How Long Is Your Policy Handbook?

[KiddieCahoots]

I have 18 pages and counting. I'm learning more here, and will keep on adding.
Then the registration packet of 8 pages, food program, photo consent form, and contract/agreement form.
I have the parents initial and date every page of the hb, then sign and date the last page. So if they try to say, "oh, I didn't see that section"......
Well...according to your initials and date, right here in the corner, you did!
My CDA instructor, gave me that advice, and glad he did. It has served to help me more than once, especially seeing a recent post with that very problem, seems to be a common trick parents play.

[Blackcat31]

I have 18 pages and counting. I'm learning more here, and will keep on adding.
Then the registration packet of 8 pages, food program, photo consent form, and contract/agreement form.
I have the parents initial and date every page of the hb, then sign and date the last page. So if they try to say, "oh, I didn't see that section"......
Well...according to your initials and date, right here in the corner, you did!
My CDA instructor, gave me that advice, and glad he did. It has served to help me more than once, especially seeing a recent post with that very problem, seems to be a common trick parents play.

My contract page says:

I have read and agree to the statements and policies outlined in ABC Child Care handbook. I fully understand all rates, payments, late fees, and scheduling procedures._______.

I was given ample time to read the handbook and was provided contact info should I have any questions. I understand that by signing this contract I agree to abide by all rules and policies set forth in the handbook. _______.

Failure on my part to fully read the handbook does not give me valid excuse to disregard any policies and rules and I acknowledge that I can be terminated immediately for violation of any or all of ABC Child Care's policies. ______.

Parents are required to initial after each section.
That last paragraph makes it so parents cannot use the excuse that they didn't read something.

[Maria2013]

I am in the process of re-doing mine and am concerned about the length of it and whether or not parents will actually read it all...

And if you have a lengthy handbook, how do you print it? Do you do it on your own at home or have it professionally printed?

Mine isn't very long.
I put in just the basics, parents don't read it anyway...or at least it seems that way when I find myself answering questions even though they have a copy at home

[Laurel]

I don't have a handbook. I have an agreement that is two and a half pages with the really important things. If there is something I don't like, I just tell them that they can't do it. They can choose to take it or leave it...and leave.

The fewer things I have in writing, the fewer things they can come back with "Well it says so and so in your handbook."

Of course I realize that I can't just make up dumb rules as I have a reputation to uphold so it all works out.

Laurel

[MarinaVanessa]

Wow!
Ok now I feel really dumb. I never thought of printing mine double sided. Sometimes I wonder about myself....

One question, I know we both use webs.com, how can you print from there? I only have the free one so I don't know if that makes a difference or not.?

Sorry op, not trying to hijack, just curious.

What BC said, but now I save it to PDF and uploaded the files to my webs account. I don't think you need a paid account to do that as long as you keep below the storage limit that they give you.

[TaylorTots]

Mine is 10 pages. I send parents an electronic copy as well as a professional binded copy from Staples. Their is a form that they sign stating they read and agree to the entire handbook. They get a copy and the original goes in my childcare binder with their emergency forms, incident reports, financial agreement form and OTC medication form.