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This a copy of the parent handbook. Instead of reading through a hard copy, it is sometimes easier to read it online by pressing CTRL F
and searching for the specific section you are looking for.

License:
I am a family child care provider licensed by the state of California. I operate my home in compliance with the state rules for family child
care. My home meets or exceeds all licensing, fire, health, and safety requirements. I am allowed to have up to 8 children under the age
of 12, including children under age 10 who live in the home, is one of the following:
Four Infants, or
Six Children, no more than three of whom may be infants,or
Eight Children, when one child is six and one child is enrolled and attending
school and no more than two infants are in care.

Hours/Overtime:
I provide childcare from Monday to Friday from 7:30a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We will figure the hours for your child plus fair commute time and
this will become your “scheduled hours”. Any changes to your schedule have to be discussed and re-scheduled based on my ability to
meet your new need.

There is an extra fee of $5.00 per child for every fifteen minutes or portion thereof that your child is dropped off earlier than their
contracted arrival time (without prior approval) and for children not picked up by their contracted pick-up time. If you arrive late without a
phone call, I may not be present. It will then be the parent’s responsibility to find and finance an alternate for their child for the day. Late
arrival does not allow late pick-up. Care will not recommence until such late fees are paid in full. Please be on time daily.

To ensure the safety of your child, only you or the person listed on your pick up sheet may pick up your child. Phoning me to let me know
someone other than you will be picking up your child is fine if I know the person or your child can identify him or her.

Verification of legal custody:
I must have a copy of the court order recognizing the parent who has legal custody of the child, as well as visitation schedules.
Otherwise I have no choice except to release the child to his/her parent.

Deposit:
I will require a $50.00 deposit for all families to hold your spot.
PLEASE NOTE: I will not start providing child care nor will your opening with us be considered saved until this deposit is paid.

Admission Paperwork:
Before I assume responsibility of caring for your child I MUST have the following:
Signed Policy Handbook Contract
Signed Financial Agreement
Paperwork required by licensing regulations
Copy of immunization record
Client and General Information Forms
Transportation, photo, medication, and sunscreen release forms

PLEASE NOTE: All forms must be updated yearly.

Payments and Late Fees:
All payments must be received on each Monday morning for that week. If the Monday is a holiday, fees are due on the Friday before. If
fees are not paid I will not watch your child, I will consider your spot to be open. You will run the risk of your childcare spot being filled by
another family. There are no refunds in fees for absences due to child’s illness or for any other reason. Full fees are required
regardless of whether or not your child attends. Diaper and preschool payments are due the last week of each month.

I realize the financial burden that childcare places on parents, and hope parents understand that as a business childcare places
financial burdens on the provider. These include, but are not limited to groceries, utilities, insurance, programming, toys and
equipment. I also have a financial responsibility to my family. If fees are not received when due, a $5.00 per day charge will be applied
to the amount owing. This charge will be in effect until all monies plus late charges are paid in full.
I will take all outstanding accounts to court and collections. Should it be necessary, parent/guardian is responsible for all court costs.

Checks: There will be a $25.00 charge for all checks returned NSF plus any additional charges incurred to myself or the bank. Parents
who have two or more NSF checks will be required to pay by cash or money order.

Due to cost of living increase, monthly childcare fees will increase by $5 /month per child per year. The monthly fees established in the
Financial Agreement will be in effect until January of the following year.

Provider Holidays/Sick Days
Vacation:
I will have 3 weeks scheduled PAID vacation each year. All families need some sort of back-up care arrangements for those days. I will
notify you at least 30 days prior to taking vacation. Holidays:

New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day,
Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and Christmas Day. I may consider staying open on holidays if I have enough families requesting it.
Please feel free to talk to me about it if you are having problems finding care.
I will have a substitute for all other absences. When I do not have an alternate, I will pay back the daily rate.

Parent Vacations:
I understand the need to get away from the everyday stresses to take a vacation. You are allotted 3 weeks of vacation at 50% tuition. Any
vacation taken beyond 3 weeks in a calendar year is 100% tuition. This is to hold your childcare space and PAY IS EXPECTED IN FULL
BEFORE YOU LEAVE.

Extended Absences:
In cases of your potential absence due to maternity leave, summer, or extended lease from your job, I will require ½ of your monthly fees
for the entire time of your absence to hold your child’s position. I must receive at least 1 month written notice and leave must be for no
longer than a 1 month period during the months September – June and no longer than 2 months July-August.

Arrival and Departures:
Children are to arrive clean and fed (unless arriving before a meal time). Please do not allow your child to walk to the door by
themselves at drop off. It is important to take a minute to walk them to the door and greet me. This gives us both the opportunity to
discuss any schedule changes for the day or anything else. At pick-up, please do not let your child leave the house until you are leaving
also.

It helps your child tremendously if your child is aware that you will be arriving early (or late) in that they come to expect regularity and thrive
on it. I also have children put their coat and shoes on in preparation for your arrival time. Please keep me informed so I can in turn keep
the child informed. Drop-off and pick-up times are not good times to discuss serious problems. Little ears and minds hear and
understand everything. I am not comfortable discussing a child in the presence of anyone, but their parents. Topics that concern day-to-
day events or light-hearted discussions are fine.

Cleanliness/Hygiene:
We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Children’s hands are washed before and after meals, coming in
from outside and after toileting. If these skills are stressed at home your child may remain a good hand-washer when he/she gets
older. Please have your child bathed and dressed for play. A clean child is a healthy child.
Infants sleep in separate cribs/play pens with clean blankets, used only by them. Beginning at toddler age washable nap cots are used.
Each child has a separate nap cot with blankets. These are washed weekly (unless soiled, then they are washed as often as
necessary). Large toys are sanitized once a week and small toys are sanitized once a month unless there are sick children (and then
they will be sanitized weekly).

Termination:
The first four weeks of childcare are to be an adjustment period. It is my responsibility to let the parent know if the child seems unhappy
or the arrangement is unsatisfactory for any other reason. It is the parent’s responsibility to let me know the same. The parent or I can
terminate the contract anytime during the adjustment period in writing on or before the 30th day after care starts.

One months written notice (on or before the first of the month for the following month) is required by the parent to myself. Fees will still
be due if the parent withdraws the child before notice is given, or at any time during the notice. One month’s fees may be paid in lieu of
one month’s notice. Termination notice will NOT be accepted while provider or parents are on vacation.

I will provide the parents with one month’s written notice if I am no longer able to care for your child. You are still responsible for paying
the monthly 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 solely limited to):
Failure to comply with the policies set forth in this book.
Failure to comply with the contract.
Destructive or hurtful behavior of child that persists even with parent cooperation in stopping the behavior.
Non-payment of childcare fees or late and/or recurring late payment of fees.
Failure to show up for 5 days in a row without communication.
Failure to complete required forms.
Inability to meet the child’s needs without additional staff.
Blatant disrespect towards me or my family.
If parents knowingly continually brings their child ill.

Child Abuse/Neglect:
It is law and also my responsibility as a childcare provider to report any and all abuse or neglect performed on a child. I cannot turn my
head on a child that has been abused or neglected. Therefore, I will notify Children’s Protective Services and the Police Department
when it appears that a child in my care is being physically, sexually, or emotionally abused, neglected or exploited.

Supplies:
Parents are responsible for supplying:
Bottles
A full change of clothing
A familiar blanket
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Sun block, insect repellent, etc. (can only be used if form is signed.)

I will provide the following:
All formula, food and snacks.
Diapers and/or pull ups, wipes, diaper rash cream
All personal belongings should be marked with the child’s name. It is not necessary to bring utensils, cups or dishes as they will be
supplied.

Donations help keep costs down, so if you have any of the following items on hand and are willing to donate them, it would be greatly
appreciated. This is not mandatory.

Snack foods (fruits, crackers, etc.)
Dress up clothing, costumes, jewelry, hats, etc.
Magazines for cutting, especially ones like National Geographic Kids that depict other cultures, or that have lots of pictures of people,
children, or animals. We are looking for pictures that would appeal to children.
Paper of any kind (brown, white, colored, waxed, foil, etc.)
Crayons, water color paints or any misc. art supplies such as fabric scraps, glitter, pipe cleaners, paper plates, etc.
IDEAS! I welcome any ideas that you may have for fun activities or crafts!!

I teach children creativity, problem solving, and pride in their skills. Sometime these values get messy. Some days we will be painting,
so please send your child in appropriate clothing. Please dress you child for real success. Their “work” here is play! If there is an
occasion that calls for special clothing, please bring this clothing in an extra bag and I will help your child change before you arrive for
pick-up. I am not responsible for your child’s clothing or personal items brought into childcare home. I will let you know when I need
more supplies for your child.

Toys:
I provide a wide variety of playthings. I ask that no toys be brought to daycare from home. Anything brought will be put up safely until the
child is picked up. This policy is for the concern of all children in my care. Often time’s children have a hard time sharing the toys they
bring from home.

The ONLY exceptions to this policy are:
A special blanket or stuffed animal/doll to be used during nap time. This will be put up and only used for the appropriate time.
Show and tell. At times we will have a show and tell period. I will inform you ahead of time when this may occur.

Television Viewing:
Television viewing is an important issue for parents. TV time will be very limited and monitored. Viewing time may be allowed in early
mornings (prior to breakfast) and after toy pick-up wile waiting for parents. This can amount to ½ hours to 2 hours per day depending on
when your child is here or if they want to watch. The programs I allow children to view are shows like Arthur, Blues Clues, Dora the
Explorer, and other programs on PBS kids, Noggin, Nick JR or Disney. If there are any objections to this, please let me know. I will
honor parent’s personal rules about television viewing. We occasionally watch children’s movies which are rated G. Any movies that are
rated PG will first be approved by you via permission slip.

Meals and Snack:
I will provide a nutritious lunch and snack as well as 2% milk and fruit juice depending on the hours your child is attending. The meal
schedule I follow is listed below. If the child is here during those times, they will be served. Children who choose not to eat will not be
served again until the next scheduled meal or snack. If a child will be arriving after mealtime, please feed them before they arrive.
Children arriving after 8:15 a.m. must eat breakfast at home before arriving.

8:00 – 8:30 A.M. Breakfast
11:30 – 12:00 P.M. Lunch
3:10 – 3:30 Snack

If your child requires a special diet due to allergies, medications, age and/or cultural or religious beliefs is will be the responsibility of the
parent to provide a well balanced lunch and snack for their child. No junk food, soda, gum, etc.

Child Illness:
Under no circumstances should you bring your child to care sick (fever of 100.3° or higher, vomiting, diarrhea not contained in a diaper,
sore throat, continuous coughing, runny nose other than clear, draining eyes or ears, unexplained rash, lice, anything contagious, etc.) If
you are not sure your child is well enough to attend child care, call and discuss it with me.

Masking your child’s symptoms with over-the-counter medications and bringing them to care anyway is not allowed and could be cause
for immediate termination. It is also inconsiderate to all families involved. A sick child should be allowed to recuperate fully at home
after an illness so that the other children and I do not risk unnecessary exposure. If you are unable to stay home with your sick child it
will be necessary for you to make arrangements at your own expense. 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 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. child wanting to sleep all day, lay on the couch and watch TV, etc.)

The health department regulations prohibit the admittance of any child into a family childcare home that exhibits any of the following
symptoms:
Fever (100.3° or higher) – child needs to be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medication.
Diarrhea – child must be symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medication.
Runny nose with colored discharge – check with doctor
Rash – Check with doctor
Discharge from the ears or eyes.
Lice- child needs to be treated and nits removed before return.
Communicable diseases – chicken pox, measles, mumps, conjunctivitis (pink eye), influenza etc. The child may return when the
incubation and contagious period is passed and the child is well enough to resume normal childcare activities.

I have the right to refuse to care for your sick child. If your child develops any of the above symptoms while in my care, you or your
alternate will be required to pick up your child immediately. If the child is not picked up within an hour of my calling, a$5.00 for every 15
minutes or portion thereof charge may be assessed. If I have to call a parent to pick up a child that has been dropped off for care too ill to
participate in the day, the child will also be required to stay home the following day. I am responsible for the health and well being of
many 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.

Medication
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 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 kept in the original, labeled container. Blank permission to administer
medication forms are kept in your family folder.

Medical Emergencies:
Minor bumps and scrapes are inevitable, but I make every effort to keep your child 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 to
contact either parent, I will call the emergency contact numbers supplied to me to make the medical decisions for the child. If necessary
your child will be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. Parents are responsible for ALL costs involved in emergency
medical treatment, including transportation if needed.

Nap/Quiet time:
All children will be required to lie down for nap/quiet time each day. I will not force your child to sleep but they must lie down quietly.

Damages:
It is expected that your child be respectful of my personal property and furnishings. A certain amount of wear and tear is normal, but if
your child intentionally damages my property through destructive behavior or roughness, you will be liable for 100% of the replacement
costs. This reimbursement is due with your next monthly payment.

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 do it
while in my care and at home. You must work with your child at home, either during vacation or over the 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. I also require that each potty training child have 6 changes of training pants (for
sanitary reasons, I require plastic pants to go over underwear or training pants) or pull ups. Extra changes of clothing are also
necessary, including socks.

Behavioral Goals:
No child will be hit, spanked, belittled, or otherwise intimidated at the provider’s. Children will be treated with courtesy, respect, and
patience. Discipline will be according to age and understanding level. Younger children, babies, and toddlers will be redirected to
another activity. Older children will be given timeouts depending on the severity of the offense (almost always one minute per year of age,
never to exceed 10 minutes) and the child will not be left unattended. 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 children so they can negotiate compromise, brainstorm and
work it out together.

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 the course of action that is followed at home and in my care. If the problem
cannot be resolved arrangements must be made for the child to receive care elsewhere.

AT NO TIME WILL A CHILD BE SUBJECTED TO PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OR SHAMING, FRIGHTENING OR HUMILIATING METHODS,
OR ANY TYPE OF VERBAL ABUSE, THREATS, DEROGATORY REMARKS, OR WILL DEPRIVATION OF A MEAL OR ANY PART OF A MEAL
BE USED. NO CHILD WILL EVER BE PUNISHED FOR BATHROOM/TOILET ACCIDENTS.

Open Door Policy:
While your child is in my care, you can always be assured that the door is open to you. Open door does not mean that we keep the doors
unlocked. For the safety of me and the children, doors are kept locked except for scheduled drop off and pick up times. Please feel free
to drop in and check on your child, however, keep in mind that while adjusting to a new surrounding, the child will usually want to leave
with you if you pop in for a visit.

I would appreciate your taking into consideration our schedule when dropping in or calling, and remember that visitors usually cause
children to react in an excited manner that does not normally occur when I am alone with the children. 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.

Emergency Procedures:
I practice fire and storm drills with the children every month. For fire drills, we go over the rules of evacuating a house that may be on
fire. We leave the house and meet on the sidewalk at the end of the front driveway. The children know to leave the house even if I am not
with them. After returning to the house, we practice “Stop, drop, and roll.”

Insurance:
I carry the recommended child care liability insurance. This covers your child while at my house, in my car, in my yard, and while we are
at the park.

Smoking:
I do not smoke and do not permit smoking in my home. If you smoke, please be considerate and do not dispose of your cigarette butts
in my yard or driveway.

Pets:
I have the following pets in my home: 2 cats. All my pets are up-to-date with their vaccinations.

Discrimination:
I will not discriminate against any child on the basis of their sex, religion, national origin or disability.

Parent’s Night Out:
One Friday night each month, I will give you a chance to drop off your child and have some time for yourself. All children under age 2 will
need to be picked up by midnight. Older children can sleep over night if you’d like, but must be picked up no later than 9 A.M. There will
be no pick-ups between the hours of midnight and 8 A.M. The specific day that I will offer this service will vary from
month to month and will be posted. The charge will be $25. I can provide supper and an evening snack. You will need to reserve a spot
for your child by the Wednesday previous to the “Night Out.” I still need to remain within my licensed capacity, so this will be on a first
come, first served basis. Please note that this service is available only to my currently enrolled children. I CAN NOT send any child
home with an intoxicated parent. If a parent arrives in this condition to pick up their child, I will have to call the police for the protection of
the child.

Consideration:
Please be considerate of my family and our home. Although this is a business, it is also our home. You are welcome to visit us, but I
ask that you remove your shoes on the rug in my entry and do the same for your child. Also, please be on time picking up your child. I
have two children of my own who have to share me all day, please don’t take away from “their” time. Your child is expected to follow the
same rules in my house regardless of whether or not you’re here. If your child is doing something wrong, please correct him/her. If you
don’t, I will. Sometimes children will test their limits during transition times like drop-off and pick-up times. It’s normal, but they do need
to learn that the same rules apply regardless of who is here. As with most aspects of raising a child, consistency is very important.


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 than your child can feel secure
in knowing they have two families who love them very much.

I grow to love each child I keep 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 positive outcome for the child. Sensitive issues will be discussed
outside of regular hours wither by letter, phone or scheduled conference. You may call me between 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Parents of
infants/toddlers will receive a daily note. Some typical things that you may find on this note would be daily activities, feeding/meals,
diaper changes, naps/quiet time, and things to remember or to bring. All parents should check our board on the wall for important
information, special announcements, etc.

Confidentiality
The information that you supply me will be kept confidential. I will, at all times, respect your privacy. Before any of the information is
released to outside persons, the parents will sign a release form. (This does not apply to law enforcement.)

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