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Policies

Admission and Enrolment

Admission Priority

The following criteria are used for admission:

  1. A sibling already attends the Centre.
  2. The child requires full time care rather than part time.
  3. Children enrolled in the preschool room are given priority for school age spaces, by initial admission date. Enrollment in the preschool program does not guarantee space in the school age program.
  4. Children who are returning to the Centre after a maternity leave.
  5. The child's name is on our waiting list.
  6. A preschool child is from the Riverview School catchment area and therefore to be part of the school age program at a later date. 

The number of school age/preschool children accepted will be according to licensing requirements.  Currently, we are licensed for sixty-five children. Children must be at least three years of age AND FULLY POTTY TRAINED.  WE ARE NOT LICENSED FOR DIAPERING FACILITIES.

Withdrawl

Parents/Guardians must give a minimum of two weeks written notice to the Centre when withdrawing their child(ren). Regular fees will be charged during this period regardless of attendance.

Part time users may be given two weeks notice if the space is required for a full time user.

Parents/Guardians may be asked to withdraw a child if the child's behavior is consistently inappropriate and/or disruptive to the others in the Centre, as outlined in the Behavior Management Policy.

Emergency Closures

Parents/guardians will be notified by phone tree designated to the Board of Directors should the Centre close because of uncontrollable circumstances such as: blizzard, gas leak, etc. Regular fees will be charged. Please visit our website for up to date emergency closures.

Food and Nutrition

Our goal is to provide nutritious snacks.  At least three of the four food groups are represented at each snack.  Snack menus are posted  on the bulletin boards by each program and rotated on a weekly basis.

School Age children are offered snack before and after school by the Centre.

Preschool children are offered snack in the morning until 9:00 am. Afternoon snack is served at 2:45 pm. Kindergarten children are offered snack when they return from school.

Parents/guardians, please provide nutritious lunches. Licensing requirements state that children must receive one serving of milk/dairy product, one serving of bread/cereals, one serving of protein/meat and two servings of fruit/vegetables in their lunch. Candy, soda, kool aid, etc. will not be permitted and will be returned home with the child. Milk is always provided at lunch by the Centre and is recommended over sugary juice boxes.

Microwaves are available to heat children's lunches during the lunch hour but please keep in mind that staff do not have time to "prepare" your child's lunch.

Utensils, bowls/plates and glasses are available for the children's use.

Clothing

The children need indoor shoes at the Centre everyday. Please remember during inclement weather when boots are worn.

For your child's health and safety, please ensure that the always have extra clothing available. This applies to both preschool and school age children. Accidents can happen to all children and since we cannot provide clean clothing, the parent/guardian will be called at work/home to bring extra clothes. Please remember to label all clothing.

Our program requires outdoor activity on a daily basis in all seasons. DRESS YOUR CHILD EVERYDAY FOR THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. In the cold weather this should include: neck warmer/scarf, boots, mitts, hat, ski pants and winter jacket. Again, for both school age children and the preschool children who look up to the them!

Injuries/Accidents

The ECE/CCA staff are trained in and must maintain emergency first aid and CPR. A completed incident report form will be sent home for all injuries and/or accidents. Parents/guardians will be contacted if the accident requires immediate medical attention therefore it is imperative that your emergency contact numbers are up to date.

Emotional Care

Open lines of communication are vital for your child's well being. Please remember that the ECE/CCA staff should be notified of any significant changes in the child's home life. Confidentiality is assured.

Custoday Arrangements

The Centre requires copies of current custodial arrangements. Parental access cannot be denied by the Centre without a copy of your Court Order.

Request For Affidavits

Because the Board does not wish to be seen taking a position in domestic disputes and because evidence is generally available by subpoena, it is the general position and policy of Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc. not to furnish affidavits to parents/guardians in domestic disputes.

When any employee is asked to furnish an affidavit related to matters arising out of their job duties, then the request is to be communicated to the Director. Staff will be required to attend court and court proceedings only if subpoenaed (unless the subpoena is rendered void before the appearance).

The policy of not voluntarily furnishing affidavits may be relaxed, at the discretion of the Director, if the Director feels that a legitimate child welfare concern would be better addressed if the evidence were made readily available to the party requesting it. The Director's decision is to be made final. The Board will hear submissions from parents/guardians or "appeals" of the Director's decision.

Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc. follows the Manitoba Childcare Program (MCCP) protocol "Understanding Custody Arrangements and Court Orders Issued by the Criminal or Family Law Courts".

Potential Threat To A Child(ren)

If, in the opinion of a staff, an individual arrives at the Centre and appears to be intoxicated, under the influence of drugs and/or poses a potential threat to the child(ren), the staff will offer the following suggestions:

  1. Suggest the individual walk home with the child/children if they are within walking distance.
  2. Offer individual and the child/children a ride home in the Centre's van, only if staff feels comfortable in doing so and van is readily available.
  3. Will offer to call a taxi for the individual and the child/children at the parent/guardians own expense.

If the individual refuses the above suggestions, the staff will be forced to take the following actions:

  1. The Winnipeg Police Department will be called and notified of the dangerous behavior.
  2. Child and Family Services will be called and the incident will be documented and reported.

Breech of the above policy will result in first, a verbal warning as above. The second warning will be followed by a written account of the incident. the documentation will include a reminder to the parent/guardian that the Centre reserves the right to suggest an alternate pick up and drop off person for the child/children. The Centre also reserves the right to withdraw the family and if so, the parent/guardian will be given written notice from the Board of Directors.

Health And Sickness

The Centre does not have the staff or facilities to care for or isolate a sick child. You will be notified immediately when your child becomes ill. Parents/guardians are responsible for making immediate alternate arrangements for the child's care. Should your child become ill at school, they will contact you to pick up your child there. They will not be allowed at the Centre.

The parents/guardians must make immediate arrangements for alternate care when a child is too ill to participate in all activities, including outdoor play and walking to and from school.

The parents/guardians must sign a release form before any medication can be given to your child at the Centre. Medication must never be left in lunch boxes or lockers where younger children can access it. Please give the medication to a staff person who will put the medication in a safe place.

Medication will only be administered by the Centre if:

  1. The parent/guardian signs a release form.
  2. The medication being administered was prescribed by a physician.
  3. The medication is in the original bottle/container.

WE WILL NOT ADMINISTER OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES (IE. TYLENOL, GRAVOL, COUGH SYRUPS, ETC)

Please notify the Centre when your child will be absent. It is important that we know the reason for the absence, as the Regional Health Authority requires that we report all communicable diseases and post them (anonymously). Regular fees are charged if your child is absent due to illness.

PANDEMIC POLICY

DEFINITION:

Influenza are types of viruses that people have little or no immunity to. They are easily spread from person to person. When the spread is worldwide, it is called a “pandemic influenza”.

SEASONAL FLU VS PANDEMIC FLU

It is important to know the differences between the seasonal flu as opposed to the pandemic flu.

Seasonal flu happens every year during the winter months in Canada and northern hemisphere, which in turn affects Manitobans every winter.

Pandemic flu occurs about three times a century and can take place in any season. It is spread worldwide and affects more people than the seasonal flu.

Seasonal flu will only be typically dangerous for people over the age of 65; people with existing medical conditions; people with weak immune systems and/or the very young.

Pandemic flu has higher incidents of illness and death. Risk groups for severe illness may be different from those of seasonal flu.

Seasonal flu vaccines are made available every year to protect from the types of influenzas expected to appear. Different strains can circulate each year and the vaccine is effective because certain strains can be predicted based on other strains seen around the world.

Pandemic flu vaccines are not available at the start of spread because the virus type is brand new. Once it has been detected, scientists identify the virus then work on and manufacture a new vaccine. It's predicted that it takes approximately six months to accomplish the above task.

Seasonal flu can be prevented by using anti-viral drugs to treat, manage and prevent the flu. These drugs are also used in long-term care facilities and provide early prevention for people at risk.

Pandemic flu anti-virus supplies are limited and dispersed by health care professionals who will decide which people should receive them. Countries tend to “stock pile” anti-viral drugs during a pandemic and their use is guided by the spread and severity of the pandemic.           

PANDEMIC PLAN

Although child care centers and schools are known settings for amplification of influenza transmission including the pandemic COVID-19 virus they are also controlled environments and should have the ability to identify potential pandemic activity and to implement measures to limit transmission.

At this time, the most important factors in the control of the spread of the pandemic COVID-19 virus in child care centers are:

  • EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF ILL CHILDREN AND STAFF EXIBITING SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 VIRUS
  • EXCLUSION FROM THE SETTING OF ANYONE ILL WITH SYMPTOMS OF THE VIRUS AND,
  • PRACTICING COUGH/SNEEZE ETIQUETTE AND FREQUENT HAND CLEANSING

Here at Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc, we adhere to all licensing requirements and regulations. Health departments have asked centers to be especially diligent in health and safety policies right now. The following are symptoms of the COVID-19 virus and will be taken seriously:

 FEVER, COUGH, SORE THROAT, RUNNY NOSE, SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND/OR DIFFICULTIY BREATHING

If your child displays any of these symptoms, the following steps will be taken by the Executive Director:

  1. The child will be isolated from the other staff and children at the center
  2. A mask and gloves will be worn by the person caring for the child
  3. The parent/guardian will be contacted immediately
  4. THE PARENT/GUARDIAN WILL ARRANGE PICK UP OF THEIR CHILD WITHIN THE HOUR
  5. People with the COVID-19 virus may be infectious for up to 14 days after illness onset with influenza
  6. Your child will not be able to return to the center until the most severe symptoms have disappeared. For example: fever, excessive coughing, and excessive sneezing. No exceptions will be made in this area as we must prevent/protect the healthy children and staff at the center.
  7. We advise parents/guardians to seek medical advice regarding their child's symptoms as some of these same symptoms are present in many other communicable diseases that are easily treated with antibiotics.

 Please note as per our policies, that child care fees are the responsibility of the parent whether the child is in attendance or not.        

IN CASE OF A STAFFING CRISIS

Here at Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc, we will do the best we can to protect and prevent the spread of infection of communicable diseases. All staff and children practice proper hand washing, sanitizing and sneeze/cough etiquette. It is important that parents/guardians support our practices and continue them at home. In the case where staff at our center become sick and it starts to affect our ability to adequately care for the children, the following steps will be taken:

  1. All efforts will be made to have all employees available including substitutes.
  2. Should there be a lack of employees to maintain adequate staff to child ratios, parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as possible to find alternate care for their child/ren.
  3. Parents with flexible hours will be asked to pick up their child/ren or arrive later to accommodate staffing.
  4. The Centre may open/close with reduced hours.       Parents/guardians will be notified.
  5. If the Centre must have an emergency closure, the Executive Director will communicate with email, phone tree and/or website.
  6. Parents/guardians may be denied care if we cannot meet ratio due to illness.

 Keeping the above circumstances in mind, this is why we stress to parents/guardians the importance of recognizing symptoms of viruses and taking appropriate preventative measures by staying at home with your sick child/ren.

Parents/guardians should plan ahead for such circumstances by arranging alternate care through extended family and friends.

 If you or another family member are being “isolated” at home, please do not bring your child to daycare until the period of isolation and risk of transmission has passed.

 For more information regarding the COVID-19 virus:

 www.manitoba.ca/health/coronavirus/index.html

 https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childcare/resources/pubs/infection_control.pdf  

**SOME OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY:

THE GOVERNMENT OF MANITOBA , “A Guide to Pandemic Preparedness Planning for Early Learning and Child Care Facilities”

THE PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA, “Public Health Guidance for Child Care Programs and Schools regarding the Prevention and Management of Influenza-Like-Illness(ILI), Including the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Virus

BOTH PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE FOR PARENTS/STAFF

 

 

Lice/Nits Policy

If nits and/or lice have been found in your child's hair, a parent/guardian will be called immediately to pick up. Your child can return only when he/she has been treated with a lice shampoo/treatment and ALL NITS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE HAIR. This policy is to prevent further infestation among other children, families and staff. We recognize the expense and time attached to treatments and will do everything we can to control an outbreak.

Nap/Rest Periods

We have nappers and non nappers in the preschool program. The decision as to whether a child naps or not is the parents/guardians.The ECE staff will notify the parent/guardian if they feel strongly one way or another in this regard. During summer when we have many field trips, naps are not always available but we will do our best to offer a rest period.

If your child does require a nap, the Centre will provide a cot, sheet and blankets. Specials cuddle toys or blankets from home are welcome.

Toy Policy

In the preschool room, we ask that parents/guardians not allow their children to bring toys from home with the exception of cuddle toys or stuffies. Books, appropriate music and puzzles are always welcome,

School Age children are welcome to bring a toy to share under the following conditions:

  1. Children are responsible for their toys
  2. NO WAR OR VIOLENT TOYS
  3. NO GAME BOYS or expensive toys
  4. All toys should be labelled with your child's name

Please note that the Centre does not assume any responsibility for any lost or stolen toys.

School Routes

Children attending Riverview School are expected to follow a specific route. This is very important, as the staff will look for them along this route. A detailed drawing of the route map is posted on the Parent Bulletin Board in the school age hallway.

Smoking

There is no smoking allowed in the Centre or around the outside of the Centre. Staff are not permitted to smoke within view of the children and we ask that parents/guardians do the same. Please dispose of butts in a safe place as they are dangerous to children.

Privacy Policy

Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc. has adopted the provincially required PIPEDA with regards to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information in commercial activities (child care). PIPEDA stands for "Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act". In accordance with the law, all children`s files and parent information is kept confidential and in safe keeping. Only those in direct need of such information are allowed access to any personal information.; Each parent or guardian is asked to read the PIPEDA agreement and return the signed consent forms to the Director.

Parent Involvement

New families to our Centre are welcome to attend Board Meetings. However, due to the sensitive nature and confidentiality of some issues (ie. staff, children) you may be excluded for that portion of the meeting to respect their privacy. We encourage you to become a committee member and to have input into your child`s Centre. Meeting dates are posted at the front door and website and babysitting is usually available (upon request).

Please refer to all information provided to you by the Centre regarding fees, policies and programming. Please remember to check the bulletin boards regularly and your parent pouches for invoices and mail.

Please feel free to to share any resources you may be able to contribute to our programs and any other ideas or experiences you may have. Craft supplies, recycled items (except styrofoam) are always needed and appreciated.

Parents and guardians are asked to participate in various fundraising activities throughout the year. In the past there have been socials, Mom`s Pantry, Wine Raffles, Chocolate sales to name a few. All profits go directly back into our Centre and much needed items.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY

This behavior management is designed to promote a positive supportive environment for the children in our care. Our ECE's will always provide continual communication with the parents/guardians regarding both positive and inappropriate behavior of their children. The same basic philosophy for behavior management is followed throughout our Centre. We believe in respecting the children and expect the same respect in return.

A. Following the regulations outlined by the Provincial Daycare Office, WE DO NOT practice or inflict any form of physical punishment, verbal or emotional abuse or denial of physical necessities for any child in attendance in our Centre.

Examples:
We will not deny lunch or snack to a child
We will not deny a child of toileting opportunities
We will not spank or hit a child
We will not verbally or emotionally hurt a child's self esteem or concept or self worth

B. WE DO implement positive behavior management by:

Direct Guidance: is used to influence a child's behavior by dealing with the child directly. The goal of the adult's involvement is to help the child to become a happy individual, who can make appropriate decisions and be self directed.

Affective Guidance: includes adults functioning as role models, demonstrating appropriate behavior and using appropriate language at all times. Direct eye contact is also used as a form of affective guidance.

Verbal Guidance: use of words to influence a child's behavior. This includes listening, using short sentences, telling what to do, giving directions, rules, choices and logical reasons. Oral rehearsal, having the child repeat back expectations, rules, etc. is also used.

Physical Guidance: includes all techniques that employ physical contact proximity to influence a child's behavior, ie. helping, demonstrating, leading and removing).

Indirect Guidance: is the means by which an environment is set up to foster certain types of behavior and interactions. The ECE in our Centre strive to provide a rich environment which fosters positive interactions and growth, meeting the needs of the individual child as well as those of group (see list below). Rules in the Centre are kept to a minimum.Safety, respect for self and others, and respect for property are the basis for these rules.

Environmental List

a) Traffic Patterns:

Controlled movement from area to area, accessibility of sinks to messy areas, well defined play spaces.

Location of Activity Centres (ie. quiet area distant from noisy areas)

b) Activity Centres

Quantity of resources available is not overwhelming and not sparse;
Activities are age appropriate;
There is a good variety of activities and materials;
The activities and materials are rotated bi weekly;
Materials are displayed neatly and attractively;
Materials and activities are easily accessible to children;
Materials are clearly labeled to encourage neatness.

c) Physical Characteristics

Lighting;

Noise level - kept to a minimum; music used as a mood setter;

Furnishings - child sized;

Group size - kept as small as possible; clearly labeled on all Activity Centres;

Walls and bulletin boards - display children's art work, at children's eye level; rotate frequently;

Displays are rotated frequently to coincide with themes when possible

THE ATMOSPHERE IS FRIENDLY, WELCOMING AND POSITIVE!

 

C. PRESCHOOL/SCHOOL AGE EXPECTATIONS

The maturity and development of school age children and preschool children are different, therefore we have different consequences for inappropriate behavior in each of our rooms:

SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM

a) RESPECT yourself, peers and staff. For example, fighting, swearing, hurting, lying tattling and talking back are not acceptable ways to behave.

CONSEQUENCE:An Early Childhood Educator will immediately remove the child away from the situation and other children. The ECE will listen and talk to the child to determine a more appropriate way to handle the situation.

b) RESPECT for program supplies, equipment and personal belongings of others is expected.

CONSEQUENCE: Privileges to use respective materials will be suspended for a designated period of time.

c) Children are responsible for cleaning up and putting away materials that they use.

CONSEQUENCE: Privileges to use respective materials will be suspended for a designated period of time. The ECE may delegate a specific cleaning task to a child who does not cooperate (ie. sweeping the floor, washing the tables, cleaning paintbrushes).

d) RESPECT for all areas of the Centre, including the main room, hallways, bathrooms, gym and the playground is expected.

CONSEQUENCE: If a child causes damage to the Centre or equipment, parents/guardians will be informed. The ECE and parents/guardians will determine a consequence (ie. replacement of damaged item or appropriate job related task to reinforce concern).

e) RESPECT during field trips for others and property. Cooperative and responsible behavior is expected on all field trips. Children are informed before field trips of the expected behavior both in transit and on arrival.

CONSEQUENCE: One warning for unacceptable behavior will be given with a time for consideration. If behavior becomes more serious, the Director/ECE may return the child to the Centre (where possible). The children and their parents/guardians are also made aware that they may not be allowed to go on the next field trip.

f) Children are responsible on a regular school days to proceed to Riverview School using the designated walking route and behaving in an appropriate manner.

CONSEQUENCE:  Child will be talked to and parents/guardians informed of any problem.  Child will be given opportunity to change their behavior.  If the problem persists, the child will be expected to walk with an ECE for a designated period of time.

g)  RESPECT for others during physical activities (ie. floor hockey, gym and outdoor play) is expected.  Poor sportsmanship, fighting, swearing, abuse of other children or staff will not be tolerated.

CONSEQUENCE:  The child can be expected:

i)  removed from the activity, to cool down;

ii)  staff will explain expected behavior;

iii) depending on degree of behavior, child may or may not be allowed to resume play.

Children who continue to behave inappropriately in these settings will be suspended from the specific physical activity for a designated period (parents/guardians will be informed of behavior).  A work task may by added at  staff discretion.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

In the preschool room, the ECE will use the following approaches for:

a)  UNCOOPERATIVE or INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS

examples:

-  not respecting each other and each others feelings

-  not following the room rules

-  damaging property or equipment/toys

 The ECE will:

  1. Get down to the child's level and remind him/her of the rules.
  2. If the inappropriate behavior continues, the ECE will give the child a choice of leaving the area or following the rules.
  3. If steps 1 and 2 fail, the ECE will redirect the child to another activity or area with an explanation of why the child is being asked to leave.
b)  AGGRESSIVE or HOSTILE BEHAVIORS TOWARDS OTHERS:
 examples:
-  hitting, kicking, throwing objects, etc.
The ECE will:
  1. Immediately intervene and separate the children.
  2. Comfort the child who has been harmed.
  3. Sit down the child who is aggressive to give an opportunity to cool down and the ECE a moment to comfort the injured child. 
  4. Discuss the sitution when both children are ready.  Encourage the harmed child to "use his/her words", and tell the aggressive child how they felt ("It makes me sad when you hit me!").  The ECE always encourages problem solving techniques with both children (ie. "What could you do the next time you are angry?).
  5. The aggressive child will then be redirected into another area or activity.
c)  TEMPER TANTRUMS   
Uncontrollable behavior in danger of hurting someone else or themselves.
The ECE will:
  1. Remove the child from the area into a safer environment (ie. the office).  This is to ensure the safety/well being of the other children as well as the child themselves.
  2. The Director will wait in the area monitoring the child until the tantrum has subsided.  Then the ECE and child will calmly discuss the child's behavior.  Once the child is completely calmed and ready, they will return to the room.

CONCLUSION
a)  In the event the behavior management techniques outlined in this policy are unsuccessful in modifying a child's ongoing inappropriate behavior;
b)  Early Childhood Educators have continuing concerns regarding that child's behavior;
c)  Should other children or staff become at risk;
  1. The ECE will begin formal observations and documentation process.
  2. A meeting with the child's parents/guardians will be arranged to formulate a plan of action.  At this time, the Director may suggest exploring additional resources for the child.
  3. Withdrawal/suspension may be suggested if all the steps outlined above fail to achieve appropriate and desirable behavior in a child.  Such a decision will be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors, upon recommendation by the Director, Assistant Director and/or ECE.  Parents/guardians who wish to appeal such a decision, may do so in writing to the Board of Directors within 10 days of written notification of the withdrawal/suspension.  The Board of Directors has the final say in this appeal process.

ARRIVAL, DEPARTURE AND TRANSPORTATION POLICY

PRESCHOOL ROOM

  1. Parents/guardians are responsible for the safe arrival of preschool children to and from the Centre
  2. Parents/guardians must accompany their child into the preschool room and transfer care of the child DIRECTLY to an ECE before signing the child in
  3. Signing in and out the child's arrival and departure time is mandatory for all parents/guardians to do on the given sign in/out sheets by the preschool room entrance.
  4. The Centre will not be release preschool children unaccompanied.
  5. Children will only be released to those alternates designated in writing by the parents/guardians.  This can be done on the original registration form or later in a letter.
  6. Parents/Guardians must inform the Centre of any changes in the child's arrival/departure/attendance and/or absences.

We cannot, under any circumstances , let children under the age of twelve leave the Centre unaccompanied at the end of the day.  Children will be able to leave the Centre with alternates that have been designated in writing by the parent/guardian.

SCHOOL AGE ROOM

  1. Parents/guardians are responsible for the safe arrival of school age children to the Centre in the morning.
  2. Parents/guardians must inform the Centre of any changes in the child's arrival, departure, attendance and or absences.
  3. Parents/guardians sending school age children unaccompanied to the Centre need to know the Centre does not take responsiblity for the child's safety until the child is in the Centre and in the care of an ECE.  The Centre will send children to school twenty minutes before school opens.  Children will be expected to arrive at the Centre within one half hour of the schools dismissal.
  4. When a child does not arrive on time at the Centre, the ECE will:  contact the school, contact the parents/guardians or designated alternate and if ratios at the Centre permit, follow the required walking route to look for the child.

We cannot under any circumstances, let children under the age of twelve leave the Centre unaccompanied at the end of the day.  Children will be able to leave the Centre with alternates that have been designated in writing by the parent/guardian.

BUSSED CHILDREN

Parents/guardians whose children are bussed to the Centre must provide the Centre's staff with the children's school bus schedules and phone number of the appropriate transit depot.

PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL AGE WALKING SCHEDULE

Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc. will have an ECE available each day to walk to and from Riverview School and Montessori Learning Centre as per the following schedule:

8:30 am - leave for Riverview School (departure is earlier in the Winter months to allow for Transit bus schedules and inclement walking conditions)

8:45 am - leave for Montessori Learning Centre

11:30 am - pick up nursery/kindergarten at both schools

12:00 pm - pick up Riverview grade school children

12:35 pm - leave for Riverview School

12:45 pm - leave for Montessori Learning Centre

3:30 pm - pick up nursery/kindergarten/grade school children from Riverview School

3:45 pm - pick up at Montessori Learning Centre

WALKING CHILDREN TO AND FROM SCHOOL

This is a courtesy of the Centre and has been adopted to provide a safe environment for the children.  A staff member will walk with Grade One children for the first month of school.

Any further request to escort your child to and from school will require that APPENDIX A - II be filled in and returned to the Centre.  Parents/guardians who have requested such a courtesy will be informed in writing of any difficulties the child has in walking with staff  - APPENDIX B - I. 

BIKE SAFETY

Only children in grades four, five and six will be allowed to ride their bicycles between the Centre and the school.

Children riding bikes are required to wear helmets.  Staff will endeavor to monitor bike riders as they do those walking.  If children are riding in an unsafe manner, parents/guardians will be notified in writing - APPENDIX B - II.  Parents/guardians are encouraged to review bike safety with their children.

The Centre accepts no responsibility for theft or damage to bicycles.  Bicycles cannot be stored inside the Centre, under any circumstances, due to fire regulations.  Parents/guardians are encouraged to buy bicycle locks.

The use of roller blades, skateboards and scooters will not be permitted during Centre hours.

ADVERSE WEATHER/WALKING CONDITIONS

At the discretion of the ECE, the Centre will transport children walking to and from school on the City Transit or Centre minivan and/or if necessary, staff vehicle.  Such conditions would be:

-  blizzards

-  wind chill warning/advisories **

-  hail

-  lightning storms

-  downpours

-  high or dangerous winds

-  when sidewalks are impassabile

 **Any costs associated with transportation, will be reflected on your monthly invoice.  This will be a donation to the Centre and a tax receiptt is issued at the year's end.

Arrangements have been made with Riverview School for children to stay at the school for lunch when the weather/road conditions warrant it.  This will be decided by Centre staff, considering first the children's safety and well being.  Centre staff will notify the school.  Children who normally have lunch at the Centre will be advised by the school to proceed to a room designated for them.  The children will be supervised over the lunch period by Centre staff.  The Centre staff will bring the lunches and needed supplies.  All parents must sign APPENDIX B - III.  This agreement only applies to children who normally attend the Centre at lunch time.  

FIELD TRIP GUIDELINES

Parents/guardians will be notified 24 hours in advance of planned field trips which require transportation.  Children will be transported by:

-  city transit

-  chartered bus

-  Centre minivan

-  staff vehicles

-  walking

Spontaneous field trips within walking distance of the Centre will be posted and therefore it is important to always read the signs and white boards.

LENGTH OF DAY

Parents/guardians who require their child to be in attendance for more then ten hours per day on a regular basis, must apply in writing to the Board of Directors for extended hour care.  The parents/guardians reason for service and/or special circumstances must justify the need for the extended hour care.  Subsidized parents/guardians requiring coverage for extended care must also have prior approval from the MB Child Daycare Office subsidy clerk.

The Board will request such a letter should no application be made.

This policy was developed to coincide with Manitoba Child Daycare Office subsidy regulations. 

 
Picking Up Your Child From The Centre

It has been our observation over these many years that "bargaining" conducted by children regarding leaving the Centre and the activities they are involved in at the end of the day is not conducive to a pleasant evening for families.  It is often embarassing and disappointing for parents themselves to be greeted by arguments and tears at the end of a busy workday.

 

In order to make the transition easier for parents and children at this time, we have implemented the following procedures which we hope will encourage and nuture respect for parents and/or others who are designated to pick up. 

  1. As soon as a parent arrives at the Centre, we expect that your child/ren will be leaving the Centre with you.
  2. We will take responsibility for the "no bargaining" rule - which we expect parents to honor.
  3. Our expectation is that all children will eventually accept the fact that leaving is a part of the routine of their day.
  4. We will also seek your support in expecting that you will be greeted, and treated, with respect as an important adult in the life of your child.  Please note, other children are watching and modeling these same behaviors they are observing.


WE ARE VERY HAPPY THAT CHILDREN ENJOY BEING HERE - THAT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR OVERALL OBJECTIVE, HOWEVER, WE DO WANT TO BE CONSISTENT.

 

Inclusion Policy

Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc. accepts and welcomes children of all abilities.  Our program supports the full inclusion of children who require additional support because of a physical, cognitive, social and/or emotional need.

Indoor and outdoor areas within our control, are arranged to the best of our ability so all children can move freely and make choices based on the their abilities, interests and needs.

Here at Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc, we make changes to our daily program to meet the needs of each child to the best of our ability.

Opportunities are provided for all children to participate in social free play and routines throughout the day.

Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc. provides developmentally appropriate group experiences for all children and encourages the socialization of every child with peers.

We believe that each child deserves an environment and experience that promotes growth in all areas of their development.

Our Centre uses programming techniques that best suit the needs of each individual child and his/her family.

Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc. respects and values all questions, concerns and/or comments from parents.  Our Centre encourages open communication between the staff and home, making parents a part of the decision making process for their child.

We recognize that parents have needs and goals for their children and strive to meet those needs to the best of our ability.

Our Centre will also further support families by consulting with other early intervention professionals.  We will work together with these professionals, our families and early educators to further meet goals and the needs of the child.

Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc. receives professional development in current areas of child development, research, theory and practice annually through Manitoba Child Care Association conferences.  We are committed to learning more about various disabilities and full inclusion as part of our annual training plan. 

 
PIPEDA POLICY

Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre Inc. has adopted the provincially required PIPEDA with regards to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information in commercial activities(childcare).

 PIPEDA stands for "Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act"

 In accordance with the law, all children's files and parent information is kept confidential and in a safe, secure place.  Only those in direct need of such information are allowed access to any personal information.

Each parent is asked to read the PIPEDA agreement and return the signed consent formsto the Director.  These forms will be included in your child's registration package upon enrollment to the Centre. 

OUR PRIVACY PROTECTION PLEDGE

We want to make sure that we comply with obligations imposed by the federal governments PIPEDA regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information in commercial activities.

That is why we have developed this Privacy Protection Pledge.  We want you to understand the purposes for which we collect personal information.  We also want to make sure that we have your consent to continue to collect, use and disclose this personal information for these purposes.

We have also developed a Privacy Policy, which specifies and describes the principles and guidelines that we have adopted for the collection, use, disclosure and retention of personal information.

The following is a brief summary of our privacy practices:

What is personal information?

Personal information is any information that can be used to identify, distinguish or contact a specific individual.  Personal information can include facts about, or related to, an individual, as well as an individual's opininions or beliefs.  Personal information does not include publicly available information such as:  names, addresses and telephone numbers published annually in telephone directories or business contact information.

Why do we collect personal information, and how do we use it?

  • In carrying on business as a licensed child care facility, we collect personal information about the children in our care, their parents/legal guardians, their siblings, and other individuals who are also involved in their care and upbringing (collectively, "the children in our care and their families"), about our independant contractors (ie. not people who regularly work for us, but who are not paid as employees), directors, therapists, volunteers, work experience students and educational or regulatory observers, and about other people in the general community with whom we interact (collectively, "our other constituents").  We respect the privacy of all of these individuals, which is why we collect and use personal information only for the following purposes:
  1. To identify the children in our care and their families, as well as our other constituents;
  2. To establish and maintain responsible relationships with the children in our care and their families, as well as with our other constituents;
  3. To understan, develop and/or enhance the needs, desires, concerns and opinions of the children in our care and their families, as well as our other constituents;
  4. To provide the services expected of a licensed child care facility to the children in our care and their familie, all with a view to advancing the goals of our Mission Statement;
  5. To manage and develop our business and operations; and
  6. To meet legal and regulatory requirements.

RIVERVIEW ASHLAND CHILD CARE CENTRE INC. TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE DEVELOPMENTAL ABILITIES OF ALL CHILDREN AND WILL BASE EXPECTATIONS ON THESE INDIVIDUAL CAPABILITIES.