North Huron Children's Programs
North Huron Children's Centre |
239 William Street, Wingham, ON. N0G 2W0 519-357-2424 Fax 519-357-2091 |
North Huron Early Learning |
(Located at Sacred Heart School) 225 Cornyn Street, Wingham, ON. N0G 2W0 519-357-1777 |
Before & After School |
Maitland River 250 John St. East, Wingham, ON. N0G 2W0 519-531-0775 Sacred Heart 225 Cornyn St. Wingham, ON. N0G 2W0 519-537-1777 |
Revised June 2025
Full Parent Handbook Document available
Program Statement |
How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years (2014) will be the foundation for North Huron Children’s Programs. North Huron Children’s Program’s view each child as competent, capable, curious and rich in potential. Each child’s learning and development will be supported with planned positive learning environments. This document is a tool for developing the programs and services. Programs incorporate opportunities for indoor and outdoor play. During the day there is active play, rest and quiet time, all while also considering the individual needs of the child. We provide morning and afternoon snacks, as well as hot lunches. All meals and snack are planned and prepared according to Canada’s Food Guide to promote health and nutrition. This Program Statement is reviewed annually by staff to ensure it is current and based on evidence-based practice and policy. Developing relationships, spending time with children in their play and discovery is important. Staff are aware of children’s curiosity and wonder. Indicators of this include allowing self-regulation (choices) for things like snacks and meals, creative opportunities, play styles and emotional expression. Opportunities to express all emotions and feelings in a safe, nurturing environment are not only allowed but encouraged. Children will be allowed to explore materials, toys and environments in meaningful ways to them. Intervention will happen if there is a danger to themselves, others or destruction of equipment. Play based learning is the foundation for lifelong learning, including ensuring safety, health, nutrition and well-being. Our programs will foster children’s exploration, play and inquiry, by providing child-initiated and adult-supported experiences. Staff will reflect the style of learning which follows children’s interests, allows problem solving and exploration. This includes reflection, review and observations. As co-learners we can puzzle as to why children do certain things and provide opportunities for advancing their ideas. We document learning for families which allows them to see the learning and ask questions. It expands and explains for parents what we learned from their child and allows us to demonstrate how we expanded their child’s interests and learning. Individual portfolios will be kept for children. Regular documentation is completed. Finding opportunities to extend interests in a way that is meaningful to the children can be kept as a project documentation. You will see children’s and staff’s learning made visible. This is building and encouraging engagement from parents and other agencies. Understanding child development includes building in rich language opportunities, cognitive and scientific understanding. Social skill building is vital in a child’s successful learning environment. Plenty of opportunities for writing, reading and documenting by the children should be available in the children’s environments. Learning through play staff support children’s natural curiosity and exuberance lead by providing knowledgeable, responsive early childhood professionals. Creative opportunities are offered daily. Learning about art and creation together is part of our co-learning environment. Clay, painting of all kinds, sketching, building of sculptures, using materials in unique ways, self-portraits are all common art experiences. In each room we have beautiful supplies in a variety of materials. Materials can include a wide variety of drawing tools, a range of scissors, tape, glue, paints, collage supplies, books related to art, papers of all kinds and sizes. Planned art invitations and provocations are offered daily. Encouraging exploration of materials and supplies is ongoing! Scheduling for children should allow minimal disruptions in their play periods. Working towards a daily routine that allows plenty of uninterrupted time and minimal waiting or holding times. Staff may have group meeting times; they are encouraged to invite all children but not insist upon their participation. They should also consider having something engaging or fun that children voluntarily participate. Staff plan ahead for transitions working to tidy and prepare for moving with the children, assisting and participating, doing as much as they can with the children to ensure children move seamlessly to the next area. North Huron Children’s Programs develops partnerships with families and are committed to ongoing communication and engagement with them and their communities. Community partners are encouraged and supported to be involved in our programs. Currently, Growing Together Preschool resource teachers participate in our programs on a weekly basis. Staff regularly support families and help make referrals to provide additional supports to families as needed. The Small Talk Speech and Language staff provide support and visits to build on goals for children and families in the community. Thames Valley attends providing Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy when required. Huron County Public Health Unit and our programs work collaboratively and host a Flu Clinic annually. The County of Huron works ongoing with our programs to ensure funding and parent subsidy needs have been met. Communication with families is a big priority in the North Huron Children’s Centre. All parents enjoy, need and want to hear about their child’s activities; this is part of our relationship building and collaboration with families. It demonstrates our involvement with their child and allows them to feel a part of their child’s day. We currently use HiMama, an online communication tool to facilitate daily communication in the Infant and Toddler groups. We are looking at developing an annual questionnaire to review what has been successful and if there are current needs of our parents not being met. Staff will take a few minutes at pick-up or drop-off times to share positives and describe new skills the children are developing. This also promotes the educational experiences we have achieved throughout the day. Questions regarding children will be answered by staff or they will find out answers. Families are the focus of our Centre and as much as possible we want their needs or requests to be met. Strong communications with parents builds confidence and trust in our programs. Our programs respect diversity, equality and inclusion as important for optimal development and learning. Confidentiality is required and expected. This includes respecting parents right to privacy regarding their children’s attendance at our Centre; privacy regarding children’s behaviour, family situations and confidentiality regarding co-workers. Anti-biased training and Bully and Workplace Violence are reviewed annually. Communication between staff is essential. If schedules or routines need adjusting staff will discuss these issues with their co-workers and problem-solve (problem solving is a good example for the children). We encourage building a strong team that includes supporting one another. Conversations about plans, ideas and concerns regarding the children (reflect, review, do, reflect review, do, etc.) happen regularly. Teams are encouraged to support each other when they notice a positive learning situation that just occurred, use the language in How Does Learning Happen with one another. Asking questions? Wondering why they did something? Continuous Professional Learning is valued and encouraged for all staff at North Huron Children’s Programs (both trained and untrained staff). It is expected that all RECE’s will participate in the College of Early Childhood Educator Continuous Learning guidelines. All staff are encouraged and supported to participate in local and advertised staff training opportunities. Staff are expected to attend all scheduled staff meetings as posted. Staff are required to complete regular self-reflections to ensure we are keeping current on How Does Learning Happen and understanding how it is reflected in their own professional development as an Early Childhood Educator. Our centre will annually review the impact of these strategies on the children and their families. |
Program Statement Implementation Policy |
How Does Learning Happen will be the Foundation for programming and learning as detailed in our Program Statement. Staff, volunteers and students will review and sign off on the Program Statement prior to beginning to work in our program and annually thereafter. If any substantial changes are made staff, volunteers and students will do a follow-up review and sign off. As discussed in the Program Statement, Ongoing Professional Learning associated with How Does Learning Happen will be supported and encouraged for all staff. North Huron Children’s Programs are committed to providing quality programming. |
Confidentiality |
All information contained in a child’s records is considered privileged and confidential. The information required on records such as name, address, telephone number, immunization records, alternate pick-ups etc. will be kept confidential. Consents must be signed that authorize the release of information to other agencies and persons (as specified by the family); otherwise, the family has the right to privacy that if fully recognized and protected. |
Approaches for Staff |
With play and engagement being the basis for all learning you will see Staff, volunteers and students providing long uninterrupted play periods. You will notice plenty of play choices in each room including items that encourage creative opportunities, sand, water, blocks, dress up or pretend items, and loose parts for investigation and imaginative play. Equipment will be changed as children’s interests change, or the equipment no longer engages them. Equipment will be disinfected regularly and kept in an attractive manner. Parts and pieces will be always kept together. Staff will leave their rooms in an orderly manner at the end of each day ensuring baskets, bins and items are sorted and organized. Walls and bulletin boards will reflect children’s activities, interests and provide beauty and information. You will notice staff regularly tidy and assist the children in keeping their space attractive and inviting to others. You will hear staff guiding the children using positive words and breaking this into small manageable tasks. When children appear done with items or equipment staff, students and volunteers will assist them in tidying them up. Students and volunteers are important in our programs. Staff will assist them in following all program statement ideas. Staff will ensure they are not left alone with the children. Attractive provocations will be provided regularly. There may be beautifully arranged art opportunities including a wide variety of materials and mediums. You might see a book and some items or objects from that book out to encourage more engagement. Blocks may have some new props or items included to build on a child’s idea. A new item may be set up with some of our other items to see what the children will create or do with them. Staff will ensure they are providing variety and methods of provocation to encourage science, reading, building, exploring and creating. Creativity will be encouraged and supported by all. Children can be creative with their use of the toys. Where and how they play with them will allow creative choice. Art and messy play will be allowed so they can explore materials in a wide variety of ways. Art activities will allow free exploration of materials. To encourage and allow self-regulation you will hear staff offering choices, providing opportunities for independent serving of meals and snacks, and encouraging independent play and dress. You will observe staff letting children decide what they want on their plates and if they want to finish or try something new. You will hear staff encouraging and guiding dressing using positive words and assisting when children require it. If a child seems tired or upset, you will see staff sit with them and try to find a solution that will help the child feel better. Some examples might be they want to rest or nap, play in a different spot or just have some cuddle time with the teacher, volunteer or student. Staff will ensure children will be allowed to nap or rest as needed. Staff will ensure they complete physical checks of the children and document them during sleep periods. You will notice that staff do not leave children unattended or ignored. They are always available and responsive to the children. This means children will not be left in areas where staff cannot visually see them. To encourage independence and self-regulation staff will work hard at keeping transitions from one area to another smooth and seamless with little waiting and a calm environment. This will include smaller groups and staggered entries and exits whenever possible. Staff will maintain ratios. Staff will always count ensuring all children in their care are always present with them. They will ensure when they are leaving a room, leaving the building or re-entering the building and rooms that they read each child’s name on their transition cards and ensure they are physically with them. Staff, students and volunteers will build relationships with the children. You will notice them having conversations with the children, joining the children in their play, providing comfort when they are sad and helping them with strategies for calming down and resolving issues. Children will be encouraged to express all types of feelings. Children will notice that they are important and respected by how we talk to them. We use encouraging words; we label feelings and show understanding when they are feeling overwhelmed or grumpy. Staff, students and volunteers are reminded that we always talk calmly and quietly to children. We always go directly to the children and get down to their level. We talk directly to them, and problem-solve with them if there is an issue. If children are feeling frustrated or expressing big body needs staff will assist them in finding appropriate ways through talking and problem solving. Staff may do this by encouraging a quiet conversation away from the issue. They may then assist the child in reentering the group situation. To help the children feel that they belong in our programs you will find that staff display their art or special work in meaningful and beautiful ways. Art will be hung respectfully and artfully displayed. Staff will regularly complete pedagogical documentation on each child and their room. You will find staff have photographs of the children, their families and their activities placed where children can appreciate them. Families will be greeted, and information will be shared positively. Families are encouraged to leave written instructions to ensure staff understand their and their child’s needs. Parents who have an issue are encouraged to place it in writing. They may then follow further complaint procedures if it has not been corrected. Notes will be left for parents to help regarding wet or dirty clothes, if we need supplies or have a concern. The outdoor environment is an important part of our daily activities. It is viewed as the third teacher. Staff will ensure they are providing opportunities for exploration and risk taking. They will add props and equipment to assist children in building their physical skills and learning to play both independently and co-operatively. Staff will position themselves on the playground so that all children are always visible. Staff will keep gates, doors and sheds always closed to ensure children are safe. The staff of the North Huron Children’s Centre will be aware that there are prohibited practices as indicated below: No Licensee shall permit, with respect to a child receiving childcare at a childcare centre it operates or at a premises where it oversees the provision of childcare:
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Staff are not permitted to use prohibited practices. |
More specifically the above prohibited practices mean staff, students and or volunteers will not hit, pull, push or shove children or make any other sort of aggressive physical contact. They will not raise their voice, shout or make comments that are sarcastic or rude. Staff will not isolate or ignore a child. Children will not have to finish food, try foods or drinks on command or in order to get more food. They will not be placed in a room and locked in. They will not be restrained against their will or left unattended. Contraventions of our Program Statement:
Monitoring the Implementation of Program Statement will be done in several ways: Staff will be encouraged to complete three self-reflections that will be provided to the Manager. Written responses will be provided that expand, encourage or challenge staff to consider a variety of perspectives and continue ongoing professional learning and engagement with How Does Learning Happen. The Manager provides ongoing support, ideas and reflective learning at all staff meetings. Team meetings will be facilitated when possible and linking staff with a mentor if requested. The Manager will encourage and discuss Program Statement Implementation during regular visits in their rooms. The Manager reviews and is aware of documentation and how it demonstrates program statements and will provide input on strategies to further develop How Does Learning Happen Strategies. |
Registration |
Application forms for all programs may be picked up at the North Huron Children’s Centre or online at www.northhuron.ca. Children from newborns up to 12 years old are eligible to enroll. At times, due to full enrolment, children may need to be placed on a waiting list in order to secure a space, when it becomes available. For access to the Childcare Wait List, please visit https://oneHSN.com/huron to apply. Spaces are prioritized by full-time, reserved and then booking as required. If you occupy a part-time space, you may be given notice in order to accommodate a full-time child. |
North Huron Children’s Programs |
All the North Huron Children’s Programs are licensed by the Ministry of Education. We are fortunate to offer a program staffed with professionals trained in Early Childhood Education. The child to staff ratios are as follows:
There are a total of 67 spaces in the Main Child Care Center: 10 spaces are allocated for Infants (Newborn to 18 months), 25 spaces for Toddlers (18 to 30 months), 32 spaces are for Preschool children (2.5 to 5 years). The Early Learning Site (located at Sacred Heart School) is licensed for 40 preschool spaces. The Before and After School program at Sacred Heart is licensed for 20 spaces. The Before and After School program at Maitland River has 46 JK/SK spaces, and 45 Grade One and Up spaces. Childcare fee assistance is available for all programs as they are registered through the Ministry of Education. Please contact the County office in which you reside to inquire about the childcare subsidy. |
North Huron Waitlist Policy |
North Huron Children’s Programs will maintain a wait list if necessary. For access to the Childcare Wait List, please visit https://oneHSN.com/huron to apply. All people who inquire will be asked to complete registration through OneHSN and the cover page of our registration forms and return it by fax, email or in person to the manager or their designate. The family will receive an email to confirm we have received the cover page. Spaces will be filled according to priority not necessarily date of submission on waitlist. Priorities for filling spaces:
The waiting list will be maintained and made available in a manner that maintains the privacy and confidentiality of the children listed on the waiting list. Only the information regarding the child on the waiting list will be provided to parents. The names of other children or families and/or their placement on the waiting list will not be shared with other individuals. The Program will try to provide the best information on when a space may be available, but this information may not be possible. Spaces can become available if a child drops out or moves age groups. Families who use limited days or booking by schedule may be given notice that type of space is no longer available. Anyone whose account is in arrears may lose their space. No parent will be required to pay for their child’s name to be on the waitlist. |
Hours of Operation |
The Day Care and Early Learning programs operate year-round. The Before and After School Programs only operate from September to June, to coincide with the school year. In December, all programs are closed during the two-week Christmas break. The hours at the Main Centre, Early Learning Site and Sacred Heart Before and After School Program, are from 6:30am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Before and After School Hours at Maitland River are 6:30 am-8:45am and 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Parents will be advised well in advance of any changes. |
Parental Issues and Concerns |
Our programs value your opinions and ideas. If for any reason you have a concern, question or issue we suggest you complete the following steps:
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Emergency Management Policy |
North Huron Children’s Programs have Emergency Management Plans. If your child is affected by an emergency, you will be contacted by staff, by phone or HiMama when possible. You may also listen to local radio for updates as well as any social media our programs participate in. |
Attendance |
Children registered in the programs are expected to attend as scheduled or booked. If your child is going to be absent on one of his/her regularly booked days, it is important to inform the centre in advance. If your child is sick and will not be attending, please call the centre as soon as possible to update the absence. A Wellness call will be placed to the parent if the child is absent, and we have not been notified. If there is no answer, we will continue to call the emergency numbers provided. |
Safe Arrival and Dismissal Policy and Procedures |
This policy and the procedures within help support the safe arrival and dismissal of children receiving care. This policy will provide staff, students and volunteers with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities for ensuring the safe arrival and dismissal of children receiving care, including what steps are to be taken when a child does not arrive at the child care centre as expected, as well as steps to follow to ensure the safe dismissal of children. This policy is intended to fulfil the obligations set out under Ontario Regulation 137/15 for policies and procedures regarding the safe arrival and dismissal of children in care. General
Accepting a child into care
When a child has not arrived in care as expected
Releasing a child from care
When a child has not been picked up as expected (before centre closes)
When a child has not been picked up and the centre is closed
Dismissing a child from care without supervision procedures Staff will only release children from care to the parent/guardian or other authorized adult. Under no circumstances will children be released from care to walk home alone. |
Payment Policies |
When registering your child at any of North Huron Children’s Programs, you will be asked to decide if you are booking by reserved days or by written schedule. You will sign a payment agreement based on the following two options: Reserved Spaces Payment for your childcare services is based on your reserved days. You may register your child to use any pre-determined set days. This is recommended if you require a guaranteed space. Booking by schedule does not guarantee a space. If Statutory Holidays fall on any of your pre-set days you are billed as usual. Spaces by Booking If your family requires childcare based on flexible schedules, you are required to give your schedule in writing to the centre each Tuesday morning, for the following week. Families booking by written schedules are not guaranteed a space. You are billed for what you booked. Once you have submitted your schedule you may request additional days, but your originally booked days will be billed. Spaces are filled on a first come, first serve basis. See Weather and Illness Policies for further information. |
Payments and Illness (Sick Days) |
Our objective is to minimize the possibility that an illness will be brought into the Centre. We ask that you do not bring a sick child to the Centre. You are required to pay for your child’s space when they are ill. If your child has suffered from vomiting, diarrhea, or any other communicable illness, we ask that they must not attend the Center for 48 hours gastral or 24 hours fever free after the last episode. Please read and be aware of the illness policy as directed by the Public Health Department. Children will be able to return when their temperature is normal for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medication, symptoms are visibly improving or advise from a doctor or medical practitioner. Sick Days are required to be paid for as rooms are staffed accordingly. If you are a parent receiving fee assistance, please be aware user fees apply to all days with no reduction in the rate set by the County. |
Payment during Inclement Weather |
If your child was scheduled to attend the North Huron Children’s Programs and they are officially open, you are billed for the scheduled day. If the Program officially closes, you will not be billed. |
Vacation Days |
Families may book up to three weeks unpaid vacation annually. Families must book their vacations two weeks in advance, in writing. You may book vacations in one-week blocks (Monday-Friday). Individual days away from the program will be billed. |
Statutory Holidays |
If you use more than three days per week and statutory holidays fall on your reserved day you are billed for the statutory holiday. If you use two days or less, you will not be billed for Statutory Holidays. |
Centre Closures |
North Huron Children’s Programs are closed annually over the Christmas period for some additional days, above and beyond the statutory holidays. You are not billed during this Christmas Shut Down. During this period, annual painting and floor waxing are completed. The days the centre will close will be decided well in advance, to allow for alternate childcare planning and will be based on family needs and custodial plans. The Centre is closed for all statutory holidays, regular fees apply. If the centre closes for weather-related reasons, you will not be billed for that day. Weather closures will be reported to the local radio stations and reported on our Facebook page. Given the number of families that use daily care, it is difficult to notify everyone individually. Therefore, it will be the responsibility of the parent to check if the programs are closed. Childcare programs are closed to observe the following statutory holidays: Family Day Good Friday Easter Monday Victoria Day Canada Day Civic Holiday Labour Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Break (2 weeks) Remembrance Day *NEW* Professional Learning Days – all programs will be closed so staff can participate in professional learning days. These days will be confirmed closer to the expected date and will be updated as soon as possible so alternate care can be made with proper notice. Please be aware that if you use three or more days per week you are billed for statutory holidays. |
Payment Procedures |
When you enroll in the children’s programs you will be expected to pay in advance for your childcare. Payments are due the first day you attend. Payments can cover one week, two weeks or a month at a time. In the event a payment results in a credit balance on your account and your child(ren) attend child care programs, a credit will be applied to your account. Accepted forms of payment include:
Subsidy may be available to families who feel they are unable to afford the full fee. Please see one of the staff if you wish to apply for full or partial subsidy. Subsidy applications are completed by the County of Huron. Monthly statements will be attached to your child’s locker the first week of each month. The statement should indicate the previous month is paid and what amount is due for the current month. Accounts not kept current will receive written notice. Child Care may be terminated at any time if an account is past due. Accounts in arrears will be forwarded to the Township of North Huron for collection. The Township of North Huron will send unpaid accounts to Collections. |
Pick-up Times |
Any change from your normal pick-up schedule must be pre-arranged with the staff. Staff are scheduled according to the number of children at any given time, therefore coming earlier or staying later may compromise the child/staff ratio. Child/staff ratios are regulated by the Child Care and Early Learning Act, and it is extremely important that we always maintain them. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated in adhering to your scheduled hours, for all children’s safety. Staff will not release your child to any person other than those listed on your application. If there are any changes to your child’s pick-up, it is expected that you will notify the staff in advance. If there is an occasion where you are unable to pick up before the building closes, it would be expected that you would plan for someone else to pick your child up, and phone the Day Care Centre to notify them of this. |
Late Policy |
North Huron Children’s Centre and the Early Learning Centre close at 5:30 pm sharp. The After School Programs close at 6:00 pm sharp. Parents who pick up after this time are officially late. Late fees will apply. The late fee schedule is $5.20 for every five minutes that the staff is kept in the program after closing. You will be asked to sign a late form and late fee will be added to your monthly bill. Parents who are subsidized are responsible for this fee it is not covered by subsidy. We thank you for using our services and ask that you consider this policy when arranging your child’s pick up. |
Arrival and Departure |
The North Huron Children’s Centre does not supply transportation. This must be arranged by the parents. It is necessary for parents to deliver their child and collect him/her. If parents want to prevent certain people from gaining access to their child, the staff must be told who these people are. If a Court Order is in place which limits access to your child, please provide a copy to be placed in your child’s file. In such cases and subject to the above precautions, it is required that parents provide a list of people who may be permitted to escort their child on occasion. Space is provided on the application form for this information. Please inform the Staff in the morning or call during the day, to confirm any change in your normal pick-up arrangement. In the case of separated or divorced parents, where either one or the other has legal visiting rights, these rights may not be exercised on the North Huron Children’s Program’s premises. |
Required Notification Period (Ending Care) |
If you will be leaving the program, we require two weeks written notice. You are billed for this period. In the event your account has a credit balance and your child(ren) are no longer using child care programs, a refund may be issued. If your required days change, we require two weeks’ written notice to modify your reserve days. Changes must be required on an ongoing basis. Changes for appointments and occasional days off are not permitted and are still billed. |
Clothing |
Clothes which are comfortable, easy to get on and off and are washable are most suitable for the children to wear. Indoor shoes or slippers should be worn. Children play outside twice daily both summer and winter, so please send appropriate clothing. In the winter this would include: snow pants, hats, mitts and warm boots. Boots should be large enough to slide on and off easily. Two pairs of warm mitts should accompany your child each day during the winter months. Do not use mitts with strings, as they can be dangerous on our play yard. We also ask that children do not bring scarves, as they can get caught in equipment, please send neck warmers instead. In the spring, please send rubber boots and splash pants for your child. All clothing and personal belongings should be clearly labeled. Be sure to send an extra complete change of clothing. |
Off-Site Excursions |
The North Huron Children’s Programs will occasionally take excursions off the property. These excursions are generally to participate in local events or locations in the community. Parents can check their child's calendars for small excursions such as splash pad, post office, walks etc. You will see a consent in your registration packages to approve this. We do not take trips that require transportation in vehicles. |
Sun Safety |
We encourage families to protect their children from the sun by applying a generous amount of sunscreen each day, before their children arrive at the programs. The staff attempts to limit sun exposure, but please sign the consent form regarding staff reapplying sunscreen if required. This consent is found in your registration form. A sun hat is always a good idea too! Sunscreen must be provided by individual families for their child. It will be kept onsite labelled with the child’s name. |
Allergies |
We are a peanut free environment where peanuts and peanut products are not used or allowed in the building. Please do not bring any snacks or beverages into the centre. If your child has peanuts or peanut butter at home, please change his/her clothing and make sure his/her hands and face are thoroughly washed before arriving at day care. On occasion we have children enrolled, who have life threatening allergies to these products. Your adherence to this policy is essential. |
Food Entering the Premises |
We are a peanut/nut free environment where peanut/nut products are not used or allowed in the building. We ask that food and drink not be brought into the building. If your child has specific dietary needs or restrictions and requires you to bring lunch and/or snack items into the building the following is required:
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Sleep Policy |
Staff in all sleep rooms are doing direct visual checks of sleeping children. They are physically present and checking for indicators of distress or unusual behaviors. Staff will ensure there is sufficient lighting in the sleep room or area to conduct direct visual checks. Children in our programs are assigned individual cots or cribs labelled with their names. When children are enrolled sleep information is collected on registrations. Sleep arrangements are discussed as needed throughout the child’s time in program. Parents will be provided with information if their child is observed to have any significant changes in sleep patterns or behaviours during sleep. They will then come up with adjustments in how the child will be supervised during sleep. |
Infant Sleep |
North Huron Children’s Programs will ensure that children under 12 months old are placed to sleep in a manner consistent with the recommendations set out in the Joint Statement of Safe Sleep, unless a child’s physician recommends otherwise in writing. In the infant room these physical checks will be documented. Staff will attend each sleep crib and or cot and place their hand on the child to feel them breathing. These checks will be performed every fifteen minutes then the person doing the check will place their initials on the sleep chart outside the crib room. Parents of children under 12 months will be advised of our obligation to ensure that children under 12 months are placed for sleep in a manner consistent with the recommendations set out in the Joint Statement of Safe Sleep. Electronic Sleep Monitor is used in the infant room to assist staff when a child wakes up. It does not replace the direct physical checks performed by the staff. It will be checked daily by infant teachers to ensure it is working and on. If the monitor is not working staff will ensure all staff have been informed and that they are able to hear children as they wake up without the device. |
Administration of Medication and Children’s Safety |
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Staff Qualifications and Training |
Staff hired at North Huron Children’s Programs are Registered Early Childhood Educators with the College of Early Childhood Education. You may check the register online at https://www.college-ece.ca/Pages/default.aspx . Some staff are hired as untrained and then work closely with an Early Childhood Educator. All staff in the program provide a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Screen check at time of hire and sign a declaration each year. These are renewed every five years. All staff working regularly in the childcare buildings or programs has Standard First Aid and Infant/Child CPR. All staff in the programs follow the How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years and participate in Continuous Professional Learning. |
Posting of Serious Occurrences |
Parental Notification of Serious Occurrences is required related to a Serious Occurrence. The forms will be completed by the Manager or the Designate of the program. It will be posted within 24 hours of the Serious Occurrence. At North Huron Children’s Programs, the form will be posted with the license summary and where our license is available. It is in the front entrance area which is available to all parents. The form will follow all instructions regarding privacy and confidentiality. The form will be posted for 10 days and will remain posted for 10 days after any updates. Updates include any actions and any follow-up actions as they are added and dated as completed. In the event that allegations of abuse and mistreatment have been reported as a serious occurrence the Parent Notification Form will be posted at the conclusionof any CAS investigation and any Ministry Investigations. Outcomes will include if the occurrence was verified or not verified. |
Student and Volunteers |
Students and volunteers in our programs do not have unsupervised access to children in our programs. All volunteers and students review and sign off on all policy and procedures in relation to working with the children in our programs. Students and Volunteers will be monitored at all times. |
North Huron Children’s Programs Daily Fee Schedule |
The Township of North Huron and The North Huron Children’s Centre has enrolled in the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care System (CWELCC). The North Huron Children’s Programs application has been reviewed and approved to help reduce childcare fees at the Municipal Childcare Centre; giving families access to more affordable high-quality childcare. Eligible children are defined as any child up to the age of 6 until the end of the month of birth. We believe that childcare provides a strong foundation for early Childhood Development and well-being of children, and we are committed to providing childcare services that meet the needs of your children and families. Participating in the CWELCC System will help us continue to provide high quality childcare that is accessible, affordable, inclusive, and sustainable. Effective December 31, 2022, the parent portion of the childcare fees has been reduced to reflect the CWELCC grant funding received by the Municipality under the Federal and Provincial agreement. Children are eligible for the Canada Wide Early Learning and Childcare (CWELCC) program for ages 0-5. If your child is in their sixth year, they are eligible as stated below:
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Program | 2025 Previous Unreduced Fees | CWELCC Funding | 2025 Parent Portion(Base Fee) |
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Infant | $52.78 | $30.78 | $22.00 |
Toddler | $47.58 | $25.96 | $21.62 |
Preschool | $42.38 | $23.13 | $19.25 |
Early Learning at Sacred Heart | $42.38 | $23.13 | $19.25 |
Before School JK/SK (MR & SH) | $11.96 | ||
After School JK/SK (MR & SH) | $11.96 | ||
After School JK/SK (MR & SH) | $9.88 | ||
Before School GR1+ (MR & SH) | $11.44 | ||
After School GR1+ (MR & SH) | $11.44 | ||
After School GR1+ (MR & SH) | $9.88 | ||
Before & After School JK/SK (MR & SH) | $23.92 | $11.92 | $12.00 |
Late Fee (non-base fee) | $1.04/Min | ||
One-Time |
$11.18 |
$4.41 |
$6.77 |
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