SEVIN'S DAYCARE HANDBOOK & CONTRACT

WELCOME

Welcome to Sevin Holder's Childcare. I am a professional childcare provider, who has been operating
since 2004. To facilitate greater understanding between us I have created this handbook. It covers my
childcare philosophies, business policies and expectations.

In order to make our relationship as enjoyable as possible, the following pages contain mutually beneficial
requirements, which are necessary to ensure that there are no misunderstandings between either parties.
The words "I" or "me" or "my" refers to the childcare provider. The word "you" or "your" refers to the
child's parents or guardian.

Please read this handbook carefully, and feel free to discuss with me any questions that you may have.

MY CHILD CARE PHILOSOPHY

As a family child care provider, my goal is to provide a safe and happy place for children where they can
learn and grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially at their own pace. I believe children
learn through play and benefit from a structured yet flexible schedule. Activities will be offered which
stimulate sensory motor development, language development and social interaction. The development of
strong self-esteem is also a major goal. Children will be taught to respect each other, adults, and
property.

COMMUNICATION

Communication is very important to me. When I accept a new family into my business, I like to be sure
that we can share openly any concerns or questions that may arise. It is important that there is a similar
childcare philosophy between us. I welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are
oriented towards a positive outcome for the child(ren). Sensitive issues will be discussed in private
outside of regular childcare hours either by telephone.

I am looking forward to a terrific relationship with you and your child!

ENROLLMENT POLICY

There are several forms that I must have completed and in my possession before I can assume the
responsibility of caring for your child. NO EXCEPTIONS. This is to ensure that your child will get the very
best care possible from me.

You are required to keep me informed of any change in addresses, telephone numbers, and other
pertinent information listed on any/all of the above forms. If you have any questions regarding the
completion of these forms, please feel free to ask.

SECURITY DEPOSIT

Before your child is admitted into childcare, you must pay a two-week security deposit. The deposit
protects me from unexpected family departures from child care. This deposit will be credited towards
your last two weeks of childcare when you decide to leave Sevin Holder's Childcare please make sure
you use what you paid before you give Sevins Daycare two week notice. I say credited because your
rates may be higher when you leave Sevin Holder's Childcare than when you initially enroll so you may
still owe an undetermined amount when you leave my services. Deposits are equal to your normal weekly
fee. In the event your child does not start care by the agreed upon date, your position will be forfeited and
your deposit to hold the position will become non-refundable.
For all slots held longer than two weeks in advance, you will pay regular weekly fee for each week your
child is not yet in attendance. All fee rules apply. This is in addition to your two-week security deposit.
These monies are nonrefundable should you withdraw your child before our agreed-upon starting date.

MATERNITY/EXTENDED LEAVE

In cases of your potential absence due to maternity or extended leave from your job, I still require full
childcare rate payments for the entire time of your absence to hold your child's position. In cases of
maternity leave where you will be placing your new baby into my care, you will be required to fill out all
necessary enrollment forms no less than two weeks prior to the baby's starting date. A security deposit is
also required at this time equal to the difference of your new weekly rates with 2 children in care and your
current rate. If you are a long-term client and your child has been in my care before I required a security
deposit, your deposit will equal a full two-week's pay for 2 children at the time of enrollment of the new
baby. See Security Deposit for details.

TRIAL PERIOD

All new children will be cared for on a two-week (14 calendar days) trial period beginning on your child's
first actual day of care. During that time the parent or provider may terminate the childcare agreement
with 24 hours notice. No pre-paid fees will be credited upon cancellation during the Trial Period. After the
trial period, a two-week's written notice is required by either party to terminate the agreement (See
Termination Policy). Your security deposit is not refundable if services are canceled during your Trial
Period.

PAYMENT PROCEDURES

Your specific rates will be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement. Payment is payable in advance
and is due no later than drop off time on the first contracted care day of each week, unless another
arrangement has been agreed upon. If this day is a holiday, payment is expected on the previous day. If
you go away on vacation, payment is due BEFORE you leave. If it is my planned day(s) off, your payment
is expected BEFORE I leave. In cases of illness, your payment is still expected unless other
arrangements have been previously made. If I close the childcare due to my own illness or emergency,
payment will be accepted on your first day back to childcare.

Payments may be made by check or cash, as long as no checks are returned to me for non-payment.
Checks must be dated for the day they are due, no post-dated checks will be accepted. There will be a
late fee of $10.00 for each day that payments are received late. This includes post-dated checks.
Repeated late payments may be grounds for termination and your deposit will be non-refundable. I ask
you to consider how you would feel if your employer came to you on your expected payday and told you
that your paycheck would be delayed? I will give you a minimum of two-week's notice of any increases in
your childcare fee.

TAXES

I will supply you with a year-end summary of all daycare fees paid during the year for tax purposes. This
will be given to you in January each year or when services are terminated. You may request a statement
at any time.

CHECKS

If a check is returned to me for non-sufficient funds, you will be required to pay $35 and all fees that I
incur as a result of the returned check. Childcare services will be immediately halted until full payment of
tuition charge has been made, in CASH. In addition, I will only accept cash payment from you from that
point forward.
HOURS OF OPERATION

Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 am. to 5:30 pm. Your specific hours will
be outlined in your Contract and Rate Agreement. I require two-week's notice if you need to change your
enrollment hours. I also reserve the right to terminate if the new hours will not work well for my childcare
business.

I offer both full-time and part-time care. Full-time positions will generally be preferred over part-time
positions. I reserve the right to terminate a part-time position, if the position can be filled with a full-time
family. You may opt to pay for a full-time slot in order to keep your part-time position.

I do occasionally accept children for drop-in care if I have a space available on any given day. If you tell
me that you will not be bringing your child, there is a chance I will fill your spot for that day and you could
potentially lose your day if I do so. Therefore I do require that you give me a minimum of 48-hours notice
if you change your mind and want/need to bring your child after all on your day.

You are still responsible for paying all fees for your contracted days regardless of whether you come or
not. I do not accept drop-ins for the purpose of earning a little extra income; rather I do it as a service to
all of my parents, which may possibly include you if you would ever need/want childcare on an
unscheduled day. Your 48-hour notice is not only put into place because I may schedule a drop-in on
your day, but this will give me time to adjust my menus and activities accordingly.

You are required to notify me by 7:00 am. if your child will not be coming for the day or if you will be late
in arriving. Your child could be the only child in attendance on any given day and I will not like to be kept
waiting. Consistent disregard of these considerations may be cause for termination.

If you arrive after 9:00 am. you shouldn't expect a curriculum to be taught. If I have to wait for your child to
begin our activities, then we would be too rushed and that wouldn't be fair to me, or any of the children.
I will not be available for evening or weekend care. In order for me to be the best provider that I can be, it
is important to have adequate time to spend with my family. There are also planning, preparation and
cleaning activities that are associated with my business that cannot be completed during daytime hours.

Please understand: The hours in which your child is here are strictly "child care hours" and does not
reflect all of the additional hours necessary to provide quality childcare. I am available in case of
emergency, but I do not want to work "overtime". If I am to do so, it must be worth my while. Just as you
do, I schedule appointments around my scheduled work hours and am anxious to spend time with my
family in the evenings.

I also appreciate your consideration if you are done with your job early to let me know and please come
and pick up your child. Your personal errands (i.e. grocery shopping, running home to change clothing)
should not be done on my time. I am here to serve families who must work outside of the home.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

I maintain an open door policy for parents. This means that you are always welcome to call or drop in to
see your children at any time during regular childcare hours. You are required to let me know of your
presence before entering the premises. Knock, and then enter. Open door policy does NOT mean that my
door will be kept unlocked. I believe that it is extremely important to keep the doors locked for the safety
of the children. I do not want unwanted or unexpected visitors to enter without my permission or
knowledge. I also do not want little ones leaving the house unsupervised. Your child's safety is my first
priority. I would appreciate your taking into consideration my schedule when dropping in or calling, and
remember that visitors usually cause children to react in an excited manner that does not normally occur
when I am alone with the children.
LATE FEES

You are scheduled for childcare for the hours listed in your Contract and Rate Agreement. If you drop off
before or pick up after these times, you will be charged a late/early fee. (Examples: If you put 4:30 pm. as
your pick-up time, your late fees will begin at 4:31 pm. even though child care is open until 5:30 pm. If you
put 8:30 am. as your drop-off time and you drop off earlier than that you will be charged an early fee even
though child care is open at 7:00 am.) Late fees will also apply if you tell me verbally that you will be
picking your child up early and do not arrive by the time you say. (Example: If you call me at noon and tell
me you will arrive by 2:30 pm. to pick up your child and you show up at 3:00 pm. even though your
contract may state your pick-up time to be 5:00 pm.) The late fees will be as follows: I will charge an
overtime rate of $10.00 per child per every 15 minutes that you are late or early. (Example: 1 to 15
minutes late or early, you owe $10.00 per child; 16 to 30 minutes late or early, you owe $20.00 per child.)
Calling me to inform me that you will be unavoidably late does not waive your late fees. If overtime is pre-
arranged, my fee will be $10.00 per every 15 minutes. This is to assure that children are picked up on
time as not to impose on my family time. Late drop off does not constitute late pick up. Payment is
expected, in CASH, at the time of pick up or drop off. If cash payment is not made at this time, you will be
given a bill due on or by your next regularly scheduled fee payment due date. These rules will be strictly
enforced, and your habitual tardiness may result in termination of services.

The above late fees will also be charged to you if grandma or another person is suppose to arrive to pick
up your child and is late.

It is your responsibility to have your child picked up on time. If you know you will be unavoidably late, it is
your responsibility to have an authorized alternate person pick up your child. It is not my responsibility to
tell you that I have plans after childcare hours so that you can be here on time. Bad traffic or weather
(except in extreme situations) will be not be an accepted late excuse and you will be billed accordingly.
Please remember that it is your responsibility to allow ample time to get here to pick up your child on time.
In cases of extreme bad weather a phone call from you would be expected to let me know you are on
your way. I would not want you to put yourself in danger in rushing to my home to be on time, but I would
still expect to be reimbursed for my services at my overtime rate of $10.00 per child per every 15 minutes.
Job-related lateness will not be excused for any reason. Continued late pick-ups will mean breach of
contract and you will forfeit your child's position in the child care as well as your deposit.

ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

Children are to arrive clean and fed (unless arriving just before a mealtime). It is normal for some children
to have difficulty separating from parents, or cry when being dropped off. Please be very brief (no more
than 2 minute is sufficient) during drop-off times; the longer you prolong the departure the harder it gets.
A smile, cheerful good-bye kiss, and a reassuring word that you will be back are all that is needed. In my
experience, children are nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are
gone.

Please be very brief at pick-up times also. This is a time of testing when two different authority figures are
present (the parent and the provider), and all the children will test to see if the rules still apply. An early
arrival to pick up your child does not mean you may stay until the close of business. If you'd like to stay
and visit please arrange this with me beforehand. But typically pick-up time needs to be kept brief.
When picking children up at the end of the day, you are asked to always come to the backt door. I will try
my best to send your child home with a clean diaper, and would appreciate the same consideration when
you drop off.

During arrivals and departures, I expect you to back up my rules (see House Rules), but if you do not, I
will remind your child that their behavior is inappropriate and take action to correct, if needed. Please be
in control of your child during these times.
I prefer that there are no pick-ups or drop offs during the designated daily quiet time, but if it is necessary
please be as quiet and brief as possible. Children who arrive during quiet time will be expected to remain
quiet (read quietly) until quiet time is over, so that others will not be disrupted from their naps.
Do not allow your child to run out to your car while you are still inside or while you are in my backyard!!
The safety rule is "No one goes outside without their parent with them."

Drop-off and pick-up times are not good times to discuss problems. Little ears and minds hear and
understand everything. I am not comfortable discussing children in the presence of anyone except their
parents. Topics that concern day-to-day events, or light-hearted discussion are fine.

My normal procedure is to release the child only to his/her parents or someone else the parents
designate. If someone other than the parent is to pick up the child, please notify me ahead of time. A
verbal notice is fine on that day if this person is on the list of people who are authorized to pick up your
child. If the person is NOT on that list, I MUST have written permission to release your child. Please
inform emergency contacts, or people designated to pick up your child, that if I do not know them, I would
need to ask for photo identification. I do not mean to offend them. This is simply a measure taken for your
child's protection. I will not let a child leave without a parent's verbal permission even if that person is
listed as one of your designated pickup people.

ABSENCES

There will be no refunds or adjustments made to your child care fee for your time missed due to illness,
holidays, or days off. A place has been reserved for each child that cannot be filled on a short-term basis.
Although I will make every attempt to be available each day, there will be occasions when another family
member or I are ill and I am unable to provide service. You will be notified as soon as possible of any
personal or family illness, funeral, or emergency. It will be your responsibility to obtain substitute care on
such occasions and to arrange payment to the substitute. If I am unable to provide care for any of these
reasons, I will credit your next week of care day per day. I strongly suggest that you have a family
member, a friend, or a substitute provider lined up for the times I am closed due to illness or emergency.
When I must be away for a short time (1 - 4 hours), backup care will be provided by one of my substitute
providers. If I am unable to use one of my substitute providers then it will be necessary for me to close for
half the day or the full day. My substitute provider is authorized to carry out the terms of this contract.

HOLIDAYS & VACATIONS

I will be taking paid holidays along with snow days, snow days are paid days. Daycare will be closed if
the Tigard Tualatin school district is closed.

Holidays are:

New Year's,
Martin Luther King day,
Memorial Day,
President Day
Memorial Day,
Independence Day,
Labor Day,
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving
Day after Thanksgiving,
Christmas Eve,
Christmas Day.

When a Holiday (listed above) falls on a Saturday, Sevin Holder's Childcare will be closed the preceding
Friday with pay, when a holiday falls on a Sunday, Sevin Holder's Childcare will be closed the following
Monday with pay. You will pay for these Mondays and Fridays taken if that would be a normally
scheduled day for your child.

Although very rewarding, childcare is also a very high stress occupation. In order for me to be the best
provider that I can be, I will need time to relax with my family, accomplish household or child care
projects, or attend training seminars/conferences.

Each year I may take up to 3 week's vacation time. Only one of the weeks will be a paid week off and will
be taken as one full week (5 consecutive days Monday - Friday). The remaining 2 weeks vacation (if I
take them) will be unpaid. I may take these 2 unpaid weeks of vacation time as consecutive days or may
take them broken up. I will give no less than 3 week's advance notice of all vacation dates.

Occasionally, I may need to take additional days off for appointments, family activities, to catch up at
home, attend trainings, or just relax. I will try to schedule these days as far in advance as possible so that
you can arrange other care for your child. I also will try to pick a day that is convenient for the majority of
parents, if possible. These days will be unpaid.

You may take 2 weeks unpaid vacation per year, providing that I receive a minimum of 2 week's advance
notice in writing. NO EXCEPTIONS! Payment will be required for any other time off that is taken. two-
week's vacation will be equal to the same number of days you are contracted with me for childcare
services. Example: if your child attends childcare on only Wednesdays and Thursdays, you will receive
four free vacation days per calendar year. If you would prefer to use your one-week's vacation as
separate days that would be acceptable, but I also require a two-week's written notice. NO
EXCEPTIONS! No vacation days will be allotted during the first three months of childcare services. Any
vacation days not used within your one-year period will be forfeited. Vacation days may not be applied to
your final two weeks of childcare nor may they be applied to any outstanding child care debts you may
owe such as late pick up or late payment fees, etc. You may not use any of your vacation days for days
when your child is in attendance. I will keep a record in your folder of your vacation days used; however, it
will not be my responsibility to remind you that you have so many days left that you may use before the
end of the year.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

No toys should be brought from home except Friday's. Little ones have a difficult time, sharing with
others, and it is even harder with their own special toys. Exceptions being their "lovely" for nap time,
which will be put up until nap time, and Show and Tell and other special activity days. I am not
responsible for any loss or breakage of your child's personal items. All personal items must be clearly
marked with the child's name.

SUPPLIES

You are responsible for supplying diapers, a full change of clothing (including socks and underwear)
appropriate for the weather, and any other supplies that your child may need. You may bring a whole
package of diapers to be stored in the changing table (I will let you know when your supply runs
low). Good clothing is not recommended. Soiled clothing will be sent home and a clean change of
clothes should be brought back the next day. If there is a special occasion that calls for special clothing (a
visit or party right after child care or a trip to the photographer), please send the special clothing with your
child and I will help them clean up and get dressed prior to your arrival. You will be required to bring
bathing suits to be kept at the childcare home in the summer. I will request certain items for certain times
of the year such as boots or snowsuits. All items need to be labeled with your child's initials. You must
maintain these items at all times. . Please keep in mind that if you do not bring a needed item, it may
prevent all of the children from going outside. If it becomes necessary for me to purchase supplies and/or
requested items for your child(ren), you will be billed on your next payment due date.

DAILY SCHEDULE
Young children, toddlers and babies enjoy a structured schedule that allows for flexibility. A schedule
helps the day to flow more smoothly, allows the children to anticipate coming events, and aids in
achieving a variety of goals. I will adhere to my written schedule to the best of my ability, keeping in mind
that anything can happen when children are involved. There will be times when I have to make
adjustments to the schedule. I would appreciate it if you consider my schedule when picking up or
dropping off your children. It is better if arrivals and departures do not occur during quiet time, but when
they do, please take note of the fact that children may be sleeping. Come and go as quietly and quickly
as possible. Children who arrive during quiet time will be expected to rest or play quietly until the rest
period is over.

MEALS

I am a participant in the Food Program. Nutritious meals will be served to all children ages 12 months and
up who are enrolled in this program at no extra cost to you. I have set meal times depending on whether
or not school is in session and also the hours of the children in current attendance. Lunch menus for the
week are posted in the Kitchen ; and all menus are available for you to look at per your request. You are
responsible for feeding your child if he/she will arrive at childcare after a mealtime. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Infants, if enrolled in the Child Care Food Program, are provided with an iron-fortified formula, cereal,
baby food, and juice at no additional cost to you. Infants are always fed on demand. Written feeding
instructions are required from parents of infants including type of food and/or formula, amount of food
and/or formula, and feeding times.

Except for special occasions and when requested, please do not send any food, drink (this includes a
morning snippy cup), or candy with your child. I believe mealtime should be a pleasant time; therefore,
children are always offered food but are not forced to eat it. I do encourage each child to try one or two
bites of everything, and they must eat a little of everything before given seconds of anything. Sometimes
they are surprised by what they like! If a child refuses to eat their meal, there will be no food served until
the next designated meal/snack time.

I will not administer a modified diet to your child.

CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE

I do my best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Children's hands are washed before
and after meals and after toileting. I use paper towels for drying hands, so children do not have to use the
same towel. If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste, teeth will be brushed, as well. I wash my
hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel. Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays used
only by them. Beginning at about age 2, washable nap mats are used. Each child has a separate nap
mat, with sheets, blankets and pillows that are washed weekly (unless soiled, then they are washed as
often as necessary).

Children use separate cups, plates, bowls and eating utensils that have been washed in the dishwasher
and dried on the heat setting. High chair trays, tables, etc. are disinfected with a bleach water solution
after each use.

TOILET TRAINING

Toilet training will be done in a relaxed manner with the cooperation of the family. If potty training is begun
when your child is ready, the task is easy and quick. If a parent undertakes the task of potty training when
they want it to happen, the task is arduous and painful for all concerned. Thirty months of age is a good
rule of thumb to start checking for signs of readiness. When we agree that the time is right for your child
and until he/she is totally successful in his/her toileting, he/she should wear clothes that promote their
independence. In addition, your child must have two complete changes of clothes (don't forget the socks!)
The best items are shorts and pants with elastic waists, or dresses. Try to avoid really tight clothing, pants
with snaps and zippers and belts, overalls, and onesies. These are difficult for children to remove "in a
hurry". Do not bring your child in panties or underwear until he/she has nap time and bedtime control
established.

I ask that you begin toilet training at home during a weekend or vacation. I will follow through and
encourage your child while in my care. When a child is ready, the process should go pretty quickly. If your
child does not have immediate success, he/she will be put back into diapers, and after a respite, the
process will be attempted again. The child must be kept in pull-ups or 5-ply training pants at all times.
Putting a child in diapers part time, and training pants part time, can be confusing and delay the training
process. Please keep in mind that the activity level here can distract your child from responding to an
urge to use the potty, more so than at your home. Therefore, I will continue to use diapers or pull-ups until
your child can and will announce that he/she must use the bathroom (not just at home, but here, as well)
and can control his/her bladder and bowels for a few minutes beyond that announcement.

Your child's readiness is something we can discuss because consistency between our homes will be very
important. This is a special time for your child, a sign that he/she is growing up. Toilet training should be a
good experience.

NAPS & QUIET TIME

All children are required to lie down for a rest period in the afternoon. All children must nap, rest, read or
play quietly during this period. Rest time gives everyone a much-needed break during the day. Without
rest time, some children are argumentative in the afternoon, short-tempered with others, and not real
happy when they go home in the evening.

Nap time is my only opportunity to take a break, clean up after lunch, do paperwork, fill out daily notes,
and do activity planning. I provide nap mats and child-sized blankets. If your child has a special blanket or
stuffed animal that he/she sleeps with, please send it along. I would ask that you please avoid picking up
or dropping off your child during nap time, as it disturbs the other children's rest period.

Infants nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated. Somewhere between 12 and 18
months, children usually drop down to one nap per day. At this time, I will attempt to put them on the
scheduled nap/rest period.

ACTIVITIES & CURRICULUM

The main goal of this childcare is to have fun, improve social skills, and encourage creative expression. I
will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. Free play, reading, arts and crafts, music/singing,
dancing, dramatic play/pretend, puzzles, and just some of the activities we will be doing.

I provide a preschool program from September through June for children ages 2 - 5 at no additional cost
to you. ( funshineexpress.com) Some of the activities include arts & crafts, music, math, science, stories,
games, as well as letter, shape, color, and number recognition in a monthly theme format. Some of the
projects will be taken home to share with the family and others will be ones that you can ask about. The
goal of preschool is to have fun and provide a little extra learning stimulation for the older children. It will
not be a rigorous academic program as young children still learn best from participating in and observing
the environment around them.

Music helps to develop young brains and will play a strong role in day-to-day activities. We may have
special music activities and may also play music during other activities, for example, during arts and crafts
or meal times.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

There will be times and ways you can get involved in your child's child care experience. You are
welcomed and encouraged to participate in any or all of these. Some examples of ways to be involved
include:
 Chaperoning on field trips
Lending objects for units of study
Coming and talking about your job, when asked
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for "Show and Tell"
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties

BIRTHDAYS & PARTIES

Each child's birthday is his/her "Special Day." Parents will provide a cake, cupcakes, or treats for your
child's special day.. If you feel you must purchase a personal gift for the birthday child, I ask that you give
this outside of the childcare home. I will let you know which day we will celebrate. I also have holiday
parties occasionally throughout the year. Sign up sheets will be posted at the front door for your
assistance with these days as needed on a voluntary basis. At Christmas time, parents are asked to
purchase and wrap a toy or book gift to be presented to the children at our Christmas party. This item will
remain in the childcare home for continued year-round use by all of the children.

HOUSE RULES

Please respect my profession, my home,me and my dogs. The respect that you show me, including my
home, furnishings, equipment, yard, dogs and other children will communicate itself to your child and will
make for a better working relationship. There are certain house rules that all children will be taught and
expected to follow. In addition, although I realize that I must expect a certain amount of wear and tear
where children are concerned, I do not want to have my home "demolished".

The following rules are enforced for the safety and well being of everyone. There will be no running
permitted in the house. Hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching other
children/infants/adults will NOT be allowed. No standing or climbing on chairs, tables, or furniture. There
will be no use of obscene, derogatory or disrespectful language. Children may not walk around the house
with food, cups or bottles. Children are not permitted to lift and/or carry other children while in my home or
on my property. Respectful treatment of other people and all property, toys, and furniture is expected.
Willful destruction of property will be charged to the parent at the cost to replace the item. Toys are meant
to be played with, and if they break it is most likely from wear and tear. Unless a child deliberately takes a
toy and breaks it, you or your child will not be held accountable. Please support me in the enforcement of
these rules, in order to create a better environment for all.

No smoking is permitted on the premises.

Children and families are welcome in any areas of the home that are used for childcare purposes. My
family and I also need some privacy and separation from the childcare. Please respect this. It is hard for
my family to share their home/mother, so intimately, with other children/families, for so many hours each
day. It is important for them to feel that they have their "own" space. My child is expected to keep any toys
that she is not prepared to share, in her room, away from the other children. Therefore, children and
childcare families are not permitted in the bedrooms, except when they are in use for napping.
If your car is leaking oil, please park along the street and not in my driveway while picking up and/or
dropping off your child.

INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLAY

Indoor play: I provide a variety of age-appropriate toys for indoor play. Toys may be rotated or placed
temporarily out of use so that the children do not become bored. Younger children have less-developed
organizational skills and can get easily frustrated or upset when there are too many toys to choose from.
It is also more difficult for them to help with clean up, when there are toys everywhere, because it is so
overwhelming to them. For this reason, during free play times, each child may select one or two things at
a time to play with. They will be shown how to put those things away before selecting something else.
Outdoor play: We will be playing outdoors every day that weather permits. Please make sure that your
child is appropriately dressed for outdoor play at all times. Our activities will include taking walks,
backyard playground (swings, slide, teeter totter), water play (sprinkler in summer), bike/toy riding,
sandbox, and more. During spring and fall, our outdoor play will probably range from 20 - 45 minutes, and
in the summer it may be two hours or more (maybe not all at once).

DISCIPLINE

My philosophy is that you use discipline to teach a child. I achieve this through love, consistency, and
firmness. I stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people and respect for property. The
children are explained the rules of the child care home frequently, so they are all familiar with the
guidelines.

Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children, especially, who
are not adept at communication; have a hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit or throw
toys, etc. Although teaching children appropriate behavior is what I will be doing, remember that this
behavior is normal in most cases.

The following methods of discipline will be used:

Encourage children to solve problems themselves

If I feel there is a chronic behavioral issue that needs attention, I will let you know so that you and I are
handling it in the same way and your child has continuity in discipline between our homes. These types of
behaviors might include such things as biting, use of bad words, chronic hitting, etc. Together, we will try
to find a solution. You may be called to remove your child if his/her behavior prevents me from being able
to properly care for the other children. If the problem continues, other arrangements for the care of the
child will have to be made, for the safety and well being of all.

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will there be any spanking, physical abuse, verbal abuse, name-calling or
isolation used. Neither food nor sleep will ever be withheld from children as a means of punishment.
As a home care provider, I have a responsibility by law to recognize and report any evidence of child
abuse--physical or emotional-or neglect. This is strictly for the benefit of your child.

ILLNESS POLICY

Under no circumstances will parents be allowed to bring a sick child to my home. Sick children expose
other children, as well as myself and my family, to the spread of their illness and require additional care
and attention that I am unable to give. Moreover, sick children want care from their parents in the comfort
of their own homes. If other children become ill due to exposure to your sick child, either because he/she
was returned to child care before full recovery or because he/she was not picked up promptly upon notice
of becoming ill, other parents will be unnecessarily inconvenienced. If my family or I become ill due to
exposure to a sick child, all of the children may need to arrange alternate care, and it is possible that I
may lose a portion of my income. Because this is disruptive to other children and their families, as well as
my own, your cooperation on this issue is extremely important.

The following illness policies will be strictly enforced, for the health, well being and safety of all
concerned.

SYMPTOMS REQUIRING REMOVAL OF CHILD FROM CHILD CARE

Diarrhea: runny or watery stools, or 2 or more loose stools within last 4 hours.
* As for infants with fevers and/or diarrhea and as it pertains to teething, I will only accept a child with
these symptoms back into care after the child has seen a doctor and a note is sent from the doctor stating
that these symptoms are due to teething.

Vomiting

Runny nose: Your child may be brought to care if he/she has a common cold (slight cough, clear runny
nose, occasional sneezing). Discharge of any color other than clear is not acceptable in childcare.

Runny and/or Crusty Eyes: Watery, matted, and/or red/pink eyes are not acceptable in childcare.
Unexplained Rash

Excessive Crankiness: Child is irritable, excessive whining or crying, wants constantly held, or requires
more attention than I can provide without jeopardizing the health, safety, or well-being of the other
children in my care.

Your child will not be accepted into childcare if he/she has had any of the above symptoms within the last
24 hours. A sick child should be allowed to recover fully after an illness so that other children in the group
do not risk exposure and so that the child is able to fully participate in childcare activities. If you are
unable to remain at home with your sick child it will be necessary for you to make substitute child care
arrangements at your own expense. If your child becomes ill while in my care, I will notify you
immediately. You are required to pick up your child within 60 minutes of notification. If you cannot be
reached then your emergency contact will be called.

If your child is out ill regular fees still apply. I reserve the right to determine when a child should be sent
home due to illness. Children may return to care 24 hours after symptoms of illness end or with written
authorization from your doctor stating the name of illness and when child may return to group care.
Please notify me as soon as possible when your child becomes ill so that I may notify the other parents.

If your child is thought to have a communicable disease, you will be notified and asked to pick him/her up.
He/she will be isolated from the other children and given special attention and comfort until you arrive.
Your child will be accepted back into care when no longer contagious. All other parents will be notified of
the possibility of a communicable disease and what symptoms to watch for.

If someone in my family has any of the above symptoms, I will call you the previous evening, or as soon
as I am aware of the situation, so that you may determine whether or not you want your child exposed to
such symptoms. However, I reserve the right to ask you to make other arrangements if I feel the
illness(es) in my family will hinder the quality of care for your child. If I specifically request that you find
alternate care on any given day, then I will not require payment. However, absences by your choice
qualify as your sick or absent days and are to be paid as stated above. I do not expect to be paid when I
am not available for care due to illness. However, I have set aside time in my schedule to accommodate
your schedule and feel that I should be compensated for the time that I am available.

Many times the childcare may get blamed for the illness of a child, meaning that I have "allowed" sick
children to come here. Parents may not stop to think that when sick children are brought to my home, my
entire family is also at risk of exposure. How would you feel if another parent brought their sick child and
exposed your child? I will always respect your need to be at work. I ask, however, that when deciding if
your child should be at home, you give consideration to the other children. Ask yourself how you would
feel if another child were as ill as your child. Would you want your well child exposed to these symptoms?
Further, there are times when a child is not that ill, but is terribly uncomfortable, and really needs some
"one on one". At those times I strongly urge you to consider keeping your child at home. If your child is
unable to participate in the normal activities of the daily schedule, then your child must stay home.

MEDICATIONS

Both nonprescription and prescription medications, ointments, and creams can be given to your child if
needed. Parents are required to fill out the proper forms and to supply all medications in their original
containers. All written instructions shall be valid for six months unless a shorter time period is designated
by the physician, dentist, or parent. These must be labeled with the child's name. NO EXCEPTIONS! I
may not exceed the manufacturer's recommended dosage unless with written physician's instructions
when administering nonprescription medication. I may not administer nonprescription oral medication for
longer than 3 consecutive days. I may not administer nonprescription topical ointments, creams, or lotions
for longer than 14 consecutive days when used for skin irritations. I am required to keep 6 bottles of
Syrup of Ipecac in my First Aid Kit. I may administer this only when following verbal instructions of the
poison control center or a licensed physician.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

In case of EMERGENCY, I will administer the necessary first aid. The Stow Police Department or
Paramedic Unit will be called and your child will be transported to the hospital designated on your
Emergency Transportation Authorization form. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY. If an ambulance
is called to transport your child, the cost of the ambulance will be your responsibility.

I am prepared with emergency caregivers in cases of unplanned absences of short duration caused by
unanticipated circumstances such as illness or accident. You will be notified when an emergency
caregiver will be used. If an emergency caregiver cannot be located, you may be requested to pick up
your children.

You are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency
transportation, if required. The owner of Sevin Holder's Childcare, or my family will not be held liable for
any sickness/injury of either parent/guardian or child while on these premises, or while the child is in the
company of the myself during field trip or outings.

FIRE SAFETY

I have a written fire evacuation plan and practice a fire drill with the children at least once each month. In
addition, I incorporate fire safety curriculum into my program occasionally. My home is inspected regularly
for fire safety.

TERMINATION POLICY

I reserve the right to terminate for the following reasons (but not limited to):

Failure to pay
Failure to complete the required forms
Lack of parental cooperation
Failure of child to adjust to the child care after a reasonable amount of time
Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property
My inability to meet the child's needs
Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
Serious illness of child or provider
False information given by parent either verbally or in writing
I appreciate as much advance notice as possible when terminating, and will give the same courtesy in
return. You are required to give two-week's written notice when you decide to terminate childcare. The
two weeks will be paid in full, regardless of whether or not your child is in attendance.

I will give two-week's written notice of termination for which full tuition is due, whether or not your child is
in attendance. I reserve the right to give written notice of immediate termination where there are extreme
circumstances that affect the well being of myself or other children in attendance. In this situation, the
two-week's payment of tuition is still required. Termination notice will not be accepted while provider or
parents are on vacation. You may pay two-week's fees in lieu of two-week's notice.

REVISIONS TO HANDBOOK AND CONTRACT

There will be a yearly revision to this handbook and the accompanying contract. All families will sign a
new contract each year. I reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies, as I deem necessary.
You will be notified, in verbal or writing, of any changes that may occur. Every attempt will be made to
give at least two-week's notice of changes.

Thank you,

Sevin Holder