Sample of Contract and Handbook

ENROLLMENT CONTRACT and HANDBOOK

(First page of provider and client details has been omitted.)

ENROLLMENT CONTRACT and HANDBOOK (updated as of 04/28/19)

PART 1: Program Details

REGULARLY SCHEDULED CARE

1. First Day of Care

The first day of care will be (MM/DD/YY)_______________________.

2. Program Options (Initial the option(s) you choose)

_______FULL-TIME: The days and hours of care will be from Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 5:30pm, and Friday from 8:00am to1:00pm, year-round per the Operating Calendar.
_______PART-TIME: The days and hours of care will be from Monday through Friday from 8:00am to1:00pm, year-round per the Operating Calendar.
_______TEMPORARY ENROLLMENT: FROM_______________ TO_______________
_______ 2019 DROP-IN ONLY: PNO / Special Events / Other_____________________
A change of program option requires written approval from the provider and may require a waiting term before change can made in order to make necessary accommodations.

3. Other Business Hours

The provider may offer extended care for an additional fee in the following circumstances:

Scheduled “Parents’ Night Out” events
Early drop-off (before regularly scheduled care) or late pick-up (after regularly scheduled care) will be allowed on a case-by-case basis for an extra charge.

Family Field Trips and other special events outside of regularly scheduled care do not constitute as child care days or hours unless otherwise specified.

4. Schedule

The provider agrees to care for child Monday-Friday, per the Program Option hours above.
The provider reserves the right to change this schedule at any time and will give at least a 30-day notice if the days or hours must be changed.
The childcare program is open year-round, except for the holidays and vacations listed below.
Tuition is based on the Regularly Scheduled Care days and hours in the selected option above whether or not those days or hours are used by the client/child.
A special schedule may be arranged for families receiving government assistance or on a full or partial scholarship.

5. Holidays that Facility is CLOSED for

The childcare program/facility will be closed on the following days each year, but regular tuition is still due unless otherwise noted:

New Year’s Day (January 1st) *Closed only if this date fall on a weekday (M-F), otherwise there are no closed observances.
Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
Independence Day (4th of July or observed)*No tuition due if during Summer Break.
Labor Day (first Monday in September)
Thanksgiving Day and day after (fourth Thursday and following Friday in November)
Christmas Eve (December 24th) and Christmas Day (December 25th) *Closed only if these dates fall on a weekday (M-F), otherwise there are no closed observances.

6. Holidays that Facility is OPEN for

Martin Luther King, Jr Day (Third Monday of January)
President’s Day (Third Monday of February)
Veteran’s Day (November 11th or observed)
New Year’s Eve (December 31st)

We celebrate, through special learning activities that are age-appropriate, the following national and cultural holidays/festivals/celebrations: MLK, Jr. Day, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Dr. Seuss/Read Across America Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Earth Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthdays, Holi and/or Diwali, Cinco de Mayo and/or Dia de los Muertos, Thanksgiving (observed), Hanukkah (observed), Christmas (observed), New Year’s Eve, and other holidays or celebrations that may come up through parent collaboration.
In order to be inclusive, we do not allow children to be withheld from festivities or denied the ability to participate, so please review the attached Special Learning Days calendar accordingly. If there is a holiday/festival/celebration not listed that you would like to have celebrated through a collaboration, please let us know as we would love to include it. We reserve the right to make final decisions on celebration activities and food.

7. Provider Personal Time Off (PTO) and Summer Break

A substitute caregiver will be in the childcare home during the provider’s PTO hours or days, and the regular rate will be charged.
Summer Break: the provider’s program and facility will be closed for one week (5-days, Monday-Friday) for a summer break each year, around the first full week of July. For 2019, the Summer Break occurs Mon., July 1st to Fri., July 5th. For 2020, the Summer Break occurs Mon., June 29th to Fri., July 3rd.
No tuition due for the week of the summer break, which coincides with Independence Day (4th of July).

8. Client (and Child) PTO/Vacations and Optional Holiday Week

No tuition due for Optional Holiday Week Between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Families may ELECT to have a tuition-free vacation week during this time (child does not attend, but enrollment is held). Tuition is only due for those who still attend during this week. For 2019, the Optional Holiday week is for: Th. 12/26/19 – Tue. 12/31/19. A pro-rated tuition amount will be invoiced for those using the Optional Holiday Week.
If you will be going on vacation, please notify us of the dates of absence so we do not misinterpret your child’s absence as abandonment of care.
Your child’s spot will be held as long as you continue to pay your tuition by the arranged payment due dates.

9. Child Attendance

The client must notify the provider in advance by phone call or text message (before the scheduled start time at 8:00am) whenever a child will be absent (won’t be coming to care) due to illness, vacation, or for any other reason.
If the child will be arriving late, after 9:00am, please notify the provider by phone or text message.
If the child needs to be picked up early, notice is appreciated for planning, but not required.
The client must continue to pay for all hours and days when the child is absent from childcare for any reason with the exception of the Optional Holiday Week (if elected) and Summer Break.
It is your parental right to arrive unannounced during operating hours to check on, drop-off, or pick-up your child at any time, and I am 100% supportive of these visits!
For early pick-ups, please be aware of our nap times during the hours of 1:15pm and 3:00pm. If you know you need to have an early pick-up that will be between these hours, please notify me as soon as possible by phone or text so I can have your child rest in a different room in order to not disturb the other children when you arrive.
If three days of your child’s absence has occurred with no notification from you, I reserve the right to consider this as “abandonment of care” (though I make every effort to contact the client first), and may terminate the contract.

B. TUITION, FEES, AND PAYMENT POLICIES

1. Coverage

Included with tuition: All learning material and instruction, play and childcare equipment and materials, AM and PM snacks and lunch, and total time of childcare whether or not you use the entire time and/or days (such as late drop-off, early pick-up, sick or vacation days, holidays, etc.) unless otherwise noted, such as, but not limited to, diapering products and formula for infants.
If you have a scholarship, coverage will extend for all meals (breakfast and dinner if applicable), and includes other supplies such as diapers, wipes, sunscreen, lotion, grooming, and school pictures. Coverage for Family Field Trips is based on availability of funds, and cannot be guaranteed.
Not included in tuition (except for those on scholarships): Diapers, wipes, lotions, sunscreen, and additional meals unless otherwise noted or offered. All Fees (such as late payments), Parent-Night-Out costs, Family Field Trips and Special Event fees (if applicable).

2. Payment Due Dates

Tuition must be paid in advance (with the exception of government assistance programs) by one of the following payment options: weekly (due Monday) or monthly (on the 1st or the 15th).
- METHOD CHOSEN:______________________________
- I understand that I can request a change of payment method only with a two-week advance written notice that includes any applicable pro-rated or full advanced payment. INITIALS: ____________
After a one-business day grace period, there is a $20 late payment fee applied for each day tuition is late due by your next tuition payment.
If payment is not made within five-business days of pre-arranged due date, I will consider this “abandonment of care” and notify you that payment-in-full is due immediately (within one-business day) or the enrollment and contract will be immediately terminated.

3. Payment Methods

The following methods of payment are accepted for the deposit, tuition, and fees and may be used interchangeably without notice:
- online via website, cash or money order (must sign receipt), check ($25 fee for returned-checks in addition to applicable late fees), Venmo (no fee), and credit card* (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, AmericanExpress) *additional service charge of 2.75% applies. Secure encryption and transaction provided by Square.
- If there is an alternate payment method you are interested in using that is not mentioned above, please contact us.

4. Fees

There is a $25 late pick-up fee per day applied after the 5-minute grace period (this means at 1:06pm or 5:36pm per my cell phone’s digital clock, the late fee will be charged. (No exceptions after your first time or first two-weeks of enrollment other than documented medical emergencies of course.)
Registration Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of two-weeks worth of tuition is due immediately to hold your spot. This deposit will be used for your last two-weeks as long as you give the proper two-week notice and have no outstanding balance due.
There is no initial/annual enrollment fee, materials fee, or annual registration fee. ♥
Per above, after a one-business day grace period for tuition payments, there is a $20 late payment fee applied for each day tuition is late and is due by your next tuition payment.

5. Tuition

Full-Time Enrollment: $240 per week / $1,000 per month
Part-Time Enrollment: $190 per week / $792 per month
TEMPORARY PERIOD of enrollment rate: $___________ per __________
______Scholarship Granted – See addendum
Childcare Tax Credit: IRS form 2441 Child and Dependent Care Taxes allows you to receive a tax credit for up to $3,000 for one child and up to $6,000 per multiple children. I provide tax form W-10 with an EIN to you each January that provides all of the information you need for this credit. Please consult a tax professional for full details and qualifications.

6. Government Assistance /Subsidies and Scholarships

Full (100%) and partial (sliding scale) scholarships are available for families who are currently or were recently homeless and for those who have qualified for government assistance, but are on the waitlist.
- Requires proof of qualification from a government or non-profit organization assistance program initially and every three-months.
- Does not cover any late fees, which must be paid out-of-pocked by the next billing date.
- If family no longer qualifies for a scholarship, a two-week grace period of the scholarship is given, after which parent(s)/client agrees to become fully responsible for any balances.
- If family becomes eligible for government assistance programs, client agrees to notify Avalon immediately and transition to government program at soonest qualifying date.
- Client agrees to fulfill participation requirements of government assistance programs.
- Client agrees that Avalon may provide both private and public sponsors of scholarship with general information about families that may include first name, age, and qualifying situation of child that may be publicly shared. This supersedes all other privacy and information sharing sections within this contract.
- Client acknowledges Avalon’s commitment to dignity, safety, and privacy of our families and that no other information will be required to be provided that would be available to the public. Other information would be restricted to private funding and program qualification information. This information would only be released with consent from client(s).

All government assistance / subsidized programs are accepted: CalWorks, Choices For Children, CAPP, 4Cs, and more. Client agrees to fulfill any requirements of these programs in addition to attendance and administrative requirements for Avalon’s participation within these programs.
If you are receiving or have recently (within the past year) received services from CalWorks, LifeMoves, Family Supportive Housing, or another qualifying agency, you will automatically qualify for our full or partial scholarship. A separate addendum for scholarships is required.
If needed, we will assist you with applying for government childcare payment assistance or a scholarship to cover your childcare costs.

C. ENROLLMENT WITHDRAWAL

When your child is ready to attend Kindergarten/1st Grade, or if there in another circumstance that requires you to withdrawal your child’s enrollment, advance written notice of a minimum of two-weeks is required (and appreciated). This time period allows us to plan the proper transition activities for your child, his/her friends, and us! Love and friendship bonds are strong here, so it is important for children to have closure and proper transition of such an important part of their life. We all create a memory book for the exiting child and talk about the transition (not the reason for it if other than starting Kindergarten). Though your child may not attend here any longer, you are invited to continue being part of our Facebook Group and attend all of the Family Field Trips.

1. Withdrawal Process

Submit in writing (via email, text message, or note in person/by mail) a minimum two-week notice of withdrawal with the date of the child’s last day of attendance.
You will receive (by email or written note in your child’s folder) confirmation of your notice and a closing invoice.
- If your child’s last day of enrollment is sooner than the required two-week’s notice, there will be no pro-rated refund of your deposit. You would, if there is no outstanding balance, receive an invoice of a zero balance. If your child’s last day extends past the two-week’s notice, a pro-rated tuition amount will be given to you and must be paid in advance, along with any outstanding balances.
We will also provide you with an outgoing assessment for the recent period and a general development assessment for the entire time your child was here within two-weeks of your withdrawal notice. Your child’s records will also be kept here permanently via a secure digital copy.
Please note that once the withdrawal notice has been submitted, we immediately open up our waiting list for new enrollment and therefore cannot guarantee your child’s enrollment at a future time. A new enrollment application would have to be submitted to gain a place on the waiting list along with filling out a new registration contract.
If this contract is for “temporary enrollment”, no action on your part is necessary as the contract will automatically end.

D. Supplies, Materials, and Activities

1. Supplies

Provider will select and supply all materials for childcare and learning activities and needs unless otherwise noted elsewhere in the contract/handbook. If you wish for alternative supplies or materials to be provided, you must provide them at your own expense and only with approval from provider.

2. Clothing, Grooming, and Personal Property

By your first day, you must provide one spare set of clothing (two sets for non-potty trained children) that consists of socks, underwear, pants, and a shirt. This will remain here and checked for appropriate fit semi-annually.

- If child soils their clothes with bodily fluids, per Health and Safety regulations, provider will put it in a plastic bag for you to take. We will not rinse or handle them.

Because we encourage lots of artistic expression and play, children will often “get messy”. We do have an artist smock for each child for arts and crafts, or an apron for cooking, but accidents happen (glitter glue, ketchup, mud, etc.), so please dress your child with the awareness that his or her fun experiences may occasionally be displayed on clothing! If there is a performance or class photo scheduled, you can pack play clothing as long as your child can change without any assistance. We are not responsible or liable for an damage or loss of clothing or accessories.
All clothing must be in good and suitable condition at all times. (i.e. have the proper fit (not too small or too big), no tears/holes, broken zippers, missing buttons, etc.) Suitable condition means clothing appropriate for the weather and activity (e.g. jackets for cold/rainy days and cool clothing for hot days); this means no pajamas (unless it is a PJ party!) and no costumes (unless it is a costume party!). Children should come to care already dressed for the day.
For skirts and dresses: opaque leggings/tights or shorts (underwear itself is not sufficient) must be worn underneath at all times. This is because children often sit cross-legged during Circle Time, play on the floor/ground, and are physically active during play time and sports. Dresses or skirts must also not touch or trail on the ground as that becomes a tripping hazard. For Par Cor Gymnastic days, you will be notified ahead of time that pants or shorts are required for that day (it is fine to have a spare set kept here for your child to change into on those days). This does not apply to infants in diapers.
Closed-toed shoes with socks are required at all times. I know, living in California, that sandals are the go-to, however, to ensure the safety of all children during active play, no form of sandal/flip-flop/open-toed shoe is allowed. Absolutely no “wheelies” types of shoes or sound/music enhanced shoes. Shoes that light-up are okay.
We respect your right to style your child’s hair as you wish, but please keep their napping comfort in mind when styling or using hair accessories (pony-tails and barrettes are adorable, but no fun to sleep on!). If you wish to keep a spare comb or brush for your child to use here, it can be stored in his/her cubby. We will not adjust or alter your child’s hair without your consent and the consent of your child:

- - - - INITIALS______________Client DOES GIVE CONSENT for Avalon Childcare and Preschool employees to groom/style child’s hair IF child also gives consent at that time. If so, please provide a comb and brush to store in child’s cubby.
        
        INITIALS______________Client DOES NOT GIVE CONSENT for Avalon Childcare and Preschool to groom/style hair. Client(s) understand this may be waived if child has an object stuck in his/her hair that is causing child physical or emotional distress or becomes a safety hazard.

Other than the above hair grooming for styling purposes, no other physical grooming services, such as trimming hair or nails, will be provided unless otherwise published as a special event.
Physical markings: (1) Temporary tattoos and stamps are fine as long as they are of a non-violent nature. (2) If your child will have any cultural/spiritual/religious markings directly on (or worn on) their person, please notify us ahead of time so we can be educated on how to best care for your child’s needs. (3) We will never apply any markings, temporary tattoos, stickers, or stamps onto your child. Children often do this to themselves though, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about such markings if you see any.
Jewelry: Because children are highly active, no dangling earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, or bracelets are allowed unless there is a special reason or a cultural/spiritual/religious reason and the item does not pose a physical hazard (such as it being long and dangling, which is a strangulation hazard). We reserve the right to remove such jewelry if there is a physical injury that is occurring, but if we perceive it as a possible issue only, we will contact you first. FitBits may be worn only with a doctor’s note.
Free dress miscellaneous: (1) any slogans, words, graphics, or logos that are are demeaning, rude, or otherwise offensive will not be permitted and are judged at our discretion (2) Pajamas and costumes are not to be worn as daytime attire due to those materials not being meant for active play. The exception to this rule is a day that is for a pajama party, halloween celebration, or performances.
Electronic devices such as (but not limited to) cell phones, Apple watches, iPads, FitBits, music devices, and video game devices are not allowed.
Children may bring one small stuffed animal to keep at school as their “nap buddy” to cuddle. If they wish, they can also bring a special blanket for nap time or a favorite pillow. Blankets and linens will be provided if they choose not to bring their own. All stuffed animals and blankets will be laundered here (dye/fragrance free detergent is used).
No personal items from home are allowed unless requested for a project. This includes pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals aside from the above exception and for transitioning (new) children, who may bring a stuffed animal to come with them for the first few weeks or a security blanket. We also ask that for the first full week, you allow your child to bring a (non valuable) personal item of yours that they are familiar with to “take care of” while you are gone and that they “return” to you at pick-up each day. We usually recommend it be an item of clothing, that way they can hug it if they are missing you, but let us know if there is another item more appropriate.
Children are curious explorers! Sometimes they damage or break things through misuse or accident. It happens, and the important thing is that they are not hurt and learn how to properly use items. You will not be held liable for any damages of materials to the childcare; however, this does NOT include damage your child may do to another’s personal property or vice-versa and you agree not to hold Charissa Kerr / Avalon Childcare and Preschool and/or any of its representatives responsible for loss or damage to personal property.

INITIALS ACKNOWLEDGING RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE TO CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, AND OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY: __________ ___________

3. Toys and Play

Free time is a necessary and effective part of healthy development. Due to its importance, play time comprises of over half of the program. Appropriate behavior is expected for play; no “rough housing” or “horse play” is allowed; we teach respectful physical contact when playing. We also do not allow play involving toy/imaginary weapons and violence.
A wide selection of toys by the provider will be available to the child during non-instructional time. Toys will not be of a violent nature or associated with any type of violence (this includes superhero toys). Any such items of my own children are not allowed out during open hours.

4. Napping and Rest Time

At 1:15pm, nap time begins with curtains closed in our quiet area, a story read to the children, and calming music played in the background. Children are provided with two-inch cushioned mats with individual sheets and blankets (laundered here weekly) to nap on.
If a child is restless or not a “napper”, they still lay down or sit quietly with their nap buddy (a stuffed animal from home) or look through a picture book on their mat.
Though nap time is “officially” over at 3pm, by law we are not allowed to physically wake up a napping child; however, we can open curtains and resume normal activities.
INFANT ONLY: For children 2yrs and younger, parent and provider work together to arrange a morning nap time and help transition infant’s afternoon nap time to the 1:30pm time slot with the other children. By law (childcare licensing) infants under 12 months old must be placed on their back with nothing but a crib sheet and within a sleep sack if warmth is needed. No swaddling, blankets, objects, or bottles may be placed with infant while sleeping. Infants over 12-months may have a blanket.

5. Diapering, Potty-Training, and Toilet Use

Diapering: Unless receiving a scholarship, client(s) agree to provide all diapering products such as diapers, diaper covers, wipes, creams/ointments, swim diapers, and spare clothing for accidents.
I do not allow cloth diapers. I also reserve the right to select a certain brand of diapers or products if the one being used is causing an issue (leaks, bad fit, etc.); parents are still responsible for providing the cost, even if it may be more than what they were paying for another brand.
If your child soils their clothing with urine or feces, those will be immediately put in a bag. Per our safety and health policies, we do not handle or wash clothing with bodily fluids on them.
You must always have one spare set of clothing here, but during potty training, two or more spare pants and underwear may be needed.
Potty-Training: Client agrees to coordinate the training time and methodology, including reporting progress at home, with provider. We do not use separate training toilets, so it is best if your child also uses a training potty seat that is placed on a regular toilet.
An individual “potty” seat is provided for each child’s use, and children are taught how to place it on the toilet and put it back on their holder for each use. Each seat, in addition to the toilet and entire bathroom, is disinfected and cleaned at the end of each day.

6. Preschool and TK/Pre-K Learning Activities

Preschool learning objectives are determined by the child’s general and personal maturation and abilities (developmentally appropriate)
Learning is never “forced”. We promote a frustration-free (but some challenge) with lessons that are fun, interactive, varied, and engaging; however, children can choose to do have an alternate activity or have free time for play.
Provider’s curricula is available for parent’s to review at any time, but is the intellectual property of the provider and therefore may not be distributed or published without provider’s written consent.
Provider maintains an “open door” policy to discuss child’s academic development in a collaborative manner with parent(s)/guardian(s).
Provider will assist client(s) with any IEP, speech therapy, or learning therapy needs to the best of our ability and resources.

E. Physical and Emotional Care

1. Behavior Policy

At no time ever will the children be yelled at, physically punished, have their personal rights violated, or be verbally harassed.
Nor will the above behavior be permissible at the facility even if it is by a parent/guardian or family member. I recognize that it is a parent’s right to spank a child, but this is my home and business, so I will terminate a contract IMMEDIATELY if any of the above actions happen on or in front of the facility/home premises.

REGULAR DISCIPLINARY METHODS FOR VERBAL OR EMOTIONAL CONFLICT:

Calming situation down to a “neutral” state.
Listening to each child’s issues and acknowledging his or her feelings.
Helping the children understand consequences of their actions and resolutions for their issues. I do not believe emotions such as anger, frustrations, sadness, et cetera, are “bad”, but that these are natural and healthy emotions that alert us to problems that we can work on constructively (per #4 and #5 below).
Working with each child to find constructive ways to express emotions: deep breathing, personal space, discussion, understanding other ways to look at the issue, redirection, or creating emotional “tools” to help resolve emotional distress.
Practicing a variety of ways from #4 and working through process again. Parents are notified in the child’s daily journal if there was an especially difficult issue.

PHYSICAL AGGRESSION*:

If there is an incident where a child is scratching, pushing, biting, hitting, or throwing objects, we handle it through regular disciplinary methods first (see above process) in addition to documentation (sent to the state per regulations if a/p) and notifying parents privately.
If behavior is repeated a second time after regular discipline, parents must immediately pick-up their child for suspension for the rest of the day (child may return next day) in addition to another round of regular disciplinary methods.
If there is a third occurrence, parents must immediately pick-up their child for suspension for the rest of the day and child is allowed back only after a group conference attended by parents, child, and provider. At this time, a final warning is given verbally and in writing that child will be immediately expelled if physical aggression happens again.
If a fourth occurrence happens again—child must be immediately picked up and is expelled from the program. The deposit is forfeit as it is used in lieu of required notice.

*If these occurrences are targeting a specific child or are of serious violence, then I reserve the right to handle such issues case-by-case to find the safest solution, which may include immediate expulsion without warning.

PARENT(s)/GUARDIAN(s) INITIALS AGREEING TO ABOVE BEHAVIOR POLICY:

_____________________________

EMOTIONAL SELF-REGULATION: Empathy, the ability to share and understand the feelings of another, is practiced daily in direct and indirect lessons. Children are taught to practice self-care and self-respect in addition to being part of a team and group of friends.
It can be difficult for toddlers to express themselves or to adjust their behavior to new expectations that might be different from home, so we stay in contact with your family about behavior in a cooperative way for information exchange and to promote the well-being of your child. A daily journal log is kept that records your child behavior, eating, and any other noteworthy activity or issue.
We also understand that it takes time to build trust and affection, so we welcome your child, no matter their temperament, with patience and understanding.
Polite manners and reciprocal respect (with cultural consideration) is taught and practiced at all times. Though we are loving and gentle, we are also firm and consistent in our behavioral rules. Rude, discriminatory, and vulgar communication is not tolerated.
Rewards are given for academic achievements. Rewards are little “prizes” like stickers, mini erasers, or a mini bouncy ball. No candy is given as a reward. Group rewards are for team actions like consistently lining up appropriately, cleaning up together after play, and playing cooperatively. Good behavior and healthy resolution of conflict is always verbally acknowledged.
There is no “punishment” or time-out isolation from the group. This does not mean we are lenient. On the contrary, we are very strict about behavior and dedicate time to teaching children the consequences of their actions and how to process their emotions when conflict has gotten out of hand (i.e. they were not able to resolve it respectfully). At times, we may observe them working out the problem themselves and do not interfere with this learning process if it is peaceful.
We teach the children, by observing their interactions and intervening when appropriate, how to socialize with each other and adults during academic periods and free play in a way that is peaceful and considerate. We have an outside and inside area for resolving conflict or to process strong emotions through talking it out with another person or taking space and time to process the emotion by one’s self. Each child creates a “toolbox” of things and/or techniques to help manage and care for his/her emotions. These are kept in our relaxation area near where they can sit with another to discuss their issues or in voluntary self-reflection by his/her self.

2. PERSONAL RIGHTS OF THE CHILD: Every child has a right to personal space and control over their body. At no time will the child be denied food or drink, the right to sleep undisturbed, the right to use the toilet whenever they need to, and the right to feel safe and secure both emotionally and physically. These rights are set forth by law and are maintained by us.

PHYSICAL AFFECTION: It is not just cultural diversity that dictates our values on physical interaction, but also personal preference. Children are innocent, so they often do not understand these boundaries and must be taught. We do this by modeling behavior by asking consent for hugs, cuddles, and carrying before automatically giving them and encouraging children to speak up for themselves– it is okay to say ‘no’. We let children know that we love hugs and they can give us hugs whenever they wish, but if they choose, they can also just “high-five” us, give a wave, or use their words to express affection. We reenforce that kisses are only for family members, so no kissing is allowed between staff and children or between the children themselves (unless they are siblings and those children and parents are okay with this).

3. Food and Nutrition

General Information

Cost: Included in your child’s tuition is a morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack (excluding formula and breast milk). Tuition remains the same whether you participate in our meal program or choose to pack your child’s snacks and lunch. No discounts are given for providing your own food or beverages. If there is a special product need you wish for your child to have, you will have to provide that at your own cost. (e.g. gluten-free bread, almond milk, etc.)
Meals not included: We do not offer breakfast or dinner unless these are selected within a scholarship addendum, however, children can bring their breakfast from home to eat or finish eating here as long as it is labeled and requires no prep/cooking. If doing this, please arrive before 8:30am so there is time for your child to finish eating before our Circle Time begins.
Beverage Offerings: By law, for the nutritional well-being of children, we can only offer 1% milk and water with meals. Our milk is organic and lactose-free. No juice is served. The only exception to the beverage offerings is at our two annual receptions and any celebrations. All food and beverage offerings are always provided to you ahead of time in writing.
Food Offerings: Meat is either organic or all-natural (free of hormones and preservatives). Vegetables and fruits are organic. Whole grains for breads, pastas, noodles, and crackers are served and organic/natural when possible (noted on the menu). Vegetarian proteins are grain or legume based – NO soy beans are used.
Little Chefs: Children are always invited to help prepare, cook, and serve the food under our constant supervision. Everyone helps clean up afterwards. Children (even tiny tots) get to practice cutting with kid-safe knives as they help cut up fruit for snack time or clean and cut the food we grown in our garden. Polite table manners are taught at every meal.

FOOD ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES:

NUTS: This facility may have and serve products that contain nuts; to reiterate, we are NOT nut free (sorry). We do serve sun-butter or almond-butter instead of peanut butter; however, peanut butter may still be on the premises.
SOY: We do NOT serve edamame, tempeh, tofu, soy milk or any other soy bean product due to allergies. However, we are not a soy free facility because there may be soy ingredients in foods and sauces on hand (like soy lecithin or soy sauce).
SHELLFISH AND FISH: No shellfish is given to the children, but salmon and other fish are. Fish is always wild instead of farm-raised.
GLUTEN: If your child has celiac-disease or a major gluten intolerance that is outlined in specifics by your child’s pediatrician, we can work together with the menu to coordinate which meals are served by us and which are provided by you.
DAIRY: Allergies and intolerances vary by product and amount, so we will coordinate with you about the menu or options to find the right solutions for your child. We serve lactose-free, organic milk anyway, but you may provide your own milk and other alternative products to be served per the plan we collaborate on.
MISC./OTHER ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES: Please contact us to discuss any concerns of questions you have about other issues or those not covered here.

RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL PRACTICES: We respect your right to practice your religion as you choose and will do our best to accommodate your diet choices. Because religions and ethical practices have many interpretations and differences, we will work with you one-on-one to figure out the right meal plan for your child. It is up to you to provide us, in writing, the specifics of food and beverage standards that you wish to uphold. As long as it does not require fasting, we will make sure your child is supervised so they do not eat or drink anything you have let us known about in writing.
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN: We offer vegetarian (no meat, but may include dairy products) snacks and lunch daily; however, we do not guarantee a vegan menu even if some meals are. For vegetarian meals, cooking ingredients and tools are not mixed with those that have been used for or with meat. Please let us know the specifics of your child’s diet as there are different types of vegetarian practices (some allow eggs, some fish, etc.). You must let us know, in writing, if you wish to select the vegetarian menu as your regular program. There are no options to select single meals. There are no additional costs involved.
FOOD FROM HOME: Family Child Care Homes are more regulated than public schools, which means that even food from home must meet certain criteria: it must be labeled with your child’s name (either on a package or lunchbox), it must have proper nutritional requirements for a meal met (e.g. while carrots are healthy, this doesn’t count as enough calories for a meal, but a sandwich, piece of fruit, and carrots would), and it must not contain high-sugar treats or candy. These standards are per California’s licensing requirements.

Besides the above criteria, the food must not require cooking/heating or food prep because those activities are reserved for the school menu items. If you forget to bring your child’s lunch and/or snacks, we will default to the normal or vegetarian lunch offering noted on the menu with consideration to the health information sheet you provide upon registration. We cannot deny your child food, so while late drop-off of a lunch is okay, it has to be within the standard serving time of meals or a substitute meal or snack will be provided to your child.

4. Health, Safety, and Special Needs and Considerations

SPECIAL NEEDS: My program is open to all children, no matter the level of their physical, emotional, or mental capabilities. Special needs, like most anything, has a spectrum of considerations, so we will work with you one-on-one for the best care options; that being said, we are not trained in Special Education and are not qualified to provide therapeutic services. We can provide reasonable accommodation per the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) specifications. If you currently have an IEP (Individual Educational Plan) through the public school district or a medical professional, we can work with you to help implement special tools for your child’s learning and care. We can also assist you in connecting with community resources if you need to consider or set up these services.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Each child may have unique needs that cover a broad range of things anywhere from high emotional sensitivity to speech delays. We work with all families one-on-one as needed.

HEALTH POLICY AND SAFETY INFORMATION

You are required to update my records of your child’s immunizations each year. Failure to do so within 30-days of the suggested time-frame, based on a past vaccination date/doctor’s recommendation or the child’s birthday, will result in termination of your contract.

During operating hours, excluding parents/family of enrolled children, any adults on the premise (such as volunteers or teachers) are finger printed and have full (via LiveScan) background clearances and fingerprints from both state (DOJ) and federal (FBI) databases.
All residents, employees, and volunteers also have current immunizations.
This facility has passed a licensing inspection to verify that it meets all safety standards. Annual, unannounced inspections make sure facility remains current on all standards. I have lithium-battery smoke detectors, Carbon Monoxide detector, 2A:10:BC class Fire Extinguisher, child-proof latches/locks, and safe locations for hazardous materials (sharp objects, medicines, cleaning products, etc.). Emergency plans are provided and I have enough emergency supplies for all children; full emergency drills are conducted every three months. There is no pool or water feature. The backyard is fully fenced with a locked gate, monthly safety checks for all play equipment, and my Ring doorbell provides video security monitoring of the front premises.
Emergency services will be contacted for any medical emergency.
All teachers, primary caregiver, and assistant caregivers are also certified (and keep the training current) in pediatric CPR/AED/First-Aid and Mandated Reporter Training, in addition to a LiveScan background check clearance.
Any injuries of a serious nature will be reported to you immediately and in detail. These records are also kept in your child’s folder and reported to the state (per requirement by the state).
Anti-bacterial soap and individual towels are provided for the children (we make sure they wash-up when needed).
I have two high-powered HEPA air purifiers for bacteria, viruses, and pollutants in the main areas. The house is cleaned and disinfected daily after pick-up; toys and all other materials are also cleaned and maintained to a healthy standard.

ILLNESS POLICY: Any child who becomes sick with a rash, fever, vomiting (more than one occurrence), diarrhea (more than one occurrence), severe cold symptoms, or symptoms of a communicable illness is isolated until urgent pick-up (there is an area assigned for this). This situation requires that you pick up your child immediately (within an hour after notification) and keep them for at least 24-hours after they are cleared* of all symptoms or cleared by a doctor’s* note from a physical exam of the illness. *We reserve the right to make the final decision on whether or not a child is able to return or remain in care. While we are not doctors, we are professionally trained and certified in health management, which covers illness, injury, and other health issues.

You are still responsible for tuition even during hours and/or days that your child is absent due to illness.
If my own children are ill with any of the above symptoms, they are isolated from the rest of the children and facility areas.
If I become ill with any of the above symptoms, I have a qualified assistant who will provide care for the children here.
If your child becomes ill and I am unable to reach you, I will then try to contact your emergency backup person.
If your child has a case of head lice, the child must be treated and be free of nits before returning to care.
You will be notified if there has been exposure to a communicable disease or illness.
MEDICATION / MEDICAL DEVICE POLICY: Each medicine or medical device, including such things as sunblock or diaper rash cream, must have its own consent form, be properly labeled with your child’s name, and be in the original packaging with the dosage and instructions on it. Prescriptions must have the child’s name on the prescription label and be in original packaging. I will log every medication treatment.
Medication is kept in a locked (child proof) area. We are not currently authorized or qualified to administer any mediation via a needle except for the use of an Epi-Pen or blood glucose monitoring.

Pets: I have two dogs, a purebred Boxer (approximately 65 lbs) and purebred Pomeranian (approximately 7 lbs) with a long history of gentleness, love, and patience with children of all ages (infant to adult). They were both raised around and are used to many children cuddling and playing with them constantly. They are current on their licenses and all vaccinations. They also wear a non-toxic flea prevention collar and are professionally groomed. The dogs do their “business” in an area off-limits to the children. Caring for the dogs is one of the children’s favorite activities, and therefore dogs are present in all areas during operating hours and may interact with children.

5. Policies for Transporting Children

Transporting Children by Car

Provider will not transport children by car unless authorized by parent.

Persons Authorized to Pick Up and Drop Off Your Child

Client will provide a list of authorized people to pick up child from my program (see attached form LIC700) and update this list annually. Emergency Contacts and Authorized Pick-Up people must bring picture identification when picking up child.
Client will notify me immediately of any changes in the name, address, or phone numbers of the people who are authorized to remove a child from my care.
Client will notify me in advance by phone call if an authorized person will be arriving at my program to drop off or pick up a child if that person is not the usual transportation person.
If there is a court order (such as a divorce settlement or restraining order) that limits the rights of one of the child’s biological parents, you must give me a copy of that court order.

Pick-up and Drop-off Policy

When you transport your child to and from my program in a vehicle, you must comply with state law regarding appropriate car seats, booster seats, and infant carriers.

At no time and for no reason may the child be dropped off outside the facility or told to leave the facility by his/her self. The child must be escorted inside and signed in daily. The child must also be picked up from inside the facility and signed out daily. Failure to comply with this will result in termination of the contract.

Client agrees to be respectful of my neighbors by not: blocking driveways, double-parking, littering, playing very loud music, or smoking.

F. Privacy, Records, Photography and Video Policy

1. Privacy of your records, including daily and regular assessments and observations, is maintained physically and digitally.

- - DSS Childcare Licensing officials, by law, are allowed to view these records during annual inspections to ensure accurate compliance.
  - I am, by law, required to report to the CDC and County Health Department any “outbreak” of a communicable disease that your child has been affected by.
  - I will never show or transfer any of your child’s records without your written consent.
  - All of your child’s records are maintained physically for three years after enrollment withdrawal and then permanently in a digital file.
  - Participants in the government subsidized programs must comply with administrative requests of the program and agree to my release of their information as required by those programs.
  - Participants in the scholarship programs may be required to share first names and ages of family members, and program qualifying circumstances with sponsoring organizations or representatives.

Privacy of your family and child are honored: we will not disclose, with certain exceptions stated above, your child’s name or information to others, discuss your child or your family with others, or disclose information related to your child or family to the press, government (without a subpoena), or other persons, companies, or organizations without your explicit written approval.

2. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO POLICY: Photographs and videos are taken regularly of all children and may be displayed at the facility, given to a child for personal use, used for academic purposes for pen pals or video pals, or posted on the private Facebook Group for Avalon families to view. Provider will never distribute or publish any photograph or video of a child that may be identifiable for any purpose other than above, nor will provider post or publish videos or photographs on public platforms without express written consent from parent(s)/guardian(s). All photos and videos taken by provider are the intellectual property of the provider. Client(s) understand this policy and agree to its terms by signing the contract.

G. Partnership Agreement and Grievance Procedure

Client(s) agrees to immediately and thoroughly discuss with the provider any issues at home that may seriously affect the physical, mental, emotional, or general well-being of the child.
Provider agrees to immediately and thoroughly discuss with client(s) any issues of my own family, home, or employees that may affect the well-being of the child or environment.
Provider and client(s) agree to work together to resolve any issues or concerns involving the behavior of the child or quality of childcare being provided to the child.
Client will notify provider immediately about any any concerns/complaints about the program as soon as possible to give the provider a chance to resolve or explain such concerns or complaints.
Both client and provider have a right to terminate care at any time without providing cause or reason. This does not affect or negate any other terms within the contract.

H. Attached Required Licensing Forms

Clients understand that they must complete and sign all required licensing forms listed below for this contract to be effective and for enrollment to begin.
Required forms are LIC627 Consent for Medical Treatment, LIC700 Identification and Emergency Information, LIC955A Notice of Parent’s Rights, LIC995E Caregiver Background Check Process, LIC9212 FCCH Consumer Awareness, PM286 / CDPH 286 (blue card) California School Immunization Record, and LIC9150 Additional Children in Care.
Client understand that additional consent or licensing forms may be required for applicable situations.

I. The Signatures of the Parties to the Contract

A failure to enforce one or more terms of this contract does not waive the provider’s right to enforce any other terms of this contract.
By signing this contract, clients indicate that they have read the provider’s policies and agree to follow them. The provider reserves the right to make changes to her policies and will give the client a copy of the revised policies two weeks before they go into effect.
The parent(s)/guardian(s) signing this contract accept full legal and financial responsibility and liability for the terms and policies under this contract, including any personal or property damages resulting from child’s participation in the program and whether intentional or not, even if the parents are divorced and have joint custody of the child.

Parent’s / legal guardian’s printed name Parent or legal guardian’s Signature and Date

Provider’s printed name Provider’s Signature and Date

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