POLICY
HANDBOOK
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Cathy Moyer
Growing Minds Child Care
1050 W 144th Place
Westminster, CO 80023
720-891-2155 Cell / 303-451-7453 Home
Fax- 720-398-3464
cathymoyer@centurylink.net
www.GrowingMindsChildCare.com
Experienced Provider License 1509061
WELCOME TO GROWING MINDS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOL!
Welcome to Growing Minds Childcare and Preschool, the one of only a handful of 4
Star Qualistar rated family childcare in the Denver metro area dedicated to the development of
happy, healthy, well-adjusted children!! Our school includes infant activities, art, science, math
concepts, language development, and kindergarten readiness activities. We incorporate art, music,
games for indoors and out, and much more to enrich our program of learning and fun. We hold an
experienced provider license with the state of Colorado. Our license is clearly posted next to the front
door.
Those who care for your children should be an extension of your home and philosophy of child
rearing. We ask that you communicate your desired childcare needs and philosophy during the
interview so there will be no misunderstanding of the care you expect for your children.
We would like to welcome you to our extended family. We hope that this handbook and
accompanying forms will provide you with the basic understanding of who we are and what services
are offered. Please read it carefully and refer to it if you have questions regarding policy, philosophy,
or procedures. We suggest that you re-read the handbook after your children have been in care for a
month or so, when much of the information will seem more relevant.
The formative years of our children are most critical. Our goal is to provide a quality
setting that is both enriching and enjoyable. It is very important for the success of the children that we
cooperate and share ideas to support their development.
We look forward to serving you and your children. If you have any questions that are not
answered within this material, we will be glad to talk with you further.
Sincerely,
Cathy Moyer
Owner, Growing Minds Childcare
Fees and References- as of Sept. 1, 2014
Registration Fee due at enrollment and annually on Sept 1st.
Full time rates up to 50 hours/week - per child / (if infant)
Part time ratesInfants - 2nd birthdayToddlers and preschoolers-
$ 80 /yr/child
$ ________________________
$80/day up to 10 hours per day
$60/day up to 10 hours per day
HANDBOOK POLICIESWe reserve the right to make changes and to update the handbook throughout the year. Any time a change is
necessary in this Handbook, parents will receive two weeks’ notice of the change and a new Agreement Page will be
required.
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TABLE OF CONTENTSCATHY MOYER BIO…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...PAGE 4
ASSISTANT BIO………………………………………….…………………………………………………….……………………………….PAGE 5
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………….PAGE 6
BENEFITS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..PAGE 7
ACCOMPLISHMENTS………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………PAGE 8
PROGRAM STRUCTURE………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………PAGE 9
 CURRICULUM
 SCHEDULE
ENROLLMENT………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….PAGE 10
 TRIAL PERIOD
 INITIAL FEES
 INTERVIEWS
 RENEWAL PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
 FORM REQUIREMENTS
 FORM RENEWAL
 REFERENCES
FEES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………….PAGE 11
 WEEKLY TUITION
 ANNUAL FEES
 LATE PAYMENTS
 ACTIVITIES AND FIELD TRIP FEES
 OVERTIME
 REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT FEES
 RATE INCREASES
 PROVIDERS VACATION AND DAYS OFF………………………………………………………………………………………….PAGE 12
 PARENTS VACATION
 WEATHER CLOSURES
 HOLIDAYS
 HOLDING FEES
 TERMINATION OF SERVICES ………………………………………………………………………………………………………PAGE 13
 WHAT DO MY FEES PAY FOR
PROCEDURES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...PAGE 14
 HOURS
 ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
 ABSENSES
 SPECIAL NEEDS
 TARDINESS
 MEALS AND SNACKS
 TRANSITIONS FOR CUPS AND BOTTLES………………………………………………………………………………………….PAGE 15
 CLOTHING AND SUPPLIES
 DIAPERING
 MESSY PLAY
 TOPICAL PREPARATIONS
 TOILET TRAINING…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….PAGE 16
 OUTSIDE TIME
 BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE
 NAP AND REST TIME
 TOYS FROM HOME
 PROGRAM EVALUATIONS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...PAGE 17
 PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
 LIFE CHANGES
 MEDIA USAGE
 OPEN DOOR POLICY
 SCHEDULED AND UNSCHEDULED TRIPS
 PHOTOS AND VIDEO
 TRANSPORTATION
 CLEAN UP
 DONATIONS
 MANNERS
 ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………PAGE 18
 SECOND HAND SMOKE
 REPORTS OF ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES
 ABANDON CHILDREN
 VERIFYING LICENSING INFORMATION
 SCRATCHES AND SCAPES
 RECALLED ITEMS
 BUMPS AND BRUISES
HEALTH POLICIES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….PAGE 19
 ILLNESSES
 DISEASE CONTROL
 IMMUNIZATIONS..…………...……………………………………………………….…………………………………………..…PAGE 20
 NOTIFICATION OF ILLNESSES
 MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION RULES
 HEALTH EMERGANCIES
EMERGENCIES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..PAGE 21
 STAFF AND PARENT BACK UP
 DISASTERS
 SECURITY
ABUSE AND NEGLECT ..…………………………………………………………………………......……………………………………..PAGE 22
TO FILE A COMPLAINT………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….PAGE 22
RESOURCE LIST FOR CHECK OUT…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..PAGE 23-24
QUALISTAR RATING INFORMATION….………………………………………………………………………………………………….PAGE 25
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….PAGE 26
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Cathy Moyer’s BioThank you for considering our family child care home. I received my license to provide child care
in my home from the State of Colorado in April 2002. In order for my child care home to operate
smoothly, you will need to understand and comply with our policies. If you ever have questions,
concerns, or comments, please feel free to discuss them with me, as I will with you. The better our
communication, the better we will be able to meet your child’s needs- together! I am looking forward to
working with you to provide the best possible care for your child!
My name is Cathy Moyer and I am 39 years old. I am divorced and have two children, ages 19 and
18. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Colorado in 1986. I am one of 4 children, and
my mother lives with us. My father passed away in January of 2010. At age 12, I took a Red Cross Babysitting Course and began baby-sitting. In high school, from 1991-1993, I was a nanny for a beautiful little
girl named Alex. Her mom worked nights so I would head to their house after school and watch Alex
until 4 AM. After high school, I got married and pregnant quickly. I became a nanny for a family friend,
for their 4 boys, ages 5-1. Shortly after, we moved to Florida because my husband was in the Navy. We
were there for 18 months before moving back to Denver. I have been doing childcare ever since 1996. I
was divorced in 2001 after 7 years of marriage.
I was the President of the Broomfield Childcare Association for 5 years and I enjoyed being an
intricate part of helping share my profession with the community and mentoring young providers that are
just starting out. I also hold a position in the Colorado Association for Family Child Care as the National
Committee Chairperson and in April 2008, I was appointed by Governor Bill Ritter to sit on the
Governor’s Advisory Committee for the Licensing of Child Care Facilities. I sit on Broomfield and
Adams County Early Childhood Councils and teach the Expanding Quality for Infant and Toddler Care
Course for Broomfield and Adams Counties. As of December 2012, I am also a Certified Developmental
Intervention Assistant.
I have had many, many children in my care over the years and I still love what I do. I get to be a
very important part of these children’s lives, and hopefully make a difference for the better. I love to
watch an infant sit and learn how to stack blocks; I love to see the concentration of a 4 year old as she
learns to tie her shoes and write her name. I have literally been a second mother to many children, and I
consider them a part of my heart forever! I have the best job in the whole world and I would never trade
that for a less chaotic one! Nothing will ever satisfy me as much as getting those hugs and kisses at the
end of the day from all the kiddos that aren’t my own!
I have completed and now teach a 48 hour course of training called Expanding Quality in Infant and
Toddler care provided by the Colorado Department of Education and Colorado Department of Human
Services Division of Child Care. I will complete my UNC BA in Early Childhood Education in August
2015. My intention is to complete my master’s degree and eventually teach and coach ECE classes on the
college level. I take my job of educating the young people of America very seriously. I know that as I
continue to increase my education, your child directly benefits. Research shows that as teachers increase
their knowledge, the children in their care have better language skills, and better social knowledge and
behaviors. They explore and learn with more focus, and also tend to be healthier and have fewer
accidents.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better, and I look forward to getting to know
you as well! Thank you for entrusting your child to my care. I am proud of my profession and pleased to
care for your child.
Sincerely, Cathy Moyer (Miss C)
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Dear Growing Minds child care families,
My name is Katherine “Kathy” Apjoke. I am very excited to be joining Cathy’s
family and getting to know each and every one of you and your children.
I have been in the Early Childhood Education field for 13 years. I have my State
of Colorado Di-rector certification, State of Colorado Early Child-hood
Professional Teaching Credential, and a CDA (Child Development Associate
National Credentialing). I worked for the City of Lafayette as a Recreation
Specialist in Early Childhood Education and General Programming for 14 years.
Through this Recreation Department I also started and ran a group through the
CPRA (Colorado Parks and Recreation Association) called PLAY (Preschool
Licensing And Youth programs) where we won many awards for outstanding
staff training programs and youth day camp programs for City’s throughout the
State of Colorado.
Personally, I have raised two active and unique boys. Our oldest is a corpsman
in the Navy and is currently serving in the Middle East. Our second son is a
Junior. at Broomfield High School and plays on the Varsity & JV football
teams. I have been married to my best friend for 23 years and still enjoy taking
adventures with him. We love to travel and see the world together. I am also a
Grandmother to an out-going and beautiful little 3 year old girl, Bayla!
I look forward to this new adventure with Growing Minds child care and can’t
wait to embrace new smiles. Children bring joy into this world and I am so
happy that I get this chance to watch yours grow.
Kathy (Miss K)
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Growing Minds Childcare FORBIDS DISCRIMINATION because of race, color, national origin, age, sex,
religion, sexual preference, or handicap.
Philosophy for Growing Minds Child Care
The first three years in the life of a child are the foundation for the years that follow. Research tells us
that 85% of brain development occurs during the first three years of life! So for this reason alone, each day in
a child's life is an opportunity to cultivate and build upon new experiences. A child's environment should
stimulate this growth in a secure and loving manner. That is what Growing Minds Child Care and Preschool
strives for. It is an honor and tremendous responsibility to share in a child's growth day by day. We
understand the critical role we play when you entrust your child to me. Children learn in different ways and at
different paces. They learn best through play, exploration and language. Play is children's work. We provide a
safe, warm and loving environment that encourages children to learn and grow at their own pace. We provide
primary caregiving and continuity of care through consistent staff that love and nurture the children entrusted
to us.
Efforts are directed towards nurturing creativity and self-esteem through such activities as block
building, clay modeling, sand and water play, dramatic play, cooking, experimentation, friendship skills and
arts and crafts. Moreover, through these "hands on" activities, children are introduced to concepts in math,
reading, science, and language. Rather than use a pre-packaged or purchased curriculum with "cookie-cutter"
art projects and worksheets, we plan activities that reflect and support the children’s current interests. Since
play is one of the most important ways that children learn, play experiences will be an essential part of your
child's day. Your children will be offered real life adventures and opportunities for creative expression. In
addition, social and emotional development is paramount in the first three years of life. Research shows that a
child lacking in social and emotional skills consistently struggles academically. This makes sense, if a child
is unable to take turns, wait patiently, express feelings, problem solve conflicts and share empathy, the child
will have a very difficult time in a formal school setting. We work very hard daily to instill great social and
emotional skills to build a foundation for academic success.
We believe that each interaction with a child is an opportunity. A conflict is an opportunity to teach
negotiation, listening, and problem solving. An injury to another child is an opportunity to practice empathy.
Mealtimes are an opportunity for conversation and manners. Strengths are to be built upon; challenges are to
be learned from, and grown beyond.
We welcome children with all types of backgrounds, religions, cultures, genders, sexual preferences,
and abilities. Each child brings a unique perspective that we can all learn from. We value every child’s gifts,
as well as your family's.
We believe that a quality child care provider never sits back and accepts that there is no more room
for improvement. No matter how wonderful our program is, or how well trained we are, there is always more
that can be done. We constantly evaluate our program, the children, the community needs and ourselves.
Regular assessments are crucial because they point to exactly what needs to be improved. We are also never
finished learning about our work. Every day, we learn through experience, but it is also our responsibility to
stay current on issues relating to child care and development, by attending classes, conferences, reading and
continuing to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education.
We feel that parents are the experts on your own children and therefore, your input, your wants, and
desires for your children are a crucial part of their care. We believe our relationship is a true partnership. We
will have open and honest communication. We would love your feedback, both negative and positive to make
your child’s experience the best that it can be. Children flourish when surrounded with people who love them
and that have their best interests at heart. Our goal is simple, we want your child to succeed in everything
they do and if we work together, that is entirely possible! Please remember the door is always open and we
love these children as our own and together, we can build an amazing foundation for your child’s future
learning and success!!
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BENEFITS TO GROWING MINDS CHILDCARE
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Resource Lending Library
Holiday events
Annual Picnic
Growing Minds Child Care holds an Experienced Licensed Provider with over 3000 hours of training in Early
Childhood Education, CPR, First Aid, Universal Precautions, Medication Administration, and Business
Practices.
We have very convenient hours of operation to accommodate working parent’s schedules.
Healthy FDA approved meals and snacks are served each and every day.
Safety policies are always in place, including fire drills, disaster, and security policies.
We have a very large, fenced back yard with a great space for children to explore the outdoors.
You will receive The Growing Minds Monthly Newsletter to help communicate with parents.
Materials are available for check out to parents to assist in raising healthy, well rounded, responsible childrenSEE FINAL PAGE FOR A LIST OF THESE RESOURCES!
Parents are allowed 1 week vacation, FREE OF CHARGE, per year, after 6 months enrollment.
4 “Parent’s Nights Out” FREE OF CHARGE, per year. This offers parents an opportunity to have an evening
to themselves, to grocery shop without the little ones, to have a date, or whatever it is you want to do with your
freedom! These nights will be FREE OF CHARGE! The dates for 2014 are February 14th (Valentine’s Day),
May 16th, August 22nd, and December 5th. We will be available from 5-8 PM. Your children will be fed dinner.
There is a $50.00 Referral Credit for new enrollments you help bring in. Here’s how it will work:
We ask that you advertise for us, spread the word about an opening we might have, give our brochure or
business card out for Child Care. If someone you were in contact with signs a contract with me, and stays for a
minimum of 30 days, you will receive a $50 discount on your childcare fees after the first 30 days. Please make
sure you tell them to make me aware of the referral.
Ongoing support through a Qualistar Coach and an Early Childhood Specialist that visit monthly.
A Nurse Health Consultant on staff that is available as needed.
Growing Minds Childcare prides itself in having a warm, loving and safe environment in which your child can explore,
learn and experience many different things. Some features that help insure your child’s safety are:
* There are absolutely no guns or firearms on premises.
* There are 5 fire extinguishers in our program and they
are maintained properly.
* Toys are age appropriate and in safe manner.
* Toys are disinfected at least once a day.
* Electrical outlets are covered.
* Knives and scissors are kept locked
* Cleaners and chemicals are locked.
* The hot water heater is regulated at 120 Degrees.
* Medications are out of reach and locked.
* A well-stocked first aid kit is kept inside as well as
outside and expiration dates observed.
* Animals are child friendly and properly immunized and
in good health.
* Providers are CPR, First Aid, Universal Precautions,
and Medication Administration certified.
* Yard is fenced and gate is closed at all times.
* Yard is sprayed several times in warm seasons for bugs.
* Emergency Drills are practiced.
* Properly working smoke and carbon monoxide
detectors on every floor.
* Disaster emergency procedures are in place.
Some of the features that help insure your child’s health are:
* NO SMOKING ON THE PREMISES.
* Children are prevented from sharing cups, utensils and
* Universal precautions are followed at all times.
food.
* Our health policy is strictly adhered to.
* All dishes and mouthed toys are disinfected throughout
* Good hygiene is taught at all times.
the day.
* Current immunizations are required.
* Every attempt is made to keep toys and play area’s
* Infants are held while drinking from a bottle.
sanitized.
* Favorite blankets or sleeping toys may be brought but
* Napping is done on individual cots and sheets.
kept for rest time.
* Food preparation is done in a safe and hygienic
*Bed linens are not shared and washed weekly or more
manner.
often if needed.
* Menu’s follow Federal Nutritional Guidelines.
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Recently, someone asked me about my journey as a family child care provider. It was an interesting question and it
took me a bit of time to come up with a timeline of that journey. As I wrote down the timeline, it became a source
of pride worth documenting. I consider myself a very dedicated early childhood educator and my journey have
reflected that. I hope it offers some insight into my commitment to your child experiencing the very best possible
child care and preschool available in a home setting!
CHILD CARE RELATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS4/01- Became a licensed family child care provider.
6/05- Became President of Broomfield Child Care Association- served 4 years.
5/06- Became National Association committee chair for the Colorado Association of Family Child Care- served 3
years.
4/07- Obtained my Experienced Provider License from the state of Colorado.
5/07- Appointed to the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program Policy Forum- served 2 years.
3/08- Appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Committee on the Licensing of Child Care Facilities by Governor Bill
Ritter representing Family Child Care- served 3 years.
4/09- Became a certified Reading is Fundamental Trainer.
9/09- Certified Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care Initiative Instructor for the state of Colorado.
1/10- Began pursuing my degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
1/10- Named Child Care Provider of the Month by Rocky Mountain PBS through the television show “A Place Of
Our Own.”
5/10- Received Advanced Infancy Certificate from University of Colorado Denver.
5/10- Became Secretary of Broomfield Early Childhood Council- served 2 years.
7/10- Growing Minds Child Care was featured in training videos for the Expanding Quality for Infants and Toddlers
Initiative and in the 10 year Report that went out to every Colorado legislature and state office.
8/10- Became a Certified Early Childhood Coach.
5/11- Completed Pyramid Plus Training (Social and Emotional Development skills)
6/11- Growing Minds Child Care received a 3 star Qualistar Rating.
3/12- Growing Minds Child Care was certified as a Let’s Move Child Care.
6/12- Growing Minds Child Care received a 4 star Qualistar Rating- the only 4 star family child care provider in the
Denver metro area and only the third currently rated in the state. .
8/12- Became a full time student in the Bachelors program for Early Childhood Education at UNC. I will graduate
with a teaching certificate for the state of Colorado for birth through 3 rd grade.
12/12- Became a Certified Developmental Intervention Assistant for the state of Colorado
8/15- Completed my BA in Early Childhood Education with a 4.0 GPA.
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PROGRAM STRUCTURECURRICULUMCurriculum at Growing Minds Child Care is everything that happens from the minute the child arrives until the child
leaves for the day. Every moment in child care is an opportunity for learning and exploring their world. Through a
responsive and individual curriculum, we are building a strong foundation, building relationships and interactions,
routines, rituals and schedules. We offer responsive spaces and materials, experiences and opportunities. The entire
environment and curriculum is planned in a responsive way to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We are teaching
confidence and courage, competence, curiosity, intentionality, self-control, relatedness, a capacity to communicate,
and cooperativeness and caring. The environment is set up very thoughtfully to cover the all learning domains.
Developmental domains are motor- fine and gross, communication (language and literacy development), cognitive
(thinking), social and emotional, and cultural. Children have an opportunity to explore dramatic play, cozy corners,
reading areas, music areas, science and math areas, block and construction areas, sensory play, art areas and writing
areas both inside and outside. In each of these areas, there is an opportunity to explore each of the development
domains. Each skill builds to another and our job is to facilitate that learning through a wonderful environment and
being available to ask questions and explore with them.
Curriculum at Growing Minds also includes many assessments to evaluate your child’s progress. ASQ (Ages and
Stages Questionnaire) and ASQ-SE (Social and Emotional Questionnaire) are done every 6 months and the results
will be reviewed at Parent-Teacher Conferences. Once a child reaches the age of 40 months, a Kindergarten
Readiness Assessment is also given every 6 months to evaluate skills the child needs to be ready for school. These
evaluations drive our curriculum and activities for the next 6 month period and the results will always be shared at
Parent Teacher Conferences.
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DAILY STRUTUREAdequate Child Care is defined as a safe and wholesome environment. Our environment is a loving, comforting,
natural learning environment. It enables your child to be happy, healthy, well adjusted, and helps develop a high
self-esteem.
The child will be served breakfast, lunch and snacks each day provided the child is in care when the meal is
served. Nutritious, well-balanced meals will be served, offering the child a healthy variety. Each child will have
access to water throughout the day and milk or water at meals.
The child is involved in many different activities during the course of the day suitable for their developmental age
on a group or individual basis. The activities may include arts and crafts, music and movement, reading, outside
time, math and science activities, and structured and free playtime.
Your child will be taught and expected to use manners including thank you, please, I’m sorry, excuse me, etc. We
encourage the same manners to be used at home as well.
Your child will be taught pro-social behaviors and problem solving including learning to share, take turns, trade,
using a timer, etc to learn to play well together with others.
Your child will be taught and encouraged to discover and use their emotions appropriately, expressing in words
how they are feeling to help value their emotions and teach empathy for others.
We assume no responsibility for bumps and bruises that occur in the course of a normal childhood. This does not
absolve the provider from any responsibility concerning abuse or neglect.
Infants set their own schedules; however, we try to work with parents to abide by their schedules.
APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE
7:00-8:00 AM
Arrival, Morning Activity, Free Play
8:00 AM-8:30 AM
Breakfast, Free play
8:30-10:30 AM
Centers exploration, small group activity
10:30-11:30 AM
Free Play/ Outside Time weather permitting
11:30-12:00 AM
Clean up, wash up for lunch, free play
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch, quiet reading
1:00-3:00 PM
Nap time, Quiet time
3:00-4:00 PM
Centers exploration
4:00-5:00 PM
Afternoon Snack, Free play, Outside Time weather permitting
5:00-5:30 PM
Clean up, departure
Each child is expected to participate in clean up regardless of the time they are picked up!!
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ENROLLMENTAGE REQUIREMENTSGrowing Minds Childcare cares for children from 2 weeks – 13 years of age. Exceptions can be made for special needs.
TRIAL PERIODYour child’s adjustment is important to both of us. To assure that the child care arrangement is a good match for the child
and our school; there will be a TWO week trial period. This will give your child, the other children in our care, and our
staff an opportunity to discover one another. Within this period, either the family or Growing Minds may terminate
childcare for any reason without notice.
INTERVIEWSAn interview with parents AND the child to be cared for is required before any child will be accepted into Growing Minds
Childcare. Observation time is allowed after the initial visit. This is a time when parents are allowed to come and observe
us as we work with the children in care.
REFERENCESReferences will be given to parents at the time of the interview. Growing Minds may also require references from the
parents of FORMER child care providers or settings.
ENROLLMENT FORMSBefore a child is admitted for care at Growing Minds Childcare, we must receive from the parents: an enrollment form
listing all emergency information, a health evaluation from physician, current immunization record, an authorization form,
permission for topical preparations, permission for media use, and infant and toddler form (if applicable), and a signed
contract. These forms must be updated if changes occur.
INITIAL FEESInitial fees are the registration fee and the first week’s agreed upon payment for services must accompany the signed
contract and other forms at the time of enrollment.
RENEWAL
CONTRACT RENEWALContracts will be renewed annually on September 1st. Registration fees will be due when the contracts are returned.
However, any changes that take place in your family should be reported and changes made on the child care forms
immediately.
HEALTH & IMMUNIZATION FORMS UPDATEThe Health Status Form and the Immunization Form must be updated annually for children over the age of 2 years.
Children under the age of two years must have updated, signed health evaluations every visit to the physician for
immunizations as recommended by the Academy of Pediatrics. The Immunization Record must be updated according to
the age requirements of your child as stipulated by the Health Department.
THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF EACH CHILD MUST SUBMIT A STATEMENT OF THE CHILD’S CURRENT
HEALTH STATUS OR WRITTEN VERIFICATION OF A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH A HEALTH CARE
PRACTITIONER. THE STATEMENT MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED BY A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER WHO
HAS SEEN THE CHILD WITHIN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS, OR WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS FOR
CHILDREN UNDER TWO AND ONE-HALF YEARS OF AGE. THE STATEMENT MUST INCLUDE WHEN THE
NEXT VISIT IS REQUIRED BY THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. ALL HEALTH STATEMENTS MUST BE KEPT
AT THE LICENSED CHILD CARE HOME: STATEMENTS OF HEALTH STATUS OF CHILDREN LESS THAN
TWO YEARS OF AGE MUST BE UPDATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL PEDIATRIC
RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE FOR ROUTINE HEALTH SUPERVISION OR AS REQUIRED IN WRITING BY
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. HEALTH STATEMENTS FOR CHILDREN OVER TWO YEARS TO SEVEN YEARS
OF AGE MUST BE UPDATED ANNUALLY. FOR CHILDREN SEVEN YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER, HEALTH
STATEMENTS MUST BE UPDATED EVERY THREE YEARS AS LONG AS THE CHILDREN ARE IN CARE.
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FEES
WEEKLY TUITIONTuition is due IN ADVANCE and payable NO LATER than Friday at pick up time for the FOLLOWING WEEK!
Biweekly or monthly arrangements may be agreed upon as long as payments are made in advance and the pay schedule
remains consistent. Clients should keep in mind that they are contracting for days and times to reserve for their child and
this time must be paid whether or not it is used. Checks will be accepted, however, there will be a $35.00 returned check
fee if a check is returned for any reason. In addition to the NSF fee, parents will be responsible for all other fees associated
with the NSF check. If a check is returned, only cash payments will be accepted thereafter. We will provide a written,
signed receipt at the end of the year for your payment records.
LATE FEESWe have a “No Pay, No Play” policy! A $10.00 PER DAY fee will be accessed for every 24-hour period your tuition is
late after 5:30 PM on Friday! Your child will not be accepted for care until your regular tuition PLUS any late fees are paid
in full! Continued late payments will result in the termination of the child care contract.
OVERTIMEAt the sole discretion of the provider, an overtime fee of one dollar ($1.00) per minute per child will be charged when
the child is not picked up within the time specified in your contract. Your late fee will be assessed according to the clock
on the table next to the sign in book. This overtime fee is due and payable at the time incurred and is subject to the late
fees as stated above. Your child will be fed a meal if they are here during our typical meal time and the child will join in
whatever activities we are participating in that evening. In the event that a child remains in care for more than 60 minutes
beyond pick up time without prior approval, social services will be contacted and your child will be considered abandon.
Habitual tardiness is grounds for termination of the child care contract. This would take place in the event that you are late
without the advanced permission of a staff member of Growing Minds Child Care. In the event of a blizzard, tornado, or
other extreme weather, exceptions will be made. We will keep your child here until it is safe for you to be able to pick
them up. Fees will be discussed for such care on an individual basis, depending on the circumstance. If you do not have a
cell phone, please call us BEFORE YOU LEAVE FROM WORK in these instances, to let us know you are on your way.
This will help us to be able to reassure your child that you are coming to get them.
RATE INCREASESTuition rates will be increased by $10.00/week/child each year with the new rate taking effect on September. 1. We
will provide one month’s notice to parents to remind you of this increase.
ANNUAL FEEAn annual registration fee of $80.00 per child for all clients, regardless of part time or full time status and will be
charged every September 1st and at the time of enrollment. This fee enables Growing Minds Childcare to provide
repairs and replacements to worn and used items. Your child will directly benefit from the replenishment of materials to
keep their environment exciting and inviting.
ACTIVITY AND FIELD TRIP FEESThere will be no other charges you will be asked to pay for activities that would take place while your child is in care. We
do not take field trips and any activities we chose to participate in are paid for through your weekly tuition.
REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT FEESWhen children play, equipment and toys may be accidentally broken. Items that are broken in the normal course of play
are expected and these costs are handled by Growing Minds Child Care. However, items that are broken or damaged
through malicious property destruction or deliberate or repeated abuse of an item must be repaired to the satisfaction of
Growing Minds Child Care or replaced with an equal and similar item. The repair/replacement must take place within
fifteen (15) days of written notification to the PARENTS concerning the damage. We expect each child will respect our
personal property and furnishings. If there is a possibility of our personal property being stolen by a child, you will be
asked to sit down for a conference regarding how to handle this situation.
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GROWING MINDS VACATIONS AND CLOSURESBack Up care must be in place at all times. An emergency is just that, an unplanned,
unforeseen event or illness that requires us to be closed for the day. You must have
alternate arrangements made at all times in the case that we would be unable to work.
Growing Minds reserves the right to take ONE WEEK PAID VACATION per year with at least 30 days of prior notice
given to parents. We also reserves the right to use Ten (10) Personal/Professional Enhancement Days as needed;
these days are also paid days off. These days allow staff to attend training or conferences to enhance our professional
skills, to conduct personal business when necessary, or sick days. In the event that it is necessary for Growing Minds to be
closed for more than the allotted 10 days, any additional days will be unpaid. Under these circumstances, tuition will be
prorated to discount the unpaid days we are closed. To calculate the daily rate, your tuition will be divided by the number
of days you are contracted for. Vacation and Personal/Professional Enhancement Days renew each year on Sept. 1.
PARENTS VACATIONSParents are allowed 1 week of vacation per year, TUITION FREE, after being enrolled at least 6 months. This vacation
must be taken in 5 consecutive days of care. Written notice must be given to the provider at least 30 days in advance.
Your vacation week CAN NOT roll over to the next year (beginning Sept. 1 of each year) if unused. If any tuition is due;
it must be paid BEFORE LEAVING for vacation!
HOLIDAYSGrowing Minds Childcare operates Monday through Friday, year round, except for the following PAID HOLIDAYS.
These holidays are in additional to Vacation Days as well as Personal/Professional Days off. If the holiday falls on a
Saturday- we will be closed the day before (Friday), and if the holiday falls on a Sunday- we will be closed the
following day (Monday) with the exception of our birthdays. If the birthday falls on the weekend, we will not take
an additional day off.
Growing Minds Childcare will be closed on:
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New Year’s Eve/Day (Dec 31, Jan 1)
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Jan. 6th – My Birthday
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May 6th - Caitlin’s Birthday
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Memorial Day Weekend - Saturday-Monday
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4th of July
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Labor Day Weekend – Saturday - Monday
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Nov. 20th - Patrick’s Birthday
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Thanksgiving Weekend – Thursday-Sunday
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Christmas Eve/Christmas Day (Dec 24-25)
WEATHER CLOSURESIn the event that Adams County District 12- Five Star Schools are closed due to weather, Growing Minds Childcare will
also be closed! Please check with local media announcements to verify the closure of these schools. These are paid days,
since they are beyond our control. If inclement weather occurs while Adams County District 12 is not in session due
to Winter or Spring break or some other holiday, you will be contacted directly to notify you that we will be closed.
HOLDING FEESIn order to hold a spot for your child, ONE THIRD of the weekly tuition is due PER WEEK. A registration fee must be
paid and a signed contract complete with an agreed upon start date must also be received. The fee is to hold the spot and it
is not credited toward actual tuition when the child begins childcare. Upon beginning childcare, the advanced payment of
that week’s pay will be due.
THESE FEES WILL NOT BE REFUNDED IF PARENT FAILS TO START THEIR CHILDREN IN CARE ON
THE AGREED UPON DATE! After the contract has begun, if you needs to have your child/ren out of care for any
given time, the agreed upon schedule must continue to be paid for in order to hold the space(s) open. Vacation
weeks cannot be used for the time unless the client has had child (ren) in care for 6 months or more.
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TERMINATION OF SERVICESThe parents must inform Growing Minds Child Care IN WRITING TEN (10) BUSINESS DAYS in advance of
termination of the CHILD CARE CONTRACT. These business days may not include any days Growing Minds
Childcare is closed for regular business due to holidays or personal days off. Parents who do not provide proper notice will
be charged two weeks Penalty Fees equal to two weeks regular child care fees in lieu of proper notice. This Penalty Fee is
due and payable the last day the child (ren) is in care and is subject to late fees as defined in this Policy Handbook (see
page 11). If all fees are not paid in full upon the last day of attendance, you agree to pay, whether or not legal proceedings
are instituted, a reasonable COLLECTION FEE, which shall be 30 percent of the balance for any debt incurred and to
pay reasonable attorney fees and court costs as a result of the parent(s)’s default.
The termination notice period is to allow all of the children in care an opportunity to adjust to the changes and to say their
farewells. This time also allows Growing Minds the opportunity to attempt to protect the business from any loss of income
due to the termination.
Growing Minds reserves the rights to immediately terminate childcare services without notice in the event the
family fails to abide by the terms of the contract and/or policies. Growing Minds also reserves the right to
terminate childcare services at any time without notice in such events as (but not limited to):
Destructive, uncontrollable, or violent behavior, habitual tardiness, lateness of payment or nonpayment or the staff
of Growing Minds feels that the children in our care or the staff are being mistreated or is in danger of any kind,
either by the child/ren in care or the parents!
What does my tuition pay for?
What you pay will buy quality childcare, nutritious meals and a nurturing environment for your child to grow and thrive in.
Your tuition must provide our income including taxes and social security. Beyond that, your tuition pays for special child
care insurance, training, food, toys, equipment, art supplies, and all of the other things that your child will use in school.
Like other self-employed workers, our staff does not receive the benefits many employees take for granted. These include
health/dental insurance, life insurance, retirement/pension, workmen's comp, flexible time off and unemployment
insurance. These benefits often amount to as much as 30% of an employee’s wages. Unlike other forms of selfemployment, family child care is very restrictive. There is no room for growth. The state dictates the size of our business
and we cannot take time off for appointments or obligations without careful planning and covering of our responsibilities.
To protect our rights and income, you will find that a guaranteed wage is part of our contract. To protect precious time with
our families, you will find late fees in these policies. Most people have a 40-hour work week. Ours is 60 hours and up and
that does not include our training, schooling, preparation, bookkeeping, paperwork, shopping or cleaning time. We really
do NOT want the extra fees, but it’s unfair to have family’s cutting into our already limited family time. We hope this gives
you a better picture of the true cost of child care.
We are trying to make these policies as fair and reasonable as possible. We allow 1 week vacation a year, tuition free, to
families. We ask for 10 days, paid sick or personal time, but only if we need them. Ou late fees are the same as the
overtime you would be getting paid to work more than your expected hours. Clearly, bad weather, unexpected traffic, etc
are all excusable reasons for being late; we just need a phone call to let us know. If no arrangements are made in advance
and no phone call is received, you will be charged late fees.
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PROCEDURES
HOURSWe try to accommodate working families by being open Monday through Friday from 7AM-5:30PM. Since Growing
Minds is operated in a home, we ask that you respect these hours and avoid being late. Once a schedule is adopted, we
insist that drop-off times and pick-up times be strictly observed so we can plan for activities and meals. We charge a $1.00
fee for every 1 minute you are late picking up your child. This fee is due at the time your child is picked up, if previous
arrangements were not made to be late. Late fees are charged according to the clock by the sign in sheet. Please make sure
your watch or clock is set to this time. Please be sure to escort your child into the child care area and exchange any useful
information with the staff before you leave for the day. This helps ensure continuity of information and helps the child
understand the transition between home and school.
ABSENCESSick days, holidays, parent days off, or snow days and other absences are not free of charge. You pay each week to hold
your child’s spot, regardless of attendance. Two “No-shows/No-calls” in one year is grounds for immediate
termination!!
TARDINESSIf your child must be brought or picked up at a time other than what is stated in your contract, please inform us the night
before or by their scheduled arrival time. If we are not informed in advance of the child's tardiness there is a possibility
that we may not have a spot available for your child. We get calls for drop in care on a regular basis so if you are not here
on time and you have not made previous arrangements; we reserve the right to offer your spot to a drop in. In this event,
you assume responsibility for your child's care and there are no refunds if this occurs. Never leave your child at this
property alone to wait for the group to return if we are not home. If you are taking the day off from work, and still bringing
your child, you must be sure to leave us a phone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURESEach child must be signed in and out every day. Your child will only be released to a person who is authorized to pick
them up, as designated on their Enrollment Form. If someone different will be picking your child up, we need to know this
in advance. If you do not let us know this in advance, we will not allow the child to leave with this person until we make
contact with you and get your permission. We will also verify this person using a State Issued Identification. If someone
attempts to pick up your child without your permission, the door will be locked immediately and we will call 911.
SPECIAL NEEDSReasonable accommodations will be made for children with disabilities, as long as the accommodations do not
fundamentally alter our child care program or home. In August of 2012, Cathy Moyer completed schooling to become a
certified Developmental Intervention Assistant. This Certification gives me the knowledge and ability to work directly
with Developmental Interventionists such as Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and Speech Therapists to assist
your child even further.
MEALS AND SNACKSThe following meals and snacks will be served throughout the day:
Breakfast
8:00 AM- 8:30 AM
Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Snack
3:30-4:00PM
We follow the food guidelines of the federally funded food program. This means we provide federally guided nutritious
meals to each child on a daily basis. We do not allow any child to CHEW GUM at Growing Minds. Parents who want
their children to eat special foods must provide those foods themselves and they must supply a written physician’s
instructions. Food is offered to your child at each meal and snack as long as they are awake. Your child will never be
forced to eat. You will be informed about your child’s eating habits each day. If your child doesn’t arrive by our
scheduled meal or snack time, one will NOT be offered to them. They will have to eat before they arrive. We do not preplan meals but the menu is posted on the white board daily for you to review.
No new foods shall be introduced to children less than twelve (12) months of age without parental verbal permission as
well as a signed Infant and Toddler Authorization Form.
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TRANSITIONS FOR CUPS AND BOTTLESBreast fed infants will need to be transitioned to bottle feedings using breast milk and/or formula before the child begins
care in our program. Mothers are always welcome to come and breastfeed throughout the day if your schedule allows,
however, because infants feeding schedules vary, the infant must also be able to be fed using a bottle when breastfeeding is
not possible.
When an infant has reached the developmental stage of holding their own bottle, sitting up, and crawling, that infant is
ready to begin the transition to using a cup instead of a bottle. Infants that have reached this stage will be given a “nonvalved sippy cup” throughout the day and at meal times to begin practicing using this new “tool.” Infants will be transition
completely to a cup until after their first birthday and based on the child’s ability to use the cup effectively.
Toddlers are encouraged and transitioned from using a “non-valved sippy cup” to using a regular cup in the same fashion.
We begin using a regular cup during meal times with water and as the toddler’s skills improve, they will transition to a
regular cup completely. Research has shown that the use of “sippy cups that include a one way valve” – the ones that don’t
spill- have been a hindrance to speech development in young children and therefore should be used for the shortest amount
of time possible.
CLOTHING AND SUPPLIESPlease dress your child at home in sturdy, comfortable clothes and shoes to play in.
2 COMPLETE CHANGES OF CLOTHES INCLUDING EXTRA SOCKS AND A JACKET MUST BE
PROVIDED FOR EACH CHILD AT ALL TIMES! These items can be stored in your child’s cubby.
Please do not send children to child care without shoes if they are able to walk. Shoes are needed if we have to leave
the house in an emergency or to play outside.
InfantsTODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS
-Diapers
-2 Changes of clothes with socks
-Bottles
-2 Changes of underwear if potty trained
-Formula/Breast milk
-2 additional sets of clothing if potty training (4 total)
-Pacifier or other comfort item (if applicable)
-Comfort item such as blanket or teddy bear
-2 Changes of clothes including socks
- Diapers and diaper cream if needed
-Diaper cream if different that that used at Growing Minds
In the winter months, a HEAVY COAT must be brought DAILY. If we have plans to play in the snow, you will be notified
the night before so you can provide hats, gloves, boots, etc.
In the summer months, please provide a swimsuit and towel for water play.
Please also provide a light jacket in fall and spring to account for changing weather.
MESSY PLAYMost days, your child will have free access to “messy items” such as play dough, paint, clay, markers, sand, goop, shaving
cream, mud, Oobleck and all kinds of other fun things. Every effort is made to make sure that materials are washable and
care is taken to attempt to cover your child with protective clothing such as smocks, however, please be sure your child is
in clothing that can get dirty. We will assume no responsibility for clothing that might become permanently stained
or damaged. If you have somewhere to go right after the childcare day, please feel free to bring a change of clothes and
we would be happy to ensure that the child is in clean clothes before you arrive at pick up time.
DIAPERINGDiapers are generally changed every 2 hours and more often if necessary. Preventative diaper creams can be applied to a
child without a doctor’s signed form. If your child requires anything more than preventative cream, such as products used
for a yeast infection or broken skin, a signed doctor’s consent form must be supplied before treatment begins. Parents must
supply all diapers and any special treatment supplies. If your child required any special treatments, such as a certain brand
of baby wipes, cream, etc., those will need to be provided by the parent.
TOPICAL PREPARATIONSWe will need written authorization from you to apply diaper rash ointment or creams, sunscreen and bug repellant. These
items are for preventative care only. These topical preparations must arrive in the original container labeled with your
child’s name clearly marked. These items will only be applied by Growing Minds staff. Sunscreen and bug repellant will
be applied and reapplied per manufacturer’s instructions. Infants under the age of 6 months will not have sunscreen
applied; they will be protected from the sun using shade from an umbrella or the shade trees in the yard. All medications
will be stored out of reach of children in a locked cabinet or child proof refrigerator container. All out of date medications
will be returned to parents for disposal.
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TOILET LEARNING –
We are always willing to assist a child with toilet learning. However, you child must be ready and YOU must be ready as
well. Training takes both childcare and home participation. We have a wonderful handout available when your child is
ready for that big step. This handout discusses readiness skills; training tips and gives you an idea of the training
techniques that are used at Growing Minds. The Infant and Toddler Authorization Form must be signed before toilet
training begins.
OUTSIDE PLAYWe will be playing outside daily for a minimum of 60 minutes per day as long as the temperature is between 45 and 90
degrees. It is imperative to have the appropriate clothing for child to play outside comfortably. We will go outside
regardless of if your child is dressed appropriately, so please be considerate of your child’s needs. We live in Colorado and
weather changes quickly so please plan accordingly. Your child has their own cubby; you are welcome to leave
appropriate layers of clothes in their cubby to remain here at child care if that is helpful.
NAPS AND REST TIMEAll children under the age of 5 are required under state law to have a rest period while in childcare. Our rest time is from
1-3 PM. For school aged children that do not take naps, books, games or other quiet activities will be provided for these
two hours. Each child will be provided with their own cot, pillow, and blanket (except infants). Bedding is laundered
every weekend and more often if necessary. Please provide any comfort item that the child can bring each day or leave
here for nap time if necessary. Based on the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, we follow the infant safe
sleep policy: All infants under the age of 12 months will be placed on their backs for sleeping. Positioning devices that
restrict movement will not be used. Infants and toddlers will sleep in safety approved playpens, one infant or toddler per
crib or playpen. Sleep area will have tight fitting sheet and all pillows, comforters, stuffed animals and other soft products
will be removed. When infants can easily turn over from back position to the stomach position, they will still be put down
to sleep on their back, but allowed to adopt whatever position they prefer to sleep. Infants under 12 months will be offered
a pacifier as research shows sucking in on a pacifier during sleep helps to reduce the risk of SIDS. If you chose not to have
your child use a pacifier for sleep, a permission slip must be signed. Swaddling is also not allowed in child care, and
therefore will not be used. NO BOTTLES WILL BE PLACED IN BED WITH CHILDREN. A physician’s note must be
on file if there are any deviations for these policies due to health reasons.
BEHAVIOR GUIDANCEGuidance is ongoing help for children to learn to be in their family and culture and how to feel about themselves, others
and the world. We find that setting clear limits and consistently following through allows the children the most success.
Guidance will be provided through a combination of positive behavior skills, positive reinforcement, redirections, and
time-outs. It will be expected that we work together to alter negative behavior, however, we are responsible for behavior
guidance while your child is in our program. The children are expected to behave in a reasonable manner to each other and
are encouraged to work out solutions to problems between themselves. Extremely disruptive behavior that the provider
and the parents cannot help the child control and overcome may result in the consultation of an Early Childhood Specialist
through Adams County or parents being asked to locate another Child Care situation. First, we will try to redirect your
child to another activity. If this doesn’t work, we will work to problem solve a better way to handle the situation.
Occasionally, a cool down period is required to allow the child to calm down before we find a solution. In a cool down
period, the child is removed from the situation and placed in a specific “out of the way” area for a cooling down period.
After the cool down period is up, the child and the provider will have a private discussion concerning the reasons for the
child being so worked up and work to find a solution to the problem. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IS NOT
ALLOWED IN A LICENCED CHILD CARE HOME AND WILL NOT BE USED HERE. IF YOU FEEL THE
NEED TO USE THIS METHOD OF DISCIPLINE, PLEASE DO NOT DO SO WHILE IN OUR PROGRAM.
TOYS FROM HOMEBecause we provide care for mixed ages, please be respectful about toys or items from home. This includes hair
decorations, coins, jewelry, bouncy balls, etc. These are serious choking hazards for any child and we will not allow them
to pose a safety issue. If an item from home is deemed unsafe in any manner, it will be removed from the child and
returned to the parents. We prefer that your child NOT bring items from home, except for a comfort item to use at naptime.
We will not be responsible for any lost or broken item. It is the child’s responsibility to keep up with their belongings. If
these items are not EASILY and QUICKLY found at the time to leave, the child will have the find them the next day!
Parents are not allowed to dig through the classroom at the end of the day to find such items. WE ARE TRYING TO
TEACH RESPONSIBILTY with this rule! DO NOT SEND ANY TOYS THAT YOUR CHILD WILL BE
UNWILLING TO SHARE! WE DO NOT ALLOW TOY WEAPONS OF ANY KIND IN OUR PROGRAM! WE
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WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ITEMS THAT ARE STORED, LOST, DAMAGED OR
STOLEN WHILE IN OUR POSESSION!
PROGRAM EVALUATIONSEvery 6 months, you will be asked to evaluate our program to help assure we are meeting everyone’s needs. We strive to
make your child care experience the best it can be. However, we ask that if you have a specific concern or question, don’t
wait until evaluation time. Please let us know as soon as possible to that it can be handled promptly.
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCESParent Teacher Conferences will be conducted every 6 months. At that time, we will review your child’s assessments to
evaluate progress, set goals for the next 6 months, and discuss any questions or concerns. All parents or guardians are
expected to participate in these conferences if at all possible. These conferences can be scheduled to accommodate even
the most challenging schedules.
MEDIA POLICIESChildren will be exposed to no more than 1 hour of media in a 10-hour period. Media includes music, television, computer
time, videos, movies, etc. At this time, the only media we use on a regular basis is age appropriate music with the
exception of the occasional holiday movie.
SCHEDULED AND UNSCHEDULED TRIPSScheduled fields trips do not take place at Growing Minds Child Care. The only unscheduled field trip would consist of a
walk around the neighborhood or to the neighborhood park. If we take an unscheduled field trip to the park, we will have a
cell phone with us and you can reach us that way.
TRANSPORTATIONChildren are generally not transported in a vehicle but in the event that it was necessary, accommodations will be made to
make sure it is done in the safest manner possible. All children being transported in a vehicle will be properly restrained
according to Colorado state laws. I drive a Nissan Altima that seats 5 passengers.
LIFE CHANGESIf there are life changes occurring in your family such as a new baby, a move, an illness, a death, a separation, or divorce,
please advise us so that we can work with your child more successfully during these times of insecurity and transition.
OPEN DOOR POLICYWe maintain an open door policy. Parents are welcome to visit our program at any time during our business hours. You
are welcome to observe our program as long as you wish. Please understand we may not be available to give you our
undivided attention if we are interacting with the children.
PHOTOS AND VIDEOSOccasionally, we will be taking photos or videos of your children for the use on our Wall of Fame, for craft purposes, for
documentation and observation purposes, or to share our fun activities on Facebook. Any other usage of these photos, such
as advertising, will only be made after obtaining written permission by the parents.
CLEANING UPAny child that is old enough to remove toys from a shelf is old enough to put them back in. These children will be required
to help clean up by picking up toys and returning items to their proper place. We encourage parents to keep the same
standards at their own homes to teach children responsibilities, duties, and consequences.
DONATIONSWe will gladly accept any donations you might have such as toys, books, equipment, baby items, clothing, craft items, etc.
that would benefit the children and cut down on our operating costs.
MANNERSThe children in our program will be taught and expected to use manners. This would include such phrases as Thank you,
Please, I’m Sorry, Excuse Me, etc. This teaches politeness as well as respect. The children are required to respect each
other and each other’s feelings. They will be taught the importance of respecting each other’s thoughts and feelings.
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ALCOHOL AND DRUGSAccording to Colorado State Law, alcohol is not allowed to be used in a Child Care Home during the hours of operation.
Parents are not allowed to pick up children if behavior or smell indicates alcohol or drug use. In the event you choose to
participate in these activities, please plan to have a designated driver or a drug/alcohol free person come in with you to pick
up your children. Failure to do so will result in the children remaining in our care until a drug and alcohol free person can
pick them up and late charges will be assessed until such time. Those late fees will be due upon pick up of your child. We
would be held responsible in the case of an accident if we released your children into your care knowing there was alcohol
or drugs present in your system. We will not take that kind of chance with the children we care for! If this is a habitual
problem, social services will be called.
SECOND HAND SMOKEIt is imperative to us that your child not be exposed to second hand smoke while in our program. Smoking is forbidden by
Colorado Law governing Licensed Child Care Homes. DO NOT SMOKE ON THESE PREMISES UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCE- THIS INCLUDES OUR HOME, OUR DRIVEWAY, AND OUR YARD! I will not hire a staff
member that smokes, even outside of work to ensure that your child will not be exposed to secondhand smoke from staff at
Growing Minds Child Care.
ABANDONED CHILDRENIn the event that a child remains in care for more than 60 minutes beyond pick up time without prior approval, social
services will be contacted and your child will be considered abandoned. Your child will be fed any appropriate meals or
snacks and provided activities to participate in while they wait to be picked up.
SCRATCHES AND SCRAPESThese are inevitable when children play and will be treated with soap, water, and a band-aid. For anything more serious,
you will be notified immediately.
BUMPS AND BRUISESWe assume no responsibility for bumps and bruises that occur in the course of a normal childhood. This does not absolve
the provider from any responsibility concerning abuse or neglect.
NOTIFICATION OF ACCIDENTS AND INJURIESParents will be verbally notified of any accident or injury that takes place during business hours. These accidents or
injuries will be documented and a copy provided to the parent if requested
VERIFING LICENSE INFORMATIONChild Care services play an important role in supporting families and strong families are the basis of a thriving community.
Your child’s education, physical, emotional, and social development will be nurtured in a well-planned and run program.
Remember to observe the program regularly, especially with regard to children’s health and safety, equipment and play
materials, and staff. For additional information regarding licensing, or if you have concerns about a child care facility,
please consult the Colorado Office of Early Childhood, Division of Early Care and Learning, at 1575 Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203 or by calling (303) 866-5958. General Questions regarding child care licensing can be directed to
303-914-6304. The Rules and Regulations for Family Child Care Homes can be viewed on the Colorado Department of
Human Services website: http://www.coloradoofficeofearlychildhood.com/#!child-care-licensing--administration/c5cf or
www.sos.state.co.us You can also view provider’s files at http://www.coloradoofficeofearlychildhood.com/#!child-carelicensing--administration/c5cf
RECALLED ITEMSEvery effort is made to remove immediately any toys, furniture, or other equipment that has been recalled either by the
manufacturer or the Consumer Product Safety Commission. To check this list yourself, you can log on to their website,
http://www.cpsc.gov/index.html
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HEALTH POLICIESILLNESSES
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We will not care for a child with an unexplained fever (teething is ok), vomiting, has diarrhea that cannot
be contained by a diaper or clothing or shows signs of any other contagious illness or disease. Please keep
your child home if he/she is ill in any of these forms.
Should any child become ill during the day, especially with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or “flu-like symptoms”, the
parents will be asked to remove the child from the Child Care Home and to do so PROMPTLY. Parents are
required to pick up their child within One (1) hour of being called by our staff. Failure to pick up a sick
child within one hour will result in termination of the childcare contract and a late fee of $1.00/minute will
be assessed beginning 60 minutes after our phone call requesting you to pick up your child. This fee will be
due upon pick up.
Per State Law, your child will be placed in ISOLATION for no more than one hour in the event of illness.
Any child that has been seen by a physician and has been prescribed an antibiotic for an illness (CONTAGIOUS
OR NOT) will not be accepted into our care until the child has been on medication for at least 24 HOURS! This
rule is in place to protect your child and our program in case there should be an adverse reaction to the
medication.
If we feel your child has a lingering illness and should be seen by a doctor, the child will not be readmitted for
care without a note from the doctor on record.
We reserve the right to refuse care to any child deemed to be too ill to participate in our program.
If your child exhibits symptoms of a communicable disease, we will contact Adams County Health
Department.
For such things as strep, pink eye, etc, all parents will be notified in writing that your child has been
exposed.
DISEASE CONTROLInstructions from the Center of Disease Control:
Any child with the following symptoms or diseases must be home rather than in a Child Care Setting
 Yellowish eyes or skin
 Difficulty or rapid breathing
 Diarrhea
 Severe Coughing
 Pink Eye
Or if the following symptoms are accompanied by a fever of 100 degrees or higher Spots or rash
 Sore throat or trouble swallowing
 Infected skin patches
 Unusually dark or tea colored urine
 Gray or white stools
 Headaches or stiff neck
 Vomiting
 Copious crying
 Severe itching of body or scalp
Or if the following diseases are present Bacterial meningitis
 Diarrhea related to shigella, salmonella, giardia
 Diphtheria
 Hepatitis A
 Measles
 Mumps
 Pertussis (whooping cough)
 Pneumonia
 Rubella (German Measles)
 MRSA
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IMMUNIZATIONSImmunizations are to be current when child enters the child care and are to remain current. A child receiving shots or oral
immunizations are to be out of care for at least 12 hours in case of adverse reaction to the immunization. Parents are
advised to schedule doctor’s appointments toward the end of the day, on Friday, or the last day the child is in care so that
the child has an opportunity to recover from the shot before returning to care. We do not accept children into care that are
not properly immunized. Please remember that any time your child receives a vaccine, we must obtain a new and updated
immunization record for your child’s file. These forms are available on the wall near the infant sleeping area.
NOTIFICATION OF ILLNESSESParents should notify us if the child has been ill during the past 24 hours, even if illness occurred on the weekend.
Also, inform us of any communicable diseases when they occur in the family. We need to know if your child has been
exposed to a contagious disease such as: Chicken Pox, PinkEye, PinWorm, and Strep Throat. The exposed child will not
be excluded from care, but we need to be watchful of symptoms your child and others may develop. In the event these
diseases manifest themselves while your child is in our care, we will call you, isolate your child to minimize the spread of
the disease, and expect you to pick up your child within one hour or less. The child may not return to care until all signs of
disease are gone or a written notification from the child’s doctor is received indicating that the child is no longer a health
risk to the other children or the staff.
If your child is exposed to any communicable disease, we will notify you as soon as we are notified. Let’s all remember
the Golden Rule since the health of the staff and the children are at risk! Thank you!
HEALTH EMERGENCIESParents must complete the AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT FORM that allows the provider or a substitute to obtain
medical treatment for your child, should the need arise. The parents must allow staff to call 911, the child’s doctor, dentist,
or hospital if emergency medical treatment if necessary. It is understood that every attempt will be made to contact the
parents or emergency contacts on the Enrollment Form before any action is taken and if time allows. The parents must
allow the staff to call an ambulance at staff’s discretion. Parents agree to assume any and all financial responsibility for the
ambulance, response team, and medical treatment for their children.
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION RULESUnder the State Licensing Rules and Regulations, we can only administer medications (even non-prescription) when
accompanied by the Permission to Administer Medication Form. Prescriptions (even samples) must have a current
prescription label, be in the original container bearing the original pharmacy label that shows the prescription number,
patient’s name, name of medication, date filled by pharmacy, expiration date, physician’s name, and directions for dosage.
When bringing medication to our child care facility, parents/guardians must give medication to provider, who will enter
medication in the Medication Log, the parent or guardian is to verify that information is correct and sign the entry.
If your child refuses to take their medication, the parent or guardian will be notified and you can either come and try to
administer it your self or the dose will be skipped and so noted in the Medication Log.
The General Health Evaluation Form that we have given to you contains a section in which the Health Care Provider can
give permission for us to give your child Tylenol or Motrin for a fever. This form is to be update at every well child health
check, or as often as the Health Care Provider deems necessary. If your child is running a fever, we will first call you to let
you know. If you say we can give them a fever reducer and you have provided one for us, we will do so at the that time,
provided the Health Care Provider has filled out this section with all the information we need. No fever reducers will be
given to infants under the age of 3 months. Non prescription medications must be accompanied by the Permission to
Administer Medication Form, filled out by the person with prescriptive authority. All non-prescription medication must be
in the original container, bearing the original label, expiration date, and directions for dosages. This is mandated by State
Licensing Rules and Regulations. No medications may be stored in any diaper bag that will be left at Growing Minds
Childcare. This too, is against State Regulations.
If your child uses an inhaler or nebulizer for asthma or an Epipen, we will need an individualized health care plan in their
file. This needs to be filled out by your Health Care Provider and will need to be updated annually as well.
If your child requires diaper cream or any other product for an ACTIVE skin problem, we will need WRITTEN
authorization from your Health Care Provider.
All medications will be stored out of reach of children in a locked cabinet. All out of date medications will be returned to
parents for disposal.
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EMERGENCIESSTAFF AT GROWING MINDS CHILD CARE AND PARENT BACK UPWE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO USE A SUBSTITUTE OR ASSISTANT CARE PROVIDER AS OUR NEEDS
DICTATE. Growing Minds Child Care has regularly employed staff that provides care for the children in my absence.
This helps greatly reduce the amount of occasions in which child care might not be available to you. I value being
involved in community programs that enhance early childhood education and quality child care, so I must have staff
members in order to attend these meetings. I hire and train my own staff, making sure they are equally qualified to provide
care for your child/ren. Any staff that works for me is trained in CPR, First aid, Universal Precautions, and Medication
Administration. They have also gone through the same background checks (FBI and CBI) that I have. They have spent
many days in training to learn how to provide the continuity of care I require. I consider my staff an extension of the care I
offer.
There are however times that might arise such as a sudden illness or emergency in which our staff might not be available.
If Growing Minds Childcare will be closed, we will give as much notice as possible so you can make other temporary
arrangements. When requested to do so, we will help locate a substitute, but offer no guarantee of success. Parents are
responsible for providing their own back up care for illness, holidays, or any other time in which Growing Minds might be
closed. It is requested that you make plans for a back-up child care arrangement at this time and maintain that back-up
while your child is in our care.
Back Up care must be in place at all times. An emergency is just that, an unplanned,
unforeseen event or illness that requires Growing Minds to be closed. You must have
alternate arrangements made AT ALL TIMES in the case that we would be unable to
provide care.
SECURITYThe main goal of security in a child care setting is to protect the children and the staff. In most cases, our staff is the only
adult with the children. There is a security panel for the home security alarm system in the child care with instant access to
fire, police, and ADT. The alarm can also be activated from this panel. When the children go outside to play, a staff
member will go outside with them. If a person is sent to pick up your child other than a parent or authorized person on the
enrollment forms, we require prior notice of this person and photo ID will be required before your child will be released.
Whenever possible, notification in WRITING should be given prior to pick up time.
DISASTERSNatural disasters do occur in Colorado. Licensed Child Care Homes are required to have a plan of action to follow.
Growing Minds Childcare has become familiar with the excepted practices suggested by FEMA and the Red Cross for the
natural disasters that may occur in this area. No plan is a guarantee of safety, but we plan to do all that is within our power
to keep the children and our staff safe. Parents are provided with our plan below to become familiar with it. Please note
that in the event our plan/plans have to be implemented, we will do all that is possible to keep parents informed and stay in
touch with them or the local authorities. In the event of an evacuation of any kind: fire, gas leak, electrical problems, etc.
we will have our cell phone with us and will contact parents as soon as our situation is safe. Miss C’s cell phone number
is 720-891-2155. Miss K’s cell phone number is 303-807-7036. We will leave a note on the door if possible and/or we
will call 911 and notify the authorities of our location. We keep all of your phone numbers in our cell phone so we will get
a hold of you as soon as it is safe. In any situation that we cannot be contacted, please call 911. We have an emergency
weather radio that will notify us of any weather danger. In the event of a tornado, we will already be in the basement and
will move to the infant sleeping area away from the windows. In the event that we must leave our home, we will go to the
park located on Jason Drive north of our home. In the event that we must leave the neighborhood/area, we will go Red
Robin Restaurant across Huron St. at the Orchard Mall. In the event that we have to vacate to a further location, parents
will be notified of our whereabouts as soon as possible. In the event of a winter storm or loss of electricity, our home is
equipped with blankets, first aid equipment, food, flashlights, and bottled water; your children would be kept very safe and
warm.
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ABUSE AND NEGLECTBy federal law, anyone working in Early Childhood is a MANDATED REPORTER. we are obligated by the State of
Colorado Department of Human Services to report such suspicions to the Adams County Department of Social Services.
Our first concern is the safety of your child, and if we suspect he/she has been subjected to abuse or neglect, we will file a
report to proper authorities. Reporting suspicions of child abuse and neglect is always difficult. If we have questions
regarding physical marks on your child or changes in your child’s behavior, we will talk to you. All parents want the best
for their children. Sometimes, abuse is intentional, and sometimes, it is not. In any case, the child MUST be protected.
We will try to respect your values and methods of child rearing within the bounds of safety and responsible child care
practices. However, if it becomes apparent that the child is being harmed, as a licensed child care, we are required by
federal law to report such cases. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DELIBERATELY MAKE A FALSE REPORT OF CHILD
ABUSE!
Most licensed facilities make every effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for children. Unfortunately, on rare
occasions, an incident of abuse may occur. If you believe that your child has been abused, you should seek immediate
assistance from your county department of social services. The telephone number to report child abuse in Adams county
is: 303-412-5212 Department of Protective Services M-F 8 AM-4:30 PM or Police Dispatch after hours.
COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS CHILD CARE FACILITYTo file a complaint about this facility; Contact:
The Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care
1575 Sherman Street
Denver, CO 80203-1714
Or call (303) 866-5958 or 1-800-799-5876
26-6-114
Civil Penalties - Fines – Child Care Cash Fund Created
(1)
In addition to any other penalty otherwise provided by law, any person violating any
provision of this part 1 or intentionally making any false statement or report to the department or to
any agency delegated by the department to make an investigation or inspection under the provisions of
this part 1 may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than one hundred dollars a day to a maximum
of ten thousand dollars.
(2)
The amount of the civil penalties to be assessed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section
shall be set in rules and regulations promulgated by the department.
(3)
Each day in which a person is in violation of any provision of this plan 1 may constitute a
separate offense.
(4)
The department may assess a civil penalty in conformity with the provisions and procedures
specified in article 4 of title 24, C.R.S.; except that all hearings conducted pursuant to this section shall
be before an administrative law judge of the department, who shall render his or her recommendation
to the executive director of the department who shall render the final decision of the department.
(5)
The fines collected pursuant to this section, section 26-6-108 (2) and (2.7), and section 266108.5 (1) (c) shall be transmitted to the state treasurer, who shall credit the same to the child care cash
fund, which fund is hereby created in the state treasury. All interested derived from the deposit and
investment of moneys in the fund shall be credited to the fund. At the end of any fiscal your, all
unexpended and unencumbered moneys in the fund shall remain therein and shall not be credited or
transferred to the general fund related to the improvement of the quality of child care in the state of
Colorado.
FALSE COMPLAINTS CAN LEAD TO CHARGES BEING FILED. MAKE SURE ANY
COMPLAINT THAT YOU FILE IS TRUE!
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List of Resources Available For Check Out
Parenting Advice1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
How to Talk to Kids So They Will Listen
How to Teach Kids to Follow Rules
How to Listen So Kids Will Talk
How to Detect and Prevent Child Abuse
Tender Times for Tots
Do It Right, A Positive Guide for Discipline
All Star Parenting
Understanding Child Behaviors
Positive Discipline and Behavior Techniques
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
How to Fight Those Nasty Germs
Understanding Baby From Age Zero to Three
Safety in the Home
Positive Discipline and Behavioral Techniques
Understanding Baby From Age Zero to Three
Infant & Toddler Emergency First Aid: Vol. 2:
Illnesses
16. Better Baby Care
17. Project Self Esteem
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Meeting the Challenge: The ADD/ADHD Child
Raising a Sensory Smart Child
So This Is Normal- Working Out Developmental Issues in Young Children
The Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom- Easy Ways to Adapt Learning Centers for ALL Children
The Out of Sync Child- Sensory Integration Processing Disorder
The Out of Sync Child Has Fun
Adapt My World
Successfully Parenting Your Baby with Special Needs: Early Intervention: Ages Birth-3
26.
Nature Explorer Add New Dimensions to
Learning DVD
Nature Explorer Learning with Nature
DVD
Elmo’s Potty Time DVD
Potty Power DVD
Once upon a Potty for HER DVD
Once upon a Potty for HIM DVD
I can go potty DVD
10 Things every child needs DVD
The Baby Whisperer DVD
Happiest Baby on the Block DVD
Challenges-
DVDs27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD
Child Development, the first 2 years DVD
Say it with a sign DVD
Brighter Baby DVD
Child Safety DVD
Baby and Parent Nursery:
Languages/Numbers Playtime DVD
42. Baby and Parent Nursery: Ages/Stages
Playtime DVD
43. Baby Talk: The Video Guide for New
Parents DVD
44. Infant and Child CPR DVD
Arts, Crafts, and Activities45. Make Your Own Play dough, Paint, and
other Craft Materials
46. Primetimes for Infant and Toddler
Programs
47. The Big Book of Play
48. Do It Yourself Early Learning
49. Play by Lisa Murphy
50. Big Fun Craft Book
51. Preschool Art
52. First Art
53. Making Toys For Infants And Toddlers
54. Making Toys For Preschoolers
55. Science Play
56. Little Hands Art Book
57. Rhymes, Songs, Poems, Finger plays And
Chants
58. Kid Concoctions and Contraptions
59. The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions
60. The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions 2
61. The Ultimate Book of All Occasion
(Holiday) Concoctions
62. The Really Big Book of Amazing Things
to Make and Do
63. The Ultimate Show Me How Activity
Book
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
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Creative Resources for Infants and
Toddlers
Do It Yourself Early Learning
Infant and Toddler Development and
Responsive Program Planning A
Relationship Based Approach
The Complete Daily Curriculum for Early
Childhood
The Complete Resource Book for
Toddlers and Twos
Even more Fizzle, Bubble, Pop and
WOW! Simple Science for Young
Children
A Guide to Social-Emotional Growth and
Socialization
The Complete Resource Book for
Preschoolers
Caring for Children in Family Childcare
Secure Relationships Nurturing
Infant/Toddler Attachment in Early Care
Settings
Infant and Toddler Experiences
Creative Curriculum for Family Child
Care
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
Creative Curriculum for Infants and
Toddlers
Every day Early Learning
Relationships, the Heart of Quality Care
Creative Resources for the Early
Childhood Classroom
Backyard Adventure How to Create
Outdoor Play Spaces for Kids
Outdoor Play Teaching Strategies with
Young Children
Outdoor Play Every Day Innovative Play
Concepts for Early Childhood
Complete Handbook of Indoor and
Outdoor Games and Activities for Young
Children
Amazing Babies Essential Movement for
Your Baby in the First Year
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
Endless Opportunities for Infant and
Toddler Curriculum
Big Book Of Amazing Things To Make
And Do
Big Book Of Amazing Things To Do
Show Me How Activity Book
Look What I Can Make With Dozens of
Household Items
Handful of Lighting
Science is Simple
Ooeey Gooey Handbook
Ooeey Gooey Tooey
The Big Book of Play for Little Learners
Ready, Set, Grow! A Preplanned Calendar
of Preschool Activities
Sensational Circle Time Stories
Early Childhood Teacher Resources97.
98. The Visionary Director
99.
Emotional Connections How
Relationships Guide Early Learning
100. A Guide to Setting Up Environments
101. A Guide to Cognitive Development and
Learning
102. A Guide to Creating Partnerships With
Families
103. Understanding Your Childs Sexual
Behaviors
104. Teach with Zest – Curriculum Basics
105. From Neurons to Neighborhoods
106. The Diary of Laura- A Look Into Reggio
Emelio
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
114.
115.
Revolution, Evolution, VolutionGuiding Children’s Potential By Opening
Hearts Of Joy
Designs For Living And Learning
From Parents To Partners
Caring Spaces, Learning Places
Brain Rules For Baby
Partners In Play
Smart Moves- Why Learning Is Not All
In Your Head’
Stress Management for Caregivers and
Children
Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect
Any toy or children’s book from our program is also available to be
checked out as a toy lending library for a one week period.
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WHAT IS THE QUALISTAR RATING AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The Qualistar Rating™ is Colorado's Quality Rating System (QRS) that measures the quality of child care programs in
Colorado on a provisional to 4-Star scale. The benefits of high quality early learning experiences for children appeal to both
early childhood programs and families. By participating in the Qualistar Rating™ programs receive a detailed Quality
Performance Profile© (QPP) that includes strengths and areas for improvement specific to their program and classrooms.
Long Term Benefits of High Quality Early Childhood Experiences
Research over almost 50 years shows the following long-term economic and social benefits of providing high quality early
childhood experiences:
 Enhanced school readiness and reduced racial, ethnic and socio-economic achievement gaps

Reduced special education costs

Increased high school graduation rates

Reduced crime rates over time, with a very significant impact on public spending

Increased employment, income and tax contribution levels

Decreased public health care, welfare and child care expenses

Reduced grade repetition
Qualistar Colorado and its Qualistar Rating™ team partner with programs on the assessment phase of their quality
improvement journey. Evidence of a high quality early learning experience can be found in many aspects of a program. Strong
Family Partnerships, age-appropriate learning experiences, positive interactions between teachers and children, effective health
and safety procedures, and the ongoing training and education of the program staff are just some of the critical areas that
contribute to the quality of care provided to children and families. These and other criteria are assessed per program by the
Rating team.
Colorado's quality rating system, Qualistar Rating™, is available to all child care programs licensed by Colorado’s
Department of Human Services. It is NOT a different type of license or a substitute for licensing or accreditation. The intent of
the Qualistar Rating™ is to give licensed programs a measurement of quality, by star levels, and recommendations on how to
improve the quality of the care they provide. Accreditation by a national accrediting agency is a separate process that has its
own set of standards and validation system.
In the Qualistar Rating™ process, programs are evaluated on five different quality components. These components include:
Learning Environment
A total of 10 quality points can be earned for the Learning Environment component, and points are awarded based on average
scores obtained through the ECERS-R©, ITERS-R© or FCCERS-R© observation. Classroom observations are unannounced
and can occur any time during the scheduled one-month observation window. However, programs can identify dates (if needed)
that do not represent a typical day (e.g. a fieldtrip, head teacher has a scheduled absence). The Quality Rating Specialist will not
conduct an observation on these dates.
Family Partnerships
A total of 10 quality points can be earned for Family Partnerships. The point value for this Qualistar Rating™ component is
calculated based on scores from family partnerships questionnaires and program documentation. For early learning programs to
receive points, at least 60 percent of the questionnaires distributed must be returned. For family child care programs, 75 percent
of questionnaires distributed must be returned.
Training and Education
A total of 10 quality points can be earned for Training and Education. Points are awarded to teachers, family child care
providers, and center administrators based on their highest level of professional development and amount of work experience,
with criteria separated by position.
Adult-to-Child Ratios and Group Size
A total of 10 quality points can be earned for Adult-to-Child Ratios and Group Size. Eight points can be earned for Ratios and
two points can be earned for Group Size. The point value for this Qualistar Rating™ component is calculated by tracking the
average ratios and average group size in each classroom. Eight ratio and group size counts are taken for full-day programs and
four ratio and group size counts are taken for part-day programs.
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Growing Minds Child Care and Preschool
Enhancing your child’s life through learning.
REFERENCES FOR GROWING MINDS CHILD CARETony and Jenny Pergola- 303-503-9027
Elizabeth and Dylan Eiler - 303-907-9257
Paul and Tammy Bury- 720-841-7984
Rob and Tara Quertermus- 720-495-6922
Jason and Breanne Harry- 303-521-8214
Dave and Brandi Richards - 303-244-5811
Amber Montano- 720-280-9861
Diana Woods - 720-335-3612
Handbook Version 1-14
(Use this version information on your enrollment paperwork)
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