Parents as Partners
Quality of care is directly related to the amount of time spent with each child. These policies have been developed to maximize the amount of time we spend with the children by decreasing the amount of time we need to spend on "office" matters.
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.
Arrival
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 we are happy to help with the transition. If your child will be arriving late or will be absent for the day please call us 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 to arrive via transportation other than his/her parents does not arrive within 15 minutes of his/her scheduled time we will call the parents to inform them that the child has not yet arrived.
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
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.
Forms
Accurate record-keeping is essential to protect your children and to enable the program to function smoothly. Each family must submit a completed and signed "Child Care Enrollment", "Health History and Emergency Care Plan", and "Parent/Provider Contract" to Amy & Kids Co. before the child's first day of attendance. The "Child Health Report", "Child Care Immunization Record" and food program "Child Enrollment Form" must be completed and submitted by the deadline listed on each form. A "Child Care Intake for Child Under 2 Years", "Child Care Intake for Child Over 2 Years", "Child Care School-Age Agreement" and "Child Care Center Transportation Permission" must also be completed and submitted as applicable to your family. We will inform you of necessary updates and give you at least a week to submit the updated form. If forms are not kept current child care will be suspended and regular tuition payments due until the forms are submitted.
Leaving Amy & Kids Co.
At some point it will be time for your child to move from our care to school or another situation. The Parent/Provider Contract may be terminated by either Amy & Kids Co. or by the parent. Two weeks' notice must be given in writing when the parent terminates child care services. Regular tuition payments are due during this time whether the child is brought for care or not. Amy & Kids Co. may terminate a child's enrollment effective immediately for the following reasons: failure to pay tuition and/or fees on time, lack of parental cooperation, inability to meet the needs of the child, failure to pick up the child on time, failure to complete and return required forms, verbal or physical abuse or threat by a parent or other person transporting a child, a child's behavior which threatens the well-being of any person at Amy & Kids Co., or for any other reason as deemed necessary by Amy & Kids Co. When notice of termination is given by the parent or by the center all outstanding bills must be paid, regardless of which party terminates services. If the parent does not give a written two-week notice, tuition for the two weeks following the child's last day of attendance is due.
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.