DAYCARE POLICIES

Behavior Management Policy

We believe that children flourish best in an ordered daycare environment in which everyone knows what is expected of them and children are free to develop their play and learning without fear of being hurt or hindered by anyone else. We aim to work towards a situation in which children can develop self-discipline and self-esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement.

In order to achieve this:

• Rules governing the conduct of the group and the behavior of the children will be discussed and agreed within the daycare and explained to all newcomers, both children and adults.
• All adults in the daycare will ensure that the rules are applied consistently, so that children have the security of knowing what to expect and can build up useful habits of behavior.            ­
• Staff will try to provide a positive model for the children with regard to friendliness, care and courtesy.
• Staff in the daycare will praise and endorse desirable behavior such as kindness and willingness to share.      ­
• We will take positive steps to avoid a situation in which children receive adult attention only in return for undesirable behavior.        ­
• In cases of serious misbehavior, such as racial or other abuse, the unacceptability of the behavior and attitudes will be made clear immediately, but by means of explanations rather than personal blame.
• In any case of misbehavior, it will always be made clear to the child or children in question that it is the behavior and not the child that is unwelcome.
• Staff will not shout, or raise their voices in a threatening way.
• Adults in the daycare will make themselves aware of, and respect, a range of cultural expectations regarding interactions between people.

When children behave in unacceptable ways:

• Physical punishment, such as smacking or shaking, will be neither used nor threatened. Children will never be sent out of the room by themselves.
• Any behavior problems will be handled in a developmentally appropriate fashion, respecting individual children's level of understanding and maturity.
  

Safety - Policy and Practice

The safety of children is of paramount importance. In order to ensure the safety of both children and adults, the daycare will ensure that:

• All children are supervised by staff at all times and will always be within sight of' staff.
• Adults do not walk about with hot drinks or place hot drinks within reach of children.
  
• A book is available for the reporting of any accident/incident.
  
• Fire drills are held at least once a month.
  
• Regular safety monitoring will include checking of the accident and incident record. ­
  
• There is no smoking in rooms used by children.
  
• A correctly stocked first aid box is available at times.
  

• Children will leave the group only with authorized teacher.
  
• Fire extinguishers are checked annually and staff knows how to use them.
  
• Safety checks on premises, both outdoors and indoors, are made before every day.
  
• Outdoor space is securely fenced.
  
• Children who are sleeping are checked regularly.
  
• Fire door is never obstructed.
  

• Equipment offered to children is developmentally appropriate, recognizing that materials suitable for an older child may pose a risk to younger/less mature children.
  
• Electric points/wires and leads are adequately guarded.
  
• All dangerous materials, including medicines and cleaning materials are stored out of reach of children. ­
  
• Internal safety gates/barriers are used as necessary.

Open door communication Policy

Panorama daycare supports an open door communication policy which means, parents are welcome to drop in and observe the program at any time. 

If you would like to consult with an early childhood educator at the center, please let us know ahead of time so the educator can give you undivided attention.

We encourage telephone communication. Please check with us to determine mutually convenient times.


Parents can expect ongoing communication with staff, concerning:

• Their child's progress
  
• Program activities
  
• Hours of operation
  

Parents can expect individual parent and educator meetings. Staffs welcome feedback from parents on any aspect of the program.

We encourage parents to speak to their child's educator if they are concerned with the care of their child or any incidents in the child care center.

Health Exclusion Policy

Control of communicable illnesses among the children is a prime concern. The policies and guidelines related to outbreaks of communicable illness in the centre have been developed with the help of the health department.

In order to protect the entire group of children, as well as individual children, we ask that parents assist us by keeping sick children at home if they have experienced any of the following symptoms within the past 24 hour period.

a fever of 100 'F (37.8' C) orally or 99'F (37.2' C) axially (under the arm) 

• signs of a newly developing cold or severe coughing
  
• diarrhea, vomiting or an upset stomach
  
• unusual or unexplained loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability or headache 
  
• any discharge or drainage from the eyes, nose, ears, or open sores
  

Children who become ill with any of these symptoms will be returned home. We appreciate the parents’ cooperation with this policy.

If you have any questions about whether or not your child should attend the centre that day, please call before bringing your child in.

Administration of Medication

Parents will be asked to take their children back home if the medication is required to keep the child's fever down. Children with medications for fevers should be at home. (See health exclusion policy). .

However, if it is necessary for a child to receive medication, the following precautions will be taken:

• It is the policy of Panorama Daycare that medication can only be given if the Parent or physician have signed the appropriate consent form (available at center).           
  

• Any adverse reactions to the medication must be noted on the child's file.
  

• Medications will be kept in their original vial or bottle.
  
• Medications will have no hand written changes on the vial or bottle.
  
• Medications will be kept in a locked cabinet. If the medication requires refrigeration, a locked container will be kept in the fridge.
  

• Medications that have passed their expiry date will not be administered.

Parental responsibilities

INFO ON CHILD TO BE FILED BEFORE FIRST DAY OF DAYCARE

Provide necessary information on all registration forms
Insure that the child's immunizations are kept up to date, and provide the immunization information and physicians signature as required by state regulations.

Comply with the program rules:

• Deliver and pick up child within times specified
  
• Keep child home when displaying signs of illness
  
• Arrange to get your child promptly if they become ill during daycare time
  
• Notify name of daycare immediately if your child has a communicable disease
  
• Notify name of daycare promptly of any changes in attendance
  
• You will provide all diapers and wipes.