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Parent Handbook | Elk Grove Family Child Care Policies

 

 

  

 

Welcome to Elk Grove Family Child Care

 

 

Dear Families,

We are so excited to welcome you and your child to our family child care program. At Elk Grove Family Child Care, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We believe in fostering independence, creativity, and social- emotional development while partnering with families to support each child’s unique journey.

This handbook is designed to introduce you to our program, outline our policies, and provide guidance on what to expect as part of our child care family. Please review it carefully and keep it as a reference throughout your enrollment.

 

 

🌟 Our Philosophy

Family Childcare stands apart from babysitting and traditional childcare centers. It represents a

unique model where families engage with a professional childcare provider within an environment deliberately crafted to emulate a second home. Here, a collective of individuals forms close bonds, partnering, trusting, caring, and mutually educating one another.

 

Our approach

By offering personalized care and nurturing support, we create a welcoming, cheerful, and engaging atmosphere for your child. Our goal is to provide the necessary guidance and structure, tailored to meet your child's needs. We encourage creativity and imagination, valuing each child's unique traits and personality, thus fostering a sense of validation and belonging.

 

 

What to expect

  • A safe and secure environment
  • Experienced and caring staff
  • Age-appropriate play-based activities
  • Nutritious meals and snacks

 

 

 

🏠 About Our Facility

 

  • Location: Elk Grove, California
  • Licensed By: California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing

       Division

 

  • Facility License Number: 344501644
  • Type: Licensed Family Child Care Home
  • Capacity: Up to the number of children permitted by our license
  • Environment: Child-friendly indoor play space, outdoor play yard, nap/rest areas, and

       age-appropriate learning centers.

 

 

 

 

Our programs

 

Sensory Play

Provide various sensory experiences such as touching different textured materials (soft fabrics, smooth surfaces), exploring water play, or playing with safe, non-toxic sensory materials like rice or pasta in a shallow container.

 

 

Outdoor Games

Play classic outdoor games like Simon Says, Duck, Duck, Goose, or Red Light, Green Light with toddlers. These games promote listening skills, following directions, and gross motor development while having fun outdoors.

 

 

Pretend Play

Provide dress-up clothes, props, and themed play sets (e.g., kitchen, doctor's office) for toddlers to engage in imaginative play. Encourage them to role-play, use their creativity, and express themselves through pretend scenarios, fostering social skills and emotional development.

 

 

Parent Communication & Infant Updates (2–24 Months)

We provide regular updates for infants ages 2–24 months, including information about meals, naps, diapering (if applicable), activities, and overall well-being. Updates are shared at pick-up and/or through written or electronic communication, in accordance with privacy and licensing requirements.

 

 

Peace of Mind Through Care & Communication

Our focus is on consistent routines, attentive supervision, and open communication to ensure infants feel safe, supported, and well cared for throughout the day. Families are encouraged to share their child’s individual needs so we can provide personalized and responsive care.

 

 

Music and movement

Play soft music or sing nursery rhymes while gently moving the infant's arms and legs to the rhythm. This promotes auditory and motor skill development while providing a soothing and enjoyable experience.

 

 

🧒 Daily Schedule

A consistent routine helps children feel secure. Our daily schedule may include:

  • Free Play & Exploration
  • Circle Time (songs, stories, group learning)
  • Outdoor Play & Gross Motor Activities
  • Learning Centers (art, puzzles, dramatic play, blocks, science)
  • Meals & Snacks
  • Nap/Quiet Time
  • Music & Movement

 

 

🍎 Meals & Nutrition

  • Nutritious meals and snacks are provided following USDA Child Care Food Program

       guidelines.

  • Parents must inform us of allergies or dietary restrictions.
  • Outside food is not permitted unless arranged in advance

 

 

🛡 Health & Safety

  • Children must stay home if sick (fever, vomiting, contagious illness).
  • Parents must provide up-to-date immunization records.
  • In case of illness during care, parents will be contacted for immediate pick-up.
  • Medication will only be administered with written parental consent and a doctor’s note if

       required.

  • Emergency drills (fire, earthquake, lockdown) are conducted regularly.

 

 

👪 Communication

Daily updates are provided at pick-up or via [app/message/handwritten log].

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice per year (or as needed).

Open-door policy: Parents are welcome to visit during operating hours (with respect to

children’s routines).

 

 

📞 Contact Information & Tour Scheduling

For questions, general inquiries, or to schedule a tour, please contact Elk Grove Family Child Care using the information below:

 

 

  • Facility Phone Line (Call/Text): (831) 298-6356
  • Email: info@elkgrovefamilychildcare.com

 

 

 

 

🎉 Holidays, Birthdays & Celebrations

We celebrate major holidays with child-appropriate activities.

Parents are welcome to provide a special snack or treat for birthdays (store-bought only, due to

licensing rules).

 

Our vision

Our vision for childcare is to create a nurturing and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. We believe in providing a holistic approach to childcare that encompasses not only the child's physical well-being but also their emotional, social, and cognitive development. Our goal is to foster a love for learning through play-based and hands- on experiences, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

 

 

We are part of the California food program

Our program offers a comprehensive meal plan for your child, including breakfast, two snacks, and lunch each day. We understand that every child has unique dietary needs, and we are committed to accommodating those needs to the best of our ability. If your child has any special dietary requirements or restrictions, please let us know during the sign-up process. Our staff will work closely with you to ensure that your child's dietary needs are met and that they receive nutritious and delicious meals throughout their time with us.”

 

 

ACTIVITIES & CURRICULUM

The main goal of this childcare is to have fun, improve social skills, and encourage creative expression. I will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. Free play, reading, arts and crafts, music/singing, dancing, puzzles, and educational TV/videos are just some of the activities we will be doing. Some of the activities include arts & crafts, music, math, stories, games, as well as letter, shape, color, and number recognition. Some of the projects will be taken home to share with the family and others will be ones that you can ask about. Music helps to develop young brains and will play a strong role in day-to-day activities.

 

 

Enrollment Process

Families interested in enrolling their child are encouraged to contact Elk Grove Family Child Care to discuss availability and program details. Inquiries may be made by phone call or text (using the same phone number), email, live chat, or in person. Families may also schedule a consultation for additional information prior to enrollment.

 

 

Deposit Requirements

A two-week deposit is required upon enrollment for private-pay families. The deposit is refundable provided there are no outstanding balances. Any unpaid fees will be deducted from the deposit. County-subsidized families are not required to pay a deposit unless permitted by their authorizing agency.

 

 

Discount Policy

No family discounts are available.

 

 

Registration Fee

A one-time $99.00 registration fee is required upon enrollment for private-pay families only. Registration fees do not apply to county-subsidized enrollments unless authorized by the funding agency.

 

 

Prior to signing up

Arrange a tour to familiarize yourself and your child with the environment and ask any questions you may have about the program.

 

 

Tuition & Availability Notice

All rates listed below are subject to availability and prior approval. Rates may vary based on enrollment schedule, age group, and authorized services. County-subsidized families are subject to county-approved reimbursement rates and authorization. Private-pay rates apply only to non- subsidized enrollment.

 

 

Occasional Daily, Drop-In, Weekend, and Overnight Care (All Ages)

The following rates apply to occasional or short-term care only and are not part of regular full- time or part-time enrollment.Elk Grove Family Child Care offers limited daily, drop-in, weekend, and overnight care based on availability and prior approval.

 

  • Full-Day Care (All Ages): $65 per day
  • Drop-In Care: $75 per day
  • Weekend Care: $100 per day
  • Overnight Care: $100 per night

 

Availability for daily, weekend, and overnight care is limited and must be approved in advance.

 

 

 

INFANT CARE (6 MONTHS – 24 MONTHS)

Our Infant Program provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment focused on comfort, individualized care, and early developmental growth.

 

Enrollment:

  • Full-Time Care
  • Part-Time Care (limited availability)
  •  

Pricing:

  • Full-Time: $325 per week | $1,300 per month
  • Part-Time: $225 per week

 

Full-time enrollment is prioritized due to limited infant capacity.

 

 

 

TODDLER & PRESCHOOL CARE (2 YEARS – 5 YEARS)

Our Toddler and Preschool Program support early learning through structured play, arts and crafts, and age-appropriate educational activities that promote social, emotional, and cognitive development.

 

Enrollment:

  • Full-Time Care
  • Part-Time Care

 

Pricing:

  • Full-Time: $300 per week | $1,200 per month
  • Part-Time: $200 per week

 

 

 

SCHOOL-AGE CARE & TRANSPORTATION (5 YEARS – 10 YEARS)

We offer part-time care and school pick-up/drop-off services for school-age children attending nearby elementary schools. This program provides safe transportation and supervised after- school care.

 

Includes:

  • School pick-up and/or drop-off
  • After-school supervised care in the licensed child care home
  • Snack and homework support

 

Pricing:

School-Age Care with Pick-Up/Drop-Off and Supervised Care: $225 per week per child

 

 

Care Coverage:

The weekly rate includes school pick-up and/or drop-off and after-school supervised care at the child care facility until 6:00 PM on school days. Care beyond 6:00 PM is subject to availability and late pick-up fees as outlined in this handbook. Space is limited. Schools, routes, and schedules must be approved in advance.

 

 

GENERAL PART-TIME CARE POLICY

Part-time care is available for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children based on space and schedule availability. All schedules must be approved prior to enrollment.

 

 

Important Policy Notes:

Fees are due regardless of absences or school closures

Enrollment is first-come, first-served

All payments must be confirmed in advance

 

 

📜 Policies & Agreements

  • Pick-up & Drop-off: Children must be signed in/out each day by a parent or authorized

       guardian.

  • Late Pick-Up: $2.00 per minute after closing time.
  • Termination of Care: Either party may terminate care with two (2) weeks’ written notice.

 

 

County-Subsidized Child Care (If Applicable)

Families who receive child care assistance through Sacramento County or any Alternative Payment Program (APP) must comply with all county eligibility and authorization requirements. Elk Grove Family Child Care accepts payment in accordance with the county-approved reimbursement rate. Any parent co-payment assigned by the county is the responsibility of the parent. Private-pay tuition rates do not apply to county-subsidized enrollment.

 

 

📖 Parent Responsibilities

  • Provide extra clothes, diapers, wipes, formula/breast milk (if applicable).
  • Label all personal belongings.
  • Keep all emergency contact and medical information up to date.
  • Support the program by following policies and maintaining open communication.

 

 

Additional Charges:

Charges apply for child absences and on program closure days, including New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving Day.

 

 

Hours of Operation

Elk Grove Family Child Care operates during the following hours:

 

Days: Monday through Saturday

 

Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

 

 

 

 

Acknowledgment

 

By enrolling in Elk Grove Family Child Care, you acknowledge that you have read, understood,

and agree to the policies outlined in this Parent Handbook. If there is any conflict between this Parent Handbook and any signed agreement (including the Parent Agreement or Transportation Services Agreement), the terms of the signed agreement shall control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Elk Grove Family Child Care

 

Elk Grove Family Child Care is a licensed in-home family child care program dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and structured environment for children and their families. We believe that strong partnerships with families are essential to a successful child care experience, and we are committed to maintaining open communication, trust, and professionalism at all times. References are available upon request.

 

We offer both full-time and part-time child care services, based on availability, for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. Enrollment is subject to licensing capacity, supervision requirements, and program policies.

 

Our program is licensed by the State of California and is subject to regular inspections by sanitation, fire safety, and child development authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations. Our caregivers maintain current certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Pediatric Care, and follow recommended safe sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention practices for infants.

 

Elk Grove Family Child Care is proud to offer school pick-up and drop-off services for approved nearby schools. Transportation services are optional, provided only with written parental authorization, and subject to availability and approved routes. All vehicles used for transportation carry full coverage insurance and are regularly maintained to meet safety standards. Our transportation vehicles may include a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2019 Lexus ES 300h, selected for their reliability and safety features. Vehicle assignments may change as needed, provided all vehicles meet applicable safety and insurance requirements.

 

Our child care home is located on a quiet residential court next to a neighborhood park, offering a low-traffic environment that supports safe arrivals, departures, and outdoor activities.

 

While we take extensive measures to promote safety, supervision, and well-being, parents acknowledge that participation in child care and transportation services involves normal, everyday risks associated with group care and travel. Elk Grove Family Child Care follows all reasonable safety practices but cannot guarantee the elimination of all risks.

 

At Elk Grove Family Child Care, the safety, well-being, and development of every child remain our highest priorities. We strive to provide a warm, engaging, and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive at their own pace.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

Elk Grove Family Child Care