Open Door: You are invited and welcome to Lauren’s Little Ones Playcare anytime your children are present. In fact, you or an approved family member are encouraged to drop in and see your child “in action,” participate in any activities, or read the children a book. You are asked to avoid visiting during Rest Time as much as possible. Parents are also free to call or text Lauren’s Little Ones Daycare at any time. If I do not answer the phone, please leave a message, or a text, and we will call you back as soon as we are finished with the current activity.
Termination of Care: Care can only be terminated with 2 weeks’ notice by the parent. I reserve the right to immediately end care should it be deemed necessary for the overall safety and well-being of the provider’s family and/or other children or families in my care. If you terminate care without giving appropriate notice, you will be responsible for payment of the final 2 weeks of care whether your child attends or not.
Court Order: If there is a court order keeping one parent or guardian away from the child, I must have a written note from the custodial parent or guardian in my file to that effect. Otherwise, I cannot prevent the non- custodial parent from picking up the child.
Sick/Vacation Days: If your child is ill and needs to miss a day, please notify me. Parent agrees to provide 2 weeks’ notice prior to any vacation time. Parent agrees to pay childcare fees to hold child’s position during any vacation time or leave due to illness etc. Full payment must be received whether your child attends or not.
Child Abuse/Neglect: I am required by law to report any suspected signs of child abuse and/or neglect.
Television: I allow limited TV. On occasion, I let the children pick a child appropriate video to watch. Children are NEVER required to sit and watch TV.
Discipline: No child will be hit, spanked, belittled, or otherwise intimidated at Lauren’s Little Ones Daycare--even with parental permission. No corporal punishment will be used. Children will be treated with courtesy, respect, and patience. Guidance will be according to age and understanding level. Younger children, babies and toddlers, will be redirected to another activity. Older children will be given time outs depending on the severity of the offense (almost always 1 minute per year of age, never to be more than 15 minutes). If a child becomes a persistent behavior problem, I will address it with you and we will try to resolve it together. AT NO TIME, WILL A CHILD BE SUBJECTED TO PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OR SHAMING, FRIGHTENING OR HUMILIATING METHODS BE USED, OR ANY TYPE OF VERBAL ABUSE, THREATS, DEROGATORY REMARKS, OR DEPRIVATION OF A MEAL OR ANY PART OF A MEAL BE USED. NO CHILD WILL EVER BE PUNISHED FOR TOILET ACCIDENTS.
Meals: I provide nutritionally balanced meals and snacks for your child. Please see Activities for a list of meal times; if your child arrives after a meal or snack has been served, he/she will wait until the next meal/snack time to eat. Meals and snacks are served family style. Children are encouraged to use this time to share their experiences with each other. Manners are taught, and practiced during this time as well. Please list on the medical report any food allergies child may have. If your child needs a special diet, the parent must furnish these foods.
Dress Code: Please dress your child appropriately. The activities may be messy. Do not send your child in clothing that you do not want stained. Weather permitting; we will spend a lot of time outdoors. You also need to supply a complete change of clothing in case of an accident.
Water Play: We love outdoor play, particularly messy, wet, or water play in the summer. A swimsuit will be requested for these days.
Toys: Please do NOT send any toys from home with your child. If your child needs a special toy or item for sleeping, it will be allowed, but it will remain put away until Rest Time. Lauren’s Little Ones Daycare assumes NO responsibility for lost, stolen, or broken toys from home. Should the child deliberately destroy my toys or other property through misuse or willfulness, the parent will be required to replace it.
Rest Period: All children will have a rest period. No child is forced to sleep; however, they must remain quiet. Older children, and those who wake early, will participate in a quiet activity until Rest Time is over. Please try not to schedule pickups or visits during this time to lessen disturbance to the resting children. All children will rest on their mats with individual linens.
Toilet Learning: I will assist you in toilet training your child with the understanding that it will be successful only if we work together. I will use cotton underwear or pull-ups supplied by the parent. Send your child ONLY in easy on/easy off clothing until they can completely undress and dress themselves. I required at least 5 complete changes of clothing during Toilet Learning. I may not launder soiled items, if I do not get to I will send them home in a plastic bag. Please replace any clothing sent home the next day.
Holidays/Birthdays: We honor major holidays and all children’s birthdays. If you would like to bring a special Treat for the children, please arrange this with the provider. You are more than welcome to participate in ANY activities we have planned.
House Cleaning: My house is not always spotless. My main concern is the care of the children. I clean my house during Rest Time, if all are asleep, during non-business hours, and occasionally with children's help. The children will help clean up toys before meals and naps.