You are encouraged to share your ideas and comments as we grow and learn together in this child care. Drop-off and Pickup times will often be hurried and hectic, I therefore, encourage you to schedule a more formal conference with me from time to time so that we can discuss your ideas and concerns. I would like to schedule some type of family night. I welcome suggestions and ideas from you on things we might do as a group. A newsletter "Dennis Days" is prepared periodically to inform and share what’s happening in our child care, child development issues, and legislative issues that will effect child care.

I will work cooperatively with the parent in potty training. Experience has shown me that children do a very good job of potty training themselves with just a little encouragement and positive reinforcement from adults. Potty training is started when the parents and I agree that the child is ready.

Dennis Family Child Care has zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. All children are treated equally and are respected as individuals. We are a culturally diverse child care and opportunities to teach about our diversity and build respect, self esteem, and future understanding of our differences is our goal.

Our child care takes a variety of field trips. Trips are planned to provide awareness of the world and of our community as it relates to the child. When we go on field trips every reasonable precaution with regard to safety is taken. We travel either by Public Transportation or special charter bus from the city of Carson. A notebook containing duplicate emergency forms is carried with a picture of each child. In the event of an emergency away from the child care your child will be cared for and you will be notified. We do ask for you signed permission to travel before any field trip.

Dennis Family Child Care is a participant in the Rainbow Comprehensive Food Program. Every attempt is made to provide enjoyable and nutritious meals for your child. A variety of food s are offered and your child will be encouraged to try new things, but not forced. The following meals are provided daily. Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and Snack: 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Occasionally, children will participate in a supervised activity in which they will be encouraged to help in the serving and preparation of a meal.

Parent Participation and Our Open Door Policy:

"Parenting is the most important job in the world", when you enlist our service to care for your child you give me the opportunity to become your partner in this important task. It is critical that we work together as a team. When your child enters our family child care you also become part of the child care family. We welcome and encouraged you to be a part of our daily routine at any time. Our door is always open to parents and grandparents.

When guidance is needed each child will be treated as an individual, consideration will be given to the child’s need and to his/her level of understanding.

Our goal in guidance will not be to punish a child for misbehavior, but to positively and effectively guide and train children to make good choices. We will endeavor to do this by training children with realistic expectations that are age appropriate.

We redirect negative behavior by praising good behavior, and by modeling good behavior in what we say and do for our children. No corporal punishment will be used, I.e.. spanking.

Parents must be our partners in the discipline and training process and help us in redirecting any problem areas.