Child Care Policy and Procedures
Diane's Home Daycare
309 N. 4000 W.
West Point, UT 84015
801-814-6893

Mission Statement:   
	I believe that child care is not just a program like school. I feel that it is my personal responsibility to teach the children very important life skills. I focus on respect, friendship, sharing, manners and much more. I take care of children because I know that I can work well with them. I am great at understanding them. I also feel that it is my civic responsibility to help mold children for the future and make them better members of society.

Caregiver Qualifications:
	I have provided child care from my home for over 12 years now. I am current on my INCA training. I maintain my training hours for the state requirements as well as for the INCA requirements. I keep my CPR/First aid certifications current and my food handler's permit current.

Curriculum:
	My program offers a large variety of activities for various ages. All children participate in outside play, painting, coloring, puzzles, dress-up, role playing, educational video games, board games, building blocks, and more. I focus on various approaches depending on the activity and the age of the child. Older children (3 ½ and up) are taken aside and participate in a teacher directed educational activity every day. I celebrate all State and National holidays with the children. I do at least one holiday focused activity for each. If a child is enrolled in my care that does not celebrate holidays, I will take that into consideration and adapt my program to the parent’s desires and the child’s needs. I have a television in my home, but it does not have cable. The children are given the opportunity to select a child oriented DVD to watch during naptime/quiet time ONLY. I sometimes will allow them to watch educational programs on basic television. I DO NOT use the T.V. as a babysitter!

Transportation:
	I currently do not provide transportation to or from any schools.However, I am only 1 block down from West Point Elementary and they can safely walk if needed. I can occasionally arrange transportation with a neighbor but that is not guaranteed since I am relying on someone else.  If  I only have a few children in my care and they can all safely fit in my vehicle, I will take them on outings like a lunch activity or to the park.  I have insurance on my vehicle and will not transport without proper restraints for all children.

Selection Process:
	I will provide care for children from 2 months up to the time in which they are enrolled in the first grade. I occasionally offer care for older children during times in which they are not in school as long as I legally have enough space available for them at that time. All parents must first meet with me in my home for an initial interview so that we can review contracts and requirements. I will reserve spaces for children that have not yet been born, but I require that I meet the children at least once before their enrollment date. No children will be able to attend without completed contracts. My initial contracts must be provided on or before the first day of attendance including a copy of current immunizations. Parents must sign my food program enrollment before the second day of attendance. All payments must be made in advance. Parents are required to provide a two week notice before termination of services.

Accounting for Children’s Attendance:
	I keep record of all in and out times for every child on a sign in sheet I keep on a clipboard right by the front door where they come. Each parent is required to sign in/out their child each day. Each child has their own sign in/out sheet. I will sign them in/out if they forget.

Hours of Operation:
	Regular hours are 6am to 6pm. All full-time children must attend within these hours. Exceptions will be made for State employees and other hours offered on a case by case basis. I offer night and weekend care on occasion. Hours are set by the hours requested by the parent in the initial contract. Early or late pick-ups must be arranged in advance. Late fees are $3 for every 15 minutes, fees can be paid immediately at the late pick-up or be included in the next payment. Any days which I am not available to provide care, I will inform the parents and they will need to make other arrangements for care that day. I am closed for some holidays, an updated holiday list will be provided at the beginning of each year or upon a new enrollment. The weekly rate will be paid regardless of attendance. Illness, family vacation, holidays, and personal days off must still be paid for.

Tuition and Fees:
	There are no enrollment fees. Part-time care is available as long as the hours needed are in compliance with child to provider ratios. Rates are $4.00 per hour for drop-ins and Part-time care and $125 per week for Full-time care.

Food and Nutrition:
	I participate in the I.N.C.A. food program. Parents must sign a form indicating their participation in the program upon enrollment. I will provide formula and baby food for all infants unless the parent prefers to bring special items such as breast milk. Meals are served at set times throughout the day, parents not arriving at typical hours may need to feed their children before arrival.

Cleaning and Sanitizing:
	Floors are vacuumed and/or swept and mopped regularly. All bedding is laundered at least once a week, more often if necessary. Each child is provided with their own bedding. Toys are sanitized with a health department approved sanitizer weekly, except infant toys which are sanitized daily. My facility is kept in good repair. Adults and children are required to wash their hands before and after all meals and all toileting related activities as well as outside activities.

Sick Children:
	Mildly sick children that are not contagious will be accepted (i.e. teething or ear infections). In accordance with the health department codes, children will not be permitted to attend if they have; heavy green or white nasal discharge, fever of 100 degrees or higher, persistent deep cough, vomiting or diarrhea that has occurred more than one time in the last 24 hours, pink eye, rash, itching of scalp or skin, any infection for which the child has not been on antibiotics for 24 hours and possibly other symptoms. Parents must notify me immediatly of any contagious illness. Failure to do so could result in immediate termination from my daycare as well as covering up an illness with medication without telling me.

Medication:
	I will not administer any medications to children. Exceptions will only be made for children with special needs. If an exception is made parent’s are required to provide proper documentation and training on the medication.

Clothing and Supplies:
	All children need to have a full change of clothing at all times. If an item is sent home, a similar item needs to be returned the next day. All soiled clothing will be placed in a plastic bag and sent home at the end of the day. All diapers and wipes must be provided by the parent. I will provide bottles unless the parent prefers a specific type in which case, they will need to provide them. Parents are welcome to provide comfort items like a blanket or stuffed animal for nap times. All personal items must be clearly labeled. Any non-essential personal items brought from home are the sole responsibility of the parent.

Animals/Pets:
	I do have pets at my facility. I have 1 dog and 1 cat and they are old so they do not bother the children. They are up to date with immunizations and are clean and in good health.  Children are not permitted to bring any animals or pets. Children are not allowed to clean pet area's and my pets are not fed where I feed the children.

Discipline:
	Rewards and praises are provided for appropriate behavior. I prefer to remove a child from the situation when they are participating in inappropriate behavior and give them some personal space to relax and get their thoughts in order. If a parent uses a different form of time-out, I will respect that and use a similar method. No form of corporal punishment will be permitted such as hitting, kicking, or biting the children. Children will not be isolated from the group without supervision. Children will not be shamed or belittled or denied rest or food. As a provider I am required by law to report any suspected child abuse.

Firearms:
	There are no firearms on the premises and they are not permitted. 

Smoking, Drugs, Alcohol, and Sexually Explicit Materials:
	None of these activities or items are permitted on the premises. 

Contact Numbers:
	The Utah Bureau of Child Care Licensing
	http://health.utah.gov/licensing/
	(801) 538-9084
LICENSED FAMILY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Section A
Supervision and Protection of Children

I do the following to ensure the direct supervision and protection of children at all times:
I follow the safety guidelines inside the house as well as outside. I keep infants and toddlers in sight and within close range at all times.

In addition, I do the following to ensure the direct supervision and protection of children:

	When they are sleeping:
	I check all children every 15 minutes when they are sleeping. All of the rooms fully meet safety standards.

	When they are outdoors:
	I am always with the children at all times regardless of their ages. They are never left alone outside at my facility. If I have babies here, then the other children have to wait until the babies are awake so we can all go outside.

	During off-site activities:
	I do not participate in any off-site activities. If I need to attend a doctor’s appointment, I always have the parent's come get their kids early or I schedule all appointments around the parent's schedules whenever I can.

I do the following to keep track of each child’s whereabouts:
	I keep children within my visual range at most times. When children are out of my site they are usually napping, naps are still monitored.

Section B
Sick Children

My policy regarding sick children, including whether or not sick children are allowed to be in child care, and at what point I consider a child to be too sick to be in care:
	Mildly sick children that are not contagious will be accepted (i.e. teething or ear infections). In accordance with the health department codes, children will not be permitted to attend if they have; heavy green or white nasal discharge, fever of 100 degrees or higher, persistent deep cough, vomiting or diarrhea that has occurred more than one time in the last 24 hours, pink eye, rash, itching of scalp or skin, any infection for which the child has not been on antibiotics for 24 hours and possibly other symptoms. Please do not try to trick me by masking a fever with medication before you bring them as this will be grounds for immediate termination! Be honest with me as this will help all of us to stay healthy. Anytime a parent is called to come pick up a sick child, they will need to do so within 1 hour of the call and will not be permitted back to daycare for 24 hours or until they are no longer contagious.

My policy when my own children are sick is:
	I will inform the parents of the illness and keep my children away from their children or the parents can stay home with their child.

Section C
Behavioral Expectations & Discipline of Children

Behavioral Expectations			Discipline Methods Used

Infants:					Infants:
Cry when hungry, wet, or in need of		Attend to their needs and do not discipline.
Love and attention.

Toddlers:					Toddlers:
They may be hitting, jumping on furniture,	I ask them if their heart is happy when they
Or displaying bad manners.			Do something they know is wrong.

Two-year-old:					Two-year-old:
Needs to learn to take turns and improve	I ask them to apologize when they 
their manners.				            misbehave, and discuss their behavior with 						them so that they understand what they did.

Preschoolers:					Preschoolers:
They need to learn toileting behaviors,	            I remove them from a heated situatio            
And other ‘big kid’ skills and behaviors.	and ask them what they can do to make it
                                                                        better. They are learning and understand                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                        most of the time what they do.

School-age Children:				School-age Children:
They need to work on displaying 		Older children have more expectations. 
appropriate behavior to the other children	If they misbehave I will remove them from 
and play with them in a kind manner.	            the situation and discuss what is occurring. 

Section D
Transportation of Children

I do not provide transportation to or from school. If there is ever a need to transport a child, I will not do so without proper restraints.

FAMILY EMERGENCY AND DISASTER PLAN

Section A
Responding to Medical Emergencies & Serious Injuries

I will do the following if a child is seriously ill or becomes injured and requires attention from a health care provider or 911:
	I will call 911 and begin first aid care, which may include CPR, until paramedics arrive. I will notify the parents immediately and file a report within 24 hours of the accident.

Section B
Procedures for Fire, Earthquake, Flood, Power Failure, & Water Failure

I will do the following if there is a fire at my home:
	We will exit through the closest safe exit and meet at the tree in the back yard. All children will be accounted for at that time.

I will do the following if there is an earthquake:
	We will exit the home immediately and move to the open field that is close by.

I will do the following if there is a flood at my home:
	We will exit the structure immediately. If it is a minor flood I will send the children to my back-up provider. If it is major we will go to the local school. In either situation, I will inform all parents.

I will do the following if there is a power failure at my home:
	We will use flashlight if necessary. My policy states that if the power is out longer than 1 hour the parents are required to come and get their children. I can't use my stove, microwave oven, and its unsafe to use candles.

I will do the following if there is a water failure at my home:
	I will use the water supply in my food storage to get by until the water is restored. If its off for more than 24 hours I will close my daycare until water is restored.

Section C
Emergency Shut off of Gas, Electricity & Water

The location and procedure for an emergency shut off of gas at my home is as follows:
	The shut off is located on the North side of my house in the driveway. To turn it off you just turn the valve. If we needed heat, we will relocate to 433 North 4000 West, West Point. If I need to prepare food I can use things like sandwiches and fruit. If its a dangerous situation, parents will need to come get their children.

The location and procedure for an emergency shut off of electricity at my home is as follows:
	The fuse box is on the wall by my backdoor off my kitchen. We would stay here and we would be able to use flashlights if needed. If off longer than an hour, parents will need to come get their kids.

The location and procedure for an emergency shut off of water at my home is as follows:
	The water shut off is in the basement in the East room where I do daycare behind a locked closet door. Secondary water is in the front yard in the North-East. We have water stored on site that would last for several days of a shut off.

Section D
Missing Child & Provider Substitute Plan

I will do the following if a child is missing from my home:
	I will call 911 first and then notify the child’s parents.

The name and number of the emergency substitutes who will be called in the event I must leave the home is:
	Janice Fisher 801-xxx-xxx, Alisha Larsen 801-xxx-xxxx, Tony Olds 801-xxx-xxxx, Andrew Olds 801-xxx-xxxx, or Marilyn Olds 801-xxx-xxxx. Any of these people have agreed to help me in the event of an emergency.

Section E
Emergency Evacuation & Relocation 

In the event that it becomes necessary to evacuate my home, I will take the children to the following location:
	the white church on 300 N. and approx. 3500 W. in West Point if its a neighborhood evacuation. If its just my home, then we will go down the street to 433 N. 4000 W. West Point to my mother-in-laws house. 

I will do the following to ensure that emergency supplies, including at least food, water, a first aid kit, and diapers are taken with me to the emergency relocation site:
	I will have a diaper bag packed at all times and keep a first aid kit in my vehicle.

I will do the following to ensure adequate supervision of all children during an emergency, including while at our emergency relocation site:
	I will treat them as though they are my own children and ask them to help look after each other as well. I will bring along one of my emergency people listed to help me too if needed.

Diane's Home Daycare Misc. Policies

Daily Schedule

6 - 8 am       Quiet time as the children arrive. Children will lay down and watch cartoons til everyone is awake and arrives.

8-9:00 am         Breakfast and clean-up

9- 10 am           Story time and circle time activities

10-10:30 am        Snack time

10:30 - 11:30 am    Outdoor play ( weather permitting)
                               or free play inside. Please bring a jacket 
                               and appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather.

11:30- 12:30         Lunch and clean-up, get ready for naps or quiet time
                               use bathroom, wash hands.

12:30- 3 pm          Nap/ quiet time. Everyone must lay down and rest.

3-3:30 pm             Snack time

3:30- 4:30 pm       Outdoor play or free play inside

4:30 - 6 pm          Wind down time and get ready for parents to come

Signing In/Out

The State of Utah requires your complete signature when you drop off/pick up your child. There will be a clipboard on my table inside the front door. Please remember to sign in/out your child every day. Each child has there own sheet for signing in/out. I will also occasionally post reminders or notes on your child's sheet so be sure to read them and check for them when signing in/out.

Meals and Snacks

The following is the meal schedule I follow. If your child will not be arriving until after mealtime, please feed them at home before they arrive. I do not allow food to be brought in from home. The other kids see it and it causes problems. I will make exceptions only for special diets or infants. I am on the state food program and am required to follow their menu's for a balanced diet for your child. If you have an infant under age 1, I provide Walgreen's Iron fortified formula and your infants food will be provided as well when developementally ready. If you choose to bring breast milk or another brand of formula, you will need to sign a waiver for the state.

Breakfast      8-9 am
Snack         10-10:30 am
Lunch         11:30- 12:30 pm
Snack          3- 3:30 pm

Quiet Time/ Rest Period

All children under the age of 5 are required by state law to have a rest period while at daycare.
Our rest time will be from 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm. I will provide a quiet place for your child to rest.
I will provide each child their own nap mat, pillow, and blanket. Infants under 2 will be placed in
a safety regulated playpen ( pack n' play) for naps ONLY! If your child has a special stuffed animal or blanket they use to sleep with, they will be allowed to use it at this time.Children older than 2 will lay down and watch a children's video in my living room and they will not be forced to fall asleep, only asked they lay down and be quiet so the babies can rest. If you need to pick up your child during these hours, I ask that you please come to my BACK DOOR  and knock quietly. DO NOT RING BELL!  If its not the usual time you pick up, please call me first so I can have your child up and ready to go. 

House Rules

As I have opened my home for daycare, there are a few things I expect of the parent's and children when they come into my home. Please wipe your shoes on the rug inside my door when you come in to avoid tracking in dirt and debris at the entryway, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER! Also, have your children remove their shoes and coats and place them on the rug by the door. I don't allow shoes to be worn into my home as it wears out my carpet and tracks in dirt where the babies are crawling around. Also, please DO NOT ring the bell between the hours of 6 am - 9 am and 12:30 - 3 pm. I have children that arrive early and are still sleeping so please just knock. After 9 am, we are downstairs in my daycare so please come to back door and again KNOCK. If I am unable to come to door after knocking a few times, you may ring the bell once. Also, when you come in, please use inside voices as children may still be sleeping. Drop off's should be quick with a short hug and kiss so please leave quickly as this makes it easier on your kids. I've done this for over 14 yrs. and I know it makes it easier for both me and your child if you make your "goodbye's" short so the kids don't get all worked up. I really appreciate this and so do your children.

Termination Policy

I reserve the right to terminate care at any time for the following reasons but not limited to:
•	Failure of parent to pay or late pay more than 4 times without consulting me first.
•	Continuous disruptiveness, dis-respect or harmfulness of a child, to me, or to other children in my care.
•	My in-ability to meet all of the child's needs. Whether the child needs more physical, behavioral, or 
            emotional attention than I can provide them.
•	Failure for the child to adjust to daycare after a reasonable amount of time.
•	Serious illness or injury of the child or provider.
•	False information or lying to me by the parents, written or verbal.