​Welcome letter
 
Dear families,

Welcome to Wendy Dondero’s Little Shop of Learning. I believe that every child is unique and that every child deserves to be cared for with compassion, patience and gentle guidance. I am an experienced former teacher that spent three years teaching in both Kindergarten and 3rd grade. I have skills of working with, and understanding, children of all abilities and temperament. In addition to my years in the classroom, I have also spent time caring for infants. My own son was born prematurely, so I also have special knowledge of the needs and concerns of vulnerable infants. I decided to start my own daycare when I had my son so that I could both be a stay-at-home mom, as well as, continue in my love of teaching and caring for children.

It is my mission at Little Shop to provide a program that creates a safe and educational environment for children of all ages in the comfortable atmosphere of home daycare. We have age-appropriate educational activities, as well as, an emphasis on a healthy diet and developmentally appropriate exercise. Our days are filled with music, song, creative/guided activities, and many opportunities for free exploration both indoors and outdoors.


Please read the enclosed parent handbook. It includes many more details about Little Shop of Learning and my policies and procedures. I also strongly encourage parents to discuss any expectations, concerns, or questions that they have/want for their child and myself. Thank you for your interest in my program and I look forward to working with you and working together in helping your child learn, grow, and prosper.

Sincerely,
Wendy Dondero

Please feel free to contact me:

wdondero@msn.com
707-328-5446
 


Admissions and Enrollment

Our program generally cares for children ages birth to 5 years. No child will be denied admission on the basis of race, religion, gender, or handicap, etc. We do retain the right to deny admission if all slots for a specific age group are filled.
Trial Period: There will be a 2 week trial period for all children. The contract may be terminated by a parent or the provider during these 2 weeks without any penalties.

Days and Hours of Operation

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:30 pm. Days and hours of care will be contracted from child to child.
Contracted days are not flexible. Payment will reflect your child’s reserved spot. Weekly rate is due regardless of attendance. View schedule for dates of Provider’s paid holidays. Additionally, when provider is ill and unable to provide care, I will make every effort to provide as much notice as possible. Provider is allotted 3 paid sick days per year.



Little Shop of Learning Pricing Scale


Full-time
$325 5 days a week (Ages 0-2)

$300 5 days a week (Ages 2-5)


Beginning deposit: To secure a child’s spot, parent will provide a deposit equal to their anticipated weekly amount. Deposit is non-refundable and will be used for child’s last week of care.


Pick-up Policy
Children will absolutely NOT be released to anyone except those authorized to pick up the child on the enrollment form. Identification is required of those authorized who are unfamiliar to staff. In the event you wish another adult to pick up your child, it would require that you give written permission in advance to verify.

Open door policy
You are invited and welcome to visit the daycare anytime your children are present. Parents are also free to call/text at anytime, texting is preferred.
​
Payment schedule and Policies

-Payment is due on Monday each week. Alternately payment can be made in a monthly deposit. If payments are not made by due date, a $25 late fee will be due.
-A fee of $35 will be charged for a check returned.
-Changes must be made 2 weeks in advance.
-COURT FEES: Should it become necessary to go to court over non-payment of fees owed, court & attorney fees will be added to your bill.

Termination of enrollment

-A two week advance written notice is required to stop attendance.
- In the event that we the providers find it necessary to stop attendance, we will also give the parents at least 2 weeks’ notice.
-Reasons for immediate termination, without 2 weeks notice, of enrollment include, but not limited to: destructive uncontrollable or violent behaviors, habitual tardiness in pickup of child, and lateness of payment or nonpayment.

Late Policy
If parents are late, a fee of $10 will be charged for each late pickup of 15 minutes. A late fee of $15 will be charged for a late pickup of 30 minutes or more.

Enrollment Forms and Requirements

In compliance with the State of California, the following FORMS must be completed for your child's file: (All forms must be completed prior to placement)

1. Each child must have current immunizations and provide either child’s yellow immunization card, or printout from doctor’s office, with vaccinations recorded and up to date to attend.
2. Affidavit Regarding Liability Insurance (LIC 282) http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC282.PDF
3. Consent for Medical Treatment (LIC 627) http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC627.PDF
4. Identification and Emergency Information (LIC 700) http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/lic700.pdf
5. Notification of Parents' Rights (LIC 995A) http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC995A.PDF
6. Caregiver Background Check Process (LIC 995E) http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC995E.PDF
7. (If needed and required by doctor) Consent/Verification for Nebulizer Care (LIC 9166) http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC9166.PDF
8. Family Child Care Consumer Awareness Information (LIC 9212) http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC9212.PDF​

Healthy Meals and Snacks

At Little Shop parents of infants will provide formula and baby purees as appropriate. For children that are graduated from purees we will provide 2 daily healthy snacks and lunch that are included in the cost of your child’s care. Parents may also supplement their child's diet in any way that they see fit.


Diapers and Potty-training
1. Diaper changes are scheduled for every 1.5 to 2 hours. In addition, a child will be changed when needed.
2. We will use disposable diapers, or cloth diapers, which are provided by the parent. If using cloth diapers parents will provide an appropriate soiled laundry bag and will take soiled cloths home daily to be laundered.
3. We will work with parents/guardians to initiate potty training when the individual child shows an interest. In order to be successful in this training, it is important that both parent and staff are consistent in their techniques. The child must complete 2 weeks accident free at their own home before they are allowed to go without diapers or pull-ups at daycare. Cleanliness and hand washing will also be emphasized in the training process.

Naps
Each child will nap individually, as per their needs, according to a schedule. Sleep area follows state guidelines for sleep safe practices. Each child will have separate sheet/blanket that is washed weekly, or as needed. Nap area is monitored by provider with non-recording video/sound.

Health & Safety Practices
HAND WASHING: Hands will be washed before and after meals, before and after bathroom use, after nose blowing or wiping, and after playing outside.
DIAPER CHANGING: Hands will be washed before and after changing of diapers. The changing mat is sterilized after each use.
TOYS & EQUIPMENT: Toys & equipment will be sterilized daily/weekly
SOILED CLOTHING All soiled clothing will be put into a plastic bag for the parent to launder.
FIRE DRILLS: Practice drills will be conducted a minimum of once monthly and recorded. Evacuation procedures will be posted on the wall next to exits.

Behavior Management & Discipline

When a child is having a difficult time following directions, or treating others/materials with respect, developmentally appropriate guidance techniques are used. These help children develop self-control, respect, and consideration for the rights and property of others. These techniques are as follows:

Positive Reinforcement: The child will be encouraged when he/she is demonstrating acceptable behavior.
Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try again at another time.
"When...Then" Statements: A statement in which the child is encouraged to accomplish something before going on to something else. Sample: ―When you finish picking up the blocks, then you can go outside.
"If... Then" Statements: A statement in which the child is encouraged to make a positive choice. Sample: ―If you pick up the blocks, then you can go to the Dress up play area. Also used to enforce concept of “consequences”. Sample: “If you choose to throw the toy, the consequence will be that the toy is put up for the day”.
Take A Break/Quiet Corner Time: The child is separated from the group for a child-regulated period of time. This technique is used only when a child is exhibiting temper tantrum type behavior or hurting self, others, or equipment. When the child shows that he/she is ready to demonstrate acceptable behavior, the child is encouraged to join the rest of the group and try again.