Sara Olivieri Daycare          

Policies

Requirements for Enrollment

When you enroll your child there will be some necessary paperwork to be filled out. Examples of these are: medical forms (including verification of immunizations), medical release forms, emergency contact cards, etc. I will make all this paperwork available to you and help you with any questions. All paperwork should be completed promptly and returned to me. I will also hand out a copy of this handbook, my schedule, and the licensing regulations for day cares. After you have had a chance to read through these materials I will meet with you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. I will then ask both parents to sign a written agreement as to fees, the child's hours, etc.

Before you leave your child the first day, it is wise to make a visit with the child during my regular day care hours (mornings are best, since the children sleep in the afternoons). This way your child gets to see what happens in day care and gives him/her a chance to meet the other children and me. Even if your child is just an infant it is a good idea to visit because you get to see how I interact with the children . This visit is a good time to bring any items you wish to leave here (e.g., you will need to leave a change of clothes with mediapers, extra clothing, etc.) If you do not leave a diaper bag each day . If you or your child is very uneasy about day care, at least two visits are recommended: the first during my off hours when your child will not be overwhelmed by the other children and the noise, and will have all the .toys available to him/her. During this time I will be able to give your child undivided attention. The second visit could be during regular day care hours.

 

I can also give you some ideas on what you can do to make the transition as easy as possible for you and for your child.

Termination of Day Care

If for some reason you decide to stop bringing your child to my house I require a two-week written notice. This will give me time to find a child to fill your child's spot. Payment is due for the two-week notice period whether or not the child is brought to daycare. Any outstanding fees must be paid on or before the child's last day. If it becomes necessary for me to resort to legal action to collect fees, the parent(s) will be responsible for legal fees incurred on my part.

If I can no longer watch your child for one reason or another, I will give you at least a two-week notice, but I would try to give you four weeks. I understand that it is not easy to find day care. Examples of why I would terminate your child's care include (but may not be limited to):

Failure of parent to pay.

Failure to complete required forms.

Failure of child to adjust to the center after a reasonable amount of time.

My inability to meet the child's needs without additional staff.

 

Payment Procedure

You may pay by cash or check, but checks give you a record of your payment to check with my figures at tax time. If a check is returned I will notify you and will ask for payment in cash and you will be responsible for any bank fees encountered. After the second returned check, I will accept only cash.

Day care fees are charged on a daily basis.  Payment is due at the end of each week.  All payment is due by 6:00 Friday evening.  All payments made after 6:00 will be charged the $10 late fee.  All payments need to be kept up to date.  You will be given a 2 week grace period. Whenever the center is closed due to my illness, vacation, personal days, etc. you are not required to pay.

I will give you a two-week notice of any changes in my fees or policies. At the end of each calendar year I will give you an itemized receipt, showing each payment you made throughout the year. You should check my figures against your records, then you & I will sign the receipt and retain a copy for our records.

 

Scheduling/ Cancelation

Each week you will be expected to provide me your schedule for the following week.  All schedules are due by Friday at 6 o’clock.  Any schedules received after this time will be based on availability. 

Any cancelations are subjected to the following policy:

· Cancelations made before 9pm the night before the scheduled care -  No fee / No charge for the day

· Cancelations made between 9pm the night before and the time that you have requested care to start -  $5 fee/ No charge for the day

· Cancelations made after the requested start time– half of day’s payment due

· No call to cancel– full day’s payment due

 

Illness

I ask that you have a back-up (someone you can call if your child is sick).  I will not care for a child who is feverish. If he has thrown up or had diarrhea within the last 24 hours please keep him home. If he has a green discharge from his nose he must be on an antibiotic for 24 hours before he can attend. If your child is not feeling well, do not give him Tylenol to mask his symptoms. If your child throws up the night before and seems fine the next day, he is more than likely still contagious to the others. You must wait 24 hours. All the children use the same toilet and washroom and they often "mouth" the same toys. They are often very affectionate with each other and it is very difficult to keep a sick child from infecting everyone else.

Illnesses are defined as:

· fever

· conjunctivitis (pink eye) or "cold in the eye"

· flu

· unusual rash

· severe cough

· rapid breathing or labored breathing

· severe cold

· vomiting

· yellowish skin or eyes

· diarrhea

· head lice

contagious illness of any sort which results in child being too ill to participate in daily activities. I will not accept the child for care if any of the above symptoms are present or have been present within the last 24 hours. If the child shows any of the symptoms while in care, I will remove him from the group and notify the parent or authorized adult to pick up the child. Parents have one hour from time of notification to pick up the child.

The child may return 24 hours after a temperature has returned to normal, 24 hours after the child is no longer vomiting, or 24-48 hours (depending on the illness) after the first dose of an antibiotic. If a child receives an antibiotic for an ear infection he may return to day care immediately if he has been free of other symptoms mentioned for at least 24 hours. Please bring a note for the treating physician stating that your child is okay to return to daycare when they return.(for antibiotic treated illnesses only)

The child is welcome when he has only a mild cold (e.g. runny nose or mild cough), but is able to participate in the day's activities.

I will post any infectious diseases in a folder by the sign-in log so that you are aware of any illnesses that are going around the daycare.

 

Medication

If your child is on medication and it needs to be administered while he is at day care, the medicine must be in the original container and labeled with the child's name, doctor's name, name of medication, dosage, and when to be taken. I will also have a form for you to sign giving me permission to give the medication to your child. Medication will be administered at the time or with the meal you specify and a written record kept.

 

Injuries & Other Emergencies

Minor cuts and abrasions suffered while at the center will receive proper care -- specifically, they will be washed with soap and warm water and properly bandaged. Treatment will be logged and I will tell you how and when the injury occurred.

If a medical emergency arises, I will try to contact a parent first, unless doing so endangers the child's life. In that case I will take necessary steps, putting the child first (calling hospital, doctor, poison control, etc.). If need be, I will take your child to Altoona Regional hospital or the doctor first, then try to call you when we arrive. If a parent is unable to be reached, I will keep trying until he or she is available. It is very important that you keep me up-to-date on any changes in phone numbers that you may have so that I am able to contact you in the case of an emergency.

In the event of a fire, we would evacuate the house immediately (4 exits are available from the first floor) and gather in the rear parking area. This will be practiced monthly so the children are familiar with what to do.

If severe weather arises and a tornado alert is issued, we will proceed to the basement, where the children will crouch and cover their heads.

 

Hours of Operation

I will open my doors to take in children at 6:30a.m. I request that all children are picked up by 6:00 p.m.  Parents who have not picked their child up by 6:00p.m. will be assessed a late fee of a dollar for every minute that the parent is late.  My clock will be the time that the fees will be assessed by.

 

Drop-off /Pick-up

I ask that you use the back door for all drop-offs and pick-ups.  This door will remain locked at all times for safety reasons so please knock when you arrive.  When you drop your child off please keep in mind the schedule that we have in place.  (For example, if it is 8:45a.m. make sure that your child has had breakfast at home since I will have already served the morning snack.)  If you feel that you will be more than a half-hour late dropping your child off or your child will not be coming in at all please call to let me know so that I can plan accordingly.

Each day upon arriving, I will sign the child(ren) in, noting the time arrived. A sign-in/out pad, pens, and a clock are all located by the door. This will  be followed by signing the child(ren) out when they leave. This gives me a written record of the child's attendance, hours, and who brought/picked up the child. You are welcome to check the times that I have written down.

In order for me to better serve your infant I ask that you fill out a little questionnaire each morning.  The questions I ask are very basic (How did your child sleep? How did they eat? etc.) and are there so that I am better prepared for what your infant may need throughout the day.  In return I will do the same.  I will let you know how much your child ate, how they slept during nap time, and what we did during the day.

 

Releasing Your Child

My normal procedure is to release the child only to his or her parents. If someone other than the parent is to pick the child up, please notify me ahead of time. A verbal notice is fine on that day if this person is on the list of those authorized to pick up your child. If the person is not on that list, I must have written permission to release your child.

One of the forms you are required to complete designates who may pick the child up if there is an emergency and you can not contact me. Please make sure those listed are persons with whom you would allow your child to leave if that person showed up at my door and said, "I need to take Johnny with me."Those on the list should also be people I could call in the event something happened and you did not show up to pick up your child.

Please inform your emergency contacts that if I do not know them then I will ask for identification. I do not mean to offend them. This is simply a measure taken for the child's protection.

 

Staff

Currently I have two other persons on staff with me, Judy Olivieri and Sarah Runkle.  Both have an incredible amount of experience with children and has all their clearances.  They will at times take over for me for various reasons (I’m ill, my kids are sick, I have a doctor’s appointment, etc.)  I trust them completely to be able to take care of the children and carry on the program in my absence.

 

Days Off

The center will be closed on the six major holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. I usually take off approximately one week during the summer (sometimes all at once, sometimes broken up). I will let you know these dates as far in advance as possible.  I try to work it so that Judy and Sarah will be available so that you don’t have to find a sitter for these dates.

 

Curriculum

I incorporate the Pennsylvania Standards of Learning into our daily activities to challenge the children and to prepare them for school. Each month we concentrate on an over arching theme. Then each week the theme will be broken down into smaller chunks. (For example, if the theme of the month is Spring, one week we may talk about flowers, the next week we may talk about weather, another week may be how to dress, and the final week may be gardening) Many of our activities revolve around the theme (stories, crafts, music, games, puzzles, etc.). I am trying to set up my curriculum to repeat every two years so that each child will receive the maximum benefit from each unit without growing tired of the subjects.

As part of this curriculum we have a daily "circle time" for the older children. The younger children are free to sit in, just observe, or to free play. During circle time we discuss something relating to our unit, talk about the days of the week (put numbers on a calendar) and the weather for the day. Also we will have a number, color, shape and letter that we talk about each week. Certain units lend themselves to a short field trip for fun and learning (for example, a visit to the fire station, police station, or post office when we are talking about community helpers). In addition to short field trips, we usually take one or two all-day field trips during the summer (Pittsburgh Zoo, Carnegie Science Center, etc). Sometimes there will be a small fee for field trips. I will always tell you when a field trip is coming up and we will always need volunteers to make the field trip a success.

When we take field trips we will walk if the place to visit is close enough. If we do travel by van, each child is properly restrained in the vehicle (car seat or seat belt, according to their age).

 

Infants & Toddlers

Infants and toddlers will not necessarily follow the same schedule as the preschoolers. They may need a morning nap, may not be able to participate in the activity etc. Infants are always fed on demand and toddlers usually eat meals and snacks with the older children. This is one reason our daily schedule is not "set in stone." While the older children engage in free play or nap I try to take some time to play with the infants and toddlers (especially infants -- toddlers often play alongside the older children). Feeding time and diaper changing time are good times for interaction with infants and toddlers. Of course, children develop differently, and whenever these "wee ones" wish to join in with the older children (unless it is not a safe activity for them), they will be allowed.

Since infants and toddlers cannot communicate well enough to repeat to parents the time of each diaper change and feeding, and what was eaten, etc. I will fill out a paper for each infant / toddler each day. On it you will find such information as: time of feedings, what eaten, the amount eaten, time of diaper checks and results, times of naps, any medication given, and various comments about the child's day. I also have a similar form that is filled out for preschoolers.  This form concentrates more on the learning that has gone on during the day.

 

Toilet Training

When you feel your child is ready for toilet training, I ask that you begin this teaching at home. I will follow through and encourage your child while in my care. Please keep in mind that the activity level here can distract your child from responding to an urge to use the potty, more so than at your home. Therefore, I will continue to use diapers or pull-ups until your child can and will announce that he/she must use the bathroom (not just at home, but here, also) and can control his/her bladder and bowels for a few minutes beyond that announcement. When the child has reached this point, training pants with plastic pants may be used.

During toilet training parents will need to supply:

· three complete changes of clothing (socks included)

· training pants (6 pair per day)

· diapers or pull-ups for naptime

Do not bring your child in panties or underwear until he/she has naptime and bedtime control established.

I also ask that during toilet learning, the child be dressed in "user-friendly" clothing as much as possible. The best items are shorts and pants with elastic waists, or dresses for girls. Try to avoid really tight clothing, pants with snaps and zippers, and overalls as often as you can. Your child will want to help pull pants, etc. up and down, plus clothing with too many "gadgets" makes it harder to get the child on the potty in time.

 

Discipline

I try to stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people, and respect for property. As a result I don't allow children to hit or shove other children or verbally abuse them. I also stress that they treat material possessions (mine or theirs) with respect. There is a difference between playing hard, and using a toy for a purpose for which it was not intended. For example, books are for looking at, not tearing pages out of, and toy brooms are for sweeping, not for bashing the kitchen set with.

Occasionally children do not behave in respectful ways. I first remind them of the proper behavior. If the behavior is repeated, a "time out" chair is used. The amount of time a child sits in "time out" varies according to his age. Most experts agree that one minute per year of age is the most effective length of time, but this amount will never exceed five minutes, even if the child is more than five years old. When his "time out" is up, I talk to the child (by now he has calmed down) and try to explain why that behavior was inappropriate. I might ask, "What might happen if we continue to throw toys?" The appropriate answers usually come out: something might get broken, the toy might break, someone might get hit by the toy. If a child still has not calmed down or is really belligerent at this point I try to separate him from the other children with a quiet activity (book, puzzle, etc.). I skip the "reminder" and go straight to "time out" if the offense involves hitting or otherwise physically abusing another child.

If a child continues to abuse a certain toy the privilege of playing with that toy may be taken away from him for a period of several minutes up to the rest of the day. If the whole group of children is engaged in this, the toy will be considered "closed" for a while. If a child continues to behave inappropriately, I will talk to you about it. Hopefully these two types of behaviors are ones you want your child to adopt, too, so they will be reinforced at home.

Children are never punished for lapses in toilet training or for accidents (spilled milk, for example). In the case of the latter, I will have the child help me clean up, if possible, not for punishment, but to help teach responsibility.

 

Naps

All children are required to have a rest time. I will provide a safe, warm, quiet place for your child to rest. Children one and older will sleep either in a sleeping bag from home or on a cot provided by me. Children under the age of one always sleep in a crib or playpen. Children who wake up before the rest will be guided in finding a quiet time activity to engage in that will not disturb any sleeping children.

 

Religious Practices

We will say a prayer before each lunch (usually a poem-type prayer that the children repeat), and occasionally a Bible story may be told during circle time if it fits in with our unit of study. Sometimes God just comes up in conversation. For example, children often start to notice the difference between boys and girls around age three, especially if they have a sibling of the opposite sex or have watched enough diaper-changes. When they ask me "why" about the physical differences between boys and girls I tell them "because God made boys differently than He made girls." This answer seems to satisfy most preschoolers. You may feel free to elaborate on the subject when your child is at home! I also reinforce to the children that I love them and God loves them, too.

No child will be forced to say the mealtime prayer. Any child who does not want to participate does not have to, however I will ask that they do not disturb those who want to. If you object to your child participating, please let me know.

We also usually have parties at Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc. If you do not wish to have your child participate in these, please let me know.

 

Pets

Please be aware that we do have a cat as a member of our family.   Although she will not be able to “visit” with the children during the day she will be in the daycare after hours.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOUR CHILD IS ALLERGIC TO CATS.  I will do whatever possible to accommodate your child. (i.e. not letting Precious into the daycare even during after hours, etc)

 

What I Provide

I will provide for your child a morning and afternoon snack, lunch, daily craft activities, and bedding for naps (blankets, crib sheets, etc).  I ask that you provide diapers, wipes,(if applicable), a sleeping bag (if your child is over 12 months old) and bottles / sippy cups if your child is not yet able to drink from a Dixie size cup. 

 

Fees

 

Registration Fee (refundable*) -  $50 per unsubsidized parent

                                                                       $20 per subsidized parent

Late Pick-up -                                         $1 a minute

Late payment -                                      $10 a day

 

*  Registration fee will be returned when the child(ren) discontinue enrollment with a two-week notice.