​ General Information for Child Care Program​

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1. Respect Drop-Off and Pick-Up Times

• Parents must adhere to designated drop-off and pick-up times to ensure smooth transitions and avoid disruptions to the daily schedule.

• Drop-Off Times

  • Parents should bring their child within the designated drop-off window (e.g., 7:00 AM–8:00 AM). This ensures the child is present for the start of the day’s activities and minimizes disruptions to the group.

• There is an additional fee for early drop-off

2. Communicate Absences or Late Arrivals

• Notify the center promptly if a child will be absent or arriving late. This helps staff plan activities and meals effectively.

• There are late fees for parents who do not pick up their child on time, as a means of compensating staff for staying beyond their scheduled hours.

• Flat Fee

  •  a flat fee, typically $15–$25 for late pick-ups within a specific timeframe (e.g., up to 30 minutes late).

  • Example: A flat $20 fee for any late pick-up within the first 30 minutes.

• Escalating Fees

  • For repeated late pick-ups, some centers implement escalating fees. For instance:

    • First offense: $15 flat fee.

    • Second offense: $25 flat fee.

    • Third offense: $3 per minute late.

 

3. Follow Health and Safety Policies

• Keep children home if they show signs of illness (fever, vomiting, contagious conditions). Provide necessary medical clearance before returning if required.

 Examples of everyday situations when a child should not be brought to daycare:

1. Fever

   • A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher indicates the child may be fighting an infection. Most daycare centers require the child to be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.

2. Vomiting or Diarrhea

   • If the child has vomited or had diarrhea in the past 24 hours, they should stay home to prevent the spread of stomach viruses.

3. Persistent Cough or Difficulty Breathing

   • A persistent or severe cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing may indicate a respiratory infection or other serious condition requiring medical attention.

4. Rash

   • Unexplained rashes, especially those accompanied by fever or other symptoms, could be a sign of a contagious illness like chickenpox or hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

5. Eye Discharge

   • Red, watery, or crusty eyes may indicate conjunctivitis (pink eye), which is highly contagious and requires treatment before returning to daycare.

6. Extreme Fatigue or Irritability

   • If the child is unusually tired, irritable, or lethargic, they may need rest and care at home.

7. Runny Nose with Green or Yellow Mucus

   • While a mild runny nose can be normal, thick green or yellow mucus may signal an infection that could spread to others.

8. Uncontrolled Nasal Congestion

   • If the child’s nasal congestion interferes with their ability to breathe comfortably or participate in activities, they should stay home.

9. Known Contagious Illness

   • If the child has been diagnosed with a contagious illness (e.g., strep throat, COVID-19, or flu), follow the daycare’s specific policies on when they can return (usually after completing treatment or being symptom-free for a specified period).

 

1. Unresolved Symptoms

• Any symptoms that worsen or do not improve after 24 hours should be evaluated by a healthcare provider before the child returns to daycare.

This Rule Is Important

• Protects Other Children and Staff

  • Contagious illnesses can spread quickly in a daycare setting

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4. Provide Emergency Contact Information

• Ensure all emergency contact information is updated regularly. Parents must always be reachable during childcare hours.

5. Label Personal Items

• All personal belongings (Nap Mats, Pillows, Blankets, lunchboxes, bottles, etc.) must be clearly labeled with the child's name to prevent loss or confusion.

6. Abide by Payment Policies

• Pay tuition and fees on time according to the center’s payment schedule. Late fees may apply for missed payments.

• Weekly or Monthly Tuition

  • If parents fail to pay tuition on time (e.g., weekly or monthly), a flat fee or percentage will be applied to the overdue amount.

  • Example: If tuition is $500/month and the center charges a 5% late fee, the penalty would be $25.

• Daily Late Fees

  •  The daily fee for each day the payment is overdue can range from $10 per day.

• Grace Period

A grace period of 2 days is provided before late fees are applied, whereas others enforce fees immediately.

 

7. Respect for Staff and Policies

• Treat staff with respect and follow all center policies, including behavior management guidelines and conflict resolution procedures.

 

8. Participate in Parent-Teacher Communication

• Attend scheduled meetings, conferences, or events to stay informed about your child’s progress and the center’s updates.

9. Provide Necessary Supplies

Ensure your child has the required supplies (diapers, wipes, extra Nap Mats, Pillows, and Blankets, etc.) and replenish them as needed 1. Food Safety Guidelines

• No perishable items without proper storage: Food that requires refrigeration must be stored in insulated containers or provided with ice packs.

• Labeling: All food containers must be clearly labeled with the child’s name and date.

• Allergy awareness: Parents must avoid packing foods containing common allergens (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts) if there are children in the daycare with allergies. The daycare should provide an updated list of allergies regularly.

• Expiration: Only fresh food should be sent. No expired or spoiled items are allowed.

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2. Nutritional Guidelines

• Healthy options: Encourage parents to pack nutritious meals, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources.

• Limit sugary treats: Discourage candy, sugary snacks, or beverages.

• Portion control: Food should be packed in appropriate portions suitable for toddlers.

3. Allowed and Prohibited Items

• Allowed: Homemade meals, fruits, vegetables, and snacks that meet daycare guidelines.

• Prohibited: Foods that pose choking hazards (e.g., whole grapes, popcorn, hard candies), highly processed junk food, and items requiring extensive preparation at the daycare.

4. Food Sharing Policy

• No sharing: Toddlers should not share food to prevent cross-contamination and exposure to allergens.

5. Communication with Parents

• Provide parents with a list of recommended food items and any prohibited foods.

• Regularly update parents regarding food allergies or changes in policy.

6. Emergency Backup

• The daycare will  have a backup supply of snacks in case a parent forgets food .

7. Cultural Sensitivity

• Allow parents to pack culturally significant meals, as long as they meet safety and allergy guidelines.

8. Handling Leftovers

• Leftover food will either be sent home or discarded at the end of the day unless parents specify otherwise.

 

10. Nap Mats, Pillows, and Blankets pickup

• We kindly ask you to pick up your child’s Nap Mats, Pillows, and Blankets at the end of each week. This helps us keep the daycare organized and ensures your child has everything they need at home.
  Nap Mats, Pillows, and Blankets can be picked up every Friday. If you are unable to pick them up during this time, please let us know so we can make alternate arrangements.