Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Katfhandbook
Katfhandbook
Parent
Handbook
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday
6:30 am to 5:30 pm
Phone: 207-561-0706
Email: katandthefiddlefcc@gmail.com
Website: https://katffcc.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KatandtheFiddle/
ACTIVITIES ...............................................................................9
Table of Contents TOYS ......................................................................................... 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................... 2 ARTS AND CRAFTS ....................................................................... 9
OUTSIDE .................................................................................... 9
WELCOME ............................................................................... 3 HOLIDAYS & BIRTHDAYS ............................................................... 9
CHILDCARE SETTING ................................................................ 3 INCIDENTS ...............................................................................9
GOALS ...................................................................................... 3 HOW INCIDENTS ARE REPORTED .................................................... 9
DIVERSITY .................................................................................. 3 REPORTABLE INCIDENTS .............................................................. 10
CONFIDENTIALITY ........................................................................ 3 SIDS ....................................................................................... 10
PARENT INVOLVEMENT................................................................. 3
IMMUNIZATIONS ................................................................... 10
ADMISSION ............................................................................. 4
WELLNESS .............................................................................. 11
WAITLIST................................................................................... 4
ENROLLMENT ............................................................................. 4 ILLNESS.................................................................................... 11
PRESCRIPTION AND NONPRESCRIPTION MEDS ................................. 11
ATTENDANCE .......................................................................... 4 BODY CURIOSITY AND PERSONAL SPACE ........................................ 12
HOURS OF OPERATION ................................................................. 4 DISCIPLINE ............................................................................. 12
POLICY ...................................................................................... 4
PROCEDURE ............................................................................... 5 ANIMALS ............................................................................... 12
ARRIVAL .................................................................................... 5 SMOKING............................................................................... 12
DEPARTURE ............................................................................... 5
EMERGENCY PLAN ................................................................. 12
MISSED DAYS ............................................................................. 6
WITHDRAWAL/DISMISSAL ............................................................ 6 FIRE DRILLS .............................................................................. 12
VACATION & HOLIDAYS ................................................................ 6 FIRE AND EVACUATION ............................................................... 13
UNEXPECTED CLOSURES ............................................................... 6 TORNADOES/DISASTERS ............................................................. 13
COMMUNICATION .................................................................. 7 LIABILITY INSURANCE ............................................................ 13
BRIGHTWHEEL APP .................................................................. 7 FINANCIAL AGREEMENT ........................................................ 13
PERSONAL ITEMS .................................................................... 7 PAYMENT SCHEDULE .................................................................. 13
BLANKETS/PILLOWS .................................................................... 7 PAYMENT METHODS .................................................................. 13
CHILD CARE RATES .................................................................... 13
CLOTHING.................................................................................. 7
ITEMS FROM HOME..................................................................... 8 DAILY SCHEDULE .................................................................... 15
BOTTLES/BLANKETS/PACIFIERS ...................................................... 8
ITEMS TO BRING .................................................................... 15
BIRTHDAYS INVITATIONS ........................................................ 8
EVERYDAY SEASONAL .................................................... 15
PHOTOS ................................................................................... 8
REFERENCES........................................................................... 16
MEALS AND SNACKS ................................................................ 8
Welcome
Kat and the Fiddle aims to provide a service that feels close to home. Children deserve to
be in a safe and nurturing environment and will be treated respectfully. Children learn
best through play and will be able to engage in both structured and free play. Indoor and
outdoor activities will be based on what is developmentally appropriate for your child’s
age and what will allow for them to grow physically, mentally, and socially.
We are happy that you chose our child care facility for your child. Our Parent & Staff
Handbook is designed so you know our policies and procedures involving your child’s
care. Please read carefully and retain for your reference. If you have any questions,
please feel free to ask us!
Childcare Setting
Goals
At Kat and the Fiddle, we aim to:
1. Provide quality care to all children
2. Provide a safe and welcome facility
3. Provide knowledge of normal child behavior to parents as needed
4. Aid in the developmental wellbeing of your child
a. Through play
b. Learning of new words and skills
c. Through problem solving
d. Through socializing
e. Through balanced nutrition
5. To be an emotional asset to both parent/guardian and children as needed
Diversity
We would like to welcome all families and children from any origin, culture, and/or
religion. We would encourage you to share your traditions with the children so they can
take the opportunity to learn and grow.
Confidentiality
In compliance with the Rules for Family Child Care Providers Section V – D;
information will be kept confidential and disclosed only upon written request by
parent/guardian. Information on children in current or past care will be shared with the
Department upon request and will be kept on record up to 2 years.
Parent Involvement
We encourage you to come visit your child anytime!
If you are a breastfeeding parent, you are welcome to come nurse your child. We are a
breastfeeding friendly facility and would encourage you to do so.
Admission
Waitlist
Procedures
1. The number of children we have is governed by the Community Services
Licensing
2. Children will be added to the list based on the date of initial call.
3. When space opens up, parents will receive a phone call by owner. If not
answer is received, you will have 48 hours to respond
4. Children will be removed from the list if:
The parent/guardian does not respond
A parent/guardian requests it
Child has move away
Child is over age 5 and no part time position is open
Enrollment
Before enrolling your children, we encourage you to come visit our facilities!
Policy
Our facility is equipped to watch ages 6 weeks to 4 years of age full time Monday
through Friday. We can accept before and after school for children who are of school age
but these positions are limited.
Each day is not to exceed 10 hours unless otherwise agreed upon.
We will provide 2 snack times and 2 meal times, at least 30 mins of outdoor play, 2-hour
nap/quiet time, free play, and structured play.
Requirements:
Handbook should be read Items from checklist provided
One Information Sheet filled out per Child Pickup Form
child Photo and Video Acceptance
One Child Care Contract per child If your child requires specific
Financial Agreement per child accommodations, please supply a note
Non-prescription Medication form from the doctor. Needs may include
Copy of Immunization Records per child Asthma, ADHD, Allergies, or other
Emergency Medical per child medical issues.
Attendance
Hours of Operation
We are available Monday through Friday from 6 am until 5:30 pm.
Policy
Regular attendance is important for your child to settle into the daycare. Children need
routines and ours will become part of their normal day.
Withdrawal/Dismissal
If you plan to withdraw your child/ren from the program, we ask that you provide a
verbal and written notice at least 2 weeks in advance. This allows us to say our
goodbyes, provide closure, and prepare your child for what is next. In the event we
determine your child would benefit from a different setting, we will provide a 3 week
notice to allow you to find new care. If we are able to provide a referral, we will.
Unexpected Closures
Inclement Weather
Kat and the Fiddle will remain open when weather is inclement and may remain open
late if necessary. In the event of an unexpected closure (i.e. blizzard, power outages,
flooding) we may be forced to close the center. We will make every attempt possible to
reach parents in the event of emergency closing.
brightwheel App
This is the application we will use to plug in your child’s attendance, approved pickups,
daily activities, naps, potty breaks, food, incident reports, and more. We can also submit
photos, keep track of immunizations, and allergies. We can send messages, alerts,
calendars, and reminders. Parents can update their child’s information as well. This will
also be one of our billing platforms.
Personal Items
Blankets/Pillows
Each child will have a cot (over 18mo) or a crib assigned at nap time. We ask that at the
start of each week, a clean sheet be provided. Blankets and swaddles must be washed
each week.
Clothing
Due to a variety of activities your child may engage in, it is recommended that your child
be in washable, comfortable clothing and wear closed shoes. On days where we may be
making art or be doing water-based activities, a plastic apron will be provided.
Bottles/Blankets/Pacifiers
Extra bottles, pacifiers, or security blankets may be brought with your child. We will
make every effort to keep track of pacifiers but will not be responsible if lost. When
ready to wean from pacifier or bottle, please let us know so we can be consistent with
home.
Birthdays Invitations
If invitations to a party are being given but all the children are not invited, please send
them outside of class. If everyone is invited, they may be placed in each child’s cubby.
Photos
Pictures may be taken of your child and be placed on our website, brochures, or for
educational training. You may not be compensated for photos involving your child. A
photo release form is included in the paperwork.
Activities
We have a variety of things for children to do, here is a general list of what is in our
facility for them to interact with! We will always be on the lookout for good deals or
donations so children have safe toys and activities to play with.
Toys
We have many toys for children to play with. Toys will be inspected to ensure they are
safe and working order.
Cars and Blocks Puzzles Barbies Dolls
Trucks
Books Ball Pit Pretend Play
Arts and Crafts
Seasonal Crafts Paints Coloring Play Doh Drawing pads
books
Outside
We go outside at least once a day weather permitting. We have chalk, balls, and riding
toy for the children to play with outside. In the summer we will have the kiddie pool set
up. This will be cleaned after each day it is used.
Incidents
All incidents will be recorded and parents will be notified of the situation by phone call
and in person. A paper will go home with parents detailing the incident and a copy will
remain in the child’s chart per Section VIII – 13 of the Rules for Family Child Care
Providers. Staff is CPR and First Aid certified and will attend to children based on
training. We are mandated to report any signs of abuse or neglect towards children and
will be reported according to Title 22 Chapter 1071, 22 MRSA §4011-A Reporting of
Suspected Abuse or Neglect. In the event an incident requires a visit to the hospital,
emergency services will be called.
SIDS
A SIDS waiver will be provided to parents whose children are under one year of age.
Young children will be placed back to sleep and be in an empty pack n play. They will be
checked on every 30 minutes while asleep to ensure safe sleep practices.
Immunizations
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services requires the following vaccines
be done for Maine children in childcare and school.
By 2 months 2 doses hepatitis B By 12 months 3 doses hepatitis B
1 dose DTaP (diphteria, tetanus, 3 dose DTaP (diphteria, tetanus,
pertussis [whooping cough]) pertussis)
1 dose PCV (Pneumococcal 4 dose PCV (Pneumococcal
conjugate) conjugate)
1 dose Hib (Haemophilus 4 dose Hib (Haemophilus
influenzae type b) influenzae type b)
1 dose Polio 3 dose Polio
1 dose Rotavirus 3 dose Rotavirus
1 dose MMR (Measels, Mumps,
Rubella)
1 dose Varicella [chicken pox]
1 dose hepatitis A
By 4 months 2 doses hepatitis B By 18 3 doses hepatitis B
2 dose DTaP (diphteria, tetanus, months 4 dose DTaP (diphteria, tetanus,
pertussis) pertussis)
2 dose PCV (Pneumococcal 4 dose PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate)
conjugate) 4 dose Hib (Haemophilus influenzae
2 dose Hib (Haemophilus type b)
influenzae type b) 3 dose Polio
2 dose Polio 3 dose Rotavirus
2 dose Rotavirus 1 dose MMR (Measels, Mumps, Rubella)
1 dose Varicella [chicken pox]
2 dose hepatitis A
By 6 months 3 doses hepatitis B By 4 years 3 doses hepatitis B
3 dose DTaP (diphteria, tetanus, 5 dose DTaP (diphteria, tetanus,
pertussis) pertussis)
3 dose PCV (Pneumococcal 4 dose PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate)
conjugate) 4 dose Hib (Haemophilus influenzae
3 dose Hib (Haemophilus type b)
influenzae typeb) 4 dose Polio
3 dose Polio 3 dose Rotavirus
3 dose Rotavirus 2 dose MMR (Measels, Mumps,
2 dose Influenza Optional but Rubella)
Recommended 2 dose Varicella [chicken pox]
2 dose hepatitis A
Wellness
Illness
If your child is feeling under the weather, we trust that you will use your best judgment
and not bring your child in. However, if your child becomes ill while in our care, seems
out of character, or develops an unknown rash, we may have to send your child home. In
the event you are called due to illness, we expect that you or an authorized person will
promptly pick up your child. This is to protect the health of your child and their peers.
Your child will be sent home if they meet the following criteria:
Persistent Cough
Vomiting or Diarrhea (two or more loose/watery stools – excluding allergies)
Fever of 100.5ºF (we may administer Tylenol from home for mild fever,
toothache, or headache)
Contagious conditions such as lice, chicken pox, strep throat, mumps,
conjunctivitis (pinkeye), hand-foot-mouth, etc…
In the event your child is ill, they may return to the center after:
Contagious Illness: Obtaining written verification from doctor that child is no
longer contagious or on antibiotics for 24 hours
For persistent cough: 24 hours with no cough suppressant or allergy medication
For fever: fever free for 24 hours with no Tylenol
For Lice: Treatment and removal of all lice and nits (eggs) with use of appropriate
shampoo until all are gone.
For Chicken Pox: Once scabbed over.
Discipline
We do not use corporal punishment, refuse outside time, or refuse food as punishment.
We make our expectations clear, remind, and try to redirect before we consider “time
out”. Physical and emotional punishments will not be used in our facility. If a problem
persists, you will be notified and if we need cooperation from home, we can discuss what
needs to be done to remain consistent. We will be following NAEYC guidelines for our
discipline. We feel they best outline the best practices for care for children.
Animals
The facility is currently home to 2 cats and 1 dog. They are up to date on rabies vaccines
and are child friendly. Areas to be used by children will remain free of animal waste and
odors. Cats Tsuki, Scotch are declawed. Their boxes are located outside if the childcare
area. Areas with boxes are gated off to prevent children from gaining access. Dog, Kuro
uses the woods for his bathroom business. Although child friendly, he should be away
from the children most of the day. Animals are brushed regularly to ensure minimal fur.
Smoking
This is a non-smoking facility. Smoking will not be permitted in building or in areas to
be used by children. Please do not dispose of cigarette butts in my yard or driveway.
Emergency Plan
Fire Drills
Fire drills will be done once a month. Policies and fire exits will be posted in each area of
the center used by children. A record of the evacuations will be kept.
Tornadoes/Disasters
In the unlikely event of a tornado, all children will be brought to the safety of the
basement. If the basement is not reachable, shelter will be sought at the closest shelter.
Basement is otherwise inaccessible to children.
Liability Insurance
We are covered by liability insurance to cover the business.
Financial Agreement
Payment Schedule
Payments are made in advance and on a biweekly or monthly basis and will be due on
Fridays. If you pay monthly, there is a 5% discount.
Any late pickup fees incurred are due that day.
Child care fee is paid regardless of whether your child is absent due to illness,
emergencies, doctor visits, vacations, etc. There are 52 paid weeks, regardless if your
child is present at the facility. Due to care expenses, we cannot make accommodations
for irregularities in the schedules.
Payment Methods
We accept cash, money orders, credit cards (3% fee), and e-check payments. Credit and
E-Checks are made through the brightwheel app.
Late Payment
There is a late payment fee of $5.00 per day.
Bounced Check
There is a bounced check fee of $15.
Items to Bring
Please bring all necessary items and label them. Thank you!
Everyday Seasonal
Security Item Medications For Infants Swimsuit Snow suit
Pack n Play Pain Reliever Diapers Towel Snow boots
Sheet Sunscreen Wipes Seasonal Heavy
Toothbrush Bug Spray Diaper Cream clothes jacket
Toothpaste Other Non- Baby Rain Jacket Extra
Hairbrush/Comb Prescription Powder/Oil/Lotion Rain Boots mittens
Hair Ties Breastmilk/Formula Sneakers Extra hat
Closed Toe Teething Ointments Helmet Extra socks
Shoes Teething Toys
Extra Shirts Pack n Play Sheets
Extra Pants
Extra Underwear
Extra Socks
Sweatshirt
DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/ec/occhs/family_child_care_rules.pdf
CHILD CARE Phone: 207-795-4300 or 800-482-7517 for the Lewiston office.
LICENSING
UNIT STATE HOUSE This is for childcare rules for a family child care center.
STATION #11 If requested, we will provide you a copy, but you may also find it at this
221 STATE STREET link.
AUGUSTA, MAINE
04333-0011
Center for Disease www.cdc.gov
Control Phone: 800-232-4636
Mandated Reporter 1800-452-1999