Elementary and Preschool Child Care

Waterford School District Child Care Handbook

Welcome to WSD Child Care!

We are delighted to welcome you to our child care program, where every child is valued, supported, and inspired to learn through play and exploration. Our program is thoughtfully designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children from preschool through elementary school.

Our staff is highly trained and experienced, committed to supporting each child’s growth and curiosity. We look forward to partnering with your family and making every day a joyful, meaningful, and enriching experience

Philosophy

At our child care program, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every child can thrive. Guided by developmentally appropriate practices and Michigan LARA standards, we believe that children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions.

Our program fosters growth across all areas of development, including:

• Physical development – large and small motor skills
• Cognitive development – language, math, science, and literacy
• Social and emotional development – cooperation, empathy, and self-confidence
• Creative development – art, music, movement, and imaginative play

We strive to support each child’s natural curiosity, celebrate individual strengths, and create a positive, engaging space where learning is joyful and lifelong.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Waterford School District Child Care Services Program does not discriminate and all children are admitted regardless of race, creed, color, religion, national origins, sex or ethnic background

Staff Training and Safety Requirements

All Waterford School District Child Care staff meet or exceed training requirements established by the LARA Child Care Licensing to ensure a safe, high-quality environment.

Annual Training:

•  Staff complete a minimum of 16 hours of professional development each year in child-related topics.

CPR and First Aid:

•  At least 50% of staff at each site maintain current CPR and First Aid certification.

Bloodborne Pathogens:

•  All staff are trained in bloodborne pathogen safety procedures.

Abuse and Neglect Training:

•  Training on child abuse, neglect, and program policies is provided at the start of each school year and upon hire.

Health and Safety:

•  State-required health and safety trainings are completed within 90 days of hire, with annual refreshers.

District Safety Training:

•  Staff participate in district-required safety trainings to support emergency preparedness.

No Smoking and No Vaping

Smoking and vaping must not occur in or during both of the following: 

•  In the child care center or school, on real property that is under the control of the center or school and upon which the center or school is located. 
• On field trips and in vehicles when children are present.

Contact Numbers

• Beaumont Child Care: 248-738-4746                          
• Cooley Child Care: 248-674-6344                                 
• Donelson Child Care:  248-682-2332                               
• Grayson Child Care:  248-674-6381                                 
• Haviland Child Care: 248-738-4777                           
• Houghton Child Care: 248-698-0925                            
• Knudsen Child Care:  248-862-3798                                
• Riverside Child Care:  248-674-4415                              
• Schoolcraft Child Care:  248-623-7061                     
• Stepanski Child Care: 248-666-8668                               

Hours of Operation

Elementary school sites

6:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. 

After school - 6 p.m.

Half days (elementary sites)

6:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. and 11:57 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Stepanski   

6:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

2:45 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Children cannot be dropped off before 6:45 a.m.  Children must be picked up by 

6 p.m. 

Late Pickup Procedure

The charge for late pickup is $1 per minute. 

Our staff will take the following steps when a child is not picked up by 6 p.m.

1. 6:01 p.m.         Parents/guardians will be called; message will be left if no answer.
2. 6:05 p.m.         Emergency numbers from the child’s registration form will be called.                            
3. 6:15 p.m.         WSD Child Care Coordinator is called.                                                  
4. 6:30 p.m.         If no contact has been made with parent(s) or emergency contacts, we will call the Waterford Police and report that a child has been left in our care after closing, without any contact.

The following will occur when a child is not picked up by 6 p.m.

1st Time $1 per minute charged to the Enrollsy account

2nd Time $1 per minute charged to the Enrollsy account and a 1st warning letter

3rd  Time $1 per minute charged to the Enrollsy account and a 2nd warning letter

4th Time Dismissal from WSD Child Care Program

Registration

1. Use the registration link on our website to create an Enrollsy account and register your child at their child care site, paying the registration fee of 75 dollars.
2. Using the Enrollsy website or app, enroll your child in the specific sessions you would like them to attend.
3. When you arrive at child care to either pick up or drop your child off, you will be asked to review and sign our Child Care contract. According to state licensing regulations, a signed copy of this contract must be kept on the premises in order for us to provide care for your child.

Before school and after school child care is an optional and paid for in advance service available according to our ability to staff it at each site. WSD Child Care now accepts payments via credit card and ACH on Enrollsy or through active DHHS CDC 'Scholarship' payments only. No cash will be accepted.

After enrolling on Enrollsy, you can access your Enrollsy account through a browser at https://app.enrollsy.com/r/RnR_E7NeN5CRTBEEZGWHI at any time.

Forms

• Registration/emergency/health form: Necessary emergency and health information.
• Program contract (school year/summer): A signed contract that states the registrant understands, accepts and is aware of the WSD Child Care Services payment policy, billing process and health information.
• Licensing acknowledgement form: This forms states registrants are aware a licensing book is available on-site for review, which includes all licensing reports, special investigations and related corrective action plans.

Registration Fees

Registration fees are non-refundable and paid at the time of registration annually.

• $75 for one child/per school year
• $50 for each additional child

Tuition

School Year Child Care Before & After Elementary School

Each student attending, a session will be charged the following:

6:45 - 8:45 a.m.                              $13.50 daily 

After school-6 p.m.                        $13.50  daily

Thursday after school-6 p.m.      $13.50  daily

Half-day after school - 6 p.m.      $31.5 each half day

*All fees are non-refundable. Sick days, inclement weather days, etc.. will not be refunded.

School Year Child Care Before & After Preschool

Each student attending, a session will be charged the following:

6:45 - 8:50 a.m.                               $17.5 daily 

2:45-6 p.m.                                      $ 25.5 daily

*All fees are non-refundable. Sick days, inclement weather days, etc.. will not be refunded

Payment Options

All payments are required to be made on Enrollsy.

• Debit Card- (processing fee will apply)
• Credit Card - (processing fee will apply) 
• DHHS CDC Scholarship 
• No cash or checks 

Withdrawal Procedure

Please notify the Child Care Coordinator if your child is leaving the WSD Child Care Program. There are no refunds.

Volunteer Guidelines

All volunteers will be required to complete the volunteer applicant disclosure affidavit every school year.  After a background check from the Safety and Security Office, the approved affidavit will be sent to the site coordinator. All volunteers will be informed of the WSD Child Care Services policy on reporting suspected child abuse/neglect to Department of Human Services/Child Protective Services. All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and will be supervised by Child Care staff at all times.

Department of Health and Human Services

Families who qualify for child care assistance through DHHS are responsible for all fees incurred until payment begins from the State of Michigan. Families will also be responsible to pay the percentage not covered by DHHS before care begins. 

Tax Information

A statement of child care payments can be found within your Enrollsy account. 

Example of a daily Child Care Routine in Preschool

 (6:45 a.m. -  6 p.m.)

Before Class Care (6:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.)

6:45 – 7:45 a.m. …… Arrival & Quiet Choice Time

7:45 – 8:15 a.m. …… Free Play / Learning Centers

8:15 – 8:35 a.m. …… Small Group / Circle Time

8:35 – 8:45 a.m. …… Transition to Classroom

After Class Care (2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. …… Arrival & Snack

3:00 – 3:45 p.m. …… Arts & Crafts / Sensory Activities

3:45 – 4:30 p.m. …… Outdoor Play / Gross Motor

4:30 – 5:15 p.m. …… Enrichment Activities

5:15 – 5:45 p.m. …… Free Choice / Wind Down

5:45 – 6:00 p.m. …… Clean-Up & Departure

Notes:

Activities include a mix of child-directed play and teacher-guided experiences

Outdoor play occurs daily, weather permitting.

Schedule may be adjusted to meet children's needs and interests and the start time of their class. 

Before and After School Child Care

 Daily Routine (6:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Before School Care (6:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.)

6:45 – 7:30 a.m. …… Arrival & Quiet Activities

7:30 – 8:00 a.m. …… Free Play / Activity Centers

8:00 – 8:25 a.m. …… Structured Activity / Group Time

8:25 – 8:40 a.m. …… Get Ready for School

8:40 – 8:45 a.m. …… Transition to School

After School Care (Dismissal – 6:00 p.m.)

Dismissal – 3:30 p.m. …… Arrival & Check-In

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. …… Choice Time

4:15 – 5:00 p.m. …… Outdoor Play / Physical Activity

5:00 – 5:30 p.m. …… Enrichment Activities

5:30 – 5:50 p.m. …… Free Choice & Wind Down

5:50 – 6:00 p.m. …… Clean-Up & Closing

Notes:

Quiet activities include reading, puzzles, coloring, and drawing

Activity centers may include blocks, games, and arts & crafts

Schedule may be adjusted based on children’s needs, interest, and attendance

Mediation Policy

In accordance with LARA Child Care Licensing Rule 400.8152, the following procedures are followed for administering medication:

Authorized Administration:

• Medication (prescription or nonprescription) is administered only by trained child care staff and only with prior written parent/guardian permission.

Plan of Care (POC):

• A completed Plan of Care is required for children with medical conditions such as allergies, asthma, diabetes, seizures, or insect sting reactions. Additional requirements for Plans of Care and life-saving medications are outlined on the next page.

Proper Labeling and Storage:

• All medications must be in their original container, clearly labeled with the child’s name, and stored according to package instructions. Medications are kept out of children’s reach at all times.

Prescription Medication Requirements:

• Prescription medications must include a pharmacy label with the child’s name, physician’s name, medication name and strength, and dosage instructions. Medications are administered exactly as directed. Staff do not administer the first dose of any medication.

Administration Guidelines:

• Medications are given according to the directions on the original container unless otherwise authorized in writing by a physician. Medication will not be added to food or beverages unless specified on the prescription label.

Topical Nonprescription Medications:

• Items such as diaper cream, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent require written parent authorization, renewed annually.

Medication Records:

• A written log is maintained for each medication administered (excluding most topical items), including the date, time, amount given, and staff signature.

Disposal and Return:

• Medications are returned to the parent/guardian or properly disposed of when no longer needed or expired.

Plan of Care (POC) and Life-Saving Medications

To ensure student safety and compliance with LARA Child Care Licensing, the following requirements apply:

Plan of Care Requirement:

•  A completed Plan of Care (POC) must be submitted before the first day of attendance for any child with medical needs, including allergies, asthma, diabetes, seizures, or other health conditions.

Life-Saving Medications:

•  Children who require emergency medications (e.g., EpiPen, inhaler, or nebulizer) must have the medication and all required signed forms on file prior to the start of school. These are considered life-saving medications, and no exceptions can be made.

Medical Documentation:

•  If a child’s Health Appraisal indicates a severe allergy or asthma but medication is not kept at school, a physician’s written statement is required.

Medication Access and Storage:

•  Because child care staff do not have access to the main office during program hours, required medications must be available in the child care room. Medications may also be stored in the main office per school procedures.

Forms:

•  Plan of Care forms are available on the district website.

Health Care Policies

If your child has a medical condition, please be sure the caregivers know what to do if a problem should occur during Child Care hours. It is mandatory to have a Plan of Care filled out by a physician for all medical conditions and medications pertaining to the condition.

• Prescription medications: A medication form must be filled out and signed by a physician in order for staff to administer the medication. Meds must be in original prescription container w/child’s name and dosage.
• Non-prescription medication: A medication form must be fill out by a doctor giving permission to staff to administer the medication. Meds must be in original container and labeled with the child’s name. Exceptions include sunscreen, lip balm, diaper cream, and lotion which require a parent/guardian permission only. 

Plan of Care forms and medication forms can be found on our website at www.waterford.k12.mi.us.

If a child has any of the following conditions, the parent/guardian will be notified to pick the child up immediately:

• Contagious disease
• Vomiting (must be vomit free for 24 hrs. without medication before return)
• Diarrhea (must be diarrhea free for 24 hrs. without medication before return)
• Fever 100.4 (must be fever free for 24 hours without medication before return)
• Rashes (require Dr. note to return)
• Eye discharge/ pink eye (eyes must be free of discharge before return)
• Fatigue that prevents participation 
• Persistent cough (frequent or hard coughing) 

If your child is not attending school for illness/health concerns, he/she may not attend Child Care.

Please note: You may be required to bring a doctor’s note to return after any contagious illness. 

Incidents, Accidents, Injuries

In case of an accident/injury a staff member will identify the injury and notify a 

certified CPR/First Aid staff member. An incident report will be completed by the staff member by the end of the child care day. 

When a child incurs a minor injury, staff will take the following steps:

• Immediate care is provided to the child
• A phone call, written report (incident report), or both will be provided to the parent at or before dismissal on the day of the minor injury 

When a child incurs a serious injury, staff will take the following steps:

• A staff member calls 9-1-1 and then immediately phones any other required personnel that need to be notified when 9-1-1- is called, while the certified CPR/First Aid staff member remains with the injured child.
• Ensure the scene is safe. If so, provide care and comfort to the injured child until EMS personnel arrive.
• EMS personnel will determine if the injured party needs to be taken to the hospital.
• The parents will be contacted by phone once the situation is under control. If the parents cannot be reached the next person on the emergency card will be contacted until either the program is able to talk with someone or all individuals have been phoned.
• A staff member will ride in the ambulance if the parent is unable to do so.
• Within twenty-four hours of the injury, a call will be made to the Department of Regulatory Services Licensing Division followed by a written report within three days of the injury.

Health Care Services Plan

Handwashing

The following procedures will be used for hand washing:

•  Have a single service towel available.
•  Turn water on to a comfortable temperature between 60 degrees F and 120 degrees F.
•  Moisten hands with water and apply soap.
•  Rub hands together vigorously until soapy lather appears and continue for at least 10 seconds.
•  Rub area between fingers, around nail beds, under fingernails, jewelry and back of the hand.
•  Rinse hands under running water until free of soap and dirt. Leave water running while drying hands.
•  Dry hands with a clean, disposable paper or single use cloth. Turn off tap with disposable paper or single service towel.

 The following are not approved substitutes for soap and running water:

•         Hand sanitizers
•         Water basins
•         Pre-moistened cleansing wipes

Handling Bodily Fluids

The center will use precautions when handling bodily fluids as instructed in the bloodborne pathogen training. Steps include:

• Staff will put on gloves.
• Staff will clean up bodily fluid with a disposable paper towel.
• The area will be washed with soap and water, rinsed and sanitized.
• The child’s hands will be washed.
• Staff will remove gloves and wash hands.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

The following steps will be followed:

• The surface will be washed with soap/detergent and water.
• It will next be rinsed with clean water.
• The surface will be wiped or sprayed with a sanitizing solution. Toys and small items may be submerged in the solutions.
• The area or items should be allowed to air dry. If they must be wiped, allow three minutes before wiping, so that the sanitizing agent has time to work.

Sanitizing Solutions

• Water and non-scented chlorine bleach solution with a concentration of one-tablespoon bleach to one gallon of water, or one teaspoon of bleach to 32 oz. of water.
• Commercial sanitizers specified on the label to be safe for food contact surfaces and not hazardous to children; used according to manufacturer’s mixing and usage directions.

Controlling Infections

• See universal precautions above.
• Toys mouthed or otherwise exposed to bodily fluids will be removed, washed, rinsed and sanitized.
• Bedding will be stored so it does not come into contact with other children’s bedding. Cots and mats will be washed, rinsed and sanitized daily if soiled or contaminated with bodily fluids, or used by different children, weekly if used by one child.
• Children who have any type of communicable disease/condition will be removed from care and may only return to care with a doctor’s note. Children who become ill will be moved away from the other children until picked up. Parents will be informed of any communicable diseases in the facility.

Health Resources: Oakland County Health Department: 248-858-1280

Discipline Policy

Our caregivers promote acceptable, safe behavior of all children. When a problem occurs, the staff uses positive methods of discipline, which encourage self-control, self-direction, re-direction, self-esteem and cooperation. Unsafe/Inappropriate behavior will be brought to the attention of the parent/guardian. Ongoing disruptive behavior will be documented on a behavior notice and given to the parent. If behavior becomes excessive or aggressive, a meeting will be set up with the parents and staff.

• Step 1 Unsafe/inappropriate behavior brought to the attention of the parent/guardian. 
• Step 2 Unsafe/inappropriate behavior brought to the attention of the parent/guardian.
• Step 3 Unsafe/inappropriate behavior brought to the attention of the parent/guardian and a meeting to return to child care is required. This meeting will occur within 3 school days based on the availability of child care staff.
• Step 4 Unsafe/inappropriate behavior brought to the attention of the parent/guardian and a 5 day break from child care for the child is required.
• Step 5 Unsafe/inappropriate behavior brought to the attention of the parent/guardian and the child is unable to return to child care. 

Parents have the right to expect their children will have proper supervision. A child who consistently needs the attention of the staff is taking away the rights of the others and not allowing the needs of all children to be met.

All of the following forms of discipline are prohibited: hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching or any form of corporal punishment. Restricting a child’s movement by binding or tying, humiliating, shaming and threatening a child are also prohibited.

Children will not be deprived of meals, snacks, rest or toilet use. Children will not be excluded from outdoor play or gross motor activities. Children will not be confined to an enclosed area such as  a closet, locked room, box or similar space. Non-severe, developmentally appropriate discipline or restraint may be used prevent a child from harming themselves, others or property

Scheduled School Closings

See district calendar for dates, these days are subject to change.

All Child Care sites will be closed on the following days:

• Snow days
• Labor Day (including the Friday before)
• Thanksgiving Day  (The Wednesday before and the following Friday)
• Holiday break in December
• Martin Luther King Day (Professional Development Day for staff)
• Good Friday
• Spring Break
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day 

Half days of school – Your home site will remain open, unless notified by the district.

Emergency Closings During School Hours

If school closes during the day, the school your child attends will have a system in place to notify parents of the closing. Child Care will also close when the school closes. 

Please make sure to have a plan in place during such an emergency closing.

Playground

Consistent with the school day, children will participate in outdoor play when weather permits. The playground and equipment are school-approved and maintained for student use; however, they may differ from standards outlined by LARA Child Care Licensing.

Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor weather conditions.

Child Custody

We recognize that families have developed many different custody arrangements for dependent children. We are obliged to honor the legal arrangements that each family has made through a court of law. If your family has a court order, please share it with the coordinator at the time of enrollment or whenever it becomes effective and we will attempt to follow its intentions.

The center cannot restrict a non-custodial parent from picking up a child unless a copy of the custodial agreement is on file and defines a restriction.

If more than one family member is registering the same child, each person will be responsible for his/her own account balance. If parents are requiring two separate accounts, they must each pay half of the registration fee. Child Care Services will maintain confidentiality and will not disclose financial information to anyone other than the account holder without permission from the account holder.

Child Care will not serve as a mediator for billing issues, to determine who is responsible for a certain percentage of the balance or regarding drop-off or pick-up issues. 

Media Use

At Waterford Child Care, media is used thoughtfully and in ways that support children’s growth and development. All media activities are carefully selected to be developmentally appropriate, matching each child’s age, abilities, and stage of learning.

We prioritize interactive media, such as educational apps, creative tools, and cooperative games, that encourage children to think, create, and engage with others. These activities are designed to support learning, expand access to new ideas, and are always limited to appropriate session lengths.

Non-interactive (passive) media, such as watching videos or listening to audio, is used sparingly and never exceeds two hours per week per child. All media content is closely monitored to ensure it is free from violent or adult material.

Importantly, media is never the only option. Children are always provided with a variety of non-media activities, such as outdoor play, arts and crafts, and group games, so they can choose how they want to spend their time.

Our goal is to create a balanced environment where media enhances engagement without replacing hands-on, social, and active experiences.

 Media use within the program is always supervised by staff and must support a safe and respectful environment. Photography, video recording, or audio recording by children using personal devices is not allowed, in order to protect the privacy of all children. 

Children may not keep a cell phone with them during child care hours. If a child needs to contact a parent or guardian during child care, staff members will assist using the program’s phone. Likewise, parents can contact the child care site directly if needed.

Personal Devices and Media Guidelines

In accordance with Michigan child care licensing (LARA) requirements, our child care maintains clear expectations around the use of personal devices and media to ensure a safe, focused, and engaging environment for all children.

Children may bring personal electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, or laptops; however, these devices must be turned off and kept put away in backpacks or designated storage areas during child care hours unless otherwise approved by staff.

If devices such as laptops or tablets are used, their use must follow our non-interactive media policy, meaning passive media (such as watching videos or listening to audio) is limited and will not exceed two hours per week per child. All content must remain age-appropriate and free from violent or adult material.

Children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or those who use communication devices may be granted exceptions to this policy. These devices may be used as needed to support the child’s communication, learning, or developmental needs, in accordance with their individual plan.

Device And Personal Belongings Policy

The child care program is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices or belongings, including phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic equipment. Students may not use, borrow, or watch other children’s devices. Parents and guardians are encouraged to label devices clearly and ensure children understand their responsibility for keeping their items safe.

 These guidelines help minimize distractions, promote meaningful social interaction, and ensure compliance with state regulations while maintaining a positive camp experience for all children.

Media Release

Media Release Consent

Photographs and videos may be taken in the classroom or during child care events. These photos and/or videos will be used to create photos for the children to take home, to hang up in the building and for the end of the summer slide show. If you do not wish to have your child photographed or recorded, please notify your child’s teacher in advance.

Licensing Notebook

ll WSD Child Care Centers have a licensing notebook available for parents to review during business hours. The notebook contains information from May 28, 2010 through current:

• Current license
• Licensing inspections
• Special investigation reports
• Corrective action plans
• Approval of corrective action plans

Licensing inspections and Special investigation reports are available on the Child Care Licensing Website at: www.michigan.gov/michild.

Abuse and Neglect Reporting

As required by law, suspected child abuse/neglect will be reported to Children’s Protective Services (CPS), the program manager and the building principal.

If your Child Care services account has been suspended for any reason, your child cannot attend until the suspension is resolved. Sending your child to care during a suspension period could result in a call to CPS for abandonment.

Summer Child Care

We are proud to offer a fun-filled summer program! Our staff prepares exciting activities with the intent to keep your child engaged!

 A separate registration and enrollment is required for summer.

Daily Activities Activities provided during the summer program are based on the age or grade of the group. Appropriate activities are designed to engage children in a variety of ways: socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. All children will participate in physical activities either in the Gym or outside. Daily activities may consist of one or all of the following: Arts and Crafts, Exploration, Workshops, Sensory Activity, Motor Development, Social play.

Parent Responsibilities

The following circumstances may result in the immediate dismissal of your child from our care.

• Failure to pay for services or not paying returned payments.
• Excessive late pick ups after 6 p.m. as outlined on page 6 of this handbook.
• Any child who intentionally physically harms/bullies another child or staff member.
• A child who does not adjust to behavioral recommendations as found in our discipline policy.
• Repeatedly not signing your child in or out of the program.

To ensure a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all children, families, and staff, we ask parents/guardians to follow these expectations:

• Treat staff, children, and other families with respect and courtesy at all times.
• Communicate concerns in a calm and appropriate manner; disruptive, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior is not acceptable.
• Keep contact information current and respond promptly to center communications.
• Ensure children arrive prepared and meet health and attendance requirements.

Failure to follow these expectations may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of enrollment.

Child Care Scheduling and Deadlines

Child Care can be scheduled using our scheduling app Enrollsy using the link below to our enrollment form.

Enrollment Form

The deadlines to schedule child care are two weeks apart, on the Sunday before the dates in a two-week period begin. These deadlines are inflexible and will be enforced by child care coordinators and admin, so please use the list of deadlines below to keep track of when to schedule care. We recommend setting reminders on your personal devices in order to avoid missing scheduling deadlines.

PDF Of Scheduling Deadlines