Making Drop off's a Little Easier (for Mom, Dad, AND Baby)
It is normal for your child to cry on arrival, especially for the first few weeks. In the beginning, please make your goodbye brief and tell your child exactly when you will be returning during this time. I recognize it is just as hard on you as it is on your child, but keeping it brief and consistent makes it easier on you, me, and most importantly, your child. It is hard to leave your baby for the first time, particularly if they cry. I promise, it usually stops within seconds of your departure. You are welcome to listen outside the door, or call later to see how they are doing. Never leave without telling your child goodbye. Staying calm and consistent will make them feel safer with your leaving. I will reassure them (We like to sing from Daniel Tiger: "Grown-Ups come back!") Please be in control of your child during drop off and pick up times. This is a time of testing- for ALL of the children- when two different authority figures are present (parent and provider) and this situation will be tested at one time or another to see if the rules still apply. I will remind your child if inappropriate behaviors are being displayed. Children of all ages adjust to transitions from one activity to another differently. Most do not like to be too rushed and most do not like to wait too long once they are ready to depart. You are very welcome to stay and chat, but when "time to go" is announced, it is best to keep it short and deliberate.
For the Safety of Everyone: Pick up and Drop off Policies
For the safety of your child/ren, they are not permitted to walk out the door without a parent/guardian. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to ensure that their children are picked up no later than the contracted pick up time. If the parent/guardian is not able to pick up their child by the contracted pick up time, alternate arrangements must be made. I understand that things happen. If you find that you need to pick-up late after your child is dropped off, in extreme emergencies only, please call in advance and plan with me for a late pickup. Please remember that your child is enrolled in a home-based daycare and I plan activities for my family after the daycare closes.
A late fee of $1.00 per minute per child will apply if a child remains in care after the contracted time, unless prior arrangements have been made. This late fee is due and payable upon pick-up or prior to the next days
If a parent/guardian cannot be contacted, it is the policy of the daycare to call an emergency contact should a child remain in care after 6:00 p.m. If I cannot contact the parent/guardian or an emergency contact, CPS will be called for any child that is left in my care past 7:00pm.
No child will be allowed to leave with anyone except the parent, unless indicated on the alternate pickup list, without written permission from the parent. Anyone unfamiliar to me will be required to show proof of Identification. Please make the alternate pick up person aware of the requirements.