Parent Handbook
Over The Moon Child Care*
PHILOSOPHY
It is the philosophy of Over The Moon Child Care* Centre to provide a happy, safe and stimulating environment.
ADMISSION AND DISCHARGE POLICY
Prior to enrollment, an interview will be arranged to familiarize you and your child with the surroundings, answer questions and complete admission forms. For the first week you are encouraged to stay with your child at the beginning of the day in order to reassure him/her and minimize fears until you and your child become more comfortable.
Written notice of permanent withdrawal must be given two weeks in advance. If notice is not received, full program fees will be charged. A permanent space can not be guaranteed if you wish to temporarily withdraw your child. Therefore, you child will be placed on a waiting list. Over The Moon Child Care* may terminate services if policies are not followed or fees are not paid.
ARRIVAL & PICK-UP
Young children depend on routines for their own sense of security. We recommend that you establish fixed hours to pick up and drop off your child. It is also suggested that you not leave your child for longer than a 10-hour duration, since it makes for a very long day for your child. When your child arrives, notify a member of the staff as to your child's presence. Similarly, when picking up your child, enter the building and make sure the staff knows you are leaving. Unless otherwise arranged, children will not be released to any person other than those specified on the emergency contact forms. If it is the first time someone other than yourself picking your child up, proper identification is needed, i.e. driver's license.
NUTRITION
A morning snack, a nutritious lunch and an afternoon snack will be provided daily. Children's special dietary needs and allergies will be posted. Weekly menu plans will be posted for the current and following week to assist you in menu planning at home.
HEALTH AND ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS
The Day Nurseries Act stipulates that prior to administration, each child must be immunized as recommended b the local medical officer of health. Regulations require daily outdoor play for each child. Therefore, it is our policy that children too ill to play outside remain at home. If a child becomes ill during the day, temporary care will be provided until you can be contacted, and your child can be taken home. It is our policy that a child should be fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to school. Sunshine & Rainbows will administer prescription drugs to children, in accordance with provincial legislation. This requires that parents provide the following:
• Written authorization, including dosage and times any drug is to be given.
• Medication in the original container, clearly labelled with the child's name, name of the drug, the dosage, the date of purchase and instructions for storage and administration of drug.
Medication is not to be left in the cloakroom area. Kindly give it directly to the program staff member.
CLOTHING & POSSESSIONS
Your child should be dressed in clothing that is appropriate for physical activity, the weather and the season. A second set of clothing should be kept at the daycare in case of accidents. Also, all clothing and toys should be labelled with your child's name.
DISCIPLINE
Children are disciplined in a positive manner at a level that is appropriate to their actions and their ages in order to promote self-discipline, ensure health and safety, respect the rights of others and maintain equipment.
Spanking or other forms of corporal punishment are not permitted.
HOLIDAYS / SICK LEAVE FEES
Fees are to be paid for all weeks that a full-time or part-time child is enrolled at Over The Moon Child Care* including days absent due to illness. Over the moon doesnot charge for Stat Hollidays, but we are closed, and will re open the next day.
• Fees can be paid by cash or cheque.
• Fees are required on the first day of the current week.
• A late fee may be charged if payments are not made in time.
• Monthly receipts will be given for income tax purposes.