PARENT HANDBOOK
The following is a list of rules and regulations governing our child care agreement. Please read this handbook thoroughly as it contains many important policies and procedures that pertain to the care of your child. If you have any questions or need clarification, please ask prior to signing! The contents of this handbook and all forms required for enrollment are non-negotiable.
PHILOSOPHY/GOALS
The mission of Go Bananas! Childcare is to provide high quality, safe, fun, and educational childcare for the families of Franklin Township and surrounding communities. I am committed to the families and community I serve and welcome all families into my home environment. Children are encouraged to work at their own pace, with special attention given to the child's individual needs. I value family partnership and offer support and encouragement throughout the child's development. Together we can help each child reach their full potential and prepare them for success.
INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Go Bananas! Childcare accepts children with special needs and will make reasonable adaptations to ensure full inclusion of the children in everyday routines and activities. Go Bananas! Childcare must be made aware of the child’s special needs on the enrollment paperwork. Guidance about recommended adaptations and any procedures necessary to ensure the children’s health, safety and inclusion may be solicited from the child’s family and medical and/or educational services currently providing services for the child and their family. I will need a copy of the child’s IEP or IFSP if one is in place. Please also provide a copy of any other assessments available about your child’s abilities.
Wanamaker Early Learning Center (WELC) students:
WELC will provide bus transportation to and from my home. I will assist children on/off the bus and make meal accommodations as needed. I am unable to fill the spot while the child is at WELC, so full time tuition is still required.
Wanamaker Early Learning Center (WELC) students:
WELC will provide bus transportation to and from my home. I will assist children on/off the bus and make meal accommodations as needed. I am unable to fill the spot while the child is at WELC, so full time tuition is still required.
ENROLLMENT DOCUMENTATION
All necessary forms must be completed and returned before I can begin caring for your child. Some forms must be updated every year or sooner according to need. Please inform me immediately of any changes. Below you will find the list of forms that you need to return to Go Bananas! Childcare before or on your child’s first day (return child’s physical examination and immunization record within two weeks).
Forms needed:
Forms needed:
- Parent Handbook Agreement
- Home Consent (State Form)
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Enrollment Application
- Signed Discipline Statement
- Emergency Contact & Consent
- Child’s Physical Examination and Immunization Record (State Form)
- Childhood History
- Financial Agreement
- Permission to Administer if Necessary
- Food Program/Meal Form (will receive upon enrollment)
- Permission to Photograph
- Copy of IEP or IFSP (if applicable)
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR YOUR CHILD
The following items are supplied by the parents:
- A complete change of clothing. Please exchange as child grows and with seasons. It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure the child’s cubby is adequately stocked.
- A small blanket for nap time.
- One optional stuffed sleep companion for nap time. (No toys allowed.)
- A full bag of diapers (if applicable).
- Sensitive/Unscented Diaper Wipes – Provide with each bag of diapers (If applicable).
- Diaper Cream (If applicable)
CHILDCARE /LICENSING CAPACITY
The state license permits a maximum of 12 children without additional staff. Current enrollment is no more than 12 children and one childcare provider (the director).
DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday through Friday from 6:45am to 5:30pm.
Staggered drop off and pickup times help children transition smoothly and allow me time to clean and prep. Extended hours are only intended to meet the work hours of the clients I serve. Late opening or early closing times are appreciated as my days are very long. Please utilize my time accordingly.
Staggered drop off and pickup times help children transition smoothly and allow me time to clean and prep. Extended hours are only intended to meet the work hours of the clients I serve. Late opening or early closing times are appreciated as my days are very long. Please utilize my time accordingly.
CURRICULUM
Go Bananas! Childcare utilizes the strategies of the award winning and nationally recognized Creative Curriculum and Learning Without Tears Curriculum to help achieve age-appropriate developmental milestones and prepare for school readiness. They are aligned to Indiana's Early Learning Standards and cover social, cognitive, emotional, physical, language, and creative development. Our schedule encompasses large group activities, small group activities, and free time in interest centers.
Creative Curriculum:
The research-based curriculum, Creative Curriculum, acts as a framework for providing stimulating and developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum led by student interests that encourages critical thinking skills through investigations and project-based learning. It features exploration and discovery as a way of learning, enabling children to develop skills across 38 objectives, developing strong social-emotional and academic skills covering literacy, math, science, technology, social studies, and art. Visit the Creative Curriculum website, www.teachingstrategies.com for more information about this program.
Learning Without Tears-Get Set for School Curriculum:
The Learning Without Tears strategies are utilized to help teach appropriate hand grip, letter and number formation, and alphabet letter and sound recognition. Visit the Learning Without Tears website, www.lwtears.com for more information and to learn how you can support this program at home.
Interest Centers:
The classroom is set up and rotated with play-based learning in mind. The following interest centers will be available at varying times for free exploration and individual support from the teacher:
Creative Curriculum:
The research-based curriculum, Creative Curriculum, acts as a framework for providing stimulating and developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum led by student interests that encourages critical thinking skills through investigations and project-based learning. It features exploration and discovery as a way of learning, enabling children to develop skills across 38 objectives, developing strong social-emotional and academic skills covering literacy, math, science, technology, social studies, and art. Visit the Creative Curriculum website, www.teachingstrategies.com for more information about this program.
Learning Without Tears-Get Set for School Curriculum:
The Learning Without Tears strategies are utilized to help teach appropriate hand grip, letter and number formation, and alphabet letter and sound recognition. Visit the Learning Without Tears website, www.lwtears.com for more information and to learn how you can support this program at home.
Interest Centers:
The classroom is set up and rotated with play-based learning in mind. The following interest centers will be available at varying times for free exploration and individual support from the teacher:
- Art
- Blocks
- Gross Motor (Indoor or Outdoor)
- Math & Literacy
- Music & Movement
- Pretend Play (Dramatic Play)
- Puzzle
- Reading
- Science
- Sensory Play
- Manipulatives
- Technology
- Writing
OUR DAILY SCHEDULE
7:00am Center Time/Free Choice
8:00am Breakfast
8:30am Center Time/Free Choice
9:00am Circle Time/Large Group
9:30am Center Time/Free Choice
10:00am Table Time/Small Group
11:00am Handwriting/Learning Without Tears
11:30am Center Time/Free Choice
12:15pm Lunch
12:45pm Rest Time
2:45pm Center Time/Free Choice
3:45pm Snack
4:00pm Gross Motor/Outside
5:00pm Center Time/Free Choice
This schedule is just an example of our day and is followed as closely as possible. It may be altered for weather, special activities, etc.
8:00am Breakfast
8:30am Center Time/Free Choice
9:00am Circle Time/Large Group
9:30am Center Time/Free Choice
10:00am Table Time/Small Group
11:00am Handwriting/Learning Without Tears
11:30am Center Time/Free Choice
12:15pm Lunch
12:45pm Rest Time
2:45pm Center Time/Free Choice
3:45pm Snack
4:00pm Gross Motor/Outside
5:00pm Center Time/Free Choice
This schedule is just an example of our day and is followed as closely as possible. It may be altered for weather, special activities, etc.
MEALS
8:00am Breakfast
12:15pm Lunch
3:45pm Snack
These times are approximate.
Please do not allow your child to bring food or drinks from home. This can pose safety hazards and hurt feelings to the other children in my care. Allow enough time for your child to finish all uneaten food prior to arriving inside.
Go Bananas! Childcare participates in a food program to help ensure children are served nutritious meals. All meals will be provided unless a written note is provided by a physician. The children need to be here during the posted meal times in order to be served. Please be sure to notify me of any allergies.
“USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
12:15pm Lunch
3:45pm Snack
These times are approximate.
Please do not allow your child to bring food or drinks from home. This can pose safety hazards and hurt feelings to the other children in my care. Allow enough time for your child to finish all uneaten food prior to arriving inside.
Go Bananas! Childcare participates in a food program to help ensure children are served nutritious meals. All meals will be provided unless a written note is provided by a physician. The children need to be here during the posted meal times in order to be served. Please be sure to notify me of any allergies.
“USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
CHILDCARE RATES
Childcare fees are due in advance each Friday by 5:00pm. Payments can be made weekly or bi-weekly, but must be paid in advance.
Submit payment via one of the following methods:
Rate Increases - I reserve the right to periodically review rates.
- Toddler, Preschool, & Pre-K Program: $160 Weekly
Submit payment via one of the following methods:
- *Zelle (preferred method)
- Venmo @gobananaschildcare
- *Google Pay
- Online Credit/Debit Card Payment
- Check
- Cash
- CCDF
- On My Way Pre-K
Rate Increases - I reserve the right to periodically review rates.
ANNUAL FEES
Supply Fee:
An annual supply fee of $25 is due upon enrollment (included in deposit) and on the first Friday of August each subsequent year. A $5 late fee may be charged for any fee not received by the due date.
Sunscreen Fee:
Due to the large number of sunscreen allergies, Go Bananas! Childcare only uses Banana Boat Kids Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion or a similar brand that only contains Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide in the active ingredients. An annual sunscreen fee of $10 is due on the last Friday in March to help cover these costs. A $5 late fee may be charged for any fee not received by the due date.
An annual supply fee of $25 is due upon enrollment (included in deposit) and on the first Friday of August each subsequent year. A $5 late fee may be charged for any fee not received by the due date.
Sunscreen Fee:
Due to the large number of sunscreen allergies, Go Bananas! Childcare only uses Banana Boat Kids Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion or a similar brand that only contains Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide in the active ingredients. An annual sunscreen fee of $10 is due on the last Friday in March to help cover these costs. A $5 late fee may be charged for any fee not received by the due date.
NEW CLIENT DEPOSIT
A deposit of $185 must be paid immediately to reserve your spot. The deposit reserves your spot for up to two weeks from the date of deposit. If you choose not to attend Go Banana’s Childcare, your deposit will be forfeited. See the financial agreement for details.
ALTERNATE CARE/SUBSTITUTES
Go Bananas! Childcare does not provide alternate care or substitutes in the event of my absence or your child’s. You are responsible for finding alternate care for your children when they are not able to attend my daycare due to my time-off/closure or your child’s own illness.
HOLIDAYS
Go Bananas! Childcare is closed all major holidays. The following are observed holidays:
Please arrange for back-up care if needed. These are paid holidays and your fee will not reduce during daycare closure. If the holiday falls on a weekend, I will follow federal guidelines to determine the date I will close. These dates will be posted on the annual time off calendar.
- New Year’s Day
- Friday before Memorial Day
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Friday before Labor Day
- Labor Day
- Halloween Day – Early Closure at 5:00pm
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Rosh Hashanah (Dates vary each year; an annual calendar will be provided.)
- Yom Kippur (Dates vary each year; an annual calendar will be provided.)
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Please arrange for back-up care if needed. These are paid holidays and your fee will not reduce during daycare closure. If the holiday falls on a weekend, I will follow federal guidelines to determine the date I will close. These dates will be posted on the annual time off calendar.
PROVIDER VACATION DAYS
Each year I will take off up to 15 days of unpaid vacation time. I will provide a calendar at the beginning of each year with the dates Go Bananas! Childcare will be closed. These dates may be taken in weekly or daily increments. The weekly rate will be reduced or prorated for these dates. You will be responsible for back-up childcare. Holidays do not count towards vacation time. If a holiday falls during my vacation period, that time will continue to be paid.
PROVIDER PERSONAL/SICK DAYS
Go Bananas! Childcare will be closed for up to 6 days each year for personal/sick time. An annual calendar will be provided and any scheduled personal dates (ex. doctor appointments) will be posted as quickly as possible. In the event that an unexpected emergency occurs or I am too ill to care for your child, Go Bananas! Childcare will be closed. You will be contacted ASAP via text message or a phone call to the contact number provided. You will be responsible for back-up childcare. The normal weekly rate will not be reduced or prorated for these dates. In the rare event that more time off is required, you will not be charged. Your fee will be pro-rated.
BEREAVEMENT
Go Banana’s Childcare will be closed up to 3 days in the event of a death of a close family member. Close family members includes a spouse, child, father, father-in law, mother, mother-in law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, stepsister, stepson, stepdaughter, grandchild, grandmother, grandfather, grandmother-in-law, grandfather-in-law, niece, nephew. This is paid time off. The normal weekly rate will not be reduced or prorated for these dates. You are responsible for back-up childcare.
JURY DUTY
Go Banana’s Childcare may be closed in the event of a jury summons. Jury duty is a civic responsibility and a requirement by law. Childcare providers are not exempt from jury service in the state of Indiana. If I receive a jury summons, I will be required to call the court each day after 5:00pm (for a week) to see if I need to report for service the next business day. I will report my findings on my Facebook page. If I am required to report for service, you will be responsible for backup childcare. Any time missed due to jury duty is paid time off. Your weekly fee will not be reduced or prorated.
SEVERE WEATHER POLICY
Go Bananas Childcare understands the importance of reliable childcare and will remain open in most weather situations. However, if the director determines current or predicted weather conditions have or will likely result in the inability of parents to safely navigate the pick-up or drop-off of their child, the daycare will be closed. You will be notified of any closure, early closure, or late opening ASAP. Any time missed due to a severe weather closure is paid time off. Your weekly fee will not be reduced or prorated.
FAMILY TIME OFF
Please remember as a licensed provider I am only allowed to have a limited number of children in my care. In order to guarantee a consistent income, I must remain full at all times. When you joined Go Bananas! Childcare, you were reserving a spot. I cannot fill spots easily for short term absences, therefore you must pay your weekly fee even if your child does not attend. This is including but not limited to; vacation time, sick time, personal time, maternity leave, medical leave, job loss, and summer breaks.
CHILD ILLNESS
Children with the following conditions are expected to stay home and not return until they are symptom free for at least 24 hours without the use of over the counter medications or have a doctor statement allowing them to return:
Medication forms need to be completed before medication can be administered. Childcare rates will not be reduced or prorated for time missed due to illness. You will be contacted immediately if your child displays any of these symptoms in my care. The child must be picked up within one hour of the phone call/text. If the child is sent home, they must remain home the following day for observation and cannot return until they have been symptom free for 24 hours without the use of over the counter medications or have a doctor statement allowing them to return.
- Fever: Any temperature of 100 degrees or higher
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea that is either frequent or not contained in the diaper. The child must have at least one regular bowel movement and be symptom free for 24 hours before returning.
- Thick yellow/green nasal drainage
- Persistent cough
- Any rash other than a common diaper rash or skin irritation
- Unusual discharge or irritation of the eyes
- Head lice and Hand Foot and Mouth Disease - See the separate policy below.
- Any communicable/contagious disease or illness
- Any symptoms that prevent the child from participating in regular activities
Medication forms need to be completed before medication can be administered. Childcare rates will not be reduced or prorated for time missed due to illness. You will be contacted immediately if your child displays any of these symptoms in my care. The child must be picked up within one hour of the phone call/text. If the child is sent home, they must remain home the following day for observation and cannot return until they have been symptom free for 24 hours without the use of over the counter medications or have a doctor statement allowing them to return.
Head Lice:
In order to reduce the spread of head lice, Go Bananas! Childcare has a no-nit policy. This is a higher-level policy than the public-school system because the children play in close contact in my home. If lice are discovered on your child, it is your responsibility to contact me immediately. I will take the appropriate sanitary measures to help prevent spreading it to other children. Before your child can return, he/she must be treated and all nits must be removed. The child will be inspected before they can return.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFM):
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a common illness of infants and children and is usually a mild disease. Nearly everyone will recover without medical treatment in 7 to 10 days. It is caused by the coxsackie virus and occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age. Generally a child will have a mild fever, poor appetite and a sore throat. One or 2 days after the fever begins, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers that can be found on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. A small blister-like rash may also be present on the hands and feet and occasionally the buttocks. Children are most contagious during the time when the fever and sore throat are present. For that reason, all children must be excluded from daycare until they have no fluid filled blisters, are fever-free for 24 hours AND mouth sores are no longer present.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a common illness of infants and children and is usually a mild disease. Nearly everyone will recover without medical treatment in 7 to 10 days. It is caused by the coxsackie virus and occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age. Generally a child will have a mild fever, poor appetite and a sore throat. One or 2 days after the fever begins, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers that can be found on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. A small blister-like rash may also be present on the hands and feet and occasionally the buttocks. Children are most contagious during the time when the fever and sore throat are present. For that reason, all children must be excluded from daycare until they have no fluid filled blisters, are fever-free for 24 hours AND mouth sores are no longer present.
PROVIDER CHILD ILLNESS
If one of my children are ill they will be allowed to stay home, but separated from the other children in my care. This will help prevent the spread of potentially contagious germs.
REST TIME
We have rest time each afternoon between 12:45pm and 2:45pm. Children are not required to fall asleep, but most do. Please understand that no child is allowed to be excluded from rest time. Children awaken early and have a very active day. Children that do not nap will be allowed to read books quietly on their cot. As children wake up, they are permitted to go into the playroom until the others are awake. Cots/mats are supplied for the children. A blanket and one stuffed sleep companion (no toys) may be brought for rest time. Please plan pickup outside rest time when possible. If you must arrive during rest time, please enter quietly and keep your child quiet on your way out as to not disturb the other children.
DISCIPLINE AND EXTREME BEHAVIOR
Go Bananas! Childcare strives to create an environment where each child learns and develops at their own pace and feels accepted, respected, and safe. When children receive positive and understanding interactions they develop good self-concepts, problem solving abilities, and self-discipline. Based on that belief, I use the following discipline and behavior management techniques:
If these strategies do not work, the behaviors are frequent, or an injury has occurred, time-out may be used. Time-out will not exceed 1 minute per year of the child’s age. No physical punishment will be used, even if requested by the parent.
Informal discussions regarding your child’s behavior will occur at pickup. If problematic behaviors continue, a conference may be scheduled. If the behavior becomes so severe that it impacts my ability to teach and care for the other children in my care, you may be asked to pick up your child.
Extreme Behavior:
Negative behaviors are developmentally appropriate as children learn social skills, rules, and routines. I will help children learn appropriate behavior through various discipline and behavior techniques including modeling, discussion, redirection, or separation from the situation as needed. However, extreme behaviors will not be tolerated. Examples of extreme behavior may include but are not limited to:
Children displaying these behaviors may do better with same age peers and multiple providers either in a center where the entire space is centered around a child or in a smaller group setting. As a sole home provider, it is difficult for me to navigate these behaviors effectively on my own. These behaviors may result in the immediate termination of our childcare agreement. If your child displays these extreme behaviors, I recommend discussing them with your child's family doctor and possibly getting a behavioral evaluation.
- Communicate with children using positive statements.
- Communicate with children at their level.
- Explain unacceptable behavior to children.
- Give attention to children for positive behavior.
- Praise and encourage children.
- Apply rules consistently.
- Model appropriate behavior.
- Set up the classroom environment to prevent problems.
- Provide alternatives and redirect children to acceptable activities.
- Give children opportunities to make choices and solve problems.
- Help children talk out problems and think of solutions.
- Provide appropriate words to help solve conflicts.
- Use books and discussion to work through common conflicts.
- Offer a quiet place for calming and reflection.
If these strategies do not work, the behaviors are frequent, or an injury has occurred, time-out may be used. Time-out will not exceed 1 minute per year of the child’s age. No physical punishment will be used, even if requested by the parent.
Informal discussions regarding your child’s behavior will occur at pickup. If problematic behaviors continue, a conference may be scheduled. If the behavior becomes so severe that it impacts my ability to teach and care for the other children in my care, you may be asked to pick up your child.
Extreme Behavior:
Negative behaviors are developmentally appropriate as children learn social skills, rules, and routines. I will help children learn appropriate behavior through various discipline and behavior techniques including modeling, discussion, redirection, or separation from the situation as needed. However, extreme behaviors will not be tolerated. Examples of extreme behavior may include but are not limited to:
- Excessive biting
- Excessive physical violence
- Behaviors that pose a serious safety risk to themselves or others
- Inability to stay within safety boundaries
- Inability to follow redirection or time-out requests
- Destructive behavior
- Any continuous behaviors that do not allow me to meet the needs of the entire group
Children displaying these behaviors may do better with same age peers and multiple providers either in a center where the entire space is centered around a child or in a smaller group setting. As a sole home provider, it is difficult for me to navigate these behaviors effectively on my own. These behaviors may result in the immediate termination of our childcare agreement. If your child displays these extreme behaviors, I recommend discussing them with your child's family doctor and possibly getting a behavioral evaluation.
EMERGENCIES
In the event of an emergency with your child, you will be called, and if necessary the child will be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. You will be responsible for all medical treatment necessary for your child’s well being. This is including, but not limited to, emergency room care, ambulance visits, and co-pays to your insurance company.
TRANSPORTATION/FIELD TRIPS
Go Bananas! Childcare does not offer any type of transportation to or from my home. You will be responsible for making sure your child has the necessary transportation. Also, we do not participate in field trips that would require children to leave my home.
DAILY COMMUNICATION
Daily updates regarding your child and other pertinent information will be given during an informal discussion at pick-up time, through Facebook posts, via text messages, on the parent communication board, or through the Brightwheel app. Upcoming closures will be posted on the whiteboard near the check in/out kiosk. Some of the updates will include an overview of your child’s day including nap time, toileting, meals, daily activities, and behavior.
TOILET LEARNING
I do not require children to be potty trained to be in my care. The developmentally appropriate period varies by sex, age, maturity, and disability factors. I am always willing to assist a child with toilet learning. However, your child must be ready and you must be ready as well. Training takes both childcare and home participation. Toilet learning must first begin at home, once your child has shown enough readiness and willingness, I will begin training as well. Please provide training diapers once toilet learning has begun. I prefer the non-tear away types that allow the diaper to be put on without removing clothing. The transition to underwear cannot take place until the child is consistently urinating and having bowel movements on the toilet both here and at home. Easy on/off clothing will assist in toilet learning. Also, please make sure your child’s cubby is adequately stocked with back up clothing that is appropriate for the season. My setup provides a pull-down attached child training seat and a step stool to the toilet and sink. I cannot provide individualized training seats that require additional cleaning after each use unless it is due to a disability accommodation.
OPEN DOOR POLICY
Go Bananas! Childcare has an open door policy. You are welcome to stop in and check on your child at any time. Please be respectful of our daily schedule and cause as little disruption as possible.
OUTSIDE PLAY
Gross motor activities are a very important part of a child’s day. When weather permits, we will play outside every day. Please send appropriate outdoor clothing for the current weather conditions. Also, make sure your child’s cubby is adequately stocked with back up clothes. Alternate indoor activities will be used when weather prevents outdoor play. This may include indoor bowling, dancing, bean bag games, hopscotch, yoga, etc.
PROPER ATTIRE
Please send your child dressed (not in pajamas that I am expected to change) in appropriate play clothing each day. Child’s play is messy work. Your child will be painting, using various writing materials, playing in the grass and sand, practicing self-feeding, and various other activities. Please do not expect me to keep your child’s clothes clean and free from stains. The children will participate in all activities regardless of their dress. Please remember to replace your child’s extra clothing periodically to assure we have a garment that fits and is appropriate for the season. All children should remove their coats and shoes when they enter my home and place their belongings in their cubby. It helps when your child has easy on/off shoes so they can maneuver them with minimal assistance.
CHECK IN/OUT
There will be a kiosk available to check your child in and out each day. electronically. Please make you do this consistently. This is a requirement that is necessary for me to stay in compliance with licensing and state laws.
ABSENCES/LATE AM ARRIVAL
Late morning arrivals cause a disruption to our daily schedule. Therefore, children must arrive by 9:00am daily unless they have an appointment to attend and I am notified in advance. If your child will be absent or late due to an appointment, please send me a text message to let me know ASAP. This will help me plan our day and is especially helpful in planning meals. If you arrive late, please enter quietly so you do not disrupt our lessons and daily schedule. Late arrivals outside appointments are not permitted. Your child must stay home if they do not arrive by 9:00am. No outside food or drinks are allowed upon late arrival.
MEDICATIONS
If your child is on medication and it must be administered while at childcare, the medicine must be in the original container and labeled with the child’s name, doctor, name of medication, dosage and when it is to be taken. I will also have a form for you to sign giving me permission to administer the medication to your child. Medication will be given at that time or with the meal you specify and a written record kept.
TOYS AND PERSONAL ARTICLES FROM HOME
No toys should be brought from home. They create problems with sharing, as well as broken hearts when that toy gets lost or broken. Small toys also create a hazard to our smaller children. I am not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen objects that are brought from home.
DONATIONS
Go Bananas! Childcare gladly accepts classroom donations. You can find our classroom wish list on Amazon HERE.
The following supplies are also appreciated.
We also LOVE gift cards from our favorite stores.
The following supplies are also appreciated.
- Standard Printer Paper
- Construction Paper
- Crayola Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Washable Markers
- Expo Markers
- Tempera Paint Sticks
- Washable Dot Markers
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Sensitive Baby Wipes
- Boogie Wipes
- Clorox Wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
- Kleenex
- Clothes size 2T to 5T
We also LOVE gift cards from our favorite stores.
ANNUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE
A family conference will be scheduled at least once per year or as needed. The conference will cover important information such as your child’s development, appropriate milestones, goals, and current challenges. You may also be asked to complete an evaluation of my services so I can continue to make quality improvements and provide the best care possible.
FIRE EVACUATION PLAN
In the event of a fire, the children will be evacuated from the home and taken to one of two possible meeting locations. If the children exit from the front, the meeting location will be at the mailbox. If the children exit from the rear, the meeting location will be the back fence gate. This drill is practiced with the children at least quarterly. In the event of an actual fire or emergency that does not allow us to re-enter the home, the children will be taken to an alternative location until they are picked up from the parents. The alternate location for this daycare will be my neighbor’s home.
SEVERE STORM PLAN (TORNADO WARNING)
In the event of a severe storm, the children will be moved to the basement of my home. This is the safest area in the home. It is equipped with a small kitchen area, a bathroom, and an escape ladder if necessary.
DAMAGED/BROKEN ITEMS
Go Bananas! Childcare understands that toys and equipment experience normal wear and tear and must be replaced with time. Replacements of these items are included in my normal operating budget. However, damages that children cause beyond the scope of reasonable normal wear and tear will not be tolerated. All children must respect my property and home while they are in my care. If your child’s behavior causes damage to my property or belongings, you may be asked to pay reasonable replacement/repair costs on your next scheduled payment. If the destructive behavior continues, your child may be terminated from Go Bananas! Childcare.
LATE ARRIVAL FEE
My time is very valuable. If you do not pick up your child by 5:30pm you may be charged $1per minute with a minimum late fee of $5. Payment of the late fee is expected immediately. Normal childcare cannot resume until this has been paid. Please contact me immediately if you will not be able to pick up your child by 5:30pm. Frequent late arrivals may result in termination from Go Bananas! Childcare.
FAILURE TO PAY ON TIME FEE
I depend on my income for my family and to operate my childcare business. Late payments cause serious distress and are not tolerated. Set a reminder! Childcare fees are due in advance by 5:00pm on Friday for the following week. If you do not make your payment by that time a $15 daily late fee will be charged. Include your late fee(s) automatically with your payment. If the childcare payment is not paid in full (including any late fees) by Monday morning, normal childcare cannot resume. Childcare cannot begin again until all payments have been paid in full. Failure to pay may result in termination of childcare services. If childcare services are terminated, you will be responsible for all unpaid childcare fees, late fees, supply fees, and your two-week notice period. If unpaid fees are not paid in full, collection actions may be taken at your expense.
NSF CHECKS
If a check is returned for non-sufficient funds a $25 fee will be charged. Childcare will be halted until the amount of the check, the NSF fee, and the failure to pay on time fee has been reimbursed in cash. All future payments will be required to be made in cash or through the various electronic means.
PAYMENT RECEIPTS
A receipt reflecting tuition paid will be provided by January 31st each calendar year. This should be used for calculating daycare expenses on your taxes. Do not make estimations. If you do not agree with the figure, contact me immediately. If a more frequent receipt is required, please let me know and that will be accommodated.
TRIAL PERIOD
The first two weeks of your child’s enrollment are on a trial basis. During those first two weeks either parent or provider may terminate this agreement at any time. There are no refunds given for tuition or fees paid. After the initial two weeks, the termination policy goes into effect.
TERMINATION FROM GO BANANAS! CHILDCARE
If you decide to remove your child from Go Bananas! Childcare, a two-week written notice is required. You are required to pay for these two weeks even if your child does not attend. If I decide I can no longer provide care for your family, I will also provide you with a two-week written notice. If violations of this agreement occur, or your child exhibits extreme behavior (see extreme behavior policy), you may be given immediate termination from Go Bananas! Childcare. Examples of why I would terminate your child’s care include:
- Failure of parents to pay fees
- Failure to complete and sign any required forms
- Failure to follow policies
- Lack of parental cooperation
- The child exhibits extreme behavior as noted in the extreme behavior policy
- My inability to meet the child’s needs without additional staff
- Gross misconduct on the part of the parent or child