June 2016 -

September 2015 For more information please call 403-366-3926

PLAYSCHOOL AT VILLAGE SQUARE LEISURE CENTRE 2623 - 56 Street N.E. 403 – 366 - 3926 At VSLC Playschool, your child will grow and develop through a variety of activities that emphasize social, physical, intellectual and emotional development. Experienced and knowledgeable instructors will guide your child through this learning experience. Children will learn through play and experience while using the Leisure Centre's variety of resources. The program includes art time, circle time, play centre time, snack time, gym, jungle gym and swimming in a safe and nurturing environment. Our playschool is focused on an educational program and on the recreational aspect that provides preschool aged children with skills and awareness, emphasizing the value of recreational play, ultimately contributing to lifelong patterns of active living. GENERAL INFORMATION For the 2 year old classes, your child must be 2 years old by October 31, 2015 and does not need to be toilet trained. Instructors will provide guidance with toilet training and will work closely with parent/guardians to ensure a positive experience. On swim days as per the Alberta Health Board Regulations all children 3 years of age and under are required to wear little swimmers and plastic pants under their swim wear. For the 2 ½ - 3 year old classes, your child must be 3 years old by March 1, 2016 and does not need to be toilet trained. Instructors will provide guidance with toilet training and will work closely with parent/guardians to ensure a positive experience. On swim days as per the Alberta Health Board Regulations all children 3 years of age and under are required to wear little swimmers and plastic pants under their swim wear. For the 3 year old classes, your child must be 3 years old by October 31, 2015 and MUST be fully toilet trained if not quite trained please register for the 2 ½ -3 year old program. For the 4 year old classes, your child must be 4 years old by March 1, 2016 and MUST be fully toilet trained. o o

We will be swimming 2 - 3 times in the school year. Skating opportunity will be a part of the 3 & 4 year old program.

PROGRAM FEES AND PAYMENT PLAN Program fees Fees are directly related to the number of classes for the year. Administration fee Starting September 1, 2015 for monthly payments only there will be an administration or set-up fee of $25.00. Our rates and fees are decided by City Council and are subject to change without notice. On-going/late registrations The program fee will be prorated at the time of registration. Initial Payment must be paid at the time of registration. Scheduled payments will begin immediately on the first day of the month following the registration date. Sibling discount Siblings attending the programs simultaneously will be given a 10% discount off the least expensive program.

Initial Payment The initial payment is equivalent to 2 scheduled payments (first and last) and must be paid at the time of registration. Initial payment can be made by cash, debit or credit card. Scheduled payments The remaining 8 payments will be scheduled from October 1 to May 1 inclusive. A valid credit card or void cheque (for direct debit) is required for scheduled payments. Credit card information changes Please contact customer service immediately if your credit card information needs to be changed for any reason (new credit card, new expiry date, lost or stolen credit card). Changes must be reported no later than the 25 th day of the month to facilitate the necessary changes. Withdrawing from playschool You must withdraw your child from the program at Customer Service on the last day of attendance and sign the cancellation request form. Withdrawals and cancellations are subject to a $20.00 withdrawal fee. Failure to withdraw at Customer Service will result in continued monthly payments being charged to your account. Refunds (if applicable) will be processed from the date that the notice of withdrawal is received, regardless of attendance. Declined or late payments Payments are due on the first day of each month. Unreported changes to credit card information resulting in a rejected payment, declined credit cards, late payments or outstanding balances will be charged a $25.00 administration fee and could result in withdrawal from the course. First occurrence If your payment has not been honoured or received, we will attempt contact requesting immediate payment arrangements. Please note that your child will not be permitted to attend class until payment is received. If payment is not received by the 15 of the month, the remaining scheduled payments will be cancelled and the outstanding balance must be paid in full to remain registered in the class. Failure to pay the outstanding balance in full will result in withdrawal from the program. A $20.00 withdrawal fee will be applied to the account. All fees become due immediately. Second occurrence If there is a second occurrence, the child will be withdrawn from the program immediately without further notice. A $20.00 withdrawal fee will be applied to the account. All fees become due immediately. For payment plan information, changes to credit card information or to make payment arrangements please call: 403-366-3911.

MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS/CALENDARS

Newsletters/calendars are available each month at calgary.ca/VSLCplayschool. They are very important and contain all the information you will need regarding field trips, themes and playschool news. A newsletter/calendar will also be posted in the classroom. These newsletters/calendars have the themes that your child will be learning. Spend time talking to your child about these themes. If you have any resources related to our themes that would enhance our program, please talk to your child‟s instructor. MONTHLY SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB The book clubs will be given out once a month with order instructions and deadlines. “Scholastic” book club offers special book club prices. There is no obligation on your part to purchase books. If you do choose to order, we receive a credit to be applied toward items purchased for the Playschool program with each order you place. In previous years, we have purchased books, music, puzzles and more. DROP-OFF and PICK-UP Waiting for class to start Parents/guardians are responsible to bring their child(ren) to and from Playschool daily. You will be asked to wait outside the multi-purpose rooms until the instructor invites you in. Once the door is opened, parents/guardians can bring their child(ren) into the classroom. While you are waiting for your child's class to start, please make sure that you are actively supervising your child. It is important that you keep your child with you. We recommend that you keep them within arms reach. Please keep your child from climbing unsafely over the art-piece bench and on and around the staircase. If your child is on the art bench, you must be there with them. We recommend that running and chasing not occur before class. Children will have opportunities to run during their gym times. Drop-off o Please sign your child in everyday on the sign-in/out sheet. o Have your child find their hook. o Your child will hang their jacket and small backpack with snack bag inside on their hook (or place their snack bag on the designated counter space). o They can then go play in the designated areas. o If your child‟s class goes to the gym at the beginning of class: o Have your child leave their belongings on their hook, then o Bring your child to the gym and sign them in with their instructor. o REMEMBER each child has different levels of socializing, some are shy and some confident. Please be patient if your child needs time to adjust at the beginning. We will assist you to make every child feel safe and welcome. Washroom o Please take your child to the washroom right before dropping them off for class. o Please pack extra pants, socks and underwear in your child‟s backpack just in case. Do not worry, washroom “accidents” may happen. The instructor will help your child change into clean clothes. o Please encourage your child to practice pulling their pants up and down if they are unable to do so already.

Child Sick o Your child must be well enough to participate in the daily activities of the day. o Please keep your child home in the following circumstances: diarrhea, vomiting, severe coughing or high fever. o Please inform your child‟s instructor immediately if your child has or come in contact with a contagious illness such as chicken pox, pink eye, measles, strep throat, ring worm or hand, foot and mouth disease. o Please call your child‟s instructor if you know your child is not attending class. o You can contact your child‟s Instructor directly by calling their room. Whitehorn (green) room - 403-366-3983 Temple (red) room - 403-366-3978 Falconridge (blue) room - 403-366-3991

Rundle (yellow) room - 403-366-3901 Monterey (purple) room - 403-366-3992 Pineridge (orange) room - 403-366-3925

Pick-Up o Please sign-out your child everyday on the sign-in/out sheet. o Please inform instructors at drop-off if someone out of the regular is to pick-up your child. Write the person‟s name on the sign-in/out sheet and inform the person who will be picking up to bring picture ID. Please ensure this person is on your child‟s information sheet. o Note: We do not release children to anyone under 14 years of age they must be on the child’s information sheet and have a picture ID (school ID, membership card etc.). o Make sure you have filled out the Child Information Sheet (front and back) of the Program Handbook. o Your child MUST be picked up by the end of class 11:50/noon and 3:20/ 3:30 p.m. or you will be charged the late fee. A $5.00 fee will be charged for every 10 minutes parents/guardians are late. This fee must be paid prior to your child returning to class. o Instructors will contact the home phone number or cell and then the emergency contact number. If no call is received from the parents/guardians after one hour, we will phone Social Services. o Your child may be taken to babysitting (providing it is open). o After three occurrences of your child not being picked up on time, we will review your child‟s position in the program. CLOTHING AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS With the exception of show-and-tell and special helper days, children need to leave all personal toys at home. Dress your child in “play” clothes and in layers or in light clothing as the room may get warm and we spend time each day running and playing in the gym. Children need to wear running shoes (we recommend Velcro rather than laces) in the classroom for safety reason (i.e. fire alarm) and for running in the gym. Please practice putting on and taking off shoes with your child, as they will be asked to remove and put on their own shoes when we use the Jungle Gym. We do not encourage children to wear jewelry to class due to safety and risk of loss. Please identify your child‟s belongings by putting their name on them.

SNACK Helping children develop healthy eating habits starts now. Our playschool program promotes healthy eating. Please send a small nutritious snack and drink each day in a reusable bag or lunch kit clearly marked with your child„s name. Children have small stomachs and therefore need to eat small snacks. Some days they seem to eat a lot, others days they won‟t each much. This is normal! Children know when they are hungry and when they are full. Children will have the opportunity to have snack each day. Teachers do not make children eat their snack. To help you get started here are some snack ideas to send to class o Fruits such as banana, apple slices, strawberries, grapes (cut) o Veggies such as cucumber, carrots, cherries tomatoes (cut), celery (with cheese Wiz) o Yogurt, rice pudding o Applesauce (unsweetened) o Raisins o Pita bread and hummus o Yogurt with dry cereal o Hard cooked egg and crackers o Granola bar (no nuts) o Cheese and crackers If you need some more snack ideas, please ask your child‟s instructor. A reusable juice container is a great idea to use for sending liquids as your child can drink as much or as little as they want that day. Please DO NOT send 1 time use juice containers. Snacks that contain sugar within the first two ingredients are not allowed, as well as chocolate bars, chips, candy or pop. These items will be sent home and the instructor will find an alternate snack for your child. Our Playschool program is a NUT AWARE program. Any type of nuts, nut butter or any other derivatives of nuts are not allowed due to severe allergies. For the safety of your child, hot dogs and grapes must be sliced lengthwise. Please encourage your child to eat their own snack and not to share; this helps avoid problems with allergies. CHILD’S BIRTHDAY We will acknowledge each child on their special day. As there are many different allergies in the classrooms we will not be serving birthday cake or other treats in the class. OPTIONAL: If it is important to you and you wish to bring in a treat please have it individually wrapped to send home with each child. Reminder: please keep the treat nut free and check with the teacher for other allergies.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDED PLAY How does our program help your child learn? While playing in our play centres, such as the dramatic play, block area and our table top area your child will be learning: o Cooperating with others (taking turns) Getting your child ready for o Using language skills success is our goal. o Verbalizing ideas o Developing and using fine and gross motor skills o Classifying by shape, size and colour Great skills to have prior to o Experimenting with balance and form Kindergarten o Using imagination o Testing ideas o Recognize the alphabet letters o Recognizing quantity o Sounds the letters make o Understanding number concepts o Cutting (holding the scissors o Improving hand-eye coordination properly) o Drawing (tell a story with their While we are having group/circle time children are learning: drawing) o Language skills o Social skills (interacting with o Pre-reading skills others, turn-taking, etc.) o Learning to follow directions o Large motor skills - Hopping, o Working independently and as a group jumping, running, skipping and o Gathering information galloping o Connecting stories to pictures

“What is a teacher? I'll tell you: it isn't someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires the student to give of her best in order to discover what she already knows.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Witch of Portobello

ART TIME Children explore art as a learning experience; an activity of discovery that is simulating and interesting. They are more interested in the process of doing art than the result of the finished product. The art process allows children to explore, discover and manipulate. Sometimes the process can be sensory, such as feeling slippery cool paint on bare fingers, the mystery of colours blending unexpectedly or a blob of play dough taking form. The instructor‟s job is to provide interesting materials, sit back and watch closely, but unobtrusively. During art, the children are: o Expanding creativity o Increasing communication skills o Improving hand-eye coordination o Exercising fine motor skills Your job as the parent/guardian is to ask your child open-ended questions that will encourage your child to feel free to explore. Suggested comments: o Tell me about your artwork (painting, drawing, play dough, etc.). o I see you've used many colours! o What a big design! Crafts that are picture perfect are usually made by the instructor with a child dabbing glue here or there. Art that may appears messy is really the hands-on creation and masterpiece of your child. In our efforts to use recyclable products for our art projects, we would appreciate any items from home that you would normally throw out. Please remember to wash any containers that have had food or liquid in them before you bring them. Please talk to your child’s instructor before bringing in anything to class to ensure the items are needed. The following items may be requested: - margarine/yogurt containers - wrapping paper rolls or tubes - paper towel rolls (NO toilet paper rolls) - buttons - plastic grocery bags

FROSTY FAMILY FUN SKATING PARTY Tuesday and Thursday classes will skate on Thursday, December 10. Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes will skate on Friday, December 11. Saturday classes are invited to join us on either Thursday or Friday. IMPORTANT – There are no regular classes scheduled on the day of the skating party. Skating party times are as follows: Morning classes – 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Afternoon classes – 1:45 – 3:30 p.m. It is mandatory for an adult to attend with their child. Teachers will not be supervising individual children on the ice. Siblings are welcome to attend this party day.

VOLUNTEERS There are volunteer opportunities available for parents/guardians both outside and inside the classroom, though volunteering is not mandatory in our program. Some opportunities outside the classroom environment may include making play dough and bringing in treats for special days. Other opportunities within Playschool time include swimming, skating, field trips and special in class presentations (i.e. firefighter, police officer, dentist, nurse and more). For swimming and most field trips, a one-to-three ratio is required (one adult per three children). Without this ratio, these special events will be canceled. The Babysitting Service is available during in class volunteering (it is not available for off-site field trips). Please call 403-366-3913 to pre book. Siblings of the participants will not be able to accompany the volunteer with the class for safety reasons and class ratios. We reserve the right to limit and or decline volunteer service for our programs. * City policies require all volunteers to fill out the One Time/Group Volunteer Registration Form prior to volunteering in the classroom. If you are interested in volunteering, please talk to your child‟s instructor for more information. SWIMMING We swim 2 - 3 times in the school year. Our swim time is a “water orientation”. Children will splash, blow bubbles and play games in our pool. FOR 2, 2 ½-3 and 3 YEAR CLASSES: Children come to class as usual and pack in their bags swimsuit, towel, “little swimmers” and plastic pants. Instructors will help get the children changed prior to going to the pool. All children 3 years and under of age are required to wear little swimmers and plastic pants under their swim wear as per City of Calgary and Alberta Health Services Policies. FOR 4 YEAR CLASSES: Children come to class wearing their swimsuits under their clothes (remember to pack extra underwear for after swimming). Each child needs to bring their own towels with their name written on it. ALL CLASSES: Parents/guardians pick-up their child at the hot tub area (not in the classroom) at designated times on swim days. You will first want to pick-up your child‟s belongings from their hook in the classroom (the door to the classroom will be left unlocked). We require 1 volunteer to 3 children for swimming. If we do not have enough volunteers, swimming will be cancelled for that day and will not be rescheduled. Volunteers MUST go in the water and stay with the group of children at all times. If you are volunteering for swimming and would like to stay after and swim on your own, you will need to pay the general admission fee at the customer service counter prior to doing so. SKATING The 3 and 4 year classes will have the opportunity to experience skating once a week in March for 3 consecutive weeks. As proper fit of the skates is very important when learning to skate if you have your own skates it is always better. We want to ensure all the children can participate and we do have some skates and helmets to lend the children that do not have their own. Volunteers are required for the skating sessions the more help we have the better the experience the children will have on the ice. The volunteers do not have to skate themselves unless you are a very experienced skater we would recommend you help on ice in your boots.

DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY We at Village Square Playschool try to prevent discipline situations from arising by having qualified instructors guide children through play and learning experiences. Each child is accepted on an individual basis as well at different levels of development and cultural backgrounds. Throughout the program, situations may arise where a child‟s behaviour is inappropriate. If such problems should arise, the instructor will offer positive redirection, guidance and explanation at each child‟s level and then, if needed, by substituting a toy or engaging the child in some other activity. This positive re-direction should resolve any behaviour problems. We, as adults, have expectations for behaviour that vary greatly from family to family and from backgrounds and cultures. Everyone has a role to play in raising healthy happy individuals. Positive behaviours happen through positive environments, positive role modelling and by setting reasonable limits. Through this the child will gain positive self esteem, acceptable problem solving skills and be able to develop to their fullest potential (socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually). The instructors will work closely with the parents/guardians to ensure that each child is treated with respect and privacy. Goals needed for each individual child will be developed together in partnership with their parents/guardians. Please note: In some cases we may determine that a child may not be ready for the type of program we offer. In the best interest of the child, we reserve the right to withdraw your child from the playschool program. If possible, alternative programs will be suggested. Together we can make a difference. PARENT ETIQUETTE Our playschool program teaches children how to deal with situations in a positive manner and we would like to extend that expectation to you parent/guardians, as well. We need all adults to practice positive behaviours when dropping off and picking up their child. This includes using positive language when talking to children and adults alike. Please do not use your time before, during or after classes to talk about behaviour incidents/situations that may have happened in class involving your child or other children, this only makes situations worse. Your child‟s instructor is available to discuss situations (keeping things confidential) or we are available to listen to situations and help find solutions that are in your child‟s best interest.

TIPS FOR AN EASY TRANSITION FROM HOME TO PLAYSCHOOL Some children may feel anxiety when leaving their parents/guardians. All our instructors are aware of this and will try to make the initial separation as easy as possible for both the child and parent/guardian. Before your child’s first day o Come see the facility so that your child knows where he/she will be going. MEET THE INSTRUCTOR Thursday, September 10, between 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. No appointment necessary. o Read books. Talk positively about Playschool. Explain what will happen. o Take your child to buy a backpack or snacks for their special day. o Emphasize that they will have lots of fun. o If you are feeling anxious, try not to show it to your child. They can “pick-up” on your feelings. o o o o o o o

On the first day Make sure your child has a good night‟s sleep and a hearty breakfast or lunch. Come to the classroom, take off their coat and backpack and sign-in. Settle them down at a table or toy. Tell your child when you are leaving and that you will come back when Playschool is over. Do not try sneaking out. If a child is unsure, leave a belonging of importance to you (i.e. keys, watch or a photograph of the family). It will help them to understand that you will be returning. Leave with a hug, kiss and a smile. Leave as quick as possible! If you hesitate to comfort your child and acknowledge their anxieties they will sense your worry or concern confirming their fears and escalating their anxiety.

If we feel your child is not settling, we will contact you. Stay in the Centre for the first half-hour if you have any concerns. Please resist the temptation to peek back in the room or through the windows as it disrupts the class and will add to your child’s anxiety if they see you. Your child is our top priority. With these tips, we are sure that your child will quickly settle. Keep in mind all children deal with separation differently. Please remember that the instructors are available to field your questions and comments before and after class time. If you or your child have any concerns, it is important that you voice them right away. We would like to make this an enjoyable experience for you and your child. Should you have any additional questions or suggestions please feel free to contact the Playschool Supervisor at 403-366-3926. We are looking forward to a FUN year!

Playschool Information Form Please give this completed form to your child’s instructor at meet the teacher or on the first day of class.

Class:

__4 year class __2 ½ year class

__3 year class __2 year class

Day(s) of the week:________________________ Example: Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday or Monday or Wednesday/Friday or Saturday

Time:

__ Morning

__ Afternoon

Participant Information: Child’s Name: __________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth (yyyy/mm/dd): _____________ Age: ________

Male/ Female (circle one)

Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Postal Code

Home Phone: __________________

Language(s) spoken: _________________________

Email: ____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Information: 1. Name: _______________________ Home Phone: ___________________ Cell Phone: _____________________

Relationship: _________________________ Work Phone: _________________________ Occupation: ________________________

2. Name: _______________________ Home Phone: ___________________ Cell Phone: _____________________

Relationship: _________________________ Work Phone: _________________________ Occupation: ________________________

Emergency Contact: (other than the above parent/ guardian) Name: _________________________ Home Phone: ___________________

Relationship: ________________________ Work Phone: ________________________

Pick Up: The following individuals ARE authorized to pick-up my child from Playschool:  

Note: parents/ guardians must still pre– inform instructors as to who will pick up their child day to day. The instructor WILL ask the person to show them picture ID (if they have not met them before).

1. ____________________________________________________________________ Name of person Relationship to child 2. ____________________________________________________________________ Name of person Relationship to child 3. ____________________________________________________________________ Name of person Relationship to child 4. ____________________________________________________________________ Name of person Relationship to child 5. ____________________________________________________________________ Name of person Relationship to child

Allergies:

Dietary Restrictions: foods your child is not allowed to eat (including cultural and/or religious customs foods)

Challenges or needs: illness, disability, activity restriction, medication or fears that your child’s instructor should be aware of:

Additional Information: Does your child have any special interests and strengths? _______________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Does your child have any brothers or sisters? If yes, what are their names and ages? ______________________________________________________________________________

Does your child have any pet/s? If yes, what is their name? _____________________________ Is there any other information that would be helpful for the teacher to be aware of that may affect your child? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _____________________ (I have read the information contained on this page and have answered all of the questions to the best of my knowledge).

Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Section 33 (c) (RSA2000) and is solely for the purpose of the City of Calgary Recreation safety awareness. For more information contact 3-1-1