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Philosophy Statement

Every child has the potential to achieve greatness. As Early Childhood Educators, we foster each child’s natural gift. The child then gains the confidence and skills to exceed later in life.

How We Are Different

We are a progressive center with a new method of teaching basic art principles and life skills. Studies show that children who are exposed to arts and culture at an early age have a higher success rate later in life.

In the tradition of such fine schools as Montessori and Reggio Emilia, we strive to educate, not baby-sit. We incorporate such concepts as Emergent Curriculum, vigorous literacy training and etiquette fundamentals.

All of these skills acquired by using these principles will give your child an “edge” in life. Our staff are not only qualified teachers. But are talented artists in their own right. We are currently licensed for 51 children by the Ministry of Children & Youth Services.

We at A Child's Secret Garden Daycare Inc. offer a wide range of Toddler and Preschool programs to children from 18 months to 5 years of age. We are currently licensed for 51 children by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

We offer a program that is staffed with professionals trained in Early Childhood Education. Our staff/child ratio is 1:5 for Toddlers and 1:8 for Preschoolers. Full and half day programs are offered. Your child can participate in  guided play activities, crafts, story time, Learning Lab, music and outdoor programs.

Clientele

Our clientele consists of professional parents: e.g.: police officers, nurses, teachers, engineers, firemen and business entrepreneurs, etc. Therefore, the staff of our daycare center maintains a professionalism that is above and beyond the norm of daycare.

For example, we have an employee dress code, we are careful with our use of grammar and enunciation of words, and we use appropriate manners and etiquette.

Subsidy Eligibility

Full subsidizes are available to those individuals who require it as set out under the guidelines  by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.  A needs test will be performed by the Ontario Works administrator. Notification of qualification will be made to the applicants through the Ontario Works office.

Behaviour Management

No corporal punishment will be permitted at any time. Discipline is done in a positive manner. There is only one rule at the center: IF YOU HIT, YOU SIT. Each child is encouraged to remember this rule and is taught how to handle disagreements with their peers.

Method

A typical day at daycare consists of:

This schedule is designed to let the child learn on his/her own, as well as learn during structured learning times.

*Field trips are incorporated into the program.

A typical day at Little Lancers consists of:

7:30 – 9:00                                     Arrival and guided exploration

9:00 – 9:30                                     Bathroom routine and snack

9:30 – 10:00                                   Daily circle time and Show and Tell

10:00 – 11:00                                 Art time – theme based activity

11:00 – 11:55                                 Outdoor Exploration

11:55 – 12:30                                 Bathroom routine and Lunch

12:30 – 1:20                                   Quiet time (Nap & Books)

1: 20 – 2:00                                    Music/ Guided exploration

2:00 – 2:30                                     Outdoor Exploration

2:30 – 2:40                                     Bathroom routine

2:40 – 3:00                                     Snack

3:00 – 3:30                                     Finishing details (art projects, work)

3:30 – 4:30                                     Departure

Education/Training

Unlike most centers, all the staff of “A Child's Secret Garden Daycare” undergo a strict and rigorous training and education process.

All staff must have:

We also encourage our staff to continue to pursue their formal education through workshops, university courses, and art classes. We insist all staff are physically fit to meet the demands of the daily program (physical education, dance……).

Hours of Operation

The hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Statutory Holidays

The centre is closed for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. THERE WILL BE NO REDUCTION OF FEES FOR THESE HOLIDAYS.

Arrival

In order to allow your child to settle into the program and to maintain smooth operation of planned activities, please bring your child in before 9:30 a.m. If your child is sick, late, or will not be coming in that day, the center should be notified before 10:00 a.m.

Departure

Children should be picked up within the hours that have been stipulated in the contract, unless arranged in advance with the supervisor.  Please notify the staff if your child is to be picked up later or earlier than usual.

No child is to be released to a person not authorized by a parent to pick up the child.  We must meet the designated pick-up person in addition to having verbal and written consent for changes with this respect. 

Fees

Daycare Registration Fees: (Main School) 

            $25.00 (non-refundable) one child

            $30.00 for 2 children

            $140.00/week    -full time (ages 2 – 5 years)

            $175.00/week    -full time (ages 18 months – 2 years)

            $40.00/day   -part time full days

            $30.00/ ½ day   - part time

Before & After School Fee Structure: (Little Lancers)

Registration Fee:  $20.00/child (non refundable). All fees must be paid one week in advance prior to the week of care. Cheques for the month will be given to the teacher in charge. Receipts for income tax purposes are handed out at the end of the month. No duplicates will be issued. No “total” at the end of the year will be given.

Hourly Rate: Before Care ( A.M.)

Hourly Rate: After Care (P.M.)

 Weekly Rate: After Care: $80.00/week

Payments

Payment of fees are payable one week in advance each Friday. Failure to make a payment will result in a late fee of $5.00 per day late. Parents are required to pay for the scheduled days whether their child is here or not.

Notice of Withdrawal, Termination, Cancellation 

Written notice must be given 2 weeks in advance to allow for new enrollments and budget planning.  If a child is withdrawn temporarily, he/she will be put on the waiting list on the date of withdrawal.  Every effort will be made to re-enter the child on the requested date, but no guarantee can be given. If the child is not adjusting to the daycare after a specified amount of time has elapsed, the teachers will have the option of terminating the child from the center. A notice will be given to the parents. 

Child is no longer eligible for the program when: 

 The director and teachers will observe the child during unacceptable behavioral periods.  In some cases, group care may not be suitable for a child.  The situation will be thoroughly discussed with parents, and, suggestions will be given to address problems. 

Early Closing

In the event the Minister of Health issues a weather warning, telling employers to send employees home, the center may need to close early and parents will be asked to pick up their child at an earlier time than normal. This would be approved by the Director and would only be in extreme cases.

Ratios in the morning in bad weather may be beyond staffing, and therefore, staff may ask you to wait until further staff arrives.  We count on your co-operation and understanding should this happen.

Voting: We may need to give our staff the three hour mandatory time frame to allow them to vote, therefore we may need to close earlier than the regular closing time.

Scheduled Part Time Users

Our policy is two weeks’ written notice to the attention of the Director or payment of fees in lieu of written notice for termination, cancellation or reduction of services.

Scheduled parents must provide us with information one month in advance of use in order to be guaranteed a space on the days requested. 

There is no exchange of agreed contracted days unless approved by the Director and sufficient notice has been given. Please see the Director for details on flexibility. We do not change statutory holidays for another day. Should you wish to do this, it will depend on space. Parents are responsible for payment of days booked but not used,

If a period of 3 days has elapsed without any contact made to the center, it will be assumed this to be termination notice and your space will be given to a child on our waiting list. charges will be applied to your account and the two week notice must be paid.

Administration of Drugs 

Health regulations stipulate that no medication is to be given to children unless prescribed by a physician. A form must be filled out with the particulars as well as your signature before we can administer medication. For non-prescribed medication, we must have a letter from the doctor stating the details and/or approval from the center’s Director.

All medication is kept in a locked container in the refrigerator, unless otherwise stated, in the original container. Puffers, epi-pens and life threatening medication will be the only exceptions not kept locked. All medications need current dates. Any medication that is expired will be disposed of and the parent is responsible to replace it if required.

If children are well enough to attend daycare, they are well enough to play outdoors (weather permitting).

Food

The daycare will supply a hot nutritious lunch and two snacks daily.  Menus are posted on a 3 week rotation. The children are encouraged to feed themselves and to try everything that is served at each meal. If your child has food allergies, or is on a special diet, please make sure the staff is aware of them. Candy or “junk food is not allowed at the center. On special occasions (i.e. birthdays), the center will supply a cake. 

Parents of children attending the Little Lancers Daycare program will be responsible for providing all snacks and lunch for their child. The program does not provide a meal or snack. If your child has food allergies or is on a special diet, please make sure the staff is aware of them. Candy or “junk” food is not allowed at the center.

Parental Involvement

Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s daycare. You may telephone or drop in any time during the day to view your child at play. Newsletters are sent out on a seasonal basis, as well as occasional letters informing you of special events or news. We have an open door policy for all parents. 

Toilet Training

All preschool children will be toilet trained. Therefore, the center does not supply diapers. Parents must supply the diapers throughout the day as well as diaper wipes. You will be informed when your child's supply of diapers is running low.

The Toddler Program

Children from the age of 18 months may enter the Toddler Program. The Toddler room allows for imaginative play, block play, arts & crafts and sensory experiences with water play, sand play, play dough and painting in a safe and nurturing environment. Areas change with cues taken from the children. Smaller learning centers are provided for the children to assist with their development cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. As the Toddler matures, he/she joins the Junior Preschoolers in the Butterfly Room for short periods throughout the day. When the child is ready to participate in the Junior preschool program, he/she is moved up on a permanent basis. Our staff/child ratio is 1 teacher to 5 Toddlers, and 1 teacher to 8 Preschoolers. 

Full day and half day programs are offered.

 The following are resources which you may find helpful; they may be obtained from either the Centre of from the Regional Licensing Office: 

• A Child’s Secret Garden Daycare Inc. Policies and Procedures Manual (on site)

• Little Lancers Daycare Policies and Procedures Manual (on site)

• Canada Food Guide

• Well Beings     (  at Main School )

• Regional Licensing Office

                                       Located at:       Ministry of Community & Social Services

                                                               Children and Youth Services

                                                                10 Rideau Street

                                                                Ottawa, Ontario

                                                                K1N 9J1

The Adjustment Period - From Knowing Us to Loving Us

The first few weeks at the daycare will be an adjustment period for both you and your child. Some children adjust to a group setting without any apparent difficulty, while others will cry and cling to you. Some children will become unusually quiet and will not join in activities. Other children become over-stimulated and act out aggressively. 

The following suggestions are things you can do to ease the adjustment period:

Do not hesitate to discuss your adjustment issues with your child’s teacher or director. The adjustment period varies for every child. This is a natural growth and developmental process. As children mature, they begin to identify themselves as independent personalities. In separating from you, your child is learning: 

It is important to point out that sooner or later – after the initial successful adjustment to the daycare – all children want to explore the limits of going to daycare. When this occurs, go back and use the above suggestions again. Remember, we are here for you! If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your child’s teacher or daycare director.

Curriculum

Highly qualified and experienced teachers prepare the environment to help young children expand their knowledge, develop a healthy self concept, and acquire academic skills. We stress individualized learning according to each child’s needs and abilities. We allow each child to develop at his/her own pace. The curriculum includes: 

Firsts

 We initiated many firsts in the daycare community in Cornwall, Ontario: 

 Brag Sheet

EMAIL US:  info@secretgardendaycare.com

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