Parent Information for Panda Daycare Families
Partnering with Parents in Every Stage of Early Learning
At Panda Daycare, we believe that strong communication and family partnerships are the foundation of excellent childcare. Parents are not just participants—they are valued collaborators in their child’s early education and daily care.
This page outlines key information for current and prospective families, including our health and safety guidelines, licensing credentials, enrollment details, and how to schedule a visit. Everything we do is designed to keep families informed, supported, and confident in our care.
Health and Illness Guidelines
Children thrive when they are healthy and comfortable. To maintain a safe environment for all, Panda Daycare follows Washington State’s childcare health standards and the
“Keep Me Home If…” guidelines.
“Keep Me Home If…” Policy
Your child should remain home if they have any of the following:
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher (until fever-free for 24 hours without medication)
- Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
- Severe or persistent coughing
- Eye discharge, conjunctivitis, or other signs of infection
- Any contagious illness such as chickenpox, strep throat, or hand-foot-mouth disease
- Unexplained rash or skin irritation not cleared by a physician
If a child becomes ill during the day, we contact parents immediately for pick-up. This helps prevent the spread of illness and ensures that each child receives the rest and care they need.
Our teachers are trained to monitor children’s health throughout the day and maintain clear communication with parents about symptoms or changes in well-being.
Licensing and Compliance
Panda Daycare operates in full compliance with Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) regulations for licensed childcare programs.
Our commitment to professional standards includes:
- Maintaining up-to-date state licensing and inspections
- Ensuring all staff hold
CPR and first aid certification
- Following proper child-to-caregiver ratios for safety and supervision
- Meeting nutritional and sanitation guidelines for food service
- Adhering to continuing education requirements in child development
We are proud to uphold these standards, ensuring every family has confidence in the safety, quality, and reliability of our program.
Communication and Daily Updates
Strong relationships between families and caregivers build trust and consistency. We communicate openly about your child’s routines, progress, and milestones.
Our daily information board provides an overview of:
- Meals and snacks eaten
- Nap duration and rest quality
- Diapering or potty updates
- Activities and highlights of the day
- Items needed for the next visit
Parents are encouraged to discuss any changes to routines—such as nap schedules, dietary preferences, or new developmental goals—so our team can adjust care accordingly.
In addition, we welcome phone calls or emails for any questions or updates throughout the day.
Enrollment Process
We keep our enrollment process simple and transparent for families.
Steps to enroll at Panda Daycare:
Schedule a visit – We invite families to tour our space, meet caregivers, and discuss availability.
Complete registration forms – These include emergency contacts, health and allergy information, and daily care preferences.
Provide medical and immunization records – Required by Washington State licensing for all enrolled children.
Discuss your child’s schedule – We offer full-time care Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Orientation – Before your child’s first day, we review policies and introduce your child gently to our routines for a smooth transition.
Enrollment availability may vary throughout the year due to our small group sizes, so families are encouraged to inquire early.
What to Bring
We provide many of the daily essentials, but families are asked to bring items that help maintain comfort and consistency from home.
Please provide:
- Diapers and diaper cream (for infants and toddlers)
- Extra clothing (weather-appropriate)
- Bottles, formula, or breast milk for infants
- A blanket or comfort item for naps (optional)
- Sunscreen, if preferred brand differs from ours
- Any specific feeding or medical items with clear labeling
We supply wipes, linens, feeding utensils, and nap bedding, all laundered or replaced regularly.
Family Visits and Tours
Families considering enrollment are encouraged to schedule a tour of Panda Daycare. Tours are available by appointment during regular business hours, allowing families to observe our routines, meet caregivers, and ask questions.
During a visit, families can expect to see:
- The bright sunroom play area and cozy classrooms
- Our secure, fenced outdoor yard and small garden space
- Age-appropriate toys, books, and sensory materials
- The calm, home-like atmosphere that defines our daycare
Tours also give parents the chance to discuss individual needs—such as feeding schedules, developmental goals, or potty training readiness.
To schedule a visit:
Family Partnerships and Ongoing Support
We view every family as a valued partner in their child’s development. Our open-door communication policy ensures parents always feel informed and included in their child’s experience.
We encourage families to share insights about their child’s personality, preferences, and milestones. This helps us create personalized care that reflects your values and routines.
We also provide guidance for transitions—from infancy to toddlerhood, or from toddler care into preschool readiness—so that families can navigate each developmental stage confidently.