Our Staff and ProgramsAll regular staff and substitutes are qualified licensed ECE Educators who have passed a criminal record check for working with young children.
Each day the staff will prepare activities [indoor and outdoor] for the child. The activities will enable the child to learn through play and meet any individual developmental goals that may have been set. In our experience, we have found that some children are not happy participating in group child care. If we have any concerns regarding the child's participation in our program we will request a meeting with the parent. Please refer to the General Daily Schedule for a timetable of the day at the Centre. 
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InclusionMcGregor Child Care Centre provides an inclusive program, providing early childhood experiences for all children.
Children who have extra support needs are included in our programs. These may be children who have language and/or other developmental delays, physical, emotional or behavioural challenges, or exceptional health care needs. For those children who may need some support we are able to work with other professional agencies to ensure that an individual education or guidance plan is put in place to encourage the child in reaching appropriate goals. The Provincial Government of BC funds the Vancouver Supported Child Development Program. There is a contract in place at McGregor that provides funding for two additional teachers within our Centre. A staff member is assigned to act as a liaison with all agencies and therapists connected with a family and then to ensure all McGregor staff work as a team in meeting the needs of the child who is requiring extra support. If you have any questions regarding this aspect of our program, or if you are concerned about the growth and development of your child please do not hesitate to speak with a regular staff member. The staff is qualified in Early Childhood Care and Education and will be able to listen to your concerns and suggest some options to you. |
Health and Safety
Our policies and guidelines have been created for the comfort and safety of the child. Our aim is to maximize the health and well-being of the children, their families and the child care staff.
We have secure elevator access to the entire 5th floor of the childcare centre.
We will communicate to you if there is any health or safety issue within the Centre that may impact your child.
From time to time we may ask for your cooperation in ensuring that our health and safety practices are adhered to.
The Centre and its' outdoor areas are within a NO SMOKING zone.
The Centre has emergency and evacuation procedures in place.
If we are asked to evacuate the building for any reason there are emergency supplies available if needed. Our supplies include a comfort pack for each child and we ask for your help in providing items for the pack.
Please include the following items in a large zip-lock bag clearly labelled with your child's name:
Staff will contact the parent if the evacuation is expected to last more than 30 minutes. The staff hold current first aid certificates and will treat for minor first aid needs. If there is a need to seek other medical attention the staff will take the necessary action.
Our policies and guidelines have been created for the comfort and safety of the child. Our aim is to maximize the health and well-being of the children, their families and the child care staff.
We have secure elevator access to the entire 5th floor of the childcare centre.
We will communicate to you if there is any health or safety issue within the Centre that may impact your child.
From time to time we may ask for your cooperation in ensuring that our health and safety practices are adhered to.
The Centre and its' outdoor areas are within a NO SMOKING zone.
The Centre has emergency and evacuation procedures in place.
If we are asked to evacuate the building for any reason there are emergency supplies available if needed. Our supplies include a comfort pack for each child and we ask for your help in providing items for the pack.
Please include the following items in a large zip-lock bag clearly labelled with your child's name:
- A family photo
- A comfort note
- 2 juice boxes or bottled water
- 2 energy/power bars
- A small toy and colouring book with crayons
- A small package of wet wipes.
- A small stuffed animal
- A working flashlight [for children over 3 years]
Staff will contact the parent if the evacuation is expected to last more than 30 minutes. The staff hold current first aid certificates and will treat for minor first aid needs. If there is a need to seek other medical attention the staff will take the necessary action.
Participation
The Centre has an open door policy for all parents and guardians. You are welcome to join us during the program time if you would like to visit with your child. However, when a child is new to our program or if a child experiences any separation anxiety, it may not be appropriate for the parent to drop into the playroom. The staff may need to advise against drop in visits if the visit could be detrimental for either the individual child or the group. If you have any question about this, please speak with a regular staff at drop off or pick up time.
The staff will inform the parents of any upcoming special events. We will give advance notification of special field trips.
Parent volunteers are welcome at our special events and we ask that you discuss this in advance with the staff.
To enable the child to participate in all the activities it is important for the parent to provide the following items:
All clothing should be seasonally appropriate and geared for active and messy play times. As we encourage the child to be independent it is important that the child wears easy to manage clothing for bathroom and dressing times. We ask that you mark all belongings with the child's name to prevent items being lost.
Please, restrict any items that the child may bring from home. The Centre provides lots of choice in the toys for the children and we know that a toy from home can create sharing difficulties for the children.
We understand that a child may depend on a security item such as a soft toy. Please label this item with the child's name.
The staff is not responsible for any toys brought from home.
What the Centre will provide:
The Centre has an open door policy for all parents and guardians. You are welcome to join us during the program time if you would like to visit with your child. However, when a child is new to our program or if a child experiences any separation anxiety, it may not be appropriate for the parent to drop into the playroom. The staff may need to advise against drop in visits if the visit could be detrimental for either the individual child or the group. If you have any question about this, please speak with a regular staff at drop off or pick up time.
The staff will inform the parents of any upcoming special events. We will give advance notification of special field trips.
Parent volunteers are welcome at our special events and we ask that you discuss this in advance with the staff.
To enable the child to participate in all the activities it is important for the parent to provide the following items:
- A nutritious lunch in a container with a thermos for hot/cold food.
- A toothbrush.
- At least 2 complete change of clothes including:
- socks
- shoes
- underwear / Diapers
- pants
- tops - Rainwear, including:
- boots
- rain pants
- raincoat and hood - Sun hat for warm sunny days and hat and mittens for cold days.
- A zip-lock bag comfort pack.
All clothing should be seasonally appropriate and geared for active and messy play times. As we encourage the child to be independent it is important that the child wears easy to manage clothing for bathroom and dressing times. We ask that you mark all belongings with the child's name to prevent items being lost.
Please, restrict any items that the child may bring from home. The Centre provides lots of choice in the toys for the children and we know that a toy from home can create sharing difficulties for the children.
We understand that a child may depend on a security item such as a soft toy. Please label this item with the child's name.
The staff is not responsible for any toys brought from home.
What the Centre will provide:
- A nutritious snack in the morning and afternoon.
- A sleep mat with sheet and blanket.
- Sunscreen protection.
- Topical cream for the diaper area and diaper wipes.
- Antibacterial cream and first aid supplies for any minor first aid.
- Emergency supplies.
SubstitutesWhen a regular staff member is absent the Centre maintains the staff/child ratio by calling in substitute teachers. We maintain quality and consistency of the program by calling in substitutes who are experienced, qualified and familiar with our program.
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Practicum StudentsOne of the purposes of the Centre is to aid in the training of students being educated in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education and other related fields. From time to time a McGregor staff member will act as a sponsor teacher for a student. It is usual for the student to buddy up with a regular staff member and participate in all aspects of our program. The student will be required to prepare and be involved in specific activities with the children. You may be asked for permission for the student to prepare an individual observation on your child. The student will never be solely responsible for the group as a whole or an individual child. It is typical for the student to use electronic recording devices to document activities within the Centre.
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VolunteersIt is a great help for the staff when we have a volunteer assisting in the program. Our volunteers generally have an interest in Early Childhood Care and Education and often volunteer within the Centre to fulfil pre-enrolment requirements for a training program or high school course. The volunteer is never totally responsible for any child, is never left alone with the children and is always supervised by a staff member.
Volunteer duties usually include, reading stories, assisting with activities and general housekeeping type duties. |
Visitors at the CentreAs the safety and security of children, families and staff is paramount, all visitors need permission from the staff prior to visiting the Centre.
Immediate family members of children enrolled are welcome to visit, however arrangements must be made in advance with the staff and if at any time the visit is deemed not to be in the best interests of the individual child or the group as a whole, the visitor will be asked to leave. Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave the Centre. |
