Other than being a Mom of three children, I have had formal training in working with children.  My first “paid” position was as an assistant in a summer art program through Chippewa Valley Schools.  I am trained as an assistant in the Montessori method.  I have also received training through the Michigan 4 C’s to provide childcare.  I have worked at St Clair Shores and Mt. Clemens Montessori schools.  I have always known that it was my calling to be with children to help them grow and learn.  I will continue to learn new ideas and methods to provide the best care and environment I can for the children in my care.
It is my philosophy that children need a place where they will be cared for in an environment that is a home away from home.  I believe that children need a place where they will be respected and nurtured, a place where they will grow and learn when they are in the care of someone other than their parent.  My goals for the children and the families that I serve are as follows:

· Children will be provided with the nourishment they need for both their bodies and minds to thrive.
· Children will be actively engaged in play that is both fun and gives them a chance to learn skills they will need to reach the next level in their development.
· Parents know their children best and I will strive to partner with parents to meet each child’s individual needs.
· I will do my best to have a place where children will look forward to coming to on the days that they are in attendance.
DAILY ROUTINE: A daily routine that provides for children’s play, learning, rest and meals is as follows:
7:00 am   Childcare opens
7:15 – 7:45  Breakfast and quiet play (books, puzzles, etc.)
7:45 – 8:15  Transporting children to school (no arrivals during this time)
8:15 – 8:45  Limited Free Choice (books, puzzles, writing and drawing)
8:45 – 9:00  Group Time (songs, story, calendar, etc.)
9:00 – 10:00  Learning Centers (art, dramatic play, blocks, table toys)
10:00 – 10:15 Clean-up and prepare for snack
10:15 – 10:45 Snack followed by brushing teeth
10:45 – 11:15 Outdoor Play (gross motor activities inside if weather is bad)
11:15 – 12:00 Free Choice activities that include books, table toys and literacy
12:00 – 12:15 Clean-up and prepare for lunch
12:15 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 2:45  Nap and rest time
2:45 – 3:15  Afternoon Snack
3:15 – 3:45  Outdoor Play (gross motor activities indoors in bad weather)
3:45 – 5:30  Free Choice (art, literacy, dramatic play, table toys)
5:30 – 6:00  Clean-up and prepare for departure
6:00 pm  Childcare Closed
MEALS: All meals will be served in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the Child Care Food Program.  There will be two nutritious snacks, breakfast, and lunch.  Meals will be served at the scheduled times.  If your child is not in attendance during mealtimes, please make sure a meal is provided at home before coming to childcare.  Do not send your child to childcare with food unless it is nutritious and there is enough for each child in attendance.  You may send in a special treat for birthdays.  Infant formula will be provided.  There is no additional charge for meals.

DISCIPLINE: Discipline of any child will be in a non-threatening, non-physical manner.  Discipline techniques such as redirection and choices will be used to foster self-respect and respect for others and their property.  Any discipline concerns will be discussed with the parent and both parent and caregiver will work cooperatively to resolve the issue.

ILLNESS OR INJURY: Children should not come to childcare if they are ill.  They should be kept home if they have a fever, communicable disease (including a bad cold), an unidentified or unusual rash, are vomiting, have diarrhea, or if they are not well enough to play outdoors.  Children must be fever-free for 24 hours prior to returning to childcare.  If the child becomes ill during the day, the parent will be called to come for the child.  If the parent is not available, someone from the Child Information Card will be called.  The same holds true in case of injury.  If medical treatment is necessary in an extreme emergency, the child will be taken to Macomb Hospital Center.  It is of utmost importance that you keep current with any changes in those authorized to pick up your child from my home.
If a child is on medication the following guidelines will apply:  First, you must fill out the medication form provided.  The first dose of any new medication must be administered at home in the event that there is an adverse reaction.  Dosage schedule must be written in detail, including times and amount.  Medication must be in the original container that includes the name of the medication.  All medication, including cough drops and sun block, must be handed to the caregiver.
CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS: Children should wear play clothes to childcare, as they will be involved in activities such as painting and outdoor play.  Please provide an extra change of clothes for your child that can be left at my home.  All children will need a blanket, pillow, and crib-sized sheet for naptime.  Bedding will be sent home at the end of the week to be laundered and returned clean the following week.  Other than slippers or a stuffed animal for napping, no other toys should be brought to childcare.  There will be plenty of toys and activities for the children.  Parents will also supply diapers and wipes.

TRANSPORTATION: Parents must sign a permission to transport.  I will be driving my own children to school and will bring any child in attendance along with me.  Occasionally we will take trips to the store as a special treat.  In the event we take an extended trip away from the center, you will be given ample notice and will sign a field trip permission slip.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Please feel free to call during the day to ask about your child or in the event you need to provide me with important information.  Of course, phone calls must be brief so that I can attend to the needs of the children.  Should we need to talk further, we can make arrangements for a phone or personal conference when childcare is closed.  I do ask that you try not to call during naptime so the children’s rest is not interrupted

You are welcome to spend time with your child while they are in my care.  Please feel free to look at the children’s work that is displayed, read the parent notes that will be posted, or suggest activities for the children.  I am happy to take donations of art materials such as paper or items that can be used for projects.

SUPPORT: In the event that I am called away from childcare, I have responsible, adult caregivers who can fill in until I return.  I can also provide you with a list of community resources should you need them.  I am in contact on a regular basis with other professional early childhood educators for ideas and suggestions.
Below you will find a portion of my Policy Statement.  Families who register will receive a booklet with all of the policies.
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