Loving to Learn Preschool & Daycare

Emergency Contact (someone other than parents):

Loving to Learn Preschool & Daycare Inc. Declaration

By signing this document, you confirm that you have reviewed the above sections of the Loving to Learn Preschool and Daycare Registration Package and understand the information contained within.

Hours and Days of Operation

Loving to Learn Preschool is open from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of all statutory holidays and school holidays. We follow Wolf Creek School Divisions for holidays and inclement weather closures. We do not close on PD Days unless given notice ahead of time or unless that PD day falls on a holiday.

Introduction

This guide has been created to help our parents understand the policies and procedures that are relevant to them while their child is in care at Loving to Learn Preschool. All the policies and procedures outlined in this package are in accordance with the regulations set out by Child & Family Services. As needed, this manual will be updated.

Vision Statement

Our vision for childcare is to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We aim to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fosters a sense of community and belonging. Our goal is to support parents in their role as primary caregivers by providing high-quality care and education that meets the individual needs of each child. We believe that every child is unique and deserves to be treated with respect and compassion. By providing a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities and experiences, we hope to inspire children to explore and discover their world, develop a love of learning, and reach their full potential. Our ultimate vision is to create a generation of confident, creative, and compassionate individuals who will contribute positively to society.

Mission Statement

At Loving to Learn Preschool & Daycare, we believe in the power of learning through play. Our mission is to create a dynamic and engaging environment where children can explore, discover, and develop essential skills through playful interactions and hands-on experiences. We strive to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in every child, empowering them to become confident, enthusiastic learners. Our dedicated team is committed to nurturing each child's unique potential, supporting their emotional, social, and cognitive growth, and partnering with families to provide a holistic approach to early childhood education. Together, we cultivate a lifelong love of learning that inspires children to thrive both now and in the future.

Program Philosophy

Children

The objective is to foster the growth and appreciation of each child and their individuality while also teaching them to be part of a larger group. We encourage children's natural curiosity and promote their overall development in a safe, nurturing environment where they can thrive. Our child-centered program is designed to meet the needs of every child and to encourage them to explore their own interests and the world around them within age-appropriate boundaries. We also strive to foster creativity through diverse, self-directed experiences that allow children to make choices and shape their own play.

Program

To ensure that our routines, activities, and interactions are tailored to meet the unique backgrounds, needs, preferences, and developmental levels of each child, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive learning environment. This includes providing a wide range of materials for play that reflect our commitment to planning for diversity and inclusivity across all aspects of our program. Ability, culture, ethnicity, family composition, and gender, are all respected and accepted in our program. We also believe in the power of community partnerships, and work to engage with local organizations, families, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the quality of our care and services. We maintain a high standard of professionalism, striving to create an atmosphere that fosters learning, growth, and development for both children and staff. Finally, we recognize that families play a critical role in the care and nurturing of their children, and we seek to develop strong partnerships with parents and caregivers to ensure that we are meeting the unique needs of each child in our care.

 

Registration / Orientation Policy

Upon enquiry of childcare availability, families are invited to have a tour of the center. The tour includes an introduction to the staff members and extended time spent in the room the child will be attending. After completing the registration form, financial contract, and submitting the registration fee, the childcare space is reserved for that child. Families are sent home with an All About Me form, an ASQ-3, and the ASQ-SE2 (which is to be returned upon commencement They are also asked to bring in a family photo to be displayed in the room.

First Day:

Children will require outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, indoor shoes, a Water Bottle and an extra change of clothes. Please do not bring toys from home. We understand that some children have an attachment to certain stuffies or blanket. We permit these children to bring their comfort item for comfort only. It must stay in the backpack unless the child is feeling sad or dysregulated and needs their comfort item.

Pick up and Drop Off Policy

Dropping children off before 8:40 am must be preapproved with the director of the program. Doors are open for entry at 8:40 am. Pick up time is between 3:35 and 3:45 pm.

Parking is provided along the fenced area, across the street, in front of the church, or in the LMC parking lot.

Please do not park on the gravel parking pad to pick up and drop off your child. This area is reserved for Management and regulatory visitors.

If you need to pick up your child earlier than our allotted pickup time, please let the staff know as soon as possible. We will do our best to have your child ready for you when you arrive. Ifyou are unable to pick up your child by 3:45 pm you must contact the staff or director immediately. This can be done by phone, text, or message on Storypark. If a child is not picked up by 3:55 pm there will be a late fee of $20 for the first ten minutes and then $5 for every minute after that. late fees will be invoiced immediately and must be paid before the child is able to return for the next class; any questions or concerns, please talk to Kasha.

At pick up time it is important for your child to accompany you right away. Please do not allow your child to continue playing for "5 more minutes" Time is precious to US and we have to maintain licensing ratios. When your child doesn't leave on time, it affects the end of the day routines for the educators.

We understand that dropping off your child can be an emotional time for both parent and child. Please know they are in the best of hands, with trained professionals at regulating emotions of children with separation anxiety. The longer you linger the more anxiety builds. It is crucial for you to tell your child that you will be back, I will see you later, or I will be back to pick you up at the end of school. Please refrain from saying "good-bye" as this increases anxiety for children. If you feel that your child would benefit from a transition plan in the morning please talk to one of our amazing staff.

Transportation Policy

Loving to Learn Preschool does not transport children to or from school. All child transportation is the responsibility of the parent.

Loving to Learn Preschool has the option to reserve the community Connex bus, provided by the City of Lacombe and FCSS, for field trips that are too far for the children to walk. Parents may be asked to contribute a small fee to help cover the cost of the bus service. Written consent is required and must be provided using a consent form supplied by Loving to Learn Preschool.

Impairment-Free Workplace Policy

There will be no smoking or alcohol/cannabis consumption by any person on the Preschool premises. Any parent presumed to be under the influence upon pick up or drop off of your child, may be subject to being reported to the police.

Indoor / Outdoor Play Policy

Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor play as the children will be taken outside to play for a minimum of thirty minutes each day, weather permitting.

In case of extreme weather conditions and/or temperatures (below -20 degrees or above 25 degrees Celsius), Under the discretion of the staff and director, the children may stay inside for free play. The children may be taken upstairs to the Gym if available.

Please note that staff cannot force children to wear hats, jackets, mittens, and other appropriate clothing, but they will remind children of the weather and encourage them to dress appropriately. Staff will also model the appropriate behavior. It is important to remember that a child not appropriately dressed will still need to be outside. While Loving to Learn Preschool may be able to provide temporary appropriate clothing from time to time, we do not take responsibility for dressing each child for the weather of the day. The staff are required, both by our standards and the Law, to report chronically under dressed children to CPS.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Loving to Learn Preschool has a strict policy against abuse and neglect. In case a child shows any signs of abuse, neglect, or illness or reports any such incidents, LTL will take immediate action to ensure that the matter is properly documented and reported. We will also ensure that the child receives prompt medical attention if required.

Parents are encouraged to read and understand the following. Everyone should know the signs of child abuse.

The Warning Signs of Child Abuse - Children First Canada

Family abuse: What it is and how to identify it - Kids Help Phone

child abuse: how to help victims (crcvc.ca)

Definitions of Abuse

Any behavior by one person against another which may endanger that person's survival, security or well-being in the following ways:

• Sexual Abuse - the improper exposure of an individual to sexual activity or behavior, which includes sexual touching, intercourse, or exploitation by anyone in whose care the individual has been left or who takes advantage of the individual.
• Physical Abuse- any form of striking, shaking, punching, and slapping or other means of physical force. Emotional or Psychological Abuse - put downs, criticisms, intimidation, isolation, controlling with fear or any behavior that undermines the mental or emotional well-being of another.
• Neglect - the act of omission, which causes significant emotional or physical harm to an individual for whom one is responsible. Economic Abuse - exploitation or misuse of another's funds; cheating, or stealing from another person.
• Unlawful Confinement - the deliberate confinement of a person in a particular place.

Emergency and Safety Procedures

Emergency telephone numbers will be posted by each exit of the preschool Information will include: emergency medical service, ambulance service, fire department, police service, poison control center, hospital, and child abuse hotline.

After-hours emergency program contact number will be posted by each exit of the preschool

Staff will know and practice evacuation procedures which include fire drills with children using a developmentally appropriate approach. It is required by Licensing that fire drills be conducted once a month and recorded with date and time of the fire drill.

An emergency backpack is kept inaccessible to the children but easily accessible to the staff, which is to be taken with the staff each and every time the they leave the program with children; this includes fire drills, emergency evacuations, going for a walk or to the park, and on field trips, to the Gym, and out to the yard to play.

Evacuation & Drills

The following conditions will be adhered to during an:

Emergency Evacuation

One staff member will take the room's emergency backpack which includes portable records for each staff member and child.

Staff and children will meet at the Lacombe Memorial Center in front of the Mary Moore Public Library Entrance.

The director or designated staff member will ensure access to the attendance register is available before they leave the building and ensure that every child and worker is accounted for.

The group will remain at the LMC until parents can be contacted for pick up or it is deemed safe by professionals to return to the program.

Fire Drill

The program must have a practice fire drill once per month.

The exit routes for each room are posted beside each exit door.

Each staff member will do a head count (checking washrooms, closets, or any private area where a child may have lingered) and will bring out the emergency backpack which includes portable records for each staff member and child.

The safe meeting place is at the LMC by Mary Moore Public Library entrance.

After evacuation is complete and everyone is in a safe place, attendance is taken, then a staff member can administer first aid if necessary.

For Fire Drills in the winter the children go to the main fire exits and stop. They do not have to go outside if it is below - -10 degrees Celsius

Lockdown Drill

Staff and children will practice a lockdown drill. Everyone will move to the inside area of the preschool and away from all windows. All doors leading into the preschool will be locked and closed. Children and staff will be instructed to remain as quiet as possible. In the event of a real emergency lockdown, 911 will be called by an educator and parents will be called when it is safe to do SO.

Power Outage

Staff will Practice with the children to "freeze" at their verbal command. Everyone will Remain calm. The program will have at least one battery-operated flash light Call parents to come and pick up their children if power outage longer than 15 minutes.

Follow above procedures as appropriate to the situation. Ex: Tornado = lock down drill Wildfire / Flood = emergency evacuation

Loving to Learn will ensure that our child guidance policies are communicated with:

Parents:

When parents enroll their children, they will be provided with a registration package which includes the program's policies.

Staff: During the orientation session upon hiring, all staff members will receive a package with Loving to Learn Preschool and Daycare Handbook which includes the Loving to Learn Preschool and Daycare Child Guidance Policy.

Children: When it is developmentally appropriate, program educators will seek input from the children to set clear limits for acceptable and unacceptable behavior. These expectations will be enforced using rational explanations in an environment of mutual respect and caring.

We believe a positive approach works best to help children learn to express their feelings and resolve conflicts and solve problems in socially acceptable ways.

Our educators are warm, caring, nurturing, respectful and supportive. We respect the children's feelings and their individuality by allowing for choices throughout the program.

Educators utilize various techniques to promote children's social development, taking into account their developmental levels, temperament, and abilities. Consistent positive reinforcement is employed to encourage pro-social behavior and foster a peaceful environment.

At Loving to Learn, we will never inflict or threaten any form of physical punishment. This includes, but is not limited to, spanking, verbal degradation, emotional deprivation, deny or threaten to deny food or any other basic necessity, or use or permit the use of physical restraint, confinement, or isolation.

Practices used to promote pro-social behaviors and minimize challenging behaviors include:

The children's program: Activities are planned are based on children's interests and are appropriate for the age and individual levels of the children.

Routine: A daily routine is established to provide predictability and a balance between active/quiet and self- directed/teacher-directed activities.

Simple, Effective Transitions: Transitions between activities are carefully planned to make these times positive experiences for the children.

Supervision: Caregivers are to focus on the children, observing, listening, using "Teachable moments" to facilitate co-learning, interacting with them and taking on roles in play, guiding their behavior and encouraging them as they strive to overcome new challenges.

Clear Limits: Children are given basic, clear limits, along with reasons for the limits to guide their behavior. Boundaries and expectations expand as children develop.

Consistency: Educators are consistent, SO children know what to expect - limits and expectations are consistent SO all educators respond in a similar way to conflict situations.

Positive Reinforcement: Educators reinforce positive behaviors by giving children attention and commenting on positive behaviors.

Positive Communication: Positive communication is used to explain reasons for concerns about a child's behavior and to help children learn alternative behaviors.

Validating feelings: Children's feeling and emotions are acknowledged to support their emotional development.

Modeling: Educators clearly demonstrate compassionate, caring behaviors that set examples for children to follow. Intervention Techniques include:

Redirection: Educators will tell children what they can do instead of what they cannot do.

Natural consequences: Children will be given opportunities to experience natural consequences when it is safe and appropriate. Educators point out and reinforce natural consequences as they occur in a non-judgmental way. Children see the results of their own behavior and begin to modify it accordingly.

Non-Judgmental Explanations: Children are provided with explanations as to how their behavior affects themselves and others.

Logical consequences: Logical consequences relevant and appropriate for the situation are used. For example, if a child spills sand on the floor, he is encouraged to sweep it up with help from the teacher as required.

Passive intervention: Educators give children time to work through their own problems but are there to support the children as required.

Problem-solving & conflict resolution: Children are encouraged to work together to solve problems and conflicts. Educators will model and support the children as required.

Medical Treatment Release

I acknowledge and authorize the staff of Loving to Learn Preschool educators to seek medical attention in an emergency; this could include calling an ambulance if they deem fit for the child/children named above and authorizing medical treatment until parents are contacted and/or arrive. In this case, a management team member would stay with the child until the parents arrive.

Sunscreen Consent

I give permission to the staff of Loving to Learn Preschool to apply sunscreen to my child/children as necessary throughout the day. I agree to allow the application of sunscreen provided by Loving to Learn Preschool that has not passed its expiry. All sunscreens provided will be child-safe, with a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen. If your child has sensitivities, you may bring your own sunscreen that will be applied only to your child.

Developmental Screening

As part of our commitment to providing quality early childhood education and development, our educators will conduct developmental screenings using tools such as the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2. These screenings help US ensure that we are meeting each child's developmental needs, identifying areas that may require additional focus, and providing opportunities for children to challenge themselves.

Parents are also given the opportunity to participate in the screening process by performing the same screening at home. The two screenings are then compared, and the results are discussed with you, the child's parent.

If any issues or concerns are detected during these screenings, the Program Director will inform you so that we can collaborate on creating a plan for your child's success. The results of the screenings will be included in your child's portfolio and are available for you to review at any time.

ASQ-3 and ASQ: SE-2 are available online for your convenience, or a paper copy can be provided.

Please let US know if you would like to use our online system, or if you prefer a paper copy.

By signing this document, you agree to Loving to Learn Preschool's use of the ASQ screening tools to help US make our program more inclusive and set all children up for success. If you would like more information about ASQ's please contact Kasha.

Potential Health Risk & Supervised Care for Sick Children

Sickness Policy

It is not in the best interest of the sick child or the other children attending the program for a sick child to attend. Where a staff member knows or has reason to believe that a child is exhibiting signs or symptoms of illness, he/she will call and ensure that the child's parent arranges for the immediate removal of the child from the program premises and that the child does not return to the program premises until program staff are satisfied that the child no longer poses a health risk to persons on the program premises. Acceptable evidence includes that the child is symptom-free for at least 24 hours or that the child has received a physician's note.

If a child arrives at the program and appears to be sick, they are NOT to be accepted if:

• The child's temperature is 100 °F (38 °C) or greater.
• The parent indicates the child has had diarrhea or been vomiting within 24 hours prior to arrival.
• The child has not been taking their prescribed antibiotics or treatment for at least 24 hours priorto returning to the program.
• The child appears too lethargic to actively participate in the program for the day.
• The child has yellow or green discharge from their eyes or nose, or an extreme red/pink eye color and has not been seen by a doctor.
• The child has a new or unexplained rash or cough.
• The child requires greater care and attention than can be provided without compromising the care of the other children in the program.
• The child displays any other illness or symptom the staff member knows or believes may indicate that the child poses a health risk to persons on the program premises.

The educator will assess visually and by taking the temperature of children who become sick during the day. In cases where the child displays symptoms throughout the day, parents will be called and arrangements made for immediate removal of the child.

If the parent is unable to make arrangements for the immediate removal, the sick child will be kept away from the other children; provided with a quiet, comfortable environment and directly supervised by a primary staff member until the child is removed from the facility.

Communicable Disease

When a staff member knows or suspects that a child may have a Communicable Disease, the parent or emergency contact will be notified immediately, and the child must be removed from the center as soon as possible. Parents will be informed of the concern and encouraged to seek early medical attention.

The child must be diagnosed by a physician, and the parent must report this diagnosis to the program immediately. In addition, the physician's recommendation on when the child can return to the center must be relayed to the Director. A doctor's note will be required.

A list of communicable diseases is available by calling Health Link at 1-866-408-5465. Or 811

Medication Administration Policy

In order to ensure administration of medicine is done appropriately; a primary staff member will make certain that written consent of the child's parent has been obtained by having them complete the Medication Administration Form. The form is to be put in a ziplock bag with the consent form and placed in the red lock box by the entrance door. The form will be kept with the medication and completed as required.

Before administering the medication, the primary care giver is to check all requirements are met (ex. proper medication, name, date, time, dosage, etc) and initial the medication form.

Medication and herbal remedies must come in their original packaging/container. Prescriptions must include the child's name and dosage. No exceptions. The medication is administered according to the labelled directions.

All prescription medications will be returned to parents upon departure each day. A primary staff member will monitor the child for at least 5 minutes after taking any medication or herbal remedy to ensure there is no allergic reaction. In the event there is an unexpected reaction, the staff member will remain with the child, have the parent notified and request pick-up.

The medication form is to be kept in the room and in the red lock box. Once the medication form is complete the form will be given to the Director to be placed in the child's file. It is the responsibility of the staff member to ensure the form is filled out correctly and renewed if needed. Staff will ask parents if a dosage of medication or herbal remedy was administered prior to arriving at the center. If administered prior to arrival, the parent must sign the medication form and make note of it. If the medication was left/forgotten at home, staff will make a note on the form.

All medications (including staff medications) will be stored in a locked container that is inaccessible to children. Staff lockers are located in the staff bathroom. When personal belongings are in the locker, all lockers must be locked with locks provided. Licensing can and will search all accessible spaces.

Emergency Medications

Emergency medications, such as inhalers and epi-pens, will be kept in the child's room and out of children's reach. They will be kept in the emergency backpack located on the center pillar of the room. The Emergency backpack must be taken any time the class leaves the room. This includes taking children upstairs to the Gym, outside to our yard, and on all outings away from the program.

All Emergency medications MUST have an Emergency Medication Form filled out and kept with the medication, as well as an emergency medication/medical plan posted by the lock box to inform ALL staff and volunteers in the room of the emergency medications, who they belong to, what they are used for, when to use them, as well as the procedures of what to do after the child's emergency medication has been administered to the child.

If Emergency Medication is transported between the child's home and the program on a daily basis, the Medication Form MUST be kept with the medication, If it doesn't have the Emergency Medication Form with it upon arrival to the program, the parent MUST take the medication home with them. It can not be left at the program without the Emergency Medication Form, and can not be administered to the child without the Emergency Medication Form present. Alternatively, they must complete a New Emergency Medication Form before leaving it with the program.

Medication forms are generally sent to the parent via email, or Storypark to be completed and signed electronically. These forms can be reprinted if the parent has lost the original or it has been forgotten at home.

The PDF will be stored in a Google Drive folder that the staff will have access to from the iPad in the room for reprinting purposes.

The Emergency Medication Form must include the name of the medication, for example (Salbutamol, Not Ventolin) and (Epinephrine, Not Epi-Pen) The name of the child must be on the medication, and the medication Expiry Date must be recorded on the medication form. The medication MUST not be EXPIRED! Emergency Medication Forms can be valid for a period of three months, then must be re-submitted, carefully checking the medication again for Name, Expiry, And matching child's name. 

Over the counter Emergency Medication such as Benadryl Must have an Emergency Medication Form, and the child's name must be written on the Bottle/Packaging/Label and on the Ziplock bag the medication is stored in.

All staff and volunteers will receive information about Emergency Medication Procedures and Plans and will be asked to familiarize themselves with the information in case of an emergency. Children with Allergies and medical conditions are posted by the Red Lock Box for staff and volunteers to have access for quick reference.

Health Care

Children requiring specialized health care (other than regular medication) will only have medications and health care administered by a professional or a staff member who has been trained in administering that type of health care. The staff member responsible will require documented evidence of their skill or training and record will be kept in their file as well as that of the child's file. Written permission must be obtained from the parent unless the health care is in the nature of first aid.

Child Involvement Policy

Programming in our program is centered around the needs and interests of the children. They are actively involved in the development and implementation of activities. If a child does not want to participate, they will receive gentle encouragement but ultimately have the freedom to choose another activity.

Photo Release

Photos are a wonderful way for children to share their experiences and excitement with their families, as well as to enjoy sharing the photos with their friends at the center. Additionally, photos serve as evidence to ensure that we are meeting and exceeding the needs of the children in our care. We can share our fun adventures with our community and raise awareness of our center. The benefits of photos are endless, and we appreciate the opportunity to share them.

Despite our best efforts to stop photos in public from being taken, we can not always control the actions of others. According to the legalities surrounding this, in Canada it is NOT illegal to take photos of someone without permission in a public setting. However, in this case we will do our best to ensure it stops immediately and ask that the photo's be deleted.

By signing this agreement, I consent to my child's or children's photos being used to enhance the learning environment in the preschool, share our adventures in newsletters, our brochure or posters for marketing, and social media to raise community awareness of the program. No close-up facial pictures will be posted on social media or in marketing material without parental permission.

I do consent to photos being taken of my child:

OR - I do not consent to any photos being taken of my child:

Community Partnership Policy

In order to achieve and maintain our goal of being a valued resource in our community, Loving to Learn Preschool will:

• Work to identify local and global community partners.
• Look for opportunities for community involvement
• Keep a current file of community resources and contact information that will be made available to families who require additional support or information.
• Strive to build working relationships between community organizations that can support the development of children.
• Include school partnerships.

Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Policy

At Loving to Learn Preschool, we respect and celebrate each child and family's cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and diverse needs. We value diversity, and all are welcome in our program. Inclusivity is an important part of early learning, and all children have the right to early education and to be respected and welcomed.

It's important to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone is valued and respected regardless of their background.

Family Involvment Policy

At Loving to Learn Preschool, we believe in maintaining an open-door policy for all parents and families. This means that parents are welcome to visit and participate in the program at any time. We understand that family involvement sends a positive message to the child, showing that they are supported and that their family is interested in their experience at our preschool, and values their education.

We hope that ALL families feel welcome here, and that we can work together to create a positive learning environment. This partnership between parents, staff, and the child is an essential component of our setting, and we believe that open communication is crucial for our success.

Things you can do to engage with your child's program are:

• Attend Special activities and functions in the center
• Volunteer time
• suggestions for programming
• Feedback of service
• Run activities with the children, ex. Making playdough
• Share aspects of your culture with the children

Inclusion / Family Support Policy

According to the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, All individuals must be treated equally, regardless of their race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability. The Canadian Human Rights Act also states employers and service providers are required to accommodate special needs, including those of people with disabilities, short of undue hardship.

Children with special needs require Childcare for the same reasons as all children: 

• To grow, develop and learn
• Friendship building and social inclusion
• Parental employment, training, respite and support.

At Loving to Learn Preschool we adapt the environment and routines as necessary to meet the needs of the children enrolled. We develop flexible programming that can be adapted as needed.

 

Loving to Learn Preschool will work together with parents and external service providers to ensure that each child's needs are met. With the parents' consent, we will refer children to outside service providers for support and guidance if we or the parents believe a child may require additional assistance. 

• If the program can not meet the child's needs, we will ensure that:
• The family asked to withdraw is dealt with fairly and equitably. 
• The notice of withdrawal is the same for all families. 
• Reasonable care has been taken in assessing the child's needs and the Program's ability to support those needs.

 

Community Exploration Authorization and Acknowledgement:

At Loving to Learn Preschool, we believe that children should have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors every day, weather permitting. We will make use of resources in our community, such as community playgrounds, splash parks, trail walks, and other various activities within walking distance.

Adequate supervision will be maintained by adhering to licensing ratio requirements. Loving to Learn Preschool educators will ensure compliance of all licensing requirements are being met while in or away from the program.

Parents will be notified of any events or activities that require admission, transportation, extended leave from the centre or potential risk (ex, sledding); these types of events require an additional permission form to which you can choose to provide permission or not. If not you will be asked to keep your child home the day of the event.

Parents will be advised in advance of any offsite activity by at least one of the following means; Field trip permission form, in the form of a Jot form emailed to all families and messaged on Storypark. Or a paper copy at the program can be provided for those that do not have digital access.

A staff member will take the room's emergency backpack on all off-site activities, Any child Emergency medication will be available in the backpack.

*Any outings must have a return time of no later than 3:30 Pm. Parents will not be asked or expected to pick their children up anywhere but at Loving to Learn Preschool. Outings requiring a later time will need prior approval from the director and the parents must be informed ahead of time.*

By signing this agreement, I acknowledge that I have read the above statement and have approved these outdoor activities under the supervision of Loving to Learn Preschool and the terms listed above.

Communication Policy

Effective communication between Centre staff and families is crucial for quality child care.

On a daily basis, our staff will communicate with families to provide updates on your child's progress, program activities and center operations. Staff will inform families of any events of the day, and we encourage families to inform staff of any relevant information that will help US better understand and care for your children. This two-way communication is critical in ensuring the well-being of your child and their successful development in our center.

Families are welcome to visit and observe the program at any time. If you would like to consult with a child care provider, please let US know in advance SO that we can arrange for them to give you their undivided attention. We encourage families to discuss any concerns or suggestions with our staff and director.

Open communication is essential for creating a family-like environment for the children.

Our program uses various communication channels, such as Storypark, direct text or email to send newsletters and notices to our families. The purpose of the newsletters is to keep families up-to-date with the latest events happening at our program. In addition to this, all the information shared in the newsletters will also be available on the family board, which is located at the entrance of the program. This board may also contain information about community resources and events that are available to the community.

 

Violence and Harassment Policy

At Loving to Learn Preschool & Daycare, we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all children, parents, staff, and visitors. To uphold this commitment, we have established the following Violence and Harassment Policy:

Definitions

Violence: Any behavior that is aggressive, threatening, or intended to cause harm. This includes physical violence, verbal aggression, and intimidation.

Harassment: Unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. This includes but is not limited to bullying, threats, and unwanted communication.

Policy Guidelines

Zero Tolerance: Loving to Learn Preschool has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of violence or harassment. This applies to parents, guardians, visitors, and staff members.

Expectations: All parents and guardians, visitors and staff are expected to:

• Treat others with respect and kindness.
• Communicate in a constructive and positive manner.
• Follow procedures for raising concerns or complaints through appropriate channels.

Reporting Incidents: Any incidents of violence or harassment should be reported immediately to the preschool administration. All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.

Investigation Process: The administration will conduct a fair and thorough investigation of any reported incident. All parties involved will have an opportunity to present their side.

Consequences: Depending on the severity of the incident, consequences may include:

• A warning to the individual involved.
• Required participation in mediation or conflict resolution sessions.
• Temporary or permanent removal from the preschool property and termination of enrollment.

Support for Affected Individuals:

Loving to Learn preschool will provide support to those affected by violence or harassment by providing contacts and referrals to community resources that specialize in the support that is needed by any affected individual.

Confidentiality: All reports and investigations will be handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the privacy of those involved.

Commitment to a Safe Environment

We believe that everyone has the right to an environment free from violence and harassment. By working together, we can create a respectful and safe community for our children, families, and staff.

Grievance / Conflict Resolution

Any concerns or suggestions that parents may have pertaining to the program are encouraged.

There may be times when parents or caregivers are dissatisfied or disagree with a staff member or have a specific area of concern to address. If such a situation occurs, it should be resolved as quickly as possible using the following guidelines:

• See the person concerned and discuss the issue. This will often resolve the problem.
• Where the problem cannot be resolved, it is recommended that it be brought to the attention of the director, who will promptly address the issue as needed.
• If the parent remains dissatisfied with the situation, the parent is in their right to call childcare connect and submit a complaint.

Critical

The staff will ensure that children involved in an accident or serious illness will receive immediate medical attention as necessary.

In case of a serious/life-threatening injury, staff will administer first aid and call 911 for assistance. The affected child's parent will be immediately notified by telephone.

All Critical incidents must be reported to Childcare Connect within 24 hours of the incident.

If a parent or guardian takes the child to the hospital for ANY reason related to attending preschool, a critical incident report to Childcare Connect is mandatory. Parents are responsible for informing the preschool staff or Director if the child is taken to the hospital following any incident related to attending preschool.

Minor

Accidents and Incidents will be documented. Parents will be required to sign a copy of the written report. The program director will review the original copy of the form before it is placed in the child's file; a copy will be provided to the parent upon request.

All accidents and incidents will be analyzed by the director to identify any trends or issues.

 

Hand Washing Policy

(as per Alberta Health Services)

Frequency

Hands of the children and staff must be properly washed and dried: Proper washing is done using soap and warm running water. Vigorously rub together the lathered hands and exposed arms for at least 20 seconds. Rinse under clean warm running water. Special attention should be given to areas underneath the fingernails and between the fingers and wrists. Dry hands and arms thoroughly using a single service towel.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not a substitute for hand washing and should only be used when soap and water are unavailable.

Hand washing is done upon the following:

Upon entering the program

Before eating

After eating After blowing nose or using hands to wipe nose

Before being involved in food service activities including setting tables

After sand and water play activities

After outdoor activities

After toilet and diapering activities

After contact with animals

After any activity which leaves hands dirty or contaminated

Nutrition & Manner of Feeding

Loving to Learn Preschool and Daycare does not provide meals to the children. The nutrition of the child is the responsibility of the parent. Loving to Learn Preschool does have snacks available for children that are still hungry, or an unfortunate event has happened to their lunch or snack.

Children and staff must be seated while eating and drinking.

Meal and snack times are approximate and flexible Snack time @ 10:00 AM

Lunch @ 12:00 PM

Second snack @ 2:00 PM

Parents are permitted to bring in outside food for special occasions such as Birthdays and Special Days. Parents will be notified of any allergies, and they will be requested not to bring those specific foods into the program.

Lunch boxes and water bottles must be labelled with the child's name

Practicum Student Policy

Practicum Student Policy When requested by educational institutions, Loving to Learn Preschool will accept Early Learning and Child Care practicum students. A clear and current criminal record check must be provided. The students will be familiarized with the Policies and Procedures of the center and are required to adhere to them. A picture and description of the practicum student will be placed where parents and staff can see it.

**To ensure that security is maintained, the number of students will be limited*

Oath of Confidentiality

**Each parent/guardian, employee, and volunteer shall complete an Oath of Confidentiality**

I agree to uphold the confidentiality of all personal information shared with me as a parent of a student attending Loving to Learn preschool. I understand that I may come into contact with sensitive information about other families and children, and I commit to never disclosing this information to anyone outside of the preschool administrative personnel. I will respect the privacy of all families and children and maintain the highest level of discretion in all matters relating to the preschool. I understand that any breach of this oath may result in consequences such as suspension of care, or termination of care.

Memberships & Partnerships

Loving to Learn has membership/Partnership status for the following partnerships.

• CADD - Central Alberta Daycare Directors
• CCCF - Canadian Child Care Federation
• ARCQE- Alberta Resource Centre for Quality Enhancement
• ASaP- Access Support and Participation
• Naeyc- National Association for the Education of Young Children
• AACE- Association of Alberta Childcare Entrepreneurs
• Children First Canada Parkland Regional Library - Mary C. Moore
• Lacombe FRN (Family Resource Network)

 

License Holder:

Kasha Levie and Dave Hnatiuk are the License Holders of Loving to Learn Preschool and Daycare. They can be reached at 403-588-5022

*Any questions or concerns, comments or suggestions regarding the policies are to be addressed to the director at kasha@lovingtolearnpreschool.com and or by phone at 403-588-5022

 

Loving to Learn Preschool & Daycare Inc. Declaration

By signing this document, you confirm that you have reviewed the above sections of the Loving to Learn Preschool and Daycare Registration Package and understand the information contained within.