Sarah's Cozy Heart Daycare Dike, Iowa

The purpose of this handbook is to outline the policies and procedures under which we operate as a child care providers. We give the children our care opportunities to learn in a family-like setting with a mixed age group, where they can feel safe and loved, as well as begin to build a positive self image. Children will receive quality personal and individualized care in a warm and loving home. Children will also 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: We currently provide 24 hour child care, but you may only bring your child during your contracted child care slot. This is to keep our business as organized, and efficient as possible. It also helps us avoid the chance of going over on our numbers. We occasionally make exceptions due to urgent changes in work schedules, emergencies, etc. as long as we are given enough notice and we agree to the variation. Please understand that “occasional variances” are on occasion only, and are not to be routine. If your child is brought outside of contracted child care hours more than once in a 30 day time period, the overtime rates may be enforced and will be due on the day the overtime was accrued.

Enrollment Procedures:
The following forms required by the state need to be completed prior to the child’s first day of care. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to copy them before returning them, or pay a $5.00 fee for the provider to make a copy for them.

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.
5. Signed Parent and Provider Handbook initialed/dated on all pages.

Note: All forms must be updated at least every year or sooner according to need. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to copy any forms that he/she would like to keep for their own record before turning in the original documents. Also the registration/processing fees must be paid, prior to admission. A position will not be held until all of the above requirements are made.

Arrival and departure:
*Please send your child clean, dressed for the day, and fed (if arriving after 7:30 A.M..). 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 pond, dog kennel, or rocks.
*No one other than the parents or designated person will be allowed to pick up your child without prior arrangement. I 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, we must have a written note from the custodial parent in my file to that effect. Otherwise, we cannot prevent the non-custodial parent from picking up the child.
* By state of Iowa law, there shall be no cigarettes or any parts of them on my property at any time.
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. If there is anything that I need to know when your child arrives, please call the night before or send a note. You can also email me at sarah@cozyheartdaycare.com . It is hard on ALL of the children when drop off is prolonged. Please be considerate of all the children in my care. We will give you daily reports about your child at pick up.

Our Typical Daily Schedule
Depending on the needs of the children, schedules are flexible and may very.
6:45 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. Breakfast
6:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Arrival, quiet time, Education TV, free play
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Change diapers/potty/wash hands
9:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. Learning Activities/ Story, ABC's, Singing, Circle time, Crafts, outside play (weather permitting)
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Wash Hands/Lunch
12:00 p.m.- 12:30 p.m. Change diapers/potty/wash hands/clean up
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Nap/rest time - everyone participates
3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Change diapers/potty/wash hands/brush hair
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Snack Time
4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Music and Movement
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Free Play, Clean-up, Educational TV – Departure

Activities:
Age appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed responding to the needs of the individual child/baby. We provide learning activities for children age 2-5. The activities include circle time with, letter, shape, color, and number recognition, singing and story reading. We also work with work sheets and crafts, however we feel that early childhood education should involve more daily experiences than paperwork. Children learn best through play. Color and shape recognition begins early. We point out colors and shapes with almost every toy we play with, and book that we read.

Quiet Time:
After lunch, there will be a quiet time. During that time children of all ages will be expected to rest quietly and sleep if they choose to. The quiet time will be from approximately 12:30 to 2:30pm daily, sometimes it may be 1pm-3pm. The time varies on when we are done cleaning up from lunch, and have a little bit of playtime. I supply all the nap linens for the mats. All linens are washed weekly unless soiled during the week, then they will be replaced sooner. Mats are sprayed with bleach water every Friday afternoon (or sooner). If at all possible please try NOT to pick up or drop off children during this time when the children are resting or sleeping. If you must drop off your child at quiet time please be sure he or she has eaten lunch and is ready to rest quietly on his or her mat without disrupting the other children. Any child who is dropped off during quiet time and continually disrupts the others will require a change in schedule.

Behavior Management & Discipline:
Our philosophy is that you use discipline to teach a child. We 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. We love to clap, praise, and make things special when we do good things.
2. Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try again at another
time.
3. Calming Time: 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 the providers, 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 our house, and our property by reminding them that the rules still apply when you are around. We will also remind them of the rules and, correct them if needed.

Supplies needed:
Parents are responsible for supplying Diapers, Wipes, Ointment, and weather appropriate change of clothes (2 changes of clothes for children who are being toilet trained). *Swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen (summer time only),
*Necessary medication accompanied by a doctor’s note *Any other necessary items (powder, ointment)

Toys:
Parents are asked to see that their children do not bring toys from home. We have a large variety of toys and I would hate to see a special toy get lost or even broken.
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. We 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:
On occasion 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. Transportation for field trips will generally be provided by my husband, self, and other daycare parents.
*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.)

Child abuse:
We are required by law to report to the Iowa Department of Human Services of any suspected physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect.

Meals:
Breakfast, for children arriving prior to 7:30 am, 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, ect.) 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, I must be informed and given a doctor's note. Substitute meals or snacks may then be brought from home.

Potty training:
Toilet training will be handled in a relaxed manner when the child is ready to begin training and has parental support at home. When you think your child is ready to be potty trained please come to me and talk about this. We have a potty training policy that outlines signs of readiness and how toilet training is handled here.
Diaper Changes:
Diapers are checked and/or changed every 2-3 hours or more frequently if required. Exception, each child will be
diapered after waking up from their nap. Hand washing is performed after each change.

Universal Precautions:
Sarah’s Cozy Heart Daycare practices universal health precautions. This means that:

Health Matters:
Illness Policy
It is my intent to care for well children. Sick children pose a risk to other children as well as me and my staff.
Colds, flu and viruses are expected illnesses of childhood and are to be expected. Often times a child is contagious before the onset of symptoms. Children are allowed to attend child care as long as they are physically up to the activities of the day and no more than 2 of the symptoms listed in section “c” are present. If a child presents with a runny green/yellow nose that is persistent, a wet sounding cough, sore throat, and acts like he or she is sick, or just doesn’t look well; We will ask that child to go home until he or she is feeling better and is accompanied by a doctor’s note. Please know that we do not like sending a child home or asking you to keep a child home as we are aware of the need to attend work or school and we would much rather have my full group in attendance.
Allergies are also an expected part of childhood. Allergies will be defined as itchy watery eyes, stuffy nose, with CLEAR drainage, and sneezing. Other symptoms other than those will more than likely be caused by a virus or cold rather than allergies and will be treated as such.
Below are guidelines that will be followed and enforced in order to keep as many children healthy as possible as well as the staff at Sarah’s Cozy Heart Daycare:

Your child may return to daycare 24 hours after the symptoms of the illness have ended and no over the counter medications are necessary, or the child has been on antibiotics (if deemed necessary by a doctor) for a full 24 hours and is no longer contagious.
The provider reserves the right to determine when a child should be sent home. If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend daycare please call me so we can discuss the symptoms and make a decision on the phone.
PLEASE do not mask your child’s symptoms with over the counter medications-doing so and bringing your child to daycare will result in immediate termination of care for your child. It is also inconsiderate to all the children in my care as well as their families. A sick child should be allowed to recuperate fully at home after an illness so that other children and the provider do not risk unnecessary exposure.
If your child is out for an illness regular daycare fees still apply.
If your child becomes ill while in my care we will call you to come pick him/her up. You will be expected to pick up your child within an hour. If that hour passes and your child has not been picked up, we will begin calling people listed on your emergency information sheet filled out at the time of enrollment. It is very important that there be someone who is available to pick up your child in the event of illness or an emergency. Not picking up an ill child in a timely manner is not only unfair to the other children in care and the provider, but it is also unfair to your own child.
Medications
Medications (both over the counter and prescription) will be given only if it is in its original container with a label attached and a note from the child’s doctor accompanies the medication stating the dosage, reason why the medication is necessary, and the length of time the medication is needed. Over the counter medications which require a doctor’s note are all cold and cough medications, allergy medications, orajel, teething tablets, fever reducers such as Tylenol and Advil, Pepto Bismol, Imodium AD and others since the list can go on and on.
Diaper ointments (Desitin or A&D ointment) will be applied for diaper rashes without a doctor note being required. Any creams to treat a yeast infection type diaper rash will require a doctor’s note.
It is also very important for me to be aware of ANY medications your child is being given at home, so please keep me informed.
Illness in the Provider’s Family
Might I also add that our own children do get sick from time to time. Being their mom requires me to take care of them while they are ill. This we cannot change. we will do our best to keep our children well. If one of my children or another family member is ill and we feel that is contagious, we will notify you and we will make a decision as to whether or not your child should attend. If you choose to bring your child when we have notified you that someone in my home is sick and possibly contagious, and your child comes to daycare then becomes ill; we will require you to follow this sick policy. There may be times we have to close when someone in my family is ill, so please have a back up person available.

Substitute / Back-up Care
Ultimately, it is the parent’s responsibility to have a substitute / back-up provider lined up in the case that Sarah’s Cozy Heart Daycare is closed. We may be able to refer to an alternate provider in the area if that is necessary. If this is the case please come to me early so that I can contact local providers to see if they have spaces available.
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 Covenant Hospital.
4) In all cases, an emergency report is completed and a copy given to parents.
* 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, we 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.

Animal Health:
I have 2 outside dogs, Shadow is 6 1/2 years old and Lacey is 4 year s old, both pure bred Labrador retrievers.
They are very gentle and have minimal contact with the children. They are registered with the City of Dike, AKC and APR and all of their vaccines are up to date. Hand washing follows the handling of the animals. Parents who have children with known allergies to furry animals must tell us immediately.

In cases of MATERNITY LEAVE:
We will require the Part-Time rate to hold a spot for the maternity leave up to six weeks. Anytime over six weeks leave you will be required to pay your child's full weekly rate. You may bring your child up to two days per week while you pay the reduced rate or more if you wish to pay the full weekly rate. If you decide to take a leave of absence without paying we will not guarantee the spot when you are ready to return to childcare. In cases of your potential absence due to maternity leave where you will be placing your new baby into my care, all forms must be filled out prior to starting care and the deposit paid in full prior to leave. The spot may not be held if this is not done. Maternity discount only applies to full time children and does not apply to school age care. Kindergarten and older will receive no discounts during maternity leave time.

Referrals:
Referrals from a client is one of the biggest compliments I can receive. As a special thank you, we offer families a $50 Wal-Mart gift card for each referral family that enrolls their children full-time. Your gift card will be awarded after the referred child has attended for 4 weeks.

Child Care Fees
Weekly child care rates as listed on the fees page are payable in advance and in full regardless of attendance, holidays, illnesses or vacation days. Payment is due Monday at time of drop off, or the first scheduled day your child is here unless other arrangements have been made and agreeable to both parties. Please make sure funds are available when the check is written.
Late Payment Fee
We have adopted a “no pay no stay” policy. If payment is not received on or before Monday or on or before the first of each month if you choose to pay monthly, a $10 late fee will be charged daily in addition to that week’s day care fees and your child will not be allowed to attend daycare until it is paid in full. The reason for this is that we count on my income to pay bills that are necessary to operate the daycare. This contract can and will be terminated at any time if payments are not made in a timely manner according to this contract or other agreement accepted by both parties.
Late Pick-Up Fee
If your child is picked up later than your scheduled time, or dropped off earlier than your scheduled time, a fee of $10 for the first 10 minutes or fraction of 10 minutes plus $1 for every additional minute late will be charged. This fee will be DOUBLED if you are late on a Friday. These fees are payable before the child can return to care. The fee will be charged unless prior arrangements have been made and accepted by me. Late pick-up is anything beyond the scheduled time that is determined at enrollment and entered on the enrollment contract.
Bounced Check Fee
If a check is returned to me for non-sufficient funds, you will be required to pay an added fee of $30.00.
Family Vacations
I know that families may decide to take a vacation from time to time, but in order to hold your child’s spot at Sarah’s Cozy Heart Daycare payment must be paid for these days. Payment for the time your child will not be in care is to be given to the provider before you leave for vacation.

Provider Vacations, Personal/Illness Days and Holiday Closures
We will provide you with at least 2-week notice for any vacation or personal days (i.e. *days off to attend school functions for my children, doctor appointments, etc.) We may take. You will be notified as soon as possible of any personal or family illnesses, funeral or emergencies. Payment will not be required when the provider takes a week or more vacation. We do our best to provide as much notice as humanly possible for any closed days throughout the year.
I do however ask to be paid for the following holidays per year. The childcare will be closed on the following holiday days:
SCHDC 2011 PAID HOLIDAYS

New Year’s Day	Valentine’s Day (after 5pm)	Good Friday	Memorial Day	Independence Day	Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day & the day after	Christmas Eve	Christmas day	New Year’s Eve (after 5pm)	Daycare Parties will generally be the day before the closure.

Personal Growth Conferences:
We also close one to two times per year for a day or two to attend family childcare conferences. These trainings are necessary for us to be the best providers we can be, and help fulfill state requirements. We will always give at least two weeks’ notice for these events.

Clothing for child care:
Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately to attend child care each and every day. Children in care will have opportunities to paint and play outside whereas they may get dirty or even wet. I try my best to protect your child’s clothing when doing “messy” activities but sometimes things happen. Shoes are required to be on hand at all times in case of emergency. Coats/sweatshirts should also be available in case of inclement weather. Please check your child’s cubby from time to time to make sure that extra clothing is available. Extra clothing should include at least one if not two complete changes of clothes including socks. Please mark all extra clothing with a permanent marking of some sort.
Special Days:
You are welcome to send a special snack (i.e.: cookies, cupcakes, etc.) to celebrate your child’s birthday or any other day that you and your child(ren) would like to. One dozen is good number to use when planning on how many of an item to bring. It helps to have extras in cases of drops, early outs for school aged children, etc.

A final note:
I am always open to suggestions and feel communication is a very important part of this business. If there are any problems or concerns, I encourage you to talk to me 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 my attention during business hours. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your child, and I look forward to the future.
I retain 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.