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YMCA Child Care Parent HandbookFOR AGES 4 TO 12

LAST ISSUE DATE:

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Table of Contents

PAGE

Welcome to YMCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

YMCA Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

YMCA Commitment to Families and Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

YMCA Curriculum

Playing To Learn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

YMCA - A Place To Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Program Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Program Information

Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Medical/Illness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Outdoor Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Registration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Withdrawal of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Privacy of Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Other Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

The YMCA is committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you need an alternative way to complete this survey, please contact memberservices@ymcagta.org or 1-800-223-8024. OR 1-866-317-6251

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Welcome to YMCA Child Care

Our History

For over 40 years, we’ve provided exceptionally high standards of care and education meeting or exceeding Provincial and Municipal licensing requirements. Some additional highlights include:

• 2001, YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum for 0-6 year olds developed and published; a comprehensive train-ing program for our educators implemented (endorsed by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario)

• 2006, YMCA Playing to Learn was adopted as a National curriculum and is now implemented in over 300 YMCA child care programs across Canada

• 2009, YMCA A Place to Connect curriculum for 6-12 year olds developed and published; a comprehensive training program for our school age educators implemented

Today the YMCA of Greater Toronto operates more than 250 licensed programs in Child Care Centres, Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten Extended Day programs and School Age programs.

Welcome to the YMCA of Greater Toronto Child Care. YMCA Child Care programs

put the best interests of your child as its top priority and values parents as the

expert of their children. We look forward to embarking on a partnership with you

to ensure your child reaches his/her full potential. This book will provide you with

the information you may need to know while your child is in our care.

YMCA 4-12 Parent Handbook

Our Program Statement

The YMCA of Greater Toronto has a well-established, research based approach to early learning. Our curriculum YMCA Playing to Learn has been implemented in all programs for children 0-6 since 2000. We know that young children flourish in all areas of development when they are in supportive, caring and responsive relationships with adults. This is the foundation of quality child care.

We also know that young children learn through play. Play is enjoyable, spontaneous, active and undertaken without regard for external goals or sanctions. All young children are curious and they discover their world through play. When this natural activity is supported, the child’s competence, capacity and potential are maximized. YMCA teachers are true professionals who connect with children, ensure safe environments, plan and extend play, scaffold learning, reflect on successes, document the children’s play and learning and communicate regularly with parents.

Our quality child care programs create rich learning environments for children to flourish and reach their potentials.

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All YMCA staff must adhere to a number of policies and procedures, as well as Ministry, health and fire regulations. Annual review of these policies and procedures ensures our staff are knowledgeable and prepared to handle any situation. All child care staff hold current certification in Standard First Aid and CPR-C.(Reg.58(2).

College of EarlyChildhood Educators

Staff

“The College of Early ChildhoodEducators is the professional self-regulatory body for registered early childhood educators (RECEs) in Ontario. The College’s role is to protect the public interest by setting requirements for registration to practise as an RECE, setting ethical and professional standards and holding RECEs accountable for their practice. RECEs are trained in child development and the planning anddelivery of play-based learning andcare programs. YMCA staff with anearly childhood education diplomaor equivalent qualifications degree

must be current members of theCollege in good standing. RECEsmust renew their membership withthe College on an annual basis.Find out more about the College byvisiting college-ece.ca (Reg.53).In addition, all YMCA staff must complete a vulnerable sector check prior to employment and renew every 3 years. Annually an offence declaration must be signed. (Reg.60)

Role of the Family

Parents/guardians are encouragedto participate in the programwhenever possible. Parentalinvolvement is a key element to thesuccess of your child’s experience inYMCA Child Care. Participation caninclude verbal or written feedback,sharing information about yourchild’s development, attendingmeetings, workshops, fundraisingevents or volunteering on field tripsor in the classroom.

Serious OccurrenceReporting

of Education Child Care Quality Assurance and Licensing within 24 hours and post within the child care/before and after school program information regarding the incident on a Serious Occurrence notification form for 10 days. A Serious Occurrence incident can include incidents that may require third party medical attention, disasters on premises, concerns over operations of the program and others. For the full definitions and procedure please visit http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/offices.html.(Reg. 38)

Volunteers/Students

Minor Accident Reporting

YMCA programs are enhanced by the involvement of volunteers and placement students. Volunteers and students in our child care programs must adhere to a number of policies and procedures as well as Ministry, fire and health regulations. Volunteers and students are not responsible for and are never left alone with children and always under the supervision of a paid YMCA Staff member.

Minor accidents and illnesses are common occurrences with children. YMCA child care staff have been trained in standard first aid and infant child CPR to enable them to handle minor and more serious injuries that may occur . YMCA child care staff have the responsibility to report minor incidents and share the YMCA Accident Report with families by the end of the day the occurrence happens within. (Reg. 36(4) (Incidents of a serious nature – please see Serious Occurrence Reporting above).

Duty to Report

The YMCA of Greater Toronto has a legal obligation to report any suspicions of child abuse to the Children’s Aid Society.

YMCA child care staff have the responsibility to report serious occurrence incidents to the Ministry

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YMCA Commitment to Families and Children

YMCA 4-12 Parent Handbook

Inclusion

The YMCA of Greater Toronto, in keeping with our mission and vision, believes in the development of healthy, confident children. We’re committed to treating children with respect and dignity and helping them grow and develop to their full potential in a safe, nurturing and learning environment.

Central to our work at the YMCA is diversity and social inclusion. We believe that all children and families should have an inclusive and respectful experience in our program.

• YMCA programs are designed to develop children in spirit, mind and body. Every child is a unique individual and adds value to our program.

• Parents and families are involved, consulted and informed partners with YMCA staff and volunteers (where appropriate)

• YMCA staff and volunteers(where appropriate) strive to ensure the environment and programs are adapted to meet the needs of all children.

• YMCA staff and volunteers (where appropriate) seek out community partners to enhance our ability to support children with special needs through training and consultation.

The YMCA is committed to helping children grow to their fullest potential in a safe, caring and nurturing environment

however it is necessary at times to set limits and standards of appropriate behavior. YMCA staff are guided by the

YMCA Child Guidance Procedure which they are required to adhere to at all times when interacting with children in a

YMCA program. Staff are required to review this procedure on an annual basis and a behaviour management review is

completed quarterly by the program supervisor.

Prohibited practices:

A prohibited practice is any behaviour that puts children at risk or inhibits their growth, self-esteem, and healthy development.

The following practices are unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action including termination of employment.

• Corporal punishment

• Any form of abuse-physical, emotional, sexual or neglect

• Depriving a child of basic needs including food, shelter, clothing,bedding or participation in activities

• Leaving children unsupervised

• Deliberately using harsh or degrading measures on a child that would humiliate the child or undermine

his or her self-respect

• Locking exits of a child care centre for the purposes of confining a child

• Using a locked or lockable room or structure to confine a child when separating them from other children

• Interacting or relating to children or vulnerable persons outside of a YMCA program activity.

(e.g. weekend home visits, baby sitting, on line chatting, etc.)

*A complete copy of the YMCA Child Guidance Procedure can be obtained from your program supervisor

Child Guidance

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YMCA Curriculum

YMCA Playing to Learn

Our YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum focuses on small group, play based, inquiry programming

who engage in play with your child. Throughout the preschool years your child will be learning through developmentally appropriate play experiences that will prepare him/her for school. YMCA Playing to

the Ontario Framework for Early Learning; Early Learning for Every Child Today.

Full Day Early Learning

Kindergarten Extended Day

Program (age 3.8-6 years):

• Ratio is 1:13

• Children enrolled in the extended day program have the option of attending before and/or after regular kindergarten school hours and non instructional days

• Program follows the Ministry of Education’s Extended Day program guidelines and YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum

• is written three times a week in each child’s Continuum of Development booklet

• documentations highlighting learning that occurred during a play experience (Reg 45-1(i)

• Program includes opportunities to continue learning about the kindergarten topics, exploring indoors and outdoors, creating with the arts (visual, dramatic and music), discovering science, engaging in mathematics and literacy activities, developing

skills and problem solving

YMCA - A Place

To Connect

Our YMCA A Place to Connect curriculum focuses on children engaging in fun activities that the children help to plan and

. A major component of this program is creating a positive social environment where children engage in physical activity for a minimum of 60 minutes per day.

School Age Program

(age 6-12 years):

• 6-9 Year olds ratio is: 1:159-12 Year olds ratio is: 1:20

• Children enrolled in the school age program have the option of attending before and/or after regular school hours and on non instructional days

• Program includes opportunities for physical activities indoors and outdoors, creating performances, works of art, nutritious snacks, clubs and tournaments, developing leadership skills, problem solving and developing moral understanding

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Program Information

Hours of Operation

At the YMCA, our standard hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are some exceptions, so be sure to check the hours of the program you have chosen. (Reg 45(ii)

Procedure

The safety and well-being of all children participating in YMCA Programs is of utmost importance, therefore, we expect all parents to

from their child’s classroom teacher daily.

Late Pick Up Procedure

-tive of the community need. We expect children will be picked

work schedules. Frequent late pickup can result in termination of care.

When Someone Else Picks Up Your Child

You are required to notify centre

main contact person will be pick-ing up your child. If this person is

. The alternative pickup person must be 16 years or older.

Inclement WeatherIf the decision is made by the school board to close the school due to inclement weather, YMCA Before and After School programs will be unable to operate. A re-

closures. Please listen to local radio/television stations and check local school websites.

Program CancellationsThe YMCA will endeavor to keep-programs operating which meet the needs of the community. The YMCA reserves the right to limit program components, and/or locations based on enrolment.

Part Time CareUpon requesting a part time care program option a YMCA Part Time Program Agreement will be required part time programs are only available where program locations have capacity. Once a program location reaches its maxi-mum capacity, part time families

change from a part time program to the full time program or be given 2 weeks withdrawal notice.

Space LimitationsIThe YMCA has the right to man-age enrolment which may result in the YMCA not being able to accommodate your child care needs for the next school year. Priority will be given to younger children and children who attend the school the child care centre is located in. In situations where ca-pacity is limited and expansion of space is unavailable, the YMCA will provide you with written notice.

Statutory HolidaysYMCA Child Care Programs

are closed on statutory

holidays during the year.

New Year’s Day Family Day, Good Friday Victoria Day Canada Day Simcoe Day* Labour Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Boxing Day

Fee payment is required for

all statutory holidays.

*Simcoe Day closed (August

Civic Holiday)

(Reg 45(ii)

Tax ReceiptsWe will provide Payers with an

receipt on or before February 28 of each year for the prior year’s fees.

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Program Information

Nutrition Our child care programs offer a varietyof nutritious hot lunches and snacksprepared by a caterer, or on-site cook.To ensure your child receives a well-balanced meal, our menus follow Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide. Menus are posted weekly for your information.Due to children with allergies and food restrictions the YMCA discourages food from home in our programs. The program will provide cakes to celebrate children’s birthdays. (Reg 42,43)

Medication

YMCA Child Care staff can administerprescription medication in its originalcontainer. The medication must beaffixed with the original pharmacistslabel indicating name of the child,medication prescribed, dosage, durationand expiry date. Over the countermedication will only be administeredwhen accompanied by a written letterfrom your child’s doctor stating, nameof the child, medication prescribed,dosage, duration expiry date, reasonfor administering. In both cases parentsmust complete a YMCA Medicationform to authorize the administrationof the medication provided. (Reg .40)

Anaphylaxis Parents of children that have been diag-nosed with an anaphylactic allergy have the responsibility to provide a detailed individual emergency plan for their child and to train all Centre staff and volunteers on their child’s emergency plan prior to the first day of care. It is the Parent/Guardian’s responsibility to inform centre staff of a child’s allergy at the time of registration and provide an annual update of any allergy changes.(Reg. 39)

Illness

It is important to prevent the spreadof infectious diseases to other childrenand staff therefore, when yourchild shows signs of sickness at home,or has a temperature of 38 degreesCelsius (100 degrees Fah-renheit), itis recommended to keep your childhome from care that day.

When your child develops symptomsor develops a temperature of 38degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), while at the child care program, the supervisor or designate will contact you to request your child be picked up.

Your child must be symptom free fora period of 24 hours prior to returningto the child care program. It is advisableto seek medical consultation toensure your child is fit to return togroup care. (Reg 36 (2)(3)

Smoke Free In accordance with the Smoke –Free Ontario Act, no person shall smoke tobacco or hold lighted tobacco in or around the child care centre whether or not children are present. This includes playgrounds, school property and surrounding area.

Outdoor PlayThe YMCA strives to make outdoor play safe, adventurous and fun for all children. Please ensure that adequate clothing is available so that your child can participate comfortably in these daily outdoor activities. (Reg 47-1)

experiences for children and al-

program activities outside of the regular program location. When these opportunties arise families will be

Trip Location Form giving consent for your child/(ren) to participate in the activity. (Reg 45(iv)

Water Safety Guidelines

Outdoor sensory exploration is an integral part of the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum and YMCA A Place to Connect Curriculum. A part of sensory exploration is the use of water play tables, splash pads, sprinklers and hoses. When these items are used,

directly in the area of play. If no other outdoor play activities are taking place

expected to supervise the water play activities. Portable wading pools are not to be used for water based activi-ties. YMCA must ensure the following is in place when visiting a regulated

duty at all times, rules and regulations of the public pool are followed, children are directly supervised by an adult (18 years or older) at all times, reduced ratios are in place, parents are advised and have

.

Extreme Weather

During extreme weather alerts, includ-ing, heat, smog, wind chill advisories children will not participate in the outdoor program and an alternative

-mented.

YMCA 4-12 Parent Handbook

9YMCA 4-12 Parent Handbook

Registration Information

YMCA Kids ChallengeThe YMCA of Greater Toronto is a registered charity that operates under the set rules and regulations established by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

volunteers.

The YMCA Kids Challenge, is a weeklong event held every spring that aims to teach our children about philanthropy and living an active and healthy life.

centres, child cares and camps. Be a healthy role model and support the YMCA Kids Challenge.

Registration Fee

There is a one- time non-refundable registration fee of $45.00 per family. The fee covers the waitlist application and the registration process.

Deposit Fee

There is a one-time, non-refundable

month’s child care fees required when your child’s start date has

Supervisor.

Program Registration Changes

Any If you require changes to your current program registration these requests must be made in writing. You can obtain a Request to Change Registered Days/Components Instruction Form from your Program Supervisor. Please allow 10 business

.

Absence From Care There will be no discounts or refunds for missed days, statutory holidays, sick days, vacations or snow closures as operating costs are based on the number of children enrolled.

Declined Fees

Any fees that do not clear the designated bank account will be charged a $30.00 handling fee. Should child care fees continue to be in arrears child care services will be terminated.

YMCA Financial Assistance As a charity that serves all segments of our community, the YMCA of

assistance in times of need. This short term support is made possible due to the generosity of our

corporate and community partners

Payment Changes Any changes to pre –authorized billing must be made in writing to the Program Supervisor. This information will be forwarded to our

processing. Please allow 10 business .

Government Subsidy YMCA Licensed Child Care Programs hold a purchase of service agreement with regional

. Families can apply for fee subsidy by contacting

Peel Region (905)791-1585

York Region (905)830-4444 or 1-888-703-5437

City of Toronto (416)392-5437

Halton Region (905)825-6000

Durham Region (905)666-6238 or 1-800-387-0642

County of Simcoe (705)722-3132

(519)941-6991

Kawartha Lakes (705)324-9870

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Withdrawal of Service

Withdrawing Your Child From The Before And After School ProgramShould you choose to withdraw your child from the program, you will be required to give one-month written notice of withdrawal to the On-Site Supervisor. Payments will be adjusted upon receipt of the withdrawal letter. Should a child be withdrawn without notice , your account will be charged for the one-month notice period.

In each situation where it may be necessary to withdraw services, the YMCA of Greater Toronto makes these considerations:

Reasonable care has been given in assessing the child’s needs, including the program’s ability to support those needs.

Special needs resources and other outside agency supports are unavailable or have been exhausted

Two-week written notice of withdrawal will be given and documentation of meetings and discussions with special needs support staff ( if applicable) will be shared with parents. In extreme circumstances, termination of care may be immediate.

The following additional situations may be considered cause for terminating care:

Non-payment of program fees

Chronic late pick-up

Situations that require specialized services that the YMCA is unable to provide

Parents or children who exhibit abusive behavior towards staff, volunteers, other children and families

Children who are unable to manage in group care settings

Refusal by parent/guardian to meet with the YMCA staff and/or consent to the use of support services for children

The YMCA is an inclusive organization that strives to meet the needs of children and families. In situations where the program is having difficulty meeting the child’s need, it may be deemed, in the interest of the family and/or YMCA, to terminate care.

Privacy of InformationAll staff and volunteers understand that they will have access to confidential information about children and families. They agree to keep this information in strictest of confidence. Before sharing information about the children with

outside agencies or schools, staff will obtain parental consent. All documentation of consent to share information will be kept on site in the child’s file (if applicable).

YMCA 4-12 Parent Handbook

11YMCA 4-12 Parent Handbook

Notes

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The YMCA of Greater Toronto also offers the following programs: YMCA Summer Day Camp

YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Education Centre

YMCA Camp Pine Crest

The YMCA of Greater Toronto also offers a variety of programs that support the whole family. Health and Fitness centres are located throughout the Greater Toronto area.

YMCA Employment Centres provide opportunities to assist in career development and are located throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

For more information on these programs and services near you please call (416)928-9622 or 1-800-223-8024 or visit our website at www.ymcagta.org

YMCA Child and Family Development Office60 Centurian Drive, Markham,ON L3R 8T6

(905)943-9622/ 1-866-317-6251