Family Handbook
This Family Handbook is intended to provide you with information about our programs and policies. Our goal is to work with you to provide a safe, healthy, and happy experience for your child(ren) and family while at the centre.
For an easy to print version of the Family handbook, please download the pdf.
Beaufort Children’s Centre respectfully acknowledge that the land on which we Work, Learn, and Play is on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
We envision a future where all children, and those who care for them, are embraced in an environment of safe belonging, unhurried self-discovery, and nurturing relationships as they realize children’s full potential.
We provide uncompromising, quality early care and learning experiences designed to support the health, well-being, and immense capacity of young children.
Wait List Policy
Achieving a balance in room composition will always be first priority.
- First priority to any opening is internal. Any family being presently served who has provided a completed Request to Change Schedule form shall be given the highest priority for any openings. If two or more families have applied for the same day, a first-come-first serve priority be given.
- Some discretion will be given to the administrator depending on the need to fill spaces to reach capacity. For example, a 2 day a week family is waiting to switch one of their days, but the day they request does not allow a new family to use a five day a week spot. If providing a current family with a desired switch will prevent a new family from using a 5 day a week spot, then the administrator will have discretion to achieve capacity.
- First priority for any new families will be to full-time NIC students.
- Second priority for new families will be to siblings of families BCC is serving, NIC staff, and part-time NIC students.
- Third priority to new families will be given to community members on the wait list, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Student Enrolment Policy:
As NIC students take priority on our waitlist and have first opportunity for childcare spaces, Beaufort Children’s Centre’s (BCC) acceptance process includes contacting NIC’s REGISTAR after the 10 days drop period for both Full Time and Part Time students to confirm your status as a NIC student. BCC reserves the right to terminate care if you are no longer enrolled as a student at NIC; in this circumstance, we will issue a one-months’ termination notice. Any NIC student enrolling with BCC is required to fill out and sign and NIC proxy form prior to being registered with BCC.
Prior to your child’s first day at the centre, all childcare forms must be completed on the Esikidz app and submitted, including: enrolment form, parent/guardian agreement form, consent forms, and emergency contact forms. We also require a copy of your child’s immunization record or a signed immunization waiver form.
A deposit of $100 is required to confirm that the space is reserved for your child. If you do not decide to use the reserved space, your deposit will be forfeited. We will reimburse your deposit after we have finished providing care for your child, less any outstanding fees. E-transfers, Cash or Cheques are accepted.
Finally, you will need to arrange three visits (parent/guardian and child) prior to your child’s start date. This ensures that your child becomes familiar with the centre, staff, and other children in the program. We recommend that each visit be at least 2 hours in duration. This will help ensure a smooth transition.
Please Note: If you qualify for childcare subsidy, we encourage you to complete the Affordable Childcare Benefit (online) as soon as possible, as we require payment on the first day of each month. If needed, the Administrator can assist with completing these forms.
BCC is committed to providing inclusive, responsive care for all children. Open, respectful, and collaborative communication between families, educators, and support professionals is essential to meeting each child’s individual needs. We strive to foster an environment where this ongoing communication can take place.
In accordance with British Columbia Child Care Licensing Regulations, any child receiving support from outside service providers (such as Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, CVCDA, or other specialists), or has an anaphylactic allergy, must have an individualized care plan in place.
To begin this process, families will receive a Care Plan Information Form to complete and return to BCC. This form gathers important information about the child’s strengths, background, current supports, and goals. Using this information, BCC will work collaboratively with the family to develop an individualized care plan that supports the child’s participation and success within the program.
The care plan will be completed and signed by both the parent(s)/guardian(s) and BCC within 30 days of the child’s enrolment. As part of the care plan, families will be asked to provide written consent for BCC to communicate with relevant outside service providers (such as Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, CVCDA, private therapists, or other professionals) to help ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to supporting the child’s development and well-being.
If a care plan cannot be agreed upon by parents/guardians and BCC, this may result in BCC being unable to continue to provide care for the family.
We strive to provide open and consistent communication with families. Open and reciprocal communication between BCC and parents/caregivers directly influences our ability to provide high quality personalized care for each child and family that we serve. We hope that you will feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, suggestions, and feedback with staff and/or the Administrator regarding your child.
We use the Esikidz app as a primary mode of communication and record keeping. This app holds all our consent forms, enrollment documents, authorized pick-up list, and family handbook. On this app, we send updates, communications, pictures, reminders, and tuition records. It is the responsibility of the family/caregiver to download this app, complete enrollment and consent forms, and add authorized pick-up people. When BCC sends out communications, we ask that you acknowledge our messages on the app. This lets us know that you have received and viewed our communications. We also post updates and documentation of learning projects in the app and in our classrooms.
BCC requires parents/guardians to refrain from being on phone calls or facetime videos during drop off and pick up. These are the times that educators need to communicate with parents/guardians regarding their children. Facetime calls are a breach of confidentiality as BCC does not know who is on the other side of the call and which children they can see.
At Beaufort Children’s Centre, we welcome all children and families. We value diversity and are committed to providing programming that supports not only inclusion, but a sense of belonging. Inclusion and belonging are upheld throughout all our programs.
We know that every child is unique, and that this uniqueness is an asset. We work in partnerships with families and other community professionals to provide the support, nurturing, and uncompromising quality care that is every Childs’ inherent right.
(Adopted April 15th 2025)
Respect Collaboration: Respectful collaboration is a relationship that is rooted in kindness, integrity, professionalism, and trust. While conflict can still arise in respectful and collaborative relationships, the way we deal with these conflicts upholds respectful collaboration.
Beaufort Children’s Centre (BCC) acknowledges that respectful collaboration among educators, parents/guardians, staff, students, volunteers, NIC, and the broader community is fundamental to the provision of high-quality care and learning experiences. BCC is committed to fostering and maintaining respectful, professional relationships across all partnerships.
Beaufort Children’s Centre and its grounds are designated as a friendly zone. All educators, staff, and parents/guardians are expected to communicate and conduct themselves in a manner that upholds mutual respect, fairness, kindness, and equity. Individual needs and differences are recognized and valued as integral to the collective community. All parties are required to address concerns or conflicts through clear, reasonable, and respectful processes.
Beaufort Children’s Centre maintains a zero-tolerance approach toward expressed bias, discrimination, prejudice, bullying, intimidation, or harassment. BCC will take appropriate action to prevent and address all forms of discrimination, bias, or harassment by or toward children, educators, staff, students, volunteers, and families accessing the centre.
All individuals are required to comply with Beaufort Children’s Centre’s policies and procedures. Verbal, physical, and gestural aggression are strictly prohibited on the premises.
(Adopted April 21st, 2026)
Procedure
Our conflict resolution procedure is as follows:
Step 1: Have a respectful conversation between the two parties involved. If a resolution cannot be met or a respectful conversation is not possible…
Step 2: Bring complaint to the program supervisor. If the issue is with the supervisor or if a resolution still cannot be met or a respectful conversation is not possible…
Step 3: Bring issue to The BCC Executive Coordinator and/or Childcare Manager, who are available to respond to inquiries and complaints and can serve as liaisons between families and educators, as needed.
BCC reserves the right to exercise final authority in matters involving non-compliance with our policies and procedures. Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to, verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension of services, and deregistration.
De-registration may be required for any of the following reasons.
- A family chooses to withdraw their child.
- There is no notice, and we have not seen or heard from the family after 30 days.
- BCC requires to terminate service.
Withdrawal of your child must be given by the first of the month at least one month prior to a change schedule or withdrawal and must be submitted in writing. Fees for the month must be paid regardless of whether your child will be attending Beaufort Children’s Centre. The Notice of Withdrawal form will provide instruction on how to return your deposit.
De-registration will be considered automatic, if we have not heard from a family in 30 days. Fees for the missing month and another month, in lieu of notice, for a total of 2 months fees, will be applied on account, minus the deposit.
Full payment of accounts is expected, and the centre reserves the right to send delinquent accounts, of over 6 months, to a collection’s agency.
The centre reserves the right to immediate de-registration if there is an extreme health and safety issue, which requires immediate action. The centre also reserves the right to immediate de-registration if there is a reasonable expectation of imminent and significant risk to the overall health and safety of the adults and children in the centre.
There are a variety of potential reasons the centre will initiate de-registering a child.
Prior to providing a notice of de-registration, every reasonable effort will be made to resolve any circumstances requiring a cancellation of registration.
The Family:
- The parent does not make an effort to pick up his or her child when the child is ill or contagious, or the parent brings his or her child to the Centre knowing full well that the child is ill or contagious.
- The parent is in noncompliance with the Family Handbook agreement.
- Actions contrary to the interests of the Beaufort Child Care Society (BCCS).
- Actions deemed prejudicial to the BCCS, its staff, or to the children in its care.
- Physical or verbal violence towards any person on site.
Depending on the severity of noncompliance, before terminating any service, parents will first receive a verbal notice and/or a warning letter. If there has been no improvement, a final notice cancelling the child’s registration at the Centre will be issued.
The Child:
- The care the child requires is beyond the centre’s resources.
The parents will be consulted and encouraged to work jointly with the staff to develop strategies to resolve potential de-registration. If all the tools and strategies of the intervention plan do not result in an improvement within 3 months, then the Centre will provide a deregistration notice. The family will be given a reasonable notice of up to one month, depending on the circumstances.
PROCEDURE:
- Staff will document challenges and discuss with families.
- Families and staff will develop plans.
- Continued revaluations and adjustments as required.
- Within 3 months of implementing plans, the level of care will not be a detriment to the quality care of other children.
- If after 2 months, the Executive Coordinator and Room Supervisor believe the challenges will continue to compromise the quality of care to other children, then the Centre reserves the right to provide a 30 day notice of de-registration.
Beaufort Children’s Centre (BCC) participates in the $10-a-day ChildCareBC initiative, under which the maximum monthly parent fee is $200. This initiative represents an important step toward a universal childcare system and is intended to reduce financial barriers and support equitable access to high-quality early learning and care.
In alignment with the objectives of this program, BCC requires that all enrolled families make reasonable and consistent use of their assigned childcare spaces. Consistent attendance supports program stability and ensures that available spaces are used efficiently to serve families in need.
Where a childcare space appears to be underutilized, BCC will initiate communication with the family to review attendance patterns and discuss current childcare needs.
If a pattern of chronic absenteeism is identified and persists without reasonable justification (child illness, vacation, etc), BCC reserves the right to require a modification of the child’s schedule. In such cases, a minimum of thirty (30) days’ written notice will be provided to the family.
If you need an “extra day” of childcare, you must fill out the Request for an Extra Day form and submit it to the Room Supervisor for approval. We will do our best to accommodate extra days. Please note that payment for an extra day must be received on or before the day(s) requested.
Children are to be dropped off at the centre no later than 11 a.m. unless pre-arrangements have been made with a room supervisor. Late drop-off makes the transition into the classroom difficult for children, and it may interfere with your child receiving maximum benefits from the program. In addition, late arrivals make the planning of field trips and other group activities difficult for staff members and the other children in the program.
If there is an extenuating circumstance that arises and you cannot drop your child off on or before this time or your child is going to be late or absent, please notify the staff as soon as possible. Repeated occurrences may result in termination of your child’s space.
Under no circumstances will a child be released to a person not authorized by the parent/guardian to pick up the child. All persons authorized to pick up your child must be included on the Esikidz app. If a person with whom we are not familiar will be picking up your child, please give us written notice and a physical description of the person. We will also ask for identification.
If you are aware of a potential problem with a person who is not authorized to pick up your child but may try to do so (as in a custody dispute), please inform the Room Supervisor and include details on the Esikidz app under persons not authorized for pickup.
Staff do not have the legal right to deny a parent access to his or her child unless a copy of the relevant court order is in the child’s file. If this is a concern for you, please talk with the Room Supervisor.
We will make every effort not to allow someone to remove your child from the centre without your permission.
Every effort will be made to provide space for a child turning three to move from the Toddler Program (18-36 months) to the next age group (30 months to 5 years) i. However, this space cannot be guaranteed at the time of enrolment. We will do our best to accommodate your childcare needs while meeting the requirements of the BC Child Care Regulation.
The centre provides a morning snack to all children. Families provide lunch for their children and are encouraged to send a variety of healthy foods including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins (meat, dairy, beans, and legumes). Please ensure that round foods (ie. Grapes, grape tomatoes, hot dogs, peperoni sticks, large blueberries, etc) are cut lengthwise (to prevent choking) and please do not send popcorn (choking hazard). Not daycare appropriate food includes candies, chocolate bars, and juice boxes; please save these foods to enjoy at home.
Childcare is a busy and messy experience. We encourage children to explore and learn, especially with messy mediums like sand, water, mud, dirt, and paint, just to mention a few. Children will get messy and although we do our best to avoid permanent stains, this is also a possibility. Please ensure your children come to our centre in clothing that will allow them to actively explore a wide variety of materials.
As we deal with dozens of children each day and serve about 100 families a month, staff cannot know which piece of clothing belongs to which child. It is very important to label all your children’s clothing.
*We have a fundraising account through Mabel’s Labels for those who wish to purchase labels for their children’s items.
We are outside every day. Most children are outside for at least 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon, but most often we are outside for 3 to 4 hours a day. Families are responsible for ensuring their children have appropriate attire for being outside, regardless the weather. As West Coasters this means rain gear, warm clothing in the winter and light clothing for the summer. If your child arrives at BCC without the appropriate gear for the day, BCC will call to ask that you bring this gear or to pick-up your child.
As a final note, our educators are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to children and our focus is always on the children, not their clothing. Sometimes clothing does get damaged or lost. We do our best to ensure children’s clothing remains in tack, but we cannot be held responsible to any lost or damaged clothing.
When the UV index reaches 5 or higher, Beaufort Children’s Centre (BCC) applies sunscreen to children to help protect them from sunburn and other harmful effects of UV exposure.
Parents/guardians are required to sign a sunscreen consent form to allow BCC educators to apply sunscreen and are asked to provide sunscreen for their child.
BCC also supplies sunscreen (Ombrelle Children’s SPF 50+) for families who prefer to use the centre’s sunscreen. Please inform BCC if this is your preference.
If a parent/guardian does not consent to sunscreen application, they must ensure their child arrives dressed in appropriate sun-protective clothing, such as lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants. UV-protective clothing is strongly recommended. If appropriate clothing is not provided, BCC will supply extra clothing when possible. Ongoing lack of appropriate clothing may result in follow-up communication with the family and can result in a request for the parent to drop off clothing or pick up their child. This decision will ultimately be made by administration.
To further promote sun safety, children are required to wear sun hats and are encouraged to play in shaded or cooler areas, particularly during sunny or hot weather.
(Adopted May 19th 2026)
In order to provide quality care for your children, Beaufort Children’s Centre must maintain financial stability, and this can only be achieved when fees are paid in a timely and consistent manner. To this end, our Board of Directors implemented a process for managing fees in Nov of 2011. The intent is to have a proactive policy that is clear and fair for all families and is manageable and fiscally responsible for the centre.
The entire process is available for review and the key parts are as follows:
- Registration is confirmed once a $100 deposit is received. This amount will be applied to the final month of fees.
- Fees are due on the 1st of each month.
- If fees are not paid as required by the 5th of each month, the first step will be an email as a reminder of this policy and a discussion with the Executive Coordinator/Childcare Manager to make arrangements for payment.
- If fees and arrangement are not made, then a formal follow-up letter will be issued by the 15th of each month, which will include a $25 late fee.
5) If fees are not received by the end of the month, your child will be withdrawn from Beaufort.
It is important to stress that Beaufort is highly dependent on fees to maintain the high standard of quality care we provide. We understand the financial strain that childcare costs can create, and we also hope you understand the importance of enforcing this policy.
Please Note: No refund will be given for absences due to illness, vacation or when the centre is closed. Scheduled days cannot be substituted for other days.
Cheques returned NSF will require an additional $10.00 fee to cover service charges. Overdue fees are not permitted. Your space in the centre will be forfeited if fees have not been paid or other acceptable arrangements have not been made by the end of the month.
Beaufort Children’s Centre is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A full-day space is the equivalent to up to 9 hours per day.
If your child has not been picked up by the time the centre closes (5:30 p.m.), we will attempt to reach one of the persons listed on your emergency contact form. If we are unable to locate anyone to pick your child up and we do not know where you are, we are required to contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development for further instructions. If you are not able to pick up your child, please call and let us know what alternate plans you have made.
A late pick-up fee of $15.00 will be charged for every 15 minutes (or portion thereof) after 5:30p.m.
Beaufort Children’s Centre is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Centre is closed on the following days:
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- BC Day
- Labour Day
- Truth & Reconciliation Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Where a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the weekday(s) following the holiday(s) shall normally be deemed the day when the centre is closed. A notice/reminder of holiday closures will be posted at the centre.
* The centre is also closed for four Professional Development days, one in September, one in October, one in February, and one in April.
On rare occasions Beaufort Children’s Centre may be closed due to an emergency or epidemic. The following outlines some of the reasons we may be closed:
NIC Closure
Our centre does follow the lead of NIC’s Comox Valley campus and if they deem a closure is needed for any reason, then we will be closed as well
Health Department Closure
The Island Health Authority has the authority to close any facility for a duration of time, if they believe it is in the public’s best interests. This can happen if we have an outbreak of any serious illness, disease or virus and are not able to contain it.
Safety
If for any reason the health and safety of the people at the centre are at serious or fatal risk, then the centre will be closed. Ideally this will be done in consultation with the centre’s leadership group (Administration, Room Supervisors and Executive members of the Board). If a quick decision and immediate action must take place, then the Executive Coordinator will make the decision and continue to seek any further evidence or information to review the decision.
Fees
Due to the limited financial resources all fees will remain in effect, even during closures. Emergency closures are serious and unplanned events. This policy is intended to address any closure that would occur over a day and no more than a week. Any closure lasting for more than a week will need to be evaluated individually.
Please Note: Fees are not reduced for these holidays and closures.
Effective January 1st, 2023 Beaufort Children’s Centre Legacy Building
| Monthly Childcare Fees | 5 days/week | 4 days/week | 3 days/week | 2 days/week | Extra Day |
| Toddler
18 months to 3 years) |
$200 | $160 | $120 | $80 | $10 |
| Preschool
(3 to 5 years) |
$200 | $160 | $120 | $80 | $10 |
Beaufort Children’s Centre Legacy Building is a part of the $10 a day childcare program
Please Note:
Fees are due on the 1st day of each month.
The Administrator can aid with the Affordable Childcare Benefit Application Form. However, it is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to ensure that paperwork is completed and sent in advance so that Child Care Subsidy is in place on or before the child’s start date.
| 5 days/week | 4 days/week | 3 days/week | 2 days/week | Extra Day | |
| Infants (12 mths to 18mths) |
$921 | $811 | $636 | $460 | $72 |
| + membership | $923 | $813 | $638 | $462 | – |
| Toddler
( 18mths-3yrs) |
$687 | $610 | $479 | $351 | $61 |
| + membership | $689 | $612 | $481 | $353 | – |
| PRESCHOOLERS (3 yrs to 5 yrs) |
$747 | $648 | $508 | $366 | $51 |
| + membership | $749 | $650 | $510 | $368 | – |
Please Note:
Fees are due on the 1st day of each month. Post-dated cheques for four months at a time (Jan.-Apr., May-Aug., and Sept.-Dec.) are required, unless alternate arrangements have been made with the Administrator.
The Administrator can provide assistance with the Child Care Subsidy Application Form and Child Care Arrangement Form, including use of the fax machine. However, it is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to ensure that paperwork is completed and sent in advance so that Child Care Subsidy is in place on or before the child’s start date.
Beaufort Children’s Centre closes at 3p.m. on the last working day before Christmas Day and re-opens the first working day after New Year’s Day.
Please Note: This typically represents three weekdays in addition to the designated holidays. This break enables staff to rest and rejuvenate before the New Year. It also enables us to do annual centre maintenance.
Beaufort Children’s Centre is closed when snow conditions pose safety hazards, as determined by North Island College or at the discretion of administration. Once a decision has been made to close an NIC campus it will be posted on the college’s website, and all applicable primary media outlets in the region will be contacted. Media outlets may include:
- Radio EAGLE 97.3 FM – Comox Valley, Campbell River, Port Alberni
- Radio THE PEAK 93.3 FM- Port Alberni
- Radio JET 98.9 FM – Comox Valley
- Radio THE RIVER 99.7 – Campbell River
- Radio THE PORT 1240 AM – Mt. Waddington
- CHEK News
- CTV Vancouver Island
Decisions regarding campus or college-wide closure are made as early as possible, prior to 6:00 am, if the weather event or power outage occurred throughout the night.
If the power is off for a half hour before opening, the centre will be closed. If the power outage occurs during the day and is expected to last for more than an hour, the centre will close.
BCC believes in positive child guidance that uphold the dignity and intrinsic motivation of each unique child. Prevention strategies promote positive or pro-social behaviour. These include appropriate child to staff ratios, inclusive practices, classroom arrangement, and programming strategies.
When needed, intervention strategies ensure that guidance is supportive and positive rather than punitive when unacceptable behaviour does occur. These strategies include:
- Reminding children of acceptable behaviour, to clarify and reinforce limits.
- Being supportive of children by acknowledging feelings before setting limits.
- Re-directing children to other appropriate activities to meets their needs.
- Offering appropriate choices to clarify expectations or reinforce limits.
- Using natural and logical consequences.
- Removing equipment or materials, if necessary, particularly if safety is a concern.
- By using both prevention and intervention guidance strategies, children learn appropriate behaviours and develop self-control and responsibility in a gentle, warm, and supportive environment.
- If there is increasing observation of out of character behaviour from a child ( ie- throwing items, hurting themselves or others, emotional distress) during the day the parent/guardian will be notified in a timely fashion so that staff and the parent/guardian can determine next steps ie: early pick up , shorter days, different strategies to use regarding the behaviour.
- If prevention and intervention strategies are not working, parents will be informed and, when needed, additional support will be requested. Supported Child Development funding may be available for children who require behaviour and other supports. To make a request for Supported Child Development, please fill out the appropriate form in the lobby.
From an early age, children develop a natural desire for independence as they explore their world and build confidence in their abilities. Their sense of competence is strongly influenced by the encouragement and support they receive from parents, caregivers, and teachers.
As educators, our role is to foster independence by providing a safe, nurturing environment where children feel loved, supported, and encouraged to explore, ask questions, and try new things. We help children develop essential skills, offer opportunities to make age-appropriate choices, and encourage them to seek support from both teachers and peers when needed. Our enthusiasm and encouragement communicate that their efforts are valued and that we believe in their capabilities.
Promoting independence and self-help skills throughout the day helps children develop confidence, resilience, and healthy self-esteem. These skills also build a strong foundation for kindergarten readiness and support lifelong learning and success.
As part of our daily routine, we provide children with dedicated time to rest and recharge. We recognize that every child has different sleep needs and strive to create a calm, comfortable environment that supports their well-being.
Children who nap are provided with a quiet, cozy nap room equipped with individual nap beds, comfortable blankets, soothing music, and the support of two educators who help children settle and fall asleep. Nap time is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For children who no longer nap, we offer a quiet rest period from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. During this time, children are provided with a rest mat and a selection of quiet activities and toys, allowing them to relax, recharge, and enjoy a peaceful break from the day’s activities.
If you feel your child is ready to transition from napping to quiet rest time, we encourage you to speak with one of our educators. We are happy to work with families to ensure each child’s individual needs are supported.
Every child learns to use the toilet at their own pace, and we recognize that toilet learning is an important developmental milestone. When approached with patience, encouragement, and consistency, it can be a positive experience that helps children develop confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment.
At BCC, we follow each family’s lead when supporting toilet learning and work in partnership to ensure a consistent approach between home and the centre. We value each child as an individual and provide respectful, encouraging support throughout the process, understanding that accidents are a normal part of learning.
As part of our daily routine, children are offered regular opportunities to use the bathroom, helping to establish healthy toileting habits while promoting independence and self-help skills. Educators encourage children to participate in the toileting routine as independently as they are able, while aiding whenever needed.
If your child is wearing underwear, please provide several complete changes of clothing. If your child is wearing diapers or pull-ups, please provide an adequate supply of diapers or side-opening pull-ups, along with extra clothing.
For health and safety reasons, if a child has three toileting accidents in one day, educators will change them into a pull-up for the remainder of the day. We will communicate with families about the day’s events and continue working together to support your child’s readiness and success.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s toilet learning journey, please feel free to speak with any of our educators. We are committed to working collaboratively with families to provide a positive, respectful, and supportive experience for every child.
We will make every effort to ensure that your confidentiality is protected. Staff may share information with each other to better understand and respond to your child’s needs.
Information about your child, verbal or written, will only be released under the following circumstances:
- In case of emergency or injury to your child, information may be released to the police authorities or medical staff attending the child.
- When the RCMP or a designated Social Worker from Child Protection in conducting an official investigation.
We are required by law to report suspected or disclosed sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and/or child neglect to the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Reporting procedures are in place for the safety, well-being, and protection of all children.
No child or adult who is deemed to be unwell or a source of infection may attend the Centre. Acceptance or non-acceptance for care of children who may be ill is at the discretion of Administration.
Here are the health standards that we follow (a) when a person must be excluded; and (b) when a person may return.
(a)An underarm temperature of 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) or higher,
or an oral/ear temperature of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher;
(b)Underarm temperature has remained below 100 degrees F for twenty-four hours without medication.
Diarrhea;
(a) Any episodes of diarrhea need to be reported to the childcare staff, as per licensing requirements, two episodes of diarrhea will result in the child being sent home.
(b) the child must not attend until he/she has had twenty-four hours since the last episode; or has been examined by a doctor and received written medical clearance.
(a)Skin infection, undiagnosed rash, eye infection, or any signs of contagious
disease;
(b) Child has been examined by a doctor or public health nurse and has been properly treated and has received written medical clearance.
(a) Any parasite-related condition (such as scabies);
(b) Child has been examined by a doctor or public health nurse and has been properly treated and has received written medical clearance.
(a)Acute cold with coughing, atypical running, coloured discharge from nose
or eyes and/or sore throat;
(b)Symptoms have subsided and/or child has been examined by a doctor and has received written medical clearance.
(a)Vomiting;
Any episodes of vomiting must be report to the childcare staff, as per licensing requirements. An episode of vomiting will result in the child being sent home.
(b)the child must not attend the centre until 24 hours have passed since last bout of vomiting and no other signs of illness is present.
(a) Has been on antibiotics for less than twenty-four hours;
(b) After a minimum of twenty-four hours has passed, depending on the condition.
- Complaint of unexplained or undiagnosed pain or is abnormally listless;
- Child has been examined by a doctor and has received written medical clearance, and/or symptoms have subsided.
(a)child has been put under aesthetic
(b)24 hours have passed since child has woken up from aesthetic
Children who are unwell may not participate in the centre programs.
If a child becomes ill while at the centre:
A parent or guardian is contacted and requested to pick up the child as soon as possible. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact person is called.
Parents/guardians are required to inform the centre within 24 hours of a diagnosis of serious illness or contagious disease in the family or in the people that the family has been in contact with. The centre is required to inform families and the Medical Health Office of reportable communicable diseases within the centre, its staff or the families it serves.
An exception to this policy is HIV/AIDS, as families have a legal right to withhold such information. Ministry of Health personnel guide leads the centre in decision-making around health and report concerns.
In the case of an emergency, a parent/guardian or emergency contact person is contacted and, if required, immediate medical attention is sought, which may include transportation of child(ren) by ambulance. Any related costs are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
When children need medication, a parent/guardian must fill out a medication permission form. The staff will administer prescription or over-the-counter medications in their original container, when accompanied by a physician’s instructions. Families must inform the staff of any medications being administered to the child at home. Non-prescription diaper creams supplied by parents/guardians for use at the centre do not require a permission form. Any other non-medicated skin creams, or homeopathic remedies must be in their original containers and require parents completing a permission form.
Universal precautions are always taken
Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp. They lay eggs, called nits, which cling to the hair very close to the scalp. Head lice spread from person to person by direct contact, or on things like hats, combs, sweaters, etc. They are easily transmitted in a childcare setting.
- If a child has either nits or lice, parents are required to inform the Centre at once. The Centre will then post a notice indicating the date and the number of cases.
- If a louse or nit is found on a child, the parents will be contacted immediately and asked to pick-up their child as soon as they can. Families will be supported in treatment and remediation of the lice.
- We strongly encourage families to check their child’s hair and remove all nits before bringing the child to the Centre. Nits are removed by running the hair strand between the thumb and forefinger or by gently pulling out the hair. Put the nits or strands of hair in a plastic bag, tie it up and throw it away.
- At the same time, parents are encouraged to vacuum their homes and cars, and wash all bed linens, towels and clothes worn in the last two days in hot water, including hats, scarves, jackets and sweaters). Stuffed animals, pillows and other items that do not go in the washing machine can be put in the dryer on the hottest setting for 30 minutes or be dry cleaned. Hairbrushes and combs should be soaked overnight in the lice treatment.
- We encourage families to check their child’s head whenever they wash their hair.
The Centre will ensure a minimum of 60 minutes per day of outdoor active play, every day. Exceptions would occur when we consider the outdoor environment may not be safe. Unsafe outdoor times may include:
- high winds when there is a risk of flying debris.
- bear or cougar sightings.
- when air quality is a concern (smoke, extreme humidity, gas leaks)
- If we receive notice, or are aware of, a potential emergency situation that may place people at risk;
On occasion staff may feel that the weather is far too inclement, and we cannot ensure each child has adequate clothing. On such occasions staff will ensure children have at least 60 minutes of active indoor play which may be accumulated through 15-minute portions of time throughout the day.
Active Play is considered to include the following:
- Balance skills – movements where the body remains in place but moves around its horizontal and vertical axes.
- Coordination skills – involves gross motor manipulation of objects – catching, throwing, or kicking a ball or beanbag; balloon batting; scarf tossing.
- Loco motor skills – running, jumping, hopping, galloping, skipping and leaping.
Active play involves a variety of movements where children are confident, competent, creative and display strategic movements across a wide range of physical activities.
Staff will be involved in facilitated play that is directed and has a set of rules with specific objectives. Examples are:
- Sports such as soccer, hockey, baseball, ect…
- Games such as Simon says, follow the leader, tag or duck-duck-goose
- Other activities which are teacher lead that involve running, jumping, balance and other large muscle movements
Children will be encouraged to be active in free play, that is child chosen and self-directed, self-led movement, activity or interaction which encourages children to use their imagination, take developmentally appropriate risks, discover their interests and tap into their creativity. This is open ended play and not directed by an adult.
We at Beaufort Children’s Centre pride ourselves on providing an active, engaging and stimulating environment. Screen time will never be part of the regular program or day. Any screen time will be exceptions and extremely limited. Exceptions to the non-use of screen time will be considered:
- When following children’s interest and searching for appropriate resources/ video clips online.
- If an historic event is occurring and staff believe it is in the interest of children to view this live, or a recording of the event.
- As part of a therapeutic method for a child and is identified in their care plan.
The Canadian Paediatric Society does not recommend any screen time for children under 2 years old. Our centre will adhere to a strict no screen time policy for children under 2 years old, while in our care.
https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-young-children
Beaufort Children’s Centre requires parental/guardian permission for any images or videos being shared on social media (Item #3 on the Parent/Guardian Release Form). We also have a clear policy for staff to follow regarding social media use. We, therefore, expect families to use sound judgement when referring to Beaufort Children’s Centre in any of their personal social media platforms.
Our expectations are that confidentiality will be paramount. You can of course use any images or information about your own children. The confidentiality of any other children, families, staff and Board associated with Beaufort is not yours to share on social media sites.
Photos may not be taken in the centre of any child by parents/guardians. Photos will be taken by educators and sent to families via the Esikidz app.
Forms
Donations
Beaufort Child Care Society is a registered charitable organization and can issue tax receipts for donations. We greatly appreciate cash and/or in-kind donations to help support our programs.
Items that are needed on a regular basis include:
- outdoor gear (especially rain pants),
- plastic bags,
- sun hats,
- children’s books,
- sunscreen,
- socks and underwear.
Please contact our Executive Coordinator if you would like to discuss how you can help Beaufort Children’s Centre.
Learn about our individual rooms including schedules, staff, toilet learning, and what to bring: