WELCOME
Welcome to Trinity Baptist Daycare, a “Child-Centered Learning Environment,” a licensed childcare program, and a ministry of Trinity Baptist Church offering a high quality program for all children. By taking a few minutes to read through the information provided below, you will find answers to questions that you may have regarding the program. If there are additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask one of the teachers or the Director of our centre.
License no. 3005567

VALUE STATEMENT
We value each child as a unique individual, who develops at his/her own pace. We recognize the importance of providing early intervention services during these formative years to facilitate lifelong learning. We nurture the whole child, addressing development growth in the areas of social, emotional, communication, physical, cognitive, creative, spiritual and aesthetic development.

We recognize the importance of learning through play. This is best provided in a setting that offers many opportunities for interactive experiences. We provide a balance between active and quiet times, of child-directed and adult-directed play, of large and small muscle activities, of spontaneity and predictability, of self-expression and acceptance of limitations. These are all an integral part of our quality program that teaches mutual respect and provides a safe and calm learning environment.

We believe that parents/guardians are the most important people in their child’s life. We recognize the detailed knowledge and unmatched commitment they have to their child’s well-being. As partners in caring for children, we value open communication with each family, as we share responsibility for the health, safety, well-being, comfort and development of each child. We welcome and encourage the participation of parents as they share their talents, skills, interest and time.

We value our links to our community and are grateful for the diversity and multiculturalism that enriches our lives. We appreciate our partnerships with other groups in the community.
We value the adults who work in our program. The teachers, volunteers, practicum students, church staff and professional partners. We recognize their education, skills, experience and commitment to early childhood development and education. Their teamwork, professionalism and dedication are recognized through a safe and respectful environment.

We value belief and faith in Christ Jesus. We believe that God has revealed Himself through creation, the Bible, and the life of Jesus. In order to have a personal relationship with God, a person must believe that God exists and that His Son Jesus Christ is the way to know God. Here, the Christian ethic of the Golden Rule is taught and practiced. Children hear secular and biblical stories, sing a variety of secular and Christian songs, and pray before meals.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
To provide a healthy environment that will promote a balanced development of the children.
To provide activities that promote children’s optimum growth through:

• Language and literature
• Block building and manipulative toys
• Music and movement
• Arts and crafts
• Math and Science

We provide ample opportunity for both indoor and outdoor play as an important venues for learning.
To help children learn about living safely and in harmony with others.
To promote Christian values that will help children to:

• learn to worship God through songs and prayers
• understand God’s unconditional love for each one of them
• learn how to give thanks and talk to God through prayers
• learn, understand, memorize verses from the Bible through Christian stories, songs and poems.

OUR PROGRAM
We believe that each child is a unique individual and should be treated with love and respect. We are a Christian daycare and therefore Christian values and ethics are taught in the centre.

Occasionally we will involve the children in activities in the church. Staff will notify parents well in advance of the date when children will be involved in a Sunday morning service. Participation, while voluntary is encouraged.

We also invite the pastoral staff members of our church to visit the Centre and to read Bible stories and perform music for the children.

Your child’s typical day will include: Circle time, art activity, free play, outdoor and indoor recreation, fieldtrips, naptime, lunch and snacks, activity centers and so much more.

We are open from Monday-Friday 7:30AM – 5:45PM.

STAFFING
Staffing at Trinity Baptist Child Learning Center includes:
1 fulltime Director of the center
3 full time ECE Educators

Our teachers are all qualified Early Childhood Educators and are also certified in First Aid and CPR. Two teachers also have certification in Special Needs Education and Infant & Toddler Care. Teachers have additional training in sign language and assisting children to learn appropriate social skills. Teachers work in teams, and trained substitute staff are engaged when necessary.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE CENTRE
Trinity Baptist Daycare is a ministry of and administered by:
Trinity Baptist Church
1460 W. 49th Avenue
Vancouver BC, V6M 2R5

We are a non-profit society under the “Societies Act of British Columbia”

No child will be admitted before 7:30AM. All children must be picked up by 5:45PM.

Our Centre will be closed on all statutory holidays including: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday or BC Day in August, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

We are also closed on the Friday before Labor Day for Daycare Staff Professional Development activities.

We have an early closure [4 P.M.] on the last Friday of each month to facilitate a staff planning session.

We are open for a half day on Christmas Eve December 24th. [On that day, the Centre will close at 11:30AM].

STUDENTS AND VOLUNTEERS
We participate with local College training programs by providing practicum placements to students enrolled in early childhood education or similar programs. All students have undergone a criminal record check before starting their practicum and are supervised by a sponsor teacher and practicum supervisor from the training program. All volunteers are also screened, oriented and they too have completed a criminal record check.

PARENT PARTICIPATION
You are welcome to drop into the Centre at anytime to see your child or observe. Coffee and tea are available in the snack room in the morning if you have the time. Parents are encouraged to participate in fieldtrips and special events. Parents who possess special skills or talents are asked to let the Director know if they would be willing to share their musical or other talents to benefit the children.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Our child learning center is fortunate to have the input and support of many community professionals:

We work closely with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to access their Speech/Language therapy services as well as consulting with a Public Health Nurse regarding health related issues.

We also work closely with the Westcoast Resource Center to access their materials and professional development trainings and workshops.

PAYMENT POLICY OF FEES
Tuition fees are payable monthly. All post-dated cheques must be given to the Director on the last Monday of the preceding month. Failure to pay tuition fees on time will result in the payment of a late fee charge of 10% of the monthly fee. A one week grace period is given after the due date for payment. Failure to pay tuition fees for two weeks after the due date for payment will result in the denial of admittance to your child.

FEES
Registration fee: $450.00 – refundable upon one month’s notice of withdrawal
Full-time: $850.00
Four days: $720.00
Three days: $540.00
Drop-in: $45.00/day
Before and after school program will be charged by the day

WHAT TO BRING TO DAYCARE
Please provide the following for your child:

• A complete change of clothing, labeled with your child’s name
• Suitable footwear for active play
• Seasonal outdoor clothing, including rainwear and boots
• A nutritious lunch (please do not send any candies or chewing gums)
• Disposable diapers when appropriate
• Blankets and cuddly buddies for their naptime
• Water bottle
• One box of Kleenex tissue paper to supply wipes for staff to use if your child has a runny nose or sore eyes.

FOOD
We are a NUT FREE centre, any food that may contain nuts will be sent home and will not be served to the children.
Our Center will provide two nutritious appropriate snacks per day. Special dietary restrictions and/or food allergies will be observed. Parents are required to send a nutritious lunch daily. Microwaves are available to reheat lunches if desired. We discourage children from sharing their food with other children due to concern about the possibility of some children having food allergies.

GRADUAL ENTRY
It is important that your child’s first experience here be a positive one. A gradual entry gives your child time to become comfortable and secure with this new environment and the new children and adults. It also provides an opportunity for the separation between the child and the parent to occur in a gradual and positive manner. It is our policy that children registered to attend enter by this gradual entry process. We recognize that every child is unique and adjustment periods may vary from one child to another. The gradual entry process may be modified to meet the individual child and family needs.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Families are asked to sign in and speak with the teachers on arrival to ensure each child’s smooth transition into the daily program. Families are encouraged to bring their child before 9:30. This is requested to ensure that children can more easily join in group play and engage in valuable morning play opportunities. Please call by 10:00 if your child will be absent that day.

Please be prompt in picking up your child at the agreed upon time. Your child will not be released to anyone other than the parent unless that person’s name appears on your child’s registration form. You are required to telephone and inform the centre staff if anyone other than a person registered to do so, will be picking up your child. When any person unknown to the staff comes to pick up a child, they will be asked to show identification such as a driver’s license to verify their identity. Staff members are not permitted to release your child to anyone under the age of 13 years. If a person attends who appears to be incapable of providing safe care for a child, teachers will offer to contact others to pick up the child. If the adult appears impaired, staff will offer to call a taxi. If a seemingly impaired person insists on driving, staff will notify police and call the Ministry of Child and Family Development to report that the child appears to be in the need of protection.

Children must be picked up by the times stated on the general information sheet. We recognize that unusual situations occasionally cause a parent to be late in picking up their child. Staff shifts generally finish at the program close time and anything after that time is overtime. For this reason, there is a late fee policy which states that the parent will pay $30.00 after the first warning. After 30 minutes of being late $1/minute will be charged. This fee is to cover overtime costs. Repeated late pick- ups will be discussed with parents and may lead to withdrawal from the program.

If the child has not been picked by program close, and the family has not contacted us, staff will attempt to contact the person expected to pick up the child, the parents, emergency contacts and any person authorized to pick up the child. If staff is unable to reach an authorized person, they will contact the Ministry of Child and Family Development to take custody of the child until the parents can be reached.

CLOTHING
Comfortable, washable play clothes that are easy for your child to manage are most suitable for him/her to wear. Be sure to label your child’s items, so they are less likely to be lost or misplaced. The childcare centre is not responsible to replace lost or damaged items.

TOYS
We provide a wide range of educationally appropriate toys for use by all children. Apart from one consistent comfort toy, we ask that all other toys be kept at home. Toys from home often lead to exclusive play and hurt feelings as well as lost toys and angry disputes. Your help is much appreciated.

OUTDOOR PLAY
Outdoor play is an important part of our daily program and we go out regardless of the weather. It is important that your child have warm, waterproof clothing and boots that can be kept at school. Children are asked to wear hats when outdoors in both summer and winter. During the summer months, we ask that parents apply sunscreen to their child before leaving home in the morning. Staff will reapply as necessary throughout the day.

EMERGENCY PLANNING
Our program has an emergency management and evacuation plan in place should the need arise. Emergency drills (fire and earthquake) are practiced monthly. Parents are asked to please complete the emergency consents cards attached and return to the program. We also ask each family to supply a small “comfort kit” for your child. This kit should include a small comfort toy, note from home and photo of the family. If evacuation of the centre is necessary, parents will be contacted as soon as possible either directly or via out of town contact. Emergency plans are posted in the centre and staff is available to answer any questions you may have. Our evacuation shelter is located at 6566 Granville Street Vancouver, BC, near the big parking lot of the church.

HEALTH
Any child too ill to participate in the total program should not attend the centre.
Children with the following symptoms should not attend the program until treated or clear of symptoms for 24 hours.

• Children with fever
• Heavy cold (congested chest, frequent coughing or continuous runny noses.
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Head lice

Children with the following symptoms should not attend the centre until they have seen by the family doctor and have been given clearance to return:

• Red runny eyes
• Open sores or discharge
• Any signs of contagious diseases (chicken pox, measles, mumps, etc.)

Please inform the centre if your child has a communicable disease, as this can present a health threat to some children or compromise medical treatment.

If your child becomes ill during the day, we will first try to reach you to arrange for your child to be picked up to go home. If unsuccessful, we will keep your child quiet and comfortable until someone can come for him/her.

MEDICATION
A medication consent form must be completed by the parent or guardian in order for staff to administer any medicine to a child. Only clearly labeled medication that is in its original container will be given to your child. Any non-prescription medicines must be accompanied by a doctor’s note clearly indicating the specific dosage and when it is to be given. Please do not leave medicine in your child’s lunch bag, but give any medicine directly to staff. Be sure to notify us if there are any changes regarding medication.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT
Teachers make observations of each child’s individual development and use various forms to record their observations. This information is shared with the parents and used in planning activities for individual children and groups. Children who require some extra supports are assessed after two months, and an Individual Education Plan is completed with input from the family, teachers and professionals from relevant disciplines. The plan is reviewed every three months with reassessment occurring every six months.

CHILDREN’S FILES
All children’s records are kept on file in the administration office of Trinity Baptist Daycare. These records are kept confidential. Parents may request access to their child’s file at any time through the Director of the daycare.

PARENT / TEACHER MEETING
During normal hours of operation, teachers are not available for long conversations or extended phone calls. They are, however, happy to arrange a time to talk with parents. Please let them know if you want to meet with them. Teachers meet formally with parents between one or two times each year and can meet at other times as needed for in-depth discussions.

FIELD TRIPS
Periodic field trips or special events are planned at the centre and we encourage parents to participate with their children. All staff and children generally take part in these field trips. If you do not wish your child to go on a specific field trip, you may be required to either keep your child home or make alternative care arrangements. We also go on walks in the neighborhood to observe plants during the changing seasons.

WITHDRAWAL
If our program is unable to meet the need of your child and family, every effort will be made to assist you in finding suitable alternate care. If you are planning on withdrawing your child, you are required to give one month’s notice no later than the last day of the preceding month. Failure to give such notice may result in a regular monthly fee charge and /or loss of the registration fee.
The staff is committed to providing a caring and supportive environment for all families. However, termination of daycare services may be required if:

• Fees for services are not paid and a suitable arrangement cannot be agreed upon, Centre policies are not followed
• The centre is unable to satisfactorily resolve an issue with the enrolling parent or guardian.

If the centre plans to terminate services, the Director will give one month’s written notice to the enrolling parent/guardian or refund the fees for the current month in lieu of notice.

GUIDANCE TECHNIQUES
Our goal is to help children develop self-control, self -confidence, self- discipline and sensitivity in their interactions with others. We strive to provide a safe, healthy and nurturing environment in which your child can feel secure to learn and grow to their individual potential. At our centre, parents can expect that the staff will:

• Demonstrate affection and caring to your child through the use of appropriate forms of verbal and physical interactions.
• Establish clear, consistent and simple limits that are stated in a positive way.
• Maximize opportunities for appropriate and positive behavior throughout the program activities and recognize and reinforce appropriate behavior.
• Assure your child that he/she is respected, liked and valued as a unique individual.
• Gain your child’s attention in a respectful way.
• Express concern and respect for your child’s feelings and help him/her recognize and deal with his/her feelings in situations that may be difficult, for example “You feel angry when he/she takes your toy.”
• Focus on the logical and natural consequences that will or may follow a specific behavior, such as “Your friends feel sad and don’t like to play together when they are hurt.”
• Be firm and respectful when redirecting a child away from inappropriate behavior.
• Help children know it’s okay to feel anger but not okay to hurt people
• Protect the health and safety of all children.

You can also expect that the staff will not:

• Engage in shoving, hitting, shaking, spanking or any other form of corporal punishment.
• Subject any child to harsh, belittling, or degrading treatment, whether verbal, emotional or physical, that would humiliate the child or undermine the child’s self-respect.
• As a form of punishment, confine, physically restrain or keep any child apart from other children without adult supervision.
• As a form of punishment, deprive any child of meals, snacks, rest or necessary use of a toilet.

If you have any questions about our guidance policy or techniques please ask the teachers or the Director of the centre.

CHILD ABUSE POLICY
Teachers are required by law to report suspected or disclosed abuse to the Ministry of Children and Family Development. This is something we hope will not occur, but these procedures are designed to protect the child. It is the responsibility of the Ministry Of children and Family Development to investigate and decide if abuse or neglect has occurred. Teachers are not permitted to contact the parent(s) unless specifically directed to do so by the Ministry of Children and Family Development or the Police. Please understand that our concern, must be for the safety and well-being of children above all else.

GENERAL INFORMATION
In the daycare the staff has overall responsibility for the program, teaching methods, discipline, health and safety. If you have any questions about your child’s progress or the program of the centre, please feel free to direct them to our staff members.
If you have any questions concerning the programs of Trinity Baptist Church, you may contact the office by calling 604-266-6238.
If you have free time, the staff of the centre welcomes you to join in some of the activities or to observe your child.
We look forward in working with you and your child.

PLEASE NOTE:
The following signs will be displayed at the parking lot entrance door, if our activities are taking place in the gym or in the playground:
“Dear Parents, please use the gym door.
[It is to your left along the sidewalk]
Thank you”
DAYCARE STAFF

“Dear Parents, please use the playground gate.
[It is on the east side of the Daycare building]
Thank you”
DAYCARE STAFF