Policies & Safety

Parents hand us the most important people in their lives. Here's how we look after them, and what we ask of families in return. We're always happy to talk through anything on this page.

Quick facts

Licensed in Massachusetts Licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). License #P-177182.

Small groups One teacher for every 3 infants, every 4 toddlers, and every 10 preschoolers.

Peanut-free We're a peanut-free center. Please don't pack peanuts or peanut products.

Safe pickup We release children only to adults you've authorized in writing.

Full policies

Licensing

Sunny Bear Academy is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), license #P-177182. EEC visits and checks that we meet state rules. Our teachers have been with us for more than 10 years on average.

Ratios

Infants (3 months to about 15 months): 1 teacher for every 3 children

Toddlers (about 15 months to 3 years): 1 teacher for every 4 children

Preschool (about 3 to 5 years): 1 teacher for every 10 children

When your child is sick

Please keep your child home if they have a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, a bad cold, pinkeye, strep throat, or another contagious illness. If your child will be absent, please call us by 9:00am.

If your child gets sick here, a teacher will keep them comfortable and apart from the group. We'll call you right away and ask you to pick them up. If a child needs emergency care, we call 911 first and then call you.

Your child can come back when:

They've been fever-free for 24 hours (a fever is 100.5°F or higher by mouth, or 101.5°F or higher rectally)

They're well enough to take part in the whole day, including going outside

They've been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours, if prescribed

They've gone 24 hours with no vomiting or diarrhea

Pinkeye has been treated for at least 24 hours

Chickenpox blisters have all crusted over

Lice have been treated and your child is nit-free

Impetigo has been treated and the sores have dried

For any illness not listed here, call the Director. We'll tell you when your child can come back.

Allergies and medication

Please tell us about any food or other allergies when you enroll, and let us know right away if anything changes.

We keep medication on file for children with allergies. If your child has an allergy, we need two things before they start:

An Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) form on file

Your child's medication, like an EpiPen, here at school

Please bring medication in its original box and replace it before it expires. We check expiration dates. For any other medication, please talk to the Director first.

Health records

Before your child's first day, we need their enrollment forms, a recent physical, and an up-to-date immunization record. We review records at least once a year, so please send us updated forms after each checkup.

Drop-off and pickup

We release children only to parents and to adults you've listed as authorized. If someone new is picking up, tell the office ahead of time. We may ask to see a photo ID.

Please come in at the back of the building by the ramp. When you park for drop-off or pickup, don't stop in the middle of the lot. It blocks other cars and isn't safe with little ones walking through. Strollers can stay in the stroller shed on the side of the school.

We close at 5:30pm, and a late fee applies after that. See Hours & Fees.

Guiding behavior

We guide children with praise, clear routines, and redirection. We help kids learn to share, take turns, and use words for big feelings. We never use spanking or any other physical punishment, humiliation, or harsh words. We never withhold food, and we never punish a child for a toileting accident.

Safe sleep

Babies sleep on their backs in their own crib. Cribs for babies under 12 months have no pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or other soft items. Children who don't sleep at nap time rest quietly or get a calm activity.

Injuries and emergencies

Kids get bumps and scrapes. When that happens, teachers give first aid, write it down, and let you know. For anything serious, we call 911 right away and then call you.

We have written plans for fire, weather, power outages, and other emergencies, including evacuation and sheltering in place. We practice evacuation drills every month.

Protecting children

All of our staff are mandated reporters. Under Massachusetts law, if we suspect a child is being abused or neglected, we must report it to the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Photos and privacy

We take photos of children's activities to share with their families. At enrollment, each family chooses one option on our Media Consent Form:

Photos may be used by the school and shared publicly, like on our website or social media

Photos may be used by the school only, never publicly

No photos of my child

We never post a child's photo publicly without a signed release, and we never post a child's full name with a public photo. You can change your choice any time by telling the office in writing.

Children's records are confidential. We don't share them without a parent's written consent, and you can ask to see your child's file at any time.

Parents are always welcome

Parents are welcome to visit their child's classroom any time during the day.

Teachers talk with you every day at drop-off and pickup. We also share a written progress report at least twice a year, and more often for our youngest children, with a parent-teacher conference to go over it. You can ask for a meeting any time.

Everyone is welcome

Sunny Bear Academy welcomes children and families of every race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, cultural heritage, sexual orientation, political belief, marital status, and ability. We work with families and specialists to support children with disabilities. With your permission, we'll help connect you to services like Early Intervention.

Questions?

Call us at (617) 469-3977 or email admin@sunnybear.academy. Enrolled families get our Parent Handbook with the full details.