Parents as Partners

The parent-provider partnership is extremely important in promoting quality care for your child. Your involvement is important in helping us meet your family's needs and to continue providing a high level of quality care for your child.

Absences

Due to the fact that Amy & Kids Co. maintains a place for your child with costs that remain fixed even when your child is not in attendance, if your child is absent for any reason other than earned free vacation you are responsible for the full fee as contracted. This includes sick days, days off from work, extra vacation days you may have, and the like. To fulfill licensing regulations, if a child who is scheduled for care is absent without prior notification I must call the parents to determine the whereabouts of the child. A fee will be charged for this service.

Arrival

Parent Policies - Arrival Children must be brought into the center by an adult unless arriving on foot from school and the appropriate School Age Agreement form is on file. For the safety of everyone, please do not leave your vehicle's engine running while you are inside the center. If your child is going to arrive in a manner different than his/her normal routine please let us know ahead of time. If your child will be arriving late or will be absent for the day please call me as soon as possible since your child's friends will want to know where he/she is, and our plans for the day may be affected. If a child who is scheduled for care does not arrive within 60 minutes of his/her scheduled time without prior notification I will call the parents to determine the whereabouts of the child. A fee will be charged for this service. When bringing your child for care, it is helpful to establish a "good-bye" routine with your child, realizing that this routine may be different for different children. For some children having a parent stay for a while works well, for others the "good-bye" is easier if the parent leaves quickly. If your child is reluctant for you to leave I am happy to help with the transition.

Back-Up Child Care

Amy & Kids Co. will periodically close for provider vacation, provider days off, and in case of emergency where we cannot remain open. Is your responsibility to have a back-up child care plan for these situations. If Amy & Kids Co. is closed for any reason other than holiday, provider vacation, or provider day off, you will not be charged for those days. Regular payment is due at all other times.

Departure

Parent Policies - Departure It is important to allow a few minutes at pick-up time to let your child "wind down" from the activities of the day and reconnect with you. We understand that this may be hard for tired parents, but it makes the transition easier for your child. Remember to actively listen to your child as he/she talks about the day, to gain an insight into his/her world at child care. Be enthusiastic about projects that come home; your approval and interest are important for the development of your child's self-esteem. If you are going to be detained please call us so we can let your child know when to expect you. 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.

Field Trips

Amy & Kids Co. occasionally plans field trips for educational purposes and just for fun. We make every attempt to give you enough advance notice so you can make arrangements to come along, see the world through your child's eyes, and get to know your child's friends. Due to our concern for children's safety and stringent licensing regulations regarding transportation, parents are responsible for transportation to field trips and to child care afterward. 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.

Items from Home

Children often want to share nature items and treasurers from home with their friends. Unfortunately, it is often more difficult to share a beloved plaything than children realize. For this reason, please do not allow your child to bring items from home except for blankets or other "lovies" for naptime. We have plenty of materials for everyone, and can not be responsible for the loss of or damage to any item that your child may bring. In addition, we do not allow toys of violence like guns, swords, or violent action figures at any time.

Parent Handouts

Over the course of our career providing family child care we have come across articles and resources that are valuable enough to share with others. Periodically we will be sending home materials to assist, inform, affirm or uplift you in your important job of parenting. We hope you enjoy these materials and find them helpful.

Referral Award

If you refer a new family to Amy & Kids Co. you will receive $25 cash after the referred family has been in attendance for four weeks. A record of the referral should be submitted in writing by the referred family.

Supplies

Parent Policies - Supplies In case of accidents or messy lunches each child needs a complete set of seasonally appropriate clothing kept at Amy & Kids Co. Please remember to update this outfit as the weather changes and as your child grows. It is your responsibility to make sure your child has enough supplies each day; we will notify you when your child's supplies are getting low. If consumable supplies run out during the day, Amy & Kids Co. will provide the necessary items for an extra fee. We keep a small supply of extra clothing in limited sizes; if your child needs to change clothing but does not have any here and our items will not fit we will call you at work so you can bring the necessary items. Please remember to label all articles with your child's name.

Vacations

After your family has been enrolled at Amy & Kids Co. for one consecutive year, you are entitled to one week of free vacation days equal to the number of weekly contracted days at the time vacation is taken. These vacation days must be taken all at once and written notification that you plan to use free vacation must be given at least two weeks ahead of time or regular tuition is due.