Parent Information Package 2021-2022 - Highlands Early Learning ...
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Parent Information Package 2021-2022
(Photo credit: Olive & Ash Photography)
Welcome to Highlands Early Learning Centre!
This information package is divided into the following sections:
1. General Overview
2. Getting Involved
3. Communication
4. Curriculum & Daily Routine
5. Policies & Practices
6. Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures
Becoming familiar with these approaches, routines and guidelines will enable both you, as parents, and the
team at Highlands to enhance your child’s preschool experience.
Highlands Early Learning Centre’s Vison is to inspire and connect our community
through an exceptional preschool experience.
1
Section 1 – General Overview
Preschool Information
Highlands Early Learning Centre formally known as Highlands Preschool has been serving the needs of North
Shore children for over 50 years. It has occupied the present facilities since 1973 and has established a
strong reputation in the community for quality early childhood education. We work with approximately 130
children between the ages of two and five and run 9 different classes, in either our morning or afternoon
sessions. The school is often filled with the happy sounds of children playing and discovering new things in
the classroom, in the gym or outside on the playground.
Highlands Early Learning Centre is a licensed and a registered non-profit society and registered charity
(BN/Tax # 107 48 20 RR0001), which is not affiliated with Highlands United Church. We are overseen by a
volunteer parent Board of Directors responsible for the strategic direction of the school and administered by
a paid Executive Director responsible for all operational matters with support as needed from Board
members. Our Annual General Meeting is open to all registered families and held each September. This
year’s AGM will be held on September 14th, 2021 at 6:30 PM either in person or virtually. Our Strategic Plan
is available upon request and our values and other information is available at:
www.highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca
Highlands Preschool Office Contacts
Please do not hesitate to contact our Executive Director Christine Hamel via email or voicemail if you have
any questions, concerns or suggestions. Christine’s office is on the second floor of the building, up the stairs
by the playground doors. The office hours are: Monday to Friday: 8:00 – 4:00 PM. Please ensure that you
are receiving the preschool emails that are sent through director@highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca as this is
the main means of communication, many times these emails can also be found in your junk folder.
Preschool Office Phone: 604-980-1740
Emergency Director Cell 604-970-3038 (in case of late pick-ups, calling in sick or emergency situations)
Preschool Fax: 604-980-1750
Web site: www.highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca
Executive Director: director@highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca
Registrar: registrar@highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca
Chair: chair@highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca
The Teachers
We are truly fortunate to have a great team of Early Childhood Educators who are both passionate and
dedicated to educating children; they also provide a nurturing and caring environment. The teachers have
created a profile about themselves which can be found in the hallway and on our website. Through our
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
2
inquiry play based curriculum and our stimulating environment the children build the necessary skills needed
to succeed in Kindergarten. Our teachers implement a play based curriculum, this helps to create a love of
learning that carries them through their academic lives and helps to develop the many social skills (respect,
empathy, problem solving skills and language skills) needed to succeed later in school.
We offer a ratio of supervision that is standard as per the Child Care Licensing Regulations. Highlands’
classes are staffed by two Licensed Early Childhood Educators for every sixteen children in each class of
three and four-year-old students. Our two-year-old program provides two Licensed ECE teachers to each
class of eight children.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
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Important Dates for 2021-22
Highlands Preschool follows the same holiday closures as the North Vancouver School District 44 for
Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas, Spring Break, Easter and Victoria Day.
Oliver labels fundraiser August 2021
Playground Clean up- Volunteers needed August 2021
Preschool Opens Tuesday, September 7th, 2021
Annual General Meeting Tuesday, September 14th 2021 6:30-7:00
Parent Orientation / Meet the Teachers Thursday, September 16th, 2021 7:00 pm
Thanksgiving Day: Preschool Closed Monday, October 11th, 2021
Highlands Preschool Professional Day: Friday, October 15th, 2021 OR district wide prod
Preschool Closed day Oct 22nd
Halloween Family Event Thursday, October 21st, 2021
Card Project Fundraiser Fall/Winter
Mark your moments family photo shoot
Meridian Meats Fundraiser
Virtual Silent Auction
Online craft market
Remembrance Day: Preschool Closed Thursday, November 11th, 2021
Winter Vacation: Preschool Closed Monday, December 20st – Monday January 3rd
Classes reopen Tuesday, January 4th
Preschool Registration Information Night Thursday, January 13th, 2022
Registration begins for Sept 2022/23 Registration opens Jan 13th - Jan 20th
Family Day: Preschool Closed Monday, February 21st , 2022
Spring Break: Preschool Closed March 14th – 25th, 2022
Purdy’s Fundraiser for Easter Spring
Spring Dance Party
Family Spring Fair- Volunteers needed
Spring photo shoot
Easter weekend: Preschool closed Friday, April 15th and Monday, April 18th, 2022
Highlands Preschool Professional Thursday, April 14th closed in the afternoon
Afternoon: No afternoon classes
Playground Clean up- Volunteers needed April 2022
Victoria Day: Preschool Closed Monday, May 23rd, 2022
Last day of class Friday, June 28th 2022
Preschool Summer Camps The week of Jul 4th & the week of July 11th 9-
12:45
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
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Section 2 – Getting Involved
Fundraising and Donations
As a non-profit society funding for the operation of the Preschool is generated through tuition fees, available
Government grants and our own fundraising efforts. Volunteer Board-and-parent-led fundraising allows us
to keep tuition fees at reasonable and competitive rates while still providing fair compensation for our
experienced and dedicated teaching staff. Fundraising efforts enable the Preschool to participate in special
programs and events that enhance the experience for children and families. On a yearly basis our fundraising
budget averages around $10,000.
As parents whose children will benefit from these additions, we anticipate that you will participate and
support our various fundraising efforts in the coming year. Here is a list of some of the fundraising initiatives
for 2021/22:
• October- Scholastic book fair
• Silent Auction
• Spring Fair
• Oliver’s labels
• Cobbs Bread- each time you buy something from Cobbs mention our name and we receive money for
the preschool
We greatly appreciate your support and we will keep you posted on specific dates and updates as we
approach each fundraising event.
Highlands Early Learning Centre is eligible to receive funding from the United Way. If you contribute to the
United Way through your employer, you can request that your contribution be made directly to Highlands
Early Learning Centre to benefit the school and its programs. As a not for profit charitable organization, we
also provide tax-deductible receipts for gifts and donations over a certain amount. Many of our fundraising
and partner programs are profiled on our website.
Highlands receives funding from the BC Gamming Grant which goes towards subsidizing part of our rent and
our teacher’s salaries.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to create pride, build community
within the preschool and provides insight into the day-to-day
operations of the preschool. We recognize that all families are
busy, which is why volunteering at Highlands may look different
for each family. We are not a parent-participation preschool, but
we do rely on parent volunteers to help make the preschool the
best it can be. We ask that each family be prepared to volunteer
a minimum of four hours during the school year. Families also have the option this year to contribute $150
in lieu of the minimum 4 hours of volunteering.
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Volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to:
- Class representatives help to coordinate gatherings, rally for volunteers support for special preschool
activities/fundraising events and to send emails from the teachers or from the parent liaison. The Parent -
Liaison position on the Board of Directors provides a communication link with the parent community.
- Attending and supporting school or classroom special events
- Simple IT support if needed
- Helping with grant applications
- Helping with seasonal playground clean up days (sweeping, power washing, raking the mulch)
- Sharing an interest or skill with the class
- Helping at our annual Spring Fair
- Helping during walks and fieldtrips
- Working on different preschool committees
- Helping with recycling or laundry
- General maintenance and painting
- Joining our volunteer Board of Directors. Recruitment for the Board happens every spring and we are
routinely looking for people with experience and/or interest in accounting, fundraising, marketing, web and
social media, strategic planning, etc.
Section 3 – Communication
Most of the communication at Highlands is done through emails. Please ensure that you have provided a
current email address to Christine at director@highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca and please confirm that you
are receiving emails (be sure to check your junk folder often especially if you are using Hotmail).
Newsletters, the bulletin board, notices and Seesaw
Updates from the teachers are done through many different ways.
Emails: These will be sent through the ED or through the class rep. Emails are an important way that
we inform you about fieldtrips, special events, fundraising events and any important health notices.
Bulletin Boards: The bulletin boards can be found in the hallways, they display pedagogical
narrations about what the children are learning in the classroom and important information
regarding individual classes, we recommend that you check the bulletin board often.
Seesaw: is an online platform that the teachers use to post photos and activities to try at home.
Newsletters: The Board and the ED send out a bi-monthly newsletter designed to keep you informed
about general preschool activities, articles related to child development and updates from the board
including our upcoming fundraising initiatives.
Fundraising Board: As you walk in the hallways you will notice a big white board, this is where the
fundraising directors will post updates about the various fundraising initiatives for the year.
Open Door Policy/Communication
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We emphasize the need for on-going and open communication and encourage you to contact your child’s
teacher or the Executive Director should you have any questions or concerns about the
classroom/preschool. All parents are welcome to spend time in the classroom if they would like, please
discuss this with the teacher ahead of time. We recognize that trying to talk to the teachers at drop off and
pick up time might be difficult as it is busy. The teachers are more than happy to meet with you before or
after class to discuss any concerns or questions, please feel free to ask for time to meet and chat.
Teacher Meetings/Developmental Screening Tool
In the fall and the spring, the teachers will be available for parent/teacher meeting to discuss your child’s
development in the classroom based on observations and the Ages and Stages developmental screening
tool. During these meetings, the teachers will share observations on your child’s progress in the class in
regard to social and emotional development, cognitive development, the children’s interests and areas
where they feel more support may be needed.
This is also an opportunity for families to bring up any concerns/questions that they may have about their
child’s development. The ED can help connect families to the many community resources available
(Supported Child Development, developmental screening tools, public health nurses, speech and language
pathologists and many others). The ED is always available to chat about challenging behaviours, child
development, choosing elementary schools etc. The preschool also invites guest speakers to present
workshops. If there is a specific topic that parents would like more information about feel free to email the
ED with any ideas or suggestions.
Facebook & Instagram
Highlands Early Learning Centre also has a Facebook page and an Instagram account which we use primarily
for marketing and promotions, but we also post articles, research links and information we find interesting
that reflect our values and curriculum at the preschool. Our social media strategy outlines strict guidelines
to respect privacy and safety. We encourage all our families to ‘like’ our pages and follow them. Most of the
families that attend Highlands found out about us through another family or friend, feel free to share posts
as well and spread the news!
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
7Section 4 – Curriculum and Daily Activities
The Curriculum
The Highlands Early Learning Centre’s curriculum is committed to providing early childhood experiences that
are help children become more knowledgeable about the world around them, independent, responsible,
confident and communicative, preparing them for ongoing success.
The Ministry of Education in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children and Family
Development have created the Early Learning Framework which Highlands’s teachers are incorporating in
the classrooms. “Play is vital to young children’s daily lives and promotes their healthy physical and
intellectual development in ways that cannot be achieved by focusing on pre –academic skills.” The
framework supports the teachers to create rich early learning experiences and environments that support
your children’s early learning and development. Current research suggests that there are windows of
opportunity in children’s early development, periods where children are especially receptive to stimulation,
during children’s time here at Highlands we wish to help launch their journey of lifelong learning.
The Early Learning Framework https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/early-
learning/teach/earlylearning/early_learning_framework.pdf emphasizes learning though play, this allows
children to develop 4 areas of development such as:
1. Well-Being and belonging
2. Others, materials and the world
3. Communication and literacies
4. Identities, social responsibility and diversity
Each day the children will have an opportunity to develop their interests while exploring different areas of
the classroom such as:
- The open art area is a space where the children have the
opportunity to explore, create and discover different art
materials. The materials we use for the most part are
washable and we do encourage children to wear a smock
but there may be times when the children may get dirty.
We would like to encourage children to wear play clothes
to preschool and comfortable shoes.
- The block area is a very popular area in the classroom. In
this area there are many different types of natural blocks
and construction type materials. The teachers will also add
different types of props to extend and develop the
children’s interests such as: people, cars, trains, insects
and animals. While playing in the block area children are
learning to problem solve as a team while creating
different structures and using their imagination.
- The reading area is a quieter space in the classroom where
language and literacy skills are developed. The first steps to reading is to draw attention to great
books and to letters and language. The teachers will continue to develop those interests through
different small group games, songs and stories depending on the children’s interests.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
8- In the dramatic play area, there are many props which the children use to recreate the world around
them while creating a sense of belonging between the children. This area may change depending on
the interests of the children, one month it may be set up as a post office and the next a restaurant or
house.
- Each day children will either play outdoors in our newly renovated outdoor classroom/natural
playground or in our gym. Teachers and children work together to create an environment which
emphasizes natural exploration/gross motor development through sports and co-operative games.
Children will go outside rain or shine, please be sure to have appropriate clothing for your child at
preschool. Children will not have access to screen time while at preschool.
- Yellow afternoon class/Outdoor class at Murdo Frazer. Every Tuesday, the children and teachers will
walk to Murdo Frazer and explore the natural beauty together. This is a great opportunity to develop
a love for the outdoors that will stay with them for a lifetime. The 3 teachers facilitate a short
meditation time in the forest, cooperative natural exploration and art experiences. Other classes
may go and explore this great park from time to time with advance notice.
- Ryan Sloan teaches a music class every 2 weeks. During this time, Ryan leads the children through
instrument exploration, singing games and dancing activities.
- Purple afternoon class is a 3 day a week preschool class.
- French class, Mme. Joanne will teach a hands-on French class every Monday, her goal is to
encourage the children to participate in French songs, activities and stories.
- Cooking class, the children and teachers will explore cooking activities together, the emphasis will be
on exploring simple healthy foods together.
- Art class, the children will have the opportunity to explore different open ended art activities.
- Music class, Ryan will come back on Wednesday afternoons for an additional music class.
Special events/Fieldtrips:
The children in our classes will enjoy neighbourhood walks, trips to the library and visits from community
workers, parents and other resource people. The teachers will organize off site fieldtrips during the year, we
may ask for a few parents to volunteer that day. We may ask you to drop and pick your child up at the venue
to allow the group more time to explore.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
9What to bring each day:
- Please be sure to pack an extra set of labeled clothing each day (including socks and underwear). If
you need labels please be sure to use oliver labels as it’s one of our ongoing fundraisers.
- Jackets and weather appropriate outerwear, we do go out rain or shine.
- Outdoor boots to be left at the preschool, we will also need a pair of indoor shoes/slippers.
- Morning snack, afternoon snack, water bottle and lunch for the children that are staying with us for
an extended day. Highlands is a peanut/nut free environment, we ask that all families refrain from
packing any peanut/nut products for snack. We like to promote healthy eating, please pack healthy
snacks and water. Some classes have adopted an open snack table, the children learn to listen to
their bodies and eat when they are hungry. This skill is supported with the help of the teachers as
they will often remind the children to eat or sit and try something from their snack bags.
Section 5– Emergency Policies, Allergies, Policies and Procedures
Inclement Weather
If the North Vancouver School District 44 closes schools in the area, the preschool will also be closed. In
the event of snow or a power failure, it may become necessary to close the school for the safety of the
children. Should this happen, you will be notified by phone/email by your child’s teacher or class
representative.
Emergency Procedures
Emergency evacuation drills are practiced on a monthly basis and emergency evacuation procedures are
posted in each classroom and clarified with parents each September. In the unlikely event that we are to
have to leave the preschool our designated evacuation centre is (TD Bank- 3190 Edgemont Boulevard). We
would then get in touch with you to discuss next steps. Please ensure that your child’s emergency forms are
current and up to date.
In the event of a district-wide emergency (i.e. a major earthquake) we will be instructed to listen to the radio
or told by emergency services on which Emergency evacuation centre is being opened. The whereabouts of
all children will be posted at the preschool. At no time will your child be left unattended.
Fees, Withdrawal and Charges Policies
Please see the policy on page 15-16.
Tax Receipts
Highlands Early Learning Centre provides tax-deductible receipts for gifts and donations over a certain
amount. In January/February, you will receive a tuition receipt confirming the tuition that you have paid for
that time period for tax purposes.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
10Affordable Child Care Benefit (subsidy)
The B.C. Government an Affordable Child Care Benefit program which can pay for part of the preschool fees
to families who need financial support. If you require further information about the application process,
contact us or https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/child-
care-funding/child-care-benefit
Health and Wellness Policy
COVID-19 Policy updated in APPENDIX 1-
UPDATED SEPT 30 2020- public health guidance for childcare settings during COVID-19 Pandemic.
Please remember that the Covid19 public health emergency is rapidly changing, and our ability to remain
open may change without notice; or we may be ordered closed in the upcoming weeks by BC’s provincial
health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and/or our licensing officer. Additionally, due to the need for staff to also
stay home when symptomatic, we may have temporary interruptions to service delivery due to
staffing shortages.
Dr. Henry maintains that, as of today, child care centres can safely care for children if they are following the
prescribed health protocols.
Parents with children with any underlying health concerns need to evaluate if their children should
attend child care programs during the Covid19 pandemic.
Accordingly, please note the following Covid19 Health and Wellness policy, which applies to all staff and
children within this facility. Families & staff are encouraged to call 8-1-1 or use the BC Covid-19 self-
assessment tool to determine if a covid-19 test is needed.
On arrival, staff will review the health of the child with the parent, before the child enters the facility. If the
child has any symptoms, they must return home as per the health policy.
Parents will additionally be asked to sign a statement each morning, confirming that their child is symptom
free and that their child has not been given acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the last 12 hours.
Staying Home When Sick and When New Symptoms Develop:
Staying home when sick is one of the most important ways to reduce the spread of communicable
diseases, including COVID-19. This is why it is important for anyone who is sick to stay home. Staff or
children who are experiencing symptoms of a previously diagnosed health condition do not need to stay
home and should not be required to provide a doctor’s note to attend a childcare facility. Asymptomatic
staff and children may still attend childcare settings if a member of their household develops new
symptoms of illness. If the household member tests positive for COVID-19, public health will advise on self-
isolation and when they may return to the childcare setting.
Children and childcare providers should stay at home when new symptoms of illness develop, such as:
• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
11• Difficulty breathing (in small children, this can look like breathing fast or working hard to breathe)
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
For mild symptoms without fever, children and staff members should stay home and monitor symptoms
for 24 hours. If symptoms improve and the child/staff member feels well enough and their symptoms have
subsided, they can return to the childcare facility without further assessment or doctor’s note.
If symptoms include fever or difficulty breathing, or if symptoms last for more than 24 hours or get
worse, seek a health assessment by calling 8-1-1 or a primary care provider. If a COVID-19 test is
recommended as a result of the health assessment, self-isolate while waiting for results
• If the COVID-19 test is positive, self-isolate and follow the direction of public health.
• If the COVID-19 test is negative, return to the childcare facility once well enough to participate.
• If a COVID-19 test is recommended but not done, self-isolate for 10 days after the onset of
symptoms and return when feeling well enough to participate.
• If a household member is waiting for COVID results, no one from that household can attend
preschool.
• If anyone in your household been contacted by the Health department regarding a POSSIBLE exposure or a
positive COVID result, then we advise to stay home until their isolation period has ended.
If you are unsure, call 8-1-1 for advice.
See the BCCDC website for more information on when to seek emergency care.
If a COVID-19 test is not recommended, staff and children may return when well enough to participate.
http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID_public_guidance/Guidance_Child_Care.pdf
Please keep your child home if they have:
Any communicable diseases – including, but not limited to conjunctivitis (pink eye), measles,
chicken pox, croup or whooping cough, etc
Unexplained rashes or any rash that is not confirmed by doctor to be non-contagious
Received any medication in the last 12-24h including acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Seasonal allergies and/or other chronic non-contagious conditions:
If you or your child has seasonal allergies and/or other chronic non-contagious conditions, they will need
to assessed by a health care provider and if they are determined to be experiencing ongoing respiratory
symptoms due to seasonal allergies or other non-contagious conditions, they can attend the centre.
Travel:
- Children who have, or children with others living in the same home who have just returned from
international travel; may return after self-isolating for 10 days and being symptom free
- Children who have, or children with others living in the same home who have been identified as
at-risk of potential Covid-19 exposure; may return after self-isolating for 10 days and being
symptom free
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
12When to inform the school:
Please inform the school (via email or phone 604-370-3038) if your child will not be attending class,
especially if he/she has an infectious illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, symptoms of COVID-19, chickenpox
or measles, hand, foot and mouth, pink eye, etc. Please be aware that if your child displays any of the
symptoms mentioned above during the preschool session, you will be contacted and required to pick-up
your child.
Potential school closure:
Please remember that the Covid19 public health emergency is rapidly changing, and our ability to remain
open may change without notice; or we may be ordered closed in the upcoming weeks by BC’s provincial
health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and/or our licensing officer. Additionally, due to the need for staff to also
stay home when symptomatic, we may have temporary interruptions to service delivery due to staffing
shortages.
Should this happen you shall receive an email before class starts with instructions for the day or days
following.
Allergies/Birthday Celebrations/ Other celebrations
Allergies/Health concerns: If your child has an allergy or health concerns please notify the preschool. You
will be asked to fill out medical forms and to leave your child’s medication (including an epipen or auto-
injector) at the preschool.
Birthdays are special to children and we would like to recognize them at the preschool. Some families like to
bring in a book or favourite song for the class to share.
Please be mindful of children who have allergies and ensure that all snacks are peanut/nut free. In
September, we will send a list of allergens to avoid when packing snacks based on the specific allergies in
each class. We are not able to serve the children “treats” from home as they may be cross contaminated
with other allergens. Birthday parties are exciting for children, we would like to ask that you not deliver party
invitations at school. As you can imagine for the children who were not invited this would be very difficult for
them to understand and they may get upset.
Throughout the year, the preschool may want to have different celebrations in class, please keep an eye out
for more information in the newsletters. During the preschool year families will be invited to join their
children for special events such as a Welcome night/Curriculum Night, Pumpkin Carving Night, Mother’s Day
Tea and the Year-End Picnic. Families are always welcome to share cultural celebrations with the class, if
this is something that you would like to do please talk to your child’s teacher to make arrangements.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
13Behaviour Guidance Policy
We follow the Community Care Facility Act, Child Care Licensing Regulation Section 52 to ensure that no
child shall be subjected to corporal punishment, belittling treatment, confinement, hitting, shoving, physical
restraining, degrading treatment, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse that could humiliate the child or
undermine the child’s self-respect, spanking or denied necessities as a form of punishment.
The teachers act to:
• Prevent harm to the child.
• Prevent harm to others.
• Prevent the destruction of property.
We view the children in our classes as being capable and independent, therefore we are constantly working
with them to develop these skills. Part of our work as educators is to try and help the children learn to
behave in a way that is respectful to others, themselves and to the preschool. There are many messages
behind a behaviour, some may want to feel a sense of belonging among the group, or they may want
attention from their peers or the teachers and chose to behave in a way that is disrespectful towards
someone else. Once we have discovered the message behind the behaviour it is much easier to help the
child meet that need in a positive way. Most behaviours can be prevented through teacher observations and
discussions with the children.
Teachers may use some of the following positive guidance strategies in the classroom:
-Redirecting the child’s attention to another activity.
-Fostering problem solving skills, encouraging the children to discuss their feelings and giving them the
opportunity to work together and find a solution.
-Developing empathy skills by helping children understand and listen to each other’s point of view.
-Recognizing children when they make positive choices and encouraging them to take pride in those choices.
-Giving children the opportunity to be leaders in the classroom which helps develop their self-esteem.
-Giving children choices about where they want to play and how they want to use open ended material.
- We do not use time out as a strategy in the preschool as it does not teach the child what they could be
doing in those circumstances. During time out the child already recognizes that they have done something
that was inappropriate, children need help to understand why it’s inappropriate and what other strategies
they could do.
In the rare occasion that behaviours reoccur, the Executive Director will be informed and consulted. The
teachers will arrange to meet with parents to discuss the behaviours observed in the classroom. Families and
teachers will work together to implement strategies to help the child. This will require open communication
from everyone and may take a few weeks to see behavioural changes. In some cases, in conjunction with the
Executive Director, parents and teachers, the preschool may have to develop a care plan for you and your
child regarding behavior. In extreme cases, we may have to ask a child to leave the centre for the rest of the
school year giving you one month’s notice (this is stated in more detail on your payment form that you have
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
14signed). It is our responsibility as educators to report any signs of abuse to the Ministry of Children and
Families.
Section 6 – Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
Separation Anxiety
It is normal and appropriate for your child to feel anxious about being dropped off in a new environment
with new teachers. We have attached an appendix with advice and information on Separation Anxiety.
Arrival- See Appendix 1 for COVID related drop off procedures.
We do understand that there are times where a family is late bringing their child in as they may have
another sibling to drop off first. We are offering an early drop off option for families if you are interested
between 8:00-9:15. If you are interested in this option please email Christine at
director@highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca.
When you drop your child off at preschool, it is important to sign your child in each morning on the sign-in
sheet posted by your classroom door. There is space provided on the sheet for your comments relating to
your child for that day or if you would like to request to speak to the teachers after class. When waiting for
classes to start and at pick up time we ask that all parents and caregivers to supervise all the children in
their care. There are many books available in the hallway to read or different games to play while you are
waiting. Please remember that other classes might be in session therefore we ask that the children not run
or scream in the halls. These procedures have been changed while COVID restrictions are in place- Please see
Appendix 1 for updated procedures.
Dismissal- See Appendix 1 for COVID related drop off procedures.
All people who are picking up must physically come in the building to sign their child out, please ensure to be
on time so that your child is not anxious while they are waiting. Failure to pick-up your child on time will
result in late fee charges (Please see our Fees Policy attached.)
Children will only be released to people on the authorized to pick up list. If it is the first time that someone is
coming to pick up your child the teachers will ask them for picture id. If there is an alternative person who is
picking up your child for that day who is not on the pick-up list, we ask that you contact the teacher or the
ED at the preschool in advance via email or phone 604-980-1740 or the director’s emergency cell 604-970-
3038. Please note and remember that this number is only active to receive calls from 9am-4pm Monday
to Friday when school is in session. This number is only for URGENT CONCERNS regarding your child while
they are in our care such as the inability to pick them up as scheduled or a family emergency. In the event
of an unexpected school closure, community emergency or natural disaster you may receive group texts
from this number so please add it to your contacts. Please, do not use this number for anything other than
an URGENT CONCERN or EMERGENCY.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
15If a child is not picked up by an authorized adult soon after class ends, the teachers will try to contact you
and/or the other emergency contacts that you have provided. It is the staff’s legal responsibility to the
extent that is possible, not to release a child to any person, authorized or not, who is unable to adequately
care for a child. We follow the Community Care Facility Act, Child Care Licensing Regulation Section 31.
Should this circumstance ever arise, we will suggest alternatives or call the appropriate authorities.
Use of school grounds
GYM USE: Our gym is to be used by students only, under teacher supervision, during school hours. It may
not be used by siblings or students at any other time, including before and after school and in between
sessions. Please do not encourage your children to go into the gym or play on the equipment set up for the
session.
Safety in our Parking Lots
For safety reasons, please back your car into the parking stalls. Please park in designated stalls only and do
not block the driveways, particularly around Brookridge, as this causes much inconvenience to our
neighbours, Highlands Parents and other visitors at Highlands Church. Parents are encouraged to use the
back parking lot (enter at Brookridge off Ridgeway). Enter the Preschool through the playground making
sure that you shut the gate. Please do not leave children unattended in the parking lot or playground.
Please use the Entrance doors only (courtyard door and playground door) while entering the school. The
doors at the end of the long hallway by the purple and blue classrooms are for Exiting Only. These doors
should always be shut and no child should be allowed to leave unattended.
Please remember the parking lots are a shared environment and on many days it is extremely busy with
visitors, church groups and events. Please be patient and respectful to everyone using the space. If you are
able to walk or cycle to the preschool on some days it would be much appreciated, particularly while
Edgemont Village is undergoing the current reconstruction and developments.
Should you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Director,
Christine Hamel at director@highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca.
Welcome to Highlands Early Learning Centre, we wish you a successful
year!
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
16Highlands Early Learning Policies- Fees, Withdrawals and Class Changes
1. Application Fee: An Application Fee of $75 per child is due at the time of registration and is non-
refundable. The application Fee is payable through PayPal.
2. Non-Refundable Deposit: To confirm your child/children’s enrolment at Highlands Early Learning Centre,
a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit equal to one month’s tuition will be required and is payable via
cheque. You will receive an email from our Registrar confirming your child(ren)’s class placement, along with
further registration instructions. Upon confirmation of registration, a deposit of one month’s tuition will
become due shortly after. The deposit is non-refundable and is forfeited in all cases of withdrawal from the
school, including withdrawal prior to the commencement of the school year, during the school year, or upon
failure to provide tuition payments as described below. If your child completes the school year with
Highlands Early Learning Centre, the school will apply the non-refundable deposit to June’s tuition.
3. Tuition Payments: We ask for a void cheque as we will be using Rotessa as a 3rd party pre-authorized
debit program. Within the first week of every month, payments will be automatically withdrawn from your
account. Please note that there is a $29 NSF that will be charged if the payment cannot be debited.
4. Early Withdrawal: For all withdrawals from the date of the payment of your non-refundable deposit to
and including July 31st, Highlands Early Learning Centre will retain your non-refundable deposit.
For all withdrawals from the date of the payment of your non-refundable deposit to and including July 31,
Highlands Early Learning Centre will retain your non-refundable deposit.
For all withdrawals from and including August 1, Highlands Early Learning Centre requires one full calendar
month’s written notice (the “Notice Period”) to be received by the 1st day of the month preceding the
month of withdrawal (the “Notice Requirement”). Tuition is payable and will be charged during the Notice
Period; however, your child is still enrolled and is welcome to attend school during the Notice Period. All
outstanding tuition payments will be refunded, excluding the non-refundable deposit (see information
above regarding the non-refundable deposit). Notice of withdrawal is to be delivered to our Director or
Registrar by hand, mail, or email. We will waive the Notice Requirement if we are able to fill the spot within
the month your child leaves the program. A refund will be given as of the date the spot is filled. If you have
any questions about this policy, please send your inquiry in writing to our Director.
The only exception to this is for children enrolled in the Two Year Old Class. While we prefer one full
month’s written notice, in consideration of the young age of the children in the Two Year Old Class, we will
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
17waive the notice requirement if we are able to fill the spot within the month your child leaves the program.
A refund will be given as of the date the spot is filled.
5. Probationary Notice: If, despite Highlands Early Learning Centre’s best efforts, the school is not a good fit
for your child, the school reserves the right to give your family one month’s probationary notice. For this
month, the Director will customize a plan to further help your child. Parents must be willing to work with the
school to implement the decided upon plan or may choose to withdraw immediately. If at the end of the
month the situation does not improve you will be required to withdraw from the school.
6. Class Changes: Students who did not receive their first choice of classes will be permitted to move to
another class if a space becomes available before October 31st. After October 31st, any vacancies will be
offered to families outside the preschool.
7. Late Pick-Up Charge: Children are to be picked-up immediately upon dismissal. Failure to pick-up your
child within 15 minutes of classroom dismissal time will result in a Late Pick-Up Charge of $30.00 per child;
any late pick-up after 30 minutes post class dismissal will result in a Late Pick-Up Charge of $50.00 per child.
Parents will be invoiced for this charge by email and payment is due to Highlands Preschool immediately
upon receipt of invoice.
8. Missed Payments: There is a $25 administration charge for any missed payments in addition to any
banking charges incurred to the preschool. If three missed payments are incurred, we require payment by
cash for all future months. Alternatively, we may request the withdrawal of the child from the school. Please
note that if you change financial institutions you will need to inform the Executive Director and update your
post-dated cheques to ensure proper payment and not incur any administration charges.
Appendix 1- COVID-19 Health and Wellness Policy
Last updated: May 16, 2020
Aligns with: BC CDC recommendations for child care settings (May 15, 2020)
COVID-19 Policy updated in APPENDIX 1-
UPDATED SEPT 30 2020- public health guidance for childcare settings during COVID-19 Pandemic.
Please remember that the Covid19 public health emergency is rapidly changing, and our ability to remain
open may change without notice; or we may be ordered closed in the upcoming weeks by BC’s provincial
health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and/or our licensing officer. Additionally, due to the need for staff to also
stay home when symptomatic, we may have temporary interruptions to service delivery due to
staffing shortages.
Dr. Henry maintains that, as of today, child care centres can safely care for children if they are following the
prescribed health protocols.
Parents with children with any underlying health concerns need to evaluate if their children should
attend child care programs during the Covid19 pandemic.
Accordingly, please note the following Covid19 Health and Wellness policy, which applies to all staff and
children within this facility. Families & staff are encouraged to call 8-1-1 or use the BC Covid-19 self-
assessment tool to determine if a covid-19 test is needed.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
18On arrival, staff will review the health of the child with the parent, before the child enters the facility. If the
child has any symptoms, they must return home as per the health policy.
Parents will additionally be asked to sign a statement each morning, confirming that their child is symptom
free and that their child has not been given acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the last 12 hours.
Staying Home When Sick and When New Symptoms Develop:
Staying home when sick is one of the most important ways to reduce the spread of communicable
diseases, including COVID-19. This is why it is important for anyone who is sick to stay home. Staff or
children who are experiencing symptoms of a previously diagnosed health condition do not need to stay
home and should not be required to provide a doctor’s note to attend a childcare facility. Asymptomatic
staff and children may still attend childcare settings if a member of their household develops new
symptoms of illness. If the household member tests positive for COVID-19, public health will advise on self-
isolation and when they may return to the childcare setting.
Children and childcare providers should stay at home when new symptoms of illness develop, such as:
• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing (in small children, this can look like breathing fast or working hard to breathe)
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
For mild symptoms without fever, children and staff members should stay home and monitor symptoms
for 24 hours. If symptoms improve and the child/staff member feels well enough and their symptoms have
subsided, they can return to the childcare facility without further assessment or doctor’s note.
If symptoms include fever or difficulty breathing, or if symptoms last for more than 24 hours or get
worse, seek a health assessment by calling 8-1-1 or a primary care provider. If a COVID-19 test is
recommended as a result of the health assessment, self-isolate while waiting for results
• If the COVID-19 test is positive, self-isolate and follow the direction of public health.
• If the COVID-19 test is negative, return to the childcare facility once well enough to participate.
• If a COVID-19 test is recommended but not done, self-isolate for 10 days after the onset of
symptoms and return when feeling well enough to participate.
If you are unsure, call 8-1-1 for advice.
See the BCCDC website for more information on when to seek emergency care.
If a COVID-19 test is not recommended, staff and children may return when well enough to participate.
http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID_public_guidance/Guidance_Child_Care.pdf
Please keep your child home if they have:
Any communicable diseases – including, but not limited to conjunctivitis (pink eye), measles,
chicken pox, croup or whooping cough, etc
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
19Unexplained rashes or any rash that is not confirmed by doctor to be non-contagious
Received any medication in the last 12-24h including acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Seasonal allergies and/or other chronic non-contagious conditions:
If you or your child has seasonal allergies and/or other chronic non-contagious conditions, they will need
to assessed by a health care provider and if they are determined to be experiencing ongoing respiratory
symptoms due to seasonal allergies or other non-contagious conditions, they can attend the centre.
Travel:
- Children who have, or children with others living in the same home who have just returned from
international travel; may return after self-isolating for 10 days and being symptom free
- Children who have, or children with others living in the same home who have been identified as
at-risk of potential Covid-19 exposure; may return after self-isolating for 10 days and being
symptom free
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
20Pick-up and drop-off of children should occur outside the child care setting unless there is a need for the
parent or caregiver to enter the setting (e.g., very young children). If a parent must enter the setting, they
should maintain physical distance from staff and other children present and be reminded to practice diligent
hand hygiene and maintain physical distance when they are in the facility.
- Only children will be allowed to enter the preschool, the ED or another Highlands staff will greet
each child/family at the courtyard entrance at drop off and pick up. Teachers will sign in each child
daily.
- We will stagger drop off’s and pick up’s to ensure that there are not many families arriving at the
same time. Please allow yourself more time for drop off and pick up.
- While waiting for entry all families must abide by 2m of physical distancing.
- Children will be asked to wash their hands when arriving and before leaving, after using the toilet or
having a diaper change, after playing outside, after sneezing or coughing, whenever hands are visibly
dirty.
- If a parent/caregiver must enter the center, they should maintain physical distance from staff and
other children present and practice diligent hand hygiene and maintain physical distance when they
are in the facility.
Changes to protocols during preschool times:
-Cubbies will be spaced out to allow for physical distancing
-The 3 &4’s classes will be separated in two different areas of the preschool to allow for physical
distancing. For example, one half of the group will be in the gym/outside while the other is in the
classroom then they will switch.
-Children will be outside for at least half of the class in all weather, please be sure to dress your child
appropriately.
-Keep toys that encourage individual play, remove toys that encourage group play in close proximity.
-Snack and lunch times will be staggered to allow for physical distancing.
-There will be no sharing of food, drinks or treats at preschool (incl. birthday celebrations or special
events)
-Children will be encouraged to wash their hands more frequently and will be incorporated
throughout the day.
-Children will not be allowed to prepare or serve food
-Families can only send personal comfort items if they are clean and can be laundered at the end of
each day.
-Staff should minimize the frequency of direct physical contact with children and encourage children
to minimize physical contact with each other. Younger children should be supported to have
minimized direct contact with one another, while older children should be supported to maintain
physical distance whenever possible. Children and staff should avoid close greetings (regularly
remind children to keep “hands to yourself”.
-Staff should maintain physical distancing from one another and other adults.
Cleaning schedule:
-General cleaning and disinfecting of the center will occur once a day.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
21-Frequently touched areas will be cleaned and disinfected twice a day
-We will remove toys and other items that cannot be cleaned easily (eg. Stuffed toys)
Screening questionnaire:
-Families will be asked the following questions before their child enters the facility.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2021/22 Parent Information Package
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