Backyard Bears Day School Handbook Policies and Procedures

Backyard Bears Day School will provide childcare services, and the parents agree to pay for such services as follows: Monday-Friday beginning at 6:30 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. This schedule will be in effect unless terminated sooner by one of the parties in accordance with this agreement. The Parents agree to pay childcare fees based on the above schedule at the rates specified below. Childcare fees will not be adjusted for late arrival, early pickup, missed days, or state/government closure except as provided in this agreement.

Childcare fees for full-time childcare: Infants: $295.00 Newborn-15 Months Toddlers: $285.00 16 Months-2 years:

• Two’s $ 245.00
• Three’s $ 210.00
• Four’s $ 205.00
• Five’s $ 205.00

Miscellaneous Charges:

Part-time enrollment is subject to availability in classrooms and may not be always offered.

The Parents agree to pay childcare fees on or before the Friday prior to the service week. Payments must be made directly through the Brightwheel mobile app. Parents can choose to pay with a check or credit card from the app on their own each week or select the auto pay option to have it done automatically. In addition, if fees are not paid in full and on time, the Parents agree to pay a late fee of $25 per day. Late fees will be posted to accounts at the close of the business day on Monday. If fees are not paid by Tuesday, the child(ren) will not be allowed to attend the facility until payment is received in full. The Parents agree to pay a $50 fee for all checks returned unpaid. All Co-Pays through the Department of Social Services or other subsidy programs will be due on the first day of each month. Parents agree to pay a late fee of $25 per day after the 1st of each month. Children will not be allowed to attend the facility after the second day of each month if the Co-Pay is outstanding. Payments can be accepted 365 days a year through Brightwheel to avoid late fees.

*If any payment obligation under this agreement is not paid when due, the Parent(s) agree to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney fees, whether a lawsuit is commenced as part of the collection process.

The Parents agree to pay $150.00 per child when the agreement is signed and once yearly on May 1st. The registration fee is non-refundable and is not applied to childcare fees.

The Parents agree to pay overtime fees of $10 past 6:00 P.M. and $2 per minute for each minute past 6:00 P.M. Parents understand that we must report any child not picked up by 6:30 P.M. to the proper authorities unless parents have contacted the center to make arrangements.

Childcare may be terminated by the provider only by providing the other party with at least two weeks advance written notice. If the Parent(s) fail to provide at least two weeks’ written notice, the Parents agree to pay the regular tuition rate of two weeks due immediately at the time of withdrawal. Backyard Bears Day School retains the right to terminate the agreement without notice for the following reasons: a. The child’s behavior is destructive, uncontrollable, violent, or threatening to the other children or providers at the facility. This determination is made at the sole discretion of the director and will be provided in writing to the parents. b. A Parent’s behavior is threatening or abusive to the other children or providers at the facility. c. Childcare fees are more than two days past due.

If the child(ren) becomes ill or injured, Backyard Bears Day School will first try to reach the Parent(s). If the Parent(s) cannot be reached, Backyard Bears Day School may contact the child(ren)’s physician. In case of a medical emergency, Backyard Bears Day School will obtain the necessary emergency medical care for the child(ren), including but not limited to transportation to an emergency room. The Parents agree to pay all costs and expenses incurred in connection with any medical care provided to the child(ren), including the cost of transportation.

If the child(ren) exhibits any of the symptoms below, children are not permitted to attend daycare until the symptoms are no longer exhibited or the Parent has obtained a statement from the child’s doctor stating that the child is not contagious. The final decision as to whether a child will be admitted to the center will 9. be at the discretion of the director. During an outbreak of an illness or virus, the sick policy may be adjusted to fit the circumstance. Parents agree to inform the director or assistant director of illnesses that lead to an absence. Children must be fever-free without the use of a fever reducer for a full 24 hours. Children may be excluded from care without a fever if the child appears ill and has the presence of symptoms.

1. Fever over 100.4
2. Persistent diarrhea
3. Continuous coughing
4. Irregular breathing
5. Unusual rashes
6. Vomiting
7. Discharge from eyes or ears
8. Lice
9. Communicable diseases

*If the child exhibits any of these symptoms while present at the center, the Parents will be notified immediately, and arrangements should be made to pick up the child within one hour. The child may be isolated from the other children at the center until a parent or approved pick up person arrive. *Backyard Bears Day School agrees to notify the Parent(s) of any contagious diseases to which the center has knowledge that the child(ren) may have been exposed while at the center. *The Parent(s) agrees to inform Backyard Bears Day School of any illness or problem of the child(ren) that might affect the other children at the center. *The Parent(s) agrees to provide a medical report describing the child(ren)’s personal medical history prior to the first day attending the center. *The Parent(s) agrees to be responsible for arranging for alternate care if the child(ren) is unable to attend. Childcare fees will not be adjusted for sick days. PLEASE NOTE: Parents should not enter the center if they have symptoms of illness themselves. Alternate arrangements should be made by the parents to prevent the spread of illness to healthy children and staff.

COVID Policy and Flu Policy

If a household member tests positive for COVID or Flu, the parents agree to notify the director as soon as possible.

• Infants-15 months:

  Diapers and wipes weekly, two changes of clothing, two crib sheets, two empty bottles, and a small blanket. Parents/guardians will provide infant formula if a formula other than what is offered is desired. Breast milk must be in labeled bottles with the child’s name and date. Any baby food sent from home must be labeled with the child’s name.

• Toddlers 16 months -2 years:

  Diapers and wipes weekly, two changes of clothing, two crib sheets, and a small blanket. Bedding will be sent home on Friday to be laundered and must be returned on Monday.

• 2-Year-Olds:

  Diapers and wipes weekly, an additional pack of wipes WEEKLY for faces and self-care hygienic practices, two changes of clothing, two crib sheets, and a small blanket. Bedding will be sent home on Friday to be laundered and must be returned on Monday. If the child is toilet trained, parents will send clean underparts and clothing as needed.

• 3-5-Year-Olds:

  Two changes of clothing, two crib sheets, a small blanket, and one refill pack of wipes weekly. This age group uses wipes daily while learning self-care skills. Even if your child is toilet trained, wipes must be supplied weekly. Bedding will be sent home on Friday to be laundered and must be returned on Monday.

A laundry fee of $5.00 weekly will be added to your account for providing spare bedding and having it washed. A wipe fee of $2.50 will be added to your account if wipes are not provided.

Backyard Bears Day School provides breakfast, morning snacks, lunch, and afternoon snack. Learning materials and curriculum are provided by the center.

Backyard Bears Day School will provide year-round care to children. The center will close on New Year’s Eve 12PM, New Year’s Day, MLK Day, President’s Day (Teacher Training and Development), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day (Teacher Training and Development), Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday following, 3 business days for the Christmas holiday. Christmas Dates will vary from one to other from year to year, and New Year’s Eve. Parents will be notified 4 weeks in advance of the exact closing schedule for Christmas. Other staff development days may add closing during the school year. Parent(s) will be given one week each year at no charge for personal vacation time. This time must be taken as a whole week and cannot be broken up into individual days. 4 weeks notice in writing is required to have the week at no charge.

Children are expected to treat all property located at the center with respect, including but not limited to toys and furniture. The Parent(s) agrees to pay for willful destruction of any property located at the center, whether owned by Backyard Bears Day School or any other person, at the replacement cost if such destruction was, in the sole opinion of Backyard Bears Day School, caused by the child or family member of the child.

Most of the time, simply redirecting a child is all that is needed to overcome challenging behavior. In the event that challenging behavior persists, a time-out may occur. If behavior becomes a danger to the child, other children, or staff the parents will be asked to pick up the child from daycare immediately. If the parents cannot be reached, an emergency contact person must pick up the child. Reoccurring dangerous behavior may lead to suspension or removal from the program. Additional information regarding the policy is as follows:

1. Teachers model acceptable behavior
2. Teachers encourage children to talk through their differences
3. Teachers give the child acceptable and appropriate choices
4. Teachers redirect behavior
5. Discipline will be fair and consistent for each child
6. Teachers will guide children to express their feelings and frustrations to help resolve conflict constructively
7. There will be no physical punishment or disciplinary action administered to any child
8. There will be no verbal abuse, threats, or remarks made to or about any child regarding his or her family, race, religion, cultural background, or any other statement that would frighten or be hurtful to the child
9. Teachers will never force-feed, and food will never be withheld from any child
10. Teachers will never force a child to nap, and naps will never be withheld from any child
11. Teachers will never punish a child for toileting accidents
12. Teachers will never shake a child at any time

In the case of major accidents, we will notify parents/guardians by telephone and will complete an accident report immediately. For the safety and protection of your children, we are insured as required by licensing regulations. Our accident report will state the time, place, and details of how the accident occurred. Parents must sign all accident reports. Upon your request, a copy of the report will be given to you.

The parents/guardians are required to complete all the necessary forms prior to 16. Enrolling their child(ren) in our center. The enrollment fee must be paid with the application for enrollment. In addition, a deposit equal to one week’s tuition is required for new enrollment. The deposit is not refundable if you decide not to bring your child to Backyard Bears Day School. Backyard Bears Day School is open to all children, regardless of race, nationality, color, or ethnicity.

The center will not administer medication to children. Topical application of diaper rash cream, sunscreen, or lotion will be allowed with written consent from the parent. The child’s name and date should be clearly labeled on the container.

Parents will be provided with a copy of all emergency procedures.

Transportation is the responsibility of the parent. The center will provide transportation only during field trips.

Parents agree to notify the center by 8:30 a.m. if a child will be absent or dropped off after this time to allow for proper staffing in our classrooms. The process for this is simple and can be done through the Brightwheel Mobile App. Open the app and select messages, click on the drop-down menu, and select late-drop off. Please indicate the expected time in the message. Staffing plans for the day are finalized at 9 a.m. and your child could be denied access to care if you did not notify the center through the Brightwheel mobile app or by phone by 8:30 a.m. Parents also must have children dropped off before 11 AM to have care for that day. We will not accept 20. any drop-offs after 11 AM for any circumstances.

Tuition is based on a weekly rate and WILL NOT be adjusted for absence due to holidays or illness.

Any person picking up your child must be listed on the enrollment form and bring a PHOTO ID. Children must be picked up by 6 P.M. If a child is not picked up or the center is contacted by 6:30 P.M., social services will be notified the child was not picked up and appropriate action will be taken.

Parents will be notified through the Brightwheel mobile app if our facility is closed or closed early due to dangerous weather. A text message alert through Brightwheel may also be issued. Parents must have children picked up by the designated pick-up time. If a child is not picked up, emergency contacts will be notified to pick up the child. If no emergency contacts can be reached after a reasonable amount of time, authorities will be notified.

Parents are free to visit the center at any time during the day while their child is in care.

Teachers and staff will report suspected abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services.

Parental Involvement:

• Infant Care

  Each infant will have an electronic daily record that can be easily accessed by the parent and teacher working with the child through the Brightwheel App. The posted information will include:
  • The amount of time the child slept.
  • The amount and time each bottle needs to be fed.
  • The amount and time of each solid food feeding
  • The time and description of each diaper change.
  • A tummy time report.
  • Developmental milestones observed.

We welcome questions from parents daily about their child’s day! Feel free to ask any questions you may have when dropping off or picking up your child. We use Brightwheel mobile app. Parents will have details about meals, potty and diaper times, and a brief description of the child’s day. We welcome questions from parents daily about their child’s day! Feel free to ask any questions you may have when dropping off or picking up your child. Messaging is available through our mobile app, allowing instant communication between parents and the teacher. *Please make sure your child’s information is current by notifying the center when changes occur. Remember to make changes to your personal and contact information on the mobile app. Communication is very important to ensure your child receives the most from his or her daycare experience. By using Brightwheel, you can see all that your child is learning and experiencing. You may request a conference with your child’s teacher and the director at any time. If your child’s teacher has concerns or information to share with you, they may request a brief meeting to go over this information. The center requires all parents to review their child’s file annually and confirm that information is up to date.

This Handbook Agreement outlines the policies, procedures, and expectations for parents and guardians. Please read this document carefully to ensure a smooth and positive experience.

Key Policies and Procedures:

1. Code of Conduct:

• Respectful interactions with staff, children, and other families are expected at all times.
• Any form of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior is not tolerated.

2. Attendance and Punctuality:

• Timely drop-off and pick-up of your child are essential.
• Notify us promptly if there will be any changes to your child’s schedule.

3. Health and Safety:

• Adhere to health and safety guidelines, including keeping your child home when ill and following proper procedures for medication administration.
• Ensure that your child’s emergency contact information is current and accurate.

4. Confidentiality:

• Respect the privacy of other families and the confidentiality of all information regarding your child and others in our care.

5. Use of Resources:

• Respect and care for the facilities and materials provided by Backyard Bears Day School.
• Any concerns or damages should be reported immediately.

Compliance: Failure to follow the policies and procedures outlined in this Handbook may result in actions up to and including termination of care services. Please note that our Handbook Policies and Procedures is subject to change, and any updates will be communicated to you. It is your responsibility to stay informed about these changes and adhere to the revised policies.

1. Accept others. Just be nice!
2. Be buddies!
3. Everyone is special. Understand differences!
4. Include everyone. Make room for others!
5. Share together. Have a heart!
6. Respect everybody. Give it to get it!
7. No running or hitting. Keep everyone safe!
8. And most important of all, LOVE, LAUGH, LEARN, HAVE FUN, AND GROW UP HAPPY AND HEALTHY