Parent Handbook/Contract

My name is Cheryl Mattson. I am a licensed family day care provider in Washington County. I have been licensed in Washington County since 2003. I have over 16 years child care experience. I share my home with my two children. We have several indoor/outdoor cats. The cats receive regular veterinary care and have the necessary shots and are very good with the children. Smoking is not allowed in my home at any time. I am licensed to care for up to 12 children at any one time. In order to become licensed, I have met health and safety standards established by the state of Minnesota. I have 3 adult helpers that assist with daycare activities from time to time.  I also have 2 teenage helpers that assist during the summer months.

My home has been inspected and I have done all I can to provide a safe environment for your child. The licensing standards require monthly fire and storm drills to be practiced with the children to further ensure their safety.

Your children will have opportunities to play independently. In addition, our day includes activities such as story time, crafts, outdoor play, nature walks, and picnics. TV viewing is limited to 2 hours in a 10-hour day, unless a special “movie day” is planned. In winter months, the children will be allowed to play outside if weather permits. Children will not be outdoors if it is raining or it is colder than 10 degrees (actual temperature or wind chill temperature).

I do have a comfortable resting area for each child. All children have the option to rest each day if they are tired or unless requested by the parent. They may bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal for rest time if they wish. Children under 3 will sleep in approved mesh port-a-cribs. All infants (if any) will be placed on their backs to sleep with nothing else in the port-a-crib (no stuffed toys, bumper pads, etc.). The only exception is a very lightweight blanket. A sleeper is preferred for warmth. This is in accordance with the “Back To Sleep” initiative to help prevent SIDS deaths in childcare. If your child has health needs which require any other sleep position, a doctor’s written order is required and will be kept in your child‘s file.

No physical discipline will occur in my home. Undesirable behavior such as rough play, jumping on /off furniture, hitting other children, running, biting, throwing toys or other things, or willful destruction of items in the daycare home will not be tolerated at any time for obvious safety reasons. These behaviors will be handled by separating the child from the group (Time Out) or redirection for younger children.

In the case of damage to daycare property (other than normal wear and tear), parents will be required to immediately compensate Cheryl’s Day Care to replace/repair any items damaged by their child(ren) (i.e.: windows, furniture, painting walls, etc.).

I have arranged for a responsible adult to substitute for me in the daycare home in case of an emergency or should I need to go out during the day. I do have several teenage helpers that assist in daycare. They have taken the Red Cross Babysitting Course and are very good with children.

I am not a "babysitter". I am child care professional and I expect my clients to show respect for my home, family, and myself. I am also a small business owner. My fees, hours, and policies are well thought out and non-negotiable. Please keep in mind that I am also a “working parent”. Like you, I too, have family demands on my time and a life outside of daycare. I would love for your family to have a chance to enjoy all my daycare has to offer, but in order for us to have a successful placement for your child, you must read and fully accept my terms before we sign a contract or Cheryl’s Day Care is not the place for you.

I cannot discriminate against any child on the basis of sex, religion, national origin, disability, or age. I am required by law to report to the local social service agency any suspected physical or sexual abuse or neglect.

Please read all policies and sign where indicated. If you have ANY questions, please ask them now! It is very important that we communicate openly from the start! Thank you!

You are responsible for keeping me informed of any changes in the following:

Change of address, place of employment, new phone numbers, other identification and emergency information, any changes in who is authorized to pickup or drop off children, any changes in custody or visitation orders.

It is also expected that your child will be dropped off and picked up on time, as per your contracted hours. If you will be more than 30 minutes after your drop off time, a phone call is expected. As noted below under “Hours”, I am open from 7 am to 5 pm. Daycare closes promptly by 5 pm each day. Extended contracted hours may be available; additional fees will apply. Please inquire about availability.

Childcare is payable on your last scheduled day of care for the week.   If it is easier to pay for your care for 2 weeks or a month at a time, this is also acceptable as long as the childcare tuition is paid in advance. Late payment fees are $15 per day for each day your payment is late (including weekends).

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT FULL PAYMENT IS DUE WHETHER OR NOT THE CHILD IS PRESENT AT DAYCARE. THIS GUARANTEES AND HOLDS YOUR CHILD’S SPACE IN DAYCARE.

Childcare can be terminated without notice if tuition payments are late. Late payments are not acceptable.

There will be a $30.00 returned check charge, plus any applicable bank fees on all returned (NSF) checks. In addition, if a check is returned by the bank, late fees will apply just as if no payment has been made. This is because the money is unavailable to me. After the second incident of a returned check, only money orders or cash payments will be accepted.

Your first daycare payment is due at drop off on your first day of daycare. Your next payment will be due on your last scheduled day of care for the week.  Your payment will credit towards the next week of care, as per the contract.

There is a $25 registration fee for each child in care. This is due and payable when the contract is signed. This fee is non refundable at any time, for any reason.

A deposit equal to one week tuition is due at the time the contract is signed. This deposit is non refundable at any time, for any reason. Your deposit will credit towards the 2^nd week of the two week notice period when a two calendar week written notice to cancel the contract is given.

If you do not provide a two calendar week written notice to cancel the contract, change your mind and decide not to start care after signing the contract, or terminate care during the 14 day trial period, you forfeit your deposit and any other fees you paid in advance.

Late pickup fees are $1 per minute after your scheduled pickup time without a 24 hour advance notice and approval from me.

You may request a daycare leave of absence for your child during a maternity leave, summer, medical reasons, lack of work, or any other reason. Your regular weekly fee is due regardless of your child's attendance during the leave of absence. Your contract is based on payment for 52 weeks per year. There is no discount or reduced rates during a scheduled or unscheduled leave of absence.

When completing your Financial Agreement, we will figure your work/school hours plus reasonable commute time and put in “scheduled hours”. This will be the agreed upon scheduled days and hours and cannot be changed without a 2 week written notice to me and it is agreed upon by all parties. Cheryl’s Day Care is open from 7 am to 5 pm - Monday thru Friday. Extended Daycare Hours May Be Available And Additional Fees Will Apply.

Cheryl’s Daycare closes promptly at 5 pm each day. It is expected that your child will be dropped off and picked up on time, as per your contracted hours.

I reserve the right to close early, on any given day after the last scheduled pickup or when all children have been picked up for the day. I will close for the day without notice to parents if no children are scheduled for that day or if scheduled children have not arrived within 60 minutes past their regular drop off time and parent/guardian hasn‘t called to report late arrival.

There are no late pickups without a 24 hour notice and prior approval from me. If you will be arriving later than your normal drop off time, a phone call is expected. If your child plans to be absent, early, or late for any reason on any given day, a phone call is expected as early as possible, but please do not call before 7 am the morning of or after 8 pm the evening before. Late pickup fees are $1 per minute past your scheduled pickup time. Weather and traffic delays will be taken into consideration for late pickup and late fees may be waived in certain circumstances. If you are "late" on a regular basis, your contracted hours will be changed to reflect your new hours and additional fees will be charged.

Children MUST be picked up by your scheduled pickup time, not according to daycare closing time. Please be sure to have someone else available to pick up your child by your scheduled pickup time if you are unable to do so. Please remember It is your responsibility to make these arrangements and your responsibility to make sure that your authorized person does pick up on time. Late fees will still apply for late pickups.

Your daycare rate is based on your child’s contracted space (days/hours) in daycare not on your child’s attendance during your scheduled days/hours. No credit is given if your child does not attend daycare, regardless of the reason. Additional hours before or after your scheduled hours may be available for an additional rate and are subject to availability of space. These hours must be requested and approved by me in advance.

During the hours your child will be in care, please feel free to enter the home if the door is unlocked. For the children’s safety, the door will usually be locked except during normal drop off and pickup times. If the door is locked, please knock or ring the doorbell.

If you need to call during the day, please do not panic if I don’t answer or if the answering machine picks up. There are times that I just cannot get to the phone, as I am busy with the children. If you would like a call back, please leave me a detailed message and I will return the call as soon as I am able.

Please be respectful of my “closed” hours. This time is precious to my family and it is very limited. This time is spent with my family, for my own personal appointments, or just to rest. Please be sure to arrange other child care for when daycare is closed.

Cheryl’s Day Care retains the right to close early or for the entire day due to inclement weather, loss of power, or if a state of emergency and/or “no travel” advisory is issued due to weather conditions. If school closes for any of these reasons, please call Cheryl’s Day Care to see if we will be open for the day or if we will be closing early.

Either party (provider or parent/guardian) may cancel the contract immediately without a 2 calendar week written notice anytime during the 14-day trial period. All fees are due and payable through the last day of service. Your deposit becomes non-refundable if you cancel your contract during the 2 week trial period.  For Daily Care and Drop In Contracts, the trial period will be 30 calendar days instead of 14 days.

Termination of this contract may be made by either party with a two calendar week written notice for the following reasons:

Increase In Tuition Fees

Contracted For Seasonal Care/Short Term Care Only

Parent Wanting to Change Daycare Providers Or Terminate Care For Any Reason

Provider is no longer able to meet the needs of the child.

If the needs of the child cannot be met without hiring additional staff or specialized training.

Please note: If you do not provide a 2 calendar week written notice or if Cheryl’s Day Care cancels your contract for reason(s) listed under the terms for immediate termination, your 1 week deposit will not be refunded to you at any time, for any reason. Verbal termination notices by voice mail, in person, or e-mail will not be accepted. You must hand the written termination notice to me personally.

The provider may issue an immediate termination notice without a two calendar week written notice for the following reasons, but not limited to:

--Early drop off without advance approval --Late pickup without advance approval --Failure to pay late fees --Failure to pay fees on time --More than two returned checks--

--Dishonesty --Abusive language by parent or child --Aggressive behavior by parent or child --Failure to provide requested forms and information (immunizations, etc.)

--Parent/Guardians failure to follow daycare policies --Absence for more than 5 days without notice and/or payment --Failure to notify provider of any contagious illness or disease.

--Failure to start care by the start date listed on the contract.

I operate a “well child facility”. Please keep in mind that well children are demanding and sick children are even more so. Please do not bring your child to me when they are ill. If you are unsure, please call me prior to bringing your child, but please do not call me before 7 am or after 9 pm the evening before. I do reserve the right to refuse care for a sick child if they have any symptoms or any other contagious disease or illness(listed below) when arriving at daycare. I may question parents to child’s well being at arrival. If I determine child is too ill to attend, parent will be asked to take child back home at that time.

Children with a common cold (clear discharge) or slight cough may attend daycare but you must give your child something to help dry it up or quiet the cough before coming to daycare. If your child has a constant runny nose( which needs to be wiped constantly or has discharge that is any color other than clear, they may not attend daycare. If you are treating for these symptoms at home, please bring along the medication to daycare for me to administer if needed during the day.

If these symptoms occur while your child is at daycare, you will be called to come and get the child. It is next to impossible to keep it from spreading to others and myself if their nose is constantly running or they are coughing on everyone.

--Fever (Any higher that 100 degrees within the past 24 hours) --Vomiting (Any vomiting within the past 24 hours regardless of the reason or cause) --Diarrhea (1 or more loose stools within the past 24 hours) --Any contagious diseases including, but not limited to: pinkeye, conjunctivitis, lice (must be nit free for 48 hours)

Strep throat, Chicken Pox, and Flu. --Green or yellowish discharge from the nose.

Parent(s) will be called to pickup a child that becomes ill while at daycare. Please pick up your ill child within the hour! If you are unable to pick up your child within the hour, you are responsible for finding someone that can! I cannot properly care for an ill child and still take care of the other children in my care. If your child is not picked up within the hour, you will be charged an additional $50 for this care! I really do not want this fee, I would rather your child be with you.

Please note that this illness policy applies to my family or myself as well. If one of my own children is very sick, depending on how ill they are and whether or not the illness is contagious, I will inform you and you will have the option of bringing your child to daycare or finding alternate daycare. If it will be impossible to keep my children isolated, I will be forced to close for the day. If I am unavailable due to illness, I will give you as much as notice as possible. You will be responsible for finding alternate care. If you pickup up your child from school, please call me immediately, so I am aware that they will not be coming to daycare after school.

I will administer medication if needed. I require signed, written notice that includes the date, dosage, and exact time to administer. A form is available. Please bring your child’s medication to daycare on a daily basis with child’s name, dosage, and time to be given. Under no circumstances will any medication (over the counter or prescription) be given without written consent. All medications must be in the original, labeled container. All medications must be handed to me!

Do not leave mediations in your child’s bag. This is very dangerous! I cannot administer any medications to your child that your child has never taken before. This is in case your child has a reaction to the medication. Again, I can only administer medication that you have supplied. I cannot give them any medication without prior written consent from the parent.

Please tell me if you have given your child any medication during the 24 hours prior to coming to daycare. If there is an emergency, I need to inform the doctor of all medications taken. This will also prevent overdosing in the event that your child is very ill. Also, you give your child any type of medication/foods for constipation, I need to be informed of this when the child is dropped off that day. Any child (except infants) having more than 2 loose stools on any given day, the parent will be called and the child will have to be picked up from daycare immediately.

Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack will be provided for all children at no additional cost. All children will be offered the same foods and will not forced to eat them. If they choose not to eat at mealtime, they will be fed at the next scheduled meal/snack time.

If you would like your child to receive a scheduled meal, please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to these serving times so I can prepare enough food. If you plan to arrive after these serving times, please be sure to feed your child prior to coming to daycare.

Please do not allow your child to bring in food, candy, or gum from home. You may bring treats for special celebrations, but be sure to bring enough for 12 children.

Please bring at least one full set of clothes (seasonal - including socks) for your child(ren). Two full changes of clothes are needed for those children who are in potty training or infants. Sweatshirt, long pants, shirts/tops, 2 pairs of socks, swimsuit, towel, sandals, water shoes, sunscreen, bug spray should be brought and left at daycare. Please rotate these items as needed. Also, you will be expected to provide diapers, Pull Ups, wipes, ointments, etc., if your child is still in diapers or potty training.

I am always willing to assist a child with potty training at daycare. However, I will not begin potty training at daycare until the child is over 2 years old and the parents and I agree that the child shows the following signs of potty training readiness:

· Expresses an interest in the potty
· Express the need to go potty (verbally or through body language)
· Able to dress and undress themselves
· Uncomfortable in wet diapers
· Stays dry for two hours

- Wakes up dry after sleeping/napping
· Imitates family members
· Interested in big kid underwear
· Has regular bowel movements

Before beginning potty training at daycare, parents must start training at home; preferably over a weekend or vacation. The child must show some success at home before I will begin training at daycare.

Please provide at least two extra changes of clothes including socks during this period of time. Please don't dress them in clothing with lots of buttons, zippers, snaps, overalls, onesies, or clothing that’s difficult for your child to take off in a hurry.

During potty training, your child must use Pull-ups while at daycare. For obvious sanitary and health reasons, I do not allow cloth training pants /rubber pants or regular underwear during potty training at daycare.

Your child will need to remain in Pull ups during daycare hours until they are able to remain accident free at daycare including nap times for at least 2 weeks. Please do not send your child to daycare in underwear until they are completely potty trained.

Please keep in mind that potty training does not happen overnight nor am I able to devote my entire daycare day to potty training your child. Your child will receive consistent guidance and assistance during potty training, but please remember that I have other children in care that require my attention also. Your patience and understanding is expected and appreciated during this time.

Potty training in daycare consists of taking the child to the potty every 1 ½ hours to get them into a regular routine of using the potty. Your child will be asked frequently during the day if they need to go potty and put on the potty if needed in between regular potty times. Positive reinforcement will be used while potty training to encourage your child’s success.

In cases of your vacation, a minimum of two weeks written notice is requested. FULL PAYMENT FOR EACH WEEK OF YOUR VACATION MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE. This guarantees and holds open your child’s space in daycare.

Parent(s) understand that the following days are the provider’s paid holidays and the Cheryl’s Day Care will be closed. If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday will be taken either on the Friday before or the following Monday, at my discretion. I will put a reminder of each holiday on the door in advance. You will be responsible for finding alternate daycare on these days if you need childcare.

Cheryl’s Day Care will be closed on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4^th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve Day

I have 10 paid vacation days per year. You will be responsible for finding your own alternate daycare during that time. You will be given advance notice of my scheduled vacation days/personal time off. On occasion, I may use my unused sick/personal days towards vacation as well.

I am allowed 3 paid days off for funeral leave for an immediate family member (spouse/significant other, child, mother, father, sibling) This does not count towards vacation/personal time.

I have six paid sick/personal days per year. I try to avoid sick days, but some things are out of my control. I do give plenty of notice prior to taking off a personal day. Please have a backup provider available in case of an emergency and

I am forced to close for the day. I also have the option to take 2 paid days for training/school to maintain my daycare license.

I am required to keep several forms and immunization records on file. These forms MUST be fully completed BEFORE the child may attend Cheryl’s Day Care. All immunizations must be up to date, unless you oppose the immunizations. There is an area on the form regarding this. Child care CAN be refused if a child’s immunization records are not up to date. Make this a priority!

I am not responsible for items brought from home should they get lost or broken. Children may bring a toy from home, but if the children are unable to share the item(s), they will be put away for the day. Any property that remains at Cheryl’s Day Care 5 business days after the last day of child’s attendance becomes the property of Cheryl’s Day Care to be disposed of as I see fit.

It is of the utmost importance that communication between parents and myself to be open and honest. Please keep me aware of any important changes that might be occurring in your child’s life that affect their daily routine. If you have any concerns or questions about your child, daycare regulations, or daycare policies, please feel free to call me during normal hours of daycare operation. Please do not discuss your child or other children in front of your child or the other children at drop off or pickup.

Bus Transportation

On any day that Cheryl’s Day Care is closed (including holidays, vacation, personal days, sick days, etc). all daycare children who ride the bus to and/or from school, must be picked up or dropped off at school by the parent or other responsible adult.

Bus transportation to/from Cheryl’s Day Care is not available on days that daycare is closed. It is your responsibility to arrange alternate transportation to school on those days. If any parents drops off or picks up their child at our bus stop when daycare is closed, their daycare contract will be terminated immediately. Cheryl’s Day Care cannot assume the liability for daycare children on the property when daycare is closed.

My home is currently insured under a standard homeowner’s policy. At this time, I do not carry Daycare Liability insurance. Any expenses for injuries/sickness occurring in the daycare home are the sole responsibility of the parent.

A financial agreement is separate from this contract and must be signed and all requirements met before a child will be allowed to attend Cheryl’s Day Care. Pre-payment of registration fees, and deposit is required prior to starting care (see financial agreement for applicable fees). You may choose a “start date” for your child up to 14 days (2 weeks) after the daycare contract is signed. This allows you to give proper notice to your current provider. If you need longer than 2 weeks, you will have to begin to pay for your daycare spot to hold it until you are ready to start care..

All terms and conditions are subject to change with a two week notice. In the event that a change is made, a new contract will be presented. I will examine the contract and financial agreement at least once a year and make revisions as necessary. Revisions will need to be signed and returned and will replace and make void any prior contracts. If you do not agree with the terms of the revised contract, the original contract will be null and void and this will be considered a cancellation notice. If you choose not to return an updated contract by the date that is given, this will be considered your two-week notice. A copy of the signed contract will be returned to you for your records within 7 days of your start date. Failure to follow Cheryl’s Daycare policies can result in termination.

I will provide you with references upon request. Please feel free to call any or all of them. They have offered to be on my reference list and will expect your call.

No use of drugs or alcohol or abuse of prescription medication will be allowed by the childcare provider or any others who have contact with daycare children during childcare hours.

Parents who have complaints or concerns about the care being provided to their children should make their concerns known to the provider either verbally or in writing. Please provide as many details as possible so the problem can be resolved. Include the action you would like to occur to solve the problem. If the concerns cannot be resolved, please contact the local licensing agency.

Any outstanding fees or charges that are due to Cheryl’s Day Care must be paid before the daycare termination date of your daycare contract or the last day of care whichever comes first. This includes, but not limited to, payment of tuition during the two week termination notice period, any unpaid tuition amounts, any unpaid tuition due thru the immediate termination date, late fees, bank fees, overtime fees, damage to property fees, etc. If these fees are not paid by the termination notice date, the charges will then be referred to a collection agency for payment. Any fees incurred in the collection process will be due and payable by you, in addition to any unpaid fees.

Cheryl’s Daycare retains the right to enforce these policies at will. Lack of enforcement or waiver of a certain policy at any given time, does not indicate that the particular policy is no longer in force nor does it invalidate the daycare contract.

I have read and understand the terms of the Handbook/Contract. I accept them and agree to abide by them.

__________ _________________________________ _______________________________

Date             Parent/Guardian Signature                          Parent/Guardian Signature

__________ _________________________________

Date             Provider Signature

Child’s Name_________________________________________ Date Of Birth _______________

Non-Refundable Registration Fee of $ 25 Paid on _______________ Check ________________

Non Refundable Deposit Amount $_____________ Paid On _____________ Check #__________

Care To Begin At Cheryl’s Day Care On _____________________

Late Pickup Fee (After Your Scheduled Pickup Time) is $1.00 per minute per child regardless of why you’re late.

Late Payment Fee is $15 per day (including weekends). NSF check charge is $30 plus applicable bank fees.

Your first regular daycare payment is due at drop off on your first day of care.. Your next payment will be due on your last scheduled day of care that week.  You are paying in advance for the next week of care. 

The trial period will be 14 days (2 calendar weeks) from your start date. The contract may be terminated without a two calendar week notice during this 14-day trial period by either parent or provider. Monday to Friday is considered a “calendar week”. After the trial period, a two calendar week written notice is required unless contract is terminated for reasons listed under Grounds For Immediate Termination - see contract.  For Daily Care and Drop In Contracts, the trial period will be 30 calendar days.

Daycare fees will be paid each and every week regardless of absences (including illness, holidays, days off, and/or family vacations, etc.). You will also be required to pay for the provider’s vacation days, holidays, personal/sick days and/or optional training days, providers funeral leave days. .

There is no reduction in daycare fees for non attendance for summer school, camps, vacation, preschool, ECFE, Head Start, or any other program/event that your child may attend on your regularly scheduled days. Full daycare fees will be charged regardless of attendance/absence.

The fee for Friday Play Daze is a flat charge of $15 per child for the 2 hour session and $25 per child for the 4 hour session. This includes all materials and curriculum used during Friday Play Daze. A healthy snack will be provided to your child during Friday Play Daze. There are no reduction in fees if your child does not attend entire session. Payment for Friday Play Daze is due at drop off. Space is subject to availability on any given Friday. You may come as often as you like. There are no deposit or registration fees charged if you are only contracting for Friday Play Daze. If you wish to contract for additional hours/days for your child outside of Friday Play Daze hours, you will have to pay the required registration fee and deposit before any additional days/hours will be provided. We will complete and sign a new Financial agreement to reflect any additional hours/days for your child.

I have read and understand all policies and terms listed in the Financial Agreement. I agree to comply with all terms set forth herein.

__________   ________________________________ _________________________________

Date                 Parent/Guardian Signature                        Parent/Guardian Signature

___________ ________________________________________

Date                Provider’s Signature