Welcome to Mandan's Littlest Braves.

This handbook has been created so that there are no misunderstandings, and so that everyone is aware of
the requirements of Littlest Braves, as well as the requirements of you, the parents/guardians. This handbook covers
my philosophies, business policies and expectations. Please read this handbook carefully, and feel free to discuss any
questions that you may have. Mandan's Littlest Braves is committed to creating a safe, warm, loving environment for
children where they can learn and grow physically, emotionally, creatively, intellectually, and socially at their own pace. I
want to help your child increase their confidence, and self esteem by treating them as unique individuals, and allowing
them to express themselves in a variety of facets. I strive to make your child’s time the best experience it can be for them
as well as you, the parents.

A little about me, I am a Certified Teacher with a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I previously taught for
Mandan Public Schools for 6 years before deciding to stay home with my children and teach my daughter preschool. In
doing so I decided it would be more fun for her to have friends to socialize with instead of me all day, so that is where your
child comes in! I look forward to providing them all with a positive and fun learning experience. I am married to my
husband Jon and we have an infant son & 4 year old daughter. My passion is teaching any age, any subject or skill, and
seeing the love of education grow in a child! I love to see children learn and gain the excitement and confidence that goes
along with education. My family enjoys the outdoors, playing at parks & camping when the weather permits. I am a life
long learner and enjoy taking classes to learn new skills and content. I also am a lover of comfort, sweets & coffee. :)
I am committed to supporting families by maintaining open communication and I encourage parental involvement in all
our activities. If you ever have a suggestion, visitor idea, or would like to be a visitor please let me know! I would love any
suggestions and ideas you may have. My objective is to care for your child the same way you would! Showing the same care
and compassion that every child needs.

**Hours of Operation
Mandan’s Littlest Braves is an unlicensed Child Care Provider. Hours vary depending on need. Your contract hours begin
at ___:____Am/Pm and End at ___:____Am/Pm. For every minute late past the contract time will be charged at a rate
of $1.00/Minute. After 15 minutes late it may become means for dismissal. Please respect my families time as we respect
yours. Each child has a maximum of 9.5 hours per day in childcare.

**Operation Closings for Preschool**

We will always follow the Mandan Public School Calendar when it comes to no school days, holidays, and weather
closings. If the public school district feels it is unsafe for children to travel we at Mandan’s Littlest Braves feel the safest
place for our littles is home safe and warm as well. If the school closes early you will be required to come pick up your
child as it is no longer safe to travel and as much as we love your child we do not want them to be stuck with out the ones
they love. If the school district choses to have a late start to school we will cancel preschool classes, it means the roads are
not clear or safe yet for travel.

**Enrollment Requirements
Before your child can be officially enrolled in Mandan's Littlest Braves you must complete and provide the following
documents:

Deposit of $50 to go to your child’s Supply Account (Nonrefundable)

Registration of $100(Nonrefundable) to save your spot and start date

***Spaces will not be held by verbal contract, registration fee and deposit must be paid in order for a spot to be
held for you and your child.****

Payment Procedures
Payment accepted may be cash or check.

All Monthly Payment fees must be paid by the 10th of each month. If payment is not received by the 10th of the
month at pick-up time a late payment fee will be applied to your account at the rate of $15 per day.

All Weekly Payment fees must be paid on Friday at the end of care and Pick Up by 6:00pm. If Payment is not
received by 6:00pm on Friday a late payment fee will be applied to your account at the rate of $15 per day.

All Bi-Weekly Payment fees must also be paid on every other Friday at the end of care and Pick Up by 6:00pm. If
Payment is not received by 6:00pm on Friday a late payment fee will be applied to your account at the rate of $15
per day.

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In order to ensure accurate supplies to keep the daycare running, fees need to be on time and may increase at any
time to maintain the quality of care, food purchases, and activities I provide. After 3 days of late fees added to
your account your care will be suspended until fees are paid. After 3 late payments, or 2 NSF checks, fees maybe
required 2 weeks in advance, or service may be suspended. Each situation is dealt with on an individual basis. An
NSF or returned check is subject to a $35 administration fee.

Registration & Supply Fee

An annual registration fee of $100/child is required upon enrollment, and will be collected with the child’s
supply fee. This registration fee goes towards paperwork and holding your child’s spot. The $50/child supply fee
goes towards supplies for your child’s artwork, as well as other supplies that we use to teach your child, play,
learn and as well as document that learning.
Signed Parent Contract & Rate Agreement
Completed Child Profile & Copy of Immunization Record (or Signed Waiver)
Signed Consent Forms (those that are applicable)
Registration & Supply Fee must be paid ($150)* (Nonrefundable)

Signing in and out/Attendance Records Policy

Children are signed in and out upon their arrival and departure. I ask that if your child is not going to attend care as per
usual that you inform me by the start of the child's scheduled time. This will help us plan activities for the day, as well as to
know not to worry where they are. When your child does not attend you must call to let me know the reason – if it is a
communicable illness we are required to record this in case of other cases breaking out. If no one answers the phone
please leave a brief message or better you may send a text message. Also, upon arrival and preparing your child for the day
please help them or direct them to sanitize their hands before beginning to play with toys, in order to prevent the spread of
germs.

If someone else will be picking up your child please let me know upon arrival. Photo ID will be required by the person
picking up your child as well if I am not familiar with that person. Please let any individuals other than parents who may
pick up the children that they will be asked for picture ID in order to ensure the safety of all children.

Children will not be released to unauthorized individuals. If someone shows up to pick up your child and staff was not
made aware of it, we will have to track you down to confirm that this is in fact permitted, as well as see a picture ID of that
individual to confirm their identity.

School Cancelation / Early Dismissal / Late Start

Reminder Mandan’s Littlest Braves (Preschool) will follow the Mandan Public Schools (MPSD) lead with weather related
closings. If MPSD Dismisses Early, Cancels a School Day, or has a Late Start, Littlest Braves will be closed. When Classes are
canceled at MPSD Littlest Braves will be closed. When school is canceled early due to the weather, you will also be expected to
pick up your child for their safety. When MPSD announces a late start to the school day Littlest Braves will be closed the entire
day for the safety of the students. **There will be no make-up days for the days MPSD cancels school.**

Clothing & Other Materials

The parents will provide the following:
An extra change of clothes (several for potty-training kids ) Please Mark with Initials
Winter: Snow boots, mittens/gloves, hat, pants or extra pair of pants, extra socks, as needed for outside play-weather permitting
Summer: Sunscreen, Water bottle, Towel, Swimwear, Hat, as needed for outside play-weather permitting
I do my best to provide the best activities and learning environment for your child. Also, I ask that parents dress their children in
clothing appropriate to the season and weather, including socks and shoes. I also ask that the children not be dressed in their
“Sunday” best dress clothes, as we will be getting dirty playing outside or will be crawling around on the floor.

The child care home is not responsible for misplaced or unlabeled articles of clothing or personal belongings (toys). Please write
on the label or inside collar, your child’s name or initials on all coats, boots, hats, jackets, sweaters, etc.

Absences/Exclusion
If a child is too sick to attend, please keep him/her home. There is no “sick room”, and the best place for a child to be
recuperating from an illness is at home. There are also many symptoms that a child may have that may prevent them from being
able to partake in everyday activities. If your child experiences any of the following please keep them home until they are gone, or

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are well enough to participate in normal everyday activities if your child has been vomiting or had diarrhea in the past 24 hours
or has had any of the following :

❖ Lice or nits, HFM needs to be clear

❖ Fever greater than or equal to 100.5 degrees F.
❖ Excessive drainage (clear or discolored) from the mouth, nose, eyes, or ears.
❖ Red discoloration to the whites of the eye(s).
❖ Skin rashes as they are difficult to diagnose unless seen by a physician.
❖ Severe abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
❖ A deep, hacking cough
❖ Difficulty breathing or untreated wheezing
❖ Yellow discharge from the eyes
❖ An unusual yellow coloring of the skin or eyes
❖ Cuts or openings on the skin that are pus-filled or oozing

If your child(ren) are sent with any of the above listed symptoms, or develop during the day they will be sent home. Children
should NEVER be medicated and then sent (i.e. given Tylenol to break fever). You should arrange for back-up care when your
child is sick, and unfortunately there are no refunds or discounts for days that your child does not attend. There are still costs
associated with each child's spot each day that unfortunately cannot be avoided if your child is not in attendance.

If your child will not be attending due to illness, vacation, or any other reason, please let me know as soon as possible, as well as
the reason they will not be attending. This will prevent activities from being delayed and help us know if other students are
coming down with the same illness.

Sick, Bereavement, & Personal Leave

If I or my children become ill and I am unable to care for your child, I will notify you as soon as possible and inform you of
arranged back up care or in the very worst case, that I need you pick up your child. I will be fully compensated for any time missed
due to illness/medical appointments when back up care is available in my home, even if you choose to find alternative care. I will
be allowed 15 personal/sick days paid. I normally do not miss days nor take vacations but if needed I reserve the right to take these
days where you will need to find back up care. I will provide adequate time notice for the personal days.

I will receive 1 week of paid bereavement leave when necessary. This leave is to be used in the occurrence of a death in the family,
if a family member is involved in a major accident of some kind, or a family member becomes severely ill and needs my assistance.
I reserve the right to take any vacation and or sick days available in addition to the 1 week of bereavement.

Holidays and Dates Closed

There will be no care on the following holidays and dates per this contract (If the Date falls on a Saturday the day will be
honored on Friday, if it falls on a Sunday the day will be honored on Monday):

• New Year's Eve at Noon & Day (Dec 31-January 1).

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday (Third Monday in January).
• Washington's Birthday (Third Monday in February).
• Easter Monday & Good Friday (Dates Vary)
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May).
• Independence Day (July 4).
• Labor Day (First Monday in September).
• Veterans Day (November 11).
• Thanksgiving Day & Day after (Fourth Thursday & Friday in November).
• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (December 24 - 25).

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Accidents & Emergencies

Despite a very watchful eye sometimes accidents do happen especially with children, it’s just a fact of life. So should the
unthinkable arise, I want you to know that I have already thought ahead of time of what my actions would be, so to be prepared to
serve your child to the best of my ability. In case of an injured child such as but not limited to: Any child accidents while in my
care will be covered by the families medical or private insurance. I am not at fault for accidents.

Emergencies & Evacuations

Natural disasters do occur in North Dakota. In all situations I will first do my absolute best to make sure all children are safe
and free from harm. During a blizzard or very heavy snowfall please leave work early and pick up your child while roads
allow travel. It is more important to leave early and be safe driving than being caught in a heavy storm and having an
accident. In the case of a fire I will first and foremost do my absolute best to get every child out of the house and to safety at a
neighbors. I will call 911 from a neighbors house and I will call all parents/guardians to come pick up your child
immediately. During a tornado warning, we will go to the basement and take cover until the warning has been lifted.
Parents/guardians will be notified by telephone as soon as possible notifying you as to our condition and location if the home
has become unsafe to remain in. During a severe thunderstorm or electrical storm all children will be kept away from
windows and electric devices. All electric devices not required will be turned off. Children afraid of thunder and lightning will
be calmed to the best of my ability. If flooding occurs we will move out of the home and I will notify all parents/guardians of
our location and have you come pick up your child immediately. If there has been a power blackout for 1 hour I will call all
parents/guardians and ask you to come pick up your child. Small bumps, scrapes and cuts I will administer first aid (soapy
water, ice pack and band aid per the Department of Social Services) and the parent/guardian will be notified at pick up time
as to what happened. For more severe injuries, I will call a parent/guardian, or if needed 911 and then notify the parents/
guardians. Should the child need to be transported, I will relay the parents/guardians choice of hospital as indicated by intake
records. Should I be unable to contact a parent/guardian I will call the person or persons listed on your emergency form. I am
certified in both CPR and First Aid.

If ever I could not locate a child I would contact the police and the child’s parents/guardians immediately. If a child is lost, all
children will be gathered in one area while I check the remainder of the childcare area and house for the lost child. I will then
also check outdoors and neighboring homes. In case of an accidental poisoning I will call the poison control center,
determine what the child got into, follow the poison center’s recommendations, call 911 if needed and alert one of the
parents/ guardians of the incident. In the event of a lockdown, I will keep the children inside away from the doors and
windows. Should there by a neighborhood lockdown, I will notify all parents/guardians by phone to let you know of the
situation so you don’t try to come into the neighborhood to pick up your child until it has been deemed safe to do so. If any
event causes severe damage or damage that would affect the care I provide, I will call you to come pick up your child or
children immediately. In ANY event, I reserve the right to take the children with me to pick up my own children from
school or to whatever location they are at if necessary. I also have the right to drive the children to a safe facility if instructed
by government officials or local authorities. I will do my best to try to notify all parents/guardians or those listed on your
emergency forms of our location to have you come pick up your children immediately. If for some reason phone service is
down and I’m unable to notify you by phone I will post a note on the front door or other obvious location stating where we
are. If there is an emergency, we will leave by the nearest exit. If a personal emergency or a family situation should arise
during business hours requiring my immediate departure I will have substitute provider which could be Jon my husband, my
sister Nicole or a Friend, stay with the children until you arrive. If the emergency requires both Jon and myself I will have my
sister Nicole or a Friend come to the school and stay with the kids until you arrive. Either way, all parents/guardians will be
notified and required to come pick your children immediately. If any of these kind of disasters or attacks take place, you
agree to not hold myself or my family/friend responsible.

Fire Safety

Fire safety is a regular theme of the children's curriculum and we will practice fire drills. Evacuation routes and procedures are
posted near the stairway. With consideration to age-appropriateness, children will practice exiting the house safely and learn
about fire prevention and safety. The children will also become aware of the designated “safe areas: for use during severe
weather.

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Dismissal of a Child

This daycare reserves the privilege of dismissing any child if, after enrolling, s/he seems unable to participate in group
experiences, maintain safety for self and others, the parent/guardian breaches the contract or fees have not been paid, or if the
child is not a good fit for our care. After discussing discipline on two separate occasions, the provider will dismiss without refund.

Withdrawal Of Services Policy

A MINIMUM 4WEEKS WRITTEN NOTICE and Payment is required for termination of childcare services from parent or
guardian. I ask for 4 weeks as I did not require a 2 week advance payment. Upon discussion I may not need the 4 weeks. Even if
your child does not attend during that four week period, payment is still required. Any fees not paid on time with regards to
termination of child care services will also be subject to daily late fees, until full payment is received. If fees are not paid, the
unpaid bill will be placed into collections.

In the event of any concerns (raised by staff, parents/guardians or even children) a meeting can be scheduled to address the
issues. The meeting will involve owner/operator, and involved staff member and the parents/guardians involved. The concerns
will be clearly stated (ex. late payment, failure to adhere to follow policies, behavioral problems etc.) and discussed. Meeting
minutes will be taken, and solutions will be sought in a non-judgmental manner. A plan will be designed to resolve the issue. A
second meeting will be scheduled to review the situation within a reasonable time frame. In the event the issue cannot be resolved
to everyone’s satisfaction, a 2 week written notice of termination of services will be given.

**Website / Internet / Photo Release

I do / do not (please circle) allow my students photo to be released online for the purpose of informing me of activities
happening during the days. The only place they will be placed is on the website www.littlestbraves.weebly.com or the
Littlest Braves Facebook Page.
I personal prefer to look for updates on the Weebly Website or Facebook Page or Niether. (Circle one)

Parent/Guardian Agreement/Disclaimer

Littlest Braves admits all children regardless of race, nationality or religious background. This environment welcomes any
exchange of information that will help to better serve your child(ren)’s needs. This group welcomes any parent who wishes to
share talents by helping with various projects to benefit the children’s experience.

I/We have read, understand, and by initialing each page, signing and returning all including page 7 do agree to the policies stated
in this handbook. I/We understand that should there be updates to this handbook, I/We will be given a copy of the page with the
updated information and a new copy of this page to sign and return. I/We will fill out, sign and return the enrollment form and
contract in their entirety.

By doing so I/We are enrolling my/our child(ren) in Mandan’s Littlest Braves of Stephanie Maher.

Parent or legal guardian’s signature Date of Signature

_______________________________________________________ ______/______/______

Provider’s signature Date of Signature

_______________________________________________________ ______/______/______

Child’s name: ___________________ Age: ________ Date of Birth:_________ Nickname:_________________

Signed (Mother or Guardian) _________________________ Date: ____________

Signed (Father or Guardian) _________________________ Date: ____________

Signed (Day care provider) __________________________ Date: ____________

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Email address at which I can be contacted: Stephanie-Maher@outlook.com Phone/Text: 701-527-3985

Child Information:

Full Name: ______________________________________________________________________

DOB____________________________________________________________________________

Any Allergies: _____________________________________________________________________

Likes____________________________________________________________________________

Dislikes__________________________________________________________________________

Guardian Information: (1st Contact)

Guardian Name (First, Last) ____________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________City, State, Zip _____________________

Phone Number ____________________________ Work Number _____________________

Email________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Information (If unable to reach any Guardian or Parent)

Name (First, Last)____________________________________________________________

Relationship ______________________________________________

Phone Number ____________________________________________

Address ___________________________________City, State, Zip _____________________

Email____________________________________________________

Reminders:

The First day of care will be on ________________________.

The Child Care hours for the child covered by this contract will be from ______:____(AM / PM) to

______:____(AM / PM) M T W TH F (Circle Days) **Late Drop offs do not allow for late pick-ups.**

Early Drop off/Late pick up and additional care beyond contract time is $10/hour.

**Text or Call when on the way or are here if we do not answer the door as we are often times downstairs.**

Terms of Payment Agreed Upon:

The Rate will be $ _________ per Month Paid on the 1st of each Month

The Rate will be $_________ every Two Week with the First Payment on _______ and the Next _______

The Rate will be $ _________ every Day

**Registration & Supply Fee:

A registration and Supply fee of $150.00 is due at the time of signing and will be put towards holding your child's
spot and their supplies for the year. The registration fee is due each year the date of your signed contract.

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Holding Fees (One Month or Two Weeks Advance Payment)

The provider agrees to hold a space in the program until _________ (insert date) for the client’s child. The
client agrees to pay the provider $ ______ per week during the holding period. Payment is due ________
(weekly, bi-weekly, monthly). If the client decides not to enroll the child before the end of the holding period, the
holding fee will not be refundable. The holding fee can be applied to care once the child is enrolled.

Late Payment Fees

If the child care fee is not paid when due, a late payment fee of $15.00 per day will be added to the past due amount until
it is paid. The fee for an insufficient funds check will be $35.00, plus the amount of any bank charges to the provider’s
account.

The Signatures of the Parties to the Contract

By signing this contract, clients indicate that they have also read the provider’s contract and policies and agree to follow
them. Failure to enforce one of more of the terms of this contract does not waive the provider’s right to enforce any other terms
of this contract.

Parent or legal guardian’s signature Date of Signature

_______________________________________________________ ______/______/______

Parent or legal guardian’s signature Date of Signature

_______________________________________________________ ______/______/______

Provider’s signature Date of Signature

_______________________________________________________ ______/______/______

Approximate Schedule d REmin

7:00-8:30 Quiet Time/Breakfast/Upstairs Play

8:30-9:30 Downstairs Play

9:30-10:00 Circle Time & Songs

10:00-1015 Story Time & Snack

1015-11:30 Centers/Crafts/Lesson

11:30-12:00 Wash & Lunch

12:00-2:00 Quiet time/Rest/Nap (as Needed)

2:00-3:00 Free play

3:00-3:30 Story time & Snack

3:30-5:30 Free Play Upstairs

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