Accredited, State Licensed In-Home Child Care

Accredited, State Licensed In-Home Child Care

“A safe, loving place for your child to grow and learn”

ABC, 123, we care for all our little “Bumblebees” . . .

Loving, caring hugs for all our little “Ladybugs” . . .

2015 Parent Handbook

1102 Napoleon Street

(Corner of Napoleon & Evans)

Valparaiso, IN 46383

e-mail:

website:

Owner: Janet Kissinger

E-I-N: 27-4291313

Updated: 10/2/2018 4:09 PM

Thank you for choosing Ladybugs and Bumblebees. Allowing us to care for your child is an enormous trust which we take very seriously. Rest assured that your child will be cared for, loved, and will be taught in a developmentally appropriate manner. Each child is unique and each child’s needs are unique. We will strive to provide them with the best learning environment that we possibly can!

A little bit of background information on Ms. Janet (the owner) and my goals:

• I have a college degree with a major in pre-med biology and my CDA (Child Development Associate) along with many in-service training hours and continuing education credits in the early childhood field. I have much experience working with children of all ages. I am a proud Aunt of 10 nieces and nephews!

• I worked in a StateLicensedDayCareCenter for nine years – 5 in Administration and 4 in Teaching/Supervising an Infant Class of 8-15 infants. I cared for and taught over 75 Infants and Toddlers over these years. I have an Alumni Book if you would like to see some adorable faces! 

• I directed a State Licensed Child Care Facility and a Registered Ministry for one year each.

• I love watching little ones experience new things. The looks on their faces are often priceless. They get so excited about projects, new toys, new experiences, etc. My desire as a teacher and administrator is to provide each child with a unique and exciting educational experience. Please rest assured that every project is carefully supervised and planned out. Every material used is appropriate and non-toxic.

Ladybugs and Bumblebees students participate in a variety of activities that include (but are not limited to) dress up play, texture experiences, science experiments and other “foundation” building experiences that will prepare them for their grade school years.

If you at any time have any concerns regarding anything – please feel free to speak with me. I will accommodate your requests as fully as I am able.

Thanks again for entrusting us with the care of your little one. We are very excited to get to know them!

Sincerely,

Ms. Janet Kissinger

Table of Contents

Main Handbook
Philosophy -- Accreditation / 1
Hours of Operation, Attendance Schedule & Trial Period / 2
Holidays & Closings -- Staff Requirements – Enrollment Information – Supply List / 2
Child Personal Information & Communication between Parents & Staff / 3
Daily Schedule – Tuition Charges / 3
Tuition Policies – Child File Requirements -- Accident, Incident & Discipline Policies / 4
Emergencies -- Emergency Back Up Plans – Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco Policy / 5
Health & Safety – Activities, Transportation & Media Permissions -- Food Policies / 6
Curriculum -- Caring for Children with Special Needs –Transitioning Your Child to Group Child Care / 7
Termination after the Trial Period – Childcare References – Parent Notes / 8
Infant Toddler Section / Attachments Section
Transitions / Mother Goose Curriculum Information
Safe Sleep Policy / 2014-15 Curriculum Themes
The Food Program / Communicable Disease Guidelines Chart
CACFP Infant Meal Pattern / Hand Washing Guidelines
Building for the Future Food Program Information Sheet
Diaper Changing Guidelines
Community Resources

Philosophy

Ladybugs and Bumblebees Education Station (LBES) is committed to providing each and every child with a quality early childhood education. We provide experiences in the basic foundational learning categories of literacy, math, social studies, music, art, science, and physical education as well as provide a basis for each child to grow socially and emotionally in a safe, loving environment. Many varying experiences are available to all children. Each child is given ample opportunity to experience independent free play where the majority of imaginative learning takes place. Every child also benefits from small and large group experiences where they can learn from one another and grow their self-esteem in a positive manner.

Each child develops in their own way and in their own time. Our goal at LBES is to provide a place where children can grow and flourish at their own pace and in their own way in a fun, exciting environment.

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At Ladybugs and Bumblebees Education Station, we are proud to be a part of the following programs that help us maintain our philosophy and provide the best possible quality early childhood education:

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• Paths To Quality Program:A voluntary quality rating system for child care. For more information about this program visit

• Child Care Development Fund (CCDF): A subsidy program that assists low income families with tuition. For more information about this programvisit

• Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP): A federal program that provides food subsidies to help provide children with healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks while in childcare. For more information about this program visit

• The Caregivers Learning Indiana's Model for Building Social skills Project(CLIMBS): A project of Indiana Association of Child Care Resource and Referral. For more information visit their website at

• National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC): A non-profit organization committed to promoting quality family childcareand providingaccreditation services to Family Child Care Homes. For more information visit their website at

Accreditation - National Association for Family Child Care

Accreditation is a process many different industries use to identify exemplary practices in that particular field. Accreditation is both a status and a process. As a status, accreditation provides public notification that an institution or program meets standards of quality set forth by an accrediting agency. As a process, accreditation reflects the fact that in achieving recognition by the accrediting agency, the institution or program is committed to self-study and external review by one's peers in seeking not only to meet standards but to continuously seek ways in which to enhance the quality of the services provided.
NAFCC sponsors the only nationally recognized accreditation system designed specifically for family child care providers. This system was designed by hundreds of providers, parents, and early care and education experts in an effort to create a quality indicator for family child care programs across the country.
NAFCC Accreditation is recognized as the highest indicator that a family child care program is a quality environment. In states where Quality Rating Systems have been implemented, NAFCC Accreditation is often the "top" level in the rating system.
NAFCC Accreditation is awarded to family child care providers who meet the eligibility requirements and the Quality Standards for NAFCC Accreditation. Accreditation reflects a high level of quality through a process that examines all aspects of the family child care program, i.e. relationships, the environment, developmental learning activities, safety and health, and professional and business practices. Once family child care providers become accredited, they agree to abide by the standards set forth and to be measured against those standards, with periodic integrity and compliance reviews. There are over 2100 NAFCC Accredited providers throughout the United States and in other locations worldwide where military family child care professionals operate.

NAFCC Accreditation is an indicator that family child care offers safe, inviting spaces and warm, nurturing care complete with educational activities designed to meet the needs and interests of all children while promoting individual development.
Nationally accredited homes meet high standards in child care and set the benchmark for quality.

For more information please visit

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Hours of Operation, Attendance Schedule, and Trial Period

Regular Childcare Hours are Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Other hours may be available at an additional cost. You will need to submit a schedule of attendance for your child. Children must be dropped off and picked up within 15 minutes of scheduled times. A 24 hour notice and pre-approval are required for changes to schedules (additional charges may apply). Part Time children must be picked up by 12:30 if not staying for nap time. No child may be dropped off during our typical rest-wake up times of 12-3. Absolutely no child may attend for 10 or more hours per day.

The first month of attendance will be an adjustment or trial period. During this month trial period time, either the client or the provider may cancel the contract immediately, without written notice. After the Trial Period, the Client must give a two-week written notice to end this contract. The Provider may terminate this contract at will. The Provider reserves the right to immediately terminate this contract without notice if the client does not make tuition payments when due.

Holidays and Closings

Ladybugs and Bumblebees will be closed on the following holidays:

New Year’s Day / Thursday, January 1, 2015
Easter Weekend / Friday, April 3 & Monday, April 6, 2015
Memorial Day / Monday, May 25, 2015
Independence Day Weekend / Friday, July 3, 2015
Labor Day / Monday, September 7, 2015
Thanksgiving Weekend / Thursday, November 26 & Friday, November 27, 2015
Christmas Week / Monday, December 21-Friday, December 25, 2015

If a Holiday falls on a Saturday – it will be observed on the Friday before the Holiday.

If a Holiday falls on a Sunday – it will be observed on the Monday following the Holiday.

Please note: FULL TUITION is due for Holiday weeks except for the Full Week we will be closed for Christmas.

Weather closings are rare since Ladybugs and Bumblebees is an in-home daycare but if there is a weather-related closing each family will be notified by phone.

Staff Requirements

To ensure the safety of our children and to meet and/or exceed State Requirements every staff member of Ladybugs and Bumblebees must have: First Aid Training, yearly Universal Precautions Training, yearly CPR training, have a Negative Drug Screen, a yearly TB test, a yearly Central Registry Check, and an FBI Fingerprint Background check upon application (and every 3 years thereafter in compliance with state guidelines) plus provide documentation of education and attend at least 20 hours of in-service trainings in early childhood education.

All staff members are required to report any criminal convictions immediately to administration and all staff of any childcare facility is required by the State of Indiana to report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the FSSA.

Enrollment Information

Childcare is available for children 6 weeks – 13 years. Every child must have the complete Contract Packet and any necessary additional paperwork turned in before enrollment.

The first week’s tuition plus the registration fee is due on or before the first day of attendance. Our Registration Fee is $25 per child. A Deposit of two weeks tuition is due within 6 months of enrollment – this deposit will be used to pay for the last two weeks of tuition.

Supply List

Each family will be required to provide certain supplies for their child upon enrollment and once a year or as needed thereafter. Please see your Parent Contract for the specific list.

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Child’s Personal Information & Communication between Parents and Staff

You will be required to fill out an information page about your child’s personality, sleeping habits, eating habits, etc. This is necessary so that we can adequately care for and educate your child.

Each day you will receive a daily sheet for your child that will tell you: 1) what your child ate and how much, 2) when and how long your child napped, 3) if applicable when your child’s diaper was changed, 4) what activities your child participated in that day, 5) what mood your child was in and what their behavior was like, 6) any “homework”, and 7) any supplies your child may need. We will also orally fill you in on any pertinent information or interesting things that happened in your child’s life at school for the day. Since our daily communication is like a mini-conference, an annual family conference will be scheduled in the fall of each year only or as requested by staff or parents. Visitors are welcome at any time.

At any time, please feel free to share any information about your child or family situation that will help us better care for and understand your child and/or any behavioral changes that may occur. If you need to share specific information, such as medication dispensation times, etc., please send awritten note – this will help to avoid miscommunication. You will be notified if your child has specific issues that need your attention. Every effort will be made to help your child with any behavioral issues or concerns. Your consistency and input are very vital to your child’s success. Occasionally an outside source will need to be contacted for additional help. Your permission is needed for your child to be evaluated by any outside source such as First Steps. As always you and your child’s personal information will be kept confidential and used only for the purposes of the care of your child through Ladybugs and Bumblebees.

If you have a custody agreement then we will need to have a copy of it on file. We cannot stop a parent from removing their child without a court order.

Daily Schedule

The following schedule is a general guideline for our days. Infants and Toddlers participate as interested or enjoy free play, their daily writing experiences, and alternative activities or are involved in routine care activities.

Time / Activity / Time / Activity
6:30 - 7:00 AM / Early Arrivals - Rest Time – Quiet Free Play / 11:00 - 12:00 PM / Lunch – Clean up – Tooth brushing
7:00 - 7:30 AM / Breakfast / 12:00 - 12:30 PM / Independent Literacy Activities
7:30 - 8:30 AM / Free Play – Small Group Learning Activities / 12:30 - 3:00 PM / Rest Time
8:30 - 9:00 AM / Large Group Literacy Activities / 3:00 - 3:30 PM / PM Snack
9:00 - 9:30 AM / AM Snack / 3:30 - 4:30 PM / Free Play – Activities Catch Up - Outside
9:30 - 10:00AM / Circle Time - Lessons / 4:30 - 5:00 PM / Independent Activities
10:00 - 11:00 AM / Outside – Active Play - Music / 5:00 PM / CLOSED

Tuition Charges

Tuition Rates are for care during normal business hours. Total Tuition Charges are based on scheduled hours plus incurred fees.

Tuition Rates / Weekly Rate / Daily Rate / Hourly Rate
0-1 yearsANDnon-walkers / $200 / $50 / $8
1-3 years ANDnon-potty trained / $180 / $45 / $7
3-5 yearsANDpotty-trained / $165 / $40 / $6
School Age / $150 / $35 / $5
Fees / Cause / Fee Amount
Late Payment / Payment not received by Friday at 5 p.m. or before a holiday break (see policies) / $10 per incident
Late Pick up / Pick up after 5:00 p.m. / $20 per 15 minutes (or increment)
Over Hours / Attendance over 10 hours in a day / $20 per child per incident
Alternative Hours / Attendance outside normal hours of 6:30 am-5 pm (if available) / $10per day per child
Discounts / Qualifications (only available for FULL TIME families) / Discount Amount
Loyalty / One year of full time attendance / $10 per family per week
Sibling / Two or more children attend from same family / $10 per child per week
Teacher / No attendance during ALL school breaks and closings / $10 per family per week

If you need help paying for tuition, the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal program thathelps low-income families pay for child care so they can work, attend training, or continue their education. For more information call 1-800-299-1627.

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Tuition Policies

Policy / Details
Schedule / You must submit an attendance schedule for your child. You must stick to this schedule. If you vary more than 30 minutes from your scheduled times then a $20 schedule fee change will apply – unless you request changes 24 hours in advance AND your request can be accommodated.
Please call if your child will not be attending on a particular day or if you are running late. Remember even if you drop your child off late you are required to pick them up at their regularly scheduled time unless previous arrangements have been made.
Attendance / You must sign your child in and out on the Sign-In-and-Out Sheet located by the front door.
In no circumstances is any child ever to be in attendance for 10 or more hours on any day no matter what their attendance has been on other days (in other words no child may attend 10 or more hours per day even to “make up” time for absences, etc.) Please see the Fees section under Tuition Charges for applicable fees for non-compliance and for attendance schedule changes.
Tuition Payments / Due on Fridays by 5 p.m. for the following week of care except for Holiday week payments which must be made on the day before the Holiday closing by 5 p.m. or else the $10 late fee applies.
Absences / There is no discount for absences, illness, or holidays. Whether the absence is of a child or upon emergency/illness of Provider, tuition is always due in full regardless of missing a day or a partial week.
Vacation / Clients are allowed up to two full week vacations per year. Vacation week tuition is $50 per week.
The only exception to the two week limit is joint custody agreements – but – all weeks must be submitted in writing at least two weeks before the absence is to occur otherwise full tuition will be due and no discount will be given.
Summer Break / If your child will be taking the summer off but will be returning in the fall, and filling their spot for the summer only isn’t possible, then a summer holding fee may apply. The holding fee will vary upon enrollment. If it comes to filling a spot or holding a spot you will be notified and if you are interested in holding your spot then you will be required to pay a fee.
Provider Vacations / Provider vacations will be covered by available staff. If staff isn’t available or there is a need to close for more than two days a daily tuition rate will apply for that particular week. If we must close for one or two days regular tuition rates apply and no discount will be given. Except in the case of emergencies a two week notice will be given in the event of a closing.

Child File Requirements