PARENT HANDBOOK

Miss. Kaylas In-Home Childcare

103 Buffalo Run Road
Buffalo, MN 55313
Work: (763)280-2790
Email: MissKaylaArens@Yahoo.com

Infant Care:
Infants in a home daycare situation are afforded the unique opportunity of observing,
learning from, and interacting with children of all ages on a daily basis. I will work with
parents as the infant develops, to create a daily eating and sleeping routine that meets
the needs of the child while being accommodating to the group's schedule. Infants sleep
in a crib or meshed-sided crib with only having their pacifier being allowed in the crib.
This is a State law. (Rules change at 1 year of age) They are not allowed to sleep in
anything other then the crib. Example: No sleeping in the swing, bouncer, car seat, etc. I
highly encourage for this to happen at home as well. It makes it easier on the Provider,
Parent and the infant. If the child should need to sleep in another position a doctors note
will be needed as well as a parent signed copy of this information. Your infant must be
brought fed prior to arrival. Unless the infant is eating solids and off the bottle, they can
participate in breakfast at the scheduled breakfast serving time.

Open Door:

You are invited and welcome to visit the daycare anytime your children are present. You
are asked to avoid visiting during nap/quiet time as much as possible. Please knock/ring
the doorbell as the door may be kept locked for safety reasons, but I will quickly answer
the door as soon as you arrive. Parents are also free to call at any time. If I am busy with
the children and do not answer, please leave a message, and I will call you back as soon
as possible. A text message can work as well. If I am anticipating your arrival, I will
unlock the door for a short period; feel free to enter without knocking.

Days & Hours of Operation:

Childcare is provided on a contracted basis. Each family has their unique needs, and will
have their own set hours of care. I open my doors at 5:30am, arrival prior to that contract
time requires approval. The door will remained locked until opening time. Do not knock,
or ring the doorbell. My children will be sleeping at this time.

Summer Holding Fee:

There will be a charge of the regular week payment that is non-refundable for summer
holding fee per child. This guarantees your child's spot(s) in the daycare in the fall. The
payment is due every week. You are paying for a position, as well as a service.
**State Subsidized parents: While I do accept DHS payments for childcare, the FULL
RATE AND FEES are required to secure my services. I will reimburse the parent when
the state payment is received, or the state payment may be applied to the following
month's payments.

Payment:
The first week's payments are due when reserving the space and are nonrefundable. All
payments are due by 5:30pm on Friday for the following week. After 530pm, the late fee
($20 per day) will be assessed. If payment is not made by Monday, your child will not be
accepted into care until payment, including all late fees, is made. If a period of 7 days
passes without payment received, the contract will be terminated, the position filled, and
the collections process begun. You will be responsible for any costs related to collection
of the childcare fees.
Cash or Check is accepted and a receipt will be given upon request. A year-end
statement of all childcare fees paid will be provided within the first 4 weeks of the New
Year for tax purposes.

Late Fee: $1 per minute per child (after a 5 minute grace period) past your contracted
time.
Please note: This fee is to discourage lateness and to encourage respect for my time
with my own family. Please be on time!

Late Payment Fee: $20.00 per day that payment is not received. Weekend days count
as late payment days, so payment after 7:01 pm Friday until 7 pm Saturday is $20 extra
fee, from 7:01 pm Saturday till 7 pm Sunday will be another $20 and so on.

Returned Check Fee: $40.00 plus any additional costs I incur for a returned check.

Cash payment will be due within 24hrs of notice of a returned check. Late Payment Fee
(above) will apply if payment is not promptly received. After one returned check, all future
payments must be made in cash.
*A notice will be sent home with the child on Thursdays if there have been any fees
incurred. These fees will need to be paid on Friday with regular tuition.

Late Policy:

If a parent is 10 minutes late and I have not received a phone call to tell me when the
expected pick-up time is, I will call the parent numbers that I have for the child/ren. If I am
unable to reach anyone, I will try again at 20 and at 30 minutes late. If there is still no
answer, and the parent has not shown up the child's alternate pick-up person will be
called to come get the child. Continuing efforts will be made to contact someone. If after
1 hour no parent or alternate pickup person is able to be contacted the police or other
authorities may be notified. Please make sure your emergency contact information is
correct and updated as needed. If this situation ever occurs, I will make every effort to
care for your child as normal and help them not become worried. I will continue to care

for the child until the parent or an alternate contact person or the authorities have arrived
and taken the child into their care or custody. At no time will the children be blamed for
their parents lateness or will it be discussed in the presence of the child. Late charges
($1 per minute) will apply for being tardy, repeated (non-emergency) lateness is grounds
for termination of childcare.
Please be courteous and inform me of lateness and absences by 8am, as waiting for
children to arrive affects our daily schedule.

Unexpected Daycare Closings:

Notification of at least 14 days will be given prior to any additional closed days with the
exception of emergencies, deaths or illness. Please have a backup childcare provider for
these occasions. If needed recommendations and help finding a back up provider/center,
I will do so. The Provider is not responsible for finding alternate care for your child. (Days
missed)
**There will not be a charge for unexpected closings (illness, death in the family,
etc.) The daily amount (your weekly rate divided by 5) will be credited towards
your next weekly payment.
Maternity Leave:
The Parent understands that to secure a spot in the daycare they must inform the
Provider of the pregnancy as soon as possible.
The Parent understands that to secure a spot in the daycare they must inform the
Provider of the pregnancy as soon as possible. The Parent will be required to pay for the
child/rens rate at only a half-week rate. The child/ren are only allowed to come 2 days a
week with the half-rate. They must come on the same day/s each week to keep a
consistency within the childcare routine. However, if the child/ren come more than the
two days, the provider must be well aware one week prior to and the provider must
agree. A full weeks payment will be required if more than the two days of care will be
needed. of care for the two children before the commencement of leave. The half-rate is
only for 6 weeks Maternity Leave. Anything more than 6 weeks, full-rate will be required.
Holidays:
Parent/s understand that the daycare is closed in observance of the following Holidays:

New Years Day

Memorial Day
Fourth of July
Labor Day

Thanksgiving
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day

Day after Christmas

2 Floating Holidays

The Parent further understands that their regular daily rate is due and payable for these
Holidays.
If any of the Holidays above fall on a weekend day, the Provider will take the previous
Friday or the following Monday off in observance of the Holiday.

Health:
A Health Care Summary must be completed by a physician PRIOR TO ADMITTANCE. I
must have immunization records for each child. Please keep these records up to-date as
this is required by the State of MN.
I will do my best to maintain a healthy environment for the children although no
environment can be made germ free, keeping their numbers low can lessen the harmful
effects of germs. The #1 way to reduce the spread of germs is by thorough and frequent
hand washing, as well as not bringing your children to daycare with cold, flu, or illness
symptoms. I will follow all hand and equipment-washing rules as stated in the Minnesota
Licensing Standards for Day Care Homes. I will encourage the children to wash their
hands often and require hand washing before eating and after toileting.
Written permission is required before any medication, diapering products, sunscreens,
lotions, or insect repellents can be given. All prescription medications must have the
child's name, name of medication, Doctor's name, name of pharmacy, prescription
number, date, and directions for administering/dosage on the label. The medication must
be in the original container as dispensed by the pharmacy. Administration of any
medication will be logged on a Medication Administration Record. A medication
administration sheet will be provided prior to bringing the prescription.

Illness:
If a child is not well enough to participate in regular daily activities, they need to be kept
home. Please ask for specifics on my illness policy. Children will need to be kept out of
daycare for vomiting (24-hour throw-up free before returning) uncontained diarrhea, or
any illness I deem them needing to be kept home. Child must be 24 hours free of a fever
& other illnesses without medication. A doctor's note may be requested in certain
circumstances in order for a child to return to care.
If a child becomes ill while at daycare, parents will be notified and the child must be
picked up within one hour. The sick child will, if possible, be isolated from the other
daycare children to minimize exposure, although, not in a bad way as to make them feel
even worse. If a child is absent for an extended period of more than one week (5 days)
due to illness, a doctor's slip is required upon return to care.

***If one of my own children is sick and I will not be able to provide care to other children,
I will notify parents as soon as possible and parents will need to have backup child care
for that day. There will be no charge for that day. If one of my own children becomes so ill
that I cannot provide care for other children during childcare hours, I will notify parents
and children will need to be picked up within one hour.
***If we have a medical emergency, I will get back up care immediately and parents will
then be notified and will need to pick up children ASAP! A payment for those hours cared
for must be paid, but the hours that the children are sent home will be credited to the
next week tuition. (This amount will be provided by the next time payments are due)
Illness:
The following guidelines will be in effect for illnesses:
1. The Provider will call the Parent when family members are ill.
2. The Parent will call the Provider prior to the normal arrival time if the child
wakes up ill to discuss arrangements for the day.
3. The Parent understands the Provider may not able to accept the child based
on the nature of the illness.
4. The Parent understands that they will be asked to pick up in the following
circumstances:
a. Temperature of 100 degrees or higher
b. Vomiting and/or diarrhea (At least two diarrheas)
c. Unexplained rash
d. Other conditions making the child uncomfortable
e. Other- A complete list of other contagious illnesses requiring
exclusions from daycare is available upon request
**Child can return after a 24-hour basis with not being medicated.
Immunization records will be kept for each child in care using the required form from the
County. Children who do not have all of the immunizations required by law will be
excluded from daycare until requirements are met. Weekly payments will not be waived
during any missed daycare.

Supplies:
Infants and children not yet potty trained will need diapers.
The daycare will supply Up & Up Target infant regular formula, all infant cereal and
beginner baby foods. If you prefer another brand of formula for your child you will be
required to provide it as this is what is under the food program.
The daycare will provide all infant cereal and baby food once the child begins those

foods.
Children must have shoes EVERY DAY. I think we can all agree, Minnesota weather is
very unpredictable. Please keep this in mind when dressing your child during FALL and
WINTER months. Many very cold mornings warm up to beautiful afternoons. Children
love to play outside, so please use common sense when dressing them for the day.
Light layered clothing with sweaters that can be taken off later in the day, or worn
outside, are often better than dressing them in thick warm up type material that becomes
too hot in the afternoon.

Safety:
Our house is set up as a safe environment for children. We have emergency fire and
storm procedures. Practice drills will be completed regularly and recorded in a monthly
log provided by the state.
Please DO NOT send toys, food, candy, gum, or money with your child unless
specifically asked to do so. These items place an unnecessary burden on the provider,
and may cause the child to become upset when taken away. The items may also be
wrecked, lost, or played with by other children. These items can also pose a choking
hazard if the provider is not aware of them.
In the event of any injury (other than minor scrapes, bumps, scratches, etc.), the parents
will be notified immediately! Although supervision is constantly given, I cannot be by the
child's side at all times to prevent falls, tripping, bumps, etc. If the child is injured in a
non-life-threatening way, I will assess the child and provide home first-aid.
In the event of a serious injury, the parents will be notified immediately and necessary
steps will be taken to obtain medical aid. For emergency purposes, PARENTS MUST
KEEP ALL CONTACT NUMBERS CURRENT. If I cannot contact you or your emergency
contacts and immediate intervention is required. I will take appropriate action, including
calling 911 and having your child transported by ambulance to the hospital. (This bill will
be your responsibility.)
You and your family insurance is/are responsible for the cost of medical help or
treatment due to accidents or illness while in child care. The childcare is not responsible
for any accidents that may happen to your child or for any medical or legal charges.

Fire:

There is a fire extinguisher located in my kitchen. If there is a fire that cannot be

extinguished quickly, the children will be evacuated immediately before calling 911. We
will practice fire drills monthly so the children will be prepared in the event of a fire. I have

a fire escape plan on hand.

Power outage:
There are flashlights located throughout my house. If there is an extended outage, the
daycare will close in accordance with licensing rules. Parents will be notified and
expected to pick children up within the hour.

Preschool Program:
I do offer a preschool curriculum. We have a daily circle-time that includes calendar,
weather, and our monthly topics. We also try to include many of the following things
during our routine each day!
1. Small muscle: coloring, puzzles, play dough, and a variety of blocks and other
activities.
2. Large muscle: crawling, marching, running, jumping, dancing, stretching, exercising,
and sports participation such as: bowling, playing catch, basketball, etc.
3. Creative play: (stimulate child's imagination and language skills) play areas that may
include store, post office, dress up, and puppets.
4. Arts & Crafts: projects emphasizing creativity/technique and most importantly "trying"
rather than final outcome.
5. Music: Daily use of songs, rhymes, poems, piano or recorded music.
6. Science: Activities that encourage investigations, observing, discovering and problem
solving. Example: Cooking, growing a plant, bug hunts, etc.
7. Math: Counting is a part of every day. This includes involving concepts such as
volume, size, shape, and measurements.
8. Language Arts: Story Time will occur daily. Children will be encouraged to participate
in group conversations, social conversations, story telling, and role-play.
9. Outdoor Play: We will go outside daily, weather permitting. On days when we cannot
get outside, we will have activities planned for large muscle development.

Behavior & Discipline:

Children will be treated with courtesy, respect, and patience. Discipline will be according
to age and understanding level. Younger children, babies, and toddlers, will be redirected
to another activity. Older children (2 yr old +) will be given timeouts depending on the
severity of the offense (almost always one minute per year of age, never to exceed 10
minutes) and the child will not be left unattended. If a child's behavior becomes a
problem, I will address it with you and we will try to resolve it together.
AT NO TIME WILL A CHILD BE SUBJECTED TO PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OR

SHAMING, FRIGHTENING OR HUMILIATING METHODS, OR ANY TYPE OF VERBAL

ABUSE, THREATS, DEROGATORY REMARKS, OR WILL DEPRIVATION OF A MEAL
OR ANY PART OF A MEAL BE USED. NO CHILD WILL EVER BE PUNISHED FOR
BATHROOM/TOILET ACCIDENTS, EVEN IF AT THE PARENT'S REQUEST.

Nap/Rest Time:

All children under 6 years old are REQUIRED by the provider to have a nap/rest period.
No child is forced to sleep, but however they must remain quiet. Older children, and
those who wake early, will be allowed to read a book and participate in a quiet activity
until rest time is over. Please try not to schedule pick-ups or visits during this time to
lessen the disturbance to the resting children. All children will be given clean separate
bedding in accordance with the Minnesota Day Care Licensing Rules. Please bring a
blanket, NO stuffed animals or toys if that will help them rest.

Toilet Training:

Toilet learning is a learned skill much as using a cup or spoon. For this reason this skill is
introduced early and consistently over a period of time. The most success will be had
when parents do the same at home. I will use the underwear/pull-ups supplied by the
parent. Please send your child in easy-on/easy-off clothing until they are able to
completely undress and re-dress themselves. I require at least 3 complete changes of
clothing during toilet training. I do not launder soiled items and will send them home in a
plastic bag. Please replace any clothing sent home the next day. Underwear will be
allowed in daycare once the child is accident free for 2 weeks.

Meals/Snacks:
Nutritionally balanced meals and snacks will be served. The children are offered the food
and encouraged but not forced to eat. Please do not send any food or drink with your
child without prior approval through the provider. If you do, please label it with your
childs first and last name.
Meals/Snacks will be served during the following times:
7:45am Breakfast**Please plan to be here before 7:45am to be present for breakfast.
11:00am Lunch **Plan to arrive before this time to be counted for lunch.
3:15-3:40-Afternoon Snack
(Subject to change based on childrens contracted times and with the school year.)
If your child is not at the daycare during the designated times to receive a meal, please
be sure your child has had the meal at home. Children are encouraged to use mealtime
to share their experiences with each other. Manners will be taught and encouraged at

this time as well. Please list on the child information sheet any food allergies the child
may have. If your child needs a special diet, I will attempt to adjust my menus, or ask that
you provide some of these foods.
I participate in the USDA food program for childcare providers. This reimburses me for a
small portion of the food cost for each meal. For infants, I am required by the Food
Program to offer an iron fortified infant formula. I will be offering only one brand. If
parents prefer a different formula, the parent is responsible for providing the formula. I
will work with you on your wants and needs for your children. Introducing solid foods of
course, foods will be appropriately cooked and diced small and I will avoid common
choking hazards.

Pets:
We have animals. They have been certified as healthy by a veterinarian and are current
on all immunizations. No child will be left unsupervised around the animals at any time.

Clothing:

Children should wear clothing for comfort and convenience. For the child's safety, please
no clogs, high heels, etc. Comfortable sneakers or sandals should be worn, and water
shoes for summer play (or the child may go bare-foot). Please dress your child in
clothing that is suitable for the weather. This means hats, mittens, and jackets/coats
when necessary.
This is a hands-on childcare, children learn by doing. I use washable art supplies, but
caution never hurts! Children should not be worried about getting dirty or having spills on
their clothing. Please dress your child in play-clothes. I will do my best to take care of the
child's belongings. However, accidents do happen and this childcare is not responsible
for lost or soiled clothing.
If there is a special occasion that calls for special clothing (a visit or party right after child
care or a visit from the photographer), please send the clothing with the child and I will
help them clean up and get dressed prior to your picking them up at the end of the day.

Supplies:

Children will be given a designated area for their personal belongings. Please mark
names on your children's items. Please bring the following things for your child to have
available:

1. Toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste, for children 18mos & older.

2. A complete change of extra clothing. This includes shirt, pants, underwear, and socks.
*Please replenish if the items are returned to you. Please be sure these are season
appropriate. *Please bring 3 changes of clothing while toilet training.
3. Diapers or pull-ups, please replenish as needed.
4. Special blanket or stuffed animal, and pacifier for nap time, if needed. The blanket will
be returned on Fridays for laundering. Please bring it back on the returning day of the
next week.
5. Sun-block, insect repellent, diaper ointment, etc. (can only be used if form is signed)
*Parents are encouraged to bring extra seasonal outdoor clothing such as tennis shoes,
hats, mittens, coats, etc. to keep at daycare in their child's area as these items are often
forgotten in the morning rush to get out the door.

Water Play:

I have a sprinkler, activity table and a variety of water toys for warm weather water play.
A swimsuit and towel may be requested for these days.

Smoking:
Smoking is not permitted in the residence at any time.

Holidays/Birthdays:
We honor major holidays and all children's birthdays. You are more than welcome to
participate in ANY activities we have planned. Please let me know if this is something
you are interested in, and I will be sure to let you know of our schedule! You are allowed
to bring treats for a Birthday celebration. Please let me know ahead of time so I can plan
on it.

Television Viewing:
There is a TV in our daycare room. Viewing time may be allowed in early mornings (prior
to breakfast), and after toy pickup while waiting for parents. This can amount to one half
hour to 1 hour per day depending on when your child is here or if they want to watch.
The programs I allow children to view are shows like Blues Clues, Dora, and Sesame
Street. We occasionally watch children's movies, which are rated G (or not rated) such
as Veggie Tales, Leap-Frog, or Baby Einstein videos. We also may have a longer Grated Disney movie (no more than once per week) as a special movie day. Please let me
know of any objections to any movies or shows.

Drop-off/Pick-up:

Please turn OFF your vehicle. Do not allow your child to play near the vehicles at any
time.

Your child must exit my home with you.

I assume responsibility for your child only while he/she is in my care during regular
hours.
No child will be allowed to leave with anyone except the parent, unless indicated on the
alternate pick-up list, without WRITTEN permission from the parent. Telephone
permission WILL NOT DO! Anyone unfamiliar to me will be required to show proof of
Identification. Please make the alternate pick-up person aware of these requirements.
If the person picking up the child appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
another authorized person will be called to pick-up both the child and the adult. If the
adult chooses to leave with the child, the police will be notified.

Court Orders:

If there is a court order keeping one parent or guardian away from the child, I must have
a notarized copy of that court order in my files to that effect. Otherwise, I cannot legally
prevent the non-custodial parent from picking up the child.

Terminating Child Care:

After the trial period a two-week notice must be given prior to terminating childcare
services, or to make changes in the contract (i.e. need to change hours or days care is
needed). Parents will be responsible for paying for the two weeks after notice is given
regardless of whether parents choose to keep children in care for those two weeks. If I
feel that the requirements of the contract are not being met or if there is a conflict in
caring for a child I may choose to terminate the contract. I will give families a minimum of
a two-week notice in this case. Property will be held onto for 2 weeks after last care date.
After the 2 weeks are up the items will be discarded or donated to accommodate room
for other childrens item/s as space is limited. I will be in contact with you if any items
were forgot. (Verbal, Phone, Email, Text)
The child care reserves the right to terminate the service if:
1. Immunizations are not kept current
2. Tuition is not paid in full
3. If the parent is not supportive of the policies and procedures
4. The provider is treated in an abusive or derogatory manner
5. Child fails to adjust in the day care after reasonable measures have been taken
6. The child's behavior is unmanageable, and/or harmful to the other children or to the

provider.
If immediate termination/dismissal is required for non-payment two weeks payment is
required with no further care provided. If payment is not made and your account remains
delinquent, legal actions will be taken. All collection charges, late charges and legal fees
will be added to your account and owed to the childcare.

Child Abuse/Neglect:
I am a mandated reporter as a requirement of my licensing. This means that. I am
required by law to report any suspected signs of child abuse and/or neglect. This
includes any form of physical punishment by the parents in my home. Any request to use
physical punishments will be noted in the child's file along with a written refusal from the
provider.

Confidentiality:
The information that you supply the provider will be kept confidential. I will, at all times,
respect your privacy. Before any of the information is released to outside persons, the
parents will sign a release form. (This does not apply to law enforcement.)

Communication:
The purpose of these policies is to keep misunderstandings from happening. I hope it
provides parents with a clear picture of the expectations I have for them and that they
may have for me. Please come to me with any questions concerning any part of this
contract. Communication between parents and providers is the key to each child getting
the best care possible.
***These policies are subject to change and will be updated (and must be signed) every
6 months. (If contract has changed) Otherwise yearly. A two-week notice will be given
when a policy is changed, added, or revised.