SMALL WONDERS
IN-HOME
CHILDCARE LLC
HANDBOOK
CONTRACT
Small Wonders In-Home Childcare LLC
23991 Effingham Blvd.
Euclid, Ohio 44117
Childcare Providers: Constance Johnson
Childcare Phone: 216-269-1366
Childcare Cell Phone: 216- 323-1067
Email Address:
Website :
Although I’m not their mother I care for them each day.I cuddle, sing, and read to them and watch them as they play.
I see each new accomplishment I help them grow and learn,
I understand their language, and I listen with concern.
They come to me for comfort,
I kiss away their tears.
They proudly show their work to me,
And I give the loudest cheer!
No, I’m not their mother,
but my role is just as strong.
I nurture them and keep them safe though maybe not for long ...
I know someday the time will come when we will have to part,
but know each child I have cared for is
...forever in my heart!
Introduction
Small Wonders is a Gold Starrated Certified Type B home based childcare facility located in Euclid, Ohio. We recognize and respect the uniqueness of each child we serve. Established in 1995, we have years of experience and expertise in the Childcare field. Our mission is to produce happy, intelligent and well rounded children.
Your family will be provided with a personalized, safe, clean, smoke-free, stimulating, fun and nurturing environment with an age appropriate learning curriculum for children ages birth to 12 years old. We follow the State of Ohio's Preschool Curriculum Standards to ensure that your child will be ready for kindergarten and beyond.
About The Provider
My name is Constance Johnson (Ms. Connie) and I have been a State of Ohio Certified Type B Professional Childcare Provider since July 1995. I am not a babysitter! I have attended college courses in Early Childhood Education. I have 3 wonderful children of my own ages: 22, 11 & 8. I totally love my chosen profession; there is no greater feeling then knowing that you helped in the learning and growth of a child.
What I enjoy most is seeing the expression of a child who has just discovered something new and wonderful for the first time and when they are able to perform a new skill without assistance for the first time.
I have been caring for children the majority of my life in one fashion or another, from the young age of 10 to now, caring for family members, neighbor’s children and children in the community. I strive to improve the quality of care I provide to my clients as a Professional Childcare Provider by staying informed on the new Childcare laws and mandates, new learning methods and activities.
As a Certified State of Ohio Type B Childcare Provider I am required to annually take Infant and Child CPR plus 6 addition credits of early childhood training, along with First Aid which is required every 2-3 years. I have also been fingerprinted by local and federal authorities and have had a criminal background check to meet all requirements to be a Certified Ohio Childcare Provider and to assure my clients that they have their children in a safe and crime free environment (all adults over the age of 18 living in a childcare home has to follow the same requirements). My son is my emergency provider and he has taken the courses required by the State of Ohio, CPR, First Aid and is approved to care for children in my place. I tend to take more childcare classes then needed because I am always in search of new ideas, activities and ways to improve the quality of service to the families I work with.
My center and home are non smoking environments and we do not have or allow any firearms on the premises. I am a current member of AFSCME Ohio’s Child Care Provider Union, Starting Point, Early Childhood Options and Care for Kids.
I welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the Childcare industry. My In-Home Childcare Center has earned a Platinum Star Rating of 6.34 with The Care For Kids Program, with 7being the highest rating.
MY MISSION:
To provide your child with a loving, safe, fun, stimulating and structured learning environment that will install a readiness not only for school but for life and society as a whole. One of the most important roles I have is to help your child to develop the proper skills that will turn them into life long learners. Even though our learning areas are designated that does not mean that the learning is limited only to that area, the learning is integrated with the other areas and in everything we do through out the daily schedule. Learning is integrated into the curriculum to be exciting and fun while addressing the child as a whole that supports their cognitive, social emotional and physical development. My goal is for your child to develop social skills, proper language skills, independence, self worth and self respect, to be respectful and compassionate to all people regardless of race, color or creed and to have fun while learning in a safe, happy, stimulating environment.
ANNUAL ENROLLMENT POLICY:
July is when my contract is renewed with the State of Ohio and Cuyahoga County, at that time I also renew with my clients regardless of when prior enrollment started. That is also the time annual rates changes will go into effect. To keep up with the cost of living I reserve the right to raise your rates. Any contract changes or rate increase will be in writing with at least a 2 week notice before it goes into effect.
AMENDMENT POLICY:
I reserved the right to amend any terms of the Parent/Provider Contract and Enrollment agreement at any time I feel updates are needed. When changes are made to any policies, terms, rates or prior agreements, parents will receive two weeks written notice of such changes and a signature of acknowledgement to the new change will be place in the parents file. I also reserve the right to make any changes that may include but not limited to: changes to the daily schedule, planned activates, childcare curriculum, addition or elimination of pets or children to my home business, cosmetic changes to the daycare space and environment with advanced notice to parents. If pets are added they will have the proper shots, medical exams, records and temperament needed to ensure they are safe to the children enrolled and the childcare environment.
I retain the right to enforce the policies, terms and procedures at will. Please know that lack of enforcement on my part does not indicate that the policy and/or the policies, terms and procedures are no longer in effect.
BUSINESS HOURS:
Small Wonders is open Monday thru Saturday from 6am to 12am, Sundays per request. My enrollment schedule is based on each families individual childcare needs and do not reflect the actual hours of operation. Once your childcare hours are stated you must stay within the time frame as to avoid possible overlapping with another family’s schedule. Your contracted hours are not necessarily the same as another family. No discounts or refunds are given if your child does not come to Small Wonders, based on your decision, as the space is still reserved for when they return.
Parent Initials:______
THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM:
At Small Wonders In-Home Childcare, your child will participate in developmentally age appropriate activities throughout the day and a proven educational based curriculum, such as, but not limited too:
Story Time
Circle Time
Show and Tell
Puzzles and Games
Math Time
Language Arts
Science Activities
Arts and Crafts
Diverse Cultures and Music
Pre-Reading Activities
Multiple Learning Centers
Small and Large Muscle Routines
Sensory Activities
THE CURRICULUM:
Toddler Program (Ages 2-3)
Our toddlers are offered a variety of opportunities to explore their world through play. Gross motor skills and social skills are developed through both structured and unstructured play. Their days are filled with music, art, dance, story times and more. Toddlers will be assessed as needed for proper milestone, mental and physical development.
Preschool (Ages 4-5)
Although it may seem like fun and games to preschoolers, the curriculum we follow is packed with several of educational elements. Games and activities abound that teach pre-reading skills like phonic awareness and letter and sound recognition, early pre-writing skills, early basic math concepts and hands on science exploration. Preschoolers will be assessed as needed for proper milestone, mental and physical development.
Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)
Mirroring the state curriculum standards of Ohio, the kindergarteners focus on reading, early writing and basic math. Science, social studies, art, music, and physical education round out the learning program. They will be assessed frequently to ensure they are fully prepared for kindergarten.
Elementary/After School (Ages 6-12)
School age children are given a quiet environment for homework and projects, are allowed supervised access to computers programs and limited age appropriate Internet usage and homework tutoring/assistance as needed. Also available are crafts, games, snacks and physical activities.
Parent Initials:______
SMALL WONDERS FEE POLICY:
Small Wonders Childcare policy requires the parents to pay according to the number of billing days in each month including the holidays, sick days, and the days when the child is not present by decision of the parents. There are no refunds in fees for absences due to a child’s illness or for any other reason. The full contracted fee is required whether or not your child attends. I realize the financial expense that childcare places on parents, and I hope that parents understand that this childcare business places financial expenses on me as well. These expenses include but are not limited to groceries, utilities, extra business insurance, curriculum supplies, programming, replacement cost, paying for substitute and emergency childcare providers, indoor and outdoor maintenance expenses, toys and equipment. I also have a financial responsibility to my family. Therefore I ask that you pay on time and your full contracted amount. I have a budget just as you do for your personal life and most times your fees are accounted for before it is actually due.
Full time rates apply if services are used for more than 5 hours per day. Part time rates apply if services are used less than 5 hours per day.
The yearly registration fee is $50.00 and non-refundable and due at each enrollment.
Private parents must pay a security deposit equal to two week’s of Childcare Tuition and is due by or before your child’s first day of attendance. This payment will be credited towards your final two weeks of childcare, once the required written notice is given.
Private Parents are required to pay for the up coming week on Friday, when the child is due to be dropped off. Payment is due whether the child is present that day or not.
County Parents are required to pay on the first business day of the voucher.
Private Parents are required to pay their regular rate when they take vacations, personal time, etc., since the child’s space is being accounted for.
A late fee of $20.00 per day will be applied when the Childcare payment is not received on the agreed upon payment date. This includes weekends also.
A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be applied for every minute that the child is picked-up past the scheduled pick-up time.
When a payment is delinquent more then 5 days the childcare services will be suspended until the childcare fee and late fees are paid in full. Failure to pay the owed monies for childcare services will result in legal actions to collect the debt. Parents are responsible for any additional cost related to collect the debt, such as, but not limited to court cost, filing fees, substitute provider pay, etc.
Parent Initials: ______
SMALL WONDERS FEE POLICY CONT.:
Parents are required to pay late fees at pick-up time in cash only. Only in extreme emergency situations can the late fee be waved, written proof and documentation will be needed to qualify.
In cases were money is owed a client for overpayment or in a emergency situation that justifies a refund and written proof and documentation was provided, Small Wonders reserves the right to refund the money within 30 to 45 days of receiving the written dispute of overpayment. The refund will be paid in either a check or bank money order to show proof that the overpayment was refunded and to help off set any previous receipts.
RECEIPTS:
Records of all childcare payments are kept for tax purposes. By the end of January year-end tax statements with a detailed summary of all childcare payments made for the previous year will be given to the parents along with a signed W-10 form and EIN for Small Wonders In Home Childcare so that you can claim your childcare expenses on your tax returns. Your signature is required on my copy as proof that you received the childcare payment summary and statement; you will have your own copy. The responsibility lays with the parents to arrange for their form to be picked up if they are no longer in attendance with Small Wonders. Statements will not be mailed.
Parents Initials:______
SMALL WONDERS CHILDCARE FEES
FULL TIME PART TIME DAILY HOURLY
WEEKLY WEEKLY RATE RATE
Infant(0-18 mo.): $175.00 $140.00 $40/$25 $10.00
Toddler(18 mo.- 3 yrs. ) $155.00 $120.00 $40/$25 $10.00
Pre School(3-5 yrs.) $145.00 $115.00 $40/$25 $10.00
School Age(5-12 yrs.) $135.00 $110.00 $40/$25 $10.00
Drop In Care will use the daily rate full time, part time rate or hourly rate for services.
SMALL WONDERS PICK-UP LATE FEES
0:01 to 0:05……….parents pay $5.00
0:05 to 0:10……….parents pay $10.00
0:10 to 0:15……….parents pay $15.00
0:15 to 0:20……….parents pay $20.00
0:20 to 0:25……….parents pay $25.00
0:25 to 0:30……….parents pay $30.00
0:30 to 0:35……….parents pay $35.00
0:35 to 0:40……….parents pay $40.00
0:40 to 0:45……….parents pay $45.00
0:45 to 0:50……….parents pay $50.00
0:50 to 0:55……….parents pay $55.00
0:55 to 1 hour late parents pay $60.00
After 1 hour the fees will continue until the parent or someone else on the pick up list picks up the child. However, after an hour I can call Children Services to pick your child or take your child to Euclid Police Station. It is your responsibility to have an a reliable emergency back-up plan and person to pick up your child at their designated pick up time if you cannot for whatever reason be on time. The same Late Fees and policies apply to children being transported by Small Wonders home and an adult is not present to accept and sign for them.
Parent’s Initials: ______
SMALL WONDERS POLICY FOR CLOSED DAYS:
Small Wonders will be closed, with pay, for service on the following days, with subject to change. If a Holiday falls on a Sunday, I will be closed that Monday, if the Holiday falls on a Saturday, I will be closed the day before, that Friday in observance.
NEW YEARS DAY
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
PRESIDENTS DAY
GOOD FRIDAY
EASTER
MEMORIAL DAY
INDEPENDENCE DAY
LABOR DAY
VETERAN’S DAY
THANKSGIVING DAY
THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING
CHRISTMAS DAY
THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
NEW YEARS EVE
If a holiday, personal or vacation day falls on a Friday then the Childcare fee is due the Thursday before closing. If a holiday, personal or vacation falls on any day that Small Wonders is closed then the Childcare fee is due the business day before the closed day to avoid late fees, this applies to both County and Private Pay Clients.
Tuition fees are required 52 weeks per year according to your Tuition Payment Schedule. The full amount is required regardless if your child is absent due to illness, personal reasons, custodial reasons, vacation time, legal holiday's, or other – whether yours or mine,as your tuition is based on securing your child's “position” in Small Wonders In-Home Childcare program and is not based on your child's actual attendance.
I may take 5 days per year that may be used for sick days, training days, family emergencies or personal days. 3 of those days will be paid days and the remaining 2 will be unpaid. I may also take up to 4 paid days off for funeral leave for an immediate family member. I will notify you as soon as possible in regards to unscheduled and/or emergency closings and whether they are paid or unpaid closings.
It is the parent’s responsibility to have an emergency provider, family member or close friend for any and all such cases.
Two weeks of paid vacation will be taken yearly. A notice will be posted and sent out far in advance as to when. You are required to find another provider during my vacation.
Parents Initials:______
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE:
Please accompany your child into the center and assist them with taking off their jacket and shoes (if necessary). Shoes are to be removed upon entering the daycare and please teach your child to put their shoes, coats and other personal belongings in their cubby. I also ask that everyone remove their shoes when going beyond the entrance door. This is cleanliness and sanitary reasons for all in attendance, especially the infants. Your child will have their own cubby to place their belongings in.
Please be sure to sign your child in upon arrival and sign out upon departure. If you happen to arrive early please stay with your child until at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time for the program times you are enrolled for.
All children must wash hands upon arrival; hand sanitizer is on top of cubbies, if the bathroom is occupied. Please help me to teach your child good hand washing techniques. Children are to wash their hands upon entering, after outdoor play, after using the bathroom, after cleaning their nose and before and after all meals. They are taught to sing their ABC’s so that they wash them long enough to kill germs and remove the dirt. If your child is in the process of toilet training he/she must attempt to use the toilet upon arrival. As our mornings are busy your child may become distracted and unable to quickly respond to an urge to use the potty. This will help eliminate accidents and your help is very much appreciated. Please allow enough time in your morning for a smooth drop off transition.