Wee Care Centre Parent Information & Policy Manual Wee Care Centre March 2013 MAXIMIZING ABILITIES The Bridget R. (Delia) Edwards Memorial Building 5217 Young Street Halifax, NS B3K 6A6 902-455-1081 Email: [email protected] www.weecareforkids.com TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 3 Mission Statement ...................................................................................................................... 3 Administrative Structure............................................................................................................. 4 Staff ............................................................................................................................................. 5 Parents ........................................................................................................................................ 5 What to Bring to Wee Care ......................................................................................................... 6 ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMING ................................................................................................... 7 Emergent Curriculum .................................................................................................................. 7 Classrooms .................................................................................................................................. 8 Transitions................................................................................................................................. 12 Other Important Information ................................................................................................... 13 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................... 14 Orientation to Wee Care........................................................................................................... 14 Fee Structure............................................................................................................................. 15 Hours of Operation ................................................................................................................... 16 Arrival and Departure ............................................................................................................... 17 Illness / Sick Days ...................................................................................................................... 18 Medication Administration ....................................................................................................... 19 Management of Emergencies ................................................................................................... 20 Nutrition / Food Safety ............................................................................................................. 21 Behaviour Guidance Policy ....................................................................................................... 22 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................................... 24 CHECKLIST ..................................................................................................................................... 25 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION We welcome you and your child to the Wee Care Centre. This parent manual has been created to provide you with information about our policies and programs. Please keep it for future reference. Open, two-way communication with parents is important for the centre’s success and survival. If you have any questions, concerns, ideas or comments concerning the centre, feel free to contact the Executive Director by phone, email or in person. Child care is provided at two sites; the main Wee Care site on Young Street and at Veith House. Your child’s classroom may move to the Veith House site as they get older and prepare to enter public school. You will notice that the doors to Wee Care are locked. This is for your child’s safety. There is a doorbell to ring to gain access and parents will also be issued a pass card. A $10 deposit per card is required and $5 will be refunded when the card is returned. Lost cards will be replaced for an additional $10. Mission Statement We strive to maximize abilities and to provide education and support to children and their families. Nous nous efforcons de maximiser les competences et a offrir des services edicatifs et de soutien aux enfants et a leurs familles. .ال ي وال م ساعده ال تأه يل ل ت قدي م وق درات نا و س ع نا ف ي ماهو ك ل ت قدي م ن حاول ن حن االهل و االط فال Nos esforzamos por maximizar habilidades y proporcionar servicios educacionales y de apoyo a los niños y a sus familias. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 3 Administrative Structure Wee Care Centre is a non-profit childcare facility which is licensed by the Department of Community Services. We operate within the Day Care Act and the Department’s licensing regulations. A community Board of Directors and its subcommittees manage the centre. The Board consists of parents, interested community members and professionals. No staff member sits on the Board; however, there is staff participation and representation at the meetings. The Board of Directors meets monthly, and the Annual General Meeting is held each spring. Elections to the Board of Directors take place at the Annual General Meeting, and parents are encouraged to attend and/or become members. Parents are also encouraged to attend the Parent Committee meetings and volunteer to participate in our fundraising activities. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 4 Staff Wee Care employs an Executive Director who is responsible for the everyday operations and management of the centre. The Centre also employs administrative staff, a cook and fulltime teachers who are trained in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and/or special populations. Teaching staff attend workshops and training sessions to ensure that knowledge and skills are up to date. In ten months, a child who was classified as "delayed" has become a very happy, outgoing, lovable child. Specialized therapies are provided by a Resource Teacher, Teaching Assistants, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, and Music Therapist. From time to time the centre hosts a variety of volunteers and students from local high schools, Early Childhood Education programs, and other professions from colleges and universities. Parents You are encouraged to visit the centre and observe your child taking part in our daily routine. You are also welcome to join the program staff on outings. We encourage you to share your skills, interests and culture with the children in the centre. Please feel free to speak with your child’s teacher at any time. Parent-Teacher meetings are scheduled yearly or on request. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about your child’s activities at the centre. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 5 What to Bring to Wee Care Wee Care’s program is designed to encourage the love of active learning through play. Children should wear inexpensive, comfortable play clothes. All clothing should be clearly labelled with your child’s name. While every effort is made to protect your child’s clothing from loss or damage, the centre cannot guarantee that it will not happen. Your child will need: A blanket for naptime Paint smock/shirt A complete change of clothing (underwear, socks, shirt, pants, skirt/dress, shoes) If your child is being toilet trained, they will need 4 complete changes of clothes/day If your child is in diapers they will need 20 diapers/week Inside footwear—sneakers are preferred as other shoes/sandals/slippers are often slippery and may not stay on Seasonal Items Summer Winter Spring/Fall Hat Hat Hat Coat/sweater Snowsuit Jacket/raincoat Mud suit* Scarf Mud suit* Rain boots Boots Rain boots Swimsuit Mittens (4 pairs) Mittens *A mud suit consists of thin nylon covers that keep clothing from being ruined by the playground dirt. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 6 ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMING Emergent Curriculum We engage in Emergent Curriculum which is child-directed and teacher-facilitated. This means that while the children’s ideas and interests are the basis of the program, the teacher is still in control planning activities and experiences that not only meet each child's goals and milestones, but also aims to prepare them for higher learning. Teachers may have a general topic they think is important for children to study and they may purposely include certain materials or experiences related to it as jumping off points. Once teachers see an interest “emerging” they brainstorm ways to study the topic in depth. An idea for a curriculum topic may be sparked by anything or come from anywhere. A teacher may overhear a group of students having a discussion about bugs that leads to the class sitting down and coming up with a web topic that explores all the possible directions the class could go in their quest to learn all they can about the topic of bugs. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 7 Classrooms The following are general outlines of the classrooms. Please take note of the schedule posted outside of your child’s classroom for specific times of activities. Your child will experience many of these classrooms. Blue Lagoon (4 months - 18 months) In our room we offer a sensory-based program that supports your child’s learning through the five senses. We offer several dry, wet and messy activities (e.g. paint, goop, water or cornmeal) throughout the day. These activities can be as simple as touching sand with their toes and fingers, playing in and touching pudding, to having them crawl through paint that is poured onto the floor! The teachers are continuously observing the children, their interests and developmental levels. We then structure our program and activities to meet the child’s growing needs and to challenge them. We develop warm relationships with the children and their parents. We have an open door policy and welcome the child’s family into our room. You are more than welcome to stay and participate in the daily program. If you have a special skill, please let our teachers know, we invite you to come and share it with the children! We also enjoy going out into the community and exploring the neighbourhood. If your workplace allows visits, and you are within walking distance we would love to come and visit you. We have visited places such as a local elementary school. We also enjoy going on walks and playing in local parks. Purple Lavender (18 months - 24 months) In our room we offer a child-centered program that is flexible to the needs of our children. Our teachers spend time each day observing the children to see what they are interested in. We plan activities based on the interests of the children and guide them in their learning and development through encouragement and positive reinforcement. Our daily routine includes a variety of small and large group activities that can range from very active to quite quiet and focused. During group circle time, we sing songs together and explore Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 8 new concepts each week such as figuring out which categories certain animals and colors fit into. Small group activities include exploring sensory substances such as goop and using our creativity and imaginations to create art. The children in the toddler room actively explore their world though interacting with one another and observing their environment. Each day, they learn more about how to play cooperatively and become more independent in self-help skills such as dressing and toileting. Teachers facilitate the development of independence by encouraging the children to express their needs verbally and make decisions. Since observing the environment is an important part of learning, we often take opportunities to go out into the community as a group, visiting the local park and surrounding areas. Mango Tango (18 months - 30 months) In the Mango Tango classroom, each child experiences a sensory, hands-on learning environment. Each child has the opportunity to participate in a variety of small and large group activities. Every day the children participate in sensory fine motor, art and circle activities. They also have the opportunity to participate in daily gross motor play during gym and outside time. The Snoezelen room also provides an enriched relaxation sensory environment. The curriculum expands and emerges according to each child’s interest and learning quests. Within this learning environment, children strive for greater gains in their independence. They learn not only self help skills or daily living skills but also independent choice making and self confidence in their abilities. We believe like our children that we are continuous learners reaching to be better, learn more and experience more in a meaningful way. As a classroom, we use mediums of creativity, movement, music, literacy, observation and play to understand ourselves, each other and the world. In our classroom of 2 and 3 year olds, each child has the opportunity to expand their abilities, knowledge and experience in a hands on, purposeful social interactions. We are creating a foundation for lifelong learning, independence, and confidence building. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 9 Rhythmic Red Researcher —3 R’s (2 years - 4 years) The teachers in the Rhythmic Red Researcher room strive to make learning fun and make the classroom a space that encourages active exploration. It is also a place where children can feel secure and valued for their contributions to the group. Curriculum includes a balance of active and quiet activities along with time spent in both large and small groups. There is also a balance of teacher and child directed activities, and blocks of time where the children can play alone if they wish. We provide challenging and interesting activities based on their curiosities, interests or experiences, and actively participate in learning with the children. The overall goals in our classroom are to help the children learn to develop empathy, respect, tolerance and kindness to all living things as well as expanding on their awareness of the community. We often take part in fundraising activities for Wee Care and other charitable organizations. The pets in the classroom present valuable learning opportunities and are an asset to the program. We hope to inspire each child and help them reach their full potential. Yellow Submarines (3 years - 5 years) The Yellow Submarine classroom incorporates a balance of structured and unstructured activities throughout the day. Activities are based upon the needs, talents, and interests of the children as well as new and challenging experiences to stimulate their curiosity and enhance their learning. Individual, small and large group times happen throughout the day in a variety of centre activity areas—classroom, gym, Snoezelen, library, playground, resource and therapy rooms. The resource teacher, occupational, physio and music therapists also contribute to the play and education of the children. We look to enhance learning in all of the developmental areas by providing a variety of toys and activities—circle “meetings”, science, sensory exploration, dramatic play, arts and crafts, tabletop puzzles and games, gym/playground equipment, building toys, etc. Project work is encouraged as a means to having the tools and experiences of learning about topics of interest. We also enjoy many community outings, whether it is a walk to a neighbourhood playground or a bus trip to a farther destination. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 10 Green Explorers (3 years - 5 years) The Green Explorers are continuing to become more independent in terms of their self care, but also in terms of their education. Our day always begins with a morning meeting, where we discuss the day’s planned activities, but we also ask questions, brainstorm, and share ideas and thoughts. The rest of the day involves “work” and activities, which will vary depending on the interests of the children. This “work” will include activities such as art, construction, dramatic play, gym, Snoezelen, sensory play, literacy, and outings around the community. Our main goal is to develop children who are independent and respectful, who are capable of problem solving and critical thinking, and who are prepared for higher learning. The teachers encourage the children to ask questions, brainstorm, test ideas, and express themselves independently. We believe these skills are the foundation of learning, and with this strong foundation, they will be ready for big school and beyond. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 11 Transitions Transition (change) can be a scary time for children and parents. Your child will experience transition throughout their time at Wee Care. The first transition, orientation and starting at the centre is outlined in the following section. At Wee Care, we do our best to support both you and your child through transitions. As your child grows, they will transition through many of the classrooms you just read about. Most of the classrooms are housed within the main site; however the Green Explorers and their teachers are located next door at Veith House. We plan transitions to take place in the early fall. We do our best to contact families in advance to advise them of the upcoming movement of their child(ren). We also try to keep the children with their friends, but sometimes due to the needs of the children this is not possible. Although this can be frustrating, making new friends is something we do all of the time. Unplanned transitions may happen during the year. This may occur as the result of the needs of your child or another child. We are an inclusive daycare, and want to balance the special needs of children across our programs. Again, you will be notified if a change needs to take place. The final transition at Wee Care is graduation. This takes place in June. We celebrate as the children prepare to move on to big school. If you or your child are struggling with transition, please feel free to speak to the staff or Executive Director. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 12 Other Important Information The following is a list of documents that are required by the Department of Community Services and the location in the centre where they are posted. Document Location Child Care Act and Regulations Parent Bulletin Board Parent Handbook Parent Bulletin Board The facility license Parent Bulletin Board Most recent inspection Parent Bulletin Board Behaviour Guidance Policy Parent Policy Manual Current menu Outside of the kitchen Daily program plan/routine Parent Policy Manual Parent Committee Members Parent Bulletin Board Parent Committee Minutes Parent Bulletin Board Notification of Funding by the Minister Parent Bulletin Board Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 13 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Orientation to Wee Care Date Effective: June, 2012 Responsibility of: Admissions Committee Date of Next Review: June, 2014 At Wee Care, we know that your child’s first day is a very important one. Children who are introduced to the childcare setting with the help of their parent(s) tend to cope better with their new environment. Parents and staff also benefit since the introductory days open the lines of communication. This is an opportunity for the special information about your child to be shared. We suggest that orientation to the center takes place over the first week that your child attends. You should bring your child to the centre close to the same time that you will be dropping him/her off in the morning to help establish a routine. Orientation Day Time Activities Day 1 9:15 – 11:15 am Parent and child are introduced to their classroom, other children and teachers. Parents may stay with their child. Day 2 8:30am – 12:00 pm Today your child will stay for lunch. Parents may settle their child in the classroom and then leave the room but remain nearby on site. Day 3 8:30 am-1:30 pm Today your child will stay through nap time. You are not required to remain on site. Day 4 Full Day You will drop your child off and pick them up at your usual times. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 14 Fee Structure Date Effective: June, 2012 Responsibility of: Board of Directors Date of Next Review: June, 2014 1. Fees are based on daily rates. Notice will be given if rates are to increase. 2. One parent/guardian will be responsible for the account. It is your responsibility to ensure that your account is paid in full. This includes any issues that may arise with subsidies, shared custody, non-sufficient funds, et cetera. 3. Fees are due at the beginning of each month. We accept cheques. a. 12 post-dated cheques are required on your child’s first day and then at the beginning of each 12-month period thereafter. b. Debit payments may be available for those who have completed 12 months of cheque payments and the account is in good standing (i.e. has not defaulted on payment, attained non-sufficient funds charges, late payment, arrears). 4. Payments that are more than one month late will be charged a late fee of 15% per annum on unpaid balances 30 days from billing. 5. Payments must be made to either the Assistant or Executive Director. Staff and volunteers are unable to collect your payment. 6. Late pick-up fees of $15.00 per child for every 5 minutes after 5:15 pm will be charged to your account. 7. Orientation days are considered to be regular childcare days. Full fees apply. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 15 Hours of Operation Date Effective: June, 2012 Responsibility of: Board of Directors Date of Next Review: June, 2014 1. Wee Care is open on weekdays from 7:00 am – 5:15 pm. 2. The centre is closed on all government/statutory holidays. Notices will be posted prior to these holidays. 3. Parents will identify regular time of arrival and departure at the time of enrollment. Your child’s arrival and departure times should correspond with your working or school/study hours. 4. In the case of non-working parents we recommend a core program of no more than 8 hours. 5. Notice of changes that would affect arrival and/or departure times for a day or two should be directed to your child’s teacher. 6. Long-term schedule changes are to be arranged with the Executive Director. This enables us to maintain appropriate child/staff ratios. 7. Wee Care does not close for most winter storms. a. On storm days the centre will be open but may operate with limited staffing. Should Metro Transit Bus Services be off the road due to weather, Wee Care will be closed. b. If you are able to keep your child home, please do so. c. Call the centre to determine if the staff have arrived and to let them know whether or not to expect your child. d. Parents may be asked to remain in the centre until the appropriate child/staff ratio is in place. e. Please monitor the weather conditions throughout the day and pick up your child as soon as possible. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 16 Arrival and Departure Date Effective: June, 2012 Responsibility of: Admissions Committee Date of Next Review: June, 2014 Arrival 1. Your child is expected to be at the centre before 9:15 am. This enables your child to take place in all planned activities and allows the cook to prepare for lunch. 2. You must bring your child into the centre. His/her outerwear must be removed in the cubby area and placed in his/her cubby. 3. Your child must be escorted to and greeted by a teacher. Our responsibility for your child does not begin until s/he is in the care of a staff member. 4. Notify the centre prior to 9:00 am if your child will not be attending or will be late due to an appointment. 5. If you arrive at or after 9:15 am, we ask that you remain with your child outside the classroom until an appropriate transition can be made. Departure 1. Staff members will only release your child to those persons listed on the authorization form at the time of enrolment. Please notify the centre if you are unable to pick up your child and who will be arriving in your place. 2. We will not release your child to anyone under 12 years of age. 3. If you or your designate has not arrived to collect your child by 6:00pm, we are required to notify the police and Department of Community Services, Child Welfare. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 17 Illness / Sick Days Date Effective: June, 2012 Responsibility of: Admissions Committee Date of Next Review: June, 2014 Infections can spread rapidly within a childcare centre and what may seem to be an insignificant illness to one child can be quite serious for some children with special needs. Because of this, precautionary measures are taken at all times. If your child is sick: 1. If your child is going to be absent due to illness call the centre and notify the staff of the condition of your child. 2. Please do not send your child if thre is any question of illness as we are not equipped to accommodate sick children. 3. Your child will not be accepted for the day if s/he exhibits symptoms of a contagious disease or transmittable illness such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent cough, runny nose, swollen glands, or rashes. Your child must be free from the above symptoms for a full 24 hours before returning to the centre. 4. If your child becomes ill while attending the centre, you will be notified immediately and will be expected to have an authorized person pick up your child within a reasonable length of time. 5. You will be informed of any contagious illnesses that your child has been exposed to while at the centre. 6. Please inform the staff if your child has a contagious condition that has been diagnosed by a physician. 7. After an illness or hospitalization, your child will require a note from his/her doctor in order to return to the centre. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 18 Medication Administration Date Effective: June, 2012 Responsibility of: Admissions Committee Date of Next Review: June, 2014 1. You will be asked to fill in an authorization form for each new medication. Medication will not be administered until this form is completed. 2. The staff are only permitted to give medication prescribed by a doctor. Medication must be in the original container with a readable prescription label. 3. Over the counter medications (e.g. Children’s Tylenol) can only be administered with a note from your child’s doctor that include the child’s name, reason for use, dose (amount) and frequency. 4. Please send measuring utensils along with your child’s medication. 5. Medications should be given directly to centre staff and not left in your child’s cubby. 6. It is recommended that a child who has been prescribed an antibiotic take it for 24 hours before returning to the centre. 7. Certain medical procedures can be performed with special training. These will be addressed by your child’s Individual Care Plan. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 19 Management of Emergencies Date Effective: June, 2012 Responsibility of: Admissions Committee Date of Next Review: June, 2014 1. Wee Care is inspected annually by the Fire Department. We have monthly fire drills. All staff have current CPR and First Aid certification. 2. Please inform the centre of any changes to your address, place of work or phone numbers. It is important that we know how and where to reach you in case of an emergency. 3. An accident form will be filled in for any accident which requires first aid treatment by staff. You will be informed of any injury to your child. We appreciate being informed about any injury that your child sustains outside of the centre. 4. Staff will administer First Aid and CPR as needed. 5. If your child requires medical treatment/attention: a. You will be called to take him/her to the physician/hospital. b. If you cannot be reached, an alternate authorized person will be called. c. Centre staff will continue to attempt to contact you until you are reached. d. Staff may call a taxi and accompany your child to the hospital if urgent treatment is required. e. In the case of life-threatening emergency, staff will call 911. 6. If evacuation of either the main Centre or Veith House is required, children will be moved to the other site for safety. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 20 Nutrition / Food Safety Date Effective: June, 2012 Responsibility of: Admissions Committee Date of Next Review: June, 2014 1. Wee Care’s menus are approved by the Department of Health and Wellness, Nutrition Services each year. 2. The meal plan runs on a four-week rotation. We provide a morning and afternoon snack and a full lunch. 3. Wee Care supports families who choose to breastfeed their children and welcome mothers by providing a comfortable space when requested.1,2 4. If your child requires supplements or special foods due to a medical condition, you will be responsible for providing them. 5. Any food brought into the centre must be labelled with the child’s name and refrigerated (if necessary). 6. Any food that is purchased for, or donated to the centre must be labelled with the name of the source of the food, include a list of ingredients and any special preparation, storage or serving instructions.3 7. Staff and care providers are responsive to children’s cues around hunger and provide snacks and meals outside of the regular schedule as required. Children are not forced to finish food that has been served. 1 Section 3.0 of the Food and Nutrition Manual for Regulated Child Care Centres. Nova Scotia Provincial Breastfeeding Policy 3 Standard 6 of the Food and Nutrition Manual for Regulated Child Care Centres. 2 Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 21 Behaviour Guidance Policy Date Effective: January, 2005 Responsibility of: Admissions Committee Date of Next Review: June, 2014 1. Purpose of the policy is to help each child develop self-control and self-confidence so that s/he will have the ability to act appropriately in any given situation. 2. Parents will review the Behaviour Guidance Policy at the time of enrollment. 3. Staff will assist your child to replace unacceptable behaviours with an acceptable alternative. 4. Reasonable approaches to discipline for children at Wee Care shall be in place and include: a. Setting limits b. Offering lots of positive reinforcement c. Setting standards of behaviour d. Providing explanations e. Providing choices f. Being firm but flexible g. Anticipating the child’s needs h. Recognizing child differences in age, temperament and experience i. Ignoring where appropriate j. Distracting and removing the child from the situation 5. No staff/volunteer shall ever permit: a. Corporal punishment including but not limited to the following: i. Striking a child directly or with any physical objects ii. Shaking, shoving, spanking or other forms of aggressive physical contact iii. Required or forcing a child to repeat physical movements b. Harsh, humiliating, belittling or degrading responses of any form including verbal, emotional or physical. For example, saying “You don’t know how to listen” or putting a child in the corner. c. Placing a child in isolation. d. Deprivation of basic needs including food, shelter, clothing or bedding. That is, withholding meals, snacks, dessert or taking a child’s blanket away at naptime. 6. Special behaviour management techniques may be used in consultation with the family and staff under professional supervision. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 22 7. Under certain circumstances, the staff may use physical contact to guide behaviour such as holding a child who is in danger of injuring himself or others. 8. When a child’s inappropriate behaviour becomes a concern staff and parents will meet together to develop a consistent behaviour management plan. 9. It is expected that all adults (staff, parents, guardians, volunteers) will refrain from the use of foul language and physical discipline while in the Centre. Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 23 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (Copy and place in child`s file when complete) I / We, parent(s) of ___________________________________ have read and understand the policies, procedures and practices of Wee Care Centre. I/We have had the opportunity to ask questions and have received satisfactory answers. I/We am/are aware that I/we can approach the staff or Executive Director at any time if I/we have questions or concerns. I / We have read and understand the following Wee Care Centre policies: Policy Signature Orientation to Wee Care Fee Structure Hours of Operation Arrival and Departure Illness/Sick Days Medication Administration Management of Emergencies Nutrition/Food Safety Behaviour Guidance ________________________________________ For Wee Care Centre Parent Information & Policy Manual ___________________ Date Page 24 CHECKLIST (Copy and place in child`s file when complete) Item Staff Initials Orientation Dates $10 pass card deposit Contact Information complete Additional forms completed Special Needs OFFICE USE ONLY 12 post-dated cheques Medication Other (explain) Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 25 Wee Care Centre The Bridget R. (Delia) Edwards Memorial Building 5217 Young Street Halifax, NS B3K 6A6 902-455-1081 [email protected] www.weecareforkids.com Parent Information & Policy Manual Page 26
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