Wellington Preschool Centre

Information Policies & Procedures

PARENT / GUARDIAN

INFORMATION

PACKAGE

London, ON   N6C4P4

Ph: 519-850-KIDS (5437)

Fax: 519-850-5438

Email: preschool@sympatico.ca

Dear Parent,

Welcome to the Wellington Preschool Centre.  We are very pleased you have taken the time to consider us for the centre to care for your children.

We hope this package of information provides you with all the answers to your questions and gives you comfort and confidence in placing your child in our care.

Our Centre atmosphere is very informal and relaxed.  Our teachers are warm, nurturing individuals who will encourage your child to learn in a fun and creative way.  As the first day can be a stressful one for both you and your child, we encourage you to stay as long as you can to help with the adjustment.  Our teachers are here to help and we will do what we can to make the transition a smooth one.

Our Centre is designed for children between the ages of 16 months to age 5.   Our enthusiastic teachers will provide your child with a safe and positive learning environment that you would only expect for your child.

We appreciate the opportunity to educate your child and we look forward to getting to know you and your family.

Yours truly,

Preschool Centre

Owner/Director of Operations – Mary Pabstel

Program Director – Michelle Hanner

Table of Contents

Section A:  INTRODUCTION

• Program Philosophy
• Hours of Operation
• Staff to Child Ratios
• Daily Schedule
• Process for moving to the next group

Section B:   ENROLLMENT

• Volunteering
• Waiting List
• Admission & Discharge
• Arrival, Departures & Releasing Children
• Emergency Contacts
• Immunizations
• Parent-Teacher Communication
• Clothing
• What you need to bring

Section C: CENTRE POLICIES

• Serious Occurrences / Accidents
• Child Abuse & Neglect
• Medication
• Sunscreen
• Illness
• Health Practices & Personal Hygiene
• Rest Time
• Guiding Children’s behaviour

Section D: Fee & Payment Policy

• Registration Fee
• Tuition Fees
• School Age Children (Ages 4 & 5, attending JK or SK)
• Late Pick up Fees
• Statutory Holidays
• Daycare Subsidy

Section E:   General Information

• Food / Menu
• Lost & Found
• Birthdays
• Fire Drills
• Emergency Closure Policy
• Family Participation / Events

SECTION A:         INTRODUCTION

Program Philosophy

We are here to provide excellent quality care to children and provide the reassurance for parents that the care they wish for their children, they are receiving.  We intend to achieve this by providing a healthy, stimulating and safe environment each and everyday.

Our program provides children with positive “hands on” activity based experiences that are developmentally age appropriate.  We are here to support and assist the children’s physical, emotional, social, intellectual well-being and development as well as support the family in its child rearing role.

We view today’s children as our future.  We believe that every young child is a precious individual who requires the guidance to nurture their own individual growing needs.  Fun and learning are parallel - when children enjoy their day, they grow and learn naturally.

Our Qualified Early Childhood Educators and Assistants will be providing a variety of stimulating activities through play.

Hours of Operation

Our facility is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 5:30pm.  We are closed for all statutory holidays and for Professional Development days (see Section D – Statutory Holiday).

Staff & Child Ratios

Our staff consists of the Director of Operations, Program Director, Teachers, Teachers Assistants and a cook.  Our Supervisor has an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma and years of experience in a daycare facility.  All of our Teachers also have their Early Childhood Education Diploma.  There is always a qualified Teacher in each classroom who oversees the operation of our program.

Staff to Child ratios and room capacity is as follows:

1:5 for 16 months to 2 ½ yrs, capacity for 15 Toddlers

1:8 for 2 ½ and 5 yrs (Jr. & Sr. Preschool rooms), capacity for 16 per room

Daily Schedule

Throughout the day the children will be involved in a variety of fun activities including indoor and outdoor play (outdoor for up to 2 hrs, weather permitting).  We also do large and small group activities which incorporate creative time, active time, story times and quiet times.  There will also be a morning & afternoon snack and a hot lunch, washroom breaks and naptime to help round out your child’s day.

Process for moving Child to the next group

As Children are approaching the age level to move to the next group, we will start gradually throughout the day introducing them to the new room routine.  They will officially move when a spot becomes available. 

SECTION B:         ENROLLMENT

Volunteering

Parents are welcome to volunteer at our Centre.  Whether it is to assist a child in the transition, prepare meals / snacks, yard duty or field trips.  Your time is appreciated.

Please discuss with the Supervisor of the times that you may be interested in so that we can fit it into the daily routine.  An updated Criminal Reference check and updated Immunization Records are required prior to helping in the classrooms.

Waiting List

Should our child care rooms become full, we will accept names on a waiting list.  Any family who is enrolled part-time will have the first opportunity to take a full-time space prior to any new enrollment.  All new enrollments will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

Admission & Discharge

A one time non-refundable Registration fee of $50.00 is required, which holds your spot until your requested start date along with the processing of the necessary documents.  Please be advised that full-time spots are given priority.  There are limited spaces allocated for part-time care. 

A written notice for a permanent withdrawal must be given three weeks in advance.  If notice is not received, full program fees will be charged.  A permanent space cannot be guaranteed if you wish to withdraw your child temporarily.  Therefore, your child will be placed on a waiting list if necessary.

Arrival, Departures and Releasing of Children

When dropping your child off in the morning, please be sure that outerwear is removed and placed on the child’s hook / cubby.  Accompany your child to the classroom and be sure to advise the teacher you have arrived.  Signing in and out each day is an important and necessary part of the daily routine. 

It is our jobs to ensure that the children are in a safe environment at all times.  Our policy for everyone’s protection is to ensure that the centre is called and notified if anyone other than the parent will be picking up the child.   ID must be shown before the child can be released.  Parents will be required to provide ID until we become familiar to you and your child.

If you cannot pick up your child by closing time, we ask that you make alternate arrangements and notify the centre immediately.  Please note late fee charges under “FEES” section.

** We also ask that you take your child’s artwork home daily.  It doesn’t take long to pile up and the children work hard to create things for you.

Emergency Contacts

Please ensure that we are informed if the emergency contacts you have provided with the registration documents have changed.  Should a situation arise that your child becomes ill and we cannot reach you, we must be able to call upon your emergency contacts.

Immunization

As required by the Day Nurseries Act, all children must have current immunizations before attending a licensed childcare facility.  A current copy of the child’s record of immunization must be kept on file in the centre, so please be sure to let us know whenever your child receives any new immunizations.  If the child has not been immunized a letter from the parents with the reason why must be kept in the child’s file. 

Parent-Teacher Communication

Your child’s teacher is available on an informal basis to discuss anything that may come up concerning your child.  However, if at any time you may feel a more formal discussion is required, we will be happy to set up an appointment convenient for you and the teacher free of distractions.  Throughout the year, we will be providing report cards to show you the progress your child is making.

Clothing

All clothing should be marked with your child’s name.  As indicated in the “What to bring” section, sufficient spare clothes should be provided for toileting accidents.  All of our activities are designed for enjoyment and learning, sometimes your child may get messy, please be sure to dress your child in comfortable and washable clothing that can be easily fastened and unfastened.  All children will be spending time outdoors (weather permitting) and MUST have the appropriate outerwear.  This includes rubber boots for spring and fall and warm snow boots and suits for winter.  We recommend that all children have 2 pairs of mittens and 2 hats as they do not always have time to dry between outdoor activities.

What you need to bring

Once you have registered your child with us, please take a few minutes to ensure that you have provided everything your child will need.  Please remember to return all enrollment forms and provided start up fees.  Once you have provided the initial items, the teachers will advise you of what may be running low and required.  We have compiled a list to assist you.  Please leave personal toys at home (besides a sleeping toy); we have plenty for the children to play with.  Please label your children’s items so that they can be returned if misplaced.

                        Diapers, Wipes, any creams or powders (if necessary)

                        A blanket and or toy for rest period

                        2 complete change of clothes (4 if toilet training)

                        Indoor shoes / slippers and socks

                        Appropriate outerwear for the weather

                        Any special instructions for the teacher

Toddler Room

We offer a Toddler room for children as young as 16 months to 2 ½ yrs.  Once your child turns 2 ½ they will graduate into the Jr. Preschool room as spaces become.

Jr. Preschool / Sr. Preschool Rooms

We offer both a Jr. Preschool Room and a Sr. Preschool Room. 

If your child is enrolled in JK/SK, we request that you find out what your school program (i.e. rotation schedule) is prior to registering your child with us.  We will do our best to accommodate your school schedule.

Our Sr. Preschool room program offers the tools to assist children with a smooth transition to school; whether this is JK/SK or Grade 1. 

For those children who are currently enrolled in JK/SK, we book school holidays on a first come, first serve basis as spaces are limited. 

** Please note that all Sr. Preschool part-time enrollments (ie: attending school) are still required to pay for all holidays listed in Section D under Statutory holidays **

SECTION C:         CENTRES POLICIES

Serious Occurrences / Accidents

Our ECE Teachers have current certification in Standard First Aid and CPR.  They are all able to deal with minor accidents that occur during a child’s busy day.  Should one occur, the staff involved will fill out and accident report for you that gives you the details of what happened.  Should any incident be more serious, we will make every effort to contact you or your emergency numbers.  If we are unable to reach someone, we will act on the child’s best interest which may mean calling an ambulance in which the child would be taken to the Children’s Hospital.  Any expenses incurred are the responsibility of the parent.

Suspected Child Abuse Policy

Child abuse is a serious occurrence by definition of the Day Nurseries Act.  It is the legal responsibility of every person including parents, volunteers and all staff who have contact with a child in a childcare centre to report the suspicion of child abuse to the Children’s Aid Society.  Persons failing to report the suspicion of child abuse are subject to legal action and a fine, if convicted.

Medication

If your child has medication prescribed by a physician, the child should remain at home for at least 24 hours after the start of the medication in case of allergic or adverse reaction.  When the child returns to daycare, please ensure that the medication remains in its original container with the name and the dosage clearly marked.  All medications must be logged in, on an authorization form by the parent or guardian before we can administer.  Please note that we do not administer over the counter medication unless prescribed by a physician. 

Sunscreen

During the warmer months (between April & October) please ensure to provide sunscreen for your child.  We do offer a sunscreen program, please ask the director for more information.

All children should be protected from the harmful ultra violet rays.  Please also ensure a sun hat is present at the centre daily.

Illness

Although we attempt to minimize the occurrence of illness through the use of disinfectant, from time to time children become ill.  Your child should not be sent to daycare if at any time you feel they cannot participate in our program activities. We ask you not to bring your child to the Centre if she/he has:

• An elevated temperature of 101F / 40 C or greater
• Vomited within a 24 hrs period
• Diarrhea (3 consecutive loose bowels) within 24 hrs
• Eyes/ears that have any kind of discharge
• Visible rashes that have not been diagnosed by a physician
• Any communicable disease
• Bronchitis or pneumonia

Should your child become ill while at the centre.  We will contact you immediately.  If the child develops a fever of 101 F (38 C), the child will be separated from the group and watched over the next ½ hour for further signs.  If none appear they will be returned to the group.  Should further signs appear, they will remain separated from the group and you will be called to pick up the child within the hour. 

Diarrhea is highly infectious to both staff and children.  Should a child have two cases of diarrhea (or soft stools) in one day, the parent will be contacted to pick up the child and keep home for 24 hours or until they have two normal stools.  

The child may return to the centre after 24 hours has passed if no further signs are present. 

Any child that will be sick and away from the centre for any length of time, we require a phone call / message indicating absenteeism and expect date of return.

Rest Period

It is a requirement that all children under the age of 4 and attending a licensed child care centre receive a rest period each day.  It is not necessary that the child sleeps, but they are encouraged to rest quietly on their beds during the designated time.  After one hour, for those children who do not wish to sleep will be provided with quite activities until all children are awake. 

Our Sr. Preschool room does not incorporate naps into the program.  We do however offer quiet and relaxing activities following lunch for approximately 2 hrs.  Any child in our Sr. Preschool room will be required to sign a permission slip for “No Naps” unless otherwise indicated.  Should your child still require a nap, we will join them with the Jr. Preschool room during nap time.

Guiding Children’s Behaviour & Discipline

Guiding Children

• The philosophy of behaviour management is to guide the children in a positive non-threatening way.
• Each child is to play and interact in a socially acceptable manner.
• Expectations for classroom behaviour are clearly stated and gently reinforced.
• When the child's safety or that of another is threatened the situation is discussed and proper conduct stated.
• If the situation occurs again, a time away from the other children is required.

Discipline

• When a situation requires a time away from the other children the teacher will interact with the child.
• The teacher will seek all information surrounding the incident.
• The teacher will explain to the child the reason for interaction.
• The teacher will have the child sit out of the group activity but close enough for observation.
• The child will be encouraged to rejoin the activity when appropriate behaviour is possible.
• Parents will be advised when a problem arises.
• Solutions will be sought through parent and teacher cooperation.

SECTION D:         FEE AND PAYMENT POLICIES

Registration Fee

We recommend parents to call ahead and set a convenient time to tour the facility as well as discuss the registration needs. There are many forms necessary to be completed prior to registering your child, along with essential documents (ie: health card, immunization records, etc...).  A deposit of $100.00 is required at the time of registration.  This consists of a one time non-refundable Registration fee of $50.00 and $50.00 towards your first monthly invoice.  This deposit holds your spot until your requested start date along with the processing of the necessary documents. 

Tuition Fees

Daycare fees are due in advance on the 1^st of the month.  If the account remains outstanding past the 1^st of the month a 2% charge is applied to the outstanding balance.  For any account that remains outstanding past the 15^th an additional 2% (total 4%) will be applied.

Payments can be made via Cheque, Visa, M/C, Debit or Cash.   All payments are to be made directly to Michelle, Jeff, Rachel or Mary.  If you wish for a payment receipt, please bring your copy of the invoice so that we may stamp and date, otherwise official receipts are provided at the end of the year.

Please note that if a family has two or more children at the centre, there will be a 10% discount applied off the oldest child fees (this does not apply to parents using subsidy).

Full Time spaces, 5 days a week take priority over any Part-time spaces.  There are limited spaces for Part-time.  Part-time is minimum of 2 days and we would prefer full days over ½ days.                  

                                                                                                                        Per day

Toddler Full Days (P/T or F/T)               16 months to 2 ½ years            $39.00

Toddler Half Days                                                                                          $30.00

Preschooler Full Days (P/T or F/T)             2 ½ years to 5 years            $36.00

Preschooler Half Days                                                                                  $27.00

If an overpayment is made, this will be applied to your next month’s bill.

Our facility reserves the right not to admit your child if fees are not paid up to date.

Please note that an administration fee of $35.00 is charged for each NSF cheque.

Annual tax receipt will be provided at the end of January.  Fee increased will be reviewed in November with notice given to start in January.

Late Pick-up Fees

A grace period of 10 minutes is permitted.  At 5:40pm a $10.00 fee applies and then $1.00 for every minute thereafter.  Late fees charges will be placed on your next bill. 

Please note that our clock is the clock we go by to mark arrival and departure times.  To ensure fairness to our parents a grace period has been applied.

Statutory Holidays / Professional Development Days

The Centre will be closed for the following statutory holidays in which payment must still be made for these days.

New Year’s Day         Victoria Day                           Thanksgiving

Family Day                  Canada Day                          Christmas Day

Good Friday                Labour Day                            Boxing Day

The Centre provides Personal Development workshops throughout the year for the Child care staff.  The centre will be closed on Easter Monday & Civic Holiday for Professional Development training.  For these days payment will also required.

Please be advised that we do not offer refunds for days missed.   We do not offer vacation days, however if you require specific holiday time away from the Centre (ie: March Break, Christmas break or weeks during the summer months) we would require 50% (non-refundable for a minimum of 5 consecutive days) off the regular fee to keep your spot for your return.

Daycare Subsidy

If you require Child care Subsidy, we have forms available on-site, however you will need to contact the Child Care Services Branch at 151 Dundas St. 4^th floor between 8:30-4:30pm for more information   Ph# 519-661-4834, Fax# 519-661-5821,

E-mail: childcare@city.london.on.ca

SECTION E:         GENERAL INFORMATION

Food / Menu

We provide two nutritional snacks daily (morning & afternoon) as well as a nutritional lunch everyday.  These meals are based on both the Canada ’s Food Guide and the Day Nurseries Act.  The menu rotates on a 4 week schedule and will be posted on our boards.  Please be advised that we are a NUT-FREE facility, which means that we do not serve any nut products or food items that may contain nuts or nut oil.  In the event that your child has an allergy to a specific food, please ensure to advise us immediately as well as provide a substitution (i.e. Lactaid instead of milk).  Please be sure you have labeled all food and containers with your child’s name.  If you wish to obtain a copy of the menu, please request one

Lost & Found

From time to time, children leave items behind that are not labeled to be properly returned.

As these items appear without a home, they will be designated to a labeled box near the front door.  Please check this area periodically for your children’s lost belongings.  A few times a year, this will be cleaned out and donated.  We will advise you prior to this event.

Birthdays

We have monthly birthday celebrations within the centre by offering a homemade cake or cupcakes for the children and staff.  Due to allergies within the centre, please do not bring items in from home.  We appreciate if you would leave these items for when your child returns home.

Fire Drills

Fire Drills are carried out once a month to ensure that in the case of a real emergency, all staff and children are prepared and can evacuate the building safely.  There are evacuation plans posted near exits within the centre.

First Aid / CPR

Our staff are certified with their CPR and First Aid.

Emergency Closure Policy

Should there be a reason not to open the centre (ie: snow storm, property damage, etc...) we will notify all families as soon as possible along with an expected return date, so that you may be able to find alternate arrangements.

Should a similar reason occur that would require the centre to close during regular business hours, we will use our contact information to notify you immediately.

Family Participation / Events

Parents are invited to visit the centre during open houses and parents nights.  Families are encouraged to participate in special events throughout the year.  Please watch for upcoming events in the newsletter and on the bulletin boards.

Confidentiality

Information that is disclosed to the Centre regarding children and families is considered confidential.  Any requests for information on specific individuals are to be referred to the Supervisor or Owner.  The Centre may release information regarding a child or his/her family, without parental consent, to officials of:  a) The Courts (following a warrant or a court order); b) the office of the Ombudsman; c) the ministry of Community and Social Services, and d) the Children’s Aid Society.

Thank You for Choosing

                                                                 Wellington Preschool Centre!!

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