Infant and toddler
specialty care
Welcome to Home Sweet Home Child Care
This handbook contains information regarding our child care program. It is very important that you read this handbook and keep it handy as long as your child is enrolled in this program. This handbook will answer many of the questions you may have about our
Our mission
We believe children learn the most in the first few years of life, interactions with others during these first years help shape them, give them a sense of self worth, trust, and so many important core values. Brain development is happening at a rapid pace during this time as well. We strive to help children create trusting relationships with our caregivers, we strive to create many opportunities to help children achieve developmental milestones, learn, play, and feel loved.
Hours/Days of operation
Home Sweet Home Child Care is Open Monday through Friday, from 6am to 6pm.
Holidays
We are closed for the following days:
New Years, Memorial day, 4th of July, Labor day, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
We do charge for these holidays.
(When a holiday falls on a weekend, a week day will be observed and charged as the holiday.)
Our job is one that is most important, we work long hours with little time off, and we also feel we should take care of our employees as well.
Meet our team
Jamie Barnes – License holder/Program director. I have always had a passion for working with, and teaching, children.
I started my Business in 1996, and have been licensed by the State of Utah since 2005.
I hold a CDA (child development associate) credential, I participate in CCQS(child care quality system) career ladder, and continuing education to better the daycare.
Heather Trane- Heather and Jamie have been long time friends, and have previously worked together at the home facility.
Heather has had early childhood development experience, and worked previously in a child care Center.
Heather also has a Passion for teaching and working with children.
Heather works really hard, and doesn’t let her disability Of being legally blind stop her.
She’s eager to learn more and continue with ongoing early childhood development education.
She previously worked with infants and toddlers at a child care center. We are so happy to have her working with us!
Jim Barnes- Caregiver/Transportation/Maintenance
Jim has a love and passion for working with, and teaching, children as well,
He joined me in business in 2008.
He holds a commercial driving license and is working on Career ladder as well.
All staff are required to maintain CPR and first aid.
All staff and volunteers are required to have and maintain ongoing early childhood development education. Background screenings and finger printing are required for all caregivers and persons living in our home.
ENROLLMENT
Non-Discrimination policy
In accordance with federal law Home Sweet Home Day Care is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability for caregivers, and children.
Required Forms
Immunization records (School record form)
Admission agreement/contract (Last page)
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.
Termination
We require a two weeks notice upon termination of this agreement.
Trail period
Upon enrollment there is a 2 week trial period, where you and I can evaluate to assure that our daycare is suitable for your child, payment is required for the time your child had been in care, however termination notice will be waived should you or I decide our daycare is not suitable for your child.
Fee Schedule
AGE. Birth-18 months
FT. $1200.
4 DAYS. $1100.
3 DAYS $900.
2 DAYS. $700
1 DAY. $500.
Please be aware that these spots are reserved for your child on the days and times that you have requested, therefore you are charged for those days rather they come or not.
Hourly rate $10 hour (unsecured.) And only upon availability will I accept drop-ins or P.T. These spots can change without notice.
Late pick up fee- $1 per 1 min after 6:00 Please realize that we have been working 12+ 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
Payment for services are due on the first day at care.
Enrollment fee/ deposit is due on the day children are enrolled.l
Payment is due in advance of services, billed once a month, and can be paid weekly, bi-weekly, twice a month, or monthly.
Payment is set up by email through our accounting program called Brightwheel.
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 child care home 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, that person will have to show photo ID before your child is released.
Only those listed on the admission agreement will be allowed to pick up your child. In less informed by a call or text that someone different will be picking the kids up. That person will have to provide a photo ID.
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 this process we use a program that you will be enrolled in, that will allow you to sign your child in-and-out by your cell phone, with a pin number that will do as your signature.
As soon as you or whoever arrives to pick up, they are responsible for the well being of your child as well as responsible for any accidents that may occur.
The sign in and out also allows us to get reimbursed for food for your child/children, therefore each pay period that is not signed and initialed both in and out times you will be charged for food those days in addition to regular payment. Please be sure to sign the top or the paper each new month as well as initial daily.
Birthday Parties
Homemade food brought from home is prohibited by state law, to share at the daycare.
If you would like to send cupcakes for birthday partied they must be prepackaged.
Breastfeeding
Mothers are encourages to breastfeed and provide breast milk for their child; we provide a safe storage area for breast milk.
Please make sure to label breast milk with your child’s name and the date it was contained.
We provide a comfortable, private area which enables mothers to breast feed their child.
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.
Fire and disaster drills
Fire drills are held monthly and disaster drills quarterly. We practice evacuating the daycare, meeting on the driveway, accounting for all staff and children. We try to keep these drills low key so it doesn’t scare the young children, Children that are old enough to start to understand this process we discuss the importance of the drills with them and talk about any fears they may have.
Liability Insurance
Our day care is covered with liability insurance; however the daycare insurance is secondary. The parent’s insurance will be required to cover injuries that may occur on the property, on fieldtrips, or in the vehicle for your child.
Liability Insurance
7:30-9:00 – Breakfast
10:00 -10:30 – Snack
12:00-1:00 – Lunch
3:30-4:00 – Snack
5:30-6:00. Snack
Infants and young toddlers are fed on demand.
Home Sweet Home Child Care participates in the Orem child care nutrition program. Meals will consist of breakfast, snack, lunch, afternoon 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. Children tend to think the “grass is greener . . .” when they see someone eating something different from them.
It is our belief that infants should be fed on demand. If parents have another feeding schedule in mind, we will need to discuss, so that the infant’s needs will be adequately met.
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. An appropriate substitution will be made, if possible. If a child has so many allergies that he/she cannot eat from our menu, we may require the parents to provide his/her lunch and snacks.
We never force a child to finish what is on his/her plate, but we do encourage each child to try one or two bites of everything. Sometimes they are surprised by what they like! All eating patterns will be communicated to the parents.
Media use
Television and movies are limited to encourage children to play and use their imaginations.
Nap/Rest time
There will be a designated nap time every day.
We have individualized cribs and nap sacs that are washed weekly. If your Child needs a special blanket, please provide one that is small that can be kept here for them at nap time. Infants nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated. Somewhere between 12 and 18 months, children usually drop down to one nap per day. At this time, we will attempt to put them on the scheduled nap/rest period.
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, weather permitting.
We use the childcare weather chart to determine “weather permitting” conditions for outdoor play.
We require children to have a set of clothing to be kept here. Please label with your child’s name.
Sun block
If you would like your child to wear sun block please send a can of spray sun block per child at beginning of summer.
Photo Release _
At our child care we take many pictures. We have a “Band” we post photos and share important information on. If you do not use the “Band” App we are not responsible for information you do not receive. By signing you agreed and give permission for posting your child’s picture on this page.
( These pictures are only shared with other families of the child care Facility.)
Toys from home
We prefer that children do not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (i.e. books, videos, etc.). 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 brought from home.
- Guidance and Socialization Policy
Positive Guidance
We maintain a positive discipline policy, which focuses on prevention, redirection, love, consistency and firmness. We stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for 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
- You may not be disrespectful to adults and other children.
- You may not hurt yourself or others.
- You may not damage equipment.
- You may not hurt the animals.
Discipline measures
If toddlers are hurting others or throwing a fit, they may be put in an unrestrained play area to play alone until they decide they can play with others
Daily feedback
Each day we keep track of each child’s activities and learning experiences though band and brightwheel.
Please feel free to commutate 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.
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.
HEALTH & 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
Please provide a package of diapers that can be kept here,, we will notify you when they are running low.
We provide wipes that are purchased from Costco that are for sensitive skin. We provide ointment for diaper rash.
If you would like something special used on your child please provide it with your 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.
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 our LDS Stake Center 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
Staff washes before and after preparing food, bottles and feeding or serving food.
Staff and children wash hands before and after eating, diaper changes, water activities, petting animals or whenever visibly dirty.
Drinking
Fresh drinking water is provided to the children throughout the day. Please provide your child with their own individual water cups which will be kept here and 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 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, with a tight fitted sheet, a wearable sleep sack, and no loose blankets or items.
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.
Quick Links
School Schedule
PreK- Mon-Fri: 9am-10:30am
Preschool – Mon-Fri; 11am-12:30
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