Dear Parent/Guardian,

Welcome, and thank you for choosing my home child care. Please read this handbook carefully, as it outlines important information and policies. These policies help ensure a safe, respectful, and consistent environment for all children and families.

1. Unlicensed Home Child Care Disclosure

This child care program is not licensed by the Government of Ontario.

Under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, I am permitted to care for no more than five (5) children under the age of 13, not including my own children who are aged four years or older. Of these children, no more than three (3) may be under the age of two.

Unlicensed home child care is not inspected, monitored, or supervised by the Government of Ontario or a licensed home child care agency.

By signing this handbook, you acknowledge that you have been informed in writing that this child care is unlicensed.

2. Sick Policy (Children)

To protect the health of all children, sick children must stay home.

Children may not attend care if they have:

  • Fever (38°C / 100.4°F or higher)

  • Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours

  • Contagious illness (including flu, COVID-19, hand-foot-mouth, pink eye)

  • Any illness preventing participation in daily activities

Children may return once they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication, unless otherwise advised by a medical professional.

3. Provider Sick Days

If I am ill and unable to provide care:

  • Parents will be notified as soon as possible

  • No payment is required for days closed due to provider illness

  • Backup care is the responsibility of the parent/guardian

4. Payment Policy

  • Fees are charged based on the reserved child care space, not attendance

  • Payment is required even if a child is absent due to illness, vacation, or holidays

  • Payment schedule: __________________________ (weekly / biweekly / monthly)

  • Late or missed payments may result in late fees or termination of care

5. Holidays & Closures

Child care is closed on the following statutory holidays:

  • New Year’s Day

  • Family Day

  • Good Friday

  • Victoria Day

  • Canada Day

  • Civic Holiday

  • Labour Day

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Christmas Day

Additional closures:

  • Up to ______ weeks of provider vacation per year

  • Occasional emergency or personal days (notice given when possible)

Payment is required for all statutory holidays and provider vacation days.

6. Late Pick-Up Policy

Parents are expected to arrive on time for pick-up.

  • A late fee of $______ per ______ minutes will be charged after the scheduled pick-up time

  • Fees are payable immediately or added to the next payment

  • Repeated late pick-ups may result in termination of care

Late pick-ups affect the provider’s family time and daily schedule and will be enforced consistently.

7. Behaviour Guidance & Discipline Policy

This home child care uses positive guidance to support children’s social and emotional development.

Guidance methods include:

  • Clear expectations and routines

  • Redirection and problem-solving

  • Encouraging communication and emotional awareness

  • Age-appropriate consequences

The following are never used:

  • Physical punishment

  • Harsh or humiliating language

  • Threats, bribery, or punishment related to food, sleep, or toileting

If a child displays ongoing unsafe or disruptive behaviour, parents will be notified, and a plan will be discussed. If behaviour continues to compromise safety, care may be terminated.

8. Termination & Notice Policy

Parent/Guardian Termination

  • Two (2) weeks written notice is required to withdraw a child

  • Payment is required for the full notice period, whether or not the child attends

Provider Termination

I reserve the right to terminate care with two (2) weeks written notice.

Immediate termination may occur without notice or refund for:

  • Non-payment or repeated late payments

  • Repeated late pick-ups

  • Failure to follow policies

  • Unsafe, aggressive, or disrespectful behaviour

  • Providing false information about a child’s health or needs

  • Any situation compromising safety or well-being

9. Immediate Closure

In the event of serious illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances, care may be terminated or temporarily closed immediately. Parents will be notified as soon as possible.