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General Information Kinder Academy is licensed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS). To help ensure the safety and security of children in Kinder Academy’s care and to comply with Ministry guidelines, effective March 01, 1995, criminal reference checks will be completed for all volunteers and candidates for employment who have direct contact with the children. Our program operates all year long, Monday through Friday from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
3511 Walker Rd Windsor Ontario N8W3S6 Ph (519) 966-9041 Fax (1866) 508-4563
Our Philosophy The first years of a child’s life are the building blocks to social, emotional, and intellectual well-‐being, all of which directly correspond to the successful development of one’s future. Therefore, we at Kinder Academy are devoted to providing a secure, enriching, stimulating, and loving environment that promotes and encourages children to learn at their own pace. We understand that all children are unique learners; we will strive to educate them to identify and express their individual understanding in multiple ways. Our program provides for individual and group activities which help to promote language skills, confidence, co-‐operation, and social interaction. We hold the relationship with our students’ parents and caregivers in the highest regard; we aim to establish an instant bond and continuing rapport that will foster and flourish this relationship. Open dialogue and daily communication are essential in the healthy development of your child and crucial for enriching the care provided by Kinder Academy. All of this is made possible through the collaboration of our students, their parents and caregivers, and Kinder Academy’s exceptional staff, with whom you can confidently entrust the most precious gifts of all: your children.
Programming Children learn best and are fully engaged when they have an active part in their curriculum. Our curriculum will be derived from the interest of the children in our care, for example (space, plants, dinosaurs, transportation, etc.) Teachers also purposefully include many important concepts that are crucial for kindergarten preparation, including listening skills, vocabulary, colours, shapes, numbers, size, patterning, and sequencing. Instead of sitting back and merely observing the children, teachers will actively engage themselves in all activities alongside the children. Through active listening and participation the teachers will plan projects, events and field trips to best fit the interest of the children at that time. Projects could last for a week or the whole year depending on how long the interests hold in the group. Projects will also be derived from family events or traditions, multicultural holidays and so on. The Reggio Emilia approach considers the classroom to be the "third teacher". Documentation, plant life, projects, pictures and dialogue will be displayed in the classroom for children and parents to enjoy, relive and remember. Parents are encouraged to participate as much as possible during their child`s time with us.
Admission Criteria
1. Children between the ages of 3 months and 12 years are eligible for the daycare program.
2. Children will be placed on a waiting list for admissions to the program if the daycare is at full enrolment. Admissions will be awarded on a first-‐come, first served basis; full time children will be given priority.
3. An interview will be scheduled prior to commencing daycare to review admission data,
familiarize you and your child with the facilities, learn about Center’s policies and answer your questions. A non-‐refundable registration fee of $75.00 is required prior to child’s first day.
4. Children must be immunized as recommended by the local Medical Officer of Health prior to
admission, as stipulated by the Day Nurseries Act.
5. Parents are encouraged to initially spend some time at the centre with your child, until he/she becomes comfortable with the new surroundings. This will help facilitate your child’s adjustment in the program.
Parent Involvement Parent communication and involvement are essential to providing an excellent childcare program and is a vital part of the success and co-‐operative spirit of the childcare center. Parents are encouraged to bring forth their suggestions about the program and the routines in their child’s room. Parents/guardians may stop in at any time to spend time with their child. Schedules will be posted in the classroom so parents/guardians will know where to find their child if the group is out of the center or at an activity. A monthly newsletter, filled with articles of interest, reminders of upcoming events, and suggestions, will be sent home for all parents every month. In addition, a parent information board is posted in every classroom and the main hallway, please take a moment to read it. Through positive communication and cooperation with parents, we are able to meet and exceed the needs of your children.
Inclusion We at Kinder Academy provide essential learning to encompass different cultures, policies and practices so as to include all learners. At Kinder Academy we believe that learning, achievements, opinions and happiness of all our children, parents and staff is of the outmost importance. We encourage and promote a sense of community and offer prospects to all learners of all different abilities. Our objective is to eliminate racial, ethno cultural biases, and any other form of discrimination in all polices, guidelines, and day-‐to-‐day practices. We aim to foster an environment where children and staff have strong self-‐esteem, high expectations, and make continued progress. Our organization will simply not tolerate racism or biases of any kind.
Hours of Care A full day of care equals nine (9) hours with a maximum of ten (10). This includes a half hour for dropping off and picking up your child. If your child care needs exceed a ten-‐hour workday, you need to discuss this in advance with the Executive Director. In addition, if you wish to change the days your child attends care or enrol another child, you must also speak with the Executive Director. As a parent or guardian in our program, your eligible hours of care are determined by your hours of employment or, if you are a student, the hours you attend an educational facility. Your hours of care are established at the time you enrol your child. For example, if your hours of employment are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., your hours of care are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This reflects an eight (8)-‐hour workday, a half hour to travel from the centre to work and a half hour to travel from work to the centre. We ask that you adhere to this policy because staffing is planned around the hours agreed upon.
Fees Fees are due on the first of each month. Failure to comply with the Fee Policy will result in a “First Notice for Overdue Fees.” If fees are not paid by the tenth day, late fees in the amount of $5.00 per day will follow the first notice. If fees are not paid by the end of the month this could place your childcare space at risk of cancellation. Kinder Academy reserves the right to obtain the services of a collection agency in order to pursue outstanding accounts. Regular fees must be paid for public holidays on which the center is closed and all days for which a child does not attend due to illness. To make up absent days, please talk to the Executive Director for availability throughout the week.
Subsidy Our center accepts subsidized and non-‐subsidized children. Should your child receive daycare subsidy, it is up to the parent/guardian to contact your caseworker if there are any changes to your file. Subsidized daily fees are determined by your caseworker, not the center. For information on subsidy: City of Windsor Children’s Services 400 City Hall Square Windsor, Ontario N9A 7K6 (519) 255-5200 APPLY ONLINE: http://www.citywindsor.ca/001796.asp Click Fee Subsidy calculator and follow the instructions to see if you’re eligible for fee assistance
Pre-‐Registration Fee A non refundable administration free of $75.00 is due upon enrolment. Upon enrolment, Kinder Academy requires one month’s tuition, deemed as your last month’s tuition. This amount will be held in your account until care is no longer required. If your child will not be starting care immediately a $100.00 deposit is required to secure their spot. This deposit will be added to the last month tuition which is held in your account until care is no longer required.
Late Fees All children must be picked up no later than 6 pm. If your child is not picked up from the center by 6 pm, you will be charged a late fee of ten dollars ($10) for the first 15 minutes and $1.00 for each additional minute after 6:15pm. For example, a child picked up at 6:20 pm will be subject to a late charge of $15.00. This charge will be applied to the monthly statement.
NSF cheques Any cheques that may return from the bank as NSF are subject to a $25.00 charge. After two returned cheques all fees must be paid by certified cheque, money order, or cash. In the event that your child’s surname differs from yours, or if you are paying by money order, please note your child’s name on the face of the cheque.
Public Holidays The center recognizes the following public holidays and will be closed on these days: New Year’s Day Family Day Good Friday Victoria Day Canada Day Civic Holiday Labour Day Thanksgiving Christmas Day Boxing Day The center closes at 3pm on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Regular fees must be paid for public holidays on which the center is closed.
Vacation Policy A child is allowed 5 days of vacation from daycare each year without any fees charged. If the parent/guardian wishes to use their vacation policy, a minimum of 1 month written notice is required.
Notice to Withdraw In the event a family wishes to withdrawal their child/children from Kinder Academy parents/guardians are asked to provide one month’s written notice to the Director, which must be given on the first of the month. Failure to give one month’s notice will result in the parent being required to pay the full month’s fee for their child(ren).
Code of Conduct
The following expectations are intended as a guide to maintaining a happy, comfortable, and safe atmosphere at our center.
At all times shall, adults and children:
a) Be courteous to others b) Use acceptable language c) Conduct themselves in a manner which allows each child and staff member to feel safe
from verbal and physical abuse d) Resolve conflict in a peaceful manner e) Respect the building and equipment as well as the personal property of all staff and
others f) Show respect for all individuals through his/her behaviour and words
Please note that staff are to be treated on a professional level at all times. Staff members are providing quality programming for your children and will not accept treatment that is disrespectful. Any questions, concerns or grievances should be addressed to the Supervisor or Executive Director. At absolutely no time should there be a confrontation in front of any children. Failure to adhere to our Code of Conduct could result in termination of the enrolment agreement (upon the discretion of the center). Kinder Academy reserves the right to terminate a parent’s contract on the following grounds:
1. Violation of the late fee policy or non-‐payment of fees 2. Continuous late pick-‐up 3. Repeated contravention of the code of conduct 4. Child’s documented disruptive behaviour and/or other needs that cannot be
met by Kinder Academy 5. Other circumstances, to be determined by Kinder Academy on a case-‐by-‐case
basis
Your Child’s First Day We recommend that you either plan to stay for a short period of time on your child’s first morning or come for visits prior to your child’s first day. This process is helpful because your child can explore the new surroundings while interacting with their parent and teachers. Communicating any background information with your child’s teacher will also help us to make their adjustment easier. Some children feel comfortable immediately while other children take a few weeks. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to call and find out how your child is doing.
Things to Bring Your child should be dressed every day in clothing that is appropriate for the season, physical activities and (because children play outdoors) anticipated weather conditions.
• Please ensure that your child has two complete changes of clothes clearly marked with their name. If the clothes that are brought are used due to accident, spill, etc please make sure that they are washed and returned
• A blanket and or comfort item for sleep time • Diapers and wipes for infants/ toddlers/preschoolers • creams, petroleum jelly • Sunscreen for hot sunny days • Bathing suit for splash pad days
We do not encourage bringing toys from home. They tend to get misplaced, and this makes for a sad departure for the child.
Naptime There is a two (2) hour rest period provided for the children each afternoon in the Toddler and Preschool programs. Children who are awake after one (1) hour are able to participate in quiet activities. Infant sleep times differ according to their personalized schedule.
Off-‐Premises Activities Outdoor play is a component of our daily program. As part of this program children will participate in neighbourhood walks on a regular basis (if the weather is appropriate). While off premises, ratios will still be observed as per DNA guidelines. Teachers may use the assistance of a rope to navigate the children throughout the neighbourhood, with the exception of the infants using a stroller. Consent for participation in any of the above activities is assumed and included in your signed enrolment agreement. On occasion field trips are planned to enhance the classroom programs. If transportation is necessary, an additional field trip consent form will be required in order for your child to participate in any off site excursions. Field trips may be subject to additional costs, which will be assumed by the parent/guardian.
Arrival and Departure As the children are involved in numerous activities, walks, special events and field trips, we ask that you notify the center if your child will be absent or arriving later than usual. For the same reason, staff need to be informed in advance if your child will be absent from the program for appointments. The center has a voice mail system that operates 24 hours a day.
Release of Children We request that all parents and guardians sign their children in and out of care. This procedure ensures that there is a clear understanding as to the supervision of children at any given time. Upon your child’s arrival in the morning, it is essential that a staff member receive your child. Also, when picking up your child, make sure to draw the attention of the staff to your child’s departure. The childcare center will assume no responsibility for a child who has not been directly brought into the center by the parent and dropped off to a staff member. It is essential for the protection of children that any child enrolled in our program be released only to those persons authorized by the parent(s) or guardian. Authorization must be given in writing, at drop off, in order to release a child to individuals other than the persons stated in the release form. If this procedure is not adhered to, the child shall remain with the caregiver until such time as a parent or otherwise authorized person is contacted. Picture identification may be required of individuals picking up a child in care. If there is a custody agreement regarding your child, you must provide a copy of the custody agreement papers to the center. These papers are pertinent to the center because the court may define the release of your child. These papers shall be kept in the child’s file for the duration of care. Parent(s) or guardians must keep us informed of any changes to the enrolment information provided, including legal custody arrangements, address, business phone number for parent(s), authorization for pickup, emergency phone numbers, etc. Note: No person will be given the benefit of the doubt when they arrive to pick up your child. If in doubt we will choose the safest action, by not releasing your child to anyone unless all the conditions are met.
Meals, Nutrition and Food A nutritious mid-‐day meal and morning and afternoon snack will be served. Weekly menus will be posted to inform you of what your child is eating, and to assist you with menu planning at home. We must be informed of any food allergies or special dietary needs concerning your child, which we will post in the cooking and dining areas. All foods that accompany your infant to the child care center must be labelled with their name. Parents of young infants must supply their own baby food, fruit juices, and prepared formulas in sterilized bottles -‐-‐ we will provide regular table food once your child is developmentally ready. Our infant program has its own fridge and microwave, so that we can meet your child's individual needs. Written feeding instructions are necessary for children under one year of age -‐-‐these can be updated as your child's menu expands. Your child’s teacher will assist you with these forms; you must complete them before our employees can adjust your child’s menu.
Allergies and Food Restrictions We provide a peanut and nut free environment. In the event of a birthday or special celebration, no food or beverages are to be brought into the building unless approved by the Executive Director or Supervisor. If your child has special dietary needs, you must supply all necessary food items, presented in containers clearly marked with your child’s name. We will assist with food alternatives where possible. It is common to have children in care who suffer allergic reactions to certain foods. The outcome of this may be serious. Be sure to advise Kinder Academy when your child has any type of food allergies or food restrictions. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to keep Kinder Academy informed of any existing allergy that has become progressive in nature.
Behaviour Management
We believe all children have different temperaments. Successful behaviour management requires all staff members involved to be aware of the uniqueness of each child when helping them develop positive, pro-‐social behaviour. We believe all children thrive when their personal, physical, and emotional needs are being consistently met and maintained in an environment with clear and developmentally-‐appropriate expectations. First and foremost, our caregivers will watch for and anticipate when a child may have difficulties by preventing negative situations from occurring and consistently reminding the children of appropriate and positive actions to take. All of this is possible with an environment and caregivers that encourage patience, understanding, active listening, and a commitment to anticipate negative situations and problem-‐solve, rather than immediately redirecting behaviour and actions. General Information Behaviour management practices should be:
• Used in a positive and consistent manner • Implemented as soon as possible after the inappropriate behaviour • Appropriate to the developmental level of the child • Related to the inappropriate behaviour • Designed to assist the child to learn appropriate behaviour • Discussed with the parent(s) if a difficult situation arises with the child
Preferred Practices Kinder Academy’s employees, caregivers, students and volunteers are expected use the following behaviour management practices:
• Channelling the child’s energy to another area (diversion) • Giving positive reinforcement of desired behaviour – both verbal and non-‐verbal • Explain things to the children at their level of understanding • Establish limits, rather than boundaries, that are easy for them to understand and easy to fulfill • Modify the environment in attempts to prevent problems before they occur • Redirecting to a closely supervised activity • Ensure that the environment has an adequate amount of recourses to engage and challenge
children, so they are meaningfully occupied and unnecessary conflict over sharing and waiting for turns is avoided
• Use positive language at all times with the children, and when children are present, consistently model appropriate behaviour
Prohibited Practices The following forms of behaviour management shall not be permitted by anyone – caregivers, employees, students, volunteers or parents – on the premises of the child care center:
• Corporal punishment of a child (e.g., spanking, hitting, shaking, biting, etc.) • Deliberately harsh or degrading measures that would humiliate a child or undermine a child’s
self respect (e.g., shouting, yelling, sarcasm, put-‐downs, forced feeding, etc.) • Depriving a child of basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing or bedding • Confining a child in a locked room or other area • Locking the exits in order to confine a child
Immunization
A photocopy of each child’s Immunization record must be provided to the child care center prior to their first day of care. The intent of this requirement is to ensure that Kinder Academy is as safe as can be from the threat of outbreaks of communicable diseases.
Illness If a child arrives at our center ill, the executive director, supervisor or a senior staff member will make a decision as to whether the child is fit to partake in the daily routine or not. Unfortunately if the child is deemed too ill to participate the parent or guardian will be asked to take the child home. If a child becomes ill under our supervision throughout the day the parents or legal guardians will be contacted immediately. If for any reason they cannot be reached or are unable to pick up their child due to unforeseen circumstances the emergency contact (as authorized by the legal guardians) will be contacted to pick up the child as soon as possible. The child will then be immediately isolated from the other children in the center to decrease the spread of infection; this place being a quiet comfortable area in which a staff member will monitor the child until the parent or guardian arrives. Parents will be asked to inform the center if the child has a communicable disease, so that we can inform other parents. Illnesses include but are not limited to:
• Vomiting • Fever, with accompanying symptoms • Red or discharging eyes or ears • Acute cold or severe coughing • Undiagnosed skin rash or infections • Unusual irritability or restlessness • Diarrhea • Minor accident or major injury • Suspicion of contagious disease • Seizure • Head lice
A child must be fever free (without having taken fever medication)/symptom free for 24 hours before returning to the center.
Vomiting If your child arrives at the child care center feeling well (with no previous symptoms or signs of illness) and vomits once, we will make him or her comfortable and he or she will be monitored for other symptoms (e.g., fever, diarrhea, discomfort). Their symptoms be logged and recorded. If your child vomits twice or there is a noticeable decline in health while he or she is attending child care center, we will call the parent/guardian and ask that your child be picked up. We may also request that he or she receive medical attention. (This is in the best interest of the ill child and the other children attending day care.) We give special consideration to infants who are adjusting to a variety of new foods as well as solid foods. Fever
By definition, a fever is a rise in body temperature, as recorded by an oral thermometer, equal to or higher than 38.0 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit). There are a number of factors that cause body temperature to rise, such as:
• Overdressing • Strenuous exercise or play • Time of day (Temperature is normally highest in late afternoon.) • Vaccination • Teething • Infection
It is important to note that children may be seriously ill and not have a fever. It is also important to note that children may have a fever that is not associated with illness. Observing children’s behaviour is much more important than taking their temperature; their behaviour helps determine how sick they might be. Low-‐Grade Fever A body temperature of 38 degrees C (100.4 F) is considered a low-‐grade fever. In this case, we monitor the temperature by taking it every hour and watch for other symptoms. High-‐Grade Fever If your child develops a fever of over 38 degrees C (100.4 F) with accompanying changes in behaviour, he or she must be picked up from the child care center to be given proper medical attention and to reduce the fever. Once your child is fever-‐free (without taking fever-‐reducing medication) for 24 hours, and his or her behaviour is back to normal, he or she may return to the center. The caregiver will administer fever reducers only with a doctor’s note (e.g., in cases of immunization). Diarrhea By definition, diarrhea is the passage of several unformed stools as a result of the rapid movement of the fecal contents through the large intestine. Diarrhea in its contagious form is a symptom of a bacterial, viral or parasitic agent. The incubation period is usually 12 to 14 hours before the symptom occurs. This form of diarrhea is usually caused by dietary intake (food poisoning) or micro-‐organisms invading the body. Other forms of diarrhea may be the result of emotional distress, teething or administration of medication (such as antibiotics). We give special consideration to infants who are adjusting to a variety of new foods in addition to teething or taking medication. If your child has two or more bouts of diarrhea within two hours, you will be contacted and we may ask that your child be picked up. If diarrhea persists, you will be asked to provide a written note from a doctor, stating that no viral, bacteriological or parasitic condition exists. Pink Eye (conjunctivitis) The signs and symptoms of pink eye are as follows:
• Swelling of the eye(s) followed by a copious discharge of pus • Swelling may be followed by an itch, which may cause discomfort • One or both eyes may be affected Any child who shows signs of this contagious illness must be withdrawn from the center as soon as possible and may not return until the whites of the eyes are clear and no crusting or discharge are evident. A doctor’s note is required for readmission.
Chicken Pox The signs and symptoms are
∗ A fever and headache followed by rash, which is described as crops of blisters turning into scabs which appear over several days. The child experiences itching for about 4 days.
The child may be re-‐admitted to the program 5 days after the last crop of spots has dried up and only if the child is well. A doctor’s note will be required for readmission.
Medication No administration of prescription or non-‐prescription medication is permitted unless prescribed by a physician. Acceptance and administration of prescription medication or drugs are permitted only when the procedures below are followed:
• The medication or drug has been prescribed by a physician and has, on its label: • The child’s name • The name of the medication • The name of the prescribing physician • The required dosage • The date the medication was dispensed • Instructions for storage and administration • The expiry date • The parent or guardian hand-‐delivers the medication or drug to a caregiver in its original
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Emergency Medication (Epi-‐Pen, inhaler, etc.) Upon registration parents must inform Kinder Academy of any allergies their child may have. If your child requires an Epi-‐ Pen or inhaler additional papers must be completed upon your child’s first day of care.