We know that choosing childcare is a big decision. That’s why we’ve developed clear, family-friendly policies to ensure consistency, safety, and strong communication. Below you’ll find a summary of key policies, plus links to the forms we’ll need to get started.

For full details, please download our Family Handbook.

Parental Involvement & Communication

We believe strong communication with parents is key to a successful daycare experience.

• We share updates through a combination of daily texts, photos, in-person conversations at pickup, and occasional e-mail newsletters.

• Parents are always welcome to reach out with questions or concerns. We’re happy to set up a time to talk if something needs more attention.

• Parents may visit during the day with advance notice to ensure it doesn’t disrupt the group or a napping child.

• We also encourage parent involvement in special projects, holiday activities, or just sharing a favorite storybook from home.

• We’re here to partner with you in your child’s learning and care!

Enrollment

To enroll your child, we require the following forms and documents:

• Signed Parent Agreement/Contract (PDF)

• Completed Registration & Emergency Information Form (PDF)

• Completed USDA Child & Adult Care Food Program Form (PDF)

• Authorization to Administer Prescription and Non-Prescription Medication (PDF)

• Early Childhood Health Assessment Record (PDF)

• Authorization to Allow Child to Leave Supervision (PDF)

• Authorization to Use Electronic Monitoring (PDF)

• Child Care Program Field Trip Authorization - Group (PDF)

Families are asked to keep records current. Immunizations and emergency contacts must be updated annually or as needed. Any necessary Allergy or Medical Care Plans should also be provided.

We offer a two-week trial period to ensure the program is the right fit. During this time, either the family or Miss Amber’s Daycare can decide to end the arrangement without penalty (deposit will be returned).

Fees & Payment Policies

For a full overview of tuition, payment options, late fees, and financial assistance, please visit our Programs & Services page. You’ll find current rates, payment schedules, and policies for deposits, withdrawals, and field trip costs.

Attendance & Scheduling

• We are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., with early or late care available for an additional fee.

• We ask that families arrive on time. Late drop-offs may miss key parts of the day, and early pickups may interrupt rest or group activities. Please give us a heads-up when possible.

• We offer full-time (4–5 days), part-time (2–3 days), and drop-in care (1–2 days) based on availability.

• A full calendar of holidays, vacation weeks, and professional development days is available in our Family Handbook.

• If your child will be absent, please notify us by text or phone by 7:30 a.m. We appreciate as much notice as possible.

Health & Safety

• Parents may visit during the day, with prior notice to minimize disruption.

• Children should stay home if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms.

• If a child becomes ill while in care, we’ll contact you to pick them up within 30 minutes.

• We administer medications only with written permission and instructions from a parent or physician.

• Our emergency plans cover everything from minor injuries to fire drills and natural disasters.

• All adults in the home have passed background checks, and staff are trained in CPR and First Aid.

Behavior & Guidance

• We believe in positive guidance—redirecting behavior, teaching emotional skills, and reinforcing expectations.

• We do not use time-outs as punishment. Instead, we offer cool-down spaces, calm conversations, and a chance to reset.

• For more serious behaviors (like biting or repeated aggression), we work closely with families to understand and support the child’s needs and follow the state mandated expulsion prevention policy with generally good results. However, on rare occasions, we may have to discontinue caring for a child in order to maintain the safety and well-being for other children in the program.