Welcome to Cottfn

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

Enji Maajtaawaad Early Years Program

330 Chippewa Rd

Muncey, Ontario

N0L 1Y0

Tel (519) 289-0584

Fax (519) 289-0616

Staff

Santana Antone Infant Room R-ECE

Rosalyn Grosbeck Infant Room R-ECE

Kathy Kechego Toddler Room R-ECE

Abigail Nicholas Toddler Room Apprentice

Karen May Preschool Room R-ECE

Cheri Fisher Junior Kindergarten R-ECE

Linda Monck Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Brooke Chrisjohn Senior Kindergarten R-ECE

Wanda Riley Cook

Blake Young Janitor

Theresa Burch Supervisor R-ECE

Jaime Cornelius Director R-ECE

Welcome to Enji-Maajtaawaad Early Years Program!

We are excited about working with you and your child. We recognize and support that you are your child’s first and most important teacher. It is our privilege to work along-side you in providing your child with the best possible start in life!

Early Years consists of many departments:

- Infant care

- Toddler Care

- Preschool care

- Junior Kindergarten Program

- JK/SK Summer Program

- Resource Support Services

- Clothing Exchange Program

- Family and Community Outreach Site

- 0-6 Drop-in Center

- Board Room and Conferencing Rentals

We have six program components that help ensure our program delivers a holistic approach in providing effective programming and services to you and your family. They are as follows; Education, Nutrition, Health Promotion, Social Support, Parental Involvement, and the Ojibwa Language & Culture.

It is our mission that each child and family benefits long-term from participating in the program. We are committed in providing your child with a high quality educational program while they are in our care. One that will prepare them for school and throughout life!

We are committed to meeting the social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs of the children within our care. We believe that each aspect of development is interrelated, and we therefore endeavour to provide a program that meets these needs in a consistent and progressive manner. It is our desire that each child will develop to his/her potential.

Our curriculum develops through our understanding of the child we strive to meet his/her needs. We believe that play is the most powerful vehicle for learning. It is in play that the child uses pre-reading, social and cognitive and motor skills. We also see that building a child’s sense of self worth and independence is extremely important.

Through positive reinforcement and genuine affection, we help children develop the feeling of being special and unique. We continue to provide a warm, inviting environment where your child will feel welcome and confident while building their self-esteem.

Learning Centers

Our classrooms are organized around a variety of learning centers. A learning center is an area in the classroom, which contains a collection of activities and material intended to introduce, teach, reinforce or enrich a skill or concept.

Art Activities

We recognize the importance of encouraging the inventive, original, creative potential in each child. We encourage experimentation with a wide variety of material, which helps to develop problem-solving skills. Basic materials are provided at all times at the creative center such as crayons, paper, scissors, pencil, crayons, stencils and glue. Creativity integrates physical, mental, social and emotional growth. The process is what is important, not the finished product.

Fine Motor Area

Fine Motor Area expose children to a constantly changing collection of puzzles, cognitive games, fine motor and manipulative activities, all of which enhance and develop pre-reading and math skills.

Block and Construction Center

The block area is an area with endless possibilities. Here, children challenge their imaginations and bring their ideas to fruition. As children build, they un knowingly explore balance, weight, height and depth. Through teamwork and cooperation children, can be as creative as their imagination will allow. They learn to judge space and experience distance. They express their ideas, interpret what they observe and share their feelings. A variety of materials and toys are added to the block center to enhance their play such as animals, vehicles, people, construction toys, etc...

Math Activities

This area is designed to introduce children to math concepts such as sorting, matching classification and counting. Materials that provide children with these opportunities include file folder games, coloured beads, measuring scales and much more.

Group Time

Group time is a structured, teacher directed activity conducted in a circle time atmosphere. During circle time, children are exposed to concrete learning experiences. The week is divided so that children are getting balanced exposure to phonics, math cooperative games and science. Each group or circle time included elements of music and or movement and is designed to give children a purposeful and interactive opportunity to reinforce an already acquired skill or to learn something new.

Computer

The introduction to computers at a young age helps children understand how they operate. Children are given the opportunity to play with educational based games. These computer games help to enhance fine motor coordination, letter recognition, and problem solving and math skills.

Gross Motor

Children need an opportunity to participate in gross motor activities. We allot at least 2 hours of gross motor opportunities each day. This may include indoor or outdoor activities depending on the weather.

Dramatic Center

The dramatic center is an area of the classroom dedicated to allowing children the opportunity to take on various roles and engage in imaginative play. Children imitate the actions of influential adults and peers; this type of play allows children to practice their life skills. Dramatic play encourages children to cooperate with one another, try on different role, share ideas and build friendships. It is an integral part of learning and socialization.

Science and Discovery Center

Science for young children is finding out about the world in which they live. The best way for young children to learn about science is through hands on experiences. Within the classroom we expose children to the following areas of interest: physical sciences- motion, weight, balance, gravity, buoyancy and temperature, life science, plants and animals, Earth Science, weather, geology and erosion

We strive to provide an array of challenging multi-sensory activities. Children are encourages to ask questions, make predictions, hypothesize and test their knowledge.

Field Trip and Outings

Field Trips are a time of discovery and adventure. They give children an opportunity to explore exciting new places that are close to home. In addition to field trips, there are several times a year that special quests are brought in to entertain and or educate the children. These might include, dance instructions, music instruction, story tellers, elders visit, community helpers visit.

Hours of Operation

We are open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 5:00pm. If the program needs to close due to inclement weather or health & safety reasons you will be notified immediately by your child’s teacher.

We will do our best to provide you with advance notice should a program closure be necessary. We understand the inconvenience closures cause a family and will try to provide you with some advance warning.

Are there Childcare Costs/Fees?

The program receives AHSOR (Aboriginal Head Start Ontario Region) funding and that is why there are no cost/fees for children enrolled in the Preschool Room.

The Infant and Toddler programs are provincially funded and will require the parent to pay $40.00/month. Monthly fees will end once your child has moved up into the Preschool Room. Monthly fees are due on the first of the month. If fees are not received by the end of the 7^th working day, your child will be withdrawn.

Junior Kindergarten no fees are required.

Non-Working Families and Working Families

We ask that non-working families adhere to the hours of 8:30 am to no later than 3:30 pm, this ensures that your child does not have an extremely long day and also helps in maintaining ratios with staff arriving and departing for their shifts. Past a 3:30 pick-up you will be a charged a $10 late fee, which is due before your child can return.

We also ask that working families provide work numbers and/or student schedules. These will be checked by the Supervisor periodically. If any changes do occur please let us know. Working families (children) are not to be left here more than 9 hrs on any given day. At 9 hrs you will be called for pick-up or emergency contact will be called.

Arrival & Departures

All children must arrive by 9:00am to participate in the program. Unfortunately if you arrive past 9:00 your child will not be able to participate in the program for the day.

If your child has a medical appointment they must arrive by 11:00am with 24 hr advance notice given to the Supervisor or Director.

There is a late fee of $10.00 that must be paid in full before your child returns back to the program after being picked up late. For non-working families this would be later than 3:30 pm. For working parents this would be later than 5:00 pm.

General Parent Reminders

-Due to allergies we ask that you do not bring any food into the centre.

-No smoking at least 500 ft from the building.

- Sign your child in and out every day.

-Person must be 18 years of age to sign any child out.

-If teacher suspects you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol we reserve the right to call one of your emergency contact forms, as an alternative pick-up. If you do take your child from our care, police will be called immediately.

-Fundraising is a huge part of your Early Years experience you will be required to participate in our scheduled events; no participation will exclude you from our Year-End Trip.

-Monthly Fees are due on the 1^st of the month. (Infant/toddler)

Infant Room

We welcome you and your little one to our room. We strive to make the transition from home to childcare an easy and smooth transition, by providing the same care and nurturing as you do at home.

Bottles

Please make all bottles prior to arriving in the morning. All bottles must be labelled before they are put in the fridge.

Baby Food

All baby food must be provided by parents, label all food containers and boxes.

Your baby is more than welcome to eat from our menu, please ask for our 6 week menu plan. We ask that you try new foods with them at home first, before we try them here. So to avoid any allergic reactions. The teachers can also puree our food, to a consistency that is acceptable for your baby.

Extra Clothing & Labelling

Please ensure your child has extra clothing available in their cubbies. All belongings should be labelled clearly with your child’s name or initials. Your child’s teacher may label the clothing with black permanent marker if you haven’t done so. This helps ensure your child’s belongings are not lost/stolen.

Infants need at least 3-4 full sets of clothes in their cubby at all times. This age the children do tend to be messier with meal times and craft activities.

Please don’t forget to check your child’s cubbie for dirty or soiled items.

Diapers/Wipes

It is your responsibility to ensure your baby has enough supplies for the day. Diaper bags or boxes can be stored here for your convenience.

Siblings

We ask that older siblings are not allowed to wander inside the room during pick up and drop offs, our room is disinfected daily, as our babies are allowed to crawl on the floor all around the room.

Outside Play

Infants will go outside on a daily basis, please bring appropriate outdoor wear every day.

Winter: hat, mittens, winter boots, snowsuit.

Spring: splash pants, spring coat, lighter hat,

Summer: sunhat, sunscreen, bug spray

Fall: splash pants, winter coat, rain boots.

Note: Enji-Maajtaawaad Early Years Program is not responsible for any lost or stolen articles.

Moving

Infants usually move into the Toddler room from 15 months to 20 months of age, depending on development.

Toddler Room

This is a very exciting and very busy time in your child’s life; they are developing new developmental skills and achieving many milestones during this period.

Soothers

Soothers are allowed in the Toddler room, they will be given to your child at nap time only.

Diapers/Wipes

It is your responsibility to ensure your Toddler has enough supplies for the day. Diaper bags or boxes can be stored here for your convenience.

Potty Training

Our Toddler teachers will assist you in training your child. We usually like to start to introduce them to the potty around the age of 20 months. Consistency at home and school is an integral part of the potty training process, please be prepared to provide 5-6 sets of underwear (no pull-ups) pants, socks and 1 extra pair of indoor shoes. Toddlers must be fully trained before they move to the Junior Room.

**Pull-Ups are not allowed at the center**

Please ensure to sign your child in and out daily in the classroom sign in/out books. Feel free to comment or ask questions about your child’s day. We look forward to sharing and hearing stories about your child.

Extra Clothing & Labelling

Toddler children will need at least 3-4 full sets of clothes in their cubby at all times. This age the children do tend to be messier with meal times and craft activities.

Outside Play

The Toddlers will go outside on a daily basis, please bring appropriate outdoor wear every day.

Winter: hat, mittens, winter boots, snowsuit.

Spring: splash pants, spring coat, lighter hat,

Summer: sunhat, sunscreen, bug spray

Fall: splash pants, winter coat, rain boots.

Note: Enji-Maajtaawaad Early Years Program is not responsible for any lost or stolen articles.

Moving

Toddler children are generally moved into the Junior Room anytime from 28 months to 32 months of age, depending on development.

Preschool Room

Preschool children are making developmental strides and express an interest in the world around them. They want to touch, taste, and smell, hear, and test things for themselves. They are eager to learn. They learn by experiencing and by doing.

Preschoolers learn from their play. They are busy developing skills, using language, and struggling to gain inner control. Preschoolers want to establish themselves as separate from their parents. They are more independent than toddlers. They can express their needs since they have greater command of language.

Outside Play

Preschoolers will go outside up to a maximum of 2 hrs a day. Please bring appropriate outdoor wear every day.

Winter: hat, mittens, winter boots, snowsuit.

Spring: splash pants, spring coat, lighter hat,

Summer: sunhat, sunscreen, bug spray

Fall: splash pants, winter coat, rain boots.

Fundraising

Since you are not required to pay fees you are encouraged to volunteer with fund-raising initiatives, field trips, and programming events or activities.

Sick Children

In respect to the safety and well-being of all the children, please find alternative care if your child is sick.

Your child will be sent home if they have any of the following symptoms;

Ø Fever

Ø Diarrhea (1 incidence)

Ø Vomiting (1 incidence)

Ø Fever Cold/Cough

Ø Spots on the body or any other visible symptoms which may be contagious

Ø A doctor’s note must be provided to the Supervisor upon the child’s return if they were absent/sent home with a contagious disease. (Pink-eye, chicken pox, measles, mumps, etc…)

Moving

Preschoolers generally move to Junior Kindergarten when they are 4 yrs old.

Junior Kindergarten

Communication Tool

A planner will be going home with your child every day; this is a great communication tool that you and your teacher can utilize. Your child’s teacher will write in your child’s planner daily to keep you informed about your child’s day. Special announcements and events will also be posted in the planner. Your feedback is important to us, if you have any questions or would like your teacher to know about your child’s night, please reply in the planner. J Please send your child with a backpack.

School Year Calendar

Junior Kindergarten class is following the Antler River Elementary School Year Calendar. Please take note of scheduled PD Days and Stat Holidays posted.

If the program needs to close due to inclement weather or health & safety reasons, you will be notified immediately by your child’s teacher.

We will do our best to provide you with advance notice should a program closure be necessary. We understand the inconvenience closures cause a family and will try to provide you with advance warning.

Arrival & Departures

All JK children must arrive by 9:00am to participate in the program. Unfortunately if you arrive past 9:00 your child will not be able to participate in the program for the day.

If your child has a medical appointment they must arrive by 11:00am with 24 hr advance notice given to the Supervisor or Director.

All JK children considered to be a non-working family, and they do not ride the school bus home, they must be picked up no later than 3:30 p.m. a $10.00 late fee must be paid in full before your child returns back to the program after being picked up late.

Delays and Closures

Junior Kindergarten class will follow Antler River School closures for inclement weather. We are located in Middlesex County Strathroy District (Red Zone). Therefore; when Antler River School announces a closure we are also closed. Please check onlinewww.thebigyellowschoolbus.ca

If a 2 hr delay is announced the Junior Kindergarten children not riding the bus are allowed to be dropped off at the 2 hr mark for example: 8:45 start, 2 hr delay = 11:45 start

Sick Children

In respect to the safety and well-being of all the children, please find alternative care if your child is sick.

Your child will be sent home if they have any of the following symptoms;

Ø Fever

Ø Diarrhea (1 incidence)

Ø Vomiting (1 incidence)

Ø Fever Cold/Cough

Ø Spots on the body or any other visible symptoms which may be contagious

Ø A doctor’s note must be provided to the Supervisor upon the child’s return if they were absent/sent home with a contagious disease. (Pink-eye, chicken pox, measles, mumps, etc…)

Head Lice

Each child will be checked upon arrival for head lice/nits. Children found to be infected will not be able to attend the program until there is no evidence of head lice/nits.

Extra Clothing & Labelling

Please ensure your child has extra clothing available in their cubbies. All belongings should be labelled clearly with your child’s name or initials.

Welcome to Cottfn