Welcome to Whispering Willow Daycare and Farm School!

We are thrilled to welcome your family to our nurturing community. At Whispering Willow, we believe in fostering a love for learning, nature, and community in every child. Our unique "Farm School" approach integrates hands-on experiences with friendly farm animals and outdoor exploration into a comprehensive early childhood education program. We are committed to providing a safe, stimulating, and joyful environment where every child can grow, discover, and thrive.

This handbook is designed to provide you with essential information about our policies, procedures, and daily operations. Please read it carefully and keep it as a reference. We encourage open communication and look forward to partnering with you in your child's developmental journey.

• Address: 1600 W Elm St, El Reno, OK 73036
• Phone: 405-410-6216
• Email: info@whisperingwillowdaycare.com
• Website: www.whisperingwillowdaycare.com
• Director: Erin Barton
• Emergency Contact: tbd

• Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Holidays & Closures: We observe the following holidays and will be closed: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day & Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. A full list of planned closures, including staff development days, will be provided annually and updated on our website.

• Application Process: To enroll your child, please complete our online application form or pick up a physical copy at our facility. A non-refundable $100.00 application fee applies.
• Admission Criteria: Admission is based on program availability, age appropriateness, and the child's readiness for our group environment. We may request a brief interview or visit with your child prior to admission.
• Required Documentation: Prior to your child's first day, the following must be submitted:
  • Completed Enrollment Agreement
  • Current Immunization Records (as per state regulations)
  • Child's Health History and Emergency Contact Information
  • Signed Consent Forms (e.g., photo release, emergency medical treatment)
  • Any relevant medical action plans (e.g., for allergies, asthma)
• Non-Discrimination Policy: Whispering Willow Daycare and Farm School is committed to providing equal opportunity and does not discriminate against children or families on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

• Tuition Structure: Tuition is charged weekly and is due on the first Monday of the week. A detailed tuition schedule will be provided in your enrollment agreement.
• Payment Methods: We only accept online payments via parent portal app brightwheel.
• Late Payments: A late fee of $35.00 will be applied for payments received after 2 day grace period. Consistent late payments may result in termination of enrollment. If you have an issue you can discuss it only with the director to see if something can be worked out.
• Refund Policy: Tuition is non-refundable for absences, holidays, or early withdrawal. Our full refund policy is outlined in the enrollment agreement.
• Sibling Discount:   We offer a sibling discount of $10.00 per child.

• Sign-In/Out: For the safety and security of all children, parents/guardians must sign their child in upon arrival and out upon departure using our designated process.
• Authorized Pick-Up: Only individuals listed on the child's authorized pick-up form will be permitted to pick up a child. Photo identification may be required. Please notify staff in advance if someone not on the regular list will be picking up your child.
• Late Pick-Up Policy: Our operating hours are strictly from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A late fee of $20.00 for the first 15 minutes past 6:00 PM will be charged and then a dollar for every minute thereafter. Consistent late pick-ups may result in termination of enrollment.
• Communication at Drop-off/Pick-up: Please briefly communicate any important information about your child's night or morning at drop-off. At pick-up, staff will provide a brief summary of your child's day.

Our daily routine is designed to provide a balance of structured learning, free play, outdoor exploration, and rest. While flexible to meet individual needs, a typical day includes:

• 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Early Arrivals & Quiet Free Play
• 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM: Breakfast & Morning Greetings
• 8:45 AM - 10:00 AM: Morning Circle Time & Structured Learning Centers
• 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Outdoor Exploration & Farm Animal Interaction
• 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Wash Up & Story Time
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & Post-Lunch Play
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Quiet Time & Naps
• 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Afternoon Snack
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Afternoon Activities & Creative Expression
• 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wind-Down & Departures

Whispering Willow Daycare and Farm School offers a holistic curriculum that nurtures the whole child. Our approach emphasizes:

• Experiential Learning: Hands-on activities that encourage discovery and critical thinking.
• Nature-Based Play: Extensive outdoor time, fostering a connection with the natural world.
• Farm Animal Interaction: Supervised, respectful engagement with our friendly farm animals (e.g., observing, feeding, gentle petting), teaching empathy, responsibility, and basic animal care.
• Literacy & Numeracy: Age-appropriate activities, stories, and games to build foundational skills.
• Creative Arts: Opportunities for artistic expression through painting, drawing, music, and dramatic play.
• Social-Emotional Development: Guidance in sharing, cooperation, problem-solving, and understanding emotions.

• Illness Policy: Children who exhibit symptoms of contagious illness (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rash, persistent cough) must be kept home. They may return after being symptom-free for [e.g., 24 hours] without medication, or with a doctor's note.
• Medication Administration: Prescription medication will only be administered with a completed Medication Authorization Form signed by a parent/guardian and a physician. Medication must be in its original container with the child's name and dosage instructions.
• Allergies & Special Medical Conditions: It is crucial that you inform us immediately of any allergies, medical conditions, or special needs your child has. We will work with you to create an individualized care plan.
• Immunization Requirements: All children must have up-to-date immunizations as required by the State of Oklahoma regulations.
• Emergency Procedures: We have comprehensive emergency plans for various situations (e.g., fire, severe weather, medical emergencies). Staff are trained in CPR and First Aid. In the event of a serious emergency, parents will be contacted immediately.
• Injury Reporting: All injuries, no matter how minor, will be documented and reported to parents/guardians.

• Meals & Snacks: We provide nutritious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. Our menus are designed to be balanced and child-friendly.
• Dietary Needs: Please inform us of any allergies, dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free), or cultural food preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these needs.
• Outside Food: For safety and allergy reasons, we generally do not permit outside food, with the exception of e.g., formula, breast milk, special dietary foods with prior approval.

Our approach to discipline is positive, respectful, and age-appropriate. We focus on guiding children to develop self-control, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Our methods include:

• Redirection: Guiding children towards more appropriate activities.
• Positive Reinforcement: Praising and encouraging desired behaviors.
• Logical Consequences: Helping children understand the natural outcomes of their actions.
• Time-In/Cool-Down: Providing a brief period for a child to regain composure with adult support.
• Physical punishment, verbal abuse, or humiliating discipline is strictly prohibited. Persistent challenging behaviors will be discussed with parents/guardians to develop a collaborative plan.

• Daily Essentials (labeled with child's name):
  • Diapers/Pull-ups and wipes (if applicable)
  • At least two full changes of weather-appropriate clothing (accidents happen!)
  • Comfortable indoor shoes/slippers
  • A small blanket and fitted crib sheet for nap time (if applicable)
  • Any comfort item (e.g., pacifier, special stuffed animal)
  • Labeled water bottle
• Outdoor Play: Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor play every day, regardless of the weather forecast. This includes:
  • Sunscreen and a hat (warm months)
  • Warm layers, hat, gloves/mittens (cold months)
  • Rain gear (rainy days)
• Please DO NOT bring: Toys from home (unless specifically requested for "show and tell"), candy, gum, or valuables.

• Daily Reports: You will receive a daily report on your child's activities, meals, naps, and any notable events.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: We will schedule regular conferences to discuss your child's progress and development. Additional meetings can be scheduled as needed.
• Open Door Policy: We maintain an open-door policy for parents to visit, observe, or discuss concerns. We kindly request a brief heads-up for unscheduled visits to minimize disruption.
• Newsletter/Updates: We will send out regular newsletters or email updates regarding upcoming events, curriculum themes, and important announcements.

We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are vital for a child's success. Opportunities for parent involvement include:

• Volunteering for special events or field trips.
• Sharing cultural traditions or special skills with the children.
• Participating in parent advisory meetings.
• Attending family events.

We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all children and families. All personal information collected is used solely for the purpose of providing care, education, and administrative functions. We will not share personal information with third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law. Our full Privacy Policy is available upon request.

As mandated by law, all staff at Whispering Willow Daycare and Farm School are required to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

In the event of severe weather conditions or other emergencies that necessitate closure, we will notify families via [e.g., email, text message, local news channels, daycare app] by [Time, e.g., 6:00 AM] on the day of closure. Tuition is still due for days closed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

We encourage parents/guardians to address any concerns directly with their child's primary caregiver first. If the issue remains unresolved, please schedule a meeting with the Director. We are committed to resolving concerns promptly and respectfully.

Thank you for choosing Whispering Willow Daycare and Farm School! We look forward to a wonderful partnership with your family.