Welcome to the Clubhouse

This handbook contains information about our programs & organization, and outlines your responsibilities as a client. If you have any questions, please speak with your location manager  or one of our administrators. We welcome our new families to the Clubhouse Community and look forward to an exciting new year!

It takes a community to raise a child

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Contents

 

 

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About Us

The Clubhouse is a non-profit organization governed by a Volunteer Board of Directors with experience in various sectors. It is headed by the Executive Director, and run by a knowledgeable, dedicated team.  The Annual General Meeting is held in spring, and Clubhouse families are welcome to attend. Founded in 1996, we have provided care and education programs for thousands of families, and now operate in seven locations in Kelowna. Please see our website for more information.

 

Mission Statement

We offer exceptional care and educational programs addressing all the ages and stages of child development. Our experienced and passionate educators emphasize kindness and compassion to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

 

Philosophy: The Whole Child

The ideal platform for care and education promotes the emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development of each and every child. This development is nurtured through art, music, stories, games, active play, and  connection to both community and the natural world. We are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive environment, and we hold regular professional development  to ensure that each of our Staff  are comfortable, confident and competent team members.

 

Become a Supporter

Over more than 25 years of operation, our team has endeavored to ensure affordable, reliable, safe, and exceptional child care and educational programs. Our successes have been supported by community collaboration with like-minded organizations, and contributions from philanthropic foundations, local businesses, and generous individuals interested in creating lasting impact for generations of children.   We welcome financial and in-kind support throughout the year to help us achieve our goals. As a registered charity, we can provide tax receipts for donations over $20.

Locations, Contact, & Hours of Operation

📨The Clubhouse at Bellevue Creek
4574 Raymer Road  ·  (250) 317-4582
School Age Care – School Days, 2:30pm to 5:30pm

📨The Clubhouse at Casorso
3675 Casorso Road  ·  (250) 860-6430
School Age Care – School Days, 7:00am to 8:30am & 2:30pm to 5:30pm

📨The Clubhouse at Cottonwoods
2255 Ethel Street  ·  (250) 860-1448
3 to 5 Daycare – 7:00am to 5:30pm
Kinder Care – School Days, 2:30pm to 5:30pm  

📨The Clubhouse at Ellison
3735 Parkdale Road  ·  (250) 863-1488
Infant-Toddler Care – 8:30am to 4:00pm
3 to 5 Daycare – 7:00am to 5:30pm
Pre-K Group Program – School days, 9:00am to 2:00pm
Preschool – School days, 9:00am to 11:30am
School Age Care –  School Days, 7:00am to 8:30am & 2:30pm to 5:30pm

📨The Clubhouse at Raymer
657 Raymer Avenue  ·  (250) 860-6177
School Age Care – School Days, 7:00am to 8:30am & 2:30pm to 5:30pm

📨The Clubhouse at Sutherland
839 Sutherland Avenue  ·  (236) 420-4151
Infant-Toddler Care – 8:30am to 4:00pm
3 to 5 Daycare – 7:00am to 5:30pm
Preschool – Mon, Wed, Fri on School days, 9:00am to 11:30am
School Age Care – 7:00am to 8:30am & 2:30pm to 5:30pm

📨Treehouse Forest Classroom
4711 Raymer Road  ·  (250) 860-6177
Preschool hours – Mon, Wed, Fri on School days, 9:00am to 11:30am
Early Years Outdoor Programming – Hours by appointment

📨The Clubhouse Farm
4490 Anderson Road  ·  (250) 860-4393
Agricultural Education Programming – Hours by appointment

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Contract of Care

Fees and Payments

Each Family is charged a one-time enrollment and administration fee of $25.00. Once registered, program fees are due on the first of each month through TelPay direct debit. Fees are subject to a yearly review and adjustment. Monthly fees are prorated, meaning the cost of the program takes into account closures on holidays and professional development days.

Fees are due on the first day of each month, regardless of absenteeism due to illness or vacations. The space that is booked must be paid for so that our programs can continue to operate. Applications for Provincial subsidies are available through the Affordable Child Care Benefit. For further assistance from us, please email subsidy@clubhousechildcare.com. Income tax receipts will be provided by the end of February for the previous calendar year.

 

Registration

To complete your child’s registration, you must provide:

•  A completed application form,
•  Your pre-authorized payment form for monthly fees,
•  Copies of court orders pertaining to custody and access to your child (must be supplied at the time of registration, or when they come into effect) and
• Information relevant to any allergies, medication, or necessary program adjustments.

 

Withdrawal

There is a 30 day trial period beginning on your child’s start date.  If you feel that the program is not a good fit for your child during this time, you can withdraw and be charged only for the days your child attended.  After the 30 day trial period, one month’s written notice is required for withdrawal.

Please note that all children develop their skill sets at different rates, and it is ok for children to be ready for care programs at different ages. Our educators  and administration team make every attempt to accommodate the needs of each child, but if the Early Learning team assesses that it is in the best interest of the child to cancel current enrollment, our program manager will inform you and provide recommendations to external support. You will only be charged for the days your child attended.

 

Equality and Inclusivity

Admissions

Childcare is a necessity for working parents to survive and thrive. Although the importance of quality early learning and socialization cannot be understated,  it is our primary purpose to provide affordable, reliable, and exceptional child care so that parents and guardians can enter or stay in employment and provide a steady income for their families. Children of all abilities are accepted into Clubhouse programs, and families  interested in having their child attend will be given equal opportunity for admission. Families that pause their care due to  Parental Leave will be given highest priority for a child care spot upon their return to work.

Inclusive Environment

Our Early Childhood Education team uses developmentally appropriate practices and considers the unique needs of every child when programming. We make adaptations or modifications to classroom spaces when possible to ensure accessibility. When necessary, we work with the therapists and other professionals treating the child to integrate individual accommodations, modifications and strategies into classroom routines. Any adaptations will be reviewed with families and professionals supporting the child prior to implementation.

Personal Care

When a child requires assistance with personal care while toileting or changing clothing, they will be aided by a familiar and trained caregiver. For children with mobility restrictions we adapt resources to provide an inclusive environment, ensuring accessibility for every child.

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Open Communication Policy

Clear and open communication is essential for the smooth running of our programs.  Clubhouse updates will be sent by email, and posted in the Drop-Off/Pick-Up area.  Please advise us of any changes in your family, or updates to your daily schedule.  When you book holidays, arrange alternate pick-up plans, or if your child is sick, please update  your manager via email  to ensure it’s received in writing (see Clubhouse Location chart on page 2). You will receive confirmation that we received your message, & we may ask for more information.

Ages and Stages Questionnaire

For children under the age of 5, you will be given an Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Please give the ASQ some time and attention, and complete it within the following week. The ASQ is a reliable tool that helps the assessment of each child’s development. The behavioral areas covered by this screening tool include: self-regulation, compliance, adaptive functioning, autonomy, affect, social-communication, and interaction with people.

 

Respectful Communication Policy

We encourage you to speak with a member of our management team respectfully if you have a  concern or complaint.

The Clubhouse team works hard to care for the children, and must always feel safe and respected. There is a zero tolerance policy for rude, threatening and aggressive behavior. We are required to report abusive behavior to the authorities, and any of this behavior will result in immediate withdrawal of care.

We do not wish to know any families’ political views, and have  no tolerance for any written or reoccurring verbal profanity in our facilities or in the student drop off areas.  A child care and education facility is not the place for these displays and we do require  respect for the young readers in our care.

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Photography and Media Policy

When our educators can allot the time, they will take photographs or videos of the activities in the program. If you allow for your child’s image to be captured, please initial the Photo/Media Consent section in your Policy Permission Form. Media may be on display in the drop off area to update families of our activities, or used  in presentations to sponsors or professional development training for educators.

On occasion we are interviewed for local news stories and only children with Photo/Media Consent will be participating in the activity being filmed by the news station. On these occasions, we will post information about the news story in our drop off area. 

Clubhouse photographs and/or videos with visible faces may be published on our social media only after confirmation from the parent/guardian on a Media Release form. If we wish to do a social media update including media of your child, we will hand you this media release form on which you can approve or decline our request to publish these photos or videos publicly, and add your email for a copy of or link to of the photo/video.  Please note we can rarely allocate time to social media but our pages can be found at facebook.com/clubhouse.farm, facebook.com/TreehouseForestClassroom/ and instagram.com/clubhouse.farm/.

Children who do not have approval for their image to be captured in photo/video will have their photo posted on the NO PHOTO board in the Clubhouse Kitchen alongside Allergy and Medication forms. This information is available to our Clubhouse Staff, Teacher Candidates, and Volunteers to ensure understanding and compliance of this policy. 

Do not take pictures or videos of the children in our care as some may be on a no-photo list.

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What to Bring to Daycare

• Extra clothing – Please label everything and we will do what we can to ensure it goes home with the right family. 
• Indoor shoes (hard soles preferred in winter months),
• Seasonal clothes to comfortably enjoy daily outside time (we provide snowsuits and splash suits from our Gear Library but ask you to send winter gloves and toques, or UV protective clothing when applicable),
• If required:
  • Diapers, diaper cream and wipes,
  • Milk or bottles your child will need throughout the day,
• Optional: a soft friend for comfort at rest time.

It is requested that children do not bring their toys from home, as they can  often cause added disruptions.

 

Arrival Policy: Hand Over Of Care

Children must be delivered by a parent/guardian over the age of 18  into the care of the Staff. We ask that you keep your phone away at drop off time so  you can be sure to check in with the Staff on duty. 

Drop off time is often an opportunity to connect with your child’s caregivers.  Let us know how you’re doing. Inform us if your child has had an accident, injury or illness recently— no matter how insignificant it might seem.  Ask questions, share concerns, express your needs, and tell us what you think about the program. In partnership, we will be able to provide a wonderful experience for your child.

Children who are fatigued or feeling ill cannot be dropped off. Children who have vomited or had a fever can return to our programs after 24 hours free of symptoms without the use of Tylenol or Advil, as these medications can suppress symptoms. 

Please note: The property is a no-smoking zone, and please turn off your vehicle when waiting to pick up or drop off children. There are little lungs at work here.

 

Drop off time: Helping our early learners cope with separation

Coming to a new child care program can be met with a mix of excitement and anxiety. It’s only natural for children to feel anxious when saying goodbye to their families. In fact, separation anxiety is a normal part of child development. It can even begin later in the school year.  Some children seem to be doing just fine with the transition only to experience separation anxiety a few weeks into the school year, or after scheduled disruptions such as Winter Break.

Crying and clinginess at drop-off time can be common symptoms for children struggling with separation anxiety. This can sometimes lead to regressed behavior: do not worry too much if your recently toilet trained early learner suddenly fails to make it to the bathroom on time. When a child is challenged by a new developmental task, it is not uncommon to temporarily lose ground in an area recently mastered.

Here are some coping strategies you might try as you prepare for drop off time:

• Use pretend play to explore the idea of going to Clubhouse. Take turns being the parent, child, or teacher. Act out common daily routines, such as saying good-bye to mommy and/or daddy, taking off your coat, singing songs, reading stories, having Circle Time, playing outside. Reassure your child that preschool is a good place to have fun and learn. Answer questions patiently. This helps children feel more in control and reduces anxiety.
• Have a chat with the educators at the Clubhouse so you feel comfortable with the environment. Talking to other parents involved in the Clubhouse Community helps!
•  Create a goodbye ritual. Creating a specific goodbye ritual prior to the first day can ease some of the anxiety about that final goodbye. Perhaps develop a special handshake or special wave: Hug, kiss, high five and goodbye!
• Watch your body language as you say goodbye. You might be missing your child already, but you want your child to feel safe and secure in this new environment. Stand up straight and smile for your little one to model a cheerful goodbye! ‘I will see you soon!’
• Try to stick to a routine at home. Children are at their best when they have plenty of rest, and don’t feel rushed. We provide breakfast until 8:00am and morning snack soon after so don’t worry if you miss it. In between these times, children who are hungry will be offered an apple – we will never let a child go hungry.
• Ask questions  at the end of the day – What the day was like? What did you see? What could you do? What did you  find? How do you feel?
• Remind your child that the teachers are always there to help. 

The early learning years provide a strong educational foundation for our children. Once you get over that first hurdle, you will see your child grow and learn in leaps and bounds!

 

 

Departure Policy: Safe Release of Children

Children must be picked up by the end of their scheduled day.  You are responsible for notifying us if there will be a delay. If your child is picked up late you will be billed a late fee to cover the cost of unexpected overtime hours. If a child has not been picked up by closing time, every effort will be made to contact you and your listed emergency contact.  If we are unable to make contact within one hour, we must contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development and arrange care for the child until the family can be contacted. Staff will not release a child to anyone other than a  legal guardian without written consent.

Firstly, you must list  everyone who has permission to pick up your child on the Pick-Up List. Email us with additions/changes or update your Portal in the Clubhouse Management System.  Anyone you approve to pick up your child must be of legal age, and arrive with photo ID. 

Secondly, you must inform us if you have designated an alternate arrangement for pick up that day. Example: Is Aunty, Grandpa or Cousin picking up that afternoon? Write the full name of the individual scheduled to pick up your child in the Family Communication Book located on the sign out table. If you have not notified us of an alternate arrangement, or if there is any confusion regarding pick up, we will call you to clarify the situation – Even if that person is on your pick up list – we cannot release the child if we had nothing in writing about this alternate pick up.  If we cannot reach you, we will phone your designated emergency contact and request that he/ she pick up your child.

There may be staff members on duty who are  not acquainted with the person who is  designated for pick up; in that event, the staff are obligated to request photo ID. Please ensure that anyone designated to pick up your child is aware of this policy.  When staff request identification or refuse to release a child to someone who is not on the pick up list, they are following mandatory safety protocol. These  measures are not based on a judgment of suitability and should not be taken personally. 

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Infant-Toddler Care

Gradual Entry

The relationships we build with you and your child are pivotal in the quality care we provide. We recommend a gradual entry process for our children under 3 as it gives them time to build familiarity and settle into this new space. Dates and times for your child’s gradual entry will be arranged in advance.

Please note: If a child is comfortable in our care after their first introduction day, he or she may be ready for a longer day of care sooner than planned. Some children have great difficulty in this transition and will need a longer gradual entry period. Please allow flexibility in your schedule if this extra time is needed.

Day 1 – 1 hour: This hour together is for us to get to know you and your child. We ask that you stay in the room for this first day. While you and your child explore the classroom and learn more about our program, we have an opportunity to learn more about your family. Feel free to ask questions at any time. 

Day 2 – 2 hours: If you and your child are comfortable, you are welcome to leave and return after the 2 hour session.

Day 3 – 8:00am to 11:30am: This is an opportunity for your child to  participate in a full morning routine. Please let us know  if you believe more gradual days are required, or if your child is ready for longer days with us. 

 

Infant-Toddler Care Schedule

The daily schedule is flexible according to the child’s needs. Diapering and toileting are carried out as needed, and on a schedule. Our typical flow of the day is as follows:

8:30   – Program Opens
9:00   – Morning Snack followed by free play (Morning rest if applicable)
9:30   – Scheduled morning diaper check, followed by Free Play
10:00 – Wake up morning nappers and transition to outside
11:00 – Transition Inside for lunch
11:30 – Free play and circle/gathering/story/song time
11:45 – Afternoon Diapers and transition to afternoon nap
3:00   – At this time we wake any sleeping children
3:00   – Afternoon Snack, followed by Free Play, Outdoor play (weather permitting)
4:00   – Program closes

 

Toilet Training 

Independence is always encouraged in our Early Learning Programs, and we make children a part of their diaper change when they are comfortable to do so, such as encouraging them to unfasten their own diaper.  

We support children that are toilet training by being consistent with what they do at home, so let us know if your child is showing interest in using the toilet, or if you start implementing new toileting routines. 

Accidents are an expected part of toilet training as it takes time to recognize and learn to control the body’s signals. Children may be upset or feel ashamed when they don’t make it to the toilet in time, but it’s vital to reassure them that accidents happen and they can change into clean dry clothing. Responding with calm kindness, and encouraging independent dressing when possible are valuable steps in toilet training. 

Clothing items that children cannot unfasten on their own may undermine their sense of control over their toileting and may cause them to become frustrated with using the toilet. Bottoms with elastic waistbands are recommended.  When children are learning to use the toilet we will give regular reminders. We use anatomically correct language. If children are having a hard time getting to the toilet in time and there are more than two accidents in a day we will put on a pullup as back up, for sanitary purposes. 

Children in Infant-Toddler Care must be toilet trained to move to the next group.

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Guidance Policy 

Behavioral guidance is essential to the smooth running of our program. It is a continuous process of guiding behavior that assists children in developing self-regulation, self-confidence, and self-discipline. We encourage children to be responsible, confident, and accountable for their own behavior with a goal to enhance the child’s self-respect and respect for others.  With our Education Team’s  knowledge of child development, and the growing relationship with the child, potential problems can be anticipated and avoided if we:

1. Set limits and expectations with simple, clear and consistent guidelines.
2. Explain limits in a positive rather than negative manner.
3. Focus on the behavior rather than the child.
4. Reinforce appropriate behavior and redirect unacceptable behavior.
5. Encourage fun, interesting, and inviting activities that provide opportunities for communication and connection.

These guidelines are reinforced during our daily activities. Continuous challenging behavior will require a conference between the program manager and the parent/guardian. The purpose of this meeting is to develop a Care Plan to support the child.  

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Nap & Rest Time Policy

For Group Child Care

Our philosophy is that children 5 and under need time to rest. A slow and regular rest time promotes relaxation and helps children de-stress from their busy morning. Children are encouraged through this after-lunch routine, and quickly become familiar with expectations so as to navigate the transition themselves. After lunch, each child tidies up their space and leaves the table.  Children are guided to use the toilet, and reminded to wash hands and faces.  They make their way to the rest area where mats have been spread out in a calm space under dim lighting and soft music. Each bed is labeled with the child’s Letter Link, and generally placed in their regular spot so they are easily found. 

While not every child will sleep, we require that non-sleeping children are quiet during this period. Rest time is a minimum of 20 minutes, after which, the children who do not sleep move to quiet time activities such as looking at books, coloring, or puzzles. This policy helps tired children to fall asleep easier, and provides a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

As children wake, they can move to quiet activities. At 2:00pm the blinds are opened, lights turned on, and children are encouraged to wake and resume afternoon activities. 

 We wash bedding and disinfect mats and cribs once a week or as needed.

 

“Can you make sure my child doesn’t sleep?”

It is important that families understand this daily practice prior to enrollment, as we cannot prevent tired children from sleeping during afternoon rest time. We require you not ask your child to stay awake, as this puts undue stress on the child at rest time as they try to navigate two contrasting sets of caregiver expectations, while they are learning to respond to their body’s cues. 

Evidence supports that daytime naps are beneficial to the developing brain – improving cognitive functioning, self-regulation, and working memory. Sufficient sleep supports a healthy immune system too. Concerns about naps affecting the bedtime routine can be discussed in a conference  to develop a Care Plan.

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Nutrition Program Policy

The Clubhouse Kitchen provides snacks and meals for the children in our care in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Health Canada Food Guide and FoodSafe.  We believe that it is important for children to be exposed to a variety of healthy alternatives and they are encouraged to try different foods.  Menus will be posted on the family communication board and will be updated seasonally. Changes in the day’s scheduled menu may occur due to availability, and any changes will be posted so families can be aware of foods their children have been offered or have been eating.

Please discuss your child’s individual nutritional needs with the staff.  To ensure the health and safety of your child, it is crucial that you inform us of your child’s allergies in writing.  Depending on the severity of those allergies, we may have you complete a separate form to describe your child’s allergies and outline the proper procedures for staff to follow in the event of an allergic reaction.  Detailed allergy forms are posted in the kitchen with a picture of the child and all Clubhouse staff are trained to be aware of the information contained in this form.  

Please Note: For the safety of children with allergies, the Clubhouse is a Nut-Aware facility. Please do not bring in any item containing nuts. You may wish to send a special birthday treat, such as cupcakes or cookies, on or near that day.  As we care for children with diverse dietary restrictions, you must let your Manager know if you wish to send a birthday treat one week in advance so we can approve this request.

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Outdoor Play Policy 

We will have time for outdoor play every day. The outdoors in every season offers valuable educational experiences, and opportunities for social, physical, and emotional development. Children will be actively playing with art activities, soil, sand, grass and with other materials that can permanently stain clothing. Send your child to us in ‘play clothes’: clothes that can get worn and dirty. 

Children can be bathed, and clothes can get washed or replaced, but the value of messy, active play for our children is priceless.

Children need safe footwear, such as runners or sturdy sandals with ankle support and a strap around the heel in the warmer months, and waterproof footwear in the cooler months.  Dress shoes, shoes with slippery soles, sandals with no backstrap, flip-flops, or slippers may not be worn in our programs. 

Your child must be appropriately clothed for the weather, and for active play.  Please ensure that your child has a full change of clothing appropriate for the season and all clothing is labeled with your child’s name. We cannot accept responsibility for loss of clothing or other articles brought from home. Snow suits and splash suits are provided for every child.

The Gear Library 

Since 2014, with support from our Community Partners, we have built up our Gear Library. This program provides splash suits and one-piece snow suits. It takes pressure off families to buy expensive gear that children so quickly grow out of, and educators will no longer need to remind parents daily to pack adequate gear. Most importantly, children can be fully equipped to enjoy and engage in their valuable outdoor learning experience. 

Children need to have access to nature daily in different weather conditions to take advantage of the learning experiences provided by immersive, outdoor education. By staying warm and dry in appropriate gear, they can fully engage in their outdoor learning experience. 

 

Field Trip Policy 

With support from community partners such as the Variety Club, we own and operate two 24-seat buses to transport children to destination field trips. Our Clubhouse drivers hold Class 4 licenses in good standing with ICBC, and are well versed in Clubhouse Policy and Procedure. 

As part of our commitment to outdoor play, we regularly schedule trips to the Clubhouse Farm and the Treehouse Forest Classroom. These innovative outdoor programs allow children more space and autonomy for choosing to engage in play that  has higher elements of risk such as running over uneven ground, rolling down hills, playing with sticks, rocks, ropes and tools, caring for animals, gardening, exploring, and climbing.  You will be asked to sign an Acknowledgement, Waiver and Assumption of Risks Form for your child to attend these programs.

Dates of field trips will be predetermined, and posted on the Family Communication Board. We will ask for your signature on a Field Trip consent form on the day of the trip to remind you of the scheduled trip and ensure your permission.  

Each group goes with their First Aid Backpack and Emergency Forms. Administration is informed by the Clubhouse Bus Driver i) when the group leaves the Centre for a field trip, and ii) upon returning to the Centre. 

On the morning of a trip, please arrive promptly because we will be boarding the bus. A child who arrives late may have to be dropped off with the group at the location of the field trip.

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First Aid Policy

Every Clubhouse Program has at least one staff on duty at all times with an up-to-date First Aid Certificate. We encourage all our Staff to have this certificate and require it to be updated every three years. Each program has a stocked First Aid Kit which stays with the group.

Upon registration, parents/guardians initial and sign the Policy Permission Form indicating their permission to remove a sliver, bee stinger, or attached tick from their child by a qualified staff. The qualified staff must have an up-to-date standard first aid certificate and be comfortable with removing it.  If for any reason there is no staff comfortable with removal, or if the parent does not give permission, the child must be picked up by the parent, guardian, or emergency contact, who will arrange a visit to a doctor.

We will call you if your child has an injury or signs of illness, inform you of their condition and may request that you pick up immediately.  Upon registration, you must give your permission for The Clubhouse to obtain ambulance service for your child in the event of serious illness or injury. In this scenario, you will be called immediately to inform you that your child is being transported to the Kelowna General Hospital with a Clubhouse staff member. The Staff will remain with the child until the parent/guardian arrives.

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Medication and Illness Policy

Children who are ill must remain at home so they are given time to recover, and so that other children are not exposed to contagious illness. Please let us know when your child will not be attending the Clubhouse due to illness.  If your child becomes sick while in our care, we will call you and request that you pick up immediately. 

If a child has been absent from the Clubhouse because of a highly contagious illness such as chicken pox, the child must have a doctor’s permission to return.  When visiting your doctor, please ask for a written note stating when your child is no longer contagious and can return to the Clubhouse.  Some examples of contagious illnesses include: pink eye, impetigo, etc. The Medical Health Officer is the ultimate authority if there is a dispute about a child’s suitability to return. 

If you require any medication to be given to your child while in our care, you must complete  a medication form.  We may only administer medication, both prescription and non-prescription, that is accompanied by a doctor’s note.  Prescription medication can only be administered if it is in its original container.  Vitamins or medications found in a child’s possession that have not been detailed in a medication form must be removed and returned to the parent/guardian. 

 

Immunization 

We are required by the Community Care and Assisted Living Act to keep a record of each child’s immunization status, and encourage those who can to stay up to date on recommended immunization schedules found at immunizebc.ca. 

Immunizations, also known as vaccinations, help prevent us from contracting serious infectious diseases. When you get vaccinated, you help protect others as well.  We care for and work with a variety of individuals, some of whom are immunocompromised, and we strive to provide a safe environment for all. In the event of an outbreak, those who are unvaccinated may be asked to leave the program until Interior Health confirms low risk of infection.

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Abuse Policy

Health and Safety of Children: Our Legal Responsibility

If the staff suspect that the adult picking up the child/children seems to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if the adult does not seem able to provide safe care for the child/children:

1.     The staff will explain their concerns to the parent/ guardian and offer to call a cab.
2.     The staff will offer to call the emergency contact.
3.     If the adult is a designated person who has permission to pick up the child, the parent or guardian will be called and asked to pick up the child/ children.
4.     If the parent /guardian insists that the child/children leave with them, the staff will call the R.C.M.P. and the manager.
5.     If the situation becomes dangerous, the staff will call 911 and request assistance.

It is our legal responsibility to report any suspected abuse or neglect.  In the event that we suspect abuse or neglect, it will be reported to the Ministry of Children and Family Development. 

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Emergency Preparation

Evacuation Drills

Monthly Fire Drills are practiced to ensure our children and staff know the procedure to get out of the building safely in the event of an evacuation.

Relocation Policy

Extreme events such as flooding or fire have affected communities in BC in the past, and it is important that we are prepared for any situation. Should an extreme incident occur in our vicinity during our program please note that our primary muster point is Parkinson Recreation Centre. We will plan to meet families at this site UNLESS we are redirected by emergency Services.  Our Educators and Caregivers are primarily focused on the safety and wellbeing of the children, and the Clubhouse administration team will call families to inform them where they must come and pick up their children. If phone lines are down, our location will be broadcasted by radio as emergency services allow. Clubhouse staff remain onsite until each child has been picked up by a parent/guardian.