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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – COVER

Unicorns and

Rainbows Daycare

Handbook

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – TABLE OF CONTENTs

FOREWORD__________________________________________________________________________________________________3

HOURS OF OPERATION_____________________________________________________________________________________5REGULAR FACILITY HOURS___________________________________________________________________________________5SPECIAL FACILITY HOURS_____________________________________________________________________________________5

PAYMENT PROCEDURES___________________________________________________________________________________7WEEKLY RATES (PER CHILD)_________________________________________________________________________________7DAILY RATES (PER CHILD)___________________________________________________________________________________7ADDITIONAL FEES____________________________________________________________________________________________8

DAILY ROUTINE____________________________________________________________________________________________11SAMPLE DAY AT UNICORNS AND RAINBOWS DAYCARE________________________________________________________11HOUSE RULES_______________________________________________________________________________________________11DROP-OFF/PICK-UP________________________________________________________________________________________12MEALS______________________________________________________________________________________________________13ACTIVITIES__________________________________________________________________________________________________13POTTY-TRAINING___________________________________________________________________________________________13NAPTIME___________________________________________________________________________________________________14CLASS PET__________________________________________________________________________________________________14TELEVISION_________________________________________________________________________________________________14DAYCARE TOYS/PERSONAL TOYS____________________________________________________________________________14SUPPLIES___________________________________________________________________________________________________15

EMERGENCY PROTOCOL__________________________________________________________________________________16FIRE EMERGENCIES_________________________________________________________________________________________16TORNADO EMERGENCIES____________________________________________________________________________________16MEDICAL EMERGENCIES_____________________________________________________________________________________16POWER OUTAGES___________________________________________________________________________________________16

MEDICAL CONCERNS______________________________________________________________________________________17ILLNESSES__________________________________________________________________________________________________17MEDICATIONS_______________________________________________________________________________________________17MEDICAL EMERGENCIES_____________________________________________________________________________________17

RULES AND REGULATIONS_______________________________________________________________________________19ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS_______________________________________________________________________________19DRESS CODE________________________________________________________________________________________________19HOLIDAYS/BIRTHDAYS______________________________________________________________________________________19SICK/VACATION DAYS______________________________________________________________________________________20TRANSPORTATION__________________________________________________________________________________________20DISCIPLINARY TREATMENT__________________________________________________________________________________20CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT_____________________________________________________________________________________20TERMINATION OF CARE_____________________________________________________________________________________21CONFIDENTIALITY___________________________________________________________________________________________21Changes to Policies_______________________________________________________________________________________21

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – FOREWORD

FOREWORDDear Parent:

Please read the Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare Handbook thoroughly. It covers important policies and procedures that pertain to the care of your child and govern our childcare contract agreement.

We will discuss the contents of the Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare Handbook during your interview, but it is your duty as our client to understand these policies and procedures. If you have any questions regarding these policies and procedures, do not hesitate to ask.

As your provider, we will expect the following from you:

Open communication. Clearly explain your expectations. Please provide timely updates about any ongoing progress and difficulties that you child has, such as written notice of any changes that may occur in name, address, or updated immunizations. Transparency will help us work together so that we can provide the best possible daycare services for your child.

Your compliance with our terms and arrangements. You must fully understand and agree to the terms of the contract and its policies and procedures. Failure to do so will result in expulsion of your child from our daycare center.

Timeliness. Please arrive in a timely manner. We kindly ask that you respect the hours that we have agreed to. Please ensure that all financial payments are delivered on time. “Rubber” checks will not be accepted.

Philosophy. We believe a child’s early experiences enrich and stimulate future growth. Children deserve to be treated with respect as individuals in an environment that welcomes exploration and imagination. We respect each child’s need for love, security, acceptance, warmth, and stimulation.

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – FOREWORD

Goals. While your child is under our supervision, he/she will have the opportunity to participate in many different activities, all of which promote various aspects of development. Children are offered the ability to choose from one activity to another. We follow a flexible routine rather than a strict schedule because childcare is child-centered and child-directed. Your child will bring home a newsletter each month, which will give a brief overview of our activities list.

There will be a yearly revision to the Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare Handbook and its accompanying contract. All families are required to sign this revised contract.

Our children have lived with us in our home for six (6) years. We create a happy, playful environment filled with hands-on learning activities for children of all ages.

The license capacity for Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare is ten (10) children total, including our children. We allow six (6) children under the year of kindergarten. Of these six (6), only two (2) children may be under twelve (12) months and one (1) child may be under twenty-four (24) months; OR one (1) child may be under twelve (12) months and two (2) children may be under twenty-four (24) months.

We hope that you and your child enjoy the services we provided here at Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,

The Owners of Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – HOURS OF OPERATION

HOURS OF OPERATIONRegular Facility Hours

Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday – Sunday CLOSED

Special Facility HoursNew Year’s Day CLOSED

Memorial Day CLOSED

Independence Day CLOSED

Labor Day CLOSED

Thanksgiving Day CLOSED

Day after Thanksgiving CLOSED

Christmas Eve OPEN UNTIL 1:00 PM

Christmas Day CLOSED

Day after Christmas CLOSED

New Year’s Eve OPEN UNTIL 1:00 PM

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – HOURS OF OPERATION

Nota bene: Hours of care will be contracted from child to child. Please note that if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, then the facilities will be closed the previous Friday; if it falls on a Sunday, then the facilities will be closed the following Monday. The above are paid holidays for Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare even if they fall on a contracted day for your child. In addition, Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare may close for 7 days of paid vacation per year and 10 personal days of unpaid vacation per year. Notification of at least 2 weeks will be given prior to any closings with the apparent exception of unexpected emergencies or illnesses. Please have a backup childcare provider for these occasions. Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare is not responsible for finding alternate childcare services for your child. In the event that the primary caretaker is absent for less than three hours, the secondary caretaker will serve as acting caretaker.

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – PAYMENT PROCEDURES

PAYMENT PROCEDURES Weekly Rates (Per child)Full Time:

Infant (6 weeks-18 months)

$XX.XX per week

Toddler and up $XX.XX per week

Part Time

Infant (6 weeks-18 months)

$XX.XX per week

Toddler and up $XX.XX per week

Daily Rates (Per child)Before or After School

All ages $XX.XX per day

Drop-Ins

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All ages $XX.XX per day

Additional FeesEnrollment Fee 1 week of childcare

Upon enrollment at Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare, you will be charged an Enrollment Fee that is equal to 1 week of childcare. Please note that this fee is due on first week of care.

Deposit Fee 1 week of childcare

A Deposit Fee equal to 1 week of childcare is now required. You will receive this deposit following the first 6 months of childcare. Please note that this fee is nonrefundable until after the first 6 months of childcare, and it is due the first week of care.

No-Show Fee $20.00

In the event that your child is unable to attend Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare and you do not provide notice in advance, you will be charged the $20.00 No-Show Fee.

Late Payment Fee $10.00 per day

In the event that your payment is not delivered on time, you will be charged a Late Payment Fee set at a $10.00 daily rate until the

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payment is properly secured.

Returned Check Fee $20.00 + $XX.XX + $10.00 per day

In the event that your check is returned to the provider, you must pay the $20.00 fee, plus the Late Payment Fee AND any additional costs. Future payments must be made in cash.

No Payment

You will be held liable for costs, fees, late fees and any cost for loss of wages.

Nota bene: We will discuss the specificities of these prices during your interview. All payments are due by 5:30 PM the day before childcare services are provided. Payment of the weekly rate will be charged for any extended leave due to illness or maternity leave, etc. You are welcome to send your child for a period of time equal to the payment received. Your child is not officially enrolled at Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare until the Enrollment Fee and all other fees are received. If care is to start more than 2 weeks in the future, then 50% of the regular rate must be paid weekly otherwise your child will be ineligible to attend Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare. This fee is non-refundable and may only be used for 1 month. We follow a 3-day/7-day Late Payment Fee plan as follows: if the payment is not made within 3 days of drop-off, your child will not be accepted into care until payment, including all late fees, is made; if the payment is not made within 7 days of drop-off, your contract will be terminated. You will be held responsible for all fees associated with your membership, which will include weekly rates, daily rates, enrollment fees, deposit fees, no-show fees, late payment fees, returned check fees, and/or no payment fees. Cash or check is accepted; receipt will be given upon

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request. A year-end statement of all childcare fees paid will be provided by January 31 of the following calendar year. Please note that your payment is due regardless of your child’s attendance; you will still be held financially accountable whether or not your child is present. No refunds will be administered if your child arrives late or leaves early. All childcare services will be described in the attached contract. The contract is a legal document obligating me to provide a service for you and obligating you to pay me for that service. There are other requirements in the contract. I urge you to thoroughly read the contract/handbook and realize that it is legal and you will be held liable for each item of the contract. By signing it, you are accepting it in all it’s terms.

Please review the following definitions and policies as they pertain to the fees listed above:

Before/After School Care will not begin before 7:00 AM or end later than 5:30 PM. any day that school is not in session, a full day rate will be charged. Includes breakfast and afternoon snack.

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Full Time Childcare contracted on a set scheduled time slot 4 hours or more per day or 4-5 days per week.

Part Time Childcare contracted on a set scheduled time slot less than 4 hours per day or 3 days per week or less. Part Time Childcare occupies a Full Time position. Should a potential client need a full time position, termination notice may be given with the option of parent paying the full time rate to preserve the child’s slot. Daycare can only be guaranteed to children that attend full time or part time and pay full time rates.

No-Show If your child is unable to attend Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare, a one-hour notice of absence is required. If this notice is not received, the fee will be assessed in addition to the regular fee for the day.

Drop-Ins We follow a first come, first serve basis. If there is available space for your child, we will accept him/her.

Open Door You are invited and welcome to visit Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare anytime your children are present. You are asked to avoid visiting during Rest Time as much as possible. Please knock first. Parents are also free to call Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare at any time. If I do not answer the phone, please leave a message, and we will call you back as soon as we are finished with the current activity.

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – DAILY ROUTINE

DAILY ROUTINE Sample Day at Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare

8:00 AM Breakfast and cleanup. Toilet time.

8:30 AM Free Time

9:30 AM Crafts; Toilet Time

10:30 AM TV – Nick Jr. (Little Bear and Blues Clues)

10:45 AM: Lunch and cleanup; Toilet Time

12:30 PM Slow down and Quiet Time

1:00 PM Naptime

3:30 PM Afternoon snack and Toilet Time; Study Time for older children; Story Time, puzzles, coloring, games

4:30 PM Clean up time and get ready to go home

House Rules1. No hitting, biting, pinching, pushing, hair pulling, or any other form of

physical roughhousing.

2. No running, jumping, wrestling, or climbing; no destruction of property.

3. It is prohibited to carry or lift babies or toddlers.

4. Children are forbidden to leave the house or yard without adult supervision.

5. There is no name-calling, yelling, foul language, or teasing.

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6. All food and drinks must remain in the dining room/kitchen area.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Drop-Off

It is normal for your child to cry on arrival, especially for the first few weeks. Please make your goodbye brief and tell your child exactly when you will be returning. The crying usually stops within seconds of your departure. You are welcome to listen outside the door. Never leave without telling your child goodbye.

Pick-Up

Children will only be released to the parent(s). If you would like to allow another individual to pick up your child, please indicate his/her name on the alternate pick-up list OR provide written permission. Proof of identification will be required upon pick-up. Please ensure that your alternate pick-up person is aware of these requirements. If the person picking up the child appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, another authorized person will be called to pick-up both the child and the adult. Please note that we assume responsibility for your child only when he/she is on the property of Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare.

Nota bene: Please be in control of your child during drop-off and pick-up times. This is a time of testing when two different authority figures are present (parent and provider) and this situation will be tested at one time or another to see if the rules still apply. I will remind your child if inappropriate behaviors are being displayed. Children of all ages adjust to transitions from one activity to another differently. Most do not like to be too rushed and most do not like to wait too long once they are ready to depart. Court Order: If there is a court order keeping one parent or guardian away from the child, I must have a written note from the

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custodial parent or guardian in my file to that effect. Otherwise, I cannot prevent the non- custodial parent from picking up the child.

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MealsI participate in the Food Program. I provide nutritionally balance meals and snacks for your child and receive a small reimbursement. The registration Form must be filled out and dated before your child’s first day. Please do not send any food or drink with your child without prior approval through the provider. Please see Activities for a list of meal times; if your child arrives after a meal or snack has been served, he/she will wait until the next meal/snack time to eat. Meals and snacks are served family style. Children are encouraged to use this time to share their experiences with each other. Manners are taught, and practiced during this time as well. Please list on the medical report any food allergies child may have. If your child needs a special diet, the parent must furnish these foods.

ActivitiesAge appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of the individual child and day. I will offer times for outside play, crafts, stories, instruction, and naps appropriate to the child's ages, interests, and abilities. I will provide your child with tender loving care, understanding, patience and guidance in a happy family setting. Chores, such as picking up, putting dishes in the dishwasher, helping to sort laundry will likely be a part of the day. I provide preschool curriculum, developing large and small motor skills. We do many arts and crafts where the focus is on the process, not the product. Free time is an important part of a child's early years. It is here that they learn social skills that will be needed the rest of their lives.

Potty-TrainingWe will help potty-train your child as long as we all work together. I will use cotton underwear or pull-ups supplied by the parent. Send your child ONLY in easy on/easy off clothing until they are able to completely undress and dress

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themselves. We require a minimum of five (5) complete outfits. I do not launder soiled items and will send them home in a plastic bag. Please replace any clothing sent home the next day.

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NaptimeAll children under the age of 5 will have naptime; children will not be forced to sleep, but they must remain quiet during this time period. Older children and those who wake up early will participate in a quiet activity until naptime is over. All children will rest on their mats with individual linens.

Class PetUnicorns and Rainbows Daycare has a school rabbit. This pet has been medically cleared by a veterinarian and has received all immunizations and vaccinations. The children will be exposed to the daily aspects of care for the pets.

TelevisionWe permit limited TV viewing at Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare from our approved list of channels: Nickelodeon, PBS and Disney Channel. Occasionally, we allow the children to select an approved video. It is optional, but it cannot serve as a substitute for Free Time or learning activities.

Daycare Toys/Personal ToysChildren are forbidden from bringing anything that is provided by Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare back to their homes. We strongly recommend that children do not bring toys from home to Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare either; Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen, or broken toys that are brought from home. If your child requires a special toy or stuffed animal for naptime, they will be allowed to use it only during the scheduled hours for naptime.

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SuppliesAll supplies must be labeled with your child’s name and will remain at Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare. You must provide the following:

A least one (1) complete outfit for each child; a minimum of five (5) outfits is required if your child is still potty training (Note: Each outfit consists of a shirt, pants, socks, and underwear.)

Any over-the-counter medication that is permitted for your child; parental consent will always be requested prior to administration (Note: Each prescription must have the child’s name on it.)

If your child is less than 18 months of age, is not yet potty-trained, and/or is not yet weaned from a bottle, you must also provide the following items that will remain at Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare:

One (1) full package of diapers and/or pull-ups; this will be stored in your child’s cubby; you will be notified when the supply is low

One (1) box of baby wipes

Two (2) baby bottles, one (1) pacifier, and one (1) pacifier fastener; these will be sanitized here daily

Two (2) complete outfits (Note: Each outfit consists of a shirt, sleeper outfit, and socks.); these will be washed at Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare daily; you will be notified when the supply is low

Any optional cream, powder, etc.

Baby Tylenol or Oriel

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Nota bene: If you do not wish to leave your child’s personal care belongings at Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare overnight, you may send them with your child on a daily basis in a diaper bag. Nevertheless, these items are absolutely required in order for us to properly care for your child, so we must have inventory of them daily. If you do not provide us with these supplies, we will purchase them for you and bill you for the cost.

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – EMERGENCY PROTOCOL

EMERGENCY PROTOCOLFire EmergenciesThere is one fire extinguisher located in the kitchen behind the basement door. If there is a fire that cannot be extinguished quickly, the children will be evacuated immediately before calling 911. We will practice fire drills monthly so the children will be prepared in the event of a fire. The fire evacuation plan is located on file and you are free to view it at any time.

Tornado EmergenciesIn the event of a tornado warning, the children will gather in the basement. We will remain in the basement until the inclement weather has passed. Tornado drills will also be practiced monthly. The tornado plan is located on file and you are free to view it at anytime.

Medical EmergenciesPlease refer to section titled “MEDICAL CONCERNS.”

Power OutagesThere are flashlights located in the kitchen. If the power remains out for some time, there are non-perishables located in the kitchen that will be used to eat. If the weather is inclement and the house is getting too cold for the children, you will be called to pick up your child.

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – medical concerns

MEDICAL CONCERNSIllnessesUnder no circumstance is a sick child to attend Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare. Children should be allowed to recover fully from an illness in the comfort of their own home; the other children in care should not have to be exposed to the illness your child has contracted. If you are unable to keep your child at home, it is your responsibility to find alternate childcare arrangements

Children who have exhibited any symptoms of sickness within a 24-hour period are most likely contagious and should remain at home. Examples of associated symptoms include but are not limited to the following: a fever of 100°F, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, loss of voice, continuous coughing, yellow or green mucous buildup, draining eyes or ears, rash, or head lice. We reserve the right to determine whether a child is considered ill by our standards. If your child falls ill while under our care, you will be notified immediately. If you cannot be reached, the designated emergency contact will be notified and expected to pick up your child. The sick child will be isolated from the other children to minimize exposure.

MedicationsNo child will be given any medication, prescription, or over-the-counter medicine unless written parental permission is provided. Prescription medication must be properly marked and should have the child’s name, prescription name, Doctor’s name, pharmacy name, prescription number prescription date, and directions for administering. The medication must be in the original container as dispensed by the pharmacy. A Permission to Administer Medication form must be filled out each time your child must be administered medicine. Written permission is required in order to use other sanitary products such as diapers, sunscreen, lotion, and insect repellents.

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – medical concerns

Medical EmergenciesYour child will be under consistent supervision. However, we cannot micromanage each child and prevent minor falls, accidental trips, bumps, bruises, or scratches. If your child is injured in a non life-threatening way, we will follow through with proper childcare methods and provide first aid. If the injury or medical emergency is more serious, the parent will be notified so the child can be transported to the hospital or a medical practitioner’s office. If we are unable to reach you, we will notify those designated as the emergency contacts; if we are unable to reach the emergency contacts, we will transport the child to either the hospital or the child’s primary physician. All medical costs will be the parent’s responsibility unless the caretaker has been found to be at fault. If immediate intervention is required, the primary caretaker is certified in infant, child, and adult CPR and First Aid; she will take appropriate action, which includes calling 9-1-1 and transporting the child to Owatonna Hospital.

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Unicorns and rainbows daycare handbook – rules and regulations

RULES AND REGULATIONS Enrollment RequirementsWe do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Prior to enrolling your child in Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare, the parent must complete the following actions:

1. Read and familiarize yourself with Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare policies. You will be required to sign a form that indicates you have read, understand, and agree to the policies as outlined.

2. Make an “acquaintance visit” at least once. We require all applicants to perform at least one, preferably two, visit to Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare so that they become familiar with our caretakers and facility.

3. Fill out and sign all forms so that they are already filed. All necessary forms and waivers will be distributed in the admissions package.

4. All supplies must be brought within two (2) weeks after your child’s first day. If you do not bring the required supplies, please note that you will be charged an additional fee so that we may purchase these items on your behalf.

Dress CodePlease dress your child appropriately. If weather permits, we will spend time outdoors. We have a lawn sprinkler and a small wading pool for summer water events, but we require a signed permission slip before the child is allowed to play in either. A swimsuit will be requested for these days. Some activities may be

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messy, so please understand that arts supplies, grass, mud, etc. may stain clothing. We do not supply clothing for daycare children. In the even that your child has no spare clothing, you will be notified to bring some.

Holidays/BirthdaysWe honor all major holidays and children’s birthdays. If you would like to bring a special celebratory food or dessert on a particular occasion, please arrange this with the provider. (Note: Homemade food is prohibited.)

Sick/Vacation DaysIn the event that your child is ill and will be absent, please call one (1) hour before your arranged arrival time. If timely notice is not provided, you will be charged the No-Show Fee in addition to the normal daily rate. You agree to provide two (2) weeks notice prior to any extended vacation time, as well as paying childcare fees to maintain the child’s position during any vacation time or extended leave due to illness etc., up to two (2) weeks per year.

TransportationIt may be necessary for us to transport your child by vehicle. Since this business is home-owned practice, we might tend to other duties off facility grounds; or we may plan a field trip to a local destination. A permission form is provided upon enrollment. You will always be notified prior to any outing that Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare embarks on, and you reserve the right to deny such outing. Please note that in the case of an emergency we must leave without notice, in which case a note will be placed on the door that will provide information on our current location. If we are not given permission to transport your child, you are expected to pick up your child immediately and secure alternate childcare arrangements for the day.

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Disciplinary TreatmentWe do not exercise physical punishment at Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare. Children will never be hit, spanked, belittled, etc. even with parental permission, nor will they be reprimanded for potty-related accidents. Babies and toddlers will simply be given another activity to perform. Older children will receive time-outs depending on the severity of the offense. This usually equates to 1 minute per year of age; never can a child accumulate more than 15 minutes. Please note that disciplinary treatment will be assigned according to the age and level of comprehension. If your child develops a consistent behavior pattern, we will address the particular concern with you.

Child Abuse/NeglectWe are required by law to report any suspicious signs of child abuse and/or neglect. If the parent leaves a request to use physical punishment, we will red flag the child and append a written refusal form from Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare, signed by the parent and provider.

Termination of CareChildcare services must be terminated with two (2) weeks notice. We reserve the right to end childcare for any of the following reasons: mistreatment of child, property, a caretaker, financial disloyalty, or failure to abide by my policies. If you terminate care without allotting the required two (2) weeks notice, you will then be charged a fee equal to two (2) weeks of childcare whether or not your child attends, in addition to the No-Show Fee as well as your scheduled daily rate until you notify us that your child will not be returning.

Confidentiality

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All information you provide to Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare will be kept confidential. We will respect your privacy. However, should any of the information be released to an outside party, you will sign a release form.

Changes to PoliciesThe policies, procedures, rules, regulations, contracts, consents, and forms will be reviewed and updated, if needed, on an annual basis during the month of January. As proprietors of Unicorns and Rainbows Daycare, we reserve the right to make changes to any of these at any moment in time. You will be promptly notified in writing of any changes that may occur with two (2) weeks notice.

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daycare handbook - wordpress.com€¦ · web viewas proprietors of unicorns and rainbows daycare,...

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