s attendance will be classified as an adjustment period. After this period, either party may give a two-week notice for any reason. Termination notice will not be accepted when provider or parent is on vacation. Parent is responsible for the final two weeks of tuition whether their child is in care or not. Unacceptable behavior that interferes with the atmosphere of the children of the child care home and/or is detrimental to the well being of others will be cause for immediate termination.

24 Termination Notice

Provider may terminate the agreement for cause by issuing a written termination notice. The termination shall be 24 hours after the parent has received the written termination notice under (but not limited to) the following conditions:

A. Failure to pay childcare fees despite warning

B. Aggressive or confrontational behavior by parent in the presence of provider and/or children in care.

C. Failure of child to refrain from an aggressive or violent behavior, despite providers best attempts to council and redirect child (see “Provider’s statement regarding behavior”)

D. Continued failure to drop-off/pick-up at scheduled times

E. Failure of child to refrain from destroying personal property despite warning.

F. Failure of parent to refrain from bringing an ill child to the childcare facility, despite warning.

G. Failure of parent to pick-up an ill child within 90 minutes after the provider has personally contacted parent, despite warning.

H. Violation of conferencing policies

I. Other:__________________________________________

J. Any behavior by the Parent/Family that directly interferes with or does not match the philosophies of our daycare opperations.

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Two Week Notice

At any time after the adjustment period, the Provider or Parent may terminate the agreement without cause by issuing a written termination notice. Parent will be solely responsible for finding alternative childcare upon the expiration of said two week period. Parent is responsible for any unpaid fees accrued up to the termination date. Tuition is non-refundable.

Liability

Parent agrees to identify and hold provider harmless from any and all liability for and injury or death of any person including provider or employees of provider, arising form any act or omission by the child of said parent in or about the child care facility or while under the care/supervision of the provider.

In Closing

If you choose to enroll your child at Aimee’s Playhouse, I want to first thank you for trusting me with the responsibility and opportunity to share in your child’s life and to let you know that I do not take this responsibility lightly.

This is a partnership to be entered into with honest and open communication, both as parents and providers. As a parent first I know what a step it is to leave your child in the care of another person, and I want this to be as comfortable as possible. Your child will be showered with love and affection while they are here with me. And I will truly miss them when they are not here. As I stated in my opening, I love children and I love my chosen profession, but this is still my job/business. Please try to keep that in mind when choosing any provider’s care. Prompt payment, adherence to contracted drop-off and pick-up times, consideration of your sick child and consideration for my family are all part of that, and greatly appreciated.

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Thank You.

Aimee Nester of “Aimee’s Playhouse” agrees to provide child care for (child):__________________________________

I, (parent or guardian of said child):

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Have read, understand and agree with all policies in this handbook/contract.

I, (parent or guardian) agree to reimburse Aimee Nester:

$____________________________________________

Every: Month, due on the first, (as payment for the following month)

Executed on:________________________ In Sacramento, CA

X

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Name of Parent(s) (Please Print):

_______________________________________________________

Address:

_______________________________________________________

CA D.L. # ____________________ SS #_______________________