Getting Started
The choice you make about your child’s early care and education is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Children have different personalities and needs. At Little Big Kid’s, my enrollment process is designed to allow you time to visit, to ask questions, to observe your child at play in his or her prospective classroom and to assess whether your expectations of the daycare are a good “fit.”
Initial Visit
Your first visit to the daycare will provide you with an opportunity to gather information about what my program has to offer and to discuss your family’s needs and expectations. This initial visit will either be at a scheduled open house or by appointment only. For the safety of the children enrolled, drop in visits are not permitted. All parents and/or guardians as well as the child you wish to enroll should be present at this visit. It is important for the provider to meet your family and get acquainted with the child for which care will be provided.
* see Forms page to view and print the list of forms that are required to enroll as well as other helpful childcare forms.
Welcome to the Program
Congratulations! Your child has been accepted into Little Big Kid’s Family Daycare! This means you received a personal acceptance letter and enrollment packet via USPS or email (chosen method at initial visit). Please keep in mind that interest in enrolling at Little Big Kid’s far exceeds the available daycare slots to be filled, therefore, once you receive an acceptance letter, you will have 24 hours to accept or decline enrollment before the slot is given to another candidate. Payment for your child’s last week of care is required in order to secure the slot but is not refunded should you change your mind for any reason.
Transition Plan
Once the decision to enroll has been made, you will need to make another appointment to enroll your child. At the second scheduled visit, we will review specific policies and procedures, sign an enrollment agreement, and plan for your child’s smooth transition from home to the daycare. Due to the nature of this visit I request that you find alternate care (if possible of course) for your child. All enrollment forms and required items from home are due at this visit in order to provide an easy transition on your child’s first day. I will provide care for a probationary period of 4 weeks (Mon-Fri). This trial period offers your family (and provider) opportunity to make certain we are all a good fit without having to adhere to the policy withdrawal procedures.
Your Child’s First Day
Children react differently to new situations. Your child may cry when you leave, but in most cases, the tears will end as soon as you turn the corner. Try to relax. When you leave, please go with a smile and a cheerful good-bye. You are welcome to call later in the day to speak with me. Many parents keep going back for one more kiss, reassuring their children over and over. Uncertainty on you part, however, can hinder your child’s adjustment. In all probability, your child will love the daycare and will look forward to coming each day. Please be assured that I will not allow your child to suffer prolonged unhappiness. You will be kept informed of your child’s successes or any adjustment difficulties as they occur.