Handbook

 School Colors: Yellow, Green and Blue

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​Mission:
At Bumblebee Childcare, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and inspiring environment where children thrive as curious, capable learners. Guided by the principles of Reggio Emilia and play-based education, we empower children to explore their interests, express their ideas, and collaborate with others. Through meaningful experiences that honor each child's unique strengths and perspectives, we foster a lifelong love of learning and a strong foundation for future success. Together with our dedicated educators and supportive community, we create a place where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Owner/Director: 

Meet Mrs. Abby Moreno, the heart and soul behind Bumblebee Childcare. With over 10 years of experience working with children, Mrs. Abby has honed her expertise in early childhood education, specializing in the Reggio Emilia and play-based learning approaches. For six years, she passionately guided toddlers aged 2-3, followed by three years dedicated to nurturing preschool-aged minds.

Mrs. Abby is a true advocate for each child's unique journey, she excels in reading the classroom dynamics and seamlessly tailoring activities to meet their evolving needs. Her unwavering commitment extends beyond the classroom walls, aiming to create a nurturing and secure environment where both children and their families feel valued and supported. Mrs. Abby is so excited to invite you into the classroom! 

​Assistant Teacher:

Mr. Moreno, proud Co-Owner and Lead Spanish Immersion Teacher is so excited to start teaching children his native language and culture. His patience and kindness go a long way with children along with his silly personality that makes children feel safe and heard. Mr. Moreno will also be our musical guest of the week! He is so excited to start this journey of learning and teaching little ones.  

Safety:

Bumblebee Childcare’s top priority is safety. All students get picked up and dropped off at our side door (facing 77th St.). A code provided by the Brightwheel App is required with pick up and drop off. A written notice to the provider or co-teacher will be needed if there is a person that we do not know/recognize that is picking up, whether they are on the authorized pick-up list or not. They will be required to show I.D.  We play outside in a fenced yard. And Fire drills, Earthquake drills, and Lock In/Out drills are performed monthly.

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​Discipline Policies:

At Bumblebee Childcare, we prioritize maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for all children in our care. Our discipline policy is designed to promote positive interactions, problem-solving skills, and parent involvement. Here are the essential components of our discipline policy:

 1. Positive Approach:

  - We emphasize positive reinforcement and understanding interactions. Our teachers encourage praise, calm communication, and attention for positive behavior.

   - We proactively set up the classroom environment to prevent problems and provide alternatives when redirecting children.

 2. Prohibited Strategies:

   - No corporal punishment: This includes physical force such as spanking, hitting, shaking, or any form of physical harm.

   - No shaming or belittling: We avoid strategies that hurt, shame, or embarrass a child.

   - No threats or intimidation: Discipline should never involve fear or force.

   - No food-based punishments.

   - No withholding physical activity as punishment.

   - No punishment for bathroom accidents.

   - No discipline by other children.

   - No negative comments about parents, families, or ethnic groups.

3. Consistent Application:

   - We ensure that rules are applied consistently to all children. Our staff members model appropriate behavior and communicate with children on their level.

 4. Problem-Solving Approach:

   - We encourage children to make choices, solve problems, and talk out issues. Our teachers provide appropriate words to help resolve conflicts and guide children through the process of finding solutions.

5. Parent Involvement:

   - We value the partnership between parents and our childcare In-Home. If specific disciplinary problems occur, we schedule conferences with parents to discuss strategies for addressing them.

   - In cases where a child's behavior consistently endangers others' safety, the Provider may consider termination after documenting interventions.

 By adhering to these principles and strategies, we aim to create a supportive environment where every child feels respected, valued, and empowered to learn and grow.

​Diapering/Potty Training Policies:

1. Diapering Procedures:

   - Diapers will be checked every 2 hours (except nap) at 8am, 10am, 12pm, as soon as they wake up from nap or at 3pm, 5pm and throughout the day, as needed.

   - We have a designated diaper changing pad in the bathroom, which will be cleaned and sanitized before and after each use.

   - Disposable gloves will be worn by staff during diaper changes to maintain hygiene standards and changed out with every child.

   - Soiled diapers will be disposed of in our diaper bin designated for waste disposal.

   - Parents will be notified of any rash/irritation and if diaper cream was applied throughout the day with our Parent/Teacher communication app Brightwheel. 

  - Parents will be notified of any diapering needs (diapers/wipes/cream) that we have run out of and will be asked to bring more of through our Parent/Teacher communication app Brightwheel. 

2. Potty Training:

   - Potty training will be initiated in collaboration with parents when the child shows signs of readiness, such as expressing interest in using the toilet or displaying bladder control.

   - Children will be encouraged to use the toilet at regular intervals throughout the day, including after meals, snacks, and naps.

   - Staff will provide positive reinforcement and encouragement during the potty-training process.

   - Children will be allowed privacy and independence during toilet use, with staff supervision as needed.

   - Accidents will be handled calmly and discreetly, with staff providing support and assistance as necessary.

   - Parents will be kept informed of their child's progress in potty training and encouraged to reinforce skills at home.

   - Staff will maintain a supportive and nurturing environment to promote successful potty-training experiences for all children.

By implementing these policies, we aim to ensure the comfort, safety, and dignity of all children during diapering and potty-training activities at our daycare facility.

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Bottle Policy:

1. Labeling: Parents are required to provide bottles with their child's name clearly labeled, dated and how many oz in the bottle on both the lid and bottle each day.  

2. Preparation: Parents are asked to come with the bottles pre-made with the appropriate formula or breast milk.

3. Bottle Warming: We understand the importance of serving formula or breast milk at the right temperature. Therefore, the provider will warm the bottles by placing them in a crockpot filled with warm water. This gentle warming method ensures that the milk reaches the optimal temperature for consumption without compromising its nutritional value.

4. Storage: Each child will have their own designated storage container located in the refrigerator labeled with the child's name. Upon arrival the Provider will take the child's bottles and put them in their specific container. 

5. Cleaning the Bottles: After each use, bottles will be rinsed and placed into the go home bag in the child's cubby. 

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Bumblebee Childcare’s Biting Policy:

Biting is unfortunately not unexpected behavior for toddlers. Some children and many toddlers communicate through this behavior. However, biting can be harmful to other children and to staff. This biting policy has been developed with both of these ideas in mind. As childcare professionals, we understand that biting, unfortunately, is part of a childcare setting. Our goal is to help identify what is causing the biting and resolve these issues. If the issue cannot be resolved, this policy serves to protect the children that are bitten. If a biting incident occurs, state regulations require that the parent of the child biting and the parent of the child who was bitten be contacted. Names of the children are not shared with either parent.

When Biting Does Occur:

Our job at Bumblebee Childcare is to keep the children safe and help a child that bites learn different, and more appropriate behaviors. We provide a chewy toy for them and redirect the behavior to the chewy toy that can be available to them at all times. 

For the child that was bitten:

1. First aid is given to the bite. It is cleaned with soap and water. If the skin is broken, the bite is covered with a bandage.

2. Parents are notified.

3. The “Incident Report” form is filled out documenting the incident.

For the child that bit:

1. We will firmly tell the child that we do not bite, teeth are not for biting, and we will show them the bite that hurt their friend. We will then ask the friend to give them a gentle touch to their arm, to show that we are gentle with our friends and we do not hurt them. 

2. The child will discuss with a teacher how the other child may feel and what other ways they can communicate what they need.

3. The parents are notified. The “Incident Report” is filled out documenting the incident.

Moving forward:

The child will be shadowed to help prevent any biting incidents. The child will be observed by the teachers to determine what is causing the child to bite (teething, communication, frustration, etc.) The child will be given positive attention and approval for positive behavior.

When biting continues:

1. If a child inflicts 2 bites in a one week period in which the skin of another child or staff member is broken or bruised or the bite leaves a significant mark, a discussion will be held with the parents to brainstorm what better ways we can go about the child’s biting and what we can do together to help prevent this from happening less or at all. 

2. If the child again inflicts 2 bites in a one week period in which the skin of another child or staff member is broken or bruised or the bite leaves a significant mark, the child will be asked to take a one week break from the school.

3. If the child again inflicts 2 bites in a one week period in which the skin of another child or staff member is broken or bruised or the bite leaves a significant mark, the parents will be asked to make other childcare arrangements and be given a 2 week termination notice.

If a child, who has been through step 1 and 2 and then goes 3 weeks (15 days of school attendance) without biting, we will go back to step one if the child bites again. If a child bites twice in a 1 hour period, the child will be required to be picked up from Bumblebee Childcare for the remainder of the day.

Curriculum and Programs

Spanish Immersion:

Mr. Moreno will serve as our dedicated Spanish Immersion teacher, engaging with the children solely in Spanish. With children aged 2 to 5 being like sponges, they'll swiftly grasp Mr. Moreno's Spanish immersion approach.

Music:

Our Musical Teacher will be no other than Mr. Moreno! With his musical talents and gentle demeanor, Mr. Moreno brings a touch of magic to our classroom. His soothing singing and skilled guitar playing create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that children love.

Each week, Mr. Moreno introduces new instruments for the children to explore, from drums to xylophones. Through fun and interactive lessons, he helps them discover the joy of making music together. With Mr. Moreno's guidance, children develop a lifelong appreciation for music and movement. Join us as we embark on musical adventures with Mr. Moreno!

Reggio Emilia/Play Based Curriculum 

At Bumblebee Childcare, we follow a Reggio Emilia-inspired and play-based curriculum to nurture your child's natural curiosity, creativity, and love for learning. In our approach, we believe that children learn best through hands-on experiences, exploration, and meaningful interactions with their environment.

With Reggio Emilia, we see children as capable, competent, and full of potential. Our curriculum is child-centered, meaning we prioritize your child's interests, passions, and unique ways of learning. Through open-ended activities, art projects, and collaborative projects, we encourage children to express themselves, solve problems, and make discoveries at their own pace.

Play is at the heart of everything we do. It's not just about having fun (although that's important too!), but also about learning important skills such as communication, problem-solving, and social interaction. Whether it's building with blocks, exploring nature in our outdoor area, or engaging in dramatic play, every activity is an opportunity for growth and development.

We also emphasize the role of the environment in learning. Our classrooms are carefully designed to be inviting, stimulating, and reflective of the children's interests. We believe that the environment acts as a third teacher, inspiring curiosity and fostering a sense of wonder.

Through our Reggio Emilia/play-based curriculum, we aim to instill a lifelong love for learning in your child while honoring their individuality and unique ways of engaging with the world. We're excited to partner with you on this journey of discovery and growth

 

Fall Program:

Our Fall Program runs from September to mid-June and is available for children aged 12 months to 5 years.

Summer Program:

Our Summer Program runs from mid-June to the third week of August and is available for children aged 12 months - 12 years.

• Please note that these programs are distinct from each other and require separate enrollment forms and fees. To ensure your child's continuous enrollment at Bumblebee Childcare, you must complete the appropriate enrollment form and pay the associated fee within the specified timeframe. Failure to do so will result in unenrollment of your child at the end of the current program.

 

Daily Schedule:

7 AM-9 AM: Free Play/Table Activities

9 AM-9:15 AM: Morning Group

9:15 AM-9:30 AM: Bathroom/Diapers

9:30 AM: Morning Snack 

9:45 AM: Outside

10:15 AM: Art

10:30 AM: Centers

11:00 AM Music Group

11:15 AM: Bathrooms/Diapers

11:30 AM: Lunch

12:00 PM: Nap

3:00 PM: Bathroom/Diapers

3:15 PM: PM Snack

3:30 PM: Outside

4:15 PM: Free Play

5:00 PM: Snack/Table Activities 

5:30 PM: Closed