Growing Stars Child Care Handbook 1

Growing Stars Child Care

Hand Book

This hand book goes with the following contract:

____Original Signed (Dated: ___________________)
____Renewal (Dated: __________________)
____ Transferring to Full Time (Dated: ________________)
Growing Stars Child Care Handbook 2

Contents
Tax Receipts 4

Fee Policies . 4

Fees .... 5

Late Payment Fee ... 5

Late Pick Up Fee ..... 5

Methods of Payment . 6

Inclement Weather .. 6

Damages ..... 6

Daycare Closures ... 7

Scheduled Days Off .. 7

The Days Off Due to Illness/Emergency Days ... 7

Other Daycare Closures ... 8

Termination Policy ....... 8

Termination by All Clients (excluding Temporary Care) .... 8

Termination by Provider .... 9

Drop Off and Pick Up ..................... 10

Drop Offs ..... 10

Pick Ups ............ 10

Entering the Daycare ..... 10

Child Entering the Daycare Each Day ...... 10

Parents Entering the Daycare Each Day ..... 11

Supplies/Equipment ............ 11

To Be Supplied by Parents .... 11

Bringing Your Own Equipment ..... 12

Provided by the Daycare ... 12

Food ......... 12

Outside Food .... 12

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Special Diets ...................... 13

Releasing a Child from Daycare ... 13

Getting Dirty ............... 14

Animals in the Daycare ............. 14

Quiet Time .. 14

Strollers .... 14

Phone Calls .... 15

Sick Children .. 16

Vomiting & Diarrhea .. 16

Fever . 16

Medication ..... 16

Medication will only be administered if in the following forms . 16

Medication will NOT be administered in, but not limited to, the following forms 17

Injuries ..... 17

Immunization ......................... 17

Medical Emergencies ................... 17

Allergies ... 18

Food Allergies ... 18

Allergies to Scents .. 18

Environmental and Seasonal Allergies ....... 19

Smoking ....... 19

Rules ......... 19

Behaviour .... 20

Child with Challenging Behaviour .... 20

Parents Behaviour ........ 20

Acceptable Behaviour .. 20

Discipline .... 20

Important Notes ............... 21

Growing Stars Child Care Handbook 4

Tax Receipts
Tax Receipts will provide a detailed receipt once per year and will be mailed out or

handed to the client by the end of February as per the law.

If any other copies or a replacement of the receipt are needed, there is an administration

fee of $20 per receipt.

The client is responsible to provide the daycare in writing any changes to their address.

Fee Policies

All Tuition Fees, Enrollment Fees, Holding Fees, and other Daycare Fees, once paid, are

non-refundable.

If you withdraw from the daycare before care has started, the fees paid are non-

refundable.

All enrollment fees are non-refundable and can go toward your last two weeks of care

that has ALREADY COMMENCED, and/or to cover any other expenses depending on

termination (see termination section of the hand book for more details).

All fees are to be paid in the correct amount. All money given to the provider over and

above any of the fees, will be considered a donation to the Daycare and are non-

refundable and no receipt will be given.

The provider holds the right to increase all fees (excluding tuition fees) at any time with a

two-week written notice.

The provider holds the right to increase tuition fees at the time of contract renewal.
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Tuition fees can be paid anytime during the scheduled pay week, as long as they are paid

in full by the scheduled pay date and time. EX: If scheduled pay is on Thursday at 5pm,

then you can pay between Monday and 5pm on the Thursday.

Fees

Late Payment Fees

$20.00 per day/child (including weekends/Holidays) that payment is not received. Therefore, if

the fee is not paid by 5:00 pm on the Thursday, a late fee of $20.00/day will be due with your

payment. Continued late payments will result in termination of our agreement. Your child may

NOT attend daycare until fees have been received. You have to pay for the days your child

misses due to non-payment in order to hold your spot.

Late Pick Up Fees

If you arrive after the scheduled pick up time, there will be a charge of $1.00 per minute/child.

This is to be paid by E.M.T. within 3 days of having received your bill and is to be paid separate

from your tuition fees. Care will be suspended until payment is made. You will be charged up to

the minute you leave (not when you arrive). I will give you your official bill the next day of care

or it will be emailed to you. This fee also applies if you are in the daycare with your child after I

close. Make sure you are here in time to get your child ready and ask any questions you might

have.

If you are more that 1 hour late without contacting me, I will call your emergency contacts. If I

am unable to reach anyone to pick up your child, I will consider it an emergency and contact

Child Services and/or the police.

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Methods of Payment

Payment is to be made by electric money transfer (E.M.T.). Sorry, Cheques or Cash are not

accepted.

Electric Money Transfer (E.M.T.): All E.M.T.'s must be received by 5:00pm on the scheduled

pay day. E.M.T.'s can take a while to go through, please send the E.M.T. the night before or

early morning of the scheduled pay day. Please send to: nathalia.hussein@hotmail.com

Inclement Weather

In the event of severe weather, it may be necessary to keep the centre closed for the day. If the

Peel District School Boards have closed their schools in the area, Growing Stars Child Care will

also be closed. To find out if the School Board is closed, please listen to 680news am radio, or

Breakfast Television (channel 57 cable 7 or CP24) by 6:30 am.

As this is an emergency situation, full fees are still in effect.

The Daycare will strive to stay open until 5:00pm during stormy conditions with the

understanding that if parents are able to pick up their child early, they will do so.

Any closures will be announced on growingstarschildcare.weebly.com

Damages

It is expected that your child be respectful of my personal/daycare property and furnishings. A

certain about of "wear and tear" is normal but if your child intentionally damages my property

through destructive behaviour, roughness, or due to a breach of one or more of my policies listed

in this agreement or on the daycare website, you will be liable for 100% of the replacement
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costs. This reimbursement would be due within a reasonable time frame determined by the

provider. If we end up in court over money (payment for services, reimbursement costs, etc.) all

court fees are the responsibility of the clients (parents).

Daycare Closures

A burned-out provider or a sick provider is a dangerous provider. A provider needs time off

throughout the year and when sick, (for such illnesses such as the flu) to insure she is well rested

and well enough to ensure the safety of the children in her care.

Scheduled Days Off

You will be given at least three (3) weeks' notice. It is the parent's responsibility to find back up

care.

Scheduled days off include, but not limited to:

March Break

Christmas

The Days Off Due to Illness/Emergency Days

These are taken as needed. It is the parent's responsibility to find back up care. Please note that

illness of myself or my family can come on suddenly leaving very little notice; if any. If I or my

family have a simple cold, the daycare will remain open.

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Other Daycare Closures

New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic

Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Monday, Remembrance Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas

Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Eve.

If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, I can either take the Friday before or the Monday

after off or on another day during the week before or the week after.

Termination Policy

Termination by All Clients

A five (5) week (25 business days) written notice is required and MUST be given on a

non-pay week.

If termination is done within the first 52 weeks [one (1) year] of care (original contract

start date), you forfeit your enrollment fee. You will still need to pay the tuition fee for

your childs last two weeks of care. The tuition fee must be paid in full by 5:00pm on the

Thursday before your child`s last two weeks of care.

If the enrollment fee is greater than the amount owed for the two weeks of care the

remainder of the money will go towards other expenses.

If termination is done immediately (with or without notice), or with less than five (5)

weeks (25 business days) notice all of the enrolment fee will go towards other expenses.

You are still responsible for paying your full tuition fees in lieu of the month notice. The

payments can be made in two payments of one lump sum and must be paid in full with in

four (4) weeks of your childs last day of care.

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If you terminate within Five (5) weeks (less than 25 business days) before, or during the

providers scheduled days off (not including Stat.s), you forfeit your enrollment fee. The

enrollment fee will go towards other expenses. You will still need to pay the tuition fee

for your child`s last two weeks of care. The tuition fee must be paid in full by 5:00pm on

the Thursday before your child`s last two weeks of care.

If you or the provider terminates with notice and you decide to leave before the end of the

notice period you forfeit all fees paid (enrollment fees, tuition fee, etc.) and the remained

of the notice period of care. Payment is still due for the duration of the notice period.

If you terminate care before physical care has started you forfeit all fees paid. Such as,

but not limited to: holding fees, enrollment fee etc.

If you terminate care, but wish to return at a later date you will need to sign a new

contract, pay new increase fees, and pay another enrollment fee. You are not guaranteed a

spot unless a non-refundable enrollment fee is paid.

Termination by Provider

The provider can give a two-week written notice at any time, for any reason.

The provider holds the right to terminate immediately for the following reasons:

If there is use of inappropriate words (name-calling, foul language) shaming, humiliating,

threatening or frightening a child, another parent, providers family or the provider

herself.

If there is any violent behaviour from the parents or child.

If you are caught medicating your child to mask an illness or fever.

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If you or your child breaches one or more of the Health and Safety Policies. (available on

line or by request)

For any reason, the provider deems it to be in the best interest and safety of others or your

child.

*If the provider needs to terminate care immediately you forfeit your enrollment fee

Drop Off and Pick Up

Drop Off

Drop offs are to be done quickly. However, please make sure you say good-bye. NEVER leave

without your child knowing. This will cause your child distress. You are responsible for your

child until you leave.

Pick Up

If you have any questions or concerns, you may speak with the provider before leaving. There is

no lingering or playing in the daycare yard. It is private property once you have arrived. If we are

in the backyard, it is recommended that you are not to stay and let your child play. If you have

other children with you, they are YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. You are responsible for you child

once you arrive.

Entering the Daycare

Child Entering the Daycare Each Day

When arriving for Daycare, your child must be ready for the day and all the activities. Below is a

check list of what your child needs to be allowed to enter the daycare each day:
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Is properly dressed for the day.

Has the proper outdoor clothing and supplies for the day.

Has been bathed (that morning or the night before), if needed.

Is healthy enough to join in the daily activities.

If you miss/not done any of these by the time you arrive, I have the right to send you and your

child home until the checklist is complete. Please note that we will carry on with our day so

when you return, we might not be in the daycare.

Parents Entering the Daycare Each Day

Parents are not to enter the daycare area. This is for the safety of all the children. Parents

are welcome to watch the children from behind the gate in the hallway.

Please refrain from smoking before arriving at the daycare. The smell of smoke can

linger in the building. This can cause problems with anyone who has allergies or asthma.

Supplies/Equipment

To be Supplied by Parents

A copy of the supply list will be included in your enrollment package. If you require another

copy at any time, please see the provider.

All items MUST be labeled.

Any supplies or other items left in the daycare MUST be picked up within 14 days of your

child's last day of care. If the items are not picked up within the time frame, the items become the

property of the daycare.

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Bringing Your Own Equipment

The daycare provides all the equipment needed, If you still wish to bring your own, you may

under the following conditions:

You bring your equipment at your own risk. The daycare will not take responsibility for

your equipment.

The equipment must be labeled with your child's name.

Playpens are to be able to fold easy and store easily.

High chair trays must be removed and replaced easily.

Your equipment must be picked up within 14 days of your child's last day of care. If not

picked up within this time frame, your equipment becomes the daycare's property.

Provided by the Daycare

Lunch and 2 snacks if your child is present at the times they are being served and your

child is not on a special diet.

The daycare provides high chairs, floor mats (for sleeping), playpens, bedding for

sleeping, chairs, tables, etc.

The provider holds the right to have you bring your own equipment if the provider deems

it necessary.

Food

Outside Food

If you wish to send snacks and/or lunch for your child, you may under the following conditions:
Growing Stars Child Care Handbook 13

No junk food, candy, or sugary foods.

Has to be ready to plate.

No sugary drinks (juice, chocolate milk, lemonade, kool-aid, etc.)

Must be in its own small lunch type bag.

No nuts, popcorn, raw carrots, or grapes as they are a choking hazard.

Providing non-special diet food is optional and does not affect your enrolment fee in anyway.

Special Diets

If your child is on a special diet such as, but not limited to:

No dairy, no wheat, no eggs, not gluten, organic foods, vegetarian or baby food, you will need to

provide snacks (2/day) and lunch (1/day).

Providing foods does not affect your enrollment fee in any way.

Releasing a Child from Daycare

Unless I am instructed in writing to do otherwise, I will only release a child to the following

persons:

1. The child's parent(s)

2. The child's custodial parent (when applicable)

3. The emergency contact person **

4. Any other guardian to whom the parent; by way of a written authorization; allows me to

release the child. **

**ID MUST BE SHOWN and must be 16 years of age or older.

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Getting Dirty

Please keep in mind that your child WILL get dirty at daycare. I ti s unavoidable. Please ensure

that your child is NOT in his/her "good" clothing.

Animals in the Daycare

There is a dog in the home at all times. I ask that you please do not let him out and respect the

fact this is his home. Please keep in mind that although my dog is friendly, he is still an animal

and has the right to defend himself if he feels threatened.

The provider holds the right to add/remove animals (pets) to/from the home without notice.

Quiet Time

Quiet time is from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm every day.

Your child does not have to sleep. But if your child falls asleep then I will NOT wake

your child.

I will not force a child to stay awake.

I will only wake your child if there is an emergency.

If your child can NOT be quiet and is disturbing the other children's rest on a constant

basis, the provider has the right to terminate care.

Strollers

Strollers can be left here during daycare hours under these conditions:
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1. Strollers must be stored, folded, and up against the side of the house (not blocking the

stairs or the driveway)

2. You must put a weather cover over it during bad weather.

3. You understand that the daycare is not responsible of your stroller or any items stored in

the stroller that gets damaged, lost or stolen.

4. You MUST take your stroller home each night.

5. You MUST label your stroller.

Phone Calls

Please keep in mind there may be times when it is not possible for me to run to the phone (diaper

changing, bottle feeding, etc.) If the phone goes unanswered, please do not become alarmed,

simply leave me a voice message and I will call you as soon as I am able. Do not be surprised if I

do not call back, but rather answer your questions at pick up. Please re-frame from calling at nap

time, 12:00pm to 3:00 pm as you will wake the children.

After hours/Weekend

You can call me on my cell phone after hours between; 5:00pm and 8:00pm, Mon to Fri.

You can call my cell phone no earlier than 7:00am, Mon to Fri.

You can call my cell phone between 10:00 am and 8:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

You can text my cell phone or email me anytime, day or night. I turn off my phone at around

8:00pm every night. I have voice mail and you can text me. I turn on my phone as soon as I get

up, so I will get your message right away. So if you need to text/leave a voice mail stating your

child will not be in, you can do so in the middle of night if needed.

Cell: 647-234-9852
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Sick Children

Attention is at the sole discretion of the caregiver if illness has been or is present.

Vomiting & Diarrhea

Your child MUST stay home for 24 hours AFTER the last time he/she vomited and had their last

diarrhea movement. Diarrhea can be very contagious. If your child vomits at daycare, no matter

the reason for it, you will be contacted to pick your child up.

Fever

If your child has a fever, no matter the cause, your child MUST remain home for 24 hours

AFTER the fever has broken. If your child gets a fever above 37 C (98.6 F) while at daycare, you

will be contacted to pick up your child. If I find that you have given your child medication to

cover up a fever before sending your child to daycare, the provider holds the right to terminate

care immediately, or once a replacement child has been found.

Medication

Parents must notify the daycare of any medications given to their child prior to arriving at

daycare. This will enable me to monitor their child for any side effects. I will administer

prescription medication and/or non-prescription medication (such as Tylenol) when it is

accompanied by a Doctor's Note. Parents are responsible to cover all Dr.'s fees. All medication

MUST be in the original container with the child's name clearly written on it, a medication

Record Form MUST be fully filled out.

Medication will only be administered if in the following forms:

Growing Stars Child Care Handbook 17

-Pills, Liquids, Ear Drops, EpiPens (EpiPen form must be completely filled out) and Creams.

Medication will NOT be administered in, but not limited to, the following forms

-Injection (excluding EpiPens), Eye Drops, Depositories. If your child requires the medication

during daycare hours, you can come at set times to administer it or give written permission for

another person (18 years old or older) at set times to administer it.

Injuries

No matter how closely we watch, and how careful we are, accidents do occasionally happen.

Minor cuts and bruises suffered while at daycare will receive proper care they will be washed

with soap and warm water and properly bandaged.

Immunization

All children need to have their immunizations up to date. An updated copy of your child's

immunization record is required at time of signing the agreement/handbook, as well as after each

immunization. Care will be suspended (with payments still due) until immunization record is

given. Child MUST stay home for 24 hours after they get immunized. This is so a parent can see

if there are any side effects and take the child to be seen if necessary.

Medical Emergencies

In case of serious accidents or sudden illness requiring medical attention, the following

procedures are followed:

1. Call 911.
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2. Parents or emergency contacts are notified.

3. Child will be sent to local hospital. (The paramedics will choose the hospital).

Parents will be responsible for all costs involved in emergency treatment including emergency

transportation if required.

The daycare will authorize only medical care that is serious enough that it must be administered

immediately and cannot wait until parent arrives.

These health policies are critical to ensuring the health of all children in my care, I appreciate

your help and support.

Allergies

Food Allergies

Many food allergies and sensitivities can result in severe or life-threatening reactions, I require

that you indicate any allergies your child may have.

Every effort is made to prevent your child from coming into contact with the food in question.

This daycare is NOT NUT FREE.

Allergies to Scents

Due to a very serious allergy to most perfumes, fragrances, or cigarette/cigar smoke, parents and

children may not enter the daycare at any time wearing any kind of perfume, after shave, lotion,

scents or smelling of cigarette/cigar smoke.

PLEASE make sure your child does not have perfume scents on them when coming to daycare.

Please do not smoke around your child before bringing him/her into care. If I notice a
Growing Stars Child Care Handbook 19

scent/smoke upon arrival, we will request the child be taken home to remove the scent/smoke. If

I notice scent/smoke after you leave, you will be called to pick up your child.

Environmental and Seasonal Allergies

If a child comes to daycare with a runny nose, coughing, congestion, and the parent feels this is

due to allergies, I must have a Doctor's Note stating what the child is allergic to. Children will

not be allowed to attend the daycare if they have a fever, persistent non-clear runny nose,

persistent coughing or diarrhea that coincides with allergies.

Smoking

This daycare is 100% smoke free, this applies to the yard and driveway. Please refrain from

smoking around your child before daycare. If your child smells of smoke, you will be asked to

take your child home, bathe and change your child's clothing before your child can return to care.

Please refrain from smoking before entering the daycare. If they daycare smells like smoke after

you have been in it, you will no longer be allowed to enter. All drop offs/pick-ups will have to be

done outside.

A reminder that it is against the law to smoke in a vehicle with a child 18 years of age and under,

I am required by low to report you if I witness you breaking this law.

Rules

Mental and verbal abuse shaming, humiliating and frightening a child will never be

used towards a child in my care, nor will it be tolerated by others.

Use polite words (no name-calling, foul language).

Have respect for furniture, others and their belongings.

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Eating is only allowed sitting at the table or in a high chair.

Nap time is quiet time. You dont have to sleep but you do have to respect others and

their wish to sleep.

Use toys respectfully.

Behaviour

Children with Challenging Behaviours

If a child continues to have challenges with unacceptable behaviour that endangers other children

the child care may be terminated immediately.

Parents Behaviour

The following is grounds for immediate termination:

If there is use of inappropriate words (name-calling, foul language) shaming, humiliating,

threatening or frightening a child, another parent, the provider's family or the provider herself.

Discipline

The following methods of discipline will never be used on any child at Growing Stars Child

Care:

Spanking, hitting, pinching, slapping, or any forms of physical force.

Mental or emotional cruelty.

Depriving meals, snacks, rest, or toilet use.

Depending on the situation, a warning is usually given and the child is reminded of acceptable

behaviour and re-directed to a different activity. The next step would be a break away from other
Growing Stars Child Care Handbook 21

children. This break is not a punishment, but rather a time that they may calm down, remember

what behaviour is acceptable, and decide when they are ready to rejoin the group with

appropriate behaviour. If breaks are not effective, some sort of consequence will be imposed.

This may range from a favourite toy being taken away for a short period of time, to being

excluded from a favourite activity.

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Important Notes

I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that affect a positive outcome for the

child.

You will be notified in writing of any policy changed. I reserve the right to update contracts as

necessary.

The daycare and the rest of the home is SMOKE FREE at all times.

**The daycare is NOT peanut free**

All caregivers are required by law to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

There is a dog in the daycare at all times.

Growing Stars Child Care is privately owned and operated.

THIS CHILD CARE PROGRAM IS NOT LICENSED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF

ONTARIO

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