HEALTH APPRAISAL & IMMUNIZATION STATUS:

The Macomb County Health Department, by law, establishes the requirements for immunizations children need to attend any childcare facility in Michigan. The Health Department does routine checks to make sure all centers are in compliance with the law. If your child has not met the minimum requirements for immunizations, he/she will be excluded from the program until the requirements are met.

At the time of your child’s initial attendance, you must provide the following documents to be kept on file at Wee Love:

• Child Information/Emergency Card
• Signed, written permission to seek emergency care, unless the parent objects on the basis of religious beliefs
• Pick-up/Release Form indicating all individuals to whom Wee Love may release your child
• Health Appraisal
• Lunch Agreement
• Certificate of Immunization

Before the initial day of attendance, the parent will provide a Certificate of Immunization showing a minimum of at least one dose of each immunizing agent specified by the Health Department. These certificates will be kept on file at Wee Love. If a child has been in attendance for four months, an updated certificate showing the completion of all additional immunization requirements, as specified by the Health Department, will be on file at Wee Love unless there is a signed statement by a licensed physician or his/her designee stating immunizations are in progress. Within thirty days of initial attendance, one of the following documents will be provided to Wee Love by the parent and kept on file at Wee Love (documents provided under this rule will be updated, as needed, but not less than once per year):
• Parents of children ages from birth through 2 ½ years will provide a document signed by a licensed physician or his/her designee that a physical evaluation has been made within the preceding 3 months and updated every year. Activity restrictions will be noted. In lieu of subsequent medical evaluations a written report from a periodic screening program, approved by the Health Department, may be used.
• Parents of children ages 2 ½ years to school age will provide a document signed by a licensed physician or his/her designee that a physical evaluation has been made within the preceding 12 months and updated every year. Activity restrictions will be noted. A written statement from the parent that the child has completed, or has an appointment to take part in, a health care program approved by the Health Department will also be acceptable.

MEDICATIONS:

The F.I.A. governs childcare centers with certain policies regarding the administration of medication to children. We adhere to these policies, by law, for the protection and safety of your child.

• Before any medication may be administered to your child, you must first complete a “Medical Release Form”.
• All medications must be stored in original containers, with prescription medication marked with the pharmacy label. The label must state all the following information: date, child’s name, type of medication, expiration date, administration instructions and dosage and the name and telephone number of the prescribing physician.
• Written parental permission and instructions are required allowing us to administer dietary supplements and any non-prescription medications, such as ointments, teething gels, powders, etc.
• All medications will be given by the child’s primary caregiver, the Director or Assistant Director ONLY.
• If your child is taking a new medication, we ask that you administer the medication to your child at least 24 hours prior to attending Wee Love in order to provide ample time for you to observe your child’s reaction to the medication.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES:

There is a chance that your child may be in contact with communicable diseases since your child will be in contact with many children throughout the day. The list of possible diseases could include: Chicken Pox, Encephalitis, Hepatitis, Impetigo, Influenza, Lice, Measles, Meningitis, Mononucleosis, Mumps, Pink Eye, Ringworm, Rubella, Scabies, Scarlet Fever, Strep Throat, Whooping Cough or others. If your child is ill with any contagious disease, please call us AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. A signed physician’s note will be required stating your child is no longer contagious before he/she can return to Wee Love. Make-up days are not allowed for any reason.

ALLERGIES:

You are responsible to note any allergies your child may have, in writing, on the emergency card and enrollment forms. This includes allergies to medications, foods and/or environment. The staff is better able to determine the difference between a sick child and one suffering from allergies, if properly informed of the child’s individual health status.

HEALTH SURVEILLANCE MEASURES:

An unhealthy child is not comfortable in an active environment. Wee Love is responsible for reporting to the parent any observed changes in their child’s health or any accidents that their child may have been involved in. We will observe and make you aware of any unusual signs in your child’s behavior or any of the following symptoms: pale or flush skin color, unusual number of bowel movements, headaches, stomach aches, ear aches, rashes, hives, bumps, running nose, elevated temperature, wheezing, coughs, vomiting, gagging, lack of energy during play or any sign of distress (i.e., excessive crying). Not all cases will lead to dismissal for the day, but will be monitored and recorded for future reference.

The caregiver will place a child, who is too ill to remain in the group, in a separate area where he/she may be comfortably cared for and supervised until taken home or suitably cared for elsewhere. Items, including cots, bedding, utensils and toys used by the ill child will be removed from the room. Toilets and lavatories used by the ill child will not be used by any other person until those facilities have been thoroughly cleaned. The caregiver will contact you when these measures are necessary.

When your child is too ill to come to Wee Love for the day, you are required to contact us before 9:00 a.m., in order to give the staff adequate time to adjust to the change in their schedule. Please notify us of the nature of the illness and the anticipated length of time your child will be absent. Your child will not be allowed to return to Wee Love until his/her body temperature has been less than 100 degrees for a 24-hour period.

DUE TO VACATION:

Wee Love Daycare and Learning Center’s fiscal year runs from September through August. Because Wee Love is holding a spot for your child, we must charge for vacations. Anytime a child is absent for a full week, half-tuition must be paid to hold a spot for your child.

Wee Love requires a written two-week notice prior to you removing your child from the program for vacation. A “Vacation Request Form” may be obtained from the staff. We cannot guarantee your child’s enrollment if proper notification has not been given regarding vacation time.

DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS:

In the event of inclement weather, Wee Love will post any closings on cancellations.com. Parents are advised to set up email notification by following the steps listed below and then check their email on those days when the weather seems menacing. If parents do not have access to email, please call Wee Love at (586) 296-7102 to arrange another method of communication.

Steps to Set up Email Notification for Wee Love Day Care Closings:

• Go to the web site cancellations.com
• Under “Email Notifications,” click on “join for free”
• Enter your information and click on “accept and submit”
• Check your information and click on “accept and submit”
• Check your email for the password that cancellations.com has sent you
• Return to cancellations.com
• Under “Email Notifications,” click on “login”
• Under “Already Registered” enter your email address and the password given to you via email
• Under “Manage your cancellations.com visitor account” click on “Your name, address, login email, password, etc.”
• Change your password to something that is easy to remember and click “save”
• Click “Visitors Home Page”
• Click “Find additional organizations to sign up for”
• Find Wee Love Day Care and Learning Center and click “Add”
• Return to “Visitors Home Page”
• Go to “Current organizations you are signed up for”
• Wee Love should now be listed
• You are now set to receive email notification if Wee Love closes due to weather

If your child becomes too ill to remain at Wee Love, as indicated previously in the handbook, you will be contacted immediately. If you cannot be reached, the staff will contact the person designated on the emergency card on file at Wee Love.

EMERGENCY INJURY:

All caregivers and staff have certified training in CPR and First Aid. Emergency medical care will be secured, if deemed necessary. Parents are required to sign emergency care forms that will be kept on file at Wee Love. Parents will be notified immediately if any injury or serious accident occurs. If you cannot be reached, we will contact the person designated on the emergency card on file at Wee Love.

FIRE/TORNADO EMERGENCIES:

Wee Love has posted emergency procedures and evacuation plans in a conspicuous place in the classrooms. All staff members will be informed of their duties and responsibilities if an emergency occurs. Emergency procedures will be reviewed with the staff at least twice a year. Wee Love conducts fire drills four times a year, to assure prompt evacuation of the building in case of fire. Wee Love also conducts a tornado drill at least once during the year.

EMERGENCY PICK-UP:

Wee Love will not release your child to anyone not listed on the emergency card. In the event that someone not on the emergency card is picking your child up at your request, we require you to notify the Director or Assistant Director by telephone and written permission via fax, in order for your child to be released. The person picking up your child will be asked to show valid picture identification before we will release your child to their care. Please give the person picking your child up instructions concerning the procedures and guideline requirements for departure.

We are not responsible for any lost or missing articles of clothing left at Wee Love. It is advised that all clothing your child wears be labeled. You must provide the following items for your child:

• One complete change of clothes, labeled with your child’s name. Parents need to check occasionally to assure that the extra clothing is weather appropriate. If clothing is used, parents are responsible for replacing the change of clothes the following day.
• One shoebox labeled with your child’s name for storing extra clothing.
• Extra diapers and wipes, and/or training pants, all labeled with your child’s name.

OUTERWEAR:

You are expected to properly dress your child for seasonal, outdoor play. The following are recommended items:
• Winter: Heavy coat, hat, gloves, scarf and boots
• Spring: Sweater and raincoat or water-repellent spring coat
• Summer: Bathing suit, towel, sunscreen and water-shoes
• Fall: Lightweight coat or heavy sweater and gloves

FORMULA, MILK AND FOOD:

You are expected to provide your child daily with a nutritional, boxed lunch including beverage. Parents of infants will provide a daily supply of all formula and/or milk and baby food, according to the guidelines listed below:

• Milk or formula will be prepared and placed in an assembled bottle unit before being brought to Wee Love and labeled with your child’s name and date.
• Each bottle and nipple you supply will be used for a single feeding only and returned to you daily.
• All food containers and bottles must be labeled with your child’s name and date.
• All children unable to hold his/her bottle will be held in the caregiver’s arms during feeding.
• Solid foods will be introduced to the individual child according to the parent’s or licensed physician’s instructions.

• You are required to clearly label all bottles of formula or breast milk with your child’s name and the date.
• Only bottles labeled properly and dated for the present day will be used.
• Infants will be fed expressed breast milk or iron-fortified formula, on demand, unless a parent provides written instructions stating otherwise. All infants will be held in the caregiver’s arms during feeding. Older infants will be fed in a sitting position.
• Breast milk will be thawed under cold running water or in a refrigerator and must be warmed in a separate container from any other bottle, to avoid contamination.
• Bottles will be warmed in a crock-pot, using warm water only. Bottles will not be permitted to stand at room temperature for extended periods of time, to avoid spoilage.
• All reusable bottles, nipples, bottle caps and other utensils will be sent home daily to be washed and sanitized by the parent.

TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS:

• Children and staff properly wash their hands before all meals and snacks.
• All food, including snacks and beverages, meet or exceed the F.I.A. standards of nutrition.
• All food is cut in appropriate sizes, to avoid choking.
• Children are not forced to eat. Food is not used as a reward or punishment.
• All meals are served family style.
• Children who are in care for 4 to 6 hours are served 1 meal and 1 snack. Children who are in care for 7 to 10 hours are served 1 meal and 2 snacks or 2 meals and 1 snack.

Children 12 months old and younger sleep in cribs with side rails and firm mattresses. As the children grow older, they transition to cots. Rocking chairs are provided for staff use when comforting and quieting the children.

RECORDS:

Wee Love maintains a continuing record of children up to 30 months of age in the areas of food intake, sleeping patterns, bowel movements. Developmental milestones, such as sitting, smiling, focusing on objects, first word, crawling and walking will be recorded and given to the parent daily.

DIAPERING AND TOILET TRAINING:

You are expected to supply all diapers and wipes labeled with your child’s name. Diapers should be disposable and the correct size for your child. The caregiver changes your child’s diaper when they are soiled or wet.

Toilet training is planned cooperatively between you and the child’s primary caregiver. This ensures the toilet training routine established is consistent between Wee Love and the child’s home.

Wee Love maintains an “open door” policy. You are welcome to visit your child anytime.

BIRTHDAYS:

Birthdays are very important days for children. We will work with you to make your child’s birthday a special time. You are welcome to provide a birthday snack for the children at Wee Love, but are asked to obtain approval from your child’s primary caregiver in advance.

“SHOW AND TELL” / POSSESSIONS BROUGHT FROM HOME:

Children are not permitted to bring toys from home. These items can easily get lost or broken in an environment with so many children.

Children will, however, have opportunities to bring special toys on “Show and Tell” days. The caregiver in your child’s room will designate these special days and notify you in advance. Wee Love requires that all items be labeled with your child’s name. We reserve the right to exercise discretion as to the admission of items for “Show and Tell”. Weapons of any kind are never allowed at Wee Love.

HOLIDAYS:

We believe it is important and educational to celebrate various holidays. Being an organization founded in the Christian faith, we will celebrate certain holidays from a Christian perspective. The holidays we acknowledge are: Christmas (teaching the birth of Jesus), Easter (the death and resurrection of Jesus), Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Independence Day. Halloween will be celebrated as a Harvest Hoedown with a Christian perspective. There are guidelines concerning costumes. You will be contacted in advance if the primary caregiver chooses to have a small party for any of these occasions.

FIELD TRIPS / SPECIAL EVENTS:

Field trips and special events are planned periodically throughout the year. Your child will need prior authorization by the Director to attend any field trips or special events not scheduled on his/her contract day.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PLAY:

Children enrolled at Wee Love will engage in outdoor and indoor gross motor activities daily. Please send your child in seasonally appropriate and comfortable clothing for these activities. All children are expected to participate in outdoor play unless you provide Wee Love with a doctor’s notice stating otherwise.

DEPARTURE:

Your child will be very excited and proud of all of his/her accomplishments at the end of the day. Please follow these guidelines when picking up your child.
• Pick up your child in the appropriate room and sign him/her out. Review daily activities, giving proper praise and collect all projects and belongings.
• Inform caregiver of your departure with your child.* Remember to sign your child out and check your child’s mailbox for any pertinent updates.

? Wee Love Daycare and Learning Center is not responsible for your child after they have been signed out of Wee Love.

To ensure that your child has a pleasant and safe arrival in the morning hours, we ask that you follow these guidelines:
• Please drop-off and pick-up your child in the circle-drive parking lot; turn into the driveway and pull all the way forward or in the Daycare Nursery and Staff Entrance lot (see map). When exiting the driveway, observe the “Left Turn Only” policy. Avon Street may not be used as a thoroughfare per city ordinance.
• Walk your child to their room and sign them in immediately.* This will give them the assurance that you will return later. Assist the children in putting away their coats, outer garments and other supplies.

? Wee Love Daycare and Learning Center is not responsible for your child if you do not walk them into their room & sign them in for the day.

FOOD:

All meals at Wee Love are supervised. Your child is served a nutritious boxed lunch (brought from home) according to the previous written agreement. In the case of a forgotten lunch, one will be provided at the cost of $2.00 per meal. This cost will be added to your child’s tuition. Wee Love provides two nutritious snacks, including beverage. One is served in the morning and one is served in the afternoon. All food and beverages provided by Wee Love are posted in each classroom and meets or exceeds the requirements set by the F.I.A.

We recommend that you feed your child a substantial, healthy breakfast before coming to Wee Love, as breakfast will not be formally served. If your child arrives at Wee Love before 8:00 a.m., you are responsible for bringing a nutritious, ready-to-serve breakfast, including a beverage.

REST TIME:

The F.I.A. requires Wee Love to provide adequate rest periods for all children enrolled in our program. We provide a cot and a separate designated area for storage of your child’s bedding. You are expected to provide the following: one sheet (port-a-crib sheet for those 2 ½ years and younger, crib sheet for those 3 years and older), small pillow, blanket, canvas or nylon bag or pillowcase to contain bedding (no paper bags, please) and one special rest item, such as a stuffed animal, if desired. You are responsible for taking bedding home on Fridays to be laundered and returned by Monday morning.