FAQ

General Business Information

What are your business hours?

Each family has their own schedule of hours based on their individual needs and this becomes their contracted schedule. The earliest and latest time that I am available is 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

What type of program do you provide?

I employ a developmental learning approach, emphasizing social-emotional, language, early literacy, early mathematics, visual & performing arts, physical development, health, history/social science, and early science skills crucial for school readiness. Everyday occurrences and play are utilized to reinforce learning.

I foster moral ethics, encouraging children to practice manners and values, including respect for others, belongings, and themselves. Additionally, I promote independence and self-sufficiency to instill confidence in completing tasks on their own.

Will I need to sign a contract?

All clients, including drop-ins, must sign a contract outlining guidelines and expectations, especially regarding daycare policies. Before signing, it's crucial to read, understand, and agree with these policies. If anything doesn't align with your needs, it suggests that my daycare may not be the best fit for you, and I may be able to refer you to someone who might be a better fit.

What if my schedule changes weekly?

Clients with varying weekly schedules occupy a full-time spot since I reserve all five days for their potential use. Consequently, they are charged for a full-time spot, even if their child doesn't attend all five days.

Are you licensed and why is that important?

Yes. I am licensed by the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division as a Small Family Child Care Home (FCC). Licensed childcare provides a safe and regulated environment, ensuring children's well-being. Licensed providers meet essential training and safety standards, and their facilities undergo regular inspections, promoting security and health. Parents can trust their children are in capable hands, receiving proper care and supervision. Licensing often reflects a commitment to ongoing education, enhancing childcare quality. Opting for licensed childcare gives peace of mind, knowing the facility prioritizes safety and holistic child development.

Unlicensed daycares can be risky for children as they might lack proper oversight and safety measures. Without licensing, there's a higher chance of caregivers not being adequately trained, environments not being safe, and emergency protocols not being sufficient. To ensure children get proper supervision and care while adhering to safety standards, parents are advised to choose licensed daycares. This helps protect children from potential dangers often associated with unregulated care settings.

Daily Routine & Schedule

When can I drop my child off and pick my child up?

Each family's needs are different and so a schedule of hours is created for each child. Those hours are called the child's "contracted schedule" and will be the hours which I will be available for care for that child.

Do you use vehicle transportation?

No. If we leave the daycare home we do so on foot and use strollers. These outings may include dropping-off and/or picking up my own children from school, field trips to nearby parks and playgrounds or just around the neighborhood.

Do you provide meals?

Yes. I serve breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and a light supper at scheduled times each day at no additional cost to you. Children must arrive on or before mealtimes if they are to participate in those meals.

Do you provide nap time?

Yes. Infants are napped on demand when they are tired.

All children from around 1 to 2 years and older have a scheduled time for nap and are required to lay down for 15 miutes. If they do not fall asleep they can then participate in quiet activities while the other children are napping.

Environment

What materials are available to my child?

Careful thought and planning has gone into choosing the toys & materials for my daycare. There is are dramatic play materials, art supplies, blocks, manipulatives, puzzles, and other toys and activities. Toys are rotated regularly so that the children don't become bored.

Where do the children sleep?

Infants sleep in their own designated pack'n'play typically until between the age of 18-24 months then move on to sleeping on mats. I provide each child with a blanket and pillow which I wash weekly or sooner if necessary.

Where do the children eat?

Bottle fed infants eat in my arms while I hold the bottle for them until they can hold a bottle on their own. When that happens they are given a bottle to drink either in a high chair or swing (in an upright position). They are not allowed to walk around with a bottle for sanitary reasons. Once infants eat first foods or table foods they are fed only in a high chair.

Children between 12-18 months and older eat at child-size tables and sit in child-size chairs. For sanitary reasons children are not allowed to walk around with food or drinks.

Communication

I'm not a client yet, can I visit without an appointment or arrive earlier or later than my appointment time?

For the safety of our clients' children, we do not allow unannounced tours or visits from non-clients. Tours are scheduled during non-business hours, and it is important to arrive on time as I may have other commitments before and after your appointment. Please call in advance if you are running late or need to reschedule.

I am a client, can I arrive and enter the daycare unannounced?

Yes! I have an "open door" policy, allowing parents to visit anytime their child is in care. For safety, doors are locked from the outside, but regularly scheduled clients receive an access code for entry.

How will I know if my child did well during the day?

I prioritize communication and will share important details about your child's day, including meals, bathroom use, and overall mood at pickup. For children under 12 months, I can provide daily logs on diaper changes, meals, and naps—just supply me with a sheet to fill out and I'll return it at day's end.

Health & Safety

What is the illness policy?

I run a well-child daycare. My illness policy is written with the best interest of all of the children and their families – sick and healthy. Children are excluded based on both symptoms and diagnosis. A full list of exclusions can be provided with details but here are some key highlights of the illness policy: children with a fever of 100.3 degrees or higher must stay at home until the fever is gone for 24 hours without the help of medication (meaning medication and fever free for 24 hours). Children must also stay home if they have vomited or had diarrhea.

What if my child gets sick while at daycare?

If a child shows signs of illness at daycare, I will make them comfortable and call the parent to pick up within 30 minutes. The child must stay home and be symptom free for at least 48 hours. The Policy Handbook has more details on the illness policy.

How do you handle falls and small injuries?

If a child is injured at daycare, I will apply ice to bumps and wash open cuts with soap and water and then apply a bandage. The parent will be notified at the end of the day.

What is your policy on immunizations?

I adhere to California State regulations and require all children to have up-to-date immunization records on file. If immunizations are behind, a signed catch-up plan with a deadline is necessary; failure to meet this deadline voids our childcare contract. Only medical exemptions are allowed—personal belief exemptions are not permitted by state law.

Is there an emergency plan in place?

I have an Emergency Plan in place for my daycare which is kept in my files. Feel free to ask me to see it or for a copy. Most of the Emergency Plan is included in the policy handbook as well.

Provider Training & Experience

How long has your daycare home been licensed?

I have been licensed since April 2010.

What training do you have?

Although California has no formal training requirements for family child care, I prioritize ongoing education in Child Development (CD) and Early Childhood Education (ECE). Through the Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP), I have over 50 hours of training and 15 college units in CD and ECE. Per law I take mandated reporter training and adult, child, and infant CPR and First Aid every 2 years.

Is the child care provider background checked?

Yes. The State of California requires that all family child care providers and applicants pass a criminal background check. This background check consists of both a criminal background check through the Department of Justice as well as through the Child Abuse Central Index.

Enrollment

How do I register my child?

Once you have decided to enroll your child at Helping Hands Childcare you simply need to complete a parent packet, sign a contract and submit both with the two-week security fee and payment for the first week of child care before your child's first day of attendance. A copy of the packet and forms can be emailed to you for your review.

How much do you charge?

Our daycare rates are based on a flat rate depending on the child's number of days of care they need each week. Visit our Tuition Information page for an idea of the current pricing.