Parent Handbook

1. Welcome & Mission

Welcome to Abundance Childcare! We are honored that you have chosen us to partner with you in your child's early development. Our mission is to nurture tomorrow's leaders today by providing a safe, loving, and enriching environment where children can discover, learn, and grow.

Our Philosophy

We believe every child is unique and capable of great things. Our Virginia standards-aligned STEAM curriculum supports the whole child—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development—through age-appropriate, engaging activities.

Licensing Information

Abundance Childcare operates within a licensed child care facility in compliance with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) regulations under 8VAC20-780 Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers. The VDOE conducts inspections at least twice annually to ensure compliance with all health and safety standards.

2. Enrollment & Registration

To enroll your child at Abundance Childcare, the following documents are required in accordance with Virginia regulations:

Required Documents

• Enrollment Application - Completed and signed by parent/guardian
• Emergency Contact Information - Minimum of two emergency contacts
• Authorized Pick-Up List - Names and photos of all authorized persons
• Physical Examination Form - Completed within 30 days of enrollment (per 8VAC20-780-70)
• Immunization Record - Current Virginia School Entrance Health Form (MCH 213G)
• Allergy & Health Information - Including any dietary restrictions
• Signed Parent Agreement - Acknowledging receipt of this handbook
• Tuition Agreement - Payment terms and authorization

3. Hours of Operation

Regular Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Closed: Weekends and the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day & Day After
• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Late Pick-Up Policy

Children must be picked up by 6:30 PM. A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged for pick-ups after closing time. After three late pick-ups, continued enrollment may be reviewed.

4. Staff-to-Child Ratios

Abundance Childcare maintains staff-to-child ratios that meet or exceed Virginia requirements (8VAC20-780-350):

Per 8VAC20-780-340, children under 10 years of age are always within sight and sound supervision of qualified staff.

5. Health & Safety Requirements

Physical Examination (8VAC20-780-70)

Each child must have a physical examination by a licensed physician within:

• 30 days before attendance, OR
• 30 days after the first day of attendance

Physical exams must be updated according to the following schedule:

• Under 2 years: Every 6 months
• 2-6 years: Every 12 months
• Over 6 years: Every 2 years

Daily Health Observation

Per 8VAC20-780-245, a staff member trained in daily health observation will observe each child upon arrival. Children showing signs of illness may not be admitted that day.

Background Checks

Per §22.1-289.035 of the Code of Virginia, all staff undergo comprehensive background checks including:

• FBI fingerprint check
• Virginia State Police criminal history check
• Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry search
• Sex Offender Registry search

6. Immunization Requirements

Per 8VAC20-780-70 and §22.1-271.2 of the Code of Virginia, children must be immunized according to the Virginia Department of Health schedule. Required immunizations include:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
• Polio (IPV)
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Pneumococcal (PCV)

Exemptions

Per Virginia law, immunization exemptions are permitted only for:

• Medical exemption: Physician statement on VDH-approved form indicating immunization is detrimental to the child's health
• Religious exemption: Signed affidavit on current VDH-approved form stating immunization conflicts with religious tenets

7. Illness & Exclusion Policy

To protect all children and staff, children must be excluded from care when exhibiting the following symptoms:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Vomiting (2 or more times in 24 hours)
• Diarrhea (3 or more loose stools in 24 hours)
• Undiagnosed rash
• Eye discharge or pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Severe coughing or difficulty breathing
• Head lice (until treated)
• Contagious illness (chickenpox, hand-foot-mouth, strep throat, etc.)

Return to Care

Children may return to care when:

• Fever-free for 24 hours WITHOUT fever-reducing medication
• Symptom-free for 24 hours
• On antibiotics for at least 24 hours (for bacterial infections)
• Cleared by a physician (written note required for certain conditions)

8. Medication Administration

Per 8VAC20-780-510 and 8VAC20-780-245, medication will only be administered under the following conditions:

Prescription Medications

• Must be in original container with pharmacy label
• Label must include child's name, medication name, dosage, and administration instructions
• Written parent authorization required (renewed every 10 work days)
• Administered by trained staff certified in medication administration

Non-Prescription Medications

• Must be in original container
• Written parent authorization required
• Must follow manufacturer's instructions for age and dosage
• Long-term use requires physician authorization

Medication Storage

All medications are stored in a locked container, separate from food, and inaccessible to children. Medications requiring refrigeration are stored in a designated, locked area of the refrigerator.

9. Nutrition & Meals

Per 8VAC20-780-560, we provide nutritious meals and snacks that follow USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines.

Meal Schedule

• Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
• Morning Snack: 10:00 AM
• Lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Afternoon Snack: 3:00 PM

Infant Feeding

• Infants are fed according to their individual schedule provided by parents
• Breast milk and formula must be labeled with child's name and date
• We support breastfeeding mothers and provide a private area for nursing
• Solid foods introduced per parent instructions and pediatrician guidance

Allergies & Special Diets

Per 8VAC20-780-60, allergy information is documented in each child's file and posted (confidentially) in each classroom. Parents must provide:

• Written documentation of all food allergies
• Allergy action plan signed by physician (for severe allergies)
• Any required medications (EpiPen, etc.)

10. Safety & Emergency Procedures

Emergency Preparedness Plan (8VAC20-780-550)

Abundance Childcare maintains a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan that addresses:

• Fire evacuation procedures
• Severe weather/tornado shelter-in-place
• Lockdown procedures
• Medical emergencies
• Missing child procedures
• Natural disasters
• Loss of utilities

Emergency Drills

• Fire drills: Monthly
• Shelter-in-place drills: Twice annually
• Lockdown drills: Twice annually

Facility Security

• Secure entry system (keypad/fob access)
• Visitor sign-in required
• Photo ID required for pick-up
• Security cameras throughout facility
• Daily attendance records maintained

Safe Sleep Policy (Infants)

Per 8VAC20-780-330 and 8VAC20-780-550, we follow safe sleep practices:

• Infants placed on their back to sleep (unless physician note specifies otherwise)
• Firm, flat sleep surface with fitted sheet
• No blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or soft objects in crib
• Visual checks every 10 minutes for infants under 12 months
• Sleeping infants never left unattended

11. Guidance & Discipline Policy

Per 8VAC20-780-430, our discipline policy uses positive guidance techniques to help children develop self-control and positive behavior.

Positive Guidance Strategies

• Redirection to appropriate activities
• Positive reinforcement of good behavior
• Clear, consistent, and age-appropriate expectations
• Natural and logical consequences
• Modeling appropriate behavior
• Brief, supervised "cool-down" time when needed

Prohibited Discipline Methods

The following are NEVER permitted per Virginia regulations:

• Corporal punishment (hitting, spanking, shaking)
• Verbal abuse, threats, or humiliation
• Withholding food, rest, or bathroom privileges
• Isolation without supervision
• Any form of physical restraint (except to protect safety)
• Punishment by other children

12. Parent Communication

We believe strong parent-provider communication is essential for your child's success.

Daily Communication

• Infants: Daily written reports including feedings, diaper changes, naps, and activities
• Toddlers: Daily activity summaries and notable moments
• All ages: Verbal updates at drop-off and pick-up

Ongoing Communication

• Parent app for photos, messages, and updates
• Monthly newsletters
• Parent-teacher conferences (semi-annual)
• Open-door policy—parents welcome to visit anytime
• Progress reports and developmental updates

Contact Information

Phone: (757) 250-9886
Email: info@abundancechildcare.com
Address: Virginia Beach, VA 23453

13. Arrival & Departure Procedures

Arrival (Drop-Off)

• Sign your child in using our attendance system
• Ensure a staff member acknowledges receipt of your child
• Communicate any special instructions or changes
• Label all belongings with your child's name

Departure (Pick-Up)

• Sign your child out using our attendance system
• Photo ID required for verification
• Only authorized persons may pick up children
• To add/remove authorized persons, submit written request
• Children will NOT be released to anyone appearing impaired

14. Personal Belongings

Items to Bring Daily

• Infants: Diapers, wipes, bottles, formula/breast milk, extra clothes, comfort item
• Toddlers: Diapers/pull-ups, wipes, extra clothes, comfort item for nap
• Preschool/Pre-K: Change of clothes, rest mat cover/blanket

Labeling

All items must be clearly labeled with your child's first and last name. We are not responsible for lost or damaged items.

Prohibited Items

• Weapons or toy weapons
• Valuable items or electronics
• Candy or gum
• Any item that poses a choking hazard

15. Tuition & Payment Policies

Current Rates

Payment Terms

• Tuition is due every Monday (in advance)
• Accepted forms: Credit/debit card, ACH transfer, check
• Late payment fee: $25 after Wednesday
• Returned check fee: $35
• Registration fee: $50 (non-refundable)

Absences & Vacation

• Full tuition is due regardless of absences (your spot is reserved)
• After 90 days, families receive 1 week vacation at 50% tuition per year
• 2-week written notice required for vacation

For subsidy information, see Tuition & Subsidy Information.

16. Termination of Care

Parent-Initiated Withdrawal

Two weeks' written notice is required for withdrawal. Tuition is due for the notice period regardless of attendance.

Provider-Initiated Termination

We reserve the right to terminate care for:

• Non-payment of tuition (after 2 weeks past due)
• Repeated late pick-ups
• Failure to provide required documentation
• Behavior that endangers other children or staff
• Parent conduct that disrupts the program
• Needs that exceed our ability to provide appropriate care

Except in cases of immediate safety concerns, two weeks' notice will be provided.

17. Child Abuse Reporting

Per Virginia law (§63.2-1509) and 8VAC20-780-245, all child care staff are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Our Legal Obligation

If any staff member has reason to suspect abuse or neglect, we are legally required to report to:

• Virginia Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-552-7096
• Local Child Protective Services

Reports are made in good faith based on professional judgment. We are not investigators—that is the role of Child Protective Services and law enforcement.

Annual Training

All staff complete annual training on recognizing signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, as well as mandated reporter requirements.

18. Grievance Procedures

We value open communication and want to address any concerns promptly.

Steps to Resolve Concerns

1. Talk to Your Child's Teacher: Many concerns can be resolved through direct conversation.
2. Contact the Director: If unresolved, schedule a meeting with the program director.
3. Written Complaint: Submit a written description of your concern and desired resolution.
4. Contact Licensing: You always have the right to contact Virginia's Office of Child Care Health and Safety.

Acknowledgment

By enrolling your child at Abundance Childcare, you acknowledge that you have received, read, and agree to the policies outlined in this Parent Handbook. We look forward to partnering with you!

Last Updated: January 2026

Policy Reference: Virginia Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers (8VAC20-780)