I have outlined a few important policies below. These guidelines ensure effective communication and enable me to provide the best care for all children and their families in my program. Please take a moment to review them, and feel free to reach out with any questions or if you need any clarification.
Our Child care Policies:
Helping ensure Safe, Healthy Environments for all
SAFE
Healthy
Inclement Weather
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The safety and well-being of our children and families is my top priority. Closure decisions are made based on local weather advisories, road conditions, and other relevant factors. In the event of a State of Emergency, extreme weather, or other extraordinary conditions, care will be closed to ensure everyone's safety. I will notify you as soon as possible if care needs to be closed, so please ensure your contact information is up-to-date.
For snow events, I adhere to the closure decisions made by the Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) system for CLOSURES ONLY. Early dismissals will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Payment During Closures: Payment is still required during weather-related closures to maintain your child’s spot. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Early Arrival
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My program opens at 7:30 a.m. Early arrivals are not guaranteed acceptance. Unapproved early arrivals will incur a charge of $5 per minute, per child (e.g., 7:25 a.m. arrival = $25 per child fee) and are not guaranteed acceptance. These fees will be invoiced the same day and must be paid before further care is provided. Chronic early drop-offs without prior agreement will result in termination of care.
I reserve the right to take 5-7 days of vacation annually, with advance written notice, as well as personal, sick, and bereavement leave as needed. Families will be informed of these closures with as much notice as possible. During these periods, you are responsible for arranging alternative childcare, and payment is still required.
In the event of emergencies causing closure, I will strive to provide care using substitutes when possible. For extended closures, I will assess the situation and discuss it with families as needed.
Late Pick Up
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Please ensure pick-ups are completed by 4:30 p.m. If you anticipate being late, notify me as soon as possible. A late pick-up fee of $25, per child, will apply starting at 4:30 p.m., with an additional $1 per minute thereafter (e.g., a 4:35 p.m. pick-up = $29 per child fee). Late fees are invoiced the same day and must be paid before further care is provided. Chronic late pick-up will result in termination of care. Please keep pick-ups quick and efficient to help with administrative tasks associate to our care day.
Holidays & Closures
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My childcare home observes closures on major public holidays, which may include the observed day for each holiday. I may also close for training and maintenance as needed.
My program is closed on the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, MLK Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day & Black Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
My program will be closed annually from December 23rd to January 2nd
Payment & Care During Closures
Payment is still due during closures to reserve your child’s spot. Families are responsible for arranging alternative childcare during closures.
Doctor's Appointments
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Regular well-child visits are crucial for your child's health and development. Please inform me in advance if your child has any scheduled appointments, and provide the approximate time of arrival or departure. To maintain consistency for all children in care, please avoid pick-ups during Naptime (12:25-2:45 p.m.). After any immunizations or invasive procedures, children must stay home for 24 hours for rest and monitoring. Ensure your child is up-to-date on immunizations and provide any updated medical information as soon as it is received. If returning after illness, a doctor’s note confirming they are fit to return is required, though the final decision remains with me.
Screen time
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In line with Maryland State guidelines, children under two will have no passive screen time. For children two and older, passive screen time is limited to 30 minutes per week. Educational screen time, such as interactive learning activities, is not included in this limit.
Trial Period
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Your family's adjustment is important to everyone. I offer a two-week trial period before finalizing continued care. Fees remain the same during this time. At the end of the trial, we will discuss the adjustment, acknowledging that each child's and family's experience may vary. Either party may terminate care during this period with immediate notice. After the trial period is over, the Termination and Withdrawal provisions apply.
Illness Policy
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Please notify me as soon as possible if your child will be absent due to illness. Children must be symptom-free for at least 48 hours and improving without medication before returning to childcare. Payment is still required for illness-related absences.
Keep your child home if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain, eye infections, or communicable skin infections. If anyone in the household is sick, it’s recommended to keep your child home. Please notify me immediately of any contagious illnesses so I can inform all families in the program.
Zero-Tolerance Policy: Bringing an ill child to care is not allowed and will result in termination of care. Do not dose your child with any symptom suppressing medication before bringing them to care. If your child isn’t feeling well, they need to stay home to rest and recover.
Children with COVID-19, RSV, Croup, Coxsackie (Hand, Foot, & Mouth), Flu or other contagious illnesses must stay home for 5-8 days after a positive test and remain symptom-free for at least 48 hours before returning. Siblings of ill children will also be excluded from care during this time.
Termination and Withdrawal
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I reserve the right to terminate services at any time without prior notice as I deem necessary. Families wishing to discontinue services must provide a written two-week notice for withdrawal, with payment required for this period, regardless of attendance. Failure to comply results in a $250 penalty and forfeiture of deposits. All payments, including enrollment and tuition fees, are non-refundable. In exceptional cases like relocation or serious illness, credits toward future services may be considered at my discretion. No refunds will be issued once payment is made.
Positive Guidance
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I take a proactive approach on discipline by setting clear, simple, and consistent rules and routines. Positive guidance techniques are used to encourage children to communicate their feelings and resolve conflicts constructively. No verbal or physical punishment is permitted, ensuring each child's self-worth is protected. Positive behaviors are acknowledged and reinforced, motivating children to set personal goals and celebrate achievements. If you have any concerns regarding your child, please communicate them with me promptly.
Inquire Here
Choosing the right childcare can feel overwhelming, especially with spots filling up quickly! I am dedicated to ensuring that all families and children receive the care and attention they need. Whether you have inquiries about my program, availability, or general childcare questions, I am here to assist you!
Connect With Kaci
Resources
Looking for helpful tools and tips? Explore resources such as the Maryland Childcare Scholarship Program or the Maryland Family Network’s website, which is full of resources for families, including locating licensed care providers. If you still can’t find an answer, feel free to email me at KC.childcare21617@gmail.com, and I will do my best to assist you.
Commitment to Inclusion
I am dedicated to providing an inclusive space that supports the growth and development of all children, fostering kindness, respect, and understanding. My program is a nurturing environment where diversity is celebrated, and every child is encouraged to shine in their own unique way. Regardless of your child’s needs or journey, I am here to partner with families to create a caring community where everyone feels welcome.
"My daughter absolutely adores Kaci! Her program is so much more than daycare—it’s a family."
"We love the structure, the care, and the amazing activities at KC Childcare. Highly recommend!"
"Kaci’s is an amazing place! Very clean and very welcoming. My children have been going here for 4 months and I couldn’t ask for a better daycare for them."
"Ever since enrolling, I’ve noticed so many new skills. His vocabulary has expanded so much! She really makes an effort to engage all the kids so that each one feels special."
"Kaci is so focused and appreciative of each child’s well-being. It is always impeccably clean, I don’t know how she does it! It feels great knowing he is in a happy, healthy environment!"
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