Centre Policies

Our teachers and supervisors adhere to the guidance strategies outlined in the booklet "Guiding Children's Behavior" (Ministry of Health Planning). This booklet supports the requirements of the Community Care Facility Act and Child Care Licensing Regulations.

Our Guidance Policy aims to:

• Promote self-discipline, self-control, and self-confidence in children.
• Develop social skills and problem-solving techniques through guidance rather than discipline or punishment.
• Provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where every child is treated with respect and dignity.

At Little Town Childcare, we value and respect each child as a unique individual. Our goal in guiding children's behavior is to ensure their safety and to assist them in developing self-confidence, self-esteem, self-control, self-discipline, and sensitivity in their interactions with others. Open communication with parents and guardians about any issues is essential, encouraged, and appreciated.

Guidance strategies we use include:

• Modeling positive behavior
• Stating clear, consistent, and simple limits
• Involving children in setting those limits
• Stating limits in a positive manner
• Having appropriate expectations for children according to their development
• Acknowledging children's feelings
• Respecting and reflecting children's feelings in appropriate ways
• Teaching problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Using redirection
• Providing appropriate choices
• Allowing children to experience natural and logical consequences
• Planning smooth transitions between activities

If a child has persistent behavioral problems, staff will use a variety of guidance strategies depending on the individual needs of the child. Families will be consulted if a consistent, systematic approach is needed. Extra support can be accessed for children with emotional and behavioral challenges if families and staff wish it.

Sign-In Requirement: Upon arrival, every child must change their outside shoes for indoor footwear, be brought to their assigned room, and be signed in. Contact with the teacher is required at this time.

Authorized Pick-Up: Teachers will not release a child to an unknown or unauthorized person unless informed by the parent over the phone. The person picking up the child must provide their first and last name, relationship to the child, and a photo ID. If the center has not been notified prior to pick-up time, the staff will not release the child until confirmation is received.

Intoxicated Parents: A child will not be released if the parent or adult appears intoxicated. The staff will offer to call another adult or a taxi. If the parent refuses assistance, the RCMP will be notified, and the incident will be documented. The Ministry of Children will be informed if child endangerment is suspected.

Late Pick-Up: Parents or caregivers who will be late must notify the facility and/or make alternative pick-up arrangements. It is illegal to leave a child past scheduled hours. A late fee of $2.00 per minute will be charged for pick-ups beyond scheduled hours. Time will be verified using a cell phone, and a "Late Pick-Up Form" must be completed. The fee must be paid by the end of the next attendance day.

Sign-Out Requirement: All children must be signed out when leaving the center. Parents must assess their child for any marks or injuries and inform the staff of any concerns before leaving.

Hours of Operation: Our center is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except statutory holidays.

Arrival Time: It is crucial for every child to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. to ensure full engagement in daily activities and minimize disruptions.

Late Notification: Parents must notify the center before 8:30 a.m. if they are running late.

Locked Doors: For security purposes, facility doors may be locked at 9:30 a.m.

Afternoon Access: Please text or call staff for pick-up between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to avoid interrupting lunch and nap time.

Center Closure: The Easter weekend is a 4-day weekend including Good Friday and Easter Monday. We are also closed for 2 weeks during the Christmas and New Year period. This is paid vacation, and full monthly fees still apply.

A daily schedule is posted at the center and includes specific times for meals, activities, toileting/diapering, nap time, and outdoor play.

Following the daily schedule is crucial for the smooth operation of the program and ensures that lesson plans are effectively incorporated into the daily routine. It helps maintain a structured environment and delivers a consistent, enriching experience for all children.

While the schedule provides a general framework, we are attentive to the individual needs of each child regarding food, sleep, and washroom routines. We make adjustments as needed while striving to balance individual care with the overall group schedule.

Nap Time: Nap time is from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Bedding: Bedding will be sent home for washing once a week, on Fridays, and must be returned to the center on Mondays. All bedding should be labeled and stored individually.

Non-Nappers: Children who do not nap will be asked to rest on their cots for 20 minutes. After this time, they will be provided with quiet activities.

Preparation for Kindergarten: Children transitioning to kindergarten will be phased out of the nap routine by June 30th to help them adjust before starting kindergarten in September. Quiet activities and, if possible, outdoor play will be offered instead.

We prioritize real-life interactions and hands-on experiences. As such, the use of computers, electronic games, or tablets is not permitted at our facility.

Pajama Day: Once a year, during Christmas time, we celebrate Pajama Day. Children will watch one movie on TV. This is the only time the TV will be used in the facility.

Educational Content: Teachers may occasionally suggest watching an educational movie or video as part of a lesson or during circle time. These videos will not exceed 30 minutes in length and require prior approval from the manager. Parents will be informed of any such plans through our monthly calendar.

Children suffering from communicable diseases or skin infections (such as ringworm, pink eye, or head lice) may not attend the center. A written clearance slip from a doctor is required on the day the child returns.

If a child's fever reaches 101°F, or if the child experiences unexplained diarrhea and/or vomiting while at the facility, the child must be sent home. The child may return to the center 48 hours after all symptoms have resolved.

The facility manager has the authority to determine if a child is medically unfit to be at the center. Parents will be notified and are expected to pick up the child as soon as possible.

Immunization: Immunization is not mandatory; however, licensing requires the center to have a record of all children's immunizations. Immunization is strongly recommended. If parents choose not to immunize their child, an Immunization Waiver must be submitted at registration.

Medication: Children with chronic health conditions must have a medical form completed by a parent or guardian. Parents of children requiring medication must fill out and sign a Medication Consent Form. Each time medication is administered by a teacher, the time, date, and dosage will be recorded. Prescription medication must be in the original container with clear directions from the doctor. Non-prescription medication must be accompanied by a doctor's note.

Due to potential allergic reactions and the risk of contagion, a child should remain away from the childcare setting for the first 24 hours of starting an antibiotic or other medication.

We are committed to promoting healthy eating habits.

Daily Requirements:

• Breakfast for children arriving before 8:30 a.m.
• 1 small snack
• 1 balanced lunch
• Water provided during snack/lunch times and throughout the day

Labeling and Containers: All food items must be labeled. Lunches and snacks should be ready to serve and in appropriate containers for reheating. Grapes should be cut into smaller pieces. The microwave will be used to heat up hot lunches provided by parents. Leftover food will be sent home in its container.

Prohibited Items: Chips, candy, chocolate, gum, sugary items, soda, and similar items are not permitted. For infants and toddlers: raw carrots and popcorn. Peanut/peanut products are not allowed.

Mealtime Routine: Teachers will sit with the children to model proper table manners and healthy eating. We encourage trying new healthy foods through our "share snack" initiative, where parents provide healthy items such as fruits, vegetables, and grains once a month.

Clothing: Ensure your child wears comfortable clothes suitable for a full day at the centre and for participating in various activities. Dress your child according to current weather conditions and provide extra clothing for changing weather. Muddy Buddies and rubber boots should remain at the facility so your child can play freely outside when it's wet while staying clean and dry indoors.

Confidentiality: We prioritize the safety and privacy of all families by maintaining strict confidentiality. Emergency information such as addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, private health details, and discussions between teachers and parents are kept secure. Information is only shared with written consent from all parties involved.

Earthquake Drills: During annual earthquake drills, children will practice the "Drop, Cover, and Hold" procedure. In the event of a real earthquake, we will assess structural damage and determine whether to evacuate or remain inside. If staying, we will wait for parents or emergency contacts. Our staff are First Aid certified and we have emergency food and water supplies on-site. If evacuating, children will be escorted to the nearest public school along with portable supplies.

Fire Drills: Fire drills are conducted monthly, typically at 10:30 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. All fire alarms are treated as real emergencies.

Power Outage: The facility's status during a power outage depends on the season, weather, and extent of the outage. We consider heat and ventilation, food storage, and emergency lighting (typically lasting six hours). In late fall, winter, and early spring, the facility will be closed for scheduled outages. If power goes out unexpectedly and is not restored within two hours, teachers will contact parents to pick up their children immediately.

Abuse Reporting: Early Childhood Educators are legally mandated to report any suspicions or concerns of abuse or neglect. If an educator has concerns about maltreatment, the Ministry of Child and Family Development will be contacted. All incidents and observations will be thoroughly documented.