Plantilla de Manual Familiar

Dear Families, Welcome to [Center Name]! We are thrilled to have your family join our community. Our team is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every child can thrive.

Our Mission: [Center Name] is dedicated to fostering the whole child - socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically - through [play-based / Montessori / Reggio Emilia / academic-readiness] learning experiences in a warm and inclusive setting.

Our Educational Approach: We believe children learn best through [describe your philosophy: e.g., hands-on exploration, guided play, project-based learning]. Our curriculum is designed to meet each child at their developmental level while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

Regular Hours: Monday through Friday, [6:30 AM] to [6:00 PM]. Early drop-off is available beginning at [6:00 AM] for an additional fee of $[X] per day.

Late Pickup: Families who arrive after [6:00 PM] will be charged a late pickup fee of $[1.00] per minute, per child, beginning at [6:05 PM]. Repeated late pickups may result in a conference with the director.

Holiday Closures: [Center Name] is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the center will observe it on the nearest weekday.

Inclement Weather: In the event of severe weather, [Center Name] will follow the [local school district name] school district's closure decisions. If the district closes or delays opening, our center will do the same. We will notify families via [app notification / email / text message] by [6:00 AM].

Age Requirements: [Center Name] enrolls children ages [6 weeks / 12 months] through [5 years / pre-kindergarten]. Children must meet the age requirement for their classroom by [September 1 / the date of enrollment].

Required Enrollment Documents: The following must be submitted before your child's first day: (1) Completed enrollment application, (2) Current immunization records or valid exemption, (3) Certified copy of birth certificate, (4) Emergency contact form with at least two contacts besides parents, (5) Signed medical emergency authorization, (6) Physician's health assessment form (dated within the last 12 months), (7) Custody documentation (if applicable), (8) Signed handbook acknowledgment page.

Waitlist Policy: When enrollment is full, families may be placed on a waitlist. A non-refundable waitlist fee of $[50] may be required to hold your place. Families will be contacted in the order they were added when a spot becomes available.

Withdrawal: Parents must provide a minimum of [2 weeks] written notice before withdrawing their child. Tuition is due for the full notice period, even if the child does not attend. Prepaid tuition beyond the notice period will be refunded.

Disenrollment: [Center Name] reserves the right to disenroll a child if: tuition is more than [2 weeks] past due, the child's behavior poses a safety risk to other children or staff after documented intervention efforts, required records are not provided, or the parent/guardian repeatedly violates center policies.

Tuition Rates: Current tuition rates are provided on a separate rate sheet and are subject to annual review. Rates vary by age group and enrollment schedule (full-time vs. part-time). Rate changes will be communicated in writing at least [30 days] in advance.

Payment Due Dates: Tuition is due on [the first business day of each week / the 1st and 15th of each month / every Friday for the following week]. Payment is considered late if not received by [close of business on the due date / 5:00 PM on the due date].

Accepted Payment Methods: We accept payment via [ACH bank transfer, credit/debit card, check, money order]. A convenience fee of [2.5%] may apply to credit card payments. Cash is [accepted / not accepted].

Late Payment Fee: A late fee of $[15] will be assessed for any payment not received by the due date. An additional $[10] per day may be charged for each subsequent business day the balance remains unpaid.

Registration Fee: A non-refundable annual registration fee of $[75-150] is due at enrollment and each year upon re-enrollment. This covers administrative costs, supplies, and curriculum materials.

Sibling Discount: A [10%] discount on tuition is offered for each additional sibling enrolled concurrently.

Subsidy & Assistance: [Center Name] accepts [state childcare subsidy / CCDF vouchers / other local assistance programs]. Families receiving subsidies are responsible for any co-pay amounts.

Tax Information: Our federal Tax ID number is [XX-XXXXXXX]. You will receive an annual year-end statement for dependent care tax purposes. Payments may be eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit or reimbursement through a Dependent Care FSA.

Sign-In and Sign-Out: Every child must be signed in upon arrival and signed out upon departure by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult. Sign-in/sign-out requires a full legal signature and the time of arrival or departure. Digital check-in via the Neztio app fulfills this requirement where available.

Authorized Pickup: Children will only be released to individuals listed on the authorized pickup form. If someone not on the list needs to pick up your child, the parent/guardian must notify the center in advance [by phone call or written note / via the app]. Photo ID will be checked.

Photo ID Verification: Any person unfamiliar to staff who attempts to pick up a child will be asked to present a valid government-issued photo ID. The name must match the authorized pickup list. No exceptions.

Late Pickup Fees: A grace period of [5 minutes] is provided after closing time. After the grace period, a fee of $[1.00] per minute, per child will be assessed. Two staff members will remain with your child. If no authorized person can be reached within [1 hour] after closing, [Center Name] is required to contact local authorities.

Custody Agreements: If there is a custody arrangement or restraining order affecting pickup, a certified copy of the current court order must be on file. Without a court order on file, we cannot deny a legal parent access to their child.

Below is a sample schedule. Actual times may vary based on age group, developmental needs, and classroom flow.

Meals Provided: [Center Name] provides [breakfast, lunch, and two snacks / lunch and two snacks] daily. All meals meet or exceed USDA nutritional guidelines. Weekly menus are posted [on the parent board / in the app / on our website] each [Monday / Friday for the following week].

CACFP Participation: [Center Name] participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal program that provides reimbursement for nutritious meals served to eligible children. Meals are served at no additional cost to families. Income eligibility forms will be distributed at enrollment.

Food Allergies: Parents must inform the center in writing of any food allergies or dietary restrictions at enrollment. A medical action plan signed by the child's physician is required for severe allergies (anaphylaxis risk). Allergy lists are posted in every classroom and the kitchen. [Center Name] is a [nut-free / nut-aware] facility.

Outside Food Policy: Outside food is [not permitted / permitted only for documented medical or religious dietary needs]. All outside food must be in the original packaging with ingredients listed, labeled with the child's name, and stored separately.

Birthday & Celebrations: Families wishing to bring treats for celebrations must provide commercially prepared, store-bought items in original sealed packaging with an ingredient label. Arrangements should be made with the classroom teacher at least [3 days] in advance. Alternatives will be provided for children with allergies.

Infant Feeding: Parents of infants must provide written feeding instructions. Breast milk must be labeled with the child's full name and date, and will be stored in a designated area of the refrigerator. Formula will be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions or parent's written directions. Bottles will not be propped, and infants will be held during feeding.

When to Keep Your Child Home: Children must be kept home or will be sent home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

Prescription Medications: [Center Name] will administer prescription medications only with a completed Medication Authorization Form signed by the parent/guardian. Medications must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container with the child's name, medication name, dosage, administration schedule, prescribing physician, and expiration date clearly visible.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: OTC medications (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines, or cough medicine) will only be administered with both a parent's written authorization AND a written order from the child's physician specifying the medication, dosage, and frequency.

Topical Products: Sunscreen and insect repellent will be applied as needed with a signed general authorization on file. Diaper cream will be applied per the manufacturer's instructions with parental consent. Parents may provide their preferred brand.

Administration & Documentation: Only trained staff members will administer medication. Every dose is recorded in a medication log noting: child's name, medication, dosage, time administered, and the staff member's initials. Parents will be notified of administration at pickup.

Storage: All medications are stored in a locked cabinet or locked area of the refrigerator (if refrigeration is required), inaccessible to children. Expired or discontinued medications will be returned to the parent.

Required Immunizations: All children enrolled at [Center Name] must have current immunizations as required by [state name] law. Required vaccines typically include DTaP, IPV (polio), MMR, Hib, Hepatitis B, Varicella, PCV13, Hepatitis A, and Rotavirus (for infants). A complete, up-to-date immunization record must be on file before the child's first day.

Exemptions: [State name] permits exemptions for [medical reasons only / medical and religious reasons / medical, religious, and philosophical reasons]. Exemption documentation must be submitted on the state-approved form. Parents should be aware that exempt children may be excluded from the center during disease outbreaks as directed by the health department.

Record Updates: Parents are responsible for providing updated immunization records each time their child receives a new vaccine. The center will send reminders when records indicate upcoming vaccines are due. State immunization records will be reviewed [annually / at each enrollment renewal].

Our Approach: [Center Name] uses positive guidance techniques to help children learn self-regulation, problem-solving, and social skills. Our staff are trained to:

Emergency Drills: [Center Name] conducts the following drills on a regular schedule: fire drills monthly, severe weather/tornado drills quarterly (or as required by state), and lockdown/shelter-in-place drills at least annually. All drills are documented with date, time, number of children and staff, and evacuation time.

Fire Evacuation: In the event of a fire, all children and staff will evacuate to the designated assembly area at [describe location, e.g., the parking lot on the north side of the building]. Attendance will be taken immediately. If the building cannot be re-entered, children will be transported to our secondary evacuation site at [name and address of alternate location].

Severe Weather: During a tornado warning or severe weather event, children and staff will move to the designated interior safe rooms [describe locations, e.g., interior hallways away from windows on the ground floor]. Children will be instructed to sit in the "duck and cover" position.

Lockdown: In the event of an external threat, all exterior doors will be locked, children will be moved away from windows and doors, and staff will follow our lockdown protocol. No one will be permitted to enter or leave the building until the all-clear is given by law enforcement.

Medical Emergencies: Staff will call 911 immediately for any life-threatening emergency. First aid will be administered by trained staff. Parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as the child is stabilized. The signed emergency medical authorization form permits staff to authorize emergency treatment if parents cannot be reached.

Parent Notification: In any emergency, parents will be notified via [app notification, text message, phone call]. A reunification location will be communicated if the building is evacuated. Parents must present photo ID to pick up their child at the reunification site.

Daily Reports: Parents will receive daily updates on their child's activities, meals, naps, diaper changes (for infants/toddlers), and mood through [the Neztio app / a daily report sheet / email]. Photos and learning highlights may be shared periodically.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Formal conferences are held [twice a year / once per semester, typically in fall and spring]. Additional conferences may be requested at any time by either the parent or the teacher.

Open-Door Policy: Parents and guardians are welcome to visit the center at any time during operating hours without prior notice. We believe in full transparency and encourage you to observe your child's classroom.

Communication Channels: Day-to-day communication (questions, schedule changes, quick updates) should be directed through [the Neztio app / email at _____ / classroom phone at _____]. For urgent matters, call the center directly at [phone number].

Social Media: [Center Name] may maintain social media accounts for marketing and community purposes. Only photos of children whose parents have signed a photo release will be used. Parents may opt out at any time.

Concerns & Feedback: We value your feedback and take concerns seriously. If you have a concern, please follow this process: (1) Speak directly with your child's classroom teacher, (2) If unresolved, request a meeting with the center director, (3) If still unresolved, submit a written concern for formal review. Our goal is to resolve every concern promptly and professionally.

Child Records: All enrollment forms, health records, incident reports, and developmental assessments are kept in secure, locked filing cabinets (or encrypted digital systems) accessible only to authorized staff. Records are retained for the period required by state law (typically [3-7 years] after disenrollment) and then securely destroyed.

Photo & Video Policy: Photos and videos of children are taken for educational documentation, daily reports to parents, and portfolio assessments. These images will only be shared with the child's own parents/guardians unless a signed photo/media release is on file. Parents may opt out of photo use for marketing or social media at any time.

Information Sharing: Information about a child will only be shared with individuals authorized in writing by the parent/guardian, or as required by law (e.g., mandated reporting, court orders, licensing inspectors, health department). Staff will not disclose information about one family to another.

Staff Social Media Policy: Staff members are prohibited from posting any photos, videos, or identifying information about enrolled children on their personal social media accounts. Violation of this policy is grounds for immediate termination.

Legal Obligation: All employees of [Center Name] are mandated reporters under [state name] law. This means that every staff member is legally required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect directly to [state child protective services agency name, e.g., the Department of Children and Family Services] and/or local law enforcement.

What This Means: If a staff member observes signs of possible abuse or neglect, such as unexplained injuries, behavioral changes, statements made by the child, or other indicators, they are required by law to make a report. Staff members report their concerns directly to the authorities and are not required to notify the center director or the child's parents before making a report.

Not an Accusation: A mandated report is not an accusation of wrongdoing. It is a legal obligation to ensure that trained investigators can assess a child's safety. The reporter is protected from retaliation under state law, and reports made in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability.

[Center Name] takes this responsibility seriously and provides annual mandated reporter training to all staff members.

I, the undersigned parent/guardian, acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the [Center Name] Family Handbook. I agree to abide by all policies and procedures outlined in this handbook.

I understand that [Center Name] reserves the right to amend or update these policies at any time, and that I will be notified in writing of any changes. Continued enrollment after notification of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policies.