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BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT: At Natural Wonders our intention is to assist your child in developing self-discipline and sensitivity in their interactions with others.

During these early years children are learning about how to interact with others in an appropriate manner. They will test limits, boundaries and your patience, but it is important to be aware of this formative period in their development. Staff will guide behaviour by:

Establishing clear and consistent rules in the classroom.

These rules will be simple, and have straight-forward explanations and consequences.

Children will be encouraged to express themselves verbally, and to develop problem solving skills.

Staff will reinforce appropriate behaviour.

Choices will be given in response to potential situations, and if appropriate a child will be distracted/diverted.

Equipment/toys may be removed, or in more severe situations the child may be removed to have a time-out period.

*There will be no corporal punishment or humiliating discipline of any kind under any circumstance.

ILLNESS: In wishing to provide your child with a healthy environment, we ask that you familiarize yourself with our Illness Policy. Children must be well enough to participate in ALL aspects of the program. (indoor and outdoor play)

Children who exhibit any of the following symptoms will not be admitted to school:

A fever of 100°F. (38°C or greater) Your child must be free of fever for 24 hours before returning to care. *please note that during the day if we are unable to contact you or your emergency contact and your child’s temperature is over 104°F, an ambulance may be called. The cost incurred will be forwarded to you.

Vomiting or diarrhea. Your child must be free from vomiting or undiagnosed diarrhea for at least 24 hours before returning to care.

Skin rashes. Parents will be notified to pick up their children and obtain a diagnoses by a doctor to ensure that it is not contagious.

Pink eye. (Conjunctivitis) You will be notified immediately to pick up your child. They may return to care 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment.

Ear infections. You will be notified immediately.

Colds. If your child appears fully able to participate in the program, he/she may attend. Children who are experiencing most of the following: frequent coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, sore throat and a runny nose, should not attend.

Head Lice. After treatment (and all the nits have been removed) your child may return to the program.

In the case of communicable conditions, disease, or infection, Ministry of Health guidelines will apply.

Communicable illness is a serious problem, and your cooperation is essential to maintain the good health standards for all of the children.

MEDICATION: Staff cannot administer medication unless it has been prescribed by a doctor. It must be in the original container with the pharmacy label, child’s name, type of medication and dosage requirements. A medication form must be completed by the parent, specifying the frequency and amount of medication to be administered. These guidelines are set down by the Day Nursery Act and cannot be contravened for any reason.

SPECIAL NEEDS: Every child is special, however some children require additional support to manage in the school environment. Any behavioural or developmental concerns will be brought to your attention, and we will arrange a time to sit down and discuss strategies. Communication between home and school brings consistency to a child’s development. Developmental screening days are regularly scheduled in the community, and offer you a chance to discuss any queries/concerns with impartial child care professionals.

HEALTHY MEALS/SNACKS: Meals are provided by a catering service. The menus have been approved by a registered dietician, and are nutritionally balanced. Menus are rotated weekly and posted beside the kitchen. Children will be encouraged to try their meal, but will not be forced to eat. Special diets or food allergies must noted on your child’s application form, and every effort will be made to accommodate them.

EXTRA CLOTHING: Please send your child to school in comfortable, washable clothes. We offer a wide variety of activities from active games to finger painting, and so we encourage clothing that permits them to partake in each of these activities. Velcro and elastic fastenings on clothing and footwear, allows a child to develop independent self-help skills. (especially during toilet training) A pair of indoor shoes (non-skid running shoes or slippers) should be left at school for your child to wear each day.

Please dress your child according to the weather and time of year. Most days we play outside, and children must be dressed appropriately. (snowsuits, hats, boots, and mittens in winter – light clothing, sunhat, sun screen, and runners in summer) We also ask that each child have at least one total change of clothes (top, pants, underwear, socks, etc.) that is left at the school permanently. This can be stored in the cubbies above their coat hooks.

Remember to label all clothing/footwear that your child wears or brings to the school. We cannot be held responsible for lost/mislaid items that are not properly labeled.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT: Parental involvement is encouraged at Natural Wonders. Volunteers are always welcome on field trips, and to assist with fund-raising and preparing crafts during the week. Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering. Remember that the school is a non-smoking environment.

FIELD TRIPS: Occasional field trips may be planned throughout the year. These will be billed separately, and you will be notified well in advance.

DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRESS REPORTS: Developmental progress reports will be given twice a year (winter & spring). They are not intended to give a formal grading of how your child is doing at school, but an overview of how he/she is progressing. Any concerns will be noted, as well as a few suggestions for activities to try at home. We hope to give your child an introduction to lifelong learning, and we believe that any initial concerns should be addressed now when there is the greatest chance of guiding a child’s development in the right direction. You may request a teacher interview at any time during the year.

REST TIME: We have scheduled a rest period following lunch in order to give your child some quiet time. They are not expected to sleep, but they will be allowed to rest on their cots. Children who do not sleep will be allowed to participate in quiet activities (i.e. puzzles, colouring, reading) after spending some time on their cot. They are encouraged to bring in a blanket or soft toy to rest with.

TOYS: We do not encourage children to bring toys from home, unless they are theme related and non-violent. A soft toy for rest time is fine, however we cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged items. If an item is too valuable to be handled by other children or has sentimental value, please do not allow your child to bring it to the center.

THE FIRST FEW DAYS: The first few days in any new environment is daunting to a young child. Ideally we encourage parents to come and visit the center with their child prior to their start date. This helps the child to become familiar with the staff, the environment, and the other children. It is also a good time to ensure that all of the relevant paperwork is filled in.

On their first day spend a little bit of time (max. 5 minutes) to help your child settle into program, then tell them you need to go, reassure them that you will return and give them a quick hug. There might be a few tears, but it helps your child to settle quicker if you don’t delay your departure after informing them you are leaving. This is often a difficult time for parent and child alike, but please persevere as most children settle in after a few weeks. The staff will do everything possible to make your child feel comfortable in their new environment.

ABSENCE: If your child will be late arriving or absent from program, (due to illness, appointments, etc.) please call us by 9:00am. This will help us in our daily planning. There is no refund/discount for absences on your regularly scheduled days.

WITHDRAWAL:

Signed, written notice of permanent withdrawal must be given one month in advance. If notice is not received, the full program fees will be charged.

If a child is having prolonged difficulty adjusting to the program or if the parent contravenes center policy, the child will be withdrawn after two weeks notice.

The safety of all the children is our priority. Provision of services is conditional on both your child’s compliance with our Code of Behaviour, and parental treatment of the center and it’s staff. Behaviour which puts the safety of the other children or staff at risk is not acceptable and could result in immediate withdrawal of services.

We look forward to welcoming your family to our school!

LATE PICK-UP: Occasionally you may find yourself running behind schedule. Please contact us immediately and let us know your alternate pick-up arrangements, or by what time you hope to arrive. Remember that it is both stressful on your child and the staff member on duty, and if this occurs more than once you will be asked to make other arrangements. Late fees are calculated at $1.00 a minute and are to be paid to the staff member caring for your child.

A Great Place To Grow

Natural Wonders Montessori & Nursery School

Parent Manual