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Edmonton Northwest School Age Child Care Centre We have served families in Edmonton since 1986. We provide care for up to 21school age children from grades 1 through 6. We look forward to getting to know your family! If you (or a friend or another parent you know) have questions about this website, or would like to have it translated, please let one of the staff know. Please select a topic for more information on this program:
Your family is important at our Centre. We know that parents are the most important people in their child's life, so our staff work as partners with parents to provide the best care possible. Our staff are trained and certified through programs including child development and early childhood education. We give the children a chance to make friends, learn about themselves and about the world around them. But nobody knows your child better than you do. You know best your child's favourite things, interests, fears, joys and hopes. You know how the members of your family get along. And you have shared so many experiences with your child, from family parties to the first day of school. We want to talk with you about what is happening at home, at school and at out of school care - so we can all understand your child better. We want to work together with all those involved in your child's day. The more consistent the adults are in your child's life, the more secure your child is likely to feel. When children feel secure, they are more likely to explore, to try new things, to learn and to enjoy! Our door is always open to your family members. Stop in any time. Why don't you join us for lunch someday? Families Get Involved We want families to feel that the Centre belongs to them. Here are some ways your family can be involved at the Centre. Each family has their own interests and free time; the important thing is that you choose and enjoy the way you take part. When you get involved, you might find new friends and interests! You might:
Your ideas are important! We realize your family's time is precious so these meetings are held once a month at the Out of School Care and child care and a light supper for your child is provided. New ideas, concerns and future planning are all discussed. The Program Director and staff representatives regularly attend; other Society members and guests may be invited.
We believe that children's programs should provide experiences which foster each child's growth and development. We believe that children's programs should create an environment where friendships are encouraged and each child learns a positive sense of him/herself. The philosophy of our program is that children learn best when they have a stimulating environment, where they are able to be creative and make decisions. The staff plan activities on a weekly basis as well as having a variety of activity centres available for the children to choose from. The children's time is scheduled for them at school, so here we give them many opportunities to decide how they want to spend their time. For example, children may choose between indoor or outdoor play, planned activities or centres, group activities or time by themselves. When school age children are able to make these types of decisions, they learn to take responsibility for the choices they make. The Out of School Care follows the Society's inclusionary philosophy, which allows the opportunity for all children to participate to their full potential in the program, regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, family status, or physical or developmental ability. Our Program's Goals The most important goal of our program is to give children a positive sense of themselves. We encourage children to try new things, ask questions and say what they think. You'll notice that our staff spend lots of time talking with the children. Staff make positive comments about children's activities, curiosities and accomplishments. We want children to be confident, independent and eager to learn. Our program sets goals for each child in all areas of development:
Our Staff, Our Centre, Our Program Our Staff Our Centre is staffed by people who understand what school aged children are all about. Our Program Director has post-secondary education in the field of Early Childhood Development or a related field. All of our staff have First Aid Certificates, all have annual Security Clearances and Child Welfare Checks. Staff also take parent in a variety of professional development opportunity throughout the year to improve their skills when working with your child. Our Centre Our Centre is located in a classroom within Inglewood School. We have up to three rooms. The staff and children may name their rooms as they choose. We primaraly use two rooms but a third room may be used if enrollment requires it. We use the community?s playground, the school gym and outdoor area surrounding the building. Our Program The program provides a variety of activities suitable for school age children. Parents and staff are encouraged to talk to each other often about what is happening with the children. When concerns come up for you, the staff in your child's room is the first person to talk to. The Program Director will also be happy to discuss any concerns with you. If you are not satisfied with how a concern is resolved, there is also a formal appeal procedure within Community Options.
Our Centre is open Monday through Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Here is what we do on SCHOOL DAYS:
Here is what we do on a NON-SCHOOL DAY:
Meals, Fieldtrips, Absences and Parent Information Meals The Centre provides breakfast and an afternoon snack every day. Weekly snack menus are posted in the entrance, so you may want to check the menu to find out what your child will be having for snack after school. If you are wondering what, or how much, your child eats during the day, just ask our staff! Does your child have allergies or require food substitutions? Our staff will be happy to provide an alternative for your child. Does your family have a favourite recipe? If you would like to share it, just talk to our staff! We are always looking for new and exciting ideas. Field Trips When you enroll your child, we ask you to sign a general permission slip for field trips. Outings occur on days that the children are not in school. During the months of July and August, we are away from the Centre 2 to 3 days a week. We give parents a calendar that shows the days, places and times of outings. We also tell parents about any trips that the children will take on other non-school days. We hope that you will be able to come with us sometime! Monthly field trip fees may be charged during the summer months according to City of Edmonton Children's Services guidelines. Absences We need to know when your child won't be at the Centre. If your child will be absent, please phone the Centre and let us know. If your child requires additional supports, the Centre requires at least 48 hours notice in writing of any absences or changes in care. The Out of School does not operate while the children are in school. The exception is on PD days at Inglewood School and St. Andrew School. If your child attends a different school, you will need to make alternate child care arrangements for your school's PD days. Parent Information in the Entrance Way We'd like parents to have a look around the entrance when you bring and pick up your child. There may be signs posted about field trips, special functions or family events. You'll find our weekly menus posted on the wall, as well as our license, notice of recognition and monitoring reports, which let you know about the visits we have with our Provincial Licensing Officer and the City consultant. Children's artwork may be on display, so keep an eye out for the artists' work. Edmonton Northwest has much information about child development, child care licensing and policies, parenting, integration and early childhood education. You are welcome to use any of this information. We'll be happy to help you find what you are looking for. If you find articles or information that may be of interest to other parents, staff, or visitors, please share them with us. |
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