whitehorse happy hearts daycare parents’ handbook · ‘special activities). a new generation in...
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Whitehorse Happy Hearts Daycare
Parents’ Handbook
Welcome to HAPPY HEARTS DAYCARE(WHHD)! We provide a consistent and caring
program for infants to preschool groups.
With our competent and nurturing staff, WHHD is committed to a holistic education in
order to help our children prepare for the next stage of their lives. We do this by providing
meaningful learning experiences through plays that develop their physical, cognitive and
socio-emotional skills.
Our parent handbook has specific guidelines to follow through. We have carefully put a lot
of thoughts in implementing the procedures to be taken in enrolling your child to avoid
misunderstanding between WHHD and guardians/parents. Policies and procedure may
have some changes from time to time but we will make sure you will be informed before
changes take place. The up-to-date policies and procedure can be viewed on our daycare
website, http://www.whitehorsehappyhearts.com
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Contents
Whitehorse Happy Hearts Daycare ............................................................................................................................. 1
Parents’ Handbook ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
1. ABOUT US ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
2. DAYCARE PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................................... 5
A. ADMISSION AGE ............................................................................................................................................... 5
B. OPERATION DAYS & TIME .......................................................................................................................... 5
C. ENROLLMENT TYPES .................................................................................................................................... 5
D. HOT MEAL AND SNACKS ............................................................................................................................. 5
E. DAILY SCHEDULE .......................................................................................................................................... 5
F. SPECIAL PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................................ 7
G. OUTSIDE PARK ................................................................................................................................................ 7
3. TUITION AND FEE POLICY .............................................................................................................................. 10
A. TUITION ............................................................................................................................................................ 10
B. CHILD CARE SUBSIDY AND REIMBURSEMENT ........................................................................................ 10
C. FAMILY VACATION SUPPORT PROGRAM.................................................................................................... 11
D. RETURNED CHEQUES ................................................................................................................................. 11
E. LATE PENALTY/REFUSE TO PAY .................................................................................................................. 11
3. FROM SPOT-CHECK TO ENROLLMENT ......................................................................................................... 12
A. EASY ONLINE APPLICATION ......................................................................................................................... 12
B. ENROLLMENT PRIORITY ............................................................................................................................... 12
C. TRANSITION PERIOD ...................................................................................................................................... 12
4. STARTING THE FIRST DAY............................................................................................................................... 13
A. WHAT TO BRING FROM HOME - CHECKLIST ............................................................................................. 13
B. WHAT DAYCARE PROVIDES .......................................................................................................................... 13
C. CHILD CARE SUBSIDY AND REIMBURSEMENT .........................................................................................14
D. NO HOME TOY POLICY ...................................................................................................................................14
E. CUBBIES .............................................................................................................................................................14
F. DAYCARE APP – BRIEF, SIMPLE MESSAGING ............................................................................................14
5. STAY IN DAYCARE ............................................................................................................................................... 15
A. GUIDANCE & DISCIPLINE STRATEGIES ...................................................................................................... 15
B. NO OUTDOOR UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER .........................................................................................16
C. POTTY TRAINING .............................................................................................................................................16
D. FINISHING A DAY ............................................................................................................................................16
E. OPEN CLASSROOM .......................................................................................................................................... 17
F. ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT ..................................................................................................................... 17
G. SPECIAL OCCASIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 18
7. LEAVING DAYCARE .............................................................................................................................................19
8. COMMUNICATION ............................................................................................................................................. 20
A. DAYCARE APP – BRIEF, SIMPLE MASSGES ................................................................................................ 20
B. EMAIL COMMUNICATION ............................................................................................................................. 20
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C. VISIT ................................................................................................................................................................... 21
D. FACEBOOK......................................................................................................................................................... 21
E. TEXT MESSAGE ................................................................................................................................................ 21
F. DAYCARE PHONE ............................................................................................................................................. 21
G. CHILD CARE SERVICES UNIT ........................................................................................................................ 21
9. HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES ................................................................................................................... 22
A. SICK POLICY ..................................................................................................................................................... 22
B. MEDICATION POLICY ..................................................................................................................................... 23
C. ALLERGY POLICY(PEANUT FREE) ............................................................................................................... 23
D. EVACUATION PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................................ 23
E. NO POLICY FROM STAFF ............................................................................................................................... 24
F. PERSISTANT BEHAVIOR ISSUE POLICY ..................................................................................................... 24
10. ANTI-STRESS POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 25
11. PRIVACY POLICY ........................................................................................................................................ 26
12. REPORTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................. 27
A. REPORTING POLICY ....................................................................................................................................... 27
B. DUTY TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE ................................................................................................................. 27
Parent/Family Handbook and Fee Agreement .............................................................................................. 28
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1. ABOUT US Happy Hearts For All
‘WHHD’ promotes a happy caring and learning environment for children. Learning
through play is the cornerstone of the curriculum. It’s a child-centered program that aims
for the holistic development of each child. Children are respected as individuals with love,
care, support, protection and encouragement from the staff. We also guarantee that each
childcare staff member, confirmed by certification in Early Childhood Education is fully
qualified, and we are committed to ongoing professional development that will deepen
expertise through seminars and/or taking courses to ensure staff are aware of changing
best practice in child care, as well as providing hands-on experience trainings.
ECE Educators as committed Facilitators
Our staff play their roles as a facilitator to ensure that the progress of children is
enhanced by their natural need to explore in the following aspects: independence,
problem-solving skills, fine motor skills, decision making, etc. Our primary goal for
children is to keep them safe and secure. Children are treated with respect, kindness and
love. We recognize that children develop at different rates and have different interests.
Our staff are fully committed to assisting your child to attain physical, emotional,
intellectual and social growth at their own pace.
At WHHD, children are given the opportunities to explore and participate in a variety of
learning-through-play experiences. The whole daycare space is divided by age groups and
each room is carefully planned and arranged by ‘learning centers’ in which children
choose their age-appropriate activities as follows – dramatic play center, reading center,
math and science center, arts and crafts center, music center, block and car center,
manipulative center, magnetic center and sensory areas (sand & water). We go out to the
park every day for at least an hour except under inclement weather (read ‘outdoor policy’).
Our daycare offers special activities such as cooking/baking, music, dance class. (read
‘special activities).
A New Generation In Child Care
WHHD keeps our parents updated instantly via our daycare messenger app. Parents
receive notification for child’s activity – meal, play, incident/accident, diaper/potty, nap –
during the day as these happen. They can also send staff messages, reminders to daycare
staff.
Email is our major means of communication for enrollment/feedback/payment/receipts
to increase efficiency and support Mother Nature.
Happy Staff, Happy Children, Happy Family
We believe happy staff will bring more positive energy down to children, which makes
families happy in the end. Our daycare cannot succeed without excellent child care
educators. While we provide staff with guidance and learning opportunities, we actively
protect our staff from exceeding due hardship and stress according to the Anti-stress
policy and Persistent Behavior Issue Policy.
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2. DAYCARE PROGRAM A. ADMISSION AGE
WHHD offers its preschool program for children of age 8 months to preschool kids.
B. OPERATION DAYS & TIME
Our daycare operates from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on all weekdays except Yukon statutory
holidays, Heritage Day, Easter Monday, Boxing Day and Yukon Child Care Conference Day.
A month notice will be provided for holidays not included above.
C. ENROLLMENT TYPES
We offer full-time, part-time and drop-in program. Full-time consists of 5 days a week.
Part-time consists of up to 3 days a week and the days need to be agreed by both family
and WHHD.
D. HOT MEAL AND SNACKS
WHHD provides hot meals to all enrolled, inclusive of morning snack, afternoon snack
and lunch. Meal Menu is available on the website.
E. DAILY SCHEDULE
Time Infants 7:30 - 8:30 Program open (greeting, health check)
Diapering, free play, puzzles, blocks, etc.
8:30 – 9:00 Early morning exercise (stretching)
Circle time (sensory-based lesson)
9:00 – 10:00 Morning snack Ready for outside play (diaper/potty, hand wash, toy tidy-up)
10:00 – 11:00 Play outside (Peel park)
Ready for lunch (diaper/potty, hand wash, clean-up)
11:00 – 11:30 Lunch
11:30 – 12:00 Clean up, hand wash
Story or lullaby
12:00 – 14:30 Nap time
14:30 – 15:30 Diaper, hand wash Afternoon snack
15:30 – 17:00 Play time
17:00 – 17:30 Pick up / free play
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Time Toddler 1 7:30 - 8:30 Program open (greeting, daily health check)
Diapering, free play, puzzles, blocks, etc.
8:30 – 9:00 Early morning exercise (stretching)
Circle time (various theme-based lesson)
9:00 – 10:00 Morning snack Ready for outside play (diaper/potty, hand wash, toy tidy-up)
10:00 – 11:00 Play outside (Peel Park) Ready for lunch (diaper/potty, Hand wash, clean-up)
11:00 – 11:30 Lunch time
11:30 – 12:00 Clean up, hand wash Storytelling(reading) time
12:00 – 14:00 Nap time
14:30 – 15:30 Diaper / potty / hand wash
Afternoon Snack
15:30 – 17:00 Learning centers (dramatic play, math, science, sensory activities, etc.)
Arts & crafts
17:00 – 17:30 Pick up / free play
Time Toddler 2 7:30 – 8:30 Program open (greeting, daily health check)
Free play
8:30 – 9:00 Circle Time (theme-based lessons) Morning exercise, stretching
9:00 – 9:30 Morning snack
9:30 – 10:30 Learning centers
10:30 – 11:30 Interactive song / music / dance / action songs / playing instruments
Arts & craft 11:30 – 11:45 Ready for lunch (clean up, table set up, hand wash)
11:45 – 12:15 Lunch
12:15 – 12:30 Storytelling(reading) Time
12:30 – 2:00 Nap time
2:00 – 2:30 Afternoon snack
2:30 – 3:00 Cleaning, ready for outside
3:00 – 4:00 Outside play
4:00 – 5:30 Pick up / free play
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Time Preschool 7:30 - 8:30 Program open (greeting, daily health check)
Diapering, free play, puzzles, blocks, etc.
8:30 – 9:00 Early morning exercise
Circle time (various theme-based lesson)
9:00 – 10:00 Morning snack, Ready for outside play
10:00 – 11:00 Play outside (Peel Park)
11:00 – 11:30 Lunch time
11:30 – 12:00 Clean up, hand wash Storytelling(reading) time
12:00 – 14:00 Nap
14:00 – 14:30 Afternoon Snack
12:30 – 17:00 Learning centers Arts & crafts
17:00 – 17:30 Pick up / free play
F. SPECIAL PROGRAM
1) DANCE, MUSIC CLASS – Town Professional will come weekly for 10 month in a year
2) Hearts of Riverdale Ballpit & Play area – will serve as our back-up plan when outdoor activities are not possible due to weather or safety concerns.
G. OUTSIDE PARK Children go outside as part of daily routine. Infants and young toddlers are moving in strollers and big toddlers and preschool kids walk in a safe and organized manner. Staff carry a first-aid kit and a cellular phone for emergency. We do not go outside in inclement weather:
• Infant, toddler: temperatures below – 15.0°C with wind chill
• Preschool: temperatures below - 20.0°C with wind chill
• Staff will take other factors into consideration such as road condition and weather
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3. TUITION AND FEE POLICY
A. TUITION
o Part-time must have specific days of the week, agreed by a supervisor
o Full-time gets a higher priority than part-time or drop-in
o Daycare does not offer bonus day to part-time due to holidays or absences
o Late drop-off/pick-up penalty will be added to the following month invoice
o Frequent unscheduled late drop-offs and late pick-ups may result in termination
of enrollment
In the month when an infant becomes 18 months old, the infant tuition will be invoiced.
The toddler tuition will begin the following month. In the month when a toddler becomes
36 months old, the toddler tuition will be invoiced. The preschool tuition will begin in the
following month.
A tax receipt for the year will be provided at the end of each year for tax purposes and a
payment receipt upon email request. Fees are subject to increase with a minimum of two-
month notice.
B. CHILD CARE SUBSIDY AND REIMBURSEMENT
Families who wish to use government subsidy should follow thru the following steps.
Group Age Full-time Part-time Drop-in
Infant 8-18 mo $875/month $600 – 3 days/week $400 – 2 days/week
$80/day
Toddler 19-36 mo $800/month $500 – 3 days/week $380 – 2 days/week
$70/day
Pre-school 37-59 mo $750/month $475 – 3 days/week $365 – 2 days/week
$60/day
Prorated Start 100% tuition when starting 1st thru 15th of a month
50% tuition when starting 16th thru the last day of the month
Discount Program Family Vacation Support Program (once per year)
Sibling Discount (5%, applicable to full-timers only)
Hot meal
No extra charge
AM Snack, Lunch, PM Snack, occasional snacks
Late drop-off penalty An unscheduled late drop-off past 9:30 a.m. will be charged $10
per day
Late pick-up penalty Any late pick-up past 5:30 p.m. will be charged $1 per minute
Payment method Email Transfer(preferred), cheque or cash
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1) Submit subsidy eligibility form to Child Care Services Unit (CCSU)
2) Submit approval letter to the daycare
3) Submit monthly subsidy forms
4) Submit the forms in a month advance
5) Families are responsible for renewing subsidy
This is for the daycare to receive fund in a timely manner. Failure to keep it a month
advance may result in paying the full amount. If a family misses the due and CCSU can’t
process, the family must pay the full amount.
C. FAMILY VACATION SUPPORT PROGRAM
Trip duration 1 week 2-3 weeks Whole month Over 2 months
Discount 15% 30% 40% 60%
WHHD offers a discounted tuition for a family who wishes to go on a trip while holding
the child’s spot. This support program can be used only once per calendar year (per
child).
Family must give a 2-week email notice before the trip starts. It can NOT be used during or
after the trip or used for sick days. In case the trip was cancelled, the family immediately
informs the daycare to use it another time.
The support program is non-transferrable to another child or year.
D. RETURNED CHEQUES
In the event that a cheque is returned, the family must pay the tuition and a bank penalty
of $40. Note WHHD prefers email transfer to any other payment methods (interac)
E. LATE PENALTY/REFUSE TO PAY
All fees must be paid and are due within 10 days from when the invoice was emailed. Parents may send an email request to re-schedule a due date or to agree to instalment pay plan. WBFLC reserves the right to cancel the enrollment where a payment is due over a month without a reasonable plans.
In case of willful avoidance of payment, we will wait for up to 2 months with 3 past due letters sent to the primary guardian’s email. Then, we add 30% penalty to the total balance owning, and hand over to a national collection agency.
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3. FROM SPOT-CHECK TO ENROLLMENT
A. EASY ONLINE APPLICATION
Our registration form is available on the website and is fillable by computer. Fill out the
form at www.whitehorsehappyhearts.com/easy-enrollment and email it to
[email protected]. On the form, leave the signature blank until the
enrollment is confirmed. Parents may visit daycare and submit the form to the management
team.
B. ENROLLMENT PRIORITY
Families who wish to enroll in our daycare will first be put on a waitlist with deposit, then
need to wait until they are contacted by our daycare. When the daycare offers a spot, the
following conditions will affect prioritization for enrollment:
1) siblings of currently enrolled child
2) previously enrolled child
3) the date when an application form was received
A. CONFIRMING ENROLLMENT
Our daycare will contact the family on the waitlist as soon as a spot is available. Families
need to pay a $100 deposit by Interac, cash or cheque to secure the spot. All deposits are
100% deductible off first month’s tuition but non-refundable when cancelled by families.
When the deposit is received, families will receive a confirmation of a spot. The
confirmation email states your child’s start date as requested and agreed. Also, it states the
available transition period for your child.
C. TRANSITION PERIOD
The transition period allows child AND parents to stay up to 2 hours/day, a week prior to
the confirmed start date. This is applicable to all enrollment types except drop-in. Parents
can set an appointment for visits. Parents are responsible for the safety of their own child
and the child’s proper play inside the daycare during the transition period.
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4. STARTING THE FIRST DAY WHHD will try its best to create an accommodating atmosphere for your child. While the daycare
provides many items for the parents convenience, there are certain items a family must bring as
listed below. Please don’t forget to sign the agreement form on the first day.
A. WHAT TO BRING FROM HOME - CHECKLIST
<Checklist>
1) Baby formula, baby cereal, or baby bottles (infant) ☐
2) Diapers, wipes, rash ointment (before potty-training) ☐
3) Sunblock ☐
4) 3-5 sets of spare play clothing, underwear, socks ☐
5) Outdoor clothing - jacket, snow pants, hats, mitts, boots etc. ☐
6) Indoor shoes ☐
7) Bring a smart phone for installing daycare app ☐
Please ensure that children come dressed in “PLAY” clothes. Although we are careful while
doing art and playing outside; there are instances where clothes could become dirty and
stained. We appreciate your understanding and so do the children.
Extra supplies can be left at the daycare and replenished when necessary space permitting.
Daycare has its own cabinet of extra clothing but it’s not sufficient to supply all children.
B. WHAT DAYCARE PROVIDES
The followings are provided by daycare but parents may bring them from home. Regarding
snacks and meals, we strictly follow Canada’s Food Guide for nutritional satisfaction of our
daycare children.
1) All snack and lunch
2) 2% and 3% milk
3) re-usable water bottle labelled with their name
(i.e. if your child is vegetarian you must provide some protein portions of their meals).
4) a blanket for nap time
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Families with dietary concerns/allergies may be required to provide own supplemental food
and/or drink if our daycare does not supply appropriate foods and/or drinks. For example,
parents must provide some protein portions of their meals for their vegetarian child.
C. CHILD CARE SUBSIDY AND REIMBURSEMENT
Families need to provide subsidy confirmation letters to daycare in person or by email.
Daycare DOES NOT know or get involved with subsidy application process. Fill out subsidy
eligibility forms each month (a month advance). In case subsidy is not processed yet, a full
amount will be charged. After the family provides the subsidy confirmation letter to the
daycare, the daycare will reimburse the difference via Interac or Cheque.
D. NO HOME TOY POLICY
Please tell your children that their toys should stay home or in your vehicle. We do not
allow ‘toys from home’ to stay anywhere in the daycare, even on the cubbies because
children are smart enough to sense their toys and demand them during the day.
Toys from home are coveted by other children and can be a source of conflict. They are also
a source of distraction for staff. The daycare will not be responsible for any loss or damage
to toys.
Iphone, Ipod, Ipad, Tablet PC or Leap-pad is not allowed.
E. CUBBIES
WHHD provides cubbies to enrolled children. Ask group teacher which cubby your child
will use.
F. DAYCARE APP – BRIEF, SIMPLE MESSAGING
Families must install this app on their phone to receive important news and messages
from WHHD.
You’ll see an instruction email. Download the app, type your email and set a new
password. No additional setting would be required.
Note: use email if your message is for the management only
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5. STAY IN DAYCARE
A. DROP-OFF
A guardian must go inside the daycare with the child, get them ready and hand over to
staff. Please do not leave children outside the building or in hallway.
WHHD accepts morning drop-offs from 7:30 a.m until 9:30 a.m only. In case of doctor’s
appointment, emergencies or other reasonable cause, notify the daycare by 9:30 via
daycare app.
A late arrival without a notice will result in a fee of $10/day, added to the following month
invoice.
A. GUIDANCE & DISCIPLINE STRATEGIES
Guiding children’s behaviour is intended to help children become self-disciplined as they
learn appropriate and acceptable behavior patterns. WHHD follows ‘Guiding Children’s
Behaviour’ by BCHealthPlanning. To read details, click here.
Prevention
1. Clear, consistent, and simple limits are established
2. Straightforward explanations for limits are offered
3. Limits are stated in a positive way, rather than in a negative way
4. Focus on the behavior, rather than on the child
5. What is expected is stated, rather than posing questions
6. Choices are provided
7. Time is allowed for children to respond to expectations
8. Appropriate behaviour is reinforced, with both words and gestures
9. Children are encouraged to use staff as a resource
10. Staying alert
Intervention
1. A Child’s Attention is gained in a respectful way
2. Proximity and touch are used
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3. Prepare to remind often
4. Feelings are acknowledged before limits are set
(Toddler: more focus on acknowledge feelings)
5. Redirect or divert when appropriate
6. Problem-solving skills are modelled
7. Appropriate Choices are offered
8. Natural and Logistical Consequences are used
9. The use of equipment is limited when children play with them dangerously
10. Calm down at cozy corner
Staff take positive guidance, which parent wrote at the registration form, for references.
B. NO OUTDOOR UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER
We do not go outside when
• Infant, junior toddler: temperatures below – 15.0°C with wind chill
• Senior toddler, preschool: temperatures below - 20.0°C with wind chill
• Afterschool: temperatures below -20.0°C with wind chill
• Staff will take other factors into consideration such as road condition, weather and
condition of children
C. POTTY TRAINING
Potty training starts in Senior Toddler’s group. Children go to toilet at regular times.
Parents should provide extra underwear around 3-5 pieces. In case there is no clean
underwear or clothing, daycare will call parents to supply them.
D. FINISHING A DAY
A child must be picked up by parents and pick-up persons listed on the registration form.
Anyone’s first pick-up needs parent’s confirmation and photo ID. Parents should inform the
daycare via daycare app first. Daycare may call the primary parent(guardian) to confirm the
pick-up person.
Parents can come to classrooms where they can ask questions to staff. (Read ‘OPEN
CLASSROOM’ in the next page) We don’t encourage staff-parent conversation to happen at
hallway because it pull the staff away from tending their group.
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E. OPEN CLASSROOM
Parents or Guardians are more than welcome to come inside to observe their child playing
or ask questions before picking up their child. Keep manners inside as children learn from
adults.
Before entering from the hallway, they should follow the visitors’ hygiene regulation.
Visitors’ Hygiene Regulation
• Any shoes from outdoor must be taken off
• Use hand-sanitizer located at the hallway
• Visitors may be asked to remain in the hallway, especially during flu season
• When parent is coughing, sneezing or sick, they need to stay in the hallway for the health of other children
F. ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT
All our staff received first aid/CPR training and this is always kept current. When a child
requires health care for minor or major injury, usually in the form of first aid, the caregiver
will inform parents via daycare app, then document and sign on an incident/ accident form,
provided by CCSU. Parents must sign the form on arrival. The complete form is stored in
the Accident/Incident reports file.
Incident / Accident Report forms contain the following information:
• Child’s name
• Age
• Date
• Time of accident / incident
• Description of how incident / accident occurred
• Part(s) of body involved
• Treatment given / action taken
• Treatment given by whom
• Name of parent notified
• Signature of person notifying parent
• Corrective action needed to prevent reoccurrence
• Signature of staff and date
• Signature of parent and date
Parents may request a copy for their own records. The original will be kept on file in the
daycare office for three(3) months.
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G. SPECIAL OCCASIONS
WHHD promotes fun childhood memories with special occasions such as birthday,
Halloween and Christmas party. Any children of full-time or part-time enrollment can come
and enjoy the following parties.
Halloween
Date: October 31
Activity: Halloween videos by projector, trick-or-treat in the building
Note: children attend in costume
Christmas Party
Date: Any afternoon in the middle of December before the holiday season starts
Activity: Morning cooking activity, Christmas presentation by age group, Santa’s gift
Note: Any volunteer for food or Santa is very welcome
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7. LEAVING DAYCARE As much as we wish families to enjoy our care, we want your withdrawal to be a smooth
and pleasant experience. But there is one policy that families must keep before leaving.
A. A FULL-MONTH NOTICE POLICY
Families should provide at least one full-month notice for change of enrollment or
withdrawal by email.
For example, a family emails a withdrawal notice on Feb 13, the family needs to attend and pay
tuition for March since Feb can’t be considered as a full-month. The family still needs to pay for
March even if they don’t attend in March.
B. CLEAR BALANCE OR CREDIT
WHHD reserves the right to cancel the enrollment for balance owing without reasonable
plans to pay in full amount. (We offer instalment plans without interest)
In case of willful avoidance of payment, we will wait for up to 2 months with 3 past due
letters sent to the primary guardian’s email. Then, we add a penalty of 30% of the total
amount and hand over to a national collection agency.
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8. COMMUNICATION Our communication methods and preferences may be different from other daycares. The
methods are listed below in order of preferences.
A. DAYCARE APP – BRIEF, SIMPLE MASSGES
WHHD has a tablet PC equipped in each age group and all are dedicated to the daycare
app. It logs the child’s activity, snack/meal menu & and amount they eat.
Daycare app is a secure channel where a parent can send messages, which can be answered
by more than two (room staff, coordinator and owner) simultaneously.
Note we minimize time in using daycare app as it could distract staff from their group. Our
staff are advised to keep their replies simple and short. The followings are sample
conversations we exchange via the daycare app;
(Parent) Absent / Late drop-off / Late pick-up
(Teacher) No reply or ‘Ok’
(Parent) ** didn’t sleep well last night. How is he doing now?
(Teacher) He is playing well.
(Parent) Her granny will pick her up at 1 today. Can you get her ready by 12:45?”
(Teacher) Sure.
B. EMAIL COMMUNICATION
For new families, it is the best way to ask for a spot-check, arrange a visit or submit
applications. For existing families, it is the best way to send a written notice, feedback,
suggestions or a meeting request. We reply in a timely manner. Our address is
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C. VISIT
WHHD welcomes walk-in parents. However, please remain in the hallway until you’re
ushered in.
Before visitors enter, they should follow the visitors’ hygiene regulation. Read ‘visitor’s
hygiene regulation’ at page 15.
D. FACEBOOK
WHHD has a Facebook account. Search us and send a message. Account name:
Whitehorse Happyhearts
You’ll see a logo of our daycare as the profile picture.
E. TEXT MESSAGE
Text Nick, coordinator, (867) 335-7895.
F. DAYCARE PHONE
Call at 867)456-7895. Limit your calls down to 2 per day as well as try to shorten the
duration of any call. It pulls a teacher away from tending her group. Also, please avoid
calling during nap hours unless it’s emergency. We encourage our enrolled families to
communicate by daycare app first.
We sometimes experience poor or unrecognizable voicemail in voicemail due to the weak
signal of the caller. When there’s no response, it meant the caller’s voice was
unrecognizable.
G. CHILD CARE SERVICES UNIT
Child Care Services contact information is:
Phone: (867) 667-3492
Fax: (867) 393-6250
Location: 9010 Quartz Rd, Whitehorse, YT
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9. HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES
A. SICK POLICY
It’s best to keep a child home when they are having a communicable or infectious disease.
There is no ‘sick room’ and home is the best place to recuperate from an illness.
When a child is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, the daycare holds the right
to refuse attendance in the morning or call the parents immediately to arrange for a pick-
up. When parents are not available, daycare will call the emergency contact on the
registration form.
a) The child can’t be sent back with medication on the same day. (i.e. given Tylenol to
lower fever temporarily because Tylenol cannot stop the spread of disease).
b) Parents must present daycare a doctor’s note, , clarifying that it’s not contagious or communicable when they wish to send a child with continuing symptoms.
c) Doctor’s note cannot overrule daycare sick policy (i.e. a child cannot return within 24 hours after 2 or more times of vomiting contrary to whatever doctor’s note contains). Daycare will respect a return date from a doctor otherwise.
d) Parents own diagnose or prediction won’t be accepted
e) There is no refund or discount for days that a child does not attend daycare.
list of communicable diseases
• Measles
• Mumps
• Pinkeye with yellow or white pus
• Ringworm
• Rubella (German Measles)
• Scabies
• Shingles (uncovered lesions)
• Strep throat
• Tuberculosis
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Fever ≥ 100.5°F. or 38.3°C. child must be
free from fever (without being medicated)
for 24 hours before returning to care at the
facility
• Excessive drainage from the mouth,
nose, eyes, or ears.
• Skin rashes as they are difficult to diagnose unless seen by a physician.
• Severe abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
• A deep, hacking cough
• Difficulty breathing or untreated wheezing
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• An unusual yellow coloring of the skin or eyes
• Cuts or openings on the skin that are pus-filled or oozing
• Lice or nit
• Any unexplained or undiagnosed pain
• Difficulty in breathing -
wheezing or persistent cough
• Diarrhea (as defined by an increase
in frequency and loosening of stool) -
2 or more times in 24 hours - may
return to care after 24 hours without
loose stool/diarrhea
• Just not feeling good - a child must
be well enough to participate in the
entire child care day to be at daycare
B. MEDICATION POLICY
Medication form must be filled out by parent and signed by both parent and staff.
All medication must be administered at home first to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
All medication must be provided in its original box or bottle, and be clearly labelled with child’s
name and dosage.
The group teacher will administer the dosage according to the label, record and inform parents
via the daycare app.
In case of any prescribed antibiotics, children may not return to the daycare until they’ve had a
full 24 hours of dosage, are no longer contagious and are ready to participate in the full day at
the daycare, to ensure they are well on the road to recovery.
C. ALLERGY POLICY(PEANUT FREE)
All allergies (and dietary concerns) will be clearly posted in each room, at the kitchen and
written on the child’s emergency info/consent cards.
Our daycare is PEANUT FREE. Any food from home should be PEANUT FREE. WHHD
reserves the right to suspend food from coming into the daycare.
D. EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Our emergency shelter is Norman D. Macaulay Lodge, 2 Klondike Rd, Whitehorse. Contact
Macaulay Lodge at (867) 667-5955.
In case that our children and staff are evacuated to the shelter due to any disaster, parents will
be contacted to pick up their children. All the contact number is saved on the daycare app.
We practice daycare fire drills once a month with children.
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E. NO POLICY FROM STAFF
Staff members must adhere to the following statement;
• No child shall be subjected to emotional abuse, which includes but is not limited to name
calling, ostracism, shaming, making derogatory remarks about a child or the child’s
family, and using language that threatens, humiliates, or frightens the child.
• No child shall be subjected to cruel discipline. Physical restraint is prohibited, unless
necessary to protect the health and safety of the child or other people.
• No child shall be subjected to the use of mechanical restraints, such as tying.
• No child shall be subjected to corporal punishment, which includes but is not limited to
rough handling, shoving, hair pulling, ear pulling, shaking, slapping, kicking, biting,
pinching, hitting, and spanking.
• No child shall be force-fed or denied food as a punishment for unacceptable behavior.
Neither will food be given as a reward for good behavior.
• No child shall be denied light, warmth, clothing or medical care as a punishment for
unacceptable behavior.
• No child shall be punished or criticized for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet.
F. PERSISTANT BEHAVIOR ISSUE POLICY
WHHD reserves the right to end care for non-payment with 2 week notice. Any failure to
respect staff or the business (teachers and supervisors), to abide by our policy or arrangement
will result in termination.
For behavior or aggression of the child, which is harmful to the physical or emotional safety of
other children and/or staff, our daycare reserves the right to do the following measures, based
on the human resource and hardship.
Immediate pick-ups from daycare;
Limit duration of stay;
Withhold enrollment until receiving proper help from Child Development Centre;
Terminate enrollment with a 2-week notice;
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10. ANTI-STRESS POLICY WHHD treats parents and children with the highest respect and asks parents to treat
employees the same way. Whitehorse Bright Future is committed to protecting the health, safety
and well-being of all those who work inside.
Whitehorse Bright Future reserves the right to cancel an enrollment with a 1-week written
notice for its best interest and the emotional/physical safety of staff.
WHHD believes this policy benefits enrollees in a short or long run as below
• Prevents workplace stress from ever passing on to children in a form of bullying, harassment or abuse
• Positive nurturing from staff with higher self-esteem
• Low staff turn-over rate
• Low staff absence rate
Stress is the adverse reaction experienced in response to excessive pressures or demands.
Stress is not an illness but, sustained over a period of time, it can lead to mental and/or physical
illness.
There is an important distinction between working under pressure and experiencing stress.
Certain levels of pressure are acceptable and normal in every job. They can improve
performance, enable individuals to meet their full potential and provide a sense of achievement
and job satisfaction. However, when pressure becomes excessive it produces stress.
Parents should always talk with child care workers in a respectful way. Violation of the
followings may put your enrollment at risk.
1) No words or actions that could violate the employee’s dignity
2) No words, gestures, or facial expressions can be intimidating, hostile, degrading,
offensive or discriminating
3) No private online/offline contacting or demanding staff outside normal working hours
4) No violent words or actions inside children’s area when children are present
B. ANTI-STRESS POLICY
A. DEFINITION OF STRESS
A. BENEFITS OF ANTI-STRESS POLICY
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11. PRIVACY POLICY WHHD respects and upholds an individual’s right to privacy and to protection of their
personal information.
A. KEEPING CHILD’S LIFE PRIVATE FROM PUBLIC
WHHD protects child’s privacy from public. Public in this context extends to Social
Networking sites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
WHHD and its employees do not upload photos in public, unless parents give a consent.
B. PARENTS PROTECT OTHER CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
Families attending WHHD must respect the privacy of other children. Families must be
responsible for their carelessness in protecting other children’s privacy.
Regarding pictures, the pictures are to be viewed by the family alone. No other use is allowed,
especially releasing in public or uploading in social media. Should other parties or media be
involved, all other children's faces must be un-identifiable.
C. CHOOSE YOUR CHILD’S PRIVACY LIMIT
Parents can choose to give permission for WHHD regarding pictures of child in ‘Permission to
Photograph’ form when registering child online/offline.
Some parents may think it’s of more gain to allow pictures to be taken so that they can keep
them for childhood memory. Others may prefer leaving no traces. WHHD respects your
decisions.
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12. REPORTING POLICY
A. REPORTING POLICY
WHHD is committed to taking a pro-active position regarding the prevention of child abuse or
neglect through;
• Ongoing observation of the children in our care;
• Professional education with respect to early identification, effective response and
adherence to legal obligations, including staff reporting;
• Being fully knowledgeable of the Child and Family Services Act, any recommended policies of Family and Children’s Services Branch and relevant issues related to child safety;
B. DUTY TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE
In WHHD, staff who suspect or witness other staff responsible for child abuse or neglect must
inform the owner immediately to discuss with Family and Children’s Services. An individual’s
responsibility to report cannot be delegated to anyone else and staff who fail to report will be
considered as guilty as the one committing child abuse.
37(1) Any person providing a child care program, or a person employed by a person providing a
child care program, who has reasonable grounds to believe that a child enrolled in the program
may be a child who is abused, neglected or otherwise in need of protection within the meaning
of the Child and Family Services Act shall immediately report the information on which they
base their belief to the director, an agent of the director, or a peace officer
37(2) No legal action of any kind, including professional disciplinary proceedings, may be taken
against a person who reports information under subsection (1) because of the person’s so
reporting, unless the reporting was done maliciously and falsely. S.Y. 1989-90, c.24, s.38.
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Parent/Family Handbook and Fee Agreement
Child’s Name:
Parent(Guardian) Name :
Circle type of enrollment : Full-Time Care Part-Time Care Drop-in
Circle age group: Infant(8-18mo) Toddler(19-36mo) Preschool(37+)
(Part-time only) Circle up to 3 days for enrollment
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
(Drop-in only) Write start/end date for enrollment
Start date: End date:
Child Care Fees:
I/We (the undersigned) have read the parent handbook for WHHD and understand all the
information, policies and procedures outlined in the handbook. We (the undersigned) have also
received a copy of these policies and procedures for our own records and reference.
By signing this agreement we consent to all the handbook policies and procedures and agree to
them, including payment policies and late fee procedures. By signing this agreement we
acknowledge that the information supplied in the registration form regarding our child(ren) and
the information supplied below is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge.
_
Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date
_
Owner/Operator’s Signature Date
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CHILD INFORMATION RECORD date of record:
Name of Child: DATE OF BIRTH:
(Surname) (First Name) (DD/MM/YYYY)
Address:
Email Address:
Health Care Number:
Custodial Parent or Guardian’s Name:
(SURNAME) (First Name)
Home Address:
Phone numbers: Mother: (home) (work)
Father: (home) (work)
Guardian: (home) (work)
Family Doctor: Clinic: Phone:
Person to contact in an Emergency: Phone:
Does your child have any allergies? Write “None” if there isn’t:
Any special medication considerations (drug reactions, special diets, etc.)? Write “None” if there isn’t:
Past illnesses, injuries and/or behavior problems you might be aware of. Write “None” if there isn’t:
Immunization status of child. Write “Up to date” if all complete. Write any names of missing immunization.
(polio, pertussis, rubella, diphtheria, German measles, tetanus):
Write at least one positive guidance you found most effective for your child:
Anything else that might be helpful for us to know? Write “None” if there isn’t:
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EMERGENCY RECORD
Name of Child:
(Surname) (First Name)
Date of Birth: Health Care Number:
Parent(s):
Mother’s Name:
(Surname) (First Name)
Phone: (home) (work)
Father’s Name:
(Surname) (First Name)
Phone: (home) (work)
Doctor’s Name: Phone:
Clinic / Practice:
Allergies and/or medical conditions. Write “None” if there isn’t:
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ADDITIONAL PERSON(S) FOR PICK-UP AND EMERGENCY CONTACT(at least one)
Person 1
Name:
(Surname) (First Name)
Relationship: Contact number:
Person 2
Name:
(Surname) (First Name)
Relationship: Contact number:
Person 3
Name:
(Surname) (First Name)
Relationship: Contact number:
Person 4
Name:
(Surname) (First Name)
Relationship: Contact number:
At least more than 1 additional person should be listed, regardless of their location
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General Outdoor Play Permission Form
I hereby give my child’s daycare and staff permission to take my child ________________ for short trips and other outings to any of the destinations listed below as part of the daycare program. This includes transportations on foot or by the daycare van.
Primary Guardian Name
Signature Date
All Ages
Maranatha Playground next to McCauley Lodge
Peel & Morley Park at Morley Rd. & Peel St.
Alsek Park (Tagish-Tachun Park) at Alsek Rd off Lewes BLVD
Fish Ladder in Riverdale
Jim Light Park at 3rd Ave. & Rogers St.
Alsek/Blanchard Park at Blanchard Rd.
Rotary Park at 2nd ave & Robert Service Way
Kindergarten/School-age children
Grey Mountain Primary School at the end of Lewes BLVD
Christ the King School at 20 Nisutlin Dr.
Selkirk School at 5 Selkirk St.
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PARENTAL CONSENT FOR EMERGENCY CARE AND TRANSPORTATION
NAME OF CHILD: DATE:
If at any time, due to such circumstances as an injury or sudden illness, medical treatment is necessary, I authorize
the child care staff to take whatever emergency measures they deem necessary for the protection of my child while
in their care.
I understand this may involve calling a physician or nurse, carrying out the instructions given and/or transporting
my child to a hospital or nursing station, including the possible use of an emergency vehicle.
I understand that this may be done prior to contacting me and that any expense incurred for such treatment,
including emergency transportation is my responsibility.
Parent’s Signature
Centre Director or Day Home Operator Signature
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PERMISSION TO PHOTOGRAPH
I, , grant permission for WHHD to photograph my child,
, for the following purposes:
a) Take and send pictures to parents via daycare app (private)
Grant☐ Decline ☐
b) Display on the wall inside daycare (for decoration purposes)
Grant☐ Decline ☐
I understand that it is my responsibility to update this form in the event that I no longer wish to
authorize one or more of the above uses. I agree that this form will remain in effect during the
term of my child’s enrollment.
c) I would not like my child to be photographed at all ☐
Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date
Daycare Owner Signature Date