AMBER EASTERDAY (DBA) CREATE LEARNERS CONTRACT/HANDBOOK

License Number: 52512626003

A new contract will be signed in March and September.

To enroll your child, we will both need to agree that it is the right decision. Let us go over some things about my home. My mission at Create Learners is to build relationships with families and develop the minds of all the children that walk through my door. Through our hands on and child led activities, each child will learn best when their specific type of learning is met. The purpose for this school was to give my own child the education he deserves, which is having fun and learning through play. Then I thought I could do the same for other children. So, I opened Create Learners and I hope to reach as many families as I can to have just as much fun with their child as mine. The vision I have for this school is to work alongside parents and guardians to better our children's future. I want to see each child develop at their own pace, which will result in becoming better leaders and listeners with compassion and gratitude. You can find my qualifications and certificates online at www.CreateLearners.com or they can be obtained in my home by request.

Please initial next to each of the following to ensure you have read and understand:

Trial Period:

______There will be a one week trial period to make sure this is a good fit for all adults and children involved. We sometimes work alone and I need to be sure we can keep all children safe and still maintain the curriculum for all children who want to participate. The enrollment fee is non refundable and if care cannot continue after or before the two weeks, I will do my best to find another place for your child to attend. 

______Hours of care is 8am-4:30pm. If your child needs to eat breakfast, please bring them early enough to have them done eating by 8:30a. Preschool hours are from 8:30a-11a. Drop off is no later than 9a to ensure your child uses the restroom and is cleaned up for class. Lunch is served from 11p-12p. Nap is held from 12:30p-2:30p. If your child is staying for nap, please provide a blanket for them. If you are going to be late or there is a schedule conflict, be sure to let me know as soon as you can. When children are coming in, some upset, it is hard to stay focused during a lesson or teaching time and keeping the other children engaged.  

Curriculum:

______I understand that Create Learners follows a holistic approach when it comes to learning with children. We aim to apply several methods to accommodate mixed ages. These include: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, HighScope and Play Based Learning. We do not follow any government type of schooling, funding or assessments. The curriculums we have chosen to use are “Wondergarten”, “A Year Of Playing Skillfully”, and ‘Conscious Discipline”. You are welcome to find these online to look further into detail.

Parent/Child Involvement:

______I understand that I will communicate with the teachers at Create Learners about my child. Meaning, if they woke up early, went to bed later than normal, eating habits have changed or anything else that can affect the child’s day while at care should be discussed.

______In this space we have the children do most of the work. They are in charge of various things such as, taking off/putting on socks and shoes, getting soap and washing hangs, washing face while looking in the mirror, washing dishes, throwing things in the trash, stacking/unstacking chairs, wiping tables and windows, folding towels, putting on/taking off cot sheets and much more. We believe in all children taking risks to enhance critical thinking and problem solving. 

Field Trips:

______I agree to sign a waiver stating that my child is or is not able to leave with the provider on field trips.

______If your child is going on a field trip please pack a lunch that does not need to be heated and will last in a lunch box or bag all day, possibly in the heat and cold weather.

Pet Policy:

______In our home, we have three dogs. A German shepherd and two huskies. The dogs do not have any contact with the children. They stay outside half of the day and in their cage the other half of the day. Once all the children are down for nap, that is when the change happens from outside in or inside to outside. Per licensing rules the dogs are up to date on their rabies vaccine. 

Pool Policy:

______There is a pool at our residence but there is no access to get to for the children. The inside door has three locks and the outside gate has a top lock that is at least five feet high. We have a pool alarm per licensing. You can request a full detail report of what was needed to ensure your Childs safety or you can find it online.

Breakfast and Lunch:

______Please bring your child’s lunch each day. We recommend to have your child eat a variety of foods from each food group (if you do not eat meat or dairy, provide something in its place). We also ask that no fruit snacks, candy, juice or soda be sent. If you want food provided for your child, there is an extra cost of $6 per day. 

______If you need food that needs heated, we ask that you heat it in the morning and put in a thermos so it is still hot for lunch. In our space we do not want to use the microwave. This is a personal option I made for this home to become fully holistic.

______When packing your child’s lunch, it should be ready to eat from. If you send any fruit that needs peeled or cut, please do that at home. Including oranges, grapes.

Sick policy for children:

______If your child has a fever or diarrhea, they must stay home and be symptom free for 24 hours with no medication.

______If your child has hand, foot and mouth, they are to stay home for at least 7 days minimum.

______Do not send your child with medication and do not give them medication before coming to school

______Do not put Miralax in any drinks for your child. Only send water.

______If your child has a runny nose, please wash hands as often as you can at home and practice coughing in the arm or shirt. Use tissues instead of wiping on their arm. The more we can do to help them, the more we can keep all children healthy. 

______If a sibling in the home is sick, do not bring your child. It is easy to spread germs to others including in my home.

COVID AND FLU:

______If someone in your family, including your child, has Covid or the flu the same sick policy applies. They are to be out for at least 7 days. Tuition is still due. Please see sick policy above.

______TUITION IS STILL DUE WHEN CHILDREN ARE NOT AT SCHOOL. IF A CHILD IS OUT MORE THAN TWO WEEKS, TUITION MAY BE PUT ON HOLD. THIS IS UP TO THE PROVIDER TO DETERMINE. 

Sick/Emergency Policy:

______There will be 10 days per calendar year of paid sick/emergency days for myself. These days will also include if something goes wrong in my home. Examples are: Losing power, AC not working, Water shut off or emergencies that happen I cannot control. I will do my best to switch days or accommodate something else for your child IF possible. This means tuition is still due if I am sick on the day your child is scheduled.

Terms of payment:

______The client agrees to pay the last two weeks of childcare whether the child is in attendance or not.

______The provider has the option to terminate services with no payment made on time.

______The client agrees to pay a NON REFUNDABLE enrollment fee before starting our program. Each year, on the date you started, a continuing registration fee will be $75. This will continue the cost of supplies, utilities, field trips, updated learning curriculum and monthly guests. This will also help with fees of parties and holidays we celebrate. Payment plans are accepted as well with communication with Create Learners staff. 

______All payments paid by 8am Monday for the current week or your child may not be dropped off until it is paid including all late fees.

______Families pay to hold their child spot, not the days they come. Payment will still be due if your child is sick or on vacation as well as Create Learners closing for emergencies. 

______If your set days fall on Monday and Wednesday, for example, and it is a holiday, payment is due for those days.

______Late payments made after business hours on Mondays, will result in a $10 charge for each day it is late and if not paid by Monday, your child will not be able to return any day until all late fees and full tuition is paid in full

______Late pick up is $1 a minute or $15 for each 30 minutes after. If this occurs more than twice a week, your schedule is at risk of changing or termination may occur.

______I can not change your child's day or switch because it falls on a day I am closed. All weeks are paid the same amount unless it is changed by the provider.

______If my children become sick, there will be 10 days paid per calendar year if I close or you choose not to come.

Paid/Closed - Holidays/Professional Development/Vacation:

______I will give at least a two month notice for paid closures. If an emergency occurs, payment is still due. 

______If I become ill, I will give as much notice as possible. I will also provide sitters that I know in the area. It is best to always have back up care in case of an emergency.

______I will do all that I can to protect your family's privacy and will abide by the state privacy law. I will keep all records and information about your child and your family private and confidential, unless I have your written permission to reveal specific information. I also ask you to respect the privacy of my family by not sharing any information about my family without my written permission. 

______During hurricane season, Create Learners will follow the Pinellas County closure for emergencies. When the schools and/or local businesses close, I will be closed. This is for everyone’s safety and incase I have to relocate my family.

______Each family will have one week (after being enrolled for at least 6 months) to not pay for care. The child does not come to the school. You keep your child home but do not pay for that week. 

Birthdays and Toys:

______This preschool will be celebrating all Christian holidays and birthdays. If you choose to not have your child participate, please let me know. We also will partake in worship during the day.

______Please do not bring outside toys into the preschool. Other children might think they can have it at any time. I do not want to have to take their toy away to make it a problem. I also do not want to be held accountable if a toy gets lost or broken. There will be weeks that we will have show and tell. Those are the only days that it is approved. 

Nap time:

______Please let the provider know about your child's sleep schedule. I will do my best to work with your needs. I cannot force a child to sleep, nor can I force a child to stay awake. I apologize ahead of time if your child did not sleep as long as you wanted them to or maybe not nap at all. I will do my best to accommodate your child’s need.

Potty training:

______I will help potty train your child if he/she has plenty of extra clothes, socks and if you can, an extra pair of shoes. Shoes and socks will always get wet with accidents. I personally do not like pull ups. Diapers are much easier to work with while potty training. Never send your child in underwear unless he/she has spent a week in my care with no accidents. Potty training will only work if it is done at home as well as in my care. It will always start at home and with parents who are committed to making this work in a loving way. I am here every step of the way and will guide and give advice for potty training. But please remember, when your child is not here on the weekend, it is your job to continue the potty training process.

Socks:

______I will bring extra socks for my child to keep in their cubby or their book bag. We go outside a lot and do not wear shoes and socks. The children play in water, dirt and sand. I am asking for extra socks because when the children take them off, sometimes they get lost. Unfortunately we lose socks a lot here and find them later. 

Termination of care:

______Deliberately violates your contract or policies

______Falsely accuse you of child abuse or neglect

______Threatens you or your family

______Owes you money and refuses to follow a payment agreement

Tuition: 

______$75 per day (This is for families starting after 3.11.2025) For children 13 months and up. Infant care tuition is available upon request.

Full time students:

______$375 (Lunch included) $325 (Families provide lunch) This is for 13 months and up. Infant care tuition is available upon request.

Forms of payment:

-Venmo

-Zelle

-Cash/check

What does Create Learners offer for the price?

-Help develop the whole child

-One on one child development

-Low ratios

-A holistic approach

-Non toxic cleaners and soaps, no air fresheners 

-Organic food, no dyes, no bio-engineered ingredients

-No canola or any seed oil used in foods provided to children

-Eliminating plastic one day at a time

-Montessori based with mixed ages

-Older children teach lessons at times and work with them independently

-Monthly guest visitors (ASL, sport training, Law enforcement volunteer, guest reader and more)

-Monthly themes

-Create Learners works with a speech therapist 

-Field trips 

-We do not close on every holiday and understand some families still have to work. We will update with closures with each contract/handbook.

-We will always offer more when we research and develop our teachers to give your child the best experience 

-This is a Pinellas County Licensed Home Daycare and legal through the Department of Health.

-Your child is able to participate in all homeschool classes/events at no extra charge up to 5 dollars.

Quotes To Remember:

"When I was in college, I paid full tuition, even though I may not have attended all my classes"

"I pay for my mortgage even when I'm on vacation"

"I've paid for car insurance for the month when my cars been in the shop for the last two weeks"

References:

Mallory R.-727.286.6896

Caroline S.-727.286.6896

Erin H.- 218.452.0571

By signing this page, you indicate that you have read my policies and agree to follow them. I reserve the right to make changes to my policies with notice. 

______ Yearly registration fee of $75 is due (per family) on Friday August 8 2025 for enrolled students. 

______Heath records including shot/exemption AND physical are due on the day your child starts. They may not be dropped off without these forms. 

______All enrollment forms must be fully completed before a child is able to be dropped off. All lines must be filled out even if it is the same information you already used. Do not leave any lines blank. There must be two emergency contacts and they are NOT to be mom or dad. Must be someone we are able to contact in an emergency.

______All parties agree to sign this contract (Single, Married, Divorced-ALL parties)

Name of Child:_______________________________________________

SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________

SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________

SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________

SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________

PROVIDER SIGNATURE: _______________________________________

Amber Easterday 1408 Lynn Ave Clearwater, FL 33755  937.248.4175 

www.CreateLearners.com

CreateLearnersFL@gmail.com