Frequently Asked Questions
We are aware parents often have many questions about childcare. We are always here to fully address your questions and discuss anything that can help make the transition smoother for you and your family. Please feel free to contact us either by call, email or in person at any time of the day. Here are some of the most common questions asked during a parent’s first visit:
What qualifications must teachers meet?
Our educators are trained in Early Childhood Education or are otherwise approved by the Ministry of Education. All members of our staff and volunteers have undergone screening and reference check. Whether being considered for full- or part-time employment, we check for criminal records, request updated immunization and health records, and require that all permanent staff have current First Aid and CPR certification. In addition, our staff is hired for their experience, energy and love of children. We have qualified R.E.C.E.’s in every classroom
What is the staff to child ratio at Small Steps?
This number varies depending on the child’s age. We follow the government regulations for staff to child ratios. Ask the Supervisor for specific details.
How to transition children?
Transitioning children is very important, it allows for children to feel safe and build trusting relations with their teachers and peers. We do a gradual transition where your child stays a little bit longer each day to explore their new environment.
Get to know the children by discussing with families before they start in the program to become familiar with them. Allow all children to have the opportunity to spend time with the environment and with their caregiver where possible and support children through the transitions. This is also to support staff and parents in getting to know each other as well as children, keeping lines of communication open. Providing ongoing communications throughout the transition period among staff and parents. Communication is an essential means to aid a smooth transition for each and every child.
The suggestion I have for parents starting a child in our classroom is to say a quick, confident goodbye. Saying goodbye with confidence also shows your child that she is safe. If you seem anxious or upset to leave, their anxiety will likely increase as it signals that it’s not okay for them to be left there.
Is there a weekly learning plan? What activities do you do with the children? What is a typical day like?
Our teachers strive to provide a curriculum that focuses on the child’s entire development, and help prepare them for entry into the school system. The teachers’ work together to facilitate programming that is engaging, fun, and full of opportunities. The program is based on How Does Learning Happen and the teachers use the ELECT document to guide their program implementations. Activities are based on children’s interests and are play- based and includes the process of loose- part materials to encourage inquiry through learning.
What type of Food are the children served?
We are committed to providing healthy meals and snacks for the children based on Canada’s Food Guide. We offer two nutritious snacks as well a hot nutritious catered lunch.
Our lunches are catered by Wholesome Kids Catering and they follow Canada’s Healthy Food Guide
The menu changes seasonally with the option of surveys sent out for preferences.
How do you handle discipline or behavioral problems?
We facilitate the child’s progress in the social, emotional, physical and cognitive areas of development and demonstrate care for all children in all aspects of their practice.
Aurora Early Learning Center uses redirection for discipline. Redirection with young children helps take an emotionally-charged situation and diffuses it, thereby removing any lingering hard feelings. The energy and hard feelings from a negative situation like a temper tantrum are channeled elsewhere or redirected. The teacher’s focus on being on the child’s level and encouraging them to use their words to describe their feelings. The preschoolers are learning to be more independent individuals and although the teacher is there to guide them, they are required to use their self- help skills.
What is the Centre’ withdraw policy?
Small Steps requires a written 30 day notice if you are choosing to withdraw your child from our program.
What qualifications must teachers meet?
Our educators are trained in Early Childhood Education or are otherwise approved by the Ministry of Education. All members of our staff and volunteers have undergone screening and reference check. Whether being considered for full- or part-time employment, we check for criminal records, request updated immunization and health records, and require that all permanent staff have current First Aid and CPR certification. In addition, our staff is hired for their experience, energy and love of children. We have qualified R.E.C.E.’s in every classroom
What is the staff to child ratio at Small Steps?
This number varies depending on the child’s age. We follow the government regulations for staff to child ratios. Ask the Supervisor for specific details.
How to transition children?
Transitioning children is very important, it allows for children to feel safe and build trusting relations with their teachers and peers. We do a gradual transition where your child stays a little bit longer each day to explore their new environment.
Get to know the children by discussing with families before they start in the program to become familiar with them. Allow all children to have the opportunity to spend time with the environment and with their caregiver where possible and support children through the transitions. This is also to support staff and parents in getting to know each other as well as children, keeping lines of communication open. Providing ongoing communications throughout the transition period among staff and parents. Communication is an essential means to aid a smooth transition for each and every child.
The suggestion I have for parents starting a child in our classroom is to say a quick, confident goodbye. Saying goodbye with confidence also shows your child that she is safe. If you seem anxious or upset to leave, their anxiety will likely increase as it signals that it’s not okay for them to be left there.
Is there a weekly learning plan? What activities do you do with the children? What is a typical day like?
Our teachers strive to provide a curriculum that focuses on the child’s entire development, and help prepare them for entry into the school system. The teachers’ work together to facilitate programming that is engaging, fun, and full of opportunities. The program is based on How Does Learning Happen and the teachers use the ELECT document to guide their program implementations. Activities are based on children’s interests and are play- based and includes the process of loose- part materials to encourage inquiry through learning.
What type of Food are the children served?
We are committed to providing healthy meals and snacks for the children based on Canada’s Food Guide. We offer two nutritious snacks as well a hot nutritious catered lunch.
Our lunches are catered by Wholesome Kids Catering and they follow Canada’s Healthy Food Guide
The menu changes seasonally with the option of surveys sent out for preferences.
How do you handle discipline or behavioral problems?
We facilitate the child’s progress in the social, emotional, physical and cognitive areas of development and demonstrate care for all children in all aspects of their practice.
Aurora Early Learning Center uses redirection for discipline. Redirection with young children helps take an emotionally-charged situation and diffuses it, thereby removing any lingering hard feelings. The energy and hard feelings from a negative situation like a temper tantrum are channeled elsewhere or redirected. The teacher’s focus on being on the child’s level and encouraging them to use their words to describe their feelings. The preschoolers are learning to be more independent individuals and although the teacher is there to guide them, they are required to use their self- help skills.
What is the Centre’ withdraw policy?
Small Steps requires a written 30 day notice if you are choosing to withdraw your child from our program.