Parents

Centre Communication

Open communication is important. Please feel free to talk to the child’s teacher or drop a note at the office if no one is available. Parents are expected to escort their child into the playroom; this is a good time to exchange information about the child.
A parent bulletin board is available with announcements, resource information, menus, current licensing reports, and community information.
A newsletter is produced to keep families informed.
Parents will be given the opportunity on an annual basis to evaluate the program and environment to assist us with program development. Parents are welcome to share input at any time.
The centre accepts children at 6:45 a.m. Children must be escorted into their playroom. Parents need to allow enough time to assist their children in hanging up coats, etc.
We request that children arrive by 9:00 a.m. so they can take full advantage of the morning program.
Parents must sign their child in and out daily on the sign-in sheets.
The centre closes at 6:00 p.m. Parents are to pick up their child from the playrooms and inform teachers the child is leaving. If you have an emergency and are going to be late, please call the centre so your child doesn’t feel abandoned. Parents who are late on a continual basis will be charged $100.00 for every five minutes late.
Parents must sign their child out before leaving the centre.
If someone other than the parent is picking up a child, a signed, written permission letter must be provided if you have not listed the person on your child’s application form when registered. Individuals picking up a child will be asked for identification.
Children should be dressed comfortably and suitably for play, both indoors and outdoors. Messy activities—sand, playdough, and water—even when smocks are worn, can result in dirty clothes. A change of labeled clothing should be left at the centre. As we go outside daily, children must be dressed appropriately for the weather.
Each child has their own labeled cubby for their belongings. Please check daily for artwork, information, and personal belongings. Every Friday, personal items must be taken home so the cubbies can be cleaned and sanitized.
If a child has a special item that bridges the gap from home to daycare, it is acceptable to bring, and we will work with you and your child to make it a positive sharing experience.
We ask that toys from home not be brought to the centre. Experience has shown us that toys from home can create concerns. They may become lost, or they may cause tears or conflicts with other children who want to play with them. Play guns, weapons, or any toys that encourage aggressive play are not allowed. We are trying to build cooperation and concern for one another; these toys cause aggression, competition, and hostile feelings. Also, no gum, candies, popcorn, money, or nut products.
All personal items must be labeled. This is very important to determine ownership and in guiding a child to take care of their belongings.
Birthday treats are optional. If the birthday is to be at the centre, please notify us ahead of time so we can plan the afternoon snack around it.
Emergency numbers are posted. The daycare is equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, an alarm system, and emergency lighting that comply with the Alberta Fire Code. Equipment is inspected yearly. An Emergency Evacuation Plan is posted in the centre, and fire drills are practiced monthly.
Handwashing is essential in the prevention of communicable diseases or the spread of colds and flu. Handwashing is completed after toileting, blowing noses, and after sand, water, or playdough play; before and after eating, entering the centre, and diapering. Washrooms are equipped with liquid soap, paper towels, and wastebaskets.
Allergies, effects, and actions must be recorded on the child application form. This information is recorded on allergy sheets in the centre and on emergency child records. Emergency records are taken when the children are off-site.
Prescription medication will only be given to children if it is in the original container, labeled with the child’s name, dosage, doctor’s name, and prescription number. The medication must be signed in, authorizing permission to administer the medication at the time and dosage directed by the prescription. Medications must be handed from adult hand to adult hand. Over-the-counter medication will not be administered unless there is a prescription for it from the doctor.
Any special medical conditions must be reported on the child application. Written medical instructions must be provided.
First aid kits are kept in each room and are in backpacks for outdoors. All teachers have childcare first aid.
All incidents/accidents are recorded and reported to the supervisor and parent. The incident/accident report must be signed by the person who witnessed and completed the report, the supervisor, and the parent.
Children 3 years old and up go on field trips. You will be notified in advance where they are going and by what means of transportation. Parents must sign a field trip authorization form.
If applying for subsidy, the application forms can be accessed online at: www.child.alberta.ca/childcare
Should a child become ill or injured during the day, parents will be contacted. The child will be kept comfortable, supervised, and away from the group until the parent arrives. If the illness or injury is minor, an employee trained in first aid will give medical assistance. If the illness/injury is serious, emergency medical action will be taken. The child will be transported to the hospital by ambulance. Ambulance costs are the responsibility of the parent.

Child Abuse

Any suspected child abuse will be documented and reported.
This is a confidential matter; all childcare educators have signed confidentiality agreements.
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-KIDS (1-800-387-5437)

Health and Safety

A safe environment, inside and outside, must be maintained at all times.

Smoke-free environment.
Children must wear slippers or indoor shoes.
Medications must be received from adult hand to adult hand.
Toys and equipment are childproof; broken toys and equipment are removed immediately.
Playground gate is secured when the playground is used; playground is inspected to ensure safety.
Children have individual cubbies that are cleaned and sanitized weekly.
Proactive handwashing.
First aid kit in each room and taken when off-site.
Fire drills practiced monthly.
Emergency procedures in place.
All food is prepared in our kitchen; the cook has approved qualifications and a Food Safety Certificate from the Board of Health.

All childcare educators have childcare first aid.
Parents must supply sunblock with appropriate UV protection and sign an authorization for sunblock.
Parents must supply appropriate labeled clothing for all weather conditions and play.
Parents must sign their child in and out daily.
In the event of an emergency, the child will be transported to the hospital by ambulance.
If a child is sick, parents are asked to keep the child at home.
Cleaning schedules in place for toys and equipment.
Early childhood educators are aware of and follow all policies and procedures.
All incidents/accidents are reported and recorded.