A parent handbook is a very important document for your family child care business and should be shared with every family who enrolls a child in your program.
A good parent handbook has several sections. Your handbook should spell out your business concept and your qualifications related to providing high-quality care for children. It also provides a place for parents to learn about your goals, your beliefs, the curriculum you use, and the specific policies of your child care program. It should describe your procedures for guarding the safety and health of the children in your care.
An effective parent handbook should also include your expectations about parents' participation and what happens when they do not meet those expectations. Spell out your schedule, what parents are expected to bring, payment policies, what happens when parents do not pay fees on time, late pick-up policies, vacation policies, policies for excluding sick children, and expectations for parents to notify you of their child's special needs.
