Forms, Schedules & Resources

Victoria Park Centre Forms, Handbooks & Schedule Requests

Apply

Fees

2019 Centre-based Early Learning and Child Care Fee Guide

Handbook

2019 Parent Handbook for Centre-based Early Learning and Child Care

Schedule Requests

NEW – schedule request forms starting in May 2019 can be filled out online.

The forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader on your laptop or desktop, or you can use the Acrobat Reader app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

If you are filling out the forms on a mobile device (smartphone or tablet), please read these instructions.

Please submit the forms to vic.park@cooksdaycare.ca

2019
- May – June – NEW online form, see note above. Please submit the form to vic.park@cooksdaycare.ca.
- July – August – NEW online form, see note above. Please submit the form to vic.park@cooksdaycare.ca.
- September – October – NEW online form, see note above. Please submit the form to vic.park@cooksdaycare.ca.
- November – December – NEW online form, see note above. Please submit the form to vic.park@cooksdaycare.ca.
2020
- January – February – NEW online form, see note above. Please submit the form to vic.park@cooksdaycare.ca.
Changes to schedule

Medical

Individual Emergency Response Plan
Medication Authorization
Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief – Child (requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher)
Statement of Medical Exemption – Child (requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher)

Home-based Care Forms, Handbooks & Schedule Requests

Apply

Fees

2019 Home-based Early Learning and Child Care Fee Guide

Handbook

2019 Parent Handbook for Home-based Early Learning and Child Care

Schedule Requests

Criminal Reference Check

It is the commitment of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to ensure the safety of all children involved at all locations operated or overseen by the organization. Criminal reference checking and requesting offence declarations are a precautionary measure designed to ascertain whether potential employees, contract workers and other persons who have recurring interactions with the children in care are suitable to do so.

Please see attached Policy for full details.

Emergency Management

It is the policy of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to ensure the safety of the children, staff and parents in the event of emergency situations. Emergency management is the responsibility of all staff (includes volunteers, providers, and persons ordinarily resident in a home child care setting).

Cook’s currently has the following emergency management policies and procedures:

Fire & Emergency
Health & Safety
Medical Needs, including Anaphylaxis
Safety & Security
Serious Occurrences

Please see attached Policy & Procedure for full details.

Extended Hours of Care – Home Child Care

Cook’s School Day Care Inc makes every attempt to maintain every child’s safety at all times. To follow are the guidelines put in place to ensure that each child’s well-being is preserved when enrolled for extended hours.

EXTENDED HOURS PROGRAM – DEFINITION

A program that operates:

For more than 12 hours in a day.
During evening hours (including overnight care).
Weekends.

Please see attached Policy for full details.

Extreme Weather and Situations Can Affect Our Service

Please read attached pdf for full details

Feedback, Grievances, Issues & Complaints

It is the policy of Cook’s School Day Care Inc that all feedback, grievances, issues and concerns pertaining to the operation of the organization, made by staff / home child care providers or families be addressed in a prudent and efficient manner and in good faith in what is believed the best interest of the organization.

Please read attached pdf for full details

Head Lice Policy

Cook’s School Day Care Inc is committed to making every effort to control the spread of head lice.

Head Lice always causes concern and frustration for some parents, staff and children. Head lice is not considered a communicable disease and head lice infestation does not spread disease, but it can be transmitted through head to head contact with a person who has and infestation or through contact with personal objects (for example: combs, hats, etc.).

Please see attached Policy for full details.

Immunization

It is the policy of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to maintain an up-to-date copy of each child’s and adult’s immunization record on file in the:

Centre office for centre-based children.
Agency office and in the provider’s home for home-based adults and children.
Head office for all staff, students and volunteers.

The local Health Unit’s routine immunization schedule must be followed.

Please see attached Immunization Policy for full details.

Implementation & Monitoring

It is the intention of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to use the How Does Learning Happen? document for the purpose of guiding all educators (part-time, full time employees, home child care providers, students, volunteers, contract workers) in developing our programs. Cook’s continues to strive to ensure high quality experiences that lead to positive outcomes for children’s learning, development, health and well-being.

Please see attached Implementation & Monitoring Policy for full details.

Joint Statement on Safe Sleep: Preventing Sudden Infant Deaths in Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada recognizes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other infant deaths that occur during sleep as major public health concerns. The Joint Statement on Safe Sleep: Preventing Sudden Infant Deaths in Canada is part of the Government of Canada’s continuing commitment to raise awareness of sudden infant deaths and safe sleeping environments. The purpose of this statement is to provide health practitioners with current evidence-based information so they may offer parents and caregivers information and support to prevent deaths due to SIDS and unsafe sleeping practices, in Canada.

Please see attached Joint Statement on Safe Sleep for full details.

Medical Needs, including Anaphylaxis

It is the policy of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to support the medical needs of any child and employee, student, volunteer, contract worker (including home child care providers and persons ordinarily resident in a home child care setting) and to reduce the risk of exposure to any causative agents or situations that may exacerbate the medical condition or cause a reaction (e.g. anaphylactic reaction).

For this policy any reference to:

Staff will mean paid employee, students, volunteers, and enhanced staff.
Home child care provider may include persons ordinarily resident in a home child care setting,
Supervisor will include the Centre Supervisor, Assistant Centre Supervisor, ECE Consultant Home Visitor and Executive Director.

Please see attached Medical Needs, including Anaphylaxis Policy for full details.

Download the INDIVIDUAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Photography

Cook’s School Day Care Inc makes every attempt to maintain every child’s safety at all times. To follow are the guidelines put in place for the safe display, use and distribution of children’s photos when permission is granted by the family.

Please see attached Photography Policy for full details.

Prohibited Practices

REGARDING ONTARIO REGULATION 137/15

Cook’s School Day Care Inc does not permit:

Corporal punishment of the child.
Physical restraint of the child, such as confining the child to a high chair, car seat, stroller or other device for the purposes of discipline or in lieu of supervision, unless the physical restraint is for the purpose of preventing a child from hurting himself, herself or someone else, and is used only as a last resort and only until the risk of injury is no longer imminent.
Locking the exits of the child care centre or home child care premises for the purpose of confining the child, or confining the child in an area or room without adult supervision, unless such confinement occurs during an emergency and is required as part of the licensee’s emergency management policies and procedures.
Use of harsh or degrading measures or threats or use of derogatory language directed at or used in the presence of a child that would humiliate, shame or frighten the child or undermine his or her self-respect, dignity or self-worth;
Depriving the child of basic needs including food, drink, shelter, sleep, toilet use, clothing or bedding.
Inflicting any bodily harm on children including making children eat or drink against their will.

INTENT

This provision forbids corporal punishment and other harmful disciplinary practices to protect the emotional and physical well-being of children. These practices are never permitted in a child care centre. Young children benefit from an affirming approach that encourages positive interactions with other children and with adults, rather than from a negative or punitive approach to managing unwanted behaviour.

Please see attached Prohibited Practices Policy for full details.

Reserving a Child Care Space

Cook’s School Day Care Inc accepts payment to:

Guarantee a pending placement.
Hold a space in our program for a limited time if a break in service is needed by the family.

Please see attached Reserving a Child Care Space Policy for full details.

Safe Drinking Water

It is the policy of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to comply with the lead flushing and water sample testing requirements under the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change amended Ontario Regulation 243/07: Schools, Private Schools and Day Nurseries. (Note: as of July 1, 2017, the title will change to Schools, Private Schools and Child Care Centres.) The regulatory changes come into effect July 1, 2017.

Please see attached Safe Drinking Water Policy for full details.

View Safe Drinking Water Fact Sheet for Parents

Safe Drinking Water Act (O. Reg. 243/07: SCHOOLS, PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND CHILD CARE CENTRES)

Self-Regulation

Rather than managing children’s behaviour, we support positive interactions between children, families, staff and the community.

Research from diverse fields of study shows that children who attend programs where they experience warm, supportive relationships are happier, less anxious and more motivated to learn than those who do not. Experiencing positive relationships in early childhood also has significant long term impacts on physical and mental health, and success in school and beyond.

How Does Learning Happen provides information on ways adults can engage in positive, responsive interactions and why this is critical for children’s overall learning, development, health and well-being.

Please see attached Self-Regulation Policy for full details.

Serious Occurrence

It is the policy of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to ensure the safety of the children and staff. In the event that a serious situation occurs, the following details outlines how to identify, respond and report a serious occurrence, as required by the Child Care & Early Years Act (CCEYA) and the County of Northumberland Service Provider Guidelines.

Please see attached Serious Occurrence Policy for full details.

Sleep & Rest Policies – Centre

It is the policy of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to ensure that each child enrolled in our toddler or preschool groups is permitted to sleep, rest or engage in quiet activities based on the child’s needs.

This policy and its procedures meet the mandatory Ministry of Education requirements regarding sleep and supervision of sleep.

The Sleep & Rest policy will be:

Implemented and monitored at all times for compliance and contraventions.
Reviewed with staff annually and any time changes are made.

Please see attached Sleep & Rest Policy for the Centre

Sleep & Rest Policies – Home Child Care

It is the policy of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to ensure that:

Infants’ sleep and rest periods are based on their own schedules.
Each toddler and preschool child enrolled is permitted to sleep, rest or engage in quiet activities based on the child’s needs.

This policy and its procedures meet the mandatory Ministry of Education requirements regarding sleep and supervision of sleep.

Please see attached Sleep & Rest Policy for Home Child Care

Volunteer & Student Supervision

It is the policy of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to help support the safety and well-being of children enrolled in the centre-based program locations and home child care settings monitored by this agency.

Cook’s School Day Care Inc abides by Ministry of Education, Child Care & Early Years Act regulations which indicate that every operator shall ensure that every child who is in attendance in a day nursery or or in a private-home day care location is supervised by a person authorized by Cook’s at all times (staff, provider/approved alternate). Every volunteer or student at the child care centre or in a private home location is supervised by an employee or home child care provider at all times and is not permitted to be alone with any child.

Please see attached Volunteer & Student Supervision Policy

Waitlist Policy

Cook’s School Day Care Inc is committed to developing and maintaining waitlist policy and practices that are transparent, fair and consistent.

Please see attached Waitlist Policy

Water Safety

It is the policy of Cook’s School Day Care Inc to make every attempt to ensure the safety of the children enrolled in our programs at all times.

LOCATIONS

This policy pertains to the following locations:

Victoria Park Child Care Centre, 172 Queen Street, Cobourg.
Cook’s Home Child Care Agency locations where home child care providers reside, including single or multi-dwelling private residences, including the provider’s own home, townhouse complex, or apartment building. Dwellings that have any standing body of water noted above must be enclosed (e.g., fence and latched gate).

Please see attached Water Safety Policy

Workplace Bullying, Harassment & Violence

Cook’s School Day Care Inc is committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, free from any form of bullying, harassment or violence. To that end, workplace violence and harassment, including bullying, will not be tolerated from any person in the workplace. Cook’s School Day Care Inc will take all reasonable measures to prevent incidents and protect workers.

Please see attached poster: Respectful Workplace

Resource Links

The following is a list of some of the Organizations/Agencies whose services play an important role in helping Cook’s School Day Care Inc. to provide quality early learning and care programs for the families of Northumberland County. Please understand this is a “living” list to be updated as our supports increase.

Have we missed adding your Organization/Agency? If yes, please accept our sincere apologies and definitely let us know.

Our License Renewal

Our Professional Partners

Resources for Children, Families & Child Care

Keeping Us Safe & Healthy

Police Services

Fire Services

Hospitals

Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014

What is the Child Care and Early Years Act?

This legislation replaces the outdated Day Nurseries Act (DNA) to establish new rules governing child care in Ontario.

The Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA) came into effect on August 31, 2015
Many of the new provisions strengthen compliance and health and safety in child care settings, and help parents make informed choices about their options.
Many of the provisions that existed under the regulations of the Day Nurseries Act are unchanged and will be carried forward under the CCEYA.

To Whom Does the Act Apply?

Unlicensed child care
Home child care providers contracted by a licensed agency
Licensed home child care agencies; and
Licensed child care centres

For more resources, please see the attached document links,

How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years

Pedagogy is defined as the understanding of how learning happens and the philosophy and practice that support that understanding of learning.

This document is a professional learning resource for those working in child care and child and family programs. It supports pedagogy and program development in early years settings that is shaped by views about children, the role of educators and families, and the relationships among them. It builds on foundational knowledge about children and is grounded in new research and leading-edge practice from around the world.

How Does Learning Happen? was developed to support Ontario’s renewed vision for the early years. It will help challenge the status quo, inspire critical reflection and transform practices in early years settings. It supports a continuum of learning from early years programs to full-day kindergarten and beyond.

How Does Learning Happen? also describes program expectations, goals for children and questions for reflection to promote learning through collaborative relationships with children, parents, colleagues, and the community. This document will be a catalyst for program integration and supports a common approach to pedagogy across early years settings, and with strong connections to the Full-Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program document.

Early Learning for Every Child Today: A Framework for Ontario Early Childhood Settings – ELECT

In January 2007, the government published Early Learning for Every Child Today: A Framework for Ontario Early Childhood Settings.

This early learning framework, referred to as ELECT,

Sets out six principles to guide practice in early years settings.
Provides a continuum of development for children from birth to age eight.
Is recognized as a foundational document in the early years sector.
Provides a shared language and common understanding of children’s learning and development for early years professionals as we work together in various early childhood settings.

Many child care operators, child and family programs, municipalities, postsecondary institutions, and other organizations have integrated elements of ELECT into their programs, training, and quality improvement strategies.

ELECT Principles

Positive experiences in early childhood set the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour, health, and well-being.
Partnerships with families and communities are essential.
Respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion is vital.
An intentional, planned program supports learning.
Play and inquiry are learning approaches that capitalize on children’s natural curiosity and exuberance.
Knowledgeable, responsive, and reflective educators are essential.

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