Thistle & Rabbit

In Home Childcare

Parent Handbook

2025-2026

Description of the Program

At Thistle & Rabbit In-Home Childcare, we service children 0-3 with a small daycare license that allows up to 6 children. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, we see learning as a co-constructed journey that begins with children’s ideas. We listen closely, observe with intention, and design experiences that grow from their interests. Relationships, collaboration, and a thoughtfully prepared environment form the foundation of our work.Our goal is to cultivate a nurturing space where children can explore, imagine, and grow through hands-on activities and meaningful play.

Holistic Development Focus

We support the whole child by honoring the hundred languages of children—the many ways they express, explore, and connect with the world around them. Art and music are central to this work, offering rich, multisensory pathways for development across all domains:

• Cognitive:
  Problem-solving, memory, and critical thinking are nurtured through open-ended investigations and long-term projects that emerge from children’s interests. Visual art and music deepen this learning by engaging children in pattern recognition, creative problem-solving, and symbolic thinking. Whether composing a rhythm, mixing colors, or designing a sculpture, children make connections, test ideas, and reflect on their thinking.

• Physical:
  Children develop fine and gross motor skills through sensory-rich provocations, outdoor exploration, and the use of real tools and materials. Drawing, painting, sculpting, and playing instruments all support hand-eye coordination, precision, and body awareness. Movement through music, such as dancing or rhythm games, fosters balance, coordination, and whole-body engagement.

• Social-Emotional:
  Through attuned caregiving, shared routines, and negotiated play, children build empathy, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Art and music provide powerful emotional outlets—helping children express feelings, navigate social dynamics, and experience joy. Group music-making and collaborative art projects foster connection, cooperation, and a strong sense of community.

• Language:
  Through storytelling, conversation, and diverse modes of expression, children build communication skills and learn to articulate their ideas. Music supports language development through rhythm, rhyme, and repetition, building phonemic awareness and vocabulary. Visual art serves as another language—allowing children to narrate, interpret, and represent their thinking in nonverbal ways that are deeply meaningful.

What Guides Our Practice

Emergent Curriculum: Our curriculum is emergent, co-constructed with children and guided by their natural curiosity. We observe, reflect, and plan experiences that deepen engagement and support inquiry-based learning.

Music Immersion: Music is a daily language of learning. Children explore rhythm, melody, and sound through singing, movement, and instruments. Music becomes a joyful, embodied way to express feelings, build relationships, and experience the world.

Process-Based Art: Our creative studio, or atelier, is a space where materials speak and children listen. Here, process is honored over product. With guidance from educators, children explore visual art through paint, clay, natural materials, and more—following their own ideas and reflecting deeply on their work.

Play-Based Exploration: Play is the foundation of all learning. Whether through dramatic play, construction, or schemas such as transporting or enclosing, children engage in meaningful discovery that supports their cognitive, physical, and social growth.

Child-Led Learning: Children are viewed as protagonists in their own learning. We provide time, space, and materials for them to explore their interests, make choices, and take initiative—fostering independence and self-confidence.

Sensory Exploration: We offer daily opportunities for sensory exploration, including provocations with natural and tactile materials that invite children to explore with all their senses.

Environment as the Third Teacher: Our thoughtfully designed learning spaces are intentional, inviting, and flexible—acting as a third teacher that encourages interaction, independence, and creativity.

Respect for Culture and Diversity: We recognize that each child brings a unique perspective to our community. Our curriculum reflects diverse cultures and traditions, strengthening relationships among children, educators, and families.

Intentional Outdoor Learning: Nature is a powerful context for learning. Our outdoor experiences—such as nature exploring, gardening and water play—serve as provocations that inspire wonder, inquiry, and connection to the natural world.

Executive Function Development: We support executive function skills through routines, cooperative play, and learning groups where children practice turn-taking, problem-solving, and thoughtful decision-making.

Family Partnerships: We believe families are co-constructors of the learning journey. Our communication is open and ongoing, and we actively incorporate family knowledge and traditions into the curriculum.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP): All activities are designed with reflective practice to ensure they meet children where they are, while providing opportunities for growth, exploration, and challenge.

We are committed to fostering creativity, independence, and a deep love of learning through the co-construction of knowledge, where every child is seen, heard, and valued. Our approach supports the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each child in a joyful and responsive learning environment.

Daily Schedule

At Thistle & Rabbit, mornings begin with open exploration across our classroom and atelier, where children engage in art, sensory work, and collaborative play. Music is woven throughout the day—through live guitar, piano, or ukulele when available, and recorded music during art and transitions—offering joyful moments of sound, movement, and expression. While each day follows a predictable rhythm, children are given space, time, and choice to follow their interests and grow in relationship with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Monday-Thursday Schedule

7:30–8:30 AM – Arrival & Free Play

8:30–9:00 AM – Morning snack

9:00–9:15 AM – Circle Time (songs, stories, movement)

9:15–10:15 AM – Atelier / Morning Provocation

10:15–11:30 AM – Outdoor Play

11:30 AM–12:00 PM – Lunch

12:00–2:30 PM – Nap / Rest

2:30–3:00 PM – Snack

3:00–3:45 PM – Rotating Specials (cooking, gardening, music class, yoga, etc)

3:45–4:30 PM – Outdoor Play & Pick-Up

Friday Schedule

8:00–8:30 AM – Arrival & Free Play

8:30–9:00 AM – Morning snack

9:00–10:15 AM – Atelier / Classroom

10:15–11:30 AM – Outdoor Play

11:30 AM–12:00 PM – Lunch & Storybook

Parent Initials ______

Childcare Illness Policy
At Thistle & Rabbit In-Home Childcare, the health and safety of all children, families, and staff are our top priority. To help maintain a clean and illness free community space, we ask that children stay home if they are showing signs of illness. If a child becomes sick during the day, we will call a parent or guardian right away. Children must be picked up within one hour of being contacted.

Children must stay home if they show any of the following symptoms:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, especially with behavior changes or other symptoms (rash, vomiting, diarrhea)

• Vomiting, especially if it happens two or more times in 24 hours

• Diarrhea, defined as three or more loose stools in one day, or stools that cannot be contained in a diaper

• Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing that interferes with daily activities

• Unexplained rash, or a rash that comes with a fever or behavior changes

• Eye discharge, especially if eyes are red, swollen, and producing pus (possible conjunctivitis)

• Unusual behavior such as extreme tiredness, irritability, or refusal to eat or drink

When children can return to care:
Children may return to care once they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication, have had no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours, and (if applicable) have completed at least 24 hours of antibiotics. If a doctor has diagnosed a communicable condition, a written note may be required stating that the child is no longer contagious.

Communicable diseases:
If a child is diagnosed with a communicable illness—such as strep throat, hand, foot, and mouth disease, chickenpox, COVID-19, influenza, or lice—families must let us know as soon as possible. We will notify other families that there has been an exposure, while always maintaining privacy. Children must follow a healthcare provider’s return-to-care guidance before rejoining the group.

Preventative care and hygiene:
To limit the spread of illness, we follow strict daily routines for hand-washing, surface sanitizing, and diaper-changing hygiene. Children and staff wash hands frequently throughout the day, and all high-touch surfaces and toys are disinfected daily. We also encourage all children to stay up to date on their vaccinations.

COVID-19 guidelines:
We follow all current state and local health guidelines related to COVID-19. If a child or staff member has symptoms or a known exposure, they must stay home until cleared to return based on public health recommendations. We will update our protocols as needed if local guidance changes.

In case of severe symptoms:
If a child shows signs of serious illness—such as difficulty breathing, a seizure, or a high fever—we will call 911 and contact the parent or guardian immediately.

When the provider or provider’s children are sick:
If Miranda Jones (the childcare provider) or her own children experience symptoms that would require exclusion from care (such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea), the program may close for the day or until it’s safe to reopen. Families will be notified as early as possible to allow time to make alternate arrangements.

Miranda is entitled to five paid sick days per school year. If she needs to close due to illness beyond those five days, parents will receive a discount on the following month’s tuition to reflect the closure. It is recommended that families have a backup childcare plan in place for these rare occurrences.

Parent Initials ______

Thistle & Rabbit In-Home Childcare
Behavior Policy

At Thistle & Rabbit, we believe children thrive in a calm, loving, and respectful environment. Our approach to behavior guidance is rooted in connection, understanding, and teaching—not punishment.

We believe all behavior is communication. Children need support, not shame. Respect is something we model and nurture, and mistakes are viewed as opportunities for learning.

You can expect us to use gentle redirection, positive reinforcement, and consistent routines to help children feel safe and confident. We offer choices when possible to support independence and reduce power struggles. Emotional awareness is taught through naming feelings and helping children problem-solve with words. Expectations are clear and developmentally appropriate, and we always use calm, respectful language.

Challenging behaviors are a normal part of early development. If a child hits, bites, or engages in unsafe behavior, we respond calmly and immediately to ensure everyone’s safety. The child may be removed from the situation temporarily while receiving comfort, guidance, and support. We talk through what happened in simple terms and help the child learn safer ways to express themselves.

We view families as partners in guiding behavior. If ongoing challenges arise, we will communicate with you early and work together to support your child.

We do not use time-outs, threats, or physical punishment. Every child at Thistle & Rabbit is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

While every effort is made to support each child and family with care and understanding, there are circumstances where termination of care may be necessary.

The following behaviors may result in dismissal of a child from care:

Repeated physical aggression (e.g., ongoing biting, hitting, or harming others) that poses a safety risk and does not improve with guidance and support.

Ongoing behavior that disrupts the group environment or prevents the caregiver from meeting the needs of other children, despite consistent efforts to resolve it.

Any behavior that places the child, other children, or the provider at significant risk.

The following behaviors from parents or guardians may also result in termination:

Disrespectful, threatening, or aggressive behavior toward the provider, other families, or children in care.

Repeated failure to follow policies (e.g., late payments, frequent late pick-ups, or withholding important information).

Failure to work collaboratively with the provider when behavior concerns arise.

In the event of termination, a written notice will be provided. When possible and appropriate, a two-week notice will be given to allow time for alternative arrangements.

Our goal is always to maintain a safe, kind, and nurturing environment—for every child and every family.

Parent Initials ______

Thistle & Rabbit In-Home Childcare
Nap & Rest Policy

Rest is essential for young children’s development, regulation, and well-being. At Thistle & Rabbit, we provide a calm and cozy rest time that supports each child’s need for sleep and routine.

For infants under 12–15 months, we follow each child’s individual sleep schedule to support healthy sleep habits and developmental needs. Infants are placed in a safe sleep environment and monitored closely throughout rest periods.

Starting at approximately 12 to 15 months, children are gradually transitioned to our set nap schedule from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. All toddlers in this age group are expected to rest during this time each day. Children are not required to fall asleep, but they must lie down quietly in their own designated nap space with minimal stimulation. Quiet music or white noise may be used to create a peaceful atmosphere.

Napping is a non-negotiable part of our daily rhythm. Once a child consistently stops napping, they have typically outgrown the needs of our program and may be transitioned out.

Children are welcome to bring a comfort item from home, such as a labeled blanket or soft toy. All nap environments follow safe sleep practices. Infants are always placed on their backs to sleep, and cribs are kept free of pillows, bumpers, and stuffed animals in accordance with state regulations.

Per California law, all children under the age of 2 are checked every 15 minutes during rest time and logs are maintained. At Thistle & Rabbit, we extend this practice to all children in our care, regardless of age. These regular checks ensure that every child remains safe, comfortable, and well-monitored while they rest.

Rest time is treated with the same care and respect as any other part of the day. Our goal is to create a peaceful, predictable routine that helps children feel secure and supported.

Parent Initials ______

What to Bring to School

To help ensure your child has a comfortable, safe, and happy day at daycare, please send them with the following items each day. These items may vary depending on your child’s age and developmental stage.

Please provide the following clearly labeled items:

• Diapers*

• At least two extra outfits (more if you know your baby goes through lots of outfits at home)

• Bottles prepped with breastmilk/formula to go in the fridge in the morning (for 0-12m)

• Pacifiers (if used)

• Hat/jacket or any weather appropriate items

• Lunch (for solid food under 12m must be cut in small pieces 1/4” and the consistency that is mashable between your fingers and they must try any new food at home prior to eating it at school)

• Bib or smock for meals

• Sleep mat and blanket (12m +)

• Sippy cup or water bottle

• Comfort item or lovey for rest time (if needed)

• Diaper rash cream (if needed)

We provide the following:

• Wipes

• A crib and crib sheet (for under 12m)

• Morning and afternoon snack

• Burp cloths

• Sun Bum sunscreen lotion (6m+)

Infants under 12m: Please update us with feeding schedules and any changes to your baby’s diet or routine.

Toddlers 12m+: We encourage self-feeding during this stage, so please pack foods that are easy for your child to manage.

*Kirkland Diapers can be provided for an additional $25 a week

Parent Initials ______

Home Environment & Visitors Policy

At Thistle & Rabbit, we value transparency, safety, and open communication. As a family-operated, home-based program, our space is organized to support early childhood development while maintaining secure boundaries within a lived-in, family environment. We have both designated zones for daycare use and “off-limits” areas of the home, which include the private bedrooms of our family members. A map is posted by the front door that serves as both an emergency exit route and a zoning guide, clearly outlining all licensed childcare areas, emergency exits, and restricted/private spaces within the home.

Household Members & Presence in the Home

The following individuals reside in the home where Thistle & Rabbit operates:

Miranda Jones Walters, founder, atelierista, and collaborative teacher, who brings over 15 years of early childhood experience and leads the program daily.

Andrew Walters, Miranda’s husband, collaborative teacher and music educator, who regularly leads music immersion activities with the children and offers private lessons to older students through our sister program, Bramble & Bloom.He visits the program at least once a week to lead musical and theatrical activities for the children.

Robin, Miranda and Andrew’s oldest son who is entering 5th grade and will be present in the home during the later part of daycare hours. He may move in and out of shared spaces and occasionally host school friends in non-daycare areas (e.g. his bedroom or outdoors, weather permitting).

Harley-Jean (age 2) and Asher (born March 31, 2025) are Miranda and Andrew’s younger children and are full participants in the daycare environment.

Dennis Jones (grandfather) and Gavin (brother), live in the home but do not participate in child care. Dennis resides in a fully independent in-law suite upstairs, with his own kitchen and bathroom. He may occasionally be seen entering or exiting the home but does not engage with the program. Gavin, 23, may occasionally pass through shared spaces such as the kitchen or front hallway before leaving for work, but he does so briefly and respectfully, without disrupting the daycare environment.

Parent Initials ______

Safety & State Compliance

Every adult living in the home has been background checked and cleared through California Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD). No adult who has not been background checked will ever be present in daycare areas during operating hours, unless they are a parent or guardian dropping off or picking up a child.

We do not permit unvetted adult visitors in the daycare space during open hours. Any changes to the household (I.e. someone moving out or a newly hired assistant teacher) will be promptly notified to parents.

Parent Initials ______

Transparency & Respect for Boundaries

We maintain clearly defined physical boundaries for the daycare areas of the home, and household members respect these during program hours. If a situation arises where a visitor or household member needs to enter a daycare space (e.g. for maintenance or emergency), it will be managed discreetly and safely.

By enrolling your child at Thistle & Rabbit, you acknowledge and consent to the above-described presence of household members, and understand that every measure is taken to ensure your child’s safety, privacy, and developmental wellbeing in our mixed-use home environment.

If you have any questions or concerns, we invite open conversation at any time.

Parent Initials ______

Pet Policy

At Thistle & Rabbit In Home Childcare, we value the safety, well-being, and learning experiences of all the children in our care, as well as the well-being of our pets. We have two cats and one dog in our home, and we ensure that all pets are well-cared-for and up-to-date on their health needs.

Pet Health and Safety

All pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and receive regular flea and tick prevention treatments.

Our pets are friendly, well-cared-for, and accustomed to being around children.

Pet Access During Daycare Hours

Our cats will be kept separated from the daycare space during business hours to ensure they do not accidentally run out the door or disrupt activities. After hours, they are free to roam around the house.

Our dog will be an active part of our daycare environment, and we encourage children to learn about animal safety and gentle touch. He is well-acquainted with children and enjoys positive interactions. All interactions will be supervised to ensure the safety of both the children and the pet.

Learning Opportunities

Children will be encouraged to practice animal safety by learning how to approach pets calmly, use gentle hands, and understand appropriate behaviors when interacting with animals.

Our dog’s presence offers a wonderful opportunity for children to learn empathy, respect for animals, and the importance of kindness toward pets.

Pet Safety and Hygiene

We maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic environment for both the children and our pets. All pet-related areas are regularly cleaned, and any pet waste is promptly removed.

Any direct interactions between the children and pets will be carefully supervised, ensuring that both the children and animals feel comfortable and secure.

Allergy and Sensitivity Concerns

Parents and guardians should inform us of any allergies or sensitivities their child may have to animals. We will make any reasonable accommodations to ensure the child’s safety and comfort.

If you have any questions or concerns about our pets or their interaction with your child, please feel free to speak with us. Our goal is to create a safe, enriching environment where children can learn and grow while respecting and enjoying the companionship of our pets.

Parent Initials ______

Operating Hours and Holiday Policy

At Thistle & Rabbit In-Home Childcare, we strive to provide a consistent and reliable schedule that meets the needs of families while ensuring a balance for both the children and our staff. Below is our detailed policy outlining operating hours, holiday closures, vacation breaks, and emergency closures.

Regular Operating Hours

Monday through Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

We kindly ask families to adhere to these hours for drop-off and pick-up times to maintain a smooth daily schedule. A late pick-up fee of $5 per minute will apply after closing hours, as our staff must remain available during this time.

Holidays Observed

We follow the Carlsbad Unified School District Calendar for all holiday closures. These are included in the tuition rate and are nonrefundable for the days missed.

Vacation Closures

As a home childcare provider, I value the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend time with my family to continue providing the best care for your children. Below is the vacation policy for Thistle & Rabbit In-Home Childcare:

Annual Vacation: I take up to two weeks of unpaid vacation per calendar year. These dates will be communicated at least 30 days in advance to give families ample time to plan alternative childcare arrangements.

Family Vacations: If your child will be absent due to a family vacation, regular tuition fees still apply during family vacations to hold your child’s spot in the program.

Parent Initials ______

Inclement Weather or Emergency Closures

In the event of severe weather, natural disasters, power outages, or other emergencies, Thistle & Rabbit In-Home Childcare may close to ensure the safety of children and staff.

Parents will be notified of closures via text, email, or phone as soon as possible.

If local schools are closed due to inclement weather, the daycare will generally follow the same guidelines.

In the event of an unexpected closure due to weather (e.g., severe storms, flooding, or power outages) or other emergencies beyond our control (e.g., illness outbreak, natural disasters, or utility failures), the following policy applies:

The first three days of closure are paid as part of our tuition policy.

If the closure extends beyond three days, families will receive a tuition credit for any additional days missed.

This policy ensures that staff are compensated during short-term closures while being fair to families in the event of prolonged disruptions.

Parent Initials ______

Tuition Payment Policy

At Thistle & Rabbit In Home Childcare, we aim to provide transparent and fair tuition options that meet the needs of our families while reflecting the quality of care we provide. Below, you will find our policies for payment.

Payment Options and Policies

Payment Frequency:
  We offer both weekly and monthly payment options to accommodate family preferences:

Weekly Payments: Due on Friday before care begins.

Monthly Payments: Calculated based on the weekly rate over a full year (52 weeks) and divided by 12 months for consistency.

This allows families to budget for consistent payments each month, regardless of how many weeks fall within a specific month. Monthly payments are due the Friday prior to the first week of the month.

Accepted Payment Methods:
  We accept cash, checks, and electronic transfers (details provided upon enrollment).

Parent Initials ______

Late Payment Policy

Tuition payments are due on time to ensure the smooth operation of the program. Late payments will incur the following fees:

$25 late fee if tuition is not received by Monday at 9:00 AM.

Additional $5 per day late fee if payment is not received by Wednesday at 9:00 AM.

If payment is not received by Wednesday, care may be suspended until the account is brought up to date.

Special Notes:

Late Pickups: A fee of $5 per minute will be charged for late pickups beyond operating hours. This is strictly enforced to ensure fairness to all families and respect for our schedule.

Schedule Adjustments: Any permanent or temporary changes to operating hours will be communicated at least 30 days in advance whenever possible.

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Waitlist and Enrollment Policies

We do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, we thoughtfully review each inquiry to find families whose values and needs align with our program’s philosophy and approach. We’ll reach out when a space becomes available that feels like a good fit.

Interim Adjustment Period:
  We understand that childcare transitions take time for both families and providers. For the first two weeks of enrollment, either party may choose to withdraw care for any reason without providing further notice.

After the two-week interim period, families are required to give a two-week paid notice before withdrawing care. This policy ensures a smooth transition for all parties and allows us to offer the spot to another family on our waitlist.

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Additional Notes

Changes to Enrollment: Any changes to your child’s schedule require two weeks’ written notice.

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We appreciate your understanding and commitment to our policies, which help us provide the highest quality care for all families. Thank you for being part of Thistle & Rabbit In-Home Childcare!

If you have any questions or need clarification on the tuition rates and rules, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
  Miranda Jones
Founder, Collaborative teacher, & Atelierista

Parent Signature ___________________________________ Date__________