General Information
Enrollment and Discharge of Enrolled Children
Payments and Refunds
Child and Provider Absences
Health
Nutrition
Daily Activities
Physical Activity
Child Guidance
Transportation
Pets
Emergency Procedures
Items to be provided
Background and Training
Daily Activity Schedule
My goals and Philosophy of child care
GOALS
It is the goal of Tender Times Child Care to promote:
Self esteem, self control, self-identity, individualization and independence
We will do this through letting the children experience
on their own the world around them in a safe environment.
We will provide guidance and support in all that they do.
Learning happens through play, trial and error.
Philosophy
I believe that infants and toddlers need care that
is as individualized as they are. This kind of care includes
communication at their level, structured activities around their
learning abilities and provides individual time each day.
Infant and toddler caregivers should get down to the child’s level
to communicate. Caregivers should schedule activities that will
promote the program goals. Caregivers should provide themselves
time to spend one on one time with each child.
The environment should be safe and cheerful. Caregivers need
to balance quiet and active time. They also need to make sure
there is proper space and equipment for the children. As an infant
and toddler caregiver, I will do my best to provide a safe, loving
environment individualized to fit the needs of the child.
Infants and toddlers deserve to search their world freely
and safely, with the love and support from their caregiver.
My goals for infants and toddlers are for them to experience
their surroundings at their own pace. I will provide them with
the opportunities to experience safely.
The role of the family in infant and toddler program is to
support activities and learning at their child's pace. To promote
individualization, self esteem, self-control, and independence.
I include a diverse, anti bias or multi cultural approach with
infants and toddlers by showing them the differences in the world
in many different ways. I have books, finger plays, dolls, tapes,
instruments, posters and many other items to give them a
variety of culture.
I believe children are happy if they are able to experience their
world with little help from others. They enjoy creating, imagining
and playing many different things throughout the day.
I feel good about the care I provide to the infants and toddlers
in my program when they are happy and develop a sense of self-identity,
individualization, self-esteem, self-control and independence.
I enjoy watching them experience something for the first time.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), family child care
homes are considered public accommodations and may not exclude or
discriminate against parents or children solely on the basis of
a disability. Each child will be assessed individually and Tender
Times Child Care will determine if the program can adequately adjust
to the needs of the child.
At Tender Times Child Care we believe that inclusive programs are
quality programs, every child is an individual and is unique, and
children learn the best when they participate with others who have
different goals and abilities.
Tender Times Child Care is committed to developing flexible
programming that can be adapted as required. We modify all aspects
of the day to make sure that developmentally appropriate learning for
each individual is achieved. Tender Times Child Care accepts
children 1 week through Pre K without discrimination on the
basis of sex, religion, race or handicap. All children are admitted
if they may be served with reasonable accommodations. All families
interested in admission to Tender Times Child Care are dealt with in
a fair and equitable manner.
When children are not able to progress with their peer groups,
a collaborative plan is developed by the program staff, the parents
and the support agencies. Tender Times Child Care will foster
partnerships by working with the parents and the community support
in order to meet the needs of the children. Documentation of
consent to share information will be kept on site in the child’s folder.
Before sharing information about a child with outside agencies
or schools, Tender Times Child Care will get parental consent.
If Tender Times Child Care is having difficulty meeting the
child’s needs, we will ensure that all special needs resources
and other outside agency support has been exhausted prior to notice
of withdrawal. Tender Times Child Care will ensure that families asked
to withdraw from the program are dealt with in a fair and equitable manner.
Tender Times Child Care will review its inclusion policy and
procedures regularly to ensure it is current with respect to language
and legislation.
Policy effective date: January 1 2012 through December 31, 2012
The purpose of Tender Times Child Care is to provide a
nurturing, stimulating and safe environment for children and to
encourage the child’s intellectual, physical, social and emotional
development during those hours when parent’s are at work, in school
or otherwise engaged.
The following is a list of rules, regulations and expectations
both of the parent and the provider. Please read this policy thoroughly
as it contains many important policies and procedures that
pertain to the care of your child. If you have any questions or
need clarification please ask.
I. GENERAL INFORAMTION
Tender Times Child Care is licensed by the State of Wisconsin,
Department of Children and Families. I am licensed to care for
no more than 8 children at any one time. I am inspected regularly
to ensure that I meet licensing standards.
I am required to maintain a current, accurate written record
of daily attendance for all of the children. Please assist me in
meeting this requirement by signing your child (ren) in and out
of the center on the required Daily Attendance Record. If you do
not sign your child in or out you will be charged $1.00 per time
that I must sign them in or out.
Tender Times Child Care will provide care for children between
the ages of 1 week and 12 years. Child care services are available
without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, creed,
disability, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry.
Child care services will be provided between the hours of 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM,
Monday through Friday, January through December. No services will be
provided on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving, The day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
All regular fees will be charged for those holidays.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the center may be closed
the previous Friday. If the holiday falls on a Monday, the center may
be closed the Monday following.
I will post the following items for your review:
• License certificate
• Any stipulations, conditions, exemptions or exceptions that affect the license.
• Results from the latest monitoring visit (Department forms
Noncompliance Statement and Correction Plan or Compliance Statement).
• Any warning letter or enforcement action – order, forfeiture,
temporary suspension – issued by the Department as soon as it is received.
These items will remain posted until the violation(s) has been verified
as corrected and the action is closed.
Parents will receive a pamphlet; “You’re Guide to Licensed Child Care”
which is a summary of child care licensing regulations, as a part of an
enrollment packet.
Parents are welcome to visit my child care program at any time
during the hours of operation unless parental access is prohibited or
restricted by a court order. If so, I will need a copy of the order.
Please understand that I cannot legally limit access to a parent if
there is not a copy of a court order on file at the center.
Children will only be released to persons on the enrollment form.
If anyone other than the child’s parent or someone who is listed on
the enrollment form is to pick up a child, I need to be notified in
writing or by a telephone call in advance. The person picking up the
child may be required to show a driver’s license or other picture id.
If parents wish to allow a school-age child to leave or arrive at
the center unescorted, they must provide written authorization for this
activity. School-age children who leave the center unescorted must be
traveling to home, school or another activity where adult supervision is
present.
If the parent or authorized person arrives to pick up a child and that
person appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, all
reasonable steps will be taken to prevent the person from leaving with
the child, including offering to call another contact person. While I
cannot legally withhold a child from the legal guardian, I will not
hesitate to call the local authorities if I feel this child is in danger.
If the parent or authorized person transporting the child does so
without using the appropriate car seat or seatbelt, I will take
reasonable steps to prevent the person from leaving until the
appropriate safety is met; this would include offering to help buckle
the child into the seat properly or offering to call someone who
can provide the appropriate seat. While I cannot legally withhold a
child from the legal guardian, I will not hesitate to call the local
authorities if I feel this child is in danger.
It is important that we communicate daily concerning the needs and
interests of your child. If there is an issue or concerns that need
to be discussed, please work with me to arrange a convenient time to
talk on the phone at naptime or in the evening so we can give the
issue the attention it deserves. To foster communication, on a
regular basis Tender Times Child Care provides scheduled conferences,
written newsletters, parents bulletin boards and daily sheets.
To protect each family’s confidentiality, Tender Times Child Care
will not disclose personal information regarding a child or facts
learned about a child or a child’s family to anyone who is not authorized
to receive this information.
Tender Times Child Care is covered by liability insurance for my operation.
All child care providers are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse
or neglect. If a child care provider suspects a child has been abused
or neglected, that employee is required to report the abuse or
neglect to child protective services or the police. I receive
ongoing trainings on suspected abuse/neglect signs and also how
to minimize child abuse and neglect.
Please keep my floor clean by either staying on the dark brown
rug or removing your shoes.
No child may be in care for longer than 11 hours in
any 24 hour period.
When you enter the center to pick up your child, they are no longer
under my supervision. At this point it is your obligation to control
their behavior and insure for their safety. Please continue
to abide by my rules.
Families of enrolled children must attend one mandatory meeting
and one event that is held during the year. There is one meeting
in the spring and one in the fall. At the end of these meetings there
will be an opportunity for families to schedule parent teacher conferences.
The choice of events would be during the Week of the Young Child,
the Annual Picnic or the Holiday Party.
Parents are encouraged to be a part in the development of the Annual Picnic vand the Holiday Party.
They are both celebrations that take a lot of
planning for one person, but if all families take on part of the
task it will be an easy and enjoyable activity for all. Committees
will be formed and planning will begin no less than one month before the
activity.
If you are not able to pick up your child prior to 5:00 PM you will
need to either make alternative arrangements or contract one of my
daughters for after hours care. The cost of after hour care is
$2.50 per hour, per child with a minimum of $5.00 charged. This service
is only available if my daughters are available and if prearranged.
II. ENROLLMENT AND DISCHARGE OF ENROLLED CHILDREN
Parents are encouraged to participate in an orientation period.
During this time, it would be nice to visit the child care center
for a few hours a day a couple days a week. This is to be a visit
where parent and child join in our daily tasks to help the child
adjust to their new environment.
All Children will be enrolled for a trial period of two weeks.
During the trial period either the provider or parent may terminate
child care without advanced notice.
Parents must meet with me to discuss their child’s needs and to review
program policies. I will make a reasonable accommodation for a child
with disabilities as specified under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The following items must be completed and returned to the center three days prior to attendance.
• Intake for Child Under 2 Years – Child Care Centers (if applicable)
• Child Care Enrollment
• Alternate Arrival/Release Agreement – Child Care (if applicable)
• Health History and Emergency Care Plan
• First week’s tuition/ enrollment fee
• Contract
• Child Health Report – Child Care Centers (filled out by DR)
• Day Care Immunization Records or an electronic record of your child’s immunizations
• WECA food program forms
• Any other forms provided to the parent by the provider or State
I will inform you of any updates that are needed and give you two weeks to
submit the updated forms. Forms not returned in a timely manner will
result in termination from the program.
Children may be enrolled on a full time basis (daily, five days per week),
or an hourly basis (less than five days a week). I do accept children
for drop in care if prior arrangements have been made and space is available.
Drop in care is considered a reserved position and payment is
due regardless of attendance.
A child may be discharged from the center for reasons such as,
but not limited to:
• Failure to pay fees on time (grounds for immediate termination, without advanced notice)
• Lack of parental cooperation
• Repeated failure to pick up the child at the scheduled time
• Failure to complete and return required forms
I will give a two week written notice of my intent to discharge a
child and try to inform the parents of local resources that may be
of help to them, except when the discharge is due to parent’s failure
to keep current with fees owed. Should the parent remove the child
during the notice period I initiated, fees will be charged for the
remaining unused days.
Parents must give a two week written notice of their intent to
withdraw the child (ren), and will be required to pay for those
two weeks whether or not children continue to attend. All outstanding
fees must be paid.
Parents may reserve a position up to one year in advance.
Reservations must be used any time the position will not be filled
within a two week period. In order to reserve a position a two week
deposit is required. This two week deposit will be applied toward
your last two weeks of care, if care is less than 6 months
(3 months for reserved summer care), the deposit will not be
refunded or used toward the last two weeks of care.
III. PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS
Fees are to be paid in advance on Monday each week for that week’s services.
If there will be a third party payment, as from an employer or the county,
a special payment schedule will be arranged. Parents will be responsible
for any specified co-payments or unpaid amounts.
There are specific responsibilities for parents utilizing the
Wisconsin Shares Subsidy program. Authorization will not be honored
until there is a written statement or it is viewable online.
Parents are responsible for complete payments until authorizations are
generated. Parents are required to report changes within 10 days to the
county. It is the responsibility of the parent to request any payment
for extra hours, vacation, or illness of the child or parent. Parents
are required to pay their portion of the invoice total on Monday’s prior
to the start of child care. Failure to pay in a timely manner will
result in late fees and possible termination. Parents are only allowed
to use the subsidy program while they are in an approved activity,
failure to do so would result in possible loss of subsidy and child care.
Parents are responsible to know their current authorization status
and to make sure that all current and future authorizations have been
made in a timely manner (such as an authorization for school breaks,
change in hours, and change in pay).
Tender Times Child Care does charge an enrollment fee.
An enrollment fee of $20.00 yearly must be paid.
The enrollment fee must be paid with first tuition payment
and then at any contract renewal period.
I will establish a regular rate based on your child’s hours of enrollment.
Additional fees will be assessed for additional hours if hours exceed
contracted weekly hours.
A full time rate is offered for children who will be in care for
five days per week.
An hourly rate is charged if children are considered drop in or
scheduled less than three days a week. Hourly rates will also be
charged for any care above and beyond regularly contracted hours.
There will be an extra fee assessed for late payment or late pick up of a child.
Rates are higher for children under 2 years of age than for older children.
No refund will be given for days when children do not attend child
care other than the specified vacation or illness days.
Weekly invoices will be emailed no later than Thursday of the prior week.
Parents have the choice of direct deposit through childcarepay.com.
The cost is $1.00 per occurrence. Parents may view their accounts at any
time after they sign into the minute menu program, instructions are
available upon enrollment.
For current fees, see the attached Rate Sheet
IV. CHILD AND PROVIDER ABSENCES
A. Child Absence
If your child will not attend on a regularly scheduled day please
let me know within one hour before your child’s scheduled arrival time.
Feel free to text the information to me.
If a child who is scheduled to arrive at the center does not arrive
within 30 minutes after the specified time on the written agreement
signed by the parent, and I have not been notified in advance of the
child’s absence, I will attempt to contact the parent or guardian to
determine the child’s whereabouts.
If a child is expected to arrive at the center from someplace other than
home (e.g. school, head start, ect.) and does not arrive as scheduled,
I will immediately attempt to contact that facility, and the parent if
necessary, to determine the child’s whereabouts.
I will not transport children who attend school.
After a child has been enrolled for 6 months, I will allow one week
off per year for full time children with no fee required (the days
allotted will equal your contracted weekly schedule ~ for example if
your child is enrolled to attend 4 days a week, you are allowed 4 days
vacation). I will also allow 3 days off per year for illness.
After these days are used, I will require full payment for any
absences, for the rest of that year. Full time enrollment for vacation
consists of 4 days a week for at least 50 weeks a year. Parents must
request these days in writing. Other than illness days, days off
are required two weeks in advance.
In the event of an immediate family members death (child, sibling,
mother, father) I will allow 5 days off with no fee required.
In the event of a death of an extended family member (grandparent,
aunt, uncle) I will allow 2 days off with no fee required.
B. Provider Absence
I will take 5 days of vacation each year. I will let you know of this
time off at least two weeks in advance so you and your family can make
alternative arrangement.
I will also receive a total of 12 days paid for personal/sick.
There may also be times that I will be required to take days off
due to trainings, these are also paid. I will give you advanced
noticed of the required trainings. I am required to have a minimum
of 15 hours per year.
In the event of an immediate family members death (child, sibling,
mother, father) I will allow 5 days off. I will require payment.
In the event of a death of an extended family member (grandparent,
aunt, uncle) I will allow 2 days off. I will require payment.
In the event that I become ill, I will notify the parents of all
regularly scheduled children no later than 6:00 AM that the center
will be closed. Typically I will text message all parents at the same time.
If this is not an option please notify me.
In case of an emergency situation that requires my immediate attention,
I will call Jessica Olson. My emergency back-up person will come to
the center to stay with the children during my absence. Parents may
be called to pick up their child as soon as possible, and should
do so within one hour of receiving the call. I will provide my
emergency back-up person with a brief orientation that will include
the names and ages of children present, arrival and departure
information for each child including names of people authorized
to pick up the child, the location of the children’s files including
emergency contact information, consent for emergency medical
treatment and any special health care needs and the procedures
to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Regular tuition
fees will be charged when I am closed because of an emergency.
In the event that I am scheduled to be gone, families are to find their
own alternate care unless otherwise discussed.
IV. HEALTH
A. Child Illness/Injury
Children who are ill are not to be brought to the center.
The following are examples of children who are ill:
• A temperature of 99.9 degrees F or higher
• Vomiting or diarrhea has occurred more than once in the past 24 hours
• A contagious disease such as chicken pox, strep throat or pink eye
• An unidentified rash
• Has not been on a prescribed medication for at least 24 hours or continues to have symptoms of illness
• Has a constant, thick, colored nasal discharge
Symptoms must not be masked by a medication unless prescribed by a doctor.
If the child has had a doctor check due to the illness I will require
a written notification prior to return. If the child is sent home with
a suspected contagious disease a doctor’s release is required to return.
I will perform a quick daily health check as your child enters the center.
If they appear to be ill I will ask that the parent remove their
child from the center until the symptoms have ceased. If a parent is ill
I ask that they do not enter the center with their child.
If a child should become ill while at the center, parents will be
contacted immediately. Sick children will be isolated within my sight
or hearing and made as comfortable as possible. Children should be
picked up within one hour. If the child is not picked up within one hour,
the emergency contact on the child’s enrollment form will be called.
Children may return to the center when they are symptom free, have been
appropriately treated or have been given medical approval to return
to child care. I will follow procedures on personal cleanliness and
communicable diseases in accordance with licensing rules and the
guidelines for exclusion of children from child care as adapted from
the Division of Public Health.
I will report all communicable diseases, when required, to the
local health department and to parents of all enrolled children.
Parents of enrolled children will be notified when their child has been
exposed to an illness other than a communicable disease.
I have not been authorized by the licensing agency to provide care
of mildly ill children.
Superficial injuries will be washed with soap and water and
covered with a bandage or treated with ice. Parents will be notified
about the minor injury when the child is picked up at the center or
delivered to the parent or other authorized person. I do not remove
slivers or ticks from children, I will note the problem at pick up time
for the family to take care of the situation.
I have received training in first aid. I will follow standard
emergency medical procedures for treating injuries. A head injury
will be treated as a serious injury, and parents will be notified
as soon as possible. I have a current certification in infant and
child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) including training in
the use of automated external defibrillator (AED).
If there is a need for emergency medical treatment, 911 will be
called and the child will be taken to Amery Regional Medical Center.
Should an ambulance be needed, parents will be responsible for any costs.
Parents will be contacted as soon as possible after contacting 911.
If possible, I will ask that your child be taken to the emergency
medical facility that you designated on the child enrollment form.
All medication administered, accidents or injuries occurring during
the time the child is in my care, marked changes in behavior or
appearance and any observation of injuries to a child’s body received
outside of my care will be entered into the center’s medical logbook.
As a licensed child care provider, I am required to report
suspected child abuse or neglect to the local authorities.
B. Medications
I will administer medications. Prescriptive and non-prescriptive
medication will only be given to children if parents have completed
the authorization form provided. All medicine must be in its
original container bearing the label with child’s name, dosage and
administration directions. I will not exceed the age-related dosage
on the label of any medication without a written doctor’s authorization.
Blanket authorizations, such as dispensing Tylenol at my discretion,
are not allowed.
Prior to applying sunscreen to a child, I will obtain written
authorization from the child’s parent. The authorization shall
include the brand and the ingredient strength and be accompanied by
the sunscreen.
C. Smoking
Smoking is not permitted within the fenced in area of the child care
center during licensed child care hours. Please extinguish all items in
the provided receptacle prior to entering.
D. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
To reduce the risk of SIDS I will do the following:
Children under one year of age:
• Child will be placed to sleep on his/her back in a crib,
unless the child’s physician authorizes another position in writing.
• Child will not sleep in a crib or playpen that contains materials
such as sheepskins, pillows, fluffy blankets, bumper pads, or stuffed animals.
Children under two years of age:
• Cribs and playpens shall contain a tight fitting mattress and any mattress coverings shall fit snugly over the mattress.
Waterbeds shall not be used.
• Sheets or blankets will be tucked tightly under the mattress
and shall be kept away from the child’s mouth and nose.
• If a child falls asleep in a swing or car seat, the child will be removed from
the swing or car seat and placed to sleep on his/her back in a crib
VI. NUTRITION
Menus are planned using good menu planning principles and include a
variety of new and familiar healthy and appealing foods. Menus regularly
include foods from different cultures. Written menus are developed monthly
and are posted on the parent board and the web site at
www.ttchildcare.com/menu.
The child care program provides healthy and safe meals and snacks
that meet the nutrition requirements established by CACFP.
Menus offer varied and nutritious food choices that are consistent
with the CACFP Meal Pattern for Children.
Meals and snacks emphasize nutrient-rich foods,
including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or nonfat dairy,
lean meats, skinless poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Healthy food preparation techniques are used.
The child care program creates an environment that encourages and
supports mothers who are breastfeeding their infants, including:
refrigerated storage for breast milk and sensitivity for breastfeeding
mothers and their infants. If a mother is breastfeeding exclusively,
staff members will feed the mother’s expressed breast milk to the infant
and support the mother in breastfeeding her infant when visiting the facility.
Breastfed infants will receive infant formula only if the mother requests.
The child care program works in consultation with families to
gradually introduce solid foods from ages 4 to 6 months, based
on each infant’s developmental readiness. All foods provided to
infants will meet the CACFP requirements. The child care program
will not serve infants any food or drink in a bottle other than breast
milk or iron-fortified infant formula unless medically necessary
and documented by a medical statement. Following the American Academy
of Pediatrics’ recommendations, the child care program encourages
children ages 1 and older to use a cup exclusively, instead of a bottle.
The child care program follows state and federal requirements for
accommodating children with special dietary needs. With appropriate
medical documentation, the child care program prepares modified meals
for children (including infants) with food allergies or other special
dietary needs. Parents must provide the appropriate medical statement
before the child care program can make any dietary accommodations.
This statement must be signed by a licensed physician if the child
is considered disabled or by a recognized medical authority
(i.e., physician, physician assistant, doctor of osteopathy or
advanced practice registered nurse) if the child is not disabled
but has medical or other special dietary needs.
The child care program takes appropriate precautions to prepare and
serve safe meals and snacks for children with food allergies.
Procedures are in place to:
• develop a food allergy action plan for each child with life-threatening food allergies;
• check ingredients labels for all foods served to children with food allergies;
• designate an area in the kitchen for allergy-free meals and
use separate equipment and utensils during preparation, cooking and serving;
• develop cleaning procedures that avoid cross-contamination
Safe, fresh drinking water will be clearly visible and available to
children at all times indoors and outdoors, including during meals and snacks.
Water will not be offered as a choice to replace the CACFP meal pattern
components of milk or juice.
The child care program schedules meal and snack periods at
appropriate times that are not too close together or too far apart.
Food is offered at least every three hours so that children’s hunger
does not overwhelm their ability to self-regulate food intake.
To encourage meal consumption and improve children’s behavior,
mealtimes are scheduled after structured physical activity or active play.
Adequate time is provided to allow all children to eat and socialize.
Scheduled mealtimes provide children with at least 20 minutes to eat
breakfast or snack and at least 30 minutes to eat lunch, after the
children are sitting at the table. Infants are fed on demand following
cues for hunger and fullness. The child care program serves meals
and snacks in safe, clean and pleasant settings, and develops an eating
environment that provides children with a relaxed, enjoyable climate.
The eating environment is a place where children have:
• Adequate space to eat;
• Clean and pleasant surroundings;
• Appropriate and culturally relevant eating dishes and utensils;
• Pleasant conversation; and
• Convenient access to hand washing facilities before meals and snacks.
Mealtimes include predictable routines, such as washing hands before coming to
the table, assisting with setting plates and utensils and cleaning up
after meals. To support the development of healthy eating habits,
staff members observe children’s hunger and fullness cues and implement
strategies that support children’s self-regulation of food intake.
Staff members encourage children to try foods but never force, coax
or bribe children to eat. Mealtime is never used to discipline or scold
children.
The child care program follows best practices for feeding infants,
as defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the USDA Child
and Adult Care Food Program. Infants are provided a safe, calm and
uninterrupted feeding environment. Staff members hold infants while
they are being fed and never lay them down to sleep or propped in a
bouncy chair or high chair with a bottle.
The child care program recognizes the importance of staff members as
positive role models for children as they learn to live healthy lives.
Staff members model behaviors for healthy eating, physical activity
(including limited screen time), and positive body image in the presence
of children. They do not consume unhealthy foods and beverages such
as candy and soda in front of children. The child care program
encourages parents to reinforce these positive messages by serving
as role models for their children at home. Staff members never withhold
food or beverages (including food served through CACFP meals) as a punishment.
All foods and beverages made available in the child care program comply with
federal, state and local food safety and sanitation regulations.
This includes foods and beverages served for CACFP meals and snacks,
nutrition education activities (such as cooking and taste-testing),
celebrations and other events on site. The child care program takes
appropriate precautions during food preparation to eliminate foods
that are high risks for choking and use preparation methods to make all
foods safe to eat.
Parents are not to provide their children’s meals unless otherwise
discussed in the interview.
Tender Times Child Care does participate in the USDA Child
and Adult Food Program.
School-age children will be offered an afternoon
snack upon arrival from school.
VII. DAILY ACTIVITIES
Tender Times Child Care uses Wisconsin Model Early Learning
Standards to create a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
We create child portfolio’s which helps us track each child’s
individual learning and base our lesson plans accordingly.
We offer developmental screenings twice a year, once from Birth
to 3 and the other from Children’s Therapy Center of Amery.
These are free screenings given to all who sign a release.
These screenings give a heads up to any slow development
that may need extra attention.
Tender Times Child Care does include religious instruction
or practices in my daily activities. We do not offer prayer before
meals and snacks. We do offer a religious education program or
curriculum (teaching children about other cultures and holidays).
We celebrate the following occasions: Valentine Day, Christmas,
Easter, Halloween, Kwanzaa, Hanukah, and each child’s birthday.
I will plan activities and provide children with a variety of experiences.
Some of the activities will include:
• Language development: books, music, story, finger plays, flannel board activities
• Large muscle skills: Balls, hula hoops, bean bags, outdoor play
• Small muscle skills: Arts/crafts, stringing beads, pegboards, blocks
• Creative expression: Dramatic play, puppets, music, flannel board
• Self-help skills: Assist with mealtime preparation, dress self for outdoors
• Literacy skills: Books, story board
PLAY is the major component of our program. Enough time, materials and
space will be provided for children to actively explore the world around them.
Children will have an opportunity to use a variety of art materials and
manipulative and housekeeping equipment.
Children, including infants and toddlers, will go outdoors daily when
weather permits. The children may be kept indoors during inclement
weather such as any of the following:
• Heavy rain
• Temperatures above 90 degrees F
• Wind chills of 0 degrees F or below for children age 2 and above
• Wind chills of 20 degrees F and below for children under age 2
There is an outdoor play space on the premises of the center.
Trampolines and inflatable bounce surfaces on the premises may not
be accessible to or used by children in care. If I choose to provide
a wading pool for the children, I will be outside providing sight
and sound supervision when the wading pool contains water and is
present in the outdoor play space.
I do not have a swimming pool on the premises.
Infants and toddlers (children under two years of age) will have a
flexible schedule which reflects the child’s individual needs.
They will be given individual attention including lots of time for talking.
The body position of non-mobile infants and their location in the
center will be changed frequently. I will provide safe, open spaces for
children who are creeping and crawling. Infants and toddlers will be
encouraged to play with a wide variety of safe toys and objects.
School-age children will have a quiet place to study or relax, access
to appropriate materials and activities, and will have ample time for
large muscle activities and to participate in food preparation.
Night Care
I am not licensed to provide care between the hours of 5:00 PM and 5 AM
Rest or naptime will be provided for all children who are in care for more
than four consecutive hours. Children who do not sleep may get up after
30 minutes, and children who awaken early will be allowed to get up when
they awake. I will help awake children find appropriate activities.
The parent will launder bedding/sleeping bags after every five uses
or sooner if necessary.
A crib or playpen is provided for each child less than two years
of age. Children over the age of two year will sleep on a sleeping
bag or 2” thick mat. The sleeping bag or mat will be provided by the parent.
I will not allow children to watch television including DVDs or VHS. Children may not bring VHS or DVDs from home.
We occasionally take walking trips around the neighborhood.
Emergency information for each child will be taken whenever the
children leave the premises. Please make sure that when filling out
your forms you allow me permission to take walking field trips with your child.
A schedule of daily activities is attached.
VIII. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
In accordance with national guidelines, the child care program
encourages all children to participate in a variety of daily physical
activity opportunities that are appropriate for their age, that are
fun and that offer variety. The child care program provides all children
with numerous opportunities for physical activity throughout the day.
Toddlers (ages 1 to 2) are provided with at least 30 minutes of
structured activity and at least 60 minutes up to several hours of
unstructured physical activity daily. Preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) are
provided with at least 60 minutes of structured activity and at least
60 minutes up to several hours of unstructured physical activity daily.
Toddlers and preschoolers are not sedentary for more than 60 minutes
at a time except while sleeping. School-age children (ages 6 and older)
are provided with at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity that
includes aerobic and age-appropriate muscle- and bone strengthening activities.
All children are provided outdoor time at least twice daily, weather and air
quality permitting. Children can go outside when the temperatures are
above 20 degrees Fahrenheit (including wind chill factor) and below 90
degrees Fahrenheit. Outdoor time should be limited to 20 to 30 minutes when
temperatures are between 20 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Outdoor time is
in safe settings supervised by adults.
Staff members lead and participate in active play (e.g., games and activities)
during outdoor time and other times devoted to physical activity.
The child care program provides children with a physical environment
that promotes active play. Safe, sufficient and developmentally
appropriate indoor and outdoor space and equipment encourage all children
to be physically active. Sufficient equipment is provided to avoid
competition and long waits. A variety of fixed play equipment is available
that accommodates the needs of all children, such as climbing structures,
sandboxes, tunnels and slides. A large variety of indoor and outdoor
portable play equipment is available for children to use at the same time,
such as balls, hula hoops, tricycles and buckets. Outdoor play space
includes open grassy areas and a path for wheeled toys. Indoor play areas
are safe and provide adequate space for each child. Staff members
regularly inspect equipment and play areas to ensure they are safe.
Staff members always supervise children on playground equipment and during
active play and other physical activities. The physical environment does
not promote sedentary activity. Sedentary equipment such as televisions,
videos and electronic games are not displayed. The child care program
provides infants with a safe and engaging physical environment that
encourages movement and exploration.
The child care program provides safe, sufficient and developmentally
appropriate equipment for infants, such as rattles, balls, and simple
cause and effect toys. Staff members regularly inspect infant equipment
and play areas to ensure they are safe. Staff members always supervise
infants in their play environments.
Opportunities for physical activity and active play are incorporated
into planned learning experience outside physical education, such as
language and literacy development, mathematics, science and music.
Teachers provide short physical activity breaks between learning activities,
as appropriate. Physical activity is integrated into daily routines
whenever possible, such as transition time. Staff members do not withhold
opportunities for physical activity (e.g., not being permitted to play
with the rest of the class or being kept from play time), except when a
child’s behavior is dangerous to himself or others. Staff members never
use physical activity or exercise as punishment, e.g., doing push-ups or
running laps. Play time or other opportunities for physical activity are
never withheld as a measure to enforce the completion of learning
activities or academic work. The child care program uses appropriate
alternate strategies as consequences for negative or undesirable behaviors.
Staff Members will reward children with extra time during physical activity
when children exhibit good behavior (i.e. extra creative movement or
outdoor play when children are participating and following classroom rules).
Children will receive physical education throughout the day in a variety
of manners, such as, during circle time, creative music, outdoor teacher
led activities and creative movement. This education will be varied during
the days but will instruct children in the proper technique, the reasons
to be physically active and also in ways to play and be active at the same
time.
Parents will receive information on physical activity in the monthly
newsletters, during parent meetings and through handouts passed out
during the year.
Teachers will be encouraged to participate in at least one new
physical active training per calendar year.
IX. CHILD GUIDANCE
Tender Times Child Care believes in the philosophy of positive
guidance for children. The goal of all guidance in the classroom is
to assist each child to learn the social skills and necessary competencies
to become well-adjusted and self-controlled individuals.
The teacher has the primary responsibility for guiding children’s
behavior and ensuring the safety of all the children and adults in the
classroom. Developmentally appropriate behavior guidance techniques
may be used in each specific situation. These are clearly outlined below:
Children’s behavior will be guided by setting clear limits or rules
for children. I will talk with children about expected behaviors and
model those behaviors consistently for them. I will state positively
what children can do, using specific terms (e.g. “you need to walk” rather
than “don’t run”). Undesirable behavior will be redirected to
another activity. Children will be given a wide variety of age-appropriate
activities to choose from and will be given the attention they
need before they demand it. Behavior management will be for the purpose
of helping children develop self-control, self-esteem and respect
for the rights of others.
I understand that there will be times when a child will become distraught,
fussy or won’t quit crying. My first action in these situations will
be an attempt to determine the cause of the distress. It may be
related to a basic need such as hunger or comfort, or it may be that
the child just needs some extra time and attention. I understand that
crying is normal, and that all babies will have times when they
cannot stop crying. At these times, I will stay calm and will do
whatever I can to soothe your child. Sometimes this may mean just
allowing the child to cry for a few minutes and then trying again.
However, there may also be times when I need your advice or assistance,
and I won’t hesitate to call you if I feel that it is necessarily.
I do use “time outs” to deal with unacceptable behavior.
A “time out” or “take a break” may be used when other techniques have
not been successful. A time out will be used to remove a child from
a situation that has gotten out of control before a child can hurt
himself or others. Time outs will never exceed five minutes and
will not be used with children under three years of age. When used,
the time out will immediately follow the behavior. I will stay with
the child and talk about what behavior was unacceptable, and what else
she/he might have done or said instead. Rather than use a specific
time-out chair or corner, I will have the child “take a break” near
the others so the emphasis is on relax/cool down rather than isolation
and punishment. The child will be praised after completing the
time out and will be helped to rejoin the group.
Crisis Intervention when Child Behavior is Unsafe
If methods of positively guiding children’s behavior have been
unsuccessful and the child’s behavior threatens the safety and well
being of him/herself or others, crisis intervention techniques may be used.
Parents will be notified when crisis intervention is implemented with
their child. A support plan may be developed in collaboration with the parent,
teacher, and additional relevant individuals. Crisis intervention may include:
Separation from the Group – The child will be directed in a
non-humiliating manner, to a part of the classroom that is remote
and non-stimulating, in order to interrupt the child’s unacceptable behavior.
They will be seen and heard continuously by a staff person.
The teacher will identify to the child, the unacceptable behavior
and that the child needs to “take a break” to calm themselves down
and have a safe body. This break should last no more than one
minute per year of age.
Physical Intervention – Sometimes it may become necessary to
physically intervene to keep a child from harming themselves or others.
Physical intervention will be used as a last resort. Physical
intervention occurs when a child is held briefly in order to calm
or comfort the child, a child’s hand or arm is held to escort the
child from one area to another, a disruptive child is moved when
they are in danger to themselves or others, or a fight is interrupted.
Physical intervention occurs until the child begins to show that
they are calming and the child’s unsafe behavior has stopped.
Artificial restraints and/or any prohibited practices will never be used.
Dismissal from Program for the Rest of the Day – A child with unsafe
behavior will be dismissed from the program for the rest of the day
after the separation from the group and physical interventions have
been unsuccessful. A support plan may also outline additional
conditions for a child’s dismissal.
Highly recommended professional services – A child, who demonstrates
repeated aggressive/unsafe behavior in the classroom, even after
support plans have been written and implemented, may benefit from
additional professional services. These services may include
school district, medical, and/or mental health. The support plan
will clearly outline the professional services recommended.
Enrolled but NOT attending Tender Times Child Care - Our goal is to
work with families to resolve a child’s repetitive unsafe behavior.
We will make every effort to assist families, however, if the
following issues occur then temporary alternative means of serving
the child and family must be considered:
• Parent unwilling to be involved in the development/approval of support plan
• Little/no change in unsafe behavior has occurred
• Professional services are highly recommended but parent has not followed up as indicated and
contributes to little/no change in unsafe behavior
This “enrolled but not attending” period offers a last opportunity
for issues to resolve. The child may not attend the classroom but
will continue to be enrolled. Exceptions or future re-enrollment
may occur in consultation with the director of Tender Times Child Care.
In accordance with DCF 250 Licensing Rules for Family Child Care Centers,
actions that may be psychologically, emotionally or physically painful,
discomforting, dangerous or potentially injurious are prohibited.
Prohibited actions include spanking, hitting, pinching, shaking, slapping,
twisting, throwing or inflicting any other form of corporal
punishment on the child; verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks
about the child or the child’s family; physical restraint, binding
or tying the child to restrict the child’s movement, enclosing the child
in a confined space such as a closet, locked room, box or similar cubicle;
withholding or forcing meals, snacks or naps; actions that are
cruel, aversive, humiliating or frightening to the child; or punishing
a child for lapse in toilet training. These forms of punishment will
never be used, even at a parent’s request.
X. TRANSPORTATION
I do not provide transportation.
XI. PETS
Tender Times Child Care has four dogs, two alpaca and a miniature horse
on premises. Tender Times Child Care does have liability insurance that
includes coverage for dogs. All pets for which there is an effective
vaccine against rabies have been vaccinated. Prior to adding pets to the
center, I will notify parents in writing.
If your child has pet allergies, please inform me verbally and also be
sure to write them down on the Health History and Emergency Care Plan
under the non-food allergies section.
XII. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
I do not provide care between the hours of 5:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
Fire drills shall be practiced with the children every month, and
completion of the practices will be documented. In addition, tornado
drills shall be practiced during the tornado season which is April
through October.
In case of an emergency that would require an evacuation, children
will be evacuated through the nearest safe exist. The attendance form
and list of phone numbers for parents and emergency contacts will be
taken along to ensure that all children are accounted for and all
families are notified. Children will be assembled at the South East
corner of the playground furthest from the house.
In the event of a tornado warning, the children will be taken to the
back hallway. Blankets and a portable radio and flashlights, with extra
batteries for both, are kept in the tornado shelter area at all times.
The attendance form and emergency contact information will be brought along.
In the event of a lost child, I will check all areas of the center.
If the child cannot be found, the child’s parents and/or emergency
contact and the police will be notified immediately. I will notify the
Department within 24 hours after the occurrence.
If the center should lose the use of heat, water or electricity before
the center opens, I will decide the best action to take at the time.
It may involve closing the center until the utility is reinstated.
If the center should lose the use of heat, water or electricity while
children are in attendance, I will decide the best action to take at the time.
It may involve contacting all parents to have children removed as soon
as possible.
In the event that local schools close due to severe weather, the center
will not close.
If we are unable to re-enter the building after a necessary evacuation,
I will contact parents for immediate pick up.
In the event that the center receives a threat to the building or its
occupants (e.g. bomb threat, bodily injury threat, ect) law enforcement
and the parents will be immediately contacted to advise them of the threat.
Depending on the nature of the threat, evacuation and/or closure may be
required.
XIII. ITEMS TO BE PROVIDED
A. Parent Provided
Disposable diapers, baby wipes, lotions (need written authorization to apply),
labeled sleeping bag/mat 2” thick, bottle for formula, full change of
clothing including underwear and socks, sunscreen, clothing suitable for
outdoor play for each season including hard sole slippers to wear indoors
(children are required to perform a monthly fire drill, going outside in
socks is not fun).
B. Provider Provided
Cubby, Crib/playpen, supply bag, family folder, monthly newsletters,
monthly menus, annual picnic, conferences
I have the right to amend policies at any time. Written notification
will be sent home in the family folder. A copy of an updated policy book
will be available to view at any time. A new copy will be sent home
every December to be reviewed and for your child to re enroll.
Contracts run from January 1 – December 31 of each year.
My background in child care
Two children of my own
Child CPR certified
Child Development Associate Credential, specializing in family day care
Infant and Toddler Credential
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Administrator Credential
Inclusion Credential
Trainer for Saint Croix Valley Association for the Education of Young Children
Operated Tender Times Since 1999
Licensed 2004
Training in Child Care
1999 Serv Safe Foods National Restaurant Association
2001 In Home Provider WITC
2001 Continuing Nutrition Education WECA
2001 Mega Make it and Take it Project Child Care and WITC
2002 CPR First Aid Training American Red Cross
2002 A Time to Shine Project Child Care and WITC
2002 Art of Child Care CARE Courses
2002 Discipline in Child Care CARE Courses
2002 Parents in Child Care CARE Courses
2002 SIDS Training WITC and DHS
2002 Infant / Toddler WITC
2002 Early Childhood I WITC
2002 Cut Color and Copy WITC
2002 Mega Make it and Take it Project Child Care and WITC
2002 New Ideas Osceola Medical Center
2002 Continuing Nutrition Education WECA
2003 Infant / Toddler Credential Course 3 WITC
2003 Early Childhood II WITC
2003 Administrators Credential Course 4/5 WITC
2003 Midwinter Blues WITC
2003 Health Safety and Nutrition WITC
2003 Policies and Procedures WITC
2003 Provider Update Die Cut Math
2003 Adult/Child CPR American Red Cross
2003 Child Growth and Development
2003 Curriculum I
2004 Practicum II
2004 Seminar II
2004 Curriculum II
2004 Child Growth and Development II
2004 Infant Toddler Development
2004 Written Communication
2004 Business Math A / B / C
2004 Children with Differing Abilities
2004 Practicum III
2004 Seminar III
2004 Introduction to Sociology
2005 Psychology of Human Resources
2005 Seminar IV
2005 Practicum IV
2005 Infant and Toddler Credential Capstone
2005 Administration
2005 Oral Interpersonal Communication
2005 Economics
2006 WECA Nutrition Training
2007 Administrative Credential Course 1
2007 Administrative Credential Course 2
2007 Child Care Provider Update: Story Hour
2007 Child Care Provider Update: Games for Pre Schoolers
2007 Child Care Provider Update: Kit n Caboodle
2007 Child Care Provider Update: Home Advantage
2007 Child Care Provider Update: Math
2007 Child Abuse and Neglect
2007 Child Care Shaken Baby Syndrome
2007 Administrative Credential Course 3
2007 Administrators Credential Capstone
2008 First Aid Certification
2008 Infant Child CPR Training
2008 Development: It’s not just for Children
2009 Inclusion Credential: Children with Differing Abilities
2009 Inclusion Credential: Children with Significant Behavioral Challenges
2009 Inclusion Credential: Children with Special Health Care Needs
2009 Inclusion Credential: Family and Team Centers Practices Capstone
2009 CPR Training with AED
2010 Inclusion Commission
2010 WECA Yearly Nutrition Training
2010 Infant/Toddler/Adult CPR
2010 First Aid Certification
2010 Building Personal Power and Self Esteem in our Children and Ourselves
2010 YoungStar Program Overview
2010 YoungStar Business Administration Scale
2010 ECERS
2010 YoungStar Program Assessment
2010 YoungStar Protective Factors/ Strengthening Families
2010 YoungStar Child Portfolio Development
2010 YoungStar Child Abuse & Neglect
2010 YoungStar Child Assessment
2010 Wisconsin Early Model Standards
2010 Make it & Take it Conference
2010 Wisconsin Early Care & Education Physical Activity Training
2011 Wisconsin Subsidy Rules
2011 WECA Nutrition Training
2011 First Aid
2011 CPR
2011 Health & Wellness
2011 ART 100
2011 Technology
2011 Music and Art for Young Learners
2011 Diversity in Early Childhood
Daily Activity Schedule
5:00 AM Open by appointment
6:30 AM Open
8:30 – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 – 9:30 AM Child Initiated Play
9:30 – 9:45 AM Creative Music
9:45 – 10:00 AM Circle
10:00 – 10:30 AM Teacher Initiated Outdoor Play
10:30 – 11:00 AM Child Initiated Outdoor Play
11:00 – 11:20 AM Child Initiated Indoor Play
11:20 – 11:30 AM Creative Movement
11:30 – 12:00 PM Lunch
12:00 – 12:10 PM Creative Movement
12:10 – 12:30 PM Story
12:30 – 12:40 PM Creative Movement
12:40 – 2:00 PM Nap/Rest
2:00 – 2:10 Creative Movement
2:10 – 2:45 PM Snack
2:45 – 2:55 PM Creative Movement
2:55 – 3:30 PM Creative Art
3:30 – 3:40 Creative Movement
3:40 – 4:15 Teacher Initiated Outdoor Movement
4:15 – 5:00 PM Child Initiated Outdoor Play
I have the right to amend policies at any time. Written notification will be sent home in the family folder.
A copy of an updated policy book will be available to view at any time.
A new copy will be sent home every December to be reviewed and for your child to re enroll.
Contracts run from January 1 – December 31 of each year.
