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My Piccolo Mondo Parent Handbook

Hours of Operation

We’re here for you Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We'll work together to figure out the schedule that works best for your family.

We’re closed on weekends and on major holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving. We know finding care on these days isn’t always easy, so we encourage you to have a backup plan just in case.

Provider Vacation

Each year, we’ll be closed for two weeks to give our providers a well-earned break. Don’t worry — we’ll always give you at least two weeks’ notice so you’ll have plenty of time to plan ahead.

Tuition & Payments

We try to keep payments simple and stress-free:

You can pay with cash or check. Returned checks will have a $25 fee plus any late fees. If you’re having difficulty, please talk to us — we’re here to support you.

Communication

We believe in open, respectful communication. Share your thoughts, concerns, or updates anytime. If needed, we’re happy to schedule a private meeting outside regular hours.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Please turn off your car and walk your child to the door. Children must be picked up by a parent or someone you’ve approved in writing. We’ll request ID for unfamiliar individuals. For safety, children should not play near vehicles. And during emotional goodbyes, a quick, confident farewell helps ease the transition.

Court Orders

If there's a court order that restricts a parent or guardian’s access to a child, we must have official documentation from the custodial parent or guardian on file. Without it, we legally cannot prevent a non-custodial parent from picking up the child.

Open Door Policy

You are always welcome to visit your child during the day! We just ask that you avoid Rest Time when possible. Please knock before entering, and feel free to call anytime — if we can't answer immediately, we'll return your message as soon as we can.

Sick Days & Vacations

If your child is staying home due to illness or another reason, please notify us at least one hour before their normal arrival time.

Positive Guidance

We believe in kind, respectful guidance. We do not use physical punishment, yelling, or shaming. Young children are redirected, and older children may be given a brief time to reset. If ongoing behavior challenges arise, we’ll work with you as a team to find supportive solutions. No child will ever be punished for bathroom accidents.

Meals & Snacks

All meals and snacks are provided. We eat together like a family and encourage conversation and manners. Let us know about any allergies or dietary needs so we can accommodate your child.

Daily Activities

We plan a variety of fun, age-appropriate activities each day with room for flexibility. Our schedule includes outdoor play, quiet time, reading, free play, and structured group activities to encourage exploration, learning, and social interaction.

Dress Code

We recommend dressing your child in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes that can get messy. Please provide a full change of clothing to keep on-site. For outdoor play, be sure they are dressed for the weather — jackets, hats, mittens, or sunhats as needed.

Water Play

On hot days, we may bring out sprinklers or a wading pool. We require a signed permission slip before your child can participate. If a swimsuit or towel is needed, we’ll let you know.

Toys from Home

We provide plenty of toys and learning materials. Please do not send toys from home unless it is a special comfort item. We are not responsible for any lost or broken personal items. If daycare toys are damaged intentionally, we may ask for assistance in replacing them.

Rest Time

Children under age 5 will have a quiet rest period each day. Sleeping is not required, but we do ask that children stay quiet and relaxed during this time. Older children may engage in calm individual activities.

My Piccolo Mondo Parent Handbook (Continued)

Toilet Training

We’re happy to help with toilet training and believe collaboration is key. Please provide pull-ups and dress your child in clothing they can easily manage. Send at least five changes of clothing. Soiled clothing will be sent home in a sealed bag for replacement the next day.

Celebrations

We enjoy celebrating birthdays and holidays as a group. If you'd like to bring a treat for the children, please let us know in advance to coordinate any dietary needs.

Helping Hands

Children help clean up toys before meals and naps. During rest time, we tidy the space or involve children in light cleaning tasks as appropriate.

Screen Time

We occasionally allow children to watch child-friendly programming on channels like Nickelodeon, Disney, or Cartoon Network, and they may help choose a short video to enjoy together.

Emergency Preparedness

We hold monthly fire drills and have fire extinguishers and flashlights on hand. If the power goes out, we’ll use non-perishable food and monitor indoor temperatures. If the environment becomes too cold or unsafe, you’ll be contacted to pick up your child immediately.

Policy Updates

Policies and consent forms are reviewed each January. Any changes will come with at least two weeks' notice. If your contact info or your child’s immunizations change, please inform us in writing.

Confidentiality

Your family’s privacy is important to us. We keep all information confidential unless you provide written permission for it to be shared. Any necessary releases will be signed in advance.

Enrollment Requirements

Termination of Care

Following a two-week trial, either party may end care with two weeks' written notice. Immediate termination may occur due to non-payment, unsafe behavior, or failure to follow policies. Two weeks' tuition is due even if the child does not attend after early termination by parents.

Child Abuse & Neglect

As mandated reporters, we are legally obligated to report any suspected abuse or neglect, including physical punishment observed in our care setting.

Supplies Checklist

Health & Illness

Sick children must remain at home. If your child has a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, continuous cough, unexplained rash, or other symptoms within 24 hours, they should not attend care. We will call you for pickup if symptoms appear during the day. If unreachable, we will contact your emergency contact.

Medications

By New York State law, we do not administer medications unless it is Syrup of Ipecac administered under emergency instruction from Poison Control or EMS.

Medical Emergencies

Minor injuries will be treated with first aid. You will be contacted immediately in the event of a more serious injury. If you or your emergency contacts are unavailable and emergency care is required, we will call 911 and accompany your child to the hospital if necessary. Parents are responsible for all related medical costs.

Infant Care

Infants are fed and allowed to rest as needed. They are held during bottle feeding and comforted when distressed — we do not use “cry it out” methods. Infants are rotated through safe, stimulating spaces throughout the day. We maintain high hygiene standards and involve infants in age-appropriate group activities when possible.

Germ Prevention

We sanitize toys after they are mouthed and daily. Hands and noses are cleaned frequently. Surfaces are disinfected after hours. We place infants on their backs to sleep, and breastfeeding is supported — nursing arrangements can be made privately.

House Rules

What We Ask from Parents