PARENT MANUAL
Organization
Objectives
1. ORGANIZATION
Nursery Two Child Care is an incorporated non-profit, charitable organization. Nursery Two Child
Care is a United Way Member Agency.
Nursery Two has a voluntary Community Board of Directors consisting of members of the
community and staff.
Our organization is licensed by the Ministry of Education under the Day Nurseries Act.
The professional staff within our organization has training in Early Childhood Education, or
equivalent training recognized by the Ontario Day Nurseries Act, and has a variety of experience
working with young children.
2. OBJECTIVES OF ORGANIZATION
Objectives of the Organization:
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To offer quality child care service to families
To provide a program of child development and early childhood education
To promote involvement of families in the operation of our child care centres
To educate parents and the public on the importance of a high quality child care system
To influence decision-makers on child care issues
Our Early Childhood Education Programs are planned to provide challenging, creative
programming and to promote the overall growth and development of young children.
The play environment is designed to meet the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs
of the young child. Children, sometimes alone and sometimes-in collaboration with others, play
out their fantasies and events of their daily lives. Through play young children consolidate their
understanding of the world, their language and their social skills.
The daily schedule reflects the importance of providing children with the opportunity for active
and quiet play indoors and outdoors, for self-directed activity and structured time.
Age appropriate toys are provided for the shared play experience of all children.
Entering our Early Childhood Education Programs is to step into a world of
wonder, exploration, and discovery.
PARENT MANUAL
Enrolment and Orientation
Attendance
3. ENROLMENT AND ORIENTATION PROCEDURE
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A child will be accepted in the program when:
The child accompanies parent(s)/guardian(s) on a preliminary visit
The child is at an appropriate age
The program meets the child’s needs
The parent complies with the Child Care Centre’s orientation procedures and general
policies
All paperwork is completed
All financial arrangements have been put in place
4. ATTENDANCE
Children that arrive prior to 9:15 a.m. can take full advantage of the educational program. A
child’s consistent late arrival may hinder his/her ability to adapt socially and emotionally in the
program. Regular attendance of your child is expected as it generally promotes better
adjustment to the program.
If your child is unable to attend the Centre due to illness or vacation, please notify the Centre in
the morning. Notifications of vacation plans are required.
Contact Information
Nursery Two @ St. John
705-745-7553
Nursery Two @ St. Alphonsus
705-745-3353
Nursery Two @ St. Joseph’s
705-874-5199
Nursery Two @ Otonabee Valley
705-745-0651 ext 145
Nursery Two @ Keith Wightman
705-745-7553
Fax: 705-745-7571
www.nurserytwochildcare.com
PARENT MANUAL
Hours of Operation
5. HOURS OF OPERATION
Nursery Two Child Care Centre:
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Our Programs:
Infant Program
Toddler Program
Preschool Program
JK/SK Program (Best Start)
Before and After School Program
Infant Program (12 months)
School Age Full Day Program
Regular Hours of Operation Full Day:
7:30 a.m. to 5:30pm
Observance of the opening and closing times is essential.
Staff are not available prior to 7:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
Our program closes at 5:30pm; therefore parents must arrive
prior to 5:30 to pick up their children.
PARENT MANUAL
Holidays
Emergency Closures
Emergency Evacuations
Fees
6. HOLIDAYS
The Centre will be closed as follows: (Parents pay for the following days)
New Years Day
Family Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Victoria Day
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Canada Day
Civic Holiday (August)
Labour Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Closed for one day in the spring for Staff Training (no charge to parents)
Closed for two weeks in December for Christmas Holidays. (no charge to parents)
Parents are required to pay for all vacation days.
As of January 2013, parents are charged for all Stat and Civic Holidays regardless of the
days their children attend.
7. EMERGENCY CLOSURES
It may be necessary to close the Centre for emergencies such as snowstorms, power failures,
etc. Please tune in to local radio stations for announcements regarding emergency closures.
There will also be a message on our answering machine indicating a closure, as well as our
website. Parents are required to pay for any emergency closures.
8. EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS
It may be necessary to evacuate the building for emergency situations at some point. Emergency
evacuations could include any of the following:
 Loss of heat in the building
 Fire
 Water Damage
 Etc.
In most cases, parents will be called and asked to pick up their child(ren). In some cases
however, transportation will be provided to the children, and they will be relocated to another
Nursery Two Child Care site. This will be via school bus, and/or the Nursery Two Child Care
transportation vehicle. Parents will be notified in a timely manner when/if this happens about
which location their child is at.
Emergency Evacuation Sites
Regular Centre
Evacuation Site
Nursery Two @ St John
Nursery Two @ St. Alphonsus
Nursery Two @ Otonabee Valley
Nursery Two @ St Joseph’s
Nursery Two @ Keith Wightman
Nursery Two @ St Alphonsus
Nursery Two @ St. John
Nursery Two @ St John
Nursery Two @ St John
Nursery Two @ St Alphonsus
9. FEES
Fees are based on the cost of operating the Child Care Centres. No refunds can be given for
absent days and vacations. Extended absences due to illness should be brought to the attention
of the Executive Director. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide us with written information
regarding any changes in your child’s schedule. If we do not receive this information from you,
you will be billed for any missed days. Parents that are on a sporadic schedule are responsible to
provide a weekly schedule at a minimum. If you do not provide us with a schedule we will
assume you require full time care and will bill you accordingly. Please note that if you are on a
sporadic schedule we cannot guarantee a spot on the day that care is needed if we do not
receive a schedule a head of time. (It is important for everyone involved to receive schedules
ahead of time)
Fees are generally set for the fiscal year January to December. Each year the Board determines if
a fee increase is required to run the Centre. Upon initial enrolment a one-time $40 registration
fee is due. Fees can be paid by e-transfer (a staff member can provide specific instructions),
cheque or money order. Nursery Two Child Care does not accept cash or change (coins) of any
kind.
School Age Program Fees
Before School
After School
Full Day (P.A. Day, Summer, etc.)
$8
$10
$30
PARENT MANUAL
Full and Partial Subsidy
Health Regulations
Program Description
Overview of the Day
Parent Role
10. FULL AND PARTIAL SUBSIDY
The Centre has a Purchase of service Agreement with the City of Peterborough, which allows us
to enroll children in subsidized spaces.
To ascertain subsidy eligibility, please contact the City of Peterborough at 705-748-8830. The
Executive Director will be pleased to provide further information and to answer any questions
regarding subsidy.
11. HEALTH REGULATIONS
The Day Nurseries Health Record must be completed and returned to the child care centre prior
to the child entering the program.
12. OVERVIEW OF THE DAY
The following are included in each and every day: Art, Science, Pre Literacy Skills, Pre Math
Skills, Physical Activity, Dramatic Play, Outdoor Activities, rest time.
All program plans are posted on our Program Boards.
Our program provides a minimum of 2 hours of outdoor play activities each day for those
children that attend a full day, weather permitting. Parents must provide suitable and extra
clothing for active play and varying weather conditions. Additional changes of clothing are
needed in case of soiling or wetting. Labeled clothing is helpful. Parents need to provide diapers,
change pad and diaper wipes for their child.
13. PARENT ROLE
ROLE OF THE PARENT
Parent’s roles vary within our organization. Beyond your responsibility as a parent it is also your
role to abide by the Policies and Procedures put into place by our Organization. Within this
Parent Manual are the Policies in which you are to adhere to. We welcome parents to bring any
skills to our Programs that would enhance the day for the children. Parents are encouraged to
take part in field trips, special events at our Child Care Programs, and offering your help as a
volunteer at various events. Parents must also keep us up to date on any changes that may be
important for the best care for your child.
PARENT MANUAL
Field Trips
Meals
Rest Time
14. FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are a part of our program and are taken throughout
the year to special places of interest. There are two types of field
trips that we take the children on. The first type is a local
informal trip, such as a walk around the neighborhood. For this
type of trip, parents provide their signature of permission at
registration time, on our registration form, which will cover all of
our informal trips. The second type of field trip is a formal longer
trip, which involves transportation services such as public transportation or a chartered bus.
Parents will be informed of these excursions in advance and a consent form will have to be
signed for each trip. Parents choosing not to have their child participate will be required to make
their own alternative care arrangements at their own cost for the duration of the field trip.
Parents are always welcome to accompany their child on our trips. For transportation planning
purposes, we require advance notice. A current police check for participating parents will also
be required prior to the event.
15. MEALS
A hot lunch and morning and afternoon snacks are provided.
All food is chosen on the basis of its nutritional value and with the food
preferences of preschool children in mind.
It is important that we are informed if your child has any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Parents are not allowed to bring any food to our programs due to allergies of some of the
other children and staff. Some children have life threatening allergies and it is everyone’s
responsibility to help protect all children.
16. REST PERIOD
All children require a time for rest and relaxation in the course of a
day filled with activities and socializing. A favourite blanket or a soft
toy will serve as a comfort and reassurance to a child during rest
period.
Due to the nature of a group program, there are limitations to the
extent rest periods can be individualized. Children who do not require
a two-hour rest period will be given the opportunity to engage in quiet play after one hour of
rest. Children will not be prevented from falling asleep during two-hour rest period. Soft,
comforting music will be played at rest time.
PARENT MANUAL
Illness
Injuries
Toys From Home
17. ILLNESS
Your child should remain at home whenever he/she has a fever or has been
diagnosed by a physician as having a contagious disease.
Parents will be notified and requested to pick up their child when he/she
appears to be ill and/or shows symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or
unidentified rashes. A child can return to our program 24 hours after a fever
has subsided.
After an unidentifiable rash has been diagnosed by a doctor, a note from a doctor is required
stating that the child is not contagious. The child may return to the program with a medical
certificate stating that the child is not contagious. The note must be dated.
In considering whether a child is well enough to return to the program, he/she must be well
enough to participate in indoor and outdoor activities.
Staff will not administer Tylenol, Advil, or equivalents. If a child requires these medications, they
are not well enough to attend our program.
An educator can only administer medication with a written authorization from the parent. The
medicine must be in the original container, clearly labeled with instruction for storage and
administration. Parents must complete our Medication Forms.
IT IS ADVISABLE TO PLAN FOR ALTERNATE CARE FOR ILL CHILDREN AT THE
TIME OF ENROLMENT.
18. INJURIES
Parents will be notified immediately when a child receives an injury
such as head or facial injuries, severe sprains, lacerations, etc. Minor
injuries such as bumps, bruises, and scratches will be reported at pickup time.
19. TOYS FROM HOME
Toys from home frequently cause conflict and envy and should remain at home. A special cuddle
toy or blanket for rest time is acceptable and recommended. We are not responsible for any lost
toys.
PARENT MANUAL
Child Guidance
Arrival/Departure
Parking Areas
20. BEHAVIOUR
When a child’s behaviour prevents him/her from functioning appropriately in our group
settings, a parent will be notified to pick up their child. However, all behaviours will be dealt
with in a positive manner by our educators and at a level that is appropriate to their actions and
age of development. This is done to promote self-discipline, ensure health and safety, and to
respect the rights of others.
Methods and techniques for appropriate behaviour management are discussed at regular staff
meetings and all of our educators are required to review and sign our Behaviour Policy
Standards annually.
21. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Parents must notify educators directly of the child’s arrival and departure. Children must never
be left unattended in classrooms, playgrounds, hallways, cars, parking lots, or “drop off” areas.
Parents are responsible for bringing their child in and assisting them with removal of their
outdoor clothing.
The Centre must be informed whenever a person other than the parents will be picking up their
child. The educators will not release the child without this notification and photo
identification.
22. PARKING AREAS
Parking lots are a source of danger to young children and extreme
caution must be used when entering and leaving the area.
Children are not to be left unattended in vehicles. When dropping off
and picking up your child, please ensure that your vehicle’s motor is
turned off. Please respect the no parking zones and handicapped/administration spaces.
PARENT MANUAL
Criteria For Withdrawal
Temporary Withdrawal
Process for Communication
23. CRITERIA FOR WITHDRAWAL
The child is no longer able to continue in the program when:
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The child is beyond program age
The program does not meet the needs of a child
The child is unable to function in a group setting
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The parent does not accept the policies of the program
In the event a child does not meet the criteria for continued enrolment in the program the
centre may assist the family in pursuing other child care options in the community.
Parents must give a minimum of two weeks written notice or payment in lieu of notice.
24. TEMPORARY WITHDRAWAL
If a child is withdrawn temporarily, he/she will be put on the waiting list on the date of
withdrawal. Every effort will be made to re-enroll the child on the requested date. No guarantee
can be given.
25. PROCESS FOR COMMUNICATION
Open communication is vital to creating a positive environment. We welcome ongoing feedback
from parents. Working together with families and building on your constructive feedback and
recommendations enables us to improve our programs. All children that attend full days in our
Preschool and Toddler Program have a Profile Binder which has learning stories and pictures of
their time with us. If you have a concern that you would like to speak with a staff about please
set up a time that is best for both you and the staff to speak together. Please remember the
staffs first responsibility is the well-being of all children in our care. Therefore they are unable to
speak at length with parents during pick up and arrival times. If you would like to express your
concern to our Executive Director please put your concern in writing or call her directly at 705
745 7553.
PARENT MANUAL
Tips For Parents
Volunteers & Students
Serious Occurrences
Welcome From The Board
26. TIPS FOR PARENTS
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Ensure that we always have current emergency contact names and telephone numbers
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Advise staff of any allergies or medical conditions
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Arrange for alternative care when your child is not well enough to participate fully in the
program
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Advise the Centre each day if your child is absent due to illness or vacation
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Advise the Centre each day that your child will not be returning to the centre after school
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Ensure that your child has an extra set of clothing
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Label your child’s clothing
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Provide your child with appropriate outdoor clothing at all times
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Discourage your child from bringing toys from home to his or her program
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Ensure that all policies and procedures outlined in the Parent Manual are adhered to at all
times.
27. Volunteers & Students
Nursery Two is fortunate to work in partnership with Colleges, Universities and High Schools as a
training facility. It is important to note that only staff employed by Nursery Two Inc. are
responsible for the supervision of any students or volunteers. Volunteers and students work
alongside our staff to learn valuable hands on experience. Our staff is well trained and receive
on going professional development to remain current within our field of work. (No one under
the age of 18 would be in a position to supervisor children). Only trained employees of Nursery
Two Inc. supervise children.
28. Serious Occurrences
Nursery Two Child Care will comply with all regulations set out by the Ministry of Education (Day
Nurseries Act) in regards to any Serious Occurrence situation.
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All Serious Occurrences are to be submitted through the on line Child Care Licensing
System. Reports are no longer faxed or called in by telephone. Submission is to take
place within 24 hours of becoming aware of an occurrence or when the operator deems
the occurrence to be serious as
Reports are posted in programs for a minimum of 10 business days. If additional
information is added to the form within the 10 days the report is to be posted 10
business days from the date of the update. The report will be posted near the Child Care
License for the site that the serious occurrence took place.
29. WELCOME FROM THE BOARD
The Board of Directors and Staff extend a warm welcome to all new children and parents.
NURSERY TWO CHILD CARE CENTRE
AGREEMENT
I/We have read and agree to the policies described within this manual. I also understand that
Nursery Two will inform me of any changes to policies that would pertain to my child’s care. I
further understand that not all of the agencies policies and procedures have been listed in this
handbook. However, the policies and procedures that pertain to my child’s day to day care have
been provided to me in this handbook.
_____________________________
NAME OF CHILD (please print)
__________________________________
SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN
______________________________
RELATION TO CHILD
_________________________________
NAME OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
______________________________
SIGNATURE
_________________________________
DATED
This page is to be signed and returned with Registration Forms along with
an up to date Record of Immunization.