Scallywags Childcare

Parent Handbook

​​​​​​About The Provider
My name is Lauren and I am a licensed, family childcare provider located in Chilliwack, BC, where I was born and raised. I have been doing childcare in my home for many years and have been licensed since 2013.

I have worked in a preschool doing supported childcare with children who had developmental delays and am very experienced in working with children on the autism spectrum. My experience includes working with various child development professionals to work with children with speech delays, fine and gross motor delays and other cognitive delays.

Additionally, I have experience in planning programming for preschool aged children. My daily activity planning includes calendar time, circle time, creative play time, story time, language vocabulary, outing to parks, etc. I incorporate opportunities to practice fine and gross motor skills and other age appropriate developmental skills.

I currently hold a valid emergency child first aid certificate, WHMIS, Advanced Food Safe, an unrestricted Driver’s License, a clean driver’s abstract and a criminal record check.

We love meeting new friends and look forward to partnering with you.

Our Facility
We are located in Sardis near the malls. 

We offer children a safe and cozy atmosphere. Our home is bright and open. We have a dedicated play space with many age appropriate indoor toys to accommodate a wide variety of interests. Each child has their own cubby for their belongings. There is a fully fenced backyard with several climbers and a multitude of outdoor toys to engage creative play. We play outside every day.

We frequently go on outings to neighbourhood parks, library and seasonal places such as the pumpkin patch.

Our facility is a strictly non-smoking environment.

Open Door
At Scallywags Childcare we have an open door policy and you are always welcome to drop in at any time to see your child. Notice is not required.

Policies
The parent handbook, which outlines our policies and procedures, is available online and copies will be emailed to parents upon request. Parents will be given notification when these policies are updated.

• Absent Days  
• Active Play                                                                  
• Administration/Supply Fee
• Affordable Child Care Benefit                                              
• Ages and Group Size
• Annual Increases
• Behaviour Management
• Child Abuse
• Clothing
• Confidentiality
• Custody and Access
• Deposit
• Dismissal
• Emergency Comfort Kit
• Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Fees
• Forms Required
• Head Lice
• Health and Illness          
• Hours of Operation
• Incident Reporting
• Inclement Weather
• Late/Overtime Fees
• Learning Goals
• Medical Emergencies
• Medication
• Nutrition
• Open Door
• Purpose and Philosophy
• Releasing a Child From Care
• Repayment Agreement
• Screen Time
• Statutory Holidays
• Supplies and Equipment
• Trial Period
• Vacation Closures
• Wading Pool
• Withdrawal

Fees
Daycare fees are due in advance of the 1st of every month. You are paying for your child's daycare spot and fees are payable regardless of your child's attendance. Fees may be paid by cash or e-transfer. Receipts for tax purposes will be issued once a year. If your account goes into arrears, your childcare contract may be terminated at any time. Fees do not include diapers, wipes, formula or baby food. Lunch and snacks are not included unless you are enrolled in the optional meal plan.

Supply Fee
An annual supply fee of $50 per child is required for sunscreen and bug spray. This is due April 1 each year.

Deposit
A deposit equivalent to one half month's fees per child is required to reserve your child care spot prior to beginning care. The deposit will be applied towards the childcare fees for the first month of care. This deposit is non-refundable.

Repayment Agreement
All monies paid to secure a child care spot are non-refundable. Childcare fees paid each month are non-refundable. In the event that you choose to not partner with us during the trial period, or after, the monthly fee paid will not be refunded.

Affordable Child Care Benefit
Some families are eligible for the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) through the Ministry for Children and Families, according to their income and situation. If you are one of these families, it will be your responsibility to ensure that your ACCB is kept up to date and you are responsible for paying any portion of the fees not covered by ACCB.

ACCB must be in place before your child can begin care at Scallywags Childcare. A letter from the Ministry of Families and Children will be required to confirm your ACCB acceptance and amount. The parent will be responsible to pay the parent portion by the first of each month directly to the care provider.

Alternately, if you require care to begin before your ACCB has been approved, you may pay the full amount of care to the care provider and once your ACCB claim has been approved, you will be refunded the amount paid by the ACCB.

Hours of Operation
Scallywags Childcare is open from 7:30am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Late/Overtime Fees
Your daycare fees are due no later than the 1st of each month. There will be a late fee of $25 for fees paid after the 3rd day of the month.

Parents are expected to pick up their child on time and at the time negotiated in the provider/parent contract. There will be a grace period of 15 minutes after which I reserve the right to charge parents $1 per minute for each minute the parent is late. Habitual lateness will reduce the grace period to 5 minutes. Late fees are to be paid when the parent arrives at the facility to pick up their child and must be paid before the child can return to care. If you are going to be late, please call or text the daycare to let us know when to expect you.

We reserve the right to enforce these policies at our discretion.

Annual Increases
Annual increases of fees will be made. Parents will be given one month’s written notice prior to fee increases.

Trial Period
A trial period of two weeks from a child’s start date will be in place for the child, parent and Scallywags Childcare. During this period, either the parent or the care giver may terminate care without advance notice. Scallywags Childcare reserves the right to extend the trial period, if necessary, to ensure the placement is in the best interests of the child. Any deposit and fees paid will not be refunded.

Because we are dedicated to providing quality care, and because we care deeply for all children, there may be times when the care is not suitable for certain children or families. Therefore, we must be stringent in enforcing the trial period if we deem the care inappropriate for the child for whatever reason.

Respectfully, if parents feel the care we provide is not suited to their child or their family, they also have the right, during the two week trial period, to terminate care without notice.

Withdrawal
After the trial period has ended parents are required to give one month's advance written notice (or payment in lieu), before the 1st of the month, to withdraw your child from care. Your account must be paid in full before the last day of care or legal action may be taken.

Dismissal
In the event that, after the trial period, care is not deemed to be working out, the daycare has the right, upon two weeks written notice to the parent, to terminate the care. All fees owing to the final date of care are to be paid upon receiving notice.

We reserve the right to dismiss your child from care due to, but not limited to, any of the following reasons:

• failure to pay fee or pay on time
• lack of compliance with the parent handbook regulations
• failure to complete required forms
• lack of parental cooperation
• failure of a child to adjust to the facility after a reasonable amount of time
• disrespect from parents or children to staff or other children
• habitual biting by the child
• false information given by parents, either written or verbal
• physical or verbal abuse to staff, children, pets or property
• serious illness of the owner

We reserve the right to give written notice of immediate termination where there are extreme circumstances that affect the well-being of staff, other children in attendance or pets. In this situation, the two week’s payment is still due and there will be no refund offered.

Absent Days
Absent days – when the child is away due to illness, doctor’s appointment, parent’s day off or vacation – will not be deducted from the child care rate. You are renting your child’s daycare space and fees are due regardless of attendance. Please notify the facility by 9:00am if your child will be away.

Statutory Holidays
Scallywags Childcare will be closed on the following paid statutory holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Family Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Victoria Day
• Canada Day
• BC Day
• Labour Day
• Truth & Reconciliation Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Remembrance Day
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day
• New Year's Eve

If the holiday falls on a weekend, the provider may take either the previous Friday or the following Monday in lieu.

Vacation Closures
Scallywags Childcare may be closed for up to twenty paid vacation days each year. These days may or may not be taken consecutively. One month’s notice will be given for vacation closures longer than two days in length. Two week’s notice will be given for one or two day closures. All closures will be posted on the calendar at the entrance. It is your responsibility to check the calendar and monthly notices.

Purpose and Philosophy
Scallywags Childcare provides a safe, warm, happy and healthy setting for your child where we set limits for children so they will have the opportunity to explore their world in a safe and controlled environment. We believe that every child is a unique individual who has their own style, personality and potential. Each child develops at their own rate and this is recognized by Scallywags Childcare. Each milestone is recognized and celebrated together! We teach through role modeling appropriate behaviour, praising fine behaviour and encouraging respect for each other and our surroundings.

We provide a flexible daily program, with developmentally appropriate activities, that will respond to the needs and interests of the children, individually and in a group setting that will help them to grow.

• Physically:             to help children increase fine and gross motor skills
• Socially:                to help children grown in understanding and cooperation of others
• Emotionally:          to help children to feel good about themselves (positive self-esteem)
• Intellectually:        to help children develop their thought process and critical thinking skills

We achieve this through a variety of group activities, individual play and quiet periods. Our program makes use of many play and learning materials that help the children gain confidence in their abilities to make and do things. We strongly believe that if a child is provided with a safe, warm, happy and nurturing environment, and given developmentally appropriate activities, he or she will thrive.

Learning Goals

• Fostering understanding and cooperation with other children
• Promoting age appropriate independence by giving children the opportunity to make choices and help themselves whenever possible
• Encouraging creative expression through a child oriented approach to programming
• Supporting cooperative social interactions by having the children recognize, accept and deal with feelings
• Ensuring that both the indoor and outdoor environments invite children to explore and experience the activities around them
• Fostering feelings of mutual respect and consideration by treating each child as we would like to be treated ourselves and by helping children to recognize that everyone is unique and special
• Respecting each child for their own stage of development
• Encouraging each child to feel successful and proud of every accomplishment
• Modeling positive behaviour
• Providing opportunities for each child to receive individual attention
• Assisting each child to grow towards their potential by providing a well-rounded program that is stimulating and fun

Age and Group Size
Scallywags Childcare is designed and licensed for a maximum of seven children. We provide care for children from 10 months to five years of age. To enhance the quality of care we provide, we have a limited number of children in each age group and are following strict guidelines to maintain the child/staff ratio as set out by the licensing board.

Head Lice
Scallywags Childcare maintains a NO NIT policy in regard to head lice and the presence of lice eggs (nits). Head lice are annoying and can cause itching, but they do not transmit or cause disease. Lice can spread in any situation where groups gather in close and frequent contact. For these reasons, head lice infestations should be treated.

It is important to keep in mind that the presence of head lice is not a reflection on the level of cleanliness, parenting ability or social status of a home. Head lice and nits are mainly a nuisance due to itching and irritation, but they are nevertheless very easily spread, and can quickly infest numerous people without quick action to control them.

Staff will perform weekly spots checks for the presence of the head lice and nits, although it is the presence of nits that it is the indicator of an infestation, because the actual louse moves quickly and hides in other areas on the head, body or clothing.

Parents/Guardians are asked to do their own head lice and nits checks each week, and that way any outbreak can be quickly and effectively controlled.

If a staff member checks a child, and it is found that there are nits present, we will contact the parent/guardian and ask to have their child picked up, so treatment can start as quickly as possible.

A staff member will provide parents/guardians with a checklist of steps that must be followed, and a form, which must be signed and returned by the parent/guardian, stating what steps have been performed.

Only after the child is treated, has had all of the nits removed from their head, and the other steps on the list completed and the form signed and returned, can the child return to the classroom. Upon returning a staff member will recheck the child to confirm that no nits are present.

Please note that all monthly fees are not affected by this and are still required to be paid in full and on time.

Important Tips for Removal

• Wash your child’s hair with a regular shampoo.
• While the hair is wet, apply plenty of hair conditioner.
• Comb the hair using a fine nit comb. (These special combs are available at local drugstores.) Comb from the roots upwards. Check the comb for lice, and clear them away in hot soapy water after each sweep. Comb the hair, a little at a time, carefully.
• Repeat this every 3 days for 2 weeks to get rid of any newly hatched lice.
• Remember to check everyone in the family for lice or nits.
• Research has shown that wet combing with conditioner every day for a week (longer if you keep finding live lice) is also very effective.
• If this proves not to work after several days, use a commercial nit/lice shampoo and carefully follow the instructions on the bottle.

Home Tips for Dealing with Head Lice

• Machine wash and hot air dry all bed linens and blankets. Vacuum mattress. Stuffed animals and pillows can be a source of lice. Machine wash and hot air dry or place in your freezer for 48 hours.
• Check every family member for nits/lice under bright lighting.
• If you are concerned about head lice on carpets or furniture, vacuum them thoroughly. NEVER spray them with a pesticide.
• Clean brushes, combs, and hair accessories after each use with hot soapy water or white vinegar. • Do not share brushes and combs.
• Teach your children not to share hats, head-gear, scarves, headphones and grooming items (combs, hairbrushes, etc.) and to avoid direct head-to-head contact.
• Watch for signs of head lice. Lice are easier to eliminate if caught early.
  

Illness
Do not bring your child to daycare if they are not feeling well. If they are sick, they will be much more comfortable at home. Remember, what goes around, comes around. When your child becomes ill with a communicable disease please notify the daycare immediately so that we can let the other families know what to watch for in their children. We are under very strict guidelines with regards to disease control so there may be times when we are either forced to send an ill child home or not accept an ill child into care. Parents would be wise to plan for alternate care in this instance.

Parents will be required to pick up their child, or keep them at home, if they display any of the following symptoms:

• moderate to severe diarrhea
• vomiting
• difficult or rapid breathing
• fever of 37.4 degrees Celsius or more 
• severe coughing
• green or yellow discharge from nose
• conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• unusual spots or rashes
• yellowish colour to the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• difficulty in swallowing
• any other symptoms which, in the opinion of the care giver, indicate the possible presence of a contagious illness such as chicken pox, measles, impetigo, etc.

You will be notified if your child becomes ill during child care hours. If you are not able to pick your child up, alternate arrangements must be available. While your child is waiting to be picked up, he/she will be made comfortable and kept comfortable, away from the other children. Your child needs to be free of listed symptoms for 24 hours, without the aid of symptom reducing medications such as Tylenol, before returning to care.

Parents will be notified of contagious diseases affecting the children at the daycare. A child with a communicable disease will NOT be readmitted into care until the period of contagiousness has passed or until the child has fully recovered from his or her illness. Your child may be required to be seen by a physician and supply a note from the physician stating their child is no longer contagious and they are well enough to return to care.

Exclusion guidelines – mildly ill children, who can participate normally in the daily activities of daycare don’t routinely need to be excluded from care. This could include children with colds, mild ear infections and children who are teething.

Daily Hygiene Practices

• Proper hand washing techniques will be taught
• Proper diaper handling techniques will be used
• The toys and environment will be cleaned on a regular schedule

Nutrition
Parents will provide daily lunches, snacks and formula as needed for their children, unless they have opted in to the meal plan, which is offered for an additional fee. Scallywags Childcare will provide water for each child.

There is an optional meal plan available to families for a fee. If families have chosen this option their children will be offered nutritious and sustaining foods for two snacks and one lunch per day. Healthy options will be offered from at least two food groups for snacks and four food groups for lunch. Treats will be offered in moderation. The menu is posted and you will be informed daily what your child has been offered.

We are committed to role modeling healthy eating habits. Please send your child with a healthy, nutritious meal. We are able to reheat meals but do not send anything that needs to be cooked. Please send your child's lunch in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack. If you choose to send treats in your child’s lunch, they will be offered to the child after they have eaten a good portion of healthier food.

Supplies and Equipment
Scallywags Childcare prides itself on its well-stocked toy, reading and art areas. With the exception of the items listed below, it is a rare occasion when parents are asked to help us keep our supplies up. If, by chance, we require any additional supplies or equipment from the parents, we will put these requests in writing with a date when the items will be required.

• Appropriate clothing for current weather, including outdoor play in the rain
• Clear, continuous spray sunscreen
• One full change of clothing, three full changes of clothing if potty training
• Diapers, wipes and rash ointment (if used)
• Emergency supplies for 3 days for each child (food and diapers if needed)
• Emergency comfort bag to be left at the facility (optional)

Clothing
Please dress your child in durable play clothing that is appropriate for the day’s weather and play. Clothing should be easy for your child to manage in the washroom. It is recommended that you supply a full change of clothing as some of our play can be messy or wet. We will call you to pick up your child if they are wet or very dirty and there are no spare clothes.

We venture outside even on rainy or cold days so please ensure that your child has the appropriate gear required.

• Rainy/cold days – raincoat, boots and warm clothing
• Snowy days – snowsuit, winter boots, waterproof mittens, hat and warm clothing
• Windy/chilly days – warm coat, mittens, hat and warm clothing
• Sunny/hot days – sunscreen, shorts, t-shirt and hat

​Confidentiality
It is Scallywags Childcare’s policy that any information or records held regarding your family will be kept confidential. The only release of information of records would be for a legal matter that is requested or required by law. It is also appreciated that any information you become aware of regarding other children in my care also be kept confidential.

Custody and Access
If parents live separately, Scallywags Childcare expects that the information provided by the enrolling parent is accurate. Without a custody agreement or court order on file at the daycare facility, staff cannot deny access to the non-enrolling parent. If a family has a custody agreement or court order, a copy must be provided to be kept in the child’s confidential file.

Emergency Procedures and Preparedness Plan
Pre-planning for an emergency will enable individuals to go directly “into action”. In the event of an emergency that requires evacuation, the daycare will implement the Emergency/Disaster Plan. If we are not here, a note will be posted on the front door indicating where we have gone. Sometimes during a large scale disaster, local phone lines may be jammed or not operational. For this reason, we have provided an out of province contact that will be responsible for communicating information to you. The out of province contact information will be provided to you upon registration.

Fire drills are practiced monthly. In case of fire or other emergency, children will be taken to a nearby safe building and parents, or authorized alternate if necessary, will be contacted. Examples of emergencies requiring the implementation of this plan are: earthquakes, floods, gas leaks, and fire. Our fire equipment and first aid kits are checked regularly by authorities.

​​Emergency Planning if We Have to Leave the Daycare
We want each child to have an emergency comfort kit to be stored at the daycare that would comfort, nourish and refocus them in the event of an emergency when they are away from familiar surroundings.

Please include the following items and return them to the daycare in a large Ziploc bag:

• a family photo
• 6 litres or water
  
• a soother or bottle, if used
  
• enough food for 3 days (granola bars, canned beans or pasta, crackers, peanut butter, etc)
• a small toy or colouring book with crayons
• a stuffy or blanket for comfort
• any necessary medications
• a thermal emergency blanket

Medical Emergencies
In the event of a sudden or serious accident or illness, staff will make the determination about whether or not an ambulance needs to be called. The parent will be contacted immediately. If we cannot get a hold of a parent, the emergency contact will be called at the number supplied to the daycare upon registration. All emergency costs incurred are the responsibility of the parent. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to keep the daycare informed of all changes in regards to emergency information. These changes will be kept in the child’s confidential file. Parents must have a Consent for Emergency Treatment form on file, which will allow Scallywags Childcare to seek emergency treatment for their child.

A report of such incidents will be filled out by the staff member in attendance and one copy will go to the parent and the other copy will be placed in the child’s file. When required, the medical health officer will be notified of reportable incidents as outlined in the Child Care Licensing Regulation.

Any child who receives a minor cut or bruise will be tended to by first aid certified personnel.

Medication
Although we prefer that medication be administered by parents, when necessary, we will administer a dose of medicine according to the following guidelines:

• the parent must fill out, sign and date a Permission to Administer Medication form
• a separate form must be filled out for each medication and each instance
• prescription medication must be in the original container and labelled with the prescription number, name of medication, the date the prescription was filled, the prescribing physician’s name and phone number, the child’s name and the dosage instructions.
• medication will not be administered if it is past the expiration date
• non-prescription medication must be labeled with the child’s name, it must be in the original container and it will be administered according to the label’s directions unless otherwise directed by a physician in writing.
• new medications must first be administered at home to observe any reactions or side effects. Scallywags Childcare must be notified of any reactions or side effects.
• a medication record will be maintained, indicating the date and time and dosage of medication given.

Incident Reporting
If a reportable incident occurs, we will complete a Reportable Incident form. One copy will be kept at the facility in the child’s file and two copies will be sent to the licensing office. If a reportable incident has occurred, the licensing office will also be notified by telephone within 24 hours.

A reportable incident is defined as any of the following:

• aggressive or unusual behaviour
• attempted suicide
• death
• disease outbreak or occurrence
• emergency restraint
• emotional abuse
• a fall requiring medical attention
• medication error
• missing person
• motor vehicle injury
• neglect
• other injury requiring medical attention
• physical abuse
• poisoning
• sexual abuse

    
Minor incidents, illnesses and unusual occurrences are recorded in a log book. All entries will be dated and signed.

Releasing a Child From Care
Unless we are instructed in writing to do otherwise, Scallywags Childcare will only release a child to the following persons:
   

• the child’s parents
• the child’s custodial parent (where applicable)
• the emergency contact person (picture ID required)
• any other guardian to whom the parent, by way of written authorization, has been allowed to pick up the child.

Scallywags Childcare will verify the identification of the person who has come to pick up the child to ensure they are authorized to do so. We reserve the right to keep a child at the centre if we are not completely certain about any person who has come to pick up the child. The parents will be contacted immediately if this happens. For the safety of the child, we also will not release a child to a person who appears to be unable to provide safe care to the child or who does not have the proper child restraints in their vehicle.

If a child is not picked up from daycare, we will contact all available contact persons, including emergency contacts until we locate someone who is able to pick up the child. If a parent or emergency contact cannot be reached, we will then notify the Ministry of Children and Families and/or police.
 
Child Abuse
All care givers are required by law to report any suspected or disclosed cases of physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect. In the event that we suspect abuse or neglect has occurred when the child is NOT at Scallywags Childcare an intake social worker at the Child Protection Division of the Ministry of Children and Families will be notified immediately. We are not permitted to contact the parent or guardian regarding any report. Our responsibility is to disclose any suspicions or disclosures; it is NOT to determine if abuse has occurred.

If the alleged abuse has occurred while the child is in the care of Scallywags Childcare, we must report this immediately to the licensing officer. Licensing staff will then conduct an investigation under the Community Care Facilities Act and Child Care Licensing Regulations. If parents have any concerns about abuse at Scallywags Childcare, they may also contact the Ministry of Children and Families or the Licensing Office.

Forms Required

• parent/provider contract
• permission forms for travel, photographs, sunscreen, bug spray, ointment, etc
• emergency contacts
• consent for emergency treatment      
• all about me
• medication administration (only required when medication is needed)

If parents choose to partner with Scallywags Childcare these forms must be completed, dated and signed by the parents prior to your child first day of attendance. 

Behaviour Management
At Scallywags Childcare we believe that children need guidance, understanding and a few easy-to-follow rules in order to learn appropriate behaviour. It is our policy to help children learn appropriate behaviour by establishing clear limits, explaining those limits in a positive way when it is necessary for a child to understand why the limit is there and by using redirection when possible. Removing a child from a situation to give them a chance to calm may be used when needed. 

Strategies and techniques used to guide children’s behaviours:

Prevention:

• clear and simple limits are in place to protect self, others and the environment
• you may not hurt yourself
• you may not hurt others
• you may not hurt things (furniture, toys, walls, etc)
• you may not take toys from others
• limits are explained to children in a positive way
• the focus is on the behaviour, not the child
• expectations will be stated, not posed as questions
• choices will be offered
• children will be given time to respond
• appropriate behaviour will be acknowledged
• minor incidents will be ignored
• children can ask adults for help
• adults will be alert and close by

Intervention:

• gain the child’s attention in a respectful way
• proximity and touch will be used
• reminders of expectations
• feelings will be acknowledged before setting limits
• redirection or diverting may be used
• adults will model problem solving skills
• appropriate choices will be offered
• natural and logical consequences may be used
• limiting the use of equipment may be used
• opportunities for children to make amends will be provided

Challenging Behaviour Interventions:

• redirection
• removal – when a child loses self control a quiet place in the room, under direct supervision will be provided as a place to calm
• when the child has regained control they may choose to return to the group
  

Prohibited Discipline
​

Children will never be subjected to, including as a form of punishment:

• shoving, hitting, shaking, spanking or any other form of corporal punishment
• harsh, belittling or degrading treatment, whether verbal, emotional or physical, that would humiliate or undermine a child’s self respect
• confinement or physical restraint (unless to keep a child from injuring themselves)
• deprivation of meals, snacks, rest or necessary use of the toilet

Parents will be informed if a child needed to be removed from a situation  (when, where and why will be discussed with the parent). If the child’s behaviour escalates the child may require an individual behaviour management plan. In this instance, a behaviour management plan will be developed collaboratively with parents, community professionals and the child care provider. Children who cannot be managed using these measures and are consistently presenting a discipline problem for the caregiver will be dismissed from care.

Children are never punished for lapses in toilet training or for accidents like spilled food. When appropriate, the child will help with the clean up, not as punishment but to help teach responsibility.

We ask that parents respect these rules while at the daycare.

Active Play Policy
Introduction
Physical Activity can include any active play. To improve children’s health, Government guidelines recommend that children should aim to be physically active for one hour every day; this one hour target doesn’t have to be done all at once but can be built up over the day.

Definition
We make a commitment to being a physically active daycare and will work towards offering all children many opportunities to take part in a variety of physical activity.

Values

• To promote positive attitudes towards participation in physical activity  
• Increase children’s knowledge and understanding of the importance of physical activity
• To improve mental health and well being
• To develop social skills

Aims and Objectives
We aim to raise the physical activity levels of the whole daycare by doing the following:  

• Go for walks to the local park
• Get outdoors as much as possible and let the children explore the natural environment
• Provide ‘active’ toys such as balls, bats, hula hoops, skipping ropes, etc
• Include active games for indoor and outdoor play
• Encourage children to get out of the stroller and walk
• Dance to music for a variety of occasions
• Provide action songs and nursery rhymes for all ages
• Encouraging all staff and parents to participate in activity
• Provision of safe and stimulating areas in which children can be active

Implementation
Through effective preparation, planning and assessing we will provide regular opportunities for both structured and spontaneous active play throughout the day. We aim to spend a minimum of one hour outside daily.

Screen Time
As a standard practice, the daycare does not offer daily screen time for the children.

Wading Pool Policy
The wading pool;             

• is only filled when the children and staff are present
• is always emptied immediately after use
• is never more than half filled; approximately 3-4 inches
• is stored upside down when not in use
• is cleaned before each use
• is only in use on the days when all children present can safely participate
• is inspected regularly

The staff will;

• maintain visual contact and close proximity
• observe children at all times while playing in and around the wading pool
• ensure that the area is free of hazards
• inspect and clean the pool before every use
• teach children about water safety
  

Inclement Weather Policy
Safety is the priority.

We understand that our decision to close during inclement weather often disrupts family schedules. We also understand that our children are better served – academically, emotionally and socially – by being at daycare. But, as always, our top priority is the safety of our children and families, so the decision to close is not an easy one. We ask that you also use common sense in deciding if your child should come to daycare. Can you safely make it here? Will you be able to pick up your child on time? Can you safely make it home if it's been snowing all day?

How Do We Make Our Decision?

Please understand that we make the decision to open or close the centre in bad weather based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, including:

• Information on road conditions
• Amount of snow and/or ice accumulated
• Whether precipitation will continue throughout the day
• Temperature and wind chill
• Weather predictions (including those from a weather alert service)
• Storm timing, trajectory and projection
• Building conditions (such as whether our building’s electricity and/or heat service is disrupted)

We strive to remain open as long as it is safe to do so. If the power goes out for longer than two hours, we will close and call parents to pick up their child. During winter the driveway will NOT be attended to while children are in care and it may not be shoveled or salted in the morning if it has snowed overnight. If you choose to bring your child to daycare during inclement weather, you acknowledge that you are doing so at your own risk.