June 16, 2024

SEEC reserves the right to update SEEC policies as situations arise and will inform parents in writing

 

​Communication:

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​The purpose of these policies is to be proactive and prevent misunderstandings from happening.  I hope it provides a clear picture of expectations and routines.  If at any time, a parent has a question concerning any part of these policies, I urge them to discuss it with me immediately.

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​Licensure:

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Besides my Family Childcare license, I am a licensed MN Educator in grades K-8th. I also hold an ESL (English as a Second Language) license. My Family Childcare License is classified as a C2. I can also operate under a C1. (A C2 license allows me to care for: 12 children total, a combined total of no more than 2 shall be infants and toddlers. Of this total, no more than 1 shall be an infant. Infants are 12 months and under. Toddlers are 12 months -24 months and preschoolers above 2 years old. School aged is 5 and above. A C1 license allows for me to care for 10 children total. Of the total children under school age, a combined total of no more than 3 shall be infants and toddlers. Of this total, no more than 2 shall be infants.)

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​My goal is to keep SEEC at 8 full-time children (and possibly up to 10 which would include SEEC siblings’ afterschool from Pinewood Elementary from 2pm – 4:30pm )

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​Hours of Operation:

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​7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. I closely follow the district 196 school calendar.​Any time that District 196 closes due to weather, SEEC will be closed – these remain paid days. It is your responsibility to make sure your child is picked up no later than 4:30 p.m.  Please text me if you are running late.

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Please:

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●​Do not bring outside food into the home.

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• After arriving, please wash your child’s hands in my main floor ½ bathroom before heading downstairs.  Shoes may be left on adults and kids unless muddy or wet.

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*If you expect to arrive later than 8 AM and may miss breakfast, please text, or call me. If you need to use a bathroom, please use the half bath on the main floor of my home. 

*Dress children in clothing suitable to play, that can get messy or dirty.  Please dress potty trained children in clothing they can manage independently.

*Leave at least 1 extra set of clothing including a swimsuit, sweatshirt or fleece jacket, diapers, and pacifiers (if needed), blanket or sleeping bag, and sleep sacks for infants. I will launder all items weekly (unless things get soiled sooner).

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Please Do NOT Send:

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Any toys from home and especially anything your child could not live without, is unwilling to share, or anything that you’d be upset about if it got lost, broken, or soiled.

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Pricing:

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Upon agreement of enrollment, there is a $100 registration fee per child. Childcare cost is $225/week per child. Infants (12 months and younger) cost $275/week. School-aged students: Cost for after school care is $60 per week and full day will be $50/day.(SEEC will be closed all of July and there is no payment due in July)

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* Payment for Teachers in June and August is reduced by 50% per week and allows your child ½ the days of care.

*There is no payment for one week of Winter Break

*I take 3 additional paid weeks off during the school year. (The week of MEA, the second week in February, and District 196’s Spring Break week which is usually the last week of March)

*Tuition is due on Friday for the following week, but the brightwheel app will begin billing on Wednesdays

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*I have 3 paid sick days per school year and 2 paid bereavement days/year

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Medical Records:

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​All children need documentation of immunizations which is required prior to attendance.  I’m required to have a copy of each child’s immunization according to the MN Department of Health Immunization Program (2019) (please see example below) I will request a printed copy from your pediatrician. An infant’s record is needed every 6 months, every year for a toddler, every 18 months for a preschooler, and every 3 years for school aged and children.

 

Sleep:

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Nap or rest time will be mandatory. All infants (or toddlers) will have a portable crib/pack and play to sleep in. Infants must use sleep sacks.  Toddlers and preschoolers will each have their own cot to sleep or rest on.  Children at least 12 months of age may bring a blanket and/or stuffed animal for naptime. I will follow Statute 245A.1435 which states that for INFANT SAFE SLEEP: Infants must be placed on their back on a firm mattress with a tightly fitting crib sheet and nothing else in the crib except for the infant’s pacifier. Pacifiers are now recommended by Childcare Licensing and health care providers because studies indicate they may help in reducing SIDS deaths. Infants are at increased risk if they are overheated while sleeping – cooler is better. A one-piece sleep sack with no hood, weight, strings, buttons, etc. is ideal for sleeping. The mattress in an any portable crib may not be modified.

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Tax Identification Number:

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​For tax purposes, you may use my TIN number which will be provided upon request.

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Toilet Training:

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When a parent feels a child is ready and a child shows readiness, I will assist parents in the toilet training of their child.  Parents will need to bring extra clothing and the type of toilet training products they prefer to use such as pull-ups.  I will not force the child to sit on the potty and will only use positive reinforcement to promote the use of the potty.  I believe a child will start using the potty or trying to use the potty when they are ready.

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Please dress them in clothing that is easy to remove by the child.  This can be a rewarding and often frustrating time, but it eventually works out.

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Parents supply all diapers. SEEC will supply unscented hypoallergenic baby wipes.

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Discrimination:

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​I will not discriminate against any child based on sex, religion, or national origin. However, I will not accept any child whose parents oppose immunizations.

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Trial Period and Termination Procedure:

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If a new family is interested in enrolling their child(ren), a free one-day trial will be required.  There is also a 2-week trial period for all children and their families starting at SEEC.  Either I, or the child’s parents may terminate the contract during this trial period if either party feels there are reasons to do so.  Your 100$ holding fee will not be returned.

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​Pets:

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​We have 3 dogs in the home. They are currently in very limited contact with the children in my care. I am required to update vaccinations as needed. Records can be provided upon request.  We do our best to keep the dogs quiet, but they may bark when you arrive or pick up. We have a mudroom, a doggy gate, and my husband hikes them for almost 2 hours most mornings.

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Behavior:

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I believe in positive reinforcement for children rather than punishment.  Each child is unique, and I will tailor my methods to meet each child’s needs.

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Examples include:

• Telling them gently yet firmly that their behavior is not OK

• Redirecting them (show them what is acceptable)

• Talking to the child about his/her behavior.

• Using natural consequences.

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Time-outs will only be used as a last measure.  They will not exceed one minute per year of age and the child will not be left unattended. If there is a major behavior problem with any child, the parents will be notified.

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Fire & Storms:

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I practice evacuation and shelter drills with the children monthly. An emergency preparedness plan is also available for your review.

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Personal Belongings:

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​Bins are provided for your child’s personal belongings. Please be sure to check out your child’s drawer in the foyer often.

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Insurance:

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I have certification of insurance for liability covering bodily injury in the amount of at least 100,000 per person and 250,000 per occurrence. Our umbrella policy covers $1,500,000. This renews on the first of December each year.

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​Personal Liability Indemnification:

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My personal liability for the safety and supervision of your child(ren) extends only to the time when you (a parent/guardian/authorized person) are not present at SEEC. Once you, or an authorized person is on site, the liability for safety and direct supervision of your child(ren) transfers from SEEC to you.

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Outdoor Play:

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​This is an important part of your child’s day.  We will go outside everyday (weather permitting.) I have a large fenced in backyard that has playground equipment and many things to explore. 

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Emergency Procedures:

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​In the event of an accident needing immediate medical attention, I will call 911 and have the child transported to the hospital. Parents will be notified immediately. If a less serious accident occurs, I will administer the necessary first aid, and contact the parents so the child can be taken to a physician.

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​Illness & Health Policy:

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​If your child is sick and cannot attend daycare, full payment is still due.  If your child shows signs of illness while at daycare, I will contact you immediately, and you will need to plan to have your child picked up as soon as possible.

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Your child will not be able to attend daycare if the following symptoms exist (this is to protect all the children): Temp over 100 Degrees, contagious rash, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your child is diagnosed with pink eye or head lice, they will not be allowed back in my care until they are initially treated.

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Contagious Diseases:

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​Minnesota Rules 9502.0315-9502.0445 require that a child’s parent notify me within 24 hours of the diagnosis of a serious illness or parasitic infestation. Parents must notify the provider immediately of the diagnosis of Anthrax, Botulism, Cholera, Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rabies, Poliomyelitis, or Syphilis. I shall inform you of each exposed child the same day I am notified of a positive diagnosis of any illness or parasitic infestation listed above. The child’s privacy will be protected. I am required to notify the health officer or Minnesota department of health of any suspected case of reportable disease.

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Photos:

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​Through the course of our days, I will try and take pictures of your child/ren to share with you.  Please inform me if you wish that I do not post these photos on SEEC’s website or any social media. I will have your child’s photos posted in my home.

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Grievance Policy:

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​An applicant or license holder must have a program grievance procedure that permits persons served by the program and their authorized representatives to bring a grievance to the highest level of authority in the program (Minnesota Statutes 245A.04, subdivision 1d)

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​Effective communication between parents and the provider is an essential part of any successful childcare arrangement.  Each party should feel free to proactively share concerns and ask questions.  I welcome your questions and feedback so that together we can assure a happy, safe, and nurturing childcare environment for your children.

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If concerns cannot be satisfactorily resolved between us, you may call the following agencies:

Demetria Costa Social Worker- Child Care Licensing, Dakota County (952) 891-7485

Demetria.costa@co.dakota.mn.us

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Mandated Reporter and Drug & Alcohol Policy:

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As a licensed childcare provider, I am a mandated reporter for the State of Minnesota.  I am required to, and will, contact Child Protection, should I suspect your child is being abused physically, emotionally, sexually, or suffering from neglect.

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​The “Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco” policy states that any person providing care for a child while they are in the care of SEEC will not be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol and will not smoke on these premises.   This extends to the misuse of prescription medications.  (Minnesota Statutes 245A.04 Subdivision 1c) I will not release any child/ren to a parent that comes if I see indications of excessive drinking.

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Meals:

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​I will follow the nutritional guidelines provided in the food program I am enrolled in.  All children, including infants, will be on the Kid Kare Provider’s Choice Food Program. An enrollment form will be provided for you to sign. Lunch will include a serving of protein, carbohydrate, one fruit/one vegetable, and milk.  Food is served in a way appropriate to the age of the child. Everyone is served essentially the same lunch and I encourage kids to give everything a try, but ‘cleaning the plate’ is never required.

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​Infants will normally get about 3 bottles here each day, and the amount will vary and change as needed. Infants must be able to drink from a bottle prior to attending SEEC.

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​The goal will be on a healthy balance appropriate to age. We will practice good table manners by saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

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​Infants:

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​A baby who is hungry or needs a diaper must have those needs met as quickly as possible, and babies need soothing, nurturing emotional care.  They also need ‘tummy time’ to develop their neck muscles – which every baby I’ve ever known absolutely hates, and cries through.

As they cry, though, they are getting oxygen, strengthening lungs, pushing up with their arms and building upper body and neck muscles.  Once a baby develops that kind of strength, worries about SIDS decrease greatly.