Table of Contents

 

1. Hours of Operation 
2. Provider Policies
3. License and Record-Keeping
4. Program Supplies
5. Activities and Schedules
6. Behavioral Approaches
7. Nap, Rest and Sleeping Arrangement Policies 
8. Medical Policies
9. Drug and Alcohol Policy
10. Incident and Maltreatment of Minor Reporting
11. Grievance Policy
12. Universal Precautions/Handling and Disposal of Bodily Fluids
13. Emergency Preparedness 

You have decided to have your child explore and learn with us. We are excited to have you and your child as part of our group. We provide a safe, caring homelike atmosphere for your child, while providing for their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development.  

Our mission is to offer a comprehensive infant, toddler and preschool curriculum based on best practices and research on early brain development and learning. As we provide an enriched, stimulating environment, filled with child-initiated learning experiences, children are offered the opportunity to learn and develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary to becoming independent, productive individuals. 

 

 

1. Hours of Operation

 

 
Hours and Entrance

The hours of care are  8a-5:30p. There will be two Little Stars’ staff present when required by licensing rule.  Care will be available Monday through Friday. We have an open-door policy and encourage parents to visit at any time during hours of operation typically however till further notice, we are allowing anyone in the daycare except for staff and enrolled children. We do ask parents to try and limit their activity in and out of the center when toddlers and preschoolers are napping between 12:30 pm and 2:45 pm when we do resume allowing parents within the daycare. Parents may be given, upon request, access to on-line viewing of the day care center from their computer. Little Star’s phone number is 763-450-3791 for the office and cell phone for inside the childcare center is 763-458-0064.

 
For children enrolling in part time days (4 hours or less per day), the child(ren) should be dropped off at Little Stars before or after nap time/quiet time. Nap time/quiet time is typically from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. This request is to allow children to be present to transition into nap or to transition when complete with nap. 

Little Stars is in a public building, with many people coming and going each day. Therefore, to ensure the safety of the young children in our childcare program, the main entrances and exits to the daycare automatically lock upon closing. A fob keycard is needed to access the daycare.   Parents or Parent authorized individuals must accompany their children to and from the daycare. Teachers will sign children in and out when they have exchanged the child with the parent or authorized adult.

 

Holidays

Little Stars will be closed in recognition of the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If New Year’s Day, Fourth of July or Christmas Day fall on a Saturday, Little Stars will be closed on the Friday before the holiday. If New Year’s Day, Fourth of July or Christmas Day fall on a Sunday, Little Stars will be closed on the Monday falling the holiday. The center’s hours and holiday schedule may vary and may be changed at any time. In addition to holiday closures, we dedicate time every year to employees for training which may result in closure or partial closure for the day.  This will typically be 1-2 days each year. Please see your Center Director for information on when your center will be closed for these training days. Tuition is not reduced as a result of center closures.

2. Provider Policies

 

We provide services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Little Stars is licensed for 20 children.  The staffing ratio is dependent on the age and number of children.  The staffing ratios are as follows; infants are 1:4, toddlers are 1:7, pre-kindergarten (preschool) is 1:10.  There must be at least one teacher in each age category.  The other staff will be classified as assistant teachers or teacher aides.  All children in care are always supervised.   

Transportation 

Little Stars will typically not be transporting your child; however, occasionally we may take a field trip with the preschoolers. Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers may also occasionally be taking a “walking” field trip. You will be asked to sign a “Permission to Leave” form upon admission for your child to participate in these off-site activities.  In addition, if we have a planned field trip that involves transportation for our Preschoolers, you will be asked to sign a specific field trip permission form for your child.  We will not be taking field trips off the premises of Little Stars and the Orion Associate’s Golden Valley West building.

  

Administration of Medicine

Little Stars’ preference is to not to administer medicine directly but to have the child’s parent(s) administer.

For doctor prescribed medications, a Little Stars’ staff will contact a parent when the child needs their scheduled dose of medication. If a parent is unable to administer the medication, a teacher will first contact the parent to inform them of the medication being administered. The child’s name, date, dose, medication name, time, and staff initials will all be documented on a medication form located in each child’s personal binder. There are certain medications that involve equipment that Little Stars’ staff would need to be trained on prior to administering. These include but are not limited to nebulizers.

A Little Stars’ staff will contact a parent if a child needs medication as a PRN. If a parent is unable to administer the PRN medication, a teacher will first contact the parent to inform them of the medication being administered. The child’s name, date, dose, medication name, time, and staff initials will all be documented on a PRN form located in each child’s personal binder.

All medications, both prescription and nonprescription, that a parent wishes to have administered to their child, must have written permission from the guardian/parent to administer. Prescription medications require a physician’s approval (prescription bottle or script). PRN medications will be given according to doctor’s orders or instructions on the PRN medication bottle.

Volunteer Policy

Parents will be informed via an email and/or posting on site of any volunteers at Little Stars. All volunteers must be preapproved of by Management. Volunteers will not be in the staff to children’s ratios. All volunteers must pass a background check, go through orientation training for Little Stars, and will be supervised by a teacher or Assistant Teacher. Currently, we are not accepting volunteers at Little Stars. 

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in our building.

Research / Public Relations

If for any reason the center is used in research, an experimental procedure, or public relations, we will obtain your written permission before each occasion. We will also obtain written permission prior to the release of any information or pictures for public relations. 

 

Pet Policy

While Orion Associates allows employees to bring their pets into the building, we will not have pets in the day care area.  Your child, however, may come in contact with animals as they enter and exit the building when we resume our normal drop off and pick-up protocols.

Safety Supervision Policy

Children will always be supervised by program staff.  Staff will always be within sight and hearing of a child so that the program staff can intervene to protect the health and safety of the child with the exception of infants napping in the infant crib room. Infants when napping in the crib room will have monitors on and staff will always be in hearing range of the monitor. Staff must visually check on the infant every 15 minutes when napping.

Staff will follow safety rules to ensure the wellbeing of the children in the center and to reduce the risk of injury or harm.  They will always maintain a safe environment.

We do not typically transport children in vehicles. If we take a field trip with our preschoolers, staff must be current in their child transportation certification. For field trips, if more than 4 preschoolers are attending the trip, there must be at least 2 staff to supervise the preschoolers. In the event of an incident while walking the children will be directly supervised by staff and holding hands with staff whenever near cars, roads, or other possible risk areas. We will not be taking field trips outside of Little Stars and the Orion Associates’ office building or property in 2023.

  

Weather Safety Policy

Staff will take preventative measures to protect the children from elemental hazards such as sunburn or frostbite. In summer months, staff will ensure children are wearing at least SPF (over the age of 6 months) sunscreen on exposed areas of their skin and ensure the children are wearing hats and appropriate clothing.  In cold weather, children will be dressed appropriately with hats, boots, gloves, coats, and snow pants.  The staff will also follow guidelines, posted in the kitchen area, for the time allowed outside in very hot or very cold weather.

 

Policy Authorized Individuals Picking Up Children

To ensure the safety of the young children in our childcare program, the main entrances and exits to the daycare automatically lock upon closing. A fob keycard is needed to access the daycare.   Parents and authorized persons must accompany their children to and from the daycare. Staff will sign children in and out when they have exchanged the child with the parent or authorized adult.

If a parent or authorized person has a fever of 100.4 or is ill, we ask that they do not drop off or pick up their child and instead have another authorized person to do this till symptoms have subsided. 

Upon admission to the center the parents will fill out an admission application which will list all authorized people to remove child from care.  

If someone new comes to pick up a child, staff will ask to see their driver’s license and ensure that they are an authorized adult to pick up.  If they are not an authorized adult listed on the admissions and arrangements form, the child will not be released to the person. Staff will then call the parent and explain the situation.  If the parent is at the office, they can come and authorize them at that time.

If the parent is not on site, they can fax an authorization or may send a picture of the consent via text in if they want them to pick up their child. Once the parent has given in person or written authorization for the unauthorized person, the child will be released to the person. If not, authorization can be received by the parent, the child will not be released to that person.

If an individual who is suspected of abuse or neglect or appears to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol attempts to pick up the child, the child will not be release to their care. Little Stars will contact 911 in the event that an unauthorized, intoxicated, alleged perpetrator of maltreatment attempts to pick up a child.

 

Security Plan

If there were a situation involving a person or persons who may be a possible threat to the organization, notification will be sent out via email or phone call to parents/caregivers from management. In a situation where it is deemed necessary, the organization will go into a lock down. All teachers have been trained in the security plan, located in more detail in the policy and procedure manual, for Little Stars in the event of a lock down involving a possible threat or an active threat. In the event anyone is threatening harm to a child or teacher, the teacher will act on behalf of everyone’s safety and may contact 911 for assistance.

During a lockdown, there will be no playing outside, all doors to the childcare area will remain shut unless it is pick up or drop off time by a parent/caregiver, and all blinds will be keep closed. When it is deemed safe by management, a notice will be sent out via email or phone call by management that the organization is no longer on lock down.

If there was an active threat occurring inside the building or outside on the premises of the building, the teachers will receive notification from management or the receptionist area. All teachers will follow the security plan that is outlined in Little Stars policies and procedures. Management will inform parents/caregivers of the lockdown that is occurring via phone call or text. Until Little Stars is given all clear from emergency personnel or management, teachers and children will not leave the locked down area and will not let anyone into the center. Management will inform all parents/caregivers once the lockdown is over and the children are able to safely leave the center. 

 

Insurance

Little Stars has day care liability insurance in the amount of at least $100,000 per person and $250,000 per occurrence.

 

Research / Public Relations

If for any reason the center is used in research, an experimental procedure, or public relations, we will obtain your written permission before each occasion. We will also obtain written permission prior to the release of any information or pictures for public relations. 

 

Pet Policy

While Orion Associates allows employees to bring their pets into the building, we will not have pets in the day care area.  Your child, however, may come in contact with animals as they enter and exit the building when we resume our normal drop off and pick-up protocols.

Current Rates and Fees

Full time rates apply for any child in day care 5 days per week, more than 4 hours per day.  

Part-time rates apply and are assessed at a daily rate for children in care 1 to 4 days per week.  These days will be set up, as available, and be contracted for each week. A half day rate will apply for a child enrolled in care less than 4 hours a day. Rates are:

Part-time rates (4 or less hours a day):

	Rates for children enrolled after April 1, 2023
Infant	$48.10
Toddler	$41.20
Preschool	$32.80

Full-time rates or daily rates for children enrolled 1 to 4 days a week over 4 hours per day:

	Rates for children enrolled after April 1, 2023
Infant FT Weekly Rate	$481.00
Infant Daily Rate	$96.20
Toddler FT Weekly Rate	$412.00
Toddler Daily Rate	$82.40
Preschool FT Weekly Rate	$328.00
Preschool Daily Rate	$65.60

For children enrolling in part time days (4 hours or less per day), the child(ren) should be dropped off at Little Stars before or after nap time/quiet time. Nap time/quiet time is typically from 12:30p-2:30p. This request is to allow children to be present to transition into nap or to transition when complete with nap. 

For children attending Little Stars on a drop-in basis, which is defined as attending one day to a few days in a year, payment is due either in advance or at time of drop off.

You can elect to enroll for automatic payroll deduction if you are an employee of our organizations.  This allows for daycare payment to be automatically deducted from your paycheck.  Please let the director know if you would like to use this service.  You will need to sign the form-authorizing payroll to deduct those earnings from each paycheck. If your child (ren) no longer is attending Little Stars, it is your responsibility to inform the payroll department to stop auto withdrawals from your paychecks. 

If you choose not to have automatic payroll deductions, you must choose to either pay your bill by the 1st of the month for the upcoming month’s care or to have automatic deductions taken from your checking or savings account. If you choose automatic deductions from your checking or savings account, please contact the director who will work with you and finance to set the payment plan up. 

If you choose to pay your bill monthly, your child’s bill for Little Stars will need to be paid one month in advance. An invoice will be sent to you on the 15th of each month to be paid by the 1st of the following month. For example, an invoice will be sent on July 15th and will be paid by August 1st. The payment on August 1st applies to August’s tuition. 

For any absences, please call the daycare no later than 7:00 am and leave a message regarding your child’s absence. 

Children enrolled part-time have scheduled days to attend. Based on projected enrollment, we have committed resources based on a daily/weekly and monthly basis to care for your child. No refunds or credits will be given to parents whose children attend part time, defined as 4 hours or less a day or 1 to 4 days (4 hours or more per day) a week, if their child is absent. 

Due to business needs, if the classroom is at capacity and a child wishes to attend fulltime, Little Stars may request the part time child to choose to attend full time or may give a 30-day notice to the part time child (if they decline to attend full time).

If Little Stars deems it necessary to increase rates, we will attempt to provide parents with as much notice as possible on these changes. 

  

Leave of Absences

If a family chooses to have their child not attend Little Stars for an extended period of time (Leave of Absence), families will be required to pay tuition in full during that period of time in order to hold their child(ren) spot at Little Stars.

If a family chooses not to hold their child(ren)’s spot during a Leave of Absence, Little Stars will attempt to fill it with another child(ren).

 

Reservation Fee

Families may hold a spot for future placement at Little Stars when an opening comes available. 

The fee to reserve a spot is equal to one month’s tuition.  This fee is applied to the fitst month tuition. If the reservation is withdrawn within one 30 days of the start date, Little Stars will retain the reservation fee.

If a family wishes to “hold” an opening until their child is ready to enroll, the family must pay the full tuition of the vacant space in order to hold that spot. For example, if a vacancy becomes available in December but the opening is not needed until January and the family wishes to secure the placement, the family must pay the tuition in full in order to “hold that opening” in addition the deposit. This is nonrefundable.

Little Stars reserves the right to accept enrollment for children who are able to secure placement as openings arise. This may result in future “openings” being filled by new children. In this instance, the deposit will refunded in full. Parents with prior reservations will be given the opportunity to pay to ‘hold the spot” in lieu of losing their place line.

Deposits should be made using a credit card, check or bank account and may be made using the credit card authorizaiton form. Forms can be found on the website.

Preschool Requirements

Children will typically start their transition into the preschool room between 33 to 34 months of age. Children will need to transition into the preschool room by 35 months of age. At Little Stars, we work with our toddlers who are transitioning into preschool by spending a few hours each day for a week to two weeks to become acclimated to the preschool room. 

We are licensed by MN DHS for up to 10 preschoolers. In preschool, the staff to child ratio is 1:10. Our preschool is full days. During the day, children have curriculum, structured play, and independent choice play. 

The following are required for a preschooler to transition or enroll with Little Stars:

• The MN Department of Health and Human Services in Chapter 9503.0005 defines a 
  preschooler as a child who is at least 33 months old and who has not yet attended the first day of kindergarten. 
• Preschool children must be potty trained. We do understand children may have some accidents as they continue to work on mastering toileting. We do not have a diaper changing area or hand sink within the preschool run to be able to change diapers as is a licensing rule. If needed, children may wear a pull up at nap time.  After nap time, children wearing a pull up will discard this in the bathroom. 
• Age appropriate emotional and social development

 

Parent/Guardian Notice of Termination of Services

Parents are required to give a one month (30 day) written notice to the director or administrator when their child will be leaving Little Stars or to give one-month tuition/fees in lieu of the one-month notice.

Based on utilizing Little Stars resources to their fullest capacity, if there is full time child on the Little Stars waiting list, Little Stars reserves the right to give notice, one month in writing, to a part time enrolled child if needed.

 

Program Notice of Termination of Care

Occasionally a child or family may not adjust to our environment. In these instances, we may notify the parents or guardians that they must withdraw their child. We will give the family a 30-day ‘ notice to find alternative care. A few circumstances may require the immediate withdrawal of a child. 

Little Stars may disenroll a child without prior notice, if, in the sole opinion of Little Stars, it is in the best interest of the child or Little Stars Kids Club.

If any of the following situations occur, Little Stars’ services may be terminated: 

• Non-payment of fees by parent/guardian, i.e., 30 days in arrears or breach of established payment plan contract. 
• Failure to provide the required health, immunization, and/or emergency contact information.
• A parent’s inappropriate behavior, such as menacing and/or verbal threats towards staff, children, other parents, or property of the program. 
• Inability of the program to meet the needs of the child. This may incapsulate needing 1:1 staffing consistently throughout the day for the child’s safety or developmental progress.
• If a child is to set to transition into the next age grouping and there is not space per licensing to accommodate the transition. 
• For preschool aged children, we do require our children to be potty trained or to be working on potty training and to wear underwear (except for nap time, children can wear a pull up). 
• We reserve the right to terminate care of any child whose behavior is detrimental to the general wellbeing and/or learning environment of the other children. 
• Destructive or hurtful behavior of child that persists even with parent cooperation to cease the behavior and after behavioral programming is implemented.  

3. License and Record-Keeping

 

License

This contract will cover our policies and procedures; you can also find the entire rule 9503.0005-9503.0170, commonly referred to as DHS Rule 3 at www.dhs.state.mn.us/licensing/.  We are licensed through the State of Minnesota.  

  

Orientation Paperwork and Record-Keeping:

Prior to service initiation parents must complete an application for childcare, healthcare summary, child preference inventory and review applicable policies and procedures such as the Hennepin County Provider policies and preparation forms. Changes in diet, allergies or food preferences are requested monthly for infants, quarterly for toddlers and preschool age children.

4. Program Supplies

 

Meals and Snacks

Little Stars believes in serving well-balanced, nutritious meals.  All meals served during the day will include servings from each of the basic food groups as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture.  Breakfast will be served at 9:00 am. Lunch is served from 11:00 am to 11:30 am and afternoon snack at 3:00 pm. Toddlers and preschoolers who are in attendance over 10 hours a day will receive a second snack at 5:30 pm. Any food or bottles brought from home must be labeled with the child’s name.  These will be stored in a refrigerator until used.  Bottles will be washed after use.  It is important that you let us know if your child has any food allergies.  For a more detailed description of food preparation, handling and washing please refer to the food policy form.    

  

Clothing and Supplies

For infants, please provide the following supplies.

Formula and/or Breast milk, disposable diapers, baby bottles and two extra sets of clothes.  

• For both infants and children, we ask the following:
• All clothing and hats/mittens are labeled to assist staff in keeping track of these items.
• Please send belongings in a bag or backpack that may be stored in your child’s cubby. 
• Weather permitting, children of all ages spend time outdoors each day, please send hats, mittens, winter jackets, snow pants, and boots during cold weather. For the summer, please bring a sun hat. Please also bring an extra set of clothes appropriate for the weather.
• For older babies who have started walking, toddlers and preschoolers please provide a pair of indoor footwear that is kept at the Center. 

5. Activities and Schedules

 

Activities are an important part of our program. We believe that children learn best through fun, engaging activities paired with a consistent routine and daily schedule. We are committed to meeting the individual goals of each child as they develop. We provide a curriculum that promotes the development of emotional, intellectual, social, and fine and gross motor skills of each child. At Little Stars, we use the Funshine Express Early Learning Curricula to provide a classroom where preschool age kids can learn and develop new skills. The Fireflies curriculum from Funshine Express uses active involvement of the children with their environment; they add pieces of information to what they already know, thereby generating new understandings of the world around them.  

The toddlers use “Kids R Learning” yearly curriculum.  The toddler themes are geared toward children 16 months to 2.5 years of age.  The toddler curriculum provides lessons on teaching the toddlers their colors, shapes, numbers up to 10 and the alphabet. This curriculum promotes the development of emotional, intellectual, social, and fine and gross motor skills.  It builds off the week before so that children do not forget what they learned and therefore generates a better understanding.

Of course, infants need structure too and to help create that we use the “Babytime Infant Curriculum”. “The Baby time curriculum” is a comprehensive infant and toddler curriculum based on best practices and research on early brain development and learning.  As we provide an enriched, stimulating environment, filled with child-initiated learning experiences, children are offered the opportunity to learn and develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary to becoming independent, productive individuals. 

Our daily curriculum addresses small and large motor skills, music, imaginative play, social development, and academics all within a theme that is based on the interests of the children.  You will receive a monthly newsletter to inform you about the upcoming activities and programming for your child.  These are designed to be challenging, but within the abilities of each child.  Projects may be modified to meet those needs.  Again, we will spend time outside each day, weather permitting, where we will strengthen and develop large muscles.  

Each day there is a posted schedule that the children will follow.  This schedule includes circle time where they will participate in an opening session that includes introduction to each other and the activities for the day, songs, and calendar and weather activities.  Preschoolers will be exposed to more academics with the alphabet, telling time and math skills through posters in that area. All the students will learn a sign and review other sign language skills they have learned at that time.  At circle time infants have an opportunity to interact with the older children and learn through observation around them.  

There are scheduled activities throughout the day according to set curriculum to address fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social skills, for all ages. There is math, writing and pre-reading skills for preschoolers.  Counting, letter recognition, self-help skills (toileting/hand washing) for toddlers and object recognition, awareness of self, confidence, and muscle building activities for infants.  Infants have time throughout the day in different positions.  They will rotate between different chairs, that require different muscles, being held by staff, tummy time, floor time and if able sitting unassisted.  Children will never be left in a chair or swing to sleep.

Meals and snacks are at set times, except infants where the parent has instructed to feed on demand.  Children of all ages will participate in washing their hands prior to eating.  Toddlers and preschools can help with setting the places at the table, helping to count out the numbers of meals needed, and washing the table when finished.  Infants will be held when taking a bottle.  Once they can sit, they will be put in a highchair to eat with the other children.  Toddlers, preschoolers, and school aged children will sit at the table with staff for all snacks and meals.  

There are opportunities for free time throughout the day where the child can choose their own activity.  For Infants and toddlers, staff should give them 2-3 choices to choose from.  For older children they may choose a preferred activity that they can participate in independently.  

Each day there are set “quiet times” where the children participate in quiet activities such as reading or writing.  These are before nap and before the child leaves.  This helps with transitioning the child to the next activity and prepares them for a slower pace, i.e., sleeping.

Conferences

Twice per year, we will set up a conference time for each child to review their progress. You will receive a written assessment of your child’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development.  If you have any concerns between conference times, we encourage you to address them with your child’s teacher.  If they are not able to address your concerns, you can then request an additional conference, which will be scheduled within the next two weeks. We will be holding either in person.

Progress will be documented in each of the following areas: intellectual, physical, social and emotional.  These will be modified for the different age categories with different milestone markers according to abilities and outcomes developed with the teacher and parents at conferences.  These outcomes will be developed in such a manner to address any cultural needs, disabilities, religious needs, health concerns and philosophical needs of the family.  We will always try to work with the parents, as appropriate, to develop appropriate outcomes for their child.

  

Curriculum and Program Oversight

Little Stars has a Program Director that is responsible for setting the curriculum and monitoring and evaluating children’s progress. The Program Director works together with the Program Administrator to coordinate the Center’s activities. They meet once a month to review all programs and services to ensure that they are working to meet the educational and developmental needs of the children. The daily curriculum ensures interest areas as defined in 9503.0045 subp2 are included. 

 

 

6. Behavioral Approaches 

 

We welcome ideas on your views of parenting and the types of behavior guidance you use at home.  However, parenting methods that work at home are not always appropriate in a childcare setting.  Minnesota Rule does not allow us to use any kind of corporal punishment or emotional abuse.  Please do not ask us to use these methods.  All behavioral methods will be appropriate to the developmental level of the child. We believe in positive reinforcements, role modeling and encouragement of positive behaviors.  By gently redirecting undesired behaviors and encouraging the desired behaviors, we believe that children strive to do their best and maintain exceptional behaviors.  

Little Stars is a positive place for children to learn and grow.  

All children are treated with respect and dignity.  If a child is misbehaving, all staff will be trained and follow the following procedures:

1. All children will be provided with a positive model of acceptable behavior.  This will be done on an on-going basis.  Staffs will role model this positive behavior, point it out in other children’s actions and explain to each child what is acceptable and what is not.

2. Each day staff will follow the set schedule for each age group accordingly.  This will allow the children predictability and structure.  By keeping the children on a schedule and busy throughout the day there are less opportunities for them to act out in negative ways.  Schedules will be set according to age groups and abilities.  Staff will be familiar with the age group that they are working with and adjust the schedules according to both the age and abilities of each child.  If needed separate schedules will be made and tailored to those needs.

3. If a child is misusing an item, attempting to and/or hurting another child staff will intervene immediately and remove the item or the child from the situation.  Staff will explain to them that they need to treat items and people appropriately if they are to play with them and that they need to take a break from that activity now until they are able to play appropriately. If a child is displaying a problem behavior, staff will redirect them back to their schedule and onto a more positive and constructive activity.      

5. If there is a problem with a child, staff will show them alternatives to the undesired behavior.  Steps to take with the children to show them acceptable alternatives to problem behaviors to reduce conflict include. 

a. Having them take 3 deep breaths.
b. Having them walk away from the situation.
c. Having them choose a new activity.
d. Having them show steps of resolution, ie, giving back the toy and apologizing.
e. Talking to the parents if needed.

7. Any correction of problem behaviors will be addressed to the child immediately following the behavior and directly related to the behavior itself.  Any corrections will be age appropriate and used to correct the child, not punish them.  Examples are taking a break from the group if they are acting inappropriately, not being able to use a toy if they are misusing it or hurting someone with it.    

8. The behavior will be documented on daily sheets on the child’s app for the parent to review online.

9. If the behavior becomes persistent, more than three times a day, staff will use an ABC sheet to track the behaviors, what led up to it and the staff’s response to it.

9a. Once this is complete the lead teacher will work with the program director and parent to develop a plan to address the behavior. 

9b. A meeting will be set up with the parent within the next 7 days to review data and develop a plan.

10. It is always a priority to always keep both the children and staff safe.  If the safety of anyone is ever in question, immediate action will be taken by the staff to ensure everyone’s safety; this may include removing the child from an area or seeking additional assistance from another staff person to remove the other children from the area.  

11. If the child is engaging in disruptive behavior and steps four through eight are ineffective in managing the child’s behavior, staff may separate the child from the rest of the group provided the following conditions are met: 

No child under the age of 16 months will be separated from the group.  

• Less intrusive methods have previously been tried and were proven unsuccessful. 
• As stated, the child’s behavior threatens themselves, other children or staff in the immediate area.  

 If a child is separated from the group, they must.

• Be in an unenclosed area of the classroom where they can be continuously seen and heard by staff. 
• Be allowed to return to the area once they have stopped inappropriate or unsafe behavior.  

No child may be separated from the group unless less restrictive measures have been taken specifically following steps A-E of the behavior policy.  
 
a. The child must be engaging in behavior that threatens the wellbeing of the child or other children in the center. 
 
b. Separation must occur within an unenclosed part of the classroom where the child can be continuously seen and heard by a program staff person. 
 
c. When separation from the group is used as a behavior guidance technique, the child's return to the group must be contingent on the child's stopping or bringing under control the behavior that precipitated the separation, 
 
d. The child must be returned to the group as soon as the behavior that precipitated the separation abates or stops.  
 
e. A child between the ages of six weeks and 16 months must not be separated from the group as a means of behavior guidance. 

Separation Report 
 
All separations from the group must be noted on a daily log. The license holder must ensure that notation in the log includes the child's name, staff person's name, time, date, and information indicating what less intrusive methods were used to guide the child's behavior, and how the child's behavior continued to threaten the wellbeing of the child or other children in care. If a child is separated from the group three times or more in one day, the child's parent shall be notified and notation of the parent notification shall be indicated on the daily log. If a child is separated five times or more in one week or eight times or more in two weeks, the following procedure must be followed. (See Below) 

Parents will receive a Separation Report if a separation is used with their child.

If a child is separated five times or more in one week or eight times or more in two weeks, the procedure in subpart 2 must be followed.

  

Persistent Unacceptable Behavior

If a child is separated five times or more in one week or eight times or more in two weeks staff will observe and record the behavior of the child and staff response to the behavior; and develop a plan to address the behavior documented in consultation with the child's parent and with other staff persons and professionals when appropriate. 

 

Prohibited Behavior

At Little Stars we believe in a positive learning experience and do not encourage, promote nor tolerate certain actions to try to control behavior and in accordance with the Maltreatment of Minor’s act these prohibited actions are:

1. Subjection of a child to corporal punishment.  Corporal punishment includes, but is not limited to; rough handling, shoving, hair pulling, ear pulling, shaking, slapping, kicking, biting, pinching, hitting and spanking.  

2. Subjection of a child to emotional abuse.  Emotional abuse includes, but is not limited to, name calling, ostracism, shaming, making derogatory remarks about the child or the child’s family, and using language that threatens, humiliates or frightens the child.  

3. Separation of a child from the group in an enclosed area or for long periods of times.

4. Punishment for lapses in toilet habits.

5. Withholding food, light, warmth, clothing, or medical care as a punishment for unacceptable behavior. 

6. The use of physical restraint other than to physically restrain a child in order to protect the child in the event of needing assistance for a safe evacuation or if the child needs physical redirection in an emergency.

7. The use of mechanical restraints, such as tying. 

8. The use of chemical restraints

9. The use of time outs

10. The use of any aversive or deprivation procedure, such as squirting a child with a water bottle as a form of punishment or putting on a blindfold as a form of punishment. 

 

Program Plan Review

If at any time you would like to see a copy of our Program Plan Review, you can request it from the director or program administrator.   This will be supplied to you in one working day at your request.  

 

Non-Discrimination Practices

Little Stars will not discriminate in relation to admission on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex or disability.

7. Nap, Rest and Sleeping Arrangement Policies

 

A nap and/or rest time will be implemented daily.  Each child will be provided an age-appropriate crib or cot that is labeled with their name.

Infants will nap in command or per parent’s nap instructions.

Each infant will be placed on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet that fits tightly on the mattress and overlaps that mattress do it cannot be dislodged by pulling on the corner of the sheet.

Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.1435 – A license holder must not place pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskin, pillow-like stuffed toys, or other soft products in the crib with the infant.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 245A14353, the license holder must place each infant on the infant’s back, unless the license holder has documentation from the infant’s physician and parent directing an alternative sleeping position for the infant.

Any infant who independently rolls onto its stomach after being placed to sleep on its back may be allowed to remain sleeping on its stomach if the infant is at least six months of age and the license holder has a signed statement from the parent indicating that the infant regularly rolls over at home. Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.1435

Toddlers and preschoolers will lie on their cots during nap time.  They are allowed blankets or pillows from home.

A child who has completed a nap or rested quietly for 30 minutes must not be forced to remain on a cot or in a crib.

Sleeping Arrangements

Each child will be provided an age-appropriate crib or cot that is labeled with their name.  All children will be provided with a safe, comfortable sleeping space, with separate, clean bedding.  A crib will be provided for each infant for whom the center is licensed to provide care. The equipment must be of safe and sturdy construction and that conforms to Code of Federal Regulations.

Separate bedding is provided for each child in care. Bedding is washed every week and more frequently if soiled or wet. Blankets are washed when soiled or wet.

Infants will sleep in cribs with waterproof mattress pads.  Bassinets, pack and plays, cradles, car seat or infant carriers cannot be used for infant sleeping. We will sleep infants on their backs according to the recommended guidelines of SUID training and American Academy of Pediatrics Foundations. We do not allow quilts, toys, or stuffed animals in the cribs. If your baby needs to sleep on its stomach or in an unauthorized sleeping arrangement, you must obtain a written statement from your doctor and that would need to be on file. 

When an infant is placed in the crib room to sleep, supervision occurs when a staff person is within sight or hearing of the child. Infants will be supervised in the crib nap room by monitors so teachers can hear the child and will perform visual checks every 15 minutes on children sleep in cribs. 

Toddlers and preschoolers will be always within a staff’s sight and sound when sleeping. 

Naps and rest will be provided in a quiet area that is physically separated from children who are engaged in activity that will disrupt a napping or resting child.  Cribs, cots, and beds must be placed so there are clear aisles and unimpeded access for both adults and children on at least one side of each piece of napping and resting equipment.  Cribs, cots, and beds must be placed directly on the floor. Cots and beds must be stacked when not in use.

Separate bedding will be provided for each child in care.  Bedding will be washed weekly and when soiled or wet.  Blankets must be washed or dry cleaned weekly and when soiled.

Monthly crib inspections will be conducted by the teachers or director to ensure that each crib is in safe working condition per Minnesota Statues, section 245A.146.

8. Medical Policies

 
Sick Child:

Please do not bring your child into daycare if he/she is sick.  If your child becomes ill while in care, we will keep him/her comfortable, isolate them from the other children, check on them frequently and notify you immediately.  If your child has any of the following conditions: an oral or ear temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher (which is defined as a fever), is vomiting, has diarrhea (defined as having 2 or more consecutive loose stools), or any undiagnosed rash, we expect that you will make arrangements to come take him/her home as soon as possible no later than one hour after you are contacted.

Should your child become ill at Little Stars, the child must be picked up to reduce the risk of illness. To reduce the risk of contagion, your child will be in an isolated area of Little Stars under supervision until an approved person or parent picks up the child within 1.0 hour of notification.

 If any illness is found in the child, Little Stars will request that the child not attend for the day. For example, must be fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.

At pick up, a staff will hand to the parent/authorized person any clothing or textiles that need to be washed (these will be in a bag). 

Health and Hygiene Practices
 

Allergy Prevention and Plan

At Little Stars, we are aware that children who attend our childcare center and staff who work with them may suffer from food, bee/wasp sting, and animal or nut allergies. We believe that all allergies must be taken seriously and that every effort to minimize the risk or exposure should be made to prevent an allergic child or staff from coming into contact with the allergen that could trigger a reaction. 

Prior to admission, Little Stars will obtain documentation of any known allergy from the child’s parent or legal guardian or child’s source of medical care. This will be documented on the child’s resume. If a child does have a known allergy, Little Stars will maintain information about the allergy in the child’s record and develop an individual childcare program plan (ICCPP) prior to the child’s first day of enrollment. 

In the ICCPP, the child’s allergy will be described, triggers to the allergy, avoidance techniques, symptoms of the allergic reaction and procedures for responding to the allergy. Responses to the allergy may include medication(s) and doses, doctor contact information, and first aid. Any medication needed for the allergy will be kept in a lockbox on site. Staff will audit the medication monthly to ensure the medication is not expired. If the medication will be expiring, the Director will inform the parent/guardian. 

In any instances of exposure or allergic reaction, staff will contact the child’s parent or legal guardian as soon possible. Staff will then contact their director or someone in the chain of command to inform them of the exposure or allergic reaction. Staff will follow the child’s ICCPP and if needed, contact emergency medical services on behalf of the child. An incident report will be completed for any instances when a child who is allergic comes into contact with the allergen. Staff must call emergency medical services when epinephrine is administered to the child at Little Stars. 

On an annual basis, Little Stars will review the child’s ICCPP and receive guardian/parent/or medical professional signature of the review. If needed throughout the year, the child’s ICCPP will updated to reflect changes. 

The child’s ICCPP will be kept in their program file and will be kept onsite in the kitchen. If field trips were to occur, the child’s ICCPP will be brought with. Any medication needed for the allergy will be brought with on field trips.

All staff who are responsible for carrying out the ICCPP will be trained prior to working with the child and annually there on after (or throughout the year if changes occur to the ICCPP). Staff’s training documentation of the ICCPP will be kept onsite. Staff will also be trained when first hired and on an annual basis on allergy prevention techniques. 

Illness policy Little Stars 

If your child is prescribed antibiotics for an illness we ask you to wait 24 hours from the start of the antibiotic before having your child return to the daycare.  If a child is sent home due to diarrhea, they must have one normal stool before returning to daycare.  

Temperature Guidelines:  Oral, ear, and rectal temperatures are to be read directly.

Staff will use and may reuse the same gloves as for temperature taking long as they are using a non-contact thermometer. If staff need to use a contact thermometer, they must wash their hands, change gloves and thermometer covering between checking children. Staff will dispose of their gloves after checking the temperature and will wash their hands.  Staff may use the outside garbage can to dispose of the gloves and thermometer covers. 

Under arm (auxiliary) temperature, one degree is added.

The following chart is given as a guide to common early childhood diseases and illnesses that may be encountered in a group setting.  Your child’s physician can provide you with more detailed information.  Routine early childhood immunizations and good hand washing practices prevent many of these illnesses.  Information summarized from WebMD or the CDC. 

Illness Name and Signs	Time from Exposure to Onset	Infectious period when spread (How long to keep your child home)
Chickenpox –  Low grade fever, achy and fussy, rash	2-3 weeks	1-2 days before to 5 days after onset of the rash
Pink Eye – (conjunctivitis) white part of the eye looks red, may be pus and feel itchy.	24-72 hours	Until antibiotic have been taken for 24 hours
Fifths Disease –  A very red rash that starts on cheeks and spreads to arms and rest of body, may have low grade fever.	4-20 days	Greatest up to 2 weeks before rash appears, not infectious. after rash appears
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease- Fever, ulcers in mouth and blisters on hands, feet, and buttocks	3-5 days	7-10 days (typical length of illness) or with a doctor’s note approving. return to day care.
Impetigo –  Rash especially on face, around mouth and nose, arms and legs	1-3 days	From the time sores appear until 24 hours after starting antibiotic Treatment
Head Lice –  Itchy red scalp, visible nits	Nits hatch from 6-10 days	Until after first treatment
Strep Throat – sudden, severe sore throat, pain when you swallow, fever over 101°F, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, white or yellow spots on the back of a bright red throat.	1-3 days	Until 24 hours after first treatment
Scabies- The most common signs and symptoms of scabies are intense itching (pruritus), especially at night, and a pimple-like (papular) itchy rash. The itching and rash each may affect much of the body or be limited to common sites such as the wrist, elbow, armpit, webbing between the fingers, nipple, penis, waist, beltline, and buttocks. The rash also can include tiny blisters (vesicles) and scales. Scratching the rash can cause skin sores; sometimes these sores become infected by bacteria. The head, face, neck, palms, and soles often are involved in infants and very young children, but usually not adults and older children.	4-6 weeks typically if have not had scabies before. Signs may show within a few days if person has had scabies previously.	Children can return to day care after treatment is completed. and medication has been washed. off. Treatment takes 1 to 3 days depending. on the medication used.
Croup- The group often begins as a typical cold. If there is enough inflammation and coughing, a child will develop a loud barking cough. This often is worse at night, and is further aggravated by crying and coughing, as well as anxiety and agitation, setting up a cycle of worsening symptoms. Fever and a hoarse voice are common, too. Your child's breathing may be noisy or labored.	After you get infected, it takes 2-7 days to develop symptoms	2-7 days and fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications

If your child contracts a serious, contagious illness or parasitic infestation, we must report this to the Minnesota Department of Health. Additional illnesses are kept in a handout in the director’s office at Little Stars. Please ask for a copy if you are interested in.

Please let us know of cases of infectious diseases so that we can let the other parents know.  If there is a confirmed positive diagnosis of any of these illnesses, we will notify the parents the same day that we are made aware of the diagnosis.  

We require written permission and instructions to administer prescriptions and non-prescription medications such as Tylenol, cough syrup, sunscreen lotions, diapering products, insect repellents, etc.  Medications must be supplied in their original containers and have the child’s name and, if a prescription medication, the current prescription information on the label. Little Stars does supply sunscreen and insect repellant if your child wishes to use the Center’s supply.

 

Immunizations 

The immunization record form must be completed for each child prior to admission into day care.  Minnesota law requires that children enrolled in Minnesota Day Care home be immunized against DTP, IPV, MMR, HIB, and HBV.  If the child is 15 months or younger, the physician will need to sign the immunization form.  For children over 15 months, the parent may sign the record, if all required immunizations have been obtained.  If you conscientiously oppose any required immunizations, we will need a notarized statement from the guardian. 

  

 

Health and Hygiene Practices

Our regular health and hygiene practices provide some of the best defenses against the spread of most contagious illnesses. In addition to regular and thorough cleaning of classrooms, surfaces and toys, we teach children good hand-washing practices and ensure that children and staff take important precautions against the spread of germs.

You can work with your children to practice some of these same steps at home:

• Wash hands often with soap and water – at least 20 minutes (sing the ABC’s)
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow; or cover mouth and nose with a tissue before sneezing or coughing, then immediately discard the tissue. 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are ill.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially if someone is sick.

 

Additional Policies and Guidelines at Little Stars. 

• At the conclusion of each day, Little Stars will complete stringent cleaning and disinfecting of the center and outdoor equipment. 
• We require parents and authorized persons to wear a mask when dropping off or picking up their child(ren) due to coming into close contact with Little Stars staff. 
• If your child becomes ill at Little Stars, we will have an isolation area set up for the child. Our policy does allow up to an hour but in the interest of health and safety we request you pick up your child as soon as possible. 
• All children must have at least 2 changes of clothing at Little Stars. If a child has bodily fluid that gets on their clothing, we must change the clothing and send home the soiled clothing. 
• Children will have their own art supply kits. We are discouraging children from sharing items in the center. 
• Please bring a pair of indoor shoes, slippers or socks for children to wear and keep inside. We will not be allowing outdoor shoes to be work inside the center.
• If it is summertime, bring with sun hats for the kids.

First Aid

All our staff are trained and certified in basic first aid.  If at any time, a child has an injury that requires first aid staff will provide it as necessary.  There is a first aid kit on site that includes Band-Aids, ice pack, flashlight, batteries, and emergency phone numbers for all children, bacitracin ointment sterile compresses, scissors, ice bag or cold pack, an oral or surface thermometer, mild liquid soap, and adhesive tape.  These will be used as needed and parents will be called immediately to inform them of the situation.  If there is a life-threatening injury that requires more than basic first aid procedures, staff will call 911 immediately and inform parents.  

 

Medical Policies

1. I understand that I will be asked to provide the center with updated immunization information for my child. If I wish to request a religious or medical exemption to Little Stars Practice of securing immunization information, I understand my request must meet state and childcare licensing regulations.

2. I may also be asked to provide additional medical information as required by state childcare licensing regulation. I understand that my failure to provide this information may result in the suspension of services.

3. If the center notifies me that my child is ill, I must pick my child up as soon as possible and no later than one (1) hour after being contacted.

4. I agree promptly provide information to the center regarding any conditions, illnesses, allergies, or other special needs that may require specific care or attention and agree to provide additional documentation as needed.

5. If my child contracts a reportable communicable disease, my child may return only with a physician/health care professional note indicating that my child is no longer contagious.

6. In the case of a medical or other emergency while my child is under the centers supervision, I understand that center staff will attempt to contact me immediately’ however, in the event that I cannot be reached, or when delay may further jeopardize my child’s health, I hereby authorize center staff to act on my behalf and to take the emergency measures including those listed below if deemed necessary by center staff to by medical authorities for the care and protection of my child. I authorize Little Stars to:

I. Consults the physician or dentist named on the application if I cannot be reached.
II. Administer first aid and/ or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
III. Transport my child via ambulance or other emergency medical service to a local hospital or other urgent care facility, if deemed necessary by paramedics, police or other emergency personnel.
IV. Transport my child to a local emergency shelter in the event of an emergency evacuation of the center.

7. If I wish to request a religious or personal exception to Little Stars practice of securing necessary emergency medical treatment, I understand state childcare licensing authorities may be consulted to determine if such exemption may be granted.

 

Health Care Summary Plan

Within 30 days of admission, you must have a health professional fill out and return a copy of the “Health Care Summary”.  This will be kept in your child’s file and assessable to staff to ensure that the best care is provided.  

 

Emergency Care Policies

Little Stars will always provide for your child’s safety and health.  Prior to admission, you will be required to fill out the Admission and Arrangement form.  This will be kept on file and used in case of an emergency.  If for any reason your child needs emergency medical attention, we need to have your written permission to follow any steps necessary for his/her well-being.  Someone will notify you at the earliest possible time, should an emergency arise.  You will be responsible for all medical expenses incurred.  

If, for some reason, a provider becomes ill or needs to leave, an emergency backup provider will provide care.  You will be notified to the situation, and you can make arrangements if you choose to pick your child up.  

We have developed emergency, fire and storm plans.  We practice these monthly and keep record of them on a monthly log.  

9. Drug and Alcohol Policy

 

 

In accordance Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.04 drug and alcohol, subdivision 1, (C) Little Stars Day Care strictly prohibits the use of drug and alcohol when directly responsible for children. In addition, abuse of prescription medication or being under the influence of a chemical that impairs the individual’s ability to provide services or care is not tolerated.  All staff will be trained about Little Star’s drug and alcohol policy.

Drug and Alcohol Testing:  As a condition of employment and continuing employment, under certain circumstances employees may be required to submit to drug and alcohol testing. No staff will be permitted to work if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or incapacitated otherwise.

Circumstances:  Drug or alcohol testing may be required when this employer has a reasonable suspicion that an employee is currently abusing a drug or alcohol in violation of minimum licensing standards; or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the job; or has violated the employer's rules prohibiting the use, possession, sale or transfer of drugs or alcohol during work or at the work site while performing job duties and responsibilities, operating a vehicle, machinery or equipment; or has sustained a personal injury or caused another employee or a consumer to sustain an injury; or has caused a work-related accident or has operated a vehicle or machinery involved in a work-related accident.

 

10. Incident and Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults and Maltreatment of Minor Reporting

 

 

Procedures for Reporting

Little Stars complies with the Minnesota Statutes, Section 626.557, Section 4a, and Section 245A.651, addressing abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults and the maltreatment of minors.  These are the Vulnerable Adults Act, Minnesota 626.557 and Maltreatment of Minors Act, Minnesota Statues 626.556.  All Daycare Staff are oriented in the contents of these acts immediately upon hire and are trained as mandated reporters

Who should report child abuse and neglect?

• Any person may voluntarily report abuse or neglect.
• If you work with children in a licensed facility, you are legally required or mandated to report and cannot shift the responsibility of reporting to your supervisor or to anyone else at your licensed facility. If you know or have reason to believe a child is being neglected or physically abused within the preceding three years, you must immediately (within 24 hours) make a report to an outside agency.

 

Where to Report

If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

• Reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring in a licensed child foster care or family childcare facility should be made to county child protection services. 
• All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring in all other facilities licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services should be made to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Licensing Division’s Maltreatment Intake line at 651-431-6600
• Reports regarding incidents of suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring within a family or in the community should be made to the local social services agency at 612-348-3552 or local law enforcement at 763-593-8079.
• If your report does not involve possible abuse or neglect but does involve possible violations of Minnesota Statutes or rules that govern the facility, call the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division at 651-431-6500.

 

What to Report

Definitions of maltreatment are contained in the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act (Minnesota Statutes, Section 626.556) and should be attached to this policy.

 

Failure to Report

A mandated Reporter who knows or has reason to believe a child is or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor.  In addition, a mandated reporter who fails to report maltreatment that is found to be serious or recurring maltreatment maybe disqualified from employment in positions allowing direct contact with persons receiving services from programs licensed by the Department of Human Services and by the Minnesota Department of Health, and unlicensed personal care provider organizations.

 

Retaliation prohibited

An employer of any mandated reporter shall not retaliate against the mandated reporter for reports in good faith or against a child with respect to whom the report is made. The Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act contains specific provisions regarding civil actions that can be initiated by mandated reporters who believe that retaliation has occurred.

The mandated reporting policy will be provided to parents of all children at the time of enrollment in Little Stars and will be made available upon request.

 

Internal Review

When the facility has reason to know that an internal or external report of alleged or suspected maltreatment has been made Little Stars will complete an internal review within 30 calendar days of the report and take corrective action, if necessary, to protect the health and safety of the children in care. The internal review will include an evaluation of whether:

1. Related policies and procedures were followed.
2. The policies and procedures were adequate.
3. There is a need for additional staff training.
4. The reported event is similar to past events with the children in the services involved.
5. There is a need for corrective action by the license holder to protect the health and safety of the children.

Primary and secondary persons or positions to ensure internal reviews are completed. The internal review will be completed by Sherry Smith, Quality Assurance. If this individual is involved in the alleged or suspected maltreatment Stephen Hage will be responsible for completing the internal review.

Documentation of Internal Review

Little Stars will document completion of the internal review and provide documentation of the review to the commissioner upon the commissioners’ request.

 

Corrective Action Plan

Based on the results of the internal review, Little Stars will develop, document and implement a correction action plan designed to correct current lapses and prevent future lapses in performance by individuals or the license holder if any.

 

Staff training

Little Stars will provide training to all staff related to mandated reporting responsibilities as specified in the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act 9 Minnesota Statutes. Section 626.556. Little Stars will document the provision of the training in the individual personnel records, monitor implementation by staff and ensure that the policy is readily accessible to staff, as specified under Minnesota Statues, Section 245A.04, and subdivision 14.

Numbers for External Reporting for Children:

Hennepin County Daytime phone:      612-348-3552 (Children)

After hour’s phone:                           Same as above

Address:

Hennepin County Government Center

A-1400 Government Center

300 S. 6th Street

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55487

Number for External Reporting for Vulnerable Adults:
Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center

24/7 phone: 1-844-880-1574

The Office of Ombudsman and the Dept. of Human Services Licensing Division needs to be contacted immediately regarding issues of serious injury or death of a child or vulnerable adult. Serious injuries include but are not limited to dislocations, fractures, head injury with loss of consciousness, internal injuries, injuries considered serious by the physician, heat exhaustion, sunstroke, near drowning, indigestion of poison or harmful substance, injuries to the eye, irreversible mobility or avulsion to the teeth, 2nd or 3rd degree frostbite, 2nd or 3rd degree burns, lacerations to organs, tendons or complications due to lacerations. 

Office of Ombudsman: 651-431-2555 phone

Fax:  651-797-1950

 

Dept. of Human Services Licensing Division:   651-431-6500 phone

Fax:  651-431-7601

 

11. Grievance Procedure for Parents

 

 

A grievance is a complaint about something you do not like about where your child’s services are being rendered.

What Can You Expect of the Grievance Process?

When you begin services, you will be given a copy of this policy. 

You should feel free to file a grievance without being afraid of losing the placement of your child.

If you have a complaint or problem, you should follow these steps:

Step One:  Talk to the Program Teacher about your complaint or problem right away.  Let the teacher know you want help with this complaint or problem.  The teacher should help you with the problem within two (2) to five (5) days.

Step Two:  If you do not think the teacher was able to help you with your complaint or problem, then you should talk to the Program Director/Administrator.  The Program Director/Administrator will help you with the problem within two (2) to five (5) days.

Step Three:  If you do not think the Program Administrator was able to help you with your complaint or problem, then you should ask for the Chief Administrator Officer help. Our Chief Administrator Officer is Stephen Hage. His phone number is 612-239-4616. This person will talk to you within five (5) days to try to resolve your problem and will formally respond to you in writing within two (2) weeks.

These Policies and Procedures will be updated on an annual basis and reviewed with you.  

If you have any concern, complaints or would like any further explanation about the licensing rule, that you feel have not been answered by our staff you can contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Licensing at (651) 296-3971.

 

12. Universal Precautions/Handling and Disposal of Bodily Fluids

 

 

Universal Precautions apply to the following: potentially infectious bodily fluids, including blood and vomit. All staff are required to follow universal precautions and sanitary practices, including:

1. Use of proper hand washing procedure

2. Use of gloves in contact with infectious material

3. Use of a gown or apron when clothing may become soiled with infectious materials.

4. Use of a mask and eye protection if splashing is possible

5. Use of gloves and disinfecting solutions when cleaning a

contaminated surface

6. Proper disposal of sharps

7. Use of gloves and proper bagging procedures when handling and washing contaminated laundry

General Procedures:

1. Hand Washing:

Wash hands after eating, after changing a diaper or brief and after using the restroom. 

Remove all jewelry.

Do not lean against the sink but stand away.

Turn on water without contaminating the faucets.  This is easier to do if there are knee or foot controls.  If these devices are not present, you must use a paper towel to turn on the water, discarding the towel afterward.

Adjust the water temperature.

Wet hands and forearms with water.  Keep hands lower than elbows.

Apply antibacterial soap.  A foot-operated soap dispenser is preferable to a bar of soap.

Lather well with soap and additional water as needed.  Be sure to scrub all areas of your hands and forearms thoroughly, for at least fifteen (15) seconds.  Use a brush.  Be sure to clean under your fingernails.  Keep your fingernails short.

Rinse thoroughly, allowing the water to drip off your fingertips.

Dry hands thoroughly with paper towel and discard the towel.

Use a clean paper towel to turn off the faucets.

Dispose of the paper towel.

Hand lotion may be used.

Wearing gloves does not eliminate the need for thorough washing before and after donning gloves.

2. Glove Use:

Disposable gloves should be used whenever staff may be handling body fluid.

Gloves for universal precautions and general use need not be sterile.

Wash your hands.

Take a clean glove.

Bunch the glove up and then pull onto your hand; ease into fingers leaving cuff on glove at wrist area.

To remove the gloves, grasp the outside of the glove near the cuff, with the thumb and the forefinger of the other hand.  Pull it off, turning it inside out as you pull.  Then hook your bare thumb inside the other glove and pull it off, turning it inside out.  The two gloves will be rolled together, with the side that was nearest your hands on the outside.

Drop them into a plastic-lined wastebasket.

Wash your hands again.

3. Glove Use:

Wash your hands and other skin surfaces immediately and thoroughly if they are contaminated with blood or body fluid.

Liquids and solid waste should be flushed in the toilet.

Contaminated dressings and disposable pads are to be placed in a strong plastic bag, tied securely, and placed in a receptacle (or child’s cubby) for collection.

Contact the director or administrator and complete OSHA Forms.

4. Surface Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids:

Wear gloves.

Remove excess fluids with paper towels and place in a plastic-lined wastebasket.  Body fluid spills on walls, floors, or other surfaces will be promptly cleaned with a disinfectant solution such as 1:10 solution of bleach.

Do not rinse, allow to air dry.

Dispose of gloves in a plastic-lined wastebasket.

5. Contaminated Laundry:

Use gloves when handling unwashed contaminated laundry.

Place contaminated laundry in red plastic bag having non-contaminated person holding the bag open, tie the bag and take to laundry basket.

Inform the director that you have placed contaminated clothing in the laundry. Director or Administrator will complete the     laundry. 

All linen exposed to body fluid will be disinfected with a 1:10 solution of bleach in the washing machine and then dried in the dryer.  This will be done separately from other clothing.

Gloves, cloth rags, etc., used to clean up body fluid spills will be soaked in a 1:10 solution of bleach for five minutes.   They will be rinsed and placed in a plastic bag that will then be immediately closed and disposed of.

When sending a child’s contaminated laundry home, place the plastic bag, securely tied, in the child’s labeled cubby

6. Sharp Container

Sharp items used for a child with special needs must be disposed of in a “sharps container” The sharps container is located outside the bathroom on the wall, outside of the reach of the children. Any time staff is using a sharp item that may involve bodily fluids, they must follow universal precautions (i.e., gloves, etc.). 

The handling and disposal of bodily fluids policies and procedures must be provided to the parents of all children at the time of enrollment in the childcare program and must be made available upon request. 

For COVID-19 related disinfecting/cleaning from a person diagnosed with COVID, Little Stars will work with MN department of Health on for directions/plan.

 

13. Emergency Preparedness