Parent Handbook August 2021 - Curious Kids Calgary
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Parent Handbook
August 2021
Table of Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 1
Philosophy ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Mission............................................................................................................................................... 1
Administrative ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Parent Handbook ............................................................................................................................... 1
Policy Revisions ................................................................................................................................. 2
Non-Refundable fees ......................................................................................................................... 2
Refundable deposit ............................................................................................................................ 2
Giving Notice...................................................................................................................................... 2
Childcare fees .................................................................................................................................... 2
Late Payment fees ............................................................................................................................. 2
Subsidy .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Late Pick-up ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Administrative Records Policy ............................................................................................................ 4
Children’s Personal files ..................................................................................................................... 4
Social Media Policy ............................................................................................................................ 5
Suspicions of Abuse and Neglect ....................................................................................................... 5
Harassment and Abuse ...................................................................................................................... 5
Minimum Staff Requirements ............................................................................................................. 5
Temporary Closures........................................................................................................................... 5
Daycare Schedule .............................................................................................................................. 5
Hours and Holidays ............................................................................................................................ 6
Staffing Plan .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Orientation ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Training .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Staff Orientation Policy ....................................................................................................................... 8
Staff Job Descriptions ........................................................................................................................ 8
The Center Director
........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Educators ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Program Policies.................................................................................................................................... 9
Inclusion & Diversity ........................................................................................................................... 9
Communication ................................................................................................................................ 10Family Access .................................................................................................................................. 10 Family Involvement .......................................................................................................................... 10 Program Planning ............................................................................................................................ 10 Supervision Policy ............................................................................................................................ 11 Child Guidance................................................................................................................................. 12 Parent Grievance ............................................................................................................................. 16 Safety Policies ..................................................................................................................................... 17 Release of Children.......................................................................................................................... 17 Daily Sign In and Out ....................................................................................................................... 17 Center Access.................................................................................................................................. 18 Exchange of Information with Outside Agencies............................................................................... 18 Current Emergency Information ....................................................................................................... 18 Clothing/Personal Items ................................................................................................................... 18 Footwear .......................................................................................................................................... 19 Emergency Evacuation Procedure ................................................................................................... 19 Health Policies ..................................................................................................................................... 19 Illness............................................................................................................................................... 19 Potential Health Risk Policy.............................................................................................................. 19 Communicable diseases Policy ........................................................................................................ 20 Supervised Care for Sick Children Policy ......................................................................................... 21 Critical Incidents ............................................................................................................................... 21 Non-Critical Incidents ....................................................................................................................... 22 Proper Handwashing........................................................................................................................ 22 Toilet Training .................................................................................................................................. 22 Rest Times ....................................................................................................................................... 22 Personal Grooming Items................................................................................................................. 23 Bottles and Sippy Cups .................................................................................................................... 23 Pacifiers ........................................................................................................................................... 23 Emergency Contact Numbers .......................................................................................................... 24 Toy and Equipment Disinfecting ....................................................................................................... 24 Outdoor Safety ................................................................................................................................. 24 Allergen-Aware Environment ............................................................................................................ 24 Smoke Free ..................................................................................................................................... 25 Medication Policies .............................................................................................................................. 25 Medication Administration ................................................................................................................ 25
Emergency Medication ..................................................................................................................... 25 Non-Emergency Prescription Medications ........................................................................................ 26 Non-Emergency Non-Prescription Medications ................................................................................ 26 Herbal and/or Homeopathic Remedies............................................................................................. 26 Nutrition Policies .................................................................................................................................. 26 Snacks and Lunches ........................................................................................................................ 26
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Curious Kids Learning Center - The place to play, learn and grow. We
are confident in our ability to provide your child with a safe, respectful and enjoyable program
and we are dedicated to meeting the needs of our community. The staff are committed to having
Curious Kids carry out its purpose of providing quality care to the children and families.
We pride ourselves on offering enhanced ratios, a large outdoor play space and an indoor play
space for those days we just cannot get outside.
Philosophy
Curious Kids is committed to the children in our care and to their families.
• We support multicultural diversity with programs that center on the “whole child”.
• We believe that children are competent, capable, curious, and rich in potential and that every
child deserves a safe, caring, and innovative environment where they can thrive.
• We are committed to fostering each child’s self-esteem and feeling of self-worth and value
through positive care giving and stimulating activities that will promote a sense of belonging,
well-being, engagement and expression.
• We believe that playing is children’s interest and that this is the best way they can learn.
• We ensure that children are respected and accepted unconditionally, regardless of family
dynamics, ethnicity, culture, or social-economic status. Our purpose is to care for your children
and to provide them with a developmentally appropriate program which is based on Emergent
Curriculum; focusing on the interests, needs and abilities of you children.
• We welcome and encourage parents involvement. We work together with parents to better meet
the needs of each child.
Mission
Curious Kids is a safe, respectful and enjoyable place where children from 12 months to 5 years
have opportunities to improve academic performance, develop life skills and create positive
relationships with caring adults.
Administrative
Parent Handbook
• Parents will receive a copy of the handbook upon registration to the Curious Kids. Parents will
sign that they have received a copy and they are responsible to review and follow the policies
contained in this document.
• Any questions regarding our policies could be directed to the Center Director.
Parent Handbook Page | 1Policy Revisions
• Parent handbooks and forms will be reviewed annually by the Owners and the Center Director.
• For new regulations, changes will be immediate and parents will be notified in writing.
• All previous related policies will become obsolete.
• Parents are encouraged to be part of this process and we welcome ideas and suggestions.
Non-Refundable fees
• Parents are required to pay one-time non-refundable $100 fee at the time of registration.
• The child care space is not secured until the registration fee is paid.
Refundable deposit
• This is one-time $1,000 fee and must be paid before your child attend the center.
• This deposit is held for the duration of your child’s stay with us.
• This fee will be returned upon proper notice given when your child leave our center and fees
payment are up to date.
• This fee will be forfeited under the following conditions:
o If we are required to withdraw services without notice.
o Proper notice was not given when discontinuing the use of our service.
o Account is in arrears.
Submitting Notice
• When providing notice that a child will no longer need our services, we require at least a 1 (one)
month notice. If proper notice is not given, the Refundable Deposit will be considered forfeited.
Childcare fees
• Curious Kids does not accept cash. We accept email money transfers, automatic debit,
cheques, debit and credit subject to additional fees for credit.
• Please send email money transfers to: payment@curiouskidscalgary.ca with a message
indicating the child to whom the payment is to be applied.
• All fees are monthly and not based on hours.
• There will be no refunds for absences, sick days, vacations, etc.
• Monthly fees are due by the 1st of the each month or last business day before the1st.
• Your child will not be able to attend until we receive payment.
Late Payment fees
• A $25 late fee will be charged for any fees received after the 1st of every month.
• If you are unable to pay on time, please notify the Center Director prior your due date to make
alternate arrangements. Please note: the late fee will still apply in this situation.
Subsidy
• Subsidy for childcare is the responsibility of the parent and Alberta Family and Social Services.
• Subsidies may be granted after an assessment of family income and conditions are made.
• Applications are to be submitted online: https://www.alberta.ca/child-care-subsidy.aspx
• You must have subsidy APPROVAL PRIOR TO YOUR CHILD’S START DATE.
Parent Handbook Page | 2• The letter of approval will be sent to you and the Center.
• If subsidy has not been arranged, payment for the full month is due to be paid either by
INTERAC, or E-Transfer before your child attends the Center. It is the responsibility of the
parent to arrange for subsidy and to renew subsidy applications before they expire.
• If your subsidy expires, you will be charged the FULL MONTHLY FEE until your subsidy has been
reinstated. You will be provided applicable credit the following month(s) for any overpayment.
• Please note: To qualify for full subsidy, your child must attend the Center for a minimum of 100
hours per month in daycare.
Late Pick-up
• Parents must contact the center before 6 pm to indicate that they will be late picking up their
child (ren).
• Parents are required to pay $20 for the first 15 minutes or any portion of the first 15 minutes (i.e.
5 minutes late = $20). After that, it will be an additional $2 per minute they are late.
• Parents are required to sign the late pick up form acknowledging how much they owe and then it
will be added to their invoice.
• The fee will be based on the time the child is logged out on the system. Your child will not be
logged out until you are leaving, not when you arrive.
• Staff members are not permitted to remove the child from the premises to wait for parents to
arrive or to meet the parent to drop off the child.
• Please understand, we must pay the staff even if the circumstances were out of your
control and these fees cover the cost of the overtime for the two staff members who had
to stay. Please respect our staff member’s time as late pick-ups affect their personal time.
Habitual late pick-ups will result in withdrawal of services without notice.
The following steps will be taken if a child is not picked up before 6 pm and staff have not been
informed of late pick up:
• A staff member will phone the parent using available numbers on contact sheet.
• If unable to contact the parent, the staff member will phone the emergency contacts that were
provided at the time of registration and request that they pick up the child.
• Once the child has been picked up by the emergency contact, staff members will leave a note
on the entrance door to the center letting the parent know who picked up their child.
• If unable to contact the emergency contacts, the staff members will contact the Center
Director to inform them of the situation.
• If by 7:00 pm, neither the parent nor the emergency contact have returned our calls or cannot be
contacted, the Center Director or the Designate will contact Human Services (HS) at (780) 427 3390
and the children will be placed in their care. Contact information for the HS worker will be left on the
entrance door to the center. The Calgary City Police will also be advised of the situation.
• All staff members involved will make a written report of what actions were taken and will keep a
record of the times and results of all phone calls made.
• The incident will be assessed by the Center Director to determine the nature of the lateness.
• Situations of habitual lateness will result in withdrawal of services without notice.
Administrative Records Policy
Parent Handbook Page | 3Accurate and up-to-date records, of the following information as described below, will always be kept
on the premises.
We always keep up-to-date and accurate records on the premises of the following information:
• Daily attendance of each child, including arrival and departure times (HiMama).
• Daily attendance of each primary Educator including arrival and departure times and hours
spent providing childcare (HiMama).
• Evidence of each primary Educator childcare certification and current first aid certificate
(HiMama and staff files).
• Educators and volunteer’s verification that a current criminal record check has been provided
(HiMama and staff files).
The above information will always be available for licensing visits and to the parents upon request as
long as it is reasonable. We are required by law to retain records for a minimum of 2 years.
Children’s Personal files
According to the Alberta Child Care Act the following information is required to be retained by the
center in a confidential file for each child.
• Child’s name, date of birth and home address
• Completed enrollment form
• Parent or Guardian name, home address and phone
• Emergency contact(s) name, address, and phone
• If medication is to be administered
• Written consent of parent/guardian
• Particulars of any health care provided to the child, including parent/guardian’s written consent
• Any other relevant health information about the child provided by the child’s parent/guardian,
including immunizations and allergies.
A portable record of emergency information will be maintained and will include the information as
indicated below.
• Child’s name, date of birth and home address.
• Parent’s name, home address and telephone number.
• Name, address, and telephone number of a person who can be contacted in case of an
emergency.
• Any other relevant health information about the child provided by the child’s parent, including
the child’s immunizations and allergies if any.
The telephone numbers of the local emergency response service and poison control center will
be in a binder kept in the room backpack, along with above information in a child profile and will
be taken with Educators when leaving the premises with the children.
Social Media Policy
Parent Handbook Page | 4• Social media sites like FB, Twitter, or Instagram for example, can be great ways to stay
connected however they can also breach the privacy of others.
• Parents are expected to maintain confidentiality and security of information regarding other
families, volunteers, and employees.
• Parents shall not disclose, post, or share any details regarding outings/field trips or any other
information that identifies specific locations when the children are away from the center.
• Parents are not permitted to post photos or videos of any children or families registered with
Curious Kids and its programs on social network sites.
• Parents have the responsibility to notify the Center Director of confidentiality concerns
regarding social network websites.
Suspicions of Abuse and Neglect
• Staff members are legally obligated to report suspicions of neglect or abuse.
• All Educators are trained annually, in the Curious Kids Safety Protocols, which includes
recognizing the signs of abuse and neglect.
• Human Services will be contacted should any suspicions arise.
Harassment and Abuse
Conflict between staff and parents sometimes happens. However, under no circumstances will abusive
or harassing behaviour be tolerated. Any of this behaviour toward the staff or children in the center
may result in immediate withdrawal of services. We must set an example to the children on how to deal
with conflict.
Minimum Staff Requirements
• A minimum of 1 Level 3 Educator will always be on site.
Temporary Closures
• If the center experiences a disruption in power, water or heat the Center Director will decide
whether closure is required.
• The appropriate company will be called to deal with the situation (i.e., ENMAX, City of
Calgary, etc.)
• If closure is required, parents will be required to pick up their children or arrange for pickup
immediately.
• The center will remain closed until it is safe to re-open.
Daycare Schedule
Curious Kids is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 6 pm.
Daycare: Infants to Age 5
• From 6:30 to 8:15 am mixed age groups during drop off time
Quiet activities
• 8:30 to 4:30 Daily Program Implemented
8:30 to 9:30 am Good Morning!
Parent Handbook Page | 59:30 to 10:00 am Morning Snack
10:00 to 11:45 Morning Planned Program
11:45 to 12:30 Lunch
12:30 to 2:30 Naptime
2:30 to 2:45 Wake up and wash hands
2:45 to 3:15 Afternoon Snack
3:15 to 4:30 Afternoon Planned Program
• 4:30 to 6:00 pm Mixed age groups during pick up time
As the numbers go down, the rooms begin to combine so that staff members can do the closing
duties and complete their shifts. During this time children will do quiet activities. If there are
children here past 5:30, they may have a piece of fruit or a small non-messy snack to tide them
over to supper.
Parents can find more detailed schedules posted in their children’s rooms.
As per the Covid - 19 restrictions, parents are not allowed to enter the center except in case of
emergency. We will post their activities at the entrance so that parents could see what the children have
been doing during the day.
Hours and Holidays
• The daycare will be open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday
• We will be closed for the following dates:
New Year’s Day* Family day Good Friday Easter Monday
Victoria Day Canada Day* Civic Holiday Labour Day
Thanksgiving Day Remembrance Day* Christmas Day Boxing Day
New Year’s Eve*
* if these days fall on a weekend, the center will be closed the following business day.
Staffing Plan
Orientation
Our staff are trained child Educators and passionate about helping your child grow and learn. An
approval process must be completed by each staff member prior to employment including reference
checks, criminal record check, and a thorough interview. All our staff have completed First Aid in Child
Care training and are qualified at a minimum as a Level 1 Educator under the Government of Alberta
Child and Youth Services legislation.
Before a staff or volunteer starts at the Center they will be interviewed by the Center Director and daycare
Owners. A minimum of two reference checks will be completed and kept on file.
Parent Handbook Page | 6All staff members who have unsupervised access to the children will be required to have a criminal
record check including a vulnerable sector search within 8 weeks of starting their position with the Center.
They will not be left alone with the children until the criminal record check is complete. The criminal
check including the vulnerable sector search will not be dated earlier than 6 months prior to the date of
commencement with the program and a new one will be required every 3 years after the date of the
original.
Training
A staff training program is organized every 12 months to ensure the staff can identify:
1. Key elements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including the content in general terms,
responsibilities that apply to them, and consequences of failing to comply.
2. The Center’s health and safety procedures and policies.
3. Safe and healthy workplace practices, including immunizations, hygiene practices, etc.
4. How to report hazards.
5. How to have a say in safe work practices and procedures.
6. Child Abuse, Prevention and Reporting.
Staff Orientation Policy
New staff will receive an orientation to the Center and their position. They will be provided with
introductions, information about their working arrangements and explanations about the Center’s
philosophy, policies and procedures. All staff will have a signed job description and will be aware of
their rights and responsibilities.
Procedure
New staff will meet with the Center Director or Designated Mentor who will:
1. Show the new staff member around the Center and provide introductions to the other staff members.
2. Take opportunities to introduce the new staff to parents when possible.
3. Provide the new staff member with a copy of the Staff Handbook.
4. Discuss and highlight important aspects of the Staff Handbook and allow the staff member time to
familiarize themselves with the contents.
5. Staff will read the Policy and Procedures of the Center and sign their letter of offer showing that they
have read them.
6. Provide the new staff member with relevant forms in relation to salary and taxation.
7. Advise the new staff member about the Center's management structure and their lines of
responsibility and communication with management.
8. Provide the new staff member with their Job Description and Staff Employment Manual and discuss
their working arrangements and the Center’s expectations of them including:
a) Scheduling Procedures
Parent Handbook Page | 7b) Vacation
c) Sick leave policy
d) Leave requests
e) Probationary period
Clarify any questions regarding the employee’s contract of employment.
A minimum of 1 Child Development Supervisor (formerly Level 3) will always be on site, with all staff
having a minimum of Child Development Assistant (formerly Level 1) qualifications.
Staff Job Descriptions
The Center Director
• Oversee the program and support the team with training and ongoing evaluations of
performance and room management
• Attend room planning meetings and offer support where needed
• Attend meetings and training as needed
• Ensure regulations are always adhered to
• Update policies and procedures to meet the needs of the program and new regulations
• Welcome visitors or officials from governing bodies (licensing, health inspector etc)
• Registrations
• Receive payments
• Ensure that the day to day operations run smoothly and support in classroom when needed
• Ensure that the policies and procedures are followed
• Ensure ratios are always met
• Ensure developmentally appropriate program is offered in each classroom
• Scheduling to meet the needs of the center
• Designate in the absence of the Center Director and manage the staff
Educators
• Know how many children are in care at all times and who they are
• Ensure children are signed in and out
• Keep group list on clipboard updated at all times and take along when not in classroom
• Take emergency backpack with them when leaving the classroom
• Supervise the children inside and outside
Parent Handbook Page | 8• Ensure safety inside and outside
• Program planning around children's interest and topic of choice
• Observations and documentations
• Room management, cleaning, sanitizing, safety and maintenance of an inviting environment
• Time management in planning, gathering of materials and daily routine
• Behavior management supporting children with self-regulation and setting appropriate
boundaries
• Follow all policies and procedures to ensure our Philosophy is followed
• Ensure ratios are met at all times
• Attend workshops and team meetings
Food Prep will be done only by staff members who have completed a food safety course approved by
Alberta Health Services.
Program Policies
Inclusion & Diversity
Curious Kids believes that by valuing diversity, children, families, and staff will create an environment free
from bias and prejudice, in which children will learn the principles of fairness and respect for each other.
Our program is committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti- discrimination practice for all
children and families. We understand the importance of recognizing different individual needs and
ensuring equity in terms of access, participation and benefits for all children and their families. All children
have the right to be cared for in environments within their own community that can meet their needs and
help them grow and develop to their fullest potential.
We aim to:
• Provide a secure environment in which all our children can flourish and in which all contributions
are valued.
• Include and value the contributions of all families to our understanding of equality and diversity.
• Improve our knowledge and understanding of issues of equality and diversity.
• Provide positive non-stereotyping information about gender roles, diverse ethnic and cultural
groups and people with disabilities.
• Look at our practices to improve, develop and raise quality and standards.
• Recognize the right of the children.
Our setting is open to all members of the community.
• We advertise our service widely.
• We reflect the diversity of members of our society in our publicity and promotional materials.
• We provide information in clear, concise language, whether in spoken or written form.
• We do not discriminate against a child or their family, or prevent entry to our setting, on the
basis of color, ethnicity, religion, or social background.
Communication
Parent Handbook Page | 9• The center will provide regular information about the program activities through email and our
newsletter.
• There are bulletin boards in the rooms that contain the daily schedules, and weekly planning
sheets.
• Staff members will communicate directly with parents regarding any concerns or positive
feedback about their children.
• Information regarding family issues and personal lives will be handled confidentially.
• If parents have any questions or concerns, they can contact the office during regular business
hours.
Family Access
• Parents may visit the center at any convenient time while their children are in care. While we
want parents to feel comfortable in visiting, we ask that our naptimes be respected. Sleep is
extremely important for children’s developmental needs. Please respect our quiet time between
12:30 and 2:30 pm.
• Parents are welcome and encouraged to spend time in the program with their children at drop
off and pick up times.
• Parents are welcome and to volunteer for field trips with their children.
As per Covid - 19 Regulations set out by Alberta Health and Licensing, we are unable to accommodate
entry to the program at this time. Parents will only be allowed to enter the childcare area in case of
emergency. Currently, we are unable to have volunteers as well. You will be informed when this
regulation is lifted.
Family Involvement
• We want families to be involved in the center. We would love for parents to share their
experiences and things that make their families unique
• From time to time we put on fun events for families to attend.
• We encourage parents to be involved in the center activities. If at any time you would like to
volunteer, please let the office know.
• There is a suggestion box located at the at the door as you come into the center.
• There are often programs and events put on by Curious Kids and families are more than welcome
to join. This information will be available in the newsletter, and on the community bulletin board at
the front entrance.
As per Covid - 19 Restrictions, we are unable the put on events and have parents involved in a lot of the
activities in the center. As soon as these regulations are lifted, we will inform you.
Program Planning
Here at Curious Kids, we base our planning on the philosophy of SPICE, we also follow Curiosity
Approach and Reggio Emilia two philosophies that take ECE to more natural settings. You will notice that
our center has neutral colours in furnishings and the wall postings are kept to a minimum. We know that
busy walls and bright colours are overstimulating to the children and are no longer considered best
practice.
Social needs will be met by children playing together in large and small groups. Involvement
Parent Handbook Page | 10in dramatic play, construction, games, arts & crafts, music, and sports will enhance the
children’s abilities to develop socially.
Physical needs will be met by children having a balance of organized and unstructured
recreational times in the gym and/or playground each day. Nutritious snacks will be provided
to enhance the physical health of children.
Intellectual needs will be met by caring adults challenging them in self help and life skills.
Educational games and activities will be available to the children daily.
Creative needs will be met by providing children opportunities to explore art, drama,
music, and storytelling.
Emotional needs will be met by developing encouraging, positive relationships with children and
allowing children freedom to express their opinions. Children will be encouraged to communicate
respectfully to each other and with adults.
Staff will plan a daily program for the children that is fun and engaging. Planning will be based
on the observed interests of the children and will be developmentally appropriate.
• Children are encouraged to be part of the planning and share their thoughts, ideas and
interests where developmentally appropriate.
• Educators will have time away from the children to plan for the next week’s activities.
o This plan is always posted in the room – During Covid - 19 Restrictions these will
be posted at the entrances so that you can see what the children are doing
throughout the day.
o It will be updated throughout the week when spontaneous activities occur. Lots of
times educators will plan something based on children’s interests, but then
something will happen, and they will discover that the children are sparked be
something different that day. Educators are here to encourage the children’s
exploration of their interests and that will be reflected on the planning.
Supervision Policy
Educators will ensure they observe the children’s play and behaviour both inside and outside. They will
become familiar with the center layout and the outdoor physical play space. . Program practices will meet
the children’s developmental needs. Parents will be informed of our programs supervision policies.
Our Educators observe and engage in play with the children throughout the day. Roll calls are done
when leaving the room and once they arrive at their destination, headcounts are done on a regular
basis throughout the day to ensure all children are accounted for. When two Educators are in the
room, they confirm the number of children in the classroom with each other.
We have clipboards in each classroom with a list of the children in care, the clipboards go with our
Educators when they leave the room or the center. When an Educator is relieving another Educator,
they confirm numbers and leave clip board with the Educator in ratio before switching responsibilities.
1. Educators will observe the children’s play and behavior both inside and outside.
2. Educators will become familiar with the environment inside and outside.
3. When 7 or more children are present, there will be a minimum of two staff in the building.
Parent Handbook Page | 114. Educators will have a clipboard with a list of children in their care and will do roll call before leaving
the center, upon arrival at a destination and will do regular head counts in between.
5. Groups will be divided when there are more than two groups in a room and leaving for playground
or fieldtrip.
6. Children will never be left anywhere unattended.
7. Minimum child to Educator ratios will always be maintained.
8. At times when it is necessary for Educators to separate, each Educator shall be responsible for a
certain number of children so that no one Educator is left over-ratio and child’s developmental
needs are met.
9. Primary Educator must complete an indoor and outdoor safety checklist each day and keep a list
of children they are responsible for on their person.
10. When going outdoors Educators will go together with another room if only one Educator is in the
classroom. A minimum of 2 Educators always go outdoors in case support is needed.
11. Communication among Educators will be encouraged and supported as needed.
12. During orientation Educators are trained in supervision practices as well as at team meetings and
workshops.
13. Cell phones will be used by Educators in case of emergency or if extra support is needed.
14. Parents will be informed of the program’s supervision policies in the Parent Handbook.
Child Guidance
• Child guidance is an important part of helping children develop in positive and creative ways to
deal with negative things in one’s life.
• We will use a positive approach to discipline.
• No form of corporal punishment is acceptable.
• Children will never be denied food or use of the washroom as a form of punishment.
• Guidance of children will always be applied according to the age and development of the
children.
• Staff members will be trained in active supervision techniques.
The following information explains how we will guide the children’s behavior while in our care.
Infants: 12 months to 18 months/4 children to 1 Educator
Our infant/toddler rooms will be safe spaces specifically designed for developmentally appropriate
exploration and movement. The following describes how children will be nurtured and guided
throughout the day.
Encourage attachment
Respond quickly and sensitively to a baby’s signals, cries as well as coos. As the Educators get
better at responding, the baby gets better at giving cues. As the Educators get to know each baby
as a unique individual, they will develop an attachment. They will strive to build this attachment in
everything they do with the babies—feeding, diapering, clothing, Handwashing, and playing.
Learn the baby’s cries
Babies can have a dozen different cries, each indicating a different need. The baby depends on
Parent Handbook Page | 12the Educators to differentiate and respond to the unique cries of hunger, wet, cold, hurt,
frustration, and even boredom. By learning what a particular cry means, Educators can better
satisfy the baby’s need and build a sense of security.
Make lots of physical contact
Hold the baby while bottle-feeding, not only for safety but also to strengthen emotional bonds.
Rock babies to sleep or lay them down and stroke their backs. Hold the baby while reading a
story, sharing a toy, or having a conversation. Offer hugs and snuggles during all routines.
Anticipate needs
Predict, or anticipate, a baby’s need for food, water, sleep, diapering, or play, so that you can
quickly satisfy that need. Use the baby’s temperament, developmental skills, and activity level to
help you make accurate, and satisfying, predictions. For example, because Angie has had an
unusually active morning climbing over floor pillows, you may need to plan to feed her and put her
down for nap a bit earlier than usual.
Behavioral guidance
Fortunately, a baby’s short attention span enables Educators to effectively distract, substitute, and
redirect. Each of these techniques offers new emotional and cognitive opportunities without harsh
or negative behavioral consequences. The following guidance techniques will be used in our infant
rooms.
• Distraction: Ignacio continues to cry after his mother leaves, in spite of your best efforts to
reassure and comfort him. Use distraction—with a puppet, song, or toy—to help him find
comfort and security in your care.
• Substitution: When Emily and Hannah struggle over a single truck, offer one child another
truck or a different toy as a substitute.
• Redirection: When Ethan crawls over to investigate the cover on the electrical outlet, carry
him to the rug and introduce a new stacking toy.
Toddlers 19 months to 35 months/ 6 children to 1 Educator
Toddlers are developing language, potty training, and beginning to realize that they are separate
human beings. Much time is spent teaching the children words to express themselves in different
situations, teaching them to respond to their bodies’ signals, learning to deal with frustration as they
learn new skills.
Children this age do not necessarily play with each other, they play beside each other, therefore we
ensure that there are enough items for the children to play with on their own. This helps to reduce
conflict between the children.
Children this age fall a lot. Their heads are heavy for their bodies and it often makes them unstable
when they are walking. We ensure that the furniture in their room has no sharp corners, and there are
lots of soft things for them to interact with. This will help mitigate some the injuries that come from just
moving around.
Parent Handbook Page | 13This is the age when children bite and is usually a temporary situation that occurs between thirteen and
twenty-four months of age. They get frustrated very easily and don’t have the words to express
themselves. As a result, they will bite the person with whom they are having conflict with. We will work
with the children and observe the situations in which they are most likely to bite and try to create an
environment where the children will have less need to act out like this. However, if the biting continues
and we cannot seem to find a solution through observation, following our child guidance policies, and
meeting with parents, we may need to withdraw services as we need to consider the safety of the other
children in the room.
These are the steps we will take when biting happens:
The safety of the children at our Center is our primary concern. The Educators will take the
following steps if a biting incident occurs:
• Console and give first aid to the child that was hurt.
• Remove the biter from the situation. Staff act without emotion. Acknowledge the bite by saying,
“Biting hurts.” “Biting is not ok.” When this child is calm and able to return to their play group they
may do so. At no time will the child be isolated or put on “time out.”
• Confidential Incident Reports will be filled out for both children and signed by the respective
parents.
IF THE BITING CONTINUES
• A phone call and or meeting with the parents will occur. The situation will be explained, and
parents will be informed that if the biting continues or gets worse, they will be asked to remove
their child permanently.
• Staff will “shadow” the child who tends to bite, for a reasonable amount of time and document
any potential triggers.
• Heading off biting situations before they occur, teaching non-biting responses to situations and
reinforcing appropriate behaviour.
• A “Probationary Note” may be given to the parents of the biter outlining the situation.
• Parents may be phoned to pick up their child IMMEDIATELY if their child bites hard enough to
break the skin or bites the face of another child.
• At any time, we reserve the right to ask parents to immediately and permanently remove their
child from the Center, should we feel the child’s behaviour is a danger to others. NO REFUND
WILL BE PROVIDED.
Our programming will be designed to minimize undesirable behaviours. We will limit our transitions as
much as possible, make the play space warm and inviting, have a good supply of equipment for the
children to use, plan developmentally appropriate activities and provide individual care and attention as
much as possible. Please remember, there are 6 children to one staff member, they cannot treat each
child as if they are the only one on the room. We will often have an extra staff who can help enhance
ratios when needed.
When toddlers exhibit undesirable behaviours, we will use the following techniques to help the children
work through the conflict:
• Children at this age are still easily distracted and redirection can often work.
• We will offer alternative choices. We will not force children to share.
• Go down to their level to talk to them in a calm voice using gentle words.
Parent Handbook Page | 14• Teach the child how to use words to work through the problem.
• If they find they can’t gain control of themselves, they can go to the quiet corner to look at books
and/or play with the mindful jars there. If the child is needing personal attention, we will pull in
another Educator to cover the primary Educator if we have enough staff members on duty to do so.
• Give the child a nonverbal way to express their feelings (i.e. paper and pencils to draw how they
feel).
• Educators may need to reposition themselves so they can closely monitor the situation to
ensure the everything is under control.
Preschool 36 months to 47 months/ 8 children to 1 Educator
By the time children are 3 years old and up, they have gained better control of their bodies (i.e. potty
trained), they are more confident in their movements and may exhibit a fearlessness that comes with
inexperience. They are experimenting with how far they can push limits and they are counting on us
being there when they hit those limits to help them deal with their disappointments and frustrations.
They are much more independent and want to do things for themselves. We will always encourage
children’s independent behaviours. This is a necessary part of their development and helps them as
they approach the kindergarten age.
At this stage they start playing with each other instead of playing beside other children. This results in
a higher incidence of conflict between the children. We will work with the children to give them
developmentally appropriate problem-solving skills. We will teach them words to use to solve conflict.
And will use the same guidance techniques as we would with toddlers.
• Redirection will still be used and will be developmentally appropriate.
• We will offer alternative choices. We will not force children to share. If they have the toys first,
they get to play with them at their leisure. If we find that there is increased conflict around a
certain type of equipment or area, we will re-evaluate and adjust the room to meet the needs of
the interests of the children.
• Go down to their level to talk to them in a calm voice using gentle words.
• Teach the child how to use words to work through the problem.
• If they find they can’t gain control of themselves, they can go to the quiet corner to look at books
and/or play with the mindful jars there. If the child is needing personal attention, we will pull in
another Educator to cover the primary Educator if we have enough staff members on duty to do
so.
• Give the child a nonverbal way to express their feelings (i.e. paper and pencils to draw how they
feel).
• Educators may need to reposition themselves so they can closely monitor the situation to
ensure the everything is under control.
• At this age we start to use the Wheel of Choice. It is a pictorial representation of choices that
helps the children learn how to solve problems on their own. The use of this wheel of choice will
continue to be used into the kindergarten room.
Pre- Kindergarten ( 48 months to 60 months) / 10 children to 1 Educator
When children enter Pre- Kindergarten, they have developed a higher sense of self, can speak in full
Parent Handbook Page | 15sentences and are much more independent. They are also developing their understanding of rules.
They are moving from magical thinking to concrete thinking. The focus in this age group is to teach
independence, self-regulation and social skills.
We are also getting them ready to go to school. Our specialized play based pre-kindergarten program
is designed with education in mind. There will be a more directed approach in teaching the children
writing, literacy, and basic math skills so that they are ready to enter grade one.
We will continue to teach them words to use to solve conflict. And will use the same guidance
techniques as we would with preschoolers.
• Redirection will still be used and will be developmentally appropriate
• We will offer alternative choices. We will not force children to share. If they have the toys first,
they get to play with them at their leisure. If we find that there is increased conflict around a
certain type of equipment or area, we will re-evaluate and adjust the room to meet the needs of
the interests of the children.
• Go down to their level to talk to them in a calm voice using gentle words.
• Teach the child how to use words to work through the problem.
• If they find they can’t gain control of themselves, they can go to the quiet corner to look at books
and/or play with the mindful jars there. If the child is needing personal attention, we will pull in
another Educator to cover the primary Educator if we have enough staff members on duty to do
so.
• Give the child a nonverbal way to express their feelings (i.e. paper and pencils to draw how they
feel).
• Educators may need to reposition themselves so they can closely monitor the situation to
ensure the everything is under control.
• We continue to use the Wheel of Choice, putting greater emphasis on it.
Parent Grievance
• Parents are encouraged to talk to their child’s Educator as a first point of contact.
• If parents have tried talking with the room staff without satisfactory results, or if the concern is
serious enough to warrant immediate administrative review, parents are encouraged to contact
the Center Director.
• The Center Director will schedule meetings as necessary with appropriate parties to gather
relevant information before deciding on a course of action.
• Parents will be informed, as appropriate within confidentiality requirements, as to the result of
the Center Director’s inquiry and action taken.
• All concerns will be dealt with in a timely manner.
• If the concern is serious and/or was not resolved within the Center, parents have the option of
contacting licensing (Alberta Children’s Services @ 780-427-0444).
Safety Policies
Release of Children
Parent Handbook Page | 16• Children will only be released to parents or guardians and the people on the authorized pick-up
list.
• If you would like to have your child released to someone who is not on the list, you may phone
the center, or send an email with the full name of the person and please tell them to have their
picture ID available, as staff members are required to check the ID. If you need to call or email
to advise us that another person is picking up your child/ren, you must give us your
“PASSWORD”. This will ensure that it is in fact we are speaking with.
• If the person arrives without picture ID, your child will not be released to them. You will be
responsible for any fees should your child be picked up late as a result.
Please Note: When people on the list of those authorized to pick up the child
arrive for the first time, they will need to show picture ID before the child will
be released. This includes parents whom the staff members have not met.
Once the staff members know them, this will not be required. If a new staff
member has not met them and there is no one able to vouch for their identity,
that staff member is required to check their picture ID. The child will not be
released if she cannot verify their identity. We want you to feel confident that
your child is safe in our care. No exceptions will be made to this policy.
• If a staff member suspects the person picking up the child is under the influence of alcohol or
drugs, the parent/guardian/alternate will be referred to the designated person in charge who will
offer suggestions for alternate transportation (i.e. a taxi). If the parent/guardian/alternate is
uncooperative, the police will be called to make a report of a person suspected of driving under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Children will not be released to anyone under 18 years of age unless they are the parent of the
child.
• If there are custodial issues, it is the custodial parent’s responsibility to make sure that we have
the appropriate papers. If we do not have any papers denying one of the parent’s access to the
child, we must release the child. In this case a phone call will be made to the custodial parent
informing them of the situation and an incident report will be made and the parent must sign the
next time they come to pick up their child.
• If we do have the papers, and the non-custodial parent comes to pick up. We will refuse access.
However, please understand, if the staff feel that the safety of the people in the center is
compromised and the parent makes actions that they are leaving with their child no matter what,
we will immediately call the police and report a child has been taken without permission.
You will be informed once the police have been informed. Educators will not stop someone who
threatens violence.
Daily Sign In and Out
• Parents are required to bring their children in and sign them in on the tablet at the entry.
• We will not accept children into the program between the hours of 11:30 to 2:30 pm. This
is to avoid interruption of lunch time and sleeping children.
• We have staggered drop off and pick up times in order to comply with Covid protocols. At the end of
this handbook you will see a form that you need to fill in. Parents are required to give the exact times
that they will drop off and pick up. There will be a 15 minute window for parents transfer their children
to orHandbook
Parent from the center. Please understand that you may be required to wait if you miss your
Page window.
| 17You can also read
