“WELCOME” TO THE MEMORY LANE FAMILY PLACE PRESCHOOL We are taking this opportunity to provide you with your initial registration package for the 2014/2015 preschool year. We ask you to please complete these forms and return them to us as soon as possible. You can drop them off to the centre or send via Canada Post. Forms can also be downloaded from our web site and emailed to us. Attached also is the Program Philosophy, Daily Routine and Preschool Policies for your reading. An information meeting will be held on mid-May at the Memory Lane Family Place (22 Memory Lane). We will advise you of the date. We will talk more about the program and dates for your child to come to his/her orientation the first week of September. This meeting and the children’s orientation will allow you and your child to meet staff and become familiar with the centre and in particular the preschool environment. Your comfort is our utmost concern. Preschool payments are made a month in advance, which means your first payment will be due by August 15th. This will be your September payment. Your final payment will be made by May 15th for the month of June. A deposit of $25.00 is required, which will hold your space. This is due when the above forms are returned or you can bring to the May meeting. This is non-refundable for registration purposes but will be deducted from your final payment. Preschool fees for the 2014-2015 year are $70.00 monthly (reduced rates may be available to families, who are registering more than one child). The centre has an open-door policy. Please feel free to contact us, if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Your feedback is important! We look forward to meeting with you at the parent information meeting. “We hope you and your child enjoy your experience in the Memory Lane Family Place Preschool Program.” MEMORY LANE FAMILY PLACE PRESCHOOL INITIAL INTAKE FORM 1. Parent(s)/Guardian: _________________________________________________ 2. Civic/Mailing Address: _______________________________________________ Postal Code: ______________ 3. Email Address: ____________________________________________________ 4. Phone Number: (H) ___________ (C) _____________ (W) ________________ 5. Child’s Full Name: __________________________________________________ 6. Date of birth: ____________ Language(s) spoke at home: __________________ 7. Height: _________________ Weight: _______________ 8. Day/Time preferred: Mon/Wed a.m. ________ Tues/Thurs a.m. ________ 9. Special Issues – i.e. Health/Medical/Behavior/Diet ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ 10. What other programs is your child attending (i.e. playgroups, preschool, etc.) ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ 11. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your child and/or your family? ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ 12. What is the reason or reasons you would like to have your child in our preschool program? ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Form #1 – 4/13 MEMORY LANE FAMILY PLACE PRESCHOOL GENERAL INFORMATION Child’s Name_______________________________________________ Date of Birth: ______________________________________________ Parent or Guardian Name (s): ___________________________________ These questions are being answered by: ___________________________ 1. Is your child an only child? _______________________________________________________________ 2. Has your child attended Nursery School or Day Care? _______________________________________________________________ 3. Does he/she have an opportunity to play with other children on a daily basis? _______________________________________________________________ 4. How does your child get along with other children? _______________________________________________________________ 5. How does he/she feel about starting preschool? ______________________________________________________________ 6. How does he/she feel about starting school? _______________________________________________________________ 7. Does your child show an interest in books? _______________________________________________________________ 8. Does he/she enjoy listening to stories and being read to? _______________________________________________________________ 9. What are his/her favorite stories? _______________________________________________________________ 10. What kind of activities does your child enjoy doing alone? _______________________________________________________________ 11. Is your child able to dress him/herself? _______________________________________________________________ 12. Is he/she able to: Tie his/her sneakers: _______ Zip up his/her own jacket: _______ Fasten snaps on jeans, etc.: _______ Button his/her jacket etc.: _______ 13. Does your child know: His/her full name: _______ Name of parent (other than Mom or Dad): _______ His/her address: _______ His/her phone number: _______ 14. What, if any, group activities has your child been involved in? ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ 15. If you could use one or two words (other than bright and adorable) to describe your son or daughter, how would you describe him/her? ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Form #2 – 02/12 MEMORY LANE FAMILY PLACE PRESHOOL QUICK REFERENCE Name: ________________________ Date of Birth: ___________________________ Start Date: ____________________ End Date: ______________________________ Weekly Attendance: ________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: _____________________ Home #:_______________________________ Child’s Health Card Number: __________________________________________________ Allergies: _________________________ Medications: __________________________ _________________________ __________________________ Parent daytime contact number: ___________________________________ Caregiver contact number: _______________________________________ Emergency contact person: ________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________ Relationship to child:_________________ Environmental Issues/Sensitivities: _____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Habits: __________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Likes: ___________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Dislikes: _________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ *I give permission for my child ___________________________ to be picked up by: Name 1. _________________________ 2. _________________________ 3. _________________________ Phone Number _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ If anyone else is to ever pick up my child, I will notify the staff in advance. The staff has the right to ask for identification, if the person is unknown to them. *I am willing to permit my child _______________________to go on outside expeditions with appropriate supervision. *I give permission for my child to receive medical attention, and to be taken to the hospital in case of emergency, if I cannot be contacted. *I give permission for my child’s picture to be taken. (Note – Children’s photos are not put on internet – used internally only.) Parent/guardian signature: ________________________ Date: ____________________ Form #3 – 4/14 Memory Lane Family Place Preschool Child’s Health Questionnaire To be completed by the parent(s) Name of Child: ____________________ Date Of Birth: __________________ Health Card #: __________________________ Expiry Date: ______________ Parent(s) /Guardian Name:__________________________________________ Telephone: (H) ________________ (W)________________ (C)_____________ Start Date:____________________ End Date:________________________ IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Adult to contact if you cannot be reached: 1. Name: _____________________________ Relationship: ______________ Telephone (home) _____________________ (work) ___________________ 2. Name: _____________________________ Relationship: ______________ Telephone (home) _____________________ (work) ___________________ Doctor and/or clinic: Name: _________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ Telephone: ________________________ st 1 IMMUNIZATION RECORD – Give Dates D/M/Y 2nd 3rd 4th 5th DPTP HIB MMR TDP IB Other Dentist and/or clinic: Name: _________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ Telephone: _________________________ BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Please list other children in the household. First name (last name only if different) 1. ________________________ Age ____ 2. ________________________ Age ____ 3. ________________________ Age ____ 4. ________________________ Age ____ Language spoken at home ________________________________________________ Has your child been in a child care arrangement before? _______________ If your child has been cared for by family members or others (e.g. a neighbor), please describe the child’s experience. _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ If your child has had group play experience, please describe how often your child attended, how long were your child’s experience. _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT HISTORY: Describe any difficulties or serious illnesses at birth, if any: _______________________________________________________________________ Describe your child’s general health (e.g. recurrent colds, ear infections, stomach aches, etc.): _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Are there presently any serious medical problems? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ If your child is taking any medication, what medication and what is it for? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Has your child been to a dentist? ______________________________________________ Does your child have any dental problems: ________________________________________ Describe how your child communicates: __________________________________________ How would you describe your child’s emotional, physical and social growth and development to this point? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Describe your child’s diet (including types of food and fluid) Fluids/Beverages: ______________________________________________ Solids: ______________________________________________ Dislikes: ______________________________________________ Does your child have any allergies to food? ______________________________ If your child has food allergies, please list: _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Does your child have any allergies to medication or contact allergies? __________ If yes, please describe and list: _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Is the allergy severe enough to require medical and/or emergency treatment? ____ If yes, describe and detail any procedures required. _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Has your child eaten peanut butter at home? Yes ___ No ___ Any reaction? ____________________ If yes, please describe: _____________________________________________________ (Please note – the Memory Lane Family Place is not peanut-free.) Diet restrictions (cultural, religious): _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Describe any concerns you have about your child’s diet and/or eating habits. _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Describe your child’s sleeping habits and routine. _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Is your child able to take care of his/her bathroom needs? _______________________________________________________________________ Parent’s Signature ___________________________________ Form #4 - 02/14 Date ________________ BEHAVIOR PATTERNS and HABITS: Describe your child’s behavior and habits (e.g. temperament, energy level): _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Describe an ordinary day in your child’s life, from getting up in the morning to going to bed, including times for naps, meals and play, interests, activities, etc. Morning: _________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Afternoon: _______________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Evening: _________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Describe your child’s particular attachments (e.g. toy, blanket, pets) and any particular habits (e.g. thumb-sucking, rocking): _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Describe any particular fears your child has shown (e.g. to animals, loud noises and strangers): _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Describe how your child reacts to stressful situations/separation (e.g. cries, withdraws, has tantrums, yells, swears, hits): _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ How does your child react to new situations? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ We would appreciate your views on guiding your child’s behavior and setting limits: _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your child to help us provide the best possible experience for him/her? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Parent’s signature: _________________________ Form # 5 - 4/13 Date: _________________ MEMORY LANE FAMILY PLACE PRESCHOOL POLICIES Due to the need for program planning and set up, parents are asked to arrive no earlier than five minutes prior to start time. 1. ATTENDANCE – Every attempt is made to wait for all children to arrive before starting with activities. We ask that you please call the centre (846-6363), if you will not be attending the program or if you are going to be late. 2. CLOTHING – Children attending the Memory Lane Family Place Preschool should dress for messy activities. Good clothing is discouraged. This allows for freedom in play for children and reduces the fear of adults that clothes will be soiled or probably ruined. When bringing an extra change of clothing for your child, we ask that all items be marked and kept in a bag with your child’s name on it. 3. CHILDREN’S CRAFTS – Children’s crafts are to be taken home daily, because of limited space. We know you will display them with pride in your own home. 4. FACILITY Fire and safety policies and procedures must be adhered to. They are posted on the bulletin board in the preschool. Please familiarize yourself with them. A copy of the evacuation plan is also attached to the board. Daily attendance records are kept for both statistical purposes and fire requirements. A fully stocked First Aid Kit is kept in the Preschool at all times. Emergency numbers are posted in the preschool unit. Hot beverages (i.e. coffee, tea) are not permitted in the Preschool or anywhere around the children for safety reasons. Staff will not be responsible for any personal belongings being misplaced at the Memory Lane Family Place Preschool. Bringing toys from home is discouraged; also toys being taken home from the centre is not permitted. Diaper bags/purses must be kept on a counter, off the floor. This is necessary so that children will not get into the bags. We cannot be responsible for the loss of purses, during anytime you may be on site. There is an information bulletin board located in the Preschool. Staff will post upcoming events or information they feel would be helpful for parents. Please keep yourself updated. 5. SNACK – A nutritious snack of juice or milk/water will be provided during each session. Two servings of snack will be prepared for all children. The children will be served juice, then offered water. Parents are to inform staff of any special diets or allergies. A list of these children and their allergies will be posted in the food prep area. Parents will be responsible to provide an alternate snack for children with allergies. These substitute snacks must comply with the Nova Scotia Day Care Regulations, as stated below. “When additional foods for special occasions are donated by an outside source, the licensee must ensure that foods offered are part of the Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide and that a list of ingredients, name of the person who prepared the food and any special instructions are clearly labeled. All off-site food services used by a child care centre must be licensed as a food service facility by the department of Agriculture”. *NOTE: We are not a peanut-free centre. Please inform staff if your child has a peanut allergy. Food Safety – Child care program can only purchase or receive donations of food or beverages from an establishment permitted by the Department of Agriculture. Staff must create a relaxing and enjoyable meal environment as per regulation. Regulated child care settings welcome mothers to breastfeed anywhere in the facility or when requested, regulated child care setting provide a comfortable space for breastfeeding mothers. Staff is responsive to children’s cues around hunger and provides snacks outside of the regular schedule. Staff encourages children to respond to hunger and feelings of fullness and children are not forced to finish food that has been served. 6. ILLNESS – We must prevent the spreading of illness; therefore, if a child is not feeling well, we ask they remain home. Any of the following would disqualify attendance for children: Temperature of 101F (38.5C) or higher. Vomited that morning or the night before. Diarrhea. Rash diagnosed as “contagious”, or any undiagnosed rash. Conjunctivitis (pink eye), or any eye condition where the eyes are itchy, red, swollen or oozing. Anything that is contagious, i.e. impetigo, ringworm, pinworm, chicken pox, measles, etc. A cold with a fever, runny nose, sneezing or bad cough. Head lice – treatment, (nix shampoo), must be completed and all nits gone from the head. *Please inform staff if your child or the children in your care have come in contact with a contagious condition; we will inform other parents/guardians of the group so they can observe their children. 7. MEDICATION – Parents are responsible for administering any medication their children may require during their time at the Memory Lane Family Place Preschool. Please inform staff if your child is using medication, and if your child has any medical condition that staff may have to monitor, (i.e. Asthma). 8. HOLIDAYS – Preschool programs at the Memory Lane Family Place will not be offered on statutory and some non-stat holidays and any other day when school may be cancelled, i.e., storm days. Following is a list of holidays, relative to the preschool year1. 2. 3. 4. Thanksgiving Day Remembrance Day Christmas Day Boxing Day 5. 6. 7. 8. New Year’s Day Good Friday Easter Monday Victoria Day 9. CONDUCT/CONFIDENTIALITY – The Memory Lane Family Place Preschool is thought of as a model for everyone. Adult-like behavior, (especially as it relates to language) is expected. The children are watching and listening. Complete professional behavior is expected at all times from everyone. We especially ask parents to be mindful about discussing their children in front of them. Problem solving is always encouraged. If you are unhappy with anything at the Memory Lane Family Place Preschool, you are asked to please direct your concerns to staff. Idle gossip is unproductive and often harmful. Strict confidentially is expected. *The centre has a ZERO tolerance policy with respect to any form of corporal punishment, which includes slapping, shaking, yelling, pushing or humiliating another person. Parents are asked to familiarize themselves with the centre’s Behavior Guidance Policy, posted on the bulletin board. 10. EVALUATION – An integral part of the centre’s operation is ongoing evaluation. You may be asked from time to time to participate in completing questionnaires, surveys or attending focus groups. Your participation is always voluntary. Your cooperation in following these policies would be greatly appreciated. They are designed to make things easier for everyone. Your input/feedback is always encouraged and valued. We are always open to change. “We look forward to working with you and your children and welcome you!!” Form #6 – 02/14 MEMORY LANE FAMILY PLACE PRESCHOOL This will serve to confirm that I _____________________________ have received a copy of the preschool polices. (Form #6) Signed: __________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________ MEMORY LANE FAMILY PLACE PRESCHOOL FINANCIAL POLICIES Thank you for registering with the provincially-licensed Memory Lane Family Place Preschool. We would like to welcome you and your child(ren). We are open to any comments/ideas/suggestions you may have on the financial policies. Just let us know! PAYMENTS – The monthly fee for the 2014/2015 preschool year is $70.00. Fees are collected one month in advance. Your first payment is due by August 15th, which is your September payment and your last payment would be made by May 15, 2015, for the month of June. In the past we have been able to offer financial subsidies to families. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible. Should we receive any community support to assist parents with their fees, we will advise you. Also, in the past, we were able to provide transportation to our families at a minimal cost. Unfortunately, this service is no longer available. METHOD OF PAYMENT - If paying by cheque, please make it payable to the Memory Lane Family Place Preschool. Post-dated cheques are accepted, if this is easier for you. Should you incur an NSF cheque, future payments will have to be made in cash or by money order. Payments are made to the office and receipts will be made available. We ask that payments not be put in children’s backpacks. Preschool staff do not check the children’s backpacks. We appreciate your cooperation in this regard. HOLIDAYS – Please refer to item #8 in your preschool policies, which outline the days the centre is closed. We are also closed on storm days, when schools are closed or when we feel the roads are unsafe. When, and if, other times arise not listed in your policies, you will be notified (example, Christmas break). Parents will pay for any and all holidays. “We look forward to working with you and your children and welcome you!!” Form #7 – 2/14 MEMORY LANE FAMILY PLACE PRESCHOOL PHILOSOPHY _______________________________________________________ Preschoolers do not learn in the same manner as older children and adults. Their intellectual growth is connected to and depends upon their social, physical, and emotional development. Much of what they learn derives from hands-on experience they get through play. This program will provide a variety of activities and materials to encourage children to explore and discover. Adults are an important part in the child’s journey through learning by providing the room to play and centering the curriculum around the needs of the child. The adults can stimulate a preschooler’s natural instinct to learn by providing a supportive environment and a wide variety of developmentally appropriate activities. The children will benefit from social interactions with others their age through opportunities for developing social problem-solving techniques, such as negotiation and cooperation as well as a chance to develop individuality and creativity by re-enacting events they have either experienced or heard about such as shopping, moving, going to the doctor, etc. Language development will be enhanced as both the adult and children introduce new vocabulary. Children will be encouraged to communicate their feelings and express their ideas. Through the activities and experiences provided, children will have the opportunity to work on fine and large motor skills. By offering sensory and tactile activities, children can exercise their hand-eye coordination skills. The materials in the room will benefit the child’s intellectual development in the form of special relations, problem solving with puzzles, and thinking about the past and future when building with the materials provided. The children’s cognitive development will be stimulated when they use classification to sort materials or serration to put things in order. The children’s emotional development will be enriched through the exploration of the materials, leading to a sense of accomplishment and strong self-esteem. Staff will facilitate the child’s learning by being supportive and offering developmentally appropriate experiences in which the children can engage. This play-based philosophy enhances concept building and readiness for school and life. We look forward to providing these opportunities for your family. Memory Lane Family Place Form #8 - 02/14 DAILY ROUTINE _____________________________________________________ 1. Table Top Activities As children arrive, they will take part in individual tabletop activities (puzzles, play dough, games, etc.). This allows a chance for grouping, socialization and connecting. 2. Circle Time Children come together to share thoughts on their day and prepare for the rest of their day at preschool. 3. Clean up and Snack Children will be encouraged to participate in the process of meal preparation and serving, as well as tidy up. 4. Free Activities Learning centers are arranged for children to choose their own areas of play. Children may be involved in exploration in the art areas, development of small motor, manipulation, housekeeping and dramatic play. 5. Individual or Group Work This is an opportunity for children to participate in hands-on activities which may include arts/craft, activity sheets or clay creations. 6. Closing Circle Children come together as a group to participate in a story and song to put a closing to their day. Form #9 – 02/14