Dear Parents,
You want the very best for your infant. I have established a daycare home of exceptional quality. I am calling my facility The Baby University because babies learn so much in their first years of life. Through The Baby University, I will provide a pleasant, nurturing, and stimulating environment for your infant. It is my desire to have your baby thrive intellectually and socially as well as physically. Here are some of the unique features of The Baby University. I feel confident that you will want to have your infant take advantage of this unique opportunity.
THE ENVIRONMENT
*SPACIOUS
Babies are free to crawl around two large rooms indoors and, weather permitting, may play on a sunny patio outdoors.
*SAFE
The play areas both inside and outside have been specifically designed for the hazard-free exploration by infants.
*STIMULATING
Your baby’s senses will receive a rich variety of input.
Auditory stimuli will include classical music, nursery songs, clear correct English, cassette tapes prepared by parents, Mr. Rogers and the characters of Sesame Street,. wind chimes and the sounds of birds singing.
Tactual stimuli will include hugs, strokes, rocking and patting. Infants will also be supplied with a wide variety of toys geared to their learning level.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE BABY UNIVERSITY
*Maximum enrollment four infants.
*No competition from older children.
*Exceptionally clean environment with no smoking and no pets.
*Volunteer visitors to provide enriched program such as playing the piano or speaking a foreign language for the infants.
*Parents and visitors always welcome.
If you are interested in The Baby University, I am interested in talking with you. I will be happy to answer any questions, give you a tour of the “campus” and listen to your ideas and suggestions.
THE BABY UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
What to bring (besides your baby)
*Labeled bottles of breast milk or formula
*Labeled solid food when the baby is ready for this
*At least five disposable diapers. (HUGGIES ONLY!)
*One changing pad with baby’s name on back. (one for cubby hole on in bag.)
*Diaper rash ointment or medication
*Quilt for baby to sleep on
*One “back up” can of ready to serve formula to stay in cubby hole
*Cassette of least 30 minutes in length, recorded by the parents, containing
Stories
Lullabies
Songs
Reassuring messages of love and praise
The Alphabet both sung and recited
Counting to 100
Days of the week and months of the year
*At least one change of clothes. Loose-fitting comfortable clothes are the order of the day. Please leave cute outfits with tiny buttons for trips to visit grandparents or your colleagues at work. I need easy access to change diapers.
*Receiving blanket with your baby’s name on it.
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
Please allow time for an easy transition in both arrivals and departures. You owe it to yourself and your baby. Just come right through the metal gate to the front of the house. Wipe feet! You are less likely to track anything into the house that your child might later ingest.
You can then just let yourself in through the front door without disrupting whatever is happening inside. I have placed a key hook right inside the door for your convenience. Place your diaper bag on the table provided and immediately put bottle in refrigerator (I may forget if a lot is going on!) See that there are at least five diapers in the cubby hole.
Tell me when you estimate your child may need to sleep or eat as well as anything out of the ordinary such as having had an inoculation. Generally, I will take the infant from you, you can have your farewells then as you go out, I’ll bring your child to the window for an opportunity to see you leave and wave goodbye.
If you are going to be late picking up your infant, it is imperative that you call. If you are going to be late bringing your infant, it is very much appreciated if you call since I often delay doing certain things if an arrival is to occur.
I believe in smooth transitions. Please feel free to look in the refrigerator for unused bottles, around the house for toys and for the clipboard that has your infant’s report for the day. Is there anything in your baby’s cubbyhole that should go home? Ordinarily, quilts and blankets will go home every Friday to be laundered.
Now it is my time for goodbyes!
Thanks for your cooperation on all these guidelines!