Handbook

[Calikate]

I will be starting my handbook soon. Where to start??? Need some guidance. Does anyone have examples that could be shared, and things that need to be included? Any help would be appreciated!!

[CraftyMom]

Here is one on one of the threads

https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66100

[CraftyMom]

You can find some other forms on this page, forms and uploads

https://www.daycare.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13

[NoMoreJuice!]

Calikate, I sent you a pm. Hope it helps!

[Second Home]

I found lots of helpful info here http://www.thedaycarelady.com/form.htm
under forms .

I am just choosing the parts that I need / like and re wording things that I need to apply to my daycare policies .

[rebekki78]

When I started, I Google searched contracts, printed them out, highlighted the part I wanted to put into mine, and retyped it.

[Childminder]

If you want to PM your email address I would be happy to send you mine.

[Blackcat31]

I will be starting my handbook soon. Where to start??? Need some guidance. Does anyone have examples that could be shared, and things that need to be included? Any help would be appreciated!!

If you'd like to see mine too, just PM me

[Unregistered]

daycarelady.com

i used this many times.....

[craftymissbeth]

Here's mine...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B04XphZ8tFQPbk5mNVRUbnhXT0E/edit?usp=sharing

I got the majority of my policies/wording from this forum.

[MarinaVanessa]

Here is mine ... but I have to warn you, it's long.

Helping Hands Childcare Handbook

[tehck_1013]

I'm new, but thought I might be of some help. My parent handbook is 23 pages long... I am trying to be extremely thorough and no, I'm not done yet.

Here's my parent handbook contents

cover page with photo, purpose of the book, address, phone number, and license number
a letter to parents regarding my philosophies and other things
registration checklist
definitions
state licensing requirements (and how I follow them)
non discrimination policy
child care philosophies
ages accepted
daycare hours
paid holidays/closed
sick/personal days
extended leave - children
extended leave - provider
weather closures
loss of utilities
vacations
back up child care
payment policy/attendance
non-sufficient/canceled checks
enrollment tuition
security deposit
termination policy
advance notice
holding policy
late pickup policy
damages
health matters
Guidelines for Children Requiring Exclusion from Daycare
contagious illnesses
immunizations
medication
reporting child abuse/neglect
safety
emergencies
diaper policy
toilet training
toys
open door policy
behavior management and guidance
cleanliness
birthdays and other parties
arrival and departure
supplies needed at daycare
proper attire
meals and snacks
special diets
religious activities
SIDS
smoking
pets
transportation
learning and fun
activities
nap time
daily schedule
Guidelines - What Is Asked Of Children
communication
records
referrals
taxes
privacy policy
miscellaneous
contract/handbook adherence
a final note

I am not done yet and won't know for sure if there will be anything else I add but that is what I have so far. For each thing listed, I have a paragraph or more if needed and list all pertaining info on that particular subject. You are better off being extremely thorough and specific than not because people will walk all over you and use your lack of policies to their advantage.

There will be specific state required forms that will need to be signed separately from your handbook. These will be listed under the checklist at the beginning of the handbook. Make sure you keep the original of EVERYTHING, and the parents get a copy of everything. If possible, make sure you keep the signed handbook and have them initial everything as you go through it with them. Keep the initialed and signed one, and have them take a blank one.

It is very important to have all of the proper forms that you will need, have everything very organized, and make sure each form is filled out completely and filed away properly. Keep all records for the proper amount of time. When you are inspected, your licenser looks at all of this and you will be cited if there is a missing form or if it is not filled out properly.

Good luck :hug: