Parent Handbook
Sunshine & Rainbows Christian Daycare Centre
* (905) 664-3440

PHILOSOPHY

It is the philosophy of Sunshine & Rainbows Christian Daycare Centre to provide a happy, safe and stimulating environment. It is unique to our Centre that we encourage Christian values and morals. This is done through the use of daily prayers, as well as through the celebration of Christian Holidays.

PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Sunshine & Rainbows has facilities to accommodate the following children:

1. 10 Toddler Spaces – ages 18 months to 27 months

2. 32 Preschool spaces - ages 27 months to 5 years.

3. Full or Part-Time (minimum 2 days/week) care is available between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., five days per week, 52 weeks per year (excluding holidays).

ADMISSION AND DISCHARGE POLICY

Prior to enrollment, an interview will be arranged to familiarize you and your child with the surroundings, answer questions and complete admission forms. For the first week you are encouraged to stay with your child at the beginning of the day in order to reassure him/her and minimize fears until you and your child become more comfortable.

Written notice of permanent withdrawal must be given two weeks in advance. If notice is not received, full program fees will be charged. A permanent space can not be guaranteed if you wish to temporarily withdraw your child. Therefore, you child will be placed on a waiting list. Sunshine & Rainbows may terminate services if policies are not followed or fees are not paid.

ARRIVAL & PICK-UP

Young children depend on routines for their own sense of security. We recommend that you establish fixed hours to pick up and drop off your child. It is also suggested that you not leave your child for longer than a 9-hour duration, since it makes for a very long day for your child. When your child arrives, notify a member of the staff as to your child's presence. Similarly, when picking up your child, enter the building and make sure the staff knows you are leaving. Unless otherwise arranged, children will not be released to any person other than those specified on the emergency contact forms. If it is the first time someone other than yourself picking your child up, proper identification is needed, i.e. driver's license.

NUTRITION

A morning snack, a nutritious lunch and an afternoon snack will be provided daily. Children's special dietary needs and allergies will be posted in the cooking and service areas. Weekly menu plans will be posted for the current and following week to assist you in menu planning at home.

HEALTH AND ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS

The Day Nurseries Act stipulates that prior to administration, each child must be immunized as recommended b the local medical officer of health. Sunshine & Rainbows also requires that a medical certificate confirming a complete medical assessment be submitted at this time. Regulations require daily outdoor play for each child. Therefore, it is our policy that children too ill to play outside remain at home. If a child becomes ill during the day, temporary care will be provided until you can be contacted, and your child can be taken home. It is our policy that a child should be fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to school. Sunshine & Rainbows will administer prescription drugs to children, in accordance with provincial legislation. This requires that parents provide the following:

• Written authorization, including dosage and times any drug is to be given.

• Medication in the original container, clearly labelled with the child's name, name of the drug, the dosage, the date of purchase and instructions for storage and administration of drug.

Medication is not to be left in the cloakroom area. Kindly give it directly to the program staff member.

CLOTHING & POSSESSIONS

Your child should be dressed in clothing that is appropriate for physical activity, the weather and the season. A second set of clothing should be kept at the daycare in case of accidents. Also, all clothing and toys should be labelled with your child's name.

DISCIPLINE

Children are disciplined in a positive manner at a level that is appropriate to their actions and their ages in order to promote self-discipline, ensure health and safety, respect the rights of others and maintain equipment.

Spanking or other forms of corporal punishment are not permitted.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Daily contact with parents and staff will be supplement by individual meetings and workshops. You are encouraged to participate in the program and visit your child in your free time.

All of the staff shall develop and maintain good relationships with the parents of the children. If there are any concerns or questions please feel free to approach any staff at anytime.

FIELD TRIPS

Throughout the year, trips are made to special places of interest. A notice will be sent home in advance of the excursion informing you of the destination, time and date. It will also include a permission slip to be signed and returned. You are always welcome to accompany us.

HOLIDAYS / SICK LEAVE FEES

Fees are to be paid for all weeks that a full-time or part-time child is enrolled at Sunshine & Rainbows, including statutory holidays, vacations and sick time off.

Sunshine & Rainbows observes the following statutory holidays:

• Fees can be paid by cash or cheque.

• Fees are required on the first day of the current week.

• Fees are $150.00 (full time) and $38.00 (daily in jr/sr rooms)

• Fees are $43.00 (daily in todd. room)

• A late fee may be charged if payments are not made in time.

• Yearly receipts will be given for income tax purposes.

• Subsidized services may be available to eligible families. Further information may be obtained from the office.

• Late fees ($15 per 15 minutes or part thereof) are charged for children picked up after 5:30 p.m.

• Two weeks notice or payment in lieu of notice is required for permanent withdrawal.