AN ENCHANTED FOREST DAYCARE AND OSC PARENT HANDBOOK

An Enchanted Forest Daycare 500 Rivercrest Cresent St. Albert, Alberta T8N 3B9 (780) 459-0888 Revised: JANUARY 2013, January 2015

0

Table of Contents 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 16

MISSION STATEMENT PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM OUT OF SCHOOL PROGRAM OPEN DOOR POLICY DROP OFFS HOLIDAY CLOSURES CHILD CARE FEES LATE FEES NSF CHEQUES FEES REFUND POLICY SUBSIDY POLICY HOURS OF CARE LATE POLICY TERMINATION OF CARE ABSENCE STANDARD OF CARE LIABILITY CHANGE OF INFORMATION GUIDANCE POLICY FOR INFANTS GUIDANCE POLICY FOR TODDLERS GUIDANCE POLICY FOR THREE, FOUR AND FIVE YEAR OLDS GUIDANCE POLICY FOR SIX TO TWELEVE YEAR OLDS BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICY/CHILD DISCIPLINE POLICY ANTI-BULLYING POLICY AND PROCEDURE MEDICATION POLICY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE POLICY FOR ILL CHILDREN REFUSAL OF ADMITTANCE COMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY RE-ADMISSION FIRST AID POLICY ACCIDENT ILLNESS POLICY SUNSCREEN BUG SPRAY POLICY 1

16 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 18 19 19 19 19 19 20 20

SANITARY PROCEDURE NUTRITION POLICY TOY POLICY REST POLICY NON TOXI CRAFT POLICY PESTICIDE POLICY AEROSOL POLICY TECHNOLOGY POLICY SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMUICATION POLICY PARENT INVOLMENT INSPECTION VISIT GRIEVANCE POLICY COMPLAINT PROCESS /APPEAL POLICY EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN

2

AN ENCHANTED FOREST DAYCARE MISSION STATEMENT With caring staff and open communication with parents, An Enchanted Forest provides a center that offers quality daycare where children are respected, nourished and loved as well as having their individual needs met.

OUR PHILOSOPHY An Enchanted Forest Daycare’s philosophy is to provide an environment where children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical and intellectual needs can be met. This is done through qualified, caring staff that provide activities and materials that are developmentally appropriate for each child. They provide programs that reduce a child’s risk of failure and promote success to build a child’s self esteem in a non-competitive environment. The programs include crafts, books, food, etc. that focus on different themes and cultural backgrounds. Parents and children are encouraged to share their culture and heritage. Our open door policy encourages parents to attend annual parties, field trips, or share their experiences with the center. Children can bring cake to celebrate their birthdays but due to public health regulations as well as allergies they must be prepared in a licensed kitchen such as grocery store or bakery. A learn through play program will be implemented throughout the different play centers in the room. Daily programs will be focused around a theme that reflects the children’s interests and daily events. The classroom will be arranged to promote independence and foster decision-making. The room will allow children to work in small groups to learn and develop social skills as well as have the opportunity for individual play. Cognitive development will be achieved through problem solving and expanding logical thinking skills at the different centers by encouraging makebelieve play.

OUR PROGRAM Our program is planned around the children’s interests and needs by providing weekly themes and activities in the various play centers. The staff will provide supervision and interaction with all the children. There will be indoor and outdoor, as well as individual and group activities. Each child will be treated with respect and affection. We celebrate birthdays, cultural and ethnic holidays and any other occasions suggested by the children or their families.

3

OUT OF SCHOOL PROGRAM An Enchanted Forest offers an out of school care program for children six to twelve years of age. Staff plan weekly on the needs and interests of the children. A variety of activities will be available for the children to choose from. Transportation in a registered and insured daycare bus is available to local schools in St. Albert. Transportation to schools will be cancelled in the event that the Director deems the road conditions dangerous for driving due to inclement weather.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: 1. Please keep a clean, full set of extra clothing available every day. This should include: socks, diapers/underwear, pants, shirt, shorts and a sweater. 2. Please accompany your child into the center every day, placing their belongings in their cubby, signing them in and personally advising a staff member that you are leaving your child. 3. Please dress your child according to the weather as we try to spend at least half an hour outside a day. Please ensure your child has the following apparel for each season:  

Spring, Summer, Fall: jacket with a hood, rubber boots, light mitts, raincoat and hat – no flip-flop sandals. Winter: ski jacket with a hood, snow pants, snow boots, 2 pair of mittens and a toque.

4. Please send shoes or hard-soled slippers that can stay at the center for your child to wear indoors. 5. Please label all of your child’s clothing and personal belongings with their first and last initials in permanent ink. 6. Please do not send food with your child, as it is disruptive for all the children. If your child is hungry food will be provided to meet his/her needs. 7. Parents are responsible for supplying diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food jars for their child. If a child has to borrow a daycare diaper there will be a $1 charge per diaper. Continuous lack of supplies for a child will result in termination of care.

4

OPEN DOOR POLICY Enchanted Forest invites parent participation in our program. Parents and staff working together as a team are able to provide the best experiences for a child’s ongoing development. Parents are welcome to visit the centre at any time of the day, join us on field trips/off-site excursions, attend any special event and/or come in to share skills or teach us about your culture. We encourage daily contact with the Director or room teacher so that any information regarding your child’s day can be shared. If there are other areas in which you would like to help us please let us know. Please do not hesitate to speak with the Director regarding any concerns, suggestions, and/or comments. Alternatively, they can be forwarded by email or written and placed in the comment box located on the preschool cubbies. If you have any special skills or preferences in volunteering please let us know.

DROP- OFFS Children are not permitted to be dropped off between 9:30 am and 2:30 pm.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES New Year’s Day Easter Monday Christmas Day

Family Day Labour Day Boxing Day

Canada Day Thanksgiving Victoria Day

Good Friday Remembrance Day Week of Christmas

CHILD CARE FEES Registration Fee

$50

Out of School Care (July and August)

$415 $625

Infants 0 – 12months 12 – 19month

$1100 $975

19 months to Kinders

$825

Late payment

$30

If your child will not be requiring care for July and August we require a $100 fee per child per month to hold your spot for September. 5

LATE FEES A late fee of $30.00 will be applied on the fifth day of the month to outstanding accounts. An Enchanted Forest Daycare reserves the right to terminate childcare services until full payment on outstanding accounts are made. NSF CHEQUES Once we have processed an NSF cheque through your account we can no longer accept cheques from you and therefore payment can be made either in cash or money order. There is a $30.00 service charge on all NSF cheques.

FEES 1. The parent(s) agrees to pay the center a $50.00 non-refundable registration fee per family. The parent agrees to pay all the fees for services in advance and no refunds will be paid unless the center terminates this contract. 2. The parent(s) who use the center on a regular monthly basis agree to pay all fees on the first day of each month. Post-dated person cheques are encouraged. 3. The parent(s) agrees to pay all fees by cash, personal cheque, money order or certified cheque; if the center receives an NSF cheque on an account, that account will no longer be payable with a personal cheque and only by way of other payment options mentioned above. 4. The center gives notice that the monthly fee takes into account all closures and will not make refunds for the closures. 5. The center reserves the right to increase our rates at anytime as we feel warranted. Notice will be given and posted on the parent bulletin board. 6. The center agrees to provide a receipt for each payment made; the parent(s) agrees to pay a nominal fee of $10 for duplicate receipts. 7. No refund or credit of days will be given in view of child absences or child vacations. REFUND POLICY An Enchanted Forest Daycare does not give refunds for missed days. The initial $50.00 registration fee is non-refundable.

6

SUBSIDY POLICY Subsidies are available from the Provincial Social Services to those parents who qualify. Subsidy Application Forms and Information Sheets can be obtained by visiting the Government of Alberta, Child and Youth Care Services website at www.child.alberta.ca . To be considered for a full time space, subsidized families must have their children in the centre for a minimum of 100 hours per month. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep subsidy current. If subsidy is not received the parent will be required to pay the outstanding fee or bring an approval letter from subsidy or care will be terminated until the balance of the account is paid in full.

HOURS OF CARE 1. The center offers care Monday to Friday 6:30am -6:00pm with the exception of statutory holidays, holidays recognized by majority of businesses and including but not limited to, those listed under HOLIDAY CLOSURES. 2. The center should not be used as a replacement of family and daycare day should not exceed 10 hours. Any longer than that will result in an extra fee of $10 per hour rounded to the nearest quarter hour. 3. In the event a child has not been picked up by 6:30pm and neither a parent or emergency contact person can be notified, An Enchanted Forest Daycare will comply with the Licensing Regulation and place the child with Children Services. 4. If someone other than the parent is picking up the child written authorization from the parent is required. The alternate person must show photo ID before the child will be released into their care. A phone call about an alternate person picking up a child will not be accepted.

LATE POLICY Please ensure you have made arrangements for your child to be picked up by the designated time on your registration form. Staff have been scheduled according to these times to meet licensing ratios. The center closes at 6:00pm and a late fee charge of a $1.00 a minute is payable in cash to the staff remaining with the child.

7

TERMINATION OF CARE When withdrawing your child from care a one month written notice is required. The center reserves the right to refuse or terminate care for reasons including but not limited to unpaid or late fees, illness or the program doesn’t meet the child’s needs.

ABSENCE The parent(s) agree to notify the center immediately of the child’s absence.

STANDARD OF CARE The center agrees to provide a standard of care at least equivalent to what is required by the Alberta Licensing Authorities.

LIABILITY 1. The center agrees to exercise prudence in caring for the child and their personal effects. 2. The parent(s) agree(s) to release the center from any and all liability arising from accident, injury, disease or illness that may occur to the child or their personal effects while in the care of An Enchanted Forest Daycare.

CHANGE OF INFORMATION The parent(s) agree to notify the center immediately if there are changes in address, telephone numbers, doctors, or employers.

8

GUIDANCE POLICY FOR INFANTS The center encourages bonding and trust between infant and caregiver by providing consistent, responsive staff. Infants are given attention on an individual basis throughout the day. Their needs are met promptly so that a trusting relationship develops with the caregiver. The room arrangement provides everything at the baby’s level with staff sitting on the floor to encourage play and positive interactions. The room arrangement and routines allow for quiet and active activities. Staff acknowledge babies feelings.

GUIDANCE POLICY FOR TODDLERS Our program reinforces appropriate behaviour with words and gestures putting focus on the positive not negative. Staff acknowledge the children’s feelings. Toddlers develop social and problem solving skills by being provided simple reminders at a level of language they can understand. Staff sit on the floor to play and interact with the children. The room arrangement provides everything at the toddlers level as well as duplicate toys to counter conflicts.

GUIDANCE POLICY FOR THREE, FOUR AND FIVE YEAR OLDS The program reinforces appropriate behaviour with words and gestures putting focus on the positive not the negative. We will redirect children to other activities to give them opportunity to change their behaviour. The room arrangement provides opportunities for positive experiences through choices, duplicate toys, age appropriate activities and interests of the children. Staff interact positively and guide the children to problem solve and take responsibility for their actions.

9

GUIDANCE POLICY FOR SIX TO TWELEVE YEAR OLDS 1. Develop a relationship with each child as if he/she were the only child in the center. These one on one interaction will help staff recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each child. 2. Prepare a learning environment that minimizes traffic, promotes consistent routines and states well- defined expectations. 3. Prepare and put out interesting activities in all centers in keeping with each particular child’s current level of achievement, interest, ability and needs. 4. Establish a routine that alternates quiet activities with active activities. 5. Establish close relationships with the parents and solicit information from them about their children. 6. Take time to teach the children to use the materials properly and be consistent in reminding them. 7. Always encourage behavior you want to continue with words of praise. 8. Set clear limits and be consistent. 9. Always focus on what the child is to do rather than what he is not to do. 10.Use problem solving where appropriate. Teachers and children will talk through the situation while staff asks supporting questions to enable the children to come up with another alternative or solution to their problem. 11. If the child continues the unacceptable behavior we will give him/her the logical consequence of his/her actions. 12. When a child causes physical or emotional harm to him/herself or other, the child will be removed by the director from the situation in order to allow the child to calm down. Staff will talk with the children involved about alternate and appropriate behaviors. Children will then learn how to solve the problem without harming themselves or others. 13. If the child loses control of his emotions and is crying uncontrollably, shouting, or having a temper tantrum, he/she will be removed from the group and given a quite area to calm down. Once he/she has released his/her negative behavior the staff will then help the child to express him/herself in a safe appropriate way.

10

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY/CHILD DISCIPLINE We believe in a loving environment that respects the individuality of each child. We find through effective communication and a challenging program, children are happy and cooperative. By recognizing children’s differences in age, temperament, and experiences, and offering a program that sets limits children’s behaviour becomes more manageable. A variety of approaches will be used to help the children learn self-control. These include: a. Patiently reminding children of limits when needed. b. Role modeling appropriate behaviour. c. Ignore behaviour when inappropriate. d. Providing choices for children to facilitate problem solving. e. Redirect when possible. Removing the child from the situation to give them the opportunity to relax will be used with careful consideration. Removing the child will not be used as a punishment and the child will be treated with respect and dignity. This final stage is considered restrictive and must be authorized by the Program Director and/or Director. The alternative setting will be comfortable and relaxing and be used until the child is ready to return to their group. Words of encouragement will be provided with support in facilitating the child to regain self-control. There will never be a need to be physically rough with the child. Hitting, spanking, slapping, biting, shaking or squeezing a child is not permitted. Such behaviour will result in immediate dismissal. EACH STAFF MEMBER MUST SIGN THIS PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT.

11

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY AND PROCEDURE An Enchanted Forest is committed to providing an environment for children that is safe, welcoming and free from behaviour by any bullying (persistent individual or group). Bullying can be: Emotional, Physical, Racist, Verbal, Psychological, Sexual, or Cyber (e.g. text messages). Bullying of any form is unacceptable. Emotional Being deliberately unkind, shunning or excluding another person from a group or tormenting them. For example, forcing another person to be left out of a game or activity, passing notes about others or making fun of another person. Physical Pushing, scratching, spitting, kicking, hitting, biting, taking or damaging belongings tripping up, punching or using any other sort of violence against another person. Verbal Name calling, put downs, ridiculing or using words to attack, threaten or insult. For example spreading rumors or making fun of another person’s appearance. Psychological Behavior likely to instill a sense of fear or anxiety in another person.     

   

Strategy Child care providers will in for the Director if they witness an incident of bullying. Children will be encouraged to report any incidents of alleged bullying immediately and will be reassured that what they say will be taken seriously and handled sensitively. If a child tells someone they are being bullied, they will be given time to explain what has happened and reassured that they were right to tell. The Director will always ask the alleged bully to explain their side and take in to account their response when deciding whether bullying has occurred. If it is decided that bullying has occurred then in most cases, the behavior can be addressed by using strategies in the Behaviour Management Policy. The alleged bully will be encouraged to discuss their behaviour and think through consequences of their actions. Where appropriate, they will be encouraged to talk through the incident with the other person/people involved. We will inform the parents of all children involved in the alleged bullying incident. Where bullying behaviours persist, the alleged bully’s parents will receive a written warning that the child must stop this behaviour. If the bullying behaviour persists, the alleged bully’s parent will receive a final written warning that termination of care will occur if the behaviour doesn’t stop. After the incident has been dealt with child care providers will monitor the children involved to ensure further problems do not occur. 12

MEDICATION POLICY Medication is only administered if: a. It is in the original with a label; b. The label includes the doctor’s name, the child’s name, the name of the drug and administration instructions; c. Written permission to administer the medication to the child is given by the parents; d. The medication expiration date has not past. Other medication policies include: a. Non-prescription and Herbal Remedies must be in original container labeled with your child`s name on it. You will be required to complete a medication form, including what medication was given at home prior to arriving, for this to be administered with an exact time. Non-prescription medication will not be given on an as needed basis. b. If a child becomes ill while at the daycare a parent will be contacted; c. All medications, including those requiring refrigeration, will be stored in a locked container or cupboard; d. All medications shall be received by staff directly from the parent(s); e. Medication cannot exceed a period longer than two weeks. f. Staff providers will return the medication to the families when the authorized period has ended. Staff cannot store medication for future use. g. Should your child require emergency medications such as epi-pen or inhaler. You must fill out an emergency medication form with the required information including specific symptoms the staff should watch for. These medications will be kept in a locked medicine box, which is inaccessible to children h. Staff will monitor the child closely for allergic reactions after any medication or herbal remedies have been administered. i. All medications will be given by a staff member holding a current first aid certificate at the time indicated on the signed form. The staff will ensure that they have read the label carefully to ensure it belongs to the child, the date or expiration date, the quantity to give, special needs when administering and the correct child is receiving the medication. j. If a child requires any additional health care we ask the parents and/or our local public health nurse to train the staff in proper method of administering the type of health care required by the child. This will be documented in the staff and child's files.

13

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE The staff of An Enchanted Forest Daycare reserves the right to engage medical assistance for the child left in their care when, in their sole discretion, they deem such assistance necessary. The parent agrees to compensate the center for any and all medical costs incurred in such a case.

POLICY FOR ILL CHILDREN A child that becomes ill while in care will be separated from the group and kept comfortable under direct supervision. A crib or cot with a sheet and blanket will be provided for the child. The parent will be contacted and must then arrange for the child to be taken home. After the child has left the center the crib or cot will be disinfected and the sheets laundered. We believe that most people prefer to be home in a comfortable environment when they are ill. This is especially true for children. Children will not be admitted to the center if they have any of the following symptoms:  Fever of more than 99 degrees  Unexplained rash or sore  A communicable disease  Discharge from eyes, ears or nose  Vomiting or Diarrhea  Productive cough or dry cough lasting more than 1 week without doctor attention  Any illness or injury that keeps a child from participating in regular activity

REFUSAL OF ADMITTANCE The center reserves the right to refuse the child’s admittance to the center, without refund of fees, if: a. The child has not been immunized as required for the following diseases: Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Small Pox, Tuberculosis or other diseases recommended by the Public Health Authorities b. The child has contracted any of the communicable diseases listed above c. The child has contracted any disease which in the opinion of the medical doctor requires quarantine

14

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY If a child has a communicable disease, the parent(s) will be required to remove the child from the daycare as recommended by the health unit or physician. All communicable diseases will be reported to the local health unit. All recommendations made by the health unit or physician will be followed. The daycare center will hand out information on communicable diseases to all staff to help identify such diseases and take preventative measures. The information will be in conjunction with the health unit.

RE-ADMISSION When the absence of a child has been due to an infection or chronic illness of the child or of the family, the parent(s) agrees to provide the center with a letter of clearance from a medical doctor before requesting re-admittance.

FIRST AID POLICY 1. All staff members are required to have a First-Aid certificate in childcare within a year of employment. 2. First-Aid procedures will be reviewed at all staff meetings to ensure that the staff has a good understanding of First Aid.

ACCIDENT/INCIDENT POLICY 1. All accidents/incidents will be reported immediately to the Director, Program Director and Parent(s). 2. A written accident/incident report will be completed, signed and filed. 3. A copy of all accident/incident reports will be kept in the child`s file in their room.

15

SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY POLICY Parents may supply their own bug spray or sunscreen. The other option is to sign-up and use daycare generic brands. Your preference should be signed on your child`s registration form.

SANITARY PROCEDURE POLICY               

Each child will have a labelled cot/crib. Each child will have an individual sheet and blanket. Sheets and blankets will be laundered weekly or as required. Proper hygiene procedures will be followed at all times by the staff and children. Diapering routine will follow the capital health handout which is posted in diapering areas. Toilet seats and sinks will be disinfected between each use. Hand washing before serving snack and meals for staff and children. Hand washing or hand sanitizer after sand / water play and play dough Hand washing or sanitizer after nose wiping or coughing. Hand washing of staff and children whenever hand are soiled After three uses of sanitizer hand must be washed with soap and water. Tables disinfected before and after meals. Room cleaning schedule to be followed and completed daily Cot and Cribs are spaced one meter apart. Staff must wash hands before administering medication.

16

NUTRITION POLICY Good nutrition is a vital to children’s physical and mental development. We have developed child care nutrition policy in our program to encourage the development of good eating habits that will last a lifetime. Due to our desire to promote child’s health and provide good child care nutrition; a variety of nutritionally balanced, high quality foods are prepared and served on the premises each day. Meals are served family style; each child is encouraged to serve themselves and to try each food that is offered. The menu is based on the Canada Food Guide and will ensure two thirds of your child’s basic nutritional requirements for the day. We review our menus twice a year to ensure it is meeting the changing nutritional guidelines and to incorporate new foods. If you have any ideas for meals please let us know as we are always looking for new items to try out. If a child is bringing their own food it must follow the Canada Food Guide. In the event that a child brings food and it does not meet Canada Food Guide the daycare will supplement the child’s meal so as it meets the requirements. Snacks must have a serving from two different food groups and lunch must have one serving from each of the four food groups. Please do not send any products containing nuts or products from the peanut and nut family. Capital health states that food from approved sources only (licence kitchen or bakery) may be served at the center. No home prepared food can be brought in for snack. All staff that are responsible for food storage and preparation have completed a food-handling safety course. Staff will ensure hot foods are kept hot; and cold foods are kept cold at all times. Food preparation and serving utensils and surfaces are sanitized after each use. Special Dietary requirements Due to allergies our center is a peanut free environment. In order to meet a special diet due to allergies or religious reason we will make a reasonable adjustment to our menus for that child. I.e. A parent could supply halal meat that we could use for their child.

TOY POLICY Toys brought from home can be lost, broken or cause disputes between children. Please do not send any toys except for a cuddly quite time toy if your child wishes.

REST POLICY Licensing and the center feel rest time is an important element in a child’s daily schedule. Children are encouraged to lay quietly on their mats from 12:15 until 1:15 to allow other children to fall asleep. At this time children that are still awake will be offered quiet activities until 2:15pm. Please do not ask us to keep your child up during nap time. If you do not wish your child to take afternoon naps our program may not meet your family’s needs. Kinder children do not nap unless requested by a parent.

17

NON-TOXIC CRAFT POLICY All craft materials used in the center will be non- toxic.

PESTICIDE POLICY Pesticides are not used in the center. When the grass surrounding the daycare has been sprayed the children will not be permitted in those areas, during the application and for a safe period of time after.

AEROSOLS POLICY The daycare does not use any products in aerosol containers.

TECHNOLOGY POLICY The use of movies and computers is limited. The movies and programs are viewed ahead of use by the Director and all materials will be age and maturity appropriate at the Director’s discretion. Children under the age of 2 do not watch television.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY As a program we understand the importance of utilizing social media for the enhancement of our program but want to ensure we are safeguarding the rights and privacy of the families, staff and children. Enchanted Forest will use Facebook social media site to communicate with families and staff. Posts will be related to project and activities the children are participating in, child care related news or articles and upcoming events. The Director will supervise the social media site. She will control the content of posts, ensuring they are consistent with the values and beliefs of the program. Any posts or comments made will be deleted immediately if they are found to be inappropriate and the offending user will be reported and blocked from our site. Staff in the program need to be aware of the programs policies and procedures surrounding social media. At no time should an individual’s personal page be used to talk in a negative manner about the program or any of the staff, families or children. The program will welcome feedback from families and staff on the effectiveness and content of the site.

18

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The parent agrees to abide by the policies and procedures of the center as amended from time to time; a copy of these will be posted in the center. All parents and children will be treated with respect and it is expected that the staff will receive the same level of respect from parents.

COMMUNICATION POLICY We encourage open communication between the Director, Staff members, Children, Families, Community Members and Schools. Each room has a while board where staff records daily events and activities for parents to view. We have monthly newsletter, during the year and once during the summer. We have a communication book for staff to pass on any information given by parents to all the other staff. We ask that parents feel free to let us know if their child is going to be attending any special events or any other exciting information in person, by email or phone.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT By working together as a team we are able to provide your child with a positive childcare experience. Parents are invited to share any information regarding your child on a daily basis. Please do not hesitate to speak with room staff or director about any questions, suggestions or concerns. Theses can also be forwarded by email or the parent suggestion box. Parents are encouraged to visit and share any cultural holidays, special skills or interests. Parents and family members are invited to our Christmas concert and Anniversary B.B.Q in July.

INSPECTION VISITS The center is inspected regularly by Child and Family Services. These are unannounced visits and the reports are available for the parents to view on the parent bulletin board by the main entrance. The inspection reports are now available online at http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/ChildCareLookup.cfm

GRIEVANCE POLICY Staff, parents and community that may have any problems or complains with the center will fill out and submit a grievance report to the director. All complaints will be responded to within 24 hours. Director will discuss the complaint with the staff involved to determine an action plan and an outcome for complaint.

19

COMPLAINT PROCESS / APPEAL POLICY The following process is for dealing with complaints: 1. Discussion between the staff member and the license holder to resolve the issue. 2. Investigation. 3. Discussion of investigation findings and/or documentation of complaint. All complaints to the daycare service are confidential and investigated. Written complaints will be responded to in writing, stating whether the complaint was verified and that appropriate action was taken.

Regional Daycare Services 9942-108 Street, 7th Floor Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J5 (780) 427-0444 All monitoring reports are available in the center for viewing by parents.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN In case of fire, the following should be followed: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Activate the alarm by activating the manual pull station. (located at each exit) Director will notify the fire department at 911 Teachers lead the children to the nearest exit and confirms numbers of children in their room. Supervisors of the area pick up the daily attendance sheets and room backpack which contain portable emergency cards, first aid kit and emergency medications The meeting place is along the sidewalk behind daycare. Director of the daycare checks all the rooms to make sure no one is left behind in the daycare. Director will then proceed to meeting place. Director will help teachers notify the parents. Our primary relocation place is St. Albert center food court. Do not re-enter the building after evacuation until the fire marshal gives permission to do so. Fire drills will be practised unannounced monthly.

With your communication we look forward to providing a positive experience for your child. Feel free to contact us at any time at the center, by phone 780-459-0888 or email. [email protected]. Also find us on Face Book. 20

21