Programs

Program Description

 The Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc. Nursery School program is a half day program offered from Monday to Friday.  Posted Activity Plans, based on weekly themes, are implemented daily to provide children with opportunities for social interaction, sensory exploration, and hands on learning in a preschool environment. This program is intended to help children develop their pre-reading and writing skills, promote cognitive growth and interest in scientific discovery, as well as expand creativity through dramatic arts and crafts.

 The Nursery School Program is set up like a kindergarten environment, with circle time, show and tell, interest centres, snack time, and craft.  Two separate crafts are offered daily: A structured craft that is directed by a teacher, and a creative craft that is directed by the child.  With these two crafts offered, children will develop listening skills, critical thinking skills, and fine motor co-ordination, as well as increase self confidence, creativity, and concentration. 

 Show and tell is also offered.  Children are encouraged to bring in something special that they would like to talk about, but are not required to.  This is a time to introduce public speaking and foster self confidence, when the children are comfortable doing so. 

 Parents may also choose to enroll their child in the extended Nursery School Program.  This program is available daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  This program includes lunch and afternoon activities.  The cost is $20.00 per day.  Parents are required to preregister for this extended program.

Nursery School Schedule 

The Nursery School Program is operated while the School-age children are at school.  The program begins at 9:00 am and ends at 11:30. 
The schedule is as follows:

 9:00        Children are welcomed in with a good morning circle, show and tell,               and daily lesson.                  

9:30         Children are introduced to all interest centres, and are able to               choose where they would like to play.

10:10       Bathroom routine, and wash hands for snack time.

10:15       Snack time. Healthy snacks and juice/milk are offered.                                        Menus are posted.

10:40       Story time, and children’s favorite songs.

10:50       Bathroom routine and sunscreen applied.

11:00       Outdoor time.  Parents pick up children from playground.

Extended Care Schedule

12:00          Lunch time.  Menu posted.

12:30          Bathroom routine.

12:40          Afternoon circle, and learning activities.

1:00            Free play time including crafts and sensory activities.
                  Fine motor and cognitive activities at the tables.

1:45            Bathroom routine, and Sunscreen applied.

2:00            Outdoor time.

3:00            Dismissal (from outside)

   During Elementary school PA Days and school holidays, the Nursery School,
 and the extended care program  will be closed.  Signs will be posted in advance, reminding parents of closure.  If care during these times is required, please speak to the Supervisor, and arrangements may be made for your child to join the Preschool Classroom.

 Enrollment

Children enrolled in the Nursery School Program must be between the ages of 2 years and 5.5 years.  They are not required to be toilet trained, however a general comfort with a bathroom routine is encouraged.  Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc. has all facilities available for children and parents of all needs, including wheelchair accessibility.  Enhanced staffing is also available for children who qualify.

 Playground 

Curiosity Children's Centre Inc. has a fenced in play area for children to use during scheduled times each day.  Children in the Nursery School Program will go outside at 11:00, and can be picked up at 11:30 while outside.  Parents must use the gate at the back of the playground to pick-up or drop-off their child.  Under no circumstances will a child be permitted to be lifted over the playground fence.  Children who are enrolled in the extended care program will go outside from 11:00 to 12:00, and again at 2:00 to 3:00.  Sunscreen is provided by Curiosity Children's Centre Inc. and is applied prior to going outside.

 Fees

 At Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc., parents have the flexibility to choose a Nursery School schedule that suits their families needs best.  Providing the space is available, children can be enrolled for one to five days per week  Fees are due at the end of every month to pay for the following month.  Post dated cheques can be left with the Supervisor.  Upon enrollment, it is recommended that a parent visits and participates with the child in order to foster the child’s confidence in a new setting.  Parents are not charged for these visits, providing that they stay on the premises with their child.

Tax receipts will be issued for all payments made during the calendar year.  Any NSF cheques will be subject to a $25.00 administration fee that will be charged to the parent.  More than two NSF cheques in one year will result in payments being accepted by pre-paid cash or certified cheque.  Late payments may be subject to a $10.00 administration fee.  If payments are not made, Curiosity Children's Centre Inc. reserves the right to discontinue care and take the account to a collections company.  Refunds will not be issued for unused care.

Holidays

 The following statutory holidays are observed, and Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc. will be closed:

New Years Day                       Good Friday            Victoria Day
Canada Day                             Civic Holiday          Labour Day Thanksgiving                            Christmas Day         Boxing Day

 If a Statutory holiday falls on a weekend, Curiosity Children's Centre Inc. will be closed on a selected weekday.

 Medication

 Regular prescription medications will not be administered during the Nursery School Program.  This includes Tylenol, cough medicines, or antibiotics.  The program is short enough that arrangements can be made by the parents to give their children medications at home.  Emergency medications, used to treat Asthma, Allergic reactions, and Seizures are permitted, and a designated teacher will be responsible for administering this medication.  All medications must be brought in the original container and will be administered as according to a signed parent permission form and doctor’s note/ prescription label.  The following information must be clearly labeled on the prescription:

• Name of child

• Name of medication and dosage

• Date of issue and expiry date

• Doctor’s name

Upon enrollment, parents must provide a copy of their child’s record of immunization that shows that all required vaccinations are up to date. 

 Nutrition

 Nutritious snacks are provided during the drop-in program.  Please see the posted menu for a list of snacks provided.  Due to severe allergies and medical conditions, snacks from home are not permitted in the centre.  During special occasions and birthdays, parents are welcome to bring in Peanut Free Treats for the class.

 Parent involvement

At any time, parents are welcome to join their children at play.  This increases the child’s self-confidence and sense of security.

 Contagious/Infectious Illnesses

 Children who are showing signs of illness are required to not attend care at Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc. These signs may include fever, pain, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, tiredness, or anxiety.  Parents will be notified immediately if a child develops an unexplained rash or high fever, or begins vomiting or diarrhea; and will be required to make arrangements for a prompt pick up.  Children must remain fever and diarrhea free for 24 hours (without the aid of Acetaminophen) before returning to the daycare.   If your child has been diagnosed with a contagious illness such as Pink eye, Strep throat, Chicken pox, etc., it is the policy of Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc. that the child must have received three regular doses of their prescribed medication, or have a doctors note stating that the infection is no longer contagious.  Signs will be posted and all parents will be notified if there has been a report of a contagious illness in the Centre.  Respecting the guidelines of the daycare’s Illness policies will provide for a safe and healthy environment for all of the children enrolled. 

 Head lice

 Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc. enforces a strict ‘no-nit’ policy.  If you discover that your child has head lice, please report to the operator immediately, and keep your child at home.  Upon report of a child with head lice, all children attending the centre will be checked for lice and/or nits.  If any children are found to have lice or nits, they will be sent home immediately.  Children will be allowed to re-enter their program after a staff has conducted a thorough check and has found their hair to be nit free.  Ask your physician about the types of treatments and methods of preventing head lice.

Children are discouraged from sharing combs, hair accessories and hats while at the centre.

 Trips

 During the year, various field trips may be planned for the children enrolled in the Nursery School Program.  A parent or guardian may be required to join the children on these trips as transportation may be necessary.  Permission forms will be distributed detailing the date and location of the trip, means of transportation, arrival/departure times, and a list of things that the children may need to bring with them (i.e. bathing suits and towels).  Parents who participate in the trips will have their admission costs paid for by Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc.  Occasionally, the children in the nursery school program may go on neighbourhood walks.  These walks will be listed on the program plans.  Parents are not required to join their children during these trips. 

 Behavior Management

 The Teachers at Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc. are fully trained and constantly updating their behavior management skills.  Specific behavior management strategies will be used to maintain a positive environment for all children, parents, and teachers.  Children will be praised and encouraged regularly, thus fostering positive behavior and a need for positive attention.  Behavior management discussion will be included in every staff meeting, and tracking methods will be used to document the effectiveness of the behavior management strategies.   Every child is an individual, as is each occurrence.  It is imperative that preventative methods are taken to recognize and rectify potential negative situations.  In the event that a child’s negative behavior is causing reasonable detriment to the program, and the child’s parents are not willing to participate or cooperate in behavior management strategies, the operator reserves the right to terminate care without notice.

Inclusion

 Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc. provides a peaceful environment free of stereotype, prejudice, and ridicule.  Every opportunity is taken to provide the children with opportunities to learn about, understand, and respect each other’s similarities and differences.  Through the use of multicultural media, anti-bias materials, guest speakers, and discussions, children will be given opportunities to explore and encouraged ask questions about cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles.  All families, staff, and guests of Curiosity Children’s Centre are welcomed into the programs regardless of needs, cultures, or social status

 Custody Policy

 Any custody arrangements must be brought to the attention of the operator before attending any program at Curiosity Children’s Centre Inc.  A copy of any Court Orders of Custody Agreements must be reviewed by the operator and kept in the child’s file.  This enables the staff at the centre to enforce any of the terms of the custody agreement.  Signed consent of all parties must be given to the operator before any visit by the non-custodial parent is made.  A non-custodial parent is not authorized to pick up a child without written consent from the child’s custodial parent.  Any contravention to the Court order will result in immediate police assistance.

 Concerns

 Any parental concerns regarding the program or quality of care provided must be brought to the attention of the operator.  The operator will take immediate action to investigate and rectify any situation, and follow up with any persons involved.

Withdrawal

 Parents are required to give two weeks written notice prior to withdrawal from the centre.  Failure in doing so will result in full charges for the two week period.

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