A contract is a legally binding agreement signed between the customer (the parents) and the business providing service (the provider, in this case Bonnie Haskins). The handbook and the contract provides details about the partnership between you and your provider and can help prevent misunderstandings. In addition to a signed contract, your provider has written policies for other important situations. There are typically policies for illnesses, discipline and guidance, emergencies, field trips, and transportation. These are all covered in this handbook. You should not sign the contract unless you accept the policies covered in this handbook.

About  I, Bonnie Haskins, am the sole owner and teacher and have been working with children in various positions since 1990. A licensed home daycare provider in Japan, Ft Meade, Howard County, and in Anne Arundel County for 3 decades of teaching young children!  I have certification in first aid, CPR, SIDS, and training in child development, curriculum, and safety.  I have a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have also worked with the state department of social services, as an adolescent substance counselor, and as a contractor with the government for Family Advocacy with children.

To become a licensed daycare home, myself, each resident, and substitute was cleared with background investigations and medical evaluations. Also, our home has been thoroughly inspected by the county fire marshal and the office of childcare for safety and approved according to code. We spent a lot of time remodeling our home, and preparing it for family daycare.

Pets Our family includes animals that are healthy and immunized. We reserve the right to add to our animal family. The animals live separate from the daycare, but they do like visits with the children. I own dogs, cats, a sugar glider, (all rescues), and chickens. They are prohibited from food service, storage, and preparation areas. All waste is inaccessible. All the animals are healthy and immunized according to requirements. Children’s hands are always washed after visiting or handling pets. Children are never left alone with any pet. I teach that all animals are to be treated gently and with respect.

Philosophy Children learn through play, while having fun in a safe environment!

Studies show that the most dramatic growth occurs during a child’s first five years. In order for the brain to experience optimum growth, it is key to challenge children with increasingly complex and varied experiences while the child feels completely safe and secure.  I offer a safe environment, with a variety of toys and tools, and I offer myself as a guide, a friend, and a role model to scaffold the children’s learning. I try to balance the needs of the whole group while being sensitive and responsive to the needs of each individual child. I also believe in being a life-long learner, and am constantly trying to improve myself so that I can positively influence the children.  My goal is a healthy, happy atmosphere for all, with great communication so we can meet one another’s needs and ensure the best for your child. Please always feel free to discuss any concerns. I promise to do my best to create a loving, respectful, safe environment for your child to play, sleep, and learn.

Curriculum  My program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool by Teaching Strategies, which is a Maryland State Department of Education approved curriculum that is aligned with the Maryland Early Learning Standards. It maintains play-based, developmentally- appropriate practices through the core areas of literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts.

Assessment  I prepare portfolios on each child, written and visual, for each student reflective of observations and checklists and student produced work. Lesson plans are evaluated each week when needed to reflect the needs of the students, to meet the goals and objectives of the group, but also inclusive of the students’ individual needs. I use the Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment throughout the year while we are completing activities. Developmentally appropriate activities address the individual needs of each student and the entire class. Conferences will take place each late fall and spring to discuss your child and communicate all assessment data.

Parent Communication I have several avenues for sharing news and information with parents. Each child has a cubby with notes, as well as art projects and student work. I post on the parents’ bulletin board about menu, activities, and events, as well as a calendar.  I post daily pictures on Facebook with information about our activities, themes, and curriculum.  I will also email and text if there is information that is specific to your child or if it is urgent.

Substitute  The substitutes are my daughter Alanna, and neighbor Laura. Substitutes are fingerprinted, have background checks, and undergo health physicals. Substitutes allow the provider to keep appointments without having to close.

Back up care When choosing Family Child Care where there is only one teacher it is imperative that you have reliable back up care available. In the event of my illness, vacation, or personal time off, it is the ultimate responsibility of the parent to arrange alternate care. I am reliable and will make the utmost effort to remain open when at all possible.

Important Dates and Closings    * PreK begins in September (Tuesday after Labor Day). The Department of Education pays for 180 days of school.

Holidays:  I will be closed for the following PAID  holidays —OCTOBER  Columbus Day;

OCTOBER Columbus Day
NOVEMBER Veterans Day
NOVEMBER Thanksgiving Wednesday through Friday
DECEMBER Christmas WEEK

JANUARY  Martin Luther King Jr. Day
FEBRUARY  Presidents’ Day/Washington’s Birthday
APRIL  3 days for Easter
MAY  Memorial Day
JUNE 19 Juneteenth
ADDITIONAL DAYS FOR PROGRAM TRAINING WILL BE GIVEN IN ADVANCE

Other than the days above, in case of illness or emergency, I will notify you as soon as possible.  You should notify me as soon as possible as well.

Loss of Power:  I’m not allowed to operate without basic utilities. If we lose power, I will notify you by text. Please confirm you have received the message and pick your child up within the hour.    If we lose power overnight, I will contact you as early as I can.

Child absences Child attendance is important and expected except due to illness or family vacation. Tuition is due year round, regardless of attendance or closings due to public health emergency, parents keeping their child home voluntarily, or closings due to holiday, vacation, illness, or training. You are paying for the slot, similar to rent or cable, regardless of whether or not you use it, as I am limited to the number of slots I have by the state, and I must make a certain income to sustain my business. However, arrangements may be made for very special circumstances.  I do not make up any time for missed hours or days. If you are late in the morning, you cannot pick up late in the evening to make up for it.

Supplies Parents Supply:  Parents must provide 1) change of clothing (seasonally appropriate and marked with child’s name), 2) outside weather appropriate jacket & shoes. Provider Supplies:  Meals, snacks, and wipes (fragrance free, sensitive). * Dress your child in clothes you don’t mind if they get messy. Your child will play hard and will get clothes soiled with food, dirt from playing outside, markers from coloring, etc.

Open door policy I have an open door policy, which means parents with children in my care may visit to check on your child during the day. HOWEVER, it does not mean my door is unlocked so that anyone, including strangers, may enter. Please knock and wait patiently as I am busy with the children and it may take me a moment to get to the door. If you visit, please know your child will expect to leave with you. Also, visitors cause children to react in an excited manner that does not normally occur. Please avoid pick-up or drop-off during naptime. Always feel free to call or text to check up on your child.

Naps All children have a rest time daily. The normal afternoon nap is 1.5 hours and is sometime between noon and three p.m. Rest is an important part of preschool development. If you absolutely must pick up your child during nap time, please let me know in the morning so I can nap your child in a separate nap area so as not to wake up all the children..

Discipline All children engage in challenging behaviors at times and they all make mistakes. Discipline means to teach, not punish. This is a safe place, and there is no corporal punishment allowed in the home. Respect of the home and others is taught by positive commands – with “do” rather than “don’t” (ie: “walk” rather than “don’t run”, “be gentle” rather than “don’t hit”). It is always important to assess if behaviors are related to physical illness. Often, out of character behaviors might be the first warning sign of sickness. If not, discipline focuses on effective guidance. Examples of this include positive reinforcement (giving a high five or thumbs up for positive behavior), natural and logical consequences (not being able to play with a lost or abused toy), prevention and redirection (it’s not safe to pull a toy from a friend, let’s find another toy to play with), consistency, and firmness. It is important to work together with the family in a consistent manner to naturally decrease challenging behaviors.  Please be firm but do not give or threaten to give spankings, etc, in our home (or driveway).

Violent behavior: The safety of all children is paramount. As a staff of one, I am not equipped to keep a child that intentionally hits, bites, kicks, spits at , or attacks verbally or physically myself or the other children.  Children with physical or violent acting out will be terminated.

TOUCH POLICY:  This is a family day care home and the children are treated as family. The children need adult physical contact for their care and healthy development. This contact can be described in three ways:

1). Nurturing: Holding, rocking, hugs and non-intimate kisses, hand holding, gentle tickling, caring and cuddling. This type of contact is never made against the wishes of the children.

2). Safety and Guidance: This includes restraining children from harmful situations, separating physically conflicting children, directing children by leading or guiding them and administering first aid to injuries.

3). Hygienic: This includes face and hand washing, assisting with bathroom duties (as appropriate to the age of the child), diaper changes, examining rashes or unusual marks, nose blowing, applying sun screen and assisting with or conducting necessary clothing changes.

It is also normal and healthy for little children to express affection with the provider and peers. This includes hugs and kisses and hand holding. This type of contact is never made against the wishes of the children. I teach them to respect “no.”

Child abuse Licensed daycare providers are mandated reporters. I am obligated to report any and all cases of suspected child abuse. This includes any suspected abuse or neglect including physical, emotional, medical, or sexual. Examples would be severe or unexplained bruising (note that spanking a child is not legally considered abuse, but leaving marks is) or leaving a child alone unattended.

Intoxication. If you have been drinking have a relative or friend pick your child up. If you insist on leaving with your child when you appear to be under the influence, I am required to give your information to the police.

Technology No technology is viewed during meals or snacks. Media with commercials for unhealthy food or drinks is not allowed to be viewed. Interactive technology, including computer or visual technology that is educational and age-appropriate is allowed to support physical activity, hands-on exploration, social interactions, and other developmentally appropriate learning activities for children 2 years and older.

CONFIDENTIALITY Personal information about children in my care and their families is confidential. Please do not ask me to reveal information about children other than your own.  Although I will maintain confidentiality, please know that the children are very observant and often share information with one another.

INCLUSION  I am committed to meeting the needs of all children. All are welcomed and respected here! Children with special needs will be accepted into my program, and all families will be treated with respect. It is important for me to know if your child is currently on an IFSP/IEP and to receive a copy in order for me to do my best to work with any special health care providers or services that your child may need.

ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE *Preschool arrival must occur between 8 and 9am and pick up between 3:30 and 5pm, except for special circumstances. We start school at 9, and I cannot stop and come to the door. The children loose focus.
Orchestrating arrivals and departures is one of the biggest challenges of successfully running a home day care. Young children are typically fussy at this time as they do not like transitions. Please know this is normal and don’t allow it to stress out your day! Please be respectful of my neighbors and drive carefully through the neighborhood. Be extremely careful of children as you drive in and out of the driveway.  Please arrive with your child ready to begin their day: clean, hair brushed, and fully dressed.  Children are not allowed on the driveway or in cars alone.

INJURIES and ILLNESS State regulations prohibit a child to enter or remain in care when ill. Assess your child before coming to the day care. If your child is ill s/he can NOT attend. Children showing signs of illness upon arrival will not be admitted. Call in advance to discuss your child’s condition if you have any questions regarding their ability to attend.

Your child can NOT attend child care if s/he is (but not limited to) VOMITING, DIARRHEA, FEVER, unknown RASH, or feels unwell enough to participate in activities.   You MUST notify me at drop off of ANY medication given to the child within six hours of the drop off.  Do NOT medicate your child (Tylenol, Motrin, Cold Meds, etc) to mask fever! This is cause for termination.  You may give allergy meds for mild congestion and runny nose if the child feels and acts fine. Children may not attend with frequent coughing and/or constant runny nose.

In the event your child is sick and will not be attending, please notify me as soon as possible and at least by your normal arrival time. Parents will be notified if their child becomes ill and the child must be picked up within 45 minutes. Children must also be awake and alert before you leave. In case of accidental injury or emergency illness, you will be notified immediately after emergency medical services have been summoned.

Children will often get bumps, bruises, and scratches in the course of a hard day’s play with a group of friends. They may also cause such. Do not get alarmed or worried, this is natural in childcare.

 

DAILY SCHEDULE  

8:30              Breakfast

9:00              Circle Time

9:30-10        Table Time (Literacy)

10-11           Centers (Purposeful Play)

11-11:30      Math, Science, or Music

11:30           Lunch

12-1             Outdoors

1-3               Nap

3-3:30          Snack / Review / Story

3:30             Dismissal

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES  Children are allowed a minimum of one hour of outside play per day, weather permitting. We cannot keep some children inside and children outside. All must stay together with the teacher. So please dress your child appropriately for the temperature and weather. I am mindful of the heat index and cold/ wind chill factor.  For typical outdoor activity we go out in the fenced yard playground. A couple of times a week we go on a walk through the woods and play on our natural playground. We may go on a walk, or take the bus to the Kinderfarm or Lake Waterford playground.  A signed travel permission slip is required in your child’s file.  All children will travel in car seats. If we cannot go outside, we will have physical exercise inside through dance or games. Physical fitness is an important part of a child’s school life.

EXTREME DISASTER  In case of disaster, I have registered a plan with the state which includes taking the children to our neighbors next door on the other side of the culvert, or going to Southgate Elementary or Old Mill, depending on the nature of the emergency. Otherwise, I would follow the state’s required plan of action. I would try to notify you by text, phone, facebook, and possibly radio. We have a disaster kit comprised of NOAH radio, water, food, and some necessities.  The closest police station is Police Headquarters, 8495 Veterans Highway, Millersville, MD 21108, (410) 222-8050.

NUTRITION I am a participant in the Child and Adult Care Food Program of the US Dept of Agriculture. I provide breakfast and lunch and one afternoon snack daily. Healthy, nutritious foods are required and facilitate a child’s physical and learning development. Children  eat approximately three hours apart to help keep them fueled and active. Helping children to enjoy healthy foods, like proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables is an important concept that will affect them their entire life. I encourage children to try two “practice bites” of each food, to drink lots of water, and to enjoy the taste of natural, whole foods. I have children make their own lunch and snacks and serve themselves family style as often as it is possible.

SAMPLE MENU   I provide meals and snacks such as the below for the children.

Wee People Preschool Contract

This is a legally binding contract between Bonnie Haskins, aka Wee People Preschool and Daycare

and ________________________________________legal parents requesting care of the following children:

Child’s Full Name   _______________________________________ Sex____ Birth date __________________

with a resident address of _________________________________________________________________

The Parent agrees to:

• Costs:  Preschool (9am to 3:30pm) and before and after preschool (8am to 5pm) is paid for families who qualify. Parent-paid tuition is $230 per week.
• Payment and fees:  Payment is to be made monthly in advance of care through Zelle.

A non refundable HOLDING FEE of $50 is required to reserve a place for fall preschool that could be offered or taken by someone else without it. If you change your mind and your child does not attend it is non refundable.

• Operation I am open 8am to 5 pm. Preschool students must be dropped off before 9am and picked up between 3:30 and 5pm.  There is absolutely no early drop off and no late pick up.  Parents will not allow the child to bring or take away toys or belongings. Parents will not allow the child on the driveway or in cars without them. Parent will not bring child sick, will not give the child medication to mask illness, will comply with all public health emergency guidelines. Parent will pick the child up within 30 mins if the provider notifies them it’s required due to emergency, illness, or power outage.

The parent promises to keep all forms up to date, including how to contact parents or back up in case of illness or emergency,  all program forms that are required, such as immunization, address, place of employment, etc., permission slips, and authorized persons allowed to pick up the child.

• Pets Parent understands the provider has dogs, cats, chickens, and small animals and will expect children to show gentleness and respect towards them.
• Services: Meals, snacks, and supplies are included in the tuition. There are some field trips which may require a minimal fee.
• Program schedule and closures: The program is closed for all holidays, and additional days as stated in the handbook for training, illness, vacation, etc. Tuition is due regardless. Any days closed will be given in writing in advance at least two weeks, except for public health emergency, illness, emergency or power loss.
• Termination policy: Either party may terminate this contract with at least three weeks written notice or equivalent tuition payment. Tuition is due this three-week period regardless of attendance. Provider may terminate immediately due to blatant disregard for policies herein, failure to pay, sending child sick or illness masked with medication, disrespect to or attempt to intimidate the provider, constant friction, severe child discipline issues, or any unforeseen circumstances that disrupt the balance of the program for the rest of the children.

The terms of this Agreement shall commence on  SEPTEMBER 6, 2022   provided all forms AND fees are completed and have been submitted to the provider.

Agreement:  Providing quality family childcare is more than caring for children. It also means running a business. This is a legal and binding contract. By signing it, both parties understand and agree to adhere to these arrangements.  Both the parent/guardian and the provider should keep a signed copy of this contract. This contract is subject to review and renewal each year.  The provider has the right to update or change the terms of this contract. The parent will receive written notice of any changes 14-30 days in advance.  Otherwise, this contract will remain in effect until the renewal date or upon termination of care as set forth herein.  Both parties agree to cooperate and work together on behalf of the child and accept this agreement as a binding contract. I have received a copy of the handbook and agree to the terms.

At this time I/we shall enter into contract with Bonnie Haskins for care of above named child/ren.

Mother Signature____________________________________________________ Date_________________

Phone number ________________________________

Father Signature_____________________________________________________ Date_________________

Phone number ________________________________

I have discussed this contract with the parent or guardian and accept their child(ren) into my program contingent on all necessary forms and fees being completed and submitted.

Provider Signature__________________________________________________Date_____________________

Bonnie Haskins, MS, Owner/Teacher at Wee People Preschool and Daycare

http://www.WeePeople.Us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERMISSION TO TRANSPORT

I give Bonnie Haskins and her employees permission to transport my

child____________________________________ in her car on short field trips in the immediate area as part of the child care program. I understand my child will ride in an appropriate car seat. I understand that all precautions will be taken to keep children safe, but accidents do happen and will not hold Bonnie liable for injuries that could possibly occur.

_______________________________________ ______________________

(parent or guardian signature)                                                          (date)

_________________________________ _______________________________

(parent or guardian signature)                                                      (date)

 

 

Permission to Photograph

I give Bonnie Haskins and her employees permission to photograph my

child/ren________________________________. These photos/videos may be posted on the program website or facebook page, sent in the daily emails to current clients, or be displayed in scrapbooks or bulletin boards.

_______________________________________ ______________________

(parent or guardian signature)                                                          (date)

_________________________________ _______________________________

(parent or guardian signature)                                                      (date)

License # 159207