1.  Legal & Licensed= Safety

Hey-Diddle-Diddle Day care is State Licensed.  Fewer children per caregiver and smaller group sizes are important because children receive more individual attention and caregivers can be more responsive to each child's needs. The child care licensing regulations specify the maximum number of children who may be cared for in a group and they also specify the number of caretakers required for a group of children. For example, in a Family Child Care Center when children are under age 2, there should be no more than 4 children in care.  When children are over 2 years, the Family Child Care Center licensing rules allow 8 children at a time.  Each program licensed by the Bureau of Regulation and Licensing agrees to follow rules that are designed to protect the children in care.  All licensed programs receive periodic monitoring visits by a licensing specialist. Each time a monitoring visit is conducted, the licensing specialist checks to ensure compliance with selected licensing rules.

2. Trained & Educated

A well trained, educated provider who understands child development is able to be consistent and sensitive, meaning better care for your child.  I have the training required and more for child care.  I have an assistant teacher certificate, Infant & Toddler training, and have participated in many conferences and workshops.  I am currently taking classes online to complete my preschool credential.  CPR is required to be renewed yearly.  Also being a parent myself, I have that experience and several years of experience in child care. I am glad to give my support, view or experience if you are needing help with a parenting or child development question,  I will research community resources or provide articles on topics that could be helpful.

3.  Communication

I believe communication is so important in any relationship and especially between the provider and the child's parents.  You want to know how your child's day went, what they are eating, doing or how your child was feeling and what is going on at day care.  I need to know what your child's needs are for the day, how he's feeling, and what's new in your lives that may be affecting your child.

• Daily reports are provided that include meals eaten/how much, what activities took place including titles of stories/videos, nap and diapering times, and individual comments. 
• Monthly activity calendar:  a printed copy is given to each family, posted at the day care and on the website.
• Monthly newsletter:  a printed copy is provided to each family and available online.  The newsletter includes:  what's new, upcoming themes and activities, updates on my training,   birthdays, pictures, dates closed, reminders, etc.
• Yearly calendar:  dates closed for holidays and vacations are provided in the beginning of the year for your scheduling
• I am always available at drop off, pick up, by phone or e-mail to speak with you about any concerns or just to get to know and your child better.

4.  Clean

My home is clean and attractive.  It may get messy and disorganized when it's busy but the floors and all are cleaned daily and often many times throughout the day.  The changing table is cleaned with each use, the sinks and toilets are cleaned as necessary or daily.  This is my home and my standards are the same for your family as they are for mine.

I  teach your child to return toys in their assigned place at clean up time so it's enjoyable to play with the next time.

I make every effort to keep your child neat & clean and healthy.

• We wash our hands before and after eating, after projects and after using the bathroom. I require it every single time so it becomes a habit for your child. 
• Faces are washed as necessary.
• We wear paint shirts to protect our clothes when painting.
• Bibs are used for smaller children until they are ready to eat with minimal spilling.
• I wash clothing as needed or change your child into spare clothing or spot clean.
• I comb/fix girl's hair after naps or throughout the day if needed.

5.  Activities

I provide a preschool curriculum for daily activities. We learn about two different themes each month throughout the school year. During the summer, a more relaxed summer schedule with fun themes and activities keep us busy and having fun. We have at least two cooking activities each month, special sharing days and parties.  I spend time with your child in a group and one-on-one.  We focus on the basics:  alphabet, numbers, days of the week, months of the year, phonics, shapes and colors.  We follow a routine with flexibility so your child can have fun but yet learn how to be a part of a group, sit and listen for short periods of time and hopefully be ready for school when the time comes.  Crafts and creative activities are a big part of our day.  There is plenty of time given daily for free play and pretending.

6.  Healthy Meals & Snacks

Well rounded, appealing meals and snacks are served in accordance to the food program.  The food program provides guidelines and rules for each snack & meal served which ensures your child is served healthy food.  Meals and snacks are varied and new foods are introduced. I try to serve juice only once a day and providing milk or water instead.  Sugary snacks are avoided most of the time except for special occasions. 

7.  Dependable & Drama Free

I am here, available and dependable.  I do not close randomly or often for illness and other reasons.  When you call I answer or return your call as soon as possible.  When you come to my house, I'll be ready.

I don't like issues. If we need to discuss something, let's talk and work it out.  Otherwise, as long as policies are followed, communication is clear, and respect is shown, all should be good!  I will not allow anyone to "stir up trouble".

This is my business and professionalism is important to me.