Behavior and Discipline:

  I will strive to offer praise for good behavior. I try to create an enviroment that is supportive and respectful of each child's needs. Should negative behavior happen, it will be dealt with in one of three ways depending on the situation. Children will not be subjected to discipline that is severe, humiliating, or frightening. Discipline will not be associated with food, rest or toileting. Spanking or an other type of corporal punishment is prohibited. My goal is to help each child develop a strong sense of self-discipline and self-esteem. Discipline techniques that may be used include redirection, positive reinforcement, or time-out (one minute per year of age). Should a behavior continue after a few time-outs, I will talk to the parent. A workable solution can almost always be found.

Adjustments:

  It will take time for your child to learn to love and trust me; we are building a new relationship. Short-term behavior changes and separation anxiety are normal. Feel free to linger during this period, for your comfort or for your child's. When you do leave, get down on their level, hug and kiss them, and say good-bye and assure them you will return (but never sneak out). Even if they are crying when you leave, know that they will usually be fine soon after you leave. Feel free to call me when you get to work, to check in on how your child is doing. There may be times when your child experiences separation anxiety again after they've been here awhile. It may just be the developmental stage they are passing through. Please feel free to discuss any concerns with me. There is a two week trial period, during which time either party may terminate this agreement at any time for any reason. At the end of the two week period, the contract will be in full effect.

Safety:

  Your childs safety is paramount. All lower cabinets that could pose a problem (kitchen and bathrooms) are safety locked or completely blocked off. All electrical outlets have child proof safety covers. I have smoke detectors in every room of the house and a fire extinguisher in the pantry. Emergency numbers are posted next to each phone. I also have two first aid kits, one in the bathroom and one in the playroom, several lanterns/flashlights, and a portable battery operated radio. Tornado/storm and fire drills will be performed monthly and logged. I have taken classes in Infant/Adult CPR and First Aid, Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness. In the event of a disaster you will be notified immediately.

Sickness:

  Children will be visually screened upon arrival. If a child exhibits signs of illness, it will be determined if the symptoms indicate the need for exclusion until remedied. In the event a child becomes ill and needs to be picked up, the child will be separated from the rest of the children until a parent or other authorized person arrives.

Symptoms are: Fever of 101* or higher, vomiting on two or more occasions during the past 24 hours, diarrhea on three or more occasions within the past 24 hours, eye discharge or pink eye, lice or nits, and communicable diseases.

If your child needs to be picked up for one of the listed reasons he/she isn't allowed to return for 24 hours or until all symptoms are gone or directed otherwise by a physician, in which case a doctors note must be given. Head lice or nits must be treated and a receipt brought to show treatment was done. A recheck will occur before re-admittance.

Medications:

  All enrolled children are required to have a current shot record and physical on file at all times. Written consent is required to administer ANY medications. All prescription medications must be in there original container and properly labeled with the child's name. Your pharmacist may be able to provide you with a separate, properly labeled container of medicine that can be left with me, medication forms are available upon request.