Bumblebees-R-Us

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Our Policies

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday to Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

(Plus additional fees for early care and/or extended care. See Rates.)

Bumblebees-R-Us is closed the following statutory holidays: New Year's Eve (Half Day), New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve (Half Day) and Christmas Day.

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PAYMENT POLICY

Tuition is due monthly in advance on the first day of each month. Parents agree that all fees will be paid by end of the first day of the month unless other arrangements are made.

Late fees ($10 per day) will be assessed when accounts are not paid by end of day payment was due.

Any account where payment is more than two full days past due is considered delinquent and is subject to immediate suspension or termination of care unless reasonable arrangements are made and accepted by both parties.

Accounts that have a history of being delinquent (2 offenses in a 6 month period) shall be immediately terminated.

A fee of $50.00 will be charged for all NSF checks. Upon a second occurrence of an NSF check, all subsequent payments must be made in cash.

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VACATION/HOLIDAY TIME (Families)

  • All public holidays will be paid if childcare is available and used the day prior and/or following the holiday. (i.e. New Years Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
  • Summer Break – Please see "HELD POSITIONS/TEMPORARY LEAVE" below

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HELD POSITIONS/TEMPORARY LEAVE

Childcare that will begin within 30 days

  • When the required deposit is made (see REGISTRATION) the position will be held for up to two weeks at no charge. After this time lapses a fee equivalent to 1/2 the daily rate will be assessed until care begins.
  • Fees are due prior to month's start. Failure to pay these fees will result in the day care spot becoming available to other clients.
  • The daily holding fee is non refundable and non creditable under ALL circumstances. Parents can terminate this agreement but will forfeit any deposited funds.

Childcare that will not begin for more than 30 days

  • A Letter of Intent contract must be completed to hold the position. 50 % NON-Refundable Deposit MUST be paid to secure space for your child.
  • These fees are non refundable and non creditable under ALL circumstances. Parents can terminate this agreement but will forfeit any deposited funds.

Temporary Leave (more than 30 days)

Maternity Leave/Summer Break

  • All families have the option to withdrawal from care temporarily during the summer months. A Letter of Intent to Contract Service must be completed to reserve the position for the fall. A good faith deposit equivalent 50 % of the monthly tuition is required as a holding fee. Fee is due when Intent Contract is submitted. Checks will be held and credited to accounts when care begins/resumes as agreed per the contract.
  • Full deposit will be forfeited if agreement is terminated and care does not begin.

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ILLNESS POLICY & PROCEDURES (Children/Families)

Please advise the day care prior to 8:00 am if a child will not be attending day care due to illness.

Parents agree that a child who is ill (fever, infection, diarrhea, communicable disease, or any other type of illness that may be passed on to others, with the exception of the common cold or teething symptoms) will be kept at home to protect the well being of other children and staff.

The parents further agree should a child become ill while in care- that immediate arrangement will be made to remove the child from the day care.

Children will not be allowed to return to day care until they have been symptom free for at least 24 hour and with out the aid of medications to suppress the symptoms listed above. In some cases a note from a doctor may be necessary.

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EMERGENCY/SICK TIME (Families)

If the child is absent due to illness for 5 or more consecutive days, doctor’s note is required upon return of the child to our center. There will be a discount of 50% off the weekly tuition credited towards the following month’s tuition.

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OPEN DOOR POLICY & PARENT/PROVIDER COMMUNICATION

Parents are welcome in our facilities and may visit their child at any time during the day. It is advisable to call before you come. Please however take into consideration our daily schedule and nap/quiet time when doing so.

If you visit your child please limit your contact with other children regarding conversations you have with them- keep your contact within the framework of your own child's contact with others- do not ask personal questions of other children- such that you would not want your children asked by other parents.

The daily rush of morning drop-off and the sometimes hectic activity level during afternoon pick-ups can make having a conversation about your child's progress seem like an Olympic event- so please understand that staff may not have a lengthy conversation with you while attending to the needs of other children during these times. But-you are most welcome to make an appointment to discuss your child – and staff will make themselves available at your convenience with such an appointment, during our hours of operation.

E-mail and phone are great ways to open any conversation that seems to get lost in the rush of transitions. Do not hesitate to call any time in cases of emergency.

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MEDICATION

 In accordance with Article 47 and the Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene- no medications may be administered by staff.

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TRANSPORTATION

Children who attend any after school programs must have prearranged transportation from their day school to the "After School Care Program", unless other arrangements have been made.

When children are transported by a provider prearranged by the parent-or the school system the child attends- OUR responsibility of the safety and well being of the children begins when they enter our entrance, and ends when the child leaves our exit.

We do not escort/pick up the child out side of the entrance/exit.

Children may go on trips/outings- therefore consents slips will be provided for each trip where parents will be notified and the consent must be signed by the parent and returned to school. In the event that the parent does not want the child to attend the outing, other arrangements will be made to provide the child with care that day.

A blanket consent for class walks in the community is requested to be signed at registration of the children who attend the day care facility here.

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PICK UP POLICY/LATE DEPARTURES

It is the parent's responsibility to ensure that children are picked up no later than 7:00 PM. If you are not able to pick up your child by 7:00 PM alternate arrangements must be made. In the event that a parent cannot be contacted, it is our policy to call an emergency contact should a child remain in care after 7:15 PM.

Extended care until 7:30 PM can be arranged for an additional fee. (See RATES for details) This does not include last minute phone calls, plans must be made in advance to apply.

A late fee of $15.00 per half hour (or any portion of a half hour) per child will apply if a child remains in care after 7:05 PM unless prior arrangements have been made. This late fee will be added to the week's usual charges.

In the event that parents or the emergency contact(s) are unable to be reached the authorities will be called after 7:45 PM to ensure the safety of the child.

Please notify the day care if an undesignated person will be picking up your child. Written permission must be received before we will release a child to anyone who is not authorized on the registration form. Photo identification will also be necessary for any unauthorized person picking up your child. If consent and/or proper identification are not received the child will not be released and the parent will be responsible for any additional fees that are incurred as a result.

Please understand this is for your child's safety.

Please be sure that contact and emergency contact information is kept current.

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DISCIPLINE

For minor inappropriate behaviors, staff will use time outs for children 18 months or older. This involves your child sitting away from the group (but still within our supervision) for one minute per year of age. "Inappropriate behaviors" are exemplified by actions such as cursing, spitting, biting, scratching, hitting, breaking toys purposely, throwing objects, any purposeful injury inflicted upon another child or staff, etc.

If inappropriate behaviors become a chronic problem, the issue will be discussed with the parents and appropriate steps will be taken to work towards correcting the matter.

Children under 18 months will be redirected to another activity if and when necessary, to discourage unacceptable behaviors.

You will be contacted immediately regarding severe behavioral issues.

If a child exhibits repeated "inappropriate" or aggressive behavior such as physically hurting the provider or other children in care, the parent may be called to remove their child from day care for the remainder of the day. Continuation of that type of behavior may result in discontinuation of service in this center, with no refund.

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TERMINATION

Bumblebees-R-Us  reserves the right to suspend or terminate care of any child without notice, should it be deemed necessary for the overall safety and well-being of our staff and/or other children in our care or due to payment issues as outlined in the PAYMENT POLICY.

If care is terminated by provider but at no fault of the provider, (i.e.: behavioral concerns, payments issues, failure to follow policy/procedure, etc.) clients still agree to fulfill the payment obligation as outlined in the WITHDRAWAL POLICY (see below).

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WITHDRAWAL

Parents are allowed a two week trial period at the initial start of care and can terminate without penalty during that time. In all other situations parents agree that a minimum notice of a full two weeks (10 business days) will be given for permanent withdrawal of any child from care or agree to pay the weekly fee until the two week obligation period is met. No exceptions will be made. A notice of withdrawal form must be completed by both parent and provider stating the date of notice as well as the date of the last day of care.

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DAMAGES

Our facilities are child-proofed to the best of our ability and according to licensing standards, but accidents do happen. However, any damage to our facilities or equipment that is willfully caused by a child will be replaced or repaired at the cost of the parents.

Bumblebees-R-US will repair or replace broken day care equipment and toys due to normal wear and tear. However, should a child purposely damage or break equipment or toys, then the item will be repaired or replaced at the cost of the parents.

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YOUR CHILD'S TOYS

A large number of toys are provided for you child to play with. Please do not bring any toys from home as this can cause jealousy and fighting among the children.

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TELEVISION

Television usage is limited and is never used as a "babysitting" tool. On occasion children are allowed to watch educational TV while enjoying breakfast, following lunch or during afternoon snack time. After 5:00 PM as we are ending the day and waiting for parents arrivals the option of TV time is available. As per guidelines- we may occasionally have age appropriate films as a "treat".

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POTTY TRAINING

Toilet training will begin when appropriate for each child's age and stage of development. Parents will be consulted on the methods used at home. Feedback will be provided on each child's progress at the program.

Children will be offered frequent opportunities for toileting, particularly after meals and before sleep periods.

Objectives of Successful Toilet Training:

  • Keep the child comfortable
  • Give the child a sense of pride and accomplishment

Procedures for Toilet Training:

  • When parents and staff agree to begin toilet training, the child will be taken to the toilet at frequent intervals.
  • The child is allowed to sit as long as he/she is willing. At any sign of distress the process will be stopped.
  • The child is never punished or embarrassed for accidents
  • If the child has soiled or wet clothing, normal diapering procedures are used.
  • Toilet training chairs will be disinfected after each use, with water and the bleach solution in the spray bottle located in the bathroom.
  • Children's hands will be washed with soap and running water.
  • Caregiver will wash hands thoroughly.
  • Bathroom floor, sink, and toilets must be cleaned and sanitized daily.

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MEALS

Bumblebees-R-Us has arrangements with certified and approved vendor, Alore Café (www.alorcafe.com) for delivering daily meals that are only ORGANIC for NO additional cost in accordance with CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) published standards. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and two snacks per day for children in full time day care and summer care programs, and snacks for children in the after school or half day summer care programs. If your child can not eat the planned meals due to diet, allergies or other such circumstances you do have the option of sending a sack lunch. Meals must be provided for infants who can not yet eat table food. This includes jarred baby food, and special developmental finger foods. The parent of infants still on a bottle should supply their own formula or breast milk. Infants will be fed on demand as needed throughout the day.

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NAPS/QUIET TIME

Rest time is essential for the development of your child. Each child under 5 years old will be required to take a nap or have quiet time when in care between 12:30 - 2:30 PM. Infants will nap according to their own schedule. You must provide for your child a clean sheet and seasonally appropriate blanket- to be taken home and washed every week.

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CLOTHING

All children should come dressed for the day. We ask that your child wear clothing that is appropriate for play. Children learn best though play and this sometimes means getting a bit messy or dirty. Therefore please do not dress your child in clothes that must be kept tidy or are difficult to clean. Also, please be sure they have appropriate footwear (no sandals, no open toed shoes, no strapped shoes, and advisably - no dress shoes) and outerwear for the current season as we do play outdoors most every day, weather permitting.

Each child should also have a second outfit available in case of an accident or mess. Children under 24 months or those that are potty training should have at least two additional outfits.

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SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY PARENT

  • lunch if needed (see MEALS)
  • blanket –NO pillows
  • security item (pacifier, stuffed animal etc)
  • change of clothes (1-2 full sets and at least 3-4 bottoms for children potty training)
  • prepared bottles formula/breast milk or juice
  • baby food/developmental finger foods
  • diapers/wipes/ointment
  • potty training supplies (pull ups, flushable wipes, latex gloves in a backpack)
  • 1 box of tissues and 1 roll of paper towels a month
  • change of shoes
  • This list may be added to if needed in the future.

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CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT

As a licensed provider we at Bumblebees-R-Us are mandatory reporters and are required by law to report any child abuse or neglect suspected to the proper authorities.

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ACCIDENTS/INJURIES

Our facilities are child-proofed to the best of our ability and according to licensing standards. As stated above however, accidents do happen. Also on occasion a child is hurt by another child. In this case you will be notified as well as the parent of the child that inflicted the injury. Unless it becomes a repetitive issue names will not be given. If incidents between the children become an ongoing issue- all parties, as well as a senior staff member will be involved in resolving the problem.

Minor injuries will be documented and you will receive a copy of an "accident report" which lists injuries and the attention/care given.

Emergencies will be treated as such and a senior staff member will accompany your child with paramedics to the designated hospital, where you will be immediately notified.

Staff that are trained in CPR are available on site should any situation needing this arise.

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DEPOSIT/REGISTRATION

Starting November 1st, 2009 there will be a standardized non-refundable registration/deposit and insurance fee of $125.00 (per child) that will be required to be paid upon completion of registration to secure your child's placement in care (does not apply if summer deposit is necessary). In order to secure space (s) for your child (children), we require 50% NON-refundable deposit of monthly tuition to be paid at the time of registration. Registration is not complete, and care will not commence until all paperwork is done. Prior to the start date of care all required forms in the child registration packet should be filled out completely and on file.

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