Parent Handbook
Everything you need to know about our program — hours, holidays, payment policy, child retention, medication procedures, emergency planning, and more.
Mission Statement
School Year 2026 / 2027
Mother Goose Daycare — NH License CCFB-07011 — Melissa Hanson, 88 South Main Street, Newton, NH 03858 · (603) 702-5985.
I strive to provide long-term childcare for families during the early childhood years. I aim to create nurturing bonds between myself and every child enrolled in my home-based daycare.
I believe that in order for children to thrive, their basic needs must be met. I believe that children need to develop a sense of self-esteem. I will help each child feel that their thoughts and ideas are valued, and I will encourage their expression.
I believe that children need a stimulating yet orderly and well-organized environment to explore. I will provide a wide variety of learning materials and play things — and all opportunities to explore the outdoors.
I offer a relaxed and casual setting to meet the needs of each child. I always value your input and any concerns you may have.
I have two helpers who are registered through the state. They are background-checked and fingerprinted. I will utilize them when needed and will try to let parents know 24 hours prior. When emergencies happen, the 24-hour notice might not be possible — I will do my best.
When We're Open
Operating Hours
Monday – Friday, 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Drop-off cutoff: 10:00 AM. Children dropped off after 10:00 AM will not be accepted, since it interrupts the other kids' activities.
- Early pickup cutoff: 1:30 PM. Children picked up after 1:30 PM will not be accepted, since it interrupts the other kids' activities.
- Nap time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Picking up during this window disturbs the children.
- Doctor's appointments that day? A note is required for your child to return.
Holidays We Close
- Labor Day
- September 11th
- November 11th
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
- New Year's Eve & New Year's Day
- March 5th & March 8th
- Memorial Day
- 4th of July
- June 16th, 17th, 18th
- July 16th – 23rd
Snow days: We will be open unless we lose power.
Payments
Simple, predictable, and consistent.
- Payments are due every Friday before 5:00 PM.
- If payment is not received, your child cannot attend the following Monday. Payment must be paid in full for your child to attend.
- Accepted: Venmo, cash, and checks.
- Returned check fee: $50.
- If you are out for any reason, you are still responsible for payment. You pay for the spot, not the attendance.
Questions about your bill, late payments, or a hardship? Reach out — we work with families on a case-by-case basis.
Committed to Keeping Children Enrolled
At Mother Goose Day Care, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. Suspension or termination of care due to behavior is a last resort. We will make every reasonable effort to support children and families in maintaining enrollment whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
1. Steps to Assist a Child in Maintaining Enrollment
When behavioral concerns arise, we will:
- Observe and document behaviors to identify patterns and possible causes.
- Use positive guidance techniques and developmentally appropriate behavior management strategies.
- Modify the classroom environment, routines, or activities when appropriate to better meet the child's needs.
- Provide consistent expectations, encouragement, and support.
- Meet with the child's parent(s)/guardian(s) to discuss concerns and develop a collaborative behavior support plan.
- Recommend community resources or early intervention services, when appropriate and with parent consent.
2. Ongoing Communication with Parents / Guardians
Open communication is essential to a child's success. The provider will:
- Keep parents informed of behavioral concerns as they arise.
- Schedule meetings as needed to discuss progress and review behavior support strategies.
- Share observations and documentation regarding the child's progress.
- Notify parents promptly if, despite interventions, the child's enrollment may no longer be safely maintained.
3. Program Responsibilities
The program is responsible for:
- Providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment.
- Using developmentally appropriate guidance techniques.
- Treating each child with dignity and respect.
- Implementing agreed-upon behavior support strategies consistently.
- Documenting behavioral incidents and interventions.
- Collaborating with parents — and, when appropriate, outside professionals — to support the child's success while protecting the safety and well-being of all children in care.
4. Conditions for Termination Due to Serious Safety Risks
Enrollment may be terminated only after reasonable efforts have been made to maintain enrollment, unless an immediate safety threat exists. Reasons may include:
- Repeated aggressive or violent behaviors that place the child, other children, or adults at risk of harm.
- Behaviors that, after interventions and supports, continue to compromise the safety or well-being of the group.
- Any other immediate safety concern that the provider is not equipped to safely manage.
We never take this step lightly. Our commitment is to support — and to keep — every child enrolled whenever we can do so safely.
How We Handle Medication
We follow strict guidelines for the safe handling, storage, and administration of any medication for children in our care.
Written Authorization
Medication will be given only with a completed written authorization form, signed by a parent or guardian. The authorization must include the child's name, the medication, the dose, the frequency, the time of day, and the duration. Prescriptions must be in the original container with a current, legible label.
Storage & Administration
Medication is stored safely, out of children's reach, and administered according to the manufacturer's instructions and your written authorization. All administrations are documented each time, including the dose, the time, and any notable reactions or side effects.
Parent Communication
We keep open, ongoing communication with parents and guardians about any medications their child receives while in our care. We're happy to discuss any questions or concerns about medication administration at any time.
Health & Safety While Medicating
We follow all written authorizations, monitor children for any side effects or unexpected reactions, and contact emergency medical services (911) when necessary and notify the parent as soon as possible.
The above is a parent-friendly summary of our medication policy. The full written policy — including specific forms and procedures — is shared directly with families during enrollment.
If Your Child Needs Medical Care
In an emergency, every second counts. Here's what we do — and what you authorize us to do when you sign our parent/guardian consent form.
When you sign the emergency medical treatment authorization, you give permission for our staff to provide simple first aid treatment to your child when necessary.
In the event of a more serious illness or injury, you give permission for your child to be transported to a hospital or other emergency medical facility to receive emergency medical treatment.
You also authorize ambulance / rescue squad attendants to administer such treatment as is medically necessary, and authorize licensed health practitioners working in the hospital or emergency medical facility to examine and provide emergency medical treatment to your child if warranted.
We will contact you as soon as possible regarding any emergency involving your child.
We call 911 first
Emergency medical services are called immediately when a child needs urgent care.
First aid while we wait
We provide appropriate first aid until medical professionals arrive.
You are notified
We contact you as soon as your child's immediate safety is secured.
If the Child Care Licensing Unit Visits
Our licensing authority is the Child Care Licensing Unit (CCLU) within the NH Department of Health and Human Services. During routine monitoring visits, the Licensing Coordinator may informally speak with children to ask general questions about their day-to-day experience. Conversations take place while children are engaged in their daily routine and use age-appropriate speech and language.
If the licensing staff believe your child may have relevant information during a complaint investigation, they will reach out to you for permission to speak with your child. At no time will a child be forced to speak with the CCLU.
A Healthy Approach to Screen Time
We keep children's screen use limited, purposeful, and in line with current recommendations for healthy early childhood development.
Limited Use
Children's time with electronics is kept to a minimum, and only while they are supervised. Passive, excessive screen time is not part of our daily routine.
Purposeful & Educational
When electronics are used, content is age-appropriate and educational — supporting learning rather than replacing hands-on, active play.
Clear Expectations
Expectations for electronics use are shared with families in our handbook so everyone — staff and parents — is on the same page.
We're Here for You
This handbook covers the essentials, but every family is different. If you have a question about our policies, schedule, or care — just ask. We'd love to walk you through anything.
Mother Goose Day Care · Newton, New Hampshire