Services


The  curriculum and play is theme-based but maintains basic methods that I believe nurture children’s learning.  When it comes to learning new things, I understand and respect that children learn at different levels.  I treat each child as an individual.  The use of a highly recommended  preschool observation and evaluation checklist helps keep you updated on their progress during their time here.  These methods are exemplified in the activities we do with the kids.

Our activities are in the fields of:
•Creative Art
•Science
•Movement
•Music
•Outdoor play
•Sensory activities
•Math
•Language and literature
•Yearly parent involved field trips, any suggestions welcome
          (artBEAST, Bishop's Pumpkin Farm, Sacramento Children's Museum,                 The Zoo)

Most children learn by doing themselves so I try to provide them with an endless amount of enthusiasm as well as tools to explore with.  My childcare is filled with learning centers, educational toys  (large and fine motor), games, musical instruments, books, dramatic play, and limited computer use with preschool learning programs.  I provide a "circle time" daily that provides group activities where we cover areas such as the calendar, weather, some Spanish and Sign language, shapes, numbers and the alphabet through fun activities and reading.


Joni's Childcare & Preschool
Average Daily Schedule

7:30 – 8:00 am         Full Time children arrive

8:00 am    Breakfast

8:30 am   Morning Preschool Children Arrive
Free Play in all Centers: Science, Sensory, Art, Math, Writing/Literacy, Blocks, Reading, Dramatic Play,

9:20 am   Circle Time: Go over Calendar, shapes, colors, numbers, letters, phonics, sing songs, music time, a few                                       daily stretches, sharing (Last Day of the Week Your Child Attends) read to each other.
Large and small group (age appropriate) hands on learning.
I use a project/creative approach curriculum

10:00 am                 Snack 

10:20 am                         Free play: Indoor play/learning centers set up
                       Outdoor play: Free play or group activities outside
       At this time, I will work with two children at a time to work on fun projects, etc.

11:20 am                          Cleanup time, review what we learned today at preschool, reading, quiet time

11:45 am                  Full Time children get ready for Lunch: Language and social development time
             Clean up from lunch and read a story

1:00 pm          Nap time

2:30 pm                          Wake and clean up from Nap

3:00 pm                          Snack and free play or group activities inside or out depending on the weather

4:30 pm                           Cleanup time, reading, quiet play and get ready to go home

Television is rarely used in my program.  When Fall and Winter bring rainy weather, we try and do large motor activities inside to burn energy.  If it is used, it is age appropriate (mostly educational) and will never exceed one hour. 

This is just an example of our schedule during the day.  We need to be flexible for everyone; therefore our schedule may change some days.  Diapering is done as needed.  Some children under 2 years may take two naps.  I am also aware that every child is different and may have different needs. 
Your child will be ready to go approximately 10 minutes before his/her pick-up time according to your contract.  I will also email an activity report to keep you posted on what we are doing each day.  
Parents should feel that they could discuss any concerns or needs for their child at any time. 

MEDICATIONS POLICY

All prescription and nonprescription medication (including sunscreens, diaper rash cream, etc.) to be given or applied by the provider must:
• Bear the child’s name & date.
• Be administered according to the label directions.  Permission and specific instructions must be provided by the parent for each medication.  The instructions should not conflict with the label directions and the form will be filed in the child’s record file.
• Be stored in a plastic or zip-lock bag labeled with child’s name.  This is to avoid exchanging medication with other children.

Nonprescription medications, sunscreen & creams do not require approval of the child’s health provider if it is administered according to product label and if parental approval and instructions are provided in writing.  The instructions from the parent should not conflict with the label directions and the form will be filed in the child’s record file.

An asthma inhaler or any medication that is used on an as needed basis should be given to provider with doctor’s note, parent permission slip and inhaler in a clear marked zip-lock bag for storage.  Replace when necessary.  No medications will be given unless this procedure is followed.  DO NOT give your child Tylenol or any other over the counter medicine before coming to my home.  If the child is ill enough to need over-the-counter medication, the child could be contagious and we can’t tell until it’s too late.

The provider will record administration of medication and will inform the parent of daily medication administration.

When no longer needed, all medications will be returned to the parent.

ILLNESS POLICY

Listed below are other rules that need to be enforced regarding most illnesses.  If your child has any of the following symptoms, THEY ARE TO STAY HOME.  Please note the time period next to the illness.  This information has been provided and treatments are suggested by the Sacramento County Health Department and BANANAS.  I will have all children wash hands after arriving every morning to prevent germs from spreading.

FEVER: If a fever lasts longer than 24 hrs, consult a physician.  Otherwise wait 24 hours from the time the fever ends to bring the child back to child care.  Do not give any kind of medicine to reduce fever and then bring the child to the childcare home.

VOMITING: Keep child isolated and out of child care for 24 to 48 hours or until seen by a physician.  Feed clear liquids for the first few hours (1 tbs water at a time) until child can keep it down. Then try to give Bananas-Rice-Applesauce-Toast diet.  Don’t neglect fluids during this time, this is when dehydration sets in.

SYMPTOMS and SIGNS OF SEVERE ILLNESS: Such as unusual lethargy, uncontrolled coughing, irritability, ear infection, persistent crying, difficult breathing, wheezing or other unusual signs until medical evaluation indicates inclusion.  (Physician Verification Form available)

INFECTIOUS DIARRHEA: There are 5 types of Diarrhea a child can get.  Keep child home until stopped, no matter what reason the child may have the Diarrhea.  There is usually a virus is present and only in rare times can food cause this.

INFECTIOUS PINK EYE/CONJUNCTIVITUS: This sign begins with red, tearing eyes that may hurt or feel itchy, swollen lids, thick yellowish discharge.  Remember to have a physician check if you are not sure.  I suggest that if you feel that this is caused by allergies, you get the child’s physician to diagnose and release the child back to child care.  There are drops for allergies too.  Remember to have the physician sign authorization to administer any and all prescribed medication.

HAND FOOT & MOUTH & IMPETIGO & THRUSH & CROUPY COUGH: Take child(ren) to their physician to diagnose the condition and follow his/her instructions.   Again have the physician authorize to administer any or all prescribed medications.

HEAD LICE: Treat immediately.  All dead and alive eggs and bugs lice removed; sometimes this takes more than one treatment.  Treat all children’s bedding and use (RID) on soft furniture and carpet.  Bag all items in the child’s room for 2 weeks instead of spraying.  Child can’t come back to childcare unless all eggs are removed from the hair.

CHICKEN POX: See Physician.  Must have all blisters scabbed over without any fluids.  This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks depending on the severity of the case.

UNSPECIFIED RESPIRATORY ILLNESS:  Severely ill children with the common cold, croup, bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis media (ear infection).  Children should be kept out of care until child is feeling well enough to participate without over the counter medication and mucus is clear.  
These are just a few examples of illness and others will be considered when needed.   Caregiver  CANNOT meet the needs of the children when ill.  When children are coughing, sneezing they are spreading germs that could possibly make all of us ill. 
We as adults must understand that the health and safety for our young is a priority.  At times we have circumstances such as employers that are not sympathetic to our responsibilities as parents. However as difficult as this is, I, as a licensed child care provider will abide by the rules and regulations of Placer County, as well as the Red Cross.  I urge all of you to have someone that will take care of your ill children when needed.  PCOE has a referral agency that might have someone that cares for sick children when needed.  Their phone number is 369-0191.  The cost is the responsibility of the parents.  I still will be paid when children are ill (see contract).

Please note:  These guidelines are also recommended by BANANA/Child Care Information & Referral and I use these guidelines to make good decisions regarding all policy and procedures in my program along with guidelines recommended in Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards Guidelines for Out-of-Home Child Care Programs.

JONIS CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL RULES & REGULATIONS
RULES & REGULATIONS ARE TO BE ENFORCED AT ALL TIMES

The provider will not be teaching any form of religious education while children are attending our family child care home.  The program does celebrate most traditional holidays. A culturally diverse environment will be provided for all children and the provider is willing to adapt to the needs of every child.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must fill out all forms completely.  All necessary information must be provided.  Immunizations records should always be complete and kept current.  Please list all child’s allergies including food, bee or insect allergies, medical conditions that are crucial to proper child care such as asthma, diabetes, etc.  Provider must always have name of child’s doctor, dentist, telephone numbers and medical group information.  Complete information of all persons with permission to drop off or pick up the child(ren) from my home.

It is fully the Parent(s)/Guardian(s) responsibility to notify the provider of any and all changes in the enrollment and emergency information forms such as new address and any new phone or place of work information.  This includes any information pertaining to your child’s health or welfare such as any new medical conditions or family custody changes, etc.  The provider must always be notified of parent(s)/guardian(s) whereabouts during scheduled childcare/preschool hours, such as a meeting away from work or an appointment away from regular work place or home.  In case of emergency it is urgent that the provider can reach a parent(s)/guardian(s) or emergency contacts at all times that the child is in care.

WALKS & FIELD TRIPS
The provider has a form to be filled out by the parent(s)/guardians(s) that addresses walks in our neighborhood..  As far as field trips are concerned, the provider encourages parent(s)/guardian(s) or a chosen adult participation but if they cannot attend, the provider will have an assistant stay back to care for the children that can't attend with a parent or guardian.  While on the field trip parents are responsible for their own child(ren) the entire trip.  

DROP OFF AND PICK UP
Please sign your child in and out daily with the forms provided.  

It is also required at time of drop off to inform the provider of any incidents such as minor scrapes, etc. that the child may have just so we are aware and if they get hurt for any reason while in care we can inform the parent/guardian as well. 

The Fire and Life Safety Requirements require that licensed providers keep a “door handle that children can open from the inside with one single action”.  Children are usually happy to see their parents and eager to get home and head for the door when the parent/guardian arrives.  After you enter, please stay with your child at all times until you walk them out to your vehicle.  For liability reasons and the safety of your own children, please DO NOT LET THEM OPEN THE DOOR AND GO OUTSIDE ALONE (EVEN IF IT'S ONLY IN THE COURTYARD).

If parent/guardian has someone else picking up your child during the day for you please let the provider know the morning of that the person will be picking up.  You can also text or email this information ahead of time.  Otherwise, the provider will need to contact the parents before any child is released.

Drop off and pick up times are an important time for all parties involved and should always be kept to a 3-5 minute time frame.  I, the provider, am also guilty of taking longer because I enjoy talking with parents and this can be distracting for the children that are in my care.  Let’s work together to keep our drop off and pick up 3-5 minutes.  This is in the best interest of the children in my care.  This is not to be confused with the open-door policy.  You are always welcome to check on your child anytime while they are in my care.  If you choose to stay any length of time, you are welcome to participate or help with the children.  I, the provider will continue as usual with the program.  Please call, email, or set up a time for us to meet after hours if there is anything that you would like to discuss with me.

Most of the children arrive by 8:30 every morning.  If your child will be arriving late or not attending, please call and let us know. 

WHAT TO BRING
Parents please provide adequate clothing for your child(ren) that can be left at the provider’s home.  Please have an extra set of play clothes (clothes that can get dirty) in the child’s cubby at all times.  If the child naps and has a special blanket, etc. that they sleep with, please bring it and I will send it home every Friday to be washed and please bring it back on Monday.  Please have your child wear tennis shoes or sandals with a back strap.  The run and climb outside.  In the summer, they may go barefeet.  The yard is checked before going out with bare feet for safety hazards.

Remember children learn well when they don’t need to worry about getting clothing soiled.  The provider is NOT responsible for torn or soiled clothing. 

Friday’s are share days and a child can bring (1) one item every Friday to share with their friends.  We will have share time at morning circle and at that time they can tell us about their item.  I have plenty of items for the children to play with in the program so it is not necessary to bring extras from home.  If the child chooses to bring anything during the week, they may keep it in their cubby (it must be able to fit in the cubby) until it is time to go home.  The provider cannot guarantee that the item will not get lost and will not be responsible for any lost items.

Please remember the following items:
  SUMMER                                     FALL
Sandals – Suit                     Sweatshirt or Coat
Sunscreen                                 Rain Boots
Water play clothes                  Lip Balm

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are responsible for staying actively involved with their child(ren)’s childcare program.  Communication between parent/guardian and the provider is vital to a successful relationship.  The parent/provider relationship must be one of mutual trust, honesty and respect.  Please notify me immediately of any concerns or problems in the care of your child.

CONTRACT

I, the provider agree to provide childcare for________________________, placed by______________________________________________, on_______________________.
The above Child(ren) will be cared for from _______________ to_______________, on ________________________________________________________________________.
Your contract hours will be based on your families needs and can differ from other families in the program. 

Late Fees
If you are late too pick up there will be a late fee of $1.00 for each minute you are late past YOUR contract hours.  This fee will be added to your next months invoice.  I, the provider, understand that there are circumstances where there is traffic or other incidents that may occur but I will still be required to work late.  Therefore the late fee will be waved the first (2) two times that there is a late pick-up in a one year period.  After the first (2) two times in that year the above agreement will be enforced. Provider may substitute a person of her choice to stay if necessary if you are late.

Payment for Childcare Services
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) agree to pay $__________ per day/month on the first of every month childcare begins.
OR
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) agree to pay $__________ per day on the first & fifteenth of every month.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are responsible for making a childcare/preschool payment arrangement.  Prompt payments are crucial and please remember that providing childcare/preschool services is a business and payment for these services is required.  Payments will be considered late two business days after due date excluding holidays and weekends. After that there will be a $15.00 late fee per day until fees are paid.  The provider is not required to take child into care if no payment has been made.  The fee for an NSF Check is $30.00 and paid in cash, along with any other fees imposed on provider’s account.

Part-Time Care
Once a family chooses a part-time slot in their contract, they must stick to that schedule.  If a family wants options for using any 5 days in a week, they must pay for a 5 day a week slot.  Exceptions: Their may be an exception if a family calls the day of and a slot is available that day, the fee would be doubled for that day.  This fee also applies to swapping days.  When there are special events such as a field trip that falls on an off-day the parents are welcome to bring their child to join us for that field trip.  

Part-Time Days
If a child is enrolled for the morning preschool program (8:30 - 11:30 am), a child must be picked up according to the contract. If a child is picked up after 11:30 am, the late fees above will still apply.

Required Information
All paperwork for enrollment is required to be on file with the provider by Sacramento County and ALL paperwork must be filled out before any child is accepted into care.  This does not exclude drop-in care and there are no exceptions.  Parent/Guardian is responsible for notifying the provider of any changes in employment, contacts, phone numbers, address, child’s health, or any other important information.



Quarterly Supply Fee
There is a quarterly $35.00 non-refundable supply fee per family to help cover expenses throughout the year such as crafts, supplies and special events.  The supply fee is due twice a year for part time preschool children that attend only 2-3 days a week.

Deposit & Two-Week Notice
The deposit in the amount of $350.00 is due for full-time and $150.00 for part-time at the time of enrollment.  This deposit is only refundable if the Parent(s)/Guardian(s) give the provider, two weeks notice in writing with the provider’s signature.  You must pay for childcare fees during this time as well.  If no notice is given in writing, the provider keeps the deposit.  When a notice is given, the provider will refund the deposit in full on the last day of care.  If money is still owed to the provider, parent is responsible to pay on the last day of care. 

If the provider chooses to give a two week notice for any reason, it will be in writing to the parent.

Trial Period
There will be a two week trial period between provider and family upon the enrollment of any child.  This means that if for any reason either party decides that the agreement for care is not working out, the contract and agreement can be canceled. Care can be terminated any time during the first two weeks of enrollment and the deposit and any unused fees paid will be completely refunded by the provider on the last day of care.

Child Absent or Tardy
If a child is absent for any reason, including vacations, sick days, etc… The provider is still paid.  Each family needs to have a back up in the event their children are ill and cannot attend child care.  (See Illness & Medication Agreement for illness policy).  It is not the provider’s responsibility to find you substitute care in the event your child becomes ill.  

Open Door Policy
The provider always has an open door policy.  If you need to stop by quickly or pick up your child(ren) during the day you may do so without any notice. 

Provider Vacation
The provider takes a two week paid vacation per year and childcare is closed during this time.   The provider usually takes one week in August and the other week varies.  The provider will try and give families a vacation schedule by January of the year that vacation will be taken.  If the provider can’t give specific dates by then, the provider will give three months notice with the dates that the provider will be closed for vacation. 
If your family needs help finding back-up care for the weeks that the provider takes vacation, the provider will try to help you find substitute care that may fit your needs.

Provider’s Time
At times, although not often, the provider may leave for childcare errands, training workshops, conferences, doctor appointments,etc.  There will always be a back up provider to cover. If it is ever longer than 1 day, parents will be notified.  If provider’s children are ill, the provider usually stays open and you will be notified as soon as possible.  At that time you have a choice to bring your child to care or keep them out.  If the families are not comfortable with the arrangement and choose to leave their child out of care A fee is still due.  If provider is closed and cannot receive the children, except for the holiday schedule and the provider’s two weeks vacation annually NO fee is due.

Fingerprinting & CPR
All household members over 18 years of age have been fingerprinted; T.B. skin tested and has had a Criminal Record Check. 
No one else will be left to supervise the children in this home other than a parent of a child currently enrolled, Deborah Lewis, Myrna Wilson, Cindy Zak, or my husband, Toby Huffman, in the event of an emergency.  All of the referenced persons above except for a parent of a child enrolled has Infant CPR and First Aid training and again has been tested for TB.  EXAMPLE: Joni Huffman has to pick up HER CHILD early from school because she is ill. A parent may be willing to stay until I get back.

HOLIDAYS

Listed below are holidays that Child Care will be closed for 2012.  Payments for holidays are required.  If you are on a subsidized program this fee is your responsibility and is due the beginning of the month.  Subsidized programs usually do not cover holidays.

January 16, Martin Luther King Day
February 20, President’s Day
April 9, Easter Monday
May 28, Memorial Day
July 4 & 5, Independence Day
September 3, Labor Day
November 12, Veterans Day
November 21 - wed closed 12pm, 22 & 23 closed Thanksgiving Day & Friday
December 24 - Jan 1 Christmas Break

Signatures required upon enrollment.