Bowron Family Home Childcare
Handbook
2008 Edition
Table of Contents
About BFH Childcare........................................................................................................... 3
Schedule Information……………………………………………………………………...4
Hours of Operation............................................................................................................... 5
Holidays, Vacations, Sick Days and Early Departure.............................................................. 6
Medical and Illness Policies................................................................................................... 7
Emergencies.......................................................................................................................... 7
Enrollment Policies................................................................................................................ 8
Termination Policy................................................................................................................. 8
Meals, Snacks and other food............................................................................................... 9
Supplies................................................................................................................................ 9
Financial Information and Policies........................................................................................ 10
Miscellaneous...................................................................................................................... 11
Hello! My name is Crystal Bowron and I have enjoyed the opportunity to keep children in my home for over a year now, and I absolutely love it! I have been married to my wonderful husband, Glenn, for 6 years. Together we have 2 wonderful sons…Hunter, 6 and Grayson, 3. I enjoy spending time with my family and our precious puppy, Prissy the Pomeranian! As much as she would love to get to come downstairs and play with all the kids, she stays upstairs far away from the children in case of any allergies, etc. I also have a passion for photography, and love to share my work with others. I look forward to getting to know your family soon!
At Bowron Family Home Childcare we strive to establish and maintain a happy, loving and stimulating relationship and environment with/for the child.
The child will receive a high level of supervision through constant interaction without interfering with the child’s right to explore and grow freely in a safe environment with as little restriction as possible.
We will maintain an “open door” policy. This means that parent’s (or any of the people indicated on the “Open Door List”) may call or check on the child at any time while the child is in my care. However we do ask that visitors be respectful of nap and quiet time.
We will maintain daily verbal communication with the parents to outline the child’s eating, sleeping, behavioral habits, etc. This will also include any milestones reached or program changes as a result of the child’s achievements and development.
Parents must keep me informed by noting any relevant information (illness, sleeping, eating and behavioral habits) so daily schedules and programs can be adjusted accordingly.
It is important for the parents and me to maintain an open, honest relationship and to discuss any problems at the earliest possible stage.
All disciplinary problems will be handled on an individual basis according to the circumstances involved and shall be directed toward teaching the child to respect the rights of others and to work within defined limits. I will always work with the parents to attempt to correct the situation.
We will use the following disciplinary measures:
1. Redirection
2. Warning
3. Time out
4. Remove a privilege
5. Conference with parents
We will not use any form of corporal punishment when disciplining the child.
I will develop a schedule for the child that is flexible and suited to the child’s individual needs, personality and level of ability. These factors will be assessed regularly and change based on the child’s development.
The following is a sample of a typical day. It will be adjusted according to the needs of the children for the day.
Breakfast – Most important meal of the day!
Circle Time and/or Table Activity – Circle time may involve singing songs, playing a game or reading a story. Table Activities may include: cooking, play dough, coloring, painting, beads, other crafts, games, puzzles, or other learning activities.
Outdoor Play – The children play in the back yard with outdoor toys. During the hot summer days we may play in the sprinkler. You will be asked to keep a spare bathing suit at daycare for your child, for this reason!
Free Play and Clean up for Lunch - The children come inside for free play and wash-up for lunch.
Lunch Time – The children enjoy each other’s company at the table during lunch. When they are through eating, they are excused from the table to use the bathroom, and wash their hands.
Rest time and Nap Time - Each child in attendance, regardless of age will be required to have a nap or quiet time. Children will nap on a nap mat or in a playpen. No child will be forced to sleep.
Snack Time – When the children who sleep awaken they are immediately guided to use the bathroom and wash their hands. Snack is then served with water.
Free Play – The children have the opportunity to play with all the fun toys and activities until their parents arrive to pick them up.
Children are not allowed to bring personal items (including food or drinks) to Bowron Family Home Childcare.
Parents must initiate toilet training at home and remain consistent before it will be started at the daycare. During toilet training please dress your child in easy to remove (for the child) outfits. Pull-ups with “easy open sides” will be used for sanitary reasons until the child is reasonably trained.
I will notify parents of planned field trips in advance. We take about 3 field trips/year to places like the Nashville Zoo, Adventure Science Center, the park, local farm, etc.
For any vehicle trips I will ensure that the child rides in an appropriate car seat and that it is properly installed. (Parents may be asked to provide a car seat when needed.)
If parents do not want their child to attend planned outings it will be their responsibility to find alternate care for the day. (Full regular payment is expected regardless of attendance.)
www.freewebs.com/bfhchildcare is a useful tool for both the parents and me. It contains general information about Bowron Family Home Childcare, an online Bulletin Board used to display photographs of the children and their artwork. It will also include a calendar listing upcoming events, field trips and what your child is learning that month.
In the Parent-Provider Agreement the parent has the option to allow me to show and/or give photographs to other parents enrolled with the provider, display them on the BFH Childcare website, and to use for promotional purposes.
Bowron Family Home Childcare will be open between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Hours of care for each child shall not exceed the agreed upon contracted hours of care. These will be determined in the Parent-Provider Agreement, and must be adhered to for the duration.
In the event that you require extra care for your child please discuss it with me and I will consider the request but have the right to decline any overtime offered.
Parent(s) must accompany the child inside my home each time they arrive. Please help your child take off his or her coat/jacket and shoes.
Please make sure that your child arrives clean, fed, and dressed in play clothes for the daycare. We have lots of fun and some days get very messy!
Please do not allow your child to enter the house carrying food, drinks or sippy cups. (Food and drinks are only allowed at the kitchen table.)
Sometimes it is difficult for children when separating from their parents, they may cry when being dropped off. Please be very brief during drop-off times; the longer you prolong the departure the harder it gets. A smile, a cheerful good-bye kiss, and a reassuring word that you will be back are all that is needed. Children are very quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone.
Parents shall pick up children at my home at the scheduled time.
Your child will not be released to anyone other than the parent(s) and the Emergency Contact(s) without your prior written consent. If there is any concern about this person we may ask for identification or the parents will be contacted for verification. Please give advance notice if someone other than you will be picking up your child.
Holidays, Vacations, Sick Days and Early Departure
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
New Year’s Day
Independence Day
Memorial Day
The parent is responsible for paying full regular rates if any of the days listed above fall on a contracted day of care. (Contracted days of care are determined in the Parent-Provider Agreement.)
The daycare may close for an additional 5 paid vacation days annually (January 1 to December 31).
I will provide the parent(s) with 30 days written notice of all vacation days.
If I cannot provide service for the day, due to illness, the parents will be notified as early as possible. Parents will not be required to pay for these days.
If my children are sick then I will attempt to notify parents before arrival. Parents may be given the option to accept regular childcare or not. If parents decline regular childcare they will not be required to pay for that day.
The parent will be credited for sick days on their next regularly scheduled payment.
Parents will be given 5 days of non-payment for any vacation days, when they fall on contracted days of care. (Contracted days of care are determined in the Parent-Provider Agreement.)
Each child will receive 2 unpaid sick days annually (January 1 to December 31.) After both unpaid sick days have been used the parent is responsible for full regular payment of any additional sick days.
Please notify me of any sick days by the child’s regularly scheduled arrival time.
If the child is picked up early for any reason full regular payment is still required. (Contracted hours of care are determined in the Parent-Provider Agreement.)
In the event of prolonged illness by the child, any immediate family members, or me a reasonable agreement may be negotiated.
I will require regularly scheduled payments equal to one-half of your regular child care fees during time of your child’s absence to secure his/her position. In addition, the child’s unpaid sick days must be forfeited for this time period. The child must be absent for 1 month or more to be considered extended leave.
Your child may attend when feeling “under the weather” (clear runny nose, sneezes, cough, mild headache, teething) but may not attend with the following symptoms: a fever over 100ºF, unexplained rash, lice or nits, discharge from eyes or ears, unusual drowsiness, vomiting or diarrhea, communicable disease, continuously crying, or requires more attention than can be provided without compromising the health and safety of other children in care.
If your child is taking prescribed medication and in the doctor’s judgment is able to be with other children, he or she may attend. (I reserve the right to ask for a doctor’s note before the child returns.)
If your child becomes ill during childcare hours, you will be notified immediately to pick up your child within 1 hour of being notified. If you cannot be reached, the emergency contact(s) will be notified.
If your child is ill, please notify me regarding the nature of the illness, especially if it is contagious. I will then notify all families of children who have been exposed.
Parents must provide me with current medical information. This includes information about the child’s doctor, emergency contacts, and immunization records.
The parent will be required to give written consent and directions before any medication is administered. (Blanket authorization will not be accepted.) All medications (prescription and non-prescription) must be in original containers.
In the event of an accident or other emergency, I will attempt to inform the parents as soon as possible and may request that the child be picked up immediately. If the parent is unavailable the Emergency Contact(s) will be called. A parent or Emergency Contact will pick up the child within one hour of the request.
It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that I have an address and telephone number where the parent can be reached at all times during which childcare is being provided. Failure to do so can result in immediate termination of the Parent-Provider Agreement.
Parents will be responsible for all costs associated with transporting a child to the hospital and all other medical costs incurred.
Enrollment Policies
Enrollment is complete only when all forms are completed and returned and a copy of the child’s current immunization record is supplied. No space will be considered held until these conditions are met.
After enrollment is complete, I will secure your child’s position, without charge, for up to 2 weeks. After 2 weeks you will be required to pay one-half of the regular fees on the regular scheduled payment dates until the first day of child care. This payment will continue to secure a space for your child from payment to payment.
It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that all of the information is kept up to date. Failure to do so may result in immediate termination of the Parent-Provider Agreement.
There will be a 10-day trial for all children new to the daycare. Either party may terminate the Parent-Provider Agreement at any time during the 10-day trial period without any penalties or cancellation money owed. Two weeks notice is not required. The normal termination policy does not apply during this time.
Either party to terminate the Parent-Provider Agreement must supply written notice. The minimum termination notice period is 14 calendar days.
Payment for the remaining contracted days of care is expected with the termination notice or on the last regularly scheduled payment date.
Please note that I reserve the right to terminate the Parent-Provider Agreement without notice (and without refunds) for the following reasons:
1. The conduct of either the parent or the child is deemed by me to be detrimental to the program, property, or person.
2. Non-payment of tuition.
3. Failure to ensure that I have an address and telephone number where the parent can be reached at all times during which childcare is being provided.
4. Failure to ensure that all required information is kept up to date.
Meals, Snacks and Other Food
Included for all children who are no longer eating jar baby food and/or formula.
Snacks are provided to all children present during snack time. Parent must provide a snack for children who cannot yet eat regular table foods.
It is the parent’s responsibility to provide appropriate foods for specialized diets and infants/toddlers who do not eat regular table food.
It is the parent’s responsibility to inform me of any known food allergies. These products will not be included in the meals/snacks your child is served while in our care.
Please label all items with the child’s name and place smaller items in a diaper bag, backpack or similar durable bag to leave at the daycare while the child is there.
Any items that are dirty (clothes, blankets, etc.) will be returned home with the child. It is the parent’s responsibility to clean and return them the next day the child is in my care.
I am not responsible for items that are lost or damaged when brought to the daycare. Any supplies not picked up from me within one week after the final day of care will become the property of the daycare and may be disposed of.
The parent shall provide the following items daily:
1. All prescription and over the counter medication along written consent and directions.
2. Bottles, formula and infant foods. If you prefer you may send a weekly supply.
3. Diapers/Pull-Ups (for toilet training)
The parent shall provide the following items at the beginning of each month:
1. Wet Wipes if your child is still in diapers
2. Flushable Wipes if your child is fully toilet trained
3. Diaper Cream
The parent shall provide the following items on the first day of care (or as required) to be left at the daycare, for each child:
1. Sunscreen (if used)
2. Insect repellent (if used.)
3. A full change of weather appropriate clothing. (More for toilet training children.)
4. Weather appropriate outerwear
5. Playpen for infants (used at naptime)
6. Nap mat for older children (upon request)
7. Blanket or sleeping bag (and a small pillow if wanted)
8. Swimsuit, water shoes, towel (must be turned in by May 1st)
9. Swim diapers for children who are not completely toilet trained (must be turned in by May 1st)
10. A car seat or booster seat (when required, advance notice given if one will be needed)
11. Any special security items (blankets, toys, pacifiers) if needed
Full Time $25.00/day
Part Time $30.00/day
In addition, you must pay for all contracted days, whether or not the child is in attendance. No refunds or credits will be issued for a child who is scheduled to be in care, and does not attend for any reason. (With the exception of unpaid sick days.) This rate includes breakfast, lunch, snack, as well as all educational materials that are used.
If you require childcare before 7:00 AM you will be charged an additional fee (minimum $5.00) for the necessary time. The rate will be $5.00 per half hour or any part of the half hour.
If for any reason you do not pick up your child by the time specified in the Parent-Provider Agreement you will be charged overtime fees. Overtime charges are $5.00 per half hour or any part of the half hour.
The parents shall notify me of any anticipated overtime a minimum of 48 hours in advance. I reserve the right to decline any overtime offered.
A fee of $10.00 per day will be charged to all overdue payments.
The Parent-Provider Agreement will be considered terminated without notice by the parent, after 7 calendar days of non-payment of fees. (Please see the Termination Policy for more details.)
If a check is returned for any reason (including Non Sufficient Funds) a $30 dollar fee will be applied.
Parents will also be responsible for any additional fees (NSF, overdraft, late payment, etc.) that occur as a result of your returned check.
Late fees of $10.00 per day will be charged accumulating from the original payment due date. If you see a problem arising regarding prompt payment, please discuss it with me before the payment is due.
In addition, only cash will be accepted for future payments after any returned check.
The parents will be informed of any planned activities and will be expected to pay the extra activity fees such as museum admission.
Bowron Family Home Childcare will provide the parent with a printed and signed summary of all fees paid for the previous calendar year upon request. This summary will be issued annually after January 15 or when all fees have been paid in full when either party has terminated care. Please ensure your mailing address is current, as it will be mailed to you. You will also be provided with a receipt after each and every payment. We suggest you set aside a file at home to place these receipts in every week.
Bowron Family Home Childcare reserves the right to change the terms of the Parent-Provider Agreement and of the BFH Childcare Handbook with 30 days written notice to the parent.