Oh Happy Day Parent Handbook

Oh Happy Day

Childcare and Preschool

 

Angie Carnes - 16361 W 156th Olathe Kansas

KDHE License - 0055306

 

Description

Oh Happy Day is owned and operated by Angie Carnes. My program is located in a great cul-de-sac with a huge backyard for outdoor play, and a neighborhood park within walking distance.  The childcare area is in my walkout basement with large windows and open floor plan that provides plenty of room for hand on active play and an environment that promotes socialization and creativity. Oh Happy Day has an open door policy for parents...just ring the bell.

 

My Philosophy

Over the years I have evolved as a teacher.  I proudly defend a child’s right to learn through play.  My philosophy is that each and every child deserves a “Yes” environment that respects the natural process of learning.  A place where children feel safe and are free to learn and solve problems, strive for independence, build relationships, collaborate with others, and are empowered when given the freedom to play.  I want children to develop a sense of self-value, confidence, imagination, and a feeling of being accepted for who they are through PLAY! 

 

Qualification

State licensed daycare home
BS in Elementary Education with a focus in early childhood 

NAFCC Accrediated Program

KAIMH Endorsement
Experience with infants thru school age children
Experience as directors in large and small centers
CPR and first aid certified/Safe Sleep Training/Child Abuse and Neglect Training

Nutrition training through the Childcare Food Program

30+ years experience as a mom and teacher

 

Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of Angie Carnes, Owner of Oh Happy Day Child Care not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. I am committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all the children and families I serve.

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Admission and Enrollment Procedure

One half-hour visit to view the child care business and meet the providers is required.  During the visit, I will answer questions and provide you with critical information about my childcare program. 

 

If you would like your child to attend my program a one-week deposit is required to hold their spot. 

 

Enrollment Procedure

The following forms are required by the state of Kansas and Oh Happy Day.  All forms need to be completed prior to the first day of care.

 

• Registration form signed by parent or guardian, which includes contracted hours, starting dates, emergency contacts and people authorized to pick up your child.

• Physical examination form

• Complete and current immunization record

• Signed emergency medical release form.

• Mutual Agreement between Parents/Guardian and Provider

• Nutrition Program Form

• One week tuition deposit

 

Note: All forms will be updated every year or sooner according to need or state requirements

 

Parental Permission

I will take photos of activities, playtime, and throughout the day for scrapbooks, craft projects, personal labels, website, and other marketing media. If this is not acceptable to you then you must request to sign a document as to such to keep in your file.

 

Parent/Guardian Communication

• Family conferences will take place for all children in the fall.  Topics discussed will include interests, development, strengths, and areas of individual need.

• Parents of children in the program will have daily opportunities at morning drop off and pick up to discuss the events of his/her child’s day. Written communication may on the Oh Happy Day Family Facebook Group.

• Parents may also receive and/or send communication to the director and staff through the communication application brightwheel, which is a free download to a computer and/or phone.

• Special conferences may be requested as needed.

• To further foster whole family relationships, parents or guardians of children enrolled at Oh Happy Day are welcome to visit at any time, by scheduling a time that works best for both the teachers and them. 

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Curriculum

The children in my program are my curriculum, they learn through their play.

 

It is my job to:

 

• Be in the moment with children, thoughtfully listening and observing, jumping in only when invited.

• Following the lead of children and adjusting the environment accordingly.

• View play through a lens that respects the learning that is buried deep within.

• Keep the environment free from hazards.

 

It is a child’s job to:
 

• Freely explore the materials in the environment and use them as they choose to do tasks of their choosing.

• Ask for what materials they need.

• Decide how many children they would like to play with at any given time.

• Work hard to manage conflicts.

• Solve problems.

• Learn through failing.

• Work together.

• Lead with their own interests.

• Demonstrate what they know, (unbeknownst to them), through their play.

• Cross pollinate all of the toys.

• Sit and stare into space, full of wonders.

• Embrace boredom and figure out what to do next.

• Enjoy their freedom of time, technique, and task.

• Assess and manage risk.

• Play freely.

 

Authentic Assessments will be made of each child’s progress and results will be discussed with the child’s parents or guardians. Appropriate goals will be set for the child by both the parents/guardians and the teacher.

 

• Observation during play

• Videos & Pictures

• Collection of Portfolio Work

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Schedule of a typical day

Depending on the needs of the children, schedules are flexible and may vary.

 

7:30 – 8:45 - Arrival – Play

8:45 – 9:00 - Clean Up – Wash Hands

9:00 – 9:30 - Breakfast

9:30 – 11:00 - Outside

11:00 – 11:45 - Play

11:45 – 12:00 - Clean Up – Wash Hands

12:00 – 12:30 - Lunch

12:30 – 1:00 - Bathroom - Brush Teeth – Make Beds – Books

1:00 – 2:30 - Quiet Time

2:30 – 2:45 - Wake Up – Put Away Bedding – Bathroom

2:45 – 3:15 - Snack

3:15 – 4:00 - Play

4:00 – 5:30 - Outside

 

If we are unable to go outside due to weather, we will do gross motor activities inside.

 

Schedule is subject to change due to the needs of the children in care.

 

I ask that parents not drop off or pick up children during quiet time to avoid disturbing those children who are sleeping.  If necessary, due to doctor’s appointment or such you must come during the time, please let me know in advance so that I can have your child ready when you arrive and can meet you at the door.

 

Diaper Change Schedule

Diapers are checked and changed ever 1 ½ to 2 hours or more frequently if required.  Hand washing of ourselves and child is performed after each change.

 

Naps/Rest Period  

• Children will participate in a rest period after lunch each day.

• Children are not required to nap but will be asked to stay quietly on their mat to help their bodies rest.

• I will provide a nap mat, mat sheet, and blanket.  

• Children may bring a blanket from home to use at nap time.

• Each Friday, the child’s nap items will be laundered.

 

Supplies Needed

Parents are responsible for supplying the following:

 

Diapers & Wipes

Weather appropriate change of clothes

Winter – Coat/Hat/Gloves

Summer – Swimming Suit & Sunblock

Any medication or other necessary items (powder or ointments)

 

Birthdays and Celebrations

Parents are welcome to send cookies, cakes, cupcakes, etc. to share with their child's friends on birthdays or special occasions. Please let me know in advance that you will be bringing a treat.

 

Toys

No toys should be brought from home.  If your child needs a special blanket for sleeping it will be allowed, but it will be put away when the first arrive.  I take no responsibility for lost, stolen, or broken toys brought from home.

 

Toilet Training Supplies

I will be glad to help to assist you when your child is ready to begin toilet training.  This is an important step for your child and will be most successful if we work together.  I ask that you provide at least 2 complete changes of clothing, including socks and an adequate supply of pull-ups or diapers.  Diapers or pull-ups are required until the child is completely toilet trained.  Clothing for this stage should be easy on and off or up and down.  Please, no overalls or belts.

 

Arrival and Departure

Please try to work with us at keeping drop-off and pick-up time relaxed by keeping it as short as possible.  This can be very trying time for both the parent and the child.  We find keeping it short and sweet is the best.  Never leave without telling your child good-bye.

 

Please send your child clean, dressed for the day and fed if arriving after a mealtime.

 

Arrival and departure times are very busy.  If you need to discuss something with us, it may be necessary to call us from work when you arrive or after hours.  If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call us.

 

No one other than the parents or designated person will be allowed to pick up your child without prior arrangement.  I must be notified in advance and have a written note with the person’s name and relationship to the child.

 

Illness Policy

Due to my concern for all in our care, there are certain guidelines that I ask each family to follow regarding when a child should not attend childcare.  Please do not bring your child to daycare when he/she is sick.  I can care for children with minor illnesses such as a cold, however I can not take care of children with the following symptoms per health department regulations – see state form.

 

Children must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to childcare.

 

If your child becomes ill while in our care, we will contact you to pick up your child.   If we are not able to reach you, we will notify the emergency contact person you have chosen and ask them to come pick up your child.  We reserve the right to ask that any child with undiagnosed illness or symptoms be seen by a physician before returning to care for the health and safety of everyone.

 

Sick children are expected to be picked up within an hour of contacting the parent/guardian.

 

Payment for care is still required when child is absent for sickness.

 

Medication

Non-prescription medication may be given to your child as long as you have filled out the required paperwork for dispensing medication.  Prescription medication must be in its original container with the child’s name, physicians name and the correct dosage instructions clearly printed on it.

 

Animal Health

There are 2 dogs and a cat in the home.  They are all registered with the county and all of their vaccines are up to date.  Hand washing follows the handling of the animals. 

 

Emergency Plans

• Provider will have emergency book with that contains all the needed phone numbers for contacting parents and or legal guardians.

• Provider will use the double stroller to help with any special health care or mobility needs.

 

Fire

1. We will follow the safest emergency route out of the house.

2. Provider will take the children to neighbors – 16360 W 156th St until it is safe to return

3. Provider will call 911

4. Provider will contact parents.

 

Tornado

1. Provider will take children downstairs to a designated area.

2. Severe Weather

3. Provider will keep children away from all windows and out of danger. 

4. Provider will stay informed about the weather and take further precautions if necessary.

 

Serious Injury

1. Provider will call 911

2. Provider will provide first aid

3. Provider will call parent/guardian

4. Provider will continue to supervise other children in care

 

Missing Child
1. Provider will call 911
2. Provider will take all children to a safe and secure spot.
3. Provider will call all parents and the emergency daycare backup.
4. Then Provider will also try to locate the child
5. If child is absent from daycare. Provider will call parents if child is more than 30 minutes late and parents have not notified the provider.

Chemical Release
1. Call 911
2. Provider will close all vents and block under doors. We will stay in the basement daycare area.
3. Provider will have emergency book with that contains all the needed phone numbers for contacting parents and or legal guardians.
4. If we are unable stay here we will go to McDonalds at 159th and Blackbob
5. Provider will call all parents to inform them where we are and to come pick up their children.

Utility Failure
1. Provider will call all parents and notify them of the utility failure

2. If utility will be off for more than two hours and the need for them to come and pick up their child.
3. Daycare will remain closed until the utility failure issue is resolved.

Lock Down Policy
1. Provider will call 911.
2. Provider will make sure all the doors & windows are locked! Provider will also close all the blinds.
3. Provider will take all the children to the basement nap room and lock the door.
4. Provider will remain with the children in the locked nap room until police arrive and secure the house. Or until the lock down is no longer in effect.
5. Provider will notify parents where we are and that we are in lock down until police release us.

Act of Violence/ Terrorism
1. Provider will call 911.
2. Provider will follow the lock down policy above.
3. Provider will tend to any injured child and follow the serious injury policy if needed.
4. Provider will notify parents where we are and that we are in lock down until police release us.

 

Behavior and Discipline

Discipline in my childcare is fair, consistent and age appropriate.  The rules are very simple.  We do not do anything to ourselves or to others that will hurt them in any way, emotionally or physically.  The same respect is given to toys, books, games and equipment.  I achieve this through love, consistency, and firmness.  The children are explained the rules of daycare frequently so that they know the guidelines.

 

Children are forever learning and can be taught by example, positive language and consistency in what is expected of them.  Limits and structure will make a child feel more secure in their surroundings.  While children learn what is fair and what is not, what is safe, and what is not, etc, our means of discipline are as follows:

 

• Positive reinforcement- the child will be encouraged when he/she is demonstrating acceptable behavior.

• Redirection - the child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try again at another time.

• Talking - children need to learn how to find a solution or compromise between themselves.  They are encouraged to do so but are given any assistance needed should the problem remain.  We will do a lot of activities and games involving learning self-control, patience, compromise, taking turns and sharing.

• Take a break – if the following methods are not working the child is separated from the group for a child-regulated period of time.  It is taken in whatever room we are all in and in no particular area of the room.  We do not want a child to consider a certain place as a “bad” place.  We have a calming basket that children can choose an item from to help them calm themselves.  When a child shows that he/she is ready to demonstrate acceptable behavior, they are encouraged to join the rest of the group and try again.

• Conference – when a child’s behavior is continually upsetting or dangerous to other, or ourselves a conference will be called with the parents.  If the problems can’t be resolved, arrangements will have to be made for the child to go elsewhere for care.

 

Supervision Plan

• All children will be supervised by myself at all times. 

• Anytime I leave the room (bathroom) I will make sure children are safe and engaged in play. I will always be able to hear anything that is going on in the room, and only be seconds away to tend to their needs.

• All children will be supervised by myself while I am in the kitchen area making meals or drinks for the children.  During meal preparation, children will be allowed to play while I prepare meals.  Children are always in my sight and can be heard.  If there is a problem the child will be sat down at the table to do a basket activity while they wait for breakfast/lunch/snack.

• After mealtime children are allowed to watch an educational program while I clean up from the meal.  The children are always in my sight and can be heard at all times.

• Children 18 months and older will sleep in play area on sleeping mats with a sheet and blanket and will also be checked on every 15 minutes.

• Children that can use the bathroom unassisted are allowed to go to the bathroom that is located adjacent to the play area alone as needed.  The door is left open, and I can hear them at all times.

• I will assist children in the bathroom that are in the process of potty training.  While helping children in the bathroom the door remains open and I can hear and see children in play area.

• The door located at the bottom of the stairs will be kept closed to keep children off stairs.

• While outside, children will always be supervised by myself.  The play area is fenced and checked daily for safety.

• If child needs to use the restroom while we are outside playing, I will step by door so I can see both outside and inside the house.  If a child needs assistance in the bathroom while we are outside, I will take all children in with me and I will assist the child in need.

• All children will come outside. 

• When children arrive and leave, they will walk with their parent up/down the stairs using the handrail or carried by parent.

• In case of emergency, we will follow our emergency plan, children will be with me at all times and parents will be contacted as needed.

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Wellness Policy

Food & Beverage Practices and Behaviors

• I participate in the Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program. 

• Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Snack will be offered to children. 

• Monthly menu will be sent home with your child.

• If a special diet is required parents will be required to provide the special diet. 

• Water is available throughout the day for children to access on their own at any time. 

• 1% (low-fat) milk is served to children two years of age and older.

• Juice is rarely or never offered to children.  Instead, children receive fresh fruit. 

• When children receive fruit and/or vegetable juice, they are served 100% juice.

• Sugar-sweetened beverages are not served to children. 

• Our program serves mostly fresh fruits and vegetables to the children.

• Children have the opportunity to prepare and clean up the eating area. 

• Children are encouraged to serve themselves meals and snacks under supervision.

• We encourage, but do not force nor bribe children to eat. 

• All meals and snacks for children include a variety of fruits and vegetables.

• High fat, high sugar and high salt foods are offered less than once a week. 

• Children are served a variety of grains daily. 

• Families are asked to report any possible food allergy or food intolerances.

• Written instructions are requested from a doctor about special diet requests.

• Cultural and religious aspects of food are discussed thoroughly with families.

 

Physical Activity & Screen Time

• Screen time is limited and the content shows educational or physical activity programming

• Families are encouraged to limit screen time at home.

• Screen time is not allowed during snack or mealtime.

• Screen time is not used as a reward. 

• Children participate in at least 60 minutes of outdoor play weather permitting.

• Children with disabilities have appropriate opportunities for physical activity.

• All children are encouraged to participate in physical activity.

• The environment is designed to accommodate children’s varied skill level. 

• Physical activity and/or active play are not withheld as punishment for a child’s misbehavior. 

 

Child Abuse Protection

• I am mandated by law to receive Child Abuse Detection and Prevention training. I am required by law to immediately notify the local child protection agency if they suspect that a child has been abused or neglected.

 

Rules and Considerations

 

Open-Door policy between the hours of 7:30am to 5:30pm.  When you arrive, please feel free to come in the front door.  If parents are coming outside their regular drop off or pick up time, I would appreciate a text letting me know you are coming.

 

Oh Happy Day prohibits the use of tobacco, alcohol, firearms, and drugs on the premises while children are in our care.

 

Families are required to have their own back up care in case Oh Happy Day is closed due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstances.

 

During drop-off and pick up please park in the driveway or on the street in front of the house.  Please be considerate and leave room for others to park.

 

During drop-off and pick-up please do not allow your child to run in the driveway or street for safety reasons. 

 

No outside food or toys brought into the classroom.

 

It is expected that your child and family be respectful of my personal property and furnishings.

 

Please keep me updated on information such as immunizations, people authorized to pick up your child, emergency contacts, job changes, phone numbers and anything else that will help us maintain a healthy and safe environment for your child.