Grow & Learn

Frequently Asked Questions



How Do I contact you at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Telephone: (972) 757 4782
Address: 4805 SW 127th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73173
Email: krista.hernandez19@gmail.com

Please feel free to call or email us at anytime with any questions or concerns. Or if you prefer, if you have any additional questions, would like to place your child on our waiting list, or simply inquiring about childcare, please complete our contact form.

 

Is Grow & Learn Home Daycare Licensed to care for children?

Yes. My current license is displayed in the daycare. 

 

What is Grow & Learn Daycare's prices?

My current prices are: 

Ages 0-2: $185 per week

Ages 2 & up: $165 per week

Daily Price: $35

 

What are Grow & Learn Home Daycare's hours of operation?

We are open Monday through Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm.

 

How many vacations do you take each year?

I allot myself two weeks of vacation a year. Usually one week at a time. The dates of my vacation are posted at least one month in advance.

 

What Holidays does Grow & Learn Home Daycare observe?

• Martin Luther King Day

• Lincoln Day

• Washington Day

• Good Friday

• Memorial Day

• 4th of July

• Labor Day

• Columbus Day

• Veteran's Day

• Halloween (closed at 4:30pm)

• Thanksgiving Day

• Day after Thanksgiving

• Christmas Eve - New Year's Day (Christmas Break)

Note: If the holiday falls on a Saturday daycare will be closed the Friday before. If the holiday falls on a Sunday daycare will be closed the Monday after.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare take personal or sick days?

Yes, I allot myself five sick/personal days per year. I also use these days for my continuing education classes (CPR, Pediatric First Aid, etc) in order to keep my childcare license in good standing. Of course I will give you as much of an advance notice as possible.

 

Do parents still have to pay during vacations, holidays, and personal/sick days?

Yes, regular payment rates apply for my vacations, your vacations, weeks with holidays, and provider's sick/personal days.

 

How does Grow & Learn Home Daycare handle times when you are sick?

I am very rarely sick and if so I just work sick. I am quite used to it. I usually utilize my personal/sick days for the whole family stomach flu, continuing education, and personal affairs that can't be done at any other time.

 

What is Grow & Learn Home Daycare's sick child policy?

This is generally my policy for the common cold. For the health and safety of your child and all of the children in the daycare, please do not bring your child to daycare sick. In which case I in turn may become sick making it difficult to care for the children at the high standards that I have set for myself. I can only care for children with mild cold like symptoms that are otherwise feeling and acting well. Mild cold like symptoms are clear runny nose, slight cough, and a slight or no fever. If you are not sure if your child should be brought to daycare, then please call and check with me. If a child becomes ill during daycare hours the parents will be contacted to pick up their child. Parents need to pick up their children within one hour of being notified. If parents are not available, the emergency contact person will be notified.

Note: Once the child is removed from daycare due to illness, they may not return to daycare until symptoms requiring removal are no longer present. The child must also be void of any contagious disease, unless accompanied by a doctor's note stating the illness in question is not contagious, and the child is other wise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule.

A child with any of the following illnesses must be completely free of any symptoms before returning to daycare. If the child is taking antibiotics for an illness, the child may return to daycare after the initial 24 hours of beginning antibiotics as long as he or she has a slight to no fever (under 100F under the arm), no longer contagious, and is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule. Signs of illness include the following; unusual lethargy, irritability, persistent crying for no reason, runny nose (more than clear), cough (more than slight), difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, mouth sores, rashes (note from doctor stating non-contagious is ok), pink eye, chicken pox, mumps, measles, roseola, hepatitis A, impetigo, lice, ringworm, scabies, strep throat, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, shingles, and any other contagious disease or rash. Any child with a fever of 100 degrees or above, orally (in the mouth), or axillary (under the arm), may not attend daycare. State law requires that we notify parents of children who have been exposed to certain contagious diseases. Please notify us if your child becomes infected, so a note can be posted.

Note: A fever in and of itself is not all bad (given that it is not too high). A fever is your body's natural way of trying to protect it self against what ever virus or bacteria is attacking it. Illnesses that cause fevers cannot live in our body's abnormally hot environment. However, a fever is an obvious indicator that the child is sick and possibly contagious, therefore requiring exclusion from daycare.

 

What do the parents supply for their children at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Parents supply their child's diapers/pull-ups, wipes, diaper cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, formula, bottles, bed sheets, pillow, blanket, pacifier (if needed), comfort item for rest-time, and change of cloths.

 

What does Grow & Learn Home Daycare supply for the children?

We provide a fun, healthy, and happy environment, healthy food, beverage, and snacks,preschool curriculum, crafts, toys, fun activities, and sunscreen.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare provide a preschool program?

Yes, for children ages two through five, I offer a structured preschool curriculum provided by Mother Goose Time (a professionally planned preschool curriculum designed to be used in family childcare homes and centers). I supplement this curriculum with tons of enriching activities ranging from art and craft projects to games, songs, finger plays, storytelling, creative dramatics, exercises, science, shapes, numbers, colors, alphabet, and much more through various monthly themes. Some of these projects will be taken home to share with you, and others will be group activities that you can ask about. Here toddlers and preschoolers start their day with Morning Circle Time, where the children join together to discuss a daily topic, the weather and the day's exciting activities. During this time, children learn to listen, share, take turns, cooperate, express themselves, and give and receive feedback; giving them a chance to demonstrate what they are learning. I introduce one concept at a time in a logical natural sequence, so your child feels proud, not frustrated. I know that children learn best when they are actively involved. Therefore, I offer hands-on activities which are unique and knowledge building, providing a balance of important preschool skill experiences, all in an effort to help develop happy and confident children; children who smile while they sing, talk, dance, rhyme, count, play, create, and write. Your child will be well prepared for kindergarten and beyond, empowered to become a creative problem-solver and life-long learner.

 

What types of meals and snacks does Grow & Learn Home Daycare provide?

Each day I provide four nutritious and well balanced meals. I provide morning breakfast at 8:30am, morning snack at 10am, lunch at 12:30pm and afternoon snack at 4:00pm. Milk or juice is served with all the meals and snacks, and water is offered throughout the day. I also provide baby food for infants. The meals and snacks for each week constantly vary in order to ensure the children receive a well-balanced diet. The children are offered the food, but they will not be forced to eat. It is my goal to offer nutritious meals and snacks to the children in my care, as nutrition is a vital part of a child's health. Children need to eat well-balanced meals in order to meet his or her daily energy needs and to help them build a strong body and mind. We know that the good food habits a child develops will help them prevent cavities, iron deficiency anemia, and obesity, etc - all common nutritional problems in young children.

 

Can you accommodate food allergies at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Yes, I can work around food allergies. However, if your child needs a special diet the parent will provide the food.

 

How often do children play outside at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

During a typical day I take the children outside to play twice daily. From approximately 11:00am to 12:30pm and again at 4:00pm to 5:30pm. 

 

How does Grow & Learn Home Daycare communicate the details of my child's day?

Open communication is one of my top priorities. Therefore, of course, for children of all ages, any pertinent information regarding your child is expressed regularly. Additionally, for children 24 months and younger, I utilize an extremely informative mobile app called Daily Connect to keep parents up to date with their child's day. As soon as an event is saved, it is immediately synchronized on each parent's account. Everybody has access to the information in real time. Additionally, at the end of each day parents receive a detailed email listing the events of the day, such as, when your child was given a bottle (if applicable), what they ate and drank, when diapers were changed and what it was, their nap schedule, and any other pertinent information.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare share any pictures of the children with the parents?

Yes, I love taking pictures, especially of my child and the children I care for. I have always enjoyed capturing that special moment in a child's life, and sharing those memories with the families enrolled in my daycare (through gifts, presents, crafts, etc). My phone now serve as another perfect way to share those special moments that your child has each day. I utilize a beautiful mobile app called Path, available for both iPhone and Android users. It's by invitation only, so only families currently enrolled in the childcare program are given the opportunity to view the photos and videos. It's a wonderful, interactive, and fun way to play along in your child's day. This app and the shared moments in it will surely bring a smile to your face and brighten your day! Once joined in the group (AKA Grow & Learn Home Daycare) you can view and download photos and videos, post photos of your own, make comments, and much more. Hope to see you there soon! Disclaimer: If for what ever reason you do not want your child's photos and videos shared, that's perfectly fine, just let me know and your child's photos and videos will not be included.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare charge a fee to place my child on a waiting list?

No.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare charge a yearly enrollment fee?

No.

 

How Do I enroll/reserve a space for my child at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Enrolling and/or reserving a future space for your child at Grow & Learn Home Daycare is simple. (1) Contact me to schedule a time for you and your child to visit my house. I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to meet me, learn more about what I have to offer, and meet some of the other children that I provide care for. This time spent gives all involved an opportunity to get to know one another and to make sure that all personalities mix well. This is important and helps to ensure that both parties are comfortable with their surroundings and expectations. (2) After which time the registration process may begin; consisting of a parent handbook, parent/provider contract, and various enrollment forms. Once they are read, completed, signed, returned, and the deposit has been paid, your child's space has been reserved. The deposit is equal to two weeks of childcare costs and is credited towards the last two weeks of your child's enrollment. (3) And the final step is to simply decide on a start date. Interview hours are from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

 

Can Grow & Learn Home Daycare open earlier/close later to fit my schedule?

No, unfortunately not. I have errands I must run and a child of my own I must attend to during off hours, such as, working out, preparing breakfast, sports, leisure, procuring dinner, and etc.

 

How often are diapers changed at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Diapers are checked frequently, and changed every three hours or more often if required. Diapers containing #2 are changed immediately. I am very obsessive about this, if one slips by the goalie (e.g. poop in the pants) anytime, but especially at pick up time, then I have failed and have much regret.

 

How many children does Grow & Learn Home Daycare care for?

My license states I can care for no more than 7 children at any one time. I like to keep my raio at 3 under 2 and 3 over the age of 2. It allows me to have a good mix.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare have any assistants - or is it just you?

I am the only one that cares for the children. Rarely, I will ask the assistance of my sister if there is something that can't be neglected, like a doctors appointments and etc.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare ever drive the children anywhere?

Yes. I will provide transportation to South Lake and Waylond Bonds Elementary. I also like to take the kids to SouthLakes Park to play, have picnics and feed the ducks. You will be required to fill out a transportation release form. I will provide the appropriate carseats for the children unless you prefer to use your own or provide a base for your specific carseat.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare take the children on walks in the neighborhood?

Yes, occasionally we will go for a walk around the block, or to the "lake."

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare have any pets?

Yes, two small dogs. Their vaccines are always up to date and love kids. My little one adores them and they play very easy with him. 

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare require a deposit at time of enrollment?

Yes, a non refundable deposit equal to two weeks of childcare costs is due at time of enrollment. However, do not give me the deposit until you have signed the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application and thoroughly read the Parent Handbook. I recommend this particular order of doing things because I want to ensure that you feel comfortable with my policies and procedures before there are any money transactions. Alternatively, if you have any questions or concerns regarding my views on caring for children it is also best if they are addressed beforehand. Please keep in mind that your child’s spot is not fully secured until I have received both the deposit and the signed Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application. The deposit will be credited towards the last two weeks of your child’s enrollment.

 

Why does Grow & Learn Home Daycare require a deposit and agreed upon start date?

Deposit: A nonrefundable deposit equal to two weeks of childcare costs is due at time of enrollment. The deposit is solely for the peace of mind of both parent and provider. You, the parent, can sleep well at night knowing that your child’s childcare spot is fully secured and that your affairs are in order. Equally, I the provider can also sleep well at night knowing that I can comfortably continue to turn prospective clients away because I am holding the spot for your child (sometimes in excess of six months or more). This is also why the deposit is nonrefundable. Parents must understand that I will be turning many other parents away because we trust that the spot has already been taken. Therefore, as a courtesy to us, it is of the utmost importance that if at anytime your future need for childcare changes that you let us know as soon as possible.

Start Date: Based on points already stated above, your child’s start date is agreed upon between parent and provider at the time of enrollment. In other words, in order for me to continue to hold your child’s spot, childcare fees need to start being paid beginning on the date that is originally agreed upon and input on the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application. It is up to you if your child begins to attend the daycare on or after that date. As long as your child’s childcare fees are continued to be paid in full I will endlessly hold vacant his or her spot. I understand that sometimes things change, and therefore possibly altering your desired start date (due dates, events out of your control, etc). However, please keep in mind and be sensitive to my position regarding this matter as well. I feel that the above mentioned practices are in the best interest of everyone involved.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare require a contract for a set period of time?

No, of course not. You are completely free to come and go as you please. However, the first two weeks are regarded as a trial period, in which case either party may terminate the contract without notice. After the first two weeks of enrollment, one month written notice from parent or provider is required to terminate the contract, with the exception of gross misconduct on part of the provider, parent, or child. This is grounds for immediate discontinuation of service.

 

Do you discipline the children at Grow & Learn Home Daycare, if so how?

Yes, but appropriately. I believe that the discipline of a child is achieved through patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. I also try and teach the children in my care manners, kindness and to be respectful to others. One of the ways in which I do this is by the example I as provider set. I understand that my actions and reactions speak much louder than my words. The children are explained the rules of the daycare frequently, so they know what's expected of them. Once a child is old enough to understand the rules and disobeys them by, exhibiting inappropriate behavior (hitting, aggression, etc), hurts others, or property, the following developmentally appropriate guidance techniques will be used. These techniques are as follows:

• Positive Reinforcement: The child will be encouraged when he or she is demonstrating acceptable behavior.

• Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try again at another time.

• Time-Out: The child is separated from the group for an age appropriate amount of time (one minute per one year of age). This technique is only used when a child repeatably will not follow our directions or listen to our words, is exhibiting temper tantrum type behavior, or hurting ones self, others or equipment. When the child shows that he or she is ready to demonstrate acceptable behavior, they are encouraged to join the rest of the group to try again.

• Last Resort: When a child's behavior is continually upsetting or dangerous to others, a conference will be called with the parents. If the problems cannot be resolved, arrangements will have to be made for the child to go elsewhere for care.

 

How often do the children watch tv at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Not very often. No more than a couple times a week, no more than a half hour at a time, and usually at or around lunch/nap time to help settle the children down for a long restful nap.

 

Can I celebrate my child's birthday at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Yes, I LOVE birthdays, the kids like to celebrate together. Most of the time parents will bring in cake, cookies, or cupcakes for afternoon snack (at 4:00pm). You can bring them in the morning when you drop him/her off, or bring them later, which ever you prefer:) I will make him/her a birthday hat, shower them with praise, and we will all sing happy birthday.

 

How does Grow & Learn Home Daycare handle during/after hours contact inquires?

I am generally accessible at all times of the day and night (with in reason). I am always caring for children so it's not always possible to get to the phone. However, unanswered phone calls go to the answering machine, and emails forward straight to my phone. I check both frequently. So important questions about your child's day are responded to quickly. And general, non time sensitive questions, are responded to within 24 hours.

 

I don't think my child will sleep at Grow & Learn Home Daycare. How is that handled?

I know a lot of parents worry about this. And it's all for not, because their child almost always has no problems sleeping, and will sleep like a baby. The reasons being are, the children play so hard they are usually completely tuckered out by nap time. Additionally, the newer children learn by example from their peers. They want to be "big boys and girls" and sleep on a mat like the rest of the group. So fear not, this is usually a non issue. The children each have their own rest mat. On average, the older children sleep from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The younger children (depending on age) sleep on average from 9:00am to 10:00am and again at 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Ages 6 months and younger may require an additional nap at around 4:30pm.

 

Can my child bring his/her own toys to Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

I would prefer them to not, that is unless they can freely share them with the group without having sharing issues. If so, by all means. But usually is the case, the children don't want to share their personal toys with the group and it only proves to cause issues.

 

Can my child bring a comfort item for nap time at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Yes, of course:) I suggest just that. AKA - Bunny.

 

For the first few days can I come and observe for an extended period of time?

I completely understand having to leave your child with someone else can be very difficult. And I will help you in any way that I can. However, as much as I would like to afford you this luxury, I would prefer that you did not. You must remember I am watching 6-7 kids all day. The only reason I can do this without pulling my hair out is because I can maintain control over the room. Children act up when their or other parents are present. This makes it more difficult for me to do my job effectively, and at the high standards I have set for myself. It is perfectly fine to stay for a little while to help your child on those sometimes difficult first few days. However, your child needs to get used to me and the environment. This is nearly impossible to do with the security of mom/dad in the room. I am very good at what I do. You can trust whole heartedly he/she will be perfectly fine once you leave. I will often follow up with a phone call to let you know that they have calmed down and are now doing fine and having fun.

 

How should I drop my child off and leave Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

I'm glad you asked. On the way to daycare talk it up - tell them how much fun they will have! Let your child know that you support this new activity and are excited for them. If your nervous they can sense it, and will wonder why, and it will feed into their already fearful feelings of a new environment and new people. Come in, get your child situated with an activity that the group is doing, hug and kiss them and reassure them that you love them and will be back later to pick them up, and walk out. Just like that - very simple!

If you hang around for a long time they will wonder "why is mommy/daddy afraid to leave me?". They will learn to depend on you being there to feel comfortable. They need to feel comfortable with me. Additionally, DO NOT sneak out. Many a parent has done this, and all it does to your child is feed into their fears of abandonment. Your there one second, and poof, gone the next. This will make them very literally afraid to have fun, let their guard down, and immerse themselves into an activity, only to get preoccupied, and forget to watch for your disappearing act.

 

Can I dropoff/pickup my child anytime during the day at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Of course! They're your child, drop-off/pick-up when ever works for you. But if you have choice, before or after nap-time (1:00pm - 3:00pm) is better, just so you don't wake up the kids. But if it can't be avoided, during that time is perfectly fine - they pretty much sleep through anything anyway:)

 

After my child gets shots can they come back to Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Yes. That is not a problem.

 

Do you apply sunblock to the children at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Yes, every day.

 

My child isn't potty trained. Is that ok and is there an additional fee?

It's 100% perfectly OK, and there is no additional fee. I actively work with parents to help potty train their child. But I do it in a relaxed and no pressure kind of way. Nothing spoils potty training faster than pressure. If left up to their own devices, they will often simply tell you when they're ready to start acting like a big boy or girl like their peers. Wanting what you can't have, and not what is forced upon you, is the most basic human response. This response, is at its most apparent in young children.

 

Can I come over on my lunch break to breast feed at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Yes, of course!

 

I plan on supplying breast milk to bottle feed. Is that ok & how is that best handled?

Of course it's OK. It's good to do that for as long as you can - keeps your child from getting sick among other things. Usually each parent has their own way of transporting breast milk; some frozen, some in bags, some in bottles, etc. The easiest way for me, is for you to simply premake the bottles and place them in the fridge upon arrival. I will warm them when time and hold your baby lovingly while I bottle feed him/her. I know how precious your pumped breast milk is to you. Therefore, I will waste as little as possible. Once heated, if your baby does not drink the whole bottle I will place it back into the refrigerator only once, and heat again only once, and consumed preferably on that same day, after that it's tossed. That's usually how I and most parents prefer. However, it's your baby and your breast milk. Therefore, if you would prefer different then I will mirror whatever you feel comfortable with.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare have a current First Aid/CPR certificate?

Yes, every two years I have to renew it. My current Certificates are displayed in the daycare.

 

Do either of you smoke at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

No, we do not smoke.

 

Where do children nap at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

The older children sleep on mats and the infants sleep in cribs.

 

How much notice is required to terminate care at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

The first two weeks will be regarded as a trial period, in which case either party may terminate the contract without notice. After the first two weeks of enrollment, one month written notice from parent or provider is required to terminate the contract, with the exception of gross misconduct on part of the provider, parent, or child. This is grounds for immediate discontinuation of service.

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare care for special needs children?

Because I care for the children by myself each day, I unfortunately do not have the time that is required to devote to a special needs and/or mentally challenged child.

 

Do you provide receipts for payment at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

Yes!

 

Does Grow & Learn Home Daycare require all children have up to date vaccinations?

Yes I do. I cannot care for children that have not been vaccinated. Shot records are due before your child can start attending. 

 

Who is allowed to pickup my child from Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

No one other than the parent or person designated by you will be allowed to pick up your child without advanced written permission indicating the person's name and relationship to your child. If there is a court order keeping one parent away from the child, we must have a written note from the custodial parent in our file to that effect. Otherwise, we cannot prevent the non-custodial parent from picking up the child.

 

Can you give my child medication at Grow & Learn Home Daycare?

I do not give over the counter medications to the children. If your child needs to be medicated in order to get through the day, and be able to comfortably participate in our classroom activities, then it is quite possible he or she may be too sick to attend daycare. I will however give certain doctor prescribed medications to the children, of course given that they are no longer contagious, and only if the medication consent form has been signed. Examples of these would be; antibiotics for ear infections etc and Tylenol for teething or pain associated with bumps or bruises (not to bring down a fever). If you're not sure if we will administer a certain medication or not, please feel free to ask.

 

Still have Questions?

Just ask! I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have:)