Daycare Policy Statement

This document is a Daycare Policy Statement, used by someone opening a new daycare or managing an existing daycare in order to state the guidelines by which the facility will operate. Further, parents who want to learn more about the daycare's philosophy and day to day operations can read this document to gain more insight. By using a Daycare Policy Statement, a daycare can provide a wide assortment of details about the daycare including the personal backgrounds and qualifications of the child care providers, hours of operation, fees, holidays, program activities, medical care, and other important details.

It is important to note that a Daycare Policy Statement is not the same as a Daycare Agreement. A Daycare Agreement is a contract between a child care provider and a specific client about how the daycare will provide care to specific children and the client will be bound by the terms of the contract. This document is more general and addresses how the Daycare will operate for all clients.

How to use this document

Although a Daycare Policy Statement can be as basic or detailed as the parties desire, this document includes all of the essential information for the policy, including the personal background and qualifications of the child care providers at the daycare, the age and number of children accepted, hours of operation, fees, holiday and vacation times, program activities, meals, toilet training, naps and rest time, and medical care. In detailing the daycare's policies, it is best to ensure that the daycare has (or can get) the necessary supplies, equipment, staff, and facilities to implement them.

Once the policy is completed, it can both be used as an internal policy document as well as a document to be distributed to both prospective and current clients so that they know what is expected of them and what type of child care services the daycare will provide. The daycare should be prepared to respond to questions from guardians regarding the reasoning behind specific policies and why they are important.

Applicable law

Daycares are subject to federal, state, and local laws regarding regulations and licensing. More information on state and federal licensure regulations can be obtained from the database maintained by the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance (NCECQA). This website has links to all fifty states' licensure regulations. Educational information on child care in general can also be obtained from the National Resource Center For Health and Safety In Child Care and Early Education.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.