Daycare

Program and Fees:

Full/Part Time Child Care Monday-Friday (8:00 am - 5:00 pm)

Monthly Rates:

5 days per week    $1100 per month
4 days per week    $900 per month
3 days per week    $700 per month
2 days per week    $440 per month
1 day per week    $220 per month
*A fee of $55.00 daily for any extra days or drop-ins.
Child Care phone number: 604-266-7441 Cerena Rosenthal
Email: daycare@helleniccommunity.org

About the Centre/program

St. George’s Daycare is a non-profit organization. We are a new centre that has many opportunities to expand. During these early stages of developing the centre the hours of the daycare are limited. As enrolment fills up the hours of operation will increase

The goal of St. George’s Daycare is to provide a stimulating environment where children can develop physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and creative skills in a caring, loving, and home like atmosphere.
The child will be given many opportunities for physical development. The children will learn how to use their body effectively: climbing, sliding, and riding on toys. Large balls and use of outdoor playgrounds will help develop gross motor skills. Puzzles, finger painting, play dough, threading beads, using pencils, crayons and brushes will help their fine motor skills.
The program will enable the child to grow socially. They will learn to communicate with and respond to adults and other children outside his/her immediate family circle. They will learn to share, wait for their turn, to become self-reliant and to become considerate of others. The child will be encouraged to be responsible for his/her own belongings and to take their part in maintaining a tidy room.
The child will learn to recognize, accept and express feelings, learn to cope with frustration, express anger appropriately, give and receive attention. They will also be able to develop independence, and make decisions, develop awareness and respect for the feelings of others and continue developing a positive self-image which contributes to their emotional growth.
We will provide plenty opportunities for intellectual growth. Language skills are developed as the child communicates with one another and with the teachers. Re-telling stories, learning rhymes, songs and finger plays require concentration and a retentive memory. Listening skills are developed at story time. Concepts related to numbers, space and time are also developing through weekly theme’s activities.
Creative development is also emphasized. The child is encouraged to use imagination and materials in a novel and many ways. The child also is encouraged to give more then one answer to a question and find more then one solution to a problem.
“Learning through play”, philosophy will help the child to grow towards knowing themselves as well as the world around them.

2010/2011 Calendar

This centre is closed 2 weeks in the summer, 2 weeks in the winter for Christmas holidays as well as statutory holidays. Parents will be informed of the dates when it’s closed. We are a balanced calendar centre. Fees have been calculated for an equal payment system. Rates per month remain the same even though the number of days will differ.

January 1    New Years Day
April 22    Good Friday
April 25    Easter Monday
May 23    Victoria Day
July 1    Canada Day
August 1    BC Day
September 5    Labor Day
October 10    Thanksgiving
November 11    Remembrance Day
December 24    Christmas Eve
December 25    Christmas Day
December 31    New Years Eve

• Parents/guardians are to submit a series of post dated cheques, dated for the 1st of the month for at least six months.
• A monthly statement is issued.
• In the case of a family who may qualify for child care subsidy, the authorization and claim forms from the Child Care Subsidy Centre in Victoria confirming Authorization for Child Care Subsidy must be received by the society BEFORE the child will be enrolled.
• At the end of each month a list of unpaid fees and outstanding subsidy claims shall be
• A $25.00 NSF charge is applied at the time of a returned cheque.
• All outstanding/remaining balances are to be paid by the end of each month.
• Parents/guardians are to give a thirty (30) day written notice for withdrawal of their child. The monthly fee will be charged if no notice is given.
• All unpaid fees are sent to collections.

Parent Participation

St. George’s Daycare has an open door policy. Parents are welcome at any time to visit and join in our daily activities- also, just to have fun!

Gradual Entry Gradual entry is an opportunity for a child to attend a few hours a day until the child feels comfortable enough to stay on their own. For some children, this transition will help them overcome separation anxiety. Parents are welcome to stay with their child for as long as it takes to make the transition successful.

Here are some ideas that might help:

• Keep the “goodbye” short
• Present yourself as happy (ensures your child that you are confident and this is OK)
• Never sneak out
• Develop a goodbye ritual and routine- for example: read a book and then depart
• Reassure your child he/she will be OK and you will return around dinner time…..

Arrival and Departure

When dropping off and picking up, please sign in/out at the front door on the clip board. We encourage you to say goodbye with a hug and a kiss, as this reassures a child and makes the drop off a happy time. If your child is having a hard time separating, please talk to the staff for assistance.
Parents are always welcome to call the centre throughout the day and ask how their child is doing.
It is important to be prompt when picking up your child. It could cause stress for your child to be the last one at the centre. Teachers may have meetings to attend or other obligations.
Please note: A late fee is charged for late pick up. The charge is $1.00 per minute. This is due upon pick up or the next morning of attending.

Toys From Home
We ask that toys stay at home. Too often, toys go missing or are broken, causing broken hearts.

(Hours of operation 8:00am to 5:00 pm)

8:00 am    Centre opens
8:00 am - 9:30 am    Table Activies
9:30 am - 10:30 am    Free Play
10:30 am - 10:45am    Clean up, wash hands for snack time
10:45 am -11:45 am    Outdoor Play
11:45 am - 12:15 pm    Group activity (art, science, baking or math) or Circle time (songs, finger plays, stories, daily calendar)
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm    Lunch time (brought from home)
1:00 pm -1:15 pm    Clean up, brush teeth and story time/puzzles
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm    Nap time/Rest time
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm    Table activities/puzzles
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm    Clean up, wash hands for snack
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm    Outdoor/indoor free play
5:00 pm    Centre closes

*Outdoor time is increased weather permitting.

*Naps are based on child’s needs.

Here at the centre we do a variety of activities. In order for your child to participate and feel comfortable, we ask that you send him/her in appropriate clothing. Children learn through play and at the centre we believe in allowing a child to play freely and in doing so they might get dirty. We suggest that you send your child in “daycare clothes” that may get dirty and possibly ruined. If you have a concern about your child leaving the daycare dirty, please bring a change of clothes that your child can change into. Here are some supplies that you may want to keep at the centre.

• One sheet for your child’s resting mat
• One blanket
• One small pillow
• Toothbrush/tooth paste with a cup
• A complete change of clothes to be kept in your child’s cubby
• Boots
• Muddy buddies or rain pants
• Warm coat with a hood for fall/winter
• Mittens or gloves for fall/winter
• Shorts, bathing suit, sunscreen and a hat for spring/summer
• Diapers and wet wipes if your child requires them

*Please label all items with your child’s name. (Including clothing)

*All bedding is sent home on Friday to be cleaned and returned for Monday.

*We play outside rain or shine.

Studies on nutrition indicate how important a well balanced diet is for children. The more a food is processed, the less nutritious. Processed foods contain preservatives and dyes, which do have an effect on overall health. Studies also prove that a diet of mostly processed food will affect bone and teeth growth. Nutrition also affects the brain. Nutritious food is brain food.

Guidelines for snacks and lunches are as follows:

• Please send your child with two (2) snacks and a complete lunch every day they attend.
• No candy, chocolate bars, potato chips, pop, fruit roll-ups, fruit gummies, package meat with cheese and crackers, known as lunch ables. (These are the most highly processed foods.)
• Treats will be sent home.
• No juice boxes that are not pure fruit juice.
• We offer baking and cooking as part as our curriculum. We use pure ingredients and cook vegetarian.
• We make pure juice popsicles for hot summer days.

What is a healthy lunch for children?

Include a variety of foods from at least three (3) of the four (4) food groups: Vegetables & Fruit, Grain Products, Dairy and Meat & Alternatives. Children are eating too much fat, sugar, and salt and not enough vegetables, fruit, milk products and whole grain foods.

What is a healthy snack?

Snacks are important because children cannot eat as much food as an adult at any one time. Your child needs a good supply of energy and nutrients to learn, play and grow. As often as possible, the snacks that go to school with lunch should pack lots of nutrition in quick, tasty bites. Fruit, vegetables, cheese, milk, yogurt, muffins, breadsticks, whole grain crackers or plain popcorn are all great snacks.

*If you need any more information about nutrition or any lunch ideas please ask.

*Please let us know if your child has any food allergies.

Should a child become ill or injured while at the daycare centre, parents will be called. If the parents cannot be contacted, the emergency contact list will be used. A quiet place for rest is provided for ill children while waiting to be picked up by the parents.

Parents are advised to keep their children home for the following conditions:

• Pain-any complaints of unexplained or undiagnosed pain.
• An acute cold with fever, runny nose and eyes, coughing and sore throat. Once temperature, well being and energy are normal, coughing and runny nose may continue without the child being contagious. These symptoms may be caused by allergies.
• Yellow, green or brown mucus from nose (this could be a sign of an infection)
• Difficulty in breathing-wheezing or persistent cough.
• Fever (100F/38.3C or higher) within the past 24 hours (may be an early sign of illness)
• Sore throat or trouble swallowing.
• Headache and stiff neck-should see a physician.
• Infected skin or eyes or undiagnosed rash.
• Unexplained diarrhea.
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps.
• Severe itching of body and scalp (ex. Lice or scabies etc...)
• Children with known or suspected communicable diseases.

It is required to keep (or take) children home when the child:

• Is suffering from one or more of the above symptoms.
• Is not well enough to take part in the regular program, including outdoor play.
• Has head lice-child should not return to the centre until they have started treatment.
• Needs Tylenol to keep fever down

Children must be symptom free for 24 hours prior to returning to the centre.

Please inform us within 24 hours of a diagnosis of a serious illness or contagious disease your child or any family member may have. In the event of a contagious disease, we will inform other families of a potential outbreak. (For example, Chicken pox)

Parents may be asked to confirm their child is free from symptoms of illness by having a Doctor’s note or Medical Health officer’s approval/clearance before returning to the facility. This will ensure the control of contagious diseases.

Medication

Medication can only be administered to your child if the parent/guardian has signed a “Medication Administration” form. Over the counter medicine, for example Tylenol and Advil cannot be given to keep a sick child at the centre.

Children are encouraged to use the problem solving method for disputes and differences. Program curriculum enhances the development of empathy. We promote the importance of respecting one another, embracing our differences as a learning opportunity and at all times preserving the dignity of every child and adult.
We will ensure that no child enrolled in the program is, while under the care of or supervision of the staff, practicum students, parents and volunteers will be:

• Subjected to shoving, hitting, shaking, spanking or any other form of corporal punishment.
• Subjected to harsh belittling or degrading treatment, whether verbal, emotional or physical, that would humiliate the child or undermine the child’s self respect
• As a form of punishment, confined, physically restrained or kept without adult supervision, apart from other children
• As a form of punishment, deprived of meals, snacks, rest or the necessary use of a toilet.

Children are treated with respect while encouraged to verbally problem solve. Adults will remind children and offer help in the problem solving process. When a child is upset and needs time alone, choices of quiet activities will be offered. If a child is struggling with anger and is hitting, kicking or biting, he/she will be redirected to an area to calm down and work out the anger. This intervention also protects others from physical assault/harm.
We do not use time out or do not count to three as a means to stop behaviour.

We problem solve:

• Identify the problem
• Ask each child to explain their point of view
• Offer solutions and choices or if the children are older ask the children for solutions.
• Come to an agreement for all parties involved
• Follow up to ensure all parties are satisfied and feel the solution was fair.

Child Abuse and Neglect Policy

St. George’s Daycare will ensure that no child enrolled in the program, while under the care or supervision of staff, students or volunteers is subjected to emotional, physical, sexual abuse or emotional neglect.

Adults legally have to report suspected child abuse and neglect to the appropriate authorities.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Ministry for Children and Families Child Protection Intake Unit at 660-5437 (660-KIDS) 8:30am-4:430pm

After Hours Line Emergencies outside office hours
Vancouver, North Shore Richmond Tel. 604-660-4927
Burnaby, Delta, Maple Ridge, Langley Tel. 604-660-8180
For the rest of the province toll-free 1-800-663-9122

*If you or the child/children are in immediate danger, call 911.

Safety

Fire Drill and Emergency Procedures

• Fire Drills are practiced once a month.
• A staff member will ring a bell used specifically for drills and emergencies. (A sound that the children will become familiar with).
• The staff will collect and escort the children from the child care centre, remaining calm while moving quickly.
• Checking all washrooms, the office and rooms before leaving. The last adult out will close the door.
• The supervisor will, or instructs another staff to, collect the attendance record board, the first aid kit and the cell phone to call 911.
• Attendance will be taken immediately upon arrival at the meeting place by calling out names and visually identifying the children and adults.
• Our meeting place is located in front of St. George’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral church.

Earthquake Preparedness Plan

• All staff is given the Earthquake Preparedness Package
• All staff have been advised of their responsibility during and after the quake
• Review package at staff meetings
• Notice to parents (parents received package)
• Talk to children
• Practice Earthquake Drills four (4) times a year.

In the Event of an Earthquake

Ensure the safety of children and adults; Call out “Get under the tables”, “Drop, cover and hold”.

When the shaking has stopped:

• Assess whether to; evacuate, turn off power, gas and water
• Head count and roll call check
• Check every child and adult for injuries and administer first aid if needed
• If injuries are beyond first aid, call 911 (4492 Arbutus Street, Vancouver)
• If phones are down, place “Help” sign outside
• Treat those in shock by covering with a blanket and talking calmly
• Call parents

Evacuation Site is..

• If building is deemed dangerous, evacuate (head count)
• If possible, turn off power, gas and water-but do not take any chances- the building might collapse
• Check status of the building-prepare to move children and adults
• Take as much supplies as possible: suitcase with food supplies, large bin of children’s comfort kits and water
• Leave note on door or fence of site location
• Call parents; if local lines are down; use cell phone to call
• Second evacuation site is Effie’s house
• When to call Out-Of-Province Contacts

As soon as possible, determine the damage on a school level, community level and provincial level. First try to communicate with police, emergency response representatives, listen to the news updates and use whatever means available to assess the need to contact out-of-province. After, all contacts have been tried and there is no alternative, call the out-of-province contact. There is no time limit-once assessed as necessary, the call will be made.

Earthquake Preparedness

Please use a large zip-lock bag to create your child’s Comfort Bag. Suggested items:

*A letter from you
*A picture of the family
*A small cuddly toy or a favourite book
*An item belonging to one of the parents
*A bottle of water