Policies & Procedures
Admission and Enrollment:
I accept children between the ages of 3 months to school age. One younger infant space (6 weeks to 15 months) MAY be available depending on current demographic enrolled. Part time spots may or may not be available depending on others enrolled.
Pick up and drop offs are available to AM preschool at Heritage Elementary
Parents or guardians must complete an enrollment form and provide all necessary contact, medical, and emergency information. As well as agree to all childcare policies and procedures currently in place.
A deposit of first week's tuition is required to reserve child spot. Future tuition will be paid on Fridays to cover the following week's care.
Enrollment is not guaranteed until the deposit and all necessary forms are received.
A meeting with the provider and visit to the home is required before admission. This helps make sure that every party is on the same page with the care the child will be receiving, and the provider and family are a good fit for one another.
Hours of Operation:
I am open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:45PM.
Provider will provide a list of closure dates at the beginning of the year and at the beginning of your child's enrollment. Provider will also provide dates in advance that licensed approved substitutes will be providing care. Provider closures are unpaid, and tuition will be pro-rated those weeks.
Emergencies/Sickness: As I will try my best to not close without prior notice, life is unpredictable. In case of an emergency/sickness, parents will be notified as soon as possible of the closure. You must have a backup childcare plan (such as a parent, family member, guardian, babysitter, etc. to stay home with child) in case of an emergency/sickness closure.
Fees and Payments:
Tuition is due every Friday for the following week.
Tuition is charged based on reserving the child's spot NOT the number of days or hours attended. This means you will pay the same rate every week, regardless of the days attended.
Tuition will NOT be charged on closure dates where the provider is gone and there is not a planned substitute. Pro-rated rates are laid out in the parent handbook for these circumstances.
I accept payment electronically through the Brightwheel app.
Health and Safety:
Children must be up to date on all required vaccinations and are required to have a current physical on file.
Your child must be fever free WITHOUT the assistance of medication for 24 hours before coming back to the program. If a child needs antibiotics for a contagious illness they must be on medicine for a complete 24 hours before coming to the program or follow the guidelines set in place by their doctor. A child must not have diarrhea 2 times or more within 24 hours to be present that day and must not vomit-if any of these are present the child must stay home.
I follow all applicable health and safety regulations set by the state of Iowa and have completed and passed an in-home inspection.
Daily Schedule/Naps/Meals:
I follow a consistent daily schedule that includes age-appropriate activities, meals, and naps.
Daily activities may include free play/center time, story time, music and movement, art projects, math/science activities, circle time and outdoor/gross motor play. I provide activities that met Iowa Early Learning Standards.
I provide breakfast, AM snack, lunch, and PM snack. Whole or 1% milk will be provided with each meal depending on age. Please provide your child a water bottle that they will have access to all day-no hard straws please. If your child needs an alternative milk, please let me know. Infants will follow their own feeding schedule with their own formula.
All food will be cut and prepared age appropriately to mitigate choking risks.
Nap is from 12pm-2:30pm (Toddlers to Preschoolers). Infants will nap dependent on their needs.
Discipline:
I use positive reinforcement and gentle redirection to encourage good behavior.
I do not use physical punishment, harsh language, isolation or shaming.
If a child exhibits behavior that is unsafe or disruptive, I will work with the parents or guardians to develop a plan to address the behavior.
What You Must Provide:
Blanket (may also bring a comfort item and/or pillow if over 12 months)
Water bottle (if straw cup, must be soft straw)
2 sets of extra clothes in case of accident.
*Hat and sunglasses recommended during summer but not required.
Diapers/pullups/underwear, diaper cream (if used)
Swimsuit, water shoes, and swim diapers (if needed) during summer months (Water Table and Splash Pad may be used)
Any medication child needs with appropriate consent and doctor forms.
Weather appropriate clothing. (Ex: snow clothes for winter)
All shoes must be closed toe. Sandals permitted as long as they are closed at the toe. (indoor and outdoor)
Infants: Formula/Breastmilk. Extra sets of clothes. No beaded pacifier clips.
What I Provide:
Breakfast, Lunch and AM/PM snack
Fragrance Free wipes (Millie Moon or Ricos)
Whole/ 1% milk , or Alternative milk if needed
Sippy/Soft straw cups and open cups for milk and all utensils needed for eating.
Cots for naps. Crib/sheets and sleep sacks for infants.
Cubbies for children's things
Curriculum and age-appropriate activities and all toys/materials for play
Communication:
I use a the Brightwheel childcare app to share information about meals, naps, activities, and any other important updates. Pictures of activities for the day will also be uploaded to this app.
By establishing clear policies and procedures, I can provide a safe, happy, and nurturing environment for the children in my care, and ensure a positive and productive relationship with their parents or guardians.