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Parent Handbook

Dä̀nnch’e Welcome

Dusk’a Head Start Learning Centre 47 McIntyre Drive Whitehorse Yukon Y1A 5A5 Ph: 393-3775 or 633-7816 Fax: 393-3959

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Index Table Introduction (pg 4)

Our Centre (pg 4) Hours of operation (pg 4) Fees (pg 4)

Staff (pg 5) Programs Head Start (pg 5)

Health and Nutrition (pg 5) Caught you being good (pg 5) Field Trips (pg 5)

Cultural Teachings (pg 5)

Child Development Centre (pg 6) Staff Developmental Therapist (pg 6)

Program Assistant (pg 6) Child Psychologist (pg 6) Physiotherapist (pg 6) Occupational Therapist (pg 6) Speech and Language Pathologist (pg 6)

Services for Children (pg 7) Toddlers Schedule (pg 7)

Ratio (pg 7)

Teachers (pg 7) Curriculum (pg 8)

Description and Objective of Daily Routine Activities (pg 8/9) Preschoolers 3 year old Schedule (pg 10)

Ratio (pg 10)

Teachers (pg 10) 4 year old Schedule (pg 11)

Ratio (pg11)

Teachers (pg 11)

Curriculum (pg 12)

Educational Component (pg 13)

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Parent Responsibility (pg 14) Fee Payments (pg 14)

Punctuality (pg 14) Appropriately dressing your child (pg 14) Labeling clothing items (pg 14) What to bring (pg 14) What not to bring (pg 14) Updating files and records (pg 14) How to find out what happening in your child’s classroom (pg 14) Parent Advisory Committee (pg 15)

Centre Policies (pg 15) Releasing a child (pg 15) Communicable diseases (pg 15)

Sick Policies (pg 15) Weather (pg 15) Signing in and out (pg 15)

Services for Families (pg 16) Christmas Dinner (pg 16)

Valentines Tea (pg 16) Thanksgiving (pg 16) Summer Picnic (pg 16) Family Breakfast or Dinners (pg 16) Field Trips (pg 16) Craft Night (pg 16) Preschool Graduation (pg 16) Family Support (pg 16) Workshops (pg 16)

Statutory Holidays and Centre Closures (pg 17) Additional Information for Parents (pg 17)

Additional Programs Offered (pg 17) Parent Voices (pg 17)

General Information for Parent (pg 18) Admission Policy and Procedures (pg 14) Registration (pg 18) Monthly Newsletters (pg 18) Fundraising activities (pg 18) Tips for teaching discipline (pg 19)

Coping with separation anxiety (pg 19)

How to Contact the Centre (pg 20) Daycare Manager Office (pg 20) Head Start Office (pg 20) Floor Staff Phone Numbers (pg 20)

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Introduction

“Dusk’a Head Start Family Learning Centre is committed to providing a program that will meet the needs of the whole child. This includes the physical, emotional, intellectual, social needs and parental involvement. Our goal is to work in partnership with parents in teaching children, nurturing their development and supporting the family… (p 9) Research has proven children who come from homes with involved parents tend to do better in school and have a better parent child relationship. We feel it is important to encourage parent involvement” (Parents in Aboriginal Head Start).

Dusk’a is Emma Burns Traditional Name: Emma use to spend a lot of time with the children at the Daycare. When the changes went through to change to a Family Learning Centre, it was decided that in recognition of Emma Burns, the centre would change its name to Dusk’a Head Start Family Learning Centre.

Dusk’a provides culturally based programming to the child and promotes a healthy sense of community. It is based on the principles of the Aboriginal Head Start Mandate. Integrated into the curriculum include Culture and Language, Health and Nutrition, Parental Involvement and Social Support

Our Centre

Learning Centre Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Extended hours are offered for children whose parents/caregivers are working or in school. These hours are from 7:30 am to 5:15 pm. The centre does not provide drop in services.

Hours of operation

Our doors open at 7:30 am and close at 5:15 pm. There will be a late fee charged to parents for late pick up after 5:15 pm for the amount of a dollar a minute. For example, if you arrive at 5:25 you will be charged $10.00 late pickup fee.

Fees

Dusk’a' Daycare Fee Breakdown

Full-time Special Needs Full Time

Toddler $622.00 $688.00 Preschool $ 578.00 $688.00

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Staff: Centre Manager:

Administrator:

Language/Culture Teachers:

Cook:

Early Childhood Educator Pre-K:

Early Childhood Educator Toddlers:

Early Childhood Educator Toddlers:

Erin Pauls

Johanne Koser

Vera Brown Lorraine Allen Darlene Scurvy

Anne Webb

April Bedard

Harrison Kwok

Nicky-lee Patchette

Early Childhood Educator Preschool: Charlene Brown

Early Childhood Educator: Claire Strauss

Custodian: Mark Johnson

Programs Head Start: Aboriginal Head Start is a federally funded program through Health Canada. The Aboriginal Head Start Program is integrated into our early childhood curriculum. The program offers services to families of the children who attend the centre. These services include a Family Support Worker, a Teacher Coordinator and Native Language Teacher.

Health and Nutrition: Our centre provides a morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. All meals reflect the Canada Food Guide. After each meal, the children are provided with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Washing hands is mandatory.

Field Trips: Please watch for posting from your classroom teacher for field trip outings to the: Canada Games Centre, Parks, Museums and other venues in Whitehorse

Cultural Teachings: Our centre provides cultural teachings to the children: berry picking, harvesting traditional medicines, drumming, dancing, elder involvement and our centre participates in community events hosted by KDFN.

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Child Development Centre

The Child Development Centre has an office in our building. The hours are usually 08:30 to 3:30, Monday to Friday. CDC is closed during the summer. Staff assists with developmental check-ups and offer support to families.

Contact Information

1-867-633-7820 Staff

Developmental Therapist The developmental therapist role is to assist children with their learning and behavior providing services and supports to children, families and caregivers at the centre and for the Kwanlin Dün Community.

Program Assistant

The program assistant provides early intervention services to individual children at Dusk’a under the direction of the CDC clinical team

Child Psychologist

The psychologist works with children and their families to assist them to understand how their children think and learn, express emotions and relate to other people.

Physiotherapist

The physiotherapist assist children in the development of gross motor skills balance and coordination needed for movement such as rolling, sitting, crawling, walking and jumping.

Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist assist children in the development of their fine motor skills needed for the use of their hands. This includes grasping, holding, cutting, writing and self-care skills such as feeding, toileting and dressing.

Speech and Language Pathologist The speech and language pathologist assist children in their speech and language skills.

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Toddler Daily Schedule *Learning Centres: Block Centre, Dramatic Play Centre, Art Centre, Sand/water play, Book Centre,

Science/Discovery Centre, Table Top Area **Activity: Cooking/Baking, Exploration, Discovery, Guest speaker, Gardening, Play dough

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8:30-9:00 Free play at Learning Centres*

Diapering 9:00-9:30 Snack time

Hand washing 9:30-9:45 Circle Time

9:45-10:00 Activity/Extension of Circle

10:00-10:30 Diapering

Free Play/Learning Centres 10:30-11:15 Outside/Gross Motor Play

11:15-11:30 Diapering/Wash up

11:30-12:00 Lunch Hygiene/Wash up

12:00-1:45 Naptime Quiet time

1:45-2:00 Diapering

2:00-2:15 Native Language Instruction 2:15-2:45 Wash up

Snack time Diapering

2:45-3:30

Free play

3:30-4:30 Outdoors/Gross Motor Play

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Curriculum The toddler curriculum is a developmentally appropriate guide for our teachers to follow. The principles of healthy growth and development are integrated throughout our curriculum.

Toddler Growth and Learning Guiding Principles

• Nurturing relationships.

• Learning is most meaningful when it is integrated across all areas of development.

• Learning is continuous and sequential.

• Children are active and individual learners. . • Development and learning are rooted in culture and supported by the family.

Description and Objectives of Daily Routine Activities Centre Time

Centre time or “Free Play” allows for children to choose what is open for them to explore. The spaces are specifically designed for active involvement and experience based learning. The designs support children’s individuality, developmental abilities, interests and learning styles. Learning centres include, table top centre, art centre, dramatic play centre, sand/water centre, Science centre, building centre, book or quiet centre.

Small Group Activities

Small group activities involve breaking up the larger group into smaller ones in order to explore a specific activity.

Circle Time

Circle time allows for children to come together as a larger group to experience and explore songs, finger plays, movement, stories and participate in discussions. Activities that support development of specific language concepts can be done.

Gross Motor/ Movement Time/ Outdoor time

Children participate in a variety of movement activities and outdoor pursuits. Children work on skills that are developmentally appropriate by learning about body awareness, motor planning, physical fitness and the use of recreational equipment.

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Native Language Time Native Language instruction is in Southern Tutchone. Language activities are related to local values and customs of Kwanlin Dün and Yukon First Nations.

Snack and Meal Time Children come together and eat as a group. Teachers take this time to assist and model manners, safe eating practices and self-help skills.

Toileting/ Diapering

Proper diapering procedures are posted and followed to assure the children’s health and safety.

Naptime

There is a space where toddlers can sleep quietly and safely. Toddlers have their own mat or cot, blanket and familiar space to sleep in. A relaxed mood is created by planning a quiet activity before nap time or by playing soft music.

For further information or any questions on the curriculum, please speak with a staff member.

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Three Year Old Daily Schedule

*Learning Centres: Block Centre, Dramatic Play Centre, Art Centre, Sand/water play, Book Centre,

Science/Discovery Centre, and Table Top Area Literacy Groups: Matching games, Puzzles, Letter Work, Picture Journals, Letter recognition, Listening

centre, Read Aloud, Silent Reading, Ordering/Sequencing cards, Group Storytelling **Activity: Cooking/Baking, Exploration, Discovery, fieldtrip, Guest speaker, gardening

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8:30-9:00 Free play

*Learning Centres 9:00-9:30 Washroom/Hygiene

Snack time 9:30-10:00 Circle Time

10:00-10:45 **Activity/Extension of Circle

10:45-11:30 Toileting

Outside Play Gross Motor activities

11:30-12:15 Wash up for lunch Lunch time

Hygiene 12:15-1:30 Nap Time/Relaxation

1:30-2:00 Library 2:00-2:30 Washroom/Hygiene

Snack Time 2:30-3:00 Native Language Instruction

3:15-3:30 Story Time

Goodbye Song

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Four Year Old Daily Schedule *Learning Centres: Block Centre, Dramatic Play Centre, Art Centre, Sand/water play, Book Centre,

Science/Discovery Centre, and Table Top Area Literacy Groups: Matching games, Puzzles, Letter Work, Picture Journals, Letter recognition, Listening

centre, Read Aloud, Silent Reading, Ordering/Sequencing cards, Storytelling **Activity: Cooking/Baking, Exploration, Discovery, fieldtrip, Guest speaker, gardening

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 7:30-9:15 Free play

*Learning Centres 9:15-9:45 Washroom/Hygiene

Snack time 9:45-10:15 Circle Time

10:15-10:30 **Activity/Extension of Circle

10:30-11:30 Outside Play

Gross Motor activities 11:30-12:00 Wash up for lunch

Lunch time Hygiene

12:00-1:30 Nap Time/Relaxation/Music Appreciation

1:30-1:45 Quiet Activities as children wake up/Literacy based

1:45-2:00 Native Language Instruction

2:00-2:30 Washroom/Hygiene Snack Time

2:30 3:30 Craft

3:30-4:15 Book Club/Library

4:30-5:30 Outdoors/Gross Motor Play

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Curriculum Preschool curriculum is a developmentally appropriate guide for our teachers to follow.

The principles of healthy growth and development are integrated throughout the curriculum. Preschool guiding principles

• Children are active learners. • Each child learns in unique ways. • Learning is most meaningful when it is integrated across all areas of development. • Learning is continuous and sequential. • Development and learning are rooted in culture and supported by the family.

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Educational Component Social and Emotional Development

In quality early childhood programming, one of the primary goals is to foster social and emotional development in young children. By learning how to appropriately express and manage feelings, children learn how to get along with others.

Language and Cognitive Development

Language and literacy skills develop through talking, listening, playing, reading, writing and learning the skills that adults use to communicate. Language and literacy are supported and encouraged through play, music, rhythm and rhyme. Language is linked to cognitive development. Cognitive development is the growth of thinking skills.

Literacy

Children gradually begin to understand how oral language is reflected in written symbols (letters), and learn to create written symbols to communicate their ideas. This process can be supported in an environment that is rich in language and literacy experiences.

Concept Development

Concepts are learned through listening, watching, playing, imitating and exploring. Concepts are learned during every day routines and play.

Fine Motor and Gross Motor Development

The development of fine motor and gross motor skills is a critical part of the development of the preschool child. Young children need both indoor and outdoor space that allows them to experience a variety of developmentally appropriate physical activities.

Fine Motor Development

Children are “hands on” learners and explore their environment by using their hands, guided by their vision. The hands are an important tool for learning. Fine motor skills can be developed using a variety of materials, sand, water, paint, pegboards, beading, sponges, etc. Hand skills include coloring, cutting, printing, and general eye/finger/hand manipulation skills.

For further information or any questions on the curriculum, please speak with a staff member.

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Parent Responsibilities Fee Payments It is the responsibility of parents or caregivers to pay fees on the due date, to ensure the subsidy is up to date and to sign the subsidy forms and return them to the manager. Punctuality It is important to ensure that your child arrives by 9:45 for the learning sessions. Late arrivals are disruptive to the class. Arrive at the centre at the same time daily to ensure an easy transition, routine and familiarity for your child. Appropriately dressing your child Your child needs appropriate clothing for the weather and season. In the spring and fall, provide rubber boots, a warm jacket and splash pants. In the summer, provide sun screen and hats. In the winter, provide a hat, mitts, and boots and snow pants. Your child’s health and safety depend on it. While you arrange to provide your child with these clothing, Dusk’a provides extra clothing. Labeling clothing items Labeling your child’s clothing can ensure their clothing do not get lost, misplaced or make their way home with another child. What to bring Your child needs extra clothing every week. Bring prescribed medications such as inhalers or Epipens and diapers or pull ups as needed. The centre looks forward to parent involvement in programming. Suggestions are always welcome. What not to bring Leave all toys at home, as the toy may get lost. High sugared snacks brought for your child will be left in their cubby. Updating files and records Keep your file updated and communicate changes with the manager. It is a child care regulation violation when files are not up to date. The centre relies solely on the information provided by you, the caregiver, when attempting to contact a caregiver in an emergency situation. How to find out what is happening in your child’s classroom You are encouraged to participate in your child’s learning. You may ask a teacher or a staff member on the development of your child at any time. You may also ask the teacher for the weekly and monthly planning for themes in your child’s class. Share talents such as sewing, beading, cooking with the children and become involved with the centre. Come in for a visit any time.

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Parent Advisory Committee Dusk’a has a parent advisory committee. This committee is established for parent involvement in changes and planning for our facility. The parent advisory committee will meet once a month in the early evening. Please contact the family support worker coordinator if you are interested in sitting on the committee. Centre Policies Our centre has policies in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your child and our staff. Centre policies can be found in the policy manual in the offices. Releasing a child Staff will not release a child to anyone that is not on the approved pick up list, unless we receive a written or verbal authorization from the child’s caregiver. The staff at Dusk’a will request that your file be updated with a new contact for your child when new people are approved to pick up your child. Communicable diseases Please do not send your child to the centre if they have a communicable disease such as head lice, scabies or diarrhea until the infection is cleared by a doctor’s note. It is a health and safety policy to prevent spreading of infection to other children and staff. In the event that a child has one symptom of a communicable disease, then the parent or caregiver will be called to pick up their child Sick Policies If your child is too sick to participate in daily activities, then your child is too sick to come to the centre. You will be called by staff to pick up your child. For instance, with signs of flu or a fever of 100 or more, you will be called. Weather Our staff will not take the children outside to play if the weather is below – 20 with the wind chill. Signing in and out It is very important for the parent or caregiver to sign in their child into the centre and to sign out. We use this information to keep a track of your child’s attendance and as a list for names in case of emergency. This ensures each child is accounted for.

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Services for Families

Christmas Dinner Every year, there is a family dinner and Christmas party. It is usually held the Friday before Christmas break.

Valentines Tea

Every year, there is a Valentines tea to enjoy being together. Thanksgiving

Every year, our centre hosts a Thanksgiving dinner to give thanks and be together. Summer Picnic

In the summer, the family support worker will coordinate a family picnic outside the centre. Some ideas include the hot springs or a nearby day use area.

Family Breakfast or Dinners

Look for dates set in the monthly newsletter for breakfast or dinner gatherings to get together and socialize.

Field Trips

Family members over the age of 18 are encouraged to participate in field trips. Craft Nights

Each month our facility will coordinate a family craft night. This is a fun event held at the centre.

Preschool Graduation

This is an annual event where we have a graduation for the preschool children transitioning to Kindergarten.

Family Support

We have a family support worker on staff. Their role is to be support and to work with the family. The family support worker can be available to sit in meetings about your child. The centre also provides a confidential and voluntary family support program, home visits, goal setting, referrals to other agencies and crisis intervention.

Workshops

Throughout the year, the family support worker will host and coordinate a variety of workshops for parents and caregivers. Please keep a watch for postings about sessions and dates.

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Statutory Holidays and Centre Closures January New Year’s Day February Yukon Heritage Day April Good Friday and Easter Monday May Victoria Day June Aboriginal Day July Canada Day August Discovery Day September Labor Day October Thanksgiving November Remembrance Day December Christmas Break (TBA after chief and council sets dates) *Please keep posted for other centre closures for professional staff development there will be a minimum of 3 days a year. Additional Information for Parents Child Care Services: (867) 667-3492 Kwanlin Dün Health Centre: (867) 668-7289 Whitehorse Health Centre: (867) 667-8864 Family Violence Prevention: (867) 667-3581 Child Abuse Treatment Services: (867) 667-8227 Kaushee’s Place: (867) 633-7720 Crisis line: (867) 668-5733 Skookum Jim’s Friendship Centre: (867) 633-7692 Healthy Families: (867) 667-8864 Many Rivers: (867) 667-2970 Canada Games Centre: (867) 667-4386 Additional Programs Offered Parent Voices Many Rivers and Kwanlin Dün host workshops for parents at Dusk’a. These are free workshops. Topics might cover self-care, discipline, sibling rivalry and the parent child mother goose teachings. For further information please contact Many Rivers at (867) 667-2970.

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General Information for Parents/Guardians Admission Policy and Procedures

Parents or care givers are required to have a mini conference with the administrative staff prior to enrollment to go through admission procedures and be assisted with the registration forms. All parents are required to re-apply every year. Each year the application will go to a panel for admission of your child.

Registration

Registration is only valid for the year from September to August. Registration will begin in August.

Monthly Newsletters

Our centre has a monthly newsletter to take home. This is to keep you updated on planned events for the month. Please feel free to submit any community events that you would like to share with other families in the centre.

Fundraising activities

The centre often holds fundraising events. We are always seeking new ideas and donations of items to help with fundraising to promote fun, educational programming and encourage the volunteer spirit

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Tips for Teaching Discipline

Use of discipline is a mental and trying process. Effective discipline is good for parent and child. Discipline teaches a child to take responsibility for their own behavior. The parent keeps a healthy attachment relationship with their child by using discipline. The goal is to teach the child how to behave, not to make the child suffer. When disciplining, explain to your child why, set clear and safe limits. Look for signs that your child knows these limits. Be consistent. Keep discipline positive. Tell your child what to do instead of what not to do. You are the caregiver. Role model your actions. For example, if you hit your child for hitting others, your child will not understand why it is not okay to hit. Guide your child through natural consequences.

Help your child feel safe by establishing clear expectations. Reward your child’s good behavior. Find consequences that fit the actions when a child misbehaves. Coping with Separation Anxiety This is developmentally normal, so be positive with your child.

Staying to read a book, tell a story, or talk about feelings and answer questions your child may have about going to a new place. Get information about the new place and plan a talk with your child about what to expect. Some children feel less anxiety when they bring special clothing item from home. Sometimes a photo of you in their pocket is enough. Do not slip out when your child is not looking. It very important to say good-bye your child, reassure your child you will be back to pick him/her up. When leaving the centre, sometimes a special hand shake or little special good bye’s make for an easier transition into the centre

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How to Contact the Centre

Daycare Manager Office Phone: (867) 633-7818 Fax: (867) 393-3959

Head Start Office Phone: (867) 393-3775 Fax: (867) 393-5939

Floor Staff Phone Number Pre-K old group: (867) 334-8136 Preschool: (867) 334-5598 Toddler: (867) 335-1673