Parent handbook
for HSH PreK and
afterschool
Mission
Home Sweet Home Smart Cookies Academy is an all day Preschool and afterschool program. The purpose of our program is to provide an atmosphere for children to learn, play, begin to recognize their talents and interests, feel at home, and enjoy a place they can call their own.
In our relaxed atmosphere children can choose activities they would like to explore, all within boundaries, in our fun and ingageing interest centers.
During free play time children will be able to play, laugh and have fun just like they would in your home. As they are in our care, we learn to love and bond with them. We understand that our job is very important as we care for your most prized possessions. While they are in our care we do our best to care for them even above your expectations.
We are a faith based child care program, and do teach positive principles of Christian beliefs.
All lead Teachers are required to maintain CPR and first aid certifications.
All staff and regular volunteers are required to have and maintain ongoing early childhood development education.
Background screenings and finger printing are required for all team members.
Our Philosophy
We believe young children learn through example, and exploration, through experiences, and by taking chances. We view our role as one which provides them information and materials that will give them opportunities for learning, development, and growth.
We model respectful, kind behavior that we hope they will acquire and learn from.
By asking questions during play, art, exploring, and learning experiences, we foster their inquisitive minds and encourage each child to see the world around them from a variety of different perspectives.
We desire to help children visualize their talents, abilities, and encourage them to use them for good, so that they may see the importance of human uniqueness in our communities, and in the world.
We are advocates for children and families as we share information that would be helpful, or point parents in the direction of help or support.
We desire to create long lasting, trusting relationships with the children we care for and their families.
We also believe;
- Children learn best through guided play.
- Children need, and crave, appropriate boundaries and consistency.
- Parents are a child’s primary, and most influential, teachers.
- Parents should be partners in their children’s childcare experiences
- In teaching children to respect themselves, and others, as well as others belongings.
Hours/Days of operation
Home Sweet Home Smart Cookies Academy is open Monday through Friday,
6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Holidays
We are closed for the following Federal holidays:
New Years, Memorial day, 4th of July, Labor day, Thanksgiving, Christmas day.
We will also be closed THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS & THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS.
*Please note: We do charge for these days/holidays.
Our Team
Jamie Barnes – Founder/License holder/Director.
Jamie and Jim have 4 kids and 5 Grandkids, whom they absolutely cherish! Jamie has always had a passion for working with and teaching children. She started her home business in 1996 and has been licensed by the State of Utah since 2005. Jamie holds a current CDA (child development associate) credential. Jamie participates in Utah CCQS (Child Care Quality System) and in the Utah Early Childhood professional development career ladder program, in addition to on-going early childhood development education courses.
Jim Barnes- Maintenance/Transportation/Food Specialist
Jim has a love and passion for working with and teaching children as well. The children seem to enjoy joking around with him each day! He joined Jamie in their Family Childcare business in 2008. He holds a CDL (commercial driving license), food handler permit, CPR and first aid. He is also a wonderful support to Jamie. And can fix ANYTHING!!!
Jayne Sudweeks, and Kjira Miller-Infant toddler Teachers
Jayne and Kjira are a Mother daughter team, and love the littles so much!
Jamie and Jayne are Childhood best friends and continue to cherish their friendship.
Kjira is soft and sweet, often found playing on the floor with the babies.
Both Jayne and Kjira are CPR Certified and continues on going early childhood development education.
You will find them singing and dancing with the littles to strive for a happy atmosphere.
Morgan Mason- Animal cracker Nursery School Teacher (18 mos-3yrs)
Morgan has had Child care experience at a previous child care Center.
Her passion is working with children, and making a difference in the world.
She says it’s her “Dream job!” We love that!
Morgan is a hard worker, and an asset to our company.
Morgan is CPR Certified and continues on going early childhood development education
Anna Sage- Snickerdoodles Teacher (PreK Class)
Anna is loving, and kind, Is enjoying her new adventures in Child care.
She is studying cosmetology, and is very talented in her area of expertise.
She is great with the children, and is eager to learn all that she can in on going early childhood development education.
Brailyn Dunkley- PM Infant/toddler teacher
This girl is Amazing! She loves these littles with all her heart!
She attends high school at Skyridge, she is on their dance team, and as seen for myself how remarkable she is, hopefully we can have her teach a dance camp this coming summer!
Kylie Bryan Director designee- Infant/toddler teacher
Kylie is soft, sweet, fun, and energetic, who loves all these children.
She is a hard worker, Dedicated, Responsible, an asset to our program!
She is a senior at Skyridge high school.
She has a Passion for teaching Children, and a desire to continue her early childhood development education.
Hannah Coleman - PM Preschool teacher/School age
Hannah is soft, and sweet, and loves working with the children.
She is excited to learn more about early childhood development.
She is eager to learn and do what is needed, and work as part of this team!
ENROLLMENT
Non-Discrimination policy
In accordance with federal law Smart Cookies Academy is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability for caregivers, and children.
Required Forms
Current immunization records
Admission agreement/contract
State required Admission agreement/Health Assessment
All records are confidential, if information needs to be updated at any point; it is the parents responsibility to notify us.
Trial Period
Upon enrollment there is a 2 week trial period. During this time we will observe and evaluate to assure that our program is suitable for your child. Payment is required for the time your child has been in care, however termination notice will be waived should we or you decide our daycare is not the best fit for your child.
Admission agreement and Fee
Reserved All day learning rates as follows;
Enrollment fee
$50 due upon enrollment, also secures
placement Small infants
$65 a day per child birth-11 mos
Mobile infants/ Young toddlers 9 mos-17 mos
$60 a day per child
Older Toddler (18 mos-23mos)
$55 a day per child
Nursery School 2-3 yrs old
$55 a day per child
Early learning NS Class/ 2-3 yr olds
$45 all day Nursery School (No half day optio
Equal monthly rate $980
If fewer days is needed, please contact us for pricing
Preschool, Prek, And Kindergarten classes
$50 all day Preschool aged (3-5 years olds)
$30 half day
Before & After Care
$35 per child per day for School aged children (6-12 yr olds)
$25 per child per day Before or after school.
Please be aware that these placements are reserved for your child on the days and times that you have requested, therefore you are charged for those days whether your child attends or not.
Late pick up fee- $1 per 1 min after 6:00, if arrangement have not been communicated.
Please realize that we have been working long hours and even though we love your kids we are ready to close for the day!
Service fee for late payment-$5 per day
Payment policy
Enrollment fee for services is due on the day children are enrolled.
Payment is due in advance of services, billed once a month.
Payment is set up by email through our accounting program called Brightwheel.
Vacations
Your child/children’s spot is reserved just for them therefore you pay every month regardless if they are there or not.
With cost of living increases we may adjust, rates accordingly.
Policies and Procedures
We maintain an open door policy for parents during daycare hours, please knock and come right in. We are usually busy and it is helpful for us to not leave what we are doing to open the door. Parents are always welcome to call, or drop in to see their children at anytime.
- Families are invited and encouraged to spend time with their child/children in the program before the child’s/children’s first day alone.
Authorization to pick up child
Children will only be released to persons the parents has listed on the Admission agreement.
If you need someone other than those listed on the agreement please call or text us and let us know. Be aware and prepare that person as they will be required to show photo ID before your child is released.
Only those adults 18 years and older listed on the admission agreement will be allowed to pick up your child.
If it is suspected that the person who is picking up the child is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, we will notify Lehi police.
Sign In/out
It is required by state law that all parents sign their child in and out each day.
For your convenience upon enrollment you will receive a welcome letter from brightwheel, you will be able to download the app to sign your child/children in and out. You will be given a four digit code that will be in place of your signature. Please be sure to sign your child/children in and our every day. This helps us keep a record of your child/childrens attendance, hours, and who brought/picked up the child each day.
At drop off please walk your child in the door to ensure their safety . There is a code on the door for protection. Please be sure to get that code. As soon as you or your approved person arrives to pick up, they are responsible for the well being of your child as well as responsible for any accidents that may occur.
Birthday Parties
Homemade food brought from home is prohibited by state law, to share at the daycare.
If you would like to send treats or cupcakes for birthday parties they must be pre-packaged/store purchased..
Children’s arrival and Parents departure
Separation can be stressful for both parents and children, especially in the early days. Please give your child your full attention. Please do not sneak out without saying goodbye. Give your child a goodbye kiss, or come up with a goodbye routine that you can do together each day, and explain that it is time for you to leave but you will return later.
Field Trips/Activities
We do go on fieldtrips, to the parks, travel in the bus to community splash pads, and museums, resorts, etc.
You are always welcome to check our bus and supplies for safety, as well as ask questions or express any concerns you may have.
We will put a message on “Band” or on “Brightwheel” before going on fieldtrips, and post any changes that we may need to make. Please be sure to turn on notifications for “Band” and “Brightwheel ” so you can stay informed!
Fire and disaster drills
Practices of fire drills are held monthly and disaster drills quarterly. We practice evacuation, meeting on the front lawn, accounting for all teachers and students. We discuss the importance of the drills with the children and talk about any fears they may have.
Liability Insurance
Our school is covered with liability insurance; however the insurance is secondary. The parents/guardians insurance will be required to cover injuries that may occur on the property, on field trips, or in the vehicle, for your child.
Meals and Sna ks
Meals will consist of breakfast, am snack, lunch, afternoon snack, and evening snack.
Children who arrive after meal times should be fed before they arrive. Copies of the menu are provided to parents upon request. Please do not bring food, drinks, etc. from home unless requested or a special diet is needed. Children tend to think the “grass is greener . . .” when they see someone eating something different from them.
If your child has allergies, and requires a modified diet, we must be notified of this in writing. We will need to have a physician’s written instructions describing any foods the child is not permitted to eat. As well as any allergic reactions.
We never force a child to finish what is on his/her plate, but we do encourage them to eat what they take. We also encourage each child to try one or two bites of everything, and eat what they can to get full enough for the next meal or snack.
Sometimes they are surprised by what they like!
All eating patterns will be communicated to the parents.
Media use
Visual media is very limited as we focus on encouraging children to play and use their imaginations.
Nap/Rest time
There will be a designated nap/rest time each day. Preschool and older children are not required to lay still for more than 30 min.
Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day. Without rest time, some children are argumentative in the afternoon, short-tempered with others, and not real happy when they go home in the evening. We have individualized nap sacs that are washed weekly. (Please don’t bring blankets from home.) If your Child needs a special blanket, please provide one that is small that can be kept here for them at rest time.
Outdoor play time
It is extremely important for children to have outdoor play time on a daily basis.
We spend at least 60 minutes or more outdoors per day.
We require preschool children to have a set of clothing to be kept here.
Please label this clothing with your child’s name and put it in a bag to leave at the center.
Sun block
Our school is covered withIf you would like your child to wear sunblock please send a can of spray sunblock per child at the beginning of summer. liability insurance; however the insurance is secondary. The parents/guardians insurance will be required to cover injuries that may occur on the property, on field trips, or in the vehicle, for your child.
Photo Release
At our child care we take many pictures. We have a “Band” page and “Brightwheel” program where we post photos and share important information. By signing this agreement you accept these terms.
Toys from home
We prefer that children do not bring toys or items from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group.
Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others, and it is even harder with their own special toys. If toys are brought, please note that they may be put away, if they are the cause of disagreements among the children.
- We are not responsible for broken toys. Transportation Children are transported to school, preschool, parks, and other activities.
- All Children may ride on the school bus for School runs, and field trips
Guidance and Socialization Policy
Positive Guidance
We maintain a positive discipline policy, which focuses on prevention, redirection, love, consistency and firmness. We stress three main patterns of behavior: respect for self, other people, and respect for property. Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children have a hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit, throw toys, bite, etc. We will try to prevent problems, redirect when appropriate, discuss inappropriate behavior, encourage making amends when offense involves another person, and sometimes withdraw privileges based on the principle of “logical consequences”. An example might be where a child is misusing a toy then he/she will not be allowed to play with the toy for a period of time. The use of time outs will be rare except when a brief cooling off period is needed.
Sometimes when children are fighting or throwing toys, we will put the toy in a short time out, and then bring it back into circulation a little later.
We will use the following child guiding techniques:
- Tell your child what he/she can do.
- Establish eye contact when speaking with the child.
- Give choices when possible, but only when the child really has a choice.
- Encourage children to solve their own problems and workout conflicts.
- Redirect a child to another activity.
- Help children learn how to join play.
- Provide a safe place in an unlocked room for them to work out their frustration away from other children.
Limits of Behavior in our program:
- Children may not be disrespectful to adults and other children.
- Children may not hurt themself or others.
- Children may not damage equipment.
- No one may not use bad language.
Discipline/Guidance measures
- We use a “how am I doing today” chart to let you and your child that is 3 years and up know how their behavior has been.
- “YELLOW” Warning to them that they are not following the rules of the daycare.
- “ORANGE” We need to talk about the rules and the child repeats them back to us.
- “RED” The child will need to tell their Parent which rules they are not following and the child will not get a goodbye treat for that day.
- For preschool age children, if they are hurting others or throwing a fit, we get down to their eye level and help them understand their feelings, as well as others involved. If recurring behaviors persist they are put in an unrestrained play area to play alone until they decide they can play nicely with others.
Parents in the Program
There is a calendar located on the magnetic board to communicate the monthly schedule and menu to parents or caregivers; I will also send a picture each month via text upon request.
The activities and menu are subject to change at any given time, we may send out a text informing you of the changes.
Daily feedback
Each day/week we keep track of each child’s activities and learning experiences through a kept journal
Parents may request copies of daily or weekly journals, or infant feedback forms.
We are available at pick up time, or any convenient time for you to address any concerns you may have. Please feel free to communicate any needs, wants, and/or concerns regarding your child. It is only through good parent/provider interaction that good, quality nurturing care can be achieved.
Grievance Procedure
In the event that a problem or concern exists we want to correct it as quickly as possible, this can only be achieved if it is identified immediately, and brought to our attention and discussed.
Child Abuse and Neglect reporting
Utah State requires all individuals 18 year and older to report any and all cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. This means that Home sweet home daycare could be shut down if we fail to report suspected abuse or neglect. Beyond this we want to do our part to keep your children safe from harm.
Health and Safety
Accidents
Minor bumps and scratches are inevitable, but we make every effort to keep the children safe through supervision and childproofing. Minor injuries receive appropriate first aid, and if an emergency injury or illness occurs, you will be contacted as soon as possible. If necessary, your child will be taken to the nearest hospital where you will be asked to meet us. If you are not going to be at your usual place of employment, or at home, please make sure that we have a number where you can be reached.
Should your child be involved in a non-emergency accident/incident during the course of the day, we will complete an accident/incident report that Parents or guardians are required to sign.
Children with special needs
We believe that every child should have a successful and meaningful experience. We will do everything we can to include every child; however, together we can decide if our daycare is able to accommodate your child with his or her special needs.
Diapering/ Toileting
Please provide Diapers, pull-ups, wipes and ointment either in a diaper bag or a package with your child’s name on it.
Fresh disposable gloves are worn 100% of the time when changing diapers.
Gloves are put on before handling soiled clothing or diapers and removed before handling clean diapers and clothing.
The diapering changing pad is sanitized between each diaper change and hand washing of both child and provider is performed after each diaper change.
When you feel your child is ready for potty training, we ask that you begin this teaching at home during a weekend or vacation. We will follow through and encourage your child while in our care. The child must be showing signs of readiness. When a child is ready, the process should go pretty quickly.
Emergency
Should there be a fire or disaster parents will be contacted ASAP, in the event that we need to evacuate and are not able to contact you, we would take children to the local LDS Church Building located 2261 W 1500 N Lehi 801-766-2179
Illness
Symptoms requiring removal of child from day care:
- Fever: of 101 or higher (a child needs to be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to daycare (The child is fever free without the aid of Tylenol®, or any other fever reducing substance.)
- Fever AND cough, sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, irritability, or confusion.
- Diarrhea: leaky/ watery, or bloody stools.
- Vomiting: 2 or more times in a 24 hour period. Note: please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the night.
- Breathing problems
- Scratching of body or scalp, lice, rash, or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases, including ringworm.
- Pink eye or goopy eyes (Children can return after 24 hours of using prescription eye drops and or condition is cleared up)
- Raspy/Croupy cough
If your child becomes ill while in daycare, you will be notified to pick up your child immediately. If we are unable to contact you, we will call your emergency contacts. Your child will be isolated from the other children and made comfortable until someone is able to pick them up.
Hand Washing
Anyone entering our facility must sanitize upon arrival.
Staff washes before and after preparing food, bottles and feeding or serving food.
Staff and children wash hands before and after eating, toileting, playing in sand, water activities, petting animals or whenever visibly dirty.
Drinking
Please provide a water cup/Water bottle for your child to keep here with us. Fresh drinking water is provided to the children throughout the day. Each child has their own individual water cups which are cleaned and sanitized each night. Water cups are available to the children all day and are refilled with clean, fresh water. Water cups are taken outside when children go outside when the temperature is 75 degrees and over.
Health Policies
When a child in our care has been medically diagnosed with a communicable disease, we will notify the appropriate health authorities and follow the recommendations to provide information to parents of all exposed children. We will notify parents of exposed children on the same day or within 24 hours by: text message.
Parents are required to inform us within 24 hours (exclusive of weekends/holidays) when their child has been diagnosed as having any contagious disease.
Infant sleep policy
All infants under the age of 12 months will be placed on their backs to sleep in a safety approved crib or playpen.
Immunization policy
All children must be fully immunized or their age level and we must have a school record of them, please provide a signed copy from your Dr. or from the heath dept before entering our program in order to comply with state licensing requirements. Please provide updated immunizations as your child receives them. If you have reason to why you do not want your child immunized, you must prove us with a waiver from the state health dept. If there is an outbreak of illness (that immunizations cover) all unimmunized children will be excluded from attendance until cleared by the health dept, however fee’s will still apply. If you are not sure that your child is up to date please call you Dr’s office or health dept.
Medication policy
A filled out and signed medication form is required to administer any medication including over the counter medication. (Included in this packet)
All personal belongings should be marked with your child’s name. Eating utensils, cups and dishes will be supplied. If any of these items are brought, they must be marked with your child’s name, to avoid mix-ups with other children. If your child uses a binky please use a binky attachment.
By signing you agree to abide by the written policies as stated in this handbook, as well as give permission for water play, and other activities, field trips, and transportation. I agree not to sue for accidents, or incidents should any occur with child play activities while my child is in the care of Home Sweet Home Smart Cookies Academy and any of the current staff.
Quick Links
School Schedule
PreK- Mon-Fri: 9am-10:30am
Preschool – Mon-Fri; 11am-12:30
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