Discipline
At The Learning Place Preschool discipline is viewed in a positive way; I believe that the best solution is to avoid the need for discipline by anticipating frustrations or antagonisms building and to prevent hurtful incidents from occurring. The staff will intervene and help children to find a better solution to the problem or effect a change of activity or group dynamic.
We aim to help each child develop a sense of self-control, allowing him/her to make appropriate choices. We maintain that no child should be allowed to physically harm another child and use positive guidance, redirection and set clear limits.
We do not condone corporal, humiliating or frightening punishment or physical restraint and any action taken must be reasonable in the circumstances; physical punishment, verbal or physical degradation or emotional deprivation is simply not allowed. No staff member must use or permit the use of any form of physical restraint, confinement or isolation, deny or threaten to deny any basic needs of the child.
In the event that a child’s behavior deemed it necessary to protect the health and safety of other children or staff then the parent or emergency contact will be called. If this disruption continues after a period of thirty (30) days and we feel that all avenues have been exhausted then the parent/caregiver may be required to withdraw the child from school.

Staffing The Learning Place currently employs one full time Teacher & Director as well as one full time classroom worker. We may have at least one part time aide provided by the I'm for Kids team, and occasional qualified substitute teaching assistants  or workers to cover for sickness, vacation etc. Everyone who is in the classroom holds a current Criminal record check which includes a vulnerable sector check and this is renewed at least every 3 years.   The number of staff positions meets staff to child ratios and certification requirements required for program capacity.  There are no parent volunteers at the program.
The main teacher and Director has her First Aid certification, Alberta Teaching status, a B.Ed, Ma.Ed, Diplomas in Education for Special Needs and also holds CDS. All full time staff hold Childcare assistant, worker or supervisor qualifications, and  have their First Aid qualifications. Other assistants, helpers and students must have criminal record and vulnerable sector checks.
 




Health care
We encourage your child's good health by teaching good hygiene to the children, especially hand washing after visiting the bathroom and before snack time.
If a child becomes unwell at school then we will make him/her as comfortable as possible and call the parent/contact.
In the event of an emergency or if  we cannot locate the parent/emergency contact The Learning Place will secure whatever medical care is necessary for the safety of the child but is not responsible for any costs incurred for emergency care.

Communicable diseases & sick children
If a child becomes sick at preschool we will call the parent/contact to come for the child as we do not have the facilities to accommodate or look after a sick child for the session.
We will try to keep the child away from the other children as far as is possible and the child will supervised by one of the staff, this may include care in a separate room or area until the parent/contact arrives.

Please keep your child home if he or she:
•  has a known or suspected disease such as measles, chickenpox,  etc.
 *has symptoms such as generalized rash, vomiting, diarrhea, red, swollen or discharging eyes, chronic cough, high temperature or persistent fever    
 *is too ill or lethargic to take part in regular activities.
Children who are taking antibiotics, who do not have a fever and otherwise seem well need not be excluded from Preschool.
We do ask that you inform us if your child has been diagnosed with a contagious illness, such as chicken pox, pink eye, or Strep throat, so we can inform the parents of the other children and Public Health where necessary.
A child may not return to class until the Licence Holder (Miss DIane) is satisfied that the child no longer poses a health threat or risk to other persons on the premises. This does not apply if the parent provides a written note from the Physician indicating that the child does not pose a risk.
 

Medicine
We do not administer ‘over the counter’ medications at school. If your child needs daily medication, an epi-pen or asthma inhaler which has to be administered at school we require a signed letter from the family physician which states dosage and usage. Parents also need to provide a signed authorization giving consent for storage of the medication, administration, signs to watch for before and after administration and any side effects usually displayed by the child.
There is a medication and administration form which needs to be completed prior to starting school; this is completed, signed, dated, dosage recorded and signed by the member of staff if administered during the session.
Any medication must be named, in the original container and administered according to the labeled directions and is stored out of reach of the children.
Bathroom accidentsPlease make sure your child always has a spare set of clothing, including underwear, in their backpack – if they have a ‘pee’ accident wewill change them in the bathroom and put them in their spare clothes. With a ‘poop’ accident we will call you or one of the emergency contacts to take them home – we feel this is less stress on the child.

Nutrition
Each child will need to bring a healthy snack and drink in a named, unbreakable container, this is collected in a Tote outside the classroom until snack time - we have no refrigeration available but many parents will add an ice pack to keep the contents chilled. Snacks are eaten together at tables towards the end of the session and any uneaten food or drink is returned home with the child.
We do not allow any nuts or seeds, candy or yoghurt tubes but encourage items such as cheese, crackers, fruit or veggies.
In accordance with our health and safety rulings we ask that grapes are cut in half and that you send any items such as a spoon, fork etc as can not provide these in the classroom.

Before starting a session
Children need to change into a pair of indoor shoes before they come into class.
Please make sure your child has been to the bathroom and washed their hands before entering the classroom.

Emergency evacuation and emergency numbers
The following information and telephone numbers are written and posted on the notice board outside the classroom:
    emergency medical  & ambulance services
    Fire department
    RCMP Service
    Poison control centre
    Nearest hospital or emergency medical facility
    Child abuse hotline
    After hours number for the program director/teachers
    School telephone and email information
    victim services
    Health link
    Public Health
    Cochrane mental health distress line

In the event of an emergency  Fire evacuation or practice the children leave the classroom and exit by the stairs to the muster point which is in the car park, we do not stop to put coats or outdoor shoes on. Portable records and register are taken outside by the teachers and everyone will remain outside the building in a safe area as determined by the emergency services until it is safe to re- enter.

School Closures
If school is closed before the start if a session due to unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather we will attempt to inform everyone by e-mail and by putting information on the website when possible. Cold weather closures when Public and Catholic schools in Cochrane are also closed will be reported on Global TV.