Policies

How we do things here.

These aren't rules for their own sake — they're the things that keep our home running smoothly so we can focus on the kids. Please read through before your first day and ask us anything that isn't clear.

Drop-off & pickup

Arrival and departure

Hours

We're open Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 5:30pm. Please don't drop off before 7:30 — we use that time to get the home ready for the day.

Late pickup

If you're running late, please call as soon as you know. Pickup after 5:30pm is $1 per minute. Repeated late pickups may affect your enrollment.

Authorized pickup

Only adults listed on your enrollment form may pick up your child. If someone new is picking up, let us know in advance — we'll ask for ID.

No pickup during nap time

We ask that you avoid picking up during nap time (roughly 12:30–3:00pm) unless it's truly necessary. Waking the group disrupts everyone's rest. If you need to pick up during nap, please call ahead so we can bring your child out quietly.

Health & illness

Keeping everyone well

Sick child policy

Please keep your child home if they have a fever (100.4°F or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, a new rash of unknown cause, or any contagious illness. Children must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning.

Illness during the day

If your child becomes ill while in our care, we'll call you right away. We ask that you be able to pick up within one hour. A child who is sick needs to be home — not here.

Medications

We do not administer prescription or over-the-counter medications unless we have a signed authorization form on file. Bring medications in their original container with your child's name on the label.

Allergies

We are a nut-free home. No peanuts, tree nuts, or products processed alongside them. Please disclose all food allergies and dietary restrictions at enrollment — we take these seriously.

Payments

Tuition and fees

Weekly rate

Tuition is $170 per week, due every Monday morning. Daily care is available at $50 per day for families who need flexible scheduling — ask us about availability.

Payment method

We accept cash, check, or Venmo. Checks should be made out to Carol Henderson Dowdy.

Late payment

Tuition not received by Wednesday of the week it's due is subject to a $15 late fee.

Holidays and closures

We close on all federal holidays. Tuition is not reduced for planned closure weeks — this is standard practice for home daycares and allows us to maintain consistent staffing.

Absences

Your spot is held whether your child attends or not. Tuition is owed for all scheduled days, including sick days and family vacations.

Communication

Staying in touch

Daily updates

You'll get a quick note at pickup about how your child's day went — what they ate, how nap went, anything worth mentioning. For infants, we track feeds, naps, and diapers.

Reaching us

For non-urgent questions, text or email is best. If it's urgent — or if you're running late — call. We may not see a text right away when we're in the middle of the day.

Concerns

If something is bothering you, tell us. We'd always rather have an awkward conversation early than lose a family over something that could have been worked out.

Behavior

Guidance and discipline

Our approach

We use positive redirection, natural consequences, and time-outs when appropriate. We do not use raised voices or any form of physical discipline — ever.

Biting and hitting

These happen with toddlers and we handle them calmly and consistently. We'll always let you know if your child was involved in an incident — as the biter, the bitten, or the bystander.

Enrollment

Joining and leaving

Trial period

The first two weeks are a trial for everyone. If it's not a good fit, either party can end the arrangement with no hard feelings.

Withdrawal

We ask for two weeks' written notice if you're leaving. This helps us plan and gives your child time to say a real goodbye.

Our right to withdraw

We reserve the right to end an enrollment if tuition goes unpaid, if a child's needs are beyond what we can safely meet, or if a family relationship becomes untenable. We will always give as much notice as possible.

Questions about any of this?

Policies on paper can't cover every situation. If something isn't addressed here, just ask — we'd rather talk it through than have you guess.

Get in touch