SonShine Kids Early Education
Parent Handbook

 

SonShine Kids Early Education Handbook

Vision
SonShine Kids Early Education is focused on caring for and developing a love of learning in a Christian atmosphere and a readiness for kindergarten that emphasizes social skills, academic preparedness, emotional and spiritual development of the child. We pride ourselves in being where THE Son shines every day!

Philosophy

⦁ Children’s play is important to their development, and early experiences enrich and stimulate future growth.

⦁ Children are provided with the opportunity to play, share and learn with other children in a safe, loving Christian environment with an atmosphere of acceptance and warmth. Children deserve to be treated and respected as individuals in an environment that welcomes reason, exploration, question and imagination.

⦁ I respect each child's need for love, security, acceptance, warmth and stimulation.

⦁ Every child can learn! That means I will work to find the way that works for each child.

Goals

While in my care, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, which promote all aspects of development. Family childcare provides the comfort and experience of belonging to an extended family. I provide a home like setting; therefore, I do not follow a strict routine, but we do have a normal daily schedule.

⦁ To provide a healthy, nurturing, and safe environment

⦁ To accept, respect, and appreciate each child and family. To provide age-appropriate materials and equipment that supports children’s learning in a fun and interesting way

⦁ To encourage the physical development of large motor skills through outdoor and indoor play as well as fine motor development through manipulative toys, blocks, and puzzles.

⦁ To encourage creativity by offering experiences in music, art, and literature

⦁ To encourage interest in language through games, stories, and conversation

⦁ To partner with parents in the care and teaching of their children, which occasionally means updating developmental milestones with parents.

⦁ To encourage wise choices by being offered choices whenever possible.

⦁ To openly listen to your wishes and expectations about how your child will be cared for. Good communication helps us work together in the best interest of your child.

⦁ To complete parent/provider conferences twice a year, as a means of tracking growth and development of each child.

⦁ To provide information for community resources and referrals.

⦁ To provide developmental progress, quarterly, so we can work on academic, behavioral and social/emotional skills. These skills will be monitored using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3), as well as ASQ:SE 2. 

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About My Family

I was born and raised in Michigan. I have worked with children since I was a teenager (around 1987). I have taught Sunday School, as well as other children's programming. I have also worked in childcare centers. I have been licensed as a home daycare provider since May 2008. I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. I live with my husband, Mark. Mark is a counselor, through his ministry, Chaplain On Call. He does, however, spend time with the kids and he will accompany us on most outings.

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Curriculum

The daily curriculum is structured so that children learn the skills they need to enter kindergarten. The curriculum is based on child development and appropriate practice and provides for the various ages, ability levels and developmental stages of the children. I will provide your child with tender loving care, understanding, patience and guidance in a happy family setting. Our curriculum combines curriciulum from “My Father’s World,” as well as my own experience. Small children will be incorporated as individual skills allow. We do many projects where the focus is on the process, not the product.

Prayer takes place before each meal. Jesus said "Let the little children come unto me..." His love for children was beyond all measure, and I, as His child, vow to love each child in my care with that love.

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Age limit: 4 weeks to 10 years old (depending on individual needs)

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Hours of Operation:

SonShine Kids Early Education is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

No childcare will be provided on Saturday or Sunday or on the following holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

I will be closed for Christmas break as well as for one week for vacation, normally in June. Advance notice will always be provided. If I will be away for a period of time, less than three hours, substitute care will be provided by my husband, who has been fingerprinted and background checked.

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Forms to be completed and submitted prior to admission:

⦁ Contract

⦁ Child Information Card

⦁ Child In Care Statement

⦁ Food Program Paperwork

⦁ Over the counter form

⦁ Medication Consent (if needed)

⦁ Handbook Acknowledgement Signature Form ​

⦁ Media Release

 

Waiting List:

In cases when enrollment space is unavailable, children will be placed on a waiting list. Enrollment will then take place as space becomes available. Priority will be given to families with currently enrolled children.

 

Termination of Care

SonShine Kids Early Education reserves the right to terminate childcare for the following reasons (but not limited to):

⦁ Failure to pay

⦁ Lack of parental cooperation

⦁ Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property by a child and/or parent, which is harmful to the physical or emotional well-being of other children

⦁ Lack of compliance with handbook regulations

⦁ False information given by parent either verbally or in writing

SonShine Kids Early Education also understands that life circumstances may arise that would require families to remove a child from our care. In that instance, we request the following:

⦁ 2-week notice stating when care will be ending

⦁ Payment for the last days/weeks of care

⦁ If the child is pulled without a 2-week notice, payment is to be made immediately for the final weeks.

We never want to have an expulsion or suspension.  It is an absolute last resort.

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Payment and Fee Schedule

All tuition payments are due on Fridays, by 6:00 pm regardless of your child’s attendance. SonShine Kids Early Education reserves the right to change these fees with a 2-week notice. Rates are $4 an hour, per child, but a sibling discount is available.

Fees for Families on Subsidy: Families are responsible for the portion of the fee not covered by the subsidy.

Other Fees

⦁ No Show Fee: Payment equal to a full day of care, if child is not brought as arranged without notice

⦁ $30 returned check fee (Subject to change, based on the bank charges)

⦁ Late Payment Fee, if not received by 6 pm on Friday: $20 per day

 

Medical Policies

Medication can be administered while in attendance provided a prescription is documented (pharmaceutical container and/or physician’s signed instructions).

**PLEASE AVOID BRINGING BENADRYL, PENICILLIN/AMOXICILLIN, AND ANY MACROLIDES, AS BECKY IS DEATHLY ALLERGIC TO ALL OF THEM. IF YOUR CHILD NEEDS THEM, PLEASE GIVE THEM AT HOME, MINIMUM OF 1 HOUR BEFORE ATTENDANCE.

Over the counter, non-prescription medication CANNOT and WILL NOT be given without a written parental consent. This must be updated annually.

⦁ Medication will only be administered if the child’s name is written on a medication form with the amount of dosage and time to be given along with the parent’s/guardian’s signature.

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Communicable Diseases

Children should be allowed to recover fully from an illness in the comfort of their own home. The other children in care are exposed to any disease your child may bring into the home. Obviously, it is not possible to prevent the spread of all illnesses, however, minimizing exposure and providing good hygienic practices in the home are means by which we can limit the problem and resulting inconvenience. Accordingly, for the benefit of all involved, the following policies will be strictly enforced:

You will be called to remove your child if any of the following symptoms exist:

⦁ vomiting

⦁ severe coughing

⦁ temperature of 100 or higher

⦁ diarrhea (more than 2 times)

⦁ suspicious rash

⦁ difficult or rapid breathing

⦁ lice (may only return when deemed “nit free”)

⦁ red, encrusted, or runny eyes

⦁ lethargic behavior that is abnormal

⦁ Parents are expected to have the child picked up within two hours of being notified that the child is ill to minimize the spread of illness.

⦁ Every effort will be made to separate a sick child from the rest of the children while they are waiting to be picked up.

⦁ Children should be free of all symptoms for 72 hours (as recommended for COVID), without medication, or have a note from the doctor stating that return is permissible before returning.

⦁ Please do not give your child medication and send them if they have been ill through the night.

⦁ Parents should have a backup plan of care established if a child is sent home with an illness. If a family member has a communicable illness, parents will be notified ASAP

 

Reoccurring Medical Issues

⦁ If a child has a medical issue that is reoccurring, such as a rash, runny eyes, or an allergy, please make sure I'm aware of it.

⦁ Please refer to the Communicable Disease section for suspicious rashes or conditions. **AGAIN...PLEASE BE AWARE THAT I AM DEATHLY ALLERGIC TO PENICILLIN, MACROLIDES AND BENADRYL, ON CONTACT, AND I CAN NOT GIVE IT TO YOUR CHILD. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.**

 

Naps/Rest Period

⦁ Children will participate in a rest period after lunch each day.

⦁ Children are not required to nap but will be asked to stay quietly, on their mat, for one hour, to help their bodies rest. Quiet activities will be provided for them after the hour has passed.

⦁ Children are allowed to bring a special doll or stuffed animal for rest time. It is to remain in their cubbies until nap.

 

Field Trips/Car Seats

⦁ Car seats are required when we must transport a child for field trips. Car seats must be provided by the parents.

⦁ Permission slips are required for each field trip.

 

Clothing

⦁ Dress your child in clothing that is comfortable for a variety of active, and sometimes messy, activities as well as outdoor play. We do go outdoors as often as possible.

⦁ Accidents happen. In case of a toileting accident, crafting accident or spill, please provide a complete set of clothing that is appropriate for the season (i.e. no shorts for winter weather).

⦁ Tennis shoes or some other comfortable shoes are preferred for daily activities and playing outside.

⦁ Please have your female child wear leggings/shorts under her dresses, just as a precaution.

⦁ As the weather changes, be sure to send sweaters, jackets, coats, gloves, hats, boots, etc. as warranted.

⦁ Children without proper clothing for outdoor play (i.e. winter coat, jackets), will not be allowed to participate.

⦁ Please provide sunscreen, clearly marked, with your child's name.

 

Toys & Electronic Devices

⦁ No toys shall be brought to SonShine Kids Home Daycare from home except for their scheduled Special Day, or as a security item for napping.

⦁ If your child brings a toy, they will be asked to put it in their backpack or cubby.

 

Potty Training 

I will assist you in potty training your child with the understanding that it will be successful only if we work together. Please send your child in easy on/easy off clothing until they are able to dress and undress themselves. We require at least 2 complete changes of clothing during potty training.

 

Holidays/Birthdays 

We honor major holidays, except Halloween (personal/family choice), and we celebrate all children's birthdays. If you would like to bring a special treat, please double check about any food allergies. You are more than welcome to participate in any activities we have planned.

 

Drop-off/Pick up 

I assume responsibility for your child only while he/she is on my property. No child will be allowed to leave with anyone except parents, unless indicated on the information card. Telephone permission will be accepted on an emergency basis. Anyone unfamiliar to me will be required to show proof of identification. Please make the alternate pick-up person aware of the requirements. Please also be in control of your child during drop off and pick up times.

If the person picking up your child apprears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, another authorized person will be called to pick up both the child and adult.

Court Order: If there is a court order keeping one parent or guardian away from the child, I must have a written note from the custodial parent or guardian as well as a copy of the court order.

 

Television and Video games

 I allow VERY limited TV viewing. On occasion, I let the children pick an age-appropriate movie to watch. Video games will only be allowed on rare occasions and consist of age-appropriate apps or games. School age children may bring their tablets but will not be allowed on anything that is not rated safe for preschool and toddler age children. I reserve the right to screen what they are doing, for the safety of the younger children.

 

Meals 

We participate in the food program through the Association for Child Development. We provide nutritionally balanced meals and snacks for your child and receive a small reimbursement. The registration form for ACD must be filled out and dated as soon as possible after your child is enrolled. Please do not send food or drink with your child without prior approval, due to food allergies and requirements.

 

Pets 

We have two bearded dragons, named Sleepy and Baby, but they are never out unattended and are held by Mark when they are out. We also have a leopard gecko, but he normally is not out, when children are here. The children will be exposed to the daily aspects of care for a pet, but they will also be taught safety with them. All children will be monitored with our pets to assure safety for all involved.

 

Needed supplies to be provided by parents 

⦁ At least one complete change of clothes

⦁ Over the counter medicine (Please sign med form)

⦁ Sunscreen

⦁ Swimsuit

⦁ Diapers/Pull-ups

⦁ Baby wipes

⦁ Bottles

⦁ Pacifiers

⦁ Diaper Cream

 

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE CONTRACT IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT OBLIGATING ME TO PROVIDE A SERVICE FOR YOU AND OBLIGATING YOU TO PAY ME FOR THAT SERVICE. I URGE YOU TO THOROUGHLY READ THE CONTRACT AND HANDBOOK AND REALIZE IT IS LEGAL AND YOU WILL BE HELD LIABLE FOR EACH ITEM OF THE CONTRACT. BY SIGNING IT, YOU ARE ACCEPTING IT IN ALL ITS TERMS.