MY PHILOSOPHY
I have developed my philosophy through three elements: Experience, Education, and Beliefs. I truly believe all of these aspects, when used consistently, lead to the best program and well-adjusted children.
As an Early Childhood Educator, I believe:
•
Children thrive best in a family environment
•Children learn best and stay healthiest in a small group
•Children need consistency in caregivers
•Children need a stable routine
•Children always try to live up to reasonable expectations
•Children are taught best by example
•Young children learn best through hands-on experiences
•Children need plenty of time to learn independently, need opportunities through the day to express themselves creatively, and learn ideas and concepts more thoroughly when reinforced through teacher direction
•Children should not be pushed in areas that they are not physically, intellectually, or emotionally ready for
•Discipline should be consistent and individually tailored to the child’s development
•Children benefit most from their daycare and early learning experiences when parents and teachers work cooperatively together
•Children should have plenty of learning materials available to them
•Children should be unconditionally loved by all caregivers
ABOUT ME, THE PROVIDER
I am a mother of one son and two daughters. My husband works outside the home as a Computer Systems Analyst at MacDill Air Force Base. I have been working in early childhood education for over 15 years and have loved every minute of it.
MY QUALIFICATIONS
First and foremost, I am a Mother, and like you my main goal in life is to provide a loving, safe, and educational environment for my own children where they are free to explore, play, and just have fun. I bring this same goal and enthusiasm into my childcare program.
I have earned the Early Childhood Associate Credential for which I took over 120 hours of specialized training in the following areas:
* planning a safe, healthy environment to invite learning
* providing props and guidance to advance children’s physical and
intellectual development
* providing positive ways to support children’s social and emotional
development
* strategies to establish productive relationships with families
* strategies to manage an effective program operation
* maintaining a commitment to professionalism
* observing and recording children’s behavior
* principles of child development and learning
I have also earned the Director Credential which consist of 35 hours of specialized training in the following competencies
Competency A: To maintain sound financial principles for a child care center
Competency B: To maintain sound budgeting and accounting practices
Competency C: To maintain a compensation system that includes benefits and incentives
Competency D: To select and maintain appropriate facilities and equipment
Competency E: To develop financial and marketing resources
Competency F: To select and maintain technical resources and establish record-keeping strategies for managing child care settings
Competency G: To maintain sound practices related to legal obligations and responsibilities in child care management
Competency H: To follow federal, state, and local regulatory requirements that impact child care
Competency I: To follow federal, state, and local laws relevant to child care personnel
I am also certified in Infant and Child CPR and First Aid
Other Specialized Training:
I am also certified in Infant and Child CPR and First Aid
My Transcript (Over 300 clock hours of instruction)
* Introduction to Child Care-20 hrs
* Behavioral Observation and Screening-10 hrs
* Special Needs Appropriate practices-10hrs
* Early Literacy for Children Age Birth to Three-10 hrs
* Emergent Literacy for Preschoolers-5 hrs
* Emergent Literacy for VPK Instructors
* Emergent Literacy (NOVA)-30 hrs
* High Scope Educational Approach-20 hrs
* Basic Guidance and Discipline- 5 hrs
* Early Childhood Associate (ECA)-120 hrs
* Childcare Center Director Credential-45 hrs
* Family Childcare Home- 30 hrs
* First Aid/CPR Certified
* Brain Research-hrs
* Temperaments of Young Children-2 hrs
* Circle Time Activities- 1 hr
* Asthma and Allergy Essentials for Child Care Providers- 3hrs
* Gold Seal (NOVA)- 2 hrs
* Evaluating Classroom Quality (NOVA)- 2.5 hrs
*Cultural Sensitivity- 2 hrs
* Computer Technology for Child Care Professionals- 5hrs
* Getting in Tune-2 hrs
* Guide to Record Keeping
HOURS OF OPERATION
The Little Playhouse Family Childcare is open twenty four hours Monday through Friday, however, your child’s attendance is based on his/her contracted hours and contract limitations.
PAID HOLIDAYS AND CLOSINGS
The Little Playhouse Family Child Care will be closed for the following paid holidays. There are no reductions in fees for these days. By enrolling in the Little Playhouse Family Child Care, you agree to pay for the following days:
*Holiday care may be available for double your child’s daily rate. Please inquire.
The Little Playhouse Family Child Care may also close due to sick days, appointments, family emergencies, or additional personal days. You are not required to pay for these days, however, you may choose to do so. Please remember that unlike other regular forms of employment, I do not have many of the benefits that you enjoy such as vacation, sick days, personal time off, etc. I will try to give you at least two week’s notice when I plan to close due to non sick days. If I feel that I cannot open because of my own illness or my children’s illness, I will call you the day before to notify you.
The center may close whenever the Hillsborough Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. I will notify you as soon as possible if I feel that it is in the children’s best interest to remain in their own home. In this case full weekly tuition will still be due.
Family childcare is very restrictive. The state mandates how many children I can care for at any given time. Although, these mandates are meant for the protection and safety of the children, it also limits my income. Most people work forty hours per week, I work 70 hours almost every week and that does not include my training, preparation, bookkeeping, paperwork, shopping, or cleaning time.
There is no reduction in weekly tuition if your child does not attend due to illness, attending part time preschool, staying with parent or other family members, or family vacations. In this case full weekly tuition will still be due.
FEES
Child care rates are based on contracted hours, not actual hours attended, or hours that the Little Playhouse Family Child Care is open.
Infants: 12 weeks through 18 months
Full time (up to 10 hours per day): $150.00
No part time or night care available for infants.
Part-time and Drop-in care- $35.00
18 months to 5 years (not in kindergarten)- Per Child
*Full time (Up to 10 hours per day): $135.00
Part-time and Drop-in care- $30.00
Over Night Care: $30 per night
5 years (in kindergarten) through 12 years
*Full time (Up to 10 hours per day): $85.00
After School: $65.00
Early release day- add $2.00
No school- add $4.00
Part-time and Drop-in care- $25.00
Over Night Care: $25 per night
*Full time care will not be provided for more than ten (10) hours as part of the weekly tuition. If you need additional hours of care, you may adjust your contract accordingly. The additional fee is as follows: $5.00 per hour or part of an hour per day per child.
CHILD CARE DEPOSIT
A child care deposit equal to one week of care is required for all families. You may pay for this deposit in full or you may pay an additional $15.00 until this fee is paid. This deposit will be used towards your last two week of care.
SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE
All families receiving subsidized care will be charged the same rates and fees as other families not receiving subsidized care. You are responsible for the difference between state payments and my rates. Any fees not paid by the state will be paid by the family. You are responsible for reapplying for benefits in a timely manner. I have the right to refuse care if you let your benefits expire.
LATE PICK UP/EARLY DROP OFF
Late pick up or early drop off fees will apply as follows: $5.00 per fifteen (15) minutes or part of fifteen minutes per child. Ex. If you are scheduled to drop of your child at 7:30am but arrive at 7:20am, you must add $5.00 to your weekly tuition per child. Ex. If you are due to pick up at 5:00pm, but do not arrive until 5:17pm, you must add $10.00 to your weekly tuition per child. This late fee will be charged even if you call that you are going to be late. Please allow yourself extra time during high traffic times/inclement weather. I will make exceptions to this rule for family emergencies only. Licensing does not allow overlapping of children’s time. If you are contracted to pick up at 5:00pm, I may enroll another child to start promptly at 5:00pm. This is why it is so vital that you pick up your child/ren on time.
PAYMENTS
Your weekly tuition is due on Friday in advance for the following week of service (unless there is a holiday). If payment is not made by close of business on Friday, there will be a $5.00 per day, per child late fee added to your payment after 6:00pm. If payment is not received by Monday morning at drop off, your child will not be allowed to stay and your contract may be terminated. In this case you forfeit your one week deposit. If your child will not be at day care on Friday, please make arrangements to pay on Thursday or by the close of business on Friday. Please remember that I depend on my pay just as I am sure each of you depend on your pay checks.
At this time, I will only accept cash or check for payments. If paying with cash, please bring the exact amount. If you bring more, it will be credited to your next week’s payment. Not paying your full tuition amount because you have no change is not acceptable. If your check bounces you will be charged a $34.00 bounced check fee, a $10.00 late payment fee, and any charges I incurr because of your bounced check. Upon notification of your bounced check, you will be required to immediately pay in cash the amount of your bounced check plus all applicable fees. You will also be required to make all subsequent payments in cash. Continued late payments will result in termination of services.
TAXES
I will give you a year-end statement of all child care fees paid during the year for tax purposes. This will be given to you by the last day in January. If care is terminated, the statement will be mailed to your last know address by the last day in January.
BACK UP CARE
As with any child care arrangement, it is your responsibility to have back up child care arrangements in the event of a daycare closing, emergency, or your child is sick and unable to attend The Little Playhouse Family Child Care. By enrolling in the Little Playhouse Family Child Care, I will assume that you have a back up childcare provider.
TRIAL PERIOD AND TERMINATION OF SERVICE
An initial two-week adjustment period will begin upon first day of attendance. During this adjustment period the parents and/or the provider may decide to terminate care without notice.
After the initial two-week adjustment period is complete, care may be terminated with a two-week written notice either by the provider or the parent. Payment for the two weeks will be accepted in lieu of notice. Any late fees and/or tuition payments will need to be up-to-date at the time of two-week notice. If all fees are not paid in full at time of termination, legal action may be taken with the parent’s being liable for all legal fees incurred. Any abuse or violation of these policies and procedures will result in possible termination of care.
I will immediately terminate services for the following: child or parent’s behavioral problems which are dangerous to caregivers and/or other children, or hostile parental situations, and failure to make tuition payments. Any immediate termination initiated under the above circumstances will result in the forfeiture of all fees paid at time of termination including the one week deposit.
MATERNITY LEAVE/SICK LEAVE
In cases of your child's potential absence due to your maternity leave or your child’s extended sickness, I will still require full child care payments for the entire time of your absence.
SIGNING IN AND OUT
Parents are required to sign their child in and out everyday. This is mandated by the Child Care Licensing Office.
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
Please send your child clean, dressed for the day, teeth brushed, and fed (if arriving after scheduled feeding times). Please be in control of your child during drop off and pick up times. In general, children tend to test provider rules while their parent is present. Please enforce all my rules. You are responsible for all your child’s actions while you are in my property. This includes arrivals, departures, and visitations.
PARK DAYS
Park Days are scheduled for every other Friday weather permitting. The park is located in our neighborhood a few blocks from the house. Infants/toddlers will be transported in a stroller. Preschoolers will walk. On Park Days, my son (who is my unofficial assistant) will accompany me and the children. Safety is my NUMBER ONE concern. Rest assured that I will take the every precaution to keep your child safe. I will be bringing water and a light snack, a first aid kit, cell phone, and emergency/medical information for all children. If parents do not wish for their child to attend Park Days, they must find alternate care for the duration of the trip or they may also accompany us. The more, the merrier! All children attending park days are required to wear a solid red t-shirt.
FIRE SAFETY
I have a written fire evacuation plan and practice a fire drill with the children at least once each month. In addition, I incorporate fire safety curriculum into my program occasionally. My home and fire extinguisher are inspected yearly for fire safety.
HOME INSPECTIONS
A Child Care Licensing representative will conduct random unannounced home visitations to ensure my compliance with their standards. They typically come three to four times a year.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is of utmost importance between parents and child care providers. I have an open door policy. This means you can enter my home during your child(ren)’s regular attendance hours to see what they are up to and how they are doing. However, I do request that you refrain from visiting during our scheduled resting period. This interruption may result in disruption to all the children, which would not benefit anyone.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the care your child is receiving, I respectfully request that you discuss this with me at the onset of any concerns.
Each day you will receive a “Daily Report”, which will indicate when and what your child(ren) ate, whether or not they napped and for how long, what special activities were participated in, etc. Other reports such as an Accident Report, Biting Bulletin, or other such incidents may also be sent home as needed. Please look for these in your child's cubbie.
By the end of the first week of the month, you will also be receiving our monthly Newsletter which will detail the planned activities and lessons planned for the month and any other special notices and/or events, changes to contract, policies, birthdays, etc.
AUTHORIZED PICK UP
Only adults (over 18 years of age) that I have on file as the designated person to pick up your child will be allowed to do so. If special arrangements are to be made for someone else to pick up, I MUST have a phone call or notice indicating who will pick up the child. The person picking up the child MUST show a picture I.D. identifying himself or herself as the person you have sent. NO I.D., NO CHILD.
CUSTODIAL PARENTS/GUARDIANS
If you have sole custody of your child I must have a copy of the court order in file. If I do not have a legal copy of the court order identifying you as the custodial parent or guardian, I am required by law to release the child to his/her parent.
CHILD ABUSE
I AM REQUIRED BY LAW TO REPORT TO THE LOCAL SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICE ANY SUSPECTED PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, SEXUAL ABUSE OR NEGLECT.
NAP/REST/QUIET TIME
No child will ever be forced to sleep. However, all children will be required to lay on their cot quietly during rest time. Keep in mind that children are very active in the morning. Usually after lunch, their little tummies are full and they start feeling drowsy. Nine times out of ten, even children who are most against napping fall asleep rather quickly.
School aged children will be given a minimum of a one hour rest time. They do not need to sleep, but they will be required to remain quiet. They may wish to bring a favorite book from home to read during rest time.
BIRTHDAYS
Each child’s birthday is a special day at the Little Playhouse Family Child Care. You are welcomed to bring a cake, cupcakes, potato chips, fruit punch to share with all the children. I will take pictures of the event. I ask that no gifts be brought to the home for the child. Your child will be given a special paper crown and certificate to take home. Parents are responsible to bring all paper goods necessary (cups, napkins, plates, spoons).
HOUSE RULES
There are certain house rules that all children must follow while in my home. These rules are enforced for the safety and well-being of everyone.
•No running in the house.
•No hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, pinching
•No wrestling or play fighting
•No standing or climbing on chairs, table, or furniture
•No obscene or disrespectful language
•No bottles, food, sippy cups unless seated at the table or highchair
•No willful destruction of property (will be charged to the parent at the expense of replacing item-not value of item)
Children and their families are welcomed in any of the areas of my home that children are allowed to enter. However, I ask that you not wander around my home or allow other family members to do so.
You may park in the driveway if there is space and if you will be quickly picking up or dropping off. You may only park on the right hand side of the driveway. The other side is reserved for my husband, substitute, and inspector. Do not park in the driveway if your car is leaking oil. Do not park on the grass. Please do not allow your child to touch any plants/flowers in the front yard.
Please be in control of your child/ren while in the front yard. Remember, while you are present in my property, you are responsible for your child/ren and their actions.
There is NO SMOKING allowed anywhere in my property including the driveway and front yard.
Please support me in the enforcement of these rules, in order to create a better environment for all.
YOUR CHILD’S NUTRITION
I am a participant of the Child Care Food Program (CCFP) administered by the Department of Health, Bureau of Child Care Nutrition Services through Lutheran Services Florida located in Tampa, Florida.
What does this mean to you and your child?
You can rest assured that your child will receive complete, well-balanced daily meals and snacks that follow USDA guidelines. As a CCFP participant, I have agreed to allow a CCFP specialist to randomly inspect my home for proper sanitation and meal preparation standards.
Breakfast will consist of the following food groups:
grain, fruit, dairy
Lunch will consist of the following food groups:
grain, meat, fruit, vegetable, dairy
Snack will consist of two of the following food groups:
grain, meat, fruit, vegetable, dairy
Dinner will consist of the following food groups:
grain, meat, fruit, vegetable, dairy
Dinner will be served only to children attending evening care.
1% milk will be served to all children at breakfast, lunch and dinner unless otherwise specified by your child's doctor. All juice served is 100% fruit juice. Food from home or fast food restaurants is not allowed in my day care home.
TOYS FROM HOME
Bringing toys from home is strictly forbidden unless we have a scheduled Show & Tell day. Show & Tell days will be posted in the monthly calendar. Young children still have not learned to share and conflicts are unavoidable. Please help to keep the Little Playhouse Family Child Care a safe and stress free environment for the children by abiding by these rules.
A favorite plush animal is always welcomed for nap time. However, please limit this to the same toy. Constantly bringing a new toy for nap time causes the same conflicts as toys. The Little Playhouse Family Child Care assumes no responsibility for lost or broken toys, videos, or other items from home.
SUPPLIES
Your child will need the following supplies while attending my home:
•Diapers, wipes and ointments
•Bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers (to remain in my home)
•One complete change of clothes (shirt, bottom, underwear, socks), younger children will require more than one change of clothes
•Hair brush and accessories (needed for after nap time)
•Appropriate messy/play clothes (Children will get dirty, do not put on any outfit that you do not want ruined.)
ILLNESS
The health and well-being of all the children and family members are of the utmost importance. Upon greeting you and your child, I will conduct an informal health inspection of your child. If a child has any of the symptoms discussed in the Sick Policy they will not be permitted to attend daycare that day. Colds and runny noses are common and unavoidable. However, a runny nose accompanied by cough or fever is an indication that your child should stay home. If a child becomes ill at daycare, parents will be notified and he/she must be picked up within one hour. I reserve the right to send home any child that I deem to sick to remain in care.
Please consider the other children, my family, and myself when your child is sick. Sick children need the comfort and love of their parents.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
In the case of EMERGENCY, I will administer the necessary first aid. I will call 911 and your child will be treated by the emergency personnel and taken to the hospital of your choice or nearest hospital. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. You will be responsible for all costs associated with the treatment and transport of your child.
MEDICATION
Medication that is properly labeled in original container will be administered based on prescription and/or label instructions. A Medication Authorization for must be completed by the parent for each medication to be administered. This also includes diaper cream, cortisone, sun block, lotion, bug repellant, etc.
PETS
We are a pet friendly home. We currently have a Chow/German Shepard Mix (Ralphy), a Chihuahua (Daisy), a Golden Retriever (Sadie), and an American Shorthair cat (Lucky). All pets have their required shots and have been cleared by licensing. Children will have no contact with Ralphy or Lucky, however, Daisy and Sadie are a constant companion of the children. I reserve the right to add more pets to my home. If your child is allergic to pet dander, then the Little Playhouse Family Child Care may not be the right place for your child.
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE
I do my best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Children’s hands are washed before and after toileting, after playing with pets, and as needed throughout the day. The provider’s hands are washed after changing diapers, wiping runny noses, prior to making meals and as needed throughout the day. Cots, cribs, highchairs, blankets, and toys are washed and sanitized on a regular basis or as needed.
HOMEWORK
School aged children will be given a one hour period to complete homework assignments. I will do what I can to help with homework, however, keep in mind that I care for little ones that constantly need my immediate attention. You are responsible to assure that your child has completed his/her homework assignments.
FINAL NOTES
All children enrolled into my care are treated with love and respect and provided with the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of activities. My most fundamental objective is to provide for your child a safe, clean, and loving atmosphere, in which each child will feel he/she is loved, valued, and wanted.
