Here is my parent handbook. This will give you some general information about what the children will be doing here at Diane's Child Care.

DIANE'S CHILD CARE

1023 SURREY CT.

JOLIET, IL 60431

815-729-3735

INTRODUCTION

I have worked with children of all ages since 1979. I have a BSE and MLS in Library Science. I have also completed eight Child Development courses. My program is accredited by the National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC). I am a mother of two adult children and two cats. I have found out that I can run my day care home more efficiently when everybody understands and follows the guidelines I have set up in this handbook. The Parent Handbook is designed to help answer your questions about childcare in my home. Please take the time to read this handbook. If after reading it you have questions, please feel free to discuss them with me.

BACKGROUND

I am licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to care for up to 8 children ages newborn to 12. My license is always on display in the kitchen. I am certified in CPR and First Aid. I am a member of the Child Care Resource & Referral System, which entitles me to a lending library filled with toys, videos, childcare books and magazines. I am also a member of the Will County Childcare Association and the Joliet Area Association for the Education of Young Children. I will be attending many workshops pertaining to the education and development of young children.

PHILOSOPHY OF CHILD CARE

My philosophy of childcare is to give the children a "home away from home." I believe a home-like environment is a natural learning place for developing practical life skills and experiences. I will encourage your child(ren’s) independence and build their self-confidence through a nurturing environment. I believe children learn through their social-emotional experiences and through their visual, auditory and kinesthetic senses. Children need guidance and direction. Guidance comes in by having a routine for them to follow so they know what to expect. It is rules and clear directions. Your child(ren) will be safe and secure, as well as being enriched with play, educational activities and love.

Mandated Reporter

Due to working with children, all staff of Diane’s Child Care are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. A mandated reporter is an individual who holds a professional position (as of social worker, childcare provider, physician, teacher, or counselor) that requires him or her to report to the appropriate state agency cases of child abuse that he or she has reasonable cause to suspect. For example, if any staff has reason to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, they must report the abuse and/or neglect even if allegations cannot be proved. All staff is educated on child abuse and neglect signs and symptoms. For more information, please go to: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm

Equal Opportunity

We do not discriminate against any child, parent, or family for reasons of race, color, sex, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or public assistance status.

State License Required Forms

The State of Illinois requires that these necessary forms be completed, signed, and returned on or prior to the first day that day care service is provided.

1. Each child is required to have a physical and filled out medical form.

2. Sign a verification of receipt of “Child Care Choices”.

3. Completed application/record of information on each child enrolled.

4. Complete forms for each child concerning emergency medical care, child pickup, etc.

5. Copy of Child’s Birth Certificate

6. Late Pick up Policy

HOURS OF OPERATION

Diane’s Child Care Home hours are: Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

CHILD CARE CLOSINGS

Diane's Child Care will be closed on the following days:

New Year's Eve & New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day & the day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
1 week of vacation
The Vacation time will be determined in advance so as to give the parents a chance to make other arrangements for their children. This one-week will not count against your 10 sick/family days.

ABSENCE POLICY

I understand that from time to time children become sick and families take scheduled vacations. I also understand that parents will want to take a day off work to spend quality time with their child. But, when these practices are carried to extremes, it can mean a loss of literally hundreds of dollars to my income and a vacancy in a spot that might otherwise be filled with another child. I have come up with an absence policy that is fair and considerate to all concerned:

A. All parents that pay on a full time or part time basis will be entitled to 10 (ten) sick/family days within one calendar year. These 10 days are per family.

B. When a full time child has used all his/her 10-sick/family days, parents will be required to pay the full time rate if more days are needed.

C. In the event a part time child uses up his/her 10-sick/family days, parents will be charged according to their pre-established daily hours of attendance.

CURRICULUM GOALS

The most important goals of my curriculum are for children to get along with others and become enthusiastic learners. I want children to become independent, self-confident and curious learners who can work well with others. I do this by creating a purposeful and productive play experiences that will help them grow in all areas. Specifically: Social/emotional, Physical, Cognitive and Language. Through activities in these specific areas, I will help your child be successful in school.

ACTIVITIES/DAILY ROUTINES

Our day includes a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. These activities include: story time, free play, learning time, crafts (painting, playdoh, etc) games, songs, exercise, and outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to participate in age-appropriate household routines such as preparing food, setting tables, clearing tables, and cleaning up. Please dress your child appropriately to the weather. (i.e. Bring boots, snow pants, gloves in winter; swimsuit, towel, sunscreen in summer) Outdoor shoes (such as canvas shoes, not sandals) for playing outside and an extra set of clothes.

Children will have naptime or quiet time from approximately 1 – 3 pm each day. Each child will have its own cot. You may bring a pillow, blanket or small stuffed animal for your child.

We practice monthly fire drills and storm drills so the children know what to do in an emergency.

I sound the smoke alarm so the children know what it sounds like. We practice evacuating the house from various rooms of the house. We also do “Stop, Drop and Roll”. Storm drills are usually the first Tuesday of each month. This is when the firemen test the siren at the local fire department. I also test to make sure the flashlight works and the radio works with the batteries.

Developmental Screenings

Developmental and behavior screenings are done annually or as needed pending on the provider and/or parent’s discretion. These screenings, whit the parent’s permission, usually take place prior to each school year in the late spring or summer and are done on all children enrolled in Diane’s Child Care. One or more of the following does screenings:

Caregiver Connections – Child Care Resource & Referral (815) 741-1163 ext. 266

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants for Will, Grundy, Kendall, & Kankakee Counties

Early Intervention – Illinois Department of Human Services 1-800-323-GROW

Illinois' Early Intervention program's mission is to assure that families who have infants and toddlers, birth to three, with diagnosed disabilities, developmental delays or substantial risk of significant delays receive resources and supports that assist them in maximizing their child's development, while respecting the diversity of families and communities.

ENROLLMENT POLICY

Your child’s adjustment is important to me. Some children have a hard time adjusting and/or may not be a good fit. Therefore enrollment is based on a 2 week-trial period. Also to help your child, he/she may come for a couple of hours for a few days before care is needed to help with the transition.

LATE PICKUP POLICY

In the event that a parent does no pickup a child at the agreed time the provider will take the following steps.

1. A late fee of $1.00 a minute will be charged.

2. Parent(s) will be notified and be asked for an explanation for late pickup.

3. I will contact a person listed on the child pickup form and ask if they can pick up the child.

4. Legal authorities will be notifies and informed that parent(s) are unreachable. I will inform police that the facility is closed and no longer responsible for the child.

SICKNESS/ILLNESS POLICY

A child with a slight cold is acceptable, but a child who is sick cannot attend. “Sick” means a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit before given any medication, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash (other than diaper rash or prickly heat), Parasitic Infestation (lice, scabies, worms, etc) chicken pox, pinkeye and other communicable illness will not be allowed in the childcare. The child should be kept home. This is necessary to protect me and the children enrolled in the program. It is also not allowed by Dept. of Children and Family Services for me to care for children with these symptoms.

No child will be admitted to childcare with an oral temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Please don’t knowingly bring your child here. Should symptoms develop while the child is in my care, I will notify you by phone and follow any instructions you might have until you are able to have the child picked up early.

If your child is ill for 5 days or more, I must have a signed note from the child's physician stating the child is free of any communicable disease and is able to return to home day care.

Please call if your child is absent. I will notify you if I am ill. I will leave it up to your discretion as to whether or not your child attends child care.

**If your child is on an antibiotic, he/she is contagious for 24 hours.

MEDICATION POLICY

Necessary medications will be administered according to specific instructions:

1. Prescription medicine labels must have the child's name, the physician's name, and the name of the drug store, prescription number, date of the prescription, and directions for administering.

2. Nonprescription medication will be administered upon written parental permission, which specifies the duration and frequency of medication. Medication will be administered in accordance with package instructions, and except for aspirin substitutes, will be labeled with the child’s name and date.

3. There will be a signed statement by the child's caregiver to administer medication to the child.

4. I will maintain a record of the dates, hours and dosages, which are to be given.

5. Medication will be returned to the parent at the end of each day.

INFANT PROGRAM

I'm very flexible with infants. Your baby will be fed, diapered, rocked, and carried when needed. Infants will take naps according to their schedule. If you feel it will comfort your child during naptime, feel free to send a special blanket or a small stuffed animal. You may also include a family picture.

PARENT SUPPLIES

Baby formula, Disposable diapers, Pull-ups or training pants, Baby wipes, Ointment, Powder, Bottles, an extra set of clothes, extra pair of socks and an underwear, and seasonal items (coat, sweater, etc).

MEALS

I am a participant in a Child Care Food Program that is funded by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and administered through the Illinois State Board of Education. Nutritionally balanced, high quality food is served. I am required to submit monthly menus for their approval. If your child has allergies or need special food, I’ll need a signed note from your Dr.'s.

Please refrain from sending candy or snack foods with your child unless you have discussed this with me first. For birthdays or special treats for the entire group, please discuss arrangements with me in advance.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Diane's Child Care believes firmly in a very positive approach towards discipline with its children. Rules are simple so that the child knows what is expected and limitations are clear to the child. (BE KIND, USE WALKING FEET, etc) In most cases, redirection is just needed. Every attempt is made to approach problems with a positive, helpful word. In more persistent cases, a "thinking chair" is used to allow the child time to consider corrective behavior. The time in the "thinking chair" is dependent upon that child's age. If a child misbehaves consistently, and/or threatens the safety or well being of other children, I reserve the right and power to terminate that child's care

OUR MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Treat each other and your child with respect.

2. Communicate on a regular basis about your child's rest, nutrition, toilet training, new skills, fears, interests, joys, etc.

3. Plan together for a consistent program of toilet training at an appropriate age.

4. My goal is to bring out the best in your child by instilling confidence in him/her. Every child is treated as an individual, encouraged to try new experiences--never forced. I will teach your child skills appropriate for his age. I'm a firm believer a child learns best from everyday experiences.

5. Try out this childcare arrangement for two weeks. If it is not mutually satisfactory, terminate this agreement.

6. When either party decides to terminate this agreement they must provide the other party with two weeks notice. I will provide you with such notice so that you may obtain other arrangements for your child. Unless you provide me with such notice, your normal two weeks payment must be paid.

Risk Management & Emergencies

In the event of an emergency (fire, severe storm or natural disaster, power outage, or accident) there are procedures, which are followed as stated below:

Fire - In case of fire, everyone in the daycare is evacuated and meets at the mailbox in the front yard. Phone calls are made to the local fire department and families to notify them of the emergency by a neighbor’s phone. If no neighbors are home or if the situation is considered unsafe, the staff and children will walk to Joliet Fire Department Station 7 off of Houbolt Road and McDonough Street (about 1 1/2 mile from daycare location) and will remain there until it is safe to reenter the daycare.

Severe Storm - In case of severe storm or natural disaster (i.e. tornado), everyone in the daycare stays in the bathroom or hallway until considered safe to come back upstairs. There is a landline, flashlight, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and other necessities to wait out any storm.

Power Outage - In case of power outage, ComED is notified and any necessary steps as ComED suggests are taken to regain power. If the situation is considered unsafe, everyone in the daycare is evacuated and meets at the mailbox in the front yard. Phone calls are made to 911 and families to notify them of the emergency by a neighbor’s phone. If no neighbors are home, the staff and children will walk to Joliet Fire Department Station 7 off of Houbolt Road and McDonough Street (about 1 1/2 mile from daycare location) and will remain there until it is safe to reenter the daycare.

Accident - In case of severe accident in the daycare, on a field trip, or by vehicle, 911 is called and any children, parents, staff or volunteers who need emergency care receive it at the nearest hospital. Those who do not need emergency care will meet the injured person at the hospital and remain there until all families have been notified and all children have been picked up. If the accident is not severe and involves a child, parents are called immediately after first aid is administered and informed of the accident that occurred. The parents then decide if the child should remain at the daycare for the day or see a doctor. If the accident is not severe and involves an adult, first aid is administered and the adult then decides if they should remain at the daycare for the day or see a doctor.

To maintain the safety of people, property, equipment and materials, universal precautions are taken to ensure the property (inside and out) is clean and free of hazards. At least on a weekly basis toys are sterilized, bathrooms are cleaned, and any laundry is washed. Any toy that a child has put in their mouth is sterilized promptly.

Child Care Contract

Rates Regarding Holidays, Vacations and Other Absences:

1. The following are paid holidays when they fall on a day regularly scheduled for Care: News Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

2. Charges for a child’s absence will be: Each child will not be charged for 10 days a year for absences caused by illness, emergencies or vacation.

3. Charges related to provider’s illness, emergency, vacation or conferences: No charges

4. The provider and the parent/guardian will each give 4 weeks advance notice of scheduled vacation or other leave.

5. In case of emergency absence parents and provider will notify the other as soon as possible.

Other charges:

1. There will be an extra charge for special activities: materials for special projects, Vacation Bible School, and so forth.

2. Care will begin on: __________________________.

3. The Parent/Guardian(s) agree to pay the rate of _________________per week. Payment is due Monday morning. Part-time rate: ________________per hour.

Termination Procedure:

Either parent/guardian or provider may terminate this contract by giving 2 weeks advance notice of ending date. Payment by parent/guardian is due for the notice period, whether or not the child is brought to the provider for care. The provider may terminate the contract without giving any notice if the parent/guardian does not make payments when due. Failure by the provider to enforce one or more terms of the contract does not waive the right of the provider to enforce any other terms of the contract.

Signatures:

By signing this contract, parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to abide by the written policies of the provider. The provider may amend the policies by giving the parent(s)/guardian(s) a copy of the new or change policies at least 2 weeks before they go into effect.

Mother/Legal Guardian’s Signature________________________________________________Date______________

Father/Legal Guardian’s Signature ________________________________________________________________Date_____________________

Provider’s Signature _________________________________________________________________ Date _____________________

Page 1 of 2

Provider-Parent/Guardian Child Care Agreement

The following agreement is made between:

1. _______________________________________ _________________ _____________________

Mother/Legal Guardian Home Phone Work Phone

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Address Email Address

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer’s Name and Address

And

2. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Father/Legal Guardian Home Phone Work Phone

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Address Email Address

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer’s Name and Address

And

3. Diane Morrow 815-729-3735 (H)

1023 Surrey Court, Joliet IL 60431 dlm@mc.net

for the care of

_________________________________________________________

Child’s Name/ Date of Birth

__________________________________________________________

Child’s Name /Date of Birth

Basic Rate and Payment Policies:

The payment fee shall be $ _____________________per week or $ _____________per day or $ ______________per hour

Care shall be provided normally from _______________ A. M. to _____________P. M. on these days: (Circle all that apply):

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Additional Fees (late payment fees, damage caused by children, bounced check fees, etc)

Late Fee ($1.00 Per Minute $25 bounced check fee Damage (depends)

Payment is due: Each Monday morning for the coming week

Overtime Rates:

1. For the purpose of this agreement, overtime will be considered as drop off before ________ A.M. and pick-up after ___________P.M.

2. If the parent/legal guardian makes prior arrangements with the provider, the child may stay overtime at the following rate of _________ per hour or portion thereof.

3. If the parent/legal guardian has not informed the provider that he or she will be arriving earlier or later than the agreed upon times, the following rate will be charged: _________________per ___________________or portion thereof.