Global Aware Children's Care - Out of School Care Parent Handbook - Global Aware Care Childcare & Daycare ...
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Global Aware Children’s Care Out of School Care Parent Handbook Copyright 2018 © Global Aware Children’s Care Ltd. All rights reserved 12/1/2020
Contents
1.0 Welcome to Global Aware Care ......................................................................................... 2
2.0 Our Philosophy and Program ............................................................................................. 2
3.0 Operational Policies ........................................................................................................... 3
3.1 Registration ................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Locations ....................................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Hours of Operation/Holiday Closure ............................................................................ 3
3.4 Emergency Contact Information ................................................................................... 3
3.5 Absence Reporting ........................................................................................................ 4
3.6 Program Withdrawal/Program Termination .................................................................. 4
3.7 Child Sign In/Sign Out and Supervision ....................................................................... 4
3.8 Late Pick-Up Policy ...................................................................................................... 5
3.9 Confidentiality and FOIP .............................................................................................. 5
3.10 Technology/Social Media Policy ................................................................................ 5
4.0 Financial Processes ............................................................................................................ 6
4.1 Registration/Program Fees ............................................................................................ 6
4.2 Tax Receipts .................................................................................................................. 7
4.3 Collections Policy ......................................................................................................... 7
4.4 Child Care Subsidy ....................................................................................................... 7
5.0 Inclusion and Diversity ...................................................................................................... 7
6.0 Child Interactions, Child Guidance and Conflict Resolution ............................................ 8
7.0 Health, Wellness and Safety Policies ................................................................................. 8
7.1 Nutrition ........................................................................................................................ 8
7.2 Hand Sanitation ............................................................................................................. 9
7.3 Smoking ........................................................................................................................ 9
7.4 Illness and Accidents ..................................................................................................... 9
7.5 Medication Administration............................................................................................ 9
7.6 Incident Reporting ....................................................................................................... 10
7.7 Educator and Parent Supervision Responsibilities ...................................................... 10
7.8 Emergency Evacuation Policy and Procedure ............................................................ 11
7.9 Adverse Weather.......................................................................................................... 11
7.10 Suspected Child Abuse .............................................................................................. 12
8.0 Staff Qualifications and Professional Development ........................................................ 12
9.0 School Bus and Shuttle Bus Transportation Policies ....................................................... 13
Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 11.0 Welcome to Global Aware Care
Global Aware Children's Care Ltd is a south Edmonton family-owned organization, focused
on providing high quality care for children ages 1 to 12 years. We partner with families and
respect your beliefs and expertise in your role as the primary caregivers. We welcome you to
the supportive, tight-knit community at each of our Centres and feel privileged to be part of
your family’s growth and development!
2.0 Our Philosophy and Program
Every child is both unique and part of a community of learners and friends. We focus on
nurturing your child's physical, social, intellectual, creative and emotional needs. Our
Educators achieve this by offering opportunities for your child to explore their interests,
increase their self-awareness and foster cooperation amongst their peers. We stay current
with child development research so that our high quality care and enriching environment is
fun, safe and stimulating for your child and gives you peace of mind.
Program Planning: Each week our Educators reflect on the interests that children have
expressed and they plan classroom, Gym and outdoor activities accordingly. Our Educators set
up their room daily to ensure that it is inviting and filled with a variety of activities to enjoy.
Our Alberta government approved program plan is designed to support the above philosophy
by focusing on the following elements:
Physical Development:
• Daily activity time in the outdoor play areas, Gym or Atrium with equipment, games
and free play to strengthen gross motor skills
• Two nutritious snacks are provided daily
Social/Emotional Development:
• Open and honest communication, responsibility for one's own actions, respect for each
other’s feelings and property and a sense of thankfulness and appreciation for one
another form the foundation of our program.
• Children have ample opportunity to positively interact with their peers and Educators
model and create a cooperative, inclusive atmosphere focused on kindness and respect
Intellectual Development:
• We provide games, puzzles, reading and opportunities to work on homework
• As part of our global focus, we learn about different cultures from around the world
Artistic (Creative) Development:
• We encourage children to express themselves in all their activities, be it through role
play, structured/unstructured art and craft activities and/or games that foster creative
responses.
Field Trips: During the summer break and PD Days we schedule outings and field trips for the
children. Parent volunteers are always welcome. Field Trip fees are not included in your
monthly childcare fees.
Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 2Neighbourhood Walks: Unlike field trips, advance notice will NOT be given for
neighbourhood walks, which include walks to and use of nearby school playgrounds and city
greenspaces. During these walks, Global Aware Children's Care Ltd staff will supervise the
children in the same government-approved ratios as done at the Centre. Staff are trained and
will follow all precautions to ensure the safety of all children on neighbourhood walks.
3.0 Operational Policies
3.1 Registration
Registration: We strive to make the transition for you and your child into our Centre a
positive and welcoming experience. Families receive a registration package and Orientation
when signing up for the program. The 1st month trial period is a mutual evaluation period to
ensure that we can meet the needs of your family.
3.2 Locations
Global Aware Care operates 3 Out of School Care Locations:
• Blackmud: 10603 Ellerslie Road SW 780-975-3376
• Savaryn: 4357 Savaryn Drive SW 587-568-2852
• Lewis Farms: 9333 199 Street NW 587-568-3493
3.3 Hours of Operation/Holiday Closure
Hours of Operation: We are open Monday – Friday between the hours of 7:00am – 5:45pm.
Doors will be unlocked at 7:00 AM and latest parent arrival time is 5:40 PM.
Care on Early Dismissal and Non-school Days: Fees include care on Early Dismissal,
scheduled PD Days, Teacher's Convention and Spring Break. For non-school days, care is
included in your monthly fees provided reservations are made at least one week prior to the
week that care is needed. Care on unscheduled PD Days (e.g. staggered Kindergarten entry,
days off in lieu of full-day field trips, parent-teacher interviews) is available for an additional
$30 per half day and $60 for full day.
Summer Holidays: Like most licensed childcare providers, we operate and pay our staff year-
round and maintain the licensing standards not typically found in unlicensed summer camps.
Although we operate year-round, families are only required to sign up for 4 weeks of summer
care to retain a school year spot. Families who want to keep their school year spot but not
attend in the summer can pay a holding fee (equivalent to 4 weeks of care) or cancel service
and join the waitlist for the upcoming year. Summer camp registration opens March 1st.
Holiday Closures: The Centre is CLOSED on New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter
Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Heritage Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving and Remembrance
Day. If a statutory holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Centre will close on the
immediate following workday in recognition of that holiday. We are closed one day per year
for a staff PD Day. We are also closed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
3.4 Emergency Contact Information
In the case of an emergency please contact: Allyson Bonkowski, Owner/Director, Tel: 780-807-
4030 Email: allyson@GlobalAwareCare.com Website: GlobalAwareCare.com
Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 33.5 Absence Reporting
• Please TEXT the Centre (to the phone number noted in 3.2) if your child is
not coming to the Centre due to illness, vacation, school-based
extracurricular activities or if your child leaves school during the day
• Absences must be reported by 11am on Thursdays and 2pm on the other
days. A family can have 3 missed absence reports; thereafter, a $25 fee/missed
report applies.
• Repeated missed absence reports may lead to cancellation of service. In addition, if
parents, emergency contacts or the school are not able to confirm the whereabouts of a
child within 15 minutes of his/her scheduled arrival, the police must be contacted, and
a detailed report filed. This will result in an additional $100 fee.
Vacation Absence Reporting: If you are going on vacation, please text us the dates in
advance; you do not need to text daily while you are on vacation!
Refunds or discounts are not available for days missed at our Centre.
3.6 Program Withdrawal/Program Termination
• Families with children who have yellow school bus service may cancel by
providing one month's written notice, by the 1st of the month. Example: to end
service on March 31st, written notice must be given by March 1st.
• Families who utilize the Global Aware Care shuttle bus service sign up for
service in 5-month terms (Term 1: September 1 to January 31st and Term 2
February 1 to June 30th). Term 1 cancellation is required by August 1st. Term 2
cancellation is required by January 1st.
To be fair to all families, there are no exceptions to the withdrawal policy. In rare
circumstances, it may be necessary to terminate services for your child, due to issues
concerning payment and/or the suitability of the program to meet your child's needs.
3.7 Child Sign In/Sign Out and Supervision
Alberta government licensing regulations require that a parent/guardian sign their children
in and out of our Centre. If an alternate person is picking up your child, a parent/guardian
must provide written permission the Centre in advance. The alternate pickup person must be
18 years old. Your alternate pick-up person will be required to show government issued
identification to our staff prior to being able to pick up your child. A child will not be released
to an adult under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Supervision by Parents/Guardians during dropoff/pickup: It is important to know that
our Drop-off and Pick-up procedures are regulated by the government and differ from school
policies. In short, parents have a greater responsibility to supervise their children at our
Centre than is expected of them at a school. Until signed into our program, and after being
signed out, children must always be supervised by their parents/guardians while on the
property. This is an Alberta government childcare regulation and it applies to all children and
all families. Parents need to speak with the staff member at both dropoff and pickup to
ensure a clear transfer of supervision responsibility.
Detailed dropoff and pickup procedures are specific to each centre and will be communicated
during the New Family Orientation.
Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 43.8 Late Pick-Up Policy Please arrive at the Centre no later than 5:40pm to pick up your child in advance of our 5:45pm closure. It is understandable that in unforeseen circumstances such as a flat tire that an unexpected delay may occur. In that case, please call the Centre to advise us of your situation. Heavy traffic occurs regularly and is not an acceptable reason to be late. Late fee charges will be added to your next month’s fees. If a family is frequently late it could result in the termination of care services. There is a $15 charge for every 15 minutes late (or portion thereof). For example: 7 minutes late = $15. 16 minutes late = $30. 3.9 Confidentiality and FOIP We adhere to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. All information that is provided on your child’s registration form will be held in confidence. Information about your child will only be shared in accordance with the AB Childcare Licensing Act. In the event of an emergency and for planning purposes, information deemed appropriate by the Director or her designate will be shared with Edmonton Police Services, Alberta Health Services and/or your child's School Administrators. All personal information shared in discussion between staff or at meetings will remain between those persons. All sensitive and personal conversations shall be held discretely and in private. All documentation holding confidential information will be secured from unauthorized persons. 3.10 Technology/Social Media Policy The Centre makes use of various social media and various technologies to improve the productivity of our staff and to enhance the quality of care we provide: Photographs and videos of children are only taken if parental permission is given via the registration form for the use of posting in the classroom as well as informing parents of Centre activities. Computer Usage/Attendance Software: Each room is equipped with a computer so that the Educators can track attendance and ensure that the staff to child ratio is being met at all times. On occasion and with the Director’s permission, the Educators may show brief videos to the children. Our use of technology is focused on the intended developmental outcomes and does not promote sedentary behaviour. Social Media: Global Aware Care has a public Facebook page and Instagram account that provide general information and announcements about the Centre as well as links to programs and services offered by other community and social organizations. In addition, a Centre wide closed Facebook group that is viewable only by families of enrolled is available upon request. Families and staff are encouraged to comment and to provide feedback on our social media sites. Any information shared on a Global site that contravenes the confidentiality policy and/or is disrespectful or misleading will be removed. 3.11 Parental Support/Involvement/Communication Our goal is to build a strong connection with each family as we partner to support your child. We have an open door policy meaning that you are always welcome to visit the Centre, email, or call us. We are committed to positive, respectful communication with families. New Family Orientation: This meeting is an important opportunity for us to explain our key policies in detail, to show you around our Centre, to understand your needs and to answer your questions. It is ideal to have both parents attend this meeting. Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 5
Monthly Newsletters, emails as required and weekly posts on our Closed Facebook
Group are other ways that we update you on what is happening at the Centre. Parents can
also ‘like’ our Global Aware Care: Daycare, Preschool & Out of School Care FB page and follow
globalawarecare on Instagram to keep informed on what is happening with the broader
Global Aware Care Community.
4.0 Financial Processes
4.1 Registration/Program Fees
Registration Fee: One-time fee of $200 per family (non-refundable)
20/21 Monthly Program Fees
Blackmud and Savaryn Lewis Farms
Kindergarten 925 975
Elementary Before and After 615 580
Elementary After Only 515 580
Shuttle Bus Fee - $100 per month
Shuttle bus fees are purchased in ½ year increments, payable monthly. (Michael
Strembitsky and St. Thomas Aquinas schools only)
Annual Materials Fee: $50 per child due on September 1st
Late Payment made after 1st of the month: $25; NSF Cheque: $50
Late Pick Up Fees: 1-15 mins: $15 16-30 mins: $30
Pre-Registration Deposit Families are welcome to reserve a spot in advance and can do so by
submitting a completed registration package and paying ½ of the 1st month’s fee. This deposit
is non-refundable and secures the child’s spot in the program. Refunds are given if service is
not available (e.g. your child is placed in PM Kindergarten and we only have care for AM
Kindergarten for that school). The full month fee is due on the 1st of the first month of care.
Fees include care on scheduled PD Days (as noted on the school district calendars),
early dismissal Thursdays, Teacher’s Convention, Spring Break. Care on unscheduled PD
days (e.g. staggered Kindergarten entry, days off in lieu of full-day field trips, parent/teacher
interviews) is available for an additional $30 per half day and $60 for full day).
Summer fees are announced in March. Fees are higher in the summer due to full-day care.
Refunds or pro-rated fees are not provided if a child is absent due to vacation, illness or any
other reason.
Forms of Payment: Pre-authorized withdrawal or post-dated cheques payable to Global Aware Care
Ltd.
Refunds or pro-rated fees are not available if a child is absent due to vacation, illness or any
other reason.
Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 64.2 Tax Receipts Childcare services are tax deductible. A tax receipt will be issued to you by February 28th of the year following the services provided. 4.3 Collections Policy Breach of contract will be acted upon; arrears will be assigned to our collections agency: Affinity Credit Solutions Inc., #303, 10187 104th Street, Edmonton. Tel: 780 428.1463 4.4 Child Care Subsidy The Child Care Subsidy Program is offered to eligible families by the Government of Alberta. Further information can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/child-care-subsidy.aspx. Government-subsidized applicants are accepted provided that the parent pays the full 1st month's fees. The government portion of the 1st month fees is kept as a deposit and returned when the student no longer attends the Centre. Once subsidy money has been received, the applicant pays the monthly parent portion only. If subsidy payments are interrupted for some reason, the applicant will be responsible for paying the full fees until the issue is resolved. 5.0 Inclusion and Diversity Diversity: Our Centre is made up of families from all parts of the world. We welcome families to share their heritage by sharing resources with us and/or teaching us and the children about their culture. We value diversity and inclusion and provide equal service and respect to each child and family in our Centre. Global awareness is a key value for us, and we seek to educate children about the world around them, thereby training up the next generation of passionate global citizens. Inclusion: We are an inclusive Centre and welcome children of all abilities to our program. We believe all children should have access to the same activities and experiences here at our Centre. In support of this, we modify our service to be developmentally appropriate for all children within the ability of our 15 children to one staff member for elementary students and 10 children to one staff member ratio for Kindergarten students. Children with additional needs and a medical diagnosis: If your child has a medical diagnosis, the government may support some or all of the additional costs associated with supporting your child while he/she attends our Centre. Please advise us of your child’s diagnosis at the time of registration so that we can initiate negotiations with the government to get your child the support he/she needs and avoid a potential delayed start date. Children with additional needs without a medical diagnosis: If you have any concerns about whether your child’s needs can be met within a 1 staff to 15 children ratio, regardless of whether they have a medical diagnosis, please bring this to our attention at the time of registration. We will work with you to determine what kind of support we can offer and if there are additional costs beyond the monthly childcare fees that are associated with the additional support. Although it is unlikely that government funding will be available, we can advise you on some further research that you can do. During the one month trial period, if we identify additional needs that your child has that we are unable to meet and/or jeopardize the safety of your child, other children and/or our staff, we will contact you. Our goal is ensure that the needs of all children at our Centre can be safely met. Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 7
6.0 Child Interactions, Child Guidance and Conflict Resolution Our goal is to foster respectful, positive interactions amongst our children, staff and parents, while being considerate of our environment. We guide children by encouraging them to: • Use respectful language and listen attentively • Be respectful of the personal space of each other • Take responsibility for personal belongings and cleaning up after themselves • Engage in and role model appropriate standards of behaviour • Work collaboratively to problem solve • Show respect and adhering to the rules and expectations • Make positive play and interaction choices on their own • Contribute ideas/suggestions that the leader can incorporate into the programming plan Utilizing and reminding children of these guidelines is the first step towards positive behavior and minimal conflict. In addition, Educators: • Set expectations and work with the children to establish clear and reasonable limits • Remind children of the guidelines and why they are in place • Help children develop problem solving skills so they can solve problems independently • Actively listen, guide positively and are available to assist with conflict resolution • Use redirection and intervention when dealing with less desirable behaviours Our program prohibits any form of physical restraint, confinement or isolation of children and at no time will a child be subjected to any form of physical punishment, verbal degradation, emotional deprivation or be denied of any basic necessity. Bullying: Our staff are committed to providing a friendly, stimulating and safe environment for the children in our care. Our staff work proactively with the children to talk about bullying and ensure that all incidents of bullying are taken seriously and are handled promptly. Bullying can be described as any deliberate form of aggression and/or hostility towards another child and/or staff member with the intention of harming that individual. Types of bullying include: • Physical – kicking, hitting, pushing, biting • Verbal – name calling, teasing, making threats • Emotional – tormenting, exclusion and humiliation 7.0 Health, Wellness and Safety Policies 7.1 Nutrition Snacks: We promote good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices. We provide both an afternoon snack and encourage children to drink water. Monthly menu plans are posted in the classrooms. Snacks are planned according to the Canada Food Guide and the allergies and/or dietary restrictions of the children attending our program. We always welcome parent and child feedback about our menu. Nut-Free: Our program is nut-free. This means that nut and peanut products are not knowingly served at the Centre. That said, our locations are not nut-free buildings. Please do not bring any food containing nuts into the Centre. As an added precaution, we do not allow Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 8
children to share their food in order to avoid allergic and/or other adverse reactions. For this
reason, we are unable to accommodate requests to bring outside food in to celebrate
birthdays.
7.2 Hand Sanitation
Hand washing is an integral part of our health and safety initiative at our Centre. Our staff
ensure that children use proper hand washing techniques after using the bathroom,
before/after eating, and after messy activities. In addition, our staff also model appropriate
hand washing techniques by washing their own hands before and after handling food and
when in contact with potentially infectious materials (i.e. wounds).
7.3 Smoking
To protect the health and safety of our children, no one is permitted to smoke or handle
tobacco products of any kind on the program premises or while childcare is being provided.
7.4 Illness and Accidents
Per AHS, children with any of the following symptoms are unable to attend a childcare
program: fever (38 degrees C or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, new or unexplained rash or
cough, varicella (chicken pox), conjunctivitis (pink eye), impetigo (bacterial skin infection);
until 24 hours after the initial treatment, head lice; until after the initial treatment, scabies;
until after treatment has been given, or other illness/symptoms that may pose a risk to others.
If your child has a common cold, he/she will be welcome to attend if: he/she demonstrates
sufficient energy to participate in program activities, coughing and sneezing is intermittent
and the child knows how to effectively minimize exposure of his/her germs to others in the
program and nasal discharge is minimal and can be managed by the child.
If a staff member observes any of the signs and/or symptoms noted above, or if your child is
severely injured (i.e. broken bone), you, or in your absence, your emergency contact will be
called to pick up your child immediately. Sick children will be separated from the rest of the
group but kept within distance so that staff are able to monitor the child’s well-being until
arrival of the parent and/or emergency contact.
Your child will be re-welcomed into our program once he/she has been symptom-free for at
least 24 hours (without medication such as Tylenol) and/or a physician’s note indicating that
the child does not pose a health risk to others.
In the instance of an accident/injury, if the parent/emergency contact cannot arrange a timely
pick-up for the child, our staff will either perform first aid treatment or contact Alberta Health
Services Health Link 811 to determine whether the child requires immediate medical care
from a licensed professional. If transportation is deemed necessary, an ambulance will be
dispatched and you will be responsible for the associated fees. Staff will complete an
Accident/Illness Report Form and it will be kept on file for two years.
7.5 Medication Administration
A staff member may administer medication to a child under the following circumstances:
• Parent/guardian has completed the Prescription Administration Form
• The medication is in the original container, clearly labeled indicating the physicians
name, child’s name, dosage frequency and amount to be administered
When medication is administered by a staff member this information will be documented:
Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 9• Name of the child and name of medication
• Amount and time of medication administration
• Initials of the person who administered the medication
All medicine will be inaccessible to children and be kept in a locked cabinet. Medicine used in
the case of an emergency will be kept on the top self of an unlocked cabinet. Emergency
medication, including Epi-pens, will be put into the Centre’s backpack, along with portable
records when leaving the centre. Staff will not administer medication without
parent/guardian consent and a completed Prescription Administration Permission Form.
7.6 Incident Reporting
Per the Alberta Child Care Licensing Regulation, if an “incident” occurs while a child is
attending our program, the Director will report the incident to the government using the
prescribed form. The following situations constitute a reportable incident: an emergency
evacuation, unexpected closure of our program, an intruder enters the program premises, a
child in our care experiences an illness or injury that requires the request of emergency health
care and/or requires the child to remain hospitalized overnight an error in the administration
of medication by our staff/volunteer that results in the child becoming seriously injured/ill or
requiring first aid, and/or requiring emergency health care and/or a child in our program is
required to remain hospitalized overnight, the death of a child while attending our program, an
unexpected absence of a child from the program (i.e. lost child), a child is removed from the
program by a non-custodial parent/guardian, an allegation that a staff member/volunteer has
physically, sexually, and/or emotionally abused and/or neglected a child enrolled in our
program, a child has left the program premises during operating hours, the commission by a
child of an offence under an Act of Canada or Alberta.
If an incident occurs, a detailed investigation will occur immediately. A report containing an
action agenda will be developed and a formal report will be sent to the regional child care
office.
7.7 Educator and Parent Supervision Responsibilities
Daily Program Supervision: The Global Aware Care staff sign children in and out each day
using attendance software. During program operation, all staff actively observe and supervise
the children’s indoor/outdoor play and off-site excursions to ensure the safety and well-being
of all children. Headcounts will be taken frequently and always when a group is moving from
one location to another within and outside the program premises (e.g. to/from off-site field
trips). Staff are responsible for knowing the number and whereabouts of the children that are
in their care at all times.
Field Trip Supervision During field trips, which typically occur in the summer or on full-day
care days, caution and careful planning ensures that all children are kept safe and with the
group. Specifically, frequent headcounts will be taken throughout the field trip, as well as
when the children leave the Centre, board the bus, depart from the bus and gather at the field
trip destination. Children will have Global Aware Care t-shirts to further distinguish them
from other groups.
The careful attention paid to safety sets a good example for the children. Children are also
encouraged to take responsibility for their personal safety by being reminded to stay with the
group. Finally, children are encouraged to take responsibility for others. This is done by
assigning each child a buddy with whom they should stay with while being transported during
Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 10off-site excursions. Parents are always welcome to attend field trips, both to enjoy the trip and
to help with additional supervision.
Parental Supervision For the safety of all children, parents must ensure a clear transfer of
supervision responsibility by always speaking to a staff member at drop-off and pick-up. This
is especially important during outdoor play and when we are transitioning children between
spaces (ie gym to classroom).
7.8 Emergency Evacuation Policy and Procedure
Fire drills and lockdown procedures are practiced monthly to prepare for the case of an
emergency. The children are told in advance when the drill will happen and why. During the
time of the evacuation drill the children are escorted out of the centre to the “practice”
relocation site, or Muster Point.
In the event of an emergency evacuation children will be taken to the location as noted in our
Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown and On Alert Procedure. Prior to evacuating the premises,
the children and staff will meet at the Muster Point for a headcount and roll call. Staff will have
portable records of the children’s information on hand during the evacuation.
Parents/guardians will then be contacted and asked to pick up their children from the off-site
location immediately. Each classroom in the Centre has emergency telephone numbers listed
making it easily accessible for staff members. The Global Aware 24 hour emergency contact
number is: 780-807-4030.
7.9 Adverse Weather
We aim to take children outside each day (unless it is -20C or colder with the windchill or
warmer than 30C), or there are other safety concerns such as lots of ice or poor air quality. As
a result, children need to be dressed for the weather (i.e. jackets, hats, boots and snow pants,
and/or sun hats).
If your child arrives at our Centre without the appropriate clothing for our activities, the staff
will assess the safety of your child still being able to participate. If it is deemed that is not safe
for your child to be without the appropriate clothing, parents will be called to pick up their
child. If staff believes your child safety is not a risk, then you will be notified upon pick up that
your child requires the clothing, and you must ensure it is brought for the following day.
Outdoor play will be cancelled in extreme weather using the following websites as our guide:
• Edmonton Air Quality Health Index: https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/abaq-
001_e.html
• Edmonton Current Weather Conditions: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-
50_metric_e.html
Extreme weather includes if the temperatures drops to -20 degrees Celsius including the
windchill, an Air Quality Health Index of 7 or higher, and heavy rain. If temperatures exceed 32
degrees Celsius, staff will use their discretion by considering time spent outside, available
shade, and offer water and water play.
Sun and Insect Protection During the summer months we will spend a large amount of time
outside. By government licensing regulations, all children are required to wear sunscreen. In
the summer months, please apply sunscreen prior to dropping your child off at the Centre and
send your child with a labelled original bottle of sunscreen for your child to re-apply
throughout the day. Our staff will supervise your child as they reapply. Sunscreen must be
lotion or cream, NOT SPRAY. (Not only does spray sunscreen damage carpet, it also makes the
floors slippery and may cause lung irritation, and is therefore a safety concern.) If your child
Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 11does not have sunscreen or brings spray sunscreen, please note that we will provide your child
with the centre’s sunscreen.
Parents are welcome to send their child with insect repellent, provided that they have
instructed their child on its proper use. Our staff will supervise children as they apply.
7.10 Suspected Child Abuse
Every child has the right to feel safe and protected. It is our legal responsibility to report
suspected child abuse to the Edmonton Police Service and/or the Ministry of Children and
Family Services. Staff are required to let the Director know of any suspected or disclosed cases
of child abuse. Please note:
• We are required by law to report suspected or disclosed child abuse
• Reporting procedures are designed to protect the well-being and safety of your child
• We are not responsible for determining if abuse has occurred
8.0 Staff Qualifications and Professional Development
Staff Qualification Policy Each staff member is screened, interviewed and required to meet
our hiring criteria. All staff members provide a current Criminal Record Check and hold, at
minimum, a Level 1 Child Care Certification (Child Development Assistant) and one in every
two staff members have First-Aid certification. Our staffing plan ensures that the Alberta
government staff to child ratio guidelines are met. That is, there will be at least one staff
member per ten Kindergarten children and at least one staff member per 15 school-aged
children. Many of our staff members have post-secondary education in Early Childhood
Education and/or Education or are students in these fields.
Staff Professional Development We encourage our Educators to actively pursue
professional development opportunities. We organize an annual PD Day for our Educators
to promote teamwork and shared learning.
Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 129.0 School Bus and Shuttle Bus Transportation Policies As the children travel to/from the centre via either yellow school bus or the Global Aware shuttle service, parents will be required to complete a Transportation Agreement each year, once the bus schedules are confirmed. Below are samples of our policies; more details are provided in the yearly Transportation Agreement. Yellow School Bus Service Parent Responsibilities Global Aware Care Responsibilities School Responsibilities Signing up for school bus service at the Escorting children to and from the school Supervising children once they get school. Communicating to the Director the bus that arrives/departs from the church off the bus at the school in the schedules, as well as any changes or delays parking lot or designated bus stop. morning. to their child’s school bus service, as soon as the information in received. Text Global Aware Care by 2pm (11am on Calling parents if the child does not arrive Supervising children while they wait Thursdays or for Kindergarten children) if a on the school bus at our centre. to get on the bus in the afternoon. child will not be on the school bus that day. One or both parents available on their cell phone in the event that your child does not arrive on the bus. Delayed School Bus Policy Before School: Global Aware Care will walk with children from the Centre to their bus stop in the morning. Our Educator will supervise the children until they have boarded the bus. The staff and children will arrive 5 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival and will wait for up to 15 minutes after the scheduled arrival. If the bus has not arrived and no communication has been received, the Educator will walk the children back to the Centre. Parents will be called to pick up their child at the Centre and transport him/her to school. After School: A Global Aware Care staff member will walk to the bus stop and arrive at least 5 minutes before the scheduled arrival. He/she will wait up to 15 minutes after the scheduled arrival. If the bus has not arrived and no information has been received, he/she will return to the Centre and call parents to advise them that the bus has not arrived. (Parents should already have received this information from their transportation provider.) If there are any changes to their child’s bus, parents are responsible for contacting the Centre and making alternate arrangements if the bus arrives outside the window of time that we commit to having our staff at the bus stop. Communication regarding delayed school bus service: Your child’s school board has contracted with a school bus company to provide transportation for your child. The school board will not release information to us about any changes or delays to your child’s transportation. You are therefore responsible for communicating changes/delays to us. You are also responsible for making alternate arrangements if your child’s transportation is delayed by 15 minutes or more. Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 13
Global Aware Care Shuttle Bus Service
Parent Responsibilities Global Aware Care Responsibilities School
Responsibilities
Ensure that the child knows where to Transport children between their school and the OSC. Supervise children
meet the shuttle bus driver and that Ensuring that the shuttle bus is roadworthy and once they get off the
he/she promptly goes there after being meets government standards. This includes a daily bus at the school in
dismissed. safety inspection. the morning
Ensure that the child can and will adhere Plan to be at the school to meet the children within 10 Supervise children
to the rider code of conduct. minutes of dismissal. while they wait to get
on the shuttle bus
Text PM shuttle bus absence reports to Calling parents if their child does not arrive at the
the Centre by 2pm meeting point within 10 minutes of school dismissal
Pay for shuttle bus transportation and If the vehicle is in an accident or a driver is not
any fees resulting from failing to report available, parents will be informed of the alternate
an absence. arrangements that have been made (e.g. a staff
member will be sent to supervise the children until a
Be reachable by cell phone to confirm
substitute van arrives, taxis will be hired to transport
your child’s location if they do not meet
the children, etc.) If alternate arrangements cannot
the shuttle bus within 10 minutes of
be made, parents will be required to drive their child
dismissal after school.
to school and/or pick up their child from school.
Thank you for entrusting the care of your children to us. We are honoured and want you
to feel confident about the level of care that is being provided for your children. We look
forward to journeying with you and your children!
Handbook Updated December 2020. Next Review: January 2021 14You can also read
