Program Handbook

ABOUT FEELS LIKE HOME EARLY CARE & EDUCATION

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

Your child’s social, physical, and emotional development are our top priorities. We at Feels Like Home Early Care & Education(FLH), believe that a great caregiver is loving, laughs,  engages, and respects each child’s individuality. When you enroll your child in our program you become an integral part of our FLH family.  We want FLH to feel like a second home to you and your child!

PROGRAM OFFERED

Feels Like Home Early Care & Education (FLH) is licensed to provide care for up to 12 children complying with capacity ratios as outlined in the current Family Child Care Licensing Rule.

Following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FLH does not discriminate in the administration of its education or admissions policies, admitting children 6 weeks of age to 5 years old, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or disability into its program. Being responsive to individual learning needs and interests, as needed, activities are appropriately modified.The Multi Ages program at FLH  offers: continuity of care supporting the development of trust and feelings of security for both children and their families; opportunity for siblings to be together; opportunity to make friends across a variety of ages and interact with children at different developmental levels; variety of different contact patterns supporting development of social emotional and language skills and opportunities for older children to experience and learn responsibility.

FLH does year round programming. We work from a program-generated method of curriculum development. FLH is a cognitive based program that combines with the idea of approaching learning opportunities for all children meeting them where they are developmentally. With “Intention” we will do the best we can by all the children in care. We have the ability to mix and match the best from a variety of programs, resources and focused philosophies as needs and interests indicate. Learning here is play-based and as child-directed as possible. Projects done during our days are developed around the interests and skill levels of the children participating, using the local school system Kindergarten Readiness, Maine Early Learning Development Standards(MELDS), which includes Infant and Toddler(ITMELDS) and  Preschool (PMELDS)  and the CDC Developmental Milestones covering infants through school aIt is important and developmentally beneficial for children to be outdoors and actively engaged. 

Following the current FCC Licensing Rule regulations regarding extreme weather conditions and air quality the ideal is to spend the majority of each day outside. Outside active play includes: neighborhood walks, running, climbing, exploring the woods, and digging. Gardening is also an indoor/outdoor learning opportunity at FLH for children to participate in. Personally, I also think it is important for children to learn how to be inside while remaining active and engaged in activities, so physical activity whether outdoors or inside is an important part of our play. Active indoor activities include: Trampolines, dancing, movement games, and creative play. Play equipment is checked daily and anything needing repair is removed from usage until fixed.

Parental communications are an important part of providing quality care to the children attending FLH.

Although there is daily discussion between staff and a child’s parents/legal guardians regarding each child’s experiences at home and during our day, we are always willing to set up a time for a more private conversation to discuss any concerns. FLH also schedules an annual conference for each child in care. For families with siblings, we will provide separate focused discussion on each child at the conference. If a child leaves care before the scheduled conference FLH offers an exit conference.

Daily written notices are not provided unless requested by the child’s parents/legal guardians. A child’s parents/legal guardians may provide a template of a form with the information they would like to have completed daily for them.

Technology continues to change and FLH will use a variety of what is available to provide timely access to a child’s parents/legal guardians when and where needed to support our work as a team for their child. Current communication includes text messages, social media (Facebook & Instagram) and weekly and monthly newsletters. The annual family survey is emailed out to parents/legal guardians every spring. 

FEELS LIKE HOME EARLY CARE & EDUCATION BACKGROUND

Our program is a Star 4 in  Rising Stars 5 star Quality Rating System and is a Gold Site in the 5210 Let’s Go! Program. Our program is built around the concept that children are born ready to learn. We work hard to create an environment that is fun, and encouraging for all bodies.

LICENSING & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

I adhere rigorously to all laws and regulations governing space, cleanliness, storage of toxic substances and weapons, and provider qualifications. My commitment to regulatory compliance ensures the well-being of every child in my care. Here’s how I maintain these standards:

  • Office of Family and Child Services: I undergo semi annual inspections by the Office of Family and Child Services to ensure that my program meets all necessary childcare requirements.
  • State Fire Marshal’s Office: My childcare home undergoes biennial fire safety inspections by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
  • Fingerprinting/Background Checks: All staff and adults who live in the home have undergone fingerprinting and background checks with the State of Maine to ensure your child’s safety. No staff is hired or works in direct care of children until the letter of eligibility is in their staff personal file. 

RIGHTS OF CHILD

In addition to our Mission Statement, we promise to uphold the Rights of Children as described in the 2021 Maine Child Care Licensing Rule: 

Rights of Children: 

1.Children must be free from emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation. 2.Each Child has the right to freedom from harmful actions or practices that are detrimental to the Child’s welfare, and to practices that are potentially harmful to the Child.

 3.Each Child has a right to an environment that meets the health and safety standards in this rule. 

4.Each Child must be provided Child care services without discrimination to race, age, national origin, religion, disability, sex or family composition. 

5. Children must be treated with dignity, consideration and respect in full recognition of their individuality. This includes the use of developmentally appropriate practices by the Child Care Facility.

 6. Each Child has the right to the implementation of any plan of service that has been developed for that Child in conjunction with community or state agencies by the Child Care Facility 

7. Each Child has the right to Developmentally Appropriate activities, materials, and equipment. 8. Children with disabilities have the right to reasonable modifications to Child Care Facility policies and practices.

STAFF

OWNER 

FLH is owned by Jennifer Murphy Wescott. I am onsite at least 80% of time.I have worked in childcare and other related fields since graduating from New England College in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance. I opened FLH in December of 2009.  I continue to seek further education and complete state requirements as well as maintaining her CPR and First Aid certification.I founded the Westbrook Family Child Care Provider’s Group. I engage in a variety of professional networks including; the Westbrook Children’s Project Early Childhood Advisory Board, served two terms as President of the WCCP-A childcare provider group for Cumberland County, Maineaeyc LeAP Program and is a board member of the Family Child Care Association of Maine, currently serving my second term as their chair. 

STAFF

All paid staff members with direct care responsibilities must be at least 18 years of age with a High School diploma or GED. Each staff member must maintain their CPR and First Aid certification while meeting the state requirements of a minimum of 12 training hours per year. No staff is hired or works in direct care of children until the letter of eligibility is in their staff personal file.  FLH has a separate staff handbook that outlines the responsibilities and procedures of their job. 

ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENT

Feels Like Home offers full-time and part-time care. We have wonderful year round learning experiences and engage in indoor and outdoor play. FLH enrolls children from the age of 8 weeks through 6 years old. FLH is open Monday – Thursday 7AM to 4:30PM, and Fridays 7AM to 4PM. The door will not be unlocked before 7AM. Please be considerate and leave yourself enough time to come in, find out about your child’s day, gather their belongings, and be out of the door by closing time. If you arrive after hours, a late fee of $5.00 per minute(per teacher) will be expected to be paid with your weekly tuition.  Multiple tardiness at closing time can result in termination of your contract. 

All forms required through licensing must be completed and on file for the first day of care. It is your responsibility to keep your child’s information on all forms updated.  E.g.  Updated child’s immunization forms following a doctor visit . If there are any changes on the information please let us know right away. Following the end of care, all records for your children are maintained for 3 years according to current Family Child Care Licensing rules. 

PAYMENT POLICY

Tuition is due the Friday before the week of care. A $35 charge will be assessed for any returned check. Tuition covers the opportunity for care. It covers the slot, not the direct hours.  Payment is due whether or not your child attends. If payment is not made by 8:00AM on Saturday, A $5.00 late fee per day will be assessed daily until tuition is paid. No payment before Wednesday of the following week may result in the termination of your contract immediately. Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check & Venmo. Options for payment are monthly, bi-weekly and weekly. 

POLICIES

ABSENT POLICY

Your child’s spot is reserved and you are responsible for payment when your child is absent for any reason. Please notify staff by 8:30AM if your child will not be attending that day. 

CLOTHING & ATTIRE 

Please dress your child for play. We love to play, explore, have fun and sometimes it can get messy. Please always have at least one change of clothing packed. In the winter, please pack snow gear (boots, snow suit, hat & mittens) daily. In the summer, water clothes and shoes to be able to run in. Crocs or sandals are ok, but can cause unnecessary trips and falls on walks and in the woods and our playground. 

NOTICE OF LEAVING POLICY

Three weeks paid notice is required to terminate your contract. Any outstanding fees must be paid on or before your child’s last day. Any outstanding balances may be collected through a collection agency or through court proceedings. Feels Like Home reserves the right to terminate any contract without notice. 

PROBATION PERIOD POLICY

Parents, children and the staff of Feels Like Home EC & E need a period of adjustment. A two week probation period is given at the start and at the end of which parent or FLH can terminate care.

SUMMER SCHEDULE POLICY

If for any reason you decide to change your child’s summer schedule(following Westbrook Schools Summer break), you must agree and follow the following guidelines:

  1. You must tell us the change in your child’s schedule no later than May  1st.
  2. You are financially responsible for continuing at least two (2) days of payments per week throughout the summer, regardless if your child is attending to hold your spot for the fall.
  3. Your child’s summer schedule needs to be in place for a minimum of six (6) weeks, and a maximum of ten (10) weeks.

BEHAVIOR POLICY 

In any social situation, behaviors can arise. We will consistently address behaviors in a positive manner by letting the child know that the unwanted behavior is not acceptable followed by giving instructions on what they should be doing in each situation. If behaviors continue a warning will be given and the child may be asked to take a “think out”. Think outs are given at a minute per age. After the child’s think out is complete we will talk with them about the behavior and why it is not ok.

If behavior comes to a point that it affects and/or endangers themselves, the other children and/or the classroom environment in a negative manner we will fill out an incident report. After 2 incident reports a behavior plan may be put in place that incorporates the safety of all the children. Our goal is to make the childcare a safe environment for all. If behaviors persist, a parent/teacher conference will take place. If a behavior plan is not supported and followed, we reserve the right to ask you to seek a different placement for your child.

YEAR END TAXES

To assist you in your tax planning and reporting, A year-end statement summarizing all childcare fees paid throughout the calendar year will be given to you. This statement will be available to you in January of each year. In cases where childcare fees are shared among separated or divorced parents, I will create a single statement encompassing the child’s total childcare expenses. It will then be the responsibility of the parents to coordinate and determine the appropriate allocation of expenses for tax reporting purposes.

INTERPRETATION FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Feels Like Home will help to provide family support in order to help parents develop and support early language skills in young ELLs. Communication with parents, both verbal and written, should be in the parents’ native language (when possible). FLH will utilize translation services such as Google translate or House of Languages.

HOLIDAYS AND VACATIONS

PAID HOLIDAYS 

All of the following holidays are paid. Dates may or may not vary annually. Exact dates will be posted on our Parent Board and all parents will be given a yearly calendar.

New Year’s Day Columbus Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Halloween – Close at 4pm

President’s Day Veteran’s Day

Patriot’s Day Thanksgiving

Memorial Day The day after Thanksgiving

Juneteeth Christmas Eve

Fourth of July Christmas 

Labor Day

VACATIONS

Feels Like Home EC & E will take four weeks’ vacation, with three of them being school vacations of the Westbrook school system (with two months’ notice). These four weeks are paid vacations. An additional two paid days of personal/health time may also be taken by the staff.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING DAYS

The state requires at least 12 hours of ongoing training per year. There may be a maximum of 2 days in which Feels Like Home EC & E may close for professional training. We will close for the annual state ECE Childcare conference every year, so that all staff can attend. Parents will be notified at least 30 days in advance and will be required to pay for the day.

WEATHER/CLOSINGS

LOSS OF POWER

For the safety of the children, Feels Like Home EC & E will close if there is no power at the house, therefore the heat and/or lighting may not be working properly. In the event that we would have to close, you will be notified immediately. This is a home child care; it is a good idea to always have a backup plan. 

SICKNESS

It is never our hope to be sick or have family emergencies, but life happens. In the event that we cannot get the legal coverage and have to close, you will be notified immediately.

SNOW

When we feel it is necessary for the safety of your child(ren) and our staff, the child care will close early or for the day. You will be notified as soon as we make the decision. You will receive notification by 6:30AM if we close for the day. If Westbrook schools  are closed or have a 2 hour delay, we also have a 2 hour delay. 

* PLEASE NOTE: The driveway will be snow-blowed at 6AM during a storm, but if it is coming down heavy during the day, keeping up with the shoveling is tough. We will always try to keep the driveway safe and clear. Being on a side road, we are not plowed as frequently as a main road. If we feel emergency vehicles could not get down the road, we will close.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLOTHING

Your child should wear comfortable play clothes daily. Please dress your child for the weather.  Please pack or leave a complete change of clothes at FLH. Any blankets that are left here during the week will be sent home on the last day of care that week to be washed. It is very helpful to label all your child’s items.

FIRE DRILLS

As per state requirement, we will conduct one fire drill per month at varying times of the day. We will alternate between using the main and secondary routes to ensure staff and children are fully prepared in the case of a real fire or emergency.  We have a designated meeting spot used every time for safety.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN

The FLH Emergency Plan includes shelter in place, nearby neighbor evacuation site and another family child care location. In accordance with licensing, our Emergency plan is practiced twice a year. 

FAMILY VOLUNTEERS

With work and family schedules, volunteering is not expected or necessary at Feels Like Home. At the same time, a child’s parents/legal guardians are welcome to visit at any time. If they have a special interest and would like to share that with the group, special time can be arranged.
A child’s parents/legal guardians may also send special healthy celebration treats from home to share among the group in celebration of special days, with prior discussion with FLH. Please remember no candy or sugary drinks are allowed and all food allergies will need to be considered.

NUTRITION 

FLH places a strong emphasis on nutrition and healthy living:

  • USDA Child Care Food Program: FLH provides nutritionally balanced meals and snacks as a proud member of the USDA Child Care Food Program, ensuring that your child receives nourishing and well-balanced meals.
  • Gold Site Member of 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Program: FLH is honored to be a Gold Site member of the 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Program, promoting healthy habits and an active lifestyle for children.
  • Go NapSacc:  Their program works with child care providers to improve the health of young children through practices, policies, and environments that instill habits supporting lifelong health and well-being. 

FLH provides healthy choices for snacks and celebrations, we provide non-food rewards, we provide opportunities for children to get physical activity every day. We complete an annual nutrition/physical survey to continuously work on improvement. 

MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

Equipment and materials for indoor and outdoor play have all been carefully chosen for the ages of the children using the equipment. Inappropriate equipment (too tall or not appropriate for the skills of children) is made inaccessible to children who should not use it.

  • All equipment is checked for loose or broken parts and that bolts and screws are receding or are covered with plastic caps.
  • Children are actively supervised and visible to present provider(s) while playing outdoors.

Feels Like Home supports the importance of children having the opportunities to participate/experience “risk” in a supervised/supported environment. Without these opportunities a child’s normal development can be negatively impacted. With changes to the Family Child Care Licensing Rule that covers play equipment FLH has decided to further address possible concerns by having parents/legal guardians sign an extended Usage of High-Risk Equipment permission form. This form will be updated at least annually, but can be changed at any time by parent/legal guardian request and will be maintained as part of your child’s record.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Children attending Feels Like Home play outdoors daily when weather conditions do not pose a significant health risk (20 or colder/90 or warmer).  Activities include structured play (led by an adult) and free play (not led by an adult).  In the event of inclement weather, structured physical activity will be provided indoors (dance, yoga, physical games).  The provider participates in physical activities to encourage child participation.  Physical activity is never withheld as a form of punishment.

MEALS

We provide breakfast, lunch and two nutritious snacks daily.  Following the strategies in the 5210 program, we only serve water and milk. If your child has any food allergies, please let us know immediately. We try our best to accommodate allergies. Food allergies can be life threatening; each child with a food allergy should have an action plan for emergency care completed by the family physician.  FLH participates in the Child and AdultCare Food Program. We encourage children to try new foods, never force a child to eat, but encourage a “No, thank you” bite to try new foods. 

CELEBRATIONS AND PARTIES

FLH loves to celebrate! We believe birthdays are special and while we ask that parents not bring in cakes, cookies, etc. you are welcome to bring in something healthy for the kids to enjoy. (Fruit trays, muffins, veggie trays, etc.) We celebrate by having each family bring a $5.00 or under book for the birthday child before or on the day of the celebration.  FLH also celebrates many of the holidays including Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas. 

TOYS FROM HOME

Please do not allow your child to bring any of their personal toys from home. Unless it is a show and tell day, toys can be misplaced, broken or left behind causing your child to be upset.

*Rest time snuggle item or personal comfort items are not included in this category. 

ASSESSMENT

FLH uses a variety of tools to build the learning opportunities that will meet the individual developmental needs and interests of each child . We work from a program-generated method of curriculum development. FLH is a cognitive based program that combines with the idea of approaching learning opportunities for all children meeting them where they are developmentally. With “Intention” we will do the best we can by all the children in care. We have the ability to mix and match the best from a variety of programs, resources and focused philosophies as needs and interests indicate.

Learning here is play-based and as child-directed as possible. Activities done during our days are developed around the interests and skill levels of the children participating, using the local school system Kindergarten Readiness, Maine Early Learning Development Standards(MELDS), Infant and Toddler Maine Early Learning Development Standards (ITMELDS) and CDC Developmental Milestones covering infants through school age.

It is important and developmentally beneficial for children to be outdoors and actively engaged. Following the current FCC Licensing Rule regulations regarding extreme weather conditions and air quality the ideal is to spend the majority of each day outside. Outside active play includes:  running, climbing, biking, digging, exploring the woods out back and walking around the neighborhood. Every spring we plant a garden. Personally, I also think it is important for children to learn how to be inside while remaining active and engaged in activities, so physical activity whether outdoors or inside is an important part of our play. Active indoor activities include: yoga, dancing, movement games, and creative play. Play equipment is checked often and anything needing repair is removed from usage until fixed.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT SCREENINGS

To ensure each child’s growth and preparedness for future educational experiences, FLH has established a child development screening policy that encompasses the following key aspects:

  • Initial Assessment: Upon enrollment, each child will undergo an initial developmental assessment. This assessment serves as a fundamental baseline to gain insight into the child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
  • Ongoing Observation: I continuously observe children during their daily activities and interactions. This ongoing assessment process enables me to track their progress, identify their strengths, pinpoint areas requiring additional support, and tailor the curriculum to meet their individual needs effectively.
  • Developmental Milestones: I adhere to recognized developmental milestones that are appropriate for each age group. I closely monitor children’s progress in reaching these milestones and provide supplementary support or engaging activities whenever necessary.
  • Communication with Parents/Guardians: I maintain an open and regular channel of communication with parents and legal guardians concerning their child’s development. Progress updates and any concerns are shared during conferences and informal discussions, ensuring that parents are actively involved in their child’s growth journey.
  • Individualized Learning Plans (ILP): If a child demonstrates unique learning needs or developmental concerns, I collaborate closely with parents/legal guardians to create an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP). This personalized plan outlines specific goals, strategies, and interventions aimed at supporting the child’s development effectively.
  • Referrals for Additional Services: In cases where developmental delays or concerns are identified, I may recommend seeking additional support or services, such as early intervention programs or evaluations by specialists. My commitment is to work alongside parents/legal guardians to make appropriate referrals and ensure the child’s well-being.
  • Privacy and Confidentiality: I uphold strict confidentiality standards when handling information related to child development screenings. Such data is shared solely with childcare licensing (if required) and parents/legal guardians, respecting the privacy and dignity of each child and family.
  • Documentation: I maintain meticulous records of child development screenings, observations, and progress reports. These records serve as invaluable tools to evaluate the effectiveness of educational strategies and adapt practices as needed to best meet the child’s evolving needs.

By implementing this comprehensive child development screenings policy, my goal is to create a nurturing and enriching environment that fosters the growth, learning, and well-being of each child. This ensures that I can provide the individualized care that every child deserves on their unique developmental journey.

CHILD ABUSE POLICY

Feels Like Home is mandated by the State of Maine to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. The safety and well-being of every child at Feels Like Home  is of paramount importance.

As mandated reporters in accordance with Maine law, all providers and staff members are required to promptly report any suspected child abuse or neglect. The safety and protection of children are my top priorities. Reporting should be made to Child Protective Intake Services at 1-800-452-1999 (TTY 1-800-963-9490), which operates 24/7.

HANDLING SUSPECTED ABUSE & NEGLECT

When a provider or staff member suspects or witness’s child abuse or neglect, I follow a specific procedure:

  1. Report: If there is reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, the provider or staff member will immediately report it to the appropriate community agency.
  2. Confidentiality: Information about the child and family will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and shared only with those officially involved in the case.
  3. Consultation: If there is any uncertainty about whether abuse or neglect is reportable, the provider will consult with the state licensing specialist for guidance.
  4. Documentation: Detailed written documentation of the suspected abuse or neglect is recorded.
  5. Follow-Up: The provider ensures that appropriate action is taken and follows any mandated procedures by DHHS.
  6. Parent Notification: When appropriate, parents or legal guardians will be informed that a referral has been made.
  7. Records Confidentiality: All records of child abuse and neglect are kept confidential.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline approach at FLH is to use positive reinforcement and redirection. In the event of hurtful or destructive behavior, the child will have a brief “think out” period to calm down and then will rejoin the group. If the behavior continues, a meeting with the parents will occur.

CARE TERMINATION

Unfortunately, there are reasons that care for a child has to be terminated. Feels Like Home will be proactive in working with the families of children receiving care in order to prevent the need to terminate care of a child.

PROACTIVE ACTIONS that can be taken in order to prevent expulsion due to child’s disruptive behaviors:

  • Redirect child from disruptive behavior.
  • Reassess classroom environment, appropriateness of activities, supervision.
  • Use positive methods and language while disciplining children.
  • Acknowledge appropriate behaviors.
  • Consistently apply consequences for rules.
  • Give verbal warnings.
  • Give time to regain control.
  • Through daily communication the team* will work to carry out program and home expectations around behaviors working on changing. (*team = any adult directly involved with the individual child)
  • The child’s parents/legal guardians will be given literature or other resources regarding methods of improving behavior.
  • Recommendation of evaluation by professional consultation on premises.

Documentation of disruptive behavior will be maintained in a child’s file in confidentiality.

SCHEDULE OF EXPULSION

  • The child’s parents/legal guardians will be informed about the expected behavioral changes required by the child or the child’s parents/legal guardians to continue to receive care services from Feels Like Home.
  • The child’s parents/legal guardians will be advised verbally, and in writing, that the child’s or the parents/legal guardians’ behavior warrants an expulsion.
  • If the planned remedial actions are not carried out by the parent/legal guardian, or found not to have a positive impact on the behavior expulsion fromFLH will proceed.
  • The child’s parents/legal guardians will be given a specific expulsion date that allows the parents/legal guardians sufficient time to seek alternate child care (approximately one to two weeks notice depending on the risk to other children’s welfare or safety).

Immediate termination of care may occur if a child is at risk of causing serious injury to others present in the program or to himself/herself. Immediate termination is not the option of choice.

Termination of care is especially difficult when the reason is because of Negative Parent/Legal Guardian Actions. Any of the following actions can be followed by notice of immediate termination of care.

  • Child’s parents/legal guardians physically or verbally threatens me or anyone within the program.
  • Failure to complete required forms, including the child’s immunization records.
  • Unwillingness to work as a team when supporting your child’s development.
  • Habitual tardiness when picking up your child(ren).
  • Habitual failure to pay/lateness in payments.

A CHILD WILL NOT BE EXPELLED for the following reason alone: If a child’s parents/legal guardians make a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding Feels Like Home alleging violations of the Family Child Care Licensing Rule requirements.

ACCIDENT REPORTS

Any time a child is hurt at FLH, (more than a minor scrape) we will provide a written report of how the accident occurred.  If further attention is needed, we will contact the parents immediately following the incident. If a medical emergency arises, 911 will be called.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

Please call or text by 8:15AM if your child is going to be later than 8:30 or absent. At pick up time your child MUST accompany you to the car. Your child may not leave the daycare without you or another trusted adult. Once you arrive and we have transitioned your child to you, they are no longer the responsibility of FLH staff.  This is for your child’s safety; pick up time is a busy time with cars driving in and out of the driveway.  

*If you want/need to pick your child up for an afternoon appointment or for personal reasons they need to be picked up by noon. Children cannot be picked up or dropped back off between the hours of 1-3pm. It is too disruptive to the children here resting. 

PARKING

Please park in the road, it allows our family & or staff to have the driveway. Please try to not park in front of our mailbox. The mail will not be delivered if there is a vehicle blocking the mailbox. Please do not block the driveway or any other vehicles at pick up or drop off. 

SCREEN TIME

At FLH it is our intention to provide the children in care with opportunities to investigate the world around them with concrete, hands-on learning activities. To support this investigation, there will be usage of a variety of materials and tools, including today’s technology. Recreational viewing is limited, while educational viewing is intentionally integrated into the program. Screen time is not used as a filler, but is actively engaged in. Screen time is not used as a reward or to manage challenging behavior.

Usage of technology within FLH  aligns with the joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College.

  • Above all, the use of technology tools and interactive media should not harm children.
  • Professional judgment is required to determine if and when a specific use of technology or media is age appropriate, individually appropriate, and culturally and linguistically appropriate.
  • Developmentally appropriate teaching practices must always guide the selection of any classroom materials, including technology and interactive media.
  • Appropriate use of technology and media depends on the age, developmental level, needs, interests, linguistic background, and abilities of each child.
  • When used appropriately, technology and media can enhance children’s cognitive and social abilities.bsi
  • Interactions with technology and media should be playful and support creativity, exploration, pretend play, active play, and outdoor activities
  • Technology tools can help educators make and strengthen home–school connections.
  • Digital citizenship is an important part of digital literacy for young children.

CHILD SICKNESS

Illness can easily become an issue in childcare settings. Please be considerate and do not bring your child to child care if they are ill. As a guide, if you are questioning that morning, look at your child and ask yourself “would you would want your child to be playing with someone in that condition?” If the answer is no, please keep your child home.  If your child cannot participate 100% in the daily schedule, they need to stay home.  If your child still needs medication, they should not be coming to child care. We understand the needs of working parents but we must protect the children and staff here.  If your child is prescribed medication of any kind, please allow 24 hours for the symptoms to subside and the medication to take effect.

Your child will not be allowed to attend child care for a 24 hour period if he/she has displayed any of the symptoms below:

  1. Fever
  2. Diarrhea
  3. Vomiting
  4. Eye Discharge, Conjunctivitis or Pinkeye
  5. Lice or Nits (must be treated before returning to daycare)
  6. Strep Throat
  7. Sever Coughing
  8. Unidentified Rash
  9. Child is irritable with continuous crying without being comforted or requires more attention than can be provided without jeopardizing the health and safety of the other children.

If your child has any of the above symptoms, your child may not return to FLH for 24 hours from the last time they were sick. If you are in doubt as to whether your child is allowed to attend please call to discuss your child’s symptoms. In the event of illness, parents agree to pick up their child or make arrangements for a backup person to pick up the child within a reasonable time.

*Please let FLH know if you have dispensed medication to your child before arriving at child care* A child with a contagious disease will not be allowed back until the incubation period is over. FLH may also ask you to provide a note from your child’s doctor stating that your child is no longer contagious.

MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION

All prescription and over the counter drugs may be administered only if the Medical Authorization Form has been filled out by a parent. Medications are stored out of the children’s reach and in a designated place in the day care.  All medication must come in its original container with the directions.

Illnesses that occur during the day where the child is not well enough to participate means they will be excluded and the child’s parents/legal guardians will be notified. 

  • Provider will immediately separate the child from the other children in such a way that the child can be seen and supervised, and does not feel punished in any way.
  • Child’s Parents/Legal Guardians will be contacted to have the child picked up as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection to other children, provider, and to allow the child time to rest, recover, and be treated for the illness if necessary.
  • Provider will continue to observe the child for other symptoms until picked up.

COMMUNICATION

The FLH Staff strongly believe in open communication and want you to feel comfortable to give us positive and negative feedback or discuss any concerns. Always feel free to write or e-mail us a note if you are more comfortable with this type of communication. We also expect parents to communicate with us about your child on a daily basis in the morning if anything needs to be reported. Knowing the little things makes a difference. If we have an update, we can better understand your child and his/her needs. If there are any issues or problems that you would feel more comfortable talking in private, please call us and we can make an appointment after hours.

Confidentiality

Child and family confidentiality is extremely important in establishing the trust and respect of the families FLH serves. All employees must maintain confidentiality and insure that no disclosure is made to anyone outside FLH. Our state licensor will have access to records. We ensure that all parents can share information in confidence and it will only be used to enhance the welfare of their children. 

Communication Etiquette Policy 

Child care and supervision are always the first priority when your child is in our care.  We strive to share information in a timely and clear way that best serves the needs of each child.  That said, communication could be secondary to supervision throughout the work day and delays may occur.  We hope this is a shared value, ensuring your child has caregivers who are less distracted.  Communication in our program will occur in any of the following ways, Instagram, Facebook, face to face, text, email and/or phone.  A majority of the daily communication regarding children will happen at pick up and drop off daily with primary caregivers. 

Information exchanged daily for children that are infants through learning to toilet independently will be most frequent to allow for collaboration with caregivers.  As children age, preschool aged updates tend to be more incidental or ‘out of the ordinary’ behaviors or observations, celebrations or experiences, and are academic in nature.

If specific developmental concerns arise, those will be addressed confidentially and respectfully with caregivers.  We ask that our community honor the same expectations and respect is shown for the circumstances of other families. 

Our program completes observations and holds conferences with the caregiver(s) of a child(ren) twice annually.

Note: We will not tolerate aggressive, rude, threatening, unkind or inappropriate communication using any digital platform or when it is in-person communication.   Should a member of our staff or an enrolled family ever feel threatened or uncomfortable due to comments, written communication or advancements of a sexual nature, or feel unsafe in any way, alternate pick-up/drop-off arrangements may be required or your relationship with our program may be terminated. 

*Provider’s right: Should Feels Like Home choose not to enforce and particular item in the handbook for any reason, at any given time, I do not waive my right to enforce all policies. ~Last updated October 2023