Parent Handbook
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Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 4
History ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Philosophy ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Being a Cooperative ......................................................................................................................................... 4
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................ 5
Arrival, Departure and Security Measures ........................................................................................................ 5
Parking ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Absence and Illness .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Child Information Records ................................................................................................................................ 7
Immunization ................................................................................................................................................... 7
Snack and Nutrition.......................................................................................................................................... 7
Life Threatening Allergies ................................................................................................................................. 8
Medication ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Child Guidance ................................................................................................................................................. 8
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MEMBERS ..........................9
Strategies for Behaviour Management: Volunteers and Members ....................................................................9
CONTRAVENTION OF BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES BY VOLUNTEERS AND
MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL YORK ROAD NURSERY SCHOOL ................................................................................11
Cooperative Program Expectations ................................................................................................................ 12
Withdrawal Policy .......................................................................................................................................... 12
School Closures .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Statutory Holidays .............................................................................................................................................13
Snowdays ...........................................................................................................................................................13
Emergency Plan .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Trips and Outings ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Walking outings .................................................................................................................................................13
Bus outings ........................................................................................................................................................13
Insurance ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Duty Days ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
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DUTY DAY POLICIES ...........................................................................................................................................14
TIMELINESS POLICY ...........................................................................................................................................15
EXEMPTION FROM DUTIES ................................................................................................................................15
Duty Day Expectations ................................................................................................................................... 15
Set-up ................................................................................................................................................................15
Snack time .........................................................................................................................................................16
Clean up .............................................................................................................................................................16
Remember .........................................................................................................................................................16
Smoke Free Act .............................................................................................................................................. 16
RYRNS PROGRAMS OVERVIEW.................................................................................................. 17
3 Year Old Program ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Beavers Class, Chipmunks Class ........................................................................................................................17
2 Year Old Program ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Squirrels Class ....................................................................................................................................................17
Enrichment Programs ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Little Chefs Club .................................................................................................................................................18
Little Arts Club ...................................................................................................................................................18
Little Alphabet Club ...........................................................................................................................................19
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INTRODUCTION
History
The Royal York Road Nursery School was founded in 1966 by a group of parents in
the Sunnylea neighborhood. The Church facilities, where the school is still located,
were provided as part of the Church’s community outreach and social action
program. In 1971 the school was incorporated as an independent day nursery, giving
it both legal and insurance benefits. At that time the Nursery School was licensed
under the Day Nurseries Act of Ontario.
We operate as a co-operative program under the professional direction of our
Registered Educators and Assistants. We, the parents, assist the teachers with the
organization and daily running of the school. We are an active participant in our
child’s early education. We learn with and through our children in a stimulating and
delightful way.
Philosophy
Our programs focus on introducing preschoolers to the school environment. We aim
to provide a healthy and physically secure environment for each child and to create a
relationship of trust between children and their teachers. We wish our children to
learn through play, fully utilizing the school’s equipment, materials, and activities.
We strive to ensure opportunities for growth socially, emotionally, physically and
intellectually by nurturing feelings of self-esteem and independence through
appropriate and challenging experiences. With these as our main goals, we are able
to fashion a strong foundation for our children, upon which they can build positive
future educational and life experiences.
Being a Cooperative
A cooperative nursery school is one that is organized and administered by the
parents for their pre-school children. Every cooperative has a dual purpose: to
provide a good pre-school experience for the children, and to promote greater
understanding by parents in matters related to early childhood education. By
assisting the staff of trained teachers, parents have the opportunity to learn with, and
through, their children in a most stimulating and delightful way.
Parents are a vital element of a cooperative nursery school because to be
successful, we must all work together. This handbook has been compiled to assist
you in becoming more familiar with the policies and guidelines by which the school
functions and to give some helpful hints on your integral role as a parent volunteer.
We hope that the following will help you to be more knowledgeable regarding the
organization and day-to-day functioning of Royal York Road Nursery School. Read
this handbook and ask questions. Refer back to it throughout the year.
Only with full cooperation will a co-op nursery school work!
Please bear in mind that there will be a written commitment on your part and that
without each family’s participation, the Nursery School cannot function. The key to a
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co-op is involvement and participation: the more you invest in the school, the more
your rewards will compound.
Participation of parents through a volunteer position and in fundraising events is a
requirement for co-op membership. A word of caution — the greatest danger to a
cooperative preschool occurs when the parent takes a turn in helping at the school
only as a means of reducing the costs, with no consideration of using the experience
to learn more about children.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Arrival, Departure and Security Measures
1. Your child’s school program begins at 9:00 a.m. for morning programs or
1:00pm for afternoon programs. If you choose to bring your child earlier than
the program start time, it is your responsibility to stay with your child until the
class starts.
2. It is the parent’s responsibility to:
(i).
See that wet boots and shoes are removed and placed under your
child’s designated coat hook
(ii).
Assist the child in removing outer clothing and hanging it on the
appropriate hook.
(iii).
Take the child to the Teacher in order to be sure the Teacher knows the
child has arrived.
3. Once school is in session all fire doors are to be closed and the main entry
door to be locked. If anyone requires to enter while school is in session or at
another time (for example if you are late, or arriving really early) you must use
the Church office doors.
4. As part of the registration package, parents are required to fill out a "Person(s)
Whom My Child May Be Released" form which will give all the names of
people who have the authorization to pick up the child from school.
The registrar and teachers will keep up to date copies of these forms at all
times.
At dismissal time, Teachers will only release the child to persons whose name
appears on the "Person(s) Whom My Child May Be Released" form.
Children will not be released to anyone whose name is not on the form unless
a written note from the parent or legal guardian has been received by the
Teacher and/or Parent-Teacher Liaison providing specific indications
otherwise.
In the event that a person shows up to pick up the child who is not on the list
and for whom we have not received written notification, Teachers will hold
back the child and will contact the parent or legal guardian to seek permission
to release the child to this person.
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Parents and/or legal guardians can add individuals to your "Person(s) Whom
My Child May Be Released" form at any time by contacting the registrar.
5. The children will be dismissed at 11:25 am for morning programs and 3:25 pm
for afternoon programs.
6. Once you arrive at the classroom to pick up your child, he/she becomes your
responsibility.
Parking
NEVER PARK IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT!!!!!!!
The school’s lease agreement with the Royal York United Church does not allow
parents to park in the Church parking lot. There will be a $25 fine each time a family
parks in the parking lot. Families may park on the side streets
Absence and Illness
As a courtesy, please notify the Teachers or Parent Teacher Liaison if your child is
not well, and will not be attending school or if you are going on a holiday. Contact:
[email protected]
Do not send your child to school if any of the following occur which may affect the
child’s normal functions: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, contagious viruses, pinkeye, any
infections (ear, throat etc.)
If a child in the school develops symptoms of illness, the parent or, if unable to be
contacted, the alternate person designated by the parent shall be notified so that the
child may be taken home.
It is at the discretion of the teacher(s) if a child is considered to be too sick to be at
school.
The staff should be notified if your child is absent. Parents should call the school or
send a message with another parent.
When a serious accident or illness occurs to a child in the school, the teachersupervisor will remain with the child; the other teacher will stay with the class and the
duty parent will call an ambulance if necessary and notify the parents. The
supervisor-teacher would accompany the child in the ambulance.
The teachers should be informed immediately of any suspected communicable
medical problem and the teacher shall post a notice and inform Public Health where
necessary.
If your child has an accident or injury at home, please inform staff when the child
comes into school the following day.
When your child is returning to school after having a communicable disease, we will
require a note from your doctor to confirm that the child is free from infection.
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Child Information Records
It is the parent’s responsibility to provide the school with current information
pertaining to the child. This includes names, home and business telephone numbers,
addresses, e-mail, emergency contacts, etc. Please ensure that the school’s registrar
is notified of any changes to the child’s records.
Immunization
It is a requirement of the Day Nurseries Act parent or guardian of a child enrolling
must provide one of the following:
• An up-to-date record of their child’s immunization or
• A medical exemption form completed by a qualified medical practitioner, which
clearly states the medical reasons why a child cannot be immunized or
• A letter provided objecting to the immunization on the grounds that the
immunization conflicts with a parent’s conscience or religious beliefs.
Snack and Nutrition
Snack and snack time is an important part of the curriculum at RYRNS. Snack at
RYRNS is a communal activity; children eat as a group and share all the foods
brought in. Snacks (with the exception of the Little Chef's program) are provided by
the parents on a scheduled basis.
Snacks must meet the following requirements:

Foods chosen for snacks must be comprised of items from a minimum of two
of the four food groups (Vegetables & Fruit, Grain Products, Milk &
Alternatives, and Meat & Alternatives) plus a beverage.

Snacks brought into the school must be Peanut-Free/Nut- Free

Snacks must promote good dental and nutritional health.

Insomuch as is possible, an effort will be made for the foods chosen for
snacks to be able to be consumed by all the children in their respective
programs taking into consideration allergies. However, once all allergies are
known for the given year, the board/teachers will assess the feasibility of
accommodating these specific restrictions. Families of children with allergies
or dietary restrictions may be encouraged to bring their own snack and will not
be required to participate in the snack rotation accordingly.
This policy excludes children with life threatening or anaphylactic allergies.
Please refer to the “Anaphylactic Policy” for policies and procedures regarding lifethreatening allergies.
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A list (“Allergy Alert” notice) of children who have food allergies and/or special dietary
restrictions and their respective allergies and/or special dietary restrictions will be
accessible and posted in each classroom where snack is served.
Volunteers/parents responsible for bringing the snack of the day must record snack
in the “Snack Log” binder. Logs are retained for 30 days after the last day for which it
is applicable.
On families’ snack day we ask that they remember the following:
 Snacks do not have to be portioned individually
 Provide utensils if necessary
 Remember to bring home your containers at the end of class
 Practice clean preparation habits at home
Life Threatening Allergies
Upon a child’s admission to the school, the parent must supply a doctor’s note stating
the specifics of an allergy, and provide an auto injector (EpiPen). In conjunction with
the parent the staff will develop an individual plan and emergency procedure, which
will include a description of the child’s allergy, monitoring and avoidance strategies,
signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic allergy, and action to be taken by the staff in
the event that a child has an anaphylactic reaction. Parents with children with life
threatening allergies will be required to provide training on how administer auto
injectors (Epipen) to staff and volunteers during the orientation meeting. This
information, along with the child’s photograph, will be posted in all of the classrooms.
To ensure the well-being of children who have anaphylactic reactions it is imperative
that an EpiPen is available at the school at all times. If a parent does not provide an
EpiPen, or fails to replace an expired EpiPen, admission to the program will be
denied. If a parent believes the child no longer requires an EpiPen, a doctor’s note
confirming this information will be required. A full version of the Anaphylactic Policies
and Procedures is available on the website and upon request from the teachers.
Medication
It is the policy of the school that the following will not be accepted for administration
to any child in their care by the teaching staff or volunteer parents:
• Antibiotics
• Over-the-counter prescriptions
• Homeopathic remedies
Parents will be responsible for administering any medication if a dose is to be given
within the hours their child is attending school.
The teachers and volunteer parents will continue to administer inhalers and single
dose epinephrine auto injector devices (Epi-pen).
Child Guidance
To ensure a child’s safety and well-being, and to foster social and emotional
development, it is necessary at times to impose limits or set standards of acceptable
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behavior. Teachers are guided by the Day Nurseries Act Behavior Management
Guidelines, which they are required to review and sign each year.
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MEMBERS
Things NOT Allowed Under Any Circumstances:
1. Do not use any form of corporal (physical) punishment, such as hitting,
spanking kicking, pushing, shoving, grabbing, squeezing arms, ears, etc.
2. Deliberate harsh or degrading treatment that would humiliate child or
undermine his/her respect.
3. Abusive language such as swearing, yelling or screaming.
4. Children must not be deprived or denied any basic needs, i.e. food, shelter,
clothing. Food should not be used to discipline children at snack time.
5. Children must not be confined or locked in any room or dark area for any
reason. If a child has to be removed, a staff person must stay with him/her.
6. Children must not be left alone except in a crisis situation and then only for a
few minutes.
The RYRNS Behaviour Management Policies and Procedures’ goal is to help the
child retain control of his/her emotions and actions, not to stop her/him form
expressing feelings and moods.

A child who loses self-control needs help. In fact, his/her action may be the
only way she/he knows how to reach you.

When children display unacceptable behaviour, it is usually because they
hope to get something they want. You can help them learn to ask for things in
more acceptable ways.

Remember at all times that a child is vulnerable. The situation may be just too
overwhelming. The child needs patience and understanding above all.
Strategies for Behaviour Management: Volunteers and Members

Setting limits gives children the security of knowing that their strong emotions
will not lead them to do things that they will later regret; they know an adult will
take the responsibility of stopping unacceptable behaviour until they are able
to do so for themselves.
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
Have clear, concise rules and limits, mostly to do with the safety of children
and care of property. Try not to have too many, and the ones you do have
should be reasonable and understandable by three- and four-year-olds. The
key is consistency with the Teachers and Duty Parents supporting each other.

Be positive and clear when setting rules and limits, or directing. Phrase
directions so that there is no room for doubt or argument, but do so positively,
rather than negatively. For example, say. “Come down the slide one at a time”.
Or, “Jump on the mat when you can see that there is no one else there.”

Try to avoid or forestall situations that could create problems. For instance,
have enough materials and activities for the number of children. Have enough
time to complete an activity. Ensure that there is no over-crowding at an
activity, that is, enough space for each child present.

Use a pleasant voice to talk to children. Be close to them when conveying a
message and talk directly to them. Don’t shout across the room unless it is an
emergency.

Only offer clear and concise choices. Don’t phrase directions as questions –
i.e.: “Would you like to join the circle now?”, but “Would you like to sit by Sally
or Billy?”

Try to create an atmosphere of trust and cooperation. Praise and encourage
good behaviour, e.g. “I like the way Christopher let Melissa ride on the
motorbike.” Don’t compare one child’s behaviour to another’s.

Keep activities at the appropriate level for the age group of the children
involved to avoid frustration.

If a child misbehaves try to convey that it is the act which you dislike: you still
like the child.

Aim to help the children achieve self-control. Give them an opportunity through
guidance to work out problems with others for themselves. Encourage them to
communicate directly with each other, e.g. “Tell John that he hurt you when he
pushed you. Tell him you don’t like him doing that.” “John, what could you do
to make Debbie feel better?”

If a child repeatedly acts out and is disturbing the rest of the class, try to
redirect him or her to a solitary activity where he can be supervised. If that
does not work, remove him from the group and have an adult stay with him
until he is calm. Talk about what happened and allow the child to rejoin the
group when child is calm and ready.

In case of a temper tantrum, the Teacher should remove the child from the
group and hold him quietly until the tantrum has passed. Comfort the child and
allow him to rejoin the group once he is calm again. With any repetition of a
tantrum, the child should be removed again.
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Be familiar enough with each child’s background and history that you have a basis on
which to try to understand disruptive behaviour. If unsure of the cause and unable to
cope, after discussion with the parents, and with the parents’ knowledge and
approval, help should be sought from other professionals, if as a Duty Parent you are
unsure of how to cope with a situation, do not hesitate to ask for assistance from the
Teacher. The Teachers and Parents need to be a team in the classroom.
CONTRAVENTION OF BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES BY VOLUNTEERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL YORK ROAD
NURSERY SCHOOL
Children should be encouraged to verbalize their aggression rather than resort to
physical action. If a child does resort to physical aggression/violence, the situation
should be discussed with the child so he/she may gain an understanding of the
problem. If another child is involved, both children should be involved in the
discussion.
Things NOT Allowed Under Any Circumstances:
1. Do not use any form of corporal (physical) punishment such as hitting,
spanking, kicking, pushing, shoving, grabbing, squeezing arms, ears, etc.
2. Deliberate harsh or degrading treatment that would humiliate a child or
undermine his /her respect.
3. Abusive language such as swearing, yelling or screaming.
4. Children must not be deprived or denied any basic needs. i.e. food, shelter,
clothing. Food should not be used to discipline children a snack time.
5. Children must not be confined or locked in any room or dark area for any
reason. If a child has to be removed, a staff person must stay with him/her
6. Children must not be left alone except in a crisis situation and the only for a
few.
For members who have difficulty putting the “Strategies for Behaviour
Management” into practice OR who habitually refuse to do so OR who employ any of
those methods listed under “Things NOT Allowed Under Any Circumstances” the
following steps will be taken:




The incident will be noted and depending on the severity and specific
circumstances, the President and/or Supervisor may meet with the parent
involved.
If there is a re-occurrence with the same parent member, a written description
of the incident will be placed on file, signed by the Supervisor, the parent
involved and the President.
Any further re-occurrence of inappropriate behaviour management may result
in the Executive Committee asking the parent (family) involved to withdraw
from the program.
If the initial incident of inappropriate behaviour management is considered to
be severe enough, the parent (family) involved will be asked to withdraw
program after the initial incident.
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The investigation and findings process should not exceed seven (7) days and will
include the following principles:




All information collected must remain confidential.
Staff and the Executive Committee must treat all complaints seriously and with
sensitivity.
Interference with an investigation or an attempt to coach or intimidate a
witness will not be tolerated.
Resolution of both formal and informal complaints should be documented.
Cooperative Program Expectations










Snack Rotation: This program includes a snack rotation policy. Each family
(duty and non-duty) is expected to provide snack beverage for up to 15
children in the class on their designated snack day. Please refer to “Snack and
Nutrition Policies and Procedures” for more details.
Volunteer Roles: The Royal York Road Nursery School (RYRNS) is structured
as a co-operative school. Each family (duty and non-duty) is expected to
assume a volunteer role. The volunteer roles are structured to ensure the
continued success of the school. This position cannot be filled by Caregivers.
Fundraising: all families are expected to participate in fundraising initiatives
and events. Assist with fund-raising projects and support our co-op in all its
endeavors to reach our financial goals.
Abide by the by-laws of the school.
Fulfill your duty days at school
Attend parent meetings that deal with school administration and/or family life
education. General meetings are held approximately every two months. A
$25.00 fine will be levied per meeting missed if more than one is missed. Your
Caregiver may not replace you at a meeting, although they are encouraged
and welcome to attend with you.
Cooperate with the Teachers and fellow parents on your duty days.
Provide baked goods at the request of the party committee during the year for
such events as the general meetings, registration, Open House, fundraising
initiatives etc.
Fill out the School Evaluation Form
Volunteer on school trips and outings
Withdrawal Policy





There is no reimbursement or discount for missed classes.
Should a parent decide to withdraw their child from a program, written notice
of the intent to withdraw from the program must be delivered to the teacher /
program coordinator at least four weeks prior to the desired withdrawal date.
Refunds on the monthly program costs will be prorated based on date of
withdrawal, not based on attendance.
No refund will be offered for withdrawal on or after February 15th, 2013.
A $30 administration fee will apply to all withdrawals.
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

No refund will be provided for the $80 Registration Fee
All outstanding fees must be paid in full. Any debts will be pursued by RYRNS.
School Closures
Statutory Holidays
RYRNS is closed on statutory holidays during the year.
Please refer to school calendar for other school closures.
Snowdays
The Nursery School will be closed due to bad weather when the Toronto District
School Board buses are cancelled. A notice will be posted on the school’s website
and an additional e-mail notice and/or phone call will be made by the President to all
families.
Emergency Plan
In the event of an emergency evacuation, fire related incidents, or if the school
cannot operate due unavailability of power and/or water the School will be evacuated
to Sunnylea Junior School, 35 Glenroy Avenue, Etobicoke.
Trips and Outings



Certain trips will require parents to complete and sign permission forms.
Parents will also be asked to volunteer to provide adequate supervision.
Depending on the nature of the activities, a ratio of one adult per three-four
children will be required. It is important that parents are available to volunteer
so trips and outings may take place and not be cancelled.
Walking outings
 All children must hold on to the ‘safety rope’ and walk together as a group.
 One teacher leads in front of the line and another teacher stays at the end of
rope.
 Parents must advise teacher of early departure and/or if other pick up
arrangements are required.
Bus outings


A ‘belted’ school bus cannot be guaranteed.
Parents must advise teachers if they will be using their own transportation to
get to the trip location and vice versa, early departure and other pick-up and
drop-off arrangements.
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Insurance
As a member of Association for Preschool Education (APE), we subscribe to a group
policy. A.P.E. is a non-profit, volunteer organization run by its member school
representatives, individual members, and an elected board of directors. It was
founded in 1969 as a means of providing a network for information on co-operative
preschool operations and the exchange of ideas and problem-solving. The School’s
group policy includes general liability, property coverage and accident coverage. This
DOES NOT include any automobile coverage for parents driving children to and from
school, or on any school-related field trips. It is the responsibility of the individual to
establish adequate coverage for his own automobile. (A suggested figure is $1
million liability.)
Duty Days
DUTY DAY POLICIES
The Duty Schedule will be prepared in September for the whole year and will be sent
to each member via email as soon as it is completed. It may be necessary to change
the roster over the course of the year due to updates on registration, enrollment,
withdrawal and leaves.
Each family is responsible for their own substitutions with other member families. All
changes must be made on the master schedule on the bulletin board.
Younger siblings should not be brought to the school on your duty days. Older
siblings are allowed if a P.A. day falls on your duty day.
In case of last minute illness or family emergency, you may call on one of the
Emergency Duty Person(s). You will be given a list of these parents at orientation. It
will be your responsibility to pay them back by working one of their duty days. Please
use these people for emergencies only.
If two children from one family are enrolled in the school, full tuition will be required
for both children, as well as duty and snack for each child.
An approved regular caregiver such as a nanny, grandparent or babysitter can serve
some duty days. This caregiver is required to submit all of the required forms and
undergo medical and security checks before performing duty days. The Caregiver,
just as with the duty parents, will be directed by the Teachers. The caregiver should
be at the orientation session. All terms apply equally to the parents and the
caregiver. The parent will do as many duty days as possible; a minimum of five (5)
throughout the year. This is a cooperative nursery school and each member who has
chosen this type of school for their child wishes to participate with their child. The
caregiver cannot do all duty days. This cooperative school is not only for the child’s
social development and educational beginning; it is also for the parent to share ideas
and make new friendships.
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If you cannot be at the school for your duty day, it is your responsibility to find
a substitute. Contact a parent within your child’s class or the designated
emergency parent. Please note that the number of Duty Days required will be
directly related to registration levels. Your total number of days over the 10
months will range between 16 and 20. Non-performance of Duty Days will be
considered a breach of the volunteer agreement signed at registration
TIMELINESS POLICY
1. Duty/Craft Day parents are to arrive at 8:30am SHARP!
2. A logbook will be established to monitor arrival times of Duty/Craft Day parents
3. The Parent-Teacher Liaison will monitor the logbook
4. Late arrivals will be dealt with as follows:

First occurrence – verbal warning from Parent-Teacher Liaison

Second occurrence – written warning sent to parent and president

Subsequent occurrences - $25.00 fine EACH TIME, payable to
teachers
5. If a member is continuously late, the Board will then have the authority to ask
this member to withdraw from the school.
EXEMPTION FROM DUTIES
Exemption from duty days is considered for the following reasons:
1. Pregnancy or illness leave - a maximum of three months requested in writing. Duty
days missed during leave must be made up.
2. Compassionate leave - requested in writing and approved by the Board Members.
Duty Day Expectations
Set-up
 Prepare the ‘bleach solution’ as per instructions provided by teacher. All materials
needed are located in the caretaker’s room.
 Check portable sink located in the craft room for water supply. Fill and/or empty as
necessary for each class to use.
 Place the steeping stools in the bathroom, the book basket and carpet should be
placed in the adjacent space across the bathroom doors.
 Tables and chairs are stacked and located outside of the classroom and must
carried into the ‘gross motor’ room for set up.
 Finished artwork that needs to go home must be placed by the child’s hook or their
‘art bag’.
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 Assist in setting up all rooms according to teacher(s) directions.
Snack time
 Clean tables before snack begins. Spray and wipe with bleach solution.
 Retrieve cup bins located on top of the mailboxes. Set the tables by putting out
individual place mats.
 Assist with hand washing and bathroom routine.
 Serve, practice table manners, and encourage “pleases”, “thank yous” and
“welcomes”.
 Encourage children to tidy up their own snack spot.
 Sanitize/wipe place mats with bleach solution. Make sure place mats are not damp
before you store them away.
 Spray and wipe all tables.
 Rinse all cups, put cup bins back on the mailbox and fill out the Snack Log.
Clean up
 Check portable sink. Empty and/or fill if necessary.
 Gather all art materials (paint brushes, glue spreaders, etc.) used and wash them
in the caretaker’s room.
 All equipment and materials that came out of the closet used to set up the gross
motor room or the gym must be stored away in closet again at the end of the day.
 Check hallways and hook area for any items that have been left behind or
forgotten. Put them in the classroom.
 Assist in tidying up all rooms as per teacher’s directions.
Remember
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Always close the door behind you.
Observe as many interactions that take place. You will learn from watching.
Listen to what the children are saying, it is important to them.
Re-direct play behavior that is harmful or unsafe.
Talk to the children because you have much to share. to and talk to the children you have much to share.
Be a team player.
Do not interrupt a child that is absorbed in a task or play sequence - Let his or her
attention span increase.
Be approachable; bend down to the children’s level.
Encourage play behavior that is imaginative, creative, constructive and
cooperative. Children learn through play.
Be alert. Safety first.
Smoke Free Act
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act came into effect on May 31, 2006, prohibiting smoking
in enclosed workplaces and public places, to protect workers and the public from the
hazards of second-hand smoke. Parents, staff and students are prohibited from
smoking in the school and within church property.
Parent Handbook
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RYRNS PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
3 Year Old Program
Beavers Class, Chipmunks Class
Introduces three year olds and older to a pre-school environment that will prepare
them for Junior Kindergarten. The program focuses on providing developmentally
age-appropriate opportunities that support all aspects of cognitive, social, physical
and emotional development. The teachers provide a safe and nurturing play based
environment.
The curriculum encompasses:
• Circle time
• Gym time, gross and fine motor development
• Creative art and movement
• Special events, celebrations and trips
• Specialized bi-weekly music classes
September – June
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings: 9:00 am – 11:25 am
Class structure: 15 students/class (2 classes run consecutively), 2 teachers
Fees:
DUTY - $175 / Month (September – June)
NON – DUTY - $255 / Month (September – June)
$80 Registration Deposit
2 Year Old Program
Squirrels Class
This program introduces two-year olds and older to their first classroom environment
that will help them prepare for pre-school. The curriculum is designed to help children
develop their communication, social, emotional, self-help and physical development
skills necessary for future success. Teachers encourage your child to examine,
create and share as they broaden their language through interactions with peers and
teachers in a nurturing and safe environment.
Parent Handbook
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The curriculum encompasses:
• Art and dramatic play to shape child's imagination
• Developmentally appropriate activities that empowers your child to be
independent
• Circle time and group activities supporting social and communication skills
• Special events, guests and trips
• Music and creative movement
September – June
Monday and Thursday mornings: 9:00 am – 11:25 am
Class structure: 10 students/class, 2 teachers
Fees:
$200/month* (September – June)
$80 Registration Deposit
Duty option is available, however a discount will not be provided
Enrichment Programs
Little Chefs Club
Growing gourmets will have the opportunity to cook, learn and have fun in our
classroom kitchen alongside our wonderful teachers. Children will be introduced to
cooking vocabulary, nutrition, tools, kitchen math, safety, and new foods*.
*Allergies: Little Chefs is a peanut-free environment, however, due to the nature of
the class, all other cooking ingredients are used as required.
October – June
Mondays 9:00 am - 11:30 am or 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Age admission: 3 years old by October 1, 2012
Fees: $90 per month + $25 Registration fee + $50 Consumable fee
Little Arts Club
Parent Handbook
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“Little Arts Club” is an interactive program for 2.5-5 year olds cultivating creativity, self
expression and social interaction. By working together in a group environment,
children will build on cooperative skills, exploring varying art forms such as
storytelling, puppetry, drama, visual art, music and creative movement.
October to June
Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Age admission: 2.5 years old by October 1, 2012
Fees: $90 per month + $25 Registration fee
Little Alphabet Club
An interactive program for 3-5 year olds designed to enable these early learners to
become successful readers and writers. Through multisensory play and interactive
programming, the program provides a structured learning environment which children
will enjoy all the while acquiring integral phonetic and writing skills.
October - June
Thursdays 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Age admission: 3 years old by October 1, 2012
Fees: $90 per month + $25 Registration fee
Parent Handbook
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