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Policies

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Terms & Agreement

  • All contracts must be renewed annually.

  • Failure to comply with the terms in this agreement may result in immediate termination of enrollment at the provider’s discretion.

  • A two-week written notice is required for termination by either party.

  • If terminated without notice, parents remain responsible for two weeks of tuition.

 

Registration Fee

  • A non-refundable registration fee of $200 is required upon submitting the completed registration form to hold your child’s placement.

 

Hours of Operation & Contracted Hours

  • Open Monday–Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Parents must provide their child’s specific contracted drop-off and pick-up times.

  • Additional days/hours depend on availability and must be pre-approved.

  • Late pick-up must be pre-arranged. If unable to arrive on time, an alternate pick-up person must be arranged.

 

Payment Policy

  • Daily Rates:

    • $35 for full-time care (max 10 hours/day)

    • $20 for part-time care (max 5 hours/day)

  • Parents must submit a monthly schedule to determine tuition.

  • Payment is due on the 1st of each month.

  • If full tuition is not paid by the 3rd, late fees accrue at $10 per day.

  • If payment is not received by the 5th, care will be suspended until paid in full.

  • If unpaid by the 15th, the contract will be terminated, and parents are responsible for all unpaid fees.

  • Repeated late payments may result in termination of care.

 

Returned Checks

  • Parents are responsible for any bank fees from NSF checks.

  • NSF payments must be resolved within 24 hours, or late fees begin accruing.

  • Two NSF checks will result in cash or money order payments only.

 

Holiday & Weather Closures

  • Closed on major holidays (e.g., Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving & the day after, Christmas Eve & Day, New Year's Eve (early close) & New Year's Day).

  • Weather-related closures will be communicated immediately; parents must have backup care.

 

Absences & Attendance

  • Parents must notify the center at least 1 hour before scheduled arrival if a child will be absent.

  • Failure to notify may result in care being unavailable for that day.

 

Health & Illness Policy

  • Children must be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to care.

  • Symptoms requiring exclusion: fever (100°F+), diarrhea, vomiting, colored nasal discharge, rash, eye/ear discharge, lice, or any contagious illness.

  • Parents must pick up sick children promptly when notified.

  • Over-the-counter medication cannot be used to mask symptoms.

 

Medication Policy

  • Medications (prescription & non-prescription) require a signed authorization form.

  • Medications must be in original packaging with the child's name.

 

Medical Emergencies

  • Minor injuries will receive first aid.

  • In case of serious injury, parents will be contacted immediately.

  • If necessary, the child will be transported to the nearest hospital, and parents are responsible for all medical costs.

 

Arrival & Departure

  • Parents should keep drop-offs brief (~5 minutes) to ease separation.

  • Children must be supervised at all times—no running outside unattended.

  • Parents must support daycare rules to ensure a smooth transition.

 

Authorized Pick-Up

  • Only parents/guardians or designated individuals may pick up a child.

  • Photo ID is required for unfamiliar pick-ups.

  • Written permission must be provided for any non-listed individuals.

 

Discipline Policy

  • No corporal punishment is allowed.

  • Guidance techniques include redirection, time-outs (1 minute per year of age), and consistent reinforcement of rules.

  • Persistent behavior issues will be discussed with parents to find solutions together.

 

Childcare Center Rules

  • No running indoors.

  • No hitting, biting, kicking, or aggressive behavior.

  • No obscene language.

  • Respect for peers, staff, and property is expected.

 

General Information & Parent Responsibilities

  • Notify staff of any address/phone number changes.

  • Provider will report any signs of neglect or abuse.

  • Parents are welcome to call/text with questions (responses as soon as possible).

  • Parents are responsible for the cost of willful property damage caused by their child.

  • Playtime can be messy—please dress children in appropriate clothing.

 

Supplies to Bring

  • A labeled blanket and optional small pillow for rest time.

  • A leak-proof water bottle labeled with the child's name.

  • Extra clothing (including socks) appropriate for the weather.

  • Diapers, wipes, and any necessary creams or medications.

 

Toys From Home

  • Personal toys are not allowed, except for a comfort item during nap time.

 

Potty Training

  • Parents must initiate training at home first.

  • Children should wear easy-to-remove clothing (no overalls, belts, or snaps).

  • Parents must provide extra clothing during training.

 

Birthdays & Holiday Celebrations

  • Parents may bring treats for birthdays with prior approval.

  • Holiday celebrations will be non-religious; parents can opt out.

 

Meals & Snacks

  • Parents must provide all meals.

  • Parents are responsible for feeding children before arrival if coming after a mealtime.

  • Infant formula, cereal, and baby food must be provided by parents.

 

Meal Times:

  • Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM

  • Morning Snack: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

  • Lunch: 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM

  • Afternoon Snack: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

 

Nap/Rest Time

  • All children must have a rest period.

  • Non-napping children can read or do quiet activities.

  • No drop-offs or pick-ups during nap time to avoid disruptions.

 

Field Trips

  • Parents will be notified at least two weeks in advance.

  • Walking field trips to nearby parks may occur, weather permitting.

  • Non-participating children must have alternate care arranged.

 

Termination of Care

  • A two-week written notice is required for withdrawal.

  • Two weeks’ pay is required in lieu of notice.

  • Immediate termination may occur for repeated policy violations, misconduct, or failure to follow daycare rules.

© 2025 by Stepping Stones Childcare Center.

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