Child Care Guidelines
Check In/Check Out
Schedule (a rough outline)
Consistency is key with children and separation anxiety is normal and goes in phases. To reduce anxiety for both children and adults we have created the following schedule which will be adhered to in flow if not by time increments. We encourage you to review this with your children so they know when mommy will return to pick them up.
9:30-9:45am arrival/check in
9:30-10:30am free play
10:30-10:50am snack*
10:50-11:10am story time
11:10-11:30am craft
The children will say a prayer before their snack and the craft and story time may be religious in theme. Music will play in the room during free play.
*a healthy snack is provided for the children. Please note any allergies or foods to avoid so that they may be taken into account when planning. Your child will be served water unless you provide an alternative beverage in child’s own bottle/sippy cup.
Comfort
Diaper Changes/Potty Training
The sitters will change diapers and take trained children to the potty. If your child is potty trained, be sure to let them know that one if the sitters would be happy to take them to the bathroom. They should let one of the sitters know as soon as they feel the urge to go! If you are not comfortable with this policy, please notify sitters. Please bring a diaper every Thursday and put your child’s name on it. You can leave the diaper on the sign-in table. For any specific instructions, please note on the Child Care Registration Form.
Health & Safety
What you can expect from the Sitters
- Babysitting hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Child Care is for children Ages 3 months-5 years however children under one year of age may stay with their mother in the meeting room.
- Upon arrival – sign in your child on the form provided, place their belongings on the sign in table, check to be sure the health/info form is up to date and place a name label on your child’s back.
- Please limit what you leave in the room to: diaper, wipes, bottle/sippy cup, comfort item, change of clothes. These items should be labeled and placed in a Ziploc bag with your child’s name on it. (provided)
- At the conclusion of our meeting please pick up your child, sign him/her out on the form, and collect your belongings. Children are welcome to “hang out” with the moms as we clean up and chat after the meeting
- If for any reason, you take your child out of the room before 11:30 a.m., please remember to sign them out. The sitters are responsible for keeping track of the children and this is one way of doing so. If a sitter brings your child to you before 11:30 a.m. then they are responsible for signing the child out.
Schedule (a rough outline)
Consistency is key with children and separation anxiety is normal and goes in phases. To reduce anxiety for both children and adults we have created the following schedule which will be adhered to in flow if not by time increments. We encourage you to review this with your children so they know when mommy will return to pick them up.
9:30-9:45am arrival/check in
9:30-10:30am free play
10:30-10:50am snack*
10:50-11:10am story time
11:10-11:30am craft
The children will say a prayer before their snack and the craft and story time may be religious in theme. Music will play in the room during free play.
*a healthy snack is provided for the children. Please note any allergies or foods to avoid so that they may be taken into account when planning. Your child will be served water unless you provide an alternative beverage in child’s own bottle/sippy cup.
Comfort
- Children cry. To help the Sitters comfort your child in the most appropriate way, please be sure to indicate on the Child Care Registration Form how best to calm and soothe as well as what to avoid.
- Please do not re-enter the room after leaving your child. Sitters will bring the child to mom if the crying has lasted 5 minutes.
Diaper Changes/Potty Training
The sitters will change diapers and take trained children to the potty. If your child is potty trained, be sure to let them know that one if the sitters would be happy to take them to the bathroom. They should let one of the sitters know as soon as they feel the urge to go! If you are not comfortable with this policy, please notify sitters. Please bring a diaper every Thursday and put your child’s name on it. You can leave the diaper on the sign-in table. For any specific instructions, please note on the Child Care Registration Form.
Health & Safety
- Doors to the babysitting room are to remain closed at all times.
- Please do not bring children if they have been ill in the past 72 hours. Sitters will report any suspected illness.
- Per the Music Director, children are not allowed to play the piano that is in the room.
- If you have a child who knows how to open the door, please tell them not to leave the room.
- Please be sure your child has on protective footwear – flip flops discouraged.
- All toys are disinfected and blankets washed after each session.
What you can expect from the Sitters
- Greeting upon arrival and proactive approach to transitioning your child into the play area
- A short report upon pick up – letting you know what your child did and any causes for concern or celebration
- All Sitters have passed a background check in order to work for the Diocese.
- Respectful, professional behavior
- Care and concern for your child’s well being (and therefore yours)
- Creation of an environment where your child not only is safe but feels safe and secure