(Revised 08/28/20)

​

 

 Policies and Procedures Agreement:

 

Admission:

Jenifer’s Joyous Ones Family childcare will provide care for children between the ages of 6 weeks to 10 years.  My operating hours are between 6:30am and 5:30pm Monday-Friday.  I will never refuse to enroll a child on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed or handicap.

 

Enrollment Procedures:

Parents must meet with me in order to discuss their child’s specific needs, explain Satellite and review the program’s policies.

The following forms are required to be on file for each child per licensing standards:

 

• Enrollment and emergency medical consent form

• Authorization to transport (vehicle or walking trips)

• Immunization record (may be submitted within 30 days after enrollment)

• Health Report (needs to be completed by physician) may be submitted within 90 days after enrollment

• Information for children under 2

• Completed and signed contract.  Policies and Procedures reviewed.

• A Summary of licensing requirements called:  “Your Guide to Regulated Child Care” Initialed by you stating you have read it.  _______________________________

 

All families will be enrolled on a trial period of two months to determine if this is the right placement for your child.  During this trial period either party (parent or provider) has the right to terminate care without notice.  Your trial period will end on _________________.  Please make note of this day.  After the trial period, termination notice must be given.  The parent will be responsible for payment the days the child attended during the trial period.

 

Parent/Provider Communication

Communication is very important!  Your child’s day, growth and development will be discussed daily at drop off and pick up times.  If there are issues or concerns that need to be discussed, please work with me to arrange a convenient time to talk on the phone at nap time or another arranged time so we can give the issue the attention it deserves. In some situations a face to face meeting may be required.  Text messages and emails after 6pm weeknights or on the weekends will be addressed as I am able, but I may not respond until the next business day if it is not an emergency.

You are welcome to visit or observe your child at anytime during operating hours!

The license certificate and results of the latest monitoring visit is posted for your viewing on the “Parent Board” just outside the playroom and is updated frequently.

A Conference will be scheduled with the parents at least once a year.  More often if requested.  Your child’s conference will be around the time of their start date each year.

Parents agree to notify provider by 9 am of a child’s absence or late arrival.  If a call is not received after an hour of your normal arrival time, I will attempt to contact you and this will be documented.

If a child is expected to arrive from 4-K or school and does not arrive as scheduled, I will immediately attempt to contact that facility and the parent if necessary, to determine the child’s whereabouts.

Fees and other benefits for the provider will be reevaluated at the annual contract renewal.

 

Release of Child

I must be notified, in writing, if someone other than the parents or authorized person will be picking up your child.  If, in the opinion of the provider, the person who arrives to pick up the child is not able to transport the child safely, the provider will choose one of the following options:

1. Call an emergency back-up person who is authorized to pick up the child.

2. Call Social Services if parents are unreachable and have not made an effort to contact me.

3. If the pick-up person arrives without a legal car seat, the provider may ask the person to leave the child with the provider while they obtain a legal car seat to transport the child.

If the provider has offered the above options but the individual refuses and poses a threat to the child’s safety the police will be called to report that the driver of the car may be operating it illegally or impaired.

 

Custody Issues:

The non-custodial parent will receive information about the child, from the provider, if information is requested unless:

A restraining order is in effect and it includes no contact with the child and if a parent has been denied all physical placement under a family court order or if a child has been removed from the home or if non-custodial parent has been denied unsupervised visitation with the child under a juvenile court order.  (A copy of the order must be on file with the provider)

The provider will release the child to a parent unless there is a copy of the court order on file with the provider that prohibits a parent from having contact with the child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confidentiality Statement

Provider and Parents will treat information about children and families in a confidential manner.  Provider may release information to Satellite regarding compliance with this contract.

Children’s records are accessible only to the child’s parents, Satellite staff, Licensing Specialist and provider unless written parental permission has been given.  Permission will be asked for in writing if the parent or provider requests a referral to an outside agency.  (Example:  Birth to 3, etc.)

Discussions between parents and provider about specific children are held in private and sensitive information about children and families is not shared with other families in care or other providers.

Satellite staff may be used for consultation in a confidential manner.

Parent authorizes provider to release information to Satellite regarding child and family.

 

_______________________________________                ______________________

Parent Signature                                                                      Date

 

Abuse and Neglect

Family Child care providers are required by law to report if they know or have reason to suspect that a child has been neglected, abused or threatened with abuse or neglect and that abuse or neglect of the child will occur.  Each child care provider and substitute will receive training at least every 2 years in child abuse and neglect laws and how to identify and report to the proper authorities.

 

Parent Grievance Procedure:

If the parent(s) have a concern or problem with a provider, the following steps should be followed in the order listed:

Step 1:            Communicate the concern or problem with the provider.  This is the most important step in assuring that two-way communication occurs.  This may occur through a series of conversations.

Step 2:            If the concern regarding compliance with Accreditation Standards continues after attempts have been made to resolve it through provider & parent dialogue, the parent/guardian may contact Satellite at (608) 275-6740 or info@reachdane.org to discuss the concern and provide information, or to make a formal complaint.  Satellite staff will respond to a formal complaint within 10 working days.

 

Termination:

The parent or provider can terminate this contract, by giving a four-week written notice in advance of the ending date.   Payment by the parent/guardian may be due for the notice period, whether or not the child is in attendance.  Reasons for a provider termination may include but are not limited to:

• Failure of parents/guardian to pay

• Failure to complete required forms

• Lack of parent cooperation

• Inability of provider to meet the child’s needs

• Inability of the child to adjust to childcare

• The failure of parent/guardian to abide by contract or policies

 

In some cases immediate termination may be necessary.  Some reasons for immediate termination may include, but are not limited to:

• Failure for parent/guardian to pay required fees

• Health or Safety reasons of the children in care

 

Communication between parents and myself is very important.  Termination due to any of these reasons would be a last resort of all parties being unable to resolve the issue together.

 

Liability:

This family childcare is covered by liability insurance both for my premises and for my operations.

 

Illness Policy:

It is not always easy to decide if a child should remain at home due to an illness.  Children who come to childcare are expected, with few exceptions, to participate fully in childcare activities.  Children who are exhibiting the following symptoms will be sent home or should remain at home:

• Fever of 100 degrees or higher (axillary): this signals an illness that may make a child uncomfortable and unable to function well in childcare.  Children shall be fever free for 24 hours without Tylenol or other fever reducer before returning.  If the fever is due to teething a doctor’s note must be brought in stating that the fever is solely due to teething.

• Vomiting, diarrhea or severe nausea: these are symptoms that require a child to remain at home until symptom free for 24 hours before returning to care.  If there are more than three runny BM’s a child may be sent home.

• Rashes:  a doctor should examine rashes or patches of broken itchy skin if it appears to be spreading or not improving.  A doctors note may be required stating that the rash is not contagious.

• Constant, Thick, colored nasal discharge. A doctors note may be required stating that the child is not contagious.

 

A child who is too ill to remain in care will be isolated within sight or sound of the provider, from the other children in another room or area when possible.  The parent will be notified of their child’s illness and will be required to pick up their child within 1 hour.

Children with communicable diseases shall not attend childcare.  The local public health officer and parents of all enrolled children shall be notified of certain communicable diseases.  Examples of communicable diseases include, but are not limited to:

• Chicken Pox

• Impetigo

• Influenza

• Lice  (preferred that they be nit free before returning, but will work with the family to help resolve the issue)

• Pink Eye (need to have been on antibiotics a full 24 hours before returning)

• Measles

• Mumps

• Whooping Cough

• Strep Throat (need to have been on antibiotics a full 24 hours before returning)

• Scarlet Fever

• COVID-19

When there is an active outbreak this illness policy may be amended at the advice of the Department of Public Health.

It is important that you notify the provider if any medication has been administered to your child within the last 24 hours.  Should there be a medical emergency it is crucial to report whether or not the child is on medication.  Meriter hospital will be the emergency care facility used.

 

All prescriptive and non-prescriptive medications (including diaper rash creams and sunscreens) that need to be administered at childcare by the provider require that the parent complete an Authorization to Administer Medication Form, and must be in their original container.  Labels on Medications must be followed which may require a doctor’s authorization before medication can be administered.  I the provider will document all medications in a medical logbook with the date, time, dosage and name of the medication given, along with the child’s name.

 

Health and Safety Procedures:

Each child 5 years of age or younger that is not enrolled in Public School, is required to have a physical examination report on file within 90 days of the first day of attendance.  

Children age 2 years and older must submit an updated Health Report form every 2 years. 

Children under 2 must submit one every 6 months.  The parent must complete an immunization record for all children within 30 days of the first day of attendance.  Computer printouts from your doctor’s office can be used.

I will inform you when your child’s file needs to be updated.

Children’s and Provider’s hands will be washed frequently to help prevent spread of germs.

Meal and Diaper tables will be washed with soap and bleach water after each usage.

Toys that have been mouthed will be sanitized daily and other equipment/toys will be sanitized weekly.

Smoking is not permitted by anyone on the premises when children are present.

Superficial wounds will be washed with soap & water only & a bandage applied if necessary.

Parent’s will be notified immediately of a head injury.

All staff members have a current certification in infant and child CPR, including training in the use of an AED.  Updated every two years.

 

Potty Training Guidelines:

At around the age of two years, potty training will begin for children that are showing signs of readiness and interest or curiosity in the process.  Children may start before the age of two years but not before 18 months as per licensing regulations.

The most important factor in making the potty training experience successful and as low-stress as possible is a family/teacher partnership that supports the child.

Signs of potty training readiness:

• Can keep diaper dry for at least an hour and a half or two hours

• Notices when their diaper is soiled and needs to be changed

• Can tell a caregiver they need to be changed

• Can stay dry over nap time

• Can ask to go to the bathroom

The potty training process begins with children becoming used to our potty routine, becoming proficient at hand washing after use of the bathroom, Learning bathroom terminology, learning how to pull pants up and down and/or take pants on and off. 

This initial process can take up to 2-6mos depending on the age of the child and how fast they want to learn. It also depends on a potty routine being implemented at home and encouraged.

Regular diapers during the initial process are preferred. Training diapers such as pull ups are not. Children should wear clothing that encourages self-help, so no onesies or overalls please :)

Children are rewarded with stickers on a potty chart and may earn prizes if sticker’s are not motivating enough.  Children may have books or other calming items that help them relax. We often sing fun potty songs and make a really big deal when they are successful!

The next part of the process is transitioning into wearing underwear!  It can take anywhere from 2-3 months before being declared fully potty trained.  It depends on the child and how fast they want to learn.  Children are sent to the bathroom more often during this time until they become used to listening to their bodies.

Once a child moves into wearing underwear we typically do not back track. Even if they experience a potty regression.  When children have accidents they help with clean up! Please send in lots of changes of underwear and pants! 

Children may need to continue use of a diaper during sleep times such as nap time or overnight until longer periods of dryness are established.

 

 

 

 

Emergency Procedures:

Fire Evacuation plans shall be practiced with the children monthly and tornado drills shall be practiced from April through October.  Completion of all practice drills will be documented.

In the event of a fire, children will be evacuated through the nearest exit and taken to the front yard by the light pole. The attendance form and list of phone numbers for parents and emergency contacts. Will be taken along to ensure that all children are accounted for and all parents notified.  If unable to re-enter the building, we will go to the neighbors across the street where you will be called to pick up your child. 

In the case of a tornado, or severe thunderstorm, children will be taken to the hallway away from any windows until it is safe to return to the playroom. Blankets, a flashlight, extra batteries, bottled water and a snack are kept in the toy closet/shelter area at all times.

If there is a threat to the building or its occupants 911 will be called immediately and the parents will be called to advise them of the threat.  Depending on the nature of the threat, evacuation and or closure or lock-down may be required.

If my home should lose the use of heat, water, electricity or other building services before I open, I will try to call (if able to) to inform you of my need to close.  If unable to call I will post a note on my front door.  If I should lose any of these services while children are in attendance, I will call to ask that children be picked up.  If I am unable to call we will walk to the neighbors house if safely able to and call from there.  If unable to safely walk to the neighbors we will shelter in place.

In the event of a Flood before the center opens, please watch your local news channel to see if any schools are closed.  If Verona or Madison are closed I will be closed.  If my home should suffer any water damage from the flooding, I may have to close for clean up.

If a flood should occur while the children are in attendance, I will Shelter in place and contact you to let you know.

If there is a loss of my home due to a fire, storm. etc. I will be closed until you are given further notice.

If a child should become lost while in my care We will check all areas of our surroundings.  If the child cannot be found police will be notified immediately and parents will be called.

In the event of a Medical Emergency I will call 911 and the parents to alert them of the situation.  In some situations my Emergency Back up provider may be called in.

To prevent allergic reactions due to food or other causes, I will post a picture of the child with their allergies listed below the picture and make sure that all staff are aware of their allergies.  Each child with an allergy should have a written care plan that includes instructions regarding the allergen, steps to be taken to avoid that allergen, and a detailed treatment plan in the event of an allergic reaction, including the names, does, and methods of prompt administration of any medications (such as epinephrine auto-injector). The care plan should include specific symptoms that would indicate the need to administer medication.  If the child has an allergic reaction that doesn’t appear to be life threatening, I will contact the parents. I will immediately contact parents if I suspect an allergic reaction or contact with/ingestion of an allergen.

If Madison or Verona schools close due to bad weather, my program will be closed.  This does not apply to cold weather closings.  Payment is still required.

 

Nutrition:

I am part of the WECA Child and Adult Care Food Program and am required to serve nutritious meals every 3 hours.  Currently Breakfast, Lunch and Snack will be served each meeting the requirements of the food program.

If your child has special dietary needs (allergies, vegetarian, Etc.)  A special form needs to be filled out for the food program and any allergies will be posted on the cupboards

 as a reminder.

Infants will be fed based on their schedule but at least every 3 hours.  If they are unable to sit up unassisted they will be held while drinking their bottle or sit in an infant feeding chair.

Menus will be posted on the “Parent Board.”

Birthday treats are welcome but try to keep the age of the children in mind when bringing them.

 

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):

According to licensing standards, all providers, employees, substitutes and volunteers of a provider who provide care and supervision for children under one year of age shall receive training in the most current medically accepted methods of preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) before the date on which the provider is licensed or the employment or volunteer work commences.

I have completed an approved SIDS training on April 24, 2002.  This can be verified with the Satellite office at 608-275-6740

 

To reduce the risk of SIDS, parents will be given an informational pamphlet and infants will be laid down to nap on their backs, unless written instructions from the parents to do otherwise are in the child’s file.

 Mattresses for cribs or playpens will be firm and snug fitting.  A baby will not be placed on a soft surface to sleep such as a waterbed, sheepskin, pillows, sofa or other soft surface.  Pillows, quilts, comforters, stuffed toys and other soft items will be removed from the sleep area.  If a blanket is used, the infant will be placed at the foot of the crib with a thin blanket tucked around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as the infant’s chest.  The infant’s head will be uncovered during sleep.  If preferred a “swaddle blanket” or “sleep sack” will be used.

“Tummy time’ will be provided for awake non-mobile infants.

 The “Intake Information” form will be reviewed with parents and updated every 2-3 months.  An orientation on SIDS risk reduction methods will be provided to employees, emergency back-up providers, substitutes and volunteers prior to their caring for children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guidance:

In accordance with Wisconsin Rules for Family Daycare Licensing, the following punishments that are humiliating or frightening to a child are prohibited and will never be used even at the request of the parent:

• Hitting

• Spanking

• Verbal or sexual abuse

• Withholding or forcing food

• Binding or tying to restrict movement

• Enclosing a child in a confined space such as a closet, basement, locked room, box (or similar cubicle)

• Any punishment for lapses in toilet training

• Any form of physical punishment

Timeouts cannot exceed 3 minutes and will only be used as a last resort.  Timeouts may not be used for children under the age of 3.

 

I will use the following methods to guide the child rather than discipline:  

• Redirection to a safer or more appropriate activity

• Problem solving with children that are more verbal

• Talking through the situation

• Role Modeling appropriate behavior

 

I understand that there will be times when a child will become distraught, fussy or won’t stop crying.  My first action will always be to find the cause of the distress, whether it is a basic need such as hunger or a diaper change or just needing some extra time and attention.  I understand that crying is normal, and that all babies will have times when they cannot stop crying.  At these times I will do whatever I can to soothe your child.  Sometimes this may mean just allowing the child to cry for a few minutes and then trying again.  However, there also may be times when I need your advice or assistance, and I won’t hesitate to call you if I feel that it is necessary.

 

Activities:

PLAY is the major component of our program.  Enough time, materials and space will be provided for children to actively explore the world around them. The children in my care will be provided with a variety of activities based on the developmental needs of each age group.  Some of these activities are:

Infants/Toddlers:       Crawling, exploring, art, sensory, singing and finger plays, reading books together, trying on hats, going for walks outside, etc.

Preschool:        Imaginative play, art, music and movement, outside play, puzzles, legos and other building materials, reading, writing, cooking projects, etc.

School Age:     Board Games, Art, Free play, Outdoors activities, cooking projects, etc.

A daily schedule will be followed for older children.  Infants and Toddlers will follow their own schedules but will be provided with activities throughout the day.

 

 

Activities will include experiences that will:

• Encourage use and development of language

• Develop large and small muscle skills

• Encourage creativity, cultural awareness and imaginative play

• Develop a positive self-image

• Provide indoor and outdoor play

• Provide active and quiet activities

• Provide group and individual activities

Television, videos & DVD’s will occasionally be used when meals need to be prepared upstairs or if we have a special unit that we are learning about.  Children are not required to watch and will be given other activities to choose from if they wish.

A rest period will be provided for children 5 and under that are in care for four or more hours.  Infant and Toddlers will be allowed to follow their own napping schedules.

 

Children, including infants and toddlers, will go outdoors daily when weather permits, so dress your child appropriately for the weather.  The children may be kept indoors during inclement weather such as any of the following:

• Heavy Rain

• Temperatures above 90 degrees F

• Windchills of 0 degrees F or below for children age 2 and above

• Windchills of 20 degrees F or below for children under age 2

 

Substitute Care Arrangement:

Parents will be required to provide their own childcare if I am unable to do so due to illness, closings or scheduled vacations.  On some occasions a substitute will be hired.  You will be notified ahead of time when a substitute will be here whenever possible. 

 

A Staff Orientation Checklist will be completed with all Co-Providers, volunteers or substitutes.  This Checklist consists of:

• Names & ages of children in care.

• Current arrival & Departure times and names of people authorized to pick up.

• Review of children’s records, including emergency contact info.

• Special health care needs including medications, disabilities or special heath conditions.

• Procedures to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

• Overview of the daily schedule including meals, naps & infant & toddler routines.

• Review of procedures for dealing w/ emergencies, including natural disasters, human-caused events, food emergencies and allergic reactions.

• Procedure for reporting suspected abuse & neglect of a child.

• Procedure to contact a parent if a child is absent without prior notice.

• The prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunizations.

• The administration of medications.

• The handling and storage of hazardous materials and disposal of biocontaminants (blood, body fluids or excretions that may spread infectious disease)

• Review of center policies and procedures.

• Review of licensing rules for Family Child Care Centers.

• Caregiver reporting requirements for the child care background check.

A Shaken Baby Syndrome class will be taken before being left alone with children.  If a class cannot be taken before they are to provide care, an approved video will be viewed and documented and the provider will take the department approved SBS training within 6 mos

 

I have an emergency backup person that may be called for assistance in the event of an emergency.  Their duty will be to notify you and require you to pick up your children.  Before being left alone with the children they will also be given an “Orientation Checklist” The emergency back up will also complete Shaken Baby Syndrome training.  My emergency person is:

 

Tammy Fish

516 Enterprise Dr.

Verona, WI 53593

 

Transportation and Field trips:

Every year I will complete a Driver Training Checklist as required by licensing and place the document in my file.  The training shall include all of the following:

 1. The procedure for ensuring that all children are properly restrained in the appropriate child safety seat.

2. The procedure for loading, unloading, and tracking of children being transported.

3. The procedure for evacuating the children from a vehicle in an emergency.

4. Behavior management techniques for use with children being transported.

5. A review of applicable statutes and rules affecting transportation of children.

6. A review of applicable center policies.

7. First aid procedures.

 8. A review of child abuse and neglect laws and center reporting procedures.

9. Information on any special needs a child being transported may have and the plan for how those needs will be met.

If parents are not comfortable with their child being transported I will respect that and schedule field trips accordingly.

I will notify you ahead of time of driving field trips.

Parents may be asked to supply car seats.

Children will never be left unattended in any vehicle.

My vehicle has an alarm installed in it that will go off after 5 minutes if the button at the back of the van has not been pushed.  This is to ensure that no children are left unattended in the vehicle.  I will exit the front seat, help all the children exit and then push the button in the back. 

A “Field trip backpack” and a list of the children in care will be taken including emergency contact info. For the provider and the children.

A cell phone will also be taken in case of an emergency.  It will not be used while loading, unloading or transporting children, except when the vehicle is out of traffic and not in operation.

The vehicle is inspected every year and is insured to transport for field trips.

I will obtain and review my driving record which will be kept on file as required by licensing.

In the event of a vehicle accident while transporting children I will pull over to a safe area if possible.  Call 911 and check all the occupants in the car for any injuries. Call all parents/guardians. Special accommodations for children under 2 or children with disabilities will involve making sure that all their items needed for care are adequately stocked in the vehicle and if possible, an extra staff member or older child is able to help in the case of an emergency. 

I will make sure the vehicle is always stocked ahead of time with extra diapers, snacks, water bottles, first aid kit, emergency contact information for myself and the occupants.