“Children are competent, capable of complex thinking, curious, and rich in potential. They grow up in families with diverse social, cultural, and linguistic perspectives. Every child should feel that he or she belongs, is a valuable contributor to his or her surroundings, and deserves the opportunity to succeed. When we recognize children as capable and curious, we are more likely to deliver programs and services that value and build on their strengths and abilities.”
How Does Learning Happen?
At Meadow Green Preschool, we believe that a strong foundation in the early years is vital to continued life-long learning and development. We capitalize on the natural curiosity of preschool age children to provide them with a rich educational experience in a caring and nurturing environment, built on strong, Christian values.
Meadow Green Preschool Overall Goals
At Meadow Green Preschool, our overall goals are based on the four foundational conditions that are crucial components of an educational environment that enables children to grow and learn as described in How Does Learning Happen?:
- Belonging
- Well-Being
- Engagement
- Expression
We believe that it is the role of our Preschool to cultivate a learning environment that enables every child to experience these conditions on a daily basis. As well, we engage the wider community to assist us in meeting these goals. Our core values reflect our Christian faith and our concern for others.
Meadow Green Preschool Program Goals
Full and Half Day Programs
- Meadow Green Preschool provides a balanced program of fun play, exploration and inquiry.
- We provide a flexible schedule of full or half days to suit the individual needs of families.
- Realizing that the children are still young, they receive the nurturing and guidance of a loving, Christian teacher.
- Students are gently guided to join in and explore the social and academic aspects of school through play-based learning, through a variety of activities and Montessori materials.
- Phonics, pre-reading, beginning math, story time, physical activity, computers, science, social science, French and art provide a stimulating program that enables children to develop cognitively in the areas of language/communication and numeracy.
- Science activities allow the children to explore the world around them.
- French is introduced through play and songs, and children easily assimilate the new sounds and vocabulary of the French language.
- Learning activities are changed regularly according to the expressed interests of the children. They may include the following areas: Book/Reading, Dramatic Play, Listening, a Puzzles, Blocks, Art, Water/Sand Table, and Writing. These learning areas enable the children to explore a multitude of experiences through play.
- An extensive variety of Montessori materials are incorporated into the program.
Qualified Staff
- Meadow Green Preschool Staff is carefully screened for the appropriate educational background, experience and personal qualities that enable them to relate easily to preschool age children and their parents.
- Each staff who holds an Early Childhood Education diploma is a Registered Member of the College of Early Childhood Educators.
- All staff must complete a Vulnerable Sector Search through the Peel Regional Police(renewed every five years and an offence declaration on every other year); and hold current certification in Standard First Aid, Level C (including Anaphylaxis Training) and infant and child
- A qualified early childhood teacher is dedicated to providing a nurturing, creative and comprehensive learning environment for students beginning at the age of 30 months, with a pupil/ teacher ratio of 8 to 1.
- A teaching assistant is present beyond the 8 to1 ratio. Children must be toilet-trained before entering the program.
- Meadow Green Preschool Staff participate in ongoing professional development opportunities through the Association of Christian Schools International, the College of Early Childhood Educators, and the Child Development Resource Centre of Peel(including Raising the Bar Learning and Mentoring), as well as their personal professional reading and research.
- We strive for excellence in our programs on an ongoing basis, and regular evaluations of our staff and programs ensure professional growth and the highest quality care and learning for your children.
Student and Volunteer Supervision
At Meadow Green Preschool, we recognize the value of volunteers and students and welcome them into our preschool. Volunteers and students follow the requirements of the Child Care and Early Years Act. For this reason, individual volunteers and students must provide a Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search.
Each student or volunteer will receive a tour and orientation before commencing placement or volunteer experience at Meadow Green Preschool which includes the review of relevant policies and procedures. Roles and responsibilities may include shadowing and assisting the teacher (e.g. helping to prepare materials/resources, setting up and cleaning after activities or meals etc.). Students and volunteers are required to follow the policies and procedures of Meadow Green Preschool.
Students and volunteers will always be supervised by a staff member when working with children; that is they are never alone with a child. They are paired with and mentored by a Meadow Green staff member.
Meadow Green Preschool Policy of Inclusion
Guiding Principles
At Meadow Green Preschool, we believe that every child is a unique individual who benefits from a quality, inclusive program that respects each person’s privacy and dignity. Our program reflects the varying needs of our community which is rooted in the belief that children learn best with others who have diverse goals, interests and abilities. We are dedicated to on-going education of our staff and families by sharing learning opportunities wherever possible.
Meadow Green Preschool aims to provide inclusive programming for children with special needs, working closely with parents, and connecting with other community partners who support children with special needs such as Erinoak, the Region of Peel (PIRS), and CCAC.
In order to determine whether Meadow Green Preschool can reasonably accommodate the unique needs of a child, it is essential that all pertinent information specific to the child’s needs be made available to the school at the time of registration inquiry. Parents will meet with the Director to complete a profile and share information. If, after consultation with the parents, it is determined that Meadow Green Preschool cannot meet the required needs of the child, we will help to link the family with local agencies that can support them.
Behaviour Expectations and Child Guidance
Role modeling is seen as the best process for preparing children to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, which is achieved through encouraging the use of verbal communication in an open, honest manner. It is the belief of Meadow Green Preschool that a quality program will work as a preventative measure in regard to child guidance. Ensuring that children are active, stimulated, challenged and have opportunity for success while consistently seeing adults conduct themselves appropriately will foster happy developing children.
A positive approach is used to guide children and support their ability to self-regulate. Each situation and child is dealt with individually. Methods of child guidance used at Meadow Green Preschool Programs always keep the best interest of the child and their individuality in mind and are as follows:
- Redirection: The child will be guided into acceptable options when engaged in an unacceptable activity.
- Logical and Natural Consequences: The staff endeavours to make children aware of the results or consequences of their actions.
- Positive Reinforcement: The use of encouragement is applied.
- Anticipating Trouble: The staff plans and prepares the environment to avoid difficulties.
- Modelling: The staff demonstrates appropriate ways of interacting.
- Providing Choices: The staff outlines appropriate choices and encourages children to make decisions for themselves.
- Limit Setting: The staff develops boundaries for the children as a group and for individual children for each situation.
Prohibited Practices
Under no circumstance will the following be used for child guidance or behavior management:
- corporal punishment of the child;
- physical restraint of the child, such as confining the child to any device for the purposes of discipline or in lieu of supervision, unless the physical restraint is for the purpose of preventing a child from hurting himself, herself or someone else, and is used as a last resort and only until the risk of injury is no longer imminent;
- deliberate use of harsh or degrading measures on the child that would humiliate the child or undermine his or her self-respect;
- depriving the child of basic needs including food, shelter, clothing or bedding;
- inflicting any bodily harm on children including making children eat or drink against their will;
- locking the exits of the child care centre or home child care premises for the purpose of confining the child; or
- using a locked or lockable room or structure to confine the child if he or she has been separated from other children.
CCEYA, 2014 Section 48
CURRICULUM
“Quality early childhood settings use ongoing assessments and systematic evaluations to gather information on children’s learning and development and the quality of the program.”
–Early Learning for Every Child Today, Best Start Expert Panel on Early Learning, 2007
Goals and Expectations
At Meadow Green Preschool, our pedagogical approaches to learning and development are aligned with the goals for children and program expectations outlined in How Does Learning Happen? The chart below illustrates our goals and expectations.
Belonging: Cultivating Authentic Relationships and Connections
| How Does Learning Happen? | Meadow Green Preschool |
| Goal for children: Every child has a sense of belonging when he or she is connected to others and contributes to their world. | Program expectations:
The preschool program cultivates authentic, caring relationships and connections to create a sense of belonging among and between children, adults, and the world around them.
|
Well-Being: Nurturing Healthy Development and Well-Being
| How Does Learning Happen? | Meadow Green Preschool |
| Goal for children: Every child is developing a sense of self, health, and well-being. | Program expectation: Early childhood programs nurture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self.
|
Engagement: Creating Contexts for Learning through Exploration, Play, and Inquiry
| How Does Learning Happen? | Meadow Green Preschool |
| Goal for children: Every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with body, mind, and senses | Program expectation: Early childhood programs provide environments and experiences to engage children in active, creative, and meaningful exploration, play, and inquiry.
|
Expression: Fostering Communication and Expression in All Forms
| How Does Learning Happen? | Meadow Green Preschool |
| Goal for children: Every child is a capable communicator who expresses himself or herself in many ways. | Program expectation: Early childhood programs foster communication and expression in all forms.
|
Assessment and Review of the Program Goals
The Director and Staff of Meadow Green Preschool assess and review how our program goals have been met annually in order to ensure that best practices are continuously developed and that all aspects of children’s learning and development are considered. Through school-based mentoring and third-party associations, the staff is involved in ongoing professional development. The Director works closely with individual staff to set professional growth goals and each teacher meet her objectives. This includes observation and conferences to evaluate their growth, to determine the next steps, and to make a plan for reaching them.
Hours of Operation
Meadow Green Preschool is open from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Before and After School programs are open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
All programs operated by Meadow Green Preschool will be closed on all statutory holidays. Please refer to the Meadow Green Preschool school year calendar for a complete list of holidays and professional activity days. A complete list will be provided to parents/guardians yearly. Advanced notice will be given for any exceptions.
Before and After School
In order to accommodate the needs of our working parents, Meadow Green Preschool offers a Before and After School Program. Children are cared for by qualified staff, provided with a snack, and engaged in a stimulating play environment.
Admissions
Children are admitted to Meadow Green Preschool on a first come-first-serve basis. Priority is given to: 1) Siblings of students already attending Meadow Green Preschool or Meadow Green Academy; 2) Children of Meadow Green Preschool or Meadow Green Academy staff; and
3) Finally the community at large. Admission of any new student is dependent upon an interview with the Director or Vice Principal.
Prior to enrolment, each parent/guardian must provide an up to date record of immunization; a birth certificate; a health card number; a completed application; and all other forms in the registration package including policies that must be read, understood and signed. These policies are very important to the programs and must be followed.
Wait List Policy
Meadow Green Preschool does not charge a fee to parents who are waiting for a spot to become available for their child to attend. Our current license is for one class of sixteen (16) preschool age children. A child will be placed on the wait list after an interview with the Director or her designate.
A child’s position on the waiting list is maintained until they reach the top of the list and a space in the appropriate class becomes available. Once the child reaches the top of the list, the Director or her designate will contact the parent to offer them the available spot. The parent is given a reasonable amount of time, usually 48 hours, to accept or decline the spot. Should they not accept the space at the time, they can request their name remain on the list. A subsequent refusal will result in their name losing priority on the list. Every reasonable effort is made to contact the parent to offer the spot. No response indicates that the spot has been declined.
Parents may call periodically to check their status on the wait list and this information will be provided by the Director or her designate, while maintaining the privacy of other individuals. As per our admissions policy, children on the wait list will be admitted to Meadow Green Preschool on a first come-first-serve basis. Priority is given to: 1) Siblings of students already attending Meadow Green Preschool or Meadow Green Academy;
2) Children of Meadow Green Preschool or Meadow Green Academy staff; and
3) Finally the community at large.
Age Groups
Ratios for each age group are as follows:
| Room | Age of Students | Ratios |
| Preschool | 2.75 years – 4.5 years | 1-8 w/ at least 1 RECE |
Fees
Meadow Green Preschool’s tuition and other fees are set according to the ongoing cost of operation. Fees are reviewed annually and are due on a regular schedule. The major source of funding required to keep the programs in operation are fees. Tuition and other fees are not adjusted, refunded or credited for statutory holidays, absence due to illness, withdrawal without proper notice, or for any other reason unless by special consideration of the Director.
Tuition fees are determined for the school year. As stated above, before enrolment, upon registration, parents must submit a deposit of $1,800.00. This deposit fee is non-refundable. Remaining fees are paid on a regular schedule, either bi-annually or in 10 equal payments on the 1st of each month. Any other individualized payment plans are discussed in confidence and approved by the Director.
Available family discounts are stated on current fee schedules.
In the event that Meadow Green Preschool receives an NSF cheque, the parent(s) will be required to replace the amount the following day by cash, money order or certified cheque. A $40.00 service charge will be added to the replacement cheque.
Receipts for tax purposes for all fees are completed and distributed by the end of February of each year.
Parent Involvement/Communication with Parents
Parents/Guardians are welcome to visit their child’s class at any time to observe and talk with the staff and Program Supervisor. The first priority for the staff is the children and therefore extended conversations may not be appropriate while children are in class. For issues that may require more than a few minutes, parents should arrange a time to call or meet with staff.
A Parent Handbook is provided to all parents who visit Meadow Green Preschool with the intent of possibly enrolling their child. Parents of all students receive an up-to-date handbook at the beginning of each school year and at any other time when the contents have been modified.
Parent/Teacher interviews are scheduled each term, after a formal report card is sent home. Teachers will also contact parents once a month by phone to provide updates and address any concerns. The staff and Director will maintain open lines of communication with parents. We encourage parents to participate in activities at the school and assist with special events.
Health Care Policy
In assessing a child’s wellness and ability to participate and remain at school, staff must take into consideration a number of factors including: 1) the risk of spreading of illness, 2) the child’s ability to participate comfortably in the program, and 3) the parent’s responsibilities and schedule during the day.
If there is any change in the health or well-being of a child during the day, staff may use their judgment and may consult with the Director and decide to call a parent to inform them of their child’s health or to ask that the child be picked up.
Staff will ensure children are separated from other children when illness is suspected. It is the responsibility of the staff to decide if the child is to be picked up or not and be clear in their expectation to the parent. Staff will follow the advice and guidelines as outlined by Peel Region Public Health. Students who are known to have a fever, coughing excessively, vomiting or experiencing diarrhea are not permitted to attend school.
The following is a list of symptoms/illness where a child may be sent home:
- Fever 38C or higher
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Undiagnosed rash/skin condition
- Communicable diseases
- Persistent pain
- Head Lice
- Cough – with or without infected discharge
- Lethargy and irritability that prevents a child from participating in the program
In the event that a child has been sent home s/he is not to return to the school until:
- A note from a medical doctor states s/he is well enough to return to the program AND is not contagious OR
- S/he is on a medication for 24 hours so as to no longer be contagious OR
- Is symptom free or in the case of Head lice – “nit-free.”
Parents are encouraged to arrive to the program promptly if they receive a phone call from staff indicating that their child is ill and is to be picked up. Parents are encouraged to have reliable back up plans of friends and family members who are authorized and able to help out in the event that parents are unable to get to the program in a timely manner. In the event that parents cannot be contacted, emergency contacts will be phoned. If a parent or their emergency contact does not arrive within a reasonable time, staff may begin contacting the emergency contacts.
If the illness develops into that of a serious nature, the Serious Occurrence procedure will be followed. The list of reportable communicable diseases will be posted outside the school office. These are Chickenpox, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis and Rubella. Parents must notify the school if their child has a communicable disease. The school office will notify other personnel and parents to be on the lookout for symptoms in other students.
Reporting of Accidents
Meadow Green Preschool recognizes that their child’s health, safety and well-being is important to parents. The school will inform parents if a child becomes injured during the day.
Medication and Drug Administration Policy and Procedure
No medication can be kept at the school unless it is for a specific ailment or condition. For instance, asthma medication or an Epi-Pen may be kept on hand; however, cough syrup or Tylenol may not be kept unless prescribed by a doctor for a specific situation. All surplus/ left over medication will be returned to the parent.
In order to ensure safety and avoid the risk of error, Meadow Green Preschool has implemented the following procedure regarding the administration of medication to your child:
- Meadow Green Preschool reserves the right to refuse to administer any drug or medication, and request the parent/guardian make other arrangements for the administration of the drug or medication.
- Each prescription drug or medication must be accompanied by written authorization from a parent/guardian. The medication must have a prescription label attached to it from the pharmacist. A non-prescription drug or medication must be accompanied by authorization from a doctor.
- The exact dosage and times of the drug to be administered is to be clearly stated on the authorization form from the parent or doctor.
- A parent must hand deliver the medication in the original container and give the written instructions to the appropriate staff member. Non-prescription medication must have the child’s name on the bottle and be accompanied by the receipt of purchase.
- Medication is stored as directed and kept in a locked container either in the fridge or cupboard.
- Where possible a child will be removed from the activity area to administer medication in a quiet environment with the least possible interruption. Medication should be administered in a well-lit area.
- For each child receiving medication, an entry must be made on a separate form.
- The staff who administers the medication should record the dose and the time when it was administered. If a dose is omitted, reasons should be recorded in the comment column. The staff’s signature is required.
- Any accidental administration of medication (e.g. medication to the wrong child or dose error) should be recorded and reported to the Director or her designate, who will then notify the parent/guardian.
- The teacher or the Program Supervisor are the only staff members authorized to administer medications.
Food Allergies / Anaphylaxis Policy
The purpose of this policy is to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylaxis causative agents. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction and can be life-threatening. The allergy may be related to food, insect stings, medicine, latex, exercise etc. Meadow Green Preschool will make every attempt to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents using the following tactics:
- Upon enrolment parents will complete an Emergency form, a Medical form informing the school of any allergies or health issues and an Individual Plan providing consent to administer the Epi-Pen, parent contact information, and the child’s picture.
- Parents/Guardians will supply the school with a current Epi-Pen which will remain at the school. The Director or her designate will check the expiry date on the Epi-Pen every 6 months and notify parents when the Epi-Pen is reaching its expiry date. Parents will provide an individual plan including emergency procedures for their child prior to enrolment.
- The Epi-Pen is to be placed in a clearly marked pouch in the classroom. The Epi-Pen is to remain with the teachers and group at all times, e.g. playground, trips, walks, etc.
- Parents/Guardians will submit a picture of the child to be posted with the child’s name and medical information including casual agents. This information is to be added to the allergy lists in the child’s room, the office, and in the kitchen. Teachers and volunteers will be notified upon the child’s enrolment.
- Parents/Guardians of children with anaphylaxis will be required to fill out an Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan for their child and review this with the Director and pertinent personnel, prior to enrolment, and each new school year. The parent/guardian will keep the school Director and personnel current with any changes to their child allergies and treatment.
- Parents will be informed by handout of all allergies in the centre. Parents must advise the Director or her designate if their child develops an allergy, requires medication and /or of any change to the child’s individual plan or treatment. The individual plan may include any or all of the following
- Description of the student’s allergy, from the student’s doctor
- Monitoring and avoidance strategies
- Signs and symptoms of the student’s reactions, including anaphylaxis
- Personnel roles and responsibilities
- Parent/ Guardian consent to administer allergy medication, sharing the information and posting an emergency allergy plan
- Emergency contact information
- Location of medication, Epi-Pen and back-up Epi-Pen
- A Physician note for student to carry an Epi-Pen
- Ensuring our programs aim for “Peanut-free” environments. Due to the growing incidences and seriousness of allergies to peanuts and other foods, Meadow Green Preschool does not provide any foods with any trace of nuts which includes nuts, tree nuts or any other peanut products.
- Meadow Green Preschool uses non-latex gloves to reduce the risk of exposure to children with latex allergies.
- In the event of any child with an allergy to bee stings or insects appropriate measures will be taken in any outdoor play area by using pest control if necessary. In the event that the outdoor area cannot be appropriately pest free, we would restrict use of the playground.
- Meadow Green Preschool strives to be a ‘Scent-Free’ zone. In the event of any child having a known allergy to chemicals or other agents, we will ensure that we are using a safe brand of chemical or agent for the child. If need be, use of certain products or brands would be eliminated entirely.
Clothing, Toys and Cots
For the comfort of all children attending MGP, parents are asked to bring in a complete set of spare clothing for their child, to be stored in their cubby. A complete set should include clothing that is appropriate for the weather and the season, and should be monitored for size and changed if necessary. This should include: a top, and an extra sweater, a pair of pants, underwear and socks.
It is important to note that preschool students in the MGP full day program are expected to have a total of 2 hours of outdoor play each day to meet regulations set out in the Child Care and Early Years Act, so such things as snow pants, hats, boots and two pairs of mittens should be brought every day during the cool and cold seasons and sun hats brought each day in the summer. We ask that all of the students’ clothing be clearly labeled, fit well and be routinely laundered. Staff may remove strings from clothing if they feel it is a hazard.
Please only bring toys to a program on the day that your child participates in “Show and Tell” or “Toy Day.” These toys should be non-violent and safe in nature. No video games are allowed as per the rules of the school. The organization cannot be responsible for any loss or damage to personal belongings.
Each preschool child is provided with a cot for a scheduled rest time. They are labelled with the child’s name. The sheets are laundered weekly by the school. Parents are required to take blankets, pillow cases and other personal items home for laundering at the end of each week.
Meals and Snacks
Meadow Green supports children’s health and well-being by providing healthy lunches and snacks that meet the nutritional requirements of the Canada Food Guide. The children will be provided enough time to calmly eat and enjoy a snack mid-morning, a lunch at noontime and a second snack mid-afternoon. While staff will encourage the children to eat their portions, they will be guided by the children’s cues of hunger and fullness.
Serious Occurrence Policy
Meadow Green Preschool complies with all legislation regarding the reporting of serious occurrences, in order to support the safety and well-being of all children in our care.
The intent of the Ontario Ministry of Education is to provide greater transparency for parents. Meadow Green Preschool, in alignment with the Ministry will post Serious Occurrence Notification Forms in a conspicuous place when a serious occurrence occurs to keep parents informed.
Annual Review
The Director and Staff of Meadow Green Preschool review this Program Statement and the policies and procedures in our manual annually in order to ensure that best practices are continuously developed and that all aspects of children’s learning and development are considered. All teachers, volunteers and students are required to review them upon beginning employment/placement before they work with children, and annually thereafter or whenever modifications are made. All staff members are required to sign the annual review.