Additional Program Information
There's always something that doesn't fit into any other category, so here's a collection of helpful information that couldn't find a home anywhere else.
Conferences
We are always eager to speak with families about their child's daily experiences, growth, and development, or any other topic you may wish to discuss. Although Amy & Kids Co. does not hold formally scheduled conferences, information about your child's growth and development will be shared on an on-going basis at drop-off and pick-up times, and through the use of individual child portfolios. Feel free to request a conference at any time if you have a concern or feel that we need time to talk without interruptions.
Entrance Area
The entrance area is an important source of information. We will post many pieces of information on the bulletin boards, including our license and the most recent results of the licensing specialist's visit, the current weekly menu and monthly lesson plans. In the area above the cubbies we post our Registry certificate, the most recent newsletter, disease/illness notices and other information. Please take a moment to look around when you drop off or pick up your child.
Field Trips
Amy & Kids Co. occasionally plans field trips for educational purposes and just for fun. Transportation for field trips will be provided by the program or by a child's own parent, unless you give specific written permission for your child to travel with another parent. All Amy & Kids Co. vehicles used for field trips have been checked and serviced annually, and a report is kept on file. Each child must use an appropriate car seat or seat belt as required by Wisconsin law. This includes children up to age 8 who are now required to use a booster seat until certain weight and height requirements are met. Children's enrollment and health history forms will be taken on each field trip, as required by licensing regulations. Parents are responsible for any charges or fees related to field trips unless informed otherwise. If you decide not to allow your child to participate in a field trip, you are responsible for finding alternative child care during the field trip.
Insurance
As with all professional businesses, Amy & Kids Co. carries general liability insurance on the premises, the cats, and any vehicles used for child care. Professional liability insurance is also carried for substitute and additional caregivers as well as for the business itself.
Naps
Active children need rest to experience proper growth and development. Licensing regulations also require that children under the age of five lie down to nap every day. Each child under one year old will use a porta-crib without a pillow. Children one to two will use a porta-crib or nap mat, as appropriate to the individual child. Children three and older will use a nap mat for nap time. Each child over one year will be provided with his or her own sheet, pillow, and blanket, which are laundered at after every five uses. Children who are five or older will have a quiet rest time every day where they can look at books or play quietly by themselves. You may wish to provide a favorite toy or blanket to be kept at Amy & Kids Co. for naps.
Neighborhood Walks
We often take walks around the neighborhood to enjoy the scenery and see how the seasons change familiar landmarks. Children will be worn in a sling or infant carrier, pushed in a stroller, pulled in a wagon, or walking along with us as appropriate for their ages and abilities. If we take a walk around pick-up time we will leave a message with one of our family members or post a note on the door so you know where we are, and emergency information for each child will be taken whenever the children leave the premises.
Partnership
The parent-provider partnership is extremely important in promoting quality care for your child. Your child will become very special to us and his/her well-being is our main concern. Open communication between parent and provider ensures that your child will receive quality care. You are always welcome at Amy & Kids Co. to visit, observe, or to stay and play. Periodically we will be sending home materials to assist, inform, affirm or uplift you in your important job of parenting. We will also ask you to evaluate Amy & Kids Co. annually through a survey. All of your feedback is important in helping us meet your family's needs and to continue providing a high level of quality care. See our Parents as Partners page for more information about our partnership.
Pets
Pets can add an extra amount of love and excitement to the day. Currently we have a variety of pets for your child to experience, including several fish, four hermit crabs, and three house cats. While the fish and hermit crabs are in aquariums and generally inaccessible to the children, the cats can often be found napping in the areas where the children play. All three cats are patient with the children as long as they are not mishandled, and the children's interactions with the cats are monitored as closely as possible. We also have a caged hamster in the girls' room; however he is too shy to be allowed to play with the children. All available vaccinations of pets are kept current. Please let us know if your child is allergic to any of our pets.
Play and Toys
Play is essential for all children's well-being and development. New concepts, improved skills and enhanced comprehension come to children through play. Children's senses will help them to experience the world around them, and their imaginations will take them anywhere they want to go. While playing, children learn to originate and organize ideas, become more flexible in problem solving, and develop longer attention spans. During play children learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings, ideas and needs to others. Daily play at Amy & Kids Co. will offer a variety of experiences to enhance your child's self-esteem and to enable your child to feel successful. Toys are the learning tools of children. The variety of toys available at Amy & Kids Co. will encourage language development (books), large and small muscle development (slides, puzzles and blocks), creativity (artwork), imagination (dress-up), self-help skills (dressing self) and cultural awareness (books and various toys). Because it is often difficult for a child to share a beloved plaything, please do not allow your child to bring toys to Amy & Kids Co. we have plenty of toys for everyone and can not be responsible for the loss of or damage to any toys that your child may bring.
Play-Outdoors
We will play outdoors regularly, as the weather permits. We will stay indoors if it is raining, if temperatures with wind chill fall below 20 degrees, or if temperatures with heat index are above 90 degrees. Please make sure your child brings appropriate clothing, as we may not always have extra outdoor clothing in the right sizes. Keep in mind that spring and fall weather can be unpredictable so your child needs a jacket or sweatshirt every day. In the winter your child needs boots, snow pants, mittens and a hat. During the summer months your child needs a swimsuit and towel. Plan to keep these items at Amy & Kids Co. so they are available for your child when needed. Each item should be clearly marked with your child's name, and taken home weekly for cleaning. Casual clothing is strongly recommended, as are clothes easily managed by your child. Actively playing children get dirty and may be rough on their clothing, while easily managed clothing develops children's independence.
Religion
Our family and we are Christians and our faith is an integral part of our everyday lives. At Amy & Kids Co. we routinely pray at meals, use Christian songs, videos, books, etc. We celebrate Christian holidays as well as secular ones.
School Age Care
A child who is enrolled in first or subsequent grades is considered a School-Age child. In addition to the activities available to all of the children, a quiet place to study or relax and access to age-appropriate, yet child-safe materials and activities will be available. Plenty of time for large muscle activities and the opportunity to participate in snack preparation will also be provided. If parents wish to allow a school-age child to leave or arrive at the center unescorted, we must have written authorization on file beforehand. Licensing rules require that school-age children who leave the center unescorted must be traveling to home, school or another activity where adult supervision is present. Refer to our scheduling page for school age scheduling guidelines.
Substitute Care
Occasionally there will be a need for a substitute caregiver, at these times Amy & Kids Co. will arrange for a substitute. This person will be experienced in caring for children, familiar with the policies at Amy & Kids Co., and will have fulfilled at least minimum licensing requirements. Each substitute provider will receive an orientation following the state required orientation form, and will sign that each area on the form was covered.
Transportation
Due to the challenges of transporting young children and our concern for your child's well-being, Amy & Kids Co. does not transport children except for field trips, or in the case of an emergency. If your child will leave from Amy & Kids Co. by school bus, cab, car pool, or any other means not in your care we must have written permission on file before we are able to release your child. If your child is going to arrive in a manner different than his/her normal routine please let us know ahead of time.
TV/Movies
Television is a part of everyday life for most families and some TV watching at Amy & Kids Co. is in keeping with our family style program. Generally the TV is only on before breakfast and lunch as we are preparing the meals. We also have a TV with DVD player in the basement that is used during tornado and severe weather situations if possible. We only watch TV programs that are appropriate for preschoolers, and movies with a G rating. In order to keep our TV watching to a minimum please do not allow your child to bring any videos or DVDs without making prior arrangements.
Volunteers
Parent, grandparent, other family member and family friend volunteers are welcome at Amy & Kids Co. Each volunteer will receive an orientation following the state required orientation form, and will sign that each area on the form was covered. No volunteer will be left alone with children unless he or she has fulfilled the requirements for a substitute caregiver.