The daycare handbook for parents has become a must-have in the industry. Experts consider it a “hallmark of success.” You can share this handbook digitally or give a printed copy to parents after enrollment. The main goal is to share feedback.
However, what goes inside a handbook varies depending on your childcare program, philosophies, and curriculum design.
We have created a checklist to make a comprehensive handbook for parents.
Here’s what you need to know:
The Basics of Creating a Daycare Handbook for Parents
A daycare handbook for parents gives families a detailed breakdown of your policies, curriculum, and approach to childcare. Ensure you share everything they’d want to know before enrolling their children.
Moreover, the guide isn’t solely a welcome message. It’s essential to create a comprehensive framework of daycare policies and regulations. Having everything conveyed in an official document allows parents to use the handbook as a guide. They can recheck the handbook during emergencies or when unsure how to deal with an unexpected situation.
Getting the basic rules out of the way allows you to address frequently asked questions beforehand.
What goes inside a handbook?
Here’s a preview:
Section One: Welcome Message & Your Approach to the Childcare Program
The welcome message sets the tone for future conversations with parents. Ensure it’s friendly and engaging to prompt a positive response from parents and guardians. Convey your core values and interest in building community ties.
Moreover, use this space to reflect your interest in embracing diversity. Tell parents that you respect the unique culture and heritage of each child enrolled at your center.
The welcome message should be short, sweet, and effective. Introduce the principal daycare providers and staff after the message.
What else? You should also use this space to introduce the pathological philosophies and approaches you use to instruct young learners. Go over the fundamentals and age-appropriate lessons designed for toddlers and preschoolers.
You can circle back to the curriculum in another section.
Note: Increase online reach by sharing your daycare handbook for parents on your website. Interested parents can go through your guide to check if you’re a good fit for their family. It’s also an excellent way to elaborate on what you do and how it benefits their children.
Section Two: Daycare Policies and Rules
Every daycare handbook for parents needs a section on rules and regulations. Promote accountability by creating clear boundaries on what parents can and can’t do. The same rule applies to explaining how you will accommodate their needs if required.
Here are a few things to discuss in this section:
● Enrollment policies and waiting list rules
● Include contact information to ensure parents know who to reach and how to reach them
● Drop-off and pick-up timings and penalties
● Fee structure and payment policies
● List daycare forms and essential documentation you need to create a student profile during/after enrollment
● List of business hours and holidays
● Dietary policies for food served in the facility and outside food brought by parents
● Disciplining measures for children practiced inside the class
● Health and safety procedures
● Illness policies to maintain a healthy daycare
● Scheduling parent-teacher conferences to promote effective communication
● Emergency procedures and protocols in case of a fire, natural disaster, or other emergencies
● Daycare policies for suspensions and withdrawal
Remember that parents need prompting to understand the reasoning behind protocols and the consequences of forgoing rules. Avoid conflicts by learning how to communicate with parents effectively.
Section Three: Early Years Education Program
Your daycare handbook for parents must include academic aspects of your childcare program. List the key milestones of early development young learners cross depending on their age. Also, highlight what educational programs, lessons, and activities you have planned to support their learning.
Here are some things you can mention:
● STEAM lesson plans and curriculum design
● List qualifications and credentials of staff in charge of designing your childhood education program
● Highlight extracurricular activities such as physical education, field trips, and other activities planned to support a well-rounded approach to learning
Aside from this, give parents a preview of the fun and creative activities you have planned to support a love for learning.
You can also share a social calendar to share tentative dates of family-based activities planned throughout the year. It gives parents a heads-up and shows them how you will involve them in their child’s early years of learning.
Parting Words
Your daycare handbook for parents promotes your brand. Ensure that it’s original, creative, and engaging. Also, consider the book an extension of your daycare business and childcare program. Explain everything you’d like parents to know and reinforce the idea that their children will receive quality care and education at your facility.
Ensure that your actions support everything you say inside the handbook. Share official photographs and pictures to create a professional image of your daycare.
The carefully selected visuals will convey your message better.
Do you need help?
Sign up for Standout Daycare membership to enroll in business coaching, training, and live webinars. Brainstorm ideas with like-minded individuals and access educational resources to help you run your daycare business more efficiently.
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