Parent Handbook
Welcome to Care-A-Lot Dayhome Handbook
This handbook outlines the policies and mission of Care-A-Lot Dayhome. It is designed to familiarize you with our daycare, its goals, and our commitment to you and your child.
Mission StatementAt Care-A-Lot Dayhome, my mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive while you’re away. I am dedicated to offering the same love and attention they would receive at home, while fostering their intellectual, social, physical, and emotional development. Through group activities, individual play, one-on-one interactions, and quiet periods, I aim to help each child grow in all aspects of their development.
Routine-Based CareWe follow a structured routine, as I believe children flourish when they know what to expect. However, I am flexible and adjust the schedule as needed to accommodate the children’s individual needs.
Roles and ResponsibilitiesFor a successful relationship between parents and provider, certain responsibilities must be met by both parties.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:
- Address any concerns or complaints regarding your child’s care promptly and directly with the provider.
- Have an emergency backup person available in case the provider is unable to offer care or if the child is too ill to attend.
- Provide complete information on the registration form, including authorization for emergency medical care and all pertinent medical details.
- Inform the provider of any changes to care hours, days needed, or drop-off/pick-up times with the required notice.
- Drop off and pick up your child according to agreed-upon times, and notify the provider in advance if changes are needed for any given day.
- Supply changes of clothes, diapers, and any special equipment needed (e.g., formula or baby food for infants/toddlers).
- Ensure payments are made on time, as agreed upon in the contract (due on the first of each month).
- Bring your child to daycare well-rested, healthy, and dressed appropriately for the weather.
- Follow the dayhome’s illness policy and inform the provider of any illness or contagious disease that could affect other children or the provider’s family.
- Respect the privacy and confidentiality of all children, families, and the provider’s family.
- Provide one month’s paid notice before withdrawing your child from care, as outlined in the contract.
- Offer a safe, healthy environment for all children.
- Provide a fun, loving, and structured home with age-appropriate toys, activities, and play space.
- Develop a strong partnership with parents to work towards shared goals for the child.
- Maintain clear policies and procedures, including advance notice of any changes to fees, care hours, or policies.
- Communicate positively and respectfully with parents and address any concerns regarding the child immediately.
- Respect the privacy and confidentiality of all children and their families.
Requirements for Enrollment
When you're ready to enroll your child, I will provide a package that includes this handbook, a registration form, and an agreement. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to secure your child’s spot, which will be applied toward the first month’s fees.
All paperwork, including the deposit, must be completed and returned promptly. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your child's spot.
Payment Procedure
Payment is required in full for the month on the first business day of each month by 8 am. Should the first fall on a weekend or holiday the fee is due the business day prior. E-transfer or cash only are accepted. Late or non-payment of fees will result in termination of care.
Fees are due regardless of your child’s attendance.
Termination of Care
If you decide to withdraw your child from Care-A-Lot Dayhome, one month’s written notice is required. Payment is due for the notice period, whether or not your child attends during that time.
If I am no longer able to care for your child, I will provide a minimum of one month’s notice, except in the following cases:
- Immediate termination will occur if a child’s behavior poses a threat to the physical or emotional well-being of other children, the provider, or the provider’s family or pets.
- Immediate termination will occur if a parent is verbally or physically abusive or threatening to the provider, children in care, or the provider’s family.
- Immediate termination will occur if payment agreements are not adhered to.
- Immediate termination will occur if the illness policy is disregarded.
This handbook is designed to foster a positive and respectful relationship between parents and provider while ensuring a safe and supportive environment for your child’s growth and development at Care-A-Lot Dayhome.
Dayhome Closures
I observe all statutory holidays, during which the daycare will be closed. Additionally, I take scheduled vacation time throughout the year, and these closures will be paid. I will provide advance notice of any vacation periods to ensure that you have ample time to make alternate arrangements.
2024 Closures:
I am closed for the following paid stats:
February 19 Monday Family Day
March 29 Friday Good Friday
April 1 Monday Easter Monday
May 20 Monday Victoria Day
July 1 Monday Canada Day
August 5 Monday Heritage Day
September 2 Monday Labour Day
September 30 Monday Truth and Reconcil.
October 14 Monday Thanksgiving Day
November 11 Monday Remembrance Day
Paid holiday closures:
-April 11,12,15,16,17,18,19
-July 2
-August 6
-October 23,24,25
-December 23-January 13 (closed Monday December 23, reopen Monday January 13
Cleaning and Safety Policy
At Care-A-Lot Dayhome, the safety and well-being of the children in my care is my top priority. To ensure a clean, safe, and nurturing environment, I have implemented the following cleaning and safety practices. These policies are designed to protect the children’s health, promote hygiene, and minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
Cleaning Policy
- Daily Cleaning Routine:
- All toys, play areas, and high-touch surfaces (e.g., tables, chairs, door handles, and light switches) will be sanitized at the end of each day.
- Diaper changing stations will be disinfected after each use.
- Kitchen surfaces and dining areas will be cleaned and sanitized before and after each meal and snack.
- Floors will be swept and mopped daily, with particular attention to areas used by the children.
- Bathrooms will be cleaned and sanitized daily, focusing on sinks, faucets, and toilets.
- Toy and Equipment Sanitization:
- Toys will be washed and sanitized regularly, with frequently used toys cleaned daily.
- Soft toys and washable items will be laundered on a weekly basis or more frequently if needed.
- Outdoor play equipment will be cleaned periodically and inspected for damage to ensure it remains safe for use.
- Handwashing Practices:
- Both provider and children will wash their hands frequently throughout the day, including:
- Before and after meals or snacks
- After using the bathroom
- After outdoor play
- After diaper changes or handling bodily fluids
- Hand sanitizer will be available for use when handwashing is not immediately accessible.
- Both provider and children will wash their hands frequently throughout the day, including:
- Food Preparation and Hygiene:
- Proper food handling procedures will be followed during meal and snack preparation, ensuring all surfaces, utensils, and hands are thoroughly cleaned before handling food.
- Separate cutting boards will be used for raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.
- Children will be supervised at all times, whether indoors or outdoors.
- All hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning supplies, medications, sharp objects) will be stored out of reach of children.
- Safety gates will be installed where necessary, such as at the top of stairs.
- All furniture will be securely anchored to prevent tipping.
- Emergency Procedures:
- A first aid kit is available and fully stocked at all times.
- I am certified in CPR and First Aid, ensuring I can respond to medical emergencies quickly and appropriately.
- Fire extinguishers are placed in the kitchen and other key areas of the home and are regularly maintained.
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and tested monthly to ensure they are working correctly.
- Outdoor Safety:
- The outdoor play area is fully enclosed with a fence to ensure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised.
- Outdoor equipment will be regularly inspected for any signs of wear or damage that could pose a risk to the children.
- Weather conditions will be monitored daily, and outdoor play will be limited in extreme weather, such as high winds, storms, or extreme heat.
- Illness and Hygiene:
- If a child shows signs of illness during the day, parents will be contacted immediately, and the child will be isolated from others until they can be picked up.
- Regular handwashing, sanitizing, and hygiene practices will be enforced to prevent the spread of germs and illness.
Pick Up / Drop Off
ALL drop offs and pick ups will take place on the front step, parents are not coming into the entry way. Please text me when you are 5-10 min away from picking up and I will have your child ready to go at the door. If you see another parent on the front step dropping off / picking up please wait until they have left before you come to the front step.
The dayhome is closed at 5pm. Late pick ups will result in a fee of $5 per 5 minute increments. Late fees are due and payable the next day at drop off to ensure care will be available for that day. Consistent late pick ups will result in the termination of care.
Please call / text at least 30 minutes in advance of your normal drop off time if you child will not be coming on any given day. This helps me to plan meals, snacks, activities accordingly.
Illness & Wellness Policy
At [Home Daycare Name], the health and safety of every child is our top priority. To ensure a healthy environment for all children, staff, and families, we have implemented the following illness and wellness policies.
Wellness Guidelines
- Children must be in good health to attend daycare. If a child is showing any signs of illness, we ask that they stay home to prevent the spread of infections.
- Parents/guardians must inform the daycare if their child has been exposed to any contagious illnesses.
- Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Children must be fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours before returning to daycare.
- Vomiting: Children must stay home for 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting.
- Diarrhea: Two or more loose stools within a 24-hour period. Children can return 24 hours after the last loose stool.
- Severe Coughing: Uncontrollable coughing that affects the child’s ability to participate in activities or rest.
- Rash: Any unexplained rash that may be contagious. A doctor’s note may be required for return.
- Eye Discharge: Pink eye or any eye discharge. Children may return after 24 hours of starting treatment or with a doctor's note.
- Sore Throat: If accompanied by fever or swollen glands. If strep throat is confirmed, the child can return 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
- Runny Nose: If the nasal discharge is thick, green or yellow, and accompanied by other symptoms.
- Lethargy: If the child is too tired or irritable to participate in normal activities.
Administration of Medication
- We do not administer any medication unless it is prescribed by a healthcare provider and provided with written consent from the parent/guardian.
- Medication must be in its original packaging with proper labeling.
- Over-the-counter medication will only be given with prior written authorization from a parent/guardian.
- Administer basic first aid.
- Contact the parent/guardian immediately.
- Call emergency services if necessary.
- Each child will be observed for signs of illness upon arrival at the daycare.
- Any child showing symptoms of illness will not be allowed to stay and will need to be picked up immediately if symptoms develop during the day.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
- Ensure your child is kept home if they show any signs of illness.
- Notify the daycare immediately if your child has contracted a contagious illness or been exposed to one.
- Promptly pick up your child if they become ill during daycare hours.
- Keep your contact information up to date to ensure we can reach you in case of illness or emergency.
- We will maintain a clean and sanitized environment.
- We will inform parents/guardians of any known illnesses in the daycare and follow the proper procedures for prevention.
- We will always prioritize the health and safety of the children in our care.
This policy ensures a safe, clean, and healthy environment for all the children at Care-A-Lot Dayhome. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Behavior & Discipline Policy
At Care-A-Lot, we believe that children thrive in a positive and nurturing environment where they feel safe, respected, and supported. Our approach to behavior management emphasizes guidance, teaching, and redirection rather than punishment. We aim to help children develop self-regulation, problem-solving skills, and empathy.
Guiding Principles
- Respect: We foster a culture of respect between children, caregivers, and the environment.
- Positive Reinforcement: We acknowledge and encourage positive behaviors to reinforce good conduct.
- Developmentally Appropriate Expectations: We understand that behaviors are often a result of a child’s developmental stage and adjust our responses accordingly.
Redirection Strategies We Use:
- Providing Choices: When a child is acting out, we offer them choices to empower their decision-making, such as, “Would you like to play with blocks or read a book?”
- Distraction: For younger children, distracting them with a new activity or toy can help break a cycle of unwanted behavior.
- Offering Alternatives: If a child is using materials inappropriately (e.g., throwing toys), we guide them to a better use of the item or suggest an alternative activity that meets their needs for movement, expression, or creativity.
- Setting Clear Expectations: We explain the appropriate behavior in simple terms, “We keep our feet on the floor to stay safe” or “We use gentle hands with our friends.”
- Problem-Solving Together: For older children, we guide them to solve the problem on their own by asking questions like, “How can we share the toys so everyone has a turn?”
- Modeling Positive Behavior: We demonstrate positive behaviors ourselves, like sharing, being kind, and managing emotions calmly, to show children how to behave appropriately.
- Calm Down and Talk: We calmly talk to the child about their behavior, identifying their feelings and needs. For example, “I see you’re feeling upset because you want a turn with the truck. Let’s figure out how to take turns.”
- Removing the Child from the Situation: If necessary, we may guide the child to a different area where they can calm down while still being included in activities.
- Reinforcing Positive Behavior: After the child has calmed down, we offer positive reinforcement for their return to appropriate behavior, “Thank you for using your words to ask for a turn.”
- Encouraging them to identify and express their emotions in a healthy way.
- Helping them build empathy by recognizing how their actions affect others.
- Teaching problem-solving skills to navigate conflicts peacefully.
- We believe in open communication with parents/guardians about their child’s behavior.
- If a pattern of challenging behavior arises, we will schedule a meeting with the parents to discuss strategies and create a plan to support the child’s needs.
- We encourage parents to share any concerns, behavioral observations, or strategies that work at home so we can work together to create consistency between the home and childcare environments.
This policy ensures a positive environment where children can learn, grow, and feel safe while developing essential social and emotional skills.
Quiet Time Policy
All children are required to participate in a daily quiet time or rest period. This time is essential for both the children and myself to rest and recharge. Please do not request that your child be kept awake during this time.
While children are not required to sleep, they must remain quiet and respect others who may need rest. During quiet time, children are expected to lay down peacefully. Older children may relax with a calm activity such as watching a quiet TV show or movie. If a child feels the need to sleep, they will be allowed to do so.
Quiet time is not negotiable and must be respected to maintain the well-being of all and the continued quality of care.
Meals and Snacks Policy
I provide meals and snacks, including breakfast (for children arriving before 8:00 AM), lunch, and an afternoon snack. Since we have an early lunch around 11:00 AM, there is no morning snack.
As a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, I prioritize nutrition and serve wholesome, balanced meals with a focus on fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed foods. Please do not send candy or sweets with your child unless we've discussed it in advance.
Your child's health and nutrition are important to me, and I strive to create a healthy, balanced eating environment.
Smoking Policy
This is a strictly non-smoking home. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the daycare or on the property. To protect the health and well-being of my family and the children in care, I kindly ask that you refrain from smoking on the premises.
Indoor and Outdoor Play Policy
I provide a variety of age-appropriate toys for children to enjoy during indoor play. To keep things exciting, the toys are rotated regularly to prevent boredom. Please do not send toys from home, as they will be left in the entryway.
For outdoor play, please dress your child in weather-appropriate, comfortable play clothes and footwear that allow for safe, active movement. Running shoes are a good option, while slick-soled shoes like Crocs are not recommended for safety reasons.
Keep in mind that children will be playing both indoors and outdoors and participating in activities like crafts, so please avoid sending them in clothing that cannot get dirty. What they wear to daycare is what they will be playing in throughout the day.
This ensures your child can play freely and safely in all activities!
Toilet Training Policy
When you feel your child is ready for toilet training, I ask that you begin the process at home. I will support and encourage your child during the day, but they must show the following signs of readiness while at daycare:
- Show interest in using the toilet
- Be willing and receptive to use the toilet
- Attempt to pull down and pull up their own pants
- Stay dry for at least two hours at a time
- Follow simple directions, like washing hands
- Demonstrate a desire for independence
- Recognize and communicate ahead of time when they need to use the bathroom
- Announce they need to use the bathroom (both at home and at daycare)
- Hold their bladder or bowel for a few minutes after announcing the need to go
Additionally, children should wear easy-to-manage clothing—like pants with elastic waistbands—that they can remove and put back on by themselves.
It is essential that the child is willing and cooperative in the toilet training process. If they show resistance or are unwilling to attempt pulling their pants up and down, I will not proceed with toilet training. In such cases, the child must continue wearing diapers or Pull-ups until they are ready and willing to participate in the process at daycare.
This policy ensures a smooth and supportive toilet training experience for your child at daycare.
While I have set rules and guidelines outlined here, I strive to remain flexible. If it seems that your needs aren't being fully met, please don’t hesitate to bring it up. We can discuss various options to find a solution that works for everyone. My goal is to provide quality childcare that meets the needs of both you and your child.