Pre-School Program Policy
About the Program
We accept children between the ages of 2-5 years for our preschool program. Staff maintain a maximum 1:8 ratio (staff to children) at all times. We are licensed for 53 spaces at our Ecole Riverbend Community School location and 60 at our West Kildonan Collegiate location, and maintain a waiting list.
Ratio Flexibility
The ratio of staff to children may be reduced if a staff member is required to pick up children from the school bus. The only other time that this reduction may occur is if a group of children are out on the school grounds and a child(ren) needed to return into the centre for bathroom or necessary first aid attention.
At all times our first consideration will be given to finding ways that staff / child ratios will be maintained. E.g. taking a larger group of children inside or having “helpers” aid the staff.
Please note: At no time will any preschool child be left unattended.
Daily Nutrition
A mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack, as well as a hot lunch will be provided for your preschool child. On a weekly basis, the menu will be posted on the parent bulletin board in the preschool program. To ensure variety, the menus are based on a 3 week rotation. As per Child Day Care Regulations, snacks will include 3 food groups, while lunch will include 4 food groups.
Children are encouraged to try new foods unless allergies or religious practices prohibit this.
Please note: Grace is said or sung before lunch times in the Forest Room at Ecole Riverbend School.
Clothing
Ensure that you have at least one complete change of labeled clothes in your child’s locker. (This must include a shirt, pants, socks and underclothes).
Rest Period / Nap Time
A rest period/naptime is part of our daily schedule. Children who are resting or taking a nap will be provided with a cot/mattress for their own use, as well as a sheet, which is washed weekly. Parents are asked to provide a blanket (and a small pillow if your child needs one.) All blankets must be taken home weekly to be washed and returned on Monday. If your child needs a cuddly toy to snuggle with at naptime, feel free to send this as well.
After half an hour should a child not be sleeping, he/she will be given an alternate activity to do.
Toilet Training
Sugar N Spice does accept children who are not toilet trained. Bathroom times are scheduled throughout the day to encourage training. Needless to say, we will work along with the parents to help their child accomplish this feat!
If your child is in diapers, you must ensure that you keep an adequate supply of disposable diapers, wet wipes, powder / creams and at least one complete change of clothes at the centre.
Teething
In the case of toddlers (a child 18 months – 2 ½ years) the staff will administer Tempra or Tylenol if the toddler is displaying obvious signs of teething, appears to be in discomfort AND the centre has on file the parent’s signature authorizing this. This is to ensure that the toddler can be at ease and enjoy the remainder of their day. If the child’s discomfort persists, the parent may be expected to pick up their child.
Parents are expected to supply the Tempra or Tylenol for their child to be kept at the centre.
Kindergarten Children
Children attending the Ecole Riverbend Community School kindergarten program are walked to and from their classroom by a Sugar-N-Spice staff member. Children who are transported by a bus to other schools will be taken to and picked up from their bus by a staff member.
Please note: Transportation by bus arrangements must be made by the parent in partnership with the Seven Oaks School Division. For more information please call 338-7051.
Kindergarten children wishing to get into the Sugar-N-Spice School Age Program will be placed in the program dependent upon the availability of spots.
Space is not guaranteed in the school-age program.
Priority will be given to children attending Sugar-N-Spice based on the family’s original enrollment date within Sugar N Spice. Withdrawing your child from the program at any point and time forfeits your child’s original enrollment date. (With the exception of approved leaves outlined in the Family Leaves section)
A child’s original enrollment date will remain in effect until the child is ready to enter grade one and space is the School Age program is available. If you decline a spot that is offered to you within the school age program, you may lose your status on the wait list.