As a state licensed daycare operator in Illinois, I have been trained in CPR, First Aid and Preschool Education and Child Behavior. I want to assure you that I am both qualified and dedicated to providing a quality home environment for your child(ren). Each child in my home is given the love and support that I give my own children. I have been doing this for 20 +years in my home and have developed a few policies that help us work together.
Contract Terms:
Cost -Flat Rate, No Late Charges-
Payment is due each Friday; Checks are accepted. All payments are deductible by you as a child care expense on your income taxes. I charge by a flat, weekly rate. Weekly charges are due regardless of the number of days that your child attends the daycare(my rates are not pro-rated due to absence of your child). The flat, weekly rate extends for all 52 weeks of the year- in order to secure that your child(ren) receives a reserved slot in my home. DCFS law of licensing dictates that I am allowed only a specific number of full-time child slots; to guarantee that your child is one of the full-time slots available, the weekly fee is required.
Overtime: I will pledge to you that I will not charge you overtime when you are tardy (unless it becomes routine). There is no charge if you drop off your child(ren) earlier than 7:00 AM, which is acceptable with a one day notice.
I am required by state law to inform you that if a child is not picked up after one hour and I have not received a phone call or other notification I am to contact your emergency contact to pick up your child. If that emergency contact cannot come I will have to request police assistance in finding you and at that time I am obligated to contact Child Abuse Hotline. I will remain with your child until either you as a parent or the authorities arrive.
Daycare Closure: (YOU are responsible for obtaining alternate daycare when I am closed.)
The Flat weekly rate is still due during the regularly scheduled holidays and other days I am closed (listed below):
· Holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas eve – ½ day, and Christmas Day.
· Vacation: 2 consecutive weeks during the summer months (you will be notified at a minimum of 30 days prior to my vacation time.) The flat weekly rate due during my vacation time is due prior to my departure.
· Personal/ Sick days: 3 days.
Meals:
The flat weekly fee includes meals and snacks. Once a week each parent is asked to provide a treat for all the children. Something healthy is preferred but cupcakes, cookies, etc. are always appreciated by the children.
Health:
No Child will be allowed in my daycare when s/he is sick. This is a preventative measure to insure the health of the entire group. This reassures you of your child(ren) maintaining their health. Your child’s shots and medication will need to be listed in the paperwork provided with this form. Please have this signed by your pediatrician.
Teaching
I stress relational skills with the children. I teach them things they will need when in school at a later date. Sharing is very important. This is one of the reasons I ask each parent to bring a snack each week. This gives each child the opportunity to share something of his own with the group. Over the years, this has proven to be a valuable tool. We often do crafts or projects to help structure the day. Your will see the fruit of your child’s labors in this area. May I suggest a prominent place for these “works of art” to demonstrate your pride in their achievements? Occasionally, I take the children out to parks or McDonalds. Your signature below is considered my authority to travel with your child.
Rewards:
During the week we do all types of crafts and play games. I work on the socialization skills of the children and reward good behavior with a treat each Friday. You will, I am sure, hear about the “candy bag”. This is a treat I reward each child with on Friday. The consequence for bad behavior is demonstrated to the children and candy is removed from his or her bag. This teaches the power of choice and consequence. For years this has brought harmony and peace to a house full of children.
Child Pick-Up:
IMPORTANT: You MUST inform me regarding the names of individuals that are authorized to pick up your children at the end of the day. I must be aware of who is picking up your child and when. A child will NOT be released to anyone other than your specified pick-up person (regardless of their relationship to the child.) Any individual that I do not personally know will have to present a drivers license or state ID when s/he comes to pick up your child.
Contract Termination:
30 days notification is required to terminate this contract. If contract termination occurs any time after the daycare week has begun, then the entire flat, weekly rate is due.
Access:
These days there are many concerns that accompany childcare. Please feel free to ask me anything with regard to the care of your child. If you desire to come join us for a part of the day sometime, you are welcome. The children are used to being observed by the occasional visits from DCFS and Illinois Children’s Alliance.
The provisions of this contract are for your safety and the safety of you child(ren).
Date of Acceptance: The _____ day of _________________, 200___
