Policies

OPEN DOOR POLICY

Although I have an open door policy (which means you may visit during the day), I do not encourage parents to drop in. I find that visitors usually cause children to react in an excited manner that does not normally occur when I am alone with the children. I would appreciate you taking my schedule into consideration if you do plan to visit. Please also keep in mind that early afternoon is the best time for giving a call to daycare in order to check up on your child.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Separation can be difficult for some children, so please keep drop-offs brief (no more than 5 minutes) to make transitions easier. A quick, cheerful goodbye reassures your child, and they typically settle into play soon after you leave. If your child struggles to calm down, I will contact you. Pick-ups should also be brief, as children may test boundaries when both a parent and provider are present. Please reinforce that house rules still apply and discipline your child when necessary. To ensure a smooth start, bring your child dressed appropriately and ready for the day.

NAP/REST TIME

All children are required to lie down for a rest period in the afternoon. All children must nap, rest or read quietly during this period. Although our nap time may vary depending on our activities on a particular day, usually it is from 12:30pm - 2:30pm. Rest gives everyone a much needed break during the day. If your child has a special blanket or stuffed animal he/she sleeps with please feel free to send it along. I would ask that you please avoid picking up or dropping off your child during nap time, as it disturbs the other children's rest period. If you cannot avoid coming at nap time, please be quiet and considerate of the children who are resting.

ACTIVITIES & CURRICULUM

Our child care focuses on learning through fun and social interaction. Activities include free play, reading, arts and crafts, music, dance, pretend play, puzzles, and educational videos. Computers help with hand-eye coordination, letter and number recognition, and colors, while preschool programs allow children to learn at their own pace. Outdoor play in our large fenced yard develops motor skills, balance, and imagination, and our gardening area teaches responsibility and environmental awareness. We also offer kids' yoga, which enhances flexibility, strength, coordination, and relaxation, fostering both physical and mental well-being.

ITEMS BROUGHT FROM HOME

Children may bring a special blanket or stuffed animal for nap time, but personal toys are discouraged as sharing can be difficult, and we are not responsible for lost or broken items. Each child must have a pair of labeled inside shoes to be kept at the center for cleanliness and added activities. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather—rain boots and muddy buddies are essential for outdoor play. Daily, send a labeled snack bag with a healthy snack and a labeled water bottle. If anything else is needed, we will notify you in advance.

HOUSE RULES

The following rules are enforced for the safety and well-being of everyone. There will be no running permitted in the house. Hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching other children/infants/adults will NOT be allowed. No standing or climbing on chairs, tables, or furniture. No playing on the steps (either inside or out). No disrespectful language will be used. Children and families are welcome in any areas of the home that are used for child care purposes.

DISCIPLINE

At our child care home, discipline is a teaching tool based on love, choices, consistency, and firmness, with a focus on respect for others and property. Disagreements are natural, and we guide children toward appropriate behavior through problem-solving, discussion, redirection, and, when necessary, loss of privileges. Our environment is structured for safety, with continuous supervision, regular safety checks, and careful monitoring of arrivals and departures. Emergency preparedness is a priority, ensuring quick response when needed. Our goal is to provide a nurturing, secure space where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

We honor and celebrate all Canada’s major holidays and celebrations in our child center. In addition, we will incorporate other cultural celebrations, as much as we are capable of, out of respect for the children in our program and the diversity of our community. If you would like us to celebrate something meaningful to your family that is not already on our calendar, please let us know at least one month in advance and we will do our best to accommodate your request. If there are celebrations you prefer your child not be involved in, please discuss this with us prior to the date so we can accommodate your preference.

TIME OUT

If I feel there is a chronic behavioral issue that needs attention, I will let you know so that you and I are handling it in the same way and your child has continuity in discipline between our homes. These types of behavior might include such things as biting, chronic hitting, etc. Together we will try to find a solution. If your child's behavior prevents me from being able to properly care for the other children, you will be called to remove your child from daycare. If the problem continues, other arrangements for the care of the child will have to be made, for the safety and well-being of all. As a home care provider, I have a responsibility by law to recognize and report any evidence of child abuse-physical, emotional or neglect.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES

Fire and earthquake drills are conducted monthly as required by fire authorities. During drills, staff guide children to line up quickly and quietly, take attendance, and proceed to a designated location for safety. Children are taught to “duck, cover, and hold” during earthquakes and to stay away from windows. The Director ensures all areas are clear, gathers emergency materials, and records drill details. In a real emergency, parents or emergency contacts will be notified immediately. Emergency routes are posted—please review them and keep your contact information up to date.

SICKNESS POLICY

State regulations prohibit children from attending daycare if they show symptoms of acute illness, including fever (100°F+), vomiting, diarrhea, rash, persistent cough, excessive runny nose, lethargy, or any contagious condition. Children must be symptom-free without medication for 24 hours before returning. If your child becomes ill while in care, I will determine if they need to be picked up, and you must do so within one hour of notification. This policy is strictly enforced to protect all children and families. Please plan accordingly, as I cannot provide sick child care, and illness-related absences may be unavoidable.

TOUCH POLICY

We believe nurturing, appropriate physical contact is essential for a child’s well-being. There is absolutely no physical punishment in our center. Physical contact includes nurturing (hugs, hand-holding, cuddling), safety and guidance (restraining from danger, separating conflicts, administering first aid), and hygienic care (handwashing, diaper changes, sunscreen application). Children’s personal boundaries are always respected. We also encourage natural, healthy peer affection, such as hugs and hand-holding, as long as it is mutual. Our goal is to provide a safe, caring environment where children feel supported and respected.

ABSENCE

If your child will be away for any reason please notify us as soon as possible, as it may change our daily class planning. Phone call is the best way.

CHILD ABUSE

We are required by law to report any suspected or disclosed abuse of a child by anyone to the Ministry for Children and Family Development. In this situation, we are not allowed to notify the child’s parents unless we are instructed to do so by the Ministry.

CONFIDENTIALITY

We have a strict policy of confidentiality. Anything said between staff members, between staff and parents, or between staff and management is kept completely confidential. In addition, we respect the children by not speaking to any other family member about a child that is not theirs. If two children are involved in an incident together, we will explain what happened to the parents without naming the other child.

HOLIDAYS & BREAKS

Here are the 2026/2027 holiday closures

Nowruz Break:

2026/03/20

Summer Break:

2026/07/27 – 2026/08/10

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