​

    This program statement will show how Glen Cairn Co-operative Preschool will meet the requirements as stated in the Ministry of Education policy statement on programming and pedagogy.

​

     Using “How Does Learning Happen” (HDLH) we will ensure that our children will be seen as competent, capable, curious and rich in potential. Our programming will reflect the concepts in this document.
   
   We will support positive and responsive interactions among the children, parents and RECEs (Registered Early Childhood Educators). The children will achieve a sense of belonging and connection with others and their world through the pedagogy of our program. Our programming is based on the HDLH document (How Does Learning Happen?) while incorporating the ELECT ( Early Learning for Every Child Today) document and Emergent curriculum. We also follow policies and procedures identified in the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).

​

The play based, child lead, open ended activities provide opportunity for the child to interact with peers in a positive and explorative environment. Child initiated and adult supported experiences will be implemented during indoor and outdoor play, encouraging problem solving, critical thinking, imagination and creativity. Children learn as a result of their own doing, through actions, relationships, inquiries, opportunities, and repetition at their own pace. Every child is an active, engaged learner. “All are co-learners, constructing knowledge together”.

​

    Parents are invited and encouraged to contribute to our program by sharing any family related experiences, activities and festivals that their families participate in. We invite individuals from our community to enrich our program  experiences and support our families. We also include walks, field trips and a selection of toys, equipment and props to encourage and gain knowledge of our surroundings and community. Our parent information board provides resources available in the community and supports them in the developmental needs of their children.​

 

    Through positive and responsive interactions between the children, parents and RECEs, the children will learn to feel secure and will be able to express their own feelings and feel empathy for others, in positive social interactions. Children will be supported with positive reinforcement from educators and peers, to develop self regulation. An area of the classroom is designated as the Quiet/Book area, and provides a safe, quieter space with comforting toys to support self regulation.

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 137/15 GCCP will prohibit

a, corporal punishment of the child,
b, deliberate use of harsh or degrading treatment or threat or use of derogatory language directed at or used in the presence of a child that would humiliate, shame or frighten the child or undermine his or her self respect, dignity or self worth
c, depriving the child of basic needs, including, food, clothing, shelter, toilet use or bedding,
d, locking the exits of GCCP for the purpose of confining the child or confining a child in an area or room without adult supervision, unless the confinement occurs during an emergency and is part of the preschool emergency policy
e, physical restraint of a child for the purpose of discipline or in lieu of supervision unless for the purpose of preventing a child from hurting themselves or others and is used only as a last resort and only until the risk of injury is no longer imminent
f, inflicting any bodily harm on a child including making them eat or drink against their will 

​

    HDLH states that “every child is developing a sense of self, health and well being.” At GCCP we will ensure that all snacks meet the Canada Food Guide standards and our school’s Snack Policy. Snacks will be inclusive of children with allergies. Our school allows parents to incorporate cultural foods and festivals into our program that are important to them. All food provided must be in keeping with our allergy and anaphylactic policies and dietary needs of the current school year.

​

 GCCP will provide all children with a healthy snack consisting of a fruit or vegetable and carbohydrate (crackers, biscuits etc..) Parents may choose to enhance their child's snack by providing cut up fruit and vegetables on the days their child attends. To promote independence the children have access to their water bottles at all times during free play. Following snack, they clean up when they are finished by placing water bottles and containers in the bins provided. To encourage the children to try new foods, every child is presented with all the snack but it is their choice what they decide to eat. Snack is served once a day during the program, however a child that requests or comments that they are hungry or thirsty will not be denied food or water at any time.

​

    Ongoing daily checks are made of the classroom and play areas, inside and outside, to ensure the equipment and surrounding play areas are safe and in good repair before the start of the program. Daily, weekly and monthly cleaning of toys and equipment ensures the health, safety and well being of the children. Families are aware of our Sickness Policy and any child that becomes ill at school will be comforted and separated from other children until the notified parent or guardian arrives to pick them up. At this time all toys or equipment used by the child will be cleaned and disinfected immediately or removed from the play areas and cleaned when time permits.

​

    Observations during playtime allow staff to observe areas of development in the children, which is documented. An understanding of child development gives us the knowledge to perceive the children's emerging skills. This information is shared with the parents through photos, conversations and emails. Additionally, Staff maintain portfolios with observations and photos for each child to be sent home at the end of the school year. Staff will be given opportunities (including but not limited to PD Days) to stay cognisant of current childcare regulations, pedagogy and child development through workshops, conferences, online courses and written material.

   Our program statement as a living document, recognises the strength of every child and adult in our preschool and community. We understand that the environment enhances the education of the child and their development. A sense of self worth and well-being provides the child with a safe foundation from which to learn. Through documentation and reviews of the program we will continually revisit and incorporate relevant pedagogy and early years programming as stated in subsection 55(3) in the Child Care Early Years Act 2014 (CCEYA) in order to maintain a high quality learning environment.
   
   In order to see that the preschool is meeting the aims set out in the Program Statement we will set out goals and our approaches to meeting these goals.

As a living document this statement will be reviewed and amended on an ongoing basis and not less than annually to ensure it is aligned with the Ministry's policy statement by all staff. RECEs, supply teachers, 
parents, volunteers and students, before working in the program with the children, will review the program statement and be invited to collaborate with staff in the implementation of the document into the program. GCCP has a policy for monitoring the compliance with our program statement, of everyone involved in the program. The program statement will be incorporated into our registration package provided on our website, (gccp.ca).