Letter of Information

Little People Daycare

Quality Care for Your Child in My Home

Letter Of Information

Dear Parents/Guardians,

    This letter of information about my family child care program is a companion to
the formal contract you will receive upon our first meeting.  This letter briefly outlines policies and
provides some basic facts to assist you in making your decision about care for your child.

Background:  I am originally from Golden, Illinois.  It’s a tiny town of 500 in West Central
Illinois, near Quincy and the Mississippi River.  Being the youngest of 4 by 11+ years, I was kind of born into this profession. I was an Aunt for the first time at the age of 7. I was a live in nanny for 4 summers, beginning when I was 15 years old.

 I came to Bolingbrook in 1987 to work as a Teacher's Assistant at Children's World Daycare.
t I went back to school through Joliet Jr College and got my Associates in Early Childhood, became Lead Teacher
and worked there for 2 years. I then went to work for Michael Ramirez (CPA here in
Bolingbrook) for 8 years.  I started my own home daycare in October of 1993. I went to
many seminars through Child Care Resources and Referral, Creative and Child Care
Choices in Downers Grove. I have volunteered at my children’s school, substituted for the
Provider at Mom’s Day Out, been on the board at Little Friends Preschool and helped in the
reading room at Jonas Salk Elementary.  After a 5 year sabbatical, I opened Little People
Daycare in November of 2012.

My Family:  I was married for 21 years.  My ex and I parted amicably in 2013 (as much as
one can).  Sally was born in 1997. Sally has multiple diagnosis of Developmental Delay,
Autism and Apraxia.    She has attended Valley View Schools and has graduated - now
receiving job training from the STEP program. She works at the VVSD Preschool 2 days
a week through STEP. Sally has taken the DCFS courses to be an assistant to me She helps with crafts and Circle Time and is always an extra pair of eyes,  She loves to interact with the kids and usually helps come up with
fun things to do.

   Jack was born in 2001.  Jack attends the University of Illinois Chicago full time. When he's home on break, he is a huge help with the school-aged kids. He's studying to be an elementary teacher - and has had a lifetime of experience. He is fantastic with e kids.

I'm very proud of my program and grateful for how things have turned out for us.

Program:   " Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.  But for
children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."    -- Fred (Mr) Rogers

      I couldn't agree more.   I offer a very relaxed, home atmosphere that allows children to
play most of the day.  The curriculum includes a preschool program for ALL ages.
We have Circle Time - where we go over the date, the season, the weather and then
whatever theme we’re doing for the week.  We sing songs and count and talk about our
lives, and we have a daily project. There is no competition or demands that someone be at
this or that stage, we all get to the same destination on our own path.  Our focus is being kind
loving oneself, family and each other. The kids (Yayas as I affectionately call them) become
extended parts of our family and like brother and sisters they do bicker but also have each
other’s back.  

Discipline:  I use “time out” very sparingly . I've found that my job is more to remind them of what's acceptable and to help each child advocate for themselves.  Sometimes we all
need a break from each other and that has nothing to do with punishment.  I don’t ever
want a child to feel as if they are “bad” (and we don’t use that word - except on Dottie) :-)
because they really aren’t bad - they’re learning - all the time.  We ALL make mistakes and
a child’s need for *control* starts from birth.

Parents:  I request you pay me before care begins to protect my business and to help me
when it comes to purchases for your child for the week.  So money is due on Monday before
care.

     I will accept no child that does not have documentation and signature of Doctor to prove
they have received all vaccinations.  This protects myself and younger children.

    I ask that you notify me of any drop off or pick up time change.  This helps us plan our
day - I don’t want to be at the park when you’re trying to drop off our pick up.

    You are welcome to pick up at anytime but I do not allow you to “drop in “ and then leave
again.  Your child will be very disturbed by this.

    You are welcome to call or text me at any time during the day.  Sometimes parents are
surprised with a cute picture of their child on a text from me.  I get a kick out of a lot of stuff
they do and I like to share it.

Food:  I follow government guidelines for breakfast, 2 snacks and lunch.  No one is ever
forced to eat. I ask that they try a small bite of everything.  Statics state that a child needs
to try something 11 times before they can definitely dislike or like something.

 

Naps:  We call it Quiet Time and it is non-negotiable.  They do NOT have to sleep. They do
have to lay down and be quiet.  After the first 45 minutes - they are allowed to look at books
on their cots.

Substitutes:  I do not offer a substitute that is prepared to take children in my care during my
vacation or my illness.  I will provide you with my vacation as early as i possibly can and
provide names and numbers of other providers.  

Taxes and Licensing:  I report all of my income and provide parents with yearly statements
which will include all information necessary for your yearly tax return.  I am licensed by
DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services). I have been trained in CPR and
First Aid through The American Heart Association and renewed every 2 years.  I have carbon
monoxide detectors, smoke alarms and fire extinguisher. I have extended insurance
coverage on both the residence and vehicle and we do our best to eliminate hazards before
problems occur.

   As part of licensing standards, I am allowed to care for 8 children  (under the age of 12)
in my home at a time. This is why your weekly rate will always be due, whether or not your
child is in attendance for the whole week or not.  I have the unique privilege of really liking what I do and also being home for my child but I have to level with you - it’s a job and as such I have to take financial matters seriously.  

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this very long letter.  :-) I look forward to serving
you and your children. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.  If you have decided that I am not the childcare provider for you, I would be happy to provide you with phone numbers for Child Care Resource and Referral as well as Creative Child Care Choices.

Thanks again for your interest.  I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Kelly Davidek

Little People Daycare

361 Sword Way

Bolingbrook IL 60440

630-739-5476

Some of the things that DCFS licensing requires are:

• Caregivers, and all family members must provide medical reports to prove that they are free from communicable diseases.
• Caregivers and members of the household (age 13 and older) are subject to background checks for any record of criminal conviction of child abuse and or neglect.
• The Caregiver is certified in First Aid, including CPR and the Heimlich maneuver and must be present at all times.
• Caregivers must have 15 clock hours of in-service training each year.
• The Daycare Home must have a First-Aid kit, operable fire extinguisher and flashlight in working condition.
• Electrical outlets within reach of young children must have protective coverings.
• There must be an operating smoke detector in all rooms where children nap or sleep.
• First-Aid supplies, medication, cleaning materials, poisons, tools, gardening equipment and other hazardous materials must be stored in places inaccessible to children.  
• Guns are prohibited on the premises.
• Only healthy household pets, which present no danger to children, are permitted and must have documented vaccinations for diseases that pose a threat to humans.
• No person may smoke in any area of the Daycare home.
• There must be a safe outdoor space for active play in yards, nearby parks or playgrounds.
• Only new cribs manufactured on or after June 28, 2011 must be in place.
• Caregivers and children must wash hands before meals, after toileting and after contact with respiratory secretions.
• There must be a balance of active and quiet play.  There must be activities, both indoors and outdoors to make use of both large and small muscles.
• Removal of a child from the group to “time-out” is permitted for children two years or older, however, the amount of time, in minutes must not exceed the child’s age in years.
• At least 3 non-related people have sent letters of recommendation for the Caregiver to the office of DCFS and DCFS has followed up with phone calls to these people and have interviewed them.
• A licensed Caregiver may only care for up to 8 children under 12 years of age.

Daycare Information Line:  1-877-0829