WELCOME TO NATURE TOTS!
Enrollment Paperwork
The following forms are required before starting care:
Please review the POLICIES PAGE before starting care
- Admission and Arrangements Family Child Care DHS-7776 (PDF)
- Liability Insurance Notice to Parents or Guardians Family Child Care DHS-7741 (PDF)
- Child Care Immunization Form
- Allergy Information Form Family Child Care DHS-7736 (PDF)
- Mandated Reporter Policy Family Child Care DHS-7634C (PDF)
Please review the POLICIES PAGE before starting care
Preparing Your Child For Preschool
Once you’re on the last month of maternity leave it's time to start getting your baby ready for daycare. Here’s a list what you need to know to make a smooth transition:
Nap your baby in a crib or pack n’ play. This is so crucial to prevent SIDS and to ensure they have a great start at daycare. If they’re not able to take naps in their crib or pack n’ play, they’re not ready for daycare. Approved sleeping habits. Sleep sac and pacifier ONLY! At child care infants are only allowed to wear a sleep sack and have pacifier (no Wubbanubs). I have very strict sleeping guidelines to follow in order to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Daycare nap schedule:
Breastfeeding? Give your baby a bottle. Start this process as early as possible with your baby. It may take several types of bottles until you find one that your baby will take easily. Keep a record the week prior of when and how much your baby is eating so I can meet the needs of your baby. If your baby will not take a bottle, they’re not ready for daycare and will be sent home until they’re prepared for the day. Pumping at work? I’ll provide you with an insulated bag to bring your breast milk to daycare. I’m happy to take it upon pick up the night before or have it arrive in the morning, whichever is easier on your family. Breast Milk needs to be in a disposable bag and not in containers. Once your breast milk is heated for consumption if your baby hasn’t finished it within 30 minutes, it will be thrown out. I try to heat up only what is needed and will heat more if baby is showing signs of still being hungry. The bags are to have your baby's name as well as the time stamp of when the breast milk was pumped. Help baby learn patience. If they are slightly fussy and you are in the middle of unloading the dishwasher, talk to them calmly about what they need and what you are doing. At times I’m in the middle of a diaper change for another child and won’t be able to respond right away. This will help so they’re able to learn coping skills to calm themselves rather than escalating into a screaming fit. If your baby does proceed to hysterically cry for more than an 30-minutes, I will be calling for pickup. It’s stressful on our environment with young children but more so, on your little baby. Take notes about the baby. Write down information such as tips on calming baby down, likes, dislikes, helpful nap tips, feeding tips, etc. The more information I have going into your baby attending daycare, the better I’m able to soothe and care for them with ease. Dress for success. It’s so much fun to dress your baby in cute clothing but at childcare we require functional clothing. Clothing isn’t laundered during the day so please send at least two backups of entire outfits. Bring baby in comfortable layered clothing, nothing constricting, hard to get off and with easy access for diaper changing. Our childcare is 70% based outside so please plan for this when it comes to dressing your infant. I suggest merino wool base layer with fleece-footed pajamas. I have a winter snowsuit, mittens, wool hat and stroller bunting while outside. Here are a few great brands for purchasing base and fleece layers: |
