Please note that the policies listed below are just an overview & all parents are given a Parent Handbook from me & another from the agency prior to enrolment. I highly encourage each family to take their time, read through both handbooks and reach out if there are any questions. This helps ensure the best possible childcare relationship going forward!
FEES - Childcare fees listed are per child, per month and are non-negotiable. - Fees are collected at the end of each month by my agency. - A deposit equal to one months fees is required to reserve your spot in my day home. This deposit is applied to your last month's fees provided proper notice is given and there are no outstanding fees. If proper notice is not provided or your decide to no longer enrol your child in my care after the spot has been reserved, then the deposit becomes non-refundable. - Agency fees are in addition to my fees. - My regular fees are based on a maximum of 10 hours a day. If care is required for more than 10 hours per day, an additional fee will apply and this isn't always available due to my own families schedule. Please inquire for further information. - Drop in fees have a maximum of 9 hours of care per day and once booked, if you need to cancel, 24 hours notice is required or full fees will still apply. - Meals and snacks are included in my rates. Along with craft supplies, toys, etc and everything else your child uses while in my care, aside from zoo passes in the event we choose to get them again, or any other field trip that has admission fees. Plenty of notice is given in these situations. - There will be a fee increase of 3% once per year, based on your enrolment date. Fee Increases are unfortunately necessary as the cost of living rises; such as food costs, insurance, heating, etc. A minimum of 4 weeks notice is provided before any fee increases are implemented. RECEIPTS - Receipts are issued at the end of the year, by my agency for income tax purposes. CHILDREN ABSENCES - Your fee guarantees that your child's spot is always available, therefore I do not offer deductions, discounts or refunds if your child does not attend for any reason. This includes (but is not limited to) statutory holidays, sick days and your vacation time. MY VACATION POLICY - I take 3 weeks of paid vacation and an additional week of unpaid vacation each calendar year. One of the paid weeks will be during Christmas break from December 24th to New Year’s Day and the other weeks will likely be split throughout the year, but this is not guaranteed. I will provide a minimum of 1 month’s written notice which will give you time to find alternate care, if needed. I generally give my vacation notice for the entire year within the first 3 months of the New Year. - My monthly childcare fees are based on 20 working days a month but as there are usually 21-23 working days each month, that means each month I am working 1-3 days for free. I make that up, by taking paid vacation. ILLNESS POLICY - For the health and safety of the children in my care as well as my family, please keep your children home if they are sick (full description in my handbook). I have the right to refuse to take a sick child into my care and as children get sick without notice, I have the right to determine when a child is too sick to remain in my care. - Medication (both prescription and non-prescription) will not be given unless the parent fills out a medication form. ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES - Please ensure that your child arrives dressed, fed (if arriving after a meal time) and ready for the day. We may be planning to leave immediately after your arrival. - Your child will only be released to those people listed on your registration form. If someone other then your designated persons will be picking up your child, advance notice is required. PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES - ALWAYS dress your child appropriately for both indoor and outdoor play. Weather permitting, we love to spend time outside! - Ensure that I always have a spare outfit or two for your child on hand as our clothes may get wet or dirty throughout the day! (Each child has their own bin which I store all of their personal belongings in!) - If you will be late or if your child will not be attending, please let me know ASAP. TERMINATION POLICY - The first month your child is in my care is considered the "trial period". If at anytime during the first month you or I decide we are not a good fit, 24 hours notice is required to terminate our contract. You will only be charged for spot up to that point, plus the 24 hour's notice. - After the initial trial period is over, I require a minimum of 1 month's written notice for termination of childcare. - If I choose to terminate childcare outside of the trial period, I will provide you with 1 month's written notice as well. This notice is not guaranteed in the event the policies within my handbook have not been fulfilled on the parent's part. HANDBOOK REVISIONS - I will do a yearly review and possible revision to my "Parent Handbook" and contracts. If at any time I make any changes, I provide parents with an updated copy. - I reserve the right to make changes to my "Parent Handbook" as deemed necessary.