Policies

At Ana’s House Day Care, we work to create a safe, loving and consistent environment for our providers, parents and children. The following policies contribute to our philosophy of open communication and facilitate this process. Parents who sign with Ana’s House will be asked to sign a contract that includes these policies. We expect to enforce these policies and similarly expect you to make sure we follow through so we can guarantee that your child will have the best experience possible.

Probationary Period:

Every enrolled child is given a two week probationary period. If at the end of those two weeks either I or the child’s parents believe the child is not benefiting from enrollment at Ana’s House, termination will take place with no penalties assessed to the parents.

Payment Schedule:

Payment for each week is due at the time of drop off on Monday. If paying on a monthly basis, payments should be made on the first Monday of each month. We receive voucher payments for children enrolled in the Maryland CCS program directly from the State of Maryland. Those receiving vouchers are only responsible for the remaining payment. This payment is due each week at the time of drop off on Monday. In instances where voucher coverage is adjusted or canceled, Ana’s House will contact the affected parent to allow them time to arrange other forms of payment.

Payments are acceptable via cash, check or money order. Returned checks are charged a non-refundable fee.

Drop-off & Pickup:

Ana’s House Day Care operates from 5:30am – 12:00am daily. Please consider my schedule when picking up or dropping off your children. It is better if arrivals and departures do not occur during quiet time, but when they do, please take note of the fact that the children may be sleeping. Children who arrive during quiet time will be expected to rest or play quietly until the rest period is over. We ask that all children arrive by 9:00am as this is when I begin all my learning and activities. Disruptions after this time take away from children’s focus on their activities and can alter their schedule for their day.

Do not allow your child to run outside to the car while you are still inside. No one is allowed outside without an adult or parent with them.

If you know that you are to be late it may be preferable to have an authorized alternate person to pick up your child.

Visitation:

We have an “open door” policy. Parents have free access at all times to all areas used by children and are encouraged to visit. However, our door is locked during daycare hours to protect our children and the Provider’s family. When arriving, please ring the bell or contact us by cell phone if door is not answered. (We may be outside and not able to hear the bell)

Release of Children:

Children will absolutely NOT be released to anyone except those authorized to pick up the child on the enrollment form. In the event you wish another adult to pick up the child, we require that you give written permission in advance.
*If there is a court order keeping one parent away from the child, I must have a written note from the custodial parent in my file to that effect. Otherwise, I cannot legally prevent the non-custodial parent from picking up the child.

Meals:

Ana’s House participates in the Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided throughout the day according to the Ana’s House schedule. The children are offered the food, not forced to eat. Children who choose not to eat will not be served additional food until the next mealtime. Infants will be provided formula/breast milk and baby food until age one when table food is started.

Special Diets:

We must be informed and provided with a doctor’s note if a child has a particular dietary need. If specific meal adjustments are required, substitute meals or snacks will be provided.

Diaper Changes:

Diapers are checked and changed every 1 1/2 – 2 hours, or more frequently if required. Additionally, each child will be diapered after waking up from their nap. Hand washing by myself and the child is performed after each change.

Potty Training:

We are more than happy to help with potty training provided that it is not done before the child is ready. Parents are asked to initiate the training at home before starting it at daycare.

Prior to beginning the potty training process, our policies require that the parent:

  • Determine from the beginning of learning whether the child will sit or stand (boys)
  • Parents provide a minimum of two changes of clothing including socks and 3-4 pairs of training pants to leave here.
  • Dress the child in loose fitting clothing  that is easy to pull up or down
  • Does not dress the child in overalls, bib type pants, onesies or t-shirts with snaps between the legs
  • Does not dress the child in pants with belts or one piece outfits
  • Provides positive reinforcement at home, similar to that provided by the Daycare

For the first few weeks, the child will be scheduled to use the toilet at consistent times of the day, whether the child indicates the need to use the toilet or not. These times include:

  1. Upon arrival at the home
  2. Before and after breakfast
  3. Before and after lunch
  4. Before and after nap
  5. Before and after going outside
  6. Just before going home

Once the child has gained enough progress, this schedule will be loosened and adjusted according to the child’s verbalized needs.

Medical Emergencies:

In the event of a medical emergency, 911 will be called first, then the parents or guardian will be contacted as soon as possible. If the parent/guardian can not be reached, the directions on the enrollment form will be followed.

Medication may be administered under the following conditions:

A. Consent: Written parental consent is required to administer any medication.

B. Prescription Medication: All prescription medication must be in its original container and properly labeled with the child’s full name and date the prescription was filled.

C. Non-Prescription Medication: The following classifications can be given with written parental consent only in conjunction with the dose, duration, and method of administration specified on the manufacturer’s label for the age or weight of the child needing medication. The following is a list of acceptable non-prescription medication:

1. Antihistamines
2. Non-aspirin fever reducers/pain relievers
3. Decongestants
4. Anti-itching ointments or lotions
5. Diaper ointments and powders
6. Sun screen

Sickness/Illness:
Keep your child at home if he/she has:

1. Rectal temperature over 101
2. Pink Eye
3. Croup or Bronchitis which can begin with hoarseness, cough and a slight elevation in temperature.
4. Rashes that you cannot identify or that have been diagnosed by a physician.
5. Impetigo of the skin.
6. Diarrhea
7. Vomiting
8. Sever cold with fever, sneezing, and discolored nose drainage
9. If a doctor diagnosis an ear or throat infection, for example, and places the child on an antibiotic, the child should not be brought in until he/she has been on the medication for 24 hours.
10. Head lice

Discipline Policy:

When a child is having a difficult time following directions or treating others or equipment with respect, developmentally appropriate guidance techniques are used. These techniques are as follows:

  • Positive Reinforcement
  • Re-direction
  • “When … Then” Statements
  • “If …. Then” Statements
  • Take A Break (Time-Out)

Parental Maternity Leave:

In cases of leave of absence due to maternity leave or extended leave from your job, you will still be required to pay tuition at the full rate for the entire time of absence, whether your child attends daycare or not. If you choose to use any of your remaining vacation weeks during this time, you may do so at 1/2 the tuition rate, but your child may not attend daycare during this time.

Absences of Child:

Our weekly rate is a flat payment. No refunds are issued when a child is absent due to illness, holidays or days off. A place has been reserved for each child that cannot be filled on a short-term basis. Please  contact Ana’s House when you know your child will not attend for any reason. Knowing that you will not attend or will be late will spare me unnecessary worry and minimize any disruptions to our routine.

Vacation & Absence Of Provider:

Ana’s House Day Care reserves up to 5 days of paid vacation per annual year. We require weekly payment during these days and will provide references and contact information for partnered day care services. Ana’s House also reserves the right to take up to 5 unpaid days. You will be notified well in advance of these planned vacation days so that you may make alternative arrangements.

In rare cases where I will be unexpectedly absent, I will do my best to have an emergency back-up provider. In cases where an emergency arises and I’m not able to provide a back-up, parents will be notified as soon as possible so that they can make other arrangements for care during that time period.

Observed National Holidays:

Ana’s House observes and is closed for the following paid holidays each year: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving & Christmas. Weeks including the following dates still retain the flat rate weekly fee.

Toys From Home:

I prefer that children do not bring toys from home to play with – especially new toys. But, if you choose to do so, the rule is that the child MUST share the toy with the other children. If not followed, the toy will be put away until pick up time.

Religious & National Holidays:

Parents who might have objections to recognition of religious or other holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or Valentine’s Day, Halloween, should touch base with me so that proper arrangements can be made with to respect you and your child’s wishes.

Complaint Policy:

If a parent has any concerns whatsoever about his/her child, parents are welcome to talk freely with me at anytime. My policy is to provide an open communication system between parents and myself that will be beneficial to the child’s happiness.

Reporting Child Abuse:

Maryland State Licensing Law states that child care facilities are required to report immediately to the police and child protective services any reason to suspect child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Termination and Written Notice by Provider:

A child may be discharged from the center for the following reasons:

  • Failure of parent to pay after 3 concurrent weeks
  • Failure to complete required forms
  • Lack of parental cooperation
  • Instances in which the child is found to not be a “good fit” – this may result in instances of severe behavioral issues that prevent Ana’s House from working in smooth and consistent manner

Two weeks of advanced notice will be provided in an effort to provide you with time to arrange other services. Payment is required during this time and is still required if you choose to pull your child ahead of this two week period.

Termination and Written Notice by Parent:

Two weeks advanced written and paid notice is required if you wish to terminate your contract after the probationary period has expired. There will be no refund for early withdrawal.