Resources for Parents and Providers
Everyday TLC - visit
Support a learning environment at home or school with Everyday TLC (Teaching, Learning and Caring), an educational resource for teachers, caregivers, parents and all individuals who work with children.
We support a learning environment for children with Everyday TLC (Teaching, Learning & Caring), an educational resource for teachers, parents, caregivers and individuals who work with children. We are the exclusive Canadian distributor for this monthly publication and it is available by subscription through our Head Office.
Call (905) 841-1314 for more details.
Early Literacy Programs
The Story book House (A.O.K Program) is a place for play. It provides part-time drop-in programs for parents and caregivers to come with children under five. They are staffed by experienced and trained Early Childhood Educators who promote quality, interactive activities and act as a resource to parents and caregivers. Currently available in Holland Landing and Richmond Hill.
View Flyers for date, time and location:
Research has shown that children learn best through play and active hands-on involvement with learning materials.
Play for young children is important for their social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. Through play children learn how to get along with others, to use their imagination, to deal with their emotions and feelings, to develop their fine and gross motor skills, to concentrate, to problem solve and much more. Children are born with a natural curiosity and a desire to learn. Join us at the Story Book House.
Call 905-841-1314 for information.
How to Choose Quality Child Care
Selecting your child's caregiver is one of the most important decisions you will make. Please print off the following checklist and use it as a guide to help ensure that your children get the best of child care.
A diverse and stimulating program
- Variety of planned activities to stimulate children's intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth
- Combination of planned activities and activities that children choose themselves
- Weekly schedule of activities and learning objectives posted
- Some quiet and some vigorous activity
- Arrangements for play and rest and for children that do not rest
- Carefully planned, purposeful field trips
- Regular updates on child's progress
Caring Teachers/Providers
- Qualify by rigorous screening hiring process including criminal reference check
- Warm, friendly and knowledgeable in child development
- Sensitive and responsive to child's needs
- Speak directly, kindly, calmly and respectfully to children
- Helpful and supportive
- Participate in ongoing training
- Encourage communication with parents
- Able to communicate their philosophy of child-rearing and approach to discipline
- Correct ratio of adults to children (In centres 1:3 infants, 1:5 Toddlers, 1:8 pre-schoolers, 1:15 Schoolage)
- Homes: No more than 2 under 2 years, 3 under 3 years and a maximum of 5 under 5 including the providers own children
A Welcome Setting
- Space for active quiet play, eating, individual and group activities and rest time.
- Clean, safe, warm, well lit inviting rooms with sufficient natural light
- Child sized table and chairs. Indoor space for active play
- Equipment and toys placed so children can choose activities
- Sufficient variety of equipment, play materials and books for all children
- Convenient toilets, wash basins
- Outdoor play space fenced and supervised with easy access and a variety of equipment
Emphasis on Health/Safety
- Teachers and Providers with First Aid Training
- Facility meets fire and health regulations
- Medical emergency procedures in place
- Children's allergies posted
- Immunization policy in effect
- Emergency evacuation procedures and fire drill regularly practiced
- Liability insurance coverage
- Safe play areas and stairways
- Hazardous plants, chemical cleaning supplies (W.H.M.I.S), inaccessible to children
- Visible fire extinguishers, smoke detectors
- Non smoking agency environments
- Playground safety checklist
Nutritious Lunches and Snacks
- Attention to Canada's Food Guide
- Staff/Provider eat with children during meals to create a family atmosphere
- Menus are posted
- Food allergies are posted and carefully observed
- Children are encouraged to develop health life long eating habits
A Supportive Administration
- Policies and procedures outlined in a parent handbook including an expected code of behaviour
- Tax receipts issued.
- Positive, age-appropriate behaviour management policy reviewed regularly with staff.
- System for ensuring knowledge of children's whereabouts - e.g. system for signing in and out.
- Supervision of programs and accountability for high standards by management.
- Annual parent survey.
- Parent Advisory Committee encouraged at each site
This checklist is based on what you can expect to find in Centres and licensed homes provided by York Professional Care & Education. We hope you will find it a useful guide to assist you in finding a quality program for your child.
You're the parent....the choice is yours.
Charitable # 10822 6291