Upon Arrival

When you arrive at the center, we ask that you accompany your child to his/her room and inform the staff of his/her arrival. This practice not only ensures your child’s safety but also complies with Bon Accord Montessori regulations. Please make sure to say goodbye and reassure your child of your return. It is also a good idea to communicate with the staff about how your child is feeling (e.g., if he/she had a bad night), any special events he/she may be excited about, or anything that may influence his/her well-being.

If your child has not arrived by 10:00 a.m., we will assume he/she will not be attending for the day. We would greatly appreciate it if you could call the center to inform us if your child will not be attending, especially if he/she is sick. It is regulation that we monitor illnesses and report two or more cases of the same symptoms to Alberta Health Services.

At the End of the Day

It is important to notify the staff when your child is leaving. Do not assume that everyone is aware that you are picking up your child. Please inform the staff if someone other than yourself will be picking up your child, either by leaving a note in the communication book or by calling the center. Please be advised that your child will only be released to persons on the authorized pick-up list provided on the registration form. Staff will ask for picture identification if the authorized person has not been to Bon Accord Montessori before.

If someone not listed on the authorized pick-up list will be picking up your child, the parent/guardian must inform the center with a signed letter or update the authorized list if it will occur again. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that the child has the proper safety restraint/car seat when being picked up from the Montessori.

Children will not be released to anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If this occurs, alternate arrangements will be made to ensure the child’s safety at the parent/guardian’s expense. In case of any dispute, the proper authorities will be notified. For the safety of your child, communication from the parent/guardian is essential. Bon Accord Montessori Development Centre will not be responsible should the parent/guardian fail to communicate a change in the child’s normal daily schedule.

Late Policy

Please ensure that you have made arrangements for your child to be picked up by the designated time on your registration form, as your caregiver’s hours are scheduled accordingly. If you anticipate being later than your scheduled pick-up time, please call the center so that we can maintain the proper staff/child ratio.

The center closes at 6:00 p.m. We will take into consideration late pick-ups due to rare and unusual circumstances, such as a car accident, excessive snowstorm, or car trouble. However, a phone call is greatly appreciated. If your child is picked up after 6:00 p.m., a late fee of $15.00 for every 15 minutes per child will be applied. If parent/guardians are late on a regular basis, the director will ask the parent/guardian to reassess the situation (e.g., consider whether another program with a later closing time would be a better solution).

Bon Accord Montessori Staffing Procedures

At Bon Accord Montessori, we use staffing models such as teaching teams and floaters. Employing extra staff is important in this field and helps us to “prepare for the unknown.” This approach aims to lessen the impact of a teacher change on children, families, coworkers, and program administrators. With this system in place, staff collaborate more effectively by planning curriculum and managing classrooms together, reducing the likelihood of negative effects from high staff turnover.

Recruitment Procedures

When Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre decides to recruit new staff, we follow these procedures:

1. Choose Method of Advertisement

   • Local newspaper
   • Internet/electronic media
   • Paid or free platforms

2. Compose an Ad The ad should contain the following information:

   • Job title and brief description of the position
   • Required and preferred qualifications
   • Status (full-time or part-time)
   • Schedule (work hours and days of the week)
   • Location
   • Program features that might be important to applicants, such as teaching philosophy
   • Contact information (where to send resumes, how applications will be accepted)
   • Instructions on when and how to apply (e.g., times to call, how to submit resumes)
   • Non-discrimination policy statement (confirming that the center is an equal opportunity employer)

3. Develop Criteria/Characteristics for a Good Fit Consider the cultural background to ensure diversity within the center.

4. Begin Screening and Scheduling Interviews

5. Interview Questions Consider asking the following:

   • If you were choosing a center for your child, what would you look for?
   • What is the most important quality you have to offer children?
   • Describe your special talents and skills.
   • What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
   • Describe the ideal teacher for young children.
   • Why are you interested in working for this center?
   • Describe a mentor you’ve had. How did that person help you grow professionally?
   • What was your worst work experience? Why?
   • How would you respond to a mother who asks you to make sure her child never cries?
   • How would your co-workers at your last job describe you?
   • What do you like to do for relaxation?
   • When a child refuses to eat, what would you do?
   • How do you feel about changing diapers or cleaning up after a sick child?
   • What would you do when a child cries for his parents when they leave? What if the crying persists for weeks?
   • If a child hits you, what would you do?
   • What role does customer service play in early care and education?
   • What specific things do you do to establish rapport with parents?
   • What new professional skills are you eager to learn?

   Note: It is a good idea to have the applicant answer some questions in writing, as some people may be more comfortable answering this way. This also provides a sample of the applicant’s writing capabilities.

6. Check References Obtain at least two references, including one from a former employer.

7. Request Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search All employees and volunteers must provide a criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector search, dated no earlier than six months before the start date with the program, and every three years thereafter. Individuals unable to provide this information will not be employed until they can do so. All employees are also required to produce a valid First Aid in Child Care Certificate, a copy of which will be kept in the staff member’s file.

8. Summarize Information on Each Candidate

9. Final Decision and Extending an Offer

   • Formal offers should include details on salary, benefits, introductory period, and job prerequisites.
   • The offer should also outline what the employer will provide during the orientation period, such as training, regular evaluations, and an assigned mentor.
   • The center will consider the ethnic background of applicants to ensure cultural diversity.

10. Notify Unsuccessful Applicants Send letters to applicants who are not considered for employment. The letter should notify them in an ethical manner that they have not been chosen but can remain a part of the “Applicant Pool.”

• If you have any custody and access arrangements by way of consent or court order, we request a copy for your child’s records. However, it is not our responsibility to interpret, determine and enforce these orders.
• If the child’s mother or father that is listed on the registration form comes to pick the child up, we will release the child to that parent if he/she can produce a valid picture I.D., if we haven’t been introduced to him/her. We will only release the child to individuals that are listed on the authorized pick-up list on your child’s registration form. Again, if we have not been introduced to these individuals, we will require picture I.D. before we release the child.
• If you have sole custody and can provide a document that clearly defines the non-custodial parent’s access, we will not release the child to that parent – this has to be stated on the child’s registration form. Should the situation arise where the non-custodial parent comes to pick up the child, we will ask for a document signed by you, we prefer that you either call or speak to the Director in person first, stating that the other parent has the right to pick the child up. If this does not occur, we will contact the sole-custodial parent and the police if deemed necessary. In these circumstances, it is very important that the Parent/Guardians have regular communication with your child’s Teacher and the Director. Any changes to the custody arrangement must be documented in the child’s file. Bon Accord Montessori will not be held responsible if the child’s file has not been updated on a regular basis.

In the event of misunderstandings, personality conflicts, or specific complaints against the center staff or about the center policies, parents are encouraged to contact the Director via telephone, e-mail, or speak with the director in person to remedy such problems. Complaints may also be aired at parent’s meetings in order to discover if other parents have similar complaints and to work on positive solutions. Good communication and interpersonal relationships make problem solving much easier. Please take the time to get to know the staff and to let them get to know you.

Day Care Licensing

At any time, parents can call Alberta Children’s Services

for information or to address concerns. The phone number is (780)427-0444 and ask to speak to the intake Licensing Officer.

Hiring Protocols and Procedures

At Bon Accord Montessori, we use staffing models such as teaching teams and floaters. Employing extra staff is important in this field and helps us to “prepare for the unknown”. We do this in effort to lessen the impact of a teacher change on children, families, coworkers, and program administrators. With this in place, staff seem to work together better by planning curriculum and managing the classrooms together and the Center seems less likely to experience the negative effects of high staff turnover. If Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre makes the decision to recruit new staff to the “team”, we use the following procedures:

1. Choose Method of Advertisement.
   • Local newspaper
   • internet / electronic media
   • paid or free
2. Compose an Ad containing the following:
   • Job title and brief description of position
   • Qualifications, both required and preferred
   • Status – full-time or part-time
   • Schedule – work hours and days of the week
   • Location
   • Program features that might be important to applicants teaching philosophy
   • Contact information – where to send resumes, how applications will be accepted.
   • When and how to apply (times to call, in person submit resume
   • non-discrimination policy statement – that the center is an equal opportunity employer

3. Develop a list of Criteria / Characteristics of a Good Fit for the position. (Ie: When Recruiting an Applicant keep in mind Cultural Background to ensure Diversity in our Center).
4. Begin screening and scheduling interviews.
5. Interview questions:
   • If you were choosing a center for your child, what would you look for? *What is the most important quality you have to offer children?
   • Describe your special talents and skills.
   • What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
   • Describe the ideal teacher for young children.
   • Why are you interested in working for this center?
   • Describe a mentor you’ve had. How did that person help you grow professionally?
   • What was your worst work experience? Why?
   • How would you respond to a mother who asks you to make sure her child never cries?
   • How would your co-workers at your last job describe you?
   • What do you like to do for relaxation?
   • When a child refuses to eat, what would you do?
   • How do you feel about changing diapers or cleaning up after a sick child?
   • What would you do when a child cries for his parents when they leave? What if the crying persists for weeks?
   • If a child hits you, what would you do?
   • What role does customer service play in early care and education?
   • What are the specific things you do to establish rapport with parents?
   • What new professional skills are you eager to learn?
   • It is a good idea to have the applicant answer some questions in writing as some people may be more comfortable answering questions this way. It will also give you a sample of his/her writing capabilities.

6. Check references ( 2 references including 1 from  former employer)
7. Ask to see the applicant’s Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search.
   • All employees and volunteers must provide a criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector search, dated not earlier than 6 months prior to the date of commencement with the program and every three years after that date. All employees are required to produce a valid First Aid in Child Care Certificate, a copy will be kept in the Staff Member’s file.

8. Summarize Information on each Candidate.
9. Final decision and extending an offer.
   • Formal offers should include salary, benefits, introductory period, job pre-requisites.
   • It will also include things the Employer will do orientation period / Training, regular evaluations, an assigned mentor etc. (The Center will take into consideration the Ethnic Background of the Applicants to ensure Cultural Diversity).
10.  Send letters to applicants who are not considered for employment. The letter will notify applicants in an ethical manner that they have not been chosen but can remain a part of the “Applicant Pool.”

In the event there is imminent danger to the Staff or children in the Center (whether Staff suspects threat or upon notification from local Authorities), the following procedures will be in effect:

1. All doors will be locked.

2. All children will be moved to the Casa Room at the middle of the Center away from the windows, where the children can be involved in quiet activities.

3. Lights will be turned off.

4. Authorities will be contacted – “911.”

5. This will remain in effect until notification from Police Department

Bon Accord Montessori Staff will only administer medication that is prescribed by a doctor or medications required for allergic reactions. All staff know which children (if any) use emergency medications, where the medications are stored, and how to administer them if necessary. Prescription medications must be in the original container with a prescription label on it. The prescription label must include: the name of the physician, the patient’s name (must be the person for whom the medication is to be administered), date the medication was prescribed and the instructions for dosage. Medication will only be administered according to the labelled directions. Once it is administered, staff will record the name of the medication, time of administration, amount administered, and initials of who administered the medication. If your child requires Prescription Medication to be administered at the Montessori, a Medication Administration Form will need to be filled out and signed by the Parent/Guardian (see Medication Administration Procedures below).

Bon Accord Montessori will administer Emergency Medications that are required for allergic reaction. However, Parents/Guardians must inform the Staff of possible allergies. This information is to be recorded in the child’s registration form file. A letter from the child’s physician with information pertaining to the allergy, symptoms of allergic reaction, medication required, dose to be administered, how often to administer medication, will be required for the child’s file. The medication must be in the original container with the child’s name on it. The Parent/Guardian will also need to fill out and sign an Emergency Medication Form. Bon Accord Montessori will not, under any circumstance, administer any other medication by mouth that is not prescribed by a physician. Parents/Guardians of the child are welcome to administer the medication themselves, however, they must inform the

• State the ground rules. “Walking for safety”. “Hold hands.” “Stop at every street crossing.” Practice the rules with the children, “Look to the left and then to the right.” Play “red light/ green light/ yellow light” games.

• Let children know your safety expectations: walking feet, all children must stay with the group, listen to directions, never leave the group with a stranger – someone you don’t know! etc.

• All children must stay with the group – if a child must use the bathroom, an adult must accompany him/her

• If you are taking a stroller, the younger or easily diverted children can be asked to hold on to the other children’s hands.

• Let the children know before you go on a field trip that you return immediately if children act in an unsafe manner. Stay calm if it happens, but don’t back down. You can always try another day and the children will learn that you are serious about safe behavior.

• Notify other Staff of your usual neighborhood routes and any special field trips.

• Plan trips based on the ages of the children.

• Plan for rests along the way. Know where the public washrooms are.

• Take a compact first aid kit and your “Emergency/Consent cards”.

• Carry a survival bag with spare clothes, finger food snacks and Kleenex etc.

Outdoor play experiences are considered a vital component of the environment for play. At Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre, we believe that different kinds of play experiences can happen outdoors. Children need opportunities for physical challenges such as: running, sliding, rolling, riding, climbing, jumping, and transporting etc. In addition to these physical challenges, the outdoor play environment can support more contemplative pursuits: making discoveries in the environment by digging, planting, exploring with water and sand, finding a quiet spot to sit, or maybe even reading a book. Creative opportunities exist outside also with outdoor art and construction materials. In addition, outdoor play can be beneficial in developing cognitive skills, language skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, self-help skills, and emotional skills. All primary staff are required to prepare, and plan based on children’s interests. Outdoor activities will be incorporated into a program planning. Bon Accord Staff will ensure scheduled daily opportunities for outdoor play in a safe, stimulating and developmentally appropriate environment. Staff will use the important supervision procedures outlined in the Center’s Supervision Policy to ensure the safety of the children. During the winter months, it is important for Staff to keep in mind and use discretion as climbers can be slippery when boots are full of snow. Staff use the Center’s “Daily Playground Checklist” when opening the playground in the morning. This checklist ensures that playground is free of toxic plants. Except in the most inclement weather, Staff will take the children outdoors at least twice daily throughout the year. In the winter, Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre uses the following guideline provided by Alberta Health Services: if the temperature is colder than -20°C Celsius, play will remain indoors. Temperature between -15°C and -20°C, educators will use their discretion regarding the length of time outside, wind gusts, sunshine and how the children are coping. It is mandatory that all children are dressed for the weather conditions, they should dress in layers and the outer layer should be windproof and waterproof. They need to have a hat that covers the ears, mittens not gloves, and a neck warmer instead of a scarf. There will be no exception made to this aspect of the program. If your child is unable to go outside for any reason, other than cold induced asthma (please be advised we will require a treatment plan from your child ‘s physician, if this is the diagnosis) he/she should not attend the Montessori.

We believe that rest is a very important part of the child’s daily program. We observe quiet time from 12:30 – 2:30 pm. Children are encouraged to lay quietly for a “body rest” at the beginning of this time to allow other children to fall asleep. Children who are still awake after 1:30pm (or if the room is tidied up, sooner) are offered quiet activities or if weather permits, outdoor play. If your child has a special blanket or cuddly toy, you may send it for rest time. Please do not ask us to keep your child up during rest time.

At Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre, interaction refers to the ways in which Staff (adults who are in the classroom and work with the children daily, for a substantial portion of the day) relates to the children. These interactions will be expressed in a positive and warm manner through physical contact and other non- verbal communication, such as gestures, the kinds of touch Staff use when holding or meeting the children’s needs, the focus of attention, or facial expressions. Positive interactions will also be expressed through verbal communication that occurs between Staff and children. Bon Accord Montessori promotes a supportive climate in which adults and children are partners throughout the day. This is important as it carries the message of being happy, content, relaxed, patient, respectful, and interested, helping the children feel more valuable, competent, appreciated and loved. Research indicates that the way adults interact with children plays a very important role in children’s learning and development. These studies demonstrate that in classrooms where teachers are responsive, guiding, and nurturing, children take more initiative and are more likely to be actively involved and persistent in their work (High Scope Educational Research Foundation, 2011). Interaction strategies that promote active learning. Some of the most important adult-child interaction strategies practiced in Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre are listed in detail below.

❖ Adults are responsive to and involved with the children. This means that Staff pay attention to the children’s interests, activities, needs, concerns, or requests and provide them with what is needed. Children need adults to interact with them for many reasons – for example, they may need someone to help them, to share in what they are doing, or to provide affection, comfort, or information. Staff can meet the children’s needs for interaction either verbally or non-verbally using active listening skills (at the child’s level), warm gestures and affection.

Because the skin of young children is very vulnerable to the sun’s rays, we need to work together as a team to protect them from harmful burns. In fact, most skin damage takes place before the age of 18. Then sun damage caused to the skin during childhood is cumulative and irreversible. Furthermore, one person out of seven is likely to develop skin cancer during his/her life. The main cause is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (Mission UV Educational Program).

Bon Accord Montessori has chosen to use Ombrelle, the #1 recommended sun protection brand by Canadian Dermatologists and Pharmacists – Mission UV Educational Program. To cover the expense and to eliminate having 27 different brands (the staff would have to wash their hands after each application), we ask that each child contributes $21.00 towards our “sunscreen fund”. Parents will then be asked to fill out and sign the permission letter below if you would like to participate. All sunscreens will be applied at 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily. We also ask that each child bring a sun hat to protect them from heatstroke also.

Bon Accord Montessori has purchased sun hats for each child also as sometimes hats are forgotten at home. The hats will be labeled with each child’s name; however, these hats must stay at the daycare in your child’s bin. This will be included in the sunscreen fee.

It is our parents’ choice whether they would like to participate in this Sunscreen Policy. However, they must ensure that their child(ren) have some form sunscreen protection while participating in outdoor activities at Bon Accord Montessori. Bon Accord Montessori will not be held responsible if the sunscreen provided by parents is not effective. It is the parent’s responsibility to be knowledgeable and research the product they are providing for their child(ren). Protection from mosquitoes is also very important. However, because the peak time for exposure is “dawn and dusk”, we choose not to apply mosquito repellent as overexposure can be very harmful to children. Only if a child has a severe allergy and we have written consent from the parent, will we apply repellent.

As we provide care to different age groups, we ask that you do not allow your child to bring toys or small trinkets (coins) from home due to potential choking hazards, health and liability issues. Some cuddly toys are allowed for rest period or quiet time.

At Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre, we welcome volunteers and work experience students who are interested in coming into the Center. Volunteers are unpaid and have chosen to participate in our program as an extension of their training. Therefore, these individuals will not be included in child/staff ratios and will not be left alone to have sole responsibility of the supervision of the children within our program. Their main purpose is to shadow Child Care Staff and interact with the children. Police Information Checks including Vulnerable Sector Search and references will be required before a volunteer will be able to assist with the program. All work experience students will undergo an interview before joining our program for the designated time required to fulfill their course.

Dear Parents,

We are happy to have you as a new member of our community. Our primary goal is to offer your child a safe and healthy environment designed to promote positive child development outcomes. We are here to support you in the joyous task of raising your child and hope to be partners in this effort. Please feel free to ask questions daily about your child’s activities and moods. Sharing your child’s home life, culture, and traditions will similarly better equip us to understand him or her. The Parents Handbook contains information on the program philosophy, goals and objectives, an overview of the curriculum for children, and statements of center policies and procedures. Please take a few minuets to look over this information.

Our Staff
Our Early Childhood Educators come with a wide background of education and experience from certification in Early Childhood Education and Montessori teacher training. Our staff goes through a rigorous screening process that includes demonstrating their values and skills, providing police security clearance checks, and vulnerable sector search that is renewed every three years, with a valid CPR first aid certification. Once selected, new staff participates in orientation and training on Bon Accord Montessori policies and procedures, Ministry of Education regulations, and Bon Accord Montessori curriculum.
Classroom curriculums are designed around thematic concepts by our staff each month, while simultaneously providing students the freedom and flexibility to make learning choices based on their needs and interests. Our staff uses their knowledge and training to ensure that each individual child is provided the appropriate learning environment where they can not only engage with new concepts daily but as well learn to build healthy social connections with others around them and strengthen their own sense of identity and confidence. Most importantly, our teachers make sure to continuously practice the Bon Accord Montessori standards of child safety and protection with all students in the classroom.

Our Families, Our Partners
At Bon Accord Montessori, we understand that the most important people in a child’s life are their family. Bon Accord Montessori educators play a supporting role when parents go to work or school. Involving and consulting with staff and informing family members about the Bon Accord Montessori program helps children feel a greater sense of belonging. We are committed to creating and sustaining an environment of equality that represents our diverse population free from discrimination and harassment. We are committed to connecting, partnering, and engaging parents to provide the best possible care for each child. In situations where issues and concerns arise, Bon Accord staff, educators, and supervisors, together with the family, will work as a team to reach a resolution in a timely, confidential manner in keeping with Bon Accord Montessori values based on Montessori Pedagogy (respect, responsibility and caring, for oneself, each other, and the environment).

Licensing At Our Daycare
Every childcare centre in Alberta including ours are regulated by the Provincial Licensing Standards. Centers are required to meet the mandatory regulations as stated in the Alberta Child Care Licensing ACT and are regularly visited by a Licensing Officer to ensure they are in compliance. Reports from these visits are posted in our centre and are available for parents to view. Any recommendations from these reports are used as an opportunity to improve the center.

Program Philosophy
Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre is built upon a child-focused philosophy, one in which the child learns best through hands-on exploration and a prepared environment that provides for the child all materials necessary to learn the skills and concepts they need to grow within their developmental stage of life. Our teachers work together with children to nurture this learning potential through activities, group experiences, play, and much more.
The curriculum for ages 3-6 incorporates both the Montessori method as well as learning through play to introduce children to key academic and social concepts for their developmental stages. Learning in these classrooms happens at the child’s pace, guided by teachers who set goals and expectations for them based on observations done during the school day. Children are exposed to a wide range of skills, concepts, and ideas in the Montessori classroom, from learning how to dress themselves and clean up after themselves, to learning numeracy and word-building with hands-on Montessori materials. With the combination of Montessori and Learn Through Play approaches, our goal for all students is to guide them in learning to become independent, caring, and adaptive learners, armed with the social and academic skills that will allow them to succeed in all environments they move into after leaving our school.

Daily Routine Daily Routine for Bambini Infants (Ages 12 months – 19months)
7:00 Center opens, Free play activities available.
8:30 Snack time: Children can enjoy a light morning snack that has been provided by their parents.
9:00 Diapers and toilet training begins.
9:15 Circle time activities – stories and music.
9:30 Classroom activities. For example, art, science, dramatic play, blocks, puzzles, music
10:00 Gross Motor activities in the room or outdoor playground, group games
11:00 Diapers Changes
11:15- 12:00 Lunch break. Lunch provided by parents.
12:00- 12:15 Prepare for naptime, and diaper changes Check.
12:30 Naptime begins.
2:30 Naptime ends, Diaper change and toilet training.
2:45 Afternoon snack provided by parents.
3:15 Diaper changing.
3:30: Outdoor walk or acreage or park play activities.
4:00: Teacher led activities or free play in the classroom.
5:30 Room closes.

Daily Routine for Bambini Toddler Group (Ages 19 months – 36months)
7:00 Center opens, Free play activities available.
8:30 Snack time: Children can enjoy a light morning snack that has been provided by their parents.
9:00 Diapers and toilet training begins.
9:15 Montessori Morning Circle Time; Large Group Learning Activities (Ex. Calendar, Songs, Stories, Meditation)
9:30 Open Activity Time; Montessori working period, Teacher planned thematic activities, and outdoor activities interspersed.
11:00-11:15 Diapers and Toilet training
11:15 Preparation for lunch (Washroom, washing hands, taking lunch bags)
11:30 -12:15 Lunch break. (Lunch provided by parents)
12:15 Storytime / Quiet music time in preparation for rest period
12:30 Resting Period / Naptime
2:30 Rest period ends.
2:45 Washroom breaks, Diaper and Toilet Training
3:00 Afternoon snack time begins (provided by parents)
3:30 Thematic activities planned and prepared for by teachers (Based on Montessori activities and/or curriculum theme of the month
3:45 Yoga / Large motor activities in the classroom/Outdoor
4:30: Free play in the classroom
6:00 Centre closes

Daily Routine for Preschool/Kindergarten/Out of School Care School Days **(4years to 12years)
** 7:00 Center opens, Free play activities available
8:30 Snack time: Children can enjoy a light morning snack that has been provided by their parents.
9:00: Morning Meeting: Discussion of activities for the day
9:10: Morning Lessons: Academic activities (Writing practice, math activities, cultural lessons) with support of Montessori materials.
9:30 Open Activity Time; Montessori working period, Teacher planned thematic activities.
10:00-11:00 Planned Outdoor Activities
11:15 Preparation for lunch (Washroom, washing hands, taking lunch bags)
11:30 -12:15 Lunch break. (Lunch provided by parents)
12:15 Storytime / Quiet music time in preparation for rest period
12:30 Resting Period / Naptime
2:30 Rest period ends.
2:45 Afternoon snack time begins (provided by parents)
3:30 Thematic activities planned and prepared for by teachers (Based on Montessori activities and/or curriculum theme of the month
4:00 Yoga / Large motor activities in the classroom/Outdoor
5:00: Free play in the classroom
6:00 Centre closes

Registration and fees: Fees for childcare services are due on the first of each month before 5:45 p.m. Payments accepted include post-dated cheques and money order draft. $45 NSF fees will apply on returned cheques (NSF), as well as additional late fees. For new students, a non-refundable registration fee of $100 must be paid. Please contact the daycare for current tuition rates.

Supplies for School
Your child will need the following supplies listed below:
● Change of clothing to keep at centre (Extra pants, T-Shirt, Underwear, Socks)
● Blanket and bed sheet for naptime
● Indoor shoes (Please avoid black soles as they leave marks)
● Lunch and snacks provided by parents, as well as a water bottle

ALL OF YOUR CHILD’S PERSONAL ITEMS MUST BE LABELLED
The center cannot be responsible for tears or stains on clothing that occur in normal play on any given day, so please make sure that you choose daycare appropriate clothing. The centre is also not responsible for the loss of any clothing or materials that are not labelled by the family.

Diapering Policy
Parents are to provide diapers for their infants and toddlers. Extra clothing should be provided in case of accidents. Please label any jars of ointment, powder, Vaseline or creams that you provide. Potty training is only successful if this practice is encouraged and followed at home.

Child Drop Off and Pick Up Policy
Parents should ensure that they bring their child into the classroom when dropping off. Children should be dropped off and picked up by persons who are identified as the designated persons on the registration forms who are 18 years of age or older. We will not release children to minors.

Absences or Delays We hold strongly to the belief that children must follow regular routines and a consistent schedule in order to provide them a sense of security and stability when adjusting to school life at our centre. Our daily program begins at 9 a.m. For that reason, we will not accept arrivals at the centre past 10.00 a.m. Exceptions will be made for doctor appointments or family emergencies, provided teachers are given notice in advance. Please understand that our late arrival policy is held in place for the benefit of the child. When children arrive on time to the centre, they are given the time to engage in our academic programs, our group lessons, as well as our large motor activities, preparing them later for the quiet and relaxing period we have after lunch. When children arrive late, it is more difficult for them to engage properly in our lunch and rest period. Late arrival students often require the 1-1 support and attention of a teacher. Rest period is the time when teachers are given the chance to have lunch and prepare for afternoon activities, making it difficult to provide proper support to students who do not want to engage in the rest period. In order to facilitate the healthiest and most supportive environment for your child, then, we ask that you adhere to our 10:00am cut-off of daily drop-off time. No drop-offs are allowed between 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. as this will disturb children who are resting.

Incident or Accident Reporting Young children are active and curious – so it is not uncommon for them to experience cuts, scrapes, and bruises while playing. All staff have valid certification in Standard First Aid CPR and have been trained in emergency procedures.
● Any time your child has an accident, staff will record the details on the Bon Accord Montessori Incident/Accident Form. This incident report will outline the injury which occurred, describe any first aid administered, and describe how the injury occurred. The Teacher will ask you to review the details in the report and ask for you to sign it to file for our records.
● We ask that parents also inform teachers of any injuries that happened at home, so that teachers can continue to keep a close eye on the child for any further symptoms.
● In case of serious injury requiring medical attention, parents will be notified immediately by phone. If the parent is not available, the emergency contact will be called. An incident report will be filed, and the emergency medical services notified.

Parents/Guardians are responsible for any expenses associated with emergency care.
Illness
The public health unit sets out and monitors a comprehensive cleaning and sanitation routine and personal health practices including frequent hand washing for staff to follow. These routine practices are designed to minimize the spread of illness. you can help by preventing the spread of illness by keeping your child home from the program anytime they have symptoms. If your child shows any of the following symptoms at home, we ask that you keep your child at home until symptoms have resolved themselves: ● Cough / Runny Nose ● Fever or chills ● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing ● Headache ● Sore throat. ● Diarrhea

If your child displays any of these symptoms, we will call the parents and have the child picked up for further observation. Please understand this is done to help protect the safety of all students at our centre.

The Alberta Child Care Licensing ACT states that children displaying symptoms of illness must be removed from the program to prevent the illness from spreading to other children. Symptoms of illness listed in the Child Care ACT include:
● Vomiting more than twice in the last 24 hours.
● Temperature above 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit)
● Difficulty or rapid breathing
● Sore throat, especially if accompanied by a fever
● Undiagnosed skin rash
● Persistent scratching of body or head
● Eyes are red or yellow, bowel movement is gray or white, or urine is dark or tea colored.
● A severe cough
If your child experiences any of the signs and symptoms of communicable illness listed above while at the childcare program, a teacher will contact you or one of your designated authorized pick-ups.

Medication Policy Anytime your child has medication that must be administered during their time at the centre, you MUST fill in a Medication Administration Authorization Form providing us with all the information about the medication. This form requires you to fill out detailed instructions on dosage, exact times of administration, and a signature providing permission for our schoolteachers to give your child medication. Teachers will keep the medication in a locked box in the refrigerator or in Medication box which is available in all the rooms. Do not leave the medication in the lunch kits for the safety of your child and other children.
We can only administer medication to children if these strict guidelines are followed.
Please remember the following important notes regarding medication:

○ Medications must be provided in the original containers according to health and safety standards as stated in the Child Care ACT.
○ The name of the child to whom medications are to be administered must be on the bottle. Medications cannot be shared among siblings.
○ The medication dosage should be visible on the bottle which includes the number of times per day to be administered and instructions on how long the medication should be administered. The dosage written on the form must correspond with the dosage stated on the medication bottle.
We are not permitted to administer OTC medications (ex. Advil, Tylenol) unless prescribed by the Doctor with the child’s name, dosage, time and expiry noted on the label of the medication.

Health Information records -The center is required to keep up-to-date records of children’s immunizations and contact information. Please send us all pertinent information that may have changed since the time of registration for our records.

Nutrition Parents are to provide nutritious meals for lunch and snacks. The type of food that your child finds in his or her lunch box will determine the energy that he or she has for participating in activities. When selecting foods for snacks and lunches, please consider those that are low in fat, sodium, and sugar. Yogurt, cheese, crackers, carrots, granola bars, and fresh fruit make good snack choices. We have microwaves and toaster ovens to heat up lunches. The containers should be BPA-free and microwave safe and labeled with your child’s name. Please include a cold pack for dairy items packed in the lunch kit. The way children are fed is dependent on their age and level of development. Children are encouraged to practice holding a spoon or cup when they are developmentally ready to do so. Children are also encouraged to remain seated when eating or drinking. To avoid choking hazards babies must remain in a seated position when consuming food and drinks.

Life-Threatening Allergies Bon Accord Montessori strives to protect the children in our care who have life-threatening allergies by reducing as much as possible exposure to their known allergens. We are peanut free centre and families are advised to inform if there are any updates or changes to health history. Any parent or guardian of the child with a life-threatening condition is responsible for providing Bon Accord Montessori with detailed information about their child’s known allergens, signs, symptoms of an allergic response, and the steps to take in an emergency prior to their child starting care. Please provide a labeled, up to date EpiPen to be kept on site.

Supervision Policy Staff will be required to always keep children within their sight. This means that staff do not allow themselves to become distracted and that the children are their focus. Use of devices such as cell phones is prohibited when staff is in ratio. Staff will use the Tablet to take pictures and videos of children during engaged activities which will be posted later for parents to view on Timesaver.

Child Discipline Policy Discipline is a method to teach children better management techniques for them to communicate more effectively with each other and with adults, and to develop self-control. At Bon Accord Montessori, we believe strongly in positive discipline as opposed to punishment. As such, negative behaviors in children will be addressed as teaching opportunities geared toward providing positive direction which involves teaching children to take an active role in choosing to redirect their energy and in communicating their emotions appropriately.

Acceptable forms of discipline will include, but may not be limited to:
– Redirection
– Expression of feelings
– Communication (educators will speak to children in calm voices, and maintain respectful body posturing that is not intimidating, acknowledge children’s feelings)

Emergency Response In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, we practice monthly fire drills with the children and staff, so they know how to respond to personal injuries, medical emergencies, building emergencies (power failure, flood, damage), inclement weather, threats from criminal activity (lockdown).
An evacuation route for each room will be posted on the wall inside the room where it can easily be seen. The emergency evacuation plan is also posted in the front foyer for parents.
Depending on the nature of the emergency, the staff and children may have to relocate to an evacuation site until you can pick up your child. The mustard point during emergency is beside Bon Accord Medical Clinic. In the event that your child is involved in an emergency evacuation, we will contact you or the emergency contacts you have identified in your child’s registration form.

Child Safety and Security
We have installed security camera in all rooms and exterior of our centre. Parents should be aware of this while taking decision on enrolling their children at our facility. Doors will constantly be locked, and doorbell must be used if you want to enter the facility.
Door Fobs may be provided for Parents, and these must be returned to the centre if service is terminated. Refusal to return the fob will attract a $200 charge. Please note that the Fob remains the property of Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre.

Smoke-Free Smoking or handling a drug, cigarette, or tobacco on the premises of our property is strictly prohibited, including all indoor and outdoor areas, including playgrounds, and surrounding area within the 10metres or on off-site activities where childcare activities are being offered. Please do not throw your cigarette butts on our property.

Weather During extreme weather conditions, advisories, or alerts (tornado, wind, fog, cold temps etc), Bon Accord Montessori will follow the guidelines of the local health department. Our priority is to keep children safe from serious adverse effects (such as frostbite or sunburn). We will adjust the amount of time spent outdoors or provide alternative indoor gross motor activities.

Extreme Weather In Case of extreme weather warnings the center will be closed if the local schools are closing.

Late Pick Early childhood educators are counting on you to be on time to pick up your child at the end of the day so that they can meet their personal and family obligations. We do understand that weather and traffic accidents happen; however, we appreciate you calling the office to let us know that you will be late and are planning for an alternate adult to pick up your child. Childcare services may be withdrawn by Bon Accord Montessori for parents/guardians who frequently pick up their child late after closing hours. Late charges will be applied as $1 per minute. Please make the payment to the staff who must wait with your child. Parents will be asked to sign on a late registry book/form as well.

Program Closures Bon Accord Montessori will be closed during all statutory and civic holidays and Christmas break during the year. When a statutory or civic holiday falls on the weekend the center will be closed on the following business day in lieu of the holiday. Fee payment does not change to reflect the holiday closure.

Refunds
Refunds for childcare fees will not be processed for absences, missed days, sick days, vacations or inclement weather closures.

Withdrawal Notification
Should you choose to withdraw your child from Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre you will be required to submit a one-month (30 day) notice to our office on the first of the month. If you have not provided notification 30 days ahead of time, full payment of the month’s tuition is required.

Withdrawal of Child Care Services
Bon Accord Montessori strives to meet the individual needs of all children and families enrolled in our program; however, situations arise where it may be necessary for Bon Accord Montessori to withdraw childcare services for a child and their family. 

We do not take these decisions lightly and we take responsibility to ensure a thorough assessment of the child’s needs, community support available, and Bon Accord Montessori ability to support the child have been undertaken before withdrawing services. Examples leading to the withdrawal of services include.
-Nonpayment of program fees
– Frequent late pick-ups past closing time
-Parent/guardian or children who exhibit violent or harassing behavior towards staff, volunteers, or other children or families.
– Community resources for children with special needs are unavailable or have been exhausted
– Refusal by parent/guardian to meet with Bon Accord Montessori or consent to the use of support services for children.

Cell Phones, Electronic Games, iPads, Toys, and Other Information
Cell phones, electronic gadgets, toys from home are not allowed and are required to be stored away in cubbies or the office. Potential issues such as privacy of information are breached when children take photos or videos of each other and share them with others which can end up on social media with undesirable consequences. For this reason, we strongly discourage cell phones at our facility. Teachers need to supervise children and cannot look for lost toys while in ratio.

Communication
i)Email and Phone
You can contact us directly on the main telephone numbers 780 565 0026. We regularly check our voicemail and will respond as soon as we can. Voicemail is also convenient for leaving us after-hour messages. All regular correspondence from Bon Accord Montessori will be sent via Time Saver App or newsletters.
Conflict resolution We believe that open communication and supportive relationships between home and school are imperative for the full development of the child. However, things don’t always go perfectly to everyone’s satisfaction. Occasionally there might be issues, misunderstandings, conflicts, or communication confusion between parents and the school. If you have questions or concerns that you want to address, please start by contacting your child’s classroom lead teacher. You may schedule a meeting if you wish. If you are not comfortable with the outcome of that meeting, you are encouraged to contact the Director.

Child Custody Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre is dedicated to the total development of each child. We believe that all children need a loving, supportive family. When a family separates, it is especially difficult for the children. Their loyalties are torn as they love and need both parents. The school will not limit a parent’s access to his/her child unless there is a court order on file in the child’s records at the school limiting or specifying conditions for a parent’s access.

Birthday Celebrations (The Birthday Walk Around the Sun)
Each child is honored in a special celebration called “The Birthday Walk,” an international Montessori tradition. Parents share in this important occasion by helping their child select photographs from each year of their life, by helping him/her prepare a written history of milestones reached, and fun times had during each year. These milestones are shared as the child walks around the “sun” once for each year celebrated.

Registration Process and Checklist

The registration form must be returned at least 3 days before the start date to ensure the Staff can create the Emergency Contact File as well as become familiar with the child’s background information and interests. Please be aware that your child is not registered until we receive the completed registration form, non-refundable registration fee ($100) and tuition. It is the Parent/Guardian’s responsibility to ensure the entire registration process is complete before the start date. The registration form asks for important information about your child, it is the Parent/Guardian’s responsibility to notify the Center of any change with respect to addresses, emergency contact information, phone numbers, family status, allergies or medical problems. If we do not have a space available, we can put your child on our “wait list” and we will contact you when there is a space that will be available within a 30 day start period.

Registration Process Checklist

Fully completed Registration Form and take note of the following sections that are commonly overlooked.
• At least one emergency contact with current contact number and address.
• All parts of the of the Health Care Information section is filled (Health Care Number, Allergies or Medical Conditions, Ongoing Daily Medication, etc.)
• Initialed all parts of the Informed Consent section.

*REMINDER… ALL DAY CARE FEES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE THE 1ST DAY OF THE MONTH. A $30.00 LATE FEE WILL BE CHARGED IF FEES ARE NOT RECEIVED BY THE 8TH DAY OF THE MONTH.

A one month written notice is required if you wish to withdraw your child from our Program. Failure to do so will result in the Parent/Guardian to be responsible for the payment of that month’s day care fee whether the child attends or not. This is stated in the Registration Form and forms part of our agreement.
At Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre, we reserve the right to refuse care of your child. If, for any reason, the Director deems necessary (eg: late fees, our program not meeting your child’s needs, Parents showing disrespectful behavior to Center Staff etc.) it is quite possible you will receive termination notice.

Payment of Fees Policy

At Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre, we respect the fact that our Families are very busy. However, all Day Care Fees and Parent Portion Fees are due on or before the first day of every month. We accept e-transfers to brightlilies18@gmail.com  or cheques made payable to: Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre. Postdated cheques are also accepted and recommended. Fees remain in effect regardless of absences due to illness, unexpected program closure or family vacation. There is a $45.00 fee for any NSF cheques written to Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre. Notices of late payment will go out on the 2nd day of each month and there is a penalty of $30.00 for fees paid after the 3rd day of the month. A termination notice will be served to Parents that do not acknowledge payment of their Montessori fees. Please be advised that Termination Notice may also be issued after 3 consecutive late fee payments.

We understand that there may be special circumstances, on occasion, in which Parents/Guardians may not be able to make a payment on time. Please come and talk to the Director so that we can work out a solution together. Do not assume that late payment is acceptable without communication to center administration, this could result in losing your childcare service immediately.

Any third party payments for childcare services (Alberta Supports) must be paid directly to Bon Accord Montessori Child Development Centre from the agency providing the funding. As with all Day Care Fees, this payment must be received on or before the first day of each month. If payment is not received, childcare services will stop immediately, your child will be put back on the bottom our wait list and the next family on the list will take your space.

*Regarding Childcare subsidy, please direct your application and questions to Alberta Government at www.child.alberta.ca/childcaresubsidy

Bon Accord Emergency Contact

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Fee Structure Bon Accord Montessori

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