Policies & Procedures

A Note From Angela Secora
Owner

Hi parents!  My name is Angela Secora and I grew up in Pueblo and Pueblo West.  I have a bachelor's degree in biology with minors in chemistry and psychology.  I am currently working on building my knowledge in Early Childhood Education.  I have a wonderful 5-year-old daughter Ivy that is my world.  I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be a full-time mom to her.  Now that she is older, I have the experience and confidence to provide excellent care for her as well as other children. She is a social butterfly and I believe she benefits from daily interaction with peers. 

I want to give my daughter an enriched childhood experience and it is my hope that by bringing your child into my home, I will provide the same wonderful experience for them.  I plan to have a fun, play based curriculum where happy kids are the focus.  I do also emphasize preschool and kindergarten readiness, but it is my firm belief that learning comes naturally to children and we as caregivers are there to provide support.  I will provide resources and guidance for your child so that they are given every opportunity to learn, grow and be a happy kid. 

Some noteworthy subjects I plan to share with your child are simple music lessons, gardening, physical education, obstacle course for muscle building and balance, dance routines, healthy eating, cooking, science experiments, arts and crafts, and of course, preschool/kindergarten curriculum (3 R’s).I want my kiddo’s childhood to be as full as possible and I believe most parents feel the same. If you allow me to care for your child, it is my promise that I will provide a warm, loving and enriching environment.

Admissions and Registration

Please provide this paperwork needed prior to your child’s first day: emergency medical authorization, contact information for parents/guardians and emergency contact, immunization record, health care information and plan (if applicable).  You must also complete the parent/guardian acknowledgement form which states you have read and agree with our policies and procedures.  Blanket field trip forms must be signed and returned at this time as well.  Field trips will be planned one week in advance with parents notified the Friday before. 

Children will only be released to authorized individuals that are listed on their enrollment forms.  A picture ID must be provided by all individuals until we become familiar.  If you have an emergency, you will need to call me directly and text or email me a picture of the person’s ID that will be picking up your child.  Anyone attempting to pick up your child without authorization will be prevented.  911 will be informed immediately if the situation has cause.  Court orders must be provided in order to prevent parents from picking-up their child.  Please do not attempt to collect your child if you are intoxicated or under the influence.  Authorities will be notified.  All suspected or known child abuse will be reported. 

We accept children according to the American Disabilities Act.

A nonrefundable registration fee of $100.00 is required for every child and can be used to hold a place for the child until enrollment. It is due EVERY January thereafter. This is a non-refundable fee that is due before a child is enrolled. If a child is out more than two weeks in a row and you have no more vacation weeks or haven’t paid the weekly rate to save your child’s spot, the registration fee MUST be paid again to reinstate your child. Reinstatement is ONLY if there is availability.
After attending a year without withdrawing each child enrolled full-time will receive one (1) Vacation week per year (or sick week). Weeks that contain holidays are considered a full week. Vacation weeks are Monday through Friday (consecutively only). If your child is here 0-5 days the fee remains the same. For Schoolers this rate is the cheapest rate when not here (after vacation week) of $65.00. This policy guarantees your child’s space. If you withdraw for whatever reason you will have to pay a new registration fee. This DOES NOT make you exempt from the “yearly” registration due every January.

Registration Fee & Payment Vacation Policy

Financial Policy

Childcare fees are due on Friday for the following week. Payment is considered late at closing on Monday. A late fee of $15.00 per day from Tuesday on will be charged. If payment is not received by closing on Friday you will need to make other childcare arrangements. Payment is made in cash, check, money order, or through our website. If payment is not made after one week of department, we turn amount owed to a collection agency for collection. You will be accountable for services rendered plus collection agency fees. All fees are subject to 7.6% tax on all charges.

Return Check Policy

Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Open year-round.  We are closed for the following holidays every year: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Caesar Chavez Day, Spring Break, Good Friday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  If the holiday falls on a Saturday, we will be closed the Friday before.  If the holiday falls on a Sunday, we will be closed the Monday after.  I am closed for the third week of June.  In the event of any other closings, we will post a letter of notification prior to the event. 

In the event of an emergency or illness on my part, parents will be notified by 6 a.m. via phone call and I will do whatever I can to help you find other arrangements if possible.Weekly fees will stay the same unless we are closed that week.Please be advised I do not have anyone else available to take care of your child if I have an unforeseen emergency and you will be responsible for him/her for the day.This may include picking them up midday.I apologize for any inconvenience, however my backup plan for personal emergencies is limited and while I hope nothing of this nature will arise, this is how it will be handled.

There is a $35.00 charge per check for RETURNED CHECKS  Once you have “bounced” two checks, the daycare will no longer accept your checks. YOU MUST PAY CASH IN ADVANCE.

Our late fee policy is $15.00 for every 30 minutes you are late (1-29 minutes $15.00, 30-59 minutes $30.00).  If children are not picked up within one hour of their designated pick-up time, their emergency contact will be notified to retrieve them and an additional $50 fee will be assessed.  This fee is due immediately. 

We are not licensed to keep your child overnight.  If you fail to pick-up your child and we are unable to reach you and their emergency contact, we have an obligation to inform local authorities/social services.  We will do this at 7:30 p.m. after 2 hours no-show, no-call.  We know things come up and this could be a terrible inconvenience for you and we in no way want that.  Please do your best to stay in contact with us at all times.  I will still take good care of your child, this includes comfort and dinner.  They may be asked to join us in our evening activities, which may include church, recitals, concerts, etc.  If we are able to contact you at this time, you will be responsible for retrieving your child from our new location.

Hours of Operation

Payment Schedule

Full-time Infant care is $375 per week. Part-time Infant care is $300 per week.

Full-time Toddler care is $275 per week.  Part-time Toddler care is $200 per week.

Schooler without pick-up is $250 per week.  Schooler with pick-up is $500 per week. 

These fees will only be reimbursed in the event that your child is asked to leave us.  Any days paid that were unattended will be reimbursed within 90 days.

Parent Notifications

Parents need to check their email every Thursday for updates about the following week’s schedule. Requests and changes must be made in writing by no later than Friday by 8 p.m. If a child is injured or has unmanageable symptoms of illness or discomfort, parents will be notified immediately, and steps will be taken to ensure the best care of the child is provided. If an unexpected trip should occur, such as a trip to the grocery store, parents will be notified via phone call where their child will be going.

Release of Children

We will only release your child to people with whom you have given authorization on the Enrollment Form. If any person needs to pick up your child, other than those on the Enrollment Form, we must be notified either by telephone or in person. This person will need to show a picture I.D which we will make a copy of for my files. Each person MUST sign his or her child in and out on our daily Sign In/Out sheet, which is located on the front counter. Parents are responsible for their child after released from a staff member. The adult picking them up must escort all children to their vehicle. No child is to be left in a car without an adult. No child may go to the parking area without an adult.   

Children must be signed in and out daily.  We have a surveillance camera system in and outdoors.  Recordings will only be provided under extraordinary circumstances, i.e. severe injury or outburst.

Termination/Withdraw

We request two a week notice if you decide to withdraw your child from our facility. Tuition statements are ready after December 31st. We ONLY provide Tax statements for currently enrolled children. We need a one week notice and $5.00 administration fee to process your statement after the child is withdrawn.

Enrollment Paperwork

At the time of enrollment I need the following paperwork returned to me for your child to attend our program.
Enrollment application - shows important information on your child and gives permission for transportation/water activities, field trips/authorization for medical treatment
Shot and well child records, Food program paperwork including eligibility form.
Statement that you have read these childcare policy’s signed and returned to me.

Policy Changes

Should there be any changes in my policy’s they will be put in writing and be given to you.

Please notify me in writing of any address, phone number, or employment changes. This includes home, work, and cell phone. It is important for me to have current information on your child in case an emergency was to arise.

Change of Address & Phone Numbers

Immunization

My child is fully immunized. We do, however, accept children who are not fully immunized. Be aware that your child will be around children who may or may not be immunized. Any children showing signs or symptoms of illness will be immediately isolated from the group and sent home as soon as possible. Shot records are still required prior to enrollment. If your child is not fully immunized, please provide medical history.

Illness of Children

I do not have the facilities or staff to care for sick children. If your child has a fever, contagious illness, or contagious disease, please keep them at home until they are well. If you child becomes ill while at the center you will be called to pick-up your child. (Please be here within 30 minutes of being notified that your child is sick.) If you child is sent home, they MUST be fever free, and free from vomiting and diarrhea for 24 HOURS, before returning to daycare. I cannot keep a child with a 99.4 or higher (armpit) temperature. THIS IS A STATE LAW. I do not supply pain reliever. YOU MUST FURNISH YOUR OWN PAIN RELIEVER.

Accidents & Medical Emergencies

I, at all times, take care of your child to the best of my ability, although sometimes accidents do occur. If your child is hurt you will receive an accident form. This report needs to be signed and returned. Please do not take it home-I will be happy to make a copy for your records if needed. I am not responsible for medical bills. It is your responsibility to carry health insurance (or at least accident insurance) on your child. Depending on the severity of the accident I will notify you as soon as we get your child stable. I will either ask you to come to the daycare to decide if your child needs medical attention or we will transport by ambulance and notify you. Of course I pray that this is not a dilemma that either one of us will ever have to face. The daycare is not to be held responsible for accidents, that is why it is called an accident, because it was not meant to happen.

Inclement Weather Policy

In the event that the weather turns bad during the day, parents, please make your way to the daycare as soon as possible to retrieve your child. If school district 60 closes for the day, we are also closed. Payment remains the same for weeks with closures.

Fire Drills/Emergency Evacuation

Attached is an Emergency and evacuation relocation diagram which shows where the “safe spot” is if we need to evacuate the building/home (Bessemer Park), where we go for fire drills.  I take the attendance sheets and emergency contract forms when exiting the building to ensure that your child is accounted for and that we are able to contact the parent.  At this time Childcare Licensing will also be contacted.  The Emergency Preparedness Plan binder is available for your review.  In the event we must evacuate and Bessemer Park is not safe, our back-up evacuation point will be J B Pharmacy Inc located at 915 W Northern Ave #3195.  This is the pharmacy at the end of the block, in the parking lot with the laundry mat.    

In the event we have to take shelter in the home from a severe weather event such as a tornado, children will be evacuated to the basement area or bathroom. In the event of an active shooter in the area, we will lock our doors and contact parents to let you know you will not be able to pick-up your child until the situation passes. We will again contact you when the lockdown is over.

Head of Lice

Children with lice or lice eggs cannot attend until treated. If lice or lice eggs are discovered while in our care, your child must be picked up immediately. We will also need proof of treatment before they can return back to the center. Proof that they were treated can be as easy as a receipt from a store or pharmacy. We will also notify the child’s class so they can take proper action.
Medication
When possible please administer your child’s medications when they are in your care at home. If this is not possible and you wish for us to administer medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to your child while in our care, a medication permission form must be completed, signed, and dated by you prior to any medication being given. Prescription medicines must be administrated according to label directions and can only be given to the child whose name is on the prescription bottle and cannot be given after the expiration date. ALL MEDICATION MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME AND DATE. All medication MUST be in its original container. Parents will be responsible for making sure medication needing refrigeration is put into the refrigerator, which is located in the front office. It is parent’s responsibility to make sure that the medication is picked up at the end of the day. Please ask for it. We only give medication two times a day, at 12:00 p.m. (before rest period) and/or 3:30 p.m. (after rest period).

Absence & Late Arrivals

Please notify the office as soon a possible when your child will be absent or late. We do a daily lunch count at 9:00 a.m., so if possible let us know by this time. Schoolers MUST let us know by 2:30 p.m. as we will be waiting for him/her after school not knowing that they did not attend, which will cause us to be late at other schools. This is very important as we are responsible for your child and we need to know where they are at all times during our operating hours. If you fail to let us know that we do not need to pick your child up from school there will be a $25.00 charge.

Meals

I will provide breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Snack at 10 a.m.  Lunch is at 12:00 p.m. Healthy afternoon snack (as mandated by the federal food program) is at 3:15 p.m. and for schoolers as they arrive.  Daily breakfast, lunch, and snack menu is posted in the front.  The menu is prepared to meet the daily nutritional requirements mandated by the federal food program.  If your child can not have something we are preparing, we must have a doctor's note for you to bring them food from home, and it must still meet the requirements of milk, fresh fruit and vegetables unless otherwise noted by the doctor. We provide milk, fruits, and  vegetables to all children during lunch and snack times.

If your child has teeth and is over the age of one, please do not send them with a bottle. The transition to food and sippy cup must be started at home to ensure success in our care.

Naptime

We lay down for naps at 12:30-1p.m. and children are woken by 3 p.m. They use crib mattresses with a sheet and blanket for each child. If a child refuses to sleep, quiet time will be enforced and they can participate in a gentle activity. Babies and infants will be provided pack-and-plays for sleeping as needed, on their own schedules. Please provide information about your baby’s normal sleep schedule but be aware that I may not be able to stick to this schedule and I will allow your baby to ‘decide’ when to sleep and when to wake.

Safe Sleep Policy

Infants will be offered pacifiers at all rest periods. No sheets, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals are allowed in the pack-and-play while the infant is sleeping. The pack-and-play is left empty to prevent suffocation. Babies may sleep in sleep sacks depending on temperatures and what they are comfortable with. I use a Wyze camera with an app on my phone to observe children and infants at rest. A noise machine, storyteller or gentle music may be played in the room while children sleep but it will be kept at a safe distance, no closer than 3 feet from each child. As required by the Colorado Department of Human services and the AAP, I completed the safe to sleep course and am following all requirements.

Transportation

My car’s capacity is three car seats for the time being so transportation for extracurricular activities and/or school will only be provided if enrollment is very low. Please do not count on this. If we make arrangements prior to me obtaining full enrollment, please be advised that this is a temporary arrangement. I will be looking into obtaining a larger vehicle but for the time being, please bear with me. You will need to provide your own car seat for your child.

Field Trips

All children must purchase and wear a pink daycare T-shirt. All children are required to attend field trips because we do not have the staff to attend to multiple groups. Special field trips are a separate fee from tuition and you will be notified in advance. We will do our best to keep costs low. Thursday emails will contain information about field trips occurring the following week. My telephone number will be the best way to reach me during any excursion 719-252-3768.

Emergency Transportation

I will transport the children during an emergency using my vehicle. If it is a life threatening emergency or for some reason my vehicle is not available, I will call 911 for emergency medical services.

Damages

Parents are responsible for damages caused by their child to the property, such as breaking windows, etc. This does not include breaking small toys the children play with unless this becomes a reoccurring behavior. Parents will be asked to compensate these damages as well if their child has been given warning and the behavior persists.

Movies/T.V. Time

Our children watch G movies our school age children watch G or an occasional PG movie only if it has been screened first, during our movie times. We do not mind you bringing movies but they must be cleared by the office first. T.V. time is limited to no more than 2 hours a day. When at all possible we try to work what we are watching into our curriculum. We also prefer to schedule movie days around bad weather.

Discipline & Guidance

We use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction. We use praise and encouragement of good behavior, and positive statements. When this fails we have no choice but to implement our discipline policy.
We hope we will not have to use a discipline policy, but just in case we have developed the following policy:
1.) Behavior will be discussed with the child.
2.) Child will be separated from the group for a cooling off period, giving them time to regain their self-control.
3.) Privileges will be taken away depending on the severity of the infraction.
4.) If behavior continues, the child will receive TIME OUT
If these steps fail, the parents will be called for a conference at which time further measures will be discussed. If your child willfully and intentionally causes serious injury to another child, you will be asked to remove your child from our care.

WE HAVE A NO SPANKING POLICY.  If the child is increasingly difficult, we will refer you to an early childhood mental health specialist.

We will cultivate positive child, provider, and family relationships by creating and maintaining a socially and emotionally respectful early learning and care environment. We will implement strategies supporting positive behavior, pro-social peer interaction, and overall social and emotional competence in young children, and provide individualized social emotional intervention supports for children who need them, including methods for understanding child behavior; and developing, adopting and implementing a team-based positive behavior support plan with the intent to reduce challenging behavior and prevent suspensions and expulsions.If suspension is necessary, parents will be asked during our conference to remove their child from my care for a predetermined amount of time in order to re-establish a positive behavioral pattern in the child.If the child cannot adjust to the program and intervention fails, you will be asked to remove your child.

No Smoking

We have a no smoking policy and children will be protected from exposure to secondhand smoke at all times.

Toys & Personal Items

Please do not send toys or personal items unless we have a special request for them (show and tell, etc.). If a child brings a toy or stuffed animal, the toys or personal item will be put up until the parent arrives. Everything MUST be clearly marked with your child’s name and checked. This includes clothing, coats, bottles, diaper bags, diapers, wet wipes, etc. If you have any questions about what needs to be marked, please ask me. If your child wears glasses, it is their responsibility to take care of them. In the event that a child’s glasses, hearing aids, retainer, or any other personal corrective or medical item becomes damaged, we hold no responsibility and it will be up to the parents to replace this item for their child as soon as possible. Please do not send media devices. They will be confiscated and returned only to parents

Recalled Toys

Inventory is taken regularly and all toys are checked for recalls via the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Their website can be found at https://www.cpsc.gov.

Diapers & Potty Training

Diapers, wipes, and extra clothing must be provided by parents for each child. If we have to provide these items, parents will be responsible for costs incurred. When your child is ready to potty train, please do not dress them in onesies and please keep trying at home as well as when your child is in my care. It is important to be consistent, however, every child is different, and this is a process with no strict set of rules. Parents please be patient, expect LOTS of accidents, and celebrate your child’s efforts. Never use shame. If we are potty training during the day, it is expected that you will continue training at home. You will be asked to leave the program if it is determined that you are hindering your child’s progress. If you wish for your child to be given diaper cream, you will need to provide it along with a doctor’s note.

Birthdays

Every child’s birthday is a special event; therefore, snack time arrangements can be made in advance. If you are bringing cupcakes, goody bags, etc. please bring enough for everyone and be mindful of allergies or contact us ahead of time. I will do my best to celebrate your child and these days will be treated like other holiday party days.

Holiday Parties

During the holiday season, we like to celebrate! It is a magical time of year for children, and I want to do everything possible to enhance their imaginations and creativity. I will post a sign-up sheet to bring different items of food or drinks for our holiday parties. Please participate in these special events. In the event of other parties or special food days, I will put a request for food or drink items in your family’s folders.

Custody Orders

I must have a certified court order on file regarding parental custody matters. I would appreciate parents not involving us in custody situations. I will supply requested documents relative to court hearings, but will not appear on behalf of either parent in such proceedings.

Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is scheduled daily. The children are required by state minimum standards to be outside each day unless the weather is too extreme. If your child can not participate in outdoor play, I MUST have a written statement from the doctor or parent. Your child will then have to sit down outside during playtime as we do not have staff to care for your child in another area. If your child is too ill to attend daycare please keep your child at home for the day. Parents are responsible for providing their child with sunscreen. Babies too small for sunscreen will be kept in shaded areas as much as possible. Please send your child with a sunhat and teach them to wear it prior to being in our care. I will use Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple SPF 50 on your child if they are exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time. If you prefer a different brand, please bring a new bottle with your child’s name on it and I will apply it instead. I prefer not to apply anything unless there is an actual danger of burning.

Religious Instruction

We bless our food at lunchtime. However, I do not require children in my care to participate, due to different religious beliefs of each family. We plan parties around holidays and do activities that deal with holidays. If there is a holiday that conflicts with your religious beliefs, please let me know what I can do. We often read religious texts during reading time. I am not a religious educator and do not claim to be. However, it is my job to cultivate moral and well-mannered behavior in all children in my care. This is a Christian household and so some of those fundamental beliefs and values will be shared with your child.

Parent Conferences

We offer parent conferences when requested and based on behavior. We would like to meet with you at least few times during the year to review your child’s progress as well as your and our concerns. This does not have to be in a formal setting but it is our belief that you should know how your child is doing and we like to keep parents updated on goals and challenges.

Parent/Child Communication

I work extremely hard to maintain a friendly, courteous, professional relationship with parents. If communication becomes strained or non-existent, I can no longer serve the best interest of your child. In this event, I reserve the right to un-enroll your child due to irreconcilable differences. There will be NO refunds of registration fees, tuition, or supplies.

Policy Changes

Should there be any changes in our policies they will be put in writing and given to you in person. Announcements will also be made via email.

Updating Enrollment Information

When I need to have the paperwork updated it is your responsibility to do so in a timely manner. You can do this by either updating in person, by phone, or email.

Family Participation

I love help from our parents! We have a fall festival that we can only have if we have enough help from our parents. There are certain “big” field trips that we would love to have volunteers.

Animals

I have two cats, Ittums and Biggles. They are fully up to date on their shots with records. They are usually very nice boys but they do not appreciate being teased. I teach children to love and respect our animal friends.

Open Door Policy

I have an open door policy. You are welcome to visit with us during regular business hours to check on your child. The only things that I ask is that you do not upset your child or our program. Your child is not the only child I watch and I must look after the best interest of all the children. I ask you at drop off time to bring your child and leave; it is very hard on your child when you linger and then leave.

Reporting of Child Abuse

As a childcare provider I am considered a mandated reporter for all suspected child abuse.  All reports shall be made to Pueblo County Department of Human Services 719-583-6901. CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS 12 CCR 2509-8 Social Services Rules 1-844-CO4KIDS

To obtain a copy of the official rules regulating family childcare homes, please the Colorado Secretary of State’s website here.

Please speak with me if you have concerns. To file a complaint about this childcare home make reports through Colorado Department of Early Childhood at 303-866-5958.

Our policies are reviewed annually and updated if necessary.