Think of your child's comfort and independence and provide simple clothing that is free of complicated fastenings. We recommend washable, durable clothing and footwear, keeping in mind messy but fun art materials and activities. Smocks are provided to protect clothing; however, paint and/or glue may still end up on children's garments. An extra set of clothing (well labeled) may be brought and hung on your child's hook.
Parents of toddler room children are asked to provide a small supply of diapers and any other items your specific child will require at toiletting time. These should be stored in your child's backpack and carried back and forth as we do not have storage for these items. We do have a supply of clothing for children requiring occasional changing. If you have any children's clothing (underwear, socks, shirts, pants) to donate, we would appreciate it.
For safety reasons, soft soled shoes are best and it is not necessary to have an indoor pair and an outdoor pair. We remind you that slippers or sock feet are not satisfactory. Proper footwear is very important for traveling up and down the stairway, as well as for fire drills. Many parents choose to leave a well labeled pair of running shoes at the centre to prevent them from being forgotten.
Outdoor activity is an essential part of our program in all but extreme weather. We are out of doors daily, if possible. Please be sure your child is always dressed appropriately for the weather in order to have the most enjoyable and comfortable time out of doors.
Also, if there is any time when you feel that your child is not well enough to participate in outdoor play, please be reminded that all staff are required out of doors with the children so that they are well supervised. Therefore, we are not able to provide a staff member to stay indoors. You may wish to return before outside time to pick up your child.

It is the responsibility of staff conducting activities or supervising children to be familiar with rules, limits, and guidelines set forth by the centre, as well as the individual ages and needs of the children, to enforce the safety of the individual child as well as the group, ensuring safety or freedom of play is not infringed upon. All staff are alert, re-direct, guide, discuss, remind and model to maximize safety and minimize accidents. Consistent and positive interactions with behaviours are observed by all staff.

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOURS ARE HANDLED AS FOLLOWS:
* Positive reinforcement of others displaying appropriate behaviours.
* Re-directing inappropriate behaviours using other activities.
* Centre on appropriate behaviour (not the individual child)
* Discuss, remind, explain, appropriate/safe behaviour.
* Supervised removal from particular activity or area.
* Supervised re-entry into activity or area.
* Encourage problem solving between children.
* Reinforce child for appropriate participation.

THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ARE NOT ALLOWED OR PERMITTED BY STAFF, STUDENT TEACHERS, VOLUNTEERS, OR PARENTS DURING THE OPERATION OF THE PROGRAM:
* Corporal punishment (hitting, pulling, shaking, pushing, shouting, degrading language, humiliation, (etc.)
* Harsh or degrading measures that humiliate or undermine child's self-worth or respect.
* Deprivation of child's basic needs (food, shelter, clothing).
* Confining or locking child in room or area.
* Locking exits for purpose of confinement.

Any staff, volunteer, or student observed using corporal punishment will immediately be directed to leave the area and report to supervisor or delegate. After discussion, supervisor and executive board will take action, which may include: suspension without pay, credit for participation, or indefinite dismissal from duties. All related information and action taken will be on file.

PARENTS OBSERVED USING ABOVE INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WILL BE GIVEN A VERBAL REMINDER AND OTHER ACTION(S) AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY SUPERVISOR AND EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS.

All staff, students and volunteers are required to review all behaviour management practices and policies at time of employment and annually with the program supervisor or designate. All must ensure understanding and compliance will all policies, practices and procedures and indicate in writing their understanding. To ensure compliance, unplanned observations and visits are conducted by the program supervisor and any executive member. Behaviour management policy is reviewed annually by the operator or designate to ensure it remains appropriate and up to date. A written record for the purpose of monitoring behaviour management practices containing dates of reviews, observations, summaries of complaints, and discussions of unusual or inappropriate behaviours will be kept in a secure location and shall be retained on premises for 2 years after last entry.

Children should not be in attendance in the following situations:
* fever, vomiting, diarrhea within last 24 hours
* cold or flu with heavy nasal discharge or persistent cough
* irritable, fussy, cranky, generally unwell
* symptoms of possible communicable disease
* unable to participate in planned activity or outdoor activity

If illness occurs during session, child is separated from other children, comforted and reassured. Parent is contacted immediately and instructed to come to the centre. Staff will use any contact numbers to reach parent. Any outbreak of communicable disease must be reported to the centre immediately to enable us to notify the local health department and information is posted for other parents of the centre.

HEALTH/ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS:
The Day Nurseries Act stipulates that prior to admission, each child must be immunized as recommended by the local medical officer of health. ADMIT TO SCHOOL FORM is required. Prescription medication is administered by supervisor or designate in accordance with provincial legislation. The following are required:
* Written authorization, including dosage and frequency of drug.
* Medication in original container clearly labeled with child's name, name of medication, dosage, date of purchase, instructions for storage and administration.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT MEDICATION IS NOT STORED IN YOUR CHILD'S BACKPACK

GENERAL PROCEDURES ACCIDENT/INJURY/SERIOUS OCCURANCE:
After staff assessment, procedures outlined in St. John's Ambulance handbook are followed or medical attention sought. When emergency action appears to be warranted, the child will be transported by ambulance or vehicle to the nearest hospital immediately. A staff member will accompany the child and bring child's emergency information. In case of an injury or accident (emergency or non-emergency) child will be comforted, supervised and reassured by staff. An accident report will be forwarded to parent and kept in child's file. In case of serious occurrence, executive board of directors will be notified verbally and in writing. Program advisor at Ministry of Community and Social Service will also be notified and report will be completed and forwarded according to our procedures.
NOTE: unexplained bruises, marks, etc. which may suggest child abuse will be reported to Children's Aid Society.