Manidoo Gi-Minni Gonaan - R.B. Russell Infant Centre

R.B. Russell Infant Centre

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT—DISIPLINE

Infant

The infant staff are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment, in which children can continue to grow, develop, play, explore and socialize.

Methods of management of an infant’s behaviour are dependent on the infants’ developmental level of understanding and communicating. The Centre’s methods are based on careful observation and respect for the individual infant’s level of growth and development. Our methods will be implemented through the use of redirection, modeling, communication, repetitions, routines, positive reinforcement and consultation with the primary caregivers (parents/guardians). When presented with situations, which threatens the safe and nurturing environment of the children, we will attempt, through understanding, to offer behavioral choices that compliment the infant and group needs at the time. If there is a specific, on-going concern, we will assess the situation and consult with the parent(s) in devising mutual, positive approaches in order to deal with the concern.

An Early Childhood Educator and or volunteer will not permit, practice or inflict any form of physical punishment, verbal or emotional abuse upon or the denial of any physical necessities to any child/infant in attendance at the Day Care Centre.

In accordance with the Licensing Standards for Daycares, the following practices are not permitted:

Physical Abuse – spanking, hitting, pushing, shaking, etc.
Verbal and or Emotional Abuse – belittling or degrading response by any adult in the centre that would humiliate or undermine a child’s self respect
Denial of any physical necessities including comforts such as shelter, clothing, bedding and toilet facilities.

SCHEDULES

R. B. Russell Infant Centre: Daily Infant Schedule

8:30-9:00 am:
Arrival and Free Play

9:00-10:00 am:
Snack, Free Play, Diaper Changes

10:00-10:30 am:
Snack, Group play, Child Initiated Experiences, Diaper Changes, Preparation for Outdoor Play or gym

10:30-11:15 am:
Outdoor Experiences/Exploration or Gym/Gross Motor Activities in inclement weather

11:15-12:10 am:
Diaper Changes, Group Activities, Stories/Songs

12:10-1:05pm
Lunch with Parents, Clean-up by staff

1:05-2:30pm:
Quiet Time, Child Initiated Experiences

2:30-3:30pm:
Snack, Diaper changes, free play

3:30-3:55pm:
Farewells and Clean up

Inclusive Statement:
We follow the infants’ and toddlers’ individual schedules. Breast feeding mothers will be called out of class to nurse their babies. Naptime is based on child’s own schedule.

Manidoo Gi Miini Gonaan/R.B. Russell Infant Centre
Curriculum Statement

We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and safe environment for young parents and their infants where they can grow and learn together. We recognize the importance of early experiences of infants and later development and work in partnership with parents to allow the best possible outcomes. We provide an infant centred curriculum to ensure this goal. Daily schedules and transitions are planned and decided upon based on the child’s needs, interests and developmental level, this includes social, emotional, cognitive and physical developmental areas. The program day is flexible to allow for the changing needs of the infants and the group.

The relationships build with the infant are extremely important as learning can only occur in a place that is secure and safe. To build this trust, we pair each infant with a primary caregiver so that care is consistent. Their caregiver is responsive to the infant’s cues and needs and provides prompt, relaxed, respectful and nurturing care. We seek to promote positive interactions between the infant and others including other staff, parents, children and students.

The majority of an infant’s time is spend in caregiving routines (eating, sleeping, diapering, transitions etc). We will set up the space and materials so that these routines are calm, relaxed, effective and predictable as possible. These are optimum times for infants to learn and grow. At these times, caregivers will engage with the child by talking about their experience, singing, providing reasonable challenges and modelling appropriate behaviour. For example, snack time is a time where the children will learn a variety of things: Learning new words, interacting with others, how to feed themselves, trying new things

Children learn by play and exploring their environment. We will provide ample time and opportunities for the children to engage in uninterrupted play at their own pace and ability. Every day, we set up the play space so that is engaging, challenging and allows children to engage in new and unique ways. This involves rotating toys and the use of a lot of loose part materials (such as boxes, tubes, fabric etc and combinations of such materials). We bring out varied art and manipulative materials throughout the day so that the infants/toddlers can create and learn through different mediums (paint, crayons, paper, brushes etc). The room is set up to allow for different types of play (such as quiet/active/manipulative//pretend) and allows for interaction and play with other infants. Enhancing language and literacy skills is important to us. This is reflected in the all areas but especially the inviting library where we have many kinds of books and story props. The use of baby sign language at our centre also helps to promote this goal. We recognize the importance of outdoor play in a child’s day and make every effort to make this a daily part of the program. The caregivers set up the indoor/outdoor space and activities based on what the children are currently interested in and their level of development. We decide this by careful observation and documentation of the children every day.

Building a strong relationship with the parent and caregiver is very important to us. Our goal is for parent and caregiver to communicate openly about the child’s day and their accomplishments. We also have written forms to share to record eating, nap times, diaper changes and milestones. In addition, we have bulletin board displays with the children’s photos and documentation depicting the many things that go on during the day. Photos and daily records are saved into a portfolio for each child.

Our centre is an inclusive place where diversity is celebrated. Every child and family is unique. We welcome all backgrounds and abilities and are committed to providing a home like environment where everyone is accepted. We help accomplish this by displaying family photos and different cultural items in the plays space such as play food, dress up, different kinds of music etc. We have a mini Folklorama at the end of the school year, where different family and staff cultures are highlighted along with displays and ethnic foods shared at lunch time.

In this atmosphere, with caring and knowledgeable caregivers and where the infant’s needs and abilities are at the centre, children will be allowed to meet their potential and a strong foundation will be build for lifelong learners.

GUIDING PHILOSOPY- R.B. Russell Infant Centre

These centres follow an emergent curriculum using the Reggio Emilia approach which builds upon the interests and ideas of the children. Emergent Curriculum is planning the focus of learning on what happens in the centre, as a result of interaction between the early childhood teachers and children, with both contributing ideas and reacting to them to build on appealing and worthwhile activities. Emergent curriculum is socially and intellectually engaging and personally meaningful to children. Teachers follow the children’s lead and then introduce new and exciting activities to sustain their interests and deepen their explorations. Our emphasis is focused on developing social skills, problem solving skills, fostering independence and building a foundation for lifelong learning.

The Reggio Emilia philosophy is based upon the following set of principles:

Children must have some control over the direction of their learning.
Children must be able to learn through experiences of touching, moving, listening, seeing, and hearing.
Children have a relationship with other children and with material items in the world that children must be allowed to explore.
Children must have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves.
Parents are a vital component to the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Parents are viewed as partners, collaborators and advocates for their children.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Food/Nutrition

We offer a nutritious snack and lunch everyday using the Canada food guide. Menus are posted on the bulletin board.

R.B. Russell Infant Centre

Parents are responsible for their child during their lunch break, 12:10– 1:05pm. For parents who do not attend R.B. Russell, arrangements must be made with the supervisor prior to enrolment. Occasionally parents may have school activities at lunchtime or appointments to attend to; permission may be requested and given at the discretion of the supervisor.
Parents are responsible for cleaning up after their child at lunchtime. (please rinse your dishes off after lunch)
Lunch is provided for the children and their parent(s). Parents must request permission for friends or family to come for lunch. Prior notice is necessary. Priority is given to the children, parents, and staff.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Both locations will be closed on statutory holidays as follows:
New Year’s Day
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
Canada Day
Good Friday
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Victoria Day
Labor Day
Remembrance Day
Louis Riel Day

R.B. Location:

The Centre is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Centre is open Monday to Friday
The Centre is not open:
- Statutory Holidays.
- School Spring Break
- Christmas Break.
- Summer break.
- School in-service full days and half days.

PARENT RESPONSIBITIES AT THE CENTRES

All Centres

To work in partnership with families and their children attending the child care centre and accessing the resource centre
The staff will make every effort to welcome the parent and child (ren) into the center in a warm, friendly manner. It is very important to us that the staff and parents communicate daily to ensure the children’s needs are met.
It is recommended that parents share how their child is and what their immediate needs are when arriving. If a concern arises please speak to a staff member or the Director.
If parents are not able to pick up their child, the staff ask that the parent phones the centre to inform staff who will be picking up their child. Please ensure the person has ID to show the staff and the person should be listed on the child information form as designated by the parent as a person to whom the child may be released
Parents are responsible for informing staff of their child’s medical and health needs to prevent the spread of illness in the centre.
Parents must participate in evacuation or shelter-in-place drills or procedure occurs while you are at the centre. A detailed Safety Plan is available at all centres.
Parents, staff visitors must follow the Code of Conduct – see Appendix
All children, parents, staff and others involved in our centre must use e-mail, electronic devices and the Internet according to our policies. This protects people’s privacy and the confidentiality of information. Children, staff and families using our child care centre’s computer and electronic devices must :
- respect and protect the privacy of others
- respect and protect the integrity of all electronic resources
- communicate in a respectful manner
- report threatening or inappropriate material