Policies

Illness

I require all children in my care to be vaccinated or on an age-appropriate vaccine schedule with your doctor. I kindly ask that if your child is sick with anything beyond a mild/clear runny nose that you do not send them to daycare.

If there is any illness that requires your child to be picked up or stay home, I require them to be 24 hours symptom-free before I will be able to accept them back into my care to avoid the spread of illnesses.

The healthier everyone is (myself included!), the more days we are open and the more fun we get to have.

Injury

As your children are at the age where they are still developing body and spatial awareness, falls are likely. With hours of outdoor play here each week, there is guaranteed to be some bumps, scrapes, and bruises on occasion.

I help children play with their "whole selves" - depending on their age, that includes running, jumping, lifting, climbing, and learning lessons about what they are capable of - safely.

I will always notify you of any injuries via text and/or discussion at pick-up time. Bandaids, ice packs, and a comforting hug are always nearby here.

Behaviour Management

I believe that the discipline of a child at daycare is achieved through patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. I also work to teach the children manners, kindness and to be respectful to others. We sing lots of songs about being respectful, gentle, and kind.

General techniques I employ are as follows:

Positive Reinforcement: Encouragement for good behaviour/gentle or kind actions.
Short Phrases: Instead of “Could we take off our shoes now?” I will say “It is time to take off your shoes. Let’s go put them on the mat”. This avoids confusion - being clear is being kind!
Explanation: “Hitting hurts! It made our friend really sad to get hit while you were playing. You can help her feel better by saying sorry”.
Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity, reminded of the rules, and given an opportunity to try again at another time.
Separation: The child is separated from the group for an age appropriate amount of time (one minute per one year of age) and spoken to about their behaviour. This technique is only used when a child repeatedly does not listen, is exhibiting temper tantrum type behaviour, or hurting themselves, others, or damaging equipment.