COMMUNICATION

Communication is very important to us. When we accept a new family into the center, we like to be sure that we can share openly any concerns or questions that may arise. It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between us. I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child(ren). Sensitive issues will be discussed in private, outside of regular childcare hours either by telephone or conference. Conferences will not be scheduled as a routine part of your child's care; however, should you like to have a conference, you may request one at any time. I publish a monthly newsletter that will explain some of the activities we are doing, our current curriculum themes, events that will be happening during that month, and any other pertinent or fun information that may be of interest to you. You are always welcome to contribute to our newsletter.

Parents of infants will receive a daily note. Some typical things you may find on this paper would be feedings, diaper changes, schedule, temperament, and things to remember. Parents of toddlers will also receive a daily note. Some typical things you may find on this paper would be things to remember, rest schedule, activities, temperament and meals. Parents of preschoolers and older will not receive a daily note unless there is an unusual reminder or a situation we need to make you aware of. You are encouraged to call me at any time between the hours of 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. If you call during the day, please be aware that I may be busy with the children and may not be able to answer the phone. If you would leave a message on my voice mail, I will call you back as soon as possible. The best time to call during the day is during our daily quiet time. I am looking forward to a terrific relationship with you and your child!

HOURS OF OPERATION

Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Your specific hours will be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement. We require a 1 week notice if you need to change your enrollment hours.

You are still responsible for paying all fees for your contracted days regardless of whether you come or not.

ENROLLMENT POLICY

There are several forms that I must have completed and in my possession before we can assume the responsibility of caring for your child. NO EXCEPTIONS. This is to ensure that your child will get the very best care possible from us. The forms are as follows:

Signed Contract and Rate Agreement
Parent/Provider Agreement
Medical Permission Slip
Emergency Medical Authorization Form
Permission to Administer Medication
Release of Child Permission
Food Program Slip

You are required to keep me informed of any change in addresses, telephone numbers, and other pertinent information listed on any/all of the above forms. If you have any questions regarding the completion of these forms, please feel free to ask.

ACTIVITIES & CURRICULUM

At Scribbles & Giggles Child Care Learning Center we believe that children gain a sense of security from knowledge that there are consistent, responsible limits and that these limits are designed to nurture and protect them. We recognize that each child is an individual. We provide an environment that promotes the complete development of children preparing them to advance to a school age education program.

The curriculum at Scribbles & Giggles Child Care Learning Center follows the standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The center will provide children with developmentally appropriate early childhood experiences that stimulate learning in all developmental areas and focus on age appropriate learning environments and individual needs. Scribbles & Giggles Child Care Learning Center will provide an atmosphere that will facilitate a balance between child-initiated, child-directed, and teacher-supported interactions. All activities are geared around individual needs of all children participating in the program.

PAYMENT PROCEDURES

Your specific rates will be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement. Payment is payable in advance and is due no later than drop off time on the first contracted care day of each week, unless another arrangement has been agreed upon. If this day is a holiday, payment is expected on the previous day. If you go away on vacation, payment is due BEFORE you leave. We accept Visa, MC, Discover and Debit cards with one of the logos previously stated. In cases of illness, your payment is still expected unless other arrangements have been previously made.
Payments may be made by check or cash. Checks must be dated for the day they are due, no post-dated checks will be accepted. Repeated late payments may be grounds for termination and your deposit will be non-refundable.

DHS PARENTS

The DHS pays a portion of day care services. Even if you are granted 100% day care assistance it still does not match up to Scribbles & Giggles Child Care Learning Center's rates. You will be responsible for matching our center's weekly rate for the care provided. Please see the office for more information of the exact costs of expenses.

In some cases parents will go over the 90 hours that DHS will cover. If you go over 90 hours you will be responsible for all hours not paid at the DHS hourly rate($2.50 for children 2 1/2 years-12 years & $3.80 for children under 2 1/2) 

TAXES

I will supply you with a year-end summary of all daycare fees paid during the year for tax purposes. This will be given to you in January of each year or when services are terminated. You may request a statement at any time.

NSF CHECKS

All NSF checks will be charged a $20.00 fee and will be due upon notification, in cash or credit. We reserve the right to cease child care if payment is not made at the time of or before your next regular payment. You may resume check writing but if another NSF check is presented within 60 days you will loose your check writing privileges.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

We maintain an open door policy for parents. This means that you are always welcome to call or drop in to see your children at any time during regular child care hours. Open door policy does NOT mean that the doors will be kept unlocked. We believe that it is extremely important to keep the doors locked for the safety of the children. We do not want unwanted or unexpected visitors to enter without permission. Your child's safety is our first priority.

LATE FEES

It is your responsibility to have your child picked up on time. If you know you will be unavoidably late, it is your responsibility to have an authorized alternate person pick up your child. Bad traffic or weather (except in extreme situations) will not be an accepted late excuse and you will be billed accordingly. Please remember that it is your responsibility to allow ample time to get here to pick up your child on time. The late fee rate is $1.00 per child per. Additional fees will be applied at the 10 minute and 20 minute mark 

SIGNING IN & OUT

We require all parents to sign in and out for pick-ups and drop offs each day. You will be signing in on the computer in the main entrance. Each family will have their own 4 digit passcode. The computer stores all of your childs/childrens information. This gives us a record of the child's attendance, hours, and the person who brought/picked up the child each day. Remember the door will not unlock until you have successfully signed in or out. The door remains unlocked for 10 seconds and then resets itself to the locked position.

ABSENCES

There will be no refunds or adjustments made to your child care fee for your time missed due to illness, holidays, or days off. It will be your responsibility to obtain substitute care on such occasions and to arrange payment to the substitute.


HOLIDAYS & VACATIONS

Scribbles & Giggles Child Care Learning Center will be closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after Christmas. When a Holiday (listed above) falls on a Saturday, Scribbles & Giggles Child Care Learning Center will be closed the preceding Friday, when a holiday falls on a Sunday, Scribbles & Giggles Child Care Learning Center will be closed the following Monday. You will pay for these Mondays and Fridays taken if that would be a normally scheduled day for your child.

You may take one week unpaid vacation per year, providing that I receive a minimum of 2 week's advance notice in writing. NO EXCEPTIONS! Payment will be required for any other time off that is taken. One-week's vacation will be equal to the same number of days you are contracted with me for childcare services. Example: if your child attends childcare on only Wednesdays and Thursdays, you will receive two free vacation days per calendar year. No vacation days will be allotted during the first three months of childcare services. Any vacation days not used within your one-year period will be forfeited. Vacation days may not be applied to your final two weeks of childcare nor may they be applied to any outstanding child care debts you may owe such as late pick up or late payment fees, etc. You may not use any of your vacation days for days when your child is in attendance. I will keep a record in your folder of your vacation days used; however, it will not be my responsibility to remind you that you have so many days left that you may use before the end of the year.

ITEMS BROUGHT FROM HOME

Parents are to provide your child with a complete change of clothes kept in a labeled storage bag in a designated area. If your child uses additional clothes the empty bag will be placed in the cubby with the soiled clothes. Please replace clothes the next day. Please DO NOT send the following from home:
Candy
Toys(unless it is a designated show and tell day)
Toy Weapons
Money
Small Items
We will not be responsible for items lost or broken.

SUPPLIES

You are responsible for supplying diapers, a full change of clothing (including socks and underwear) appropriate for the weather, and any other supplies that your child may need. You may bring a whole package of diapers to be stored in the changing table (We will let you know when your supply runs low). You are required to supply a blanket for your child to be kept at the child care. All blankets and bedding will be sent home to be laundered every Friday and must return on Monday for continued use. All items need to be labeled with your child's initials.

DAILY PRESCHOOL SCHEDULE

6:00am-8:00am Arrival of children, child-choice activities

8:00am-8:30am Breakfast

8:30am-9:00am Preschool program begins~~Circle time, music/story

9:00am-10:00am Interest centers--art, science, dramatic play, cooking, math, language arts

10:00am-10:30am Snack time and clean-up

10:30am-11:00am Outside play

11:00am-11:45am Music/story, book/literacy activities~~Preschool program ends

11:45am-12:00pm Bathrooms, personal hygiene

12:00pm-12:30pm Lunch

12:30pm-2:30pm Nap time

1:30pm-2:30 Child-choice activities for those wake

2:30pm-3:00pm Bathroom, personal hygiene, snack and clean-up

3:00pm-3:30pm Outside play

3:30pm-4:30pm Interest centers--art, science, dramatic play, cooking, math, language arts

4:30pm-5:00pm Music/story, book/literacy activities

5:00pm-5:45pm Child-choice activities inside

5:45pm-6:00pm Clean-up and departure of children

DAILY TODDLER SCHEDULE

Morning:

Free play
Breakfast
Diapering
Sensory/Art
Snack
Outside time
Music/story
Clean-up, diapering
12:00 Lunch

Afternoon:

Diapering
Snack
Outside play
Free Play
Music/Story

MEALS

Proper nutrition is an essential ingredient of good health. Scribbles and Giggles Child Care provides a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and morning snack. Parents MUST provide an afternoon snack if your child will be attending between the hours of 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Some examples of snacks to bring would be: banana, apple, snack packs, crackers, fruit snacks, pudding, etc. Menus are provided weekly and are created with childrens tastes in mind.
Well balanced meals are necessary for children to meet their daily energy needs and develop healthy bodies and strong minds.
Parents of infants must provide formula and or breast milk. Bottles must be prepared in advance of your child’s arrival at school. Solid food must be in the original unopened container. Food and formula will be heated in a crock pot to insure safe temperature. Baby cereal may be brought in the box and we will mix it according to your directions.
Older children are provided breakfast, morning snack, and lunch. Lunch time is part of the learning experience, since meals are served family style, children will help with the table setting and clean-up. We will practice proper table manners. The teachers will encourage the children to taste every food item. Picky eaters usually eat better at school because they see the other children eating. All foods are talked about in a positive way. Sometimes it takes 10-12 exposures to a new food before a child will even taste it. So keep on serving those veggies!

We celebrate holidays and birthdays during afternoon snack time. You are welcome to share party cookies, cupcakes, or some other food. Please keep in mind that all items must be store bought. If you plan to bring treats in celebration of your child’s birthday, please schedule the date with your child’s teacher. No favors or gifts please. The birthday boy or girl may choose a gift from the center’s Birthday Box.
***In accordance with Federal Law and U.S Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington D.C 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

DISCIPLINE

My philosophy is that you use discipline to teach a child. We achieve this through love, consistency, and firmness. We stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people and respect for property. The children are explained the rules of the child care center frequently, so they are all familiar with the guidelines. Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children, especially, who are not adept at communication; have a hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit or throw toys, etc. Although teaching children appropriate behavior is what we will be doing, remember that this behavior is normal in most cases.
The following methods of discipline will be used:
· Encourage children to solve problems themselves
· Intervention and discussion
· Re-direction to another play area
· Loss of privileges
· Time out

If we feel there is a chronic behavioral issue that needs attention, we will let you know so that you and I are handling it in the same way and your child has continuity in discipline between your home and our center. These types of behaviors might include such things as biting, use of bad words, chronic hitting, etc. Together, we will try to find a solution. You may be called to remove your child if his/her behavior prevents us from being able to properly care for the other children. If the problem continues, other arrangements for the care of the child will have to be made, for the safety and well being of all.

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will there be any spanking, physical abuse, verbal abuse, name-calling or isolation used. Neither food nor sleep will ever be withheld from children as a means of punishment.
As a child care provider, we have a responsibility by law to recognize and report any evidence of child abuse-physical or emotional-or neglect. This is strictly for the benefit of your child.

CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE

We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Childrens hands are washed before and after meals and after toileting. We use paper towels for drying hands, so children do not have to use the same towel. We wash our hands frequently and also use antibacterial soap. Infants sleep in separate cribs, with clean sheets used only by them. Beginning at about age 12-18 months, washable nap mats are used. Each child has a separate nap mat, with sheets, blankets and pillows that are washed weekly (unless soiled, then they are washed as often as necessary). Children use separate cups, plates, bowls and eating utensils. High chair trays, tables, etc. are disinfected with a bleach water solution after each use.

TOILET TRAINING

Toilet training will be done in a relaxed manner with the cooperation of the family. If potty training begins when your child is ready, the task is quick and easy.

In addition, your child must have a complete changes of clothes (don't forget the socks!) The best items are shorts and pants with elastic waists, or dresses. Try to avoid really tight clothing, pants with snaps and zippers and belts, overalls, and onesies. These are difficult for children to remove in a hurry.

NAPS & QUIET TIME

The State of Michigan requires all children in child care to have a designated rest period each day. All children must nap, rest, read or play quietly during this period. Rest time gives everyone a much-needed break during the day. Without rest time, some children are argumentative in the afternoon, short-tempered with others, and not real happy when they go home in the evening.

Nap time is our only opportunity to take a break, clean up after lunch, do paperwork, fill out daily notes, and do activity planning. We provide nap mats for all children. Please send your child his or her special blanket or stuffed animal that he/she sleeps with. These will not be provided by the center. All blankets and other nap time items will be sent home weekly for cleaning and be expected to return the following week.

Infants nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated. Somewhere between 12 and 18 months, children usually drop down to one nap per day. At this time, we will attempt to put them on the scheduled nap/rest period.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

There will be times and ways you can get involved in your child's child care experience. You are welcome and encouraged to participate in any or all of these. Some examples of ways to be involved include:

· Lending objects for units of study
· Coming and talking about your job, when asked
· Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see monthly newsletter)
· Helping your child prepare for "Show and Tell"
· Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties

BIRTHDAYS & PARTIES

Each child's birthday is his/her "Special Day." Due to health codes you are only allowed to send store bought treats suchs as cupcakes, cookies, etc.

ILLNESS POLICY

If your child is out ill regular fees still apply. We reserve the right to determine when a child should
be sent home due to illness. Children may return to care 24 hours after symptoms of illness end or with
written authorization from your doctor stating the name of illness and when child may return to
group care. Please notify the center as soon as possible when your child becomes ill so that we may notify the other parents if needed.

MEDICATIONS

Both nonprescription and prescription medications, ointments, and creams can be given to your child if needed. Parents are required to fill out the proper forms and to supply all medications in their original containers. All written instructions shall be valid for six months unless a shorter time period is designated by the physician, dentist, or parent. These must be labeled with the child's name. NO EXCEPTIONS! We may not exceed the manufacturer's recommended dosage unless with written physician's instructions when administering nonprescription medication. We may not administer nonprescription oral medication for longer than 3 consecutive days. We may not administer nonprescription topical ointments, creams, or lotions for longer than 14 consecutive days when used for skin irritations.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Scribbles & Giggles Child Care Learning Center will contact parents and the doctor of a child in case of an emergency. In the event parents cannot be reached we will refer to the child information card as to other emergency contacts. If any emergency contacts are not available and emergency treatment is needed, the child will be taken to Sparrow Hospital or the St. Lawerance Campus of Sparrow Hospital because it is only a few blocks away, unless otherwise noted on the child information card. The medical section of the information card is critical in making these decisions. It is the responsibility of the parent for any medical treatment expenses needed. Parents have the primary responsibility in transporting their children for medical services. A written incident/accident report will be filled out in the case of an emergency with a copy given to the parent. All staff members at Scribbles & Giggles Child Care Learning Center are fully trained in CPR and First Aid from the American Red Cross.

FIRE & TORNADO SAFETY

We have a written fire evacuation plan and practice a fire drill with the children at least once each month from spring through fall and every other month during the winter months. In addition, we incorporate fire safety curriculum into my program occasionally. The center is inspected regularly for fire safety. We also keep a written tornado plan.

TERMINATION POLICY

We reserve the right to terminate for the following reasons (but not limited to):
· Failure to pay
· Failure to complete the required forms
· Lack of parental cooperation
· Failure of child to adjust to the child care after a reasonable amount of time
· Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property
· Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
· Serious illness of child or provider
· False information given by parent either verbally or in writing
We appreciate as much advance notice as possible when terminating, and will give the same courtesy in return. You are required to give two-week's written notice when you decide to terminate childcare. The two weeks will be paid in full, regardless of whether or not your child is in attendance.
We will give two-week's written notice of termination for which full tuition is due, whether or not your child is in attendance. We reserve the right to give written notice of immediate termination where there are extreme circumstances that affect the well being of myself or other children in attendance. In this situation, the two-week's payment of tuition is still required. Termination notice will not be accepted while provider or parents are on vacation. You may pay two-week's fees in lieu of two-week's notice.

REVISIONS TO HANDBOOK AND CONTRACT

There will be a yearly revision to this handbook and the accompanying contract. All families will sign a new contract each year. We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies, as we deem necessary. You will be notified, in writing, of any changes that may occur. Every attempt will be made to give at least two-week's notice of changes.