Quality Rating 1: Information and Policies

Requirements

Let’s look at the requirements for Administrative Policies and Practices: Information and Policies: ADM1.1.

Review the requirements for your program type.

Some terms may be unfamiliar to you. Select the hyperlinks for more information.

Child Care Center

ADM 1.1: Information and Policies

Information provided to families includes policies and practices for health; safety; tuition/enrollment and inclusion of children with disabilities and special health care needs.

Documentation to submit: Family handbook, Written Agreement or Contract

Family Child Care

ADM 1.1: Information and Policies

Information provided to families includes policies and practices for health; safety; tuition/enrollment and inclusion of children with disabilities and special health care needs.

Documentation to submit: Family handbook, Written Agreement or Contract

School-Age Only

ADM 1.1: Information and Policies

Information provided to families includes policies and practices for health; safety; tuition/enrollment and inclusion of children with disabilities and special health care needs.

Documentation to submit: Family handbook, Written Agreement or Contract

Key Terms

Health:

Health policies describe the steps you take to create a healthy environment for the children in your program. Your policy may include information about required immunizations, sanitation procedures, or ways you teach children about healthy hygiene.

 

Safety:

Safety policies describe your program’s rules and procedures that focus on keeping the children in your program safe. Your policy may include information about who is allowed to transport children to and from your program, how outdoor activities are monitored, emergency procedures, and fire safety practices.

 

Tuition/Enrollment:

Your tuition and enrollment policies help families understand the cost of your program and how you handle payment. While it is unnecessary to include actual tuition rates in your policy, you may include when and how you accept payment. Enrollment policies may include the number of children you accept to your program, when families can enroll their children, if you use a waiting list when your program is full, or other information you feel will be helpful for families to know.

 

Inclusion of children with disabilities and special health care needs:

In an inclusive program, children with and without disabilities have access to and participate in the same routines, play, and learning experiences. Inclusive practices benefit all children while being especially beneficial to children with special needs.

It is important to address inclusion policies in your handbook, agreement, or contract so families clearly understand the ways you work to include all children in your program, including children with special needs.