How do you plan on maintaining the teacher-child ratio of 1:4?
In the state of Georgia the mandate for childcare is 1 teacher per 6 children. My philosophy is that you cannot give each child the care they need at that teacher child ratio. Therefore our ratio will always be no more than 4 children per caregiver. The parents I work with are looking for a better childcare situation for their children and will understand that if I am “full” their child will be put on a waiting list until I hire another teacher or the ratio drops by one child.
What kind of activities and hands-on caring can you provide for such a young little boy?
Infants of this age need lots of time for movement and large/small motor development with tummy time, age appropriate toys, and one-on-one interaction. Developmental psychologists tell us the more we allow baby time to move the more connections baby will make in the brain. Thus, I am all about attachment care, nurturing and bonding with babies as much as possible so I will hold your baby as much as he wants and always provide opportunities for him to explore in a safe environment so he can learn to interact and make discoveries about how he can move and manipulate things in his environment. I am very realistic in that holding baby often is sometimes a challenge with multiple children, if there is a time when I am unable to pick up your child right away I will make every effort to comfort and soothe him until I can reach him moments later. I am also a strong believer in reading to children every single day even as newborns. Likewise, I offer sign language to infants and toddlers starting at a very young age which has many proven benefits.
How do you plan on maintaining a healthy environment, especially during the cold and flu season?
All toys and areas used by the children are sanitized daily. Toys, play equipment, etc… are sprayed with disinfectant spray at the end of each day and diaper and food areas are sanitized several times throughout the day. Additionally, any linens or blankets used in the care of the children are washed daily with child safe products and disinfecting solutions (like bleach) when needed.
What is your policy regarding sick children?
Illnesses spread more quickly through children than adults. For the safety of all children and caregivers involved, If your child has a fever above 101̊F, severe diarrhea or vomiting or is in the contagious stages of an illness we require he not attend until his condition has been cured.
Do you provide outdoor activities or time outdoors?
Outdoor time is very important for children in order to get the required amount of vitamin D for their little bodies. Therefore it is our policy, weather permitting, that children have at least 30 minutes of outdoor time each day.
Do you have pets?
I have one dog, a friendly 50lb Labrador-Beagle mix. He is excellent with children but because not all parents and children like dogs, he will be in his cage while children are at the house. If he is outside during our schedule outdoor time he will be brought in and caged until the children come in. He will never be allowed outside when the children are outside.
Do you smoke?
The law of Georgia expressly prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places in the state and in places of residence that are used for childcare. Thus, there is no smoking allowed at the house and I do not smoke.
What is the max number of children you will care for?
In Georgia, registered home daycare centers may serve between three and six paying children in addition to the children who live in the home or who are related to the home daycare provider. The number of staff members correlates to the number of children in the home. See our policy on the teacher child ratio above.
Are you certified in infant CPR?
I am certified in infant, child and adult CPR as well as first aid.
What is involved in your application procedures?
Each parent will be required to fill out the application and pay a minimal application fee in order to enroll your child in childcare. This application will require parents to provide contact information as well as a list of those allowed to pick your child up. To be fair to the parents on the waiting list, if your child misses a week of care and I do not hear from you, we will assume you have made other arrangements for care. If you would like your child to return to the center you will be required fill out a new application and pay a new application fee.
What is your payment policy?
In order to maintain the level of care your child needs I have carefully calculated my fees so that they are cost effective for the families I serve while still offering the highest quality care available. Thus, my rate is $30/day or $100/week. So if your child attends three days your total would equal $90. However if he attends four-five days the cost would be $100. Full payment is expected at the beginning of each week.
Do you provide receipts?
Receipts are provided at the time of payment.
Do you expect payment for days my child is out due to sickness or vacation – if only a few days?
If your child is sick and cannot attend daycare for that week a $50 holding fee will be assessed in order to maintain your child’s spot. If these funds are not collected your child’s spot will be offered to the next person on the waiting list. In order to be fair to parents waiting for a spot for their child, if your child does not show and I do not hear from you I will assume you have removed your child from care and a new application including an application fee will be processed for your child to be able to return to the center.
What are your methods of discipline?
I believe in fostering the holistic development of each child, this includes positive self-discipline techniques anytime we have a conflict. These techniques include distraction, redirection and recognition for good behavior. Depending on your child’s age, most times distracting the child from the conflict and getting him involved in something new will be the action of choice. I find most conflicts can be solved this way, especially with younger children. I also use positive reinforcement—praising the child for acceptable behavior in order to encourage more positive behavior as well as telling the child what behavior I want as opposed to what I don’t want. Ex. “Let’s keep our feet on the floor” instead of “No Climbing!” Though rarely used, sometimes children need a break from the stimulating activities going on in the group. In such instances, children are offered a cozy, quiet space to “chill out” with the caregiver if they need some time to calm down.
What would be your approach if my child cried inconsolably?
The first thing I would do is ensure your child is not in pain (fever, injury, etc) or has any unmet needs (hunger, diaper change, etc). In most cases I can sooth a crying infant using cuddling, rocking, swaying and swaddling. However, I am also aware that some parents want this situation handled differently than others. Please feel free to talk with me about your questions and concerns related to your child’s care- I am always open to suggestions and if you know your child responds to special tricks or activities please feel free to share those as well.
Can I make unannounced visits to see or observe my child?
We have an “open door” policy. Parents may visit their children in our care any time they wish and stay as long as you like. We do ask parents who plan to visit their children frequently to follow the classroom routine. We also ask that you make an appointment if you wish to meet me or another staff member.
What are your emergency procedures?
A safe environment tops the list of importance for us. Parents can rest assured their child will always be in a clean environment free of potential dangers. In addition to maintaining a safe environment we also have smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and phones available for easy access in the event that we would need to call 911. We are certified in CPR- First-Aid and Safety and outside we have a fenced yard for the kids to play. Likewise, we always we maintain a smoke-free childcare environment.
In the event of an emergency, children will be gathered in a location away from any danger and parents will be contacted at once to determine next steps. At no time will a child ever be left unattended in any situation.
Do you have references?
References are always available upon request. Also please visit our testimonials page to see what other parents have to say about our services.
