Phone: (403) 638-4065
Fax: (403) 638-4081
Email:
[email protected]
#4-96 2nd Ave. NW
Box 797
Sundre AB
T0M 1X0
Revised June 2014
Welcome
We are pleased that you have chosen the Sundre Playschool for your preschool needs!
The Sundre Playschool is fully licensed under the Sundre Daycare Centre through Child and Family Services.
We strive to exceed all provincial licensing requirements, in fact we are the only accredited preschool in the
Sundre Area!! We are a not for profit organization that is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors and staffed
by highly trained and qualified staff!
The Sundre Playschool is licensed to have 20 children in the classroom, with two staff and a Parent Helper,
but we have decided that in order to maintain quality and to ensure individual attention we will not exceed 16
children in any class
The mission of the Sundre Playschool is to provide a secure, positive environment in which children can feel
comfortable in their earliest experiences away from home. We offer a wide variety of opportunities for children to
develop physically, socially, emotionally and intellectual by mastering new skills, increasing self confidence, making
new friends and learning more about themselves and others.
The Playschool environment designed with these goals in mind includes a variety of creative play centers:
dramatic play, water play, construction toys, books, play dough, coloring and painting centers. In addition we have
planned crafts, stories, themes, songs and games, activity time in the Sundre Community Center, field trips, and
special events which further promote children’s developmental goals. The field trips, in class guests and special
events are organized to further promote these developmental goals. Through these field trips and interaction with
community groups and individuals we hope to spark interest and awareness of their community and its members.
We strive to have children who attend Sundre Playschool to develop a positive foundation for adjusting to school
routines in the future.
We strongly believe, that you the parent, should have the final say in your child, therefore we offer many
opportunities for you to become involved in the program. You can approach any of our friendly staff with
questions, comments or concerns, email or call us or place a suggestion in the suggestion box located in the boot
room entrance of the Playschool. This is anonymous but if you like to be contacted by the Staff or by the Board
please leave your contact information.
Important Contact Information:
Sundre Playschool:
403-638-4065
Fax:
403-638-4081
Staff Email:
[email protected]
Board Email:
[email protected]
Emergency After hours: 403-638-9797
Child Care Subsidy: 403-310-0000 403-443-8535
Class Schedule
3- year old classes
4-year old classes
8:30 – 10:45 AM
8:30 – 10:45 AM
12:15 – 2:30 PM
Monday
Wednesday
Wednesday
12:15 – 3:15 PM
8:30 – 11:30 AM
12:30 – 3:30 PM
Monday
Tuesday and Thursday
Tuesday and Thursday
Please try to be on time so the start of class is not held up. If you child will be arriving late or will be absent, please
let the Teacher know by phoning 403-638-4065. We appreciate you picking up your child on time, as the Teachers
need to prepare for the next class.
Weekly themes, Parent Helper Schedules and any class schedule changes will be shown on the monthly calendars,
which will be available at the beginning of each month.
Entrance
Any child who is at a minimum of 3 years old and a maximum of 5 years and not yet attending kindergarten can
attend as long as they are toilet trained and have submitted a completed registration form may attend the Sundre
Playschool
Fees & Registration
Registration fees provide the majoring of the income necessary to operate Sundre Playschool. The Board
of Directors will endeavour to keep fees to a minimum while ensuring sufficient income for the operation of the
program.
Currently fees are as follows:
3 Year Old Class- 1 session per week- $50/month
4 Year Old Class- 1 session per week- $60/ month
4 Year Old Class- 2 sessions per week- $125/month
The Playschool has one main registration in June, where a child can register for a whole year. We offer new
families or children turning of age to enter throughout the year.
With yearlong registration you have the freedom to register for a whole year, if at the time of registration
you know that you would like a different class than that you are registering for at the beginning we will try and
accommodate these changes depending on full time registration numbers for each class, as well as age group.
At any time please phone the Playschool to find out the availability of classes.
Registration fees for each session are payable in full upon enrolment for the total amount, which may be
paid in full or by post-dated checks. If your family has applied for subsidy, and are still waiting for a response from
Child and Family Services to this affect, we still require to have three posted checks, when subsidy is approved we
will use the calculations from the subsidy office to determine refund or if there is a need for new amounts payable
by checks.
If class fees are not paid within two weeks of classes starting for the session or if there is past amounts
owing, with no attempt or arrangements made, your child will be asked to leave the program.
“Drop Ins” are not accepted at the Sundre Playschool.
All NSF Cheques will be subject to a charge of $35.00. Arrangements to replace payment must be made within one
week of notification. All future payments must then be made in cash.
Cancellation
If a parent withdraws the child during the first three weeks after registration, pro-rated class fees and the $100.00
fundraising deposit may be refunded. Withdrawals made later in the session will result in remaining class fees
being refunded at half price, and the parent will be required to participate in fundraising, unless special
arrangements have been made with the Board of Directors.
Special Needs
Sundre Playschool is intended to benefit children having a wide range of interests and abilities. Children
with special needs are welcome.
Special Needs situations will be evaluated individually by consulting among the parent, Playschool Teacher
and, if appropriate, a trained professional familiar with the child’s situation. The parent may be required, as a
condition of registration, to provide an aid to assist specifically with that child.
Weather Cancellation
The Sundre Playschool will not close due to inclement weather conditions. If you feel that the weather
conditions make it unsafe to transport your child to their class, please call the Playschool and let us know. There
will be no reimbursement of fees if you make this decision. If, due to hazardous road conditions or extreme
temperatures/blizzard, results in a class being cancelled, you will be contacted by the Playschool teachers.
Fundraising
Major fundraisers are extremely important for covering the operating costs not covered by Parent Fees of
the Playschool; therefore parent involvement in these events is vital. Participation in 3 fundraising Activities
throughout the year is mandatory.
Each family is required to issue 3 $100.00 fundraising deposits at registration per family. If a minimum of
participation cannot be confirmed in fundraising activities during for the particular fundraiser, the family will
forfeit their deposit to the Playschool.
Classroom Activities
Free Play
This part of the program is for the children to discover the toys, play dough, sand and water tables, games,
puzzles, blocks, dress-up clothes, playhouse, doll house, colouring centres or books with a group or on their own.
Show and Tell
Children are encouraged to bring something from home to show the class, or talk about something they
like or have experienced. This draws the children out, letting them have their chance in the spotlight and it also
teaches them to wait their turn and listen to other children.
Children are encouraged to bring items that are important and meaningful to them which may include;
pictures, books, toys, souvenirs and keepsakes.
Show and tell items remain in the child’s backpack until it is their turn to speak.
Snack Time
This is a special highlight for the child who is Leader.
If your child has multiple or severe allergies, please make sure we are aware of this, so we can take any
necessary precautions.
Game/Song Time
The children learn new games and songs about patterns, colours, sounds, etc. During this time as, weather
permitting; the children may go on short walks. Age appropriate playground equipment is not available on the
school grounds and the children will not access the school playground at any time during class.
As well scheduled time at the community gym is included with each session to explore gross motor
movement and active play; a variety of items such as balls and hula hoops compliment this playtime.
Craft Time
The Teacher plans a variety of crafts, which usually correspond with the weekly themes. At times the
children may be asked to bring something from home.
Story Time
This is the last activity of the day. The last fifteen minutes is spent reading stories. This also serves as a
wind-down time from a busy and fun-filled program. At this time, when you are Snack Parent, we ask that you
help keep the room quiet.
Footwear
While the classroom is adequately heated, the floor can be chilly for “sock feet”. Therefore, and because
fire regulations state that children should wear shoes in case of emergency evacuation, we ask that you bring
shoes for your child to wear during class. We ask that these are “inside shoes” not the shoes that may track dirt
into our facility. Please make sure that your child’s name is on the shoes.
Parent Helpers
Parent Helpers will have the responsibility of assisting with class preparation and pleasure of participating
during class with the students; an efficient mix of these offers the best opportunities for the children to play and
learn with both their teachers and parents.
All parents are required to volunteer in the Sundre Playschool as a Parent Helper during the course of the session; it
is required to have a completed Criminal Record Check to volunteer at the playschool, a Volunteer Criminal Record Check
must be obtained and will be in good standings with the playschool for a three year period.
If you cannot volunteer for your assigned day it is your responsibility to find a replacement by trading with another
parent, or an approved person with a completed record check. If the parent helper is not replaced there will be an invoice
sent home for the cost of the snack and for the hours of extra staff to be called in to cover this time period.
Our license stipulates that we MUST have two adults on the premises at all times during class. For
example: If a situation arises that a teacher must leave for an emergency it is vital that we have a helper in the
class to maintain proper child to adult ratio.
Under restriction of our license, siblings must not be brought to class on your Parent Helper day (with the
exception of nursing babies). Please make arrangements for alternate care of your other children during this time.
At Registration, a $100 bond cheque, cashable October 1, must be provided. This bond will be given back if
you volunteer on your assigned days (or find replacement). Also you must volunteer assistance at least one event
or activity outside of the regular Playschool Session- this can include, but is not limited to, activities such as:
helping distribute fundraising merchandise, volunteering at our Casino event and so on.
Parent Helper Duties
At the Start of Class
 Check washrooms, tidy as required
 Fill the water table with water
During Class
 Complete the preparation tasks as assigned by the teachers
 Clean the snack tables before and after snack with the appropriate cleaning solution
 Clear table after snack; all recyclable materials should be disposed of appropriately in the bins or
composter provided.
 Interact with the children during free play and craft time; encourage children during play and assist them
when needed.
At the End of Class
 Ensure that all projects completed by the children are placed at the sign-in table for pick up by parents
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Sweep the floor, specifically in the snack table area, and play dough center
Check washrooms, tidy as required (Flush Toilets)
Following afternoon class empty the water table (wipe with cleaning solution provided, wash water table
toys in a diluted bleach solution)
Snack Information
Please send your child with a snack for each class they are attending, these snacks must meet Canada Food
Guide for Healthy Eating- this can be found on the Health Canada website (www.hc-sc.gc.ca) and it is
recommended that you provide items from 2 food groups (a healthy drink choice can count as one food group)
As Parent Helper, you will be expected to help the children with whatever they may require.
All Allergies will be listed on the class calendar and any severe allergies will be posted within the classroom
and it is important to note that we are a PEANUT FREE facility
*** Allergies can be LIFE THREATENING!***
Suggestions for nutritious snacks:
 Simple muffins, squares and cookies
 Crackers, cheese, meats
 Bite sized portions of fruit and vegetables
 100% fruit juice
 White or chocolate milk
We provide a compost bin for waste.
Supplies
Along with the Show and Tell item that your child brings to school each class, we ask that you also send a
change of clothes in their backpack. On occasion, accidents happen, whether in the washroom, at the water table
or elsewhere, sometimes we need spare clothes to keep your child warm, dry and comfortable for the remaining
class time.
Signing In and Out
Alberta Children’s Services has stipulated that the authorized person must sign their child in when
delivering them to class and sign him/her out when picking the child up. The form is on a table by the door and it
does become easier to remember after a few classes.
Alberta Child and Family Services mandates that any individual picking up your child must be at least 18
years of age unless the Parent/Guardian signs a waiver giving permission for them to pick up the child, prior to the
day this individual is picking up your child- if you require a copy of this waiver please let the Playschool teachers
know.
If your child is being picked up by anyone other than the individuals listed on your registration form as
authorized for pick up, please let the staff aware of this as soon as possible. If an individual, who is not authorized
for pick up arrives at the Playschool- we will not release the child to this person. Our protocol in this situation is
that we will attempt to contact the Custodial Parent/Guardian after all other children are picked up and if we are
unsuccessful in this attempt, we will attempt to contact other individuals that are listed as Emergency Contacts for
the child. If we are still unsuccessful, we will then contact the RCMP.
Guidance Policy
Discipline is an essential part of a child’s development. It involves the setting of guidelines and limits in a
positive and supportive atmosphere, concern for safety, respect for each other and for property, adult example
and encouragement of independent thinking, logical and natural consequences and positive reinforcement.
At Sundre Playschool, children will be expected to behave appropriately, following basic rules such as:
 Quiet voices in the classroom (inside voices)
 Tidy up at the end of playtime
 Walk, don’t run, in the classroom
 Listen when the Teacher is talking
 Follow directions and instructions
-Verbal reminders will be followed up with positive reinforcement for improved behaviour.
-Should verbal reminders fail to elicit improved behaviour, the child may be removed from the group, seated in a
“quiet place” and allowed to return to the group when he/she feels ready.
-In extreme cases, the parent or guardian may be called to remove the child from the program for the day.
-In cases of repeated or continued disruptive behaviour, the parent may be called to discuss the situation and
possible solutions.
At registration the guidance policy in read by all parents and signed to this affect.
Off Site Activities
Parental consent for a child’s participation is given for the Sundre Playschool Personnel to take children off the
Playschool premises for short walks for the purpose of in-town field trips &/or educational walks &/or supervised
outdoor play on the Registration Form.
Out-of-Town field trips to age-appropriate destinations are a part of the Playschool special events calendar.
Notification of these trips will be sent home from the Playschool with the child on the monthly newsletter. In
advance of the scheduled event, it will also be posted on the main boot room bulletin board; this will be a more
detailed outline of the event and times scheduled. Written permission will be obtained for your child to attend
each individual trip prior to the event. On each and every off-site activity or in the case of an emergency
evacuation the staff will bring all contact information and portable records.
It is the Policy of Sundre Playschool that students attending an out- of-town field trip must ride with their
classmates, teachers and parent helper. Attendance of other parents or children may not be allowed depending
on the venue and seats available on the Sundre Community Van.
It is the responsibility of the parent to bring to the Playschool staff’s attention of any concerns about the
field trips.
Throughout the course of the year the staff and students participate in Fire drills that are called by the
River Valley School, this happens an estimated three times per year if not more. As is required by the Fire
Inspection, this also familiarizes students with proper procedures and helps staff to plan accordingly for real
emergencies if they arise. The Muster or Safe area for gathering during these exercises is located at The Sundre
Learning Center, which is between the Sundre Arts Center and the Playschool.
Each parent or guardian signs a wavier on the registration form. The statement is as follows: In an
emergency I give Playschool Personnel permission to transport my child to the doctor or Hospital Emergency
Room, or transportation to an above contact, and/or perform Emergency First Aide in the event of a Medical
Emergency or Injury.
Medical and Health Related Policies
In the best interest of your child and the health and safety of others, children cannot be at the centre if there is
any question of illness. If a child is too ill to participate in activities or to play outside, they are expected to stay at
home. If a child arrives at the centre with any of the following symptoms or these symptoms present through the
day, they will be sent home:
 Persistent coughing or sneezing
 Temperature above 38 C (100 F)
 Vomiting, Diarrhea
 Any rash
 Any discharge from the eyes or ears
 Swollen neck glands
 Unusual paleness, irritability, tiredness or listlessness
If your child becomes ill at playschool, you will be notified to arrange immediate pick up. Children must be free
from symptoms for at least 24 hours before returning to the centre. If they have a doctor’s clearance, they may
return even if symptoms persist as long as the child is well enough to participate in all activities.
If your child contracts a communicable disease, please notify the centre immediately. Any child, believed to be
suffering from a communicable illness will require a parent or guardian to remove them from the premises
immediately.
Should a child become seriously ill or injured, first aid will be administered and if necessary an ambulance will be
called. If there is no parent available, a staff member or parent helper will accompany the child in the ambulance
and stay with them until a parent or other care giver arrives.
All children enrolled at the Sundre Playschool must provide up to date immunization records to the centre
upon enrollment. Those children that do not have up to date immunization (whether because of allergies,
religious beliefs, or other reasons) will be accepted into the program under the following conditions: we must,
upon enrollment, be made aware what diseases the child is not immunized for. If there is a case, or suspected
case, within the centre, the affected child as well as all un-immunized children will be removed from the Program
until consider safe by health care professionals to return. The return date of all children affected will be subject to
approval by the Program Director
Supervised Care for Sick Children
Sundre Playschool will ensure that a child that becomes ill during class times will be kept as far away as is practical
from the other children and that the child will be directly supervised by a primary staff member until the child can
be picked up from the Playschool.
Incident Reporting
In the event of serious illness or injury, an emergency evacuation, program closure due to an emergencies, an
intruder on the program premises, a child removed from the program by a person without parent/guardian
consent, an injury requiring medical attention, a lost child or a child left on the premises after operating hours, will
be reported to licensing staff. This will be reported within two working days to Licensing staff or if unable to reach,
the Regional Office.
Medication / Allergic Reactions
Should a parent wish to have an “emergency kit” available for their child with a life-threatening allergy (e.g. Bee
Stings) it is up to the parent to provide the Teacher with the emergency supplies and written instructions for its
use. The parent will be required to sign a form granting the Teacher permission to administer the medication in an
emergency and releasing him/her from any associated liability. This form is a detailed outline of amounts to be
administered, times and all relevant information. All medications must be in original labelled containers.
The emergency medication is to remain located in the marked child’s backpack, on the hooks beside the
emergency and portable class list next to the exit door. All other medication will be stored in a locked container
inaccessible to all children.
Since classes are of such a short length, it would be preferred that any prescription medication that is to be
administered to your child be administered at home. If it is necessary to administer the medication at Playschool,
the medication must be in its original container with a clear prescription label. There must also be a medication
consent form filled out by the parent prior to any medication being administered.
The Sundre Playschool will not administer any over the counter medications.
Student Illness
It is important that you inform your child’s teacher of any health condition affecting your child.
MEDICATIONS TO BE TAKEN DURING SCHOOL HOURS REQUIRE A SIGNED RELEASE FORM TO BE KEPT ON FILE AT
THE PLAYSCHOOL.
Department of Health Regulations – Isolation Periods
Head Lice – exclude child until treated once with an anti-lice shampoo/cream rinse. Follow up inspections are
necessary.
Measles – from start of symptoms until the end of the third day rash
Chicken Pox – as soon as the child feels well enough to participate normally in all activities, regardless of how long
the rash has been present.
Pink Eye – exclude child until free of symptoms and medical doctor has been consulted.
Impetigo – exclude child until treated and no signs of infection are present.
Whooping Cough – exclude child for 3 weeks from onset of persistent cough OR until treated for 5 days with an
antibiotic.
Mumps – exclude child for 9 days after onset of swelling
Diarhhea Illness – exclude child until 24 hours after last vomiting and the child has control of bowel movements.
Fever – exclude child whenever a fever is present.
Pandemic/H1N1- playschool will follow Alberta Health services recommendations which are available from
teachers and is posted in boot room
Smoking
There is no smoking permitted on or around the Sundre Playschool. At no time when there are children in
class will there be smoking around or in view of the children.
Children’s Records
Children’s records will be updated regularly. This includes all information on their registration forms and
emergency contact information, and signed waivers. Parents are asked to update any information as it changes.
The Sundre Playschool will ask for updates to allow this to be reviewed and kept current.
Administrative records including staff files, child registrations, attendance records and emergency records
will be kept current. Attendance records will include arrival and departure times. Staff files will include
certification and training certificates. All information will be kept in confidence and will be secure.
Portable Records (emergency records) for each child will include; Childs name, date of birth, home address,
home phone number, relevant health information (for example; immunization records, medications, allergies and
anything else listed on registration forms), emergency contact information and physical directions.
If any changes occur throughout the year in regards to these records please notify The Sundre Playschool Staff.
All records will be kept for a minimum of two years in respect to licensing agreements.
Board of Directors
Sundre Playschool is run by a group of volunteers collectively known as the Board of Directors, made up of the
Playschool Executive, Committee Leaders. Elections are held at the Annual General Meeting each June and any
Playschool parent or interested community member may hold a position. The Board of Directors holds regular
monthly meetings and makes decisions pertaining to the operation of the Sundre Playschool during their term. A
list of current members of the Board of Directors is on the bulletin board in the boot room or available upon
request.
The Board of Directors depends on the integrity of its members and the Playschool Teachers to maintain
confidentiality. Special care should be taken to ensure confidentiality in all matters pertaining to money, staff
salaries and evaluations, personal student information and any other matters specifically brought to the Board
&/or teachers in confidence.
If parents have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact the teachers or playschool president or use
the suggestion box located in boot room. All input and concerns are greatly appreciated and the suggestion box is
checked regularly and reviewed by the board at monthly meetings and response will follow.
Sundre Playschool Teaching Staff
Mrs. Joanna VanDuzen
Mrs. Deborah Billings
Mrs. Susie Smith
Parent Sign-Off:
I, the undersigned, have read and agree to adhere to all policies and procedures, outlined in the Parent Handbook.
I understand that if I have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, I can contact the Board of Directors:
[email protected] or speak with any of the staff members at the program.
Print Name: _________________________________________
Sign: _______________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________