The Policies and Procedures Manual, also referred to as the Staff Handbook, is a comprehensive collection of materials that outline the expectations of the program/daycare for its faculty and staff. It should be professionally designed without spelling or grammatical errors. The Policy and Procedures Manual is the one piece of documentation that all staff and faculty are required to follow and for which they hare held accountable. This Manual should be well-researched and thoughtfully prepared. It must include the following information:

All requirements rules and regulations that are part of your program (Office of Child Care COMAR Regulations need not be repeated but should be added as an additional source of information. Center Regulations Jan. 2020.pdf Download Center Regulations Jan. 2020.pdf. A child care program's Policies and Procedures may go above and beyond the state regulations.

Develop a childcare program Policies and Procedures Manual using the list to help you develop it:

• All paperwork required by the program.
• All parent polices and procedures (a parent handbook should always be given to the staff and faculty so they fully understand the requirements for that program group.).
• All orientation requirements.
• All Assessment and Evaluation paperwork (staff and faculty should have full knowledge these procedures and requirements).
• All education and continued education requirements.
• A description of the format that this will be given to your staff.

Please take your time and research all of the needed policies (ex. a guidance policy is required by Maryland regulation). Page 28 of the textbook lists some policies and procedures you might include in the handbook.