Health and Safety

  • Country Kids Learning Centre follows a locked door policy. People allowed access to your child must be listed on your child’s authorized pickup form and be 12 years of age. Parents must contact the Centre to notify them of an alternate pickup.

    All doors to the preschool site are locked. Parents can enter the Centre through are buzzer system and a staff will open the door. Parents and staff will have access codes to the interior door. The code will be given to parents once their child has been registered with the Centre.

    The SFX school doors except for the front door will be locked from June to September from 7:30am to 5:00pm. All classroom doors that the children are in will be locked. Parents can buzz the main front door buzzer located at the main entrance of the school. Staff will let the parent or guardian in once the proper identification has been made.

    Staff have the right to ask individuals entering the Centre for a piece of ID prior to entering the building.

  • The use of positive reinforcement, re-direction, modeling of appropriate behaviour and relevant consequences are our forms of behaviour management. Other less direct methods of behaviour management are the arrangement of the physical environment and program planning. Both are designed to encourage co-operative interaction and to stretch learning in order to minimize boredom and the need for behaviour management.

    The limits of the Centre are explained to the children in an age appropriate manner and are enforced consistently by all staff. For many of the play areas, the children develop the rules themselves. The staff then posts the rules so all staff will enforce the rules in a consistent manner. Children are always encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour.

    Every now and then CKLC will encounter a child whose behavior puts other children or staff at risk. Please note that we will do everything we can to help work with the child to successfully incorporate them into our program and create positive peer interactions. These types of behavior may include but are not limited to:

    - All forms of bullying (physical, verbal, emotional, social or cyber bullying), including comments, actions or visual displays that are intentional, hurtful and repetitive.

    - Harassment, including behavior that degrades, demeans, humiliates or embarrasses someone that a reasonable person would know is unwelcome.

    - All forms of abuse (sexual, physical or psychological), including verbally, in writing or otherwise.

    - Discrimination against any person or group - because of their race, color, ancestry, nationality or place of origin, ethnic background, religion, age, sex, gender-determined characteristic, sexual orientation, martial and family status, source of income, political belief and physical or mental disability Actions that put another person at risk or harm, including violent physical acts (with or without a weapon) and threatening someone

    - Actions that put another person at risk or harm, including violent physical acts (with or without a weapon) and threatening someone.

    A child who physically harms another child will be given support to regain control. The child may be removed from the situation temporarily to a “neutral” location in order to calm down in privacy with a staff member. Staff will then discuss the situation and appropriate ways of dealing with the problem will be suggested. As well as supporting the aggressing child, staff will be caring and supportive of the child who was injured. Both children will be helped through the process in a compassionate manner.

    All serious behavioural concerns are brought to the attention of parents/guardians. Together we will attempt to resolve the issues for the benefit of the child. Interventions and consequences may be applied as appropriate to the context. Examples may include:

    - Informal Discussion

    - Parental Involvement

    - Formal Interview

    - Removal of Privileges

    - Compensation for Damages

    - Behavior/ Performance Contract

    - Outside Agency/ Community Involvement (Requires parental approval)

    - Police Notification

    - Suspension

    - Removal from the CKLC Program

    The Director will ensure that interventions used are appropriate given the frequency and severity of the discipline violation as well the child’s state of development. Due to the fact that we are responsible for the safety and well-being of all of the children in our care, we will expect that the parents of the child take our concerns and suggestions seriously.

  • At the Country Kids Learning Centre, we strive to provide a safe, caring, learning environment for children, staff and families. We believe in equality and respect diversity.

    We believe in providing a safe, stimulating environment where the individual needs of each child may be met. Staff will maintain a warm and caring relationship with each child and will be sensitive to the social, intellectual, physical and emotional needs of each child.

    The following people are expected to behave in a respectful manner and comply with this code of conduct:

    · Management and staff members

    · Board members

    · Volunteers

    · Children

    · Parents/guardians of children enrolled

    · All others involved with our centre

  • Be Respectful

    We are respectful of ourselves and other people. We are respectful of the ideas and feelings of others. We are respectful of the environment, equipment and materials.

    Be Safe

    We work and play safely to help keep ourselves and others from getting hurt.

    Be Cooperative

    We solve our problems by talking and listening to each other respectfully to find a solution. When we cannot solve a problem ourselves, we ask for help.

    Be Supportive of Learning

    We learn to the best of our abilities and support the learning of others.

  • We understand that it is normal for children to display inappropriate behavior at times for a variety of reasons. The developmental capabilities of each child will always be considered when determining both expectations for behavior and consequences of inappropriate behavior.

    Our behavior management approach is based on knowledge of child development as well as respect for each child.

  • All children, parents, staff and others involved in our centre must use email, electronic devices and the internet according to our policies. This protects people’s privacy and the confidentiality of information.

    Children and adults are not allowed to put photos, audio or video recordings or information about he children, the children’s families or staff on their cell phone, electronic device or internet without the person’s (or parents) written permission.

  • The following behaviors by children, staff, parents and others involves in our centre are unacceptable:

    · All forms of bullying (physical, verbal, emotional, social or cyber bullying), including comments, actions or visual displays that are intentional, hurtful and repetitive.

    · Harassment, including behavior that degrades, demeans, humiliates or embarrasses someone that a reasonable person would know is unwelcome.

    · All forms of abuse (sexual, physical or psychological), including verbally, in writing or otherwise.

    · Discrimination against any person or group - because of their race, color, ancestry, nationality or place of origin, ethnic background, religion, age, sex, gender-determined characteristic, sexual orientation, martial and family status, source of income, political belief and physical or mental disability Actions that put another person at risk or harm, including violent physical acts (with or without a weapon) and threatening someone

    · Actions that put another person at risk or harm, including violent physical acts (with or without a weapon) and threatening someone.

  • We actively strive to create an environment that supports the health, safety and well being of the children by:

    · Having realistic and developmentally appropriate expectations for behaviour

    · Setting up the environment and materials to encourage appropriate behaviour and reduce potential for inappropriate behaviour.

    · Planning a program based on children’s interests and developmental needs.

    · Establishing consistent yet flexible schedules and routines that help children gain trust, security and self control.

    We create a positive environment for children, parents, staff and others involved in our centre by:

    · Developing positive relationships, including making time to talk and listen

    · Establishing clear, consistent, simple limits

    · Stating limits in a positive way and periodically reminding people

    · Providing explanations for limits

    · Working together to solve problems

    · Modeling and encouraging appropriate behaviour

  • Included in the parent policies. Created July 4th, 2022 – Approved July 15, 2022

    Implement by CKLC Preschool - July 4th 2022

    All staff will follow the Supervision Plan while working on the floor. This supervision plan will address any safety concerns for each room and/or environment. Include alternate steps if they anticipate changes in their schedules for example: fire drill, lock down, substitute staff. Supervision Plan must be reviewed bi - annually, and revisions made based on changes in the environment and/or children’s needs/behaviors.

    Arrival and Sign-In

    • The first staff in the morning in each room will be responsible for signing in the children as they arrive and welcome them.

    • For outside drop off one staff will be delegated to sign in the children and welcome them

    • The ECE’s will monitor the signing in of the children to ensure that all children have been accounted for

    • In each environment inside and outside there is a board to place each child’s name on as well, they are signed in to Fastoche and on paper attendance sheets. (one set for each room

    • After each child enters the room or play yard the staff welcoming the children will ensure that the door has closed or the gate has been latched.

    • Once more staff have started on the floor one will assist with welcoming the children, especially during 8:15-9:30 as this is the peak drop off time. This staff will settle the children in as the other staff signs them in and updates the board. The second staff will also do head counts regularly to ensure that all children have been accounted for.

    Restroom Planning and Diapering (Indoors and Outdoors)

    • Downstairs/Upstairs; during transition times all children will be encouraged to use the bathroom. A staff will be placed outside the two washrooms to monitor. Diaper times are scheduled, and each staff will have their time that they are responsible for

    • Any time a child needs to use the washroom they will be monitored especially if there are multiple children at one time. One staff must have a sight line into the washrooms

    • During outside play all children needing to use the washroom will be taken by a staff to use one of the two porta potties located in the back of the play yard. No child will be able to go without a staff present. (If needed the staff will take extra children so we remain in ratio inside the play yard).

    • Diaper changes outside are done in a large shed with a change table in it, located on the side so the staff still have a sight line to the play yard.

    • During nap time the children will be encouraged to use the washroom prior to laying down and all diaper children will be changed.

    • If a child needs to use the washroom after lying down the staff will either stand in view of the nappers and the washroom area to monitor all children, and/or depending on ratio a second staff will assist.

    • All change tables are located on a side wall to allow the staff to have a sight line to part of the room/play yard.

    Indoor to Outdoor Transition

    • All staff will take a group of children with them outside. Maximum 8 children.

    • All staff will be required to complete a face to name using a clipboard with outing sheets, on these sheets is the name of every child in the room. They will highlight the name of each child they take outside.

    • The number and names of the children will be communicated with the remaining staff in the room.

    • The last staff remaining in the room will to a sweep to ensure all children have been taking outside. This gives the children having challenges with getting dressed or behaviors time to make the transition outside successfully.

    • The first staff taking children outside will take a first aid backpack out with them.

    • Once outside each staff will complete a head count and add the children, they have brought outside with them to the outside board. On this board they will add their name and the name of each child and the number of children

    • If staff leave the play yard with a group of children, they will take a clip board with them complete a head count and face to name; as well as communicate with the other staff who and how many they have. This will be adjusted on the board.

    Outdoor to Indoor Transition

    • Each staff will be responsible for the children they had brought out and bring them back in. If there has been a change (child got picked up, come in early with another group or are staying out longer with another group), they will do face to name and make this change on their list and the board

    • The last staff in the play yard will do a sweep of all sheds, tunnel and hiding spots to ensure all children have been accounted for.

    • Staff will continuously ensure the board in update as children are being brought in and constantly communication with the staff will ensure that all children are safely brought inside.

    • The last staff bringing children in will bring the first aid backpack after completing face to name with their group prior to leaving the play yard.

    • The staff once they are inside will do face to name and count the children as they enter the room and/or the building

    • Once the staff have return with their group of children, they will add ensure their names are added to the board in the room and update the number of children to reflect this and ensure all children have safely return to the room

    Meal/Snack Times

    • One staff will layout and warm up all the lunches inside and outside, one staff will prepare the tables (setting up chairs, placing out garbage and utensil buckets out). Down stairs this is completed by one staff.

    • The other staff will monitor hand washing and sit with the children to ensure that they a properly sitting during these times for their safety.

    • (Upper-level preschool room this can be done with one staff lower-level needs two).

    • Once the children are seated a staff will be seated at each table with one dedicated to help those children as they finish. As more children finish a second staff with support with this duty and direct the children to the quiet time side or the nappers side. Or washroom, then ready for outside

    Nap Time:

    • There will be always one staff on with the nappers up to 8 children, above 8 there will be additional staff for support.

    • Upstairs and downstairs nappers are with in the room with a curtain or accordion door separating them from the none napping children

    • If a child is unable to fall asleep, they will be placed on the other end of the curtain or accordion door. This will be communicated to the staff.

    Departure and Sign-Out:

    • A staff will be delegated to signing children out.

    • Inside the master list will be located at the teacher’s area at the front of the room as well as the attendance board and iPod. All three will be update every time a child is picked up

    • Outside the master list, attendance board and iPod are located at the front gate and all three will be update as a child is picked up. During peak pick up times between 4:00 – 5:00 a second staff will assist to greet the parents and help the children gather their belongings.

    • The attendance board is visible from the most stops in the play yard. It shows the number and names of children and staff and well as the ratio

    • The sign out staff(s) will ensure that the gate is securely latched after each child leaves

    • During this time head counts and face to name are done consistently to ensure all children are safely accounted for

    Staff Zoning and Communication (Indoors and Outdoors):

    • We have four main areas set up for the staff to observe and supervise the children. Each of these areas has a bench and they are close enough together that communication can be achieved easily among staff.

    • We have a main area set up under our shaded area to allow the staff to monitor and supervise table top activities and art.

    • Upper and the downstairs rooms have three zones for the staff to safely supervise and have the full room in their sight line;

    Back Wall

    Table Area

    Middle of the room

    • All these areas will be monitored and observed through the day to ensure the safety of all children during their play. If an area cannot be monitored it will be closed down until a staff is able to supervise it.

    • The inside rooms are up with lower shelving in the middle of the room and higher shelving and storage close to the walls to reduce obstacles that interfere with the staff’s sight lines.

    • The have minimal hiding space and the cozy space that remain are visible when staff are place properly around the rooms.

    • Outside all spaces are free of potential hiding spaces. There is a tunnel that is monitor if children are actively using it in their play.

    • All spaces both inside and outside have been spaced out and set up to limit the number of children able to play in them. Outside in the sand bow we have laid it out to have two staff monitor it when a large group is playing in it.

    • If a staff needs to leave their area they will communicate to fellow staff member to take of their spot. If a staff is not available, we will shut down the space until someone can be there to supervise

    • If a staff is taking child(ren) to the washroom outside they will communicate to the other staff how many and who they are taking.

    • Staff will all be responsible for completing hourly checks for all children in the play yard and ensure attendance (summer time this will be completed when applying sunscreen)

    • When children are experiencing challenging behaviors the staff that is in that area will guide the child through it. The staff will communicate of they need to leave that area or if they are in need of additional support.

    • Each new staff will be given this Supervisory plan and talk through it with management. Once they have read through it, they will sign and date it acknowledging that they will follow it and they know it.

    • Supervision Monitoring- Designated site staff will observe and monitor how the supervision plan is being implemented while children are present. The date, printed name and comments will be noted on the active supervision plan and will determine if revisions are needed. If revisions are needed, because the active supervision plan is not effective, a supervision plan will be drafted by management and implemented immediately.

    • Staff will be required to date and initial each time the supervision plan is updated.

  • The use of positive reinforcement, re-direction, modeling of appropriate behaviour and relevant consequences are our forms of behaviour management. Other less direct methods of behaviour management are the arrangement of the physical environment and program planning. Both are designed to encourage co-operative interaction and to stretch learning in order to minimize boredom and the need for behaviour management.

    The limits of the Centre are explained to the children in an age appropriate manner and are enforced consistently by all staff. For many of the play areas, the children develop the rules themselves. The staff then posts the rules so all staff will enforce the rules in a consistent manner. Children are always encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour.

    Every now and then CKLC will encounter a child whose behavior puts other children or staff at risk. Please note that we will do everything we can to help work with the child to successfully incorporate them into our program and create positive peer interactions. These types of behavior may include but are not limited to:

    • All forms of bullying (physical, verbal, emotional, social or cyber bullying), including comments, actions or visual displays that are intentional, hurtful and repetitive.

    • Harassment, including behavior that degrades, demeans, humiliates or embarrasses someone that a reasonable person would know is unwelcome.

    • All forms of abuse (sexual, physical or psychological), including verbally, in writing or otherwise.

    • Discrimination against any person or group - because of their race, color, ancestry, nationality or place of origin, ethnic background, religion, age, sex, gender-determined characteristic, sexual orientation, martial and family status, source of income, political belief and physical or mental disability Actions that put another person at risk or harm, including violent physical acts (with or without a weapon) and threatening someone

    • Actions that put another person at risk or harm, including violent physical acts (with or without a weapon) and threatening someone.

    A child who physically harms another child will be given support to regain control. The child may be removed from the situation temporarily to a “neutral” location in order to calm down in privacy with a staff member. Staff will then discuss the situation and appropriate ways of dealing with the problem will be suggested. As well as supporting the aggressing child, staff will be caring and supportive of the child who was injured. Both children will be helped through the process in a compassionate manner.

    All serious behavioural concerns are brought to the attention of parents/guardians. Together we will attempt to resolve the issues for the benefit of the child. Interventions and consequences may be applied as appropriate to the context. Examples may include:

    • Informal Discussion

    • Parental Involvement

    • Formal Interview

    • Removal of Privileges

    • Compensation for Damages

    • Behavior/ Performance Contract

    • Outside Agency/ Community Involvement (Requires parental approval)

    • Police Notification

    • Suspension

    • Removal from the CKLC Program

    The Director will ensure that interventions used are appropriate given the frequency and severity of the discipline violation as well the child’s state of development. Due to the fact that we are responsible for the safety and well-being of all of the children in our care, we will expect that the parents of the child take our concerns and suggestions seriously.

  • This policy is meant to ensure that people’s privacy and the confidentiality of information about the Centre, children, parents/guardians/families and staff is upheld. Everyone involved with the Country Kids Learning Centre must adhere to this policy. Failure to do so can result in consequences and disciplinary action.

    The staff will utilize the Centre’s social media accounts and respond to emails when they can come off the floor to do so, as not to jeopardise the safety of the children and staff as we want them to maintain their full attention to their surroundings. If you need to contact a staff member you can call directly on the Centre’s phone.

    Social media site Instagram will be used as a form of communication from your child(rens) room to you (the parent) and will not be shared with anyone that is not a parent attending the Centre. Facebook will be utilized as an information site for Centre events and notifications i.e. Bad weather announcements and will be a private access and people will have to be accepted by us to join the group.

    Inappropriate use of these sites will result in the user being removed and denied access to the sites in the future.

    Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to;

    • Intentionally accessing, transmitting, copying or creating material that violates the confidentiality of children, parent/guardians, staff or the Centre itself.

    • Intentionally accessing, transmitting, copying or creating material that violates the Centre’s Code of Conduct which includes messages that are pornographic, threatening, rude, harassing, bullying or discriminating.

    • Intentionally accessing, transmitting, copying or creating material that is illegal, such as obscenity, stolen material or illegal copies of copyrighted works.

    • Using the Centre’s social media sites for personal use without permission, or for personal gain.

    Any of these uses if noticed by any parent or staff member must be brought to the attention of the Executive Director (Cheryl Hamilton) or the Assistant Director (Mariah Murphy) immediately.

    Authorized employees of the Centre have the right to monitor the use of information on the social media sites and to examine, use and disclose any questionable information found to decide if disciplinary action is needed.

    Staff will use the Centre’s devices to take pictures and videos, however in the event that a personal device is used any pictures or videos taken will be download to a Centre computer or removed from the device by the end of the staff members shift.

    Personal devices (cell phones) will be used during off Centre activities, such as walks to the park, monkey trails or community visits for emergency purposes only to contact the Centre or parents/guardians.

    Staff must not and will not accept parents/guardians or children as “friends” when using their personal social media accounts.

  • In the event of a fire or other emergency evacuation at the Centre, an evacuation plan is in place. All Emergency plans have been approved and are in compliance with the Enhanced Safety Plan and Code of Conduct that has been approved by the Government of Manitoba’s Child Care Program. This manual is available upon request by emailing cherylcklc@outlook.com. Children are taught emergency evacuation drills on a monthly basis and tornado drills twice per year. During a practice drill parents are invited to participate in the drill if in attendance at the centre. Fire detectors are installed in the centre and batteries are replaced prior to their expiry date. There are no C02 detectors installed as there is no gas in our Centre – as per the Office of the Fire Commissioner. Lock down drills are practiced two times per year.

    Staff taking children out to safe spot must take an attendance sheet, backpack with first aid and emergency information.

    School Evacuation

    Staff to evacuate children out the designated door. The room will be swept prior to leaving.

    • west front door main exiting from the west hall

    • east front door exiting from the east hall

    • either of the back exits

    Children will line up at the door prior to exiting the building. Staff will complete a quick head count. One staff will lead children to safe spot. Sweeper will complete a room sweep of our licensed areas.

    If unsafe to exit all children out of the front door, staff to evacuate children out of the nearest exit. Everyone to meet at the SAFE SPOT

    – green recycling bins at the Community Centre. Once at the safe spot, staff must complete a head count and a face-to-name attendance. If more than one staff is present one staff will call the names and the second staff will answer whether the child is present or not. Once attendance is taken and communicated to the school, the children will be walked over the CKLC centre.

    Staff will call and take a copy of the floor plan from the back of the attendance sheets to give to fire department.

    CKLC Center Evacuation

    Staff will evacuate children out the nearest exit;

    • Infant room – infant room exit or front door

    • Preschool room upstairs – front door or rear exit

    • Preschool room downstairs – up the stairs and exit either the front or rear exit

    Children will line up at the door prior to exiting the building. Staff will complete a quick head count. One staff will lead children to safe spot. Sweeper will complete a room sweep of our licensed areas.

    Everyone to meet at the SAFE SPOT – the St. Francois Xavier School – gym. Once at the safe spot, staff must complete a head count and a face-to-name attendance. If more than one staff is present one staff will call the names and the second staff will answer whether the child is present or not.

    If it is possible, one staff will stay at the scene to communicate with emergency rescue personnel. This staff will call 911 and take a copy of the floor plan from the back of the attendance sheets to give to fire department. The Country Kids Learning Centre will follow the safety plans of the school and will become part of their emergency evacuation plan once inside the school and will move to their safe spot, the Community Club.