Policies 2010 (full Handbook given upon enrollment)

I am a professional Child Care Provider, not a babysitter, and as such expect my clients to show respect for my home, family, and myself. I am also a small business owner. My fees, hours and policies are well thought out and are non-negotiable. 

Please keep in mind that I am also a single "working parent." Like you, I too have family demands on my time and a life outside of daycare. I would love for your family to have a chance to enjoy all that my childcare has to offer, but in order for us to have a successful placement for your child you must read and fully accept my terms before we sign an agreement. If you have ANY questions, please ask them! It is very important that we communicate openly from the start! Thank you!

I follow the state of Arkansas childcare regulations for registered homes. These include having a background check, health inspection, and CPR/1st Aid/AED certifications for both myself & my 18 yr old daughter who is away at College. Tir Na nOg Playcare is proud to be a woman operated business. Limited spaces are for children age 0 thru 30 months with the exceptions listed for date nights & holidays.

I respect and appreciate the trust you have placed in me in caring for your child. I believe that parents are the most important people in a child’s world, and I will make every effort to support you as a family. I will try to offer the very best care that I can for your child. You can help me by keeping me informed about health concerns, favorite foods, fears or special interests. I will try to share information about your child’s growth and activities during the time spent in my program.

Age appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of the individual child. I will provide your child with tender loving care, patience, understanding, and guidance in a happy, family setting. Chores, such as picking up toys and setting the table at meals will likely be part of the day for the older children. It is here that they begin learning social skills that will be needed the rest of their lives

ARRIVAL, DEPARTURE & OVERTIME: Hours of operation are variable so I only work the hours and days you have requested for your child. Drop-in care is available Monday thru Saturday between 6am-11pm by 24 hour request and is not always available. 

YOUR CHILD'S FILE:  State law requires me to have updated shot records or a written waiver. Also, please let me know immediately of any changes in your address, phone numbers, place of employment or emergency contact information. 

SIGN IN & SIGN OUT:  Children will only be discharged to persons other than the parents with your written instructions.  Anyone picking up children may be asked to show ID.

VISITATION:  Any parent/guardian of a child enrolled is encouraged to visit while their child is in care unless I have custody papers saying otherwise. Also, private areas will be available for those mothers who need a place for breastfeeding.

PHONE CALLS: I will try to answer the phone messages quickly, but please keep in mind that I may not be able to take a phone call immediately as the children's needs have priority. 

CLOTHING:  Please bring 2 extra sets of clothing that may remain here along with diapers/pull-ups for the week. Also, as the weather changes, make sure that your child has a coat, jacket, hat, gloves, etc. to keep in line with the season.  

ILLESS:  I can accept only children who are well.  If your child is ill, please notify me as soon as possible.  If your child becomes ill, you will be contacted and expected to pick up your child within the hour.  Children who have vomited, had diarrhea, temperature of 101 degrees orally, or have unusual rashes shall not be admitted back to the Day Care until all symptoms have been clear for twenty-four (24) hours.  Medicines, including over the counter medications, will be given as directed and according to the medication policy of the Day Care.

IMMUNIZATIONS:  Please fill out the immunization form and give me a copy of your child's shot records BEFORE coming to the Day Care (exception is a new born).  As your child receives new shots, please inform me so that your file can be updated.

INCLEMENT WEATHER:  Day Care will be closed in the event that Washington County is under a snow/ice emergency.

MEALS AND SNACKS:  I provide one organic meal and 2 snacks daily for all children (yes, even babyfood). Parents are responsible for providing additional meals & Formula or Breastmilk bottles. 

MEDICATIONS:  I will administer prescription medications according to the directions on the package of the medicine. I will also administer non-prescription with the same instructions. A medication form must be completed by the parent prior to administration of medication.

REST TIMES/NAPS:  All required bedding will be provided by me and state health guidelines will be followed.

SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT:  ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS WILL BE PERMITTED IN OR ON MY PROPERTY.  Please make sure that if you use these products that you leave them in your vehicle.  Thank you for your cooperation.

TOUCH POLICY It is my belief that children need nurturing and adult physical contact for their daily care and healthy development. This contact can be described in three ways…

1. Nurturing: This includes hugs, gentle tickling, caring and cuddling. This type of contact is never done against the express wishes of the child

2. Safety and Guidance: This includes restraining child from harmful situations, separating physically conflicting children, and administering first-aid.

3. Hygienic: This includes hand and face washing, assisting with bathroom duties (age appropriate), diaper changes, examining rashes or unusual marks, nose blowing and assisting with changing clothes. This type of contact is never done against the express wishes of the child.

TOYS:  Guns, knives, swords, and other toys that could hurt another child are NEVER allowed!  They will be taken away and put aside until the child goes home.  Please keep these at home.  I will provide a variety of toys for your child to play with.

VACATIONS:  If you are going to be gone on vacation please let me know so I don't worry about your child and your family

REVISIONS:  I reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies, as I deem necessary. You will be notified of any changes that may occur. Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks notice of changes.

I am always open to suggestions and feel communication is a very important part of this business. If there are any problems or concerns, I encourage you to talk to me about it. If a lengthy conference is needed, a time that is convenient will be scheduled, as the other children still need attention during my busiest hours. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your child, and I look forward to the future.