Discipline Policy

Our approach to discipline and guidance is centered around respect and responsibility. Every child is encouraged to be a respectful and responsible member of our group. This includes everything from cleaning up their own “messes” to using manners and politeness when speaking with teachers, parents, and other children.

Our “rules” are based on these principles of respect, responsibility, and safety. The only rules enforced are those necessary to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all children in our center.

Children who pose a consistent danger to themselves, other children, center property, or staff will be removed from the program. The safety of all children is our utmost priority, and it is my responsibility to ensure everyone remains safe.

Our Plan for Behavior Management:

1. Redirect: In a conflict, we offer an alternate toy or activity to redirect a child’s focus. We also strive to have multiples of popular toys.
2. Focus on “Do” rather than “Don’t”: For example, we say, “We walk inside” instead of “Stop running inside.”
3. Offer Choices: Empowering children with choices, such as “You can either sit on the rug or at the table for story time.”
4. Encourage Friendly Words: We guide children to use verbal communication rather than physical acts, suggesting phrases like, “I was playing with that toy.”
5. Praise Positive Behavior: We acknowledge and praise desired actions, such as “Thank you for using your words.”
6. Model Desired Behaviors: Staff actively demonstrate the behaviors we wish to see in the children, allowing them to learn by example.
7. Arrange Program Space Thoughtfully: Our physical environment is designed to positively influence children’s behavior, avoiding large open spaces that might encourage indoor running.
8. Listen and Respond Proactively: We actively listen to children and respond to their needs to keep them engaged in activities, which helps prevent conflicts.
9. Involve Older Children: For preschool and school-age children, we involve them in the development of classroom rules and consequences.

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Communication

Telephone Communication

If you need to contact the daycare for any reason, please call (703) 862-6598. If you reach voicemail, please leave a detailed message. I am often engaged with the children and may not be able to answer immediately, but I check messages regularly and return calls as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding. For calls outside of business hours, please leave a message, and I will return your call during my business hours.

Parent Involvement

My doors are always open to parents who wish to be involved in their child’s care and education. We welcome any comments or suggestions regarding our programming or the care of your children. If you are interested in volunteering at our center or on outings, please contact me so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Photographs & Video Cameras

I love taking pictures at the daycare to share with the children and show parents the fun we have! For the safety and privacy of my personal home and the children, we do not have a public Facebook page.

You are welcome to save pictures of your child from emails or messages. However, please remember that you cannot share any pictures of children in a public forum unless you have written consent from that child’s parents. If you share pictures with friends or on social media, please ensure that no other children’s faces are visible in the photos.

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Use of Property

To ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone:

• Smoking on the premises is strictly prohibited.
• Please do not litter on the property.
• Children are to be kept out of the garden area.
• The owner is not responsible for accidents that take place on the property.
• The best parking spot is in the driveway.
• Supervise Children Closely: Please watch your children closely when entering/exiting the daycare or your car. Reinforce to children to never run in the road, to look both ways for cars, and to stay close to their parent/guardian at all times. This is a crucial safety lesson we practice during stroller walks, fire drills, and when exiting for outdoor play. Safety is our main priority.
• Non-Enrolled Children: When dropping off or picking up with other children not enrolled in the program, please keep a close eye on them.
• No Shoe Policy Reinforcement: Please remember and respect our no-shoe policy inside the daycare. If you have other children with you during drop-off or pick-up, they must either remove their shoes or place blue coverings over them. Parents/guardians are also required to remove their shoes or use coverings. Maintaining the cleanliness and health of our classroom is a core standard we uphold.

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Withdrawal of Services Policy

A minimum of four (4) weeks written notice is required for the termination of childcare services. Payment is still required for this four-week period, even if your child does not attend. Any fees not paid on time related to service termination will be subject to daily late fees until full payment is received. Unpaid bills may be sent to collections.

Addressing Concerns

In the event of any concerns, a meeting can be scheduled to address the issues. This meeting will involve the owner/operator, relevant staff members, and the parents/guardians involved. Concerns (e.g., late payments, failure to adhere to center policies, behavioral problems) will be clearly stated and discussed respectfully. Meeting minutes will be taken, and solutions will be sought in a non-judgmental manner. A plan will be designed to resolve the issue, and a second meeting will be scheduled within a reasonable timeframe to review the situation. If the issue cannot be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction, a four-week written notice of termination of services will be issued. You will be required to pay for the child’s final four weeks of care.

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Handbook Acknowledgment & Fee Agreement

All Policy Handbooks must be read and acknowledged by the Guardian by signing and agreeing to our Handbook & Fee Agreement on the following pages. Please sign the attached copy and return it to the Owner/Operator. Thank you.

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Parent/Family Handbook and Fee Agreement – Family Copy

Child(ren)’s Name(s):

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Rates are as follows:

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Childcare Rate:

• Full Time: $350 per week
• Part Time: $295 per week

This includes curriculum, daily sheets, monthly development sheets, nutritional meals/snacks, and blankets for sleeping. Parents are responsible for all diapers, a change of clothing, sunscreens, and proper outdoor apparel.

Your Weekly/Daily Child Care Fees: ________________

I/We (the undersigned) have read the parent handbook for Creative Kids Daycare Facility and understand all the information, policies, and procedures outlined in the handbook. We (the undersigned) have also received a copy of these policies and procedures for our own records and reference.

By signing this agreement, we consent to all the handbook policies and procedures and agree to them, including payment policies and late fee procedures. By signing this agreement, we acknowledge that the information supplied in the registration form regarding our child(ren) and the information supplied below is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge.