Eau Claire YMCA
Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
WELCOME TO THE EAU CLAIRE YMCA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE!
YMCA Calgary builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities. We believe in the potential of people and the
power of working together for a common cause. A charitable organization, YMCA Calgary is grounded in solid values
and a sound mandate, which have enabled us to effectively serve the community over the past century.
You and your child will experience the YMCA culture as participants at the Eau Claire YMCA Child Development Centre.
This handout will help you understand who we are, how we operate and how we would like to interact with you and your
child.
The Eau Claire YMCA Child Development Centre was originally accredited in May 2005 and since April 2008 has
received re-accreditation status. The purpose of Accreditation in Alberta in to raise the standard of child care in the
province and improve best practices in early learning and child care services. Accreditation is voluntary and is valid for
three years. Accreditation has established the following 10 standards for centres to follow:
Standard 1:
Children are safe, secure, well-cared for and nurtured.
Standard 2:
Relationships between service providers and children are supportive and respectful.
Standard 3:
Every child’s optimal development is promoted in an inclusive early learning and child care environment.
Standard 4:
Families are supported as the primary caregivers for their children.
Standard 5:
Relationships with families are supportive and respectful.
Standard 6:
Program philosophy, policies and procedures support staff in providing high quality early learning and
child care services.
Standard 7:
The work environment supports quality service delivery.
Standard 8:
The service responds to the needs and concerns of children, their families, the staff and the community.
Standard 9:
Families and community stakeholders are actively engaged in ensuring that community diversity and
interests are reflected in the delivery of early learning and child care services.
Standard 10:
Early learning and child care services participate in ongoing monitoring and evaluation processes that
support continuous quality improvement.
The Eau Claire YMCA began implementation of the YMCA Playing to Learn Curriculum in November 2007. The
cornerstone for this curriculum is children’s play, understood to be essential to the healthy social and cognitive
development of all children. We understand play to be the primary way all children learn. During the first six years of
life, all aspects of development advance through engaging in play. Play ensures a sound basis for healthy development
and future academics. Through experience those familiar with the curriculum believe that YMCA Playing to Learn is the
best approach to ensure a child’s continued enthusiasm and capacity for life long learning. YMCA Playing to Learn
provides an understanding of how play provides the foundation for learning to read and write and for learning
mathematics, science and technology. It ensures a foundation of arts is part of a young child’s learning. YMCA Playing to
Learn emphasizes self actualization and social development through inter disciplinary self inquiry. It provides early
childhood educators with the skills to implement best practices and quality learning experiences. Prescribed and
sequential training is delivered by experienced staff educators who have demonstrated skills in implementation and
assessment. The trainings are based on educational principles. They use a learner centered approach and create a
productive learning environment through respect for the participant.
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Eau Claire YMCA
Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
WHO WE ARE
YMCA Calgary Mission Statement
YMCA Calgary is a charitable organization driven by its mission to facilitate and promote the spiritual, mental, physical and social
development of individuals and to foster a sense of responsibility within the community.
YMCA Calgary Statement of Principles
YMCA Calgary is committed to the following principles which provide the core values for the organization.
• a supportive environment fostering the growth and development of individuals in all their diversity and potential
• the provision of equal access and participation for all persons
• the promotion of fellowship, community responsibility and service
• a commitment to quality leadership provided by volunteers and staff
• an ethical and independent organization which is financially self sufficient
• a global perspective and participation within the world community
YMCA Calgary Values Statement
YMCA Calgary is committed to practicing and demonstrating the core values of respect, honesty, responsibility and
caring.
HOW WE INTERACT WITH YOUR CHILD
Our Child Care Philosophy
At the Eau Claire YMCA Child Development Centre we provide full-time care for children 19 months to six years of age.
Our philosophy is that children learn through play. Our choice-based programming encourages children to make
decisions for themselves throughout their day. We feel that this allows them to experience the world in their own way.
Recreational programming takes place in an unstructured, child-oriented environment. We believe this is the best care
situation we can provide and the best way to help children develop in spirit, mind and body.
During the day, children are encouraged to make decisions about where to play and what to play with. They are offered
experiences exploring new materials and joining in physical activities. Several times each day they can also choose to
participate in an adult-directed activity such as a story or song.
Guiding Children’s Behavior
The caregivers at the Eau Claire YMCA Child Development Centre use positive reinforcement, preventative methods and
intervention strategies for guiding children's behaviour. Our caregivers abide by the YMCA Calgary Child Guidance Policy,
which mandates children are always guided in a positive way to maintain and develop self-esteem. Our caregivers are
prohibited from yelling at or physically harming a child, withholding food from a child or any other violation of children's
rights. The Childcare director, supervisor and co-workers regularly observe caregivers to ensure that positive guidance is
occurring. You will be given our Guidance Policy to review and sign. You will then receive a copy to take home and a copy will
remain on file in the Child Development Centre.
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Eau Claire YMCA
Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
Preventing Guidance Issues
We have structured our Child Development program to help reduce challenging guidance issues. Some of our preventative
strategies include:
• Maintaining an age appropriate program
• Setting clear and easy rules for the children to follow
• Providing a variety of experiences throughout each day
• Caregivers model appropriate behaviour and provide positive reinforcement to the children when they exhibit
appropriate behaviour
Modeling Core Values
The core values of YMCA Calgary are respect, responsibility, honesty and caring. The caregivers model these values. This
creates a strong foundation for children to learn and understand how to use the values in their daily interactions.
We believe it is essential for children to behave with respect for themselves, other children, adults and the equipment at
our centre. If children endanger themselves or another child or behave abusively towards the staff, the facility or
equipment, they will be removed from the Child Development Centre immediately. Equipment damage that occurs from
improper use or abuse may result in a cost-recovery charge being billed to the parents. YMCA Calgary reserves the right
to terminate a child’s participation in the Child Development Centre if misbehavior continues.
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Eau Claire YMCA
Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
CHILD GUIDANCE POLICY
•
Caregivers will model appropriate behaviour and problem solving techniques.
•
Caregivers will always guide children in a positive and constructive way.
•
Caregivers will give children the encouragement they need to develop self-control.
•
Caregivers will approach children to work out problems with their playmates verbally before intervening.
•
Caregivers will be consistent in their guidance techniques.
•
Caregivers will keep parents up-to-date on their child's behaviour.
•
Parents are encouraged to give feedback regarding guidance techniques to maintain consistency between the
centre and the home environment.
•
Caregivers will try to calm and redirect a child who is having trouble maintaining control. The caregiver will
allow the child “Time Away” to choose another centre that no other children are playing at. Once the child has
calmed down, the child may rejoin the other children.
•
Caregivers will not physically punish a child or demean the child in any way.
•
Caregivers will not withhold ANY food or food products as a form of guidance.
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Eau Claire YMCA
Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
A Day at the Eau Claire YMCA Child Development Centre
Routines
Our daily schedule is flexible, although routines such as eating, toileting and rest time are consistent each day. The caregivers
encourage the children to use self-help skills such as independent toileting, setting out lunches and tidying up afterwards,
helping put sheets and blankets on beds and dressing themselves.
Part of our daily routine is to take children outdoors. During cold weather months, please ensure that your child has
appropriate outdoor clothing including snow pants, hat, mittens, and a warm jacket. If the temperature is -10 degrees below
zero or if it is moderate-to-heavy snow or rain, we will be indoors. During the warm weather months, please ensure that your
child has a hat that will shade them from the sun. The Child Development Centre will put sunscreen and bug spray on your
child everyday for a cost of $2.00/month/child.
Meals & Snacks
We provide the morning and afternoon snacks. They are prepared fresh each day. Check the Parent Board for the monthly
snack menus.
Each child needs to bring a healthy and nutritious lunch from home each day. We recommend the meal consist of at least one
item from each of the four food groups: milk products, grain products, fruit and vegetables, and protein and alternatives. This
creates a balanced diet and variety makes lunchtime more enjoyable for your child! If you would like some new lunchtime
alternatives, talk to any caregiver for ideas.
Nut Allergies – Due to the potential for serious allergic reactions, nuts and their by-products are not allowed in the childcare
areas. Please do not send nuts or their by-products in your child’s lunch in consideration of children with severe allergies.
Attendance
Please remember to sign your child in and out each day on the sign in sheet located in each room. The person who
drops off and picks up the child needs to initial the sheet each day. This is a requirement of the Calgary/Rockyview
Child and Family Services Licensing Agency. This procedure ensures that all children are accounted for in case of an
emergency.
If you plan to have someone else pick up your child, please let a caregiver know who will be coming. Please advise the
person who is picking up your child to bring identification with them. We will not release your child unless we can verify
the person matches the name you have given.
Please inform a caregiver if your child will be away from the centre. Advance notice is appreciated because it allows us to plan
ahead. We have a partnership with Children’s Cottage, a facility that houses families that need relief care for children. When
your child or others are absent, we offer the spaces to children from Children's Cottage.
The children leave for outings by 9:30am. Therefore, we ask that you have your child at the centre before 9:30am, or let their
caregiver know that you will be late that day. If you bring your child after 9:30am, you will be responsible for ensuring
they join their group. Children cannot stay with another group due to licensing ratios.
Medication
If your child requires any medication during the day, please advise a caregiver. We will need you to complete a medication
form, sign and date it, as your consent for us to administer any type of medication. Please ensure that all of your child's
medications are labelled, in the original container and have the proper dosage dispenser. We will make sure all medications
are locked in a medication box throughout the day. When the child's dosage is complete, we will need to remove the
containers from the centre and will send the containers home with you.
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Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
Things your child needs:
*Please bring the following items clearly marked with your child's name:
• seasonal items such as hats for summer, rain boots etc.
• at least one change of clothes, or more for younger
children
• diapers and wipes (toddlers only)
• a blanket for rest time
• appropriate shoes to wear in the gym, on outings, etc.
(i.e. no flip flops)
• a bathing suit
• appropriate outdoor clothing
Wednesdays are Show N’ Share.
• We invite children to bring a toy, book, game, or any special item from home. This is the only day children should
bring toys from home. Please do not bring toys and items from home on other days. We ask that you keep in mind
that we do not allow toys, books, or games that may promote violence such as guns, knives, and swords.
*Please be advised that YMCA Calgary is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken items.
Parent Involvement
We welcome and encourage parent involvement in our program. Feel free to join us on a field trip or stop by the centre
anytime to visit your child. A quick hug break can be a nice treat for both of you!
Parent Advisory Committee
Composition (4-6 parents)
The committee will be made up of representatives of each childcare room.
Term
The committee will meet every six weeks for one to two hours. Meetings will occur January – June and September –
December; at times and dates that work best for all members of the committee.
Communication
The committee members are representatives of our centre. They are expected to bring parent issues to meetings and
assist in communicating and advocating key messages back to parents.
Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
To create a visible committee dedicated to improving the experiences of all families.
To bring forward parent concerns.
To provide advice and direction on new ideas and initiatives.
To provide recommendations to Childcare Director on operational issues.
Committee Member’s Responsibilities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To be a visible active member of the committee.
To raise parent concerns and issues at meeting.
To connect with parents and help communicate key messages.
To actively solicit parents feedback.
To provide objective advice and feedback on issues at meeting.
Developmental Reports and Parent Meetings
A Developmental Report outlining your child’s progress will be sent home every six months. This will be accompanied by
an opportunity for a scheduled parent and caregiver meeting. At any time, parents are encouraged to meet with the
caregivers and/or supervisor/director at the daycare if there are any questions or concerns that need to be addressed.
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Eau Claire YMCA
Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OPERATIONS
Licensing
A licensing officer from Calgary/Rockyview Child and Family Services visits and evaluates the Child Development Centre up
to four times per year to ensure we are meeting standards. We post the results of the licensing visits on the Parent Board for
your review. If you have questions about these reports, feel free to discuss them with the Childcare Director.
Space and Caregiver Ratio
The net floor area for each child is 3 m2 at our centre. Our child/caregiver ratios are:
• one caregiver for six children aged 19 to 35 months
• one caregiver for eight children aged 3 to 4½ years
• one caregiver for 10 children aged 4½ to 6 years
Staff Qualifications
YMCA Calgary caregivers have Provincial Child Care Certification levels: Child Development Supervisor, Child Development
Workers and Child Development Assistant. The caregivers' certificates are in the Director’s office for your viewing. Our
caregivers are skilled in child observation, planning developmentally appropriate activities, and implementing child-oriented
activities. They have current first aid and CPR training and have passed a security clearance check and Intervention Record
Check.
Resources
We have a variety of resources and pamphlets that you can take home to read and use. They are available on the Parent
Board. You can also talk to our staff for additional information and ideas. Each caregiver comes to us with a wealth of
knowledge and often has additional resources to share with your family. A monthly newsletter will also be distributed to
each family.
Holidays
The Eau Claire YMCA Child Development Centre will be closed for the entire day (or day in lieu of) on:
• New Year's Day
• Family Day
• Good Friday
• Victoria Day
• Canada Day
• Civic Holiday
• Labour Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Remembrance Day
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day
The centre will close at 12:00pm on:
• Christmas Eve
• New Year's Eve
Communication
Our responsibilities:
• We will communicate any program, policy or procedural changes to you in writing.
• We will put any important information in your child’s folder.
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Eau Claire YMCA
Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
Your responsibilities:
• Maintain ongoing, open communication with your child's caregiver to ensure we have the most accurate and current
information to meet your child's needs.
• Contact us as early as possible when you know your child will be absent due to illness or vacation.
• Ensure that your emergency contact information is always up to date. Please advise your child’s caregiver of any changes.
• Advise us in writing 45 days in advance of the last day your child will attend the centre.
Grievances
Your feedback is important to us. If you have a complaint you can discuss it with the Childcare Director or the Eau Claire
YMCA Program Manager. Feel free to complete a comment card and submit it to any YMCA staff.
If you would like to make a formal complaint, you can contact the Calgary/Rockyview Child and Family Services Licensing
office. All reports are confidential and remain anonymous. All written complaints will be answered and all complaints will
be investigated. Mail can be forwarded to the appropriate department by writing: Region 3 Calgary and Area Child and
Family Services Authority, #300, 1240 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 3P7. Phone (403) 297-6100.
ENROLMENT AND FEES
Enrolment Forms
Please fill out all the forms in your enrolment package. This information is essential to ensure your child's safety and to
provide the highest quality care. We will ask you to update your Child Participant Information Form twice a year. Please
ensure you are providing us with updated information on an on-going basis.
Deposit
Once your child is accepted to the Eau Claire YMCA Child Development Centre, we require a $200 deposit per child. We
hold these funds as a security deposit for the entire time your child is in our program. Provided sufficient notice is
received (see below) the deposit will be refunded to you when you terminate care.
If you decide to stop bringing your child to the Child Development Centre, we require 45 days written notice to advice us
you want to terminate care. If sufficient notice is not received, your account will still be billed for a full month fee and we
will apply the $200.00 deposit to the fee at that time.
Payment of Monthly Fees
The monthly child care fee is $800.00 per child. The cost does not change due to statutory holidays or if your child misses
days due to illness or family vacation.
All parents are required to use the Electronic Fund Transfer method for payment (excluding those families utilizing
government subsidy). Automatic withdrawals will occur on the 4th or the 17th of every month. Please complete the
attached Electronic Fund Transfer form. Parents utilizing government subsidy are required to pay their parent portion by
the 4th of each month.
If you require government subsidy for our child care service, please make arrangements through Calgary/Rockyview Child
and Family Services. They can be contacted at (403) 297-6100 or visit www.child.alberta.ca. They will advise you on how to
apply or renew your subsidy. If you do not receive your subsidy, you are still responsible to pay the full monthly fee for your
child’s care. Financial assistance is also available for qualifying families through YMCA Calgary’s Strong Kids Fee Assistance
Program. For more information about financial assistance please speak with the Childcare Director at (403) 781-1666.
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Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
Late Charges
The Eau Claire YMCA Child Development Centre is open from 7:00am to 5:45pm. If you arrive at the centre after 5:45pm,
you must pay $1.00 per child for every minute you are late. This fee must be paid at the time you pick up your child. If you
arrive after 5:45pm more than three times, we reserve the right to terminate your child's care at the Eau Claire YMCA Child
Development Centre.
SICK POLICY REGULATIONS
•
Close co-operation between parents and the centre is the best approach to disease prevention.
•
It is very important that sick children stay home or away from the centre to prevent illness spreading to other
children and caregivers. Sick children will not be allowed to participate in the child care program.
•
We cannot cancel activities due to one child's illness. Since we must maintain appropriate child/caregiver ratios, we
cannot leave a sick child at the centre with a caregiver while the other children go on outings.
•
We do not have enough caregivers or the appropriate facilities to accommodate sick children for extended periods of
time. Therefore, for the well being of a sick child, we ask that parents pick up their son or daughter as quickly as
possible after being notified. The Child Development Centre can be a noisy and busy place, which is very
uncomfortable for a sick child.
Regulation 21
•
Supervised care for a sick child shall be provided in a space separate from the other children until the sick child can
be picked up from the centre by a parent or an individual authorized by the parent.
Regulation 22
•
•
•
A license holder may not administer or allow the administration of patent or prescribed medication to a child until a
written consent has been obtained from a parent.
The medication must be in the original labelled container.
The medication will be administered according to the labelled directions.
Regulation 23
•
A license holder shall not, without the consent of a parent, provide or allow the provision of health care to the child,
other than the administration of medication under section 22 or first aid.
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Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
SICK POLICY
Health & Illness Attendance Chart
A child should not attend daycare when:
A child may return to daycare when:
•
his/her fever has remained below 100 degrees
(38.8 C) for 12 hours without medication
•
he/she has had no diarrhea in the past 12 hours
and has had one normal bowel movement
he/she is vomiting
•
he/she has not vomited within the last 24 hours
•
he/she has skin infections, undiagnosed rash, or signs
of any contagious disease
•
he/she has been examined by a doctor and has
received medical clearance
•
he/she has any form of untreated infestation (i.e.
scabies, head lice, etc.)
•
he/she has been treated
•
congunctivitis (pink eye)
•
he/she has seen a doctor and 24 hours after first
eye drops have been given
•
been prescribed any kind of medication in the last 24
hours
•
he/she has been on the medication for 24 hours
with no reaction
•
he/she has a fever of 100 degrees (38.8 C)
•
he/she has consecutive bouts of diarrhea
•
•
If a child cannot take part in an activity because of illness, the child should not come to the centre that day.
•
If a child comes to the centre ill, parents will be asked to find alternate care for that day.
•
We require a doctor's note when a child returns to the centre after having a contagious disease. Parents can call the
centre to find out whether their child will need a note after an illness.
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Eau Claire YMCA
Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
EAU CLAIRE YMCA STAFF EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES:
•
Staff must stay calm and alert.
•
The caregivers usher the children out of the centre through the designated door and away from the building.
One caregiver will lead the group, a second will follow behind and the remaining caregivers will help the children
in the middle of the group.
•
The Director or alternate takes the centre and Emergency File cards.
•
The Director or alternate sweeps all areas of the centre and outdoor area for children.
•
The Director or alternate evacuates the building with the caregivers and children.
•
The group exits and moves a safe distance away from the building.
•
The Director or a caregiver takes a head count and roll call to ensure all the children are accounted for.
•
The caregivers check the children for possible injuries.
•
The group walks to the Eau Claire Market Plaza by the orange sculpture and awaits further instructions from the
YMCA. If the weather is unacceptable for waiting outside, we will proceed to the Sheraton Suites (255 Barclay
Parade SW) which is open well beyond our operating hours (no key is necessary).
•
In the event that there is significant damage to the facility and the Childcare rooms are unavailable, you will be
notified of any program changes or closures.
•
Fire drills are performed once a month and posted on the Directors filing cabinet.
•
Fire evacuation information is included in both the Parent and Staff Handbooks. This information is also posted
on the Parent Information Board.
•
The fire inspector has approved the Eau Claire YMCA Fire Evacuation Plan.
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Eau Claire YMCA
Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
DAILY SCHEDULE
Eau Claire YMCA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Daily Schedule
7:00am – 11:30am
Centre opens
Play Opportunities – Language and Literacy,
Visual Arts, Dramatic Play, Music and
Movements, Science and Technology and
Snack Time.
Swimming
Outings
11:30am – 12:30pm
Lunch Time
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Rest Time
Sleep Time
Wake-up Program
2:30pm – 5:45pm
Play Opportunities – Language and Literacy,
Visual Arts, Dramatic Play, Music and
Movements, Science and Technology and
Snack Time.
Gym Time
Outings
Library Visits
Centre Closes
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Child Development Centre Parent Handbook
Snack Menu
2/30
Cereal Medley
Bananas
Milk
Cheese
Crackers
Fruit Juice
3
Waffles
Syrup
Milk
Veggie Sticks
Dip
Milk
4
Boiled Eggs
Toast / Cheese
Water
Fruit Salad
Milk
5
Cereal Medley
Milk
Cheese Pizza
Water
6
English Muffins
Cheese/Jam
Fruit Juice
Oatmeal Cookies
Milk
9
10
11
12
13
Toast
Jam/Butter
Milk
Tortilla Chips
Salsa
Bananas
Water
Cereal Medley
Milk
Sandwiches
(Ham or cheese)
Fruit Juice
Yogurt
Apples
Milk
Apple Sauce
Arrowroot cookies
Fruit Juice
Muffins
Oranges
Water
Pretzels
Apple and or Banana
Slices
Water
English Muffins
Jam/Butter
Fruit Juice
Jello
Oranges
Water
16
Toast
Cinnamon Butter
Milk
Cheese Slices
Crackers
Water
17
Yogurt
Nut Free Granola
Milk
Veggies
Dip
Fruit Juice
18
English Muffins
Jam/Butter
Orange Juice
Banana Bread
Apples
Milk
19
Cereal Medley
Milk
20
Waffles
Syrup/Butter
Milk
Nutri grain Bars
Milk
A
M
23
Cereal Medley
Bananas
Milk
24
Bagels
Cream Cheese
Milk
25
Raisin Toast
Butter
Fruit Juice
26
Muffins
Milk
P
M
Arrowroot Cookies
Milk
Pudding
Apple Slices
Fruit Juice
Veggies
Dip
Milk
Fresh Fruit Salad
Crackers
Water
A
M
P
M
A
M
P
M
A
M
P
M
Juices include:
Milk:
Condiments include:
Yogurts include:
Vegetables include:
Fresh Fruits include:
Pudding includes:
Muffins:
Cereal Medley:
Ice Cream
Water
27
Boiled Eggs
Toast/Butter
Cheese
Fruit Juice
Cheese/Pickles
Crackers
Fruit juice
100% apple, orange, pineapple, cranberry
2% white
strawberry and raspberry jam, ketchup, dip
peach, blueberry, raspberry, mixed berry
carrots, celery, cucumber, broccoli, green pepper, zucchini sticks, and cauliflower
pineapple, melon, grapes, oranges, apples, peaches, pears, nectarines, bananas
chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch
blueberry, strawberry, cranberry and raspberry
Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies, Cheerios and Corn Flakes
* Cookies and hot chocolate may be given to the children after swim times or out-trips.
Revised: November 2008