Policies*
Here is a glimpse of some our policies. If you would like to view the entire Policy Parent Handbook, please click below.
*This section is better seen on computer than cell phones.
PLEASE READ our Parent Handbook to make sure you agree with our policies before enrolling.
Toothbrushing
Brushing our teeth is such an important part of personal hygiene and we want the children to be taught in a fun and interactive manner. Every year we have Pediatric Dental Associates come out and teach the children about brushing their teeth and the importance of it. They teach the children through demonstrations that are fun and entertaining. They also give the kids their own goody bag with a toothbrush and floss.
Nutrition
Eat
Healthy
Nutrition and the children's health is very important to us here at Little Ducks. We follow USDA food guidelines. The children receive 2-4 servings of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Meals are lean, low fat, high fiber, whole grain, non fried foods that are not cooked in fat margarine or butter. Foods that contain sugar are not served, unless there is a birthday being celebrated in which the parents are welcome to bring a treat for the group to share. There are children that have food allergies so please don't bring any treats without talking to Mrs. Cristy first. There is always water available to children, indoors and outdoors. No juice, Gatorade, fruit drinks, sweet tea or soda is served due to its high sugar content.
During meal time there is always an adult eating with the children in a family style environment, where children can interact with their peers and teachers. The children are divided into two groups, typically 4-6 children at each table. All children get appropriate portion sizes for their age and utensils that are easy for them to use.
At meal time the children and teachers have conversations about foods, their day or anything they would like to talk about. The teachers encourage healthy eating by talking about the benefits of certain foods and also reflect on unhealthy food choices. Television or videos are never on during meal time. Children are always asked if they are full before getting a second serving. The children are taught to clean up after themselves by taking their tray to the kitchen sink and throwing their paper towel in the trash and they are confident and proud to be helping.
Child Illness Policy
Under no circumstances should you bring your child to daycare sick (fever of 100°f or higher, vomiting, diarrhea that either cannot be contained in a diaper or diarrhea more than twice in a 24-hour period, sore throat, continuous coughing, runny nose other than clear, draining eyes or ears, unexplained rash, lice, etc.). If you are not sure your child is well enough to attend the childcare call and discuss it with us.
Masking your child’s symptoms with over‑the‑counter medications and bringing them to care anyway is not allowed and could be cause for immediate termination. It is also inconsiderate to all families enrolled here at Little Ducks. A sick child should be able to recuperate fully at home after an illness so that the other children and the provider do not risk unnecessary exposure.
· If a child tests positive for coronavirus, we will immediately send all children home, and will temporarily shut down, we will resume childcare 5 business days after the date children were sent home. We recommend that in this instance, all children be tested and the staff here at Little Ducks will also be tested.
We have the right to refuse to care for a sick child, we will use our best judgment of what we feel is best on when they can return. We care for the safety of all families in our care. If your child develops any of the above symptoms while in our care, you or your alternate contacts will be required to pick up your child immediately. We are responsible for the health and well being of many children so we will closely follow health department regulations when it comes to illness. We understand and respect your need to be at work, but your cooperation is extremely important with this.
CELL PHONE USAGE
The times you spend in the center dropping off and picking up your child are the primary windows of time we have to communicate with one another about your child. In order to make the best use of these opportunities, as well as to be attentive to your child, other children and adults who may wish to communicate with you, we ask that you NOT use your cell phone at any time while visiting the center.
SMOKING
The poisons in secondhand smoke are especially harmful to infants and young children’s developing bodies, therefore the indoor and outdoor facility environment and vehicles used by the facility are non-smoking areas at all times. The use of tobacco in any form is prohibited on the center’s premises.
RIGHT TO REFUSE CHILD RELEASE
We may refuse to release children if we have reasonable cause to suspect that any person picking up a child is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is physically or emotionally impaired in any way that may endanger the child.
Visitors
All visitors will be logged into the visitor log with time of arrival and departure with the date. There will always be a staff member present, visitors will not be left alone with children at any time for any reason. If there were a case in which only one provider is present, and said provider needs to use the restroom, the visitor will be asked to exit the building, and can reenter when the provider is through.
