Parent/Guardian
Handbook
Good Beginnings
Day Nursery
LOCATIONS/TELEPHONE NUMBERS/HOURS OF OPERATION/CONTACTS
59 Algonquin Road
Woodstock, N4T 1R8
Tel: 519- 421-9997
Fax: 519- 421-9998
Acting Program Supervisor: Dana Cooper-Green
Email Address: [email protected]
Hours of Operation: 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Preschool (2.5 years to 5 years) 32 spaces
423 Devonshire Avenue
Woodstock, N4S 5P5
Tel: 519-537-7850
Fax: 519-537-7662
Program Supervisor:
Email Address:
375 Finkle Street
Woodstock , N4V 1A3
Tel: 519- 421-0687 x23
Fax: 519- 421-2463
Program Supervisor:
Sherri Doyle
Email Address:[email protected]
Hours of Operation: 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Infants (birth – 18 months)
10 spaces
Toddlers(18 months – 2.5 years) 15 spaces
Preschool (2.5 years to 5 years) 64 spaces
Executive Director:
Mary Ann Hogan
Email address: [email protected]
Wendy Porter Tel: 519-421-0687 x26
[email protected]
TEACHER/CHILD RATIO
Hours of Operation: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Toddlers (18 months – 2.5 years) 20 spaces
These ratios are based on the Day
Preschool (2.5 years to 5 years) 64 spaces
Nurseries Act.:
Infants - 1 teacher for every 3 children
Toddlers - 1 teacher for every 5 children
Preschool - 1 teacher for every 8 children
Other Services
 Good Beginnings Before and After School Programs
 Summer Day Camps
 P.A. Day programs
 Christmas/March Break programs
 A Child First (Special Needs Resource program throughout Oxford County)
If you would more information about any of our programs and services, please speak with
your Program Supervisor.
WEBSITE: www.goodbeginningsday.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to Good Beginnings
Philosophy and Program Statement
High/Scope Curriculum
Before You Start-Enrolment and registration
Orientation
Staffing
Payment of Child Care Fees
Income Tax Receipts
Subsidy
Statutory Holidays
Health and Immunization
Accidents
Availability of Parents in Emergency
Administration of Medications
Nutrition
Allergy Alert
Severe Allergy and Anaphylaxis Policy
Guiding Children’s Behaviour
Steps in Resolving Conflict
Support for Children with Special Needs
Absenteeism
Lateness
Arrival, Departure and Release of Children from the Program
Role of the Parents in the Program
Process for Expressing Concerns
Diapering
Toileting
Sleeping/Quiet Time
Trips and Off Site Activities
Confidentiality
Recording and Reporting Suspected Child Abuse
Children’s Clothing and Personal Belongings
Severe Weather and Smog Alerts
Children’s Transitions from one group to another
Withdrawal/Termination Procedures
Water Testing and Flushing
Smoke Free Environment
School Age Programs
Supervision of Students and Volunteers
Posting of Serious Occurrences
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Welcome
Welcome to Good Beginnings. We look forward to working with you and providing your
child with the best possible care and early learning experience. This parent handbook will
give you an overview of our policies and procedures.
We have been a non-profit corporation since November 1, 1986. In September 1987, we
merged with the developmental centre from Woodstock and District Developmental
Services to form a special needs resource program in the child care centre. In September
1989, we launched our first before and after school programs, and that number has grown
to ten. In 1991 we opened a centre at the new Woodstock District Community Complex.
In 1994 we opened the first school-based centre in Oxford County at Algonquin School.
In 1998, A Child First was formed and inclusive programs were made available to all
children in Oxford County. In 2008 we moved our original location to newly renovated
space at Oxford Gardens, retirement living community.
Philosophy and Program Statement
Mission Statement
To be a leader in the provision of quality child care programs, which are affordable and
accessible to families in Woodstock and the surrounding communities, delivered by
professional and caring staff.
Philosophy
Good Beginnings Day Nursery is a non-profit corporation with a Board of Directors
comprised of parents and individuals committed to providing quality child care programs,
serving families of Oxford County. Good Beginnings believes that children are entitled to
opportunities that support their emotional, social, creative, cognitive and physical
development in an environment that fosters active learning, autonomy, multiculturalism
and a sense of responsibility and order. Parents/guardians have primary responsibility for
the care and education of their children, and the right to pursue financial security, further
education/personal fulfillment. They are entitled to be involved in and informed of the
daily life of the programs, and programs will support participation in their children’s early
learning and development. Staff members have chosen their work because of a belief in
the importance of and a strong commitment to the development of children and are entitled
to open communication, financial recognition of the value of their work, and opportunities
for professional development. Good Beginnings believes that all children and their
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families should have access to early learning and child care programs that support positive
relations between children, families and staff.
Good Beginnings offers inclusive childcare centres concerned with the children’s total
growth and development. A loving and warm atmosphere is provided by professionally
trained and sensitive staff. The program reflects the fact that children develop in an
individual manner, and encourages them to explore their environment in a safe and
accepting atmosphere, and to learn, play and grow with equal opportunities. The program
encourages children to develop open attitudes to our diverse society. Children are exposed
to situations which will stimulate gross motor skills, fine motor development, creativity,
self-help skills, interaction with and respect for others, communication skills, curiosity,
initiative and independence. Key developmental indicators are provided in a play-enriched
environment that allows for exploration and choices, following a High/Scope approach.
Good Beginnings provides high quality programs which meet and exceed all requirements
of the Day Nurseries Act. We participate in Raising the Bar –the Quality Childcare
Project– a community program standards program for licensed care.
The staff of Good Beginnings are hired (in accordance with the adult/child ratios required by
the Day Nurseries Act) on the basis of their formal qualifications and experience with young
children and their ability to care for children in a warm, loving, empathetic, creative and
consistent manner.
Our teaching approach is an emergent curriculum based on the High/Scope method.
High/Scope provides children with opportunities to interact with adults who are responsive to
their individual needs and interests.
We follow a regular daily routine that is posted on a parent information board. This includes
active and quiet play, indoor and outdoor activities and small and large group times. Infant
schedules are individualized.
Play based educational activities are planned based on the children’s interests and
developmental needs. The staff post their weekly program plans at the beginning of the week.
Changes or additions to the plan are recorded daily. We encourage you to review the plans
and share with the staff your questions, feedback and suggestions.
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High/Scope Curriculum
The High/Scope Foundation bases its educational approach on four guiding principles:
 From birth through adulthood, the individual develops awareness and understanding
through active involvement with people, materials, events, and ideas.
 Learning is most effective when the individual plans, carries out, and reflects on
intentional activities.
 A variety of developmentally appropriate active learning experiences contributes to the
individual’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.
 Consistent support and respect for personal decision-making strengthen the individual’s
confidence, self-control, and sense of personal effectiveness and responsibility.
For more information check out the web page
www.highscope.org
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Before You Start- Enrolment and Registration
Before your child’s first day at the centre, the program supervisor will arrange a time for
you to visit, complete the admission forms and ask any questions. You and your child may
tour the centre, meet the teachers, and see how a day unfolds. All registration forms,
including immunization records must be completed before your child’s first day. The
deposit and fees are payable at this time.
Orientation
In order to ensure a positive experience for your child’s entry into the child care program,
an orientation procedure will be observed. Good Beginnings has developed a procedure to
orient new children into its programs. This is to ensure an environment in which you and
your child feel welcomed, and to ease the separation from the family, so as to make your
child’s initial experience with our program, a positive one.
After the registration procedures, and initial tour: the parent will schedule an appointment
with the Program Supervisor to visit the centre with your child. The program supervisor
will take you and your child to visit the child’s classroom. If your child feels comfortable
on this visit, you may leave the classroom, for a short period of time, but must remain in
the building. Subsequent visits are encouraged and may be arranged with the Program
Supervisor.
Staffing
The staff at our centres include a Program Supervisor, Early Childhood Educators, and
Cooks. Also, Resource Consultants and Program Assistants are in program as required, to
provide extra support to families and children with special needs at all of our locations. At
the Finkle Street location, you will find our Executive Director, Business Administrator
and Executive Assistant, and the Program Administrator for the school age programs.
Each staff person is carefully interviewed and screened. A criminal reference check and
medical are required. Staff complete First Aid training, and regularly review our policies
and procedures. Students and volunteers provide enriching opportunities for children in
our programs. They also are interviewed and screened and provide a criminal reference
check and medical. Students work under the direction of qualified staff and do not work
alone with children.
Good Beginnings encourages and provides opportunities for the staff to attend professional
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development sessions such as workshops, conferences and seminars, both in service with
Good Beginnings, or through community agencies or beyond.
Payment of Child Care Fees
In your package you will find a fee sheet and a financial agreement which must be signed
and returned along with your deposit. Fees are payable in advance, whether or not your
child is present, by a series of post-dated cheques dated the first of each month. Please
make cheques payable to Good Beginnings. Your monthly child care fees are determined
by taking your daily fee x 5 days x 50 weeks then divided by 12 months. Since your
monthly fees are calculated on an average of fifty weeks, allowing for 10 days vacation,
the same fees are required each month. There will be a $10 late payment fee on fees
received 10 days after the due date. There will be a $25 late payment fee on fees received
30 days after the due date and a final notice will be issued. After three final notices have
been issued, payment arrangements must be made with the Executive Director or Business
Administrator. If payment arrangements are not kept, children will be unable to return to
the program. There is a $25 administration charge on all cheques returned to Good
Beginnings and those cheques must be repaid in cash within five days. After three NSF
cheques, payment must be made in cash. You must give two weeks written notice when
withdrawing your child. Payment will be taken in lieu of notice. Any post-dated cheques
will be returned, or a refund issued if required.
Please be sure to pay your fees on time. Child care fees are a key component in our ability
to provide high quality child care programs. If you do not pay your fees in a timely
manner, you may lose your child care space and your account may be referred to a
collection agency.
Income Tax Receipts
Good Beginnings Day Nursery issues income tax receipts by February 28 of the year
following the taxation year. Please indicate at the time of registration to which
name(s)/addresses, the receipt should be issued.
Subsidy
Subsidy is available for eligible families through the County of Oxford. Please contact
your Program Supervisor, who will refer you to the appropriate contact at the county
offices subject to availability of a child care space.
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Statutory Holidays
The centre will observe the following holidays during which the school will be closed.
Parents are required to pay for these holidays.
1.
3.
5.
7.
9.
New Year’s Day
Good Friday
Canada Day
Labour Day
Christmas Day
2. Family Day
4. Victoria Day
6. Civic Holiday
8. Thanksgiving Day
10. Boxing Day
Health and Immunization
Good Beginnings is committed to providing safe and healthy environments, and to avoid
spreading communicable diseases. Prior to admission, you must provide a medical form
confirming a complete medical assessment. Remember our children are just building up their
immunities and a child who is unwell is prone to other infections. Please keep your child at
home if your child is too ill to take part in all parts of the program (including outdoor time).
Your child must be excluded from the child care centre if they are suffering from a
communicable disease (e.g. influenza, chicken pox, head lice etc.). Specific details about
communicable diseases, treatment, isolation period and exclusion for these illnesses can be
obtained from your Program Supervisor. Also, if your child has any of the following
symptoms: vomiting, fever, diarrhea, rash of unknown origin they may not attend until they
are free of symptoms for 24 hours. A doctor’s note will be required before your child can
return to the child care centre to ensure that your child is no longer communicable.
If your child becomes ill during the day we will call you to let you know about the illness, and
ask you to pick up your child if symptoms of a communicable disease are present (such as
vomiting, fever, diarrhea, rash of unknown origin).
We work very closely with staff from the Oxford County Board of Health, to ensure a safe
and healthy environment, and refer to Well Beings- published by the Canadian Pediatric
Society.
If your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease, please let us know so that we can
notify other parents (in confidence), and we are required to report some communicable
diseases to the Oxford County Board of Health. A list of reportable communicable diseases is
available from your Program Supervisor.
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We strongly recommend that you arrange an on call alternative caregiver in the event that
your child is ill and unable to attend the program.
The Day Nurseries Act stipulates that prior to admission each child’s immunization must be
up to date, according to the local Medical Officer of Health. Families who choose not to have
their child immunized must provide a written statement to that effect.
Accidents
From time to time, accidents do occur. Minor bumps and cuts will be treated with tender
loving care and first aid, and will be reported to you at pick up. An accident form will be
completed and provided to you for your signature. If your child has had an accident at home,
please let us know if any special care is required. In the event of an emergency we will call
911 emergency services, administer first aid until assistance arrives, and contact you or the
emergency contact.
Availability of Parents in Emergency
Please inform the staff of any changes in address, telephone number, employment, emergency
pick up person, etc. It is vital that the staff is able to contact you in case of an emergency.
Administration of Medications
Good Beginnings Day Nursery program supervisor or designate will administer only
prescription medication to your child in accordance with the Day Nurseries Act. No over the
counter medications will be administered. You must provide:
Written instruction including the dosage and times any medication is to be given on the
medication authorization form. Medication must be in the original container, clearly labeled
with your child’s name, date, name of medication, dosage, frequency and your doctor’s name.
Medication will be stored in a locked box, in the refrigerator, as per storage instructions on the
label.
Medication is not to be left in the cubby area. Please give it directly to a staff member.
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Nutrition/Food Safety
Good Beginnings is committed to providing the children with excellent food while they are in
our care. We serve nutritious mid-day meals and snacks morning and afternoon, which are
prepared fresh each day. All meals and snacks are prepared in accordance with Canada’s
Food Guide and Public Health safety standards. Our menus are reviewed and food premises
are inspected by staff with the Oxford County Board of Health. Meals and snacks are served
family style, where staff and children set up, serve, eat and tidy up together. Children are
encouraged to try new foods and to feed themselves. Please let us know if your child has any
food restrictions or allergies, so that we may take the necessary steps to meet your child’s
needs. Children’s special dietary needs and allergies will be posted in the kitchen and all
eating areas.
Allergy Alert
Please let us know if your child has an allergy. If your child requires an epi-pen or other
medication, please complete the medication form, or individual/emergency plan for children
with anaphylaxis.
Severe Allergy and Anaphylaxis Policy
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires
immediate medical attention. Good Beginnings has a comprehensive policy regarding
children with severe allergies and anaphylaxis, to make parents and staff aware of their
seriousness, and to ensure the well-being of all children. Good Beginnings makes every
effort to not use foods or materials containing significant allergens such as nuts or nut
products. A copy of the severe allergy and anaphylaxis policy accompanies this handbook.
As part of this policy we ask your co-operation in not bringing food into the child care
centre. Consideration is given to children who may have special dietary requirements.
Guiding Children’s Behaviour
Children need to feel accepted and by guiding their behaviour in a manner which is positive,
constructive, caring, yet firm, children learn to solve their own problems and attain selfcontrol. Adults facilitate the development of self-esteem by expressing respect, acceptance
and comfort regardless of the child’s behaviour. Good Beginnings utilizes child guidance
techniques to create a climate of trust which will nurture this concept by enabling your child
to help identify their feelings, and solve their own problems. Below are the Steps in conflict
resolution which we use- a High/scope approach.
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Steps in Resolving conflict
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Approach calmly, stopping any hurtful action.
Place yourself between the children, on their level.
Use a calm voice and gentle touch.
Remain neutral rather than taking sides.
Acknowledge children’s feelings- “You really look upset”.
Let children know you need to hold any object in question.
Gather Information. “What’s the problem?”
Restate the problem. “So the problem is…”
Ask for ideas for solutions and choose one together. “What can we do to solve the
problem?”
10. Be prepared to give follow-up support “You solved the problem!”
11. Stay near the situation.
Good Beginnings does not allow physical punishment such as spanking or rough handling,
emotional punishment, such as yelling or sarcasm, leaving children unsupervised or alone,
neglecting or ignoring a child’s needs, or depriving of food as a consequence of behaviour.
Support for Children with Special Needs
A Child First- A Program of Good Beginnings Day Nursery, Woodstock Inc.
Good Beginnings Day Nursery supports inclusion in all of our programs, through the
efforts of resource consultants and program assistants with A Child First. Children with
special needs are able to participate fully in a program of their choice.
The vision of A Child First, a partnership with Good Beginnings Day Nursery Woodstock
Inc. and Community Living Tillsonburg is as follows:
We will promote a community, in which inclusion is embraced; where all children belong
and families are supported in their choices. We believe supported childcare is a shared
responsibility between parents, childcare professionals, resource consultants and the
community. We will strengthen our partnerships with our colleagues in education, health
and social services, as we support children and their families in Oxford County.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s development, and feel your child
might benefit from the support of A Child First, please speak with your Program
Supervisor.
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Absenteeism
If your child is going to be absent or late please notify the program in the morning,
particularly in the event of illness, but also just as a courtesy, so that we know not to expect
your child. If your child has an appointment, and will be returning, please let us know when
we can expect them to return to the centre. Monthly fees are due regardless of absenteeism
due to illness or vacation. Vacation days have already been calculated in your monthly fee.
Lateness
The centre closes at 5:30 p.m. Please be reminded that there is a maximum 9 hour stay. We
ask that you arrive in time to gather your child’s belongings. In an emergency, if you are
going to be late, and unable to make other arrangements, please call the centre before 5:30
p.m. This allows the staff member to prepare your child to stay late, and to notify their own
family. If you do not arrive to pick up your child by 5:30 p.m., staff will attempt to contact
you. If we cannot reach you, we will phone your emergency contacts to arrange pickup. A
late fee, payable to the staff, will be charged for every five minutes or portion thereof that
your child remains at the centre past 5:30 p.m.
Arrival, Departures and Release of Children from the Program
Young children depend on regular routines for their own security. Therefore, drop off and pick
up practices are very important. It is recommended that you establish fixed hours to pick up
and drop off your child to protect your child’s safety and help make a smooth transition
between home and child care. Please remember to park in the designated areas and turn off
your car engine, as the City of Woodstock has an idling by-law. When you arrive, please
bring your child into the classroom and notify a staff member as to her or his presence.
Similarly, when picking up your child, make sure the staff knows you are leaving. There is a
“sign in sheet” to record what time your child arrived and what time your child departed. The
staff will not release your child to any person who has not been authorized by you to pick
them up. If another person is picking up your child, please notify the staff in the morning,
otherwise your child will not be released. The staff will ask the person picking up for
identification. To the parent -be confident- this is a fun time for your child. Be positive- you
will be back. Please do not leave without saying good-bye to your child. If your child is
having a difficult time separating, when you must leave, please hand your child to the staff. A
hug and a kiss good bye is reassuring to your child that you believe the experience is going to
be a pleasant one. Tears are usually short lived as your child becomes involved. Do not
hesitate to call the centre at any time to check on your child’s adjustment.
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Role of the Parents in the Program
You are the most important influence in your child’s life. At Good Beginnings we encourage
open communication and strong relationships, where family members feel welcome to
participate in the programs as interests and schedules permit. Your input is encouraged. We
feel it is important that you share information with staff about your child. Talk about their
interests, or what’s new in their lives. The staff too, will share the events of your child’s day,
and what’s new in the program. Staff in the infant and toddler program write a report every
day about your child, which informs you on when they slept, what they ate and anything else
eventful during the day. You are more than welcome to participate in our outings, to come
visit the classroom and to help with our fundraising. We are pleased to have you attend our
special activity days. There is always good food and good fun for children and adults. You
will be required to provide a criminal reference check to volunteer in the program or
participate on outings. Request forms are available from your program supervisor to take to
your police department. A newsletter is distributed for your information. Feedback through
questionnaires and daily communication with staff are valuable methods of contributing to the
quality of care. You are encouraged to volunteer on our Board of Directors. You will receive
twice a year, a Family Report on your child’s progress, based on the observations of staff.
Your response to the reports is encouraged and appreciated.
Process for Expressing Concerns
You are encouraged to have ongoing communication with staff. Please speak to staff any time
you have a question or concern. We believe that communication and mutual respect are keys
to your child’s successful child care placement. In the event of a concern please speak directly
to your child’s teacher. The Program Supervisor is available for further discussion, should
you wish to meet. If issues have still not been resolved after discussions with the Program
Supervisor, the Executive Director may be contacted.
Diapering
Good Beginnings follows the guidelines of the Canadian Pediatric Society for diapering
routines. Staff sanitize the changing area after each child is changed. Staff and children
observe proper hand washing techniques after each child changed. Please provide
diapers/pull-ups and wipes for your child.
Toileting
Good Beginnings recognizes that each child develops at their own pace. You know your child
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best. When you feel that your child is ready to begin toileting please discuss this with us so
that we can support each other’s efforts. However, until your child has made a successful
adjustment in his/her new surroundings, we will not attempt toileting. Please provide your
Toddler with an adequate supply of disposable diapers and complete changes of clothes each
day. It is essential in this in between stage that your child has lots of extra clothes for us when
the inevitable “accidents” happen. If your child’s clothing becomes wet or soiled during the
day, it will be rinsed and put in a plastic bag in his/her cubbie.
Sleeping/Quiet Time
Good Beginnings understands that children in an active program need daily rest and sleep
periods. In our programs, children have a daily rest period, but after one hour, they may
choose to get up and engage in quiet activities which are set out by staff. Children who are
old enough to attend junior kindergarten do not have to rest on their cots if they cannot sleep.
Infant sleep schedules are individualized and will be discussed with you. Each child has their
own crib or cot. We provide the sheets and blankets, which are laundered weekly or as
required. You are welcome to bring in your child’s special blanket or sleep toy.
Trips and Off Site Activities
Throughout the year, special activities are planned. These vary from a Grandparent’s lunch,
muffin mornings, parent barbecues, a fun fair, and more! A notice will be sent home in
advance informing you of our special days. We encourage parents to participate as often as
possible. We will give you written information for any planned for off site- where we are
going, the date, the time we are leaving and when we will return, and how we will travel.
These trips are based on children’s interests and safety and security is always a priority. We
will ask for written permission to take your child on any trip. Parents are always
welcome!(Just a reminder that a criminal reference check is required).
Confidentiality
Good Beginnings will not share personal information about you or your child with anyone
outside the organization unless we have your permission on a signed release of information
form. The only exception to this is if we are required by law to share information, as with the
Children’s Aid Society of Oxford. Staff sign an oath of confidentiality at the time of hiring.
Recording and Reporting Suspected Child Abuse
We are required by law under the Ontario Child and Family Services Act to report promptly to
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the Children’s Aid Society if we suspect that a child needs protection.
Good Beginnings recognizes the right and responsibility of any of our staff members to report
promptly any concerns about abuse or neglect of a child in any of our programs. If it is
necessary to make such a report we will keep it confidential, to protect families privacy as
much as possible, and offer as much support as we can.
Children’s Clothing and Personal Belongings
Although we have some spare clothing for emergencies, each child should have at least one
spare set of clothing at the centre. Please label all clothing with your child’s name. Please
check spare clothing periodically to make sure that it still fits comfortably and is suitable for
the weather. Recommended clothing includes: snow suits, winter boots, hat, mittens (two
pairs), extra socks, neck warmer etc. for winter and sun hat with wide brim, extra clothes for
water play, outdoor shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen for summer. We ask that you apply
sunscreen to your child in the morning at home, and we will reapply sunscreen in the
afternoon, with your permission. Children should have appropriate footwear for inside
throughout the year. We suggest running shoes or other soft soled shoes, as the children seem
to play more safely when running and climbing. Clothes should be simple, comfortable, and
washable as the children often get dirty when playing.
Although children often want to bring toys or personal belongings from home, Good
Beginnings does not encourage this as they may become lost or broken and this often creates
stress or confusion for your child and the other children. If you would like to share something
special from home with your child’s class, please speak to staff. Please label all items!
Severe Weather and Smog Alerts
The Day Nurseries Act requires that children be outside for two hours per day, year round,
weather permitting. During extreme weather we adjust our outdoor time accordingly.
In winter time children will play outside unless a cold weather alert is issued under the
following conditions: a temperature of -15 degrees Celsius or lower, without a wind-chill, or
extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard or ice storm.
During a heat or smog alert: We will ensure children wear a hat and sunscreen, avoid being in
full sun where possible, provide plenty of drinking water, plan outdoor activities for early in
the morning when it is cooler, choose less vigorous activities, and monitor children’s comfort
regularly for signs of difficult breathing, coughing etc.
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Children’s transitions from one group to another
When your child is ready to move up to the next room, your child’s primary caregiver will
discuss the transition with you. We encourage a minimum of two weeks of orientation
time to the new classroom depending on your child. The initial visit will be a length of
one hour and will increase over the allotted visiting time. Visiting will help your child
adjust to the routine in their new classroom.
Withdrawal/ Service Terminations
When your child leaves the program, you must provide two weeks written notice of
termination, or two weeks fees will be required in lieu of notice. Giving notice provides
your child, the staff and other children in the room time to prepare for saying good-bye. If
you wish to withdraw temporarily from the program, we will be unable to hold a space for
you, as there may be others on our waiting list. We can, however, place your child on the
waiting list. Once notice is received, any outstanding fees are payable immediately.
Water Testing/Flushing
As per the Day Nurseries Act, Good Beginnings follows government guidelines to reduce
potential lead levels in drinking water. Prior to opening, either the first day of the week, if
the building was built after 1990, or every day if the building was built prior to 1990, the
water in our pipes and taps are turned on and flushed for a period of time. If required,
once each year, a water sample is sent to a laboratory for testing and the results are
submitted to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. If the test is higher than the
acceptable standard, the laboratory notifies the Ministry of the Environment who will
notify us of what corrective action must be taken.
Smoke Free Environment
Good Beginnings fosters an environment which protects children and staff from the
hazards of second hand smoke and reinforces the healthy notion of being a smoke free
society. Smoking is not permitted on the premises of any of Good Beginnings programs.
“No smoking” signs are posted. Smoking is not permitted at any time even when children
are not present. Anyone who does not follow these rules will be asked to leave the
premises.
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Supervision of Students and Volunteers
Good Beginnings is very supportive of the development of students at our educational
institutions and provides placements as space permits, in any of our programs. In addition,
volunteers may, from time to time, participate in the various programs Good Beginnings
offers. A policy has been developed to help support the safety and well-being of children
in our programs by ensuring appropriate orientation and supervision for these placements.
Good Beginnings will accept students from various educational institutions and volunteers,
ensuring that they have been appropriately screened, oriented in all polices of Good
Beginnings Day Nursery, and relevant Day Nurseries legislation, will not be supervising
children on their own and are not included in the staffing ratios.
Posting of Serious Occurrences
The safety and well being of children in the programs of Good Beginnings Day Nursery is
our highest priority. We work diligently to provide a safe, creative nurturing environment
for each child, but in spite of our best precautions, serious occurrences such as a serious
injury to a child, fire or other disaster, or a complaint about service standard, can
sometimes take place. We are presently required to report serious occurrences to the
Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and effective November 1, 2011, will be required
to post a Serious Occurrence Notification Form at the centre or program.
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School Age Programs
The Good Beginnings School Age Program is licensed under the Day Nurseries Act.
Provincial government standards are established in order to ensure that all programs
provide a safe, healthy and stimulating environment with quality care for the children
enrolled in our program.
Locations:
Algonquin Public School
Northdale Public School
Roch Carrier Public School
Holy Family Catholic School
St. Patrick’s Catholic School
Eastdale Public School
Oliver Stephens Public School
Springbank Public School
St. Michael’s Catholic School
Winchester Street Public School
Program Administrator Kelly Walker
Tel: 519-421-0687 x 25
Fax: 519-421-2463
Email: [email protected]
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