Daycare Closings
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
- Presidents Day
- Memorial Day (Observed)
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day (Observed)
- Indigenous People Day
- Veterans Day (Observed)
- Thanksgiving and the Friday after
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Parents Responsibilities
Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Your specific hours will be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement. I require two-week’s notice if you need to change your enrollment hours. I also reserve the right to terminate if the new hours will not work well for my childcare business. Early drop off can be arranged on case to case basis and a fee will be applied.
I offer both full-time and part-time care. Full-time positions will generally be preferred over part-time positions. I reserve the right to terminate a part-time position, if the position can be filled with a full-time family. You may opt to pay for a full-time slot in order to
keep your part-time position.
I do occasionally accept children for drop-in care if I have a space available on any given day.
You are still responsible for paying all fees for your contracted days regardless of whether you come or not.
You are required to notify me by 6:00 a.m. if your child will not be coming for the day or if you will be late in arriving. Your child could be the only child in attendance on any given day and I would not like to be kept waiting. Consistent disregard of these considerations may be cause for termination.
If you arrive after 10:30 a.m. you shouldn’t expect a curriculum to be taught. If I must wait for your child to begin our activities, then we would be too rushed and that wouldn’t be fair to me, or any of the children.
Please understand: The hours in which your child is here are strictly “childcare hours” and does not reflect all the additional hours necessary to provide quality childcare. I am available in case of emergency, but I do not want to work “overtime”. If I am to do so, it
must be worth my while. Just as you do, I schedule appointments around my scheduled work hours and am anxious to spend time with my family in the evenings.
I maintain an open-door policy for parents. This means that you are always welcome to call or drop in to see your children at any time during regular childcare hours. You are required to let me know of your presence before entering the premises. Knock, and then enter. Open door policy does not mean that my door will be kept unlocked. I believe that it is extremely important to keep the doors locked for the safety of the children. I do not want unwanted or unexpected visitors to enter without my permission or knowledge. I also do not want little ones leaving the house unsupervised. Your child’s safety is my first priority.
I would appreciate your taking into consideration my schedule when dropping in or calling and remember that visitors usually cause children to react in an excited manner that does not normally occur when I am alone with the children.
Blessingful Beginnings serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years and up, the environment and curriculum are age appropriate and designed for the unique characteristics of each individual
child. Each child will be given opportunities to learn at their individual levels.
Children are to arrive ready to learn and dressed according to the weather. It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents, or cry when being dropped off.
Please be very brief (no more than 5 minutes is sufficient) during drop-off times; the longer you prolong the departure the harder it gets. A smile, cheerful good-bye kiss, and a reassuring word that you will be back are all that is needed. In my experience, children are
nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone.
Please be very brief at pick-up times also. This is a time of testing when two different authority figures are present (the parent and the provider), and all the children will test to see if the rules still apply. An early arrival to pick up your child does not mean you may stay until the close of business. If you’d like to stay and visit, please arrange this with me beforehand. But typically, pick-up time needs to be kept brief.
When picking children up at the end of the day, you are asked to always come to the front door unless there is a note on the door saying we are ALL out back. Please knock – I often lock the door for the children’s safety.
During arrivals and departures, I expect you to back up my rules, but if you do not, I will remind your child that their behavior is inappropriate and take action to correct, if needed.
Please be in control of your child during these times.
I prefer that there are no pick-ups or drop offs during the designated daily quiet time, but if it is necessary, please be as quiet and brief as possible. Children who arrive during quiet time will be expected to remain quiet (they may play/read quietly) until quiet time is over,
so that others will not be disrupted from their naps.
Do not allow your child to run out to your car while you are still inside or while you are in my backyard! The safety rule is “No one goes outside without their parent with them.”
Drop-off and pick-up times are not good times to discuss problems. Little ears and minds hear and understand everything. I am not comfortable discussing children in the presence of anyone except their parents. Topics that concern day-to-day events, or light-hearted discussion are fine.
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
My normal procedure is to release the child only to his/her parents or someone else the parents designate. If someone other than the parent is to pick up the child, please notify me ahead of time. A verbal notice is fine on that day if this person is on the list of people who are authorized to pick up your child. If the person is Not on that list, I Must have written permission to release your child. Please inform emergency contacts, or people designated to pick up your child, that if I do not know them, I would need to ask for photo identification. I do not mean to offend them. This is simply a measure taken for your child’s protection. I will not let a child leave without a parent’s verbal permission even if that person is listed as one of your designated pickup people.
I am required to have all parents sign in and out for pick-ups and drop offs each day. A sign in/out sheet, pen, and a clock are located by the door for your convenience. This gives me a written record of the child’s attendance, hours, and the person who brought/picked up
the child each day.
There will be no refunds or adjustments made to your childcare fee for your time missed due to illness, holidays, or days off. A place has been reserved for each child that cannot be filled on a short-term basis. Although I will make every attempt to be available each day, there will be occasions when another family member or I are ill, and I am unable to provide service. You will be notified as soon as possible of any personal or family illness, funeral, or emergency. It will be your responsibility to obtain substitute care on such occasions and to arrange payment to the substitute. I strongly suggest that you have a family member, a friend, or a substitute provider lined up for the times I am closed due to illness or emergency.
When I must be away for a short time (1 – 4 hours), backup care will be provided by one of my substitute providers. If I am unable to use one of my substitute providers, then it will be necessary for me to close for half the day or the full day. My substitute provider is
authorized to carry out the terms of this contract. Absences
If you plan to keep your child home due to illness, or any other reason, you must notify me no later than your regular drop off time. I also expect to be notified if you anticipate being late dropping off your child in the morning. Payment is still due if your child is not in
attendance.
Please notify me when you drop your child off in the morning if you will be picking your child up early that day, or if your child has an appointment and will be leaving and returning later in the day.
All new children will be cared for on a two-week (14 calendar days) trial period beginning on your child’s first actual day of care. During that time the parent or provider may terminate the childcare agreement with 24 hours’ notice. No pre-paid fees will be credited upon cancellation during the Trial Period. After the trial period, a two-week’s written notice is required by either party to terminate the agreement (See Termination Policy). Your security deposit is not refundable if services are cancelled during your Trial Period.
Your specific rates will be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement. Payment is payable in advance and is due no later than drop off time on the first contracted care day of each week unless another arrangement has been agreed upon. If this day is a holiday,
payment is expected on the previous day. If you go away on vacation, payment is due before you leave. If it is my planned day(s) off, your payment is expected before I leave. In cases of illness, your payment is still expected unless other arrangements have been previously made. If I close the childcare due to my own illness or emergency, payment will be accepted on your first day back to childcare. Payments may be made by cash, cash app, Zelle or money order as long as no checks will be accepted. There will be a late fee of $25 on the first day and $5 for each day that payments are received late. Repeated late payments may be grounds for termination and your deposit will be non-refundable. I ask you to consider how you would feel if your employer came to you on your expected payday and told you that your paycheck would be
delayed? I will give you a minimum of two-week’s notice of any increases in your childcare fee.
I will supply you with a year-end summary of all daycare fees paid during the year for tax purposes. This will be given to you in January each year or when services are terminated. You may request a statement at any time. Any additional copy a $10 fee will be charged.
Blessingful Beginnings will be closed on all Federal holidays ( please see below) and 21 calendar days per year The Childcare will be closed the preceding Monday or Friday with pay when a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. These days off are paid Holidays.
Although very rewarding, childcare is also a very high stress occupation. For me to be the best provider that I can be, I will need time to relax with my family, accomplish household or childcare projects, or attend training seminars/conferences. Each year I may take up to 3 weeks’ vacation time. Only one of the weeks will be taken as one full week (5 consecutive days Monday – Friday). The remaining 2 weeks’ vacation (if I take them) will be paid. I may take these 2 paid weeks of time off as consecutive days or
may take them broken up. I will give no less than 3 week’s advance notice of all vacation/ time off days dates.
Occasionally, I may need to take additional days off for appointments, in services days, attend trainings, or just relax. I will try to schedule these days as far in advance as possible
so that you can arrange other care for your child. I also will try to pick a day that is convenient for the majority of parents, if possible. These days will be included in your weekly tuition.
No toys should be brought from home. Little ones have a difficult time, sharing with others, and it is even harder with their own special toys. Exceptions being their “lovey” for nap time, which will be put up until naptime, and Show and Tell and other special activity
days. I am not responsible for any loss or breakage of your child’s personal items. All personal items must be clearly marked with the child’s name.
You are responsible for supplying diapers, a full change of clothing (including socks and underwear) appropriate for the weather, and any other supplies that your child may need. You may bring a whole package of diapers to be stored in the changing table (I will let you
know when your supply runs low). You are required to supply a blanket for your child to be kept at the childcare home. All blankets and bedding will be laundered every Friday. Good clothing is not recommended. Soiled clothing will be sent home and a clean change
of clothes should be brought back the next day. If there is a special occasion that calls for special clothing (a visit or party right after childcare or a trip to the photographer), please send the special clothing with your child and I will help them clean up and get dressed
prior to your arrival. You will be required to bring bathing suits to be kept at the childcare home in the summer. I will request certain items for certain times of the year such as boots or snowsuits. All items need to be labeled with your child’s initials. You must always
maintain these items. Please keep in mind that if you do not bring a needed item, it may prevent all of the children from going outside. If it becomes necessary for me to purchase supplies and/or requested items for your child(ren), you will be billed on your next payment due date.
I am a participant in the USDA Food Program. Nutritious meals will be served to all children at no extra cost to you. I have set mealtimes depending on whether or not school is in session and also the hours of the children in current attendance. A weekly menu is posted at the front door; and the menu is available for you to look at per your request. You are responsible for feeding your child if he/she will arrive at childcare after a mealtime. If you call or request in advance, I can store the child’s meal until they arrive if it’s within an hour.
Infants, are provided with an iron-fortified formula, cereal, baby food, and juice at no additional cost to you. Infants are always fed on demand. Written feeding instructions are required from parents of infants including type of food and/or formula, amount of food
and/or formula, and feeding times.
I do have a backup provider who can be contacted in the event of an emergency; however, there is no guarantee a spot will be open for every child-I will be happy to provide parents with a list of other providers in the area; it is ultimately the parent’s responsibility to arrange for substitute and/or emergency care for their child.
Young children, toddlers and babies enjoy a structured schedule that allows for flexibility. A schedule helps the day to flow more smoothly, allows the children to anticipate coming events, and aids in achieving a variety of goals. I will adhere to my written schedule to the best of my ability, keeping in mind that anything can happen when children are involved. There will be times when I must make adjustments to the schedule.
*Discoverers are offered meals and snacks during all scheduled meal times. However, they are fed on demand as the provider observes their needs or if the parents has asked the provider to follow a provided schedule.
*Encounters begins at 9:00 a.m. daily; it is essential for your child’s development and growth to participate during this time. Please ensure your child is signed in no later than 9:00 am for him/her to receive the full scope of this learning opportunity. Our class is a mixture of teacher directed and child initiated based environment. Activities will infuse movement, curiosity, and joy.
*This schedule is merely a guideline for our day, actual times and activities often vary in response to the children’s needs and interest. Each learning skill, activity or experiences can and will be adapted to meet the needs for the individual and all unique abilities a child may have (i.e. Ample space between tables to accommodate wheelchair/walkers, adjustable tables, tactile sensitive materials, dimming lights, hearing and visual aids etc.)
If your child has any of the following illnesses or conditions, you must keep your child home:
* A temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
* Vomiting (2 or more times in 24 hours)
* Diarrhea (3 or more watery stools in 24 hours)
* A rash or nits
* Eye infection
* Sore throat
* Any Communicable-Disease
* If it’s clear your child is just not feeling good depending upon the illness, you may be required to obtain a doctor’s note before your child returns to care. During daycare your child may require exclusion please see the following per/ The Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care (OCC) COMAR regulations 13.16-18.08.01 Individualized Attention to Care, and COMAR 13A.15.11.02 (Family) Health and 13A.16-18.11.01Center (Health) Exclusion
for Acute illness regulations A child may be excluded from care if:
The child’s illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in activities that the facility routinely offers for well children or mildly ill children.
1) The child is displaying any of the signs and symptoms that require an evaluation from a health care provider as indicated by the child’s age and condition. In this situation the parent is notified of the need for immediate emergent or urgent issues.
2) The illness requires more care than the childcare staff is able to provide without compromising the needs of the other children in the group.
3) The child exhibits an acute change in behavior, and examples include lethargy/lack of responsiveness, irritability, persistent crying, difficult breathing, or having a quickly spreading rash
4) The child with fever: Temperature at or above 100.0◦ F orally, 101 ◦ F
Any medication must be in the original bottle or container and prescription medications must include the original prescription label and instructions. Blessingful Beginnings will not administer any medications, creams, or sunscreen without written consent from a child’s parent. Please do not leave medication on the counter. Parents must hand all medications, instructions, and consent forms to me personally.
To assist children in developing self-control, self-confidence, and sensitivity in their interactions with others, and to ensure order, prevent injury, and ensure a child’s activities are not infringing
on the rights of others, the following strategies are used to guide the children’s’ behavior:
Focusing on the child’s behavior, rather than on the child.
reinforcing appropriate behavior.
Observing children in order to anticipate potential difficulties.
Establishing eye contact and calling the child by name to gain a child’s attention.
Remaining near the child in situations where he/she may be losing self-control.
Modeling problem solving.
Offering choices.
Re-directing.
If all else fails, the child will be removed from the situation in a way that ensures that the ‘time out’ is a positive learning experience: * Prior to the use of ‘time out’ the child will be given an explanation of what it means and what it involves. * The ‘time out’ place will be located within the play area, where they can still be supervised, but far enough from the activity. * The child will be allowed to determine when he/she can return to the activity. * For pre-school age children, the ‘time out’ period will be no more than one minute per year of age, to a maximum of five (5) minutes. * Appropriate or acceptable
behavior of the child following ‘time out’ will receive praise.
If a child loses control and could possibly injure him or herself or others, the child will be held and helped to sooth themselves until self-control is gained. I do not practice, or allow the follow behaviors:
Corporal punishment such as shoving, hitting, shaking, spanking
Harsh, belittling, or degrading treatment
Confinement, unsupervised separation from others, physical restraint as punishment
Depriving children of meals, snacks, rest or necessary use of the toilet
There will be times and ways you can get involved in your child’s childcare experience. You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any or all of these. Some examples of ways to be involved include:
· Chaperoning on field trips
· Lending objects for units of study
· Coming and talking about your job, when asked
· Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see monthly newsletter)
· Helping your child prepare for “Show and Tell”· Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties