OUR MOTTO

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER LETS TAKE OVER THE WORLD

GENERAL INFORMATION

LICENSE

M. Val Howell is licensed by the State of Pennsylvania and complies with all applicable licensing regulations and standards. Our licensing record, including licensing inspection reports and any complaint investigations, as well as evaluation forms from the health, building and fire departments that inspect our home are visible. These standards relate to our home, staff, health, safety procedures, nutrition, care giver to child ratios, and record keeping. We believe that these standards are in the best interest of the children. Our home is subject to inspection by state and city health, fire, and licensing officials at any time.

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING

We are mandated to report child abuse. If we have suspicions that a child is being abused or neglected, we will make a report to the local children’s services agency. Safety of children is our primary concern.

TERMINATION POLICY

The first 30 days will be regarded as a trial period, in which case either party may terminate the contract without notice. After the first 30 days of enrollment, a two week written notice from parent or provider is required to terminate the contract, with the exception of (provider’s) family emergency, gross misconduct on part of the parent or child, or failure to follow the rules as stated in this handbook and agreement. This constitutes grounds for immediate discontinuation of service. In lieu of written notice, two weeks of pay may also be given to terminate the contract. In cases of non-payment, legal action may be taken, and the parents will pay all legal fees incurred.

ENROLLMENT/REGISTRATION FEE

A non-refundable fee of $20.00 is charged upon registration for each child.

PAYMENT: $235/ weekly

Weekly payment is due regardless of attendance and is due on or before Friday. If payment is not made by such time without prior arrangements, a late fee of $25.00 will be applied. If this should occur payment with late fee is expected to be made by drop off time the following Monday or childcare services will be suspended until such payments are made. Payments may be made by cash, money order, Paypal or CashApp. Receipts are available upon request. The child will not be permitted to stay in care until all fees are paid in full.

OVER-TIME FEE

A late fee of $10.00 per child shall be made for the first 10 minutes of being late for drop-offs and/or pick-ups outside of contracted hours and $5 per 5 minutes afterwards. If prior notice of early drop-off (evening before or earlier) or late pick-up (morning of care or earlier) is arranged late fees may be waived, but regular over time charges may occur.

HOURS OF OPERATION

LEN Family Home Daycare is 24 hours:

Monday 6:30am – Friday 6:30pm

First Shift:

6:30am- 6:30pm

Second Shift:

7:00pm- 6:00am

DAYCARE HOLIDAYS/CLOSURES

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Black Friday
  • Christmas Eve/ Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Eve

LEN will also take one week (5 days) of vacation in the summer. We will give a minimum of 4 weeks notice before any closure so you can have time to arrange alternative care for that time period.

AUTHORIZED RELEASE

The child will ONLY be released to the parent/guardian with legal custody or persons over the 18 who are designated by the parent on the Emergency Contact Form. The provider will refuse to release the child to anyone not on the list. The provider will require photo identification from anyone that it is not recognized. The providers will not release the child to anyone including the parents/guardians if they suspect the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or any other substance that they feel may pose a threat to the child.

SIGN IN/SIGN OUT

Parents/guardians are required to sign their child in each morning and out each afternoon/evening. Please advise anyone who is dropping off or picking your child up of this policy.

MEALS AND SNACKS

We provide a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Please let us know in advance if your child is not permitted to have specific foods due to allergies or religious beliefs.

INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT

Early childhood educators at LEN Daycare use developmentally appropriate practices and consider the unique needs of all children when planning. Staff will make every attempt to make any adaptations or modifications necessary to meet the needs of the children. We work with outside agencies/IEP teams to help incorporate any child’s IEP/IFSP. Schedules, routines and activities are flexible and early childhood educators will work with therapists, special educators and other professionals to integrate individual accommodations, modifications and strategies into classroom routines and activities. Any adaptations will be reviewed with families and other professionals supporting the child. We use Ages & Stages Questionnaires to assess each child and use the Gee Whiz curriculum.

TRANSITIONING

We feel transitioning takes time, preparation, planning and patience. Caregivers can help a child by supporting them before, during and after transitions occur. These transitions occur when starting at a new environment, every day transitions from home to daycare setting, transitioning into a new age group and classroom, with a new provider, and transitioning to school. We are committed to assisting our families and children in making these traditions as seamless and comfortable as possible.

MANAGEMENT OF ILLNESS

We do our best to be supportive while maintaining a healthy environment. We allow a child to attend if they are feeling somewhat under the weather, but children with communicable illnesses other than the common cold may not attend until they have fully recovered. If a child is observed to have signs or symptoms of illness we will immediately notify the parent or guardian of the child’s condition. Signs or symptoms we look for include, but are not limited to, fever, diarrhea, severe cough, difficult or rapid breathing, difficulty swallowing, yellowish skin or eyes, infections, rashes, parasites, and vomiting.

For the health and safety of your child and all of the children in our facility, please do not bring your child to daycare sick. If you are not sure if your child should be brought to daycare, then please call and check with us. If a child becomes ill during daycare hours the parents will be contacted to pick up their child. Parents need to pick up their children within one hour of being notified. If parents are not available, the emergency contact person will be notified.

Once the child is removed from daycare due to illness, they may not return to daycare until symptoms requiring removal are no longer present. The child must also be void of any contagious disease, unless accompanied by a doctor’s note stating the illness in question is not contagious, and the child is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule.

A child with any of the following illnesses must be completely free of any symptoms before returning to daycare. If the child is taking antibiotics for an illness, the child may return to daycare after the initial 24 hours of beginning antibiotics as long as he or she has a slight to no fever (under 100F under the arm), no longer contagious, and is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule. Any child with a fever of 100 degrees or above, orally (in the mouth), or axillary (under the arm), may not attend daycare. State law requires that we notify parents of children who have been exposed to certain contagious diseases. Please notify us if your child becomes infected, so a note can be posted.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

Prescription medication will only be administered if a physician’s note is provided with complete instructions and the prescription label is attached to the original prescription container with the child’s name, a current date and dosage amount.

With written instructions from the parent/guardian and the original container with dosage specified, we will administer the following:

  • Non-prescription fever/pain reducing medication that does not contain aspirin
  • Cough/cold medication that does not contain codeine
  • Non-prescription topical product/lotion

It is very important that all emergency contact information is kept up to date and correct. Please inform us immediately of any changes to keep your information current. Parents are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency transportation if required.

Note: In case of a serious accident or sudden illness requiring immediate medical attention, the following procedures will be followed.

  • A phone call to 911 is made.
  • The child’s parents (or emergency contacts) are called.
  • The child is separated from the other children and appropriately cared for.
  • The parent, provider, or ambulance takes the child and health records to the doctor or hospital.

TRANSPORTATION

We will provide transportation for field trips. Prior to transporting your child we will secure your permission.

CLOTHING

Children should wear comfortable play clothing with sturdy play shoes (tennis shoes). Please make sure your child has appropriate outerwear such as coat, hoodie, hat, mittens, swimsuit, cover-up and sunscreen.

CHANGE OF CLOTHING

Each child should have an extra full set of clothing (pants, shirt, socks and underwear). Please make sure that the extra clothes are suitable for the season and still fit. Each piece of clothing should be clearly labeled with the child’s name.

BREASTMILK / FORMULA

If your infant requires a special diet of breast-milk or formula, please provide enough clearly labeled bottles to last through the day.

DIAPERING

All children who are not yet completely potty trained must have a full supply of diapers and wipes daily. Diaper rash creams should be included if necessary. We will inform you when your child needs more diapers, wipes, and cream.

TOILET TRAINING

We are more than happy to encourage potty training as long as the child is ready (typically between 2 and 3 years old). The initial start needs to be done at home for at least two weeks with success before it can be effectively started at daycare. Parents will be required to supply pull-ups and wipes. Children will be allowed to come to daycare in cotton training pants/underwear after they have been accident free for at least two weeks in pull-ups. Communication between parents and the daycare provider is imperative for a successful transition from diapers to toilet.

SECURITY ITEMS

If your child requires a favorite blanket, toy or other item in order to take a nap, please provide it and make sure it is clearly labeled. Please don’t forget to take it home with you at pick up time!

CLEANLINESS

We take the well-being of your child very seriously and work hard to provide an environment that is as healthy as possible. We are committed to keeping our home and the children in it as clean as possible, in order to help minimize and/or prevent the spread of germs. Our home is kept clean and disinfected at all times. We thoroughly clean surfaces that children come in close contact with using soap and water, or Lysol, etc. The high chairs are cleaned between each use, and the diaper changing tables are cleaned and disinfected between each diaper change. Toys are cleaned and disinfected often. Hand washing is the single most effective practice in preventing the spread of germs. We wash our hands many times throughout the day, as well as the children’s hands before and/or after engaging in a thorough list of activities.

Staff washes their hands:

  • Before beginning work
  • Immediately before handling food or feeding children
  • After using the toilet, helping a child use the toilet or after changing soiled clothing or diapers
  • After coming into contact with any bodily fluid, such as a wet or soiled diaper, runny nose, spit or vomit
  • After handling a pet or pet equipment
  • Whenever hands are visibly dirty
  • After cleaning a child, the room, toys, or bathroom
  • Before giving medication or applying ointment
  • After work

Children wash their hands:

  • As they enter each morning
  • Immediately before and after eating
  • After using the toilet or having soiled clothing or diaper changed
  • After using play-dough or other substances
  • After playing on the playground
  • Whenever hands are visibly dirty
  • Before going home

EMERGENCIES

In the event of an emergency we will evacuate or shelter-in-place as necessary. If we evacuate the premises, we will begin contacting parents/guardians. If we are unable to reach you we will begin calling emergency contacts as specified on enrollment forms. If a minor accident/injury occurs, we will administer basic first aid. You will be advised of any incident and/or treatment provided. If emergency medical treatment is needed we will first call 911, then contact the parent/guardian.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

LEN Family Home Daycare has written policies and procedures for dealing with emergencies and natural disasters. Evacuation plans are posted in the daycare. In the unlikely event, the children will be evacuated to an emergency location, and you will be notified as soon as possible. Our emergency location of choice is 608 W. Cliveden St. at the bottom of the hill on our road. A notice will be posted at the daycare with all information on the alternative sight. Directions to the Township Building are as follows: From our house turn left out of our driveway. Go to the bottom of the hill and the house will be on your right.

Accommodation procedures for infants and toddlers during an emergency situation

During any of the emergency situations listed, infants and toddlers may need special assistance to be safely relocated within the facility or evacuated from the facility. This is to ensure that all individuals can be removed from the facility in one trip. Pre-school aged children, and older children should be able to walk and will follow the direction of the staff responsible for them.

Staff will carry any infants or toddlers during an emergency relocation within the facility, or an evacuation away from the facility. If infants and toddlers cannot be carried, they will be placed in a stroller to evacuate. Older children will walk. The older children will use a rope to hold on so we can all stay together, and they will be led to the relocation site.

Accommodations for children with disabilities or chronic medical conditions during an emergency situation

Any enrolled children with disabilities or a chronic medical condition will be accommodated during emergencies, and the accommodations will depend on the individual’s disability. Different accommodations will be used for different disabilities, depending if the disability is of a medical, physical, or emotional nature. If a child has a disability, which requires specific accommodations, the “Individuals with Disabilities Form” will be filled out by the parent and the provider at enrollment, or when the disability is discovered. Decisions on how to safely accommodate the child will be discussed and written on the individual form. A specific staff person will be assigned to any child needing accommodations. A copy of the form will be kept with the emergency plan and a copy will be placed in the child’s file.

SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME and ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA/CHILD MALTREATMENT

LEN believes that preventing, recognizing, responding to, and reporting shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma (SBS/AHT) is an important function of keeping children safe, protecting their healthy development, providing quality child care, and educating families.

Procedure/Practice

Recognizing:

  • Children are observed for signs of abusive head trauma including irritability and/or high pitched crying, difficulty staying awake/lethargy or loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, inability to lift the head, seizures, lack of appetite, vomiting, bruises, poor feeding/sucking, no smiling or vocalization, inability of the eyes to track and/or decreased muscle tone. Bruises may be found on the upper arms, rib cage, or head resulting from gripping or from hitting the head.

Responding to:

  • If SBS/ABT is suspected, staff will:
    • Call 911 immediately upon suspecting SBS/AHT and inform the director.
    • Call the parents/guardians.
    • If the child has stopped breathing, trained staff will begin pediatric CPR.

Prevention strategies to assist staff in coping with a crying, fussing, or distraught child

Staff first determine if the child has any physical needs such as being hungry, tired, sick, or in need of a diaper change. If no physical need is identified, staff will attempt one or more of the following strategies:

  • Rock the child, hold the child close, or walk with the child.
  • Stand up, hold the child close, and repeatedly bend knees.
  • Sing or talk to the child in a soothing voice.
  • Gently rub or stroke the child’s back, chest, or tummy.
  • Offer a pacifier or try to distract the child with a rattle or toy.
  • Take the child for a ride in a stroller.
  • Turn on light music.

In addition, the facility:

  • Allows staff who feels they may lose control to have a short, but relatively immediate break away from the children.
  • Provides support when parents/guardians are trying to calm a crying child and encourage parents to take a calming break if needed.
Prohibited behaviors

Behaviors that are prohibited include (but are not limited to):

  • shaking or jerking a child
  • tossing a child into the air or into a crib, chair, or car seat
  • pushing a child into walls, doors, or furniture

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT & DISCIPLINE

We believe that the discipline of a child is achieved through patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. We teach children in our care manners, kindness and to be respectful to others. One of the ways in which we do this is by the example we set as providers. Rules of the daycare are explained to the children frequently. Once a child is old enough to understand the rules and disobeys them by exhibiting inappropriate behavior (hitting, aggression, etc.), hurting others, or property, the following developmentally appropriate guidance techniques will be used. These techniques are as follows:

  • Positive Reinforcement: The child will be encouraged when demonstrating acceptable behavior.
  • Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try again later.
  • Time-Out: The child is separated from the group for an age appropriate amount of time (one minute per one year of age). This technique is only used when a child repeatedly will not follow our directions or listen to our words, is exhibiting temper tantrum type behavior, or hurting one’s self, others or equipment. When the child shows that he/she is ready to demonstrate acceptable behavior, they are encouraged to join the rest of the group to try again.
  • Conference: When a child’s behavior is continually inhibiting a safe learning environment a conference will be scheduled with the parents.
  • Suspension and Expulsion: If an expulsion must occur, the child care agency will assist the child and family in transitioning to another program by identifying and engaging mental/ behavioral health consultants and community resources to assist in determining the most appropriate placement for the child.

Prior to the expulsion of any child from this program, the staff and director will follow these guidelines:

  • Identify and engage mental and behavioral health consultants and community resources after obtaining parent permission.
  • Reduce the number of days or amount of time in care for a specified amount of time.
  • Conference with parents to discuss positive behavior interventions and development of goals.
  • Document efforts to prevent and reduce expulsion.
  • Provide reasonable accommodations.

GUIDELINES – What Is Asked Of Children?

  • All food and drinks must be kept at the table in a sitting position.
  • No playing in the bathroom.
  • No coloring on anything but paper.
  • Name calling and foul language or yelling is not allowed.
  • No hitting, kicking, pushing, pinching, biting, spitting or pulling hair.
  • No pulling or picking of plants, grass, trees, or flowers.
  • No picking-up, pulling, poking or squeezing of babies.
  • All cupboards are off limits to daycare children.
  • Take turns and share.
  • Help clean up.
  • Laugh, smile, play, and be happy.

COMMUNICATION

LEN Daycare acknowledges and respects the priorities each family has for their child. Families are encouraged and supported to collaborate with staff to ensure that each child has an opportunity for optimum success. We conduct family conferences within 60 days of enrollment and throughout the calendar year September, January, and June. LEN Daycare communicates with each family daily and has regular meetings to discuss the child’s successes and challenges. So we can provide the best possible care, please feel free to communicate any needs, wants and/or concerns regarding your child. It is only through good parent/provider interaction that good quality nurturing care can be achieved.