QR3 Information and Policies Requirements

Mission and/or Philosophy Statement:

Mission and philosophy statements are brief, formal, and written statements that describe a program’s purpose and goals, who the program serves, how and why the programs delivers the services it provides.

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.

Positive Behavior Practices:

Positive behavior practices are the techniques and strategies your program uses to guide a child’s social and emotional development and steps you take to avoid negative behaviors before they occur.

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.