General Information
We employ over 15 permanent staff and up to 5 casual staff throughout the year. During the summer months, we also hire an additional 4 - 5 students to help make our summer program a success.
Our staff include:
Early Childhood Educators
Early Childhood Assistant Educators
Chef
Chartered Professional Accountant / Chartered Professional in Human Resources
Responsible Adults
All staff undergo a Criminal Record Check relevant to the childcare sector. In addition, staff hold valid Child Care First Aid and Food Safe Certificates.
We have 3 staff with over 20 years of service with our organization and several more who have more than 10 years of service.
Birthdays
If you would like your child to celebrate their birthday with their friends at the Centre, feel free to bring in a cupcakes. We will be sure to have a mini party for them.
Seasonal Celebrations
Throughout the year we recognize and celebrate various holidays and traditions. Some of these celebrations include:
Chinese New Year
Valentines Day
Easter
Canada Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Indoor Activities
We offer a variety of age appropriate activities to help children learn and develop. These activities include:
Arts and crafts
Puzzles
Imaginative play
Yoga / Zumba
Stories
Outdoor Activities
Physical activity is also an important part of a child's development. We are lucky to have access to two secure playgrounds. One is setup for children in our under three program, and the other is setup for children in our three to five year old programs. The school age program utilizes the Edmonds Community School playground, swings and climbing structures.
Some of the outdoor activities include:
Playing with balls
Riding toys
Climbing frames
Blowing bubbles
Sidewalk chalk art
Hopscotch
For a bit a variety, the groups may also take a walk around the neighbourhood or visit local parks.
We strongly believe providing healthy snacks and meals allow children to fully grow and develop. Proper nutrition provides the energy needed for children to learn and to fully participate in our programs.
Our kitchen holds a food service licence, is regulated by Fraser Health and is subject to regular inspections.
This program is run by our onsite, full time chef. Meals are prepared based on Canada's Food Guide and takes into consideration children's food allergies and food restrictions (Please note: we are not able to accommodate dairy free, gluten free or plant based diets) . There are no additional fees to participate in this program, it is included in the regular monthly fees.
Our meal program includes:
Light breakfast for those who are in before 8:15 am
Morning snack
Hot lunch
Afternoon snack
The daily menu is posted outside of the kitchen.
To raise money to purchase various toys and equipment for our classrooms and playgrounds, we run several fundraising campaigns. These fundraisers typically focus on catalogue sales and food sales.
As a Charitable organization, we are able to issue donation tax receipts. So for those who want to help support the Centre, but do not want to purchase products, they can make a donation. Donations over $20.00 will be issued a Charitable tax receipt.
The Board of Directors are responsible for the administration of the facility and decision making for policies, procedures and finances.
The Board is comprised of past and present parents, community members and staff members.
We are following the guidelines and recommendations from the various regulatory bodies including WorkSafeBC, BC CDC, Public Health, and Fraser Health.
Things we are doing to keep everyone safe:
- Daily health and temperature checks of all staff and children.
- Limited access into our facility.
- Designated drop off location for families.
- Increased hand washing throughout the day.
- Increased cleaning and sanitizing schedules.
- Encouraging the use of space within the classrooms.
- Lots of outdoor play and neighbourhood walks.
- Gradual return to full enrollment in each program.
- Sick employees are not permitted to come to work.
- Sick children are not permitted to attend childcare. We use the current COVID-19 guidelines / regular illness policy when determining when a child can return.
- Masks are required in all public and common areas as well as when staff are unable to maintain social distances.
- Marked entry ways to help establish social distance during drop off and pick up.