Philosophy of our Daycare
Reggio-Emilia Approach
The origin of this program is dated back to post-World War II in Italy. It was during this time, that the Italian government gave each town small amount of money to be used as pleased in order to restore the notion of community. Due to the lack of money, the citizens of a town, Villa Cella, helped build a school. Observing the collective behavior of the citizens, Loris Malaguzzi initiated a learning movement, which would include every member of the community.(Wurm, 2005)
The heart of Forest Heights Childcare & OSC learning is founded on the principles of collaboration. In our approach, we give the upmost importance to the notion of a strong community. This community is based not only the teachers, but deeply involves the parents and children as well. Through these interrelationships, we ensure that your child receives a wealth of tools necessary in developing ingenuity and creativity. By allowing the active participation of parents, the childis exposed to a continuous learning experience as opposed to a finite one limited to the daycare. We also aid in problems a child might be experiencing at home through the disposal of seminars in which the most effective resolution can be deduced.
Next, we strongly believe that a child’s learning is hindered through the practices of transmission of direct knowledge. The teacher-student role is ineffective because it prevents the child from exploring the depths of their imagination. On the contrary, we encourage the child to learn rudiments through concepts they are intrigued with. For instance, say a child is interested in playing a game such as bowling. It is through the game that the child will retain and apply basic mathematics. This not only makes learning exciting, but also prevents the child from dismissing the education as being trivial.
Wurm, J. (2005). Working In The Reggio Way: A Beginner’s Guide For American Teachers: Redleaf Press.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO CHILDCARE PROGRAM
Governing Body
Daycare program will be managed through a governing board comprises on Two directors of the Forest Heights Childcare & OSC and two independent members from the community. Criteria for these two independent members selection will be finalized shortly. This board will keep an effective communication with the community and parents of the children and seeking assistance and guidance to further improve delivery of daycare services.
Equipment’s and Facilities
Director will introduce latest concepts and practices of daycare service industry by providing innovative programs, toys, light table, mirror table, loft, textured fabrics, wooden materials and facilities for better development of childhood.
Operation Hours
Daycare working hours will be from 7.00 AM to 6.00 PM. Time saver for Alberta childcare will be used for children and staff. Their time- in and time -out will be recorded on Time Saver.
Nutrition
We serve one hot lunch and three snacks in a day accordingly to the guidelines of Canada Food Guide. This will provide a balance and nutritional diet that is essential for child growth.
Children will be asked to bring healthy snacks for lunch (e.g. fruit yogurt, raw vegetable etc.) that they can eat after main dish at the daycare. Menus will be posted at entrance for parent information.
Parking Stall for Staff
Lot of spaces are available in the commercial strip mall. We will instruct staff not to park in front of office as these spots will be used for pick and drop of children.
Parent Involvement
Parents from different cultural back ground are encourage collecting cultural materials that can give comfort to their kids and establishing a connection with children from different background and giving them experience to explore the world.
Each month breakfast will be organized so that child development, habit and change of habit will be discussed with parents
Security and Key Controls
Main door will be locked at 9.30 am after kids’ arrival for the security of kids and staff.
Keys will be assigned to all employees for opening and closing shifts. Keys are security keys and cannot be made duplicate or loaned to people without proper authorization.
Personal Records
A complete personal record will be maintained by the director. Personal files shall include at least the following information;
1. Emergency contact information,
2. Daycare certification,
3. Reference letter,
4. Children intervention check
5. First aid certification,
6. Criminal record check including vulnerable sector search,
7. Prior to the date of application and every three years after that date.
Staff Positions and Responsibilities
Each room will have at least one daycare supervisor. Both the assigned teachers will work together creating the perfect environment for the child.
Along with the assisting the children, it will be the teacher responsibility to plan activities and keep the room organized and tidy. The teachers will also be expected to split activity fairly within the children to avoid potential conflict. This will include taking turns for circle time, art/ crafts and sensory activities.
Subsidy
Subsidized rates are available based on the eligibility criteria set by the provincial government. Children are supposed to attend at least one hundred hours per month to get full subsidy. Parents are responsible to pay the difference in case of losing the subsidy.
Clothing for Children
Please make sure that you are bringing your child in comfortable clothing and not too fancy as we are having of messy activities in our daycare. Clothing should be appropriated according to weather. Please bring extra pair of clothes for any incident and label them with your child name.
Sick Policy
If the staff sees any symptoms of an illness that could possibly be contagious and health hazard to other children, the Director will be notified. It is then the director’s responsibility to contact parents as soon as possible.
Signs or symptoms of illness include:
- Fever over 38 degree Celsius
- Diarrhea
- Inability co-operate with the activates in the daycare
- Energy being low
- Pink eye
- Known or suspected contagious illness, e.g. fifth disease, mumps, measles and chicken pox
- Unexplained rash or cough
- Severe headache, body pain, stomach pain, stiff neck, sore throat or any other condition that requires additional medical care