The following are excerpts from our parent handbook.The excerpts are designed to highlight Day Care policies. Registration
Registration is associated with the paper work and intake processing associated with a new enrollment or re-enrollment & updates.Day care registration fees are non-refundable.The following are the Day Care registration fees:
$35.00 Early Bird Registration (from April 1st to July 1st, $55 after July 1st) for: Full Year (12 months), School Year (10 months), or Summer Only (2 months) sessions ($20 2nd family member) $55.00 Early Bird Registration (from April 1st to July 1st, $75 after July 1st) for: Summer session and the following Full Year (14 months total) or School Year ($35 2nd family member). $20.00 Summer Session add-on
Security/Holding Deposit A 1-week Security/Holding Deposit is required to reserve and maintain coverage for a child enrolled in either the Day Care or before and/ or after-school School-Age program.There is no Security/Holding deposit for Back-up enrollment.
CHILDCARE TUITION & Fees Your Day Care rates and payment schedule options are outlined in your Childcare Agreement.With the exception of Back-up care, the full month's tuition is due monthly on the 1st of every month.However, as a courtesy to families, though the tuition is due on the 1st, there are 3 payment options.Families decide which payment option works best for them by indicating such in the Agreement.However, your tuition due date remains the same whether your child is in attendance or not. Tuition payments allow the Day Care to fully operate and provide quality Day Care. A year-end statement of all Day Care tuition and/or fees paid during the year is distributed to each family in January for tax purposes.
DROP-OFFS/PICK-UPS The Day Care is open for business 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM Monday - Friday. This includes extended coverage outside of 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Your contracted hours may be different.Late pick-ups can result in the Day Care being over ratio.This is a serious matter according to NYS Day Care regulations and can lead to a Day Care receiving a fine along with a cited violation.
ATTENDANCE and ABSENCES There is an attendance log book for which attendance is recorded daily.Those dropping off or picking up must initial the time-in/out sections in the attendance log daily.
HEALTH POLICY Belle Family Day Care will provide all children with a safe and healthy environment. We are designated a "Well Childcare" facility and are licensed to administer medications according to NYS guidelines.I will notify you immediately if your child becomes ill while in care. Even with all our precautions, children do get ill.In some cases, your child may need to be seen by a doctor.For cases where a parent/ day care believes that a doctor's visit may best serve the child, you will be required to return with a signed note from your doctor.The purpose of the doctor's note is to document the illness and diagnosis, if known, and alert the Day Care of any prescribed medications and side effects, if any.This is to ensure that a child does not return to Day Care when he or she may be in danger of exposing someone else to an illness.Some contagious illnesses are no longer contagious after the child has been on medication for 24 or 48 hours.All children who are on any type of medication for a contagious illness will not be permitted to return to Day Care until the full 24 or 48 hours of medication (whichever is applicable to the contagious illness) has been administered. You may ask "What cases require a child to return to Day Care with a signed report from the doctor?"There is no conclusive answer.But, if a child develops a high fever, he/she must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to Day Care. Children with minor illness may attend Day Care at the provider's discretion. It is important to realize that if a child is unable to participate in the normal routine or needs more care than staff can provide without neglecting the others in care, the child must stay home to recover. Children with constant runny noses or children who have the habit of sucking their fingers will infect other children when they are ill and may be asked to stay home as they recover. As an exclusion criterion, this is a difficult one to call as it is not always easy to identify whether the runny nose is contagious or solely the result of an allergy or perhaps teething. These instances will be handled on a case by case basis.Please keep in mind how you would feel if another child's parent brought their child to care and exposed your healthy child.
HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY The following practices are used by Belle Family Day Care to promote a healthy and safe environment for the children:
*NO SMOKING ON THE PREMISES *Our health policy is strictly adhered to. *Current immunizations are required *Good hygiene is stressed at all times *Children clean hands upon arrival *Each staff personnel must properly wash their hands with soap and water at the beginning of the day and both staff and children wash properly with soap and water before and after every meal, after toileting, handling messy crafts, and after coming inside from outside play. *Other than small infants, pacifiers are not allowed. *Infants are held while drinking from a bottle. Therefore children are not allowed to carry around or have a bottle in their beds. *Children do not bring food or drink to Day Care. (The only exceptions are pre-arranged treats for everyone.See the Meal and Snacks section for more information. ) *Children do not bring toys from home. *Children are prevented from sharing cups, utensils and food *every attempt is made to keep toys and play area's sanitized. *Napping is done on individual cots, mats, or in playpens and sprayed with Lysol after use before use by another child. *A water treatment system is maintained for the purpose of providing pure, bacteria-free water for drinking & food preparation. *Food preparation is done in a safe and hygienic manner and can covers and bottles are washed off before opening. *Menus follow Federal Nutritional Guidelines. Inside : *Adequate Ventilation through out the home. *Fire extinguishers are maintained properly. *Toys are age appropriate and in safe manner. *Electrical outlets are covered. *Pens, pencils and office supplies are out of reach. *Knives and scissors are kept out of reach. *Cleaners and chemicals are out of reach. *Medications are out of reach. *A well-stocked first aid kit is kept near and expiration dates observed. *Staff is CPR and First Aid certified.
Outside *enough safe grassy area's to play. *Playground free of splinters and harmful objects. *Safety approved play equipment and toys. Day Care House Rules The following Day Care rules are meant to assure each child-s safety and maintain an environment that fosters respect amongst the children. Children at different ages and stages of development may or may not yet understand their limits and or imposed boundaries.For instance, a rule that a 4 year old can understand and comply with may be meaningless or non-applicable to an 18 month old.For this reason there is only one rule that we use -In this Day Care we do not hurt each other.-All disciplinary actions are explained on the basis of this is one rule. Sorather than having a long list of Day Care House Rules, the following is a list of the characteristics of a socially positive and safe environment that we strive to maintain:
Treat others how YOU would want to be treated, that is, with kindness, respect, and consideration.This applies to words and behavior.
No cursing, name calling, or in appropriate language or behavior.
No climbing or standing on any furniture, like chairs or tables or tilting the chair legs back.Sit properly at tables and in chairs.
Do not enter "OFF LIMIT" areas."OFF LIMIT" areas are rooms not normally used for Day Care purposes.
Children are encouraged to put toys away after each use.It promotes responsibility and helps to keep floor spaces safe and free of clutter.
No running indoors.
Children may not pick-up other children or give any objects to babies without staff permission.
Children may not open the front door.
No using hands or feet for hitting or shoving.
Meals and Snacks All meals are nutritious and are served according to federal nutrition guidelines. Children are never expected to finish their plate, but are asked to try everything just once.If your child has any allergies please let me know. For your convenience, food is provided for all children (excluding infants on baby food and formula) at no additional cost.Belle Family Day Care participates in the NYS Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).As part of this program, nutritious meals will be served to your child if they're in attendance at those meal times.Parents are encouraged to enroll their child(ren) during the Day Care enrollment process, as the subsidy helps to maintain affordable child care. There will be no re-imbursement for any food or snacks provided. The following list represents foods that have been served in the past.It serves as a reference of foods and meals that are typically served throughout the year. Breakfast Options (Served with 2% Milk) Waffles, French Toast, Pancakes, Cream of Wheat, Oatmeal, Scrambled Eggs Turkey Bacon, Buttered Toast, Toasted Bagel w/ Jelly, Honey Nut Cheerios, English Muffins, Corn Muffins Strawberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Grapes, Oranges, Apples, Plums, Bananas, Pears, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Honey Dew, 100% Orange Juice Lunch Options (Served with 2% Milk) Enriched White Bread, Wheat Bread, Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Soup Bean Mix, Croutons, Italian Bread, Hot Dog Rolls, Dinner Rolls Strawberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Grapes, Oranges, Apples, Plums, Grapes, Bananas, Pears, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Honey Dew, Tomatoes Lettuce, Cucumber, Spinach, Green Beans, Carrots, Broccoli, Cheese Broccoli, Corn, Squash, Celery, Beets, Turnips, Cole Slaw, Mashed Potatoes, Peas Ravioli, Ground Turkey, Turkey Meatballs, Home Made Pizza, Home Made Chicken Soup, Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich, Turkey Sandwich, Rice & Beans, Hard Cooked Egg, Chicken Breast, Roasted Chicken, Tuna Fish, Egg Salad, Turkey Burger, Turkey Hot Dogs, Turkey Loaf, Spaghetti & Tomato Sauce, Home Made Macaroni & Cheese, Fettuccini, Grilled Cheese Sandwich Snack Options (2 different food group selections are served) Anima Crackers, Cheez Its, Gold Fish, Pretzels, Vanilla Wafers, Ritz Crackers, Club House Crackers, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Home Made Banana Bread, Yogurt, Fruits Cups, Raisins, String Cheese, Cheese Cubes, Apple Sauce, Celery Sticks, Carrot Sticks, Peanut Butter, Cereal Bars, Cheese & Crackers, Cottage Chesse Milk, 100% Orange Juice, Water, Apple Juice, Grape Juice, Pear Juice, 100 % Peach Juice Blend Strawberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Grapes, Oranges, Apples, Plums, Grapes, Bananas, Pears, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Honey Dew, Tomatoes
Rest Time Children who arrive before 6:45 AM will be encouraged to nap upon arrival.All children are required to lie down for a rest period in the afternoon.Infants nap at varying times and their personal schedules take precedence. By the time a child reaches one year of age, they are generally into the same nap routine as the rest of the Day Care group. We have rest time each afternoon between the hours of 12:45/1:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Children are not required to fall asleep, but since many do, all children are encouraged to sleep. Please understand that NO child is allowed to be excluded from rest time. Please avoid picking up your child during naptime, as it disturbs the other children.If pick up is required before naptime, please arrive by 12:30 or if after naptime, after 3:15 pm.Drop-offs during naptime are discouraged, but if required, please enter and exit as quietly as possible. Cots or mats are provided for toddlers and preschoolers and they nap in the Day Care room.Play pens/Pack & Plays may need to be provided by parents/guardians for infants and children in play pens nap in the Day Care room or in close proximity to it.
Diapering Children are changed as needed and are checked often.Creams, ointments, and powders are not routinely used, but please provide an ointment in case a child develops a diaper rash while in Daycare.Consent is required to apply any topical diaper ointments.A consent form will be included with the enrollment package.
Toilet Learning Staff is always willing to assist a child with toilet learning. However, your child must be ready and you must be ready as well. Training takes both Day Care and home participation.A handout is available when your child is ready to prepare for that big step. This handout discusses readiness skills, training tips and gives you an idea of the training techniques that are used in my Day Care.No child will be forced to use the potty and all attempts will be praised.
Toys and Personal Articles From Home No toys should be brought from home that the child will identify as their own.Day Care staff is not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen objects that are brought from home. Any toys, books, etc. brought from home will be assumed to be a donation, only because after a while it becomes a challenge for staff to keep track of Daycare versus personal property. Acceptable donations include books, as this is an experience which all enjoy and can equally participate, non-porous manipulative toys that can be sprayed or wash sanitized.Donations should be handed to staff in a bag.Each donation, though appreciated, must still be checked for safety and sanitized before putting the item out for use by the children. For sanitary reasons, STUFFED ANIMALS ARE TO REMAIN AT HOME, for the most part. The only exception applies to an infant that may use a musical stuffed animal to attach to their playpen if the toy is kept at day care.
BEDDING/ BOTTLES/ BIBS/ DIAPER CLOTHS/ & WASHCLOTHS Bedding will be returned weekly or when soiled for proper cleaning and should be returned fresh and clean. Used bottles/ nipples will be returned daily for proper cleaning/ sterilizing.Used bibs/ diaper cloths/ washcloths will be returned daily and should be laundered and restocked the following week.
EVACUATION DRILLS/ EMERGENCIES Monthly evacuation drills will be enacted to familiarize the children with the evacuation procedures.The evacuation plan is posted in the Day Care and a record of the drills kept on file. Since the children have their shoes off most of the time, it is possible that their shoes may be off in the event of an emergency which requires an evacuation.During an emergency evacuation, evacuating will be the #1 priority.Therefore, for your child's comfort and safety, please provide an extra shoe, sneaker, or enclosed slipper for storage in the Emergency Evacuation Bag.
VISITOR POLICY A visitor will be defined as someone not normally present during normal business hours.This does not include the provider's family, parents or guardians, or individual's authorized for pick-ups/drop-offs.Visitors must fill out the sheet completely by filling in the date, time-in & time-out, and purpose of their visit.
SPEED LIMIT James Clark Drive has a 30 MPH speed limit.It is a block of 23 homes - mostly housing school age children and younger.For the safety of the children that live and play here and for your safety as well, please comply with the 30 MPH speed limit during drop-off and pick-up times and inform those who may occasionally pick-up or drop-off your child of the same.
Open Door Policy During the hours your child is in Day Care you may always be assured that the door is open to you. Please feel free to drop in and check on your child, however keep in mind the nap times and the fact that a child just adjusting to a new surrounding will want to leave with you when you pop in for a visit. Therefore, early drop-ins should be made when it is appropriate for you to take the child with you, or made when you can visit unnoticed as to not interrupt your child's day. A child going through separation anxiety will most definitely react by a parent coming into the Day Care and not taking them with when they depart. You are also invited to call and check on your child during the day. Please keep in mind there may be times when it is not convenient for me to run to the phone (I.e. diaper changing, bottle feeding etc.). If the phone goes unanswered please do not become alarmed, simply leave a voice mail message and your phone call will be returned, as soon as possible.
Holidays/Closings For your convenience, the Day Care calendar is included in the front and back sections of printed hand book and it indicates scheduled closings.The Day Care is open year round.However, to support the provider's well-being and professional growth, the Day Care will be closed on most major holidays and one or two professional days. The professional days are for attending conferences so that the provider may continue to develop in the Early Education/Child Care profession.Parents will be given adequate notice once conference dates are established.Personal time is used primarily to address personal matters.When using personal time, every attempt will be made to schedule times that are most convenient for the majority of families and as much notice as possible will be given. Please arrange for back-up care if needed.Scheduled holidays and the possible one or two professional days are paid closings and your fee will not be reduced during the closing. For families receiving DSS subsidy, you are responsible to provide payment for any incurred charges that DSS will not cover.
Vacations Each year the Day care will close for up to two unpaid weeks.These 2 weeks are listed in the printed handbooks calendar section. Families are permitted to take a vacation, but are still responsible for fees during their child's absence.
Inclement Weather Closing, Delayed Opening and Early Dismissal Every effort will be made to maintain the regular schedule of operation of the Day Care. Weather conditions resulting in loss of power, loss of water, or unsafe property conditions beyond our control, the decision for the delayed opening or closing of the Day Care will be ready by 5:30 AM. If hazardous conditions develop at Day Care while children are already present and there is a need to close the Day Care early, parents will be notified of the time of closing by phone as soon as possible.Every effort will be made to contact parents in sufficient time for them to arrange for the departure of their child(ren) from the Day Care prior to the time of closing.
Termination of Childcare Upon enrollment, you are asked to commit to maintaining your child's enrollment in Day Care throughout the entire session that your child is registered for. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances require an early termination or a reduction in coverage.Early termination means that you are terminating your child's enrollment in Day Care before the current session has ended.Reduction means that you desire to reduce the amount of child care coverage from what's stated in your contract.For an early termination, please note that a four-week minimum written notice is required to not forfeit your Security/Holding Deposit.If a new month begins within the 4 week period, in order to be credited your Security/Holding deposit; you will be required to pay for the next month's tuition based on your contracted coverage, less the deposit.If the Security/Holding deposit has not been forfeited, the last month's tuition will always be the same less the Security/Holding deposit, whether your child is in attendance on their last scheduled days or not. With a four-week written termination notice, the deposit is credited towards your child's last week of your child's last month of attendance/tuition.The Security/Holding deposit is not used towards weeks 1, 2 or 3 of your child last month.Your child's last month's tuition would always be the full month's tuition due on the 1st, less the one-week security/holding deposit, and less any unpaid fees.
At Belle Family Day Care we always look forward to a long lasting and rewarding friendship with families as we endeavor to partner with families in our community for the benefit of their child(ren) through their early stages in life.
Located in Middletown, New York. We have been proudly serving the families of Middletown, Bloomingburg, Pine Bush, and the surrounding Orange & Sullivan County NY areas. Since 2003