I have a "Healthy Child" policy: Sick children are asked to stay at home to protect the health of other children and myself. I will not accept children with a fever, or if they have had diarrhea or vomited within the last 24 hours. I will not accept a child with chicken pox, measles, pink eye, head lice, flu, bad coughing or colds etc. A child with a runny nose due to a cold MAY be accepted if they are taking a decongestant. A runny nose is the biggest germ spreader in the younger children. Therefore, if a little nose needs to be wiped very often, that child needs to be home, not here with the other kids. If you are uncertain, please call me to discuss your child's health. If a child is too fussy or unable to participate in our daily routine I will call you to pick her up and she may need to be separated from the other children. If you have school aged children in your household, please let me know if a head lice advisory has been sent home with your child. Please be considerate of me, the other children and your own child - an ill child needs one on one attention and I cannot offer that in my dayhome where there are other kids who also need my attention. I advise parents to have alternate child care in place before your child becomes sick. If you or a relative cannot care for her when ill, sometimes a neighbour can be enlisted to help you out on occasion. I reserve the right to make a judgment call if I believe your child is sick/or call a parent to pick up a sick child.
Field Trips: When age appropriate, we may go places such as the zoo, library, community center, lunch at McDonald's, etc. from time to time. If there is a fee, I will ask for $ to be paid in advance. If you wish to opt out of a planned outing, please make alternative arrangements for your child for that day.
Occasionally, I will need to transport your child in my vehicle while going on a field trip or other outing. I have enough baby car seats and booster seats for everyone.
Alternative Address: I would like an alternate phone number and address where I can drop your child off on the unlikely event that you are unable to pick up your child on a day when I have commitments which require me to leave my home before you can get there. This would also be my back up in an emergency situation.
Food Notes: I do not serve different meals or snacks to a child just because a child is a picky eater. I try to serve what kid's like, but cannot cater to a certain child's tastes. There is usually a minimum choice of about 3 foods on their plate, so even picky eaters can find something they like. I will encourage a child to try new foods, but don't force them. I will advise you if your child refuses to eat or eats very little.
If you choose to bring a special snack or meal for your child, please bring enough to share. I do not serve "junk food" treats without the permission of the other parents, so please give me at least one day's notice.
I will not serve your child special foods from home, such as "organic" foods as it can cause difficulties with young children who see one child eating differently. It's just much easier to deal with multiple children if they are all served the same food.
For the same reason I prefer not to accept children with severe food allergies.
Phone calls/emails: I will not call you at work unless I have a concern which I think can't wait. Please do not call me unless you have a specific concern or information which I need for that day. Non-essential calls interrupt our day and wake sleeping children. You may email me anytime with info for your child. I check my mail several times a day.