DEPOSIT FAQ (scroll down for general daycare questions):
1) I can't afford a deposit for months. Can you waive it?
If you can't afford $200/month deposit, it would be concerning, because this is less than 1/4 of what you'll be paying for full-time care.
2) Shouldn't you put the deposit toward the cost of childcare once my child starts?
No, the deposit is to hold your placement. I can't accept another child for that spot as long as you are paying that deposit.
3). What if I decide to enroll in a different daycare or decide to remain home at the end of my maternity leave instead of returning to work? Will you refund my money?
No, the deposit is to hold your placement until your child enrolls. If you determine that you will not enroll your child, you forfeit that deposit. Again, I cannot accept another child for that spot as long as you are paying a deposit.
4) What if YOU decide not to enroll my child after I've paid a deposit, or if your business closes?
If I determine that I cannot enroll your child, for any reason, I will refund your deposit in full.
MORE FAQ:
1. I see you don't have any openings. Can I still drop in or schedule a visit to your facility?
No. I only allow people in if I have openings, and then appointments are scheduled for after care. If I do not have an opening, I do not interview parents. Why? Several reasons. My off time is sacred for rejuvenation, so I only schedule appointments when I have an opening. I will not allow strangers around my family or my daycare family for safety's sake, due to COVID and other risks.
2. Do you provide drop-in care?
I do not provide drop-in child care.
3. What is your curriculum like?
I do not have a specified curriculum in place (i.e. Montessori). The children I care for are under four years of age, so their time with me consists of a lot of play and informal learning. For example, if playing with blocks, we use that to learn our colors, shapes, words.
4. Can I do drop-in visits with my child?
No. When you separate from your child, your anxiety is going to be greater than your child's, which is why the urge to drop in to visit with them. However, doing this will only cause anxiety for your child because if you show up, he/she is going to think you're there for pick up. Do this enough times and full-blown separation anxiety will begin on a daily basis. This counters the safe, secure, and loving environment that I try my best to provide.
This goes to answer another question often asked - Do you have an open-door policy?
Indeed, I do - at drop off and pick up, you are not required to knock at all. Just come on in.
5. How strict are you about drop off and pick up times?
I try not to be overly strict, however, I have my reasons for wanting you to stick as close to those times you specify as possible. If you drop off way past your designated time, it can throw a wrench into our schedule, especially as I tend to plan meals around those who will be in attendance. This is also why I request you let me know at least 24 hours in advance if your child will be absent.
Related to pick up times - knowing when you'll arrive allows me to have your child ready to go. If you show up unannounced, there is disruption as I try to get your child ready, plus the waiting you'll have to do.
If you think you're going to arrive late on either side of the day, all I ask is that you shoot me a text to let me know. Please do try to stay within 10-15 minutes of your time at pick up. If you think you'll be picking up early on a given day, text me about 10 minutes ahead of arrival, so I can get your child ready to leave.
If picking up during naptime, it is important you enter as quietly as you can to prevent disrupting sleep.
1) I can't afford a deposit for months. Can you waive it?
If you can't afford $200/month deposit, it would be concerning, because this is less than 1/4 of what you'll be paying for full-time care.
2) Shouldn't you put the deposit toward the cost of childcare once my child starts?
No, the deposit is to hold your placement. I can't accept another child for that spot as long as you are paying that deposit.
3). What if I decide to enroll in a different daycare or decide to remain home at the end of my maternity leave instead of returning to work? Will you refund my money?
No, the deposit is to hold your placement until your child enrolls. If you determine that you will not enroll your child, you forfeit that deposit. Again, I cannot accept another child for that spot as long as you are paying a deposit.
4) What if YOU decide not to enroll my child after I've paid a deposit, or if your business closes?
If I determine that I cannot enroll your child, for any reason, I will refund your deposit in full.
MORE FAQ:
1. I see you don't have any openings. Can I still drop in or schedule a visit to your facility?
No. I only allow people in if I have openings, and then appointments are scheduled for after care. If I do not have an opening, I do not interview parents. Why? Several reasons. My off time is sacred for rejuvenation, so I only schedule appointments when I have an opening. I will not allow strangers around my family or my daycare family for safety's sake, due to COVID and other risks.
2. Do you provide drop-in care?
I do not provide drop-in child care.
3. What is your curriculum like?
I do not have a specified curriculum in place (i.e. Montessori). The children I care for are under four years of age, so their time with me consists of a lot of play and informal learning. For example, if playing with blocks, we use that to learn our colors, shapes, words.
4. Can I do drop-in visits with my child?
No. When you separate from your child, your anxiety is going to be greater than your child's, which is why the urge to drop in to visit with them. However, doing this will only cause anxiety for your child because if you show up, he/she is going to think you're there for pick up. Do this enough times and full-blown separation anxiety will begin on a daily basis. This counters the safe, secure, and loving environment that I try my best to provide.
This goes to answer another question often asked - Do you have an open-door policy?
Indeed, I do - at drop off and pick up, you are not required to knock at all. Just come on in.
5. How strict are you about drop off and pick up times?
I try not to be overly strict, however, I have my reasons for wanting you to stick as close to those times you specify as possible. If you drop off way past your designated time, it can throw a wrench into our schedule, especially as I tend to plan meals around those who will be in attendance. This is also why I request you let me know at least 24 hours in advance if your child will be absent.
Related to pick up times - knowing when you'll arrive allows me to have your child ready to go. If you show up unannounced, there is disruption as I try to get your child ready, plus the waiting you'll have to do.
If you think you're going to arrive late on either side of the day, all I ask is that you shoot me a text to let me know. Please do try to stay within 10-15 minutes of your time at pick up. If you think you'll be picking up early on a given day, text me about 10 minutes ahead of arrival, so I can get your child ready to leave.
If picking up during naptime, it is important you enter as quietly as you can to prevent disrupting sleep.
6. How many children do you care for?
As a state-registered provider, I am allowed up to 10 children; however, the most I watch is six. Break-down of ages: Two under the age of two, Four ages two to four.
7. Are meals and supplies included in the cost of care?
Toddler meals are. Infant formula is not included in the cost of care. When your child is able to sit on their own and begin experimenting with foods, I will start providing for them; however, formula and whole milk is provided by parents. Once the child moves to drinking water with meals, sending formula or milk can stop.
Supplies are provided for by parents and are kept separate from others' supplies. A note is placed on the website when supplies start to run low. Primary supplies include: diapers, wipes, diaper cream.
Why are supplies/formula not provided by me? I already charge far less, weekly, than many providers in this area, so to enable parents to be able to afford the cost of care. If I needed to purchase formula also, I would need to raise rates significantly. Moreover, there are too many variables: types of formula for each child, preference for wipes/diapers, etc.
Why are supplies/formula not provided by me? I already charge far less, weekly, than many providers in this area, so to enable parents to be able to afford the cost of care. If I needed to purchase formula also, I would need to raise rates significantly. Moreover, there are too many variables: types of formula for each child, preference for wipes/diapers, etc.
8. What information do you provide parents about their children?
Parents have a page that is for them alone. On this page, I provide updates such as upcoming closures, vacation dates, COVID updates, etc. There is also a chart for each child which lists: meal times and diaper changes, and a spot for needed supplies.
9. How many infants/toddlers/children attend daycare on a daily basis?
Currently I have five, but prefer to watch six. I can watch an additional four, aged 5+, but I don't have the room for watching pre-school-aged children, which is why I require parents to transition their toddlers around age four for pre-school.
10. What is your staff to infant/toddler ratio?
Per state regulations, I can watch 10 by myself. I can watch 2 infants, 4 toddlers, 4 school age. I tend to watch only the 2 infants and 4 toddlers as it is just me. I tell parents that if I can manage a classroom full of 2nd graders, 6 children is not difficult at all for me.
11. Do you employ other providers? If so, what are your criteria for hiring?
I do not hire providers as I run a state-registered in-home daycare. It's basically like me raising my own children.
12. What is your policy on screen time?
Limited to youth educational shows (i.e. Word World, Brainiacs) and only at snack and lunch times.
13. When will you start potty training? What is your policy?
I will not begin assisting with potty training until after age two and only if a child is capable of communicating. Whether that's saying "pee" "potty" "pooh" or simply grabbing their diaper. At that time, the child will move to pull ups. I will take the child to the potty every two hours, consistently with patience and lots of communicating on why we're there. Expectations: in order to be successful, it's a team effort, so parents must be willing to continue the cycle at home in the evenings and on days away from daycare. Consistency will make the process easier and faster. Without the aid from the parents, the potty training will drag on and will become unnecessarily stressful for me and your child. If, as parents, you feel you are unable to assist, then it will be best to follow the current train of thought - that the child will move to using the restroom on their own, eventually. I will not train your child alone for you.
There's another train of thought that allowing a child to run around 'commando' will make going to the potty easier and more desirable for the toddler. I don't hold to that train of thought as every parent in my care who's attempted this has done no more than have to clean up pee and pooh off of their floors. I have also had parents ask if I will allow their child to go 'commando' here at daycare. The answer is a resounding no, as I have carpeted floors.
14. Do you have a COVID-19 policy, if so what is it?
COVID policies related to childcare are released by the state and I follow state guidelines to the letter. Currently, for my small facility, it's fairly simple: mask mandate has been lifted; however, parents are free to wear a masks at drop-off/pick-up if they choose. Sick policy: you must keep your child home if they, or a family member, are exhibiting symptoms of COVID as outlined by the CDC. That quarantine is a minimum of five days. The child must test negative before returning to care.
15. What does a typical day look like? Are children supervised at all times?
The way my daycare is set up, the children cannot go anywhere outside of my field of vision. Even when I'm in the kitchen making meals, they tend to hover by the kitchen gate to watch. As for our typical day - we play and learn, either indoors or outside. We have three snacks and lunch and nap time. That's our day.
16. Do you work on age-appropriate development and if so, what does that look like?
Since I care for children under the age of 4, I work on teaching them the basics needed to begin pre-school: colors, numbers, etc. We do this through regular play. Every moment is a great time to learn something new for these little ones.
17. How do you ensure each child's health and safety?
Cleaning was always an important part of my work, but since COVID it's become almost obsessive. I clean regularly throughout the day. As for safety, there are gates up to any room in which the child is not permitted, without supervision. The play area is free of clutter and debris, with the exception of the age-appropriate toys. I watch the children like a hawk.
18. What is your sick day policy?
If your child has a runny nose (clear snot) or a throat cough (tickle from the snot running down the back of the throat), this is a normal childhood annoyance. A child may come to daycare. If a child has any signs of a communicable illness (i.e. pink eye, lice) they must remain home until cleared by a physician. Fever, green or yellow snot, barking chest cough, unexplained rash, diarrhea, vomiting - all must remain home. This is not the extent of the sick leave policy, but that can be located on the contract. I do my utmost to remain open for my parents (and rarely close), but I also expect parents to be respectful of others and keep their child home if they even suspect their child might make another child ill with more than the common cold. I will call for a pick up (or turn a child away at the door) if it's obvious they should not be here that day.
19. Does each infant have their own space (e.g. crib) to nap in?
When an infant is set to begin daycare, I purchase them a playpen which is for their use alone. Once that child transitions to sleeping on a mat as a toddler, that playpen is tossed in the trash. No playpen is ever shared by another child.
20. Outside of the parent portal, are there other ways that you communicate with parents?
I use the parent portal as a way to update parents on important information, to post their child's diaper changes, supply needs, etc. This is done so that I don't have to recall every child's information at the end of the day (when I'm brain dead). I will also text parents occasionally if the information is important (i.e. daycare closures, supplies needed). I will also post notes on the front door (especially related to an upcoming daycare closure). I try to communicate continually with the parents so that no one ever feels in the dark about anything. I love that my parents are the same. Communication is essential in maintaining a good relationship, and that includes daycare families.
21. What happens if there is an emergency?
There is a breakdown, on the parent page, of where I will be in the event of a natural disaster. If a different emergency arises, I will send out a text stating that all parents must arrive within a given time to pick up their child. If an emergency occurs in which a child is severely injured (which has never happened, thank God), I will call 911 followed by a call to the parents, followed by a text to remaining parents for immediate pick up. Other less traumatic emergencies are dealt with as they occur, but the same applies - a text requesting pick up. RE: power outages - per state regulations, daycare cannot remain open if power is out for more than an hour. A text requiring immediate pickup will be sent if power is out for an hour. RE: snow - if it starts snowing and sticking, a time will be text for pick up. Generally before sunset, because roads get more treacherous after that time. If it's been snowing steadily the night before, then daycare will likely close. Even if other roads are clear, including the highways, the decision to close will be based on road conditions around my home. So, if I call for a closure, it's due to those conditions and must be respected (thank you).
22. What is the process for enrollment and/or getting on a wait list?
I don't have a waiting list. I used to, but I never had enough spaces open up to accommodate everyone, so I stopped that practice. To hold a space for infant care, which is the space I'm contacted most about - you must fill out a hold-placement deposit HERE. This would be the process after we've spoken, via Skype, Zoom, or Messenger, and we've determined that we're a fit. If we are a fit, I do encourage filling out the deposit form and making your deposit as soon as able as infant spaces do fill quickly and I will not hold a placement without the deposit.
23. I will be breastfeeding my baby. How will this work with your center?
New parents have several options. You can bring bags of milk daily, or you can supply bags of milk on a weekly basis. In either case, each bag must be labeled with your child's name, expression date, and use-by date. Do not send more than a week's worth of milk at a time. I will let you know how many bags a child is consuming in order to gauge how many to send.
Another option is to send a canister of milk for me to make the milk as needed. When your child begins to transition, send a 1/2 gallon of milk (weekly) to mix with breast/powdered milk until weened, then send 1/2 gallon of milk until your child transitions to drinking water with lunch.
A bottle will need to be sent in that can remain here. Later, you'll supply a sippy cup that will also remain here.
24. You mentioned that infants get their own playpen to sleep in. Where do toddlers sleep? Do you provide blankets?
When a child gets closer to age two, I will purchase a sleep mat for them. They'll get practice sleeping on it one or two days a week until they get in the habit of sleeping outside of their playpen. I'll then toss the playpen. Parents are required to supply a blanket and pillow. One that can be kept here all week. I will send it home on the last day of the child's week for the parent to wash. The parent must then return it the following week.
Currently I have five, but prefer to watch six. I can watch an additional four, aged 5+, but I don't have the room for watching pre-school-aged children, which is why I require parents to transition their toddlers around age four for pre-school.
10. What is your staff to infant/toddler ratio?
Per state regulations, I can watch 10 by myself. I can watch 2 infants, 4 toddlers, 4 school age. I tend to watch only the 2 infants and 4 toddlers as it is just me. I tell parents that if I can manage a classroom full of 2nd graders, 6 children is not difficult at all for me.
11. Do you employ other providers? If so, what are your criteria for hiring?
I do not hire providers as I run a state-registered in-home daycare. It's basically like me raising my own children.
12. What is your policy on screen time?
Limited to youth educational shows (i.e. Word World, Brainiacs) and only at snack and lunch times.
13. When will you start potty training? What is your policy?
I will not begin assisting with potty training until after age two and only if a child is capable of communicating. Whether that's saying "pee" "potty" "pooh" or simply grabbing their diaper. At that time, the child will move to pull ups. I will take the child to the potty every two hours, consistently with patience and lots of communicating on why we're there. Expectations: in order to be successful, it's a team effort, so parents must be willing to continue the cycle at home in the evenings and on days away from daycare. Consistency will make the process easier and faster. Without the aid from the parents, the potty training will drag on and will become unnecessarily stressful for me and your child. If, as parents, you feel you are unable to assist, then it will be best to follow the current train of thought - that the child will move to using the restroom on their own, eventually. I will not train your child alone for you.
There's another train of thought that allowing a child to run around 'commando' will make going to the potty easier and more desirable for the toddler. I don't hold to that train of thought as every parent in my care who's attempted this has done no more than have to clean up pee and pooh off of their floors. I have also had parents ask if I will allow their child to go 'commando' here at daycare. The answer is a resounding no, as I have carpeted floors.
14. Do you have a COVID-19 policy, if so what is it?
COVID policies related to childcare are released by the state and I follow state guidelines to the letter. Currently, for my small facility, it's fairly simple: mask mandate has been lifted; however, parents are free to wear a masks at drop-off/pick-up if they choose. Sick policy: you must keep your child home if they, or a family member, are exhibiting symptoms of COVID as outlined by the CDC. That quarantine is a minimum of five days. The child must test negative before returning to care.
15. What does a typical day look like? Are children supervised at all times?
The way my daycare is set up, the children cannot go anywhere outside of my field of vision. Even when I'm in the kitchen making meals, they tend to hover by the kitchen gate to watch. As for our typical day - we play and learn, either indoors or outside. We have three snacks and lunch and nap time. That's our day.
16. Do you work on age-appropriate development and if so, what does that look like?
Since I care for children under the age of 4, I work on teaching them the basics needed to begin pre-school: colors, numbers, etc. We do this through regular play. Every moment is a great time to learn something new for these little ones.
17. How do you ensure each child's health and safety?
Cleaning was always an important part of my work, but since COVID it's become almost obsessive. I clean regularly throughout the day. As for safety, there are gates up to any room in which the child is not permitted, without supervision. The play area is free of clutter and debris, with the exception of the age-appropriate toys. I watch the children like a hawk.
18. What is your sick day policy?
If your child has a runny nose (clear snot) or a throat cough (tickle from the snot running down the back of the throat), this is a normal childhood annoyance. A child may come to daycare. If a child has any signs of a communicable illness (i.e. pink eye, lice) they must remain home until cleared by a physician. Fever, green or yellow snot, barking chest cough, unexplained rash, diarrhea, vomiting - all must remain home. This is not the extent of the sick leave policy, but that can be located on the contract. I do my utmost to remain open for my parents (and rarely close), but I also expect parents to be respectful of others and keep their child home if they even suspect their child might make another child ill with more than the common cold. I will call for a pick up (or turn a child away at the door) if it's obvious they should not be here that day.
19. Does each infant have their own space (e.g. crib) to nap in?
When an infant is set to begin daycare, I purchase them a playpen which is for their use alone. Once that child transitions to sleeping on a mat as a toddler, that playpen is tossed in the trash. No playpen is ever shared by another child.
20. Outside of the parent portal, are there other ways that you communicate with parents?
I use the parent portal as a way to update parents on important information, to post their child's diaper changes, supply needs, etc. This is done so that I don't have to recall every child's information at the end of the day (when I'm brain dead). I will also text parents occasionally if the information is important (i.e. daycare closures, supplies needed). I will also post notes on the front door (especially related to an upcoming daycare closure). I try to communicate continually with the parents so that no one ever feels in the dark about anything. I love that my parents are the same. Communication is essential in maintaining a good relationship, and that includes daycare families.
21. What happens if there is an emergency?
There is a breakdown, on the parent page, of where I will be in the event of a natural disaster. If a different emergency arises, I will send out a text stating that all parents must arrive within a given time to pick up their child. If an emergency occurs in which a child is severely injured (which has never happened, thank God), I will call 911 followed by a call to the parents, followed by a text to remaining parents for immediate pick up. Other less traumatic emergencies are dealt with as they occur, but the same applies - a text requesting pick up. RE: power outages - per state regulations, daycare cannot remain open if power is out for more than an hour. A text requiring immediate pickup will be sent if power is out for an hour. RE: snow - if it starts snowing and sticking, a time will be text for pick up. Generally before sunset, because roads get more treacherous after that time. If it's been snowing steadily the night before, then daycare will likely close. Even if other roads are clear, including the highways, the decision to close will be based on road conditions around my home. So, if I call for a closure, it's due to those conditions and must be respected (thank you).
22. What is the process for enrollment and/or getting on a wait list?
I don't have a waiting list. I used to, but I never had enough spaces open up to accommodate everyone, so I stopped that practice. To hold a space for infant care, which is the space I'm contacted most about - you must fill out a hold-placement deposit HERE. This would be the process after we've spoken, via Skype, Zoom, or Messenger, and we've determined that we're a fit. If we are a fit, I do encourage filling out the deposit form and making your deposit as soon as able as infant spaces do fill quickly and I will not hold a placement without the deposit.
23. I will be breastfeeding my baby. How will this work with your center?
New parents have several options. You can bring bags of milk daily, or you can supply bags of milk on a weekly basis. In either case, each bag must be labeled with your child's name, expression date, and use-by date. Do not send more than a week's worth of milk at a time. I will let you know how many bags a child is consuming in order to gauge how many to send.
Another option is to send a canister of milk for me to make the milk as needed. When your child begins to transition, send a 1/2 gallon of milk (weekly) to mix with breast/powdered milk until weened, then send 1/2 gallon of milk until your child transitions to drinking water with lunch.
A bottle will need to be sent in that can remain here. Later, you'll supply a sippy cup that will also remain here.
24. You mentioned that infants get their own playpen to sleep in. Where do toddlers sleep? Do you provide blankets?
When a child gets closer to age two, I will purchase a sleep mat for them. They'll get practice sleeping on it one or two days a week until they get in the habit of sleeping outside of their playpen. I'll then toss the playpen. Parents are required to supply a blanket and pillow. One that can be kept here all week. I will send it home on the last day of the child's week for the parent to wash. The parent must then return it the following week.