Connie McCulloughs Family Child Care Home

Connie McCullough
3910 Cobblestone Lane N.W. Rochester, MN 55901
507-273-0310
mcmemcc@gmail.com
PHILOSOPHY:
I believe the most important thing for a child is to feel safe, loved, and that they are
important. I feel that children learn best by exploring using their senses and having
fun while learning. The children will learn their colors, numbers, letters, shapes, etc.
through their play. Examples-games, blocks, crafts, books, music, movement. Your
child will get dirty at daycare so please dont dress them in clothes that you dont
want to get dirty. I also feel that social development is very important as children
will need to know how to get along with others, problem solve, share and how to
handle their anger appropriately.
CREDENTIALS:
I received my Child Development diploma from Rochester Technical College and my
Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Rochester Community College. I worked at a
daycare center for 21 years, spending time with all ages. When my first child was
born, I decided to do daycare in my home so that I could be home with my own
children. I have been doing in home daycare for 19 years.
DAYS AND HOURS:
6:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For security reasons, the front door
will be locked between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
LATE PICKUP POLICY:
If you pick your child up after 5:30 p.m. there will be a late fee of $10.00 charged
for every 15 minute interval.
VACATION AND SICK DAYS:
In January I will try to give you a list of MOST of my vacation days for the year. For
the days I decide to take off that are not listed, I will try to give you at least a two
week notice. You will pay for my following vacation days: Friday before Mothers
Day, July 1, August 7, Day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, plus 5 other days
that I will designate on the vacation calendar. Vacation days other than those listed
will be unpaid. If any of these days fall on a Saturday, I will take the Friday before
off, and if it falls on a Sunday, I will take the following Monday off. You do not pay for
my sick days.

You will pay for any vacation and sick days that your child takes.

HOLIDAYS:
I will be closed on the following holidays, which will be paid holidays: New Years
Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas
Day. If these days fall on a Saturday, I will be closed the Friday before, and if the
holiday falls on a Sunday, I will be closed the following Monday.
NAPTIME:
Each child is given his/her own sleeping mat and blanket. Your child may bring a
special blanket or stuffed animal to sleep with if they wish. Children are not
required to sleep, but are asked to have a quiet time.
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING:
I am required by law to report suspected physical, sexual and mental abuse or
neglect to the department of Social Services.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE POLICY:
The use or abuse of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication or to be under the
influence of such drugs is not permitted by those caring for children in my care.
Also, if you arrive to pick up your child and you are under the influence of such
drugs you will not be able to take your child and will be asked to call someone else
to pick up your child.
SMOKING:
No smoking is allowed in my home or on my property during childcare hours.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
I do not discriminate in relation to admissions on the basis of sex, race, color,
national origins, or religion.
EMERGENCY PLAN:
We practice monthly fire drills and storm drills. In case of fire we will meet by the
mail boxes. During severe storm warnings we will meet in the basement or lower
level bathroom.
FIELDTRIPS:
We do take field trips depending on the number of children I have. On these days
you will be asked to leave a car seat for your child. Seat belts will be worn at all
times and children will never be left alone in the vehicle.
VISITS:

Parents are encouraged to come and visit at any time. If there is a special time you
would like to visit, such as a birthday, to help with a field trip or do an activity with
the children that would be great.

PETS:
We have a dog, Miranda and 2 cats, Willie and Chester. The pets are kept upstairs
during daycare hours.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Notify me in case of illness.

Provide an extra set of clothing to be stored at my home.
Provide disposable diapers, wipes and ointment.
Notify me in writing of changes in immunization records, telephone numbers,
and addresses.
5. Let me know in advance if anyone other than you will be picking up
your child. I will not allow your child to go with anyone who is
unauthorized. These people will be asked to show identification.
6. Remember to sign in when you bring your child and to sign your child out
when picking them up at the end of the day.
7. Supply appropriate outside clothing for each season.
8. Check box daily for papers and take them home.
9. Keep me posted on any changes in the family that might have an effect on
your childs behavior.
10.Putting sunscreen on your child before bringing them to daycare during the
warmer months.
MEALS:
I am on the federally funded food program. In order to participate in this program I
must complete 2 hours of training in food related areas each year and have my
home visited 3 times per year. This program insures that your child will receive well
balanced and nutritious meals and snacks. The parents of all children enrolling in
my home must sign a child enrollment food program form. For this reason, children
should not bring food from home except with prior approval from me. I provide
breakfast, lunch and snack to those children present at that time. I do encourage
the children to try all foods at each meal.
ILLNESS:
Your child will need to stay home if he/she:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Has a temperature of 100 or higher.

Flu symptoms.
Severe cold.
Contagious illness.
Waiting the results of a throat culture.
Until they have been on medication for 24 hours for strep.
If they have more than 2 runny stools in a row.

If your child develops an illness while in my care, he/she will be isolated from the
other children and I will contact you immediately so that you can make
arrangements to pick them up. Please notify me within 24 hours of the diagnosis
of any contagious illness so that I can notify the other parents. Remember, if
your child was well you would not want them exposed to something contagious.
Please respect the other children that are healthy and dont expose them to what
your child may have or is coming down with.
BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE:
Physical punishment is never allowed. Preventing mistaken behavior is
emphasized through adjusting the environment and the daily activities to avoid
problems and conflicts from arising. The following guidelines will be followed:
1. Make the children aware of behavioral expectations:
A. No hurting friends.
B. Treat property with respect.
C. Proper language will be used.
D. Safety.
2. Assist the child by modeling the acceptable behavior.
3. Utilize positive reinforcement-hug, smile, and a word of appreciation.
4. Divert attention to another constructive activity.
5. Giving choices, a Love and Logic approach.
6. When the above choices fail, an immediate and related consequence will be
provided. Ex. Loss of turn to ride a bike, leaving the sandbox.
7. When a childs behavior threatens the well-being of that child or other
children, he/she will be removed from the group while remaining in sight
until behavior has been brought under control.