Preschool/Daycare

 

Where Learning is Child's Play!

 

Owner/Supervisor 

Gabriella Medway E.C.E

 

17055 85th Avenue, Surrey, BC

 

 604 574-0934

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to our Policies &

Procedures Web Page

 

 

This page is provided to inform of policies and procedures, fees and schedules, and terms and conditions

of the agreement you enter into with Puddle Jumpers Learn and play center.

Upon registering your child with Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Daycare or Preschool program,

you will be required to sign that you have read and agree to the

terms and conditions stated within.

 

Thank you for considering Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre

for your child’s Early Childhood Education!

 

Please read through carefully and feel free to ask

Puddle Jumpers Staff or myself any questions you may have.

If you would like a copy of our Policies and Procedures in a MS WORD file please email a request to

puddle-jumpers@shaw.ca and we will be happy to reply with the file.

 

Please be advised these policies and procedures are subject to change at any time.

 

Last update: 02/07/2010

 

 

Mission Statement

 

Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre is a well-established licensed childcare facility that provides a stimulating and positive environment for children. We have an open door policy to encourage constant communication between staff and parents. All staff is well qualified and provides learning experiences to enhance the child’s motor, social, cognitive, intellectual and emotional skills. We want children to feel at home at Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre.

 

Statement of Intent

 

The intent of Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre is to provide a high standard of preschool education and quality daycare. Through varied themes your child will learn to use his or her own creativity and experience many life skills by way of educational and constructive games and toys. Boys and girls will prepare snacks that are related to the current theme. Children will learn to recognize shapes, colors, numbers and letters and keep a workbook enabling you to see the continuing growth your child will exhibit while attending the center. We are concerned with the welfare and development of young children. In co-operation with the families we can have a direct impact on the education and care of children.

 

Philosophy

 

Our philosophy is that children learn by playing. Guided by a supervisor trained in “Early Childhood Education”, our programs are planned with specific goals in mind, (i.e. sharing, independence and muscle co-ordination, etc.).

 

Guidance

 

Our Goals:

 

To develop self-control in children, helping them learn.

 

Ø      To encourage self-confidence.

Ø      To encourage responsible decision making and problem solving skills.

Ø      To develop respect for self, others and the environment.

 

Our Methods:

 

To model appropriate behavior.

 

Ø      To provide simple, clear, consistent limits and expectations.

Ø      To focus on the child’s behavior.

Ø      To structure the rooms and activities to avoid potential problems.

Ø      To reinforce appropriate behavior.

Ø      To offer appropriate choices.

Ø      To use logical and natural consequences.

Ø      To work on problem solving strategies.

Ø      To provide re-direction.

                       

Children will be treated with dignity and respect as individuals and therefore they will under no condition be: 1. Shoved 2. Hit 3. Shaken 4. Spanked 5. Or be subject to other forms of corporal punishment.

 

We will not subject children to degrading or harsh treatment whether verbal, emotional or physical, to destroy a child’s self-respect or self worth. We will not confine or restrain a child physically as a way of punishment. We will not deprive a child of food, rest or the use of a toilet as punishment. We will ask parents to assist us if we are having a difficult time and work together as a team to reinforce the inappropriate behavior. 

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Policy Guidelines

 

In the event of any abuse or neglect occurring within Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre, I Gabriella Medway, Owner and Supervisor of Puddle Jumpers will report to the Boundary health Unit Community Care Facility Licensing office.

Surrey:             604 587-7610

Langley:            604 532-2300

If any abuse is suspected Outside of Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre, I Gabriella Medway, Owner and Supervisor of Puddle Jumpers will report to the Ministry for Children and Families:

Surrey:             604 930-6570

Langley:            604 532-3611

Delta:               604 501-3237

Documentation of the incident or observation and also documentation of the phone call to report the suspected abuse (e.g. To whom I spoke, time/date, any directions I am given at the time of the call).

I will be prepared with the child’s registration form and my description of the observation or incident(s) before I call.

I will ensure each document is signed and dated and kept in a bound notebook.

I will ensure the report is made as soon as possible and by the staff person who observed the incident(s).

A serious incident report will also be filled in for reports of allegations at Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registration Information

 

Daycare

 

Days of operation: Monday to Friday.

Hours of Operation: 7:00am to 5:30pm.

 

Monthly Fees

 

5 days per week:               $650.00 Per Month

3 days per week:               $450.00 Per Month

2 days per week:               $350.00 Per Month

     Drop in (When space available):                   $35.00 per day                                    

Deposit

 

A deposit of $100.00 for daycare is required at time of registration and will be credited to the first month’s fee when the child begins attending.

A non-refundable registration and workbook fee of $25.00 must be paid at time of registration.

All monthly fees are paid in advance and may be dated 1st of each month.

Post-dated cheques are accepted when dated from September to August.

Kindergarten children are considered to be attending full-time daycare.

 

Please make cheques payable to “Puddle Jumpers”

 

Daycare will be closed on the following:

 

Ø      New years Day

Ø      Good Friday

Ø      Easter Sunday (taken the following Monday)

Ø      Victoria Day

Ø      Canada Day

Ø      2 weeks in July (to be posted in a timely manner)

Ø      B.C. Day

Ø      Labor Day

Ø      Thanksgiving Day

Ø      Remembrance Day

Ø      Christmas Eve

Ø      Christmas Day

Ø      Boxing Day

Ø      Also closed December 27th to December 31st.

Ø      New Years Eve

 

Daycare Program

 

7:00am:        Center opens

Self directed play; breakfast (if brought)

9:00am: Preschool program begins

11:45pm: Clean up/ wash up

12:00pm: Lunch (parents are to provide a healthy lunch)

1:00pm: Preschool program ends

1:30pm: Nap time

3:00pm: Nap ends; clean up / wash

3:15pm: Snack

3:30pm: Indoor / outdoor play

5:30pm:         Centre closes

 

Please note that the preschool program runs between 9:00am and 1:00pm. Please make every effort to have your child at the center before preschool starts whereas not to interrupt the program, and not pick up before 1:00pm. (When preschool is operating.)

 

Please provide the following items for your child to have at the daycare:

 

Backpack ; Spare complete set of clothes; Water bottle; Blanket, comforter or cuddly toy for naptime;

A letter and a picture of your family. (This letter is to re-assure your child of your love for him or her in the event of an emergency or situation where you may be separated for a time.)

 

Daycare Tardy Policy

 

Please note; Puddle Jumpers closes at 5:30pm. There will be a late charge of $1.00 for each 1 minute after 5:30pm. Puddle Jumpers clock shall be the standard.

 

How daycare fees are calculated

 

This is an example of how we calculate our monthly fees: Full month’s fees are collected for each month regardless of how many days your child attends (except: see un-scheduled closure). The fees take into consideration the centre closes for up to 3 weeks per year. They are calculated on a 49 weeks year, then divided by 12 months.

Full time: $650/month. (part-time fees are calculated the same way).

52 weeks/year:

Minus 1 week for Christmas holiday.

Minus 1 week in July

Minus 1 week in August.

Balance is 49 weeks.

Daycare rate is aprox. $31.84 per day:

$31.84 X 5 days/week = $159.20/week X 49 weeks = $7800/year; Divide by 12 months in the year = $650.07/month (we round it down)

Detailed Preschool Program

(Included in the daycare program)

 

9:00am: Arrival:

Free play:

Sharing Time: Good morning song, news, show-n-tell, calendar, letter & number bag, week’s theme.

Circle: Relating to the week’s theme (songs and games,

letters, numbers, colors & shapes.)

Learning Activities: Workbooks and worksheets (shapes, colors, numbers, letters, printing, cutting and matching.)

Food Experience: Opportunities to both prepare and sample theme appropriate foods.

Art: Projects to extend the day’s theme.

Story: Books and flannel stories.

Free Play: Indoor and outdoor play, table toys, large & small blocks, water play, sand play, play dough, doll center, farm center, coloring, puzzles, cutting and pasting, painting, reading, puppet show, computer.

1:00pm: Preschool ends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policies & Procedures

 

Enrollment

 

Enrollment in Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre is on a “first come, first served” basis. Entering a daycare or preschool is a major step for most children and we would like to make this step a happy one for your child. Gradual entry is encouraged and can be arranged. This will help your child become familiar with the surroundings and the other children around him or her.

It is mandatory your child is potty trained before enrollment in our daycare or preschool, accidents may happen and we understand that. Having a child enrolled who is not trained or nearly trained is too disruptive to our program. Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre staff reserve the right to refuse admission if a child is not potty trained.

 

Withdrawal

Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre requires a minimum of 30 days notice or one month’s fee in lieu of notice in the event you wish to withdraw your child.

 

Release of a Child

 Children attending the center will only be released into the custody of his or her parent or guardian, or to an individual who has been authorized by the parent or guardian. An authorized person may be required to show identification and will be asked to wait while the identification is verified with the parent or guardian. 

Dismissal

 

Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre staff reserves the right to dismiss your child due to any of the following:

Ø      Late payment of fees beyond 30 days.

Ø      Non-compliance with the Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre policies & procedures.

Ø      Inappropriate placement of child.

Ø      At the request of the licensing unit.

 

Medical Attention

 

In the event of serious accident or sudden serious illness Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play staff will call an ambulance (911). Where a parent or guardian cannot be reached, efforts will be made to contact parent or guardian as soon as possible. Be sure to provide accurate up-to-date information on the registration forms. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to notify Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play of any change in registration or medical information. Should ambulatory or special medical care be required, any incurred costs are the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

 

Clothing

 

Please dress your children in durable clothing that is easy for them to manage.

Some of our play can get really messy, it is also recommended you provide a spare change of clothes in the event a bathroom accident occurs.

 

 Just a note:

 

We will call you to pick up your child in the event an accident occurs and there are no spare clothes.

 

 Personal Toys

 

Children are encouraged to bring a toy only for show and tell circles. All other toys should be left at home.

 

Parent Signature

 

Your signature will be required on your child’s registration form confirming you have read and agree to the policies and procedures outlined in this handbook

 
Holidays/Vacation

 You may temporarily withdraw your child from the center for holiday or vacation at any time. Holidays or vacations are not deducted from monthly fees.

 

Pets

 

All parents are informed about the pets prior to registration. I have ensured all pets have up to date vaccinations. All animal excrement is disposed of in plastic bags and is disposed of in the trashcan. All children are taught to respect the pets and treat them with kindness.

 

Missing Child

 

I am aware of my roles and responsibilities prior to a child becoming lost. I will ensure the safety of all remaining children if a child does become lost. If a search for the missing child is unsuccessful, RCMP and parents will be contacted. Following the incident, I will notify the Boundry Health Unit through the Serious Incident report within 24 hours. I will evaluate the event and implement appropriate changes to reduce the likelihood of a similar situation occurring. The children will be educated about what to do if they become lost or are approached by an unfamiliar adult or child who asks them to leave the facility.

 

Unscheduled Closure

 

If for any reason the center must close either for the safety of the children, medical or health reason, credit will be not be given for the time lost unless the closure exceeds five (5) consecutive working days. Wherein the credit will be pro-rated according to the time lost. Examples of un-scheduled closure are:

Ø      Power loss for an undisclosed time.

Ø      Excessive snowfall.

Ø      Unable to find suitable substitute in event of staff illness.

Ø      Medical or health issue involving staff or children.

Ø      At the request of the licensing unit.

 

Illness

 

Sick children will not be accepted at the center. You will be asked to make alternate arrangements if your child is sick or ill. If this should occur during class, the parent will be notified and asked to have their child picked up. Examples of symptoms that preclude a child from attending are:

Ø      Fever over 100 degrees F

Ø      Vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, chills, any undiagnosed rash

Ø      Runny nose, coughing and sore throat.

 

Medication

 

We would prefer not to give medication to children while attending Puddle Jumpers, however, when it is necessary for your child to be administered a medication while attending, a consent form must be signed by a parent. Though staff will do their best to administer medication according to instruction, Puddle Jumpers Learn & Play Centre will not be held liable.

 

Fire Evacuation

 

In the event of a fire, I will gather emergency cards and first aid kit. The children and staff will proceed outside to the designated safe meeting spot on the south-neighboring driveway at 17069 85th avenue, attendance will then be taken to ensure all children are safe and will then call 911. Parents will be notified of the incident immediately and request them to pick up their children. The safety of the children will be of the utmost importance during this incident.

 

Earthquake Procedure

 

Staff and children will practice fire and earthquake drills and emergency evacuation procedures bi-weekly.

Earthquake evacuation procedure:

Ø      When there is an earthquake we will seek shelter under tables in a crouch position we will hold on to the tables legs.

Ø      We will wait 10 mins for after shocks before leaving the safety of the tables.

Ø      We will evacuate the centre if there is any evidence of fire, gas leak or water leak.

Ø      In the event of any of the above, the Staff will locate and shut off the gas or water supply coming into the centre

Ø      The Staff will  retrieve the emergency supply totes, then proceed to the safety zone at the entrance of the driveway.

Ø      Staff will then take a head count and access the situation.

Ø      If it is deemed necessary to evacuate farther from the centre, Staff will assess the area for the safest location and proceed there with the children.

Ø      Once at a safe location a head count will be taken and staff will telephone the out-of-town emergency contact person and report the location and safety of the children.

 

All the emergency contact information is printed on the reverse of the Puddle Jumpers business card, all parents receive 4 when enrolling their child with Puddle Jumpers. Additional cards are available at the entrance to the centre or by asking a staff member for one.

 

Special Events

 

Field Trips

 

Parents are asked to assist on the trips with driving and helping.

A first aid kit, emergency cards and attendance lists will be taken on all field trips. Parents will be informed of transportation methods and all car seats will be installed according to standards.

I will take head counts frequently on all field trips.

If parent helpers are attending field trips their role and responsibility will be explained to them before leaving the facility.

Upon arrival all children will be shown where the boundaries are. We will also explain appropriate behaviors that are expected on a field trip, and what to do if they should find themselves lost.

In the event we have never been to a destination chosen as a field trip, we will inspect the place prior to the trip to ensure that staff is familiar with the place and to check for any potential safety hazards.

 

Birthday Parties

 

Each month we celebrate those children whose birthdays are in that month.

 

Christmas

 

The children perform a medley of Christmas themed songs, Santa pays a visit and delivers gifts to the children each year and we go to a special place such as Fun World to cap off the Christmas party.

 

Sports Day

 

Each year we have sports day, parents and children picnic together and enjoy an afternoon of fun and games. Every one’s a winner! We often combine our sports day with our Graduation ceremony.

 

Graduation

 

The end of the school year brings much to Puddle Jumpers. Preschool children graduate with honors and we celebrate with families in a special way. You will be invited to attend a performance by your children and we cap off the event in a special way!