Our Educational Philosophy
Laura’s Loving Care provides a nurturing, loving, educational environment in a residential setting. We maintain a positive atmosphere while engaging students in a variety of age-appropriate activities designed to stimulate learning. We strive to instill Christian morals and values as we show students how to interact appropriately in a small group setting with other children and adults.
Daily Schedule
We provide a structured program daily (see daily schedule). Parents are invited and encouraged to spend time with us during any of our activities. For safety reasons, our front door and side door will remain locked at most times. The back door will be unlocked. If you plan to pick your child up during nap time, kindly give advance notice and we will watch for your arrival.
Discipline
We practice positive redirection as a way to teach students to use appropriate behaviors. We will redirect your child toward practicing a more appropriate behavior. When this does not work a child may be asked to sit in “time-out” for a short period of time (one minute per year in age). This will give the child time to think about his/her actions and will also remove him/her from the situation. In extreme cases where these discipline strategies do not work, we will set up a private meeting with the parent to discuss alternative solutions. Under no circumstance will we ridicule, embarrass or use any type of physical punishment with a child. In the extreme case that behaviors threaten the safety the safety of other children, we reserve the right to cancel the child’s enrollment.
Items Parents Should Provide
Infants: Parents should supply diapers, bottles, bibs, two extra outfits, and formula (or breast milk). One case of wipes is requested from each infant on the first day of every other month (January, March, May, July, September, and November). If we need more, we will supply them.
Children Ages Two and Up: At age two, children will begin to sleep on a cot for nap time. Parents should supply a blanket (and/or a special toy) for nap time. The blanket should be taken home every Friday, washed and returned on Monday. One extra outfit is also requested to be left at the center at all times in case of an accident (at least two outfits for children who are potty training).
Dress Code
Children should wear comfortable clothes and should be fully dressed when they arrive. Shoes should be worn by walkers for health and safety reasons.
Potty Training
To make it through this tough phase in development, we believe teamwork is very important! We will make every effort to support what you are doing at home. However, we will not punish a child for having an “accident” even if that is part of your system at home. Most children begin potty training around two to three years of age but each child is different. When you and your child feel the time is right, please just let us know. Please send at least two extra outfits (socks too), and diapers just in case we need them. We will put a diaper on at nap time until you tell us your child has slept through the night without an accident.
Sickness
If a child becomes ill in our care we will call to notify parents. If vomiting or running a fever, they must be picked up and must remain fever free for 24 hours before returning. Please note that absence due to illness does not exempt payment for that period of time.
Food
A nutritious breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack will be provided daily. Breakfast ends promptly at 9 a.m. If you plan to arrive past 8:50 a.m. please make sure your child has already eaten breakfast. A well balanced breakfast and lunch will be served but we will never force a child to eat anything. Dietary concerns? Please let us know.
Enrollment Requirements
1) Completed Registration Form
2) Completed Emergency Information Form
3) Health Record including immunization records (must be on file within 30 days of admission).
4) Certification of a Physical Exam given by a physician within 3 months prior to admission (must be completed and on file within 30 days of admission). A new physical is required every year.
5) Copy of Birth Certificate
6) Signed statement confirming acknowledgement and agreement of policies in parent handbook.
Rates
Infants six weeks – twelve months: $150/week
Children twelve months through kindergarten: $135/week
Families with two or more full time children may take $20 off per week
Part Time (based on availability): $35/day (any age)
Before OR After School Care (based on availability): $30/week
Before AND After School Care (based on availability): $50/week
Vacation & Holidays
Each family may take one week vacation per year (without paying) if three weeks notice is given in writing in advance. We will close for one week vacation per year (with pay) and will also give at least three weeks notice to the families. We will be closed (with pay) for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Payment Policy
A deposit equal to the amount charged for one week is required up front. This credit will stay in your account and is fully refundable when proper notice (2-weeks) is given for discontinuance in the program. Payment is due on Monday morning of each week. For part time children it is due on the first day of the week he/she comes for child care. A late fee of $10 will be charged for each day payment is late. If payment is one week late, children will not be admitted until the balance is paid. A $30 fee will be charged for any returned check. If two bad checks are received within one year, payment by cash or money order will be required.
Picking Up Children
Parents who arrive past the pick up time of 6:30 p.m. will be charged $20 (anytime within the first fifteen minutes). After 6:45 p.m. an additional $2/minute will be charged. This will be strictly enforced as the teachers are scheduled to be finished at 6:30 p.m. Please be considerate and call if you will be late. We understand that emergencies happen but please keep in mind that we have families and other commitments too.
