Philosophy

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Nursery Schools, Preschool, and Before and After-school programs provide children with a warm, nurturing environment, while facilitating a variety of learning opportunities. We provide a gentle introduction to Christian education through interactive Bible stories, songs, and role modeling. We believe in developing a child’s intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual self, yet recognize that each child develops at his/her own rate.

Our goals are:

• to provide a safe atmosphere for learning which will allow children to take the risks necessary for growth
• to develop a child’s self-expression
• to increase language development
• to give children an opportunity to participate in positive group play
• to further develop social skills
• to develop pre-Kindergarten skills for reading, writing and math readiness
• to provide children opportunities to learn more about the world around them

Together, parents and teachers use the nurturing techniques of Love and Logic® to support children in developing their confidence, self-worth, self-discipline, responsibility, and respect for self and others. Becoming a Love and Logic® Parent seminars are offered by Dr. Nobby Woo for interested parents. A lending library is also available through the Admissions Office. See also www.bsls.ca and www.loveandlogic.com

Eligibility

1. Programs in the month of their third birthday, or if their birthday will be on or before December 31st of the year they will be enrolled.
2. Children must be toilet trained.
3. Children with additional support needs are welcome in our program. An interview with the director will help to assess the child’s needs for staffing and programming.

Birchdale Nursery School Program

The Nursery Program at the Birchdale campus offers a 3-hour session Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The program offers flexibility in the number of days per week a child attends, based on the needs and preferences of the parents, and the individual child.

The Nursery Program provides opportunities for children to learn, explore, meet and interact with their peers, and prepare for Kindergarten and their future school experiences.

Included in each day are a variety of activities and experiences: free play and exploration, stories and sharing time, physical, and outdoor activities. One of the goals of the program is to familiarize the children with having a structure and schedule to the day, with a variety of activities and experiences to keep the children interested and engaged. Within the framework of the day, topics covered can include the alphabet, nature, the seasons and weather, and other topics of interest to the group as a whole. All learning and discovery takes place in a supportive environment, where Christian values are demonstrated and taught.

The class participates in the School’s weekly Chapel sessions, to introduce the children to Bible stories and teachings, while also exposing them to, and making them feel a part of, the day to day activities of the larger school community.

St. Mary’s Nursery School Program

We provide a rich first-experience for children in creative play, socialization, and cognitive growth.

Our day is scheduled to include:

Circle: we gather together as a group and share in Bible stories, songs, finger plays, weather charting, and sharing of personal stories.

Free Play: allows for individual choice in:

• Art Activities
• Water Play
• Play Pellets
• Books
• Puzzles
• Puppets
• Playdough
• Dress-up Clothes
• Floor Toys
• Home Centre

Following Free Play time, children are guided in a cleanup of their play area.

Large Motor Skills Play: The children spend a portion of their time in the large motor skill room playing on climbers, with balls, bikes, or other fun gross-motor games.

Snack time: The children participate in a table blessing. During snack time the children are encouraged to use their table-manners, and are assisted in developing self-help skills such as opening containers and cleaning up after themselves.

Gathering time: This is a teacher-led group activity where the children get to choose their favourite stories, songs and games. Through these stories, songs, and games, the teacher seeks to reinforce the skills that were taught earlier such as pattern recognition, memory skills, and vocabulary.

Daily Routines for St. Mary’s Nursery Parents

Absences and Illnesses: Please call the centre if your child will be away due to illness or other circumstances. Children who have an infectious condition should not be sent to school. No child should attend school for 24 hours following a fever, vomiting, or starting a prescribed medication (i.e., antibiotics). If a child becomes ill at school, he will be given a place to lie down away from the other children. A staff person will remain with the child to ensure safety and comfort and parents will be contacted to pick up the child. In the event of a medical emergency, 911 will be called and the parents notified.

Communication Newsletters: Families will receive a newsletter and calendar at the beginning of each month, sharing the stories we will be reading, activities, themes, and projects that children will be engaged in. The newsletter will also outline materials needed, dates to remember and other important news and fun details of your child’s program.

Drop off and Pickups: Every child must be accompanied by a parent or pre-authorized person to the classroom upon arrival, and will be dismissed when a parent or pre-authorized person arrives for pick-up. Please sign your child out on the sign out sheet on the bulletin board. No child will be released to any persons whose name is not on the registration form. A daily verbal or written confirmation is requested for a non-parent, pre-authorized person to pick up a child. Promptness is appreciated. No child will be released to anyone under the age of thirteen.

Class Begins: The doors to the classroom open 5 minutes before the class begins, at which time the teachers will assume responsibility for your child upon his/her entry into the classroom.

“Homework”: At times, the children at St. Mary’s Campus will be asked to do “homework” (cutting, collecting items, etc.) that will need to be brought back for the next class. When these activities occur, they will be in a clear Ziploc bag with your child’s name on it in their school bag.

Parent Volunteers: Parent Volunteers are invaluable for special activities and special snacks throughout the school year. If you are able to assist, we are very pleased to have you celebrate with us and a sign-up sheet for the year will be posted at the centre. Please choose the one time or activity that would suit your schedule. We will help to remind you of your volunteer date as the activity draws near.

Punctuality: Please be punctual. To assist children’s transition into their day and to accomplish the goals for the day, it is very helpful to have the full class time with the children. Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to visit with one another outside the classroom, keeping younger siblings with them at all times.

Snack Time: Safe, healthy snacks are encouraged in your child’s lunchbox. Some examples are fruits, vegetables, cheese and crackers, muffins, yogurt, pudding, etc. (no chocolate or candy, please). One or two items are usually just the right amount for each snack. Please send a drink of water, juice or milk for your child in their lunchbox, or a plastic cup labelled with your child’s name for water from the school.

Our prayer for snack time is: “Our hands we fold, our heads we bow, for food and drink, we thank God now.” Amen

Nursery School Hours:

St. Mary’s (September to May)
Monday - Friday	9:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
	1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Birchdale (September to June)
Monday - Friday	9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Our programs follow the school calendar and will be closed for Christmas holidays, Spring Break, and the summer months (July and August). St. Mary’s Nursery is closed from June-August.

Full Day Preschool Program

Located in the grade school, we offer a Christian full day preschool program 5 days a week. Children who attend this program are ages 3 and 4. The children are integrated into many aspects of daily life at BSLS. They participate in weekly Chapel services with the entire school as well as s pecial school events, such as concerts and storytelling. There is a weekly music class taught by a qualified music instructor. The children begin each day with O Canada and Luther’s Morning Prayer and have access to the school gym on a daily basis for indoor active play.

The Preschool program is a play-based program where children are able to construct their own learning through play experiences, offered and supported by the teachers. Teachers are viewed as facilitators for children’s learning. Parents are also an essential component of the program.

Our curriculum is Reggio Emilia inspired with some Maria Montessori aspects. At Beautiful Savior each child is viewed as competent, curious, full of knowledge and potential.

Through the conscious use of space, color, and light, displays of children’s work, and attention to nature and detail, the environment serves as another teacher.

The children’s morning at the centre will start with self-initiated play. Self-initiated play is a time for children to learn. It is a time for exploring, discovering and experiencing activities. Everything that your child does during this time will be developmentally based. The materials and equipment will be chosen considering physical, social, emotional, cognitive development and spiritual growth.

We will be incorporating nature education into our program by bringing more of what nature has to offer into our room as well as taking our room outdoors.

Daily Routines for Full Day Preschool Parents

Absences and Illness: Please call the centre if your child will be away due to illness or other circumstances. Children who have an infectious condition should not be sent to preschool. No child should attend school for 24 hours following a fever, vomiting, or starting a prescribed medication (i.e. antibiotics). If a child becomes ill at school, he will be given a place to lie down away from the other children. A staff person will remain with the child to ensure safety and comfort and parents will be contacted to pick up their child. In the event of a medical emergency, 911 will be called and the parents notified.

Pandemic Prevention: All adults will use hand sanitizer when they enter the classroom. All children upon arrival at the centre will be supervised by their parents as they wash their hands.

Communication: Information for parents is posted on a Parent Bulletin Board across the hall from the classroom door. Information will also be posted on the classroom door.

Drop off and Pickups: Every child must be accompanied by a parent or pre-authorized person to the classroom upon arrival, and will be dismissed when a parent or pre-authorized person arrives for pick-up. No child will be released to any persons whose name is not on the registration form. A daily verbal or written confirmation is requested for a non-parent, pre-authorized person.

Parent Volunteers: Parents are welcome to come to the classroom and observe their child at play at any time of the day. We welcome parents to come to read to the children, share their family traditions or talents.

Lunch and Snacks: Snacks and lunches are to be brought from home. There are two snack times each day. Healthy snack suggestions are posted on the Parent Bulletin Board. (No chocolate or candy please) Children are encouraged to eat main course items, fruit/vegetables, and then their dessert. (Please note: We will be participating in the school hot lunch program this year). We thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Hot lunch can be something to look forward to in Kindergarten. Please label your child’s lunchbox and use ice packs for items that need to be kept cold. There is a microwave oven in the class if you wish to send items that need to be warmed. We do not provide beverages other than water. Please send a labelled plastic glass to be used for water throughout the day. Prayers will be said before snack and lunch time.

Napping: All parents have the option of their child napping each day. If you wish your child to nap please provide them with a sheet for their cot, a cozy blanket and small pillow. Children who nap may bring a stuffed toy to snuggle with. Bedding will be sent home on Fridays to be laundered and will need to be returned on Mondays.

Clothing: Please make sure that your child has an extra full set of clothing in their locker at all times.

Preschool Hours:

Birchdale (September to June)
Monday - Friday	9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Information and Policies for Preschool/Nursery

Behavior - Expectations and Management: All children are treated with respect. Our expectations and limitations are modeled and taught with love and care during times when children are able to listen, as in circle time or talking one-on-one when all is quiet. When a child misbehaves he/she is given loving empathy along with logical consequences. Children may be moved to a different activity or given time to think in a thought spot. The child is encouraged to join the group when he/she can show self-control. If a child needs to be removed from the room, he/she will be supervised. If inappropriate behaviour persists, the director will be in contact with the parent and if the negative behaviour continues the child may be withdrawn from the program.

We see children’s mistakes as opportunities for learning. Children are shown that they always have choices. They are encouraged to think about their behaviour, and to make good choices in the future based on what they have learned. It is the logical consequences of choices that do the teaching. Therefore, we do not lecture or admonish the child after he/she experiences the consequence of his/her choices.

Closures Due to Weather: In the event of a snow storm in our area, please listen to radio station “CJOB” for information as to whether we will be open or closed. Telephone calls to parents will also be made on or after 6:00 a.m. A good rule to follow is that if the schools in the area are closed, the preschool and nursery schools will be closed also. No refund will be given for cancellation due to weather.

Evacuation Policy: In the event of an emergency, in which the building must be vacated, the children will be walked to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (St. Mary’s Campus) or Nordale School at 99 Birchdale Avenue (Birchdale Campus) and parents will be notified to pick up their children.

Fire Drills: We are required to have fire drills once a month. The fire alarm sounds, and the children are led to the exit. We may need to go outdoors when it is cold; therefore it is important that your child have proper footwear at all times.

Fundraising: The Preschool and Nursery programs participate in all fundraising efforts initiated by the Parents in Partnership (PIP) of Beautiful Savior Lutheran School. All monies raised by the Preschool and Nursery programs will directly go to benefit your child’s program. Any parent interested in representing the Preschool or Nursery programs on the PIP executive may speak to the teachers. We welcome your involvement.

Medication: The only medication administered by Nursery staff is an EpiPen for severe allergies. This requires a permission form signed by parents, giving the staff permission to administer the EpiPen in an emergency. Prescription medication can be administered by Preschool staff. Send medication(s) in the original prescription container with the instructions for dosage. A permission form signed by the parents is necessary to allow staff to administer any medications, and staff will sign the form after administering the medication.

Mission Projects: Our Preschool/Nursery programs along with K-8 programs have a Missions Emphasis. We encourage our students to help people around them, both far and near, and will be presenting projects throughout the school year for your consideration.

Parental Concern: Please feel free to direct any concerns that you have to the director, principal, and then the Beautiful Savior Lutheran School Board. If you wish to discuss a concern, please call the Director of Child Care Services at 984-9600 x 6 to arrange a meeting.

Photographs: Picture days will be in the fall. You will be informed of the specific date.

Reporting Abuse: : All staff are required by law to immediately report any case of suspected child abuse relating to a child attending our programs to Child and Family Services.

Nutrition Policy: Did you know that eight foods cause 90% of all food reactions? Reactions can be life-threatening. While most children outgrow their allergy, an allergy to peanuts and tree nuts is considered lifelong. We have had an increasing number of children with severe allergies attending our programs. In order to provide a safe environment for all children, Beautiful Savior Preschool, Nursery and School have implemented a NUT SAFE POLICY.

Signs are posted at the entrance of the classroom indicating which foods are not to come into the classroom because of allergies.

Thank you for ensuring the effectiveness of this policy by:

• Not sending nut or nut by-products in your child’s lunch (this included items that are labelled May Contain Nuts)
• Ensuring your child’s hands have been washed thoroughly with soap and water before arrival at school in order to remove nut residue if they have eaten food with nuts (e.g. peanut butter, Nutella, cereals with nuts or nut by-products)

We welcome the opportunity to discuss concerns or questions about this policy or ideas about foods to bring to school.

Admissions Process

1. Complete Application for Admission for appropriate campus (St. Mary’s or Birchdale), indicating program of choice. If you require additional copies, please contact the school office, or they may be downloaded as a pdf from www.bls.ca
2. Submit completed forms to the school office.
3. Submit one month’s fee with completed Application for Admission. This will be applied to the last month’s fees.
4. New Preschool/Nursery students may have a readiness assessment by the Director of Childcare Services.

For assistance during any portion of the process, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Child Care Services at 984-9600 ext. 6.

When withdrawal from the program is necessary, one month’s notice is required. Refunds are not made for a portion of a month attended.

Fee Schedule

A deposit of one month’s fees along with a completed registration form will hold your place in the program (see also “Admissions” above).

Number of Days Attending	Nursery School	Preschool
1X/week	$37.60/month	$75.20/month
2X/week	$75.20/month	$150.40/month
3X/week	$112.80/month	$225.50/month
4X/week	$150.40/month	$300.80/month
5X/week	$188.00/month	$376.00/month

* Pre-approval for Drop-in Care is required from the Director. This policy is strictly enforced as space is limited.
**NSF Fee for returned cheques is $25.00 per cheque.

Before and after School Care (BASC)

BASC is currently available to those families with children registered at Beautiful Savior (BSLS) and Nordale schools. Subject to availability, families are able to use the facility on a casual, part or full-time basis. The program is located in the lower level of BSLS, which is accessible by the stairwell on the north side of the building or the stairwell off the main hallway beside the canteen. Operating hours are from 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. and 3:15 -5:30 p.m.

Early Hours

The Before School Program (BSC) opens promptly at 7:00 a.m. The north playground doors are the only doors available for entry at this time. To gain access through these locked doors, anyone entering the building must use the intercom doorbell to contact downstairs staff. Once a connection is established, and the adult has identified him/herself (speaking directly into the intercom to facilitate clear identification), the staff member will buzz the door open. Please be vigilant and do not allow any unsupervised children to enter with you through the door. You may report any child(ren) in the hallways to the staff. Parents must enter the school with their child(ren) and accompany them downstairs. Inside, we ask that everyone remove outdoor footwear and proceed directly to the downstairs area. At the sign-in desk, located in the cloakroom area, children must be initialled in beside their name on the appropriate school list. Staff will mark all children’s arrival times on a master list. Once drop-off is complete, parents must exit the school through the north playground doors. Occasionally, parents may have business elsewhere in the building. In this case, we ask that the “Parent sign-in” sheet is first filled out to indicate arrival and expected departure times. The BSC program operates until 8:30 a.m., at which time the front doors to the school will be open and the children leave for class. The north door intercom and downstairs phone extension are not monitored again until the After School Program staff arrives at 3:00 p.m.

Accompanying Children to Nordale School and BSLS

Children are walked over to the Nordale playground between 8:25 and 8:30 a.m. One staff member accompanies the children to the tarmac area and makes contact with the Nordale playground supervisor. Kindergarten children at BSLS will be initially assisted in getting to class from BSC.

After School Care

Kindergarten children will be walked down to be signed in to ASC by their teacher(s). Children from Grades 1-8 attending BSLS will be expected down to ASC by 3:30 p.m. If they have not arrived by this time, a staff member will search the building and a call to parents will be made if the child cannot be located. We ask that all parents pick up their children and leave the school using the north playground doors. Parents should make contact with at least one staff member before initialling their child out of the program.

Extra Curricular Activities

Children scheduled for ASC who are involved in activities after class require a slip signed by their teacher to take down to the ASC program before they go to their activity (i.e. patrols, Mad Science, music lessons etc.). If a parent arrives to pick up the child before he/she has returned from their extracurricular activity, children must be signed out at ASC before leaving the building.

Notice/Fees

Please check the sign-in table regularly for newsletters, invoices, statements or communication from our staff. Holidays and In-services will be posted on the white board at the bottom of the north stairwell.

It is the responsibility of parents to ensure an adult is responsible for handing over any monies to staff. Payments may be handed to any staff member. They should not be placed in children’s backpacks. All cash received will be receipted by the school office.

Subsidy

Parents wishing to apply for subsidy for Before and After School Care may go through the Manitoba Government’s website www.gov.mb.ca/childcare. Please inform the office of your subsidy application and provide the child tracking numbers you are given. Parents are responsible for full payment of fees until subsidy approval has been received.

Sick Days/Extra Days

If your child is unable to attend on a registered day, please phone BASC 984-9600 (ext. 2) to let the staff know ASAP. ( Please note that these days are not eligible for refund or transfer). If an extra day is needed, please phone ext. 6 to discuss availability.

Short Term Enrolment and Changes to Enrolment

The days selected for short-term enrolment are not transferable to a later date if your child becomes sick, goes on a play date or to an after school club, etc. Those enrolled in the program all year are allowed to change registrations at Christmas and Spring Break. One month notice is needed to drop out of the program. Space availability may determine if a student may be re-enrolled after dropping out of a program.

Footwear

Please send a pair of indoor shoes for your child, as fire and safety policies require that children wear footwear at all times. This is particularly important during wet slushy weather. Shoes will remain at the centre and be placed in a shoe container for each school in the coat hook area.

Food

Children are welcome to bring nut-free snack items to BASC.

Withdrawal

All programs run by Beautiful Savior require one month’s notice in writing when a child is to be withdrawn from the program. If a parent/guardian does not provide this notice he/she will be billed for one (1) month from the last day of attendance. Exceptions may be made in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the director.

Some children may require different care than that provided by a group setting. Upon entering the program, every new child will be given a two week trial period during which time his/her adjustment to the setting will be observed. If it becomes apparent that the child is having difficulty adjusting to the classroom, Beautiful Savior reserves the right to request that the family make alternate care/nursery school arrangements for that child.

Late Fees

Our centre closes promptly at 5:30 p.m. We ask that you arrive with enough time to dress your child, sign them out and exit the building by this time. We understand unexpected delays occasionally occur, and we do accommodate families in these situations. However, if late pickups become a chronic problem, we ask that parents arrange an alternate pick up person or adjust work schedules in order to have someone arrive on time.

Our BASIC late fees are as follows
• First infraction - $2.50 will be charged for every 5 minutes after 5:30 or portion thereof.
• Second infraction - $1 will be charged for every minute after 5:30 p.m.
• Third or any consequent infraction - $2 will be charged for every minute after 5:30 p.m. After the third infraction—a meeting will be scheduled with the Director of Childcare Services to discuss the situation. If no resolution is found, the family will be asked to make alternate childcare arrangements.

Late after-school pick-up

To ensure the safety and care of children who are not picked up by 3:30 p.m., they will be taken to After School Care. If prior notification of pickup after 3:30 p.m. has not been given to the office, a $25 administration fee will be charged at the time of monthly billing. For more information on BASC, contact the Director of Childcare Services at 984-9600 ext. 6.

Drop-in

Students registered for drop-in care must register for the days they need in advance. If a child arrives as a “drop-in” and no prior notice has been given to BASC staff, a $25.00 “No Notice” fee will be applied to their monthly billing along with the regular day’s fees. This policy is in effect to ensure that there is always adequate staff scheduled to maintain the ratios required by the government.

In-service Care

We offer care for children on all Nordale and BSLS in-service days from 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

How to Register

Registration for in-service care is done on a sign-up sheet downstairs at the daily sign-in desk. Early sign-up is encouraged, as spaces are limited.

What Children Need to Bring

Children bring their own lunch for these days, for which a fridge and microwave are available for storage and reheating. We aspire to spend time outside each day, so children require clothing that is appropriate for the weather during both BASC and in-service days.

Fees

In-service rates are: $18.80 (full day) and $9.40 (4 hours or less)

Families who do not usually have their child in BASC on the day of the week that the in-service is scheduled will be invoiced for the amount noted above.

For children who are regularly scheduled to come on the day of the week that the in-service is scheduled, regular BASC fees are applied against full day rates.

Before and After School Care Fees– BASC

One period of Care may be either 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. or 3:15 – 5:30 p.m. Two periods of Care indicates that both time periods are needed.

BASC	One Period of Care	Two Periods of Care
1X/Week	$23.40/month	$32.00/month
2X/Week	$46.80/month	$64.00/month
3X/Week	$70.20/month	$96.00/month
4X/Week	$93.60/month	$128.00/month
5X/Week	$117.00/month	$160.00/month
Drop-in* (subject to availability)	$$5.85/day	$8.00/day

Non-refundable Deposit: One full month’s fee. (This amount is applied to your last month of fees).
*Drop in care only by prior arrangement with Director of Childcare Services.
**Fees subject to change according to regulations set by the Government of Manitoba.

Curriculum Statement

The curriculum at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Preschool is Reggio Emilia* inspired. This curriculum is an active play (a child’s “work”) based curriculum which guides children using themes and projects. It is developed by observing children, listening to children’s conversations and planning activities according to the children’s needs and interests. Research tells us that children learn more easily when curriculum activities are meaningful and coincide with their interests. Staff will guide your child by providing them with information and developmentally appropriate material to support their learning. The supportive and enriched environment at Beautiful Savior Preschool is filled with natural material. Our daily schedule allows for an appropriate balance of active and quiet, large and small group, child initiated and teacher-facilitated activities. Bible and Devotion are taught daily. The Preschool joins the K-8 school children for a Chapel service each week. Our program is based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community through exploration and discovery.

Children will be taught life skills. Teachers will guide the children as they learn phonics as a base for reading, use materials for hand strengthening to help them with writing skills, and explore geometry and algebra by using sensory material. Creative expression, thinking, and investigation are explored through dramatic play, music, and art opportunities.

*Reggio Emilia is a town in Italy. The educators in Reggio created an approach to learning for early childhood education that is recognized worldwide and hailed as having the best pre-schools in the world by Newsweek magazine in 1991. The Reggio philosophy is as follows:

The Image of the Child:

Children are viewed as competent, curious, full of knowledge, potential, and interested in connecting to the world around them.

Teachers as Partners:

Teachers are viewed as facilitators of children’s learning experiences. As partners, they listen, document, challenge, they provide information and resources.

An Emergent Learning Process:

Ideas are shared, work is exchanged and opportunities are created to extend and build upon theories that are uncovered. Projects may last days or months.

The Role of Parents:

Parents are an essential component of the classroom. They are an active part of their children’s learning experiences as they collaborate with staff.

The Role of the Environment:

Through the conscious use of space, color, light, displays of children’s work, and attention to nature and detail, the environment serves as another teacher.

Many Languages:

Children use a variety of materials: clay, wire, drawing media, paper and so on. They learn from the material they use, by expressing their ideas, theories and feelings.

Documentation:

Documentation is used to support wondering, researching and learning.

Time:

Schedules, groupings and routines are influenced by the interests and activities of the children.

Code of Conduct

At Beautiful Savior Lutheran Nursery/Preschooel /BASC we strive to provide a safe, spiritual, caring, learning environment for children, staff and families. We believe in the equality and respect diversity.

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

• management and staff members
• children
• parents/guardians of children enrolled
• all others involved with our centre

Guiding Principles for Appropriate Behaviour

Developmental Capabilities of Children

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

Appropriate Use of Technology

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

Unacceptable Behaviours

The following behaviours by children, staff, parents and others involved 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 behaviour 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, colour, ancestry, nationality or place of origin, ethnic background, religion, age, sex, gender-determined characteristics, sexual orientation, marital and family status, source of income, political belief and physical or mental disability
• actions that put another person at risk of harm, including violent physical acts (with or without a weapon) and threatening someone

Proactive Strategies

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

• 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
• modelling and encouraging appropriate behaviour

Consequences for Inappropriate Behaviour

We will consistently respond to inappropriate behaviour by children, parents, staff and others involved in our centre by:

• reminding people of expectations and limits
• using a respectful approach to explain why a behaviour is inappropriate and what behaviour is expected
• talking only about the behaviour, not labelling the person
• responding sympathetically and acknowledging feelings
• establishing natural, logical consequences

Depending on the severity and frequency of the behaviour, we will consider further steps such as:

• using behavioural analysis to learn what may be contributing to a child’s inappropriate behaviour and how to help reduce or eliminate the behaviour
• having a formal or informal meeting to discuss concerns and to develop an action plan to encourage appropriate behaviour in the future
• developing a written contract with an adult or older child that outlines specific expectations and consequences
• giving a written warning that outlines specific concerns and consequences if the behaviour continues
• accessing outside resources for help, such as:
  • a behaviour specialist or other professionals to help staff understand and reduce a child’s inappropriate behaviour
  • child and family services to access parenting supports
  • mediation services to resolve conflicts between adults
  • the Manitoba Human Rights Commission for information and advice to resolve an issue informally or to make a formal complaint if the behaviour involves discrimination or harassment
  • the police to assist with threatening behaviour

In extreme cases, we will take additional steps such as:

• suspending or dismissing a staff member
• suspending or withdrawing child care services because of a child’s or family member’s inappropriate behaviour
• in the case of a visitor not allowing the person to return to the centre
• contacting the police and/or child and family services (CFS), if the behaviour is illegal such as abuse, assault or threatening another person

Inclusion Policy Statement

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Preschool Program operates as an inclusion facility. We believe that childcare is not a privilege but is a human right that is provided regardless of race, ethnicity, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability/ability.

Changes and modification to the environment will be made to meet children’s individual needs.

• The centre shall provide a program which takes into account the development capabilities of children and is inclusive of children with additional support needs.
• All children are active participants in all activities and programming.
• All children are encouraged to play together to develop positive relationships with one another.
• All children will be encouraged to be independent and develop self-confidence.

Parents who request that their child attend the Preschool program are informed that their child will be placed on a waiting list until additional support services are available and are in place. The centre is committed to integration and inclusion.

Children with additional support needs will not be accepted into the program if they have not been referred by a professional or community agency. These agencies will work in co-operation with the centre’s staff with regard to providing resources and support for specific programming.

When additional support concerns become evident of children already in attendance, a meeting between the parents/guardians as well as professionals from the various disciplines will be arranged to work towards a fully integrated approach. In order to provide high quality care, we value parents input and encourage them to be part of the decision making process for their child.

The board reserves the right to limit the number of children with additional support needs enrolled in the centre.