Home Child Care Policies and Procedures

Sick Policy

• The sick policy states when a child must be taken home because of fever, diarrhea or vomiting. The policy also documents how long a sick child must remain home and symptom-free before returning to day care. Most home day cares will care for children with mild illnesses such as colds or symptoms due to allergies and teething.

Emergency Plan

• The emergency plan includes a written evacuation plan with marked exits and emergency contact numbers for all the children. It also designates a meeting place for children and day care providers and includes a list of authorities to call for emergencies: fire, police and ambulance.

Program Hours

• The day care provider and parents agree upon program hours and days a child will attend. The policy statement also designates times that a child may be dropped off or picked up, and by whom.

Assistants

• The policy statement lists any assistants who regularly care for children and those who occasionally fill in. The provider states how far in advance parents will be notified when an assistant will be present and when parents can meet the assistants.

Supervision

• Supervision is one of the most important aspects of keeping children safe in a day care. The policy statement lists the type of supervision available during sleep time, outside activities, bathroom time and playroom play.

Curriculum

• The day care provider documents the curriculum routine followed each day to meet the physical, emotional, educational and social needs of the children. The curriculum includes problem solving skills, independence, opportunities for the children to make decisions, self-help skills, nutrition skills and cultural diversity learning experiences.

Holidays and Vacation Plans

• It is standard practice for child care providers to receive payment for holidays, vacations and sick days. The policy statement spells this out, as well as the rules for notifying the day care of scheduled absences.