Robin's Nest Daycare
1-519-400-2907
Faythh01@yahoo.ca
robin@robinsnestguelph.com
Policy for Robin's Nest Daycare
Parent Handbook & Child Care Policy / Contract
Thank you for considering Robin’s Nest Daycare (RND). This document outlines the policies, expectations and routines that help keep my home daycare safe, respectful, consistent and enjoyable for the children and families in my care.
Please read this document carefully before signing. By signing the Robin’s Nest Daycare contract, parents/guardians acknowledge that they have read, understood and agreed to follow these policies. These policies are established to support the operation of my home daycare and are not intended to be individually negotiated.
Our Philosophy & Programming
At Robin’s Nest Daycare, I strongly believe children learn best through play. My role is to provide quality, interesting and stimulating materials, equipment and experiences that support children at a range of developmental levels. This allows each child to grow and learn at their own pace, because every child is unique.
Much of our programming happens naturally in the moment. I take advantage of everyday learning opportunities and follow the children’s interests, questions and curiosity. We may explore a particular theme or activity on a given day, while remaining flexible enough to respond to what the children are interested in learning.
The children and their families are my priority. I strive to provide an inclusive, respectful and strictly anti bias environment for every child and family, regardless of ability, culture, race, family structure or background.
Families are encouraged to share information about cultural holidays, customs, family traditions, family structures, abilities or disabilities that may help us better understand and celebrate the children and families in our care. We would love to learn from you.
Guidance, Behaviour & Emotional Regulation
At Robin’s Nest Daycare, guidance is based on respect, responsibility, safety and emotional regulation. Children are learning how to understand their emotions, communicate their needs, solve problems and navigate relationships. My goal is to teach these skills rather than simply punish behaviour.
There are clear limits within the daycare because everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. These limits are communicated in simple, positive and developmentally appropriate language. I focus on the behaviour and the safety issue, not on labelling a child as “bad.”
For example, I may say, “Please walk inside so everyone can stay safe,” rather than “Don’t run.” I will give children reasonable time and support to respond to expectations whenever the situation allows.
When children are struggling, I will acknowledge their feelings while maintaining the boundary. For example: “I know it is hard to wait for a turn. You really wanted to go on the slide. Pushing is not safe, so I’m going to help you find another way.”
I use co regulation, redirection, modelling, choices, problem solving, sensory supports and calm spaces when appropriate. I may get down to a child’s level, help them identify what they are feeling, and support them in finding a safe way forward.
When two children are having a conflict, I may act as a mediator. I encourage children to express their feelings and ideas and, when developmentally appropriate, work together toward a solution. Open ended questions and choices may be used to build problem solving and social skills.
A cozy/calm space may be used as a supportive regulation tool. It is not a punishment space. Children may be invited to use calming tools, take a break from an activity, or spend a few quiet moments with support before returning to the group.
If a child continues to engage in behaviour that creates an immediate safety concern, I will intervene immediately and may remove the child from the activity or group until they are able to participate safely. The focus will be on restoring safety, regulating emotions and helping the child rejoin the group when ready.
Daily Routine
Our daily schedule is a guideline and may change based on weather, drop off and pick up schedules, children’s needs, interests, outings and other circumstances. Flexibility is an important part of a home daycare environment.
• 8:00–8:45 a.m.
Daycare opens for contracted hours / free play
• 9:00 a.m.
Morning snack, provided by RND
• 9:30 a.m.
Outdoor play (weather permitting), arts and crafts and/or other activities
• 10:45 a.m.
Tidy up / hand washing / transition activity
• 11:15–11:45 a.m.
Lunch, provided by RND
• 11:45 a.m.
Story time / wind-down for nap or quiet time
• 12:00–2:30 p.m.
Nap/Quiet time
• 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Afternoon snack / games / transition/outdoors (weather permitting)
• 4:45 p.m.
Daycare promptly closes
Please have children at daycare by 9:00 a.m. whenever possible so we can begin our day together. If you will be later, please contact me so I can let you know what we are doing and arrange an appropriate drop off.
Nap & Quiet Time
Nap and quiet time are an essential part of our daycare day. All children will have a designated nap or quiet time period. Children who are transitioning out of naps will still be expected to participate in quiet time so that other children can sleep and I can take my scheduled break.
Children who no longer nap must be able to entertain themselves quietly and safely during this period. I will not wake a sleeping child before the minimum sleep period required by applicable childcare guidance. I follow the requirements and guidance applicable to licensed home child care under the CCEYA.
For children who are new to RND, families are asked to work toward a sleep schedule that is reasonably consistent with our daycare routine. If a younger child is still taking two naps, we can discuss an appropriate transition plan.
Occasional Outings & Adventures
When I have only one or two children in care, I may occasionally ask the parent/guardian if I can take the child(ren) on a special outing or adventure. These outings will be discussed with the parent/guardian in advance, and I will only proceed once permission has been given. These outings are occasional and are not a regular group field trip program.
Items Needed From Home
• Diapers and/or pull-ups as required
• Diaper rash ointment, if needed.
• Extra clothing
• Appropriate seasonal outdoor clothing and footwear
• Any additional supplies requested for your child
Children will participate in outdoor play whenever weather and conditions permit. Children who arrive without appropriate seasonal gear may still participate when it is safe to do so. Clothing may become wet, dirty, stained or damaged during normal play and activities. Robin’s Nest Daycare is not responsible for clothing damaged during normal daycare activities.
Please send children in comfortable “play clothes.” Art, outdoor play, sensory activities and everyday exploration can result in stains even when reasonable care is taken.
Extra supplies may be stored at daycare and must be replenished when requested.
Toys and personal items from home are to remain at home or in the vehicle unless I have specifically asked for an item. If your child is having difficulty leaving an item behind, please manage that transition before entering daycare. This rule applies consistently to all children.
Meals & Snacks
RND provides a morning snack, afternoon snack and lunch. Please feed your child breakfast before arriving.
If your morning is rushed and your child will have eaten a snack shortly before arrival, please let me know so I can adjust the amount prepared and reduce food waste.
Please do not send outside food into daycare unless it has been specifically discussed and approved with me in advance.
Water is available throughout the day. Children must be seated while eating and drinking. This is a safety requirement and supports healthy eating and drinking habits. Children will not be permitted to walk or play while eating, drinking from a bottle, or carrying food.
Pacifiers are generally reserved for nap/quiet time unless an individual need has been discussed. If a child requires a bottle before sleep, it will be given before the child is placed in bed. Children will not be put to sleep with bottles in bed.
Hygiene & Health Promotion
Hand washing is part of our daily routine. Children will wash their hands before and after food preparation/eating, before and after diapering, after toileting, after nose wiping/sneezing and after outdoor play.
Single use tissues are available and disposed of after use. Children are encouraged to cough or sneeze into the inside corner of their elbow.
Diapering takes place away from food preparation areas. Diapers are disposed of in a lined garbage bin.
Food preparation takes place in the kitchen and is kept separate from toileting, diapering and play areas. Towels, cloths and other reusable cleaning materials are laundered as required. High touch surfaces, toys, tables, toileting areas and other daycare areas are cleaned and sanitized according to applicable requirements and as needed.
Children use their designated sleep mats. Mats are appropriately spaced during use, cleaned/sanitized as required, and bedding is laundered regularly and whenever necessary.
Cleaning supplies, knives, plastic bags and other potentially hazardous items are kept inaccessible to children.
Please ensure your child arrives clean and ready for the daycare day.
Health & Medications
Medications
Medications are stored safely and out of children’s reach. Medication will only be administered with the required parent/guardian authorization. All medications must be in their original container with the original label.
For prescription medication, the directions on the original prescription label must be followed. I must also be informed of the time and amount of the child’s most recent dose so medication can be administered safely and consistently.
A child may not return to care until they are well enough to participate fully in the daycare day and have met the applicable illness/exclusion requirements. When prescription medication is being used for an illness, families must ensure the child is ready to participate safely and is no longer contagious before returning.
Allergies & Dietary Concerns
All known allergies and dietary concerns must be disclosed during registration and kept current. Relevant allergy information will be recorded in the child’s emergency information.
Illness Policy
Children who are sick must remain home. The daycare is an active environment that includes indoor and outdoor play, and children must be well enough to participate safely in the full daycare day.
If myself or my own children are experiencing a significant illness, I will provide parents with information when appropriate and will close daycare when required due to significant symptoms or a communicable disease.
If illness information is knowingly withheld, including significant illness or exposure to communicable illness, this may result in immediate termination of care. This policy is necessary to protect the health of my family and all daycare families.
If a child becomes ill during the daycare day, the parent/guardian will be contacted immediately and must arrange pickup within 30 minutes unless another arrangement has been agreed upon. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, the alternate emergency contact will be contacted.
While waiting for pickup, the child will be cared for in a separate, comfortable area where they can be closely supervised and, where possible, separated from the other children.
If a child arrives and appears too unwell to participate in the daycare day, they will be sent home. Medication must not be used to mask symptoms in order to send a child to daycare. If a child is brought to daycare after medication has been given and becomes ill during the day, the parent/guardian will be contacted.
Children must be symptom free and well enough to participate fully in care before returning. The following are examples of conditions that require exclusion:
• Unexplained or undiagnosed pain
• Acute illness with fever, significant sore throat or concerning symptoms
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing or persistent/severe cough
• Fever of 38.3°C / 100°F or higher; fever must be resolved without fever-reducing medication for the required period before returning
• Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
• Mucus/pus draining from infected skin or eyes, or an undiagnosed rash
• Headache with a stiff neck or other concerning symptoms
• Severe or persistent unexplained itching
• Known or suspected communicable illness
• Vomiting, May return 24 hours after their last bought of sickness without medication.
• Diarrhea two or more times within 24 hours; return only after the required symptom free period
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps or diarrhea suggesting a potentially contagious illness
• Any condition that prevents the child from safely participating in the full daycare day
Specific exclusion and return to care requirements will be applied according to current public health and applicable childcare guidance. I reserve the right to with hold return to care if I feel a child is not ready.
During a pandemic or other public health emergency, current government and public health requirements will take precedence.
If you choose to keep your child home because they are sick or for any other reason, regular childcare fees remain payable. You are paying to reserve your contracted space, not for daily attendance.
Provider Illness, Vacation & Personal Days
Robin’s Nest Daycare may close due to my illness, the illness of my children, emergencies or other circumstances that require closure. Parents/guardians are responsible for arranging backup care when RND is closed for provider illness, emergency or personal days.
I may take up to 15 paid personal days per year. The personal day year resets each September. I may also take 1 week of unpaid vacation per year and 1 week of paid vacation.
Potty Training
Potty training at RND is approached calmly and in cooperation with the family. Children should demonstrate readiness before training begins. Readiness may include communicating that they need to use the toilet, recognizing when they have gone, being able to manage clothing, wash hands and participate in the process with increasing independence.
Please begin potty training at home first. For daycare training to continue, the child must be making consistent progress and must not require frequent reminders throughout the day. Because I care for multiple children, I cannot provide individual toileting reminders every 20 minutes.
Pull ups/diapers will continue to be used at daycare until the child has demonstrated consistent success. I generally require approximately two weeks of being accident free at daycare before considering a transition away from pull ups/diapers. Underwear under a pull up may be used when appropriate.
Accidents are a normal part of learning. Pull ups may continue during nap time until the child has demonstrated consistent dryness during naps.
Communication
Parents/guardians are welcome to phone or text during the daycare day. If I cannot answer, please leave a message or send a text. I may be outside, engaged in an activity or attending to the children and unable to respond immediately. I will respond as soon as reasonably possible.
For non urgent communication outside daycare hours, please leave a detailed message or send a text and I will respond when I am available. Please remember that my home is also my family’s home, and my personal time outside daycare hours is important.
Drop Off & Pick Up
Children will only be released to their parent/guardian or to a person authorized by the parent/guardian. Identification may be required from anyone I have not previously met. A password system may also be used.
If a custody order or other legal document limits who may contact or pick up a child, a current copy must be provided to RND so that it can be followed.
A child will not be released to anyone who appears impaired by alcohol, drugs or another condition that makes them unable to safely care for the child. An authorized alternate contact will be contacted. If no safe authorized option is available, emergency services and/or the appropriate authorities may be contacted.
Drop off and pick up occur outside the home in our cubby area. I will greet families outside and bring the child inside and begin the day.
Parents/guardians must walk their child to the house and ensure that I know the child has arrived before leaving. Children are not to be sent to the door alone.
RND encourages children to develop independence by practicing dressing and undressing themselves. At drop off, a brief goodbye is appreciated so I can support the child with their belongings and clothing. At pickup, please text ahead when possible so I can help your child get ready.
Consistency matters. When children see the same expectations applied to everyone, it helps them understand and build independence.
Contracted Hours & Late/Early Drop-Offs
Your contracted hours are the specific hours agreed upon for your family. My daycare’s closing time does not automatically become every family’s contracted pickup time.
Children dropped off before their contracted start time or picked up after their contracted end time without prior approval will be subject to a $40 fee. This fee is due by the next scheduled daycare day and care may be suspended until all outstanding fees are paid.
If you need to arrive earlier or later than your contracted hours, you must ask in advance. Changes are only permitted if I confirm that I am available. I may have appointments, family responsibilities or other commitments before and after your contracted hours.
I will not open the daycare before your scheduled start time unless an earlier arrival has been specifically approved.
Please have children arrive by 9:00 a.m. whenever possible. If you will arrive later, contact me so I can let you know where we are and arrange an appropriate drop off.
Children will not be accepted back into care during quiet/nap time when doing so would disrupt sleeping children. Please discuss appointments and planned pickups/drop-offs with me in advance so we can arrange an appropriate time.
For vaccine appointments, families should schedule appointments at a time that allows them to monitor their child afterward when required.
Fees & Payment
The following rates and payment policies apply to all families and are firm policies of Robin’s Nest Daycare.
I believe children should be in childcare only for the time reasonably required for a parent/guardian’s work or other contracted need. Contracted hours must therefore be respected.
Payment is due according to the schedule below. I am not responsible for reminding families to pay. Please use a recurring reminder or other system to ensure payment is received on time.
Weekly payment arrangements must remain consistent with the agreed contract.
E-transfers must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. each Thursday for the upcoming week, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Late payments are subject to a $50 fee for each 30 minute period that the payment remains overdue, as applicable under the agreed payment arrangement. Outstanding fees must be paid before the child returns to care.
Weekly Rates
• Full Time Care: $255 per week
4 or 5 days per week, selected by the family and kept consistent unless otherwise agreed.
• Part Time Care: Not currently offered.
• Back Up Care: $51 per day, per child, when space is available.
If a parent/guardian begins maternity/parental leave or begins working from home and no longer requires travel time, contracted hours will automatically adjust to 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., unless otherwise agreed. Time outside those hours is intended to account for travel to and from a place of employment.
Holding Fee
A $510 Holding Fee is required for new children entering Robin’s Nest Daycare. This amount represents two weeks of the current full time weekly rate of $255.
The Holding Fee is non refundable and is due when the contract is signed. A child’s space is not considered reserved until both the signed contract and Holding Fee have been received.
The Holding Fee may be applied toward the final two weeks of care after the child has completed one full year at RND, provided the contract and daycare policies have been consistently followed. This includes timely payment, respecting contracted drop off and pickup times, and adherence to the policies outlined in this agreement.
If the contract ends before the Holding Fee becomes eligible to be applied to the final two weeks, the Holding Fee remains non refundable and will not be credited or refunded.
The Holding Fee is not a substitute for regular weekly payment and does not change any notice requirements.
Parent/Guardian Holidays
Parents/guardians are required to continue paying their regular contracted fee while on vacation or while choosing to keep their child home. The fee reserves the child’s space; it is not an attendance based fee.
Paid Holidays
The following statutory/observed holidays are paid days: New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Withdrawal / Termination of Childcare Services
A MINIMUM OF THREE CALENDAR MONTHS’ WRITTEN NOTICE IS REQUIRED TO TERMINATE CHILDCARE SERVICES. THIS IS A FIRM, NON NEGOTIABLE POLICY.
Notice must be received by the last day of a calendar month. For example, if care is to end May 31, written notice must be received by February 28/29. This allows the full three following calendar months to remain available and gives RND a reasonable opportunity to seek a new childcare placement.
Childcare services are terminated at the end of a calendar month. Mid month termination is not accepted.
If the required notice is not provided, the parent/guardian remains responsible for the fees that would have been payable during the required notice period. For example, notice provided May 5 for an intended end date of May 31 would not satisfy the notice requirement, and the applicable notice period fees would remain owing.
Any unpaid termination period fees are subject to applicable late payment fees and must be paid according to the payment terms of this agreement.
This policy applies regardless of whether the child is attending during the notice period. The space remains reserved for the family during the required notice period.
This is my lively hood and I hope families stay and not use me as a stop over for Centres. Serious families only please.
Provider Initiated Termination
If concerns arise regarding safety, payment, attendance, behaviour, communication, respect or adherence to daycare policies, I may request a meeting with the parent/guardian to discuss the concern and determine whether a workable solution is possible.
Where appropriate, concerns may be documented and a plan may be established with a follow up discussion. However, RND is a private home daycare and I retain the right to determine whether a placement remains appropriate.
I may terminate childcare services when I determine that continued care is no longer appropriate or safe. Serious concerns , including safety issues, repeated failure to follow policies, non payment, harassment, bullying, threats, disrespectful conduct, deliberate withholding of relevant health information, or conduct that significantly disrupts the daycare, may result in immediate termination.
Any termination will be communicated in writing. Where immediate termination is necessary for safety or other serious reasons, I will provide direction regarding the child’s immediate removal from care.
Custody & Guardianship
I understand that some children have parents/guardians who do not live together. I will communicate with and support both parents/guardians as appropriate and in accordance with legal requirements.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing current copies of custody agreements, court orders or other legal documents that affect who may access information about, contact or pick up their child. RND cannot enforce an order that has not been provided.
Fire Emergency Procedure
1. When the smoke detector or other fire alarm sounds, all children will stop what they are doing and leave the daycare using the closest safe exit.
2. I will take the children’s emergency information as safely and quickly as possible.
3. Children who cannot safely walk independently will be carried or otherwise assisted.
4. Everyone will gather at the designated meeting location, such as the outdoor play place.
5. A head count will be completed and 911 will be contacted.
6. First aid or other emergency care will be provided as required.
Important Final Notes
Robin’s Nest Daycare is a home daycare and an early learning environment, not a babysitting or drop in service.
My role is to provide consistent care, meaningful learning experiences, guidance and opportunities for children to develop independence, social skills, emotional regulation and school readiness skills. I am committed to creating a safe, respectful and nurturing environment for every child.
Robin’s Nest Daycare is not intended to function as a temporary stopover while a family waits for a space in a licensed centre, preschool or another childcare program. If your childcare needs are primarily short term or intended to bridge to another program, please be open about that during the interview. I will be honest about whether RND is an appropriate fit and, where possible, help you explore other options.
Fees paid to RND are non refundable except where this contract specifically states otherwise. Choosing to withdraw a child, move to another childcare program, or leave before the Holding Fee becomes eligible for application does not create a right to a refund.
The purpose of these policies is not to make things difficult for families. They allow me to operate a stable, respectful and predictable home daycare while providing consistent care to the children who depend on me. I appreciate families who communicate openly, respect the policies and work with me as partners in their child’s care.
Acknowledgement
By signing below, the parent/guardian confirms that they have read and understood the Robin’s Nest Daycare Parent Handbook & Child Care Policy / Contract and agree to follow the policies and expectations outlined above.
Child’s Name: ______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: _____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________
Provider Signature: _________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________
Robin’s Nest Daycare • Parent Handbook & Child Care Policy / Contract
