Parent Handbook

Welcome to HURON PARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL & CHILDCARE CENTRE.  We assure you an ideal learning environment based on principles of Maria Montessori and ‘HOW DOES LEARNING HAPPEN?’, Ontario’s Pedagogy for the early years learning. Our classroom is enriched with exciting range of Montessori and play based materials.  To further enrich our program we offer music, indoor gymnasium and swimming.  Our experienced, dedicated and caring staff helps every child with exceptional childcare services.

At Huron Park Montessori, we are committed to creating an enriched Montessori environment, fully devoted to nurturing a child’s love for learning. Our carefully prepared individualized learning environment is based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Our program aims to provide a smooth transition from the Montessori environment into the school system.

Philosophy & Program Statement

Our programs strive to:

  • Meet the individual developmental needs of the whole child.
  • Promote child-led and active exploration opportunities in carefully planned and inclusive learning environments.
  • Foster positive relationships maintain communication and support continuous learning between staff, children, families, and community partners. 
  • Document and reflect on the effectiveness of our program.

In our programs you will see:

  • a wide variety of open-ended play materials in loosely defined areas so that children can freely use the materials to support their exploration, inquiry and play with bodies, minds and senses.
    •  periodic visits from and to community partners (e.g., librarian, local market) to enhance the children’s experiences.
    • pictures of the children engaged in play, learning stories that documents the children’s experiences and feedback from parents posted on the parent information board.

In our programs you will hear:

  • Dialogue between staff and children that support problem solving and co-learning throughout the entire day.
    • Daily communication and the exchange of information with families and staff.

Huron Park Montessori provides early childhood education for young children (2.5-6yrs). This is done in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s policy statement on programming and pedagogy (“How Does learning Happen? Ontario Pedagogy for Early Years” [HDLH] subsection 55 (3) of the CCEYA, 2014).

Our Centre facilitates development by fostering self esteem, socialization, and independence, according to the individual needs of children. This is promoted through the health, safety, nutrition and well being of each child and staff member. We provide developmentally appropriate programming in a nurturing and enriching environment which incorporates indoor and outdoor play, as well, as active play, rest and, quiet times into the day.

Huron Park Montessori aims to ensure high quality experiences leading to positive outcomes in relation to children and the 4 foundations of learning:

  • Belonging (to cultivate a strong bond with friends and family)
  • Well Being (to mature a healthy state of physical and mental health)
  • Engagement (to stimulate individual awareness of their body, mind and senses)
  • Expression (to encourage successful expressive and receptive communication)

We believe that all children are competent, capable, curious and rich in potential and are valuable members of society.

Staff will implement the approaches stated in our statement (caring, nurturing, understand and value children as capable young individuals). Staff understand that they will not implement prohibited practices.

No licensee shall permit, with respect to a child receiving childcare at a childcare centre it operates or at a premise where it oversees the provision of childcare,

  1. corporal punishment of the child.
  2. physical restraint of the child, such as confining the child to a high chair, car seat, stroller or other device for the purposes of discipline or in lieu of supervision, unless the physical restraint is for the purpose of preventing a child from hurting himself, herself or someone else, and is used only as a last resort and only until the risk of injury is no longer imminent;
  3. locking the exits of the child care centre or home child care premises for the purpose of confining the child, or confining the child in an area or room without adult supervision, unless such confinement occurs during an emergency and is required as part of the licensee’s emergency management policies and procedures;
  4. use of harsh or degrading measures or threats or use of derogatory language directed at or used in the presence of a child that would humiliate, shame or frighten the child or undermine his or her self-respect, dignity or self-worth;
  5. depriving the child of basic needs including food, drink, shelter, sleep, toilet use, clothing or bedding; or
  6. inflicting any bodily harm on children including making children eat or drink against their will Staff who are observed in any of the above “prohibited practice” will be addressed either verbally or written and may be dismissed.
Our Goals:Our Approaches:
Promote the health, safety and well-being of childrenPositive experiences in early childhood set the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour, health and well-being. / Provide a healthy meal plan which follows Canada’s Food Guide. / Provide daily, monthly and yearly inspection of equipment and facility. / All staff are trained in Infant and child CPR. / Policies & routines provided for diapering, first aid, medication, sanitization, reviewed and signed annually.
Support positive and responsive interactions among the children, parents, childcare providers and staff. A progressive educational/nurturing environment is critical to high quality childcare.Knowledgeable, responsive, and reflective educators are essential. The staff focuses on building an attachment with the children in their care. This is done in a warm, caring, nurturing manner and how to appropriately respond to the need of a child. Also, addressing parents by their names, being aware of children’s emotional development, and the modelling of appropriate behaviour with colleagues, parents, visitors and students. / Provide events and activities throughout the year that enables parents and extended family members to participate in. As well, daily communication is incorporated into the routine of the day to help develop a positive, trusting relationship with families.
Encourage the children to interact and communicate in a positive way and support their ability to self-regulate. Being aware of the child’s emotional development and stresses.Our approach recognizes that each child  is developmentally unique, and we recognize diversity, equity and inclusion. / Staff are knowledgeable of how children develop and how this influences executive functioning and self regulation. / Acknowledge their feelings and treating each child as an individual and help them identify which behaviour is appropriate and which behaviour is not appropriate.
Foster the children’s exploration, play an inquiry Take them on walks throughout the campus, exploring the stables, green house, gardening, providing program that allows them opportunities to problem solve.Each child engages in learning experiences individually and at optimum times, allowing for opportunities of self-regulating behaviour and opportunities for explorative free play. / Play and inquiry are learning approaches that capitalize on children’s natural curiosity and exuberance. / We understand that children and teachers are co-constructors of knowledge and children should be active participants in their own learning. / Children view play as work and take this very seriously. Therefore, play and exploration of their environment is key in creating a lifelong foundation for learning. As well, the environment act as a third teacher; building knowledge through interactions.
Provide child-initiated and adult-supported experience.  Staff will observe and document children’s interactions, comments based on the developmental domains and from there, the staff will program for an age appropriate activity to further support that interest or skill.
Plan for and create positive learning environments and experiences in which each child’s learning and development will be supported.We consider the developmental potential of each child through intentional, planned program that supports early childhood learning./Provide Planned Enhancement Programs which fosters language and literacy, “French program, music and movement,” “music and singing” gross motor”. / The staff strive to maintain programming goals that reflect the interests and inquiries observed during interactions. This is developed through informal and formal observations of the children’s’ play recorded through pedagogical documentation. / Understanding when it is appropriate to scaffold interaction with the children and when it is appropriate for children to take the lead.
Incorporate indoor and outdoor play, as well as active play, rest and quiet time, into the day, and consider the individual needs of the children receiving childcare.Each program follows a schedule that allows for children to use their gross motor skills, both inside and outside. / Activities are planned and implemented daily to help children further develop their skills. / Children are given time mid way during the day to rest their bodies. / Children who do not nap are provided with quiet activities during this time. / Understanding that the environment is a living organism and changes to match the interests and play of the children interacting in it. / As well, each child is unique and develops at their own rate. Therefore, the development of everyone is supported and tracked through interactions, observations, and pedagogical documentation.
Foster the engagement of and ongoing communication with parents about the program and their children.Good communication between families, teachers and children is essential for effective early childhood education. / We view partnerships with families and communities as essential and we foster both informal and formal communication. Daily written communication between parents and teachers, progress reports completely twice annually, informal meeting,  and email communications.
Support staff, or others who interact with the children at a childcare centre in relation to continuous professional learning.We offer workshops/continued education opportunities for the staff throughout the year to support staff in providing the best possible care to our children and families. / A Resource Consultant works with teachers to provide support to the child in the program.
Document and review the impact of the strategies set out in clauses (a) to (f) on the children and their families.Policies and Practices are reviewed and signed annually by staff and reviewed and updated as per Ministry of Education. Huron Park Montessori follows guidelines set out by other Ministries (Ministry of Health).

PROGRAM

Curriculum

Huron Park Montessori School and Childcare Centre will provide an enriched Montessori environment devoted to nurturing the child’s love of learning. A classroom whose children have varying abilities is a community in which everyone learns from one another and everyone contributes. Multi-age groupings allow each child to find his or her own pace without feeling ahead or behind in relation to peers.

The children are surrounded by a safe, caring, supportive and inclusive environment. Embracing diversity is pivotal to creating a warm and welcoming learning environment. Our curriculum reflects respect for human values and cultural diversity and the most important attribute of our teachers is the love and respect they hold for each child’s total being.

Staff

Our staff are trained and chosen for their philosophy, their experience, their demonstrated skills, their commitment to quality childcare and their willingness to strive for the very best.

Our teachers:

  • promote the health and well-being of all children
  • enable children to participate to their full potential in environments carefully planned to serve individual needs and to facilitate the child’s progress in the social, emotional, physical and cognitive areas of development
  • demonstrate caring for all children in all aspects of their practice
  • work in partnership with parents, recognizing that parents have primary responsibility for the care of their children, valuing their commitment to the children and supporting them in meeting their responsibilities to their children
  • work in partnership with colleagues and other service providers in the community to support the well-being of children and their families
  • work in ways that enhance human dignity in trusting, caring and co-operative relationships that respect the worth and uniqueness of the individual
  • pursue, on an ongoing basis, the knowledge, skills and self-awareness needed to be professionally competent and
  • demonstrate integrity in their professional relationships

The primary responsibility of the staff is to facilitate each child’s development. In the planned environment, children are invited to actively learn through play. This environment provides, toys, blocks, sand, water, books, puzzles, art media as well as art, music, language, math and science experiences. As the children are involved with these materials and activities, alone or in small groups, they learn concepts, skills, understandings and attitudes. Staff and children share ideas, equipment and feelings.

The most important attribute of our teachers is the love and respect they hold for each child’s total learning

Our dedicated staff includes a Resource Consultant, Registered Early Childhood Educators, and Early Education Assistants. Our teachers have obtained their Resource Consultant Graduate Certificate, Early Childhood Education Diploma and / or Early Childhood Assistance Diplomas. Each staff member is trained in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid. We provide professional development workshops to our staff throughout the year to continue their professional advancement.

Staff at Huron Park Montessori work together as a team. We believe that in order to provide your child with the very best in care we must approach our work with shared goals.

Services Offered:

  • Daycare & Nursery Program (18 months – 2½ years): Social & Emotional Awareness.
  • Preschool Program (2½ to 3½ years): Continuation of Social & Emotional Awareness / Academic Learning.
  • Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Program (3½ – 5 years): Academic Learning and School Readiness.
  • Before/Afterschool care & escort to St. Jerome Separate School & Hawthorn Public School.

We accept Childcare Fee Subsidy. Please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/child-care-subsidies#section-0 and https://www.peelregion.ca/children/apply-for-subsidy/.

Hours of Operation: 7:30 am to 5:45 pm

  • Full day program: From 7:30 am to 5:45 pm,
  • Half day: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 1:00pm to 4:00 pm, (does not include lunch),
  • Before school: 7:30 am to 9:00 am,
  • After school: 3:45 pm to 5:45 pm,

Holidays and program closure : We run program from September to June (for 10 Months, closed for Winter break (2 weeks), Summer* (2 months). * Summer program TBD

The school may be closed due to severe weather conditions.  On the days of extremely poor weather conditions, please call the school before coming. (905 306 1444)

Admission and discharge policy 

Admission is confirmed only after completion of registration process and submission of registration fees, which is not refundable.

For discharge from the program or termination / withdrawal before the end of school year must provide the school with 1month prior written notice. There are no refunds for mid-month withdrawal, holidays, sick days or missed days for other reasons throughout the school year.

If tuition fee of a child is not paid on time and policies and procedures are not followed, Huron Park Montessori reserved the right to terminate services to that family.

Waitlist Policy

Waiting List Policy and Procedures

Date Policy and Procedures Established: March 20, 2018

Date Policy and Procedures Updated: December 21, 2019

Purpose

This policy and the procedures within provide for waiting lists to be administered in a transparent manner. It supports the availability of information about the waiting list for prospective parents in a way that maintains the privacy and confidentiality of children.

The procedures provide steps that will be followed to place children on the waiting list, offer admission, and provide parents with information about their child’s position on the waiting list.

This policy is intended to fulfill the obligations set out under Ontario Regulation 137/15 for a childcare centre that maintains a waiting list to have related policies and procedures.

Note: definitions for terms used throughout this plan are provided in a Glossary at the end of the document.

 

Policy

General

  • Huron Park Montessori will strive to accommodate all requests for the registration of a child at the childcare centre.
  • Where the maximum capacity of a program has been reached and spaces are unavailable for new children to be enrolled, the waiting list procedures set out below will be followed.
  • No fee will be charged to parents for placing a child on the waiting list.

Additional Policy Statements

Director / Supervisor of the centre will be responsible to maintain the waiting list.

 

Procedures

Receiving a Request to Place a Child on the Waiting List

  1. The licensee or designate will receive parental requests to place children on a waiting list via online requests, telephone requests and/or in-person meeting.

 

Placing a child on the Waiting List

  1. The licensee or designate will place a child on the waiting list in chronological order, based on the date and time that the request was received.
  2. Once a child has been placed on the waiting list, the licensee or designate will inform parents of their child’s position on the list.

 

Determining Placement Priority when a Space Becomes Available

  1. When space becomes available in the program, priority will be given to children who are currently enrolled and need to move to the next age grouping, siblings of children currently enrolled, children of staff and children of employees of nearby organizations.
  2. Once these children have been placed, other children on the waiting list will be prioritized based on program room availability and the chronology in which the child was placed on the waiting list. 

Offering an Available Space

  1. Parents of children on the waiting list will be notified via telephone, email or in person confirmation that a space has become available in their requested program.
  2. Parents will be provided a timeframe of 3 business days in which a response is required before the next child on the waiting list will be offered the space.
  3. Where a parent has not responded within the given timeframe, the licensee or designate will contact the parent of the next child on the waiting list to offer them the space.

Responding to Parents who inquire about their Child’s Placement on the Waiting List

  1. The Director / Supervisor will be the contact person for parents who wish to inquire about the status of their child’s place on the waiting list.
  2. The Director / Supervisor will respond to parent inquiries and provide the child’s current position on the list and an estimated likelihood of the child being offered a space in the program.

Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality

  1. The waiting list will be maintained in a manner that protects the privacy and confidentiality of the children and families on the list and therefore only the child’s position on the waiting list will be provided to parents.
  2. Names of other children or families and/or their placement on the waiting list will not be shared with other individuals.

Additional Procedures

If a parent contacts the childcare centre after the timeline to respond, they will be advised of the current enrollment once the families on the waiting list have been contacted and responses received by the Director / Supervisor. A family may be removed from a waiting list due to inability to contact parents after multiple attempts.

Arrival/Departure

To ensure children’s safety upon arrival, please accompany your child to the classroom, so that the teacher is aware of your child’s attendance.  When picking your child up, please ensure that a staff member is aware of your child’s departure.

It is very important to inform the school if there is any change in the normal drop off and pick up routine of your child.  Your child will not be released to any unauthorized individual.  Please provide the school with the name of the person picking up your child.  Please notify the individual that the staff will ask for proof of identification for confirmation.

Attendance/Punctuality

Punctuality is important as it builds a sense of order in a child’s daily routine.  Children arriving on time are more prepared for the daily learning.  In order to minimize classroom disruptions, children are constantly reinforced the need to arrive on time.

Late Pick-up

Huron Park Montessori School opens at 7:30 am and closes at 5:45 pm.  Parents are reminded to make every effort to pick up their children promptly by 5:45 pm.  There is a late pick up charge applied at the rate of $5 at 5:45pm and $1 per minute after that. Later payments should be paid directly to the Director.  For half day children there is 10-minute grace period, after which $1 per minute will be applied for late pick up.

Parents will be asked to sign a form, agreeing to the late charge. If the fee is not in the office within a week of being late, an email reminder will be sent as a reminder.

If there is no contact from parents by 5:55 P.M. staff will begin to call Emergency Numbers. If there is no contact by 6:15 pm. staff will inform the Director and the Children’s Aid and follow their instructions.

Every staff will implement this policy.

Absence Procedure

When your child is absent from school or late due to illness it is very important that the school be notified as soon as possible.

Contact the Centre, 24 hours a day by email: huronparkmontessori@gmail.com or by phone: 905-306-1444

Contact with Parents

The teacher and parents keep in daily contact with each other by means of verbal communication and exchange of emails.

Daily parent and staff contact will be supplemented by more formal meetings at which topics such as child guidance and child development are explored. Individual staff-parent interviews and parent observations of their children will also serve as opportunities to strengthen the parent-staff liaisons and the parent/child relationship.

Please be aware that staff must supervise all the children in their group. Parents might need to make an appointment if staff cannot take the time now.

Reporting

The teachers and other staff members involved with the child like to meet with parents during the months of January or February to follow up on goals and plans for each child. In the child’s first year, the purpose of this meeting is to review school programs and to make sure we are meeting the parents’ goals. In the child’s second year, the child’s next educational placement is considered, and plans are made to help the parents find the best placement for the child. Parents receive a written report in June.

Fees

All fees are payable on the 1st of the month. Payment is by post-dated cheque or e-transfer. Unpaid fees will result in suspension of services.

Fees are based on enrollment, not attendance. Refunds and credits will not be given for days missed for any reason, including illness, statutory holidays or vacation time.

A fee of $50 will be charged for all NSF cheques. Upon second occurrence of an NSF cheque, subsequent payments must be made in cash.

Extended Absence

Should your child be absent for a length of time for medical reasons or due to a holiday, we do require that fees continue to be paid since the school must still meet its expenses. Parents who wish to withdraw their child from the school are asked to give one month’s notice in writing. Parents will be charged fees for a maximum one-month after notice of withdrawal has been given or until space is filled.

If a child is withdrawn for more than one month, his or her place in the school will be forfeited, although his or her name may be added to the beginning of the waiting list. Exceptions will be made for those children who require surgery or who develop a prolonged illness. However, during such absences, the payment of fees will still be required.

Meals

Children participating in the lunch program are provided with nut free nutritious lunch, morning and afternoon snacks following the Canada Food Guide.   Weekly menus are posted on the information board in the classroom.  Vegetarian and halal lunch are also catered depending as per child’s parents’ request.  Parents must inform the school in writing of all the allergies and food restrictions.

We do not allow any outside food and drink even for the birthday celebration. We appreciate your co-operation in helping keep Huron Park Montessori a safe and nut free environment.

Local Community Partners

  • We work with Region of Peel as we are in receipt of childcare fee subsidy to support families who require assistance
  • We are partnered with Peel Inclusion Resource Service, (P.I.R.S.) to provide children and their families with support needs, with or without a diagnosis.
  • We are a member of the organizations Raising the bar and CDRCP, for ongoing learning and professional development

Personal Belongings

Please ensure that the personal belongings of your child are clearly labeled to avoid difficulties for staff and prevent items from misplacing.  On the first day of school your child should bring a pair of clothes, blanket, pillow, a cot sheet and a water bottle.

  • Winter: snowsuit, shoes for inside, pair of socks, hat, pair of mittens, neck sock and boots.
  • Summer: sun hat and sunscreen

SCHOOL POLICIES

Illness Policy

Parent(s) are requested if their child is ill before coming to school, they need to make an alternate arrangement for the day.  We will check each child as they come in the classroom each morning to ensure they are all well. Should your child show any symptoms of illness such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, discharging eye / any contagious eye disease / any other contagious illness, the parent will be called immediately to pick up their child.  You are requested to pick up your child promptly.  The child may not return to school before he / she has been fully cured for 24 hours.

Parents are encouraged to tell staff when their child has been in contact with someone with communicable disease. Parents are encouraged to seek early medical treatment for their child, if there is any suspicion of a communicable disease.

Parents are to keep their children at home if they display any one of the following symptoms:

  •   Fever
  •   Diarrhoea
  •   Vomiting
  •   Undiagnosed rash/skin condition
  •   Communicable disease
  •   Infected discharge
  •   Lethargy and irritability and are not able to participate in program
  •   Persistent pain
  •   Cough

 A receiving staff member who notices any of these symptoms when a child arrives will ask that the child be taken home or to a doctor for a note confirming that the child is healthy and not infectious.

The Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 stipulates that prior to admission, each child must be immunized according to the local medical officer of health. Therefore, we require that a copy of the child’s immunization record, or a letter of exemption, and a medical information sheet be completed and signed by the parent. These must be submitted at the time of admission and should be updated annually. All children play outside each day. If your child is not well enough to play outside, please keep him/her at home.

Medication Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy and the procedures outlined within is to provide clear direction for staff, students and volunteers to follow for administering drugs or medication to children at the childcare centre and for appropriate record-keeping.

Where the term drugs and/or medications is used in this policy, the term refers to any product with a drug identification number (DIN), with the exception of sunscreen, lotion, lip balm, bug spray, hand sanitizer and diaper cream that is not used for acute, symptomatic treatment. For the purpose of this policy, drugs and medications fall into the following two categories, unless otherwise specified:

  • Prescription, intended for acute, symptomatic treatment; and
  • Over the counter, intended for acute, symptomatic treatment.

The policy and procedures support children’s health, safety and well-being by setting out measures to:

  • ensure children receive only those drugs or medications deemed necessary and appropriate by their parents
  • reduce the potential for errors
  • ensure medications do not spoil due to improper storage
  • prevent accidental ingestion
  • administer emergency allergy and asthma drugs or medications quickly when needed; and
  • safely administer drugs and medications according to established routines.

This policy is intended to fulfill the obligations set out under Ontario Regulation 137/15 for the administration of drugs and medication in a childcare centre.

Note: definitions for terms used throughout this policy are provided in a Glossary at the end of the document.

Policy

Parental Authorization to Administer Medication:

  • Whenever possible, parents will be encouraged to administer drugs or medications to their children at home if this can be done without affecting the child’s treatment schedule.
  • Prescription for acute, symptomatic treatment will only be administered to a child where a parent of the child has given written authorization to do so by completing the childcare centre’s Authorization for Medication Administration (the form in Appendix A may be used).
  • The authorization must include a schedule that sets out the times the drug or medication is to be given and the amounts to be administered.
  • Where a drug or medication is to be administered to a child on an “as needed” basis (i.e. there is no specific schedule or time of the day for administration), the drug or medication must be accompanied with a doctor’s note outlining signs and symptoms for administering the drug or medication and the appropriate dosage. In addition, the Authorization for Medication Administration Form must clearly indicate the situations under which the medication is to be given as outlined in the doctor’s note, including observable symptoms. Examples may include:
    • ‘when the child has a persistent cough and/or difficulty breathing’ and
    • ‘when red hives appear on the skin’, etc.
  • Prescription/over the counter skin products (with a DIN) that need to be administered for acute or symptomatic treatment will only be administered to a child where a parent of the child has given written authorization to do so by completing the child care centre’s Authorization for Medication Administration.
  • Authorization for Medical Administration Forms will be reviewed with parents when a new drug is to be administered to ensure the dosage continues to be accurate (e.g. based on the child’s age or weight).
  • A long as sunscreen, lotion, lip balm, bug spray, hand sanitizer and diaper cream are non-prescription and/or are not for acute (symptomatic) treatment, and due to their longer-term daily usage, these products:
  • must have a blanket authorization from a parent on the enrolment form
  • can be administered without an Authorization for Medication Administration form; and
  • do not require record-keeping

Drug and Medication Requirements

All drugs and medications to be administered to children must meet the following requirements:

All drugs and medications to be administered to children must meet the following requirements:

  • All drugs and medications must be stored in their original containers as supplied by a pharmacist, or their original packages. Medications that have been removed from their original package or transferred into a different container will not be accepted or administered to children.
  • All drug or medication containers must be clearly labelled with:
  • The child’s full name
  • The name of the drug or medication
  • The dosage of the drug or medication
  • Instructions for storage
  • Instructions for administration
  • The date of purchase of the medication for prescription medications; and
  • The expiry date of the medication, if applicable.
  • The information provided on the written parental authorization must match with all the requirements listed above.
  • Where information is missing on a drug or medication label and/or the written parental authorization does not match the label on the labelled container, the child care centre will not accept or administer the medication until the label and/or written parental authorization accurately contains all the required information.
  • Over-the-counter epinephrine purchased for a specific child can be administered to a child with an individualized plan and emergency procedures for an anaphylactic allergy as long as it is accompanied by a doctor’s note and is clearly labeled with the child’s name, the name of the drug or medication, the dosage, the date of expiration and the instructions for storage and administration.
  • Drugs or medications purchased by staff, students or volunteers for their own use will be kept inaccessible (e.g. stored in locker versus left in a purse in the classroom) to children and will not be administered to children at any time, except where written parental authorization to administer has been obtained (e.g. hand sanitizer).

Drug and Medication Handling and Storage:

  • All drugs or medications will always be kept inaccessible to children  in a locked container or area (e.g. in a refrigerator, cabinet, cupboard or drawer). There are exceptions for emergency medications as outlined below:
  • Emergency medications will never be locked up and will be made easily accessible to all staff while being kept out of the reach of children, including during outdoor play periods and off-premises activities.
  • Where a child has written permission to carry their emergency allergy or asthma medication, precautions will be taken to ensure that these medications are not accessible to other children (e.g., in cubbies or backpacks that are unattended).
  • In case of an emergency, all staff, students and volunteers will always be made aware of the location of children’s emergency medications .
  • Emergency medications will be brought on all field trips, evacuations and off-site activities.
  • Any topical products or drugs/medication in the first aid kit will not be used on children to clean or treat wounds. Children’s cuts and wounds will be disinfected in accordance with local public health recommendations.
  • All drugs and medications for children will be stored in accordance with the instructions for storage on the label. Medication requiring refrigeration will be stored in the refrigerator in a locked container.
  • Where drugs or medications are past their expiry date, they will be returned to the parent of the child, where possible, and this will be documented on the Authorization for Medication Administration Form.
  • Any drugs or medications remaining after the treatment period will be returned to a parent of the child, where possible, and this will be documented on the Authorization for Medication Administration Form.
  • Where attempts have been made to return a drug or medication to a parent and the parent has not taken the medication home, the person in charge of drugs and medications will ensure that the efforts made to return the drug or medication have been documented in the appropriate staff communication book (e.g. daily written record), and the drug or medication m be returned to a pharmacist for proper disposal.

Drug and Medication Administration:

  • Drugs or medications will be administered according to the instructions on the label and only with written parental authorization.
  • Designated person(s) in charge of medications will deal with all drugs and medications to reduce the potential for errors, whether on or off the premises. Where the person(s) is absent, they will delegate this responsibility to another individual. The name of the individual who has been delegated and the duration of the delegation will be documented in the appropriate staff communication book (e.g. daily written record).
  • A drug or medication will only be administered from its original container as supplied by a pharmacist or its original package, and where the container is clearly labelled as outlined under the Drug and Medication Requirements section of this policy.
  • A drug or medication will only be administered using the appropriate dispenser (e.g. syringe, measuring spoon/cup, etc.).
  • To support the prompt administration of emergency medication:
  • Emergency medications may be administered to a child by any person trained on the child’s individualized plan at the childcare centre; and
  • Children will be allowed to carry their own asthma or emergency medication in accordance with this policy, the drug and medication administration procedures, and the child’s individualized plan, where applicable.
  • Drugs or medications that are expired (including epinephrine) will not be administered at any time.

Record-Keeping:

  • Records of medication administration will be completed using the Records of Medication Administration (the form in Appendix B may be used) every time drugs or medications are administered. Completed records will be kept in the child’s file.
  • Where a child’s medication administration form includes a schedule setting out specific times to administer the medication and the child is absent on a day medication would have been administered, the child’s absence will be documented on the medication administration record to account for all days during the treatment period (excluding weekends, holidays and planned closures).
  • If a dose is missed or given late, reasons will be documented on the record of medication administration and a parent will be notified as soon as possible as it may impact the treatment schedule or the child’s health.
  • Where a drug or medication is administered ‘as needed’ to treat specific symptoms outlined in a child’s medication administration form or individualized plan and emergency procedures for an anaphylactic allergy (e.g. asthma, fever, allergic reaction), the administration and the reason for administering will be documented in the appropriate staff communication book (e.g. daily written record) and in the child’s symptoms of illness record. A parent of the child will be notified.

Confidentiality

Immunization for Staff and Children

Huron Park Montessori strongly urges that each child and each staff member be immunized according to the recommendations from Region of Peel Public Health.

Children:

  • D (Diphtheria) P (Pertussis) T (Tetanus) P (Polio), Hib (Haemophilus B) at 2,4,6,18 months and 4 years.
  • M (Measles) M (Mumps) R (Rubella) at 13 months and 4 years
  • Non-mandatory (but recommended): Varicella (Chickenpox), Pneumococcal, Meningococcal C, Hepatitis B; Influenza (flu) vaccine each fall

Staff:

  • M (Measles) M (Mumps) R (Rubella) – at least one dose
  • T (Tetanus); D (Diphtheria); P (Pertussis) – one dose every 10 years
  • Influenza (flu) vaccine each fall

Staff who choose not to be immunized for the above illnesses need to write a letter stating they are refusing immunization, signed by themselves and witnessed by the Director or his/her alternate. Non-vaccinated staff who have no medical contraindication to vaccine and who refuse vaccines, during an outbreak, will be excluded from working with the children at Huron Park Montessori. Staff who remain away from work during outbreaks at Huron Park Montessori will use paid vacation time, or a leave of absence without pay.

Children, whose families choose not to administer vaccines to their children, can do so for medical reasons, or conscience or religious beliefs. When an outbreak of any of the above illnesses occurs at Huron Park Montessori, the child who is not adequately immunized will not be able to attend the centre unless the child receives the required vaccine or until the outbreak is over – as determined by Region of Peel Public Health.

In order to be exempt from the administration of vaccines, parents will write a letter stating the medical reasons for not immunizing their child or the conflict with conscience or religious beliefs. This letter needs to be signed by a parent/guardian and notarized.

Fees will continue to be levied during the child’s absences.

Anaphylactic Policy and Procedures

Definition of Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal, resulting in circulatory collapse or shock. The allergy may be related to food, insect stings, and medicine, latex, among others.

Strategy to Reduce Risk of Exposure:

Children with extreme allergies that the Crèche cannot accommodate will be asked to bring their own food from home.

  • Foods with “may contain nuts” warning will not be served
    • All labels will be read by a staff member prior to serving 28
    • Staff purchasing foods on behalf of the centre must read food ingredient label every time they purchase a product
    • Any persons supplying food to the centre will be notified of all life-threatening allergies in the Centre. List of allergies will be revised as they change.
    • Children /staff/ volunteers will be instructed to not share food
    • All children and staff will wash hands before and after handling food
    • All surfaces will be cleaned with a cleaning solution (water and germ destroyer approved by Public Health) prior to and after preparing and serving foods
    • All cleaning supplies, or other products that maybe of danger and/or commonly produce allergic reactions will be stored away.
    • Extra special supervision children with anaphylaxis during eating (i.e., sitting opposite or next to staff) • On the bus during field trips children with anaphylaxis will sit within view of staff member
    • Playground areas will be checked and monitored for insects such as wasps. Operations will be notified immediately, and children will not be present in this area until nests and stinging insects are gone.
    • Staff will take cell phone on all excursions
    • Consent by the child’s physician is required for any child carrying their own EpiPen

Communication Plan for the Dissemination of Information

  • Rooms where children are present will have a picture of the child and description of the allergy.
    • Parents with children with anaphylaxis will provide an individual plan for their child prior to enrolment. This Plan is required to be developed with the child’s doctor and signed off. Individual Plan and Emergency Procedures Prior to enrolment, the parent/guardian will meet with the Director and/or Program Supervisor to provide input for the child’s individual plan and emergency procedures that will be signed off the child’s doctor.

This plan will include but is not limited to:

  • Description of the child’s allergy
    • Monitoring and avoidance strategies
    • Signs and symptoms and procedures to be followed in the event of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction
    •  Childcare staff roles and responsibilities
    •  Parent/guardian consent for administering allergy medication, sharing information and posting Emergency Plan
    • Emergency contact information
    •  Location of EpiPen and back-up EpiPen
    • Documentation of the expiry date Parents are requested to advise the Director and/or Program Supervisor if their child develops an allergy, requires medication and/or of any change to the child’s individual plan or treatment. Individual Plans will be revised yearly and as directed by the parent or physician. Copies of Individual Plan are in each child’s file, emergency bags and Policy and Procedures binder and are also posted in every room operated by the childcare, including childcare office.

Emergency Protocol

  • One person always stays with the child  
  • One person goes for help or call for help
  • Follow emergency procedures as outlined in child’s individual plan (i.e. Administer epinephrine at first sign of reaction)
  • Call 911. Have the child transported to hospital even if symptoms have subsided. Symptoms may occur hours after exposure to allergen.
  • Administered Epi-pen is to accompany child to hospital.
  • Administered Epi-pen is to be given to the hospital employee or child’s parent for disposal.
  • One calm staff must stay with the child until parent or guardian arrives. The child’s back-up epi-pen auto injector should be taken Training
  • Staff will be trained annually through CDRCP, in EpiPen procedure.
  • Permission form and guidelines will be updated with the parent annually. •
  • The Director / Designate will be trained by the parent in their child’s individual plan and the subsequent the Director will train all staff/students/volunteers
  • Volunteers and Students are not permitted to administer medication unless under extreme circumstances (i.e. staff member is unconscious)
  • Training will include procedures to be followed in the event of a child having an anaphylactic reaction, recognizing the signs and symptoms and administering medication
  • Staff will conduct a check to confirm child (ren) have their required medication with them before each transition (i.e. Moving from the class to the indoor-active room, leaving the childcare, etc.)
  • The staff will be required to sign and date that they have received training for the EpiPen, which will be kept for three years
  • The Director will keep a log on file of all training dates, trainers and staff signatures

Sleep / Rest

Procedures for monitoring sleeping children reduce the risk of harm or injury so that caregivers can look for and identify signs of distress and implement immediate responses to protect the health and safety of children.

This policy is intended to fulfill the obligations set out under Ontario Regulation 137/15 for sleep policies for childcare centres.

Policy

General

  • All children will be provided with the opportunity to sleep or engage in quiet activities based on their needs.
  • Children 18 months or older but younger than 30 months, who receive childcare for six hours or more, will be provided time to sleep for a period of no more than two hours each day, and will be assigned to a cot.
  • Children 30 months or older but younger than six years old, who receive childcare for six hours or more, will be provided with a cot unless otherwise approved by a director.
  • Children 24 months or older but younger than five years old and in a licensed family age group, who receive childcare for six hours or more, will be provided with a cot unless otherwise approved by a director.

Placement of Children for Sleep

  • Children over 18 months of age who sleep will be placed on individual cots for sleep.

Consultation with Parents

  • All parents of children who regularly sleep at the childcare centre will be advised of the centre’s policies and procedures regarding sleep at the time of their child’s enrolment and/or any time the policies and procedures are revised, as applicable. This information will be available to parents in the Parent Handbook.

The Director / Supervisor will consult with parents about their child’s sleeping arrangements at the time of enrolment and at any other appropriate time (e.g. when a child transitions to a new program or room, or at the parent’s request). 

  • Written documentation will be kept in each child’s file to reflect the sleep patterns identified by their parent, as per enrolment form, and updates to the documentation will be made whenever changes are communicated to the childcare centre. 
  • All sleep arrangements will be communicated to program staff by the Director / Supervisor after meeting with the parent/guardian.
  • Parents will be advised by the supervising staff of any significant changes in their child’s behaviours during sleep and/or sleeping patterns.
  • Staff will document their observations of changes in a child’s sleep behaviours on the HiMama App.
  • Any changes in sleep behaviours will result in adjustments being made to the child’s supervision during sleep time, where appropriate, based on consultation with the child’s parent.

Direct Visual Checks

  • Direct visual checks of each sleeping child (i.e. every child placed for sleep in a crib/cradle or cot) will be conducted to look for indicators of distress or unusual behaviours. Direct visual checks will be documented by staff on the HiMama App, every 30 minutes.
  • Direct visual checks are not required for children engaging in quiet activities, but these children will always be supervised .
  • The frequency of direct visual checks and the steps to complete them will depend on the typical sleep patterns of each child and their age, as identified in the sleep supervision procedures provided in this policy. 
  • Staff will ensure that all sleep areas have adequate lighting available to conduct the direct visual checks of sleeping children. 

Use of Electronic Devices

  • Where electronic devices are used to monitor children’s sleep, staff will:
  • not use electronic sleep monitoring devices to replace direct visual checks.
  • check the monitor daily to verify that it is functioning properly (i.e. it can detect and monitor the sounds and, if applicable, video images of every sleeping child); and
  • actively always monitor each electronic device .

 

Procedures for Completing Direct Visual Checks

  1. Staff must:
  2. be physically present beside the child.
  3. check each child’s general well-being by looking for signs of distress or discomfort including, at a minimum:
  4. laboured breathing.
  5. changes in skin temperature.
  6. changes in lip and/or skin colour.
  7. whimpering or crying; and
  8. lack of response to touch or voice.
  • Where signs of distress or discomfort are observed, the staff who conducted the direct visual check must attempt to wake the child up. Where no signs of distress or discomfort are observed, proceed to step 3.

Where the child wakes up, staff must:

  1. attend to the child’s needs.
  2. separate the child from other children if the child appears to be ill.
  3. document the incident in the [insert method of documentation] and in the child’s symptoms of ill health record, where applicable.

Where the child does not wake up, staff must immediately:

  1. perform appropriate first aid and CPR, if required.
  2. inform other staff, students and volunteers in the room of the situation.
  3. contact emergency services or, where possible, direct another individual to contact emergency services.
  4. separate the child from other children or vice versa if the child appears to be ill.
  5. inform the supervisor/designate of the situation; and
  6. contact the child’s parent.

Where the child must be taken home or to the hospital, the supervisor or designate must immediately:

  1. contact the child’s parent to inform them of the situation and next steps.

Where the child’s condition has stabilized, and/or after the child has been taken home and/or to the hospital, the staff who conducted the direct visual check and any staff who assisted with responding to the incident must:

  1. follow the serious occurrence policies and procedures, where applicable.
  2. document the incident in the daily written record; and
  3. document the child’s symptoms of illness in the child’s records.
  • Staff must:
  • adjust blankets as needed.
  • ensure the child’s head is not covered.
  • ensure there are no other risks of suffocation present.
  • document the date, time on the HiMama app

 and

  • verbally inform other staff in the room that the check has been completed, where applicable and possible.

Field Trips

** Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all field trips have been cancelled for the 2020/2021 school year**

During the academic year we conduct three field trips (Optional). The dates, place and the cost will be announced well before the field trips. Parents can volunteer during these field trips. If you decide not to send your child for these trips, you are requested to make an alternative arrangement for your child as all the teachers too will participate in field trips. It is mandatory to provide PCC / Vulnerable sector check for every parent or volunteer before field trips if you want to volunteer for the trip.

Parent Issues and Concerns Policy and Procedures

Name of Child Care Centre: Huron Park Montessori School & Childcare

Date Policy and Procedures Established: January 27, 2017

Date Policy and Procedures Updated: December 15, 2019

Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide a transparent process for parents/guardians, Huron Park Montessori and staff to use when parents/guardians bring forward issues/concerns. Concerns about the suspected abuse or neglect of a child.

Everyone, including members of the public and professionals who work closely with children, is required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. 

If a parent/guardian expresses concerns that a child is being abused or neglected, the parent will be advised to contact the local Children’s Aid Society (CAS) directly.

Persons who become aware of such concerns are also responsible for reporting this information to CAS as per the “Duty to Report” requirement under the Child and Family Services Act.

Procedures

Nature of Issue or ConcernSteps for Parent and/or Guardian to Report Issue/Concern:Steps for Staff and/or Licensee in Responding to the Issues/Concerns:
Program Room Related: i.e. schedule, sleep arrangements, toilet training, indoor/outdoor program activities, feeding arrangements, etc.Raise the issue or concern to  the classroom staff directly or  the supervisor or licensee.Address the issue/concern at the time it is raised or – arrange for a meeting with the parent/guardian within 5 business days. Document the issues/concerns in detail. Documentation should include:  the date and time the issue/concern was received; the name of the person who received the issue/concern; the name of the person reporting the issue/concern; the details of the issue/concern; any steps taken to resolve the issue/concern and any information given to the parent/guardian regarding the next steps or referral.   Provide contact information for the appropriate person if the person being notified is unable to address the matter
General, Centre or Operations Related i.e. childcare fees, hours of operation, staffing, waiting lists, menus, etc.Raise the issue or concern to the supervisor or licensee.
Staff, Parent, Supervisor and / or Licensee RelatedRaise the issue or concern to the individual directly, the supervisor, or the licensee.   All issues or concerns about the conduct of staff, duty parents, etc. that puts a child’s health, safety and well-being at risk should be reported to the supervisor as soon as parents/guardians become aware of the situation.
Student / Volunteer RelatedRaise the issue or concern to – the staff responsible for  supervising the volunteer or student or – the supervisor and/or licensee. All issues or concerns about the conduct of students and/or volunteers that puts a child’s health, safety and well-being at risk should be reported to the supervisor as soon as parents/guardians become aware of the situation.

Escalation of Issues or Concerns: Where parents/guardians are not satisfied with the response or outcome of an issue or concern, they may escalate the issue or concern verbally or in writing to the Director.

Issues/concerns related to compliance with requirements set out in the Child Care and Early Years Act., 2014 and Ontario Regulation 137/15 should be reported to the Ministry of Education’s Child Care Quality Assurance and Licensing Branch.

Issues/concerns may also be reported to other relevant regulatory bodies (e.g. local public health department, police department, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Labour, fire department, College of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario College of Teachers, College of Social Workers etc.) where appropriate.

Self Regulation /Behaviour Management Policy

Each staff will be monitored twice yearly for Behaviour Guidance techniques and documentation kept for a period of two years. Any non-compliance with the Policy will be brought to the staff’s attention immediately.

A review of this policy will be conducted once a year. Staff will sign it to indicate that they understand the policy and agree to abide by it.

Ontario Regulation 137/15 48

No licensee shall permit, with respect to a child receiving childcare at a childcare centre it operates or at a premise where it oversees the provision of childcare,

(a) corporal punishment of the child.

(b) deliberate use of harsh or degrading measures on the child that would humiliate the child or undermine his or her self-respect.

(c) depriving the child of basic needs including food, shelter, clothing, or bedding.

(d) locking the exits of the childcare centre or home childcare premises for the purpose of confining the child; or

(e) using a locked or lockable room or structure to confine the child if he or she has been separated from other children.

Intent

This provision forbids corporal punishment and other harmful disciplinary practices to protect the emotional and physical well-being of children. These practices are never permitted in a childcare centre.

Young children benefit from an affirming approach that encourages positive interactions with other children and with adults, rather than from a negative or punitive approach to managing unwanted behaviour

Defining self-regulation

The ability to self-regulate is an important component of children’s development. A growing number of studies have identified this ability as central to children’s long-term physical, psychological, behavioural, and educational well-being. Self-regulation is different from self-control (resisting an impulse) or compliance (suppressing behaviour to avoid punishment or attain a reward). Self-regulation refers to the ability of a child to deal effectively and recover from stressors. When children are calmly focused and alert, they are best able to modulate their emotions, pay attention, ignore distractions, inhibit impulses, assess the consequences of their actions, and understand what others are thinking and feeling.

What does self-regulation look like?

Children must translate what they experience into information they can use to regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (Blair & Diamond 2008). Infants translate the feel of soothing touch and the sound of soft voices into cues that help them develop self-calming skills. Toddlers and preschoolers begin to translate cues from adults, such as “Your turn is next,” into regulation that helps them inhibit urges to grab food or toys. They begin to learn how long they must usually wait to be served food or to have a turn playing with a desired toy, which helps them regulate emotional tension. Children who cannot effectively regulate anxiety or discouragement tend to move away from, rather than engage in, challenging learning activities. Conversely, when children regulate uncomfortable emotions, they can relax and focus on learning cognitive skills. Similarly, children experience better emotional regulation when they replace thoughts like “I’m not good at this” with thoughts like “This is difficult, but I can do it if I keep trying.” Regulating anxiety and thinking helps children persist in challenging activities, which increases their opportunities to practice the skills required for an activity.

The educator’s role in self-regulation

Educators can play an important role in supporting self-regulation by providing environments that reduce stressors while recognizing and supporting children’s efforts and increasing ability to self-regulate. Educators can also support children’s developing ability to self-regulate by being responsive and attuned to children’s individual cues, arousal states, and responses to various stressors. Educators can help children learn strategies for staying calm and focused by enabling them to recognize and modulate their emotional states and impulses and by helping them become more aware of the effects of their actions on others. (Taken from: How Does Learning Happen, p.30)

Ways we can help children self-regulate

*Adapted from: “Tools of the Mind,” National Association for the Education of Young Children,

Smoke Free Centre

No person is permitted to smoke anywhere on the property of Huron Park Montessori and Huron Park Recreation Centre. Every staff, student, volunteer, parent and visitor will be informed that smoking is prohibited. ‘No Smoking’ signs are posted throughout the workplace as well as in all washrooms.

Serious Occurrences

The Ministry of Education requires under the CEYA that all Serious Occurrences be reported to the Ministry and Peel Children’s Services.

A Serious Occurrence is defined as:

 1. Death of a child

2. Any serious injury to a client, which occurs while participating in a service.

This includes:

  • Any injury caused by the service provider.
    • A serious accidental injury received while in attendance at the centre
    • An injury to a child, which is non-accidental, including self-inflicted, or unexplained, and which requires treatment by a medical practitioner, including a nurse or dentist

3. Any alleged abuse or mistreatment of a child while in service

4. Any situation where a child is missing

5. Any disaster, such as a fire, on the premises where a service is provided

6. Any complaint concerning the operational, physical or safety standards of the service that is considered by the service provider to be of a serious nature

7. Other – complaint made by or about a child, or any other serious occurrence

Effective November 1, 2011 when a Serious Occurrence is filed with the Ministry, a Serious Occurrence Notification Form must be completed and posted in the front office at the centre. This form will ensure that all parents and visitors to the centre are aware of the Serious Occurrence. This form will be posted for 10 business days. If the form is updated and additional information such as actions taken by HPM, the form will remain posted for 10 business days from the date of the update.

Supervision Policy for Students and Volunteers

** Due to COVID-19 restrictions, volunteers are not permitted for the 2020/2021 school year**

Huron Park Montessori (HPM) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children. It is the responsibility of the agency to ensure that every child is always supervised by an HPM employee. HPM will ensure that all non-staff members such as volunteers and students adhere to the policies, screening and supervision that is expected of HPM employees. HPM will ensure that:

  • No child is supervised by a person under 18 years of age
    • Only HPM employees will have direct unsupervised access to children
    • Volunteers and students may not be counted in the staffing ratios unless Ministry Director approval has been given.

HPM volunteers and students are required to review Ministry required centre polices and to provide Ministry required documentation before working at the centre.

What you can expect?

The Director or designate will introduce you to how the organization works, and your role in the centre, and to provide you with information and training about our policies and procedures to assist you in meeting the responsibilities of your role.

What we provide:

We will review the performance standards we expect from volunteers, participating parents and placement students in our organization.

We will review all agency policy and procedures

We will schedule regular meetings with your supervising teacher to discuss how you are adjusting in your role. To answer any questions, provide support and discuss any successes or problems.

We will respect your skills, dignity and individual goals and to do our best to meet them.

We will consult with you and keep you informed of upcoming changes in policies, procedures or programs.

We will provide you with a safe workplace free from harassment and violence

We will try to resolve any problems, complaints and difficulties you may have while you volunteer, or are placed with us as a student.

We will do our best to help you develop your skills and role with us.

What we expect from our volunteers, participating parents or students

We expect you to help Huron Park Montessori fulfill its philosophy of providing a high-quality childcare program and learning experience.

We expect you to perform your role to the best of your ability.

We expect you to follow Huron Park Montessori’s policies, procedures and standards of practice.

We expect you to maintain the confidentiality of all information shared with you related to the of the organization, including its students, volunteers, staff, and clients.

We expect you to meet the time commitments, schedules, and standards which have been mutually agree to and signed off.

We expect you to give reasonable notice so other arrangements can be made if you cannot meet your time commitments or schedules.

We expect you to provide or agree to undergo a Police Reference check and agree to sign off on all applicable policies and procedures

Emergency Procedures

Huron Park Montessori has emergency management policy and procedures. In case of an emergency, parents will be informed at the earliest possibility, through contact details provided in the emergency form at the time of registration: phone number/ e-mail address. It is the parents’ responsibility to update any changes in the information provided.

Evacuation Site

In the event of an emergency that we need to evacuate the building, we have arranged to use Hawthorne Public School located at 2473 Rosemary Drive, Mississauga L5C 1X1.  Parents will be notified of an evacuation by the school staff as soon as possible, asking to pick the child up at the designated area.

Availability of Parents in an Emergency

Parent(s) are requested to keep the Huron Park Montessori informed of their current updated contact information.  Should your telephone number, home address, your workplace / business change please notify the school immediately.  In the event of an emergency requiring a hospital visit, your child will be taken immediately to a nearest hospital with a supervising staff member.  In the event child’s parent(s) cannot be reached, the child’s emergency contact person will be notified.  Please ensure the emergency contacts are aware of this responsibility.

Outdoor Play

The children will go outdoors for a minimum of 2 hours per day, 1-hour morning and 1-hour afternoon, weather permitting.  Please dress up your child according to weather condition.

Custody Policy

At Huron Park Montessori, upon registration, a copy of the existing custody agreement for child (ren) will be requested. All pick will be allowed only according to the legal document. If any legal change takes place thereafter, it will be the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to provide this documentation to HPM. If there is no other legal arrangement, The Huron Park Montessori’s position will be that the parent/guardian registering the child (ren) is the client of Huron Park Montessori and will be given the authority to make all childcare arrangements. Documentation of the child (ren) files will be accessed by the client only unless specifically addressed in the custody agreement. If both parents/guardians are not authorized pick-up people, the custodial parent/guardian (client) must advise the staff when the child (ren) will be picked up by the other parent/guardian. If this is not arranged prior to pick-up time, the

Child (ren) will not be released until the client has been contacted. Staff will not offer opinions, in writing or verbally, supporting or acknowledging the parenting abilities of either parent. Any discussions involving and contentious aspect of the situation will not be discussed in the presence of children.

EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM

The Early Intervention Program is designed for children who have a delay in two or more areas of development. A diagnosis is not required to make a referral; referrals can be made by parents and caregivers, health-care providers and those working with the children. Parents must give consent if others refer on their behalf.

The Early Intervention Program provides a family-centred service encouraging positive parent/caregiver-child interactions while promoting the child’s optimal development.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CONSULTATION PROGRAM

Huron Park Montessori has a Resource Consultant who support a group of childcare centres in Peel. They consult to the Early Childhood Educators in these centres, and help to ensure that all children, no matter what their need, can participate in the program. Resource Consultation includes:

  • Regular visits to childcare programs
  • Early identification and intervention
  • Individual and program consultation
  • Staff training
  • Program adaptations and environmental assessment
  • Service coordination and referral