policies

Please read this section thoroughly, as it covers very important policies and procedures that not only covers our childcare contract agreement, but also pertain to the care of your child. This may seem to be a lot of information, but if you have any questions regarding our policies, please do not hesitate to ask.

 
 

Sign in / out

It is required by state law that all parents sign their child in and out each day. For your convenience, a sign in/out sheet, pen, and a clock are located by the door. This gives us a written record of the child's attendance, hours, and the person who brought/picked up the child each day.

Immunizations

By the State of New York Public Health Law Immunization are required for all children wanting to enroll to day care. NYS recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule is provided below as well as on our bulletin board.

These requirements can be waived if any of the three exceptions below are filed with the daycare.

  • Any child not yet immunized may be admitted provided the child’s immunizations are in process, written notice that gives specific dates of immunization schedule is required.

  • Any child who is not immunized because of parent’s religious beliefs, may be admitted providing a notarized written statement to this effect. (As of June 13, 2019 religious exemptions are no longer accepted)

  • Any child who is missing one or more of the required immunizations may be admitted if a physician licensed to practice medicine furnishes the program with a written statement that such immunizations may be detrimental to child’s health. 

Personal Belongings

We prefer if a child does not bring any toys from home, unless it is something that can be shared with the whole group (i.e. books). If a child brings a toy from home, that toy will be put in the child’s cubby upon departure. All personal items must be clearly marked with child’s name.

Naps

Infants will always be placed on their backs to sleep, unless there is a signed Alternate Sleep Position Waver - Health Care Professional Recommendation. We do not use fluffy blankets, comforters, sheepskins or pillows. Infants will sleep in sleepers (sleeping sacks), instead of blankets.

Supplies

All supplies must be labeled with your child’s name. You will need to provide the following things to be left here:

Your child's cubby should always be stocked with, entire change of clothes, including:

  • 1 sweater / sweatshirt

  • 1 change of underwear

  • 1 pair of pants

  • 1 shirt

  • 1 pair of socks

  • 1 sheet for full-time children (crib size sheets)

  • 1 pair of sleeper (sleeping sack)

  • Outdoor clothing should include hats, mittens etc.

  • Diapers and wipes (we will notify when supplies are low), powders/ointments, bottles and bibs which should be marked with child’s name

  • For potty trainers: pull-ups

  • Formula

When soiled clothing or sheets are sent home, please launder, and send back a replacement on the next day.

Meals

Snacks, Lunch and Food Allergies:

Lunch, and snack(s) should be sent to school in a transparent and clearly labeled "Ziploc" bag.  Lunches will be refrigerated, so we ask that you refrain from using lunch boxes, which take up too much space in our fridge. If you have included a thermos of pre-heated food, please let us know so it can be kept out of the refrigerator; instead on top of child’s cubby.

 If your child has any allergies, please notify us immediately so that appropriate precautions can be taken to keep allergens away from your child.  Our daycare is a PEANUT-FREE place and we ask that you substitute almond butter, or any other nut butter if your child's favorite food is a PB&J sandwich.

Parents please send your child with nutritious meals. Suggestions what to pack for your child’s meals include:

  • Fresh fruit

  • Crunchy vegetables

  • Meat or protein food such as slices of lean meat, or hardboiled egg

  • Dairy food such as a cheese stick or slice, grated cheese, milk or yogurt

  • Starchy food such as bread, a roll, pita or flat bread, fruit bread or crackers

  • Water

Health and Illness

All children are required to have a physical examination by their physician prior to the start of day care. A Department of Health form, which will be provided by us, must be filled with your child’s information, as well your doctor’s address, and phone number. Please notify us if your child is out because of illness. Your child should be kept home if he/she shows any signs of illness, and should come back only if she/he can participate in the program. We have no provision for caring for children who are sick. If your child has illness lasting more than one week, and has been seen by the doctor, he/she should have a doctor’s written consent to return to the day care.

If your child has been ill with fever, he/she may not return to day care until FREE OF FEVER FOR A MINIMUM OF 24 HOURS. Our program will administer over-the-counter topical ointments, lotions, and creams, sprays including sunscreens products and topically applied insects’ repellants, and/or Epinephrine Auto-Injector, Diphenhydramine in combination with the Epinephrine Auto-Injector, Asthma Inhalers and Nebulizers only.

Emergencies

We take utmost care to prevent emergencies from occurring. In the rare event emergency, however, it is important that our families know what to expect.

Emergency Cards:

Each family will be asked to complete two emergency cards (“Blue Cards”). You will be called immediately in the event of any emergency. If you cannot be reached, the emergency contacts indicated on your Blue Card will be called and asked to come to pick your child. Keep in mind that you should be sure that your emergency contacts are close enough to respond quickly to emergency.

Fire:

There are two fire extinguishers located in our home, located near the front door exit, and kitchen. If there is a fire that cannot be extinguished quickly, the children will be evacuated immediately before calling 911. We will practice fire drills monthly so children will be prepared in the event of a fire.

Shelter in place: in case of emergency, we will evacuate the building and move to the safest location down the street such as the Health Check Medical Clinic located at 380 88th street, or P.S 264 located at 371 89th Street that Little Bees has an arrangement with (which will allow our students to wait there until they can be picked up by a caregiver, or parent).  In this event, families will be notified after the evacuation has been safely completed.

Discipline policy

It is very important a child’s development is nurtured through caring, patience, and understanding. However, while caring for your children we may have to respond to your child’s misbehavior. Hitting, kicking, and other behaviors which may hurt other child are not permitted.

  •  In response to misbehavior, we will:

  • Respect your child

  • Establish clear rules

  • Be consistent in enforcing rules

  • Use positive language to explain desire behavior

  • Speak calmly at child’ eye level

  • Give clear choices

  • Redirect your child to a new activity

  • Give time to “cool off” and think.

If your child’s behavior is very disruptive or harmful to himself and other children we will discuss the issue with parents/guardian privately. If we are unable to resolve the issue you child may be asked to leave the program.

Visitor Policy

Visitors and parents are welcome, but please notify us in advance.

Birthdays

A birthday at day care is very important is very important in the life of your child. All children look forward to these events with great anticipation. We make it special, not so much about party food, but the fact that it is her/his day, with attention focused on her and him.

Communication

We are always happy to arrange a time to discuss your child with you. We will provide daily reports. We will contact you via, email, child’s folders, and text messages.

Child Abuse Laws/Mandated Reporters

Under New York State Law, all teachers are mandated reporters, and are legally required to report any suspected case of child abuse or neglect.