About Me and My Program
My Child Care Philosophy
I run a child-centered program that focuses on the individual needs of each child. We engage in play-based learning. I specialize in the social and emotional needs of infants and toddlers.
My Qualifications
I have been a licensed Family Child Care Provider since January 2015. I am CPR, First Aid and Emergency Preparedness trained. I am required to take 30 hours of continual training, on various childcare topics, every two years by the state.
I also have a Bachelors of Science degree from Clarkson University.
I am currently a quality stars daycare participant through N.Y.S. I also hold a Family Childcare CDA credential.
To date I have done over 150 hours of daycare related training from March 2019 to present.
Licensing
I am licensed by the State of New York as a Family Child Care Provider. A copy of my license is posted on my site.
I am a Mandated Reporter
I am a state-mandated reporter of suspected physical or sexual abuse or neglect of children. This means that if I have reason to believe that any child in my care has been neglected or abused, I am required by state law to report this to the local department of social services or to a law enforcement agency. If you suspect that any child in my program is being physically or sexually abused, please talk to me immediately. If you wish to report suspected child abuse or neglect, you may contact my registrar or the local child protection office.
Substitutes
I may have a substitute caregiver in the event of an emergency or if I have an appointment that must be made during business hours. The substitute will meet all state child care regulations.
I Do Not Discriminate
I will not discriminate against any child, parent, or family for reasons of race, color, sex, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation.
Your Responsibilities
Backup Child Care Arrangements
You are responsible for finding backup care for your child when I go on vacation, become ill, or must close for any reason. You are also responsible for finding backup care if your child is ill. If you need the names of some caregivers who may be able to provide backup care, please talk to me.
Child Care Program
Activities/Curriculum
I will conduct a wide variety of activities with your child, including: language development; sensory art activities; health; safety, and nutrition projects; puzzles; games; outdoor play; large muscle activities; free play; field trips; dramatic play; and more. All children’s activities will be appropriate to the age of your child, which means they will be within the abilities of your child. I do not allow the children to watch television unless we are watching a specific children’s educational program.
Food and Nutrition
I participate in a Child and Adult Care Food Program. You must sign a form to participate and must cooperate with requests for information from my Food Program sponsor. I serve the following meals:
- a morning breakfast at 09:00 am
- lunch between 11:30 provided by the parent/guardian
- an afternoon snack at 2:00 pm
If they miss a scheduled mealtime due to arriving late, then it is the parent's responsibility to ensure the child has eaten before arriving to care. This does not mean to bring in McDonald's for your child to eat when they arrive at my home. Children must be fed before entering my daycare. This does not apply to infants on formula, breast milk, or baby food.
If you would like to bring something as a treat for all children in care, please let me know the day before so that I may plan our snacks accordingly. Remember the treats must be supplied for all the children in care.
Naps and Quiet Time
All the children will take a nap or observe a quiet time in the afternoon. All the children lie down during this time. Each child has his or her own clean and separate bedding, and you may bring a special blanket or other security item for your child. Children under the age of one year will be put to sleep on their back to reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS). Infants also nap as needed.
Toilet Training
Toilet training in my daycare will be in a relaxed manner with the cooperation of the parents. If potty training is begun when your child is ready, the task is very easy and quick. You can start too soon and it is very painful for the child and parent.
To check for signs of readiness would be first through language. They should be able to say "Potty" or any other terms that indicates your child needs to go to the toilet. Another sign would be their interest in staying dry. Third sign is their self- help skills. Can they dress themselves like pull up or down their pants and underwear? The last sign to look for would be their ability to stay dry for longer periods of time during the day. Pull ups are not accepted heavy cloth underwear with plastic cover only.
No child at any time will ever be put down or shamed for any toileting accidents. I will NEVER discipline a child for accidents!
I will use the following methods to help your child learn to use the toilet:
- giving the child incentives (stickers)
- bringing the child to the toilet instead of asking is they have to go
- reading books and watching videos about learning the toilet
- Urine will be called “pee” or “pee-pee”
- A bowel movement will be called “poop” or “poopy”
Toys
Toys MAY NOT be brought from home. Your child will be taught to help pick up toys at the end of play time.
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