Philosophy

At Perry House, we believe that each child is special, with individual likes, needs and skills. Through both structured and unstructured activities, our caring, professional teachers enhance the child’s self esteem. This is accomplished by encouraging the child to explore and manipulate their environment, thereby promoting their physical, social and cognitive development.

Each room is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the group it embraces. We are constantly adapting our program and its many extras to meet the ever-changing needs of the families we serve.  Our friendly staff will gladly help you access resources in the community.  At Perry House, our door is always open, and perspective parents are always welcome.

Ages of Children

We provide quality care for children from birth to 12 years of age.

Hours of Operation

The Centre is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., except on Statutory Holidays.

STATUTORY HOLIDAYS               New Years Day              Labour Day               Good Friday                   Thanksgiving Day               Victoria Day                   Christmas Day               Canada Day                    Boxing Day                                 Civic Holiday FEES ARE CHARGED FOR STAUTORY HOLIDAYS

Admission

All parents/guardians must have a tour of our facilities prior to enrolment.  This is a great opportunity for you to view the program, meet the teachers and have any questions answered that you may have.  It will also confirm if the program and policies of Perry House Child Care Services are compatible with your needs. 

Once there is a spot available for your child(ren) you are required to submit a non-refundable cheque equivalent to one week’s fees.  This will be applied to cover the fees for the first week that your child is scheduled to be in our care.

A registration package will also be given to you upon enrolment. This contains all the necessary forms that need to be filled out and signed prior to your child’s start date.  There is NO registration fee.  Also, please remember to update the office and room teachers of any new phone numbers, emergency contacts or medical information.

Orientation 

Children may experience separation anxiety.  Although this is very common, it can be most stressful for both the child and the parents.  For this reason we insist that before commencing childcare, all children must complete a series of visits.  Both parent and caregiver will decide when it is mutually convenient for these visits to take place.

The first visit should be about half an hour to an hour long.  This is more of an introductory visit where the child meets the teachers and walks around the classroom to view all the areas of interest. The parents are encouraged to stay for the first visit to spend some time with their child and caregivers.  Each visit thereafter should become longer for the child and shorter for the parent.  Parents may take a walk or go for a drive while their child (ren) are visiting provided we have forms filled out in case of an emergency.

Arrival and Pick-up

Young children depend on routines for their own sense of security.  We recommend that you establish fixed hours to pick up and drop off your child.  When your child arrives, notify a member of the staff as to your child’s presence and please be sure to sign your child in.  Similarly, when picking up your child, make sure the staff knows that you are leaving, and make sure that you sign your child out.  Unless otherwise arranged, children will not be released to any person other than those specified on the admission form.  “Strangers” to us are required to show photo identification before they are permitted to leave the premises with your child.  It is Perry House policy that we will only release your child to an adult.  The Day Nurseries Act stipulates that an adult is someone who is 18 years of age or older.

 

Health & Nutrition

A nutritious hot lunch, morning and afternoon snacks (all prepared on the premises) are provided each day.  Children’s special dietary needs and allergies will be posted in the cooking and serving area.  Weekly menu plans will be posted for the current and following week to assist you in menu planning at home. 

Our menus meet all the requirements of the Day Nurseries Act and the Canada Food Guide.  Your child is welcome to bring a breakfast from home and eat it here with us.  However, breakfast must be a food that carries nutritional qualities, not timbits or chocolate muffins instead:  fruit, eggs, toast, cereals etc.

PARENTS: Please be advised that Perry House has removed peanut butter, coconut, and all nut related products from the menu, as well as fish products since there are severe allergies to these products within the centre.  Therefore Perry House requires that you DO NOT send your child to daycare with any of these products for any reason whatsoever.  This includes products in your child’s NAPSACKS for school.

The Day Nurseries Act requires that all children who are in our care for six hours or more have a ‘rest’ period that is at least one hour in length.  If a child has not fallen asleep after the first hour, he/she is permitted to do quiet activities on their bed/mat until their classmates awaken.

When your child has an immunization shot or a communicable disease please be sure to notify the office so that we can update your child’s medical record.

We need to know of all communicable disease so we can take appropriate sanitation precautions to prevent further out breaks.

Clothing and Possessions

Your child should be dressed in clothing that is appropriate for physical activity, the weather and the season.  A second set of clothing should be kept at Perry House in case of accidents.  Also, all clothing and accessories should be labeled with your child’s name.  We cannot be held responsible for lost belongings. Toys should not be brought to Perry House except as “Show & Tell” or as part of a special planned theme.

Sun Safety

The risk of skin damage from the ultraviolet rays is much greater than it ever has been.

It is imperative that parents provide sun hats and proper outerwear for their children during the summer months.  Perry House offers an effective sunscreen that it is applied before each outing.  If  you wish to provide your own sunscreen it should NOT contain any coconut fragrances or by-products and should be approved by a supervisor before labeling it with the child’s  name and left at the centre.   

Medical Records

It is imperative that parents provide the office with any updated medical information pertaining to their child/ren as soon as it has occurred.  Whether it may be that a child has received an immunization needle or has developed a new allergy, this information must be updated immediately to ensure the safety and well being of your child.    

Specialized Services

*We have an in-ground swimming pool and during the summer we have supervised swimming and lots of water fun, all conducted by classroom staff and qualified lifeguards.

*We will transport children to and from most Whitby schools.

Field Trips

Throughout the year, trips are made to special places of interest. A notice will be posted on your child’s clipboard in advance of the excursion, informing you of the destination, time, date, and cost (if any). It will also include a spot for you to sign and give us consent for your child to accompany us on the trip. You are always welcome to accompany us, however you must supply the office with a criminal reference check before the trip takes place.

All trip monies are non-refundable and due before you child goes on the trip. If your child can not go on a field trip for whatever reason please notify the office and classroom teacher in advance so that alternate arrangements can be made.  Please note that your child may not be placed in another classroom due to restrictions stated in the Day Nurseries Act.

Parental Involvement

You are welcome to participate in the daily program and visit your child in your free time.  Volunteering on trips or participating in fundraising events are great ways to be involved in your child’s day.

There is a “Suggestion Box” by the front door near the entrance.  You are invited to use it.  Should you have a suggestion you feel may be of value to us all, drop it in the “Box”.  We are always open to suggestions or constructive criticism.

As always, the door to the office remains open and your personal input is always welcome.

Children’s Photo’s

Parent’s will be asked to sign apermission form allowing Perry House and/or external persons to occasionally photograph and/or videotape their child. Photographs are usual taken of children engaging in fun activities throughout the day, during classroom parties and on planned excursions.  The photographs are posted for parents to enjoy and are later placed in a classroom book.

Emergency Shelter

In case of emergency evacuation, your child will be taken to BABY SHACK, which is located at 149 Brock St., directly through the municipal parking lot across from Perry House.  All Perry House parents will be notified of the emergency once all the children are accounted for and safe.  As you can see by this, IT IS IMPERATIVE that you notify Perry House of any changes to phone numbers or emergency contacts as soon as they happen.

Discipline

Children are disciplined in a positive manner and at a level that is appropriate to their actions and their ages in order to promote self-discipline, ensure health and safety, respect the rights of others, and maintain equipment. When other methods fail Perry House does have a “time out” policy where a child is removed from a situation and sits out for a maximum of one minute per year of age.  They are then spoken to about what happened and how they can handle it better next time. Corporal punishment is NOT permitted. 

Violence

At Perry House we encourage children to solve their differences in a non-violent manner.  There is a zero tolerance for swearing,“bullying”or violence of any kind.  In these situations, the child is sent to the office and parents are notified immediately.  There are no guns or similar toys allowed in the centre.  All movies that are viewed at Perry House are family rated and are pre-approved by a supervisor.

Anti-Racism/Anti-Bias Policy

Perry House promotes an unbiased and multicultural environment for all staff, children and families.  We are committed to the development and implementation of bias free attitudes and policies and procedures within the centre.  Multiculturalism is reflected in all aspects of the program to promote awareness of the very many customs and beliefs of various cultures that exist in our society today.  Perry House will not tolerate discrimination or bias of any form.

Absenteeism

If your child is absent for the day, we would appreciate being notified before 9:30 a.m. so we can plan for proper staffing as well as correct amounts of food for lunch and snacks for the day.

Your fees still apply when you child is absent for the day, regardless of whether the scheduled day is a statutory holiday, or your child is simply absent.  Perry House does not permit the switching of days, meaning that part-time children are entitled to the days that they are scheduled for and only those days.  If your child is scheduled to come in on a Wednesday, and is ill on Wednesday, you may bring your child in the Thursday ONLY when you have received approval from a supervisor.  Please note that the cost for that extra day will be added to your regular fees.    

Termination of Enrolment

Perry House requires a minimum of two (2) weeks written notice prior to withdrawing your child.  After final notice is given, Perry House will not permit the switching of a child’s schedule (i.e.-full time to 3 days per week, 2 days per week to one morning, etc.)  If the appropriate withdrawal notice is not given to Perry House, you can be charged a no-notice fee, which is equivalent to no more than 2 weeks of your regular fees. 

Please note that if you wish to temporarily withdraw your child from Perry House we cannot guarantee you a childcare space for when you wish to come back. Your child will have to go on the wait list depending on availability.

Perry House Child Care Services may terminate services if policies are not adhered to or fees are not paid on time.

Late Pick-up

A fee of $10.00 will be charged for the first 15 minutes you are late (between 6:30 – 6:45pm), and an additional $1.00 per minute will be charged if your child is picked up after 6:45 p.m. This is payable in cash at the time you pick up your child.  This fee is to be paid directly to the teachers who stay behind to look after your child.  This payment should be separate from any other payment to Perry House (such as fees).

Extenuating circumstances will be evaluated separately.

SICK CHILDREN POLICY

The intent of this policy is to protect the interests of the sick child and to prevent the spreading of illnesses to others (children, staff and families) within the centre.  We are required by the Day Nurseries Act to separate children who are suspected of being ill from the other children. (Refer section DN-0811-06 of the Day Nurseries Manual).

We are further required to ensure that:

a) A parent (or designated guardian) of the child takes the child home OR

b) Where it is not possible for a parent (or designated guardian) to take the child home and it appears that the child requires immediate medical attention; the child is to be examined by a legally qualified medical practitioner or a nurse registered under the Health Disciplines Act.

Perry House Child Care Services cannot keep sick children on the premises.  Perry House Child Care Services, except in emergencies, will not take children to see a doctor. In case of emergencies, the child will be taken to the closest emergency room.

As stated in the Day Nurseries Act, parents are required to make immediate arrangements to have a sick child removed from a day care.  A day care has only three options in these circumstances.

                1) Removal of the child by parent or designated other.

                2) Removal of the child by emergency contact person.

                3) Children’s Aid Society

A CHILD WILL BE SENT HOME WHEN…	THE CHILD MAY COME BACK WHEN…
· fever reaches 101 F or higher     38.3  or higher	· they are fever free for 24 hours, and Tylenol / Tempra free · child’s temperature will be taken upon return to the centre
· they have had 1 or more bouts of diarrhea in one day & one of the following additional symptoms: · fever, irritability, lethargic, excessive crying, rash, refusing to eat, vomiting	· bowel movements are solid and there are no other symptoms of illness (fever, rash, etc.) for 24 hours
· they have vomited once & has one of the following additional symptoms: · fever, irritability, lethargic, excessive crying, rash, refusing to eat, vomiting	· vomiting has stopped and no other symptoms persist (fever, diarrhea, etc.) for 24 hours
· child has pink eye (conjunctivitis)	· they have received 3 doses of eye medication that has been prescribed by doctor (over 12 hours) and is continuing medication until cleared
· child has chicken pox	· no new blisters are appearing and all old blisters have scabbed over · child must be checked by a supervisor  upon return to the centre
· child has lice	· child has been treated and is completely nit free · child must be checked by a supervisor upon return to the centre
· there appears to be an unknown rash on child	· child has seen a doctor and has received a doctor’s note stating the rash is not contagious
·  they are unable to participate in all aspects of the daily program	· child is symptom free (no fever,diarrhea, not lethargic) · child is able to participate in all aspects of the program

Administration of Tylenol/Tempra

Tylenol/Tempra may be administered when all of the following conditions are met:

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THESE TWO MEDICATIONS ARE DIFFERENT MEDICATIONS AND CANNOT BE INTERCHANGED FREELY; THEREFORE, IF THE PRESCRIPTION OR DOCTOR’S NOTE SAYS “TYLENOL”, TEMPRA CANNOT BE USED, AND VICE-VERSA.

· The medication is accompanied  by a doctor’s note that states: 

- the child’s name

- the name of the drug

-  exact amount to be given

-  time intervals it should be given

-  at what temperature the child must reach before administering, usually 101 F (not “as needed”)

· under the Day Nurseries Act, all medication must be in the original container and everything clearly labeled with the child’s name and date that it is brought in, the medication cannot be expired and must be in an unopened container, it can be left in the centre

· A drug administration form must be filled in correctly.  If the medicine is to be left at the centre and administered when needed the form will be reviewed and updated monthly.  We cannot act on any instructions received over the telephone unless these conditions are in place.

DOCTOR’S NOTES ARE ONLY VALID FOR TWELVE MONTHS ; AND THEN MUST BE REPLACED WITH A NEW NOTE.            

Tylenol / Tempra will be administered once the child has reached the temperature stated on the doctor’s note and when a parent has been notified.  Please note that although the medication has been administered to your child they still must go home and cannot return until they are fever free and Tylenol/Tempra free for 24 hours.        

Tylenol/Tempra will also be given to a child if they are experiencing ailment after a specific procedure has been performed, such as minor surgery; having had tubes put in their ears; or having had a needle. ONLY if accompanied by a doctor’s note with the specific information required (see above).

  

Administration of Prescribed Drugs

Medications that are prescribed for your child, may be administered by Perry House designated staff only when a medication form has been completely filled out.  If any changes occur in administration instructions (ie. Dosage)

notify the room teacher immediately. 

Any medication that is to be given less than three times per day will NOT be administered here at Perry House.  If the medication is to be given three times daily we will administer it only once.  Any medication needed every four hours will be administered a maximum of two times daily.  

Administration of Non-Prescribed Drugs

All non-prescribed drugs may be administered by Perry House Child Care designated staff only if it is in its original container and accompanied by a doctor’s note that includes the following information:

· the child’s name

· the name of the drug

· the exact amount to be administered

· the time intervals the drug should be given

· what accompanying symptoms the child must have before administering

A medication form must be completed by the child’s parent before the drug can be administered.   

Epi-pen

If your child requires an Epi-pen for an anaphylactic allergy please inform us upon registration.  We will administer the Epi-pen as needed.  It will be kept in a place where it is easily accessible but away from any child’s reach. The closest adult associate of the centre will administer the Epi-pen into the fleshly part of the leg (or arm if the leg is inaccessible).   It is possible to administer the Epi-pen through clothing.  Another staff will clear the other children from the area and 9-1-1 will be called immediately, advising that a child has been given an Epi-pen.  A Perry House staff will then follow all SERIOUS OCCURRANCE procedures.

Inhalers

Inhalers will be administered only when accompanied by specific instruction from your child’s doctor.  As well parents must fill out a Perry House medication form that outlines the doctors instructions (as needed is not acceptable). Inhalers are NEVER to be left in a child’s bag; they must always be turned in to the teacher of the room.  

Parents must specify whether or not their child must rinse their mouth out after using inhalers.

   

Annual Vacation

The following criteria must be met in order to receive any vacation discount:

· your account must be in good standing

· 6 weeks written notice has been given to the office prior to vacation.

· your child must be absent from Perry House for the full duration of the vacation

· your child has been enrolled with Perry House for a full calendar year without break in service

· a week’s holidays is 5 consecutive days

Parents and children are welcome to take as many holiday weeks during the year as they would like, however holiday fee discounts are based on a maximum of two weeks per year per family.  Any holiday weeks over and above the two weeks will be regular fees. To qualify for the discount, there can be no break in service.  The discount rates are as follows:

 

After one (1) calendar year - 20% off weekly fees

After two (2) calendar years - 40% off weekly fees

After three (3) calendar years - 60% off weekly fees

After four (4) calendar years - 80% off weekly fees

After five (5) calendar years - No charge

                                                Holiday rates are NOT retroactive.

Extended Holiday Discount

After three (3) calendar years have been completed you may apply in writing for a one time extended holiday period of up to a maximum of two (2) additional weeks at a discount of 50% of weekly fees.  The holiday fees are payable in full in advance.  Your child must be absent from Perry House for the duration of the Holiday period.  Your

account with Perry House must be in good standing in order to receive holiday discounts.  You must request extended holiday discounts in writing to the office four (4) weeks prior to the first day of holidays.  You will be notified in writing if an extension has been approved and of the amount payable for the holiday period.

Pregnancy/Parental Leave

If Perry House’s services will not be required for an extended period due to pregnancy, parental or other reasons (other than annual vacation or an extended holiday) part-time options may be available in order to reserve your child’s spot at Perry House.  A written request must be submitted to the office a minimum of four (4) weeks prior to the leave.  Each circumstance will be evaluated separately and you will be advised in writing if your request has been approved and of the amount payable for the extended period.

Vacation entitlement must be used as a part of the leave period if it has not already been taken for that year.

Fees are payable once a month in advance for the duration of the leave.  Your account must be in good standing in order to be considered.

Fees

Fees are payable by way of Electronic Funds Transfer.  We give you the option to pay every Monday, every other Monday, and the first Monday of the month or the last Monday of the month.  Your weekly fees will be determined upon registration so that you are aware of the amount that will be taken from your account.  It is very important that you submit any written holiday requests or changes in your child’s schedule to the office 6 weeks prior so that the appropriate changes can be made to your fees.  If you fail to do this, your regular fees will be taken from your account and you will have lost the opportunity for any discount. Requests for discounts after holidays have been taken will NOT be granted.

In order to alter EFT we must submit the request in writing by the last Thursday of the month.

There will be a charge of $25.00 for all NSF or cancelled payments. 

If you have any outstanding fees you are given a Statement of Account.  You will have up to two weeks to pay this amount and if you fail to do so you will be invoiced every two weeks as follows:

                First Invoice Notice will cost $10.00   

                Second Invoice Notice will cost an additional $15.00

                Third Invoice Notice will cost an additional $25.00

 

After the Third Invoice Notice, your childcare spot will be terminated and your account will be placed with a collection agency.  A $50.00 processing charge will be levied on the account at this time.

If your child is withdrawn from our care and outstanding monies are owed to Perry House you will be notified by way of registered mail.   If the registered letter is refused, or is not picked up in the time allowed by Canada Post, all invoice charges will be immediately added to your account and the account will be forwarded to a collection agency.

Multi-child Discount

Perry House offers multi-child discounts for our full fee paying parents in the form of a 10% discount on the second child enrolled in our care, and 15% off each subsequent child.  The discount will be applied to the youngest child (ren), thereby allowing for the maximum discount possible.     

Returned Cheques

There will be a charge of $25.00 for any cheque returned from the bank at your fault.  Replacement payment shall be in cash only and paid within 24 hours, If you fail to do so, enrolment may be terminated without further notice.

Income Tax Receipts

Income tax receipts will be issued at the end of February of the following year.

At this time, interest will begin to accumulate on your previous year’s account at the rate of 2.0% per month.

Final Note

Perry House Child Care Services has been providing quality child care for your peace of mind for over twenty five years.  Our staff takes pride in their profession and the families they serve.  Please feel free to approach us with any of your questions or comments, our door is always open.

Thank you for considering Perry House Child Care Services.  We look forward to meeting you!

Staff Responsibilities

Medication must be stored as directed and kept in a locked medication boxes at all time.

Staff should ensure that the medication is given as close to the requested time as possible. If the medication is not given on the exact time required on the medication form, staff should write an explanation as to why the medication is late. Any medication that is to be given less than three times per day is NOT to be brought into Perry House. If the medication is to be given three times daily we will administer it only once. Any medication needed every four hours will only be administered a maximum of two times per day.

Medication forms should be checked weekly to ensure that they are correct and appropriate actions should be taken to ensure they are correct. (i.e. - have a parent fill out a new medication form if something has changed, leave the form if it is all correct, etc.)

Only Perry House staff on the “Designated Staff to Administer Medication List” may administer medication, and only in the room that they are designated to give medication in.  The person at the top of the list should always give medication, but in the instance of their absence, the second person on the list may administer medication.  If the first and the second names on the list for a given classroom are both away, then the third person on the list may administer medication.  In the instance of all three of the staff designated to administer medication being absent, the fourth person on the list may administer medication. .  The staff member who administers medication is also responsible for making sure that the room book states that they have given medication for that day.

It is preferable to remove a child from the activity area to administer medication in a quiet environment with the least possible interruption.  Medication should be dispensed in a well-lit area.

For each child receiving medication, an entry should be made on the Administration record form.  Staff giving the medication should record the time each dose is administered and a signature should accompany it. If a dose is omitted, reasons should be listed. (i.e. - child absent, medication absent, etc.)

Any accidental administration of medication (medication to the wrong child or wrong dosage) should be recorded and reported immediately to the supervisor, who should then immediately notify a parent or guardian of that child and all serious occurrence procedures will follow.

Leftover medication or surplus medication should be returned in the original container to a parent of the child or discarded with parental permission.

Staff is responsible for recording all medication that has been administered in the daily logbook.

Staff is responsible for ensuring that all medication forms that are no longer required are “signed off” (staff signature after the last entry, stating that the medication is no longer required; and the reason that the medication is no longer required) and placed in the child’s personal file.