Dear Parents,

This policy statement and the information contained herein was written in an effort to better introduce you to My Little Star, our goals, and our commitment to the families we serve.

Purpose and philosophy

My Little star is dedicated to providing a warm and inviting atmosphere that allows children to develop at their own pace. We believe that children need to have a positive self-image, along with their developmental growth in the areas of intellectual, social, physical, and emotional skills, through a variety of group activities, individual play, and quiet periods. Our program makes use of many play and learning materials that help the children gain confidence in their abilities to do and make things.
At My Little Star we are parent- friendly. We welcome parent visits any time, and we seriously consider all parent suggestions and comments.

Trial Period

Because we are dedicated to providing only quality care, and because we care deeply for all children, there may be times, unfortunately, when the care we provide is not suitable for certain children or families. Therefore, we must be very clear in imposing a trial period of 1 month, after which, if we decide the care is inappropriate for the child or whatever reasons, we will decline from providing that care. If, regrettably, we must decline the provision of care, we will do what we can to help the parents find alternate care. However, the responsibility of finding alternate care rests solely with the parents.
Parents will be giving 2 weeks’ notice of termination of care to allow them to search for alternate care.

Respectfully, if parents feel the care we provide is not suited to their child or family, they also have the right during the 1-month trial period, to terminate the care.

Meals and snacks

We are committed to providing healthy meals and snacks for the children based on the federal food guides. These meals (breakfast and lunch) will include one-third the recommended daily totals in all four-food groups. Snacks will include fruits, vegetables, or whole grain products. With the exception of the rare, special occasion, junk foods will not be served. Parents are asked to refrain from sending such foods as sweets, candies, or gum with their child.

Illness

We are under very strict guidelines with regards to disease control; hence there may be times when we have to send an ill child home. For that reason parents would be wise to have a plan for alternate care. If a child becomes ill at the day care we will do everything possible to comfort the child until the parent or emergency contact person arrives to take the child home. The child will have to be isolated from other children.
Parents will be notified and required to pick up the child immediately in case if the following symptoms:
• Fever 38 C or higher
• Persistent diarrhea
• Sever coughing
• Difficult or rapid breathing
• Conjunctivitis
• Vomiting
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Yellowish color or tint to the eyes or skin (jaundice)

Any other symptoms, which in the opinion of the caregiver, indicate the possible presence of a contagious disease such as chicken pox, measles, etc.

Parents will be notified of contagious diseases affecting the children at the day care. A child with a communicable disease will NOT be readmitted into care until the period of contamination has passed or the child has fully recovered.

Parents of all children in care are required to complete and submit to the caregiver a child medical report, including all the vaccinations, allergies and any health related issues.

Behavior management

The staff at My Little Star believes that children need guidance, understanding, and a few easy-to –follow rules in order to learn appropriate behavior. It is our policy to help children learn appropriate behavior by establishing clear limits, explaining those limits in a positive way when it is necessary for a child to understand why the limit is there, and by using the time out method to calm a child when necessary. We believe one minute per the child age is a sufficient time-out period.
Our three rules encompass our philosophy: 1) you may not hurt yourself; 2) you may not hurt others, and 3) you may not hurt things, furniture, toys, etc.
Children who cannot be managed using these measures and are consistently presenting s discipline problem for the caregiver will be required to withdraw from care.

Parent contract

During the preadmission interview parents will be given a copy of our agreement. If parents decide to place their child in the care of My Little Star, this form must be completed, dated and signed by both parent(s) and the director.