Child Care Policies

1. Welcome!

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the children and their families to Kaleidoscope Out of School Care. We look forward to getting to know all of you.

2. Staff

Our staff are qualified, Responsible Adults.

Our Arts Instructors are educated arts teachers and experienced in their areas of expertise.

All of our staff members have received training and education in child development and program planning, as well as first aid. All staff members have had criminal record checks.

3. Mission Statement

Creative Spaces School of Arts believes that every person has an innate sense of creativity. It is our mission to foster that creativity by providing opportunities for enjoyment of, enrichment through, and personal development within a variety of artistic forms. We strive to provide programs that will allow for the inclusion of persons of every culture, age and economic level. As such, we have developed the Kaleidoscope Out of School Care program. This is a broad-spectrum program that provides opportunities for children to experience the arts in a Child Care setting.

Kaleidoscope Out of School Care is a unique program offering comprehensive instruction in Music, Dance, Drama, and Visual Art. The programs social, cognitive, physical and emotional goals are fostered in a creative environment.

4. Philosophy

We believe that children are entitled to experiences that contribute to their positive overall growth. Such experiences should come from a program that is inclusive, anti-biased, and encompasses children of all cultures, religions and ethnic backgrounds, and a variety of family situations. Our teachers are committed to providing an environment that nurtures the whole child and encourages each child’s self-esteem, appreciation of their uniqueness and pride in their individuality and cultural background.

5. Goals

The goals of Kaleidoscope Out of School Care are:

	To provide a safe, nurturing child care setting where children feel free to be themselves.
	To encourage each child’s creativity through exposure to and experiences in a variety of artistic forms
	To encourage each child’s intellectual giftedness though exposure to a variety of stimulating and enriching activities and materials
	To encourage self-help skills and work towards self-discipline
	To encourage self-esteem and respect for self and others
	To foster positive relationships with and empathy for others

These goals find expression through a child-centered approach that allows all children the freedom to explore and discover in a safe and secure environment.

6. Care

The maximum enrolment at Kaleidoscope Out of School Care is 20 children.

The minimum requirement set out in the Child Care Licensing Regulation is 1 Responsible Adult for every 10 students.

In addition we will employ specialty teachers who may come on a regular basis or for special occasions to teach certain skills. When specialty teachers are present we will often have a smaller ratio.

Morning care is available beginning at 7:00 am.

Afternoon care is available beginning at school dismissal time (this varies from school to school). We will close the facility at 6:00 pm.

Out of respect for the staff, please be prompt picking up your child. If you will be late please contact the facility at 604-314-6806 so that we may ensure adequate staffing is available to care for your child.

A fee may be levied at a rate of $15.00 for every 15minutes or portion thereof that a caregiver is late. Consistent tardiness may result in a reassessment and new fees may be levied.

7. Conduct

Children, staff and visitors who attend Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care have the right to feel safe, secure and comfortable. Therefore, all persons are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on the premises, with the group on the grounds or other location. or attending a field trip or other activity with Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care or its parent company, Creative Spaces.

Children are expected to conduct themselves with kindness, courtesy and good manners. Crass or inappropriate behaviour, or foul language, will result in action appropriate to the particular situation.

Staff are expected to conduct themselves with kindness, courtesy and good manners at all times. Crass or inappropriate behaviour, or foul language, will not be tolerated. In extreme circumstances such behaviour may result in termination of employment.

Parents, care givers and visitors are expected to conduct themselves with kindness, courtesy and good manners at all times. Crass or inappropriate behaviour, or foul language, will not be tolerated. Persons displaying such behaviour will be asked to leave the premises immediately. Such persons may possibly be banned from entering the premises or attending activities in the future.

8. Location

Kaleidoscope Out of School Care is located at:

Delta Manor Elementary School

Rm # 155 - 4750 57^th Street

Ladner, B.C.

V4K 3C9

Access is by the south facing outside door, located two doors east of the main entrance. Parents are asked not to attempt to access the facility through the elementary school entrance. The door leading to the elementary school hall will be locked.

Parking is available on both 47A Avenue and 57^th Street. Parents are asked not to park in the staff parking lot. This lot is patrolled by the Delta Police Department and you may fined or towed. Out of environmental respect for other pedestrians and the neighbouring residents we also request that parents do not idle their engines while picking up or dropping off children. We thank you for your cooperation in both of these matters.

The office is located at:

5524 - 46A Avenue

Ladner, B.C.

V4K 3P8

The office phone number is 604-314-6806.

9. Daily Routine

We are very excited to offer a program that provides a balance of experiences in the fine and performing arts, as well as academic enrichment and sports. Throughout the year we will be participating in a variety of activities that compliment our goals and promote our objectives. Children will have opportunities to experience some of the following:

	Simple classroom food preparation
	Cultural groups invited to our classroom to enrich our program, or appropriate outings or field trips

A typical daily program will provide opportunities for children to participate in:

	Performing Arts – music, creative movement or dance, or drama
	Art project or creative activity
	Homework help
	Reading aloud with staff or silent reading
	When weather permits we will go outside

10. Arrival and Departure

Arrival: It is very important to accompany your child into the classroom and “sign –in”. You may stay for five or ten minutes to help your child adjust and settle in if you wish.

Departure: It is very important that you come in to the room to pick up your child and “sign-out” prior to departure. Children will not be allowed to leave the room unless accompanied by an authorized adult. The confidential information on your child’s registration and emergency forms authorizes whom your child may leave preschool with. We shall not release any child to an unauthorized person or to a person who is deemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Should a person arrive in this condition, we will contact the next authorized person from your registration form to pick up your child.

11. Guidance

It is every child’s right to feel personally safe and secure, appreciated and respected, and to be given the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop to their potential, in an environment that provides encouragement and support.

Guidance policies are necessary when inappropriate play, vocabulary, behaviour or actions are used by a child. Guidance must be positive and non-punitive and must be recognized as an on-going process of helping children learn appropriate and acceptable behaviour patterns. Children must be encouraged to develop respect, self-control, self-confidence, and sensitivity in their interactions with other children. Children should be given opportunities and encouraged to learn to live, work and play co-operatively with others. In order to help children find appropriate ways of dealing with their social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs staff should guide children’s behaviour in a positive, supportive and non-judgemental manner.

It is important to realize that the same strategy or approach will not work with all children, or with the same child every time, and a combination of strategies may be necessary. A child’s self-esteem must remain intact at all times.

Prevention

Many unacceptable or inappropriate actions by children can be prevented if staff members practice appropriate guidance strategies. When informing children about routines, equipment use, participation in an activity, etc, the following points should be used as guidelines:

· Model appropriate vocabulary and body language

· Respect each other’s need for personal space

· Use clear, concise and appropriate language during explanations

· Ensure that children understand what is expected of them and the consequence for their behaviour

· Offer an acceptable alternative or modification before a child has difficulty or frustration with an activity

· Focus on positive behaviour, recognize a child’s appropriate responses, encourage positive interaction with peers, and acknowledge a child’s strengths

· Be alert to when a child may be making an inappropriate choice and implement appropriate strategies

· Offer suitable choices and accept the child’s choice

· Give clear, advance warnings of change, and allow children time to implement the change

· Be physically available for children when they need comfort and support, encouragement or refuge

· Be consistent in behaviour and expectations

· Let fairness and kindness to all children and in all situations be dependable, unquestionable and unshakable

· Know which situations need adult intervention, when to stand back and observe, and when to be in close proximity when a child needs help

Intervention

It is inevitable, given the range of age, interests and abilities of the children that conflict or inappropriate behaviour occurs. When this happens staff, with tact and understanding, must be able to intervene and facilitate a safe and supportive alternative to the undesirable actions. If a child’s safety is threatened then immediate action is required to physically remove the child from danger.

The following guidelines may be used as intervention techniques:

	Act as a role model for appropriate reactions or behaviour
	Promptly catch a child who is demonstrating positive and acceptable behaviour, and ensure that they have positive reinforcement for that action
	Help facilitate appropriate interaction between children through vocabulary and sharing techniques, and teach children how to be aware of each other’s feelings and how their own actions can impact others
	Model, and prompt children to demonstrate forgiveness and genuine apologetic language and behaviour
	Verbal reminders and assistance
	Offer the child a suitable choice as a way to change the behaviour, language, or situation and accept the child’s choice
	Distract the child and/or divert to a different activity
	If necessary, place staff between children in conflict or provide a physical presence as a detriment to inappropriate behaviour or encouragement for altering behaviour
	Remove the source of conflict (perhaps a toy, supplies, material or a piece of equipment)
	Temporarily remove the child from the situation, making sure that they fully understand how their own behaviour was inappropriate and the consequences of their behaviour on themselves and others
	Help the child to experience or understand the consequences of their behaviour

Discipline Policy

Certain actions, behaviours and language undermine a child’s confidence and self-esteem and are in conflict with family values and morals. Such actions can confuse, frighten or disillusion children regarding adult behaviour. The following actions and behaviours by staff will not be tolerated and may be grounds for an investigation and/or immediate dismissal. Staff must never:

	Use discipline for revenge
	Use physical force or corporal punishment to intimidate or discipline a child
	Act or re-act in anger
	Use verbal, emotional or physical force to guide a child’s behaviour
	Be unfair or untruthful to a child
	Show a lack of respect for children
	Withhold food or refreshment
	Withhold shelter or appropriate articles of clothing for an activity
	Withhold washroom usage or shame a child about bathroom accidents
	Belittle or embarrass a child through sarcasm or put-downs
	Purposely frighten a child
	Show a lack of respect for a child’s religion, culture or ethnic background
	Use the role of authority to force a child to obey
	Isolate, confine or physically restrain a child
	Use the threat of non-participation in a special event or activity to shape behaviour
	Leave a child unsupervised
	Intentionally place a child in an unsafe situation or on a dangerous piece of equipment
	Betray confidentiality of information about a child or their family

Staff must ensure that while children are in care at Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care programs, they are not subjected to physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect as defined in Schedule F of the Child Care Licensing Regulation. All staff are legally bound to report any suspected abuse or neglect to the Ministry of Children and Families, as outlined in the Abuse Reporting Policy.

All children require time to begin feeling safe and comfortable in their Preschool environment. The amount of time the adjustment takes is unique to each child. After a reasonable amount of time, if the staff are observing a child having difficulty in one or more areas of development, the parents or guardians may be consulted and informed of the staff’s observations. Parents and supervisor should then cooperate on setting appropriate goals for the child. A mutually agreed upon period of time is to be stipulated. During this time parents, other caregivers, staff and the child will work toward the stated goals for the child.

If goals cannot be met without intervention, then with parental permission, a Supported Child Care agency will be consulted. A decision as to the support a child needs to continue in the preschool setting shall be mutually decided by the parents, the staff, Supported Child Care and appropriate Healthcare Professionals. Parents will be made aware of all services, agencies and trained personnel available for ongoing support for the family and child.

If the child’s behaviour is so severe that the class, program, or activity is frequently disrupted, nothing that has been implemented has helped the child, or if the teachers/children are experiencing extreme stress, it may be best for the child and the other children for the parents to seek other arrangements.

12. Health

Illness

The health and safety of your child is a priority for us. Therefore, if your child is ill, please do not bring him or her to the care facility. We are not equipped to care for sick children and it is not fair or healthy to expose other children to illness.

It is difficult for parents or staff to determine when a child is too ill to attend child care however the well being of all children is of the utmost concern. Parents should keep their child at home or seek alternate care arrangements if their child exhibits one or more of the following conditions:

	Pain: any unexplained or undiagnosed pain
	A cold accompanied by fever, runny nose and eyes, coughing and sore throat.
	Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a persistent cough
	Fever of 38.3 degrees C (100 degrees F) or higher, accompanied by symptoms of listlessness
	Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
	Infected skin or eyes or an undiagnosed rash.
	Headache and stiff neck
	Unexplained diarrhoea or loose stool combined with nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps.
	Nausea and vomiting.
	Severe itching of body and scalp.
	Children with known or suspected communicable diseases

Parents are asked to keep their child at home until the child has been asymptomatic for a minimum of twenty-four hours, is no longer contagious and is comfortable and able to participate in programs.

Notification of Illness or Injury

If a child is involved in a reportable incident, becomes injured or develops any of the above listed symptoms while in care at Kaleidoscope Out of School Care the senior staff member shall immediately contact the child’s parents or emergency contact person named on the Emergency Form. A child who is injured or becomes ill while in care will be made as comfortable as possible, in an area away from the other students while awaiting pick up. Said child is to be kept under close supervision of an adult. A child that is sent home due to illness will not be permitted to attendchild care for a minimum of 36 hours from the day they are sent home.

Should the illness or injury be so severe as to warrant immediate action, employees should call a medical practitioner or ambulance.

Medication

In accordance with the Child Care Licensing, a licensee may administer medication to a person in care. Medication will only be administered under the following conditions:

	The child’s parent or guardian must recognize that it is preferable for medications to be given by the parent before or after Pre-School, if possible.
	The parent must make prior arrangements with the licensee to have the medication administered.
	Parents must complete and sign a Permission to Administer Medication form prior to Kaleidoscope staff administering the medication.
	Medication must be in the original container and must not have passed the expiration date.
	Prescription medication must be clearly labelled with no hand-written changes.
	Non-prescription medications must be accompanied by a physician’s note, detailing the exact dosage, method and time medication is to be administered.
	All medication must be clearly labelled with the child’s name and the physician’s name and phone number.
	Kaleidoscope staff will administer medication according to pharmacist or doctor’s instructions only.
	An adult staff member who can identify the child with certainty and remain with the child until the medication has been taken will administer medication.
	Medication will be stored out of child’s reach, in a locked cupboard or container, and if appropriate, in a refrigerator.
	IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT PRESCRITION MEDICATIONS ONLY BE ADMINISTERED.

Hygiene

Staff understand the importance of preventing the transmission of communicable diseases and take all possible precautions. The most practical approach is to practice good hygiene habits. The staff shall model good hygiene habits such as proper hand washing and appropriate use of Kleenex. Staff will encourage children in these same routines.

Other precautions will include:

	use of disposable gloves when handling blood or other body fluids
	use of appropriate containers for disposal of cloths or items containing blood or other body fluids
	use of rubber gloves when cleaning or disinfecting
	disinfecting objects and surfaces
	washing and sanitizing dishes and cutlery appropriately after each use
	regularly and routinely cleaning toys, equipment and play surfaces
	cleaning toilets or sinks with appropriate disinfectant as needed (School janitor will clean bathrooms daily)

13. Snacks and Special Days

Snacks

Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care recognizes the importance of a healthy, balanced diet in the development of strong, healthy bodies and keen, sharp minds. Each program will provide daily opportunities for children to partake in a snack time, should they desire to.

Recognizing that many children have food allergies or intolerances, and to allow for each child’s unique food preferences, parents are asked to supply their child(ren) with a healthy daily snack. Parents are encouraged to provide items from at least two of the recognized food groups, as outlined in the Canada Food Guide. Parents may also provide juice or milk if they wish. Water will always be provided at the facility.

Due to severe or life-threatening allergies children are not encouraged to share their snacks. If a child forgets their snack, the staff will provide an alternative snack that is suitable for that child.

***NO NUTS PLEASE***

Due to severe and life-threatening nut allergies, especially to peanuts, Kaleidoscope is a NUT FREE ZONE. No nuts, peanuts, peanut butter, or other food products containing nuts are to be brought to the facility. Items that may contain nuts will be returned to the child’s backpack and may not be accessed while at the Kaleidoscope facility. Staff recognize that this may be inconvenient and appreciate parents cooperation. Staff will offer snack suggestions if parents wish.

Special Days

Special days such as birthdays mark the growth and development of children. As such, it is important to recognize and acknowledge these days. Staff will acknowledge and provide opportunities to mark such events. If families wish to send treats to school they must make prior arrangements with the staff. Prior arrangements ensure that food allergies do not become a concern, so that no child will be excluded from the celebration.

*** Treats will not be permitted if prior arrangement has not been made***

Simple cooking or food preparation may be part of special activities or programs. In this case all staff shall avoid food allergens, and ensure that the activity is inclusive of all children.

14. Clothing

After a long day at school children might find it enjoyable to change their clothes into something more comfortable and free fitting. Children are welcome to bring a spare change of clothing and will be provided an opportunity to change after school if they wish.

As the children explore the program and settle into some regular program activities they may be asked to bring special clothing for that activity, ie shorts/t-shirt for gymnastics, etc. Also while most of the art materials we use are washable, some fabrics do not wash well. Also there may be occasions when we use materials that are not washable. In these instances we will send home a letter advising you to send your child with clothing that may be stained.

When weather permits, we will go outside for some playtime. Please ensure that your child has appropriate clothing for the weather and footwear that will not slip off while running or climbing. This includes hats, mitts, sunscreen, etc.

15. Field Trips

Kaleidoscope recognizes the importance of field trips as a program-enhancing tool and values the learning opportunities provided by such activities. Field trips are exciting and out of the ordinary daily routine and we feel that these activities can augment the programs being implemented at the facility. Throughout the year students in the Out of School Care program will have opportunities to attend a variety of field trip activities.

These activities will take either of two forms:

Local Field Trips will occur within the municipality of Delta. Such trips may be pre-planned or may be spontaneous. Trips will occur within the timeframe of regular programming. Staff will always bring student Emergency Medical Forms, student Local Field Trip Permission Forms, the first aid kit and cell phone. Staff will also ensure that students are dressed appropriately for the outing and the weather. To participate, a general Local Field Trip Permission Form must be signed by each child’s parent or guardian upon enrolment and will be used for all local field trips during the year. In the case of spontaneous trips the staff will leave a note describing the location of the group and the expected return time. Groups will return no later than 4:30 pm.
Comprehensive Field Trips will include all other trips. These activities must always be pre-planned and will require a permission form specific to the activity. Each permission form must include a field trip notice stating the purpose, aims and objectives of the field trip, cost, method of transportation, and reasons for the excursion. Notices must also include the location, address, and, if applicable, the phone number of the destination. A description of appropriate clothing and any other required materials or equipment should also be provided. Permission forms must be returned to staff before a child is permitted to attend the outing. Staff will always bring student Emergency Medical Forms, student Field Trip Permission Forms, the first aid kit and cell phone.
Regardless of the number of children, a minimum of 2 adults shall be present during any field trip. Staff shall also maintain a minimum ratio of 1 adult for every 10 children. Depending on the nature of the activity, staff may choose to observe a smaller ratio.

Prior to all field trips staff must assess the suitability of location, safety, and risk. Staff should also prepare students with respect to appropriate background, expected behaviour, method of travel, destination, reasons for the outing, who will accompany them, who they might meet, and any other information that may be helpful for understanding and enjoying the excursion.

One of the main objectives of a field trip is to participate in a delightful experience. Through careful preparation and planning, and within the bounds of safety, there are tremendous opportunities for learning and for creating special memories.

16. Communication

Open communication between staff and parents is essential, particularly as it applies to the growth and development of the children. Parents should feel that the staff are accessible to discuss any aspect of their child’s development, family or culture, or the child’s happiness and satisfaction with the program. Parents may arrange to have a private conversation about their child with the staff. This may be done by phoning 604-837-7727 and leaving a message.

In addition regular communication will be provided in the following forms:

	Monthly newsletter
	Information posted on the window at the entrance to the facility
	Notices sent home for special days, field trips etc.

17. Licensing

Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care is licensed by the South Fraser Regional Health Authority in compliance with the Community Care Facilities and the Child Care Licensing Regulation. These documents, along with the Kaleidoscope Policies are on file and may be viewed upon request.

18. Outdoor Playground Policy

Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care has been granted an MHO exemption from Section 33, Subsection (3) of the Child Care Licensing Regulations (fencing of outdoor play area) for its’ Kaleidoscope Preschool and Childcare programs. Areas around the building and thus the playground are unfenced. This space is there to meet fire code regulations and facilitate the exiting of elementary aged children from the building.

When using the outdoor play areas of Delta Manor Elementary School the following safety/supervisory protocols will be used:

Staff will take a small daypack containing the following items each time they leave the childcare facility:

	Facility cell phone
	First Aid kit; Student emergency forms / photos and descriptions
	Emergency phone list
	Orange traffic cones to mark unfenced boundaries of play area
	Whistle to alert and gather children

There will be a toileting break immediately prior to outdoor play times.

Children will be permitted to play only where staff are providing direct supervision.

Each individual staff shall not supervise more than ten children at any given time, while outside.

In the event of a health and safety emergency, ie missing/wandering person or injury requiring medical attention, all children will be gathered together to sit at the side of the play area. One staff will supervise children while the other staff attends to the emergency. Staff will phone 911, licensee, or other appropriate individuals for assistance as required. As soon as the emergency is under control, both staff members or a staff member and designate will take all children not involved in the emergency back to the child care center. Staff and children will remain inside the childcare facility until the situation has been satisfactorily resolved. Children and staff will be debriefed regarding the emergency at the appropriate time.

19. Washroom Supervision

Staff will observe the following procedures at all times:

	Children may access the toilet any time they feel it necessary but must first inform staff of their destination.
	Only one child may use the washroom at any given time, unless accompanied by staff.
	Staff will accompany a child to use the toilet only if the child requests.
	Staff will record the child’s name and the time out and in, on each occasion that they are required to be alone with a child at the washroom.
	Except under special circumstances, staff may not assist a child who is 7 years of age or older.
	Staff will remain in the hallway, near the door and will not enter the washroom unless the child asks for assistance.
	The washroom door to the hall will be propped open and will remain that way while a staff member is in the washroom with a child.
	Children will be strongly encouraged to follow all hygiene protocols after using the washroom.
	Staff will follow all hygiene protocols when assisting children in the washroom.
	Staff will provide regular opportunities for all children to use the toilet before snack time and outdoor time. For efficiency, children may go to the washroom as a group and be accompanied by staff at these times.

20. Emergencies

Family Emergencies

If you need to phone the facility please call 604-837-7727 and leave a message. Staff will respond as soon as possible.

Fire

In compliance with the Child Care Licensing Regulation we will practice fire drills monthly.

Should a true fire emergency occur you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Earthquake

This facility takes part in an earthquake preparedness plan. This includes putting together preparedness kits and practicing evacuation of the building.

In the event of an earthquake please do not call the school. Staff may need the phone line for emergency medical purposes. We will contact you as soon as possible through the planned communication.

21. Payment and Registration

Creative Spaces and Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care welcome families from all religious, cultural and financial backgrounds. If you would like to register a family member please phone 604-837-7727 to arrange an interview and preview of the facilities.

Registration is now open and will be accepted on an on-going basis until courses are full. Once placements are full applicants will be waitlisted in order received and given preference for registration should space become available in the desired class. Waitlist applicants will have one week to register from time of notification if space opens up.

One month's deposit is required at time of registration. Deposits are returned in the last month of childcare, less any amount owing to Creative Spaces. The balance of the fees are due and payable on the first day of each month beginning with the first month of attendance. Payment is by post-dated cheque.

Monthly program fees for September to June are based on the total number of days in care, beginning with the first school day and ending with the Friday of the last school week. The total fee is divided into ten equal payments. Payment reseves a spot for your child. There are o refunds for days missed.

We accept payment by cash or cheque. All returned cheques are subject to a $25.00 service charge. A $5.00 accounting fee will be applied to all late payments where the matter has not been previously discussed with the manager or assistant manager.

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