Parent Involvement
- We conduct teacher conferences and formal evaluations twice a year
- We publish a newsletter about center activities and special announcements
- Toddlers through preschoolers are given a monthly calendar of activities, which may include parent volunteer needs
- Individual classes also communicate through room letters
- Individual progress reports are prepared every six months and distributed during conference week for all toddlers and preschoolers
- Progress of infants will be more frequent with the teacher or infant supervisor and the parent
- Changes in infants (eating, sitting, standing, play, gross motor development) happen at different rates and often quickly and we feel the best way to support an infants growth is through good communication between teacher and parent
- Daily reports will be kept for each infant for parents review
- At any time a parents wishes to review progress, changes, concerns and so on with the teacher, they are encouraged to do soIn addition to scheduled conferences, our staff is always available for individual conferences at the parent’s request with reasonable notice
- You may visit any time your child is present
- We ask that you not visit during naptime unless it is essential as it often disrupts the entire group
- Volunteer opportunities/programs twice a year – We have voluntary workdays for staff and parents which provides a great time to get to know each other better as well as help with much needed upkeep
- We schedule occasional social activities and fundraisers, as the children love seeing their teachers outside their normal classroom setting during these activities
- We also have regular volunteers of all ages from the community who participate in our program
Enrollment Procedures
Initial Visit
The director / assistant director will provide you with information about the center’s program and staff as well as discuss your family’s expectations and needs. She will supply an application for enrollment, a tuition schedule and any other appropriate enrollment information. Your child is welcome to visit at this time and can join in program activities while you meet with the director.
Decision to Enroll
TinyMinders recommends that your child visit for a time in his or her perspective class. Parents of infants are invited to spend time in the nursery. Some children may need to visit more than one time before feeling comfortable. The enrollment application packet must be completed before your child can be fully enrolled.
The director/assistant director will discuss tuition policies and accept payment of the deposit and registration fees. Please remember that deposits are not refunded if you decide not to attend after payment has been received.
Your Child’s First Day
Every child is unique and responds differently to each situation. Your child may cry when you leave but remember, in most cases, children stop before you’ve reached your car. Try to relax. When leaving please do so with a cheerful smile. Those parents who prolong the good byes by going back for one more kiss and reassurances may only cause uncertainty on your child’s part and prolong their adjustment. In a short time your child will love TinyMinders and look forward to coming each day. If it seems that you need extra time for this transition please discuss it with the director so a plan can be developed. Please remember you are always welcome to call anytime during in the day to speak to your child’s teacher.
It may take between two and three weeks for a full-time child to become completely comfortable. Part time children may take longer. It is common with young children, that after a few days of the new childcare situation, he or she may say they do not want to go back to school. This is generally the time your child begins to understand that this is not a novelty, but a place he or she will go everyday. Leaving home is not easy for anyone, especially children. It takes time to integrate this thought into his or her emotional being. Be assured, that once your child has developed a relationship with the teacher and his or her classroom setting, coming to school will be an exciting prospect.
Most children do not face difficulties. For those few who do, we can all work together to help each child become comfortable. Our teachers are very experienced in this transition. Soon TinyMinders will be a loving place like home to your child.
Daily Routines
Arrival and Departure
Parents must always accompany their child directly to the classroom and sign them in each day without exception. It is essential that we maintain an accurate daily attendance record including details such as drop-off time, who dropped off, pick-up time and any other important notes. Under no circumstances may a parent leave a child at the center: 1. prior to opening, 2. prior to child’s scheduled arrival time, without center approval 3. without making sure that the child has been properly received by a teacher.
When picking up your child, please arrive early enough to allow sufficient time for visiting before the center closes. We close at 5:30 p.m. That means that the families need to be out of the building by 5:30 p.m. Remember that teachers also have families, scheduled appointments and personal lives. If you will be late or cannot pick-up, it is your responsibility to contact your emergency pick-up person and arrange for the timely pickup of your child. In case of an emergency when no pick-up person can be contacted, please contact the center and discuss the issue with the director/governing body.
To insure the security of the children, TinyMinders staff will adhere to the following procedures:
- Check pickup authorization from in the child’s file. A child may be released to a person who is not on the authorized list only if the parent has provided a signed note authorizing a specific person to pickup a child at a specific time.
- The driver’s license of a person other than the parent will be checked for a match at the time of pick-up.
- Children will not be released to persons not on the list or for whom written authorization has not been given, even if a staff member is familiar with the person.
- TinyMinders staff on duty may not sign a child out or take a child home without prior written arrangements with a parent. TinyMinders is not responsible for the child once he or she has left the premises with a staff member. Separate arrangements made with staff members transfers liability to the independent caregiver. All rules for pickup and drop-off of children apply to staff members who are specifically authorized to pickup or drop-off the child enrolled in the center.
- No TinyMinders employee will allow for a child to leave the center with someone unfamiliar to the child.
- If families are involved in a custody dispute, the director must be notified. In the absence of a court order, no childcare center can deny any parent access to his or her child. Even with a court order, our ability to deny access is limited to promptly notifying the custodial parent and police should any unsanctioned contact be attempted at the center. Staff members will be instructed not to place themselves or other children in danger in order to mediate the family dispute or to enforce a court order.
- If a child is not picked up by a parent or authorized person by 6:00 pm, 30 minutes after normal closing time, every attempt will be made to contact the parents (first) and authorized pick-up person (second). A staff member will remain with that child at all times. A child will never be left alone. If after all efforts have been made and the present staff member needs to leave the center, the director(s) and governing body will be contacted. The director and/or governing body will contact the police as well as Boulder County social services so arrangements can be made for social services to pick up the child. If this situation happens, the parents will be charged a rate of $1.00 per minute that the child is at the center past 6:00pm
Managing Behavior
Guidance and discipline should always be developmentally appropriate and based on an understanding of the individual needs of each child. Our goal is to reinforce and enhance healthy development and growth of children and to protect the group and individuals within it. Consistent limits and fairness are important within the classroom. Children need to express their feelings in a socially acceptable way. Clear teacher expectations, acknowledgement of positive behavior and individual attention creates a nurturing environment. It is natural, however, that even under the best of circumstances, conflicts between children will arise.
We believe that children should be allowed to resolve conflicts and find solutions themselves, when possible. Intervention by teachers will be done only when necessary and will begin with redirection of the child towards another activity. A discussion of the inappropriate behavior and reinstatement of the desired behavior will be directed by the teacher. Consequences of inappropriate behavior will be related to the actions of the child in order to help the child gain a better understanding of appropriate behavior.
When difficult behavior is extreme, puts a child at risk or when redirection is not effective, the teacher will seek assistance from a co-teacher, supervisor or the director of the center. Keeping everyone safe is the teacher’s first priority though it is important to allow children to express their anger in appropriate ways. There are times when a supervised separation from the group can help a child regain control. We find it is more effective to ask the child if they require time alone. This can be effective in fostering the understanding that there are times when it is okay to be by oneself.
We do believe in applying consequences for damaging acts by requiring the child to assist in repairing the damage. An example would be if a child colored on a wall, the child may be asked to wash the wall. This helps create the concept of responsibility.
Lunch and Snacks
TinyMinders provides morning and afternoon snacks. It is not necessary to send an extra snack unless indicated on your child’s calendar as a part of a special activity. TinyMinders may participate in a Federal food program. You will be asked to fill out to an income eligibility form. These forms are confidential and are used only to determine reimbursement rates. Our menu is supervised and designed to be nutritious and tasty. We have a refrigerator for storage and a microwave for warming food. While parents provide daily lunches for their children, we supply milk.
Infants are not on the food program due to age. All formula must be made ahead of time. Pre-made formula bottles or breast milk can be stored in your child’s respective cubby in the nursery refrigerator. All bottles must be labeled with the child’s name. Breast milk must be labeled with the child’s name as well as the date it was expressed to ensure we rotate. Any mother who wished to come to TinyMinders to nurse their child is welcome at any time. We have an open door policy and provide a private room in which you may spend the time nursing your child. Any food items that your child may require in addition to formula or breast milk will need to provided daily. A log will be kept for each infant where the parents can add foods as they are introduced. TinyMinders also keeps a daily log of how much, what and how often an infant is fed. When infants are old enough to eat finger foods from our menu, they will be given only with permission from the parent. The parents will make all new food introductions. The staff will follow the feeding scheduled requested by the parents when possible. We are forbidden by State Regulations from waking a child to feed them. Also, we cannot force a child to eat if he or she refuses food. ** Please remember all food needs to be labeled with the child’s full name. **
Rest Period
A rest period is required for all children who spend most of their day with us. Infants may take numerous naps each day depending on their individual needs. Our toddler and preschool groups take an afternoon nap following lunch. The naptime is shorter for older children. If you child is here during a rest period, you are expected to provide an adequate size blanket labeled with your child’s name and a crib sheet. These items will be sent home at least once a week for laundering.
Clothing and Diapers
At least one change of clothes should be kept at TinyMinders at all times. Infants and toddlers may need more than one set. If, however, in the event your child runs out of clothes we have clean center clothes that your child will be sent home in. Please return all center clothes the following day your child is scheduled to attend. All clothes worn or sent should be labeled with the child’s full name.
Parents are responsible for providing diapers and wipes for their children. Also, any diapering ointment or powder that a parent would like used when diapering a child should be provided. Please check with the infant / toddlers staff regularly about your child’s supply. Used cloth diapers will be sent home daily.
Jewelry on children under the age 2 ½ is discouraged. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. that can be easily pulled off, present a potentially dangerous choking situation.
Toilet Training
The parents will initiate toilet training. We find it most effective if the procedures used at home and at school are the same. Toilet training will never be coerced. All children will be allowed to use the bathroom when needed. While children will be supervised during toilet time, we will attempt to allow as much privacy as is appropriate. No child will be punished for soiling or wetting clothing. We do not recommend pull-ups during potty training. We recommend training pants with rubber pants over them. Please be sure to send several pairs daily. We will send written communication daily regarding toilet training progress. Please be sure to communicate with your child’s teacher as to progress etc. at home, this is essential for a successful toilet training experience.
Toys
We ask that children do not bring other toys from home, unless noted on child’s calendar. A special stuffed animal for naptime is welcome, and will be kept in your child’s cubby until naptime.
Birthdays
TinyMinders will celebrate each child’s birthday and recognize the special day. Parents are welcome to supply a special treat for the classroom that day and visit for the celebration if they would like. Please make sure you coordinate this with your child’s teacher. If you plan to invite classmates to a party outside the center, we ask that you do not send birthday invitations to be handed out at the center. It can be very hard for a child if he or she is not included on an invitation list.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, the center will be opened and remain open as long as conditions allow. We will follow the Boulder Valley School District closure policy so please listen to your local radio station for this information. If the public is alerted to avoid travel except for emergencies and it would be unsafe for the staff to travel, the center may be closed. Please call the center before coming when the weather is extreme or conditions are dangerous. We also ask that you notify us if your child will not be coming so we can staff accordingly. If weather or road conditions deteriorate during the day, you may be asked to pick up your child for early closing. Please be sure to leave a current emergency number with us whenever you cannot be reached at your usual telephone number. All public safety issues such as tornadoes and floods will be handled in a prearranged manner. TinyMinders conducts emergency fire, tornado and flood drills. In the case of extremely hot weather the children will be kept in the shade and well hydrated or stay inside the building.
Field Trips / Leaving the Building During the Day
- All parents will be informed ahead of time if a child will ever leave the premises during the day. This information will be posted in the child’s classroom. A list of all children on a fieldtrip and their teachers will be posted at the school while they are gone.
- Parents will be informed of the method of transportation that will be used when children leave.
- All children are required to have written permission from a parent before leaving the building.
- If a private car (volunteer parent) is being used to transport children on a field, we will have proof of a valid driver’s license and insurance from the driver.
- All children will be required to use a child restraint system if under age 4 or 40 lbs. No child will ever sit in the front seat. All other prudent safety rules will be observed.
- If a group has already left for a trip and a child arrives at the center late, the parent can either go find or meet the group at their destination, or leave a child with another appropriate classroom, If the class rooms are all at ratio, the child will sit in the office with the director until their group returns.
- In the event that a child is lost during a fieldtrip, we will contact the police first then parents. We will contact the director and owner. The group will stay at site until police, parents, owner/director arrive.
Special Activities
If we have any special activities outside our regular routines (outings, visitors, parties, viewing videos etc.), we will always inform parents of such events ahead of time. We do not watch television or videos as part of our regular routine. Upon occasion we may watch a program for a special event. Parents are required to sign an authorization form in order their child to participate.
Visitors at the Center
All visitors shall sign in at the office. Visitors are individuals coming to the center who are not the parents or guardians of the children at the center. Posting are located on all of the entrance door informing visitors they must sign in at the office.
Health and Safety
Good Health
Only children who are in good health may be brought to our center. When the child develops signs of illness during the day parents will be called and will be expected to pick up their child as soon as possible. In the meantime, the child will be made comfortable in a quiet supervised location away from other children. Children in all programs, except infants, will play outdoors daily, weather permitting. Infants will also go outside to play, however, age and weather will determine whether it is appropriate to do so. Parents are responsible for sending children with appropriate clothing and footwear during outdoor play. Please do not ask us to keep a child inside because of a cold or other illness. We do not have extra staff members to stay with children who cannot be included in the group. A child who is too sick to go outside is usually too sick to be in a group situation.
Illness
Parents must understand that any new social setting offers exposure to illness. We take every precaution to prevent the spread of illness.
Whenever your child has experienced any of the following symptoms within the previous 24 hours, you will be expected to make other child care arrangements for the comfort and well being of the other children at the center as well as for your child:
- Fever or 100.5 under the arm – children who are sent home with a fever may not return to school until they have been fever free (without fever medication) for a full 24-hour period.
- Diarrhea- three or more instances close together may be assumed to be contagious unless determined by a doctor not to be so. A doctor’s note to this effect must be sent with a child under this circumstance.
- Vomiting
- Pronounced or persistent coughing or lethargy.
- A contagious condition of any kind, including but not limited to: infectious rash, flu, strep, respiratory infection, conjunctivitis (pink eye), chicken pocks, Measles, thrush, hepatitis, mumps, lice, fifths disease, etc.
- Any kind of undiagnosed rash
When sick children are kept at home, all of the children and their families benefit from better health. We are not licensed to care for sick children. Please remember that all symptoms must have disappeared at least 24 hours before returning to the center. In some instances, a doctor’s note of good health may be required before the child will be able to return. If you child is “unable to function” in the child care situation, he/she will be sent home.
Medication Policy
- Prescription medicine must be delivered to your child’s regular teacher in the current prescription container labeled by the pharmacist with the child’s name, date, medication name and dosage instructions. In order to administer any medication, we must have a “Physicians signed order for medication at school” form filled out and signed by the physician and the parent. The form must specify type of medication, route of administration, time and duration of medication and possible side affects. Our staff will keep on file the physician’s order along with a medication log that will be signed daily by the medication administrators. TinyMinder’s does keep these forms on hand if needed, although most physicians will have them at your child’s visit.
- We will not administer the initial dose of any medication. This must begin at home or by the doctor in order to evaluate effectiveness and observe possible side effects.
- Children on antibiotics may not return to the center until they have completed 24 hours of antibiotic therapy.
- TinyMinder’s, with a written physician’s order, will administer over-the-counter medications. This note must be signed by your physician for each separate over the counter medication. We cannot administer medication on an “as needed basis.” Please understand that the signed physician’s order is needed before any kind of medication can be given. This is required by the State and is for the safety of the children.
- Teachers will apply sunscreen as many times during the day as seems necessary. We will supply sunscreen- NOAD SPF 30. If you would like to use something different, you will be required to supply it to your child’s teacher. Please be sure to label your containers. Appropriate clothing, such as hats will also be helpful in protecting children from getting too much sun. You may want to get a recommendation for sunscreen from your doctor as they all have different features. Infants under 6 months of age cannot wear sunscreen.
- Children with special needs or chronic conditions will be assessed individually in consultation with parents and physician. Such special needs would include, but not be limited to: the use of inhalers, insulin and nebulizers.
- All medications must be carried directly to a teacher or the director. No medication should be left in a diaper bag, lunch box, or cubby. No medication should be mixed in a child’s bottle or into other fluid. Unused medication will be returned to the parent.
- When administering medication, no attempt will be made to restrain a child or to use unusual force if the child is upset or uncooperative. A parent will be called immediately if such a problem occurs.
Accidents and Emergencies
In accordance with State Regulations, our staff receives first aid and CRP certification for infants, children and adults. All accidents and injuries will be reported to the parents on an accident/injury form the day of the occurrence. We treat bumps and bruises with ice and other minor scrapes and cuts with warm water and soap.
We will make an immediate attempt to contact parents should a more serious incident occur. If we are not able to reach a parent or your emergency contact person(s), we will call an ambulance and your child’s doctor. Either the Director or Governing Body will accompany your child to the hospital and stay until a parent arrives Any resulting expenses are the responsibility of the child’s family.
Tinyminders Parent Handbook (Download)