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Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care, LLC Parent HandbookJanuary 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission and Philosophy Curriculum Our Program and a Typical Day Page 1-2Child Guidance Policy Page 2 Hours and Closing Page 2Pick-up Drop Off and Transition into Care Page 3Fee Schedule Page 3Organization of Program Page 4What to Bring Page 4Transportation Policy Page 4-5Avoiding Termination Page 5Food Policy Page 5-6Updates and Communication Page 7Health Care Policy Page 7Emergency Event Page 8Evacuation Page 8 Injury Prevention Page 8Disease Control and Sick Policy Page 9Medication Policy Page 10Permission to Treat Page 10Safe Sleep Page 10Referral Plan Page 11Childs Records Page 11Toilet Training Page 11Progress reports Page 12Miscellaneous Page 12Contact Information Page 12Signature Pages Page 13

Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare

HAVING FUN. LEARNING A LOT. The Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care, LLC is an arts and play based daycare center in Northampton, Massachusetts, licensed by the State of Massachusetts. We serve children ages birth to four, we believe that children learn and grow best in mixed age groups. We try to create a home-like atmosphere with a high quality of education. We believe that children learn best through play, therefore outdoor explorations; arts and dramatic play are incorporated into everyday. We strive to introduce an early love of arts, language, music and science. We focus on culture and environment awareness and aim to help children learn to become productive members of their community.

THE MISSION The Mission at The Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care, LLC is to create an engaging and safe environment where children can foster and develop into creative, independent and empathetic people.

OUR CURRICULUM Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care, LLC utilizes a personalized arts based curriculum. We want your children to grow cognitively and emotionally into healthy, happy and independent people. Daily, we offer the children both teacher-directed and child initiated learning activities. During these activities we encouraged the children to learn by doing, by touching and by exploring. We love to play.

Reading is a huge part of our curriculum. We read with the children every day and encourage them to read on their own. Parents are invited to come read during reading time. We ask the children to share, draw or reenact what they have learned after reading, demonstrating comprehension. Along with regular discussions with parents around behavior and curriculum, we provide progress report every three to six months.

OUR PROGRAM At Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care, LLC we provide a quality program which incorporates:

A safe, nurturing and comfortable environment to learn and play A fun, stimulating and creative space where children can explore, learn and grow True and meaningful relationships between the families and child care providers

At the Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care, LLC we strive to create a positive learning environment through: The Arts Outdoor play Dramatic play Literacy Science Music and Movement Cooking Building Blocks Sand and Water Play

We pride ourselves in: Expecting the most of your child at any developmental age Providing time for arts and creative expression Offering choices Respecting each others' ideas Helping children express themselves in appropriate and safe ways Promoting problem solving Allowing children to explore the environment Assigning responsibilities and jobs to the children Excellent communication between parents and caregivers Our program provides the foundation for your child to attend and succeed in a more conventional preschool

program at age four

A TYPICAL DAY

Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare Parent Handbook - January 2016 Page 1

As we know nothing is typical when it comes to young children, no two days are the same at LSH. At the Little Schoolhouse, we try to provide an abundance of unstructured play and a balance of organized educational activities. Here is what you and your child can expect at an average day:

8:15 Arrive and wash hands, and free play 9:00 Breakfast and bathroom and chores (cleanup, watering plants, gardening) 10:00 Story Time or activity in classroom 10:30 Group activity or outing 11:30 Outside play or outing 12:15 Lunch and bathroom 1:00 Rest time 3:00 Snack and bathroom 3:30 Group learning activity outdoors 4:30-4:45 Ready for pickup

NAPS All children are required by the State to be offered a rest or quiet time. We will provide a safe, clean, quiet and comfortable place for your child to rest. Children are monitored while sleeping as required by the State. Children that do not sleep will not be forced to. They will enjoy a quiet time, during which a quiet activity will be available that does not disturb the other sleeping children. Infants sleep according to their schedule on their backs, as required by Massachusetts EEC.

CHILD GUIDANCE AND BEHAVIOR We are patient, consistent and we have a lot of fun - that's why we are good. Consistency, positive reinforcement and accountability are very important factors we consider as children develop. We promote respect, kindness and manners. We aim to provide an environment where children have a sense of control, a say in the activities and an overall ownership of the space. We create a space where children are busy, allowing limited time for conflict. However, conflict will arise and there are rules in our classroom, just like there are rules everywhere.

Rules are explained to the children frequently, in a clear and straightforward way. For example “We do not hit”. We reinforce these rules in a kind and consistent way, we provide an option of alternative behavior and we always praise appropriate behavior. We want the children at The Little Schoolhouse to know what is expected of them and help them gain self-control, self-discipline and self-restraint.

Communication is essential between parent and child, child and teacher and parent and teacher. We will work with you and your children and together make a plan on how to address any issues if need be.

HOURS OF OPERATION AND CLOSINGS We are open Monday through Friday 8:15am to 4:45pm and cannot accommodate early drop off or late pickup.

We are closed on the following days: Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day including the following Friday and Monday Holiday Break: December 24 until the Monday after New Year's Emergencies: in the event of inclement weather or other emergencies, we follow Northampton public school

closures. If there is a delay we are closed. In case of confusion please check your email.

Payment is due even when days overlap closures.

LATE PICKUP POLICY 1. "Late pickup" is defined by a child still being on the premises after pickup time (4:45pm unless otherwise

noted), even if the authorized pickup person is present. For example: if a parent arrives to pick their child up at 4:39pm but does not leave the premises until 4:51pm, that it considered 6 minutes late.

2. Late pickup fees are as follows: 1-5 minutes late = $10 fee 6-15 minutes late = $20 fee 16-30 minutes late = $30 fee. After a 30 minute delay with no contact from the authorized pickup

person we will attempt to reach emergency contacts. 31-45 minutes late = $45 fee 46-60 minutes late = $60 fee. After a 60 minute delay with no contact from the authorized pickup

person we will contact emergency services.


Beyond a 60 minute delay there will be an additional $1 per minute charge.3. Late pickup fees are due IMMEDIATELY and PRIOR to the following bill due date.

DROP OFF AND PICKUP Drop offs should be between 8:15 and 9am. We want an easy transition at drop off or pickup so please come in, take your shoes off and say “hi”. If you are arrive after 9am please notify the Director. Feel free to stay as long as you would like or if quickly is better for your child then let's do that. Say hi to the Teacher and bye to your child and leave. If an issue around transition arises, we will meet to talk about it and come up with a plan. We want your child to be happy and comfortable at LSH.

Please sign in and out. Help your child wash their hands immediately upon arrival and before you leave. Keep in mind, no child will be allowed to leave with anyone other than the parent or guardian unless they are an official Alternate pickup Individual. Anyone unfamiliar to us will be required to show identification. Please make sure your Alternate pickup Individuals are aware of this requirement. For safety, always park and approach the daycare safely and please REMEMBER:

Do not leave your car running Do not leave children unattended in the car Supervise your children during drop offs and pickup

Children must be signed in and out of LSH. All drop off and pickup persons must be diligent and honest about signing the child in and out.

TRANSITION INTO CARE Transitioning your child into care is a big deal. We would like to make it as easy as possible this means transitions may take a while. Ideally a transition would look like this:

Visit LSH a few times, meet teachers and get comfortable Attend part day, child is picked up after lunch and before nap time Attend Full Day

We will keep in constant contact if needed during this transition time. We will have the child attend this 3 week trial period, after which we will then evaluate the child/teacher relationship, the child/classroom relationship, and the overall happiness of child in care; Make sure we are both a good fit. If your child has not transitioned into care after three weeks, we may have to reconsider your child attendance at LSH. If they have and you love it, this would be the time to commit to LSH.

FEE SCHEDULE Accepting ages: 0-3 years old Children graduate by 4 years of age from LSH Full time slot: $325 per week, paid up front in monthly increments regardless of closings or attendance Full time slots reserve your child a space for the weekly operating hours Part time slots (3-4 days) may be available, but priority is given to full-time and existing families.

PAYMENT Full payment is due on the 1st day of every month. For new children joining us, mid-month prorated payments will be accepted. Payment is collected through an online auto-payment system. If payment is not received the child may not attend until full payment is received for the entire billing period. Payment is based on a monthly slot and is due regardless of attendance or closures. All returned payments will carry a $50 fee as well as any and all bank or institutional charges. A single monthly payment per child is due - it cannot be split between more than one bank account.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION OF PROGRAM The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is the licensing authority. Parents may contact EEC for information regarding the program’s compliance history, they can be reached at: Regional Office1441 Main Street, Suite 230Springfield, MA 01103Phone: (413) 788-8401Fax: (413) 784-1227

Main Office51 Sleeper Street, 4th FloorBoston, MA 02210Phone: (617) 988-6600Fax: (617) 988-2451TTY: N.E.T. Relay 800-439-2370

Candice Chouinard is the Director of the Little Schoolhouse. She is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations, administrative supervision of the program at all times at the facility. The organization chart of the facility is as follows:


1. Director 2. Teacher3. Assistant Teacher4. Staff5. Volunteer

WHAT YOU PROVIDE Parents of Infants: Labeled formula, baby food, diaper ointment, a tooth-brush and baby paste, a sleep sack and extra clothing.

Parents of Toddlers: Packed lunch (see example) one blanket, a tooth-brush and age appropriate tooth paste, 1 set of extra clothing including shoes. For potty-trained children please include 2 sets of extra clothing including shoes.

Summer Extras: Fabric swimmer diapers, bathing suit, water shoes, permission to apply sunscreen and swim or wading permission form.

Winter Extras: ski pants, mittens, boots and a winter hat.

Please dress your children appropriately according to the weather. We want to take the children outside daily please make sure that is possible. Check your child’s bin and cubby to make sure it is fully outfitted.

All materials brought to the Little Schoolhouse must be marked with the child's name or a symbol of your choice. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged items.

If your child is sent home in clothing belonging to LSH please return it.

Please refrain from bringing toys from home. Books are always welcome! We understand your child may need a transition object; often this is disruptive to the group. We avoid exposing children at LSH to characters, movies and books that are in the main stream. Please help us with this. Keep toys home or in the car.

OUTINGS AND TRANSPORTATION Outings are a fun and important part of our day. We do not drive with the children outings are taken by foot, carriage, bike, carrier PVTA bus or wagon. A transportation permission slip is required. We incorporated the community into our curriculum and explore the community often. Parents will be asked to sign a blanket permission slip for field trips upon enrollment. Parents are welcome to join us anytime. Keep an eye on the Information Board and Shutterfly Classroom Calendar to see when and where we are going. The Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care is not responsible for incident or injury on public or private property.

Children’s transportation to and from the program daily will be the parent’s responsibility. Parents are responsible for signing their child /ren in and out of the program. The Teachers or the Director

will oversee that happens. Special arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis for children with disabilities. If a child arrives or

is picked up by a vanpool an individual transportation plan will be made.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT There are many ways that you can get involved in your child's early education. You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any or all of these:

Visiting or eating lunch with us Lending objects for us to explore Come in and read to the class during reading time Join us outside or on a field trip Attend our Halloween Party or Other Special Event Come Play music or teach your talent for 1 hour

Naturally, you are welcome to drop in and visit or observe anytime that the Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care is open and your child is in attendance. We will make an Individual Plan to communicate with parents whose primary language is not English.

PLAN FOR AND SUSPENSION Termination and/or suspension of a child due to challenging behaviors is not something we take lightly. We will meet with parents to discuss options is the first step in helping your child stay at LSH with challenging behaviors. We will


assist the parents in pursuing options for supportive services; develop a plan for intervention in the program as well as in the child’s home.

We will do our best to help you and your child through any challenging times like: Behavioral Issues Biting Bullying Cognitive issues that require one to one staffing

Your child can be terminated from the program if we mutually have exhausted all resources in helping your child, or if you as parents refuse to follow set plan of action.

Termination for non-payment and/or termination for inappropriate parental behavior are at full discretion of the Director and can be immediate.

LITTLE SCHOOLHOUSE FOOD POLICY Little Schoolhouse prides itself in introducing healthy early eating habits. We use meal as a time to gather, check in, talk and socialize. Children are asked to serve themselves throughout the meals, including pouring water and feeding themselves. In order to afford your child with this opportunity of independence at mealtime, it is imperative that parents provide a meal that is consistent with our meal guidelines. We try to avoid exposure to characters, hence the provided container. Please use the containers, if it is lost a new one can be purchased from LSH at cost. If you do not have a container, please tell your teacher, we will use one of ours for the day.

Meal Guidelines Parents agree to respect our philosophy around eating healthy and provide a substantial nutritious lunch. Lunches need to be ready to consume, age appropriate packaged entirely in the provided container and not require heating.

PLEASE do not include! Things that need to be cooked or heated Candy of any kind (fruit snacks, gummies, cookies) Cookies or high sugar snacks Juice, juice boxes Foods with characters on them Packs of snacks unopened: Please open snack crackers or whole grain chips and place them in the

approved container. Do not sent packages alongside your child's meal Soups or hot food: We do not heat food

What to Include in your child lunch?

Toddlers LSH container A Protein Cut Fruit or Vegetable

Examples of a Toddler Lunch 1 Sandwich Pre-sliced into triangles 1 Cheese Stick 1/4 cup grapes cut in half or diced Carrot sticks and dip

InfantsInfants need to have labeled jar food or frozen food, cereal and formula or breast milk at the Little Schoolhouse.

Examples of Infant food Cereal Pureed fresh or Frozen or Jar Food Milk or formal 2 bottles

What we provide We strive to serve low sugar, low salt, and organic and local fresh foods for breakfast and snacks. We will feed your child when they are hungry no matter what! Each child will receive one container for lunch, one lunch bag. Others can be purchased from LSH.


Examples of a Morning Breakfast Provided Maple line Farms Yogurt Fresh Fruits and such snacks (bananas, tomatoes, raisins, etc.) Oatmeal with Fruit and Maple Syrup compostable bowls and spoon Scone, muffin or baked good with fruit on a napkin Bread and Jam, Peanut, almond or cashew butter Pancakes or waffles with maple syrup Scones, muffins or baked goods

Examples of Afternoon Snacks provided Whole Grain Snacks (crackers, flatbreads, puffs, breads, bagels) Baked goods (scones, muffins, cookies,) Applesauce, peanut butter

Drinks Water or whole milk delivered from Maple Line Farm will be provided

We support our local co-op; order our milk, eggs and yogurt from a local. We garden and grown many fruits at the daycare

UPDATES We use a private Facebook forum and Shutterfly Classroom site to share stories, photos and important information. We also email and text parents regularly regarding closings or just fun updates! Parents are required to respect the Privacy Policy.

THINGS TO KNOW No smoking is allowed in or near the Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care.

Please provide us with two week written notice when a child plans to leaves the Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care. Notice must be signed and dated by the parent or guardian. If such notice is not provided, the usual fee will be charged.

The Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care will have on file an admission form, fact sheet and an updated exam, lead testing, parental authorizations and immunization record for each child.

We are certified lead free. The entire premises

LITTLE SCHOOLHOUSE FAMILY DAYCARE HEALTH CARE POLICY Little Schoolhouse will use its best judgment when caring for your child. It is important that parents are aware of this policy as well as the:

Emergency numbers Location of first aid supplies Evacuation meeting location Sick child policy

Emergency NumbersNorthampton Police: 911 Non - Emergency: 413-587-1100Northampton Fire: 911 Non - Emergency 413-587-1032Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222Cooley Dickenson Hospital: 413-582-2000Public Health Nurse: 413-587-1216Daycare Address: 11 Ormond Dr. Florence Ma Health Care Consultant: Nancy Muglia RN BSN: 413- 598-9911State Police: 413- 584-3000Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222DCF/Child Abuse: 1-800-792-5200Dept. of Early Education and Care: 788-8401Public Health Department: 413-587-1214Baystate Medical Helpline: 413-794-2255

NEAREST EMERGENCY MEDICAL FACILITIES


Cooley Dickinson Hospital Baystate Medical School30 Locust Street 759 Chestnut StreetNorthampton, MA 582-2000 Springfield, MA 794-0000

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN Staff will remain calm and in control at all timesEmergency evacuation plans will be posted in each classroom by the exit.Evacuation drills will be performed every other monthChildren and staff will practice using different evacuation routesLead Teachers will be responsible for head count once outside the buildingDuring an emergency evacuation the classroom teacher will be responsible leading the children out of the building. The Lead Teacher and or Director will assist in the evacuation and check for any children not in the line The youngest toddlers will be carried outside or be pushed in strollers or evacuation cribs to expedite the evacuationThe Director or Lead teachers will make a visual inspection of each classroom before exiting the building making sure no children are left behind All classrooms, once evacuated, will meet at Northampton High School (or across the street for a drill) and wait for the go ahead by the Director or Lead Teachers before reentering the buildingThe Director will maintain documentation of the date, time and effectiveness of each drill in the back of the attendance book. This documentation will be kept for five years. Emergency EventIn the event of a weather, fire or power loss emergency, all parents will be contacted by phone to arrange for children to be taken home. We will get our information from Northampton Police Department as whether to evacuate or shelter in place. The Lead Teachers or Director will be in charge of safely evacuating children and calling parents if necessary. The Lead Teachers or Director will also oversee that they have the Travel Bag (diapers, snacks, water, contact numbers, med kit) with the emergency phone numbers and medical kit.

When parents cannot be reached the emergency contact person will be called in order of appearance on the emergency contact sheet. Children will not be kept at the Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care without heat or power for over two hours or once the temperature drops below 68 in the home. Best judgment will be used to determine when children should go home in the event of an emergency. In the event that we must leave the premises, we will take the children by foot to Northampton High School parking lot near the track at 380 Elm Street Northampton.

If we have to shelter in place, children will be provided with food, water and a safe environment until parents can pick their children up.

Fire Drill and EvacuationsA Fire Drill will be preformed monthly. Children will be taken outside of the house from the first floor and will meet at the designated meeting space across the street .The TEACHERS or the Director will assure all children are evacuated by completing a head count and assuring no children are left behind. Evacuation routes can be found hanging in each classroom. Parents will be notified in the event the evacuation is not a drill.

First Aid KitA First aid kits are located in each classroom. Parents will be notified of its location. There is also a full first aid kit and extra supplies in the cabinet in the pantry labeled “First Aid”. There is also a travel first aid kit in the travel bag that accompanies us on our outings. Lead Teachers and Teachers will be responsible for maintaining the kit.

Missing ChildIn the event a child ever goes missing while in the care of The Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care, we will call the police and parents immediately.

PLAN FOR INJURY PREVENTION Injury The Little Schoolhouse will treat minor injuries, but will call 911 in an emergency. Staff are trained yearly in first aid and will treat your child if they are injured with minor injuries ( bumps, bruises, cuts). Parents will be notified of any injuries in which an injury report needs to be filed. In the event of a serious injury a child would be taken to the nearest most appropriate medical facility by ambulance and accompanied by a staff member. Parents would be notified immediately. In the event of an injury The Little School House Family Daycare is waived of any responsibility. We will contact parents immediately, followed by EEC when necessary

To prevent injury and to ensure safety, the environment will be monitored daily by all staff ensuring health and safety both indoors and outdoors. The teacher who opens each classroom is responsible upon arrival each day for


monitoring the environment and removal of any hazards. All teachers are responsible for daily visual checks of the environment. All equipment in need of repairs will be repaired or removed immediately. Any needed repairs or unsafe conditions will be reported to the director. The teachers will also monitor the outdoor playground and remove any hazards prior to any children using the space. We have a fenced in yard.

All of the following will be out of reach of all children at all times Toxic substancesSharp objects ChemicalsChoking HazardsCleaning Supplies Medications

Safety checklistThe teachers of each group will monitor the safety of the environment, minute by minute for any possible hazardous materials (choking hazards, chemicals, rough edges,)

Medical EmergencyIf a child is seriously injured, 911 will be called and the child will be transported by ambulance and the parents will be notified. If parents are not available, childs emergency contact person will be notified in the order they appear on the enrollment form. In the event of minor injury, care will be given and parents will be notified of the actions taken or over the counter medication administered. Any medication given will be logged in the medication book.

Infection ControlWe pride ourselves in the centers cleanliness. We follow a strict EEC routine of cleaning, disinfecting and handling hazardous material (blood, urine, feces). Diapering, toys mouthed by children are cleaned after each use. Hand washing guidelines at LSH are also very clear. In the event there is a communicable disease at the day care, parents will be notified by email regarding the best way to handle any such disease according to the Department of Public Health. The center will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Sick Child Please call us if your child will be out for the day. During the day if a child is ill in any way it's our policy to notify a parent or an emergency contact person. A sick child will not be allowed back into the day care until 24 hours after the last symptom / incident or until 24 hours after full medical treatment has begun as prescribed by a licensed physician. We may ask you to have a doctor sign a form stating your child is no longer contagious. We can care for mildly ill children with:

Head colds Ear Ache Sore Throat Tired Gassy Sad No appetite

Irritability Allergies Sick (but on antibiotics over 24 hours) Allergies Runny nose Bandages that do not require major cleaning

Such symptoms that are considered mild will be treated as deemed necessary. Providing comfortable area to rest, extra fluids, clean bandages however if the Staff feel the mildly ill child should go home, they will contact parents and or emergency contact person.

If a child has any of the symptoms listed below they will not be permitted to attend the Little Schoolhouse until 24 hours after the last symptom or first dose of medication is given and the child is no longer contagious:

Any other communicable disease such as tuberculosis, etc Pink eye Fever of 101 or above Skin rash other than common diaper rash or prickly heat Diarrhea that cannot be contained within the diaper or underwear Vomiting two or more times within the same day Any parasitic infestation (lice, scabies, etc.) Chicken pox until all blisters have dried completely and formed full scabs, usually 6 days from onset The child has any unusual lethargy, irritability, persistent crying, difficulty breathing or other signs of serious

illness Mouth sores, unless the physician states that the child is non-infectious


Rash with a fever or behavior change until the physician has determined that the illness is not a communicable disease

Tuberculosis, until the child is non infectious Impetigo until 24 hours after the treatment has started (sores must be covered) or all the sores are scabbed

over. Head, lice free of all nits or scabies and free of all mites Strep infection, until 24 hours after treatment and the child has been without fever for 24 hours Hepatitis A, unless treated for 2 days

All children entering the Little Schoolhouse Family Day Care must have an updated lead screening, immunization record. They must also have a completed registration packet. If a child becomes ill with a communicable disease, parents will be notified via email. Medication Policy

No child will be given any medication, prescription or over the counter, unless written the parent gives permission. This includes sunscreen.

Prescription medication must have: the child's name, name of medication, treating physician's name and number, prescription number (if relevant), date, directions for administering and pharmacy name and phone number.

All medication must be in the original container from the pharmacy. Unused medication will be returned to parents.

Medications will be stored in a locked cabinet out of reach of children in care. Administration of any medication or any first aid given will be noted in a medication administration book.

We cannot use any injection medication other than an epipen. We can never give a child the first dose of any prescription medication. Please feel free to check the book

anytime. Please look at your child's section only as we respect children's privacy. All medications will be logged on a Medication Form

Staff Medication Training Staff will be trained in Medication Administration yearly according the EEC.Staff will be required by LSH to be trained in Pediatric First Aid and CPR yearly Staff is trained in diapering policy, hand washing policy and handling hazardous materials. \

Permission to Treat Any medication including topical creams (diaper, sunblock, bug repellant) requires a permission slip to be

signed by the parent and kept on file. This form will be updated yearly. If your child has a chronic medical condition, parents must to provide the program with an Individual Health

care Plan for a child with a chronic medical condition that was diagnosed by a licensed health care practitioner. If needed, Staff of LSH will need to be trained by such professionals in order to best care for a child with disabilities.

The programs will use insect repellants only if parents provide it and the accompanying form to apply it.

Allergies If your child appears to be allergic to something (food, products, medicine, topical cream) and shows any signs or symptoms including: redness, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, we will contact the parent immediately. If the reaction is severe Staff will contact 911.If a child is allergic to a substance LSH will develop a plan with parents and the treatment team in coordinating ways to avoid interactions with the allergen. Asthma inhalers may be used with doctor prescription and Staff training If your child is allergic to a food a doctor's note is required and an allergy form must be filled out. Safe Sleep To reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: All infants must sleep on their backs Children under 12 months will use a sleep sack without blankets, toys or any loose articles.Supervision of sleeping infants will be accomplished by having lights on low, cribs in room, where staff positioned to maximize their ability to see and hear If you would like your child to sleep in any other manner, please provide a physicians’ authorization in writing for alternate sleep positionsAll educators working with infants have taken the SIDS training as stated in the EEC Infant Sleep Safe Policy


We provide a safe sleep environment including individual crib or bassinet with properly fitted mattresses with clean coverings. All of our cribs meet the U16 CFR 1219 standard for full size cribs and U16 CFR 1220 standard for non-full size cribs

Plan for Referral Services and DisabilitiesOur procedure for notifying parents of a developmental concern is simple; We observe your child and complete progress reports. If there is a concern we talk about it first with teachers, we observe and documents any concerns and then contact parents. We will meet in person with parents to discuss need for referral and from there decide what is best for the child. We can work with your child with disabilities. Alternative agreements may have to be made including extra Staff (at parents expense) change in daily schedule.

With parent’s permission, Staff will be trained by the child’s Health Care provider in how to provide such care to the child.

Referral Resources If there is concern with your child’s developments, we with parents permission work with REACH a division of SERVICNET and Northampton Public Schools. With permission from the parents, we will contact such services.

If your child needs early intervention, we will work with them, foster them and help them succeed in that program. We will also be happy to attend ISP meetings for those children leaving the Little Schoolhouse and headed to pre-school. We at LSH would like a copy of any ISP, Service Plans, or Special Education Plan in writing in order to provide the best care for any child in our program.

Reach Contact Phone Number 413.665.8717

Child Abuse and HotlineAll LSH Staff are mandated reporters and will immediately report all suspected abuse and neglect to the Department of Children and Families. Families will be notified of any allegations of abuse or neglect involving their child while in care. Children’s Health Records and FilesChildren attending the Little Schoolhouse will not be admitted into the program without full enrollment packet including:

Child's name Child’s photo Date of birth Child’s address and phone number Any known allergies, health conditions or

current medications

Childs Primary Care Physician Childs Insurance information Childs Immunization records (or refusal form) Permission forms signed by the parents Permission to treat in an emergency Permission to apply topical creams

Other Records include: Incident Reports Observation Reports Progress Reports Photograph Release

Transportation Permission Annual Update form Parent meeting notes

TOILET TRAINING We do not discriminate based on children’s toileting status. When your child is ready to start toilet training, we ask that you start introducing it at home. We will follow through and encourage your child while at day care with whatever approach you like. We will encourage your child to use the potty we will never force them. By being consistent and encouraging we hope to aid in an easy transition. We have experience with early potty training and will help to train even the youngest baby. For potty trainers we ask that you send 2 extra complete changes of clothing, including socks and one extra set of shoes. If using trainers that don't hold liquid please send a laundry bag so that any wet clothes can be sent home daily.

All children wash their hands after bathroom use or diaper change.PLAN FOR PROGRESS REPORTS Parents are given a copy of the progress report and a copy will be kept in the child’s fileParent may request a conference with their child’s teacher

Frequency of progress reports as follows: Infants (0-15 months) and children with identified special needs every 3 months


Toddler and Preschool (15months -4 years) every 6 months

MISCELLANEOUS The indoor areas are shoeless. Please remove your shoes as well as your child's at the entrance.We use very few toxins to clean and do not use any toxic chemicals around the children. We are hygienic and clean and sanitize regularly as required by the State of Massachusetts and the EPA.We make a mess. We will do our best to protect your child's clothes, but please don't send them in clothes you really don't want ruined.A copy of the state regulations is available upon request or online. All child records are strictly confidential and no information will be given without permission from a parent or as required by law. Parents have access to the records whenever they like and copies can be made.

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION Daycare Phone: 413-585-5965Candice Mobile: 413-231-4454Daycare Email: [email protected] Website: www.littleschoolhousefamilydaycare.com

Emergency NumbersNorthampton Police: 911Non - Emergency: 413-587-1100Northampton Fire: 911Non - Emergency 413-587-1032Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222Cooley Dickenson Hospital: 413-582-2000Public Health Nurse: 413-587-1216Daycare Address: 11 Ormond Dr. Florence Ma

Health Care Consultant:Nancy Muglia RN BSN: 413- 598-9911State Police: 413- 584-3000Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222DCF/Child Abuse: 1-800-792-5200Dept. of Early Education and Care: 788-8401Public Health Department: 413-587-1214Baystate Medical Helpline: 413-794-2255

SIGNATURE PAGES Each of the forms on the following pages requires Parent signature:

Non-Daycare Release of Liability Late Pickup Policy Privacy / Photo Release Form Topical Cream Permission Form (approve all 3) Transportation Permission Form (approve all 3) Recurring Payment Authorization Form


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PARENT HANDBOOK I hereby acknowledge receiving, reading, understanding, and agreeing with this Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare LLC Parent Handbook.

Signed by: Parent/Guardian Full Name:_________________________ Date:_______________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________ Name of child: ______________________________

NON-DAYCARE RELEASE OF LIABILITY FORM I realize that Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare, LLC (LSFD), its owner/s, staff, employees, agents, landlord, and affiliates (including but not limited to Candice Chouinard) is/are:

1. Not responsible for the safety and wellbeing of any person not registered for care with LSFD (including but not limited to guardian/s, siblings, other family members, and friends of the registered person).

2. Not responsible for the safety and wellbeing of those persons registered for care with LSFD outside of regular daycare hours. This includes but not limited to:

babysitting, social events, any time that a guardian is present (such as before drop-off or pickup is over), and after hour

activities at LSFD. I hereby indemnify and shall hold those parties harmless from any responsibility or liability as per 1 and 2 above.

3. LSFD does not approve of babysitting or any other services by employees, staff, and affiliates. I hereby indemnify and shall hold harmless LSFD and its owner of any responsibility or liability regarding babysitting or any other non-LSFD activities.



LATE PICKUP POLICY I hereby accept and will respect the Late Pickup Policy of Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare, LLC (LSFD) as follows:

1. "Late pickup" is defined by a child still being on the premises after pickup time (4:45pm unless otherwise noted), even if the authorized pickup person is present. For example: if a parent arrives to pick their child up at 4:39pm but does not leave the premises until 4:51pm, that it considered 6 minutes late.

2. Late pickup fees are as follows: 1-5 minutes late = $10 fee 6-15 minutes late = $20 fee 16-30 minutes late = $30 fee. After a 30 minute delay with no contact from the authorized pickup

person we will attempt to reach emergency contacts. 31-45 minutes late = $45 fee 46-60 minutes late = $60 fee. After a 60 minute delay with no contact from the authorized pickup

person we will contact emergency services. Beyond a 60 minute delay there will be an additional $1 per minute charge.

3. Late pickup fees are due IMMEDIATELY and PRIOR to the following bill due date. 4. I hereby permit LSFD to levy late pickup fees against my credit/debit card on file or bank account on file, and

confirm that I am authorized to approve charges on the credit/debit card on file or bank account on file. If I am not authorized, I shall be liable for any false charges any and all bank or institutional charges.




PRIVACY / PHOTO RELEASE FORM 1. I authorize Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare, LLC (LSFD), Candice Chouinard, and staff to photograph my

child/ren while under care of LSFD. 2. These photos may include other children. I will respect these children’s privacy and not post or share photos of

children other than my own on a public forum, and will not reproduce or make them pubic in any way. 3. LSFD and Candice Chouinard to share with me and my family these photos via email or phone “text message”. 4. I give permission to LSFD and Candice Chouinard to share photos of my child/ren with other families that signed

this Photograph Release Form.5. I give my consent for these photos to be placed on LSFD’s ‘Facebook’, 'Shutterfly', and other online sharing

outlets. Only families that are part of LSFD are ‘permitted’ (given the online service providers’ security features) access to these photos.

6. I give permission to LSFD, LLC and Candice Chouinard to use photos that do not depict my child/ren’s face and/or name and/or date of birth.



TOPICAL CREAM PERMISSION FORM Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Department of Early Education and Care

Name of child: ______________________________________________________________

Including Topical Cream, Diaper Ointment, Sunblock, Bug Spray, Topical antibiotic cream or wash

PLEASE CIRCLE THOSE TOPICAL CREAMS YOU GIVE PERMISSION FOR I, ________________________________________, (parent or guardian) gives permission to authorized (Print name)

educator(s) of Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare, LLC to use the above Topical Creams on my child.

Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________ Date_______________

TRANSPORTATION PERMISSION FORM Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Department of Early Education and Care

Name of child: ______________________________________________________________

TYPE OF TRANSPORTATION include WALKING CARRIAGE PUBLIC BUS

PLEASE CIRCLE THOSE MEANS OF TRANSPORT THAT YOU GIVE PERMISSION FOR I, _______________________________________, (parent or guardian) gives permission to authorized (print name)

educator(s) of Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare, LLC to use the above means of transportation to take my child on excursions from the Little Schoolhouse facility.

Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________ Date_______________


Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare, LLC, 11 Ormond Drive, Florence, MA 01060, Ph: 413-231-4454Federal Tax ID #46-3245406

PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION FORM - SEPTEMBER 2018This form constitutes cancellation of all previously signed Payment Authorization Forms

RATES Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare, LLC (LSH) daycare center's fee for child care is $65.32 per day. Payments for child care are per month as follows:

Weekly Cost Monthly Charge$195.96 for 3 day a week slot $850.52$261.28 for 4 day a week slot $1,134.02$326.6 for 5 day a week slot $1,417.53

NOTE: There are approximately 4.34 weeks per calendar month. That is why the Monthly Charge is greater than 4 times the Weekly Cost.

By completing and signing this form, you agree to have all payments described herein charged to and automatically deducted from your bank account without further notice or notification, and without invoicing. Payments may reflect in your account with a several day delay.

ONE TIME DEPOSIT PAYMENT A one-time non-refundable Deposit Payment equal to 2 months of care shall be charged to your account once this form is processed. This Deposit Payment is to complete registration with LSH and secure child care services, and shall be made ahead of starting care. Deposit Payments go to cover the 1st month of care and the last month of care. Deposit Payment amounts shall be as follows:

If a new child in care begins care later than the 1st of the month of their 1st month of care, payment for the full 1st month is due as part of the Deposit Payment. A prorated discount (for the 1st month) will be applied to the payment associated with the 2nd month of care.

NOTE REGARDING CHILDREN ALREADY IN CARE: No 'last month of care' deposit payment has been made for children already in care before the current Deposit Payment policy. For these children a one-time non-refundable Deposit Payment equal to 1 month of care shall be charged to your account on January 1, 2019. This goes to cover the last month of care, and will be charged alongside the regular monthly payment for January 2019.

MONTHLY PAYMENTS Recurring Monthly Payments for care shall be deducted from your account on the 1st of every month of care. First and last month would have already been paid as part of the Deposit Payment and shall not be charged as part of Monthly Payments.

MINIMUM PAYMENT Regardless of the circumstances, a minimum payment equal to 3 months of care shall be charged to your account. That means that if you choose to not utilize LSH child care or should you choose to remove your child from LSH care within less than 3 months, you will not receive a refund on the Deposit Payment, and you will be charged for an additional month of care.

DEPARTURE The last month of care is pre-paid as part of the Deposit Payment. When choosing to leave care at LSH, LSH must be notified in writing at least 30 days ahead of departure. Departure without 30 day advanced notice may result in non-refundable double charging for the last month of care. There shall be no prorated discount for departure from care before the end of the calendar month.

REIMBURSEMENTS


Days of Care per Week Deposit Payment Charge3 day a week slot $1,701.044 day a week slot $2,268.045 day a week slot $2,835.06

Reimbursements shall not be issued. If and when relevant discounts shall be applied to future charges. No discounts shall be issued for charges that are consistent with this document.

HERE IS HOW PAYMENTS ARE CHARGED 1. You authorize one-time and regularly scheduled charges to your checking/savings account. You will be

charged the amount indicated herein. You agree that no prior-notification will be provided. 2. You further agree that additional payments such as payments for extra days of care and late pickup fees will

be added to the recurring payments. These may take the form of additional payments, or may be added to a regularly scheduled monthly payment. You will be notified ahead of such additional payments.

PAYMENT AUTHORIZATIONS I (complete full name)

___________________________________________________________________________

(1) authorize LSH to charge my checking/savings account indicated below a one-time non-refundable deposit payment of (please fill in $1,701.04 for 3 days a week, $2,268.04 for 4 days a week, or $2,835.06 for 5 days a week. If only 'last month' deposit is made please fill in half the amount, and add "on January 1, 2019")

_______________________________________________________________________________________________; and

(2) starting the Effective Date of (please fill in the 1st of the month of the month care will begin)

_______________________________________________________________ authorize LSH to charge my checking/savings account indicated below (please fill in $850.52 for 3 days a week, $1,134.02 for 4 days a week, or $1,417.53for 5 days a week)

______________________________________________ on the 1st day of each month as payment for daycare services; and

(3) authorize LSH to deduct other charges to my checking/savings account indicated below as described herein.

CHECKING / SAVINGS ACCOUNT INFORMATION

Name on Account Billing Address

Phone # Email

Bank Name Bank City and State

Account # Bank Routing #

Account Type (circle one option): Checking Account Savings Account

I understand that this authorization will remain in effect until I cancel it in writing, and I agree to notify Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare LLC in writing of any changes in my account information or termination of this authorization at least 15 days prior to the next billing date. If the above noted payment dates fall on a weekend or holiday, I understand that the payments may be executed on the next business day. For ACH debits to my checking/savings account, I understand that because these are electronic transactions, these funds may be withdrawn from my account as soon as the above noted periodic transaction dates. In the case of an ACH Transaction being rejected for Non Sufficient Funds (NSF) I understand that Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare LLC may at its discretion attempt to process the charge again, and agree to an additional $50 plus any and all fees levied upon Little Schoolhouse Family Daycare LLC charge for each attempt returned NSF which will be initiated as a separate transaction from the


authorized recurring payment. I acknowledge that the origination of ACH transactions to my account must comply with the provisions of U.S. law. I certify that I am an authorized user of this bank account and will not dispute these scheduled transactions with my bank; so long as the transactions correspond to the terms indicated in this authorization form.


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