Administration & Discharge

As per our Parent Agreement, upon enrolment of a child, a non-refundable registration fee is required. The parent agrees to pay a deposit of two fees, which will cover the last two weeks of service. A payment equivalent to 12 weeks fees must be submitted in advance of commencement of care. All registration forms containing legal documentation, information sheets, medical forms and immunization forms from the Health Department must be completed and returned to the Centre before the child begins. A doctor’s signature is needed for verification of immunizations, and past and present medical information.

Due to a limited number of childcare spaces, the Barrhaven Child Care Centre cannot always guarantee that spaces will be available for your child to move from program to program. However, supervisors will make every effort to move children into the next program whenever possible. The registration date is used to select movement for all children. Should your child leave the Centre at your discretion, and subsequently return the re-entry date shall be the new registration date. Parents of children in the Preschool and Kindergarten programs will be notified in the spring of the status of availability of spaces. In the event that your child is discharged, due to insufficient spaces, you will be placed on a priority waiting list for re-entry into the Centre.

When a child reaches the age of 10 years between January 1st and June 30th, the child will be discharged from the School Age program as of June 30th. When a child reaches the age of 10 years between July 1st and December 1st, the child will be discharged as of August 31st in that same year.

When a child is withdrawn from any program, two weeks written notice must be submitted to the Centre.

Administration of Drugs

1. The Centre will administer medication when it is required during program hours.
2. A physician must prescribe all medication.
3. Medication will be administered to a child only from the original container. The container must be clearly labelled with the child’s name, name of medication, the dosage, the date of purchase, and instructions for storage and administration. Documentation is required from a physician for medications that are non-prescription.
4. Parents must complete a signed Medication Authorization form indicating the times the medication is to be given, as well as the dosage.
5. If a child develops a fever of 102 F or higher, the Centre will administer Tempra on the condition that verbal permission is given by the parent, or if the parent is unavailable, the emergency contact person.

In accordance with Day Nursery Legislation, all medication must be placed in a lockable container. We ask that you place the medication in the locked medicine in the locked medicine box in the refrigerator. Should the medication be required in the evening, it is the parent’s responsibility to take it home at the end of the day. Any medication that is not to be refrigerated will be placed in the medication box in the dining room (Kennevale), or in the office (Malvern).

Behaviour Management

Sections 44, 45, 46 (DN – 0802 – 06)

The Day Nurseries Act requires that childcare agencies develop policies and procedures for behaviour management.

Children are disciplined in a positive manner at a level that is appropriate to their actions and their ages. By promoting self-discipline, we ensure health and safety, and respect for others and the Centre’s property.

Preferred Practices

Our discipline procedure is three steps. First, if a child exhibits an inappropriate action (such as hitting, pushing, biting, spitting, kicking, etc.) the teacher will explain to the child that this type of behaviour is inappropriate. Second, the teacher will re-direct the child to a different play area within the room. Third, if aggressive or inappropriate behaviour continues, the child will sit away from the group to calm down and think about his/her actions. After a short period of time, the teacher will have a discussion with the child with respect to his/her inappropriate action, and then the child will return to play.

The teachers use positive reinforcement to deter negative behaviour. Fairness, firmness, consistency, and flexibility are characteristics of appropriate disciplinary techniques. Teachers are encouraged to seek assistance whenever necessary.

Staff, students and volunteers are expected to use the following behaviour management practices when necessary:

1. Rules for a child need to be consistent and reasonable. Once stated, they must be followed through.
2. Expectations for a child are clearly and positively stated.
3. A child should be offered choices, when he/she needs to make a decision.
4. Behaviour management strategies should be appropriate to the developmental level of the child.
5. All staff will use the same method. A team approach is used. The child’s needs are discussed and a procedure(s) put into place.
6. Different approaches will depend on different situations and different children. Staff are expected to implement a variety of strategies, for example:
   1. to act as a mediator to help children resolve their problems
   2. to explain why a certain behaviour is unacceptable
   3. to make a choice for the child-offer choices of alternative actions
   4. to ignore inappropriate behaviour (when possible)
   5. to redirect the child to another activity in the room/yard
   6. to remove a child from a situation until he/she can interact appropriately, and to follow up to discussing the problem with the child before he/she returns to the activity
   7. to hold child’s hand (i.e. on outings)
   8. to use positive verbal and non-verbal reminders in regards to inappropriate behaviour
   9. to use positive reinforcement of desired behaviour, both verbal and non-verbal

A discussion and explanation will follow all discipline methods where appropriate. Fairness, firmness, friendliness and flexibility are characteristics of good disciplinary approaches.

Prohibited Behaviour Management Practices

Immediate suspension or discharge will result where a staff, student, or volunteer:

1. Wilfully places a child in serious danger;
2. Exercises inappropriate disciplinary measures including, but not limited to physical contact, physical deprivation or harsh/degrading verbal treatment;
3. Misleads management with respect to his or her qualifications or experience; or
4. Steals or in any way misappropriates the Centre’s property or the property of others.

Contravention Of Behaviour Management Practices

Anyone who disregards any policy or procedure of the centre (including staff, students, volunteers, parents) or who demonstrate misconduct of any kind may be subject to discipline at the discretion of the Centre’s Management. Without limiting management’s discretion, discipline will be progressive and as follows. Failure to comply could result in the following measures:

1. A verbal warning will be issued to the employee by the Supervisor,
2. A written warning will be issued to the employee by the Supervisor,
3. Dismissal of an employee

For students and volunteers:

1. A verbal warning
2. Termination of placement

All parents/guardians are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the Centre’s policies and procedures at all times.

1. A verbal warning by the Supervisor,
2. A written warning by the Supervisor,
3. Interview with the Executive Director and the Supervisor to determine if disregard of the pertaining policy and or procedure will result in the discharge of the child.

When determining which disciplinary measure will be taken, the following criteria will be considered by the Executive Director and or the Supervisor:

1. The seriousness of the offence
2. The action, or potential risk, or harm to the child
3. The past and recent performance of the employee
4. The frequency of occurrence
5. Previous disciplinary action taken

Any Form Of Physical Punishment With A Child Will Result In Immediate Dismissal Of The Employee.

If action is necessary, the Executive Director and or the Supervisor will take immediate action in the case of the staff, students, volunteers, parents, and guardians. Documentation of all disciplinary measures will be signed by the Executive Director and the Supervisor and the employee and kept in the employee’s file. By the Board of Directors in the case of the Executive Director and or the Supervisors.

Monitoring Behaviour Management Practices

The following measures are in place to help ensure that only preferred behaviour management practices are used:

1. A comprehensive discussion with each staff, student and volunteer’s behaviour management philosophy to be done during the initial screening of each person to ensure compatibility with the centre’s philosophy and Day Nurseries Act requirements.
2. Staff, students and volunteers are to be made aware of the centre’s policies and procedures through the “review and sign off” procedure outlined below, as well as through training sessions, impromptu daily meetings and scheduled monthly staff meetings which will include discussions of any unusual disciplinary problems.
3. The Supervisor will observe each staff at least four times per year and complete staff performance appraisals twice per year. These observations and the follow-up discussions, as well as the semi-annual staff performance appraisals will include information regarding behaviour management practices.
4. All concerns and complaints regarding behaviour management practices made by anyone including staff, students, volunteers, parents/guardians, and others will be addressed and acted upon by the Executive Director and or the Supervisor and, if necessary, by the Board of Directors. Serious occurrence procedures will be followed when required.

A log or record of the monitoring of behaviour management practices will be kept. This log or record will contain information including dates of reviews, staff involved, observation dates, summaries or complaint investigations, summaries of discussions concerning unusual behaviour problems etc. The log will be kept in a secure location for reasons of confidentiality and will be kept for two years after the last entry.

Review And Sign Off

The behaviour management policies and procedures will be reviewed prior to working with children for the first time and at least annually thereafter with each staff, student and volunteer. After reviewing the policies and procedures each person must sign and date the review and sign off sheet.

The Supervisors view the behaviour management policy annually to ensure that it is appropriate and up to date. A record of the date of review will be kept in the behaviour management log.

Record Retention

All records involving the review and sign off of the behaviour management policies and procedures as well as the monitoring of behaviour management practices will be kept on file at the centre for two years.

Behaviour Code

The following expectations of behaviour pertain to the children in our program:

1. To be responsible for what they say and do.
2. To be polite and respectful of other people.
3. To listen to other people when they speak.
4. To not say or do any action that is hurtful or harmful to others.
5. To treat people the way they would like to be treated.
6. To care about other peoples’ feelings.
7. To tell the truth, even if there is a consequence to their behaviour.
8. To try to problem solve for themselves.
9. To ask the staff for help, if they are unable to solve the problem themselves.
10. To take good care of the Centre’s toys, games and other supplies.
11. To take good care of someone else’s toys, games and supplies.

Centre Compliance's

Arrival and Pick Up

Children should arrive at the Centre no later than 9:30 a.m. in order to participate in all aspects of the program. In the spring and summer months, the programs often go on excursions off the premises. The departure time for these activities is usually 9:30 a.m. If, due to appointments, you will be bringing your child in after 9:30 a.m., please check into the office before proceeding to the programs. If your child will be absent from the Centre, you must notify the staff as soon as possible. On a daily basis, you are required to sign your child in and out of the attendance book. Please ensure that your child has been acknowledged by a staff member upon their arrival to the program and at time of departure.

Only authorized names that appear on the registration forms will be permitted to pick up the child, unless a written note is received specifying otherwise. Staff will ask for proof of identification (photo I.D. required) from any individual not authorized or from any individual they do not know. Otherwise, the child will not be released from the Centre.

Please note that the childcare centre or staff must not be listed on the school's records as the emergency contact person. Children in the Kindergarten and School Age programs who are ill or injured during the school day cannot be accepted into the centre.

Free Play

"Play is the essential work of childhood, worthy of respect and encouragement. Play is the way children process what they are perceiving. It is how children discover for themselves what we cannot teach them. Children at play are busy people, involved and active, making the world theirs for a time: building up, knocking down, making things happen. Exploring, finding out, making sense of, understanding, wondering, imagining, and creating. So much to do and discover."*
*Preschool Today, July 1989

Circle Time

Circle time involves planned activities which include story telling, songs, fingerplays, science experiments, cooking and creative art projects. Circle time involves a small group of children and is sometimes planned around a specific theme.

Rest Time

There is a rest period in the afternoon for all children. We encourage parents to bring their child's favourite blanket or sleep toy to assure complete security for the child while he/she rests. There is a Waker's program for the children who do not sleep.

Alternate Place Of Shelter

In case of emergency requiring evacuation of the Centre, the staff will transport the children to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School (Kennevale site) and Walter Baker Sports Centre (Malvern site).

Parental Involvement

The staff at Barrhaven Child Care Centre will endeavour to communicate with you regarding your child on a regular basis. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Parent-teacher meetings will be planned throughout the year, both formally and informally, as needed. We will keep you informed of any seminars, workshops, and meetings relating to child development and family life.

Clothing and Possessions

Due to our changing seasons, please ensure proper clothing for indoor and outdoor play. Please label all articles of your child's clothing. In case of an accident, we request a full change of clothes be brought to the Centre. Please return all "daycare clothing" (emergency clothing we sometimes use for the children in the event that they do not have extra clothing) as soon as possible. Donations of such clothing are most welcome.

Criminal Reference Check

In accordance with the policy of the Ministry of Community & Social Services, all successful candidates for either full-time, part-time or replacement employee positions who have direct contact with the children under the Centre’s care will be required to provide a criminal record check. This check must be renewed on an annual basis for supply teachers and every second year for permanent employees.

Child Abuse

The four areas covered under the term child abuse are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and child neglect. In an individual case there could be only one form of abuse or a combination of types of abuse. Child abuse is a serious occurrence by definition of the Day Nurseries Act. It is the legal responsibility of every person including volunteers, students, or support staff who have contact with a child in a child care centre to report the suspicion of child abuse to the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa-Carleton. Persons failing to report the suspicion of child abuse are subject to legal action and a fine if convicted.

[Child and Family Services Act. 1984, section 68 (2) (3) (4) and section 81 (1) (b)].

DUTY TO REPORT SUSPICION OF CHILD ABUSE
REFERENCE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES ACT
Section 68 (1), (2), (3) and (4), and Section 37 (2)

Cases of Suspected Child Abuse

The Executive Director Supervisor shall ensure that all staff are familiar with the Child and Family Services Act in reporting cases of suspected child abuse.

Possible Abuse by Persons Other Than BCCC Staff Members:

1. Staff Responsibilities:
   1. Care should be taken to ensure that the suspicion of abuse is based on reasonable grounds. Note, however, that staff members are not required to seek proof of abuse.
   2. A staff member who suspects’ child abuse shall not discuss his/her concerns with other staff members (except the Supervisor), the parents of the child, or the child. This function is to be handled by the Children's Aid Society.
   3. When a staff member has "reasonable grounds" for believing that abuse is occurring, she/he shall verbally inform the Supervisor and or the Executive Director of her concerns.
   4. Staff should continue to maintain their relationships with the parents as outlined in the appropriate job description.
   5. If the Supervisor and or the Executive Director do not agree that there are reasonable grounds for reporting the possibility of abuse to the Children's Aid Society, the staff member may do so at his or her own discretion. The Supervisor will consult the Executive Director.
2. Supervisor's Responsibilities:
   1. The Supervisor shall provide a careful second opinion to determine whether there is in his/her opinion, sufficient grounds for reporting the case to the Children's Aid Society.
   2. The Supervisor shall not discuss the teacher's observations with the parents or attempt to obtain additional evidence through discussions with the parent or other staff members. These tasks are the responsibility of the Children's Aid workers who investigate cases of possible child abuse.
   3. When the Supervisor is convinced that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting child abuse, she shall immediately report the teacher's observations, as well as her own, to the Children's Aid Society and the Executive Director.
   4. Interpretation of this information should be left to the Children's Aid investigation. Concurrent with the report to the C.A.S., shall the document her/his involvement in memorandum form.

Possible Abuse Of A Child By A Staff Member:

1. Staff Responsibilities:
   1. Any staff member who has "reasonable grounds" for suspecting that another staff member has abused a child enrolled in the center shall verbally report her concerns to the Supervisor.
   2. The Supervisor shall immediately prepare meticulous documentation of all information pertaining to the alleged abuse. The report shall be forwarded to the Executive Director who, in turn, will forward it to the Board of Directors for consultation.
   3. The Supervisor, in the presence of the Executive Director, shall discuss the report with the staff member who is the alleged source of the abuse.
   4. When the Supervisor has reasonable grounds for suspecting child abuse by a staff member, she shall inform the parents of the situation with the Executive Director and meticulously document the details of this discussion.
   5. If the Supervisor has reasonable grounds for suspecting a staff member of child abuse, she shall temporarily suspend the staff member.

The Executive Director shall meet with the Board of Directors and counsel for the Centre.

Confidentiality

PRINCIPLES OF CONFIDENTIALITY
DN - 0203 - 07

Information that is disclosed to the Centre regarding children and families is considered confidential. Request for any such information is to be referred to the Supervisor or the Executive Director. The Centre may release information regarding a child or his/her family, without parental consent, to officials of:

1. the Courts(following a warrant or a court order);
2. the office of the Ombudsman;
3. the Ministry of Community and Social Services; and
4. the Children’s Aid Society.

A child's record is considered privileged and confidential.

1. The right to every child and family to privacy is recognized and protected to the greatest extent possible.
2. Parents have access to their child's records at any time.
3. Written consent of a parent is required prior to the release of personally identifiable information to third parties. A release of information form is to be used.
4. A child's file is never to leave the premises of the Barrhaven Child Care Centre.

RELEASE WITHOUT CONSENT

Access to a child's records without parental consent may only be given to officials of the following jurisdictions:

1. Coroner's Office.
2. Courts in response to a warrant or court order.
3. Ombudsman.
4. Authorities vested in provincial or federal statutes.
5. Minister and officials to whom he/she has delegated the authority.

Fees

Upon enrolment, the Parent agrees to submit the non-refundable registration fee and payment equivalent to two week’s fees, along with the required registration forms and medical certification. All fees are paid in advance. Payment is to be made by a series of post dated cheques biweekly, or by other arrangements as mutually agreed between the Centre and the Parent. The cheques are made payable to the Barrhaven Child Care Centre and must be provided to the Office Manager (at the Malvern location, cheques should be given to the Supervisor) prior to the commencement of each of the following twelve-week sessions:

1. First week of January until the last week of March
2. First week of April until the last week of June
3. First week of July until the last week of September
4. First week of October until the last week of December

Fees remain the same regardless of absence due to statutory holidays, holidays or illness. Non payment, late payment and dishonoured cheques will, at the absolute discretion of the Centre, be deemed to be a breach of this agreement by the Parent, giving rise to the termination of services and withdrawal of the Child from the Centre.

Late Fee Policy

The Centre closes promptly at 6:00 p.m. Parents are required to notify the Centre as soon as possible, if they are unable to arrive by closing time. A late fee of $1.00 for every minute that a child remains in the Centre after 6:00 p.m. will be charged. Time will be calculated using clocks designated at the Kennvale and Malvern sites. Parents must sign a late sheet as they are leaving the Centre. Cash payment must be made to the office within 24 hours. Violation of the late fee policy may, at the absolute discretion of the Centre, result in termination of childcare services.

Field Trips

The toddler and preschool programs may take walking excursions in the local community including parks. These excursions should not include motor transportation. No private vehicles, other than the case of a parent/guardian transporting his/her own child, will used for transportation of any child in any program provided by the Centre. On field trips, a ratio of one staff member to five children will be maintained for all children under age 7. Parents will be notified in writing as to the details of any scheduled field trips. Written parental authorizations forms will be distributed and must be signed and returned to the Centre in order for your child to participate. Parents are encouraged to accompany his/her child on a field trip.

An authorization form, in the registration package, acknowledges parental permission for a child to leave the premises for neighbourhood walks and visits to local parks.

Fire Procedure

Section 27 (1) (DN-0802-02)

Fire Prevention

A. General Instructions:

1. All flammable materials must be stored in the storage room and be inaccessible to the children.
2. All electrical outlets that are within the children's reach are to be covered.
3. A non-smoking policy is to be enforced on the premises of the Barrhaven Child Care Centre.
4. It is imperative that all parents sign their child in and out as they arrive and leave.
5. With regards to the Resource Centre, all parents must also sign themselves in and out.
6. The meeting areas are: Kennevale: along the fence in the play yard of the school, adjacent to the Resource Centre. School age are to meet on the grassy area at the front parking lot of the school At Malvern, the staff and children meet on the grassy hill in front of the parking lot.

B. Staff Duties for Fire Preparation:

1. Ensure that all children, staff and volunteer parents are well informed as to the fire evacuation procedure.
2. Teach the following to the children:
   1. stop their play when the alarm is sounded and look at their teacher.
   2. walk to the exits where the teachers are standing and exit the building.
3. New children and special needs children are to be given special attention during fire drill preparation, fire drill practice and emergency evacuation.

C. Executive Director directly or through the Supervisor's Duties: General Fire Preparation:

1. Ensure that alarm systems and fire extinguishers are to be inspected once a year and the date of inspection is to be recorded in the Fire Record Book.
2. Arrange for the designated place of shelter and obtain written approval on a yearly basis.
3. Advise staff and parents of the designated place of shelter.
4. Educate the staff on the operation of the fire alarm system:
   1. location of the fire alarm boxes
   2. method of setting alarm signal on and off.
5. Orient the staff and supply staff regarding the fire preparation/evacuation procedure and have them sign the proper forms.
6. Review evacuation procedure yearly with the staff, including designated meeting areas outside the building.
7. Conduct fire drills once a month.

Evacuation Procedure

A. Fire Detection:

1. If fire is discovered sound the alarm immediately and evacuate the building.
2. The Executive Director and or the Supervisor will call 911 (Fire Department).

B. Evacuation Procedure: General Instructions

1. Evacuate the building using procedures posted in each room. Note also duties listed below for all staff.
2. Remain in designated areas until instructed further by the Supervisor, custodian, or the Fire Department.
3. If necessary, proceed to the designated place of shelter.
4. The Executive Director and or the Supervisor shall ensure that all parents are notified.
5. Remain calm.

C. Executive Director and or the Supervisor’s Duties:

1. Executive Director and or the Supervisor's route will be sweeping and closing all doors in the following areas:

1. At Kennevale: Kindergarten 4 and 5, dining room, toddler room and Resource Centre. At Malvern: both program rooms, washrooms, cubby area, staff room and kitchen.
2. Exit the building and check with all Head Teachers to ensure that no children are missing.
3. In the case of a real fire, assist children and staff to designated place of shelter.
4. Contact the parents of the children and request that they make arrangements to pick them up immediately.
5. Contact the Program Supervisor (M.C.S.S.) within 24 hours of the serious occurrence.
6. For each fire drill, record the date, time, and person who conducted the fire drill. Record the fire drill in the Fire Record Book.

D. Head Teacher's/Coordinator Duties:

1. Bring attendance sheets and emergency contact numbers.
2. Walk children to the exits doors an escort them to the designated meeting place.
3. In the absence of the Head Teacher, the evacuation duties will be followed by Level 2. In the absence of a Level 2 staff, it will be followed by a Level 1 staff.

E. Teachers' Duties:

1. Walk children to the exits doors an escort them to the designated meeting place.
2. In the absence of the Head Teacher, the evacuation duties will be followed by Level 2. In the absence of a Level 2 staff, it will be followed by a Level 1 staff.

F. Family Resource Coordinator's Duties: (Kennevale)

1. Parents pick up their child and walk them to the nearest exit to the school yard area.
2. The co-ordinator will close all doors and windows.
3. The co-ordinator will take the attendance book and registration cards ensure that all children and parents are located outside the building at the designated spot.
4. The co-ordinator will report any discrepancies to the Director.
5. Record the names of all adults and children leaving the premises.
6. Co-ordinator directs the children, parents and staff back to safety.

G. Nursery School Supervisors Duties: Fire Preparation (Kennevale)

1. Ensure that teachers and volunteers are familiar with the evacuation procedure.

H. All Staff: Fire Evacuation

1. Follow all steps required for evacuation from the building. See Evacuation Procedure.

I. Evacuation Procedure: Family Resource Centre

1. Parents pick up their child and walk them to the nearest exit to the school yard area.
2. The co-ordinator will close all doors and windows.
3. The co-ordinator will take the attendance book and registration cards ensure that all children and parents are located outside the building at the designated spot.
4. The co-ordinator will report any discrepancies to the Director.
5. Record the names of all adults and children leaving the premises.
6. Co-ordinator directs the children, parents and staff back to safety.

J. Evacuation Procedure: Office Manager

1. Ensure that everyone has left the following rooms: staff room, staff washroom, pre-school room, toddler room, nursery school room, kitchen and dining room.
2. Shut windows and doors.
3. Proceed outdoors to inform the Executive Director that her/his area is empty. In the event of a real fire, assist in bringing the children to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School.
4. In the case of a real fire, assist Director in notifying all parents.

K. Evacuation Procedure: Cook

1. The cook is to turn off stove elements, close the windows and kitchen door.
2. Assist the toddlers in their evacuation procedure.
3. In the event of a real fire, the cook will assist the Office Manger in contacting all parents.

Health Practices

Section 32 (DN - 0802 - 03)

Physical Plant

All playrooms, kitchen, washroom floors are swept and disinfected each day. They are cleaned after the children leave at 6:00 p.m. The administration office and staff room is cleaned after 6:00 p.m. each day.

Washrooms

All washrooms are sanitized after the centre closes at 6:00 p.m. The custodian is responsible for maintaining an adequate supply of paper towels, soap, toilet paper, etc.

Kitchen

The floor is swept and washed daily with disinfectant. The counters and sinks are cleaned daily with disinfectant. Stoves, fridges and cupboards are cleaned daily. An industrial dishwasher or an approved ‘three sink method’ with Javex is used to clean all dishes and utensils.

Hairnets are to be worn by kitchen staff. The kitchen is out of bounds to everyone except the cook while food is being prepared. The cook or anyone preparing or serving food is to practice proper hand-washing using a germicidal soap and hot water, washing for approximately 30 seconds in order to ensure proper cleaning of hands. They are also to wear an apron or smock.

Toys and Equipment

Toys and play equipment are disinfected weekly or sooner if they become soiled. Shelves and children's cubbies are disinfected weekly.

Cots

Cots are scrubbed down and disinfected bi-weekly by a staff member or a volunteer.

Linens

Clean face cloths are used every day. After lunchtime they are laundered for the following day.

Sheets on the children's cots are washed weekly. Blankets are washed monthly or as they become soiled. If a child is sent home ill, the sheets and blankets are washed immediately and the cot is disinfected.

Garbage

Garbage is removed daily. Diapers are to be removed from the room and placed in a closed container in the laundry room for disposal at the end of the day.

Toddler Toys

Staff are to sanitize daily toys that the toddlers have placed in their mouths.
Toddler Diapering Procedure:

1. Wash hands. Put on gloves.
2. Collect all items from child's cubicle. Place individual change pad on sanitized surface.
3. Obtain child from playroom.
4. Wash the child's diapered area with wipes as authorized by the parent. Dispose of each and every wipe into the diaper pail. In the event that a child cannot be diapered accordingly, parents will asked to provide the necessary items (i.e. wash clothes, paper towel, etc.). Such items should be put into a plastic bag, then given to the parent to be laundered at home.
5. Do not turn away from the child. Keep one hand on the child at all times.
6. Wash the child's hands.
7. Take the child back to play area.
8. Return to change table, disinfect change pad and place in individual bin. Wash hands with disinfectant soap thoroughly for approximately 30 seconds.

OTHER CHILDREN AND STAFF

Washroom Routine

Children are to wash their hands with soap and water, after they have been to the toilet. They dry their hands on a paper towel, and then dispose the dirty paper towel in the garbage bin.

Lunch Routine

Children wash their hands with soap and water before lunch and dry them off with a paper towel. After lunch, the children again wash their hands and then their face with their own face cloths. The cloth is then deposited in the laundry bin to be laundered.

Other Hygienic Practices

Staff members are to practice proper hand-washing procedures after completing washroom routine with the children. Before handling any food, they are to wash and dry hands thoroughly.

When caring for a "sick" child, the teacher should wash hands prior to taking a temperature and afterwards to prevent germs from spreading.

Before and after handling any pet, persons must wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Before and after administering first aid staff must wash her hands thoroughly. Staff are required to wear plastic gloves when treating a child who is bleeding or requires any other form of First Aid.

Playground Area

All staff members are responsible for ensuring that the children tidy up the toys in the play area prior to coming inside. Paved areas should be swept daily and the yard should be litter-free.

HEALTH

The DAY NURSERIES ACT recommends that prior to a child starting in a Day Nursery should have a complete medical. There are two medical forms in the registration package. A medical form, which requires the doctor's signature and the Day Nurseries Health Record, issued by the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Health Unit. The parent must fill out these forms and affix signatures where applicable.

Illness

In order to ensure the overall health and safety of all the children, we ask that you not bring your child to the Centre if he/she has:

From time to time there are additional health concerns that may arise and your child might be asked to remain home as per the health guidelines from the city.

Should your child develop a temperature of 1o1F or higher during the day, the staff will contact you immediately. Your child must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to the Centre.

1. An elevated temperature of over 101 F/40C or greater
2. Vomited within 24-hour period
3. Diarrhea (3 consecutive loose bowels) within 24 hours
4. Eyes/ears that have any kind of discharge
5. Visible rashes that have not been diagnosed by a physician
6. A severe cough, runny nose and/or congestion
7. Any communicable disease including: Impetigo, Coxsackie Virus, Fifth Disease, German Measles, Hepatitis A or B, Meningitis, measles, mumps, Pertussis (Whooping cough), ringworm, Scabies, Scarlet fever, strep throat, Tuberculosis. The child will be allowed back at the Centre following a doctor's examination and provision of a note indicating that the child is free of any disease.
8. Bronchitis or pneumonia

When the child, in the opinion of the staff, becomes ill during the day, you are expected to pick up your child within the hour. In the event we are unable to reach you, we will call the emergency contact to pick up your child. If a child has discharge from the eyes, a rash or any other ailment that cannot be identified, the Health Department requires a physician to ensure the child is not contagious. A form from the Health Department will be provided to you to be completed by the physician in order for reentry to the Centre.

It is a licensed requirement that all children play outside, weather permitting. Your child should return to the Centre well enough to participate in outdoor activities. Children are not permitted to stay inside, as staffing does not allow for this.
Good dental care is encouraged. Parents are required to supply a toothbrush and asked to replace as needed.

Children require sunscreen from May to September. The Centre provides sunscreen through parental contribution. If parents do not with to contribute to the program, sunscreen, they must supply their own, These containers must be clearly labeled.
Parents are required to supply tissue. Staff will notify you to replenish the supply of tissue as needed.

Integration Period

Children who begin in our Toddler and Preschool programs require an integration period of a few days. Typically, the child spends two hours the first two or three days, then three hours the next day towards full integration. The period of integration may be shorter or longer, dependant on the child’s ability to cope within the program.

On integration days, we ask parents/guardians to arrive at the Centre, with their child, at 9:00 a.m. or a time as agreed upon with the head teacher.

Nut-free

Every effort is made to ensure that nut products do not enter the Centre as we have children in attendance who are severely allergic to nuts. Information is available from the Health Department recommending healthy lunch and snack choices that do not include nuts or peanut butter. Please take extra caution when making your child’s lunch; be sure to read ingredient lists. Any nut products or nut traces in your child’s lunch will be removed, and sent home with a notice.

Playground Safety

All staff are required to read and sign that they understand the following policy:

SHARED PLAYGROUND SAFETY POLICY

Playground Supervision Statement

The Barrhaven Child Care Centre will comply with CSA Standard and the Ministry of Community and Social Services’ policy to provide a well-designed, well-maintained, creative and safe environment for children.

The Centre’s staff shall ensure supervision of children on all playgrounds to provide a safe outdoor play environment, which promotes creative and constructive play for children.

The Shared Playground Safety Policy will be adhered to as follows:

1. Staff ratios will be maintained on the playground at all times.
2. The designated playspace, area and equipment will meet the CSA Standard. A reporting procedure will be established to gain and maintain compliance.
3. A Playground Safety Log will be used to provide daily inspections, monthly inspections, seasonal inspections, and annual inspections. An Action Plan will be developed to reflect the above mentioned inspections. Copies of these reports will be on file at the childcare centre. The childcare centre will use a Playground Safety Log to detail the injury reports.

Playground Safety Requirements

1. The custodian from the Ottawa Carleton District School Board will be responsible for logging the a) daily inspections; b) monthly maintenance inspections; c) seasonal maintenance inspections and plans; d) doing the maintenance and repairs, and e) performing the annual inspections. The B.C.C.C. will log the injury reports.
2. An outdoor staff schedule and outdoor program plan will be posted and available for staff and parents. The outdoor program plan will provide for games and activities that will enhance gross motor play, the daily program and will provide creative stimulation.
3. The policy will be reviewed by staff prior to commencing employment and annually thereafter. A written record of the review will be signed by the staff as well as the person who made the review, and kept on file for at least two years from the time of entry.

PLAYGROUND SAFETY POLICY (Non-Shared)

Playground Supervision Statement

The Barrhaven Child Care Centre will comply with CSA Standard and the Ministry of Community and Social Services’ policy to provide a well-designed, well-maintained, creative and safe environment for children.

The Centre’s staff shall ensure supervision of children on all playgrounds to provide a safe outdoor play environment, which promotes creative and constructive play for children.

The Playground Safety Policy will be adhered to as follows:

1. Staff ratios will be maintained on the playground at all times.
2. Any new equipment or new renovations, repairs or replacements will be installed to meet the CSA Standard. Confirmation will be on file, verifying that all changes meet the Standard and is verified in writing by a Certified Safety Inspector.
3. A Playground Safety Log will be used to provide playground injury reports, daily inspections, monthly inspections, seasonal inspections, and annual inspections. An Action Plan will be developed to reflect the above mentioned inspections.

Playground Safety Requirements

1. A designated position will be responsible for logging the:
   1. daily inspections;
   2. monthly maintenance inspections;
   3. seasonal maintenance inspections and plans;
   4. doing the maintenance and repairs;
   5. the injury log, and
   6. the annual inspections.
2. An outdoor staff schedule and outdoor program plan will be posted and available for staff and parents. The outdoor program plan will provide for games and activities that will enhance gross motor play, the daily program and will provide creative stimulation.
3. The policy will be reviewed by staff prior to commencing employment and annually thereafter. A written record of the review will be signed by the staff as well as the person who made the review, and kept on file for at least two years from the time of entry.

Compliance with the Policies and Procedures of the Centre:

All are expected to be familiar with and adhere to at all times the Centres policies and procedures. Failure to do so may result in discipline.

Serious Occurences

DN - 0202 - 06

A serious occurrence can be defined as:

1. The death of a child while in attendance at a day nursery. (This includes death resulting from abuse, accident, suicide, medical or non-accidental causes).
2. Any serious injury to a child while in attendance at a day nursery.
3. Fire, or other disaster occurring on the premises of a day nursery.
4. A complaint concerning operational, physical or safety standards on the premises of day nursery (e.g. negative reports from the fire or health department when corrective action has not been taken).
5. Abuse of a child within the meaning of the Child Welfare Act by a staff member of a day nursery or by any other person while the child is attending the day nursery.
   1. NOTE:
      Abuse has been defined in section 47(1) of the Child Welfare Act as: "a condition of (1) physical harm; (2) malnutrition of mental ill-health of a degree that if not immediately remedied could seriously impair growth and development or result in permanent injury or death; or (3) sexual molestation."

PROCEDURES

A. Death of a Child:

In the event of a death of a child the Executive Director and/or Supervisor shall:

1. Contact the parents.
2. Ensure that all person having knowledge of the occurrence remain at the site until excused.
3. Contact the operators (Board of Directors).
4. Contact MCSS Program Supervisor within 24 hours. For after hour reporting, leave message with answering service at 239-4164.
5. The Executive Director/Supervisor writes and signs a preliminary report which should answer the following questions:
   1. what happened (description of the incident)
   2. when did it happen (date, time, etc.)
   3. when was it reported
   4. who was involved
   5. where did it happen
   6. why did it happen (if known, and to the best of the reporting person's knowledge)
   7. what action was taken
   8. what is the current status
   9. what further action is proposed
   10. who was notified about the incident (parents, police, Children's Aid Society, crown attorney, Ministry)
   11. would a more thorough investigation be necessary
   12. will there be a follow-up report
6. If necessary, seek legal advice.

B. Serious Injury

In the case of a serious injury the staff shall:

1. call 911 (ambulance)
2. administer first aid
3. contact the parents of the child.

The Executive Director/ Supervisor shall:

1. contact the parents of the child.
2. contact the operators (Board of Directors).
3. ensure that all persons having knowledge of the occurrence remain at the site until excused.
4. contact the Program Supervisor at MCSS.
5. report and complete serious occurrence form.

Smoking

Smoking on school grounds including the Child Care Centre is prohibited.

Student Teachers

Policy Regarding the Placement of Student Teachers in the Daycare

The Barrhaven Child Care Centre is very involved in the development of the students at local educational institutions. Several times throughout each year, the Centre approves the placement of students in any or all of the programs. This placement could be a one hour placement or as long as eight weeks. It is a great learning opportunity for the children, the students, and the staff. This is one of many ways that the student acquires new ideas and skills.

At times, the student will be observing a child and recording his/her actions and reactions. The names of the children do not appear anywhere. The purpose is to help the student learn the various observation techniques that they will use when they are in the field. The students are supervised at all times and are never to be left alone with a child at anytime.

Transportation

Transportation to and from the Child Care Centre is the responsibility of the parents. Where bussing is required, the parents are responsible for coordinating arrangements between the school and the Child Care Centre.
Please advise the Supervisor of all transportation arrangements at the time of enrolment.