The policies presented in the parent packet are subject to change at any time.
Parent Packet
Welcome to Over the Rainbow Large Family Childcare and Preschool Child Care
The purpose of Over the Rainbow Large Family Child Care is:
- To provide children with a safe, comfortable, happy environment in which they learn, play and grow. By socializing in this atmosphere with other children through group activities and dramatic play a healthy positive self-image will develop.
- To provide parents with a safe, affordable, convenient daycare which is both supportive and flexible for the parents and enjoyable for their children.
- To provide a variety of stimulating activities, both structured and non-structured, in which each child is allowed to explore, discover, and develop important skills and build self-confidence. These skills will also enhance their growth, physically, emotionally, and socially.
philosophy
I have a sincere love for children and a deep concern for their health, well-being and happiness. I believe that each child is very special and unique. They each possess individual qualities that make them who they are. My goal is to expose them to a variety of new and fun activities that will allow them to explore their own talents and interests without the worry of failure. My number one concern is the safety and happiness of your child.
Massachusetts Daycare Requirements
I have been licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care since August of 1990. My license is subject to renewal every 3 years. The Department of Early Education and Care routinely inspects OTR via announced and unannounced visits throughout the year.
Personal Background
I am a lifelong resident of Georgetown, born and raised. I was 1-of-85 in the first kindergarten graduating class of Georgetown (seems like only yesterday). In 1985 I graduated with high honors from Georgetown High School. I attended New Hampshire College from 1985 to 1989. There I graduated Magna cum Laude and #1 in my major earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Business. I was employed at the YWCA Preschool and Daycare for four years while attending college. I taught at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School from Sept of 88 – June of 89. I taught preschool at the YWCA in Haverhill from June of 89 to July of 90. In August of 1990, I opened the “Over the Rainbow” Large Family Child Care and Preschool.
I am married to a wonderful man named, Greg. Greg has the same strong sense of family and love of life that I have. We have six wonderful children. They are (in order of age, not importance!) Amanda, graduated from Salem State University, Magna Cum Laude. She currently lives in Gettysburg, PA and works at the Motley Fool as an Operations Engineer. Greg, Jr. also resides in Gettysburg, PA and is the manager of a local butcher store there. Taylor graduated from Bridgewater State University Magna Cum Laude and has her master’s degree in Speech and Language Disorders and Audiology from Northeastern University. Taylor is currently the Speech and Language Pathologist for Bagnall School in Groveland, MA. Taylor is also a certified assistant at Over the Rainbow and works with us when available. Brian resides in Marblehead and works in sales. Cameron is a land surveyor for an engineering company based out of Wilmington. Last but never least is Patrick as he stands at 6’4 ½” and towers over his older siblings. Patrick graduated with High Honors from Georgetown Middle High School in June of 2021. He is currently studying Sustainability at Salem State University. Patrick is a National Hon0r Society at SSU.
Our home is busy and full of love! We wouldn’t want it any other way!
Policies and Procedures
I feel parent involvement is essential in providing a meaningful program for both the parent and child. I work closely with parents to accommodate each child’s individual needs. There is an “open-door” policy at my family childcare home, and I encourage parents to observe the program in operation as often as they would like.
Behavior Management
Discipline and guidance shall be consistent and based on the understanding of the individual needs and development of each child. No child shall ever be subject to cruel or severe punishment, humiliation, or verbal abuse. Under no circumstances shall corporal punishment be used. Whenever possible, children exhibiting negative or inappropriate behavior will be diverted to another activity.
We believe in helping children with problem solving rather than the traditional “time out”. Our belief is this method will help foster problem solving and positive relationships in the future rather than simply removing a child from a situation. If a child needs a bit of time to compose themselves or to think about their actions, we have a special chair we call “A spot for thought” that they may sit in until they are ready to help solve the problem. Serious discipline concerns will be discussed with individual parents.
First Aid, medication and allergies
In the event of minor injury, I or a staff member will administer proper first aid, fill out an accident/injury report and inform the child’s parents of the injury and treatment received. I shall notify parents as soon as possible of any emergency that requires the child to have medical attention.
The staff and I at OTR will not dispense medication under normal circumstances. We may administer medication if the following procedure is followed:
- The child’s record contains written permission from the parent authorizing me to administer such medication.
- The prescribed medication is made out to the child and includes instruction for use.
- A written record of the administration of such medication will be kept in the child’s file.
If a child’s health record indicates allergies, the child’s name, allergy, symptoms, and procedure will be posted. Please inform me of any changes.
Hours of Operation and Safe Arrival Policy
Over The Rainbow Large Family Child Care is open Monday – Friday
Normal operational hours are 8:00am – 4:30pm
Please inform me if your child will not arrive or will not be picked up at his/her scheduled time.
If more than 30 minutes have passed beyond your child(ren)’s normal drop off time and you have not informed me or an OTR staff member that you will be late, I will be texting or calling to be sure all is well. If I am unable to reach either parent, I will be calling one of the emergency contact person’s listed on your child(ren)’s enrollment form. Again, please inform me if your child will not be arriving or will not be picked up at his/her scheduled time.
Rates
Current tuition rates are $9.00 per hour per child.
Effective December 30, 2024 our rates will be changing to a flat $80 per day per child.
OTR Preschool Program
In addition to tuition costs, there is a yearly fee of, typically around $150, for your child to participate in the The Learning Box Preschool Curriculum program. A monthly preschool enrichment kit arrives and much of our program incorporates this preschool curriculum in addition to my own preschool program and activities. Preschool program runs from early September – May 31st.
It is my recommendation that all children between the ages of 3 to 5 years participate. Activities are modified to meet age appropriateness and each child’s individual development.
Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp Programs runs from mid-June to Labor Day. During the summer months each week has a theme. Projects, activities and games revolve around the theme for that week. Below is an example of some of our summer themes. We engage in water play in the form of kiddie pools and water tables, daily, weather permitting. We also have a 15 x 30 heated swimming pool that the children utilize.
We take water play very seriously and follow the strictest guidelines to ensure the children and staff remain safe. Permission slips for the big pool will be provided before summer camp begins.
OTR Summer Camp Themes!
• The Ocean
• Dinosaurs
• Camping
• The Wild West
• Stars and Stripes
• Nature
• Hawaii
• Forest Animal
• Around the World
• Construction
• Down on the Farm
• Pirates and Mermaids
• Zany Zoo
• Outer Space/NASA
• The Rainforest
• School is COOL!