Parent Handbook Length

[Meyou]

How long is too long? How detailed is too much? I'm almost done writing a through parent's handbook. I've operated up until now with a bare bones one and very open communication with my parents (worked well). But my current crop of little ones are about to start school so I want to be ready for the new influx of families in September.

Sooo....that being said I'm 14 pages in word and 6000 words in.... :/

Too much? I'm covering everything I can think of with examples and some research info to support my parenting/childcare methods. I've got a touch of the nerd in me and like things to be just so....but I also don't want to lose my audience if you know what I mean?

I can post selections so you can see my detail if that helps you help me. TIA!

[Zoe]

I'm in the same boat. I want to be detailed to cover my behind, but don't want to scare them away either. I'm curious to see what people say. Mine's about 10 pages. I should mention that I've added quite a few things after being on this forum.

[Cat Herder]

Mine is 7 pages with a FAQ "bullet" page to make it more "instant info" user friendly.

Solved most of my "repeat offender" issues...

[nannyde]

http://www.nanshouse.com/policies.htm

I don't know how many pages this is but here is mine.

[Cat Herder]

http://www.nanshouse.com/policies.htm

I don't know how many pages this is but here is mine.

:::::: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your late pick up policy!!!!!!

[missnikki]

First off, it should be exactly as long as it needs to be to get your point across without redundancy.

Here is my table of contents for my summer camp handbook (closer to home daycare than during the school year as far as policies):

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PURPOSE STATEMENT (p. 1)
2. WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (p. 1)
3. SUMMER CAMP 2010 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION (p.1)
4. CANCELLED CONTRACTS (p. 2)
5. VACATION/ ABSENCE REQUESTS (p. 2)
6. BILLING/ PAYMENT AND PROGRAM FEES (p. 2)
7. ARRIVAL/ DEPARTURE TIME (p. 2)
8. ARRIVAL/ DEPARTURE PROCEDURES (p. 3)
9. EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION (p. 3)
10. PARENT INFORMATION CENTER (p. 3)
11. ATTENDANCE (p. 4)
12. VBS WEEK (Vacation Bible School) (p. 4)
13. PERMISSION SLIPS (p. 4)
14. PROCEDURES FOR SICK CHILDREN (p. 4)
15. MEDICATION (p. 4)
16. LOST & FOUND (p. 5)
17. TOYS AND ELECTRONICS (p. 5)
18. CELL PHONES (p. 5)
19. COMPUTER/ INTERNET USE (p. 5)
20. MOVIES (p. 5)
21. ATTIRE (p. 5-6)
22. T- SHIRTS (p. 6)
23. SUNSCREEN (p. 6-7)
24. PLAYGROUND CONDUCT (p. 7)
25. DISCIPLINE (p. 7-8)
26. SUSPENSION (p. 8)
27. CONFLICT RESOLUTION (p. 9)
28. PARENT VOLUNTEERS (p. 9)
29. PRIVACY POLICY (p. 9)
30. FOOD (p. 10)
31. PHOTOGRAPHS/ VIDEOS (p. 10)
32. VISITING THE PROGRAM (p. 10)
33. CHILD ABUSE REPORTING OBLIGATIONS (p. 11)
34. IMPORTANT FIELD TRIP REMINDERS (p. 11-12)
• FIELD TRIP ATTENDANCE (p. 11)
• FIELD TRIP BEHAVIOR (p. 11)
• WALKING FIELD TRIPS (p. 12)
• ABILITY LEVELS (p. 12)
• LIBRARY CARDS (p. 12)
• MONEY ON FIELD TRIPS (p. 12)
35. BILLING/ PAYMENT POLICY (p. 13)
36. SUMMER CAMP 2010 RATES (p. 14)


PM me if you want to see anything specific. I don't use examples in it, but I have specifically outlined my expectations...anticipated questions, loopholes and grey areas.

My contract is a seperate paper that has schedule and stuff, with a sentence that says "I HAVE RECEIVED AND READ THE 2010 SUMMER CAMP POLICY HANDBOOK. I UNDERSTAND THE POLICIES AND BILLING INFORMATION. UPON SIGNING, I AUTHORIZE ENROLLMENT IN ______ SUMMER CAMP AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY ITS POLICIES AS OUTLINED IN THE 2010 SUMMER CAMP POLICY HANDBOOK."

[SilverSabre25]

Mine's 13 pages, and will be longer as soon as I add in some of my new "infant addendums". Ultimately, I want it online ONLY 'cause I sure as heck don't wanna print that monster out very often.

[Meyou]

Hahahaha Nan. Your teething, allergies and ear infections has me ROFL. Also "justacold". hahahahah

Thanks for the advice ladies. I'm going too add a few more things that I've missed from your posts and stop worrying about the length.

This is an example from the Arrival/Departure section:

"In the summer we’re “on the go” so children must arrive by 9am. After 9am I can’t guarantee we’ll be here and it is the responsibility of the parent to drop the child off to me (prepared for the activity we’re doing) or to arrange alternate care for the child for the day. EG: If we are at the beach the child must arrive with a bathing suit, hat, lunch, sunblock applied and change of clothes.

When your child first starts to attend my dayhome regularly, please expect them to cry when you leave or even before you get in the house. This is totally normal and is their way of expressing anxiety at a new place with new people. The best thing to do is to quickly say goodbye with lots of love, tell them exactly when you’ll be back (“Daddy will be back to pick you up after work today and we’ll go home for dinner”) and leave promptly. I will soothe and/or distract your child and make them feel at home. Most children only cry until Mom or Dad is out of sight. Never sneak away! This only increases your child’s anxiety….knowing where you are and when you’ll be back is very important to them. Sometimes children who have been here for years will have a week here and there of sad times at arrival. This is also normal and is usually related to a vacation, sickness or another extended time home with Mom or Dad. Same rules as above apply. "

Overkill?

[missnikki]

Those are all great points, and well written...I would just say a couple things:
1) The 2 paragraphs almost seem like they could be under different headings. Maybe the longer paragraph could be under "Easing the transition" or something...
2) The last sentence implies that dropping off quickly etc.. is a rule. Might want to drop that last sentence as you have explained why they should do it, not that you are going to make them say goodbye your way. KWIM?

[TBird]

OMG....mine is 18 pages long!!! I didn't realize I was that long winded!!!

[E Daycare]

Mines pretty extensive too. This year I updated it from last with a bunch of ideas found on this site and for things I over looked (Like a bug policy. I had someones kid bring fleas into my home and act like it was no big deal.). I just did a part time and drop in care policy too. Its like my full time one but with a few more things added in. In June Im going to redo it again as I keep finding and reading about more things I need to cover. Apparently common sense is lacking in some people and you have to spell out everything. I also make sure I CMA-cover my @$$.

I love nans late policy, special needs and nebulizer policy. I will be adding those come the 6month mark too.

[jen]

LOL...uhmmm...just my contract. That's it! (Plus mandatory paperwork as required by the state, which is extensive. Ick)

My contract is 3 pages and most of that is listing reportable illness

[krystamichelle]

LOL...uhmmm...just my contract. That's it! (Plus mandatory paperwork as required by the state, which is extensive. Ick)

My contract is 3 pages and most of that is listing reportable illness

Mine too... I have a few policies, house rules, my promise to the parents/children, daily schedule, and discipline policies (all of which, have to be read and initialed). Add that with the emergency medical forms, and my total is a whopping five pages!

[daycare]

I was told by my lawyer that your PHB could be 100 pages long if necessary. He said really there is no way to cover everything 100%, however, you need to CYA (cover your a@s, as much as you possibly can. If the parents so chose not to read it and sign it, then that is their choice. That does not mean that they are not responsible for following the rules.
No matter where you go, there are rules. No one can memorize them all, but should have a refrence to resort back to when needed. My children bring home a book I mean 100 plus pages code of conduct from their school. No way amI expected to memorize all of the rules in the book, but I am expected to follow them.....

[squareone]

My contract and handbook is now one in the same and I currently have a total of 23 pages. Yow!