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Admission Requirements and Enrollment Information
Before your child can begin childcare, there are five forms that you must fill out completely and return on the first day of care.
These forms are:
- Child Care Home Register
- Certificate of Immunization
- Permission Form
- Child Care Agreement
- USDA Food Program Enrollment Form
These forms are a must and there can be no exceptions.
I have a “get acquainted” visit before your child begins. I would like your child to come and play for a couple of hours. The reason for this is to make the transition period a little easier when they actually begin childcare. There is no charge for this visit, however...it does need to be scheduled ahead of time.
Drop Off / Pick Up and Attendance Records
All children are to be delivered INTO MY HOME and signed in on the Sign in/out sheets provided for you with the parent's full legal signature and the time. This is a State of Washington requirement. All children are to be picked up inside my home and signed out with the parent's full legal signature. I can not release any child to any person who is not authorized to pick them up and listed on the enrollment form. Full signatures are a requirement by me and The State of Washington. I can be fined $75.00 per signature if it is missing, and if I am fined...you will be fined! It's so simple, just make it a daily habit and it will not be a problem for either of us!
Two Week Trial Period
This is to determine if you and your child are happy with me services, as well as to see if your child fits into the surroundings in our childcare home. At the end of that time, you will need to decide if my services fit your needs and I will decide if your child is adjusting alright to the new surroundings.
Business Hours and Late Pick-ups
When I first started this little venture, I had normal business hours; however I am quite flexible with children coming and going as parents need...so long as I have the capacity to provide this flexibility. I do need to have my own family time so, please don't take advantage of my flexibility.
Children start arriving at 5:00 A.M. I am currently working some evenings as well. If you need a flexible schedule and my capacity will allow that, please ask. However, also keep in mind that we have children of our own and we do need some family time as well.
In consideration of my family times, I may decide to charge a late fee if you are continually late to pick up your children. The only exception to this is of course an emergency. The late fee will be $5.00 per hour you are late. If you think you might be running a few minutes late, please call us to make sure we have no other commitment we need to engage in.
Business Practices
It is always a good idea to have a back up childcare arrangement in the event that I should become ill or have an emergency. In this case, I will call you as soon as possible to allow you as much time as possible for you to make other arrangements. Please ask me if you need some names of other Licensed Providers and I will be happy to accommodate you.
I am a business; therefore my time is valuable, just like yours! If you are scheduled to bring your child and you do not show up, you will be charged your regular rates. Because I am only allowed to care for a few children to make my living, when you fail to notify me about an absence, I can't schedule someone else for that time frame. Thank-you for understanding that this is my job!
Closed Holidays
We are closed on the following Holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- July 4th Weekend
- Labor Day
- President's Day
- Thanksgiving Day and Weekend
- Christmas (December 24th through January 2nd)
Vacation Time
In order for me to take care of myself so that I can take excellent care of your children, I will be closing for two weeks during the year for family vacations (usually, we do not take the two weeks all at one time, we generally close for one week at a time.) When I have decided when I will be closed for my Vacation, I will give you sufficient time to make other childcare arrangements. If you will be taking any vacations during the year, please let me know as soon as possible. I do not charge parents while either of us are on vacations. (You and I are both allowed two weeks during the year for this.)
Termination Notice
If you feel that my business is not working for you and your family, I will need a two week notice. If your child becomes continually disruptive to the point that I can not provide adequate care, then I will have to terminate your child's care with a two week notice as well. If termination notice is given by either party, all childcare charges are due in full at the time notice is given.
Typical Daily Schedule
- 6:00-8:00 A.M. : Breakfast, clean up
- 8:00-8:30 A.M. : Free Play
- 8:30-9:30 A.M. : AM Snack
- 10:00-10:30 A.M. : Circle Time, Sharing
- 10:30-11:00 A.M. : Music, Singing, dancing
- 11:00-12:00 A.M. : Clean up, wash, Lunch Time
- 12:00- 12:30 P.M. : Story time, followed by resting
- 12:30-2:00 P.M. : Rest Time
- 2:00 P.M. : Individual free time (color, draw, games, etc)
- 2:30- 3:00 P.M. : PM Snack
- 3:00- 4:00 P.M. : Arts, crafts, games, group activity
- 4:30- 6:00 P.M. : Outdoor fun, clean up, get ready to go home
As children and the weather vary, so does this schedule. This is just and idea of our daily routine. Older children may also use the computer with supervision.
I like everyone to take a little rest. I don't mind if they don't need to sleep but, we will all lie down and take a little break. Those children not needing to rest may read stories quietly but, please don't ask me not to make your child take a nap if they are of napping age, as we all lie down together.
Meals and Snacks
I am by Law required to feed each child two meals and one snack during the day if your child is in our home over seven hours. I do participate in the USDA Food Program. Parents may bring snacks if they wish, please just let me know so I can tell you how many children will be here that day. Also, please keep it mind that we like to eat healthy and children are naturally energetic, so please no sugary treats.
Typical Meal: Spaghetti, Corn, Peaches and Milk.
Typical Snack: Apple slices, cheese & crackers, juice or milk.
Behavior Management and Discipline
Children will be taught guidelines and boundaries that encourage appropriate behavior. Inappropriate behavior will be dealt with individually. We will use positive reinforcement and a re-directive approach to teach children how to use their communication skills to problem solve. We recognize that children have to be given the tools in order to begin problem solving on their own.
We will teach and encourage children to make good choices and that all choices have consequences. Our discipline techniques have been inspired by the tips presented in the Love and Logic teaching series.
Any form of corporal punishment is against the law.
The goals of positive discipline are to encourage children to learn to make good choices, to problem solve, and to learn basic human values of respect, love, trust, responsibility, honesty and caring for others.
Non Discrimination Statement
I will not discriminate based on any religion, sex, sexual orientation, creed, color, national origin, marital status, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or use of a trained guide dog or service animal of any child or family member. All children's families are represented in the things we see, do, read and hear. We welcome and encourage diversity so we may learn from it.
Religion Statement
I will not practice any forms of religion with your child. However, we do celebrate holidays. If your child chooses to say a prayer before a meal (for example) that is fine with me. That choice is between you and your child and I will respect it.
Medical Emergencies
Injury Prevention:
I will check indoor and outdoor areas, all equipment and supplies for safety hazards daily.
Treatment of Illness
- I will care for ill children waiting to be picked up on the couch in my living room.
- I will notify you to pick up your child if he / she is running a fever or vomiting.
- I will record the child's illness on the family child care home record of injury-illness-medication-accidents form.
- I will do the following in case of a minor medical emergency: I will call the parents and go by the information in the child's records.
- I will do the following in case of a major medical emergency: I will call 911, treat the child to the best of my abilities that I am trained for, call the parents, and try to go to the hospital with the child if possible.
Medication Management
I will store medications of my families in my personal bathroom which is off limits and locked during childcare hours and not accessible to children. I will record medications given on the permission to give medication forms. I will dispose of medications by giving them back to the parents. All medications must be in the original container. All childcare medications will be stored in a lock box on the top shelf in the playroom.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedures
I will clean and disinfect toys and equipment with bleach water at least three times per week.
I will clean and disinfect the bathroom daily with bleach water.
I will generally clean child care areas daily with bleach water.
I will clean tables, chairs, high chairs daily with bleach water.
Communicable Disease Prevention, Management and Reporting
I will report any communicable disease to the Health Department in White Salmon, WA. Their phone number is 493-1558. I will not accept children with any of the following:
- Fever of 101 F
- Vomiting on two or more occasions in the past 24 hours.
- Diarrhea, three or more watery bowel movements in the past 24 hours.
- Draining rash
- Eye discharge or pink eye
- Head Lice or Nits... No EXCEPTIONS!
- Fatigue that prevents regular participation in activities
Runny noses, colds are to be expected with little ones. But please, if your child is not feeling well...keep them home. That's where they want to be anyway when they are not feeling well.
I can not afford to get sick, I do not want my own children sick, and I do not want numerous childcare parent's angry at me because sick children come to childcare...if they are sick, keep them home..if you bring them sick, you will be called to pick them up!
Hand Washing Practices
I will wash my hands before and after bathroom use, after coming into contact with bodily fluids (stool, urine, blood, drool, vomit, mucus) before and after food preparation and before and after eating.
I will help the children wash their hands after bathroom use, before and after eating and cooking activities, after playing outside, before they leave to go home.
Food and Food Service
I will label, date, and store foods brought from home in the refrigerator or cupboards. I will keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. We do not eat a lot of sugar...however, we do have special treats from time to time.
Fire Information
Fire drills are practiced at least once per month. Smoke detectors are checked monthly. Fire extinguishers are serviced annually. We have a fire and safety record hanging on the wall next to the fire extinguisher in the play room. Our evacuation plan is next to it as well. We always do a fire drill when a new child is enrolled to get them acquainted to our drills and explain to them why they are done. I also have a Carbon Monoxide Detector in the main living space in our home as a precaution.
Information Regarding your Child
Please bring one extra set of clothes for your child to keep here. We all have accidents!
Please don't bring toys from home. I can't be responsible if they get lost or broken and I can't go on a treasure hunt to find something when it's time to go home!
If your child would like to bring a special blanket to rest with, that's fine. All nap blankets and pillows are stored individually to prevent the spread of germs.
Please dress your child according to the weather. We need fresh air as a way to release our energy so we do go outside in all kinds of weather for different activities. They need to be warm so they can stay healthy! Let me know if you need extra coats, hats, etc, I can be on the look out for extras.
Toiletry
I will assist you in helping your child become toilet trained. Children who need this assistance will need extra clothing that can be kept here. I'm not a fan of pull-ups for potty training but, prefer underwear. Potty training will require your help at home as well. It's confusing to the child if they are using the toilet at childcare and wearing diapers at home, it sends them a mixed message.
Diapers and wipes are your responsibility to bring and I must have a supply on hand at all times.
I will change diapers on a vinyl mat on top of my dryer. It will be disinfected after each use with bleach water.
Diapers are changed at least every two hours, more often if needed. We have NEVER had a child with diaper rash in my childcare!
Infant Care
I will not prop a bottle while feeding your baby. I will hold them and cuddle them!
To help prevent the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome all babies in my care are put to sleep on their backs on regular play pen mattress'. I do not have any cribs or crib bumper pads. I do not put stuffed animals in with the babies, or tight fitting blankets.
All babies sleep in a play pen in my living room and are checked on continuously while sleeping.
Transportation
No transportation is provided at this time. However, we do go on some great Field Trips and use the Mt. Adam's Transportation Bus.
Disaster Plan
In the event of a disaster, I am prepared to keep your children (if necessary) for several days. I have enough of the following on hand:
- Several 5 gallon jugs of water
- Enough food for 15 people for at least one week
- Extra pillows, quilts
- Flashlights, Extra batteries, radio
- First Aid Kits full of supplies
- Extra clothes for several children
- Ready to eat canned fruits, vegetables, soups, crackers, grains, peanut butter
- Comfort / Stress foods, cookies, cereals, crackers, granola bars
- RV ( Motor Home) stocked with foods, propane and electric heat
In the event of a disaster, if you were unable to contact us by land line telephone, my cell phone number is 541-806-0940.
If we were unable for any reason what so ever to stay in our home, we would be located at the New Baptist Church on Highway 141.
Staff, Training, and Certificates
My staff and I maintain current Adult / Infant / Child CPR, First Aid, HIV Certification. We have been tested for TB. We must according to State Law receive 20 hours of Early Childhood Education training, as well as 10 hours additionally each year.
I am also a former EMT.
I am in the process of obtaining my CDA (Child Development Associate) Certificate.
In the event that I have an appointment, a qualified assistant (s) will be present at all times to ensure safety and quality care for your child.
Evening and Night Time Care
We are the only Licensed Childcare in White Salmon to offer evening care!
In the event that you need evening care, you will need to bring pajamas, or sweats and a shirt for your child to sleep in. It is also a good idea to include their toothbrush that can be kept here.
I don't provide any bathing. Children use the bathroom for changing clothes in and have complete privacy to do so.
I will be awake for drop off's and pick up's.
I don't have any children sleeping here over night at this time but, I do provide the children nap mats to lay on with individual blankets and pillows until the parent arrives.
Liability Insurance
I have opted out of Liability Insurance at this time and carry only Homeowners Insurance.
Communication with Parents
I encourage open communication between the parent's and myself. If you feel that there is something you wish to discuss with me please, feel free to do so. I am also available for telephone calls in the evening if you have any questions; I do ask that phone calls be limited to before 8:00 P.M. So that I may enjoy my family time. I am more than willing to discuss anything with parents regarding their children and my business. Open communication is the key to a positive childcare partnership!
No Smoking Policy
Per Washington State Law (RCW 70.160) Clean Air Act. No smoking is allowed on the premises during childcare hours.
Pets
We do not have any indoor pets however; I do breed Yorkshire Terriers. They are kenneled in my barn. When they are due to have puppies, they are brought inside the house and kept in large crates in my bedroom All dogs are kept current on vaccinations, and are not accessible to the children. The exception to this is when the puppies are old enough to be handled. Sometimes, the children like to hold them and pet them. Other than that, they are not around the children and are never in our outdoor play space. If your child is allergic to animals, please let me know.
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