Days and Hours of Operation
Always Busy Growing (ABG) Family Childcare Home is open for business Monday - Thursday each week. Daily hours are 7:30am - 4:30pm. Fridays are in service days but not open for childcare. Late parent fees may apply. Written authorization must be given in advance for a non-guardian to pick up a child from ABG.

ABG is closed on the following paid holidays: President's Day, Memorial Day, Family Vacation Week (Mid-June), Independence Day, Family Vacation Week (Last Week in August), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve through New Year's Day Week, and One floating holiday (TBA Each Year).

Rates and Tuition
Your child's position will be held and reserved for you for the days you sign up for, with a guaranteed rate, whether your child attends or not. Payment is due the first Monday of each month in advance of care. Please contact us for our current rates.

Trial Adjustment Period
Children and parents may need time to adjust to a new childcare environment. It is normal for children to experience some separation anxiety when a parent leaves. But a trial period of two weeks is given, before which the written agreement may be freely terminated by the parent for any reason.

Parent Input and Participation
ABG welcomes parent input and participation. Parents may choose to come with us on our walks, park visits, or other outings. A quarterly parent newsletter keeps parents informed on upcoming events, and offers info on children's growth. Weekly reports detail day-to-day activities. Yearly conferences are also available during the spring, and scheduled on parent or provider request.

Parents are welcome to call or leave a voice message during the day. For more lengthly conversations, parents may call after hours or schedule a conference. Parents have a right to bring any grievences to the provider or their licensing advocate. A private conference can be scheduled. ABG believes it's imperative to maintain excellent communication with parents to support a quality ongoing working relationship.

Clothing and Supplies
Two or three changes of seasonal clothing should be kept for each child in their cubby, marked with the child's name. Infants may require extra t-shirts and a variety of shirts/sweats, etc. No snap clothing or onesies may be used. Personal grooming items, diapers, wipes, sunscreens, bug repellants, pain relievers, and ointments are supplied by parents.

Meals
ABG participates in the federally funded childcare food program, keeping costs down and ensuring nutritious meals. All food is provided by ABG; please do not bring your own. We serve breakfast at 8:30am, lunch at 11:30-12:00, and an afternoon snack at 3:30pm. Children are not permitted to walk around with food for safety and sanitary reasons. Infants are fed on their own schedule, as often as needed.

Naps
During rest time (1:00pm - 3:00pm), infants, toddlers, and preschool children are required to take a nap. The older children will have quiet time. School age children engage in a quiet educational activity followed by an activity of their choice.

Illness and Emergencies
Sick children are not allowed in care, 24 hours from the last symptom. If a child becomes ill in care, the parent will be called and pick up their child within the hour. If a parent cannot be reached then an emergency contact will be called. By law, ABG is required to notify the Minnesota Department of Health of any positive diagnosis of a serious illness or disease, and parents are required to notify the provider immediately upon their own such diagnosis. In case of a child emergency, the parent will be notified, 911 may be called, and the child may be hospitalized. By law, ABG must also report suspected abuse or neglect to all appropriate agencies. ABG's storm and fire evacuation plan is posted near the back entrance; we practice drills which are logged monthly.

Upon provider illness or emergency, parents are notified as soon as possible. Parents need to have a "backup plan" for their child's care for such a situation. Two paid sick days per year (non-accurable) are reserved by the provider.

Drug Policy
Always Busy Growing is a smoke free environment. In addition, no one in our program will be allowed to care for children while under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances, including the abuse of prescription drugs. Written permission and valid prescription information must be provided by the parent before ABG will administer any medication to their child.

Discipline
Child guidance methods are used at ABG which include: modeling good behavior, talking about being a kind friend, asking questions, and reaffirming rules in a matter-of-fact way. Redirection works well for older toddlers. Occasionally, a "time to sit and think" is used when a repeated or more serious infraction occurs. Talking a problem through and an apology may be offered to the offended friend.

Discontinuation of Care
ABG reserves the right to terminate a child's care with or without written notice. When a parent decides to terminate care, a four-week written notice must be given, and an exit interview must be completed.