Childcare is provided from 7am to 5:45pm Monday through Friday.  A fee of $5.00 per child will accrue for every fifteen minutes or a portion thereof for children in my care after 5:45pm.

Arrival

Children may arrive in their PJ’s prior to 8:30am (unless it’s PJ day).  It helps your child tremendously if your child is aware that you will be arriving early (or late) so they can come to expect regularity.  Drop off and pick up times are not good times to discuss serious problems or issues.  Little ears and minds hear and understand everything.  I am not comfortable discussing a child in the presence of anyone but there Parents /Guardian.  Topics that concern day-to-day events or light hearted discussions are fine.

Pick up

For the safety of your child, only you or your designate(s) may pick up your child.  You may call to inform me someone other than yourself will be picking up your child.  This person must have a valid photo ID in order for me to release the child from my care. 

I will be open on days when a standard daycare center or school would be closed due to weather.  Please be sure to allow sufficient time when leaving your job to pick up your child.

Supplies

Parent /Guardians are responsible for supplying:  bottles, diapers and a change of clothing.  You are also welcome to bring a special blanket, doll or stuffed animal to be used during nap time.

All personal belongings need to be identified with your child’s name on it.  It is not necessary to bring eating utensils, cups or dishes, they will be supplied.  I will let you know when more supplies for your child are needed.   

Cleanliness /Hygiene

I will do my best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards.  Children’s hands will be washed before and after meals, coming in from outside and after toileting.  Infants sleep in separate cribs/pack-n-plays with a clean sheet and a blanket used only for them.  Beginning at toddler age washable mats or cots are used.  Each child has a separate mat/cot with a blanket.  Mats are cleaned weekly unless soiled and cot sheets are washed weekly.  Toys are sanitized with a bleach solution once a week (Friday).

Meals and Snacks

I will provide a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks as well as well as  infant formula*, 2% or whole milk and fruit juice depending on the hours your child is attending.  If you child is to arrive after the normal meal time please be sure to feed them (or call me to make a special arrangement).  If your child requires a special diet due to allergies, medications, age and/or cultural or religious beliefs on meal days that my menu does not conform to this it will be the responsibility of the parent to provide a well balanced lunch and snack for their child.  No junk food, pop, gum etc.

* My choice of infant formula is the Target brand.  They have an excellent product and have multiple

   choices for your infant needs.  I chose this brand for my son after trying several other formulas.  I

   am open to discussion if this is not suitable for your child.

Nap /Quiet Time

All children will be required to lie down for a nap/quiet time each day.  I will not force your child to sleep but they must lie down quietly (Older children are not required to lay down but are required to do a quiet activity like book reading or independent art).  This is my time to recharge, clean up, eat lunch, plan programming and do paperwork.

Toys

Kids love to bring toys from home.  Please tell your child they will be expected to share the toy with all the children at daycare.  If there is any fighting or issues with sharing the toy, it will be placed in “time out” until the end of the day or until we can resolve the matter.  If the toy is not age appropriate the toy may also be placed in “time out.” Laughs a Lot Child Care will not be responsible for any lost or damaged items brought from home.

Arts & Crafts

I welcome any ideas that you may have for fun activities or crafts!!!

Some days we will be painting and, as you know, paint doesn’t always land on the paper so please dress you child in appropriate play clothing.  Their “work” here is to play!  If there is an occasion that calls for special clothing please bring clothing in an extra bag and I will help your child change before you arrive for pick up.  I will not be responsible for your child’s clothing or personal items brought into daycare.

Potty Training

I will assist in potty training with the understanding that it will only work if we work together.  Your child will not learn if they do not practice potty training while in my care and at home.  You must work with your child at home, either during vacation or over a weekend before I will begin potty training here. 

Clothing should be easy to manage to encourage self-help skills.  Buckles, belts, overalls and suspenders when in a hurry to use the bathroom may create a problem.  Extra changes of clothing are also necessary, including socks.

Behavioral Goals

While in my care only positive encouragement is enforced.  Children will NOT be subject to spanking, hitting, kicking, restraint, or to, verbal, emotional, or physical punishment.  I believe the most effective ways of enforcing positive behaviors are: Praise, Respect, Re-Direction, and Positive Re-Enforcement.  I don’t play “REF”; I use strategies to engage children in their own problem solving.  During conflict it is important for children to feel respected, secure, loved, important and special.  They need to know I am always available to listen and help, not to judge. 

My goal is to coach the children so they can negotiate compromise, brainstorm and work it out together.  I do believe in “adult initiated” time outs when absolutely

necessary, I will only place a child in time out if I feel that they are a threat to the safety and well being of themselves or others.  When this becomes necessary I make sure everyone is all right, then I’ll stay with the child.  If something of a more serious nature or a persistent behavior should occur that is of concern to me or a threat to the safety of others, I will need to discuss it with you so that we can jointly decide on a course of action that is followed at home and in my care.

Deposit

A deposit of $50.00 is required (per child) to hold your child’s spot in daycare until the agreed start date (no more than 2 weeks).  The deposit will be applied to your first invoice for tuition.  If a spot is held longer than two weeks and your child does not start on the agreed start date or shortly thereafter your deposit will become non-refundable. 

I am closed all statutory holidays (see below), the Friday after Thanksgiving and

Christmas Eve with pay.

                        New Years Day            Thanksgiving

                        Presidents Day            The Friday after Thanksgiving

                        Memorial Day               Christmas Eve

                        Independence Day      Christmas Day

                        Labor Day

I will be taking three weeks of vacation per year.  I will provide sufficient notice of these dates.  Vacation time will not necessarily be taken a full week at a time (Please note: I will always be off the third week of April).

The Parent /Guardian is responsible for full payment of the normal weekly rate when

the Provider or Parent /Guardian is on vacation.  Payment is due on Friday as

normal, unless you make a payment arrangement during this time.  Post dated

checks will be accepted.

Part-time families are also responsible for vacation and holiday pay. Vacation pay will be calculated by taking the average invoice amount for the prior 3 weeks of care. Holiday pay will be invoiced at your billable daily rate.

You will be required to have backup childcare if the provider is on vacation, ill or taking any increments of time off. If you are having difficulties finding alternative care when I’m closed I will be happy to assist by contacting local providers for temporary care openings.

Payment /Payment Methods /Late Fees

Payment and all late fees must be paid every Friday by 6pm.  If a national holiday falls on a Friday your payment is due on Thursday.  If it’s Friday and you are on vacation the fees are still due that day.  There are no tuition refunds due to a child’s absence for illness or any other reason.  Full tuition fees are required regardless of whether or not your child attends.

I have an on line payment system.  It is accessible 24/7 for your convince.  I will also accept checks and cash when necessary.  I will e-mail invoices on Monday, for the current weeks tuition regardless of your payment method.

There will be a $35.00 charge for all checks returned NSF plus any additional charges incurred to myself and/or by the bank.  Parents who have two or more NSF checks will be required to pay by cash or money order.

If payment is not received by Friday at 6pm a fee of $5.00 per day will be charge to your current balance owing.  This fee will accrue until all monies and late fees are paid in full.  I will take all outstanding accounts to collections.  If it escalates the parent/guarding is responsible for all court costs and legal fees.

Child Illness

Under no circumstances should you bring your child to care sick (fever of 100°f or higher, vomiting, uncontrollable diarrhea not contained in a diaper, sore throat, continuous coughing, runny nose other than clear, draining eyes or ears, unexplained rash, lice, etc.).  If you are not sure your child is well enough to attend child care call and discuss it with me.  A seriously sick child should be allowed to recuperate fully at home during an illness so that the other children and the provider do not risk unnecessary exposure.  If your child is out ill regular fees still apply. 

Your child may be brought to care if they have a common cold (which means a slight cough, clear runny nose, sneezing); however I will call you if your child is just plain miserable (whining, crying, repeatedly asking for you).  Your child should not attend if they are not feeling well enough to participate in our daily activities (i.e. a child wanting to sleep for excessive periods of time and not wanting to play outside, etc.).  I am responsible for the health and well being of other children so I will closely follow health department regulations when it comes to illness.  I understand and respect your need to be at work, but your cooperation is extremely important on this.

If your child is on antibiotics he/she continues to be contagious for 24 hours after the first dose of medication and can not return to childcare until this time period has passed.  Child care regulations prohibit me from giving your child medication of any kind unless you have filled out and signed a Permission to Administer Form.  All medication must be in the original, labeled container.  Blank permission to administer medication forms are available by request and are provided in your application folder.

Medical Emergencies

Minor bumps and scrapes are inevitable, but I make every effort to keep your children safe through supervision and child proofing.  Minor injuries will receive appropriate first aid, and if an emergency injury or illness occurs, you will be contacted immediately.  If I am unable contact either Parent or Guardian, I will call the emergency contact numbers supplied to me to make the medical decisions for the child.  If necessary your child will be by transported ambulance to the nearest hospital.  Parent /Guardians are responsible for costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including

transportation if required.

Termination

A two week written /signed notice must be given to the Provider.  Termination notice will NOT be accepted while provider or parents are on vacation.  I will provide the parent(s) with one months written notice if I am no longer able to care for your child.  You are still responsible for paying the weekly fees during this notice regardless whether your child attends or not. 

I will terminate our child care arrangements immediately for any of the following reasons (but not limited to):

• Failure to comply with the policies set forth in this handbook.

• Failure to comply with the contract.

• Destructive or hurtful behavior of a child that persists even with

Parent /Guardians cooperation in stopping the behavior.

• Non-payment of child care tuition, late fees and /or recurring late payment fees.

• Failure to show for five consecutive days without communication.

• Failure to complete required forms.

• Inability to meet the child’s needs without additional staff.

Policy Revisions

Revisions to policies and procedures, contracts and forms I make may be done with a minimum of 2 weeks notice UNLESS it is a new regulation – these changes will take place immediately. Policies, contracts, and forms will be reviewed periodically and updated, if necessary (usually every January). I will notify parents in writing of any changes. All previous forms will become obsolete.

Open Door Policy

While your child is in my care, you can always be assured that the door is open to you.  Please feel free to drop in and check on your child, however, keep in mind a child adjusting to a new surrounding will want to leave with you if you pop in for a visit.  Please keep in mind there may be times when it is not possible for me to run to the phone (diaper changing, bottle feeding, etc.)  If the phone goes unanswered, please do not become alarmed, simply leave me a voice mail and I will call you as soon as I am able.

Communication

Communication is very important to me.  When I accept a new family into my home I like to be sure that we can share openly any concerns or questions that may arise.  I feel that we are a team raising your child.  If we can work together then your child can feel secure in knowing they have two families who love them very much.  I grow to love each child I care for very much and I am always glad to have a chance to be a part of their lives.  It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between us.  I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that affect a positive outcome for the child.  Sensitive issues will be discussed outside of regular hours either by letter, phone, e-mail or a scheduled conference. You may call me between 6:30 am. – 9:00 pm.  Parent /Guardians of infants/toddlers/pre-schoolers will receive a daily note.  Some typical things that you may find on this note would be daily activities, feedings/meals, diaper changes, naps/quiet time, and things to remember or to bring.  Parents /Guardians should check their childs folder  for important information, special announcements, etc.

Chemical Use Policy

Laughs a Lot Child Care will strictly enforce the MN Statue 245A.04 subd. 1 (c).  Employee(s) and volunteers or anyone directly responsible for the persons served by the program, are prohibited from abusing prescription medication or being in any manner under the influence of a chemical that impairs the individual’s ability to provide service or care.  Substance abuse in any manor will not be accepted or tolerated. 

All individuals who will care for a child in any capacity will be trained on our policy.  If someone at Laughs a Lot Child Care is suspected of abusing a chemical or under the influence of a chemical they will be immediately terminated with no warning.  If a Parent /Guardian or designated person who is authorized to have access to a child is suspected of abusing a chemical or being under the influence of a chemical, it is the sole discretion of Laughs ~a~ Lot Child Care to not release the child to that individual and may report the incident to Social Services in Dakota County.

Before I will assume responsibility of caring for your child I MUST have the following:
• Signed Policy Contract
• Signed Financial Agreement
• Paper work as required by licensing regulations
• Client & General information forms
• Transportation and Swimming release forms
PLEASE NOTE: All forms must be updated yearly