About Us

Requirements for Enrollment

Please complete and hand in these forms before your child starts attending LTH Infant and Toddler

Care:

1. Contract and Acknowledgement of Policies (the last page of this handbook)

2. Authorization to Pick Up Child (Release Information)

3. Child’s Annual Health Certificate (signed by a physician)

4. Emergency Information

5. Field Trip Consent

6. Immunization Record

7. Authorization for Child’s Emergency Medical Treatment

8. Registration record for child receiving care away from home

Administrative Records of Children and Families

As required by OSSE’s DCMR29 regulations, I will maintain a record of your child’s enrollment forms

on record for three years following the termination of the child’s enrollment.

Waiting List

If there is no space for your child, I will put the child on the waiting list (with their name, birthday,

and family contact info). As space becomes available in the appropriate age group, families will be

notified.

Confidentiality, Disclosure, and OSSE (When prior consent…)

A parent/guardian shall provide a written, signed, dated consent before we disclose any individual

identifiable information. The consent must specify the records that may be disclosed, the purpose

of disclosure, and the identity of the party to whom disclosure may be made. Consent must be

explicitly given.

According to OSSE’s regulations, authorized DC officials can have access to all administrative

records of the program, including but not limited to: child and staff administrative records; policies

and procedures; any additional info necessary to determine the program’s compliance with laws

and regulations.

Subsidy Procedures

Families who are interested in, and qualify for, a child care subsidy admissions form (“voucher”) are

responsible for obtaining that form, and turning it into me. You are also responsible for recertifying,

and notifying me if there is any change to the status of your voucher. I will do my best to support

you through the process.

Nutrition

LTH is currently enrolled in a food program, therefore no outside food is allowed. Breakfast

is at 8:00am, snack is at 10:00am, and lunch is given at 12:00pm. A meal shall be offered to

children arriving late and/or leave early.

Supplies

LTH will provide every child with a blanket and sheet to sleep on. Parents will not be

expected to bring diapers and wipes. For emergencies parents will need to bring in a weeks’

worth of clothing.

Guidance and Discipline

We, as child care providers, will work to create an environment that allows children to explore and

be active, without requiring a lot of rules and restrictions. LTH will use positive guidance and

redirection, and will set clear cut boundaries to foster the child’s ability to become self-disciplines.

We will encourage children to respect others, be fair, respect property, and start to take

responsibility for their actions. At times, we will share daily progress with parents, both negative

and positive. We understand that behavioral problems may arise, and if the issues are not

remedied through positive redirection or a logical, appropriate consequence, we will work with

parents and family members to create a plan. Bullying will not be tolerated under no circumstances.

This will be grounds for automatic termination. Children will respond best if we, parents, family

members, and childcare providers work as team, and are consistent in our actions and responses!

We will use the following techniques to avoid discipline problems:

● A well-organized room

● A well-organized routine

● Collaboration between parents, teachers, and other caregivers to reinforce certain

messages

The following steps may be taken if problems persist:

● Parent teacher conference

● Written plan for improving behavior

● Temporary time away from the program (this would still require payment to reserve

child’s slot)

We will NEVER use corporal punishment (hitting and spanking).

Immunizations

Before enrollment in the LTH, all Children must be immunized, unless written opposition on

religious or medical grounds is on file. In the event the parent of child is requesting

exemption from immunization, the District of Columbia Immunization Exemption form must

be completed by Parents. This form will be kept in the child’s file and forwarded to the

District of Columbia Department of Health Immunization Program in lieu of a current

vaccination report.

STAFF

Staff Training

All of the caregivers in the program will meet all of the education requirements described by the

DCMR29 regulations, which include:

● 322.1: How to report unusual incident

● 322.7: (a) Child abuse, neglect, and risk to a child’s safety, including how to report

suspected abuse

● 352.1: (b) Have a HS diploma or GED certificate; (c) Attend an annual regulatory

compliance review seminar; (d) 9 hours of training per year; (3) SIDS; and (g) CPR and First

Aid for Children

● 370: Handling Diapers, Training Pants, and Toys

● 371: Hand Washing Practices

● 3725:Food, Nutrition, and Feeding Requirements

● 377: Administration of Medication

● 378: Transportation Requirements (if needed)

● 379: Children with Special Needs

● 399: Definitions of the Purpose of the Title 29DCMR Chapter 3

Background Checks

All of the teachers have municipal, FBI, and Child Protection Register background history check, as

required by the Child and Youth Safety and Health Omnibus Act of 2004.

Administrative Records of Staff On File (as required by DCMR29 Chapter 327.17)

Staff:

● Full name, gender, SSN, DOB, home address

● Job position and description

● Documentation and results of criminal and background history checks

● Copy of required degrees, certificates, transcripts, and reference letters

● Any applicable contracts, verification of employee’s orientation to duties, responsibilities,

and facilities’ policies and procedures

● An ongoing record of continuing education

● First Aid & CPR Certification for children

● Dates of appointment to, or withdrawal from, any position in the facility, with the reason

for withdrawal

● Health records

● Signature

People residing in the house:

● All of the above info, not including degrees, certificates, transcript, reference letter;

contracts; continuing education, and dates of appointment/withdrawal.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Daily Schedule

Infants and toddlers do not necessarily follow a rigid prearranged schedule – their naptimes and

feeding times depend on their individual needs. Children develop differently, and activities will be

done at their own pace with the support of the staff.

Here is a sample of what the schedule MIGHT be:

Time block Activity Description

7:00 Arrival and free choice play Greeting, put away personal items, say goodbye to parents

8:00 am Breakfast and bathroom/diapering Clean up, wash hands, set up

breakfast, children eat, wash hands

Circle time and music Short group activity involving a song

Free Choice play

Directed small group activities

Bathroom/diapering and getting ready for lunch

Lunch and clean up

Rest time

Snack Time

Outdoor activities At a local park

Free Choice Play, departure

LTH Infants and Toddler Center will provide each child with 3 meals per day:

Breakfast, AM Snack and Lunch sometimes afternoon snack.

 Photography will be offered to everyone. Parents do have the option to opt in or out.

Pest management

Orkin is my pest management company. Parents will be notified in advance before Orkin

comes to inspects and exterminate.

Attendance

It is very important for your child to attend the program regularly in order for them to receive the

maximum benefit of the early learning experience we provide. Children are best able to participate

in their education, and develop, when they can rely on regular and consistent routines.

If your child cannot come in due to illness, bereavement leave, a prearranged vacation, or an

emergency, please let the director of LTH know as soon as possible, with both a written note of

explanation and a verbal reminder (by phone or in person). It is very important that we know info in

advance, so that we can plan activities with the knowledge of which children will be present in the

program, and plan to help children transition back into the program after a period of absence.

If a child is absent and the director of LTH has not been informed why, we will first attempt to

contact the parents/guardians to figure out what is happening. If the child continues to be absent

and we cannot get ahold of the parents/guardians, that child’s enrollment may be terminated after

four days, and their slot given to another child.

Remember that you are responsible for paying the regular weekly fee even when your child is

absent.

Holidays and Personal Leave

We will be closed the following federal holidays:

MONTH DATE HOLIDAY

January 1 New year’s day

January 3 rd Monday of the month Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

February 3 rd Monday of the month President’s Day

April 16 Emancipation Day

May Last Monday of the month Memorial Day

July 4 Independence day

September 1st Monday of the month Labor Day

October 2nd Monday of the month Columbus Day

October 11

Veteran’s Day 6

November Last Thursday of the Month Thanksgiving Day

December 25 Christmas day

December 31 New Years eve

**note: I may add in the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (12/24), and New

Year’s Eve (12/31), and swap out MLK Jr. Day, President’s Day, and Veteran’s Day, as

permitted by OSSE. I will inform parents of this

Addendum- LTH will be closed for the Christmas Holiday from 12/24 at 1:30 until

January 3 rd of the following year.

Payment is due in full for each week, even when the program is closed for a holiday during the

week.

In addition, LTH staff will take 7 professional development days, and 5 personal days. We will

inform parents in a timely manner of these days. The center will be open thru my sickness and

health.

Termination of Care

If for some reason you decide to no longer bring your child to LTH Infant and Toddler Care, please

provide a two week notice in writing. We would appreciate any feedback you have for me so that

we can continually improve the quality of the care we provide. The two week notice will give us

time to enroll another child. You will be required to pay until your child’s last day.

If your balance is more than two weeks behind, your child will not be able to continue at the

program. In the event of an emergency, please work with the director of LTH to make special

payment arrangement.

If I can no longer care for your child, I will give you at least two week notice. (If an emergency

situation comes up which requires immediate termination, I will communicate as quickly and clearly

as possible.) Reasons care might be terminated: We decide to move; we are forced to move; failure

to complete required forms; lack of parental communication; we cannot meet the unique needs of

your child; payment is over two weeks late, and parents have not communicated with director; lack

of respect for the teachers or other children; violence toward any

person.

Releasing Your Child

I will only release the child to parents/guardians, emergency contacts, or any others who are listed

on the Authorization to Pickup

Child form. If I do not recognize the person, I will ask for photo identification. I do not mean

to offend them; this is simply a measure taken for the child’s protection.

Nap Time

I will provide a safe, warm place for your child to rest during the day. Children two and older will

rest on a mat or cot.

Children under age two will be placed in a crib. In following with the Department of Health’s best

practices in safe sleep, I will follow the ABC’s of Safe Sleep for zero to 12monthyearolds:

Alone — Babies should always sleep alone. No other people, toys, blankets, or bedding in the crib

with the baby.

Back — Babies should always sleep on their back!

Crib — Put your child to sleep in a crib with only a firm mattress and tightfitting

sheet.

Nondiscrimination and Inclusion of Children with Special Needs

LTH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or ability. My program is

dedicated to supporting the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We will maintain a safe and

secure environment for children to explore and achieve success through a variety of recreational

activities. We will provide quality programs for every child to the very best of our abilities.

If available, we will attend trainings, use individualized behavior support techniques, consult with

parents and medical professionals, and any other reasonable steps to ensure a safe and joyful

experience for all children. If your child needs a personal care attendance, specialized equipment,

or therapeutic services, we will work with you to implement those. Any costs for additional

equipment or services must be paid for by the family (privately, or using medical insurance). I will

welcome any support from Strong Start, DC’s Early Intervention Support, in coordinating

services for the families in my program:

http://osse.dc.gov/service/strongstartdcearlyinterventionprogramdceip

If, after a trial period, parents and teachers determine that my program is not the right fit for your

child (that we cannot reasonably meet the learning needs of the child, and that the necessary

accommodations cause continual disruption to the learning of other children), we will plan together

to transition the child out of my program, and into a program that is more appropriate for your

child’s unique needs. Parents, it’s your responsibility to notify Ms. Sylvia Crews of any medical

conditions that your child may have, failure to do so may result in your child not being accepted.

Emergency Preparedness, Evacuation, and Fire Drills

The safety of children and staff is our highest priority. In the case of any emergency, we will notify

all Parents and shelter in place, If we cannot reach them, we will contact the people listed on the

child’s emergency contact forms. (Of course, we hope we will never need to take these steps! But

we want to be sure your child receives the attention he/she needs should an emergency arise.)

If a child is injured while in our care, our first step will be to administer first aid as necessary. If the

seriousness of the injury requires more attention, we will attempt to contact the parent/guardian

or doctor designated on the child’s application. If we cannot reach these parties, we will see that

your child receives the emergency medical treatment he/she needs from a hospital. The

parent/guardian will be expected to assume the responsibility for any resulting

expense.

If there is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention, we will call 911. We will follow

the directions on the child’s medical or dental forms to the best of our ability. I conduct monthly

fire drill practices so that the children and staff learn how to evacuate in case of a real situation.

We will keep a record of all the fire drills executed (Fire Drill Log).

Weather

We will follow DC Public Schools inclement weather

closures, or delayed openings. Please listen to the radio, watch

the news or check online when the weather is bad. Children are require to have outside play for at

least 45 minutes if weather permits and is above 32 degrees per OSSE and LTH regulations.

Toilet Training

Please leave an extra set of clothes at LTH in case your child has an accident, or something spills on

his/her clothes. When your child is ready for toilet training, please begin at home, and let me know

so that I can support your child through this process while he/she is in my care. Please keep in mind

that the activity level here requires that we might need a few moments before responding to a

child’s urge to use the toilet (more so than at home), so I’ll continue to use diapers or pullups until

your child can announce that he/she needs to use the bathroom, or until he/she can control his/her

bladder or bowels for a few minutes. I will transition to 5ply training pants and plastic. Do not bring

your child in underwear (and no diapers) until he/she has naptime/bedtime control established. I

also ask that during toilet training, the child be dressed in “user friendly” clothing as much as

possible: shorts, pants, and skirts with elastic waists. Try to avoid really tight clothing, pants with

snaps and zipper, and overalls as often as possible. Your child will want to help pull

pants/shorts/skirts up and down (which is wonderful! Helping them establish independence within

the toilet training routine), so avoiding clothes with too many “gadgets” will support them in getting

to the toilet in time.

Health and Illness Policies

All of the staff is trained in sanitation practices: handwashing, food preparation, diaper changing,

toilet training, and anything else to minimize the spread of contaminants. They also use best

practices in administering medication, and promoting safe sleep (to prevent SIDS, children 012

months are placed on their backs for sleeping, with no loose blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or

toys in the crib). If a child becomes ill during the day, the child will be separated from the group (put

in a safe and comfortable place, where he/she can be supervised) and the parents/guardians will be

called to pick up the child immediately. Please make arrangements for your child to be picked up

within one hour of being contacted. The child must not return to the program until they have been

symptom free for at least 24 hours. This is to ensure that illness does not spread to other children

or the staff in the program. Also, sometimes when given medicines like Tylenol, children’s

symptoms can temporarily go away, but then come back a few hours. If your child has these

symptoms, he/she should not come:

● Fever

● Vomiting

● Diarrhea or bloody stools

● Green discharge from nose

● Sore throat or swollen glands

● Body rash

● Eye drainage with mucus, pus, or crust in the eye

● Pink eye

● Earache

● Any other symptoms indicative of a communicable disease (defined by DCMR29 Chapter 2 Title

22)

● Wheezing, coughing, nasal flaring, or other respiratory problems

● Urinary or abdominal problems, like intestinal parasites or urinary tract infections.

● Chest pain.

● Sores or white patches on the mouth

● Untreated, oozing wounds

● Apparent fracture of bone break

We will call parents if the child has continuous irritable crying that requires more attention than

staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children. If your child has an

illness or injury and receives treatment by a licensed healthcare practitioner, and is cleared to

return to LTH by that health care practitioner (but still requires ongoing special care), please

provide written instructions and permission.

Birthday Parties

I know that birthdays are very special for each child! We will celebrate birthdays together. If

families would like to bring in healthy treats or developmentally appropriate party favors, that is

permitted. No balloons are permitted at any time in accordance to DC Rules and Regulations.

Religious Practices

We will not provide any formal religious education in the program – we leave that to family’s

discretion. We may have celebrations at Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or other commonly

celebrated holidays. We welcome family participation. If your family celebrates any holidays or

festivals, and you would like to share that tradition with the children in our program, please let us

know! We would love to collaborate with parents to bring in a variety of religious, cultures,

traditions, and backgrounds. If you do NOT want your child to participate in these celebrations,

please let the LTH director know.

Reporting Unusual Incidents

We do our utmost to prevent anything that will sacrifice the health, safety, or wellbeing

of any child or adult in LTH. We understand, though, that emergencies may happen, and that it is to

everyone’s benefit for the staff of LTH to have procedures on place to deal with any situation which

may arise. In accordance with DCMR 29 Section 322.16, if there is an unusual incident (which may

adversely affect the health, safety, or wellbeing of any child in the facility) during the time that your

child is in LTH, we will immediately report it (within 24 hours) to OSSE DEL, Licensing and

Compliance Unit, via email at ossechildcomplaints@dc.gov or via phone at (202) 7277295.

We will fill out an Unusual Incident Report Form.

Unusual incidents include, but are not limited to, the following: death of a person in the facility;

injury or illness that occurs in the facility that requires hospitalization or emergency medical

treatment; damage to the facility or any facility vehicle or equipment that interferes with the

capability of the facility to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of children and adults in the

facility; the presence of any person in the facility who has, or is suspected of having, a

communicable disease that must be reported to the DC Dept. of Health (in accordance with Title 22

DC Municipal Regulations); the elopement of an enrolled child, or any circumstances where a child

is missing or unaccounted for; a traffic accident involved the children; and any other occurrence

that involves a response by police, fire, ambulance, or any emergency service. All documented

incidents will be filed on site for at least three years. By signing the contract at the end of this

handbook, you are acknowledging that you have read, and understand, this policy.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

In compliance with Section 322.47 of DCMR 29, any staff of LTH who knows, or has reasonable

cause to suspect, that an enrolled child is, has been, in immediate danger of being abused or

neglected will make an immediate report (as required by DC Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

Act of 1977). We will report the suspected abuse or neglect to the DC Child and Family Services

Administration at 202671SAFE (2026717233), cfsa@dc.gov , or 200 I St SW. We will also report the

incident to OSSE via ossechildcarecomplaints@dc.gov or 2027271839. All documented incidents

will be filed at the facility for three years. Parents/guardians, please obtain a basic knowledge of

DC’s mandated reporting requirements by visiting this website:

https://dc.mandatedreporter.org/pages/Welcome.action This online training is free, and available

in Spanish.

Requirement for Unlimited Access

Child care providers licensed by OSSE’s Division of Early Learning are required to comply with

federal stipulations regarding parent/guardian’s right to unlimited to their children. This policy

states that parents/guardians may contact a child by visiting or calling the child at any time that the

child is in care.

CONTRACT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICIES

Contract between Parents/Guardians and Director of LTH Infant and Toddler Care

I have read the Parent’s Manual, and I will abide by the policies outlined in it. If any issues or

questions come up, I will communicate with Sylvia Crews, director, in order to work together to find

a solution. My child will attend LTH Infant and Toddler Care these days and these hours:

Day Time

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

No Beads allowed in children hair because of choking hazards. No open toed shoes. Thank You!