Little University Policy and Procedures

 
 

Please read the following policy and procedure statement and discuss with me any particular questions or concerns you may have.

Purpose and philosophy: Little University is dedicated to providing high quality childcare for a small group of infants and toddlers.  A low child to caregiver ratio helps to ensure that your child will receive a high level of care appropriate to his or her individual needs.  I believe that the first two years of a child’s life are extremely important.  It is critical that very young children be provided with plenty of age appropriate toys, books, and activities to nurture their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical skills.  Little University welcomes parent participation and comments and views itself as an active partner in your child’s development.

Age grouping and size:  Little University provides high quality child care for children ages 6 weeks to approximately 2 years of age.  The child to caregiver ratio is three to one which allows me to dedicate quality time to each of the children on a continuous basis.

Trial Period:  Little University is dedicated to providing the highest level of care possible for all children.  There may be times, unfortunately, when the care I provide may not be suitable for certain children or families.  Therefore, Little University has a trial period of three weeks (15 days) of care, after which, if I deem the care inappropriate for the child for whatever reason(s), I will no longer be able to provide care and will immediately terminate care.  If, regrettably, I am unable to provide care, I will do what I can to help find alternate care.  If problems arise after this three-week trial period, I will provide a two-week written notice of termination of care.

Meals and snacks:  Little University is committed to providing healthy meals and snacks for the children based on federal food guidelines.  Little University will provide jar food, table food, all formula, and infant cereal.  Little University is a participant in the USDA food program, which ensures that your child will be provided with meals that meet national food nutrition guidelines.

Emergencies:  Emergency telephone numbers and evacuation plans are posted at each telephone.  In the event of a serious accident or illness, the parent will be notified immediately.  If a parent is not available I will notify the emergency contact person listed in the child’s file.  Parents must fill out an emergency medical care permission form, which will allow Little University to seek emergency aid for their child.

Illness:  Because illness and infections spread rapidly among children, it is important that a sick child be removed as soon as possible from the other children.  Parents will be notified and required to remove the child immediately if the child exhibits any of the following symptoms:

* A Fever of 101 F or higher
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting twice within a 24-hour period
* Body rash with fever
* Sore throat with fever and swollen glands
* Severe coughing
* Eye discharge (pink eye)
* Yellowish skin or eyes
* Child is irritable, continuously crying, or requires more attention than I can provide without jeopardizing the health and safety of the other children in my care.
* Any other symptoms which, in my opinion, indicate the presence of a contagious disease such as chicken pox, measles, impetigo, RSV, etc.
 

     Parents will be notified of contagious diseases affecting the children at Little University.  A child with a communicable disease will not be readmitted into care until the period of contamination is passed or until the child is fully recovered from his or her illness.  Parents are required to complete and submit to Little University a Child Care Emergency Contact Information and Consent Form which contains the names of emergency contacts and critical medical information.  When medication, either prescription or over the counter, is involved in the child’s care, the parent must fill out, sign and date a Medication Consent Form.  These are to be submitted for each and every medication, and may require the signature of your child’s physician.

Emergency Procedures:  In case of emergency, parents will be notified immediately.  If parents are not available, the contact persons listed on the Child Care Emergency Contact Information and Consent Form will be notified.  If needed, 911 will be called.  I am trained in Pediatric First Aid and CPR.  If needed, I would begin using the primary circle of care until help arrived.  If it is necessary to evacuate the home, the children and I will gather at the mailboxes across the street from my home.

Behavior Management:  The primary behavior management technique used at Little University is positive redirection.  This includes offering the child or children other toys or activities to draw them away from the potential conflict.  This technique is very effective in helping very young children to make better choices during their playtime.  If a child is engaging in inappropriate behavior such as hitting or biting another child, the child will “take a break” from the activity or play just long enough to regain his or her composure.  If a bite occurs, the incident is documented and the parents will be notified.

Child abuse:  All caregivers are required by law to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

Parent Contract:  During the pre-admission interview, parents will be given a copy of the Child Care Agreement to review.  If a parent chooses to place their child in the care of Little University, this form must be completed, dated and signed by both the parent(s) and the director.
 
 

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