PLAYSCHOOL Parent Handbook 2016 2017.pdf · PLAYSCHOOL GYMNASTICS PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY Our unique program for pre-school children combines playschool activities with gymnastics, and

P a g e | 1 Playschool Parent Handbook 2016/2017

PLAYSCHOOL

Parent

Handbook

2016 – 2017 Exelta Gymnastics Playschool

(Registered as Red Deer Gymnastic Association)

3031 – 30 Ave.

Red Deer, Alberta T4R 2Z7

Phone: 403-342-4940

Playschool Voicemail- ext. 112

Fax: 403-347-0006 Website: www.exelta.ca

E-mail: [email protected]

http://www.exelta.ca/

mailto:[email protected]


Welcome to Exelta Gymnastics Playschool Welcome! The Exelta Gymnastics Club is a non-profit organization registered with the Alberta

Societies Act, to provide gymnastics training at all levels from recreation to competitive. A

volunteer board of directors and an executive director administers the organization with the

assistance of coaches, teaching staff and office personnel.

2016/2017 Schedule:

Playschool begins during the week of September 12th, 2016. Your child will begin on either

Monday (the 12th), Tuesday (the 13th), Wednesday (the 14th), or Friday (the 16th) of this week

depending on which class you’ve enrolled in.

PLAYSCHOOL CLASSES:

One Day Class:

3 year old Monday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

3/4 year old Friday: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Two Day Class:

3/4 year old Monday/Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

4 year old Tuesday/Thursday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

11:30 AM to 1:30PM

4 year old Wednesday/Friday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Classes will be added and deleted based on the enrollment need of the program.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

The program is licensed for children 3 to 5 years of age.

3 Year Old Program: Maximum enrollment is 16 children.

Child must be 3 years old in September, 2016

4 Year Old Program: Maximum enrollment is 24 children

Child should be 4 years old by December 31, 2016


Our Playschool operating license prohibits us from accepting children in diapers or pull-ups.

Children registered for this Playschool must be toilet trained and meet age requirements.

PLAYSCHOOL FEES

All payments are due at the orientation meeting, which is slated for the end of August.

Payments may be made by using post-dated cheques (dated the first of every month), or credit

card. The 2016/17 fee schedule is as follows:

Registration fee is $50.00 (Non-refundable & includes the Alberta

Gymnastics Federation insurance fee).

Fees for the 3 year old program are $70.00 per month.

Fees for the 4 year old program are $110.00 per month.

NOTE:

-The monthly payments are NOT calculated based on the number of class days per month. The

cost of equipment, wages and playschool expenses are calculated for the entire year and

divided by 10 months to give equal monthly payments.

-Refunds are only issued for medical reasons. Please provide a Doctor’s note with your request.

-Refunds are not given for holidays, gym meets/club events, or events that are beyond the

control of Exelta Gymnastics Playschool i.e. Emergency evacuations, snow days, and utility

issues involving power, sewer, gas and/or water. Every attempt is made to keep the playschool

open, however situations sometimes occur that do not allow us to do so.

WITHDRAWAL: Those wishing to withdraw from Playschool must give at least one full

month’s notice in writing to have post-dated cheques returned. Please see your teacher to

receive a formal withdrawal notice.


PROGRAM ADVANTAGES

1. Unique combination of playschool and gymnastics

2. Offers a 3 year old program one day a week, and a 4 year old program two days a week

3. Small class sizes with 2 groups

4. Large, bright, safe and exciting environment

5. Program excellence and consistency, with qualified, caring and experienced staff

6. Fun environment for learning and developing confidence and self-esteem

7. Development of fitness and gymnastic fundamentals

8. The staff are certified with Standard/Emergency First Aid and the Respect In Sport

Program

9. All staff must have a criminal record check, which includes a vulnerable sector search,

dated no earlier than 6 months prior to the date of commencement, within 8 weeks of

starting their job, and every 3 years after that date.

PLAYSCHOOL GYMNASTICS PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

Our unique program for pre-school children combines playschool activities with gymnastics,

and embraces the concept of “learning through play.” By enriching children’s play they learn

cooperation, problem solving, language, mathematics. They develop curiosity, self-esteem,

strength and coordination, self-directions and values.

The developmental needs of the children are met by implementing activities that coordinate

with their physical, social, intellectual, creative and emotional needs (S.P.I.C.E). This is

accomplished through learning centers, science, themes, activities, songs, puzzles, books, crafts,

table top activities including ABC’s, numbers, matching, mazes etc., your child will learn by

doing, experimenting and experiencing. We present information in a way that captures your

child’s interest and teaches them that learning can be fun! – an attitude, that we hope will

continue through their schooling and throughout their lives.

A child’s education is the cooperative responsibility of many. The interaction between teachers,

coaches, parents, teacher’s aides, classmates, and community, play an important role in the

development of your child. Each can encourage a child’s creativity, learning, thinking, emotional

and physical needs.


PLAYSCHOOL PROGRAM DESIGN

1. Learning through play is a play based philosophy that enables a child to learn about

themselves, their environment, people and the world around them. As they play,

children learn to solve problems and to get along with others. They enhance their

creativity and develop leadership skills and healthy personalities. Play develops skills

children need to learn to read and write. Play in early childhood is the best foundation

for success in school.

2. Directed and undirected times

3. Activities are geared to the age and maturity of the children

4. Centers will be rotated on a monthly basis, depending on the unit that is being studied.

Science, songs, stories, games, crafts, dramatic play, water & sand play, play dough,

worksheets, discovery activities, discussions, etc. are incorporated around these units

and themes, and are learned through every day discussion.

5. Firemen, Nurses, R.C.M.P. Officers, etc. often visit our classes

A TYPICAL DAY IN THE CLASSROOM

1. Classroom opens to children and parents 5 minutes prior to the start of class

2. Children find their name tags

3. Children work with table top activities and remain at the tables until their class begins

4. Children put activities away and sit in the area designated by the teacher

5. Class commences and attendance is taken

6. Children are divided into 2 groups – one group goes to the gym, and one group stays in

the playschool

7. Playschool begins with learning time: we discuss and learn things, share, sing, explain

how to use the materials for the craft etc.

8. Play Center time will follow. At this time, the children are able to choose which center

they would like to play at, or if they would like to eat their snack. We do not force the

children to have snack time. The snack center is an optional component of this

program.

9. At half time, the group from the gym comes back into the playschool, and the group in

the playschool will go out into the gym

10. At the end of the class, the gym group returns to the playschool room where crafts,

notices, etc. are passed out, and children are dismissed.


PLAYSCHOOL ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

Please wait for the Playschool door to be opened. Please drop your child off at Playschool 5

minutes prior to the start of your child’s class. This gives your child a few minutes to settle

into their new routine, and to do various table top activities. No children are allowed in the

gym at any time without a coach. Please be here promptly after class to pick your child up

as they often get upset if you are late. Exelta Gymnastics reserves the right to charge a late

pick-up fee if the teacher or coach feel the situation warrants it. A standard fee of $10.00

every 10 minutes will be charged, and will be applied directly to your account for late pick-

ups.

If your child experiences a lot of difficulty adjusting to the program, you may be asked to

stay and help out. Most children settle quickly, without a great amount of intervention.

SUPERVISION POLICY AND PRACTICES

All policies and practices are communicated to parents through our parent handbook.

This booklet is forwarded to the parent at the time of registration.

At the time of orientation, staff is informed of where emergency medications and first

aid kits are stored. All staff is informed of paperwork and the process involved with the

administration of emergency medications, including where to locate emergency contact

numbers. A list of the children’s allergy information and health concerns are located in

the medical folder located in the kitchen area of the playschool.

The staff will ensure the parent has signed the child in and out each day and that the arrival and departure times are accurate. The parent will indicate on this form the adult who is authorized to pick the child up that day. Staff will document the arrival, departure and name of pick-up person for each child on the room’s clipboard. Staff members must be present and interacting with the children. They must ensure that all regulations regarding staff: child ratios are being met. They must space themselves within the room and the gym to allow for effective supervision of the children and to ensure group size standards are being met.


A. Primary Staff will provide effective supervision that meets children’s developmental needs by: 1. Directing and closely monitoring children when carrying out activities that may involve

some risk, such as playing near water, near doorways, or during transition times when children gather in larger groups;

2. Observing play and anticipating what may happen next in order to provide caregivers with the opportunity to assist children and intervene in the event of potential danger

3. Monitoring the playroom and gym prior to the start of class, in order to provide a safe environment for the children to play

4. Allowing exploration, anticipating the play needs of each child and making appropriate changes based on observations.

5. Listening closely to children, even those who are not in the caregiver’s direct line of sight

6. Positioning selves to allow for the supervision of the entire group of children; 7. Monitoring children’s health to identify early signs of fever, illness or unusual behavior;

and 8. Conducting and documenting a head count each time the children leave the play room

or return to the play room 9. Conducting roll call upon during an emergency evacuation; watching and participating in

children’s play to ensure that children are playing in a safe manner 10. Avoid carrying out activities that may draw their attention away from active supervision

(E.g. texting, reading, using the phone, administrative tasks)

B. The primary staff will monitor and evaluate supervision practices to ensure that all staff is adhering to provincial standards and program policies on supervision by: 1. Spot checking caregivers 2. Randomly asking caregivers how many children are present 3. Ensuring that all regulations regarding staff: child ratios, group sizes and supervision are

being met. 4. Observing caregivers to ensure that they are following established practices 5. Reviewing program policies on a regular basis including presenting caregivers with

hypothetical scenarios to test their response.

6. All supervision practices are assessed on an on-going basis (at staff meetings are on an as needed basis). They are formally assessed each year in the Centre’s orientation meeting. The license holder will make any necessary changes to the policies and procedures at this time.


OFFSITE ACTIVITIES:

On occasion, an off-site activity is arranged for the children to participate in. The teacher and

coach, along with a minimum of two parent helpers will accompany the children for the entire

activity. Several weeks in advance, a consent form will be sent home to be signed and returned

prior to departure. This consent form will outline specific dates, times, transportation, and

supervision arrangements. Parental consent must be received prior to a child leaving for the

planned activity. A portable record book will always be taken when participating in any off-site

activity.

SNOW DAYS:

The playschool will be closed when temperatures fall below –35 ° C. Exelta staff will make

every attempt to notify parents of these closures. Please listen to your local radio station for

closure announcements.

Please listen after 7:00am to the following radio stations:

1. CKGY: 95.5 or Z99: 98.9

2. Big 105: 105.1 or The Drive: 106.7

3. Sunny FM: 94.1

4. The River: 100.7

5. Shine FM: 90.5

PLAYSCHOOL POLICIES PARENT HELPER POLICY

Parent helping opportunities become available in November, after the class is settled. Sign-up

sheets will become available in October.

In order to be a parent helper, you must have a valid criminal record check on file

with the playschool director.

All parent helpers must have a criminal record check, which includes a vulnerable sector

search, dated no earlier than 6 months prior to the date of commencement, and every 3

years after that date.

Your child’s siblings are not allowed to be with you when you are acting as a parent helper.

This ensures the safety of your child and the other children in the class. As an alternative care

arrangement, The Kid’s Corner, which is located in the Collicutt Centre, is a wonderful place for

your child`s sibling to be cared for.


PARENT HELPERS:

1. Provide an opportunity for more parent/teacher/coach interaction

2. Enable you to spend a special day with your child at playschool – they love to have you

come

SIGN-UP PROCESS:

You are allowed to volunteer one time per month. This gives equal opportunity for all parents

to help in the playschool. You may reserve your date by writing your name and your child’s

name in the parent volunteer clipboard. This will be located on the bulletin board, outside of

your classroom. If you are unable to attend, there is no need to notify the playschool.

PLAYSCHOOL HELPER DUTIES

1. Please arrive with your child at the start of class.

2. During special events, parent helpers help clean up after snack.

3. Parent helpers supervise and help children participate safely in the gym and playschool

4. Help remove nametags and hand out crafts

5. Parent Helpers are NOT allowed to assist children in any unsupervised capacity (i.e.

washroom breaks)

6. IMPORTANT: IN CASE OF FIRE DRILL OR FIRE, CHECK WASHROOMS

Toward the end of the year, program evaluation forms will be handed out to children. We

encourage you to fill them out and return to the playschool so that information can be

considered and changes made if necessary.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

1. In the event of an emergency that requires a facility evacuation, the following

procedures will take place:

2. Emergency alarm (fire alarm) will sound

3. The children will be told to line up immediately at the most appropriate exit

4. Parent helpers/staff will be asked to gather up personal items (shoes & coats)

5. Offsite Evacuation:

Notre Dame High School: Cafeteria Common Area

6. CALL 911

7. Wait for the emergency response team to indicate whether it is safe to return to

the gymnastics center. If not, parents or emergency contacts will be notified to

pick up children immediately.


FOOD POLICY

Parents are encouraged to provide a SMALL healthy snack that will be eaten by their child

during the classroom portion of their day. This snack should be a small, easy snack that can be

eaten in 5-10 minutes. Please refrain from cookies, cakes, candy, chocolate bars, pop, juice

boxes, and containers that are difficult for children to open ie. Plastic fruit cups. If your child

requires a drink, please provide water in a clearly labeled water bottle.

All snacks must be provided in a lunch container that is clearly identified by the child. Write the

child’s name on the front of the container and on the handle, which is easily read by teachers

and other staff members.

There will be a list of children with food allergies placed in the playschool. Products containing

nuts, or with traces of nuts or produced in a facility with nuts (Dairy Queen and Tim Horton’s)

are not allowed in the Playschool Room due to severe allergic reactions to these products (this

may also apply to dairy products).

Note: HOME BAKED GOODS cannot be accepted for special events or parties.

CHILD GUIDANCE POLICY

Positive reinforcement will be used to foster sharing, kindness, following directions and

listening. The teacher/coach sets out the rules for the children to follow and sets the pattern

for classroom/gym management. The helping parents are to follow their examples in managing

the behavior of the children. In summary, the following conditions apply:

1. Any disciplinary action must be reasonable given the circumstances

2. Physical punishment, verbal or physical degradation or emotional deprivation

is not allowed

3. A child will not be denied, or threatened to deny any basic necessity

4. Any form of physical restraint, confinement or isolation is not allowed.

The teacher/coach cannot be in all places at once and it may become necessary for the parent

helpers to become directly involved. The children are encouraged to work out the problem on

their own. If necessary, assistance will be given on verbalizing their feelings, using suggestions

on non-destructive problem solving alternatives. All children will be spoken to in a quiet

manner to encourage them to behave appropriately. If the children are having difficulties with

behavior and need corrective guidance, they will be given 2 opportunities to change the

behavior, and if there is a third occurrence, than a time out is issued. After the time-out, the

children can return to the group activities. Should a child not respond to reason or distraction,

the child will be given a time-out. Children are always given positive feedback after any problem

solving situation or disciplinary action. Ongoing inappropriate behavior will be discussed with

the child’s parents.


If the teacher/coach feels that a child is disruptive to the point that learning or enjoyment of

other children is being affected on a recurring basis, the Playschool staff will develop an action

plan with the parents, identifying the time frame in which improvement must occur. The action

plan will be shared with the child. If the disruptive behavior continues, the parent will be asked

to withdraw the child from the program.

*Please note that all discipline procedures are communicated to staff during staff meetings that

occur at the beginning of the year.

Forms of punishment that are strictly prohibited:

1. Verbal abuse (shouting insults etc.)

2. Physical abuse or punishment (spanking, etc.)

3. Emotional deprivation is not allowed

It is important to keep in mind that the problems within the classroom are to be kept in

confidence. This will ensure self-esteem and confidence of the child/children in question are

kept intact.

ILLNESS POLICY

Incident Reports:

1. All incidents are tracked, recorded, and reviewed on an annual basis. The

Incident Reporting and Annual Summary Analysis Report issued by Central

Alberta Children and Family Services is used in this process.

When a child has symptoms of an illness that might be spread to others, it is important that the child be sent home as soon as possible, to prevent illness in other children and staff.

If any of the following symptoms are observed in a child, the parent will be contacted and the child will be sent home: 1. Diarrhea 2. Vomiting 3. Fever 4. Cough 5. Rash Illness 6. Other clusters of unusual symptoms

All illness will be documented on a Child Care Facility Illness Log Sheet. This form includes information like name, date, time of illness, time when parent was initially contacted, name of staff member who identified the child was ill, time when the child was removed from the program, and the date the child returned to the program. Please keep in mind that children are to be kept away for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have ended.


If a child has been injured outside of the home, or is not able to participate in the gym for any specific reason… ie broken bone, past surgical procedure, etc. that child is not allowed to attend preschool until such circumstances have been resolved. Fees will be refunded for the days the child is absent. Please refer to our refund policy outlined earlier in this booklet. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact your program director.

1. Supervised Care for Sick Children If a child becomes ill during playschool hours, a parent will be notified to pick-up their child. While waiting for the parents to arrive, the child will be isolated and directly supervised by a regular (primary) staff member.

2. Administration of Medicine Medication will only be administered by the playschool teacher/coach in the event of an emergency. A medication report must be signed and dated prior to your child attending playschool. It must include the name of the medication, time of administration, and the amount to be administered. Staff will initial the medication sheet following administration. Emergency medication is/are stored in a medical folder located in the playschool kitchen, above 5 feet, and inaccessible to children.

Medicine can only be administered with prior parental consent, and in the event of an

emergency. Medication can only be administered according to labeled directions. The

provision of health care can only be carried out with the written consent of the child’s

parent or when it is in the nature of first aid.

The following items need to be provided to us on a daily basis, or stored on site.

Please place the following items in a plastic bag:

1. Medication (must be in its original labeled container) i.e. Epi pen etc.

2. Picture of your child:

3. Relative information: i.e. Dosage, storage, route of admin., etc.

4. Emergency contact #’s:


INCIDENT PROCEDURE

In the case of an incident involving your child, the appropriate first aid measures will be taken until the child can be either pick-up by the a parent, or transported by emergency services to the appropriate facility.

Please note that the provision of health care can only be carried out with the written consent of

the child’s parent or when it is in the nature of first aid.

In the case of a serious accident or injury, 911 will be called, and a parent

will be notified immediately as to the details of the incident, and the

current location of his/her child.

All incidents will be reported to the licensing officer or regional office within 2

working days, All incidents will be reported to the licensing officer or regional

office within 2 working days (an emergency evacuation, unexpected program

closure; an intruder on the program premises, an illness or injury to a child that

require the program to request emergency health care and/or requires the child

to remain in hospital overnight; an error in the administration of medication by

a program staff or volunteer resulting in the child becoming seriously injured or

ill and requiring first aid, or the program requesting emergency health care

and/or requires the child to remain in hospital overnight; the death of a child;

and unexpected absence of a child from the program ( i.e. lost child); a child

removed from the program by a non-custodial parent or guardian; and

allegation of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and /or neglect of a child by a

program staff member or volunteer; the commission by a child of an offence

under an Act of Canada or Alberta; and /or a child left on the premises outside

of the program’s operation hours) will be reported to regional child care office.

All serious incidents will be analyzed annually by staff. The regional child care

office is notified using the Government of Alberta CDEV 4029 Incident Form.


DISMISSAL PROCEDURE

Please keep siblings with you, as you wait for your child to exit. An added body in the

entrance of the playschool disrupts the flow of traffic in an already congested area. Please

line up along the east wall, so you have access to shoes and clothes on hooks on the west

wall. When the teacher or coach opens the door, the parents or teacher will call the child’s

name. The teacher or coach will then let the child go to his/her parent. Please remind your

child to stay sitting until he/she is dismissed and not to run to you as soon as he/she sees

you. Since it can get crowded in the hallway by the door, it is best to take your child’s

clothes and get him/her dressed in the open area until there is room in the hallway. If a

parent is not there at dismissal time, the child will remain in the playschool to wait for you.

Please explain this procedure to your child and stress that he/she is not to run out the door

looking for you. They are to stay in the playschool until we give them permission to leave the

room. We want to make sure that your child’s safety comes first. With so many children, it will

take a while for the playschool staff to get to know everyone by name. We thank you in

advance for your patience.

SIGN IN AND OUT

To ensure your child’s safety, and to meet specific licensing requirements, please sign your child

in by writing your name, and the time you dropped him/her off. Please do this again when you

pick him/her up. All persons who may transport your child to or from playschool (car pools, etc.)

must be listed on your child’s registration form. If someone else is to pick up your child, you

must contact us or write it on the little note board just inside the playschool room door.

BIRTHDAYS

For each class, the teacher will choose a day around the middle of the month to celebrate all

birthdays that occur in that month. August and September birthdays will be celebrated in

September, June and July birthdays will celebrate in May or June. The birthday children will

receive a certificate and a small favor from the playschool staff. If you would like to provide a

treat for the class, please consider a “trinket” from a local dollar store. This eliminates

problems associated with allergies, and food sensitivities. Please speak with your teacher if you

have any further questions.

FUNDRAISING

As a member of the Exelta Gymnastics Association Playschool, a non-profit organization, your

child has access to one of the finest gymnastics facilities in Alberta. In an attempt to keep fees

at an acceptable level while maintaining standards, we have an active fundraising program.

Your participation in club fundraisers is very much appreciated. Every amount adds up and

greatly helps the entire gym. Cookie dough drives, beef jerky sales, and playschool pictures

commence in the fall. Thank you so much for your commitment!


ALLERGY ALERT

There are some children who have severe, life-threatening allergies to peanuts, peanut butter

and nuts. If the child comes in contact with nuts or nut oils he/she can go into anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is one of the most dramatic and feared of allergic reactions. This reaction occurs

rapidly and may result in death through respiratory or vascular collapse. Obviously it is far

better to prevent the development of anaphylactic shock than to be forced to treat it.

In order to provide a safe environment, we ask that you:

1. Avoid sending any snacks containing peanuts, nuts, and peanut butter or nut oils

(Items from Dairy Queen or Tim Horton’s cannot be consumed in the playschool

because these facilities use nut products).

2. Please send store-bought snacks in the original packaging so that the labels can be

checked.

There are many snacks, crackers, cookies and candies that do not contain nuts but could

possibly have been contaminated with nuts or nut oil (The ingredient label would read “may

contain trace amounts of nuts”). Due to the oily residue of peanut butter, it is critical that

thorough hand washing occur to ensure that playschool books, toys and gym equipment do not

have any peanut residue. The oily residue may stay on a toy, table, puzzle, etc. for days or

weeks and still be deadly to the child if he/she touches it. A way to be sure that there is no

residue is to make sure that children do not consume peanut butter before they come to

playschool and that they wash their hands and faces well.

As parents, it is difficult to send our children to an environment where he/she may come in

contact with nuts knowing the severity of the outcome. We do understand that this is an

inconvenience but because of the life-threatening nature of this allergy we trust that you will

help us maintain a safe environment.

Thank you for all your cooperation. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please

feel free to contact your teacher at 403-342-4940, ext. 112 or email at [email protected]

Sincerely yours,

The Playschool Staff


Ideas for Snack Please do not bring 1. Crackers * Baked goods from home (for parties)

2. Rice Cakes * Cakes & Cupcakes

3. Teddy Grahams * Products containing nuts, and/or nut products

4. Granola Bars (nut free)

5. Fresh Fruit or vegetables

6. Celery Sticks

7. Apples, Oranges, Bananas, Grapes, Carrot Sticks

Please provide a small snack consisting of non-messy, easy to open items.

Parents are encouraged to provide a SMALL healthy snack that will be eaten by their child

during the classroom portion of their day. This snack should be small, food that can be eaten in

5-10 minutes, and not messy. Please refrain from cookies, cakes, cupcakes, muffins, candy,

chocolate bars, pop, juice boxes, and containers that are difficult for children to open ie. Plastic

fruit cups. If your child requires a drink, please provide water in a clearly labeled water bottle.

All snacks must be provided in a lunch container that is clearly identified by the child. Write the

child’s name on the front of the container, and on the handle in large letters, easily read by

teachers and other staff members.


Gymnastics

Overview

This package is for parents to help you learn the rules and class routine while bring the HELPER in the gymnastics playschool program. Your children will learn to recognize symbol cards through many repetitions done on the floor circuit throughout the year.

GOALS OF THE PLAYSCHOOL GYMNASTICS PROGRAM

1. FUN – when participants experience an enjoyable feeling from taking part in gymnastics 2. FITNESS – while participating in all gymnastics activities provided. 3. FUNDAMENTALS – learned from basic skills through the “Dominant Movement &

Fundamental Movement Patterns” of gymnastics

FUN FITNESS FUNDAMENTALS

Games Flexibility Landings Success Strength/Power Static Positions Challenges Endurance Locomotion’s Discovery Spatial Orientation Swings Social Interaction Balance Rotations Motivating Stimuli Cognitive Development Springs Motor/Physical Development Projection/Reception Physic-Social Development Rhythm & Dance


A TYPICAL DAY IN THE GYM

RULES – We do as soon as we are in the gym area.

WARM –UP – we will play games with balls/cubes, etc. to warm up our bodies and for them to have interaction time with one another & learn about special awareness

STRETCHING – is a must to prevent pulled muscles & injury when hanging off/jumping on/rolling over various pieces of equipment. It is done in a fun way and is not too strenuous for the children. We also stress during our rules that we use the washroom before or after stretching.

FLOOR CIRCUITS – Are set up so that the children learn to do more on their own & to build up their confidence. This also prevents waiting in long line-ups. They learn to identify skills from picture cards placed by each piece of equipment in the circuit.

WORKING ON THE SEPARATE PIECES OF APPARATUS – Will be started when the children become more aware of their surroundings, understand the technical terms of skills and trust us to spot them while learning how to use the equipment.

THE FAMOUS “FOAM PIT” – Is a great place for the children to play & interact with one another & use their imagination, (ie: lion king/sharks in the water/superman, etc.). It helps improve coordination & conditions their bodies while they have fun. It is used as a reward at the end of classes.

AFTER EACH CLASS IS THE “TATTOO” (HAND STAMP) – We usually put the stamp on their forearm so as not to smudge on their clothes or playschool items. May end up with some on their noses but don’t worry, it washes off with soap and water.

FUN…FUN…FUN – We want your child to enjoy their gymnastics classes so it is essential that our classes be successful & we try our best to make it so. The children learn much better when they are having fun & we love their smiling faces.

GYM POLICIES 1. GYM HELPER DUTIES 1. Please dress comfortably in loose clothing – ready for movement and participation in

activities with all the children. 2. Assist gym coach in maintaining safety and control of the group in the gym 3. Ensure all children stay together as a group 4. Ensure children are paying attention and listening to instructions 5. Assist gymnastics coach with the circuit (spotting), warm up, pit time, etc. 6. Assist with discipline when required 7. Help remove tags and hand out daily crafts, newsletters etc.

IMPORTANT: IN CASE OF FIRE DRILL OR FIRE, CHECK WASHROOMS


1. DRESS REQUIREMENTS

Appropriate dress is important for the safety of your child as well as for prolonging the life of the gym equipment. We recommend gym suits, shorts and t-shirts (close body fit) or jogging suits, bare feet or “rubber soled” gym slippers with NO socks. Long hair must be tied back and secured. No jewelry, buttons, zippers or snaps on clothing and no jeans or dresses.

Children wear their gym clothing in the classroom so changing is not required.

NOTE: If your child is not properly dressed they may not be able to participate in the gym that day.

If your child has a pair of gym slippers, he/she will need to put them on and take them off themselves. Please write their name inside the slippers. Practicing this at home before classes start would be great.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your child’s coach. Remember that YOU too are to have a fun experience with your child and the others in the class, so please come comfortably dressed for various activities.

2. SPECTATORS

For safety reasons, please use the viewing area upstairs to watch your child’s class. Children are easily distracted, which can cause accidents when they are on gym equipment. Please keep your children out of the gym area and off equipment when not in class to prevent accidents.

NOTE: Prefer parents not to come out onto gym floor except in extreme cases. Trust is essential while we spot the children on the equipment. We need some time to earn their trust and for them to be confident in their new coach. The first month is spent getting to know each other, and teaching technical terms of basic skills and how to do them. Parents, please be patient, as you will see quite a change from the beginning to the end of the playschool/gym year.

All Playschool Coaching Staff is NCCP certified with a minimum Level 1 in Gymnastics, Trampoline & Tumbling as well as First Aid and CPR and Respect Ed.

3. GYM SAFETY RULES FOR YOUR CHILDREN – are reviewed at the beginning of

every class for their safety & to understand gym procedures. 4. FIRE DRILLS – are done regularly, in a low-key manner to not frighten the children. 5. INDIVIDUAL DISCIPLINE – Once an inappropriate action or behavior has occurred,

the child will be given another opportunity to correct the behavior. If their behavior continues, the child will be given a time out. Once the time out is complete, the child rejoins the group activity. If this becomes a continuous problem, we will speak with the parent(s) about the policy guidelines and follow through with them.


6. ILL & OVERTIRED CHILDREN – are best to stay home until they feel better. They

usually don’t want to participate, and may cause other children and coaches to become ill as well. This could also become a safety hazard.

We are always willing to answer your questions, so please feel free to approach us at any time and we will do our best to resolve any concerns you may have.

Thank you for choosing Exelta Gymnastics Playschool!!!

Welcome to our family!

Documents

PLAYSCHOOL Parent Handbook 2016 2017.pdf · PLAYSCHOOL GYMNASTICS PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY Our unique program for pre-school children combines playschool activities with gymnastics, and