I publish a monthly newsletter, “Tita Neri’s Notes” to inform parents of what’s going on during the day and to share special moments and photos of their child. Below is an excerpt from our current newsletter.

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Standard Procedures and Other Important Routines

Most of our new families will be joining the daycare this August. As such, I thought it would be timely to do a review of policies, procedures and important information about the daycare.

DFPS Postings. The Department of Family and Protective Services require that certain information be posted: Child Abuse poster, License to Operate, Latest Inspection Report, etc. They are all posted for your information and review. Your contract documents also list the contact information for Childcare Licensing. Finally, I need to inform you that the Minimum Standards which all daycare centers and home daycare follow gives the right to daycare providers to withhold access to a child on the basis of suspicion of abuse, neglect or intoxication of the person picking up the child.

Drop Off and Pick Up. My primary concern is to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. Please maximize the space in the driveway to accommodate more than two cars at a time. Also, if possible, please avoid parking in my neighbors’ driveway to avoid any inconvenience to them. I would appreciate this a lot and I know they will, too!

Release of Child. If someone is picking up your child for the first time, you need to fill out the appropriate release forms. You also have to notify me in advance. A proof of identification will need to be shown before releasing the child to this person’s care.

Tuition Payment is due on the first Monday of each month for the monthly plan or on every 2nd Monday for the bi-weekly plan. Count the number of Mondays in a month to determine whether it is a 4- or 5-week month.

Supplies. You a re responsible for making sure that your child is in good supply of diapers and a change of clothes. Baby wipes, tissues, and bibs are gladly provided by the daycare.

Open Door Policy. You are always welcome to visit during the day. The only thing that I ask you to consider when visiting is their scheduled naptime. Naptime in the morning is anywhere from 10:00 to 11:00. In the afternoons, the babies usually nap between 12:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Feeding Plan/Menu. The daycare is a participant of the USDA Food Program. It follows the feeding plan prescribed by the government to ensure proper nutrition. A menu is posted weekly at the daycare for your information.

Health Records. Parents have 30 days after initial attendance to secure a Physician’s Statement. Also, a copy of your child’s immunization record should be submitted every time he/she gets a vaccination.

Sick Child Policy. If a child develops a fever (temperature of 101F) during the day, you will be called to pick up your child. The daycare is no place for a sick child. This rule is important in consideration of the other healthy babies in our care and to prevent the spread of disease. Likewise, if your child has signs and symptoms of disease, please keep him/her home and consult your physician. Please review the Sick Child Policy for more details.

Inclement Weather. The sign in my garage by the entrance reads: “If it’s raining and the garage door is open, and if you got this far to read this note, the door is open.” Please use the garage entrance for morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up during rainy weather. We are expecting you. Unfortunately, we do not have a doorbell nor can we hear your knock that far from the main room.

"Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man." ~Rabindranath Tagore