Kiddos Care participates in the Food Program. Foods are based on Illinois food guides. Nutritious meals will be served to children who are enrolled in this program at no extra cost to you. Children are fed nutritionally on a daily basis-breakfast, lunch and snack as required through enrollment with the family. Menus will be posted on the bulletin board weekly.

Children will help prepare the tables and meal when possible. I practice manners by using please, thank you, and you’re welcome. All children join at the table to eat and also learn proper seating and table manners. I believe mealtime should be a pleasant time; therefore, children are always offered food but are not forced to eat it. I do encourage each child to try one or two bites of everything. Sometimes they are surprised by what they like!  If a child refuses to eat their meal, there will be no food served until the next designated meal/snack time. If your child has any allergies, please let me know immediately. At no time should your child bring food from home unless enough food is brought for all. If your child wishes to bring an occasional treat, please call me to verify quantity and approved foods. All treats must arrive in sealed packages. Please allow your child time to finish all uneaten food prior to arriving inside Kiddos Care. Children that have a special diet or food allergy, the parent will need to provide foods, NO EXCEPTIONS! Liquids and Foods hotter than 110 degrees are kept out of reach of children.

Top Food Allergies

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree Nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Wheat

If you are introducing a new food item to your child, keep a look out for these symptoms:

• Hives or welts
• Flushed skin or rash
• Face, tongue, or lip swelling
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Coughing and wheezing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Loss of consciousness

All children are required to lie down for a rest period in the afternoon from 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  All children must nap, rest or sit quietly during the period.  Quiet Time gives everyone a much-needed break during the day. Without quiet time, some children are argumentative in the afternoon, short-tempered with others, and not happy when they go home in the evening. Quiet Time gives the staff an opportunity to take a break, clean up after lunch, do paperwork, fill out daily notes, and do activity planning. I would ask that you please avoid picking up or dropping off your child during naptime, unless you absolutely must, as you know it disturbs the other children’s rest period.

My goal for children’s learning is for them to become independent, self-confident, and enthusiastic learners for life, developing strong self-esteem, have fun, improve social skills, and a positive attitude towards exploration and learning so they’re not afraid to try out new ideas or make mistakes. I will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish the goal.  Free play, reading, arts and crafts, music/singing, dancing, dramatic play/pretend, puzzles, and educational TV/videos are just some of the activities I will be doing. Some of the activities include arts & crafts; music, math, science, stories, games, as well as letter, shape, color and number recognition are a weekly theme format.  Some of the projects will be taken home to share with the family and others will be ones that you can ask about. The goal of Kiddos Care is to have fun and provide extra learning stimulation for your child.  Music helps to develop young brains and will play a strong role in day-to-day activities. I may have special music activities and may also play music during other activities, for example, during arts and crafts or mealtimes. The activities planned helps the children to do the following:

• Figure out how things work
• Test new thoughts and ideas
• Develop small muscle control
• Use their imagination
• Develop problem-solving skills
• Practice cooperating with others
• Strengthen verbal and negotiating skills

There will be time and ways you can get involved in your child’s childcare experience.  You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any or all of these.  Some examples of ways to be involved include:

• Lending objects for units of study
• Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying  
• Helping your child prepare for “Show and Tell”
• Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties

Parental involvement is important to me. You may email me at makishabinns@gmail.com

The respect that you show Kiddos Care, including furnishings, equipment, and other children will communicate itself to your child and will make for a better working relationship.  There are certain rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow.  The following rules are enforced for the safety and well-being of everyone. There will be no hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching other children/infants/adults.  There will be also be no standing or climbing on chairs, tables, or furniture. There will be no use of obscene, derogatory or disrespectful language. Children are not permitted to lift and /or carry other children while in classroom or on the property.  Respectful treatment of other people and all property, toys and furniture is expected.  Willful destruction of property will be charged to the parent at the cost to replace the item.  Toys are meant to be played with, and if they break, it is most likely from wear and tear.  Unless a child deliberately takes a toy and breaks it, you or your child will not be held accountable.  Please support me in the enforcement of these rules, in order to create a better environment for all. NO SMOKING (CIGARETTES OR MARIJUANA) IS PERMITTED ON THE PREMISES.

As a childcare provider, we have a responsibility by law to recognize and report any evidence of child abuse—physical or emotional or neglect.  This is strictly for the benefit of your child. Child abuse and neglect are against the law in Illinois, and so is failure to report it. I am required to make a report within 48 hours of the time I suspected the child has been or may be abused or neglected. All suspicions of child abuse and neglect will be reported.

Kiddos Care takes great pride in having a warm, loving, and safe environment in which your child can explore, learn, and experience many different things. Some features that help ensure your child’s safety are:

Inside

• Adequate Ventilation throughout the home.
• No guns or firearms on our premises.
• Gates are used on stairways when infants under 18 months are present.
• Fire extinguishers are maintained properly.
• Electrical outlets are covered.
• Pens, pencils, and office supplies are out of reach.
• Knives and scissors are kept out of reach.
• Cleaners and chemicals are out of reach.
• The hot water heater is regulated at 120 degrees.
• Medications are out of reach of children.
• A well-stocked first aid kit is near and expiration dates observed.
• Provider is CPR and First Aid certified.

Outside

• Safe grassy areas to play.
• Playground free of splinters and harmful objects.
• Yard routinely treated to prevent insects.
• Entire back yard is not fenced or gated but supervision is provided.
• Children do not play outside unsupervised.

Indoor play: I provide a variety of age-appropriate toys for indoor play. Toys may be rotated or placed temporarily out of use so that the children do not become bored. Younger children have less-developed organizational skills and can get easily frustrated or upset when there are too many toys to choose from.  It is also more difficult for them the help with clean up, when there are toys everywhere, because it is so overwhelming to them. 

Outdoor play: I will be playing outdoor every day that weather permits.  Please make sure that your child is always appropriately dressed for outdoor play. Some activities will include taking walks, backyard playground, water play, bike/toy riding and more.  During spring and fall, our outdoor play will probably range form 20 – 45 minutes, and during the summer it may be a little longer.

Children’s hands are washed before eating, after diapering or use of toilet, coming in from outside play, coming in contact with a sick child and/or runny nose, and after completing messy crafts or projects.

Provider’s hands are washed before preparing food, before and after giving medications, after assisting a child using the toilet, after touching bodily secretions, and after personal restroom use. Hands are always dried with single use paper towels.

Every family has their own desires and needs when deciding on the length of maternity leave. If a position is or will be available, you have the option of paying a deposit to hold this position for you. I cannot hold this position longer than 6 weeks. If you wish to hold a position, you will need to pay 50% of the weekly rate each Friday to hold the position. At the end of the 6-week period, you will be required to pay 100% of the weekly fee to continue a hold on that position or you forfeit the position and all monies paid until that date.

Kiddos Care philosophy is that you use discipline to teach a child. I achieve this through love, consistency, and redirection.  Kiddos Care stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people and respect for property.  Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children, who are not adept at communication; have a hard time expressing their feelings, sometimes they hit or throw toys, etc. Although teaching children appropriate behavior is what I will be doing, remember that this behavior is normal in most cases.  This will ensure that each child is following the center rules and guidelines. Any form of corporal punishment is prohibited.

The following methods of discipline will be used:

• I will go over the class rules
• The child will be given a book to read to calm them down
• Intervention and discussion
• Re-direction to another play area
• Encourage children to solve problems themselves
• Quiet Time/Moment of Peace
• Give positive expression that shows self-control, self-directions and self-esteem.

Parent involvement will be needed if the above actions do not work.  If I feel there is a chronic behavioral issue that needs attention, I will let you know so that we are handling it in the same way and your child has continuity in discipline between home and childcare. These types of behaviors might include such things as biting, use of bad words, chronic hitting, etc.  Together, we will try to find a solution.  You may be called to remove your child if his/her behavior prevents me from being able to properly care for the other children.  If the problem continues, other arrangements for the care of the child will have to be made, for the safety and well-being of all.  Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will there be any spanking, physical abuse, verbal abuse, name calling, or isolation used.  Neither food nor sleep will ever be withheld from children as a means of punishment. 

*If for any reason I feel the behavior has not changed he/she will be withdrawn from care I reserve the right to withdraw your child/ren at any time without refund.

I reserve the right to terminate for the following reasons (but not limited to):

• Failure to pay
• Failure to complete the required forms
• Lack of parental cooperation
• Failure of child to adjust to the childcare after a reasonable amount of time
• Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property
• Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
• Serious Illness of child
• False information given by parent either verbally or in writing

I appreciate as much advance notice as possible when terminating and will give the same courtesy in return.  You are required to give 2 weeks’ notice when you decide to terminate childcare.  The 2 weeks will be paid in full, regardless of whether your child is in attendance. I will give 2 weeks written notice of termination for which full tuition is due, whether your child is in attendance. I reserve the right to give written notice of immediate termination where there are extreme circumstances that affect the well-being of staff or other children in attendance.  In this situation, the 2 weeks payment of tuition is still required.  Termination notice will not be accepted while provider or parents are on vacation.

Under no circumstances will parents be allowed to bring a sick child to childcare. Sick children expose other children, as well as me, to the spread of illness and require additional care and attention that we are unable to give.  Moreover, sick children want care from their parents in the comfort of their own homes.  If other children become ill due to exposure to your sick child, either because he/she was returned to childcare before full recovery or because he/she was not picked up promptly upon notice of becoming ill, other parents will be unnecessarily inconvenienced.  If I become ill due to exposure to a sick child, all the children may need to arrange alternate care.  Because this is disruptive to other children, and their families, your cooperation on this issue is extremely important. 

The following illness policies will be strictly enforced, for the health, well- being, and safety of all concerned. In accordance with the state of Illinois licensing policy, your child cannot be admitted to childcare with symptoms of illness as specified below; unless written documentation from a licensed physician stating the child has been diagnosed and poses no serious health risk to the child or to other children. Should your child have signs or symptoms requiring exclusion from the family childcare home he/she will be isolated and the parent/guardian or other authorized person by the parent will be notified immediately to pick up your child. There can be no exceptions since illness spreads quickly among children.

Please parents do not bring your child to the childcare if he/she has had a fever/temp over 100 degrees, diarrhea or vomiting over the weekend or anytime during the week. These symptoms are considered to be a contagious illness. For the safety of everyone in my care, if your child becomes ill at the daycare home, you are responsible for picking the child up within the hour and NO refund will be given on tuition. Your child cannot return to the childcare home until he/she is free from illness for at least 24 hours.

Please make other arrangements if your child is sick and respect my decision if I feel your child is too sick to be in childcare. I am sympathetic to the difficulties of taking time off, so discretion will be used. The symptoms of illness for possible exclusion shall include, but are not limited to any of the following:

A). If the illness prevents your child from participating comfortably in the childcare environment,

B). If the illness results in a greater care need than I can provide without compromising the health and safety of the other children in my care, or

C). If your child has any of the following conditions:

• Chicken pox, until at least 6 days after onset of rash or until all sores have dried and crusted; unless a healthcare provider or health official determines the condition is noninfectious.
• Fever a normal temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C) when taken orally (in your child’s mouth) and 99.6°F (37.5°C) when taken rectally (in your child’s bottom). Many doctors define a fever as an oral temperature above 99.5°F (37.5°C) or a rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).  So, until medical evaluation allows inclusion.
• Hepatitis virus, until 1 week after onset of illness or as directed by health department when passive immune prophylaxis has been administered to appropriate children and staff and a licensed physician states in writing the child may return to childcare.
• Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness (such as unusual lethargy, uncontrolled coughing, irritability, persistent crying, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or other unusual signs) until medical evaluation allows inclusion.
• Measles, until 6 days after onset of rash and a licensed physician states in writing the child may return to childcare.
• Mumps, until 9 days after onset of parotid gland swelling and licensed physician states in writing the child may return to childcare.
• Mouth sores with drooling, unless a healthcare provider or health official determines the condition is noninfectious.
• Nose Bleeds, if for any reason your child begin to have a nose bleed I will tilt the head forward and keep pressure on the nose for at least 10 minutes and the parent will be called and will have to pick-up child from childcare, until a health care provider evaluation determines that these symptoms do not indicate a communicable disease is present and the child is able to return to childcare;
• Pertussis, until 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment to prevent an infection have been completed and a licensed physician states in writing the child may return to childcare.
• Purulent conjunctivitis (defined as pink or red eye conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge), until 24 hours after treatment has been initiated.
• Rash with fever or behavior change, until a health care provider determines that these symptoms do not indicate a communicable disease.
• Rubella, until 6 days after onset of rash and licensed physician states in writing the child may return to childcare.
• Scabies, Head lice, Impetigo, or other infestation, until 24 hours after treatment has been initiated.
• Strep throat or other streptococcal infection, until 24 hours after initial antibiotic treatment and cessation of fever.
• Scalp or Head ringworms, fungal spores can be transmitted through contact with an infected person, fallen infected hairs, or fomites, which are contaminated objects. These may include objects such as barbershop instruments, hats, movie theater seats, hairbrushes, bedding, and clothing.  Until a health care provider or health official states that the child can attend childcare.
• Tuberculosis, until a health care provider or health official states that the child can attend childcare.
• Uncontrolled Diarrhea is considered as having more than one liquid stools per day. Until medical evaluation allows inclusion.

***Injuries: I will supervise your child closely to prevent injuries, but accidents resulting in injury do occur. I have been trained in first aid and CPR and will follow my training. If the injury is minor (requiring only a band-aid or ice) I will tell you about it when you pick up your child. If it is serious, I will call you and may even suggest that you take your child to the doctor or emergency room. If an injury is very severe, I will call 911 for assistance before I call you. If I cannot reach you, I will call the emergency contacts listed.

Parents are required to fill out the proper forms and to supply all medications in their original containers.  All written instructions shall be valid for six months unless a shorter time period is designated by the physician, dentist, or parent.  These must be labeled with the child’s name.  NO EXCEPTIONS 

In case of EMERGENCY, I will administer the necessary first aid.  The Police Department or Paramedic Unit will be called, and your child will be transported to the hospital designated on your Emergency Transportation Authorization form.  YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY.  If an ambulance is called to transport your child, the cost of the ambulance, emergency room care, and co-pays to your insurance company will be your responsibility.  

***All parents are required to keep all children current and up to date with their required immunizations. Parents will be reminded in advance as of the status of their immunizations so they may call and make appointments with the doctor or clinic. Parents will have to provide current immunizations from the doctor’s office.

***If your child had an immunization update, please remember to provide me with a record of the immunization so that it can be attached to your child’s health appraisal.

***If for any reason I feel I am being deceived, I reserve the right to withdraw your child/ren at any time without refund and without notice.

***All students are required to MEET TUBERCULIN REQUIREMENTS***

I have a written fire evacuation plan and practice a fire drill and tornado drill with the children at least once each month. Kiddo Care has fire detectors and two fire extinguishers, one located in the kitchen and the other in the basement.

In case of emergency, my first responsibility will be to gather all children together and shelter in place. All children will be placed together in the largest room without windows if possible and until further noticed. This room will be known to all household members, caregivers and/or volunteers. All children in attendance at the time of the emergency will be accounted for before and after they arrive to the designated safe area or alternate shelter by head count and calling roll. This will be known to all household members, caregivers and/or volunteers.

In the event of an emergency, (Fire, Safety, and Emergency Plans) will relocate to Lucretia’s Home Daycare at 42 Hampton Drive, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 and telephone number 1-618-206-8998: [a]until further notice. All parents will be called and informed. I will bring our shelter kit which will include; snacks, water, toys, blankets.

The children will be transported by Makisha Binns. Copies of the children files will accompany them. This will be known to all household members, caregivers and/or volunteers. All children under 24 months who have limited mobility, or who otherwise may need assistance in an emergency, such as children who have mental, visual, or hearing impairments will be evacuated by wagon and evacuation cribs to the safe designated area.

An emergency evacuation plan is posted and available for viewing to all by the front door on the information board next to license. All children in attendance at the time of the emergency will be accounted for before and after they arrive to the designated safe area or alternate shelter. This will be known to all household members, caregivers, and volunteers.

I will communicate with local authorities (such as fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services, health department, parents and licensing) by cell phones. Parents and/or emergency contacts will be contacted for each child in care for immediate pickup. All files including authorization for emergency care for each child in care and the attendance record information for children in care at the time of the emergency will be relocated to the designated area. This will be known to all household members, caregivers, and volunteers.

I will continue to care for the children by allowing the children to play with the designated games, books or toys from the shelter kit and continue to give snacks as normal until each child has been released to parents.