Dear Parents:
The Director and Staff welcome your child and family to our Centre. We look forward to having a pleasant association with you. We have prepared this handbook so that you will know what you can expect from us and what we will expect of you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Thank you,
Karen Tabone, B.A. H.Dip.Ed.E.C.E.C Director
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PDF File of the HandBook
1. Our Program Statement:
Our centre acknowledges that the parents are the primary caregivers of their children. Keeping this in mind we strive to support all parents in our capacity as Early Childhood Educators. We are committed to supporting a healthy, high quality environment for the children in our community. (Top of Page)
2. Our Philosophy:
Our program is developed through careful observation, conversation and reflection, and our curriculum is developed in collaboration with the children, it emerges from their interests. The teachers provide guidance and meaningful learning opportunities that emerge from the interests, curiosities and developing skill levels of the children. Child initiated and teacher supported play is an important component of our program. We encourage open communication amongst parents, teachers and management to ensure a full and successful program for all children. We believe that all children should be treated with equality and respect, and their cultural diversity embraced and acknowledged. We strive to help each child reach their full potential. (Top of Page)
3. Our History:
Heritage Green Child Care Inc. is a Non-Profit Daycare, which commenced operation on November 10, 1993. We opened with only six children and three staff, but within one year, were filled to capacity. We acquired a Purchase of Service Agreement with The City of Hamilton, and Norfolk County and began what was to become an excellent relationship with ECISS (Early Childhood Integration support services). In 2006, we added a second centre at 349 Isaac Brock, where we opened a School Age Program with a licensed capacity of 37 children. We currently service Mount Albion elementary school and St. James the Apostle elementary school. Our current capacity for both centres is 79 children ages 16 months to 12 years. (Top of Page)
4. Our Governance:
Heritage Green Child Care Inc is governed by Board Members who control its’ operation under Regulations required by law set forth by the Consumer and Corporate Affairs Branch of the government as well as the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Other agencies that govern our operation as well are the Regional Health Board and the Municipal Fire Department. These regulations as well as a Ministry approved Operations Manual and Board Members Manual is the framework used by the Board to operate the Centre. Under the Board Members are the Director and Assistant Supervisor as well as the remaining program staff and support staff.
The Board is required by law to have a specific composition and specific positions to be filled. They must also have internal By-laws, which are used to govern it. These By-Laws must be approved, and consist of responsibilities of members, parliamentary procedures and election procedures. There are currently four executive members on the Board who fill the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. There is also a requirement to have one third parent user on content on the Board; we currently have 6 advisors who serve on the Board.
It is the responsibility of the Board to ensure regular planning is carried out, all legal requirements are met, fair personnel policies for the staff are established and maintained, financial viability of the Centre is followed, ensure that quality child care and education compliments the parent’s child rearing responsibilities, carry out annual board and program evaluations, make informed decisions and maintain an overview of the Centre’s operation on behalf of the general membership.
The parents of the children enrolled in the Centre play a key role in its operation. They are responsible for the nomination and election of the Board and the evaluation of the Program and the Board. Parents are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting in January for the purpose of electing a new Board. Approximately two months prior to these meetings, nomination forms are distributed to the parents. These are to be returned to the Director no later than two weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting, to allow the Board to contact the nominees. Current Board Members, who are interested in serving another term, shall post their intentions for the parents to see. At the Annual General Meeting, a new Board is elected for a one year term.
Parent complaints and concerns are best handled by communicating them to the Program Staff, Director or Assistant Supervisor. If there is no satisfactory resolution, parents should feel free to approach any Board Member. All issues are to be dealt with at monthly Board meetings unless the situation dictates immediate action. Under these circumstances, Board Members may decide to call a special meeting to deal with it.
We hope this explanation of our operation has been informative and helps you better understand what we do as the Board Members of Heritage Green Child Care Inc.
(Top of Page)
5. Our Curriculum:
The curriculum approach at HGCC supports the core principles of Ontario’s Early Learning Framework as described in the Early Learning for Every Child Today (January 2007). Play-based learning activities are planned and facilitated by Early Childhood Educators to support a continuum of development across the five domains.
Individual and group experiences are documented by a variety of methods such as photographs and descriptive anecdotes. Providing opportunities to identify the skills which are emerging and/or have been further developed through play experience.
The observations subsequently inform further planning to enrich and extend upon children’s development. This curriculum approach supports overall healthy child development and the realm of essential skills which are fundamental to lifelong learning and success. The principles of Ontario’s Early Learning Framework are consistent with the science of human development which has informed the development of the Ministry of Education’s Early Years Curriculum. Cognitive, physical, emotional, language and social development as well as independence is fostered in an environment that is set up to include a variety of developmentally appropriate and accessible materials that encourage learning through play. (Top of Page)
6. Our Staff:
Our staff are registered Early Childhood Educators. Some of our staff also hold university degrees and/or additional diplomas. Our staff are well trained and attend numerous professional development workshops/seminars throughout the year. They are dedicated and committed to providing your child with the best care and education and support each family in their role. (Top of Page)
7. Our Program:
Our caregivers and educators are sensitive, supportive and interested observers, using these observations as an ongoing process, so that children can be given the opportunities to succeed at their own level of development.
Play is the way children make sense of their world and is the natural way to learn. Play is self initiated, spontaneous, a way of finding out about people, a way of learning to interact with people, a means of thinking, a means of developing and practicing skills, an opportunity for children to use their curiosity to explore, experiment, and test ideas, and to aid in developing concentration, a way of nurturing creativity and a means of self expression.
We strive to provide an environment which contains materials that are stimulating, challenging, changing, varied, familiar and loved. We provide an environment that encourages different kinds of play, such as construction, role playing, movement, problem solving, discovering, communicating, creating, imaging, reading, writing, and using numbers, space and measurement. (Top of Page)
8. Our Toddler Program:
Our toddler room has a 5:1 ratio with a consistent Early Childhood Educator, as their primary caregiver.
- Things to bring:
- A blanket and cuddly toy for nap time
- Diapers (4-6 a day)
- Pictures of your family for our family board
- Two changes of clothes, including pants, t-shirt, socks
- Shoes or slippers, with rubber non slip soles to wear inside
- Clothes for outside....boots and rain coats for rainy days....warm boots, snow pants, scarf and extra mittens for snowy days
- Sunscreen (provided by you the parent) and hat for sunny days
(May 1st to October 1st) (Top of Page)
Typical day for a toddler:
- 8:15 am: toddler room opens and the children meet up with their friends to explore the activities in the room
- 8:45: Snack time, and talk about the day
- 9:00 to 11:00am: Outdoor time, stories, songs, water play, sensory play, creatives
- 11:00: Prepare for lunch time
- 11.20am: Lunch time and time for great conversations!
- 12:00pm: Children put their dishes away, wash their hands and face and get ready for naptime.
- 12:00 to 2:00pm: Nap time
- 2:00pm: As the children wake up they begin activities set up in the room. Once everyone is awake, some children will experience creatives, sensory play, play dough etc.
- 3:00pm: Snack time and get ready for outdoor play.
- 4:00pm: We come back inside and play in all the different areas.
- 6:00pm: We are closed until tomorrow.
Please check your child’s daily logbook posted outside the toddler classroom. This will give you information about what they ate at lunch, their naptime and their bathroom routine for the day. Also check the message board on a daily basis; this is located inside the toddler room. We ask that you refrain from bring backpacks or diaper bags as there is limited space in the cubby area. A change of clothes and personal items will be stored in a basket in their cubby. (Top of Page)
9. Our Preschool Program:
Our toddler room has a 8:1 ratio with a consistent Early Childhood Educator, as their primary caregiver.
- Things to bring:
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Pictures of your family to add to our family board |
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Two changes of clothes put in a clear zippered freezer bag, labelled with your child’s name |
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Extra underwear during toilet training |
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Diapers for those not yet potty trained (4 to 6 a day) |
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Shoes or non slip slippers to wear inside |
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Clothes for rainy days, snowy days and sunny days! |
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Sunscreen (provided by you the parent) |
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Please do not bring a large backpack as there is limited room in the cubby area. We will store the change of clothes for you. If your child requires a sleep blanket or sleep toy, please chose one that can remain at the centre, we will store it and launder it as required. (Top of Page) |
A Typical Day for a Preschooler:
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7am to 8:45am: Breakfast is served, children meet up with their teacher and friends and can explore the classroom. Junior and Senior preschool children will go to their own rooms at 8.15am. 9am to 11:00am: Children will explore outdoor play, creative time, circle time, water play, play dough, dramatic play, stories, block play, music, puzzles, puppetry, project work and science.
- 11:30am: Lunchtime and great conversations
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12:15pm to 2:15pm: Nap time for some, rest time for others. Activities are set up for children as they wake up followed by snack and outdoor play until 4pm.
- 4:00 to 6:00pm: Free play and activities, child led and teacher facilitated
- 6:00pm: Centre is closed
Please check your child’s daily log posted in their classroom. This will give you information about what they ate at lunch and their naptime. (Top of Page)
10. Children’s Personal Belongings
Starting in new surroundings is often quite frightening for a young child. Sometimes a familiar object or toy from home is soothing. We encourage the children to bring something from home. Please ensure any items are labeled with the child’s name. Please do not send in any violent toys. Also do not send in too many items as these can be easily misplaced. Please ensure that all belongings are removed from your child’s cubby every Friday afternoon as the Centre can not be responsible for lost items over the weekend. (Top of Page)
11. Development Reports
Your child will receive an annual report outlining the skills they have acquired during the year. This report will include dates and skills acquired and photographs and anecdotes portraying the skills they have achieved. Any concerns relating to your child’s development will be discussed with you on an ongoing basis. (Top of Page)
12. Our School Age Program:
Our school age program is located at 349 Isaac Brock Drive. It operates from 6:45 am to 5:45 pm. This centre serves Mount Albion and St. James the Apostle Schools. We accept children from JK to grade 6. We offer before and after school, PD days, Christmas, March and Summer Camps. (Top of Page)
13. Registration
The Director or assistant supervisor will conduct a tour of the Centre, which will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes, with you and your child. You and your child will see all the rooms and meet the teachers and children of his/her prospective room. A visit to the Centre with your child is mandatory before he/she can be enrolled.
A child cannot be admitted to the Centre without the completion of the appropriate forms. These include personal information about your child, health records, emergency and medical information, and any permission forms. All forms should be given to the Director or Assistant Supervisor prior to your child’s first day. (Top of Page)
14. Parent Agreement
All parents are required to sign an agreement with Heritage Green Child Care Inc. prior to the child attending the Centre. The form is to protect both the parent and the Centre’s interests. For some new parents, there are many questions about the Centre that can only be answered once the child is enrolled. If they are unsure as to whether or not childcare is for them, they may pay for only two weeks instead of a full month’s fees.
In the case where a special needs child is to enroll in the Centre, a six week trial period is used to assess the child’s compatibility with the program and to determine the Centre’s ability to provide the necessary services to the child. This agreement will be re-evaluated every 6 months. If for some reason the agreement is not working the parents will be given two weeks written notice. (Top of Page)
15. Child Care Fees
Daycare fees paid by the parent must be received by the first of each month. Cheques are to be made out to Heritage Green Child Care Inc. There is a non-refundable $25.00 registration fee, payable to the centre upon receiving your child’s application forms. There is a $25.00 charge for all NSF Cheques. After three NSF cheques, payment will only be accepted in cash or in the form of a certified cheque, or money order. If paying weekly or bi-weekly please put your post-dated cheques in the fee envelope outside of the office. Please mark the dates you are paying for, clearly on the front of your cheque or the envelope. Cheque or money order is preferred but cash will be accepted. Please put the correct amount in an envelope and clearly mark your name and the amount on the front of the envelope. Please make sure you receive a receipt for the money at the time you give it to a staff member. Please remember that payment is expected before service. If payment is not received, your service might be suspended. However, we do realize that financial difficulties do arise, should this happen please discuss payment options with Karen. All conversations will be kept confidential.
Subsidized parents will need to fill out absent forms before the 25th of each month or the day care is obliged to charge you for that day.
We require two weeks notice from the parent in writing if you plan to withdraw your child from the Centre. Fees must be paid up to and including your child’s last day, prior to withdrawal.
The centre closes when both school boards close due to a snow storm.
Regular fees are charged for the days your child is sick, for statutory holidays and winter storm closures. (Top of Page)
16. Winter Closures due to weather will be announced on local AM & FM stations, please listen to 102.9 K-LITE FM and Y95. You may also call the Centre and listen to the voice mail, which will inform you of a closure. Should weather conditions worsen during the day, making it unsafe for the children and staff to be at the Centre, parents will be notified by phone of an early closure. Please do not endanger your life or that of your child to bring them to the Centre during extreme weather conditions. (Top of Page)
* For current fees see attached schedule
Fees increase the 1st of September each year.
17. JK/SK Children:
Parents are required to pay for a minimum of 2 days per week, if your child attends school on alternate days, you will be required to pay for that alternating day that your child is attending school. e.g. If you child attends school Monday, Wednesday and alternating Fridays, you will be charged daycare fees for every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or 3 days per week. (Top of Page)
18. Hours of Operation:
We are open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Statutory Holidays and weekends.
(Top of Page)
19. Statutory Holidays include:
New Year’s Day, Family Day Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day. Please note the daycare closes at 1:00pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. This time may change; notice will be given in advance. (Top of Page)
20. Early/Late Fees
Early/late fee charges will apply before 7:00am and after 6:00pm and for children who are in the Centre for more than ten hours a day on a continual basis. The fee will be $15.00 for every 15 minutes or part thereof per child. The Centre closes promptly at 6:00pm, please ensure that your child is picked up before 6:00pm. (Top of Page)
21. Vacations
We do not waive fees for vacation; full fees are expected all year, in order to hold your child’s spot. If you remove your child for the summer months, the centre cannot hold your child’s spot. However, the centre will give your child first priority as a returning client in September. (Top of Page)
22. Fundraising
The centre participates in approximately one fundraiser a year. This is entirely voluntary. All proceeds are used to buy new equipment for the children in the centre, the money does not offset wages or other expenses. We also e-mail an annual wish list to all parents, for those families that would like to make a donation of toys, materials, equipment, books, etc.
(Top of Page)
23. Drop off and Pick up
It is important for a child to follow a routine. As childcare teachers, we follow a day to day routine so that the transition to childcare is easier for your child. We ask that you try to establish pick up and drop off times and stay as close to these times as possible. This will allow your child to develop a routine. We must insist that you bring your child into the room and personally greet a staff member so that they are aware your child has arrived. The same applies for the evening. Please say goodnight so that we can mark your child off on the attendance and tell you about your child’s day. If your child is ill, or will be absent, please call the office before 9:30 am to let us know so we can plan our day. (Top of Page)
Please have your child wash their hands before entering the classroom.
24. Pick Up
Please make sure that if you cannot pick up your child, you inform your child’s teacher who will be picking them up. Please make sure:
- The person is familiar to your child
- Is on the authorized list to pick up your child
- Has and is willing to show a picture I.D.
- Is over the age of 16
- Has written consent if not on the authorized list or a phone call from a parent or guardian.
- Please do not email your request.
Please be advised that if one or all of these rules are not followed, your child will remain in the Centre until you are able to pick them up.
An intoxicated person (yourself included) will be denied access to pick up any child for safety reasons. Please make sure that the person designated to pick up your child has an appropriate car seat for your child. (Top of Page)
25. Parking
Parents are to park at the side of the building. Parking at the front of the building is reserved for staff only. Please drive slowly when entering the parking lot as there are children crossing from the front doors to their parent’s cars. (Top of Page)
26. Illness
General Information
Rooms have schedules and programs to follow. When your child is ill, please inform the Centre as soon as possible. If we know your child will not be attending on a certain day, then the program will not be held up. If a child is absent for 3 days or more, the centre will require a doctor’s note in order to return.
If your child is not well enough to participate in the routines and activities, or is unable to go outside on the playground, then your child should not attend on that day. Please remember how you feel if you are not well. Home in familiar surroundings is the best place to be.
A child with diarrhea, a fever of 100 degrees or more, or with unknown marks will not be admitted to the day care. If a child develops a fever, or has 3 or more bouts of diarrhea in a four-hour period, or develops unknown marks or spots, he or she will be sent home and a doctor’s note must accompany the child upon his/her return. A teacher has the right to refuse a child due to illness at her discretion. If you do not agree with the teacher, please feel free to approach the Director or assistant supervisor. Children with pink eye (conjunctivitis) will also be sent home but can return when they have been on the medication for 24 hours. (Top of Page)
Medication
All medications given to your child must be accompanied by a Medication Record, available outside the Director’s office. The Director cannot administer medication unless it is prescribed by a doctor and must be in the original container with the child’s name, time, dosage, name of medication and doctor clearly labeled.
No over the counter medication will be given (i.e. Tylenol, Advil, Motrin) unless it is accompanied by a doctor’s note. If this medication is administered, you will still be required to pick up your child. This will simply enable us to make your child more comfortable.
If there are any discrepancies with a prescription and/or the verbal instruction from the parent, the medication will not be administered.
Please be aware that this policy is administered by the Day Nursery Act, and the staff cannot disregard the Act for any reason. (Top of Page)
Head Lice Policy
If head lice are found in the Day Care, all parents will be notified. Even if your child does not have head lice at that time; we ask that over the next week you check your child at home on a daily basis. (Top of Page)
What to do!
If your child has head lice, you will be called and asked to take your child home and treat them immediately. All of your family should also be checked for head lice or live eggs. Once treated please check your child’s head before returning. If your child still has lice they will not be able to return until they have had a second treatment. Adult lice are about the size of the head of a pin. Their eggs are often found near the scalp and sometimes around the ears and back of the neck. Head lice hatch from dark fertile eggs, while the white eggs, more than half an inch from the scalp are empty shells. Using shampoos and combing to remove the nits (eggs) is very effective if done carefully. Never use these shampoos on an infant or pregnant woman. Also treating someone who does not show any signs is not recommended as is will not prevent them from getting lice, and will only delay the amount of time until they can have a second treatment. If you would like further information, you can call your Family Physician or your local Pharmacy. (Top of Page)
Immunization
Before commencement, all parents are required to fill in an immunization form.. A child may be excluded from the Centre if the immunization record is not received or kept current. For information on what immunizations are necessary, please contact your doctor or your local public health office. If you chose not to immunize your child, you will be given an exemption form to be completed and signed by a commissioner or notary public. (Top of Page)
Emergency Procedure
If your child requires immediate medical attention, an ECE staff or the Director (a full time employee of HGCC only) shall proceed to the nearest hospital by ambulance. A designated staff person will contact parents or emergency contact with detailed information regarding the situation. (Top of Page)
All staff are required to be trained in emergency First Aid and CPR and must maintain a current First Aid Certificate. Infant/child/adult CPR and Anaphylaxis training.
27. Photographs
Staff take photographs of all children for the purpose of the documentation of their development. If multiple children are in the photograph, your child’s photo maybe shared with the families of the other children in the picture. (Top of Page)
28. Lunch and Snacks
A menu will be posted near the entrance of each classroom and the kitchen. A menu will also accompany this handbook for your convenience. All children will receive equal portions of lunch, dessert and snacks. No child will be forced to eat food before receiving the next course.
Morning snack: 7:00am to 8:30am
Lunch: 11:30am to 12:15pm
Afternoon snack: 3:00pm
Food allergies will be posted in the kitchen and in the child’s room. Alternatives will be supplied for foods that cannot be eaten. To protect each child in our care, the Centre does not permit outside food or drink into the Centre. We also do not allow “treats” such as Halloween candy, valentine chocolates, or Birthday cakes. Your child will celebrate their Birthday with a small gift and crown from their teachers. You may donate a book to the centre in your child’s name if you wish, to celebrate their Birthday.
Our centre is nut and peanut free. (Top of Page)
29. Sleep time
All children will have a rest period between 12:15 and 2:15pm. Children will be encouraged to nap. If necessary, teachers may rub their backs, read stories or play soothing music. Blankets, pillows and soft toys are allowed at sleep time. Children will not be put down on their beds before 12:15pm and all children will be up by 2:15pm. No child will be made to lie on their bed for more than 1 hour after trying to sleep or having slept and awakened. After the one hour mark, quiet activities such as reading books, colouring or quiet toys will be introduced. Senior Preschool children may be given quiet activities on their beds after an initial rest period. Senior Preschool children may also bring in small electronic games or listening devices.
(Games must be rated E). HGCC is not responsible if these items are misplaced or broken. (Please put in a clear baggie and label with your child’s name) (Top of Page)
30. Child Management
Re-direction, Talking/Explaining and Time of Reflection are methods of management used when situations occur. We encourage the children to problem solve whenever possible as this helps to build their self-esteem. However; if a child is in danger of injury or damage to the surrounding area is apparent, then staff will intervene.
Redirection is a method of solving difficult situations. With the help of a staff member, a child is encouraged to leave the problem area and find a new interest. The child will be given two or three alternative choices. When all resources are exhausted, then a time of reflection will be used. (Top of Page)
Time Out is not used at our Centre.
In a situation where a child is aggressive towards other children or staff, the staff member may remove them from the area, in order to prevent injury. However, the staff member will remain with that child until they have calmed down. (Top of Page)
Tones and Mannerisms
Intervention will be in the form of praise, hugging, encouraging comments and reminders to the children of acceptable behaviour. (Top of Page)
Prohibited Practices
No staff, volunteer or student shall use corporal punishment, deliberate, harsh or degrading measures that would humiliate a child or undermine a child’s respect. Also, deprivation of a child’s basic needs including food, shelter, clothing or bedding will not be tolerated.
No person shall:
- Lock or permit to be locked, for the purpose of confining a child, the exits of the centre.
- Use a locked or lockable room, or structure, to confine a child who has been withdrawn from the other children
Any child that exhibits aggressive behaviour will be dealt with as written above. If the problem becomes more serious (i.e. throwing items, screaming excessively, biting) the parents will be notified immediately. If the behaviour is unpredictable and endangers the child, staff or other children in the centre, the Director will meet with the parents. The next action taken will be a communication book and a 30-day review of the child’s behaviour. If an agreement cannot be reached, the parents will be given a choice to remove the child from the Centre or to seek other avenues to assist the child. (Top of Page)
31. The role of parents for visiting and volunteering:
We would like all parents to feel free to stay, visit and observe the program. In doing this, we improve communication between parents and teachers. Please keep in mind that your child’s happiness is our main concern and if for any reason your visit is too disruptive to your child, other arrangements may have to be made in order for you to observe. (Top of Page)
32. Concerns and Complaints:
The Director and/or Assistant Supervisor will always be present to meet with the parents who have concerns about our Centre. Day to day concerns will be dealt with as quickly as possible or a meeting can be set up. (Top of Page)
33. Trips
Trips will be planned and posted on program plans. A letter will be sent out to all parents whose children are going on a trip. This must be signed and returned before your child is permitted to go on the trip. If you are not comfortable with your child attending a trip for any reason, other arrangements must be made for the care of your child that day. Walks around the neighbourhood are not considered trips, but instead, every day happenings of daily programming and therefore do not require written consent. The centre goes on one trip annually: Puddicombe’s Farm in October. Parent volunteers are welcome. (Top of Page)
34. Communication
Parents will receive all communication via email. Monthly class calendars, newsletters and monthly programming will be sent to the email address on your application form. Please notify the Director if your e-mail address changes. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a hard copy of any communication.
Heritage Green Child Care is a participant in Raising the Bar, a program designed to help families ensure their children are receiving high quality early learning and child care services. We have been awarded the gold level, the highest achievement, for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,2008, 2009and 2010. Please ask the Director for additional information.
(Top of Page)
A reminder to all parents and visitors that smoking or handling of cigarettes is not permitted in the child care centre, the playground or the parking lot.
I hope that this handbook outlines our policies and procedures for you. It is important to the staff of our Centre that you are clear on the information printed so that you and your child get the most out of this experience. Please note that any exception to the proceeding policies and procedures must be obtained by the Board of Directors.
Please be sure to read this booklet and sign the following consent forms. Remember, if you have any questions feel free to ask the staff. (Top of Page)
Welcome to our Centre.
Karen Tabone. B.A. H.Dip.Ed. R.ECE.,ECE.C Director
(Top of Page)
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