Daycare
This handbook is designed to familiarize you with the centre. We encourage open communication to help make your family's childcare experience a positive one. Thank you for taking the time to read this manual and please direct any question to the Whale Spirit Staff.
Queen Alexandra Foundation Partnership
The newly constructed West Shore Child, Youth and Family Centre was built by the Queen Alexandra Foundation, opening September 1, 2005. Over three years of community consultation, cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary input, have culminated into government and non-profit agencies who will be working in partnership to serve and support children and families.
Whale Spirit Daycare Calendar - March 2008 [PDF]
Whale Spirit Daycare Newsletter - Valentines 2008 [PDF]
Newsletter Archive
Philosophy
The philosophy of Whale Spirit Early Enrichment Centre is that all children and their families have the right to receive services of a quality, supportive, nurturing and respectful childcare program that meets their individual needs. It is our goal to empower each child to respect themselves and others. Whale Spirit Early Enrichment Centre and its staff are committed to caring for young children in a safe, inclusive and rich learning environment that is responsive to the needs of the whole child, free from prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping. We safely support each child to reach their full potential by allowing them to experiment and express their own individuality.
The needs of each child are met by providing developmentally appropriate “child centered” curriculum that focuses activities and programming on the interests and skills of each child. We provide opportunities for children to learn in all areas of development: social, emotional, spiritual, physical and cognitive. We promote independence, creativity and mutual respect for everyone. Our learning environment is safe and nurturing, recognizing that play is the medium through which children learn and is the child’s response to life.
Whale Spirit has an emphasis on inclusive care, anti- bias curriculum, communication and early literacy; parenting supports are also available.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
- To provide high quality, developmentally responsive, inclusive child care for families in the West Shore of Victoria.
- To provide an enriched, inclusive learning environment for twenty-five children aged 2.5- 5 years old.
- To support optimal development in all areas of development; physical, emotional, social, language and cognitive.
- To provide enriched programming which meets the individualized need of each child with a focus on language, communication, socialization and literacy.
- To increase school readiness in the West Shore.
- To provide equal access for families in the West Shore regardless of economic, social and individual ability.
- To provide parenting and individual support to families through resources, education and individual support.
- To promote partnerships with community agencies to best support a wide range of needs of families.
- To provide opportunities to the community, students and professionals within the Early Childhood field to learn and enhance existing and future child care programs.
- To provide a safe and emotionally secure environment in which each child is treated with respect and is protected within the Ministry of Children and Family guidelines.
- Nurturing environment
- Anti-bias curriculum
- Continuum of care provides respectful, ongoing supportive care for families
- Professional support will be available for families which ultimately supports the emotional development of children.
- Value of children is the core philosophy of the centre
- Equal access to all equipment both indoors and outdoors.
- Small and large muscle activities.
- Tactile experiences such as water and sand consistently available.
- Independence is developed as children learn self help skills.
- Environment both indoors and outdoors designed to be child centered.
- Access to large gym for gross motor exploration.
- Outdoor play space designed to be both equally accessible and challenging for children with various skills and abilities.
- Experiential learning where children have the opportunity to take their learning as far as they desire.
- Language rich program including sign language and communication aides.
- Caregivers observe and listen to child’s interests, providing opportunities to add to their learning.
- Children are encouraged to make decisions, choices and problem solve.
- Free “choice play” opportunities.
- Child centered curriculum.
- Early literacy is a focus of this centre.
- Working alongside school district 62 towards school readiness.
STAFF
Staff Training: All staff at Whale Spirit have an education and background in Early Childhood Education. Early Childhood Educators hold a diploma in Early Childhood Education and have a valid license to practice in B.C. The Support Staff possess skills and knowledge in a variety of areas regarding young children as well as they must be pursuing a career in this field. All Staff are required to have First Aid and a criminal record check. Capital Families Association supports professional development, allowing opportunities on a regular basis for staff to improve their skills.
HOURS OF OPERATION AND CLOSURES
- The Centre is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
- The Centre closes for all statutory holidays, between Christmas and New Years and 2 staff Professional development days per year.
- The Coordinator may close the Centre due to weather conditions which make travel unsafe. In this event, the child care staff will attempt to contact each family. During a heavy snow fall the Centre will follow the same protocol as that of the local school district. When in doubt call the Centre.
- Licensing requires the Centre to close for the following reasons: Water problems, electrical failure (if conditions exceed 1 hour) and highly contagious disease.
WHAT TO BRING TO DAYCARE
a) Clothing:
- Children should wear comfortable, washable, seasonally appropriate clothing.
- In the colder months, boots, mittens and muddy buddies (rain pants) are recommended. In the warmer months hats must be provided.
- All outer wear (coats, boots, hats, mittens, etc.) should be marked with the child’s name.
- Please provide your child with a complete change of clothing.
- All children have a cubby assigned to them to store their belongings.
- Please label all of your children’s belongings.
b) Rest Time:
- Depending on the need of your child, rest times are scheduled after lunch. Children that need to nap may do so, otherwise there will be a rest time on a mat reading a book or participating in a number of quiet activities.
- Please provide your child with a blanket for rest time.
c) Lunches and Snacks:
- Please provide your child with nutritious lunches such as fruit, yogurt, sandwiches etc. See our “lunch ideas” handout for more suggestions.
- Clearly label all items with child’s name.
- Please do not include candy, pop or unsafe food.
- Inform staff of any food restrictions/allergies or changes to your child’s food intake.
- A choice of water or milk is provided during snack and lunch times.
- Nutritious snacks are provided twice a day.
d) Toilet Learning:
- There is no toileting requirement for children attending the centre. Staff will assist you and your child with the process of toilet learning.
- Please provide diapers or pull-ups and wipes should your child require them.
e) Belongings/ Toys from home:
- We understand the need for your child to occasionally bring items from home. This sometimes helps with the transition from home to daycare or to feel more secure. Things brought from home however often cause problems with sharing, misplacement, damage or distraction. Therefore we ask that you encourage your child to leave their toys at home or in the car. If a security item is necessary it will be used for nap/quiet time only.
f) Emergency Kits:
- Whale Spirit requires all children to have an emergency kit at the centre; a list of contents for the kit is provided with the registration package or may be picked up at the office.
