Enrollment Packet

At Bright Beginnings, we realize the attachment and bond you have with your child and how it can be very difficult for you and the child to leave them with strangers. We are never too busy to answer any questions or lend a hand or an ear to your concerns and or suggestions. We consider ourselves partners with each family in creating the best environment for each child.
We are honored and blessed that you have chosen and entrusted us to take care of your most precious gift.
“Every Child Needs Bright Beginnings”
WELCOME!!!!
Ms. Ramal Taylor
Exec Director

Bright Beginnings
Please return the via email…
⎯ Signed Parent Packet (1 per family)
⎯ Physical (updated each year)
⎯ Shot records (updated each year)
⎯ Birth Certificate

Please bring on the 1st day of care…
⎯ Change of clothes
⎯ Pre-made labeled bottles each day (Infants only)
⎯ Family photo!

Employees
All Bright Beginnings employees are certified in CPR and first Aid. They have also passed drug screening,
Tb test, physicals and background checks. They have been trained on the job and attends various childcare
trainings throughout the year including Health and safety, Child abuse and neglect, Early Learning
Foundations and safe sleep practices for infants. Staff can also receive random Drug testing. Staff is also
required to report any criminal history or convictions before or during employment.

Bright Beginnings Philosophy and Goals
Welcome to Bright Beginnings Family Childcare. Our goal is that your child will enjoy and benefit from
having a relationship with us and receiving care here. We aim to serve the entire family and provide high quality developmentally appropriate care to each child.
Children learn through play and having adults around them that model appropriate behaviors. We providemany learning experiences for your child as they interact with other children and the staff. These interactions build positive relationships, teaches them life skills and allows them to have independence. We provide different interest areas inside in the classroom and time outside for large-motor play. We believe children learn best when engaged in active learning, hands-on involvements with different materials, equipment and activities. The children are allowed to exercise their freedom of choice throughout the day which helps build self-confidence and teaches responsibility, respect and autonomy because we do teach them to clean up their area before going to something new.
Our goal is to provide a safe, respectable home away from home for children and their families. We wish to partner with you to enhance your child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.
We will help your child gain self-confidence outside the security of their home environment and give them a positive learning experience to prepare them for kindergarten. Our passion is your children. We welcome your questions and will work with you in any way possible to create excellence for each child. We ask that you refer to this contract often as it will answer many questions you may have. Should you need help with anything additional, please notify me and I will work to find a solution that will meet the needs of both parties. Thank you for considering Bright Beginnings.
Sincerely,
Ramal Taylor

Provider Responsibilities
Bright Beginnings Family Childcare is a Registered Ministry childcare program. We offer developmentally appropriate interaction and activities to support the physical and emotional needs of the children in care.
Completely supervised indoor and outdoor play is provided daily. Developmentally appropriate toys and activities are provided for your children.
We will communicate with you daily and as needed and send reports of your child’s day through our parent communication app. Any information (ie. closings, events, special activities etc.) that needs to be shared about Bright Beginnings will be posted on the Parent Board and communicated online and via text. We will inform you of any changes that may affect your child.
Each classroom is staffed with a teacher who is handpicked to be part of this awesome team of childcare professionals. 50% or more of the staff will have a Child Development Associate or equivalent training. They have paid planning during the day to create lesson plans and activities appropriate for their students.

Parent Notice
Bright Beginnings Family Child Care is a childcare ministry not licensed under state laws of Indiana.
However, we are registered through the state and we comply with state rules concerning sanitation and fire safety. We are enrolled in Paths to Quality like many other childcare programs in Indiana, and meet quality standards based on our level 3 rating.

Inclusion Policy
We will work with parents to make adaptations to the activities and environment to assist children with special needs. If desired, service providers are welcome to come to Bright Beginnings to serve your child if it is arranged in advance. This includes therapy visits, nursing, and breathing treatments.Parents’ Responsibilities We expect that you will work with Bright Beginnings to ensure that your child can develop to his or her fullest potential. We ask that you will communicate often about your child’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth. Please inform us of any changes in the child’s schedule, routine or home environment that will affect school. Parents will provide any special instructions, in writing, for
eating, sleeping, or napping, allergies, health issues, toilet training, etc. Parents will supply a clean, seasonally appropriate change of clothes, formula, and baby food. If your child is potty training, parents will supply training pants and several changes of clothing for accidents. Parents please bring your child to Bright Beginnings dressed and ready to play! Please provide clothing appropriate for the weather. They will play outside “EVERY DAY” and they will get dirty! Closed-in shoes are required to be worn all year.
Parents will immediately report any changes in address, phone numbers, employment (place and schedule), changes in persons designated to pick up your child, and any medical information. Bright Beginnings must be kept up to date of all changes in case of emergency.

Privacy/ Confidentiality
We will do all we can to protect your family’s privacy. We keep all records and information about your child and family private and confidential unless I have written permission to share specific information. We also ask that you respect the privacy of other BBC families as well.
Open Door Policy
Anytime you feel the need to address a situation, ask a question or need assistance or just to sit and talk, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You are ALWAYS welcome to come sit and visit with your child while they are in care. You are encouraged to eat lunch with them or volunteer some of your time. If you have any complaints about Bright Beginnings, please discuss it with the director as soon as possible.

Child Abuse/ Neglect
It is law and our responsibility as a childcare provider to report any and all abuse or neglect performed and or suspected on a child. I cannot turn my head from a child that is being abused or neglected. A reporter does not need proof, just suspicion based on observation and 1sthand knowledge not hearsay. Therefore, We will notify Child protective Services and the Police when it appears that a child in my care is being physically, sexually, or emotionally abused, neglected, or exploited. We will give our name, stick to the facts relying on what we have observed, time of call, person we spoke with and any other important information.

Discrimination
We do not tolerate discrimination. Therefore, we will not discriminate against any child, parent, or family for reasons of race, color, sex, age, disability, national origin or public assistance status.

Rest time
All children are expected to lie down for a rest time each day (12pm-2:30pm) We will not force your child to sleep but are expected to lie down quietly. (Infants do have the option to alter nap times, please see management to get our sleep schedule form.) You may bring their favorite blanket to be used just for nap time. Please do not bring other personal toys from home. We will not be responsible for broken or lost items. Infants are not allowed to use blankets in the cribs and will be put to sleep on their back to reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Sleep sacks and swaddling can be used for up to three (3) months.Bright Beginnings Family Child Care Program's Safe Sleeping Policy We provide a Safe Sleep environment for your infant, 12 months and younger. In a safe sleep environment, a baby is placed on the back, alone, inside an approved crib, free of blankets, toys, or bottles. Our environment is also smoke free and at an appropriate temperature. We allow babies to have their pacifier while sleeping. Tummy time is provided to stimulate growth and development. As the baby grows and develops, we will identify their ability to roll over.

NO BABIES WILL SLEEP IN CAR SEATS, BOUNCERS, OR SWINGS.
THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME
-Practice safe sleeping at home. Babies love consistency.
-Give your baby appropriate amounts of tummy time. This strengthens the muscles.
-Maintain a good sleeping schedule with the baby.
For more information on safe sleeping, please visit www.ecalliance.org. Please acknowledge that you understand and accept our Sleeping Policy. We will follow all guidelines set forth by the Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning at all times, unless waived by a licensed physician with appropriate documentation. In addition, you received an additional brochure on safe sleep.

Bright Beginnings strives to provide a safe and respectable place for children and their families. All adults and children are expected to abide by the following rules while on our property:
*Smoking is PROHIBITED on our grounds. Please extinguish any smoking materials before entering the parking lot. Also, no drugs, alcohol, illegal substances and unintended use of toxic substances. * Children are to arrive clean and fed, unless they arrive before mealtime. No outside food is allowed inside the daycare. Please be sure that your child finishes any food you have given them before they come inside. *You must come inside the daycare when dropping off or picking up your child EVERYDAY to sign them in and out. No child can exit from the Play area. It must be from the lobby. Coming in also allows the staff to discuss the day with you. During these times, please do not allow your child to leave until you leave. Please lock your vehicle and do not leave personal belongings visible. Bright Beginnings will not be held responsible for lost or stolen items or vandalism. *Profanity is PROHIBITED. If any BBC staff feels threatened by your verbal language or body language (behavior), the discussion is over, and you will be asked to leave the premises. If you do not adhere to these wishes, the Police will be called and childcare services for your child will be IMMEDIATELY terminated.* Communication is key! We welcome questions, feedback or discussions of any kind that foster a positive outcome for your child. If there is a problem, complaint, or concern about the care your child is receiving, please discuss the matter with our leadership staff. Please schedule a conference time to discuss any issues as drop off and pick up may not be good times for this type of conversation. Please come with an open mind and respect. We will do everything in our power to resolve any issue.

Minor Injuries/Medical Emergencies
Minor bumps and scrapes are inevitable, but we will make every effort to keep your child safe through supervision and child proofing. Minor injuries will receive appropriate first aid and you will receive an injury report upon pick-up informing you of the incident. If an emergency injury or illness occurs, you will be contacted immediately. If we are unable to contact you, we will call the emergency contact numbers. If you or an emergency contact cannot be reached, we will make the medical decision for your child. If necessary, your child will be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. You will be responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment including transportation, if required. If your child has an accident at home which results in bruising, etc., please let us know when you bring them in for the day. (See Child Abuse section)

Medications
You must sign a medicine consent form for prescription and over the counter medicines. Handwritten directions, including exact times to be given and the medicines must be in the original container. All prescription medicines must be in the original container and must have the child’s name and doctor’s name on the label. We will not dispense medicines from a sibling’s or other child’s prescription.

Illness
We do our best to keep everything clean and sanitized to stop the spread of germs. Unfortunately, children get sick and need to be sent home or kept home because of illness. Please keep your child home if any of the following:

• Vomiting
• Rash or Lice especially with a fever
• Diarrhea with 3 or more watery stools in 24hrs
• An eye infection, pink eye or drainage
• Sore throat with fever or swelling
• Any fever over 100.5
• Severe runny nose with green or yellow snot
• Or if your child is not feeling well in general, lethargic, fatigued, no appetite

If your child comes to daycare with any of these symptoms the parents will be called immediately to pick up all children. If a parent is not available, we will go through the emergency contact list to reach someone who can pick up the child. Please have backup care for these instances because a sick child will need to be picked up immediately. All children in your household will need to be 24hrs symptom free before they can return.

Hand, Foot and Mouth policy
If at any point your child has a diagnosis of hand, foot and mouth disease your child would need to be out of childcare for 7 days. In order for your child to return, they will need to be fever free for 24 hours; the blisters have scabbed over on hands, feet and around the mouth and a doctor’s note that your child is able to return to childcare.

Covid Procedures
If your child is exhibiting covid symptoms: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle aches, body aches, headache, new loss of taste, loss of smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea you will be asked to pick them up IMMEDIATELY and get them tested. This does include siblings. If they are negative they may return to care the next day ONLY if they are fever free for 24 hours. If they were to test positive they (and their siblings) must quarantine for 5 days and then wear a mask for an additional 5 days. Copies of results can be brought in or sent via email at director@wearebbc.com. If your child(ren) has been exposed to someone who tested positive directly, we ask that you notify us IMMEDIATELY. If someone in their class were to test positive.. It’s up to your discretion if you would like to come pick them up but we will still notify you right away. If a teacher has been fully vaccinated, they do not need to be tested unless they have symptoms. If they are not vaccinated they will need to be tested before they return to work.

Emergency Procedures
Fire drills will be practiced with the children monthly. In addition, tornado drills shall be practiced with the children monthly during the tornado season which is April through October. Completion of all practice drills will be documented. In the event of a tornado warning, the children will be taken to an inside wall. The attendance form and emergency contact information will be brought along. Parents will be notified that children are safe after the warning has been cleared. In case of an emergency that would require an evacuation, children will be evacuated through the nearest safe exit to the parking lot or front sidewalk. The attendance form and list of phone numbers for parents and emergency contacts will be taken along to ensure that all children are accounted for and all families notified. Children will be assembled in the parking lot. If we are unable to re-enter after a necessary evacuation, children will go to Joys Gym and parents and parents will be contacted. If we should lose the use of heat, water or electricity, we will notify all families. Also post a notice on the door and send a notice via text and Facebook. If we should lose the use of heat, water or electricity while children are in attendance, we will contact parents and guardians to pick up their children within the hour. Every effort will be made to keep each child in care. Please understand that unforeseen things happen, it will be the parent’s responsibility to find alternate care. If we receive a verbal or written threat to the building or its occupants (e.g., bomb threat, bodily injury threat, etc.), law enforcement and the parents will be immediately contacted to advise them of the threat. Depending on the nature of the threat, evacuation and/or closure or lockdown may be required.

Damages
It is expected that your child be respectful of the childcare property and furnishings. A certain amount of wear and tear is expected, but if your child intentionally damages through destructive behavior you will be liable for 100% of the replacement/repair cost. Regarding childcare toys and books, the child can either replace with a new item or bring a gently used replacement from home.Communication with Employees To reduce the chance of misunderstanding, please communicate directly with me if you have any questions, concerns, if you desire to remove your child or any business-related topics. Parent Conferences and Parent Evaluations We will conduct parent conferences on an annual basis. At that time your child’s development will be discussed and we will set goals together for working with your child. Parents will also complete annual evaluations on our childcare services. This feedback will be used to improve our services to you.

In the event of sickness or emergency pick up, we will make calls in this order:

My priority is to protect your child’s health and safety. To ensure that I am operating with your full understanding and agreement, please consent with your initials the activities you give permission to…

We participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program so only approved, healthy and nutritious meals and snacks will be served daily. Each child will be enrolled, and a separate form is signed. Meals will be served at the following times:

Breakfast 7am- 7:45 AM Snack 9:30- 10am Lunch 11:30- 12pm PM Snack 3pm- 3:30

If your child is here during these times they will be served. If your child chooses not to eat, they will not be served until the next scheduled meal or snack. If they arrive after a meal, please feed them before they arrive as I cannot feed them outside at mealtime. The weekly menu is posted on the parent board. If your child requires a special diet due to allergies, medication, age, cultural/religious beliefs, We will need a letter from you and a doctor. It will be your responsibility to provide a well-balanced meal for your child daily outside of BBC. We ask that it not contain candy, sweets, fast food etc. If your child drinks a bottle or sippy cup and is walking, they will only be allowed to drink at the table.

Bright Beginnings Scheduling, Late Fee and After Hours Procedures

Here at Bright Beginnings Family Childcare, we are open to provide care 6am- 6pm Monday- Friday. A calendar with Holiday and Vacation closings will be on our website and the parent board. Full time care is provided for each child depending on the needs of the parents. If a daily option is needed, it must be the same days each week and only as available for the classroom. Part time care is not always available though we do our best to accommodate different needs and schedules. Although we have extended hours it is very necessary that your child is picked up and dropped off at their scheduled times due to staffing and ratio requirements. YOU MUST PHYSICALLY BRING YOUR CHILD INTO THE BUILDING; NOT DROP OFF AT OUR DOOR! We do understand some parents do not have a consistent work schedule. If your child needs different hours of care each week, your schedule is due the Thursday before. Your child can not stay longer than 10hours each day. The cut off for drop off is 10:00am each day. If your child is not picked up by your scheduled time you will be subject to a $10 late fee per child for every 5 minutes you are late. If your child remains at the daycare one hour past pick up time and the parent has not made contact, and all emergency contacts are not able to pick up your child, I will call Child Protective Services at (574)236-5322 so that the child can be placed in Emergency Care. Late drop-offs do not allow for late pick-ups. Please be sure to communicate with me at least one hour before pick-up time if you are going to be late to pick up your child. If we are not notified at least one hour before, the above late fee will be due at time of pick up. The Parent/Guardian who enrolls the child is responsible for paying late fee regardless of the failure of any designated person to pick up the child by the agreed upon pick up time.

At enrollment, parents will pay $125 per family. Your deposit will hold your spot for up to 30 days.
Rates (Subject to Change)
School age K-8 = $195 full time/ $65 day
PreK 3-5yrs and potty trained= $220/ $75 day
Toddler 12-36 months= $265/ $85 day
Infant 0-13= $295 (full time only)
*Sibling discount = 10% off youngest child (state vouchers do not receive sibling discount)

Payment Policy
Your weekly tuition is $______________ per week. It is agreed all payments are due the Friday before care is provided. Families can pay weekly, or bi-weekly but must be paid in advance. All payments will be made through our parent app and a 3% fee will be charged for all debit/credit transactions. ACH/ checking account transfer fees will be paid by BBC. Any payment not made by the end of the payment day will incur a $10 per day late fee (weekends included). If late payments are consistent, your child is subject to termination. Full-time payments are required whether your child is present or not. You will not receive any credit or refund for missed days. If you are a CCDF voucher parent and you do not swipe for full time hours, you will be responsible for the difference in pay

Bright Beginnings will be closed throughout the year for holidays. Exact days will be posted and communicated by October 31stof the previous year. Parents are expected to pay for the full week even if we close for a holiday. We will typically be closed the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day & Day After, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. If the holiday falls on a weekend, we may be closed the Friday before or Monday after. You are responsible for backup care for all vacations, holidays and emergencies.

Absences
Please notify us, 24hr hours before or as soon as possible if your child will not be receiving care for the day or if your child is going to come in later than the regularly scheduled time. Please give notice in writing or email. Full tuition is still due if your child is out sick.

Alternate Care/ Substitute Policy
In the event of provider illness, or serious injury, Bright Beginnings will remain open and be managed by the next in command. We will contact parents if it is necessary via text message, Facebook or email. If a teacher is out, we do have substitute staff that will cover a classroom for the day to ensure the class can stay open in its normal capacity. If we ever must close the building due to an emergency, all parents will be contacted as early as possible. Parents are required to find alternate care for the child as BBC staff isprohibited to care for children when we are closed.

Parent Vacations
Parents can take ONE unpaid vacation week per calendar year. This is 5 consecutive days Monday- Friday without paying for childcare. Your child must be in care for at least 6 months to use this benefit. If it is a planned vacation, please let me know in advance. You cannot use this time in daily increments.

Termination Policy
A two-week notice is required (with payment) if you decide to remove your child from Bright Beginnings whether or not your child is present. This includes removing your child for breaks, camps, school, etc. The effective date will be 2wks from the receipt of notice. All payments must be paid before termination is effective. After 2 weeks of non-payment, we will settle in Small Claims Court and you will be responsible for all court costs. If you receive a CCDF voucher, all co-payments must be paid before termination is effective. If not, Bright Point will be contacted and the continuation of child care assistance can be in jeopardy. I will terminate the childcare arrangement for any of the following reasons (but not solely limited to):

• Failure to comply with the contract and policies in this packet.
• Destructive or harmful behavior by the child even with parent cooperation.
• Non-payment of childcare services and/or recurring late payments.
• Failure to show up 5 days in a row without communication.
• Recurring late pick-ups/ payments.
• Failure to complete and provide required forms.
• Inability of BBC to meet child’s needs.
• If a parent brings an ill child knowingly.

If your child(ren) is terminated for any reason they are not eligible to re-enroll to our program.

Field Trip Fees
Here at Bright Beginnings we do go off site. This allows our children to have more enrichment activities and exposure. We will do our best to give 2 weeks’ notice. Parents are always welcomed and encouraged to attend. If you choose to accompany Bright Beginnings, please let us know. If it is a trip for all children and for some reason you do not want your child to attend, please be prepared to find alternate care that day, as we may need all teachers to go on the trip.

Discipline Policy
Here at BBC we take a proactive approach to discipline. We are successful at cutting down on negative behaviors by keeping our kids busy and engaged and them always being supervised. We use positive reinforcement and discuss behaviors in a language each child can understand. When children receive positive non-aggressive and understanding reactions from adults, they develop good problem-solving abilities and better self-discipline. We use the following techniques:

WE DO
Communicate to children using positive statements on their level in a calm manner. Explain unacceptable behavior to children. Give attention and encourage children for positive behavior. Have consistentexpectations and model appropriate behavior. Set up the classroom environment and appropriate ratios to prevent conflict. Provide alternatives and redirect children to acceptable activity. Give children opportunities to make choices and solve problems. Help children talk out problems and think of solutions. Listen to children and respect the children’s needs, desires and feelings. Provide appropriate words to help solve conflicts. Use storybooks and discussion to work through common conflicts.

WE DO NOT
Inflict physical force to the body as a discipline measure, including, but is not limited to, spanking, hitting, shaking, biting, pinching, pushing, pulling, or slapping. Use any strategy that hurts, shames, threatens, intimidates, embarrasses or belittles a child. Use food as a form of reward or punishment. Shame or punish a child if a bathroom accident occurs. Leave any child alone, unattended or without supervision.
Conferences will be scheduled with parents if disciplinary problems occur. *see attached page… If a child’s behavior consistently endangers the safety of the children around him/her, then the Director has the right, after meeting with the parents and documenting behavior problems and interventions, to terminate child care. My signature below indicates that I have received a copy of the discipline policy, it has been reviewed with me, and I have read and understood this policy

This Enrollment Contract and policies pertains to the contractual agreement set forth by Bright Beginnings Family Childcare. By signing this contract, you are indicating that you have read and agree to follow all policies and guidelines stipulated in this contract.
I may, at any time amend this Enrollment Contract at any time by giving you a copy of new policies at least 2 weeks before they go into effect. If I chose not to enforce one or more terms of the contract, that does not waive my right to enforce any other terms of the contract.

This is a legal and binding agreement and signing obligates you to its terms

Listed below are the requirements, responsibilities, and reminders to ensure your state funded childcare will be paid and you will not incur any fees for delayed or non-payment of childcare.

When enrolled, each family is responsible for swiping their child(ren) in and out. You must have a minimum or 25 hours per week to keep your voucher. We require parents to keep up with swipes. Doing so you’ll need to create an account to view attendance: https://www.hoosierchildcarefamily.com/ecccwp/

We send out weekly texts to remind you if time was not swiped for the previous week. You will need to log into your account to see which days you are missing. If your child(ren) is not in attendance you are still required to swipe for those days, using your personal days. . If your child does not have the 25 hour per week minimum, voucher will only pay a portion of your tuition. If that happens, you will be responsible for paying the remainder of the tuition before your child can return to care. WE WILL NOT ENTER TIME ON YOUR BEHALF!

Please read texts carefully. If you have time missing, that means you need to come into the building and back swipe for the previous week or 2. The system will only allow you to go back 13 days. We recommend taking a picture of your card so in the event of you misplace your card, you can enter it manually. If this were to ever occur you can manually type in the card number and it will still allow you to swipe. It will take several weeks to get a new card once it is ordered. Families who are not swiping consistently can be TERMINATED for non payment so that spot can become available for the next child on our waiting list.

By signing, I agree and have read the CCDF Voucher policy for BBC, and acknowledge, in the event of violation of this policy my spot will be terminated.