350 Robson St. Nanaimo Bc. V9R 2V5 250 - 591 1394
policies
SAFE RELEASE OF CHILDREN To ensure safety of children, it is staff’s legal responsibility to ensure authorized safe pick up of each child. And to the extent that it is possible, to suggest alternatives to an authorized pick-up person who seems impaired. PROCEDURE While educators can not stop a guardian from picking up a child, they will encourage alternatives if necessary to ensure child safety and proper release of children: •Educators ensure: families sign out the child on the attendance sheet each day. • A note is made on the sign in sheet if a family has an alternative person picking up the child. o Alternative pick up person will be asked to produce ID (Driver’s License) • A family can note in the sign in book an alternative pick-up person for that day, or call/email the centre with this information. • Only release children to authorized persons • If an unauthorized person arrives to pick up a child, staff ensure: o The enrolling guardian will be contacted via phone to confirm release of the child. The staff will ask the guardian for: ▪ Pick up persons full name (matches driver’s license) ▪ Address ▪ Phone Number ▪ A physical description o The child will remain under the supervision of the child care staff If a parent/guardian or emergency contact appears to be intoxicated, arrives to pick up the child, they will: • Offer to call another contact to pick up the child (relative, friend, etc.): o Educator will call each emergency contact person in the child’s file if parent/guardian accepts this alternative • Inform the parent that if they choose to drive with the child they are obligated to call the police • If the presumed impaired person chooses to get in the car with the child, staff will immediately call 911 and notify the police. o During the contact with police, the manager/educator will call the Ministry for Children & Family Development IF they believe the child is in need of protection, or if the police will follow up. • Ensure the incident is properly documented and reported to the centre Manager/Director immediately
REPAYMENT AGREEMENT Once you agree upon all our procedures and policies and decide to enroll your child in our Centre, we will require a half month fee as a deposit paid by cash or by cheque payable to Jumping Jiminys Junior Care Inc. to secure a spot for your child. $200 shall go toward registration/admin fees, $300 shall go toward damage deposit (Refundable in the end if at all the child never damaged any property) This will be returned to you once your child leaves the centre with an appropriate notice or it can form a part of the last month fee. When you decide on leaving the centre or when the child is going to full day kindergarten and you do not require full time care anymore, we will need a full month’s notice starting from the first of the prior month. In case of an inappropriate notice, the deposit will not be returned. The parents/guardians are responsible to pay the full monthly fees or parent portion by the first of every month charged in advance. The fees are charged on enrolment basis and not on attendance so there is no fee reduction or compensation for sick days or missed days. We require the parents/caregivers to provide us with 6 months of post-dated cheques. In case the fees are not paid in full within the first 5 business days of the month, the childcare can be terminated with a 24-hour notice. A 50 dollars fee is charged for any returned cheque. If the parent/guardian becomes ineligible for subsidy, they will be responsible for paying the full monthly fees within 5 business days. If your subsidy takes more than 4 weeks, you are required to start paying immediately, however once the subsidy pays the centre we will refund you the paid amount less the parent portion. The centre will be closed for all statutory holidays, and from December 23 to New Year. There is no compensation in fees for days for which centre is closed or if the centre is closed due to extreme weather conditions like snow or power outages. If the centre decides to terminate care, the deposit and monthly balance will be refunded within 5 business days. The year end statement will be made available by Jan 31 of the New Year.
MEDICATION Prescription Medications shall be administrated at daycare under the following conditions: a) Prescription medication must be in the original container and clearly indicate date, doctor’s name, child’s name, name of the medication and length of time medication is to be administered b) Parents must complete “Permission to Administer Medication” form for each prescription c) Medication must be given to staff upon child’s arrival. Please DO NOT LEAVE MEDICATION IN CHILDRENS CUBBIES. Leaving medication in children’s cubbies poses a serious safety risk to all the children in the center. All medications kept on site Jumping Jiminys Junior care will be kept in a locked box d) Only regular staff members administer medication. No medication will be self-administered. e) When medication is administered, a staff member will record the date, time, how it’s taken (i.e. with milk, food) and sign the Permission to Administer Medication form f) Medication kept at the centre for ongoing care, must be up to date for the child to attend The staff person accepting the medication will be responsible for sharing the information given to them from parents with a staff member in the appropriate program. They are also responsible for ensuring that the form is filled out according to what is written on the prescription itself. Staff administering the medication must ensure the above criteria are present, as well as the following: • Check the medication expiry date. Medication that has passed the expiry date will not to be administered • Understand the physician’s instructions for administering medication • Record in day-book the child’s name, the type of medication and dosage information Medication Error A medication error has occurred if: a) The medication has been administered more than one hour before or one hour after the prescribed time b) The child has been given the incorrect medication c) The child has been given the incorrect dosage of medication d) Medication is administered incorrectly e) Medicine has been administered to the wrong child If a medication error occurs, follow these procedures, in this order: • Contact the pharmacy listed on the medication to consult with pharmacist regarding how to deal with the error • Call the family to let them know that the error has occurred • Write a Reportable Incident Form and contact the Community Care Facility Licensing officer if medical attention is required
DIAPERING & TOILETING Children under the age of three will not be left unattended in the bathroom • Only regular staff may toilet or diaper a child. • Universal health care precautions must be followed at all times • All staff must wear disposable gloves when diapering a child • The centre will provide supplies such as wipes and plastic bags • Staff will assist children with clothing when needed • Staff will assist children with wiping their bottom if required • Staff will help children with a hand washing routine • Staff will disinfect change table with sanitizing solution after each use • Staff will report abnormal skin or stool conditions to parent
INCIDENT REPORTING POLICY Reportable Incident Procedure First Step Daycare Center will maintain a daily log of non-reportable incidents which includes a description of minor accidents (not requiring medical attention), and other unexpected events that will be shared with parents/guardians on a regular basis. An event may occur that will be considered a reportable incident. That incident will be firstly reported to the parent/guardian then reported to the licencing officer of the facility from VIHA. Jumping Jiminys Junior Care licencing officer would be notified through a serious incident report within 24hrs. Staff evaluations of the event will be recorded; As well as immediate implementation of changes will take place to ensure safety. The following are definitions of reportable incidents: •Aggressive/Unusual Behaviour oAggressive or unusual behaviour by a person in care towards other person’s, including another person in care, which has not been appropriately assessed in the individual's care plan. •Emotional Abuse oAny act, or lack of action, which may diminish the sense of well being of a child in care, perpetrated by a teacher or staff member (e.g. verbal harassment, yelling, confinement) •Physical Abuse oAny physical force that is excessive for, or is inappropriate to, a situation involving a child in care and is perpetrated by a teacher or staff member. •Sexual Abuse oAny sexual behaviour directed towards a child in care by an employee of Jumping Jiminys Junior Care, volunteer or any other person in a position of trust, power, or authority. This includes: Any sexual exploitation whether consensual or not. Sexual activity between children if the difference in age or power between the children is significant that the older or more powerful child is clearly taking sexual advantage of the youngest or less powerful child. This does not include consenting sexual behaviour between adults. •Fall oA fall of such seriousness experienced by a child in care, as to require emergency care by a physician or too transfer to a hospital. •Medication Error oAn error in administration of a medicine which adversely affects a child in care or requires emergency intervention or transfer to a hospital. •Unexpected Illness oAny unexpected illness of such seriousness that requires a child in care to receive emergency care by a physician or transfer to a hospital. •Neglect oThe failure of a care provider to meet the needs of a child in care, (e.g. food, shelter, care, and/or supervision). •Other Injury oAn injury to a child in care requiring emergency care by a physician, or transfer to a hospital. •Disease Outbreak/Occurrence oAn outbreak or the occurrence of a disease above the incident level beyond that which is normally expected (if in doubt ask the local Health Authority). •Emergency Restraint oAny restraint use that is not approved and documented in a person’s care plan. •Service Delivery Problem oAny condition or event which could reasonably be expected to impair the ability of any staff member of Jumping Jiminys Junior Care, to provide care or which affects the health, safety, or well being of the children in care. •Financial Abuse oThe misuse of funds and assets of a child in care by a teacher/staff member. oThe obtaining of property and funds of a child in care by a teacher/staff member without the knowledge and full consent of the child in care or their substitute decision maker. •Missing/Wandering oA child in care who is missing from the daycare centre/field trip oParents will be notified oAuthorities called in to help find missing child •Motor Vehicle Injury oAn injury to a child that occurs during transit by motor vehicle while the person is under the care and supervision of Jumping Jiminys Junior Care. •Poisoning oIngestion of a poison or toxic substance by a child in care. •Attempted Suicide oAn attempt by a child in care to take his or her own life. •Death oExpected death Death primarily resulting from a disease of the body and not resulting secondarily from injuries or abdominal environment factors. oUnexpected death When a child dies as a result of violence, misadventure, negegence, miscinduct, malpractice, or suicide Suddenly and unexpectedly From disease, sickness or unknown cause, for which the child was not treated by a medical practitioner From any cause, other than disease, under circumstances that may require investigation
TOYS AND EQUEPMENT Toys and play equipment will be cleaned and disinfected weekly. Toys that go in children’s mouths will to be disinfected before being available for play.
INVESTIGATION & REPORTING Abuse Definitions of Abuse can be defined as a condition indicating exploitation, degradation, physical injury and/or deprivation of nutrition, affection or support; in circumstances, which indicate that such exploitation, degradation, pain, injury and/or deprivation are not accidental. Rarely is abuse and neglect an isolated incident. Every child has the right to a physically and psychologically safe environment. The welfare of the individual child is of utmost concern. Abuse of any description will not be condoned. Physical Abuse refers to the use of physical force by a person which results in an injury to a child. Physical Neglect is the chronic or episodic withholding of necessary physical care and supervision of a child which results in one or more basic physical needs not being met – food, nutrition, sleep, clothing, shelter, health care, safety and sensory stimulation. Emotional Neglect is the chronic or episodic withholding of necessary emotional care, guidance and support to a child. Emotional neglect includes inconsistent and unstable home environment, trust, acceptance and failure to communicate. Emotional Abuse is not as passive as neglect. Examples of emotional abuse are: constant chastising, belittlement, cruelty, physical and emotional rejection and isolation. Child Sexual Abuse means any sexual exploitation of a child whether the child “consents” or not. This includes sexual touching and intercourse. It may also include intentionally showing a child sexual behaviour. Sexual activity between children may be sexual abuse if there is a significant age or power difference between the children. Responsibility of Staff to Report Suspicion / Disclosure of Child Abuse It is the responsibility of the Director to ensure the Reportable Incident Form is filled out and submitted to the CCLF within 24 hours of the incident. Responsibility of Staff to Report Suspicion / Disclosure of Child Abuse Staffs that have reasonable grounds to believe that a child under 19 years of age is in need of protection or if a child has made a disclosure that is of concern staff are required by law to report the concern or disclosure to a social worker at the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Staff is not permitted to discuss the concern or disclosure with the family previous to the report being made. Reports made by staff are confidential and will not be confirmed. A child in need of protection is one who is physically, emotionally or sexually abused; physically neglected; abandoned; deprived of necessary care, medical attention or supervision. It is the responsibility of the Director to ensure the Reportable Incident Form is filled out and submitted to the CCLF within 24 hours of the incident. MCFD has responsibility to contact the family and if necessary the police. When a Child Discloses Abuse • It is important to be matter-of-fact in response and to not be visibly shocked, angry or upset • If the disclosure occurs during circle or group time, acknowledge the child’s statement, thank the child for sharing and immediately redirect the discussion. Staff will tell the child they will speak to him/her about it after the activity. Do not allow a “show and tell” situation to occur • Write down what the child said objectively in their words • Report the incident immediately to the district office of the Ministry of Children and Family Development and fill out a Community Care Facility Licensing Reportable Incident Form When a Parent Discloses Abuse If staff receives a disclosure from a parent that they are abusing their child or suspects that someone else is abusing a child, this information cannot remain confidential. It must be reported to the Community Care Facility Licensing. Staff Child Abuse Jumping Jiminys Junior care staff that are suspected or alleged to have abused a child in the program shall be immediately suspended. All incidents will be disclosed to the families involved and documented. An investigation into the situation will take place and will result in dismissal if deemed accurate. Contact with Parents Following a Report of Suspected/Disclosed Child Abuse When confronted by an angry parent, following a report of suspicion or disclosure of child abuse, staff shall not admit to reporting, acknowledge the parent’s feelings and explain to the parents that: • Staffs are required by law to report suspected or disclosed abuse/neglect • Failure to report abuse can result in prosecution under the Family and Child Services Act • Staffs are NOT permitted to contact the parent, unless specifically directed to do so by the MCFD or police • Staff concern is the safety and well-being of the child Apprehension of a Child While Attending Jumping Jiminys Junior Daycare In the event that a child is to be apprehended by the Ministry of Child and Family Development and/or the police, the director or senior staff member on duty (in the absence of the director) will be responsible for responding to the situation. The director/staff member will require the social worker and/or police officer to show identification. The director/senior staff member will record the name and title of the person apprehending the child and the address of the ministry office involved, as well as the date and time of the apprehension. Custody and Access Agreements If the parents live separately, Jumping Jiminys Junior Care will obtain that the information from the enrolling parent/guardian and will be followed strictly. However, without a custody or court order on file at Jumping Jiminys Junior Care cannot deny access to the non-enrolling parent. If a family has a custody or court order, a copy must be placed in the child’s personal file and details about all arrangements contained in the legal documents will be followed at all times. If a family changes their mind about the custody and/or court orders, legal written documentation must be provided to the Centre prior to the child being released to the person(s) named in the custody and/or court orders. Staff members of Jumping Jiminys Junior Care will call the police if assistance is required to enforce a custody or court order.
HEALTH & HYGENE POLICY In the case that there is concern for a public health issue in our local community of Nanaimo or with one of our families directly or indirectly, we will inform families about the percentage of children in our care that are vaccinated. Children who are unvaccinated will be excluded from our program until the concern passes. We reserve the right to request vaccination proof and or updates to our current vaccination records. We will rely on public health and licensing information and suggestions if we are in doubt of which way to move forward. Sleep Policy Children are required by licensing to have a rest period. Given that the preschool years are major transitional years from a sleep standpoint and given that children vary in every other dimension imaginable, it is likely that naps may be helpful for some preschoolers and counter-productive for others. We understand this and will try to work with families as much as we can to ensure that the needs of their children are being met. Children under the age of three will be encouraged to nap but will not be required to. We will move these children who genuinely tend to stay awake for the duration of naptime to the book area to give options on how to occupy their time. For children over three years of age, we will offer them a nap as an option but otherwise, they will have an opportunity for quiet play time. Children will not be left sleeping after 3 pm. Head Lice Policy Once head lice and nits are found on a child while at daycare the family will be called and is expected to pick up immediately. When live bugs are found, the child is considered contagious, and the sick policy will be followed as such. Families are to treat their children with a thorough comb out and/or pesticide shampoo before return to the centre. It is also required for families to follow up and re-comb out a child’s hair frequently for the next few weeks as shampoo does not kill the nits, which will hatch if missed during a comb out and start the cycle over. Head checks will be performed for all children in all programs once a discovery is made. Head checks will also be done on a child who has been diagnosed for a few weeks following a diagnosis to ensure that live bugs do not continue to be found. Families within the program will be notified that head lice has been found while keeping the confidentiality of the child. The daycare has a lice kit that families can borrow upon request. Bed Bug Policy If a case of bed bugs is suspected, and indicated by bites on a child’s body, we will refer to our sick policy to have a doctor conclusively rule out bed bugs aa a possible cause. If bed bugs cannot be ruled out, we will take the necessary precautions at the centre and notify families as well as ask the family to consult with a pesticide company and confirm that they have done (via contact with between the company and the daycare or via letter or invoice from the company) so before the child can return to daycare
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Jumping Jiminys Junior Care staffs have the following emergency plans for our location at 350 Robson St Nanaimo. Staff with first aid training will be responsible for assessing the medical needs of the staff and children, and are to bring these to the attention of the responding emergency crews. Lockdown Policy If there is a safety concern outside the daycare, it may require staff to lock down the centre by locking the doors and closing the windows. Staff will also take the children out of view of the windows and doors. 911 is to be called if there is an immediate threat and all of the children are to remain in a safe space until the police arrive. Children and staff are not to evacuate the building, as the threat to safety is presumed to be outside the centre. Emergency Exit Routes The Jumping Jiminys Junior Care building has 4 exits. All exits are located on the main floor. Exit signs are clearly marked and illuminated. Evacuation routes are to be kept clear at all times to provide ease of access. Fire drills are to be conducted monthly, and earthquake drill annually as per licensing standards. Evacuation Procedures Fire •Children are to gather at the main entrance (if possible) for their program and wait for a staff to open the door. Children and staff will evacuate using the safest exit. Staff will do their best to ensure all children are accounted for before leaving the building and checking again once at the assigned meeting space across the street. (This is practiced with the children during monthly fire drills). •Staff will gather the sign in sheet and the emergency back pack containing information and take the children outside to the front lawn of the building across the street. •If evacuation is necessary, staff will report to the pre-assigned evacuation area at St. Andrew United Church Parking Lot. Once assembled, all staff will check the attendance to ensure all children are accounted for and make every effort to locate any children or staff not in attendance. •Small kitchen or other small fires may be extinguished by an employee using an extinguisher. •Close but do not lock doors. •Emergency exit routes will be posted in each room Evacuation Procedures – Earthquake What happens during an earthquake? If you are near the source of an earthquake, you will hear a loud bang followed by shaking. If you are farther away, the first warning may be a sudden noise, roar or swaying of the building. Next, you will feel shaking, quickly followed by a rolling motion that rotates up, down and sideways. It is a frightening experience. A moderate earthquake may last only a few seconds while a larger quake could last several minutes. Be prepared for aftershocks. It is the staff’s responsibility to be sure that the children have a general familiarity of these procedures and of earthquakes in general. Earthquake drills with the children are practised annually, by announcing earthquake, assuming the drop cover and hold position for one minute, talking to the children about assessing damage and injury and what safety precautions may need to take place. If Indoors DO NOT RUN OUTSIDE. Immediately protect yourself by following the three step process of DROP, COVER, and HOLD. This is to make yourself as small of a target as possible, covering your head, neck and chest. DROP down to the floor; take COVER under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Encourage and help children to do the same. Hold this position for at least 40 seconds. If that is not possible, seek COVER against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid and face away from windows, hanging objects, glass partitions, mirrors, bookcases or tall furniture that could cause injury. If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it and HOLD the position until the shaking stops and it is safe to move. If you cannot get under something, flatten yourself or crouch against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Expect and prepare for aftershocks. If Outdoors DO NOT RUN INSIDE, unless it is the only refuge from falling debris such as in a downtown city core. Move to an open area away from windows, buildings, overhead wires or telephone poles and crouch down into a drop cover hold position. The most dangerous place is near exterior walls. Steer clear of crowded public places to keep safe from panic and trampling. Stay in your location for 40 seconds. Expect and prepare for aftershocks. After an Earthquake In the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, try to remain calm. You may find yourself in a position of taking charge of other people. Take care of life-threatening situations first. • Remember, you may be on your own for 72 hours (3 days) or more • Check yourself and others nearby for injuries - administer first aid quickly and carefully • Don't use the telephone, except in an (life-threatening) emergency. Daycare has one corded phone located in the kitchen cabinets next to the first aid kit • Check for structural damage and other hazards due to damaged gas lines, water mains or electrical systems. Use a flashlight to check utilities and DO NOT shut them off unless damaged • Our first response would be to shelter in place, if after assessment we deem it safe to do so
NUTRITION POLICY Heathy Eating •Children are served nutritious breakfasts, lunches and afternoon snacks. •Foods high in sugar, fat or salt are not consumed at the Childcare centre except for special events. •Menu is the same for all children and adapted according to the age of the child. •Children control how much they eat and are encouraged to eat by themselves. •Children are not permitted to bring beverages or foods from home without a special permission from JJJC. •Allow children to decide how much or little to eat, we will not force them to eat or to eat a certain amount •Allow children to decide whether or not to eat any meal, snack or specific food item. •Refrain from making negative comments about the food a child is eating •We shall have a peanut free facility Water •Water is the main beverage and is always made available to children in all rooms at JJJC Juice •100% pure fruit juice is only served once a month on the menu for a maximum serving size of half a cup per child. No other sugary drinks are allowed. Bottles and sippy Cups •Bottles are not allowed in the facility. •Bottles and sippy cups are not allowed at nap time. Allergies and special diets •Menus for children with special diets will be dealt with individually, as the need arises. •If a child has been diagnosed with food allergies, ensure that staff members get all clarification they need before the child starts to attend the childcare centre. •For an allergic child attending the centre, a commitment from his/her parents is needed to sensitize staff, children and their families to remain constantly vigilant around their allergic child. Meal preparation facility Jumping Jiminys Junior care shall prepare all meals in our commercial kitchen located in the facility. We shall have a weekly mean plan that shall be adhered to by our kitchen staff. Dishwashing All dishes, cups and cutlery used by the children must be washed and according to VIHA recommendations and will be air dried on dry racks. Birthday Celebrations Birthday treats from home or nut free treats from a bakery may be brought in for celebrations but MUST be approved by the director or program supervisor and must be nut free. Staff may make suggestions about other items to bring. Celebration food is not mandatory as staff will also celebrate children’s birthdays with a special birthday circle, book or activity.
COMPLAINT PLOLICY Jumping Jiminys Junior care supports and promotes the resolution of conflict in an environment of respect, openness, fairness and confidentiality. The JJJC staff will do their utmost to practice open, effective communication with all families and childcare staff. However, there may be times when a disagreement or dispute arises. It is important that the differences are heard and a form of problem solving, and conflict resolution takes place in a timely fashion. During these situations, staff will demonstrate constructive discussion and respectful communication. At all levels of discussion, records will be kept containing the date of discussion, details of the issue or concern, steps taken towards resolution, progress made, future steps to be taken and the date of the next meeting, if applicable. In most cases, a disagreement can be worked out by speaking about the specific problem to those who are directly involved. We encourage conflict to be resolved in this manner. However, if that is not possible, the following steps are outlined to assist in following through with a complaint. The eventual goal is to work towards solutions that are agreed upon by all those involved. Procedure a) A meeting will be set up with the individuals who are directly involved with the issue. The issues will be defined, and the participants will state their individual viewpoints. This may or not include the director and should always include the staff involved and the program supervisor. b) If the initial discussion is not satisfactory, a meeting will be arranged with the family and director within 7 days. c) If the second meeting does not resolve the issue, a meeting will be arranged including the family and the director and a member of the board of directors within 5 days.
SCREEN TIME POLICY Children in our care will be limited to no more than 30 min per day of screen time on electronic devise such as tv’s computers or electronic games. Parents will be notified of special movie days (no more than four times a year). OSC children who bring a device to daycare will be permitted to use the device no more than 15 min during free play time. Daycare will not be responsible for broken or lost devices.
BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE We regard discipline as a plan of training. Acceptable behavior is noted and approved, and we acknowledge this through words and gestures. A positive learning environment is the objective in all aspects of care and guidance towards the children of First Step Daycare, including those times in which difficult situations require disciplinary measures. Corporal punishment and other prohibited disciplinary practices as defined are absolutely prohibited in order to protect the emotional and physical well-being of the children in the care Jumping Jiminys Junior Care. Positive reinforcement helps children build self-confidence and encourages them to repeat desired behaviors. At Jumping Jiminys Junior Care, we believe children have the right to quality care which is safe and healthy and provides learning opportunities that promote their growth and development. To ensure a child’s safety and well-being and to foster social and emotional development, it is necessary at times to impose limits or set standards of acceptable behaviour. Teachers should be guided by their knowledge and understanding of a child’s growth and development, as well as an understanding of the individual child. In most instances, staff is encouraged to combine approaches or use several strategies as they respond to a child's behaviour. It is very important to remember that no one strategy will be effective in every situation, or with every child. When a child's behaviour becomes challenging for the staff and/or other children, an individual behaviour management plan may be required and in this case we would work with the parents and bring in the appropriate community resources to assist the family and centre in providing support and intervention for the child. Permitted Disciplinary Practices The following strategies are prevention oriented. They “set the stage” for a positive atmosphere and maximize opportunities for desirable behaviour and will help insure that guidance is supportive, rather than punitive. •Reminding Of Natural and Logical Consequences: Making the child aware of the results of their actions. Clarify and reinforce limits, simple reminders are helpful to young children. A statement of natural consequences simply clarifies the inevitable or unavoidable outcome of a behaviour. A statement of logical consequences clarifies the adult-arranged outcome of a behaviour. •Establishing Clear, Consistent & Simple Limits: They ensure children know what is expected. Teachers develop boundaries for the children, either as a group or individually according to the situation. Limits should be clearly related to the safety and protection of self and others, and the environment. •Limit the Use of Equipment: Redirecting often goes hand in hand with removing a piece of equipment from a child's play options. •Modeling Problem-Solving Skills: When children face discharging or frustrating situations, it is natural for them to lose control. oSome ways to help model problem-solving skills are: Providing coping skills is to acknowledge the problem Pose helpful questions, e.g. “have you asked him?” “what happened?”etc. If further guidance is necessary, state a solution or physical demonstrate When the situation has been resolved, it is helpful to summarize it so the child gets a clear understanding of what just happened. •Providing Choices: Teachers outline appropriate choices and children are encouraged to make decisions for themselves. •Anticipating: Teachers plan and prepare the environment in such a manner to avoid conflict •Use Proximity & Touch: Simply moving close to the child, moving between two children, or even putting your arm around the child can serve as effective guidance and intervention. •Acknowledge Feelings Before Setting Limits: In order for children to perceive our guidance as support, it is important for them to know that their feelings are recognized and understood. •Providing Opportunities for Children to Make Amends: Rather than demanding a superficial apology, offer genuine opportunities for children to restore relationships after an incident of hurt or harm. •Redirection/Time Away: Persistent refusal to abide by the rules of the safety for others and the environment may, on occasion, require that a child be removed from the situation. Time away can show children that being redirected from an overstimulation environment to a more calming area allows them to manage their own behaviors before inappropriate behaviors occur or escalate. Prohibited Disciplinary Practices There shall be no: • Corporal Punishment of a child. •Use of harsh or degrading measures or threats or use of derogatory language directed at or used in the presence of a child that would humiliate, shame, or frighten the child or undermine his or her self-respect, dignity, or self-worth •Depriving the child of basic needs including food, drink, shelter, sleep, toilet use, clothing or bedding •Inflicting any bodily harm on children Harmful Actions Not Permitted 52 (1) As a licensee we will ensure that a child, while under the care or supervision of Jumping Jiminys Junior Care, is not subjected to any of the following: (a)shoving, hitting or shaking by an employee or another child, or confinement or physical restraint by another child; (b)confinement or physical restraint by an employee, except as authorized in a child care's plan if the care plan includes instructions respecting behavioral guidance; (c)harsh, belittling, or degrading treatment by an employee or another child, whether verbal, emotional or physical, that could humiliate the child or undermine the child's self-respect; (d)spanking or any other form of corporal punishment; (e)separation, without supervision by a responsible adult, from other children; (f)as a form of punishment, deprivation of meals, snacks, rest or necessary use of a toilet. (2) As a licensee, we will ensure that a child is not, while under the care or supervision Jumping Jiminys, subjected to any of the following types of abuse or neglect, as described in section 1 of Schedule H: (a)emotional abuse; (b)financial abuse; (c)neglect; (d)physical abuse; (e)sexual abuse. Informing Parents •Should a child’s behavior cause harm to another child or staff member, Jumping Jiminys Junior Care staff will act in accordance with the Health & Safety Policy – Children. Staff will contact the parents/caregivers of the responsible child to explain what has happened during pickup time or by a phone call during the day. •Persistent disruptive behavior, which lasts over a period of time, shall be brought to the attention of the Board by the Supervisor. •In all cases when parents are informed of a child’s behavior, staff will discuss the causal behavior with the parents and attempt to determine together if this is a pattern of behavior and how best to resolve the behavior in a positive, supportive fashion. •Staff will provide parents with information on local resources available for professional support if required. • Should the behavior persist and all local resources have been exhausted, the Board will request a meeting with the parents and staff to review the situation. •As a last resort and if required for the safety of the children and staff at First Step, the child may be removed from First Step Daycare at the discretion of the Board.
ALLERGIES & KITCHEN POLICY •Menus for children with special diets will be dealt with individually, as the need arises. •If a child has been diagnosed with food allergies, ensure that staff members get all clarification they need before the child starts to attend the childcare centre. •For an allergic child attending the centre, a commitment from his/her parents is needed to sensitize staff, children and their families to remain constantly vigilant around their allergic child. Meal preparation facility Jumping Jiminys Junior care shall prepare all meals in our commercial kitchen located in the facility. We shall have a weekly mean plan that shall be adhered to by our kitchen staff. Dishwashing All dishes, cups and cutlery used by the children must be washed and according to VIHA recommendations and will be air dried on dry racks.
The following are policies and procedures that guides the facility to provide parents with a clear understanding of what they can expect from the care services being provided. This aids in preventing any ambiguity about how particular situations/ issues are handled.