daycare, child care, preschool, nursery school, childcare, school care, before and after school care, out of school program, White Rock, South Surrey Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) www.gbpaliwa.com Cotara Club www.druckerei.pl www.japg.2g.pl www.2g.pl www.granitex.com.pl www.modlinski.com www.egccc.com www.bujniewicz.com www.google.com www.it.mdb.pl www.lokale.mdb.pl www.triada.mdb.pl www.arkady.mdb.pl www.sonet.mdb.pl www.egccc.com www.2lo.2g.pl www.cod.2g.pl www.vlo.2g.pl drukarnia Evergreen Child Care Centre
1185 Centre Street
White Rock BC V4B4C8

Phone: 604-531-8045
e-mail: dd@egccc.com Welcome to Evergreen Child Care Centre. It is our sincere hope that together we can provide a positive, exciting and enriching time for your child. Our Parents' Handbook is one opportunity to provide detailed information to you regarding our centre policies and procedures. Please read the terms of the document carefully. By clarifying mutual expectations we hope to avoid any problems caused by misunderstandings. The centre provides regular full time care for 72 children between the ages of three months and twelve years.


History of Evergreen Child Care Centre

Evergreen was originally established in 1991 as a preschool program. As we were forced to move, the hours were expanded and a school age program was added, but the program remained essentially the same - an unique combination of Montessori and Early Childhood Education is still in effect.

When we moved to our last location on Marine Drive, the centre expanded considerably, adding new spaces to pre-existing programs as well as starting our Infant/Toddler program. Now that we have moved to our new location on Centre Street, ten more spaces are being added.


Philosophy of Evergreen Child Care Centre

Evergreen Child Care Centre believes it is vital to provide a nurturing environment for children, and a support system for families. The centre provides a loving and supportive atmosphere in a caring and enriching environment, where the team of staff meet the individual needs for the social, physical, intellectual, creative, cultural and emotional development of each child.

At Evergreen Child Care Centre the team of staff will facilitate the individual child's development by encouraging the children to establish a positive self concept and providing opportunities for active participation through play and positive interaction with peers, adults and the environment.

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday 7 a.m. - 6p.m. We are open January through December with all the statutory holidays, including Boxing Day and Easter Monday, as our closures.


Staff

Evergreen's staff members are fully certified and licensed or are enrolled in an Early Childhood Education Program. In the Infant/Toddler group, the ratio of staff to children is 1:4. There is an Infant/Toddler Educator present at all times. In the 3-5 age group the ratio is 1:8. The Out of School program has a ratio of 1:10 or 1:15 depending on the ages of the children. All the staff members are required to hold a current first aid and C.P.R. certificate. Ten full time or part time staff are employed at the centre.


Parental Involvement

If you have a skill, craft talent or ability to share, we welcome your participation. Your occupation may be of interest to children; your cultural background may suggest an activity our class would enjoy; your musical talent or interest in home crafts could enrich our program. You will be delighted with your child's excitement and pride in your presence as much as the class will enjoy your contribution. Your participation in various field trips which we have is also welcome. Please let us know - we would be happy to have you.

Open Door Policy

We have an open door policy for parents to visit and spend time with their child. Parents are always welcome. We love having parents come with us when we spend time outside.


Confidentiality

An important part of this centre is the respect of confidential information. Any information discussed regarding children and parents will be kept confidential, as well as personal information that parents may share with us. Parent Orientation

The staff of the centre believe it is essential that parents feel familiar and comfortable with the centre. For your child to feel truly good about his/her child care experience, he/she must sense that you also feel good about the centre. As a new parent, you will be given an orientation to familiarize you with the centre, staff and children. You will also be taken on a tour of the centre, obtain information on registration and be asked to sign a variety of forms including a parent contract.

Child Orientation

Gradual entry is done on an individual basis to meet the varying needs of the child and parent. A general guide for orientation to the Child Care Centre, would be to introduce the child to the centre as gradually as possible.
Even for children who have been in group care before, being in a new centre can be overwhelming. The adjustment is easier if his/her parents spend time in the centre with the child for the first few days. Before actually starting at the centre, the child may be brought to the centre to be shown around. Details of the orientation should be arranged with the staff prior to the visit.

Arrivals

All parent/guardians are required to sign their child in each day. Upon arrival please:
-Sign your child in.
- Help him/her hang up his/her coat, and change into indoor shoes.
- Inform the staff of anything which might affect his/her day.
- Parents of infant/toddlers should store food in the refrigerator.
When your child is signed in every day, please specify who will pick him/her up at the end of the day. If the parent knows that they will be having someone else pick up their child, they are requested to let the staff know who that person will be, either on the sign in sheet or by phone call to the centre.
Parents are encouraged to say good-bye to their child, so the child is aware that they are leaving. Depending on the child's needs, he/she may wave goodbye through the window, spend quiet time with a staff member, join in the activities or spend time on his/her own.
Parents are encouraged to store the child's belongings, so the staff may focus their attention on the needs of the child.

Departures

Upon departing from the centre, the staff asks you to:
-Sign your child out.
- Pick up your child's lunch box and art work he/she may have in his/her cubby.
Each parent is expected to inform the centre of their expected departure time. If the departure times change, parents are requested to phone the centre to let the staff know the new departure time.
When a child leaves the centre for the day, the parent/guardian is required to sign their name on the daily attendance sheet as verification that they have picked up their child. The child's leaving must also be brought to the attention of a staff member in that department. The staff and/or parents gather the child's belongings to take home.

Late Departures

The centre closes at 6:00 p.m. and we are frequently asked what the procedure would be if the child has not been picked up. If the parent is late in arriving at the centre, a late fee of $1 for every minute after 6:00 p.m. applies and is to be paid immediately to the staff on duty.
If the parent/guardian has not contacted the centre to notify the staff of the reasons for the delay, the following procedure is used:
-The staff member will immediately try to contact the parent/guardian at home and work as listed on the registration form. They would then call the emergency contacts and explain the situation and request that they come and pick up the child.
- If calling the emergency contacts is not successful, and a reasonable time period has elapsed, the staff member would contact the Ministry for Children and Families and ask them to pick up the child. The staff member will post this information at the entrance to the centre for the parent/guardian should these events take place.

Attendance

All parents and guardians are required to inform the centre of the dates and times that their child/children will be attending. Parents are asked to please inform the centre by 9:30 a.m. if your child is sick or will not be attending that day. Parents are asked to arrive at the centre by 10:00 a.m. to make the most of the program. Shortly after 10:00 we usually go outside or leave for field trips so the centre may be empty.

Withdrawal

Evergreen Child Care Centre requires written notice of termination one month prior to your child's departure from the centre.
If for whatever reason, the staff feel the child is not benefiting from the program, and that the centre is not the right place for your child, the parents may be asked to withdraw their child. However the centre will attempt to explore all alternatives and resources available before requesting withdrawal.

Absenteeism

When a child is absent for holidays, or away due to illness, public school closures or whatever else could cause irregular attendance, the full fee is payable in order to hold the space at the centre.
Unpaid fees will be considered a “vacancy” in the centre, and your child's space could be filled.

Toys and Items From Home

Please leave toys at home. Unfortunately, special toys tend to become lost or broken. Some children manage to share, but most find it difficult. Each child will have a V.I.P. day when they can bring their favourite toy to “share” with the group. Evergreen Child Care Centre cannot be responsible for any toys brought from home.

Celebrations

When special events occur, such as Valentine's Day, Christmas, etc., the staff usually plan some fun festivities. Parents are welcome to bring something special for their child to share with the other children. For these special occasions, we post a “sharing” sign several days prior to the event, so the parent can tell us what he/she will bring to share.

Sharing of Birthdays

Parents are welcome to share their child's birthday with the other children in the program by bringing a birthday cake. A non-chocolate cake is suggested. The centre will provide plates and forks. Please inform staff in advance if you wish to do this.

Field Trips

Walking field trips, such as short walks to a nearby park or the beach are a regular part of the program. Parents are asked to sign a permission form at the time of registration allowing the child to participate. Major excursions are pre-planned, well supervised, and announced in our monthly calendar. Parents are welcome to accompany the group on special field trips.

Calendars and Newsletters

A newsletter and/or calendar will be handed out at the beginning of each month to inform you of the month's program, birthdays of the month and any other information.

Health and Safety

- Your child must have his/her immunizations up to date before attending the centre.
- If there is any question of illness, please keep your child at home. Your child needs to be well enough to participate in all of our daily activities (indoor and outdoor).
- Should your child contact a communicable disease, please notify the centre, so other parents can be informed about it.
- Please ensure that the staff are informed of any allergies your child may have, as this could lead to serious problems if we are unaware, and your child suffers an allergic reaction.

Accidents:
Minor accidents such as scrapes and bruises will be attended to by the staff, and brought to the attention of the parent/guardian when the child is picked up.
Major accidents will be dealt with according to the following procedure:
1. A staff member will administer first aid. All staff members have an up to date first aid certificate.
2. The staff member will call the ambulance, and the child’s doctor if necessary.
3. The parent will be contacted immediately. If he/she is not available, a message will be left and/or the emergency contact person will be contacted.
4. If the child needs medical attention at the emergency department of a hospital, a staff member will accompany him or her.
5. Following any injury that requires medical attention a detailed report will be completed within 12 hours of the injury.
6. Following any head injury, a detailed report will be submitted to the Health Department within 24 hours.

Medication:
Staff can only administer medications when they come in the original container, clearly marked with the current date and dosage on the pharmacist label. Medication must be given personally to a staff member, and a permission form signed. The staff member who gives your child the medication will initial it along with the time it was given.
Non prescription medication will only be administered if accompanied by a note from the physician, and under the same regulations as prescribed medications.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of closure due to emergencies or weather conditions, the supervisor will contact each family.

BUILDING EVACUATION: The staff will be gathered with the children on the grass north of our building. In the event of picking up needed, the supervisor will be contacting each family to notify them of the situation.

Nutritional Policy

- Parents will provide their child with nutritious snacks and lunches.
- Parents will provide their child with milk, formula (if required), and/or juice.
- Parents will provide the centre with a list of all their child’s food allergies (and any other allergies they might have), which will be posted in the food preparation area.
- All food brought and prepared at the centre will be in accordance with Canada Food Guidelines. Please note: we do not accept baby food in jars. If you are using processed baby food, please put in a heat able container.
- Macaroni and cheese lunches should be prepared at home and brought in a heat able container.

Parental Provisions

- All food and drinks for the day
- A complete change of seasonal clothing,
Adding for:    Summer: sun hat, swim suit, water sandals
               Rainy Season: boots, muddy buddies, appropriate jacket with hood
               Winter: mittens, toque, muddy buddies, winter boots, warm winter jacket.
- One pair of slippers or inside running shoes for everyday use.
- One toothbrush
- One crib sheet
- One blanket for naptime
- Diapers/Pull-ups, wipes and diaper care of parent’s choice (if required).

* Bedding is to be taken home every other Friday, washed and returned to the centre the following Monday.
* All items must be clearly labeled with the child’s name.

Guidance and Discipline Policies

The purpose of guidance and discipline in our daycare is to provide a safe and healthy learning environment in which every child can feel secure. Each child will be encouraged and supported to develop positive relationships with peers and staff. Staff will strive to be appropriate behavioural models, showing respect for children, parents, co-workers, and their environment.

Parents can expect that the staff will:
- Demonstrate affection and caring to your child through appropriate forms of verbal and physical interaction.
- Maximize opportunities for appropriate and positive behaviour for your child throughout the program activities.
- Provide clear, simple, and consistent limits regarding appropriate behaviour within the centre; such limits will be offered in a positive manner. Harsh and belittling treatment, (verbal, emotional, physical), will not be used at any time.
- Give verbal direction and redirection as the main means of guidance and discipline.
- Recognize and help your child word his/her feelings in situations which may be difficult for him/her.
- Physically restrain your child only if he/she presents physical danger to either him/herself or peers; such restraint will protect your child until your child feels he/she is once again in control of him/herself.
- Supervise your child at all times and will not remove your child to an unsupervised area as punishment.
- Ensure that no child is subjected to shoving, hitting, shaking, spanking or any other form of corporal punishment; is deprived of meals as a form of punishment.

Parents are encouraged to question staff if they are unclear about the handling of any incident within the centre. Staff will be pleased to discuss any question you may have about any aspect of guidance and discipline guideline.
As partners guiding your child through these key developmental years, it is desirable that staff and parents work closely and honestly together. Description of Program

The theme approach is used to facilitate the learning process, integrating songs, art, science activities, social studies, and cultural experiences, stories, field trips and dramatic play. Teaching is done indirectly by providing the children with a variety of age appropriate materials and directly by introducing them to new experiences.

The centre is set up into designated areas. Children are encouraged to choose from those areas which are of interest to them. The learning centres promote a balance between individual and group play, and between directed and free play. Our well equipped play areas offer a wide selection of play materials, experiences and activities that enhance learning and help your child develop independence and self confidence.

We emphasize the social aspect of group care, providing ourselves as models - a cooperative staff, sharing the work load and communicating openly. We help younger children with verbalizing, toileting, eating skills and the idea of sharing and caring. We help older children accept responsibility, and encourage much verbalizing of feelings and emotions.

Program Goals

The child care centre program provides experiences that meet the needs of the children and stimulate learning in all developmental areas.

Each child is viewed as unique person, with an individual pattern, and timing of growth and development. The curriculum, and adult intervention depend on individual differences in ability and interests. Different levels of ability, development and learning styles are expected, accepted, and used to design appropriate activities.

Interactions and activities are designed to develop children’s self-esteem and positive feelings towards learning.

Daycare Daily Schedule

7:00-9:40am: Children arrive and make their free play choices such as: art, table toys, blocks, dramatic play, or music activities. This is also the time for individual learning when phonetic sounds, early science, geography and math are introduced with Montessori.
9:40-10:00am: Children are tidying up their toys and are involved in a morning circle directed by the teacher. This is a time to work on the daily calendar and weather. Also show and tell time for V.I.P.
10:00-10:10am: Snack time. Each child brings his/her own nutritional snack. Suggestions: cheese and crackers, fruit pieces, vegetable sticks.
10:10-10:30am: Story time connected with the daily theme. It may be a book read by the teacher, a felt board story, or puppet story. New songs and finger plays are also introduced at this time.
10:45-11:45am: If it is nice outside the children may go to the beach, for a walk, around the neighbourhood or play in the playground. If it is raining the children are free to choose their own activities inside or join in with teacher directed ones such as felt board stories, games, or use musical instruments.
11:45-12:00pm: Children join circle and sing songs while they wait their turn to wash hands and take their seat at the lunch table.
12:00-12:30pm: Lunch time. The staff encourages this time of the day to be a social event, where the children can talk quietly with the teachers and amongst themselves. The children’s lunch should include:
- sandwich or soup
- fruit or vegetable
- juice, milk or water
- dessert (if desired) fruit snack, cookies, yoghurt, or cheese. Please do not send junk food such as chocolate bars, chips, cheezies, candy, gum.
12:30-1:00pm: Children put their lunches away, go to the washroom brush their teeth, and wash their faces and hands and then after the naptime story, lie down on their mats.
1:00-2:30pm: During this time we expect the children to sleep; however, we understand that some children may only rest quietly. If a child does not fall asleep, he/she must lay on top of their mat until the other children are asleep. He/she is then allowed to read books or do puzzles (During this time the staff are taking their breaks, setting up afternoon activities and cleaning the lunch room, disinfecting the bathrooms, and mopping the floors).
2:30-3:00pm: As the children wake up they put their bedding away, wash their hands, and join the others already playing with toys.
3:00-3:15pm: The children eat their own snack.
3:15-3:30pm: Circle time when known songs are repeated and new materials are introduced.
3:30-4:55pm: Depending on the weather, the children will spend the afternoon outside playing in the sandbox, on the climber, or playing with the outdoor toys. They may also join in the afternoon art projects or games and activities.
4:55-5:05pm: The children come inside and wash their hands. They join in a circle and listen to stories, sing songs, and do finger plays.
5:15-6:00pm: The children choose activities set out on tables such as: play dough, board games, books or table toys while they wait for their parents to arrive.

Pre-school Program Schedule

9:00-9:15am Free play – Children will enjoy playing in different centres: blocks, dramatic area, floor toys, etc.
9:15-9:45am Good morning circle – greeting, going over the calendar and weather. It can also be music time which will incorporate body movement activities.
9:45-10:00am Washroom routine – washing hands and getting ready for snack.
10:00-10:15am Snack time
10:15-11:00am Free art activities – easel, cutting/pasting, drawing, etc.
11:00-11:30am Outside play
11:30-12:15pm Story time – stories are told using different props, for an example, felt stories, puppets, tapes, etc. which are connected with the daily theme. This is also a learning time when new concepts and phonics will be introduced.
12:15-12:45pm Lunch
12:45-1:00pm Goodbye circle – while waiting for parents, children will sing songs that we have learned and say goodbye to each other. Philosophy and Goals

The goal of this centre is to provide childcare for parents working or attending full time school. Childcare revolves around the needs of both parent(s) and the child. It is a three way partnership between parent, child and caregiver.

We provide a warm, caring environment where all individuals involved have input and feel accepted. We believe that childcare is not a substitute, but is a continuation of the parent’s caring and concern for their child. We provide an environment which supports the family’s beliefs for their child.

Children will be treated with care and respect and be given the opportunity to grow and explore in all facets of their development. We believe in the physical, emotional, social, intellectual and cultural support of each child.

Emergent Curriculum

Our centre works on an emergent curriculum basis. This means we acknowledge and follow the children’s lead in developing the curriculum. Our staff spends time getting to know where the children’s interests lie and then expand on these interests, which enhances the children’s opportunities of learning in the areas that they are at.

Value of Play

Children learn about their world through their play. They are self-educating themselves, learning through experimentation, through cause and effect, through observing role modeling and then imitating, through working on communicating, and through learning about their own feelings.

Children are learning the beginnings of science, mathematics and language skills this way. They are also learning about body control and manipulation, appropriate and not appropriate social behaviour, their preferences, and understanding their emotions.

Infant/Toddler Daily Schedule

7:00-9:30 Children arrive and make their choices from art and play set up tables
9:30-9:45 Clean up and wash hands
9:45-10:00 A nutritious snack is brought from home
10:00-10:15 Diapers and prepare for going outside (if weather permits)
10:15-11:30 Outside activities such as going to Emerson Park, going for a walk or going to the playground.
11:45-11:50 Wash hands
11:50-12:30 Lunch time (lunches brought from home)
12:30-1:00 Nap time - according to child’s needs
3:30-3:45 Wash hands
3:45-4:15 Snack time - child chooses snack from remaining foods left from lunch
4:15-4:30 Diapers and prepare for going outside (if weather permits)
4:30-6:00 Outside, or if raining, an art activity or table activity will be presented. Children also start to go home. Evergreen Out of School Program

This program involves children grade one through grade six (ages 6-12). Our program is designed to meet the individual educational and recreational needs of a child, and it has been developed to enhance the child’s existing skills while introducing and encouraging new interest areas and skills.

Evergreen will offer a variety of activities such as organized sports, planned group games, science, arts and crafts, co-operative games, field trips and more. Children will have a chance to choose based upon their own skills and interests. Areas will allow for active or quiet activities, which give children an opportunity to socialize and work on co-operation and group problem solving skills. Time will also be provided each day for assistance with homework.

The staff will assist children in learning how to make appropriate decisions about their own behaviour. The safety and well being of all children in the program, is of the greatest importance and will be maintained in several ways. Guidelines for behaviour will be developed with the children in their development of self-discipline. Positive reinforcement methods will also be used in order to help children develop positive pattern of behaviour with the other children and adults in the program.

Our purpose is to help children develop to their fullest potential by focusing on:
-self-awareness, confidence, and feeling of self-worth
- values development
- physical skills
- health and nutrition
- social skills

Our goal is to have happy and safe children and to meet the fundamental needs for growth and development.

Out of School Care Daily Schedule

7:00 - 8:40 Children are arriving and have a choice between a variety of activities, such as: arts and crafts, library, music, co-operative games, etc.
8:45 Children are taken to school.
2:30 Children are picked up from schools.
2:40-3:15 Children arrive at the centre and get settled in.
3:15-3:30 Snack time.
3:30-6:00 Children will be involved in a variety of activities indoors or outdoors, weather permitting.

Indoors

Arts & Crafts
Science
Co-operative table games
Homework time with teacher assistance
Social recreation

Outdoors

Nature walks
Games
Relay races
Organized activities (baseball, California kick ball, soccer, basketball, etc) Fees

Full time daycare

0-18 months $740
19-36 months $690
3-5 year olds $535
(incl. kinder care) Out of School Care $325

Pre-school program (9:00am-1:00pm)

Five days $350
Four days $285
Three days $220
Two days $155
One day $100

Registration Fee

A non refundable registration fee of $50 is payable at the time of confirmation of your child’s space at the centre.

Payment Procedure

Fees are due and payable the first of each month. Cheques should be made payable to Evergreen Child Care Centre.

Late Payments

The penalty for a late payment beyond the due date is $2 a day.

Notice of Increase

Fees are subject to change. At least one month’s notice will be given for changes in the fee schedule. Arrival
Evergreen opens at 7:00 a.m., we have an arrival deadline of 9:30 a.m. If you are unable to make it by 9:30, then a phone call is necessary so that the staff knows that your child will be attending that day. Anyone showing up after 9:30 without a phone call could be turned away or they might find that no one is at the centre.

Closing
Evergreen closes for the day at 6:00p.m. All children and staff should be out of the daycare at 6:00. The centre does understand sudden bad weather, but if you know that you are unable to pick your child up by 6:00, then please make alternate arrangements to have your child picked up on time. The staff must be notified if this person is not on the pick-up list. This person must be prepared to show I.D. Late charges are $1 a minute and must be paid immediately and directly to the staff on duty.

Time Away from the Centre
If at any time your child is absent from Evergreen for holidays, sickness, or any other reason, parents must pay their fees in order to secure your child’s space in the centre. Our teachers are providing a service and must be paid the same regardless if your child is in attendance or not.

Fees
Fees are paid prior to the month and stay the same regardless of how many days are in the month. Parents are required to submit a series of post-dated cheques for the first of each month. This will avoid paying late charges of $2 per day, if the fees are not paid by the first of the month. Cheques, money orders or bank drafts are preferred. Receipts are given so please keep them safe for your tax purposes. All N.S.F. cheques are subject to a $20.00 charge. If fees are not paid, care will not be provided to your child and your space could be filled.

Centre Closures
Evergreen will be closed for all Statutory holidays, Boxing Day and Easter Monday. The monthly fee is still the same as staff must also receive pay for statutory holidays.

Change of Information
It is the responsibility of the parent to inform the centre in writing of any changes that should be made to their child’s registration form. For example, change of pick-up persons, new allergies, new address or phone number, etc.

Registration
Parents are required to pay a $50.00 registration fee at the time of registering their child.
Please plan some time for spending with your child at the centre before he/she starts full time daycare.

Sickness
Parents agree not to send their child to the centre with any communicable disease or illness (continuous cough, red throat, unexplained rashes, swollen glands, head or stomach aches, fevers, vomiting and diarrhea). The centre must be informed if your child contacts any illness. Each and every child must be well enough to participate in the centre’s daily activities (both indoor and outdoor). Parents will be required to have their doctor sign a release form before their child can return to the centre, if the child has been away with a contagious disease. Parents will be called to pick up their child if they are not well.

Medication
The staff at Evergreen are not permitted, nor authorized to administer any medication, unless prescribed by a doctor and dispended by a pharmacist. Please do not ever send medication in your child’s lunch box. The staff must be informed and a medication form must be signed by the parent. The medication is then kept in a locked box, so that no other child could come in contact with it.

Toys and Belongings
Evergreen is in no way responsible for lost or broken items. The children are not permitted to bring toys from home.

Lunches
Due to health regulations, parents must supply the children with their lunches. We ask that these foods be nutritional. Allergies must be known as special treats may be given at party celebrations.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal requires a full month’s notice in writing which must be given the first of the month. Failure to give one month’s written notice, will result in the parent being required to pay the full month’s fee.