POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PROGRAMMING / CURRICULUM
Our goal is to provide a high quality early childhood program in an environment where each child has the right to freedom in choices, rest time, active time, nutritious diet, and a clean, healthy environment. We implement the Alberta Curriculum Framework as recommended by the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta to plan our educational activities.
EDUCATOR REQUIREMENTS
All educators are certified as Child Development Supervisor, Child Development Worker, or Child Development Assistant in accordance with the Alberta Day Care Staff Qualifications. Infant and Child CPR and First Aid training are required within six months of hiring and there is always someone with First Aid/CPR training onsite. All staff must submit to a criminal reference check at time of hiring and is not allowed to be alone with the children until it is cleared. We have monthly staff meetings to ensure everyone is refreshed on our policies and procedures and feedback is offered regularly from the Program Supervisor. We require our educators to continue their learning, either through courses or workshops, so they can be knowledgeable and up to date on the Best Practices in Early Childhood Education.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Our program is designed to foster an atmosphere of co-operation, self-esteem, and mutual respect for others. Positive behavior is to be encouraged and recognized at all times through praise and encouragement. Providing creative Imagination Stations, activities, and adequate materials for each child reduces potential disagreements and can assist in reinforcing positive behaviour through role modeling. An “A, B, C” form may be filled out for your child’s records to help track and find a solution for the conflicts that happen regularly. We stay in the present when discussing unwanted behavior with the child and avoid talking about past behaviour. A consequence should not carry over to the next day but each day is a fresh opportunity to do better.
INCLUSIVE CARE
Expanding Imaginations Child Care is an inclusive program that accepts families and children regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, economics, sexual orientation, development and family make up. As the capabilities and needs vary from person to person we ask that everyone stays non-judgmental and offers a community of support.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
At Expanding Imaginations Child Care we believe that "it takes a village to raise a child" and have created several different initiatives for the children, families and our staff to help create and sustain that village. From learning about our surroundings, finding ways to make positive changes, and getting involved, we believe in making Calgary the number one place to live in Canada. We will organize field trips that involve volunteering in our community as well as onsite projects that help others; these opportunities are open to parents as well. We will announce these activities before they occur and we will have forms for you to sign before we head out.