| OVERVIEW |
| LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT |
| LEARNING CENTERS |
| SCHEDULE |
| GOALS |
| SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT |
| FOOD SERVICES |
| PARENTS |
| HOURS/HOLIDAYS |
| INFORMATION |
| FEES |
| SUBSIDY |
| SPECIAL PROGRAMS |
| REGISTRATION |
| OVERVIEW Preschool, Kindergarten and Daycare A special component of our program is the integration of handicapped children. Special needs children are integrated into the day care centre through 2 different programs and funding sources. The first program is funded by the Alberta Family Social Services. Funding for additional staff support and equipment will be provided to meet the needs of each child. |
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The second program is funded by Alberta Education through a Program Unit Funding. A child receiving this grant reguires one to one teacher assistance. This grant may also cover transportation, and required therapy e.g. speech, physio, etc., equipment and supplies. The children in both programs have individualized program plans that are incorporated into the " regular" (day care program to accomplish complete integration. Parents are required to indicate in a sign-in book the time they have brought their children and also the time they have picked them up. This is important because this sheet is used as a reference guide in the situation of an emergency or fire drill. This procedure is required by the government and will be audited. |
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
The philosophical base recognizes that children learn best through "doing and being active participants in their learning." Many of the activities you see will be informal and play related, allowing the child opportunity to participate in problem solving, exploring, creating, developing initiative, learning through the senses, discovering, developing concepts related to numbers, space, time, cause and effect, spatial relationships, etc. Their learning will occur in developmentally appropriate ways.
Agape Learning Centre mission is to provide a secure, nurturing, loving and stimulating environment that encourages and promotes developmental growth in all areas of learning so that children may develop to his or her fullest potential at his or her own pace. Our programs form a bridge between the home, school and the community. We are committed to providing the highest quality childcare, early education and life skills in our community.
The program will:
-Be organized in a manner that each child will be treated as an individual. (Child oriented)
-Offer opportunities for the child to form a close and secure relationship with consistent primary staff members who value and care for him and facilitate play. (Children learn thru play)
-Children will have the opportunity for choice.
In order that the staff meet the developmental needs of the children in care, they will:
-Take all opportunities available to both initiate play and respond to the child's activities, ensuring that children are offered a choice of activities. Providing a balance between active and quiet play and group and individual play.
Language Arts
A. To develop appreciation for written and oral language
B. To begin to respond to and answer questions about stories and discussions
C. To recall and retell the main events in a story or poem
D. To develop a zeal and an interest in books and reading
Mathematics
A. To develop a base of experience for fundamental math skills
B. To begin to understand and control his/her physical world through curiosity, thinking and reasoning skills, collecting and analyzing information
C. Begins to show progress in working with numerals and counting objects
D. Adds and subtracts through role playing and the use of manipulative
Goals for each child with respect to creative and cultural development
A. To develop an appreciation of artistic expression and beauty
B. To develop a zeal for creative self expression through a variety of avenues
C. Becomes aware of different family and cultural traditions and celebrations
D. Shares family traditions and shows pride in his or her own culture
Goals with respect to Community and Environment Awareness
A. To show interest in learning about the environment and the community
B. To be able to identify familiar shapes in the environment e.g. Circles, triangles, squares
C. Is able to recognize the need of caring for materials and using materials without wasting them
D. To develop an awareness and appreciation for people and places in our community
E. Becomes aware of the five sense
Staff will provide the younger child with greater assistance in choosing and playing at a learning centre. Kindergarten children will be expected to be more self directed and spend greater time exploring learning centres. Experiences in cooking, large muscle activity (gym), in-class room visitors and field trips complement the learning centres. The activities of the learning centres usually incorporate a weekly theme or concept. There is a balance between the child-directed and teacher (staff) directed activities to provide the opportunity for the full development of each child.
WHY HANDS-ON?
I tried to teach my child with books;
He gave me only puzzled looks.
I tried to teach my child with words; They passed him by often unheard.
Despairingly, I turned aside;
"How shall I teach this child," I cried.
Into my hand he put the key,
"Come," He said, "Play with me."
~~~author unknown~~~
SCHEDULE
Mild/Moderate Program
Daily Plan
9:00-9:15 a.m. Christian Story and Songs
9:15-9:30 a.m. Snack
9:30-10:00 a.m. Gym (game and free play)
10:00-10:45 a.m. Centers
10:45-11:15 a.m. Music
11:15-11:45 a.m. Lunch
11:45-12:00 noon Finish lunch and free reading
12:00-1:00 p.m. Rest
1:00-1:45 p.m. Centers
1:45-2:15 p.m. Speech and Language
2:15-2:30 p.m. Snack
2:30-3:00 p.m. Outside
3:00-3:30 p.m. Show n' tell
Our program will use a learning centre approach. The centres open will vary from week to week or theme to theme, but will essentially be comprised of the following:
Morning: Afternoon:
Fine Art All the morning centres
Dramatic Play plus:
Sensory Computer
House keeping Tool center
Blocks Listening Center
Manipulative Playdough/chalk board
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Tentative Schedule for an ECS Day's Activity
Morning: Afternoons:
Arrival Quiet Time
Devotions Music
Calender Centres
Orientation to current theme
Recess
Centres Show n' Tell
Snack Final Group Activity
Gym Dismissal
Story Time
Fine Arts and Music
Lunch
GOALS FOR AN EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
1. Awareness of the child's strengths as well as a realistic understanding and to develop a positive concept of himself as a person. This goal implies a management of his weaknesses. At variety of levels - getting down to their level. Use his name. Put art work up.
2. To achieve independence in making choices, decisions and judgements based on cognitive, competence and positive self concept and to achieve a mutual with others. This interdependence involves feeling a sense of responsibility for himself and for others within a group or a community.
3. To move from the preoccupation with self and the basic biological and psychological needs toward directing activity interest and involvement and involvement outside of himself. This includes - giving pleasure from various forms of human communication and interaction.
-Seeking problems and finding satisfaction in solving them
-Having the capacity to appreciate and delight in nature and the products of human culture
4. To advance from a stage of dependency on others and of object to a point where he can manipulate the objects and determine what he will do.
5. To learn to cope with social change and with wider relationships. The ability to adapt to change grows out of an overwhelming curiosity to know what comes next.
Following Alberta Education’s document Philosophy, Goals & Program Dimension, this program will address the development of the WHOLE CHILD. (Emotional, physical, social, intellectual, and creative development) I. Goals for each child with respect to emotional & personal development.
A. To enhance the continuing development of self-esteem. -Recognition of self as a unique and competent person. -independent, yet confident to approach others for help &/or assurance -responsible -able to make decisions and follow through on initiative -eager to learn and experience new situations -feelings accepted, respected and secure B. To recognize (name) and express personal feelings and to begin to develop self regulated behaviors II. Goals for each child with respect to physical development & well-being A. To enhance the continuing development of large motor skill, through activities involving the coordination of large muscles - e.g. Running, jumping, skipping, etc. B. To enhance the continuing development of fine motor skill, through activities involving the coordination of small muscles - e.g. Cutting, painting, lacing, tying, etc. C. To further improve perceptual motor skills, which involves combining information received from the senses with a motor response - e.g. Catching a ball -body awareness - body parts & their function -spatial awareness - awareness of the body’s space -directional awareness -left/right; up/down -temporal awareness - the sense of timing needed to catch a ball -sensory awareness - seeing, hearing, touching, smelling & tasting D. To further improve fundamental movement abilities - coordination, balance & stability, locomotion & rhythm E. To further develop a knowledge of nutrition and hygiene. F. To develop an attitude and behavior that promotes wellness. -observing simple rules for safety in playing games -participating in physical activities -independence in dressing and grooming III. Goals for each child with respect to social development A. To get along and cooperate with others in a one-to-one situation, a small group situation & a large group setting B. To demonstrate respect and consideration for others. C. To acknowledge the respect and acceptance of others. D. To join in on small and large group games and activities E. To show a willingness of taking risks and trying new things
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10)
“Praise the Lord for it is good to sing praises to our God.” (Ps. 147:11)
The Psalms and all of Scripture challenge us to seek our God in a variety of ways and in all circumstances as we live as his children. We do this as individuals and also communally. Wherever two or three are gathered the Lord promises to be there.
And the Lord is there when the little ones in a kindergarten class come together to worship him. It is important to make this a routine part of each day. The beginning of each day seems most appropriate, although a teacher may find it better suited at some other time. This impresses on the children your desire to begin each day with the Lord. Also, for may children, getting up and breakfast is a rushed affair and it may be their first devotional time of the day.
Give special attention to and remind the children often of the significance of devotions in the life of a Christian. Devotions are effectively done in a circle time, allowing a closeness to be developed among the children.
Devotions can serve a variety of purpose:
-giving thanks to the Lord for each day
-giving thanks for individual or family blessings
-giving thanks for school/communal blessings
-making requests to the Lord on behalf of each other
-making requests to the Lord on behalf of a family
-making requests to the Lord on behalf of the community, country, world
-asking forgiveness
-giving praise and glory to God
-thanking God for answering prayer
This devotional worship can be offered to the Lord in many ways through:
-song
-Scripture reading or reciting
-prayer, spoken individually, communally or offered in song
-playing of instruments
-actions and dance
-poetry, story
FOOD SERVICES
We at Agape Daycare (Mild & Moderate Preschool) provide a nutritious snack each morning and each afternoon. Children who are at daycare after 5:00 p.m. will receive another light snack.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parents will be able to have their input into the program by a suggestion box, emailing to info@agapelearning.ca and by reading the monthly newsletters, informing the parents about special activities and/or assistance needed. An open door policy is in place and expressed to parents at time of registration, whereby parents may drop in to observe their child and perhaps take part in activities with their child. Special activities will be planned for a family participation and outings.
Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the program and the values of each activity centre by coming in to observe, interacting with staff and children and asking questions as well as giving suggestions
The parents will also be given the opportunity to be a big part in special occasion activities, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc. Parents are welcome to join us or send in a snack for a special occasion. All snacks must be purchased. When families bring food and drink the program encourages them to meet the requirements of the Canada Food Guide. Homemade food items are not allowed due to regulations. A daily program will be posted on the parent board.
CONCERNS AND EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS
There is a suggestion box by the parent board into which parents may write any concerns or suggestions that you may have. You may also email us or phone. Outlined in the parent handbook is a grievance procedure. At the time of registration the Parent Handbook will be given and the Program Coordinator will be available to go over any policies that relate to parents and their child. Parents are expected to completely read through the entire handbook.
PARENTS UP TO DATE ON THEIR CHILD'S PROGRESS
Communication notes are done for the younger toddlers which are attached to the inner side of the child's lockers door. The logs consist of information, incidents that occurred, physical concerns (ie. loose stool) and over all composure of the child. Parents are encouraged to read daily. Individual observations are recorded on each child periodically unless there is a special need that needs to be addressed on an ongoing basis.
Individual observations are recorded on each child periodically unless there is a special need that needs to be addressed on an ongoing basis.
Each staff in each group will be communicating information to parents about their children when the parents bring their children and/or when the parents pick their children up. We encourage feed back from the parents and we take parents suggestions very seriously and will accommodate them as long as they are in the limits of our policies and procedures we are governed there by.
HOURS
Our ultimate goal is to provide a Christian environment where we can meet the needs of the whole child in every aspect of development - physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. The hours are 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Kindergarten/Preschool hours are 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Ages of Daycare children are 13 month to 6 years. A daily Program Schedule is attached.
HOLIDAYS
DAYS WHEN PROGRAM DOES NOT OPERATE:
Agape Learning Centre will be closed on the following holidays:
- New Years Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
GENERAL INFORMATION
LICENSED CAPACITY: Our capacity for Daycare is 80 children.
For Preschool is 20 children.
For Kindergarten is 20 children.
LIABILITY: Our liability is 3 million dollars.
DAY CARE FEES
RECEIPTS: Receipts will be given every month.
REGISTRATION FEE: $50 FEES AND REGISTRATION:
Fees are:
$650.00 per month for children 13 months to 19 months
$625 per month for children 19 months to 6 years.
The penalty for late pick-up is $10 for every 5 minutes. The hourly rate for one child is $9.00. Second child is $8.00 an hr.
Fees are to be paid by the 5th of each month.
Serving Children 13 months - 6 years
Rates:
Ages 13months-3years is $650 monthly
Ages 3years-6years is $625 monthly
Subsidy Rates
Ages 13 months-18 months is $750 monthly
Ages 19 months - 6 years is $675 monthly
Part Time Rates
$9.00 hr for the first child
$8.00hr for the second child
SUBSIDY PARENT FORMS
Parents who are on the Parent Subsidy Program are to agree to pay parent portions as calculated by subsidy office. Parent's on subsidy will be paying an additional administration monthly fee.
Subsidy Parents must abide by the regulations as set down by the Subsidy Program as follows:
a) Hours: Full-time care will be a minimum of 100 hours.
Failure to meet hourly requirements will result in the transferring of the registration into a part-time status rather than full-time.
b) Verification: Parents must supply verification of enrolment, salary and marital status to the Subsidy Office as requested.
c) Change of Status: Parents are responsible to notify the Subsidy office when there is a change of any kind that would affect their subsidy. Specifically, parents must notify the Subsidy office when they plan to withdraw their child from the program.
SPECIAL PROGRAMSGymnastics -Click Here
Field Trips - Click Here
REGISTRATION - Click Here
HOME | PHILOSOPHY | UPCOMING EVENTS | REGISTRATION | CONTACT
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AGAPE LEARNING CENTRE |
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Highway 3 East |
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Lethbridge Alberta |
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(403) 320-2772 |
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Email: info@agapelearning.ca |