Wee Care Centre Parent Information & Policy Manual

Transcription

Wee Care Centre
Parent Information &
Policy Manual
Wee Care Centre
March 2013
MAXIMIZING ABILITIES
The Bridget R. (Delia) Edwards Memorial Building
5217 Young Street
Halifax, NS B3K 6A6
902-455-1081
Email: weecare@ns.aliantzinc.ca
www.weecareforkids.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 3
Mission Statement ...................................................................................................................... 3
Administrative Structure............................................................................................................. 4
Staff ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Parents ........................................................................................................................................ 5
What to Bring to Wee Care ......................................................................................................... 6
ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMING ................................................................................................... 7
Emergent Curriculum .................................................................................................................. 7
Classrooms .................................................................................................................................. 8
Transitions................................................................................................................................. 12
Other Important Information ................................................................................................... 13
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................... 14
Orientation to Wee Care........................................................................................................... 14
Fee Structure............................................................................................................................. 15
Hours of Operation ................................................................................................................... 16
Arrival and Departure ............................................................................................................... 17
Illness / Sick Days ...................................................................................................................... 18
Medication Administration ....................................................................................................... 19
Management of Emergencies ................................................................................................... 20
Nutrition / Food Safety ............................................................................................................. 21
Behaviour Guidance Policy ....................................................................................................... 22
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................................... 24
CHECKLIST ..................................................................................................................................... 25
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
We welcome you and your child to the Wee Care Centre.
This parent manual has been created to provide you with
information about our policies and programs. Please keep it for
future reference.
Open, two-way communication with parents is important for the
centre’s success and survival. If you have any questions, concerns,
ideas or comments concerning the centre, feel free to contact the Executive Director by phone,
email or in person.
Child care is provided at two sites; the main Wee Care site on Young Street and at Veith House.
Your child’s classroom may move to the Veith House site as they get older and prepare to enter
public school.
You will notice that the doors to Wee Care are locked. This is for your child’s safety. There is a
doorbell to ring to gain access and parents will also be issued a pass card. A $10 deposit per
card is required and $5 will be refunded when the card is returned. Lost cards will be replaced
for an additional $10.
Mission Statement
We strive to maximize abilities and to provide education and support to children and their
families.
Nous nous efforcons de maximiser les competences et a offrir des services edicatifs et de
soutien aux enfants et a leurs familles.
.‫ال ي وال م ساعده ال تأه يل ل ت قدي م وق درات نا و س ع نا ف ي ماهو ك ل ت قدي م ن حاول ن حن‬
‫االهل و االط فال‬
Nos esforzamos por maximizar habilidades y proporcionar servicios educacionales y de apoyo a
los niños y a sus familias.
Parent Information & Policy Manual
Page 3
Administrative Structure
Wee Care Centre is a non-profit childcare facility which is licensed by the Department of
Community Services. We operate within the Day Care Act and the Department’s licensing
regulations.
A community Board of Directors and its subcommittees manage the centre.
The Board consists of parents, interested community members and professionals. No staff
member sits on the Board; however, there is staff participation and representation at the
meetings.
The Board of Directors meets monthly, and the Annual General Meeting is held each spring.
Elections to the Board of Directors take place at the Annual General Meeting, and parents are
encouraged to attend and/or become members. Parents are also encouraged to attend the
Parent Committee meetings and volunteer to participate in our fundraising activities.
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Staff
Wee Care employs an Executive Director who is responsible for the everyday operations and
management of the centre.
The Centre also employs administrative staff, a cook and fulltime teachers who are trained in Early Childhood Education,
Elementary Education and/or special populations. Teaching
staff attend workshops and training sessions to ensure that
knowledge and skills are up to date.
In ten months, a child
who was classified as
"delayed" has become
a very happy,
outgoing, lovable
child.
Specialized therapies are provided by a Resource Teacher,
Teaching Assistants, Physiotherapist, Occupational
Therapist, and Music Therapist. From time to time the
centre hosts a variety of volunteers and students from local high schools, Early Childhood
Education programs, and other professions from colleges and universities.
Parents
You are encouraged to visit the centre and observe your child taking part in our daily routine.
You are also welcome to join the program staff on outings. We encourage you to share your
skills, interests and culture with the children in the centre.
Please feel free to speak with your child’s teacher at any time. Parent-Teacher meetings are
scheduled yearly or on request. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about your
child’s activities at the centre.
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What to Bring to Wee Care
Wee Care’s program is designed to encourage the love of active learning through play. Children
should wear inexpensive, comfortable play clothes. All clothing should be clearly labelled with
your child’s name.
While every effort is made to protect your child’s clothing from loss or damage, the centre
cannot guarantee that it will not happen.
Your child will need:
A blanket for naptime
Paint smock/shirt
A complete change of clothing (underwear, socks, shirt, pants, skirt/dress, shoes)
If your child is being toilet trained, they will need 4 complete changes of
clothes/day
If your child is in diapers they will need 20 diapers/week
Inside footwear—sneakers are preferred as other shoes/sandals/slippers are often
slippery and may not stay on
Seasonal Items
Summer
Winter
Spring/Fall
Hat
Hat
Hat
Coat/sweater
Snowsuit
Jacket/raincoat
Mud suit*
Scarf
Mud suit*
Rain boots
Boots
Rain boots
Swimsuit
Mittens (4 pairs)
Mittens
*A mud suit consists of thin nylon covers that keep clothing from being ruined by the
playground dirt.
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ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMING
Emergent Curriculum
We engage in Emergent Curriculum which is child-directed and teacher-facilitated. This means
that while the children’s ideas and interests are the basis of the program, the teacher is still in
control planning activities and experiences that not only meet each child's goals and
milestones, but also aims to prepare them for higher learning.
Teachers may have a general topic they think is important for children to study and they may
purposely include certain materials or experiences related to it as jumping off points. Once
teachers see an interest “emerging” they brainstorm ways to study the topic in depth.
An idea for a curriculum topic may be sparked by anything or come from anywhere. A teacher
may overhear a group of students having a discussion about bugs that leads to the class sitting
down and coming up with a web topic that explores all the possible directions the class could
go in their quest to learn all they can about the topic of bugs.
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Classrooms
The following are general outlines of the classrooms. Please take note of the schedule posted
outside of your child’s classroom for specific times of activities. Your child will experience many
of these classrooms.
Blue Lagoon
(4 months - 18 months)
In our room we offer a sensory-based program that supports your
child’s learning through the five senses. We offer several dry, wet and
messy activities (e.g. paint, goop, water or cornmeal) throughout the
day. These activities can be as simple as touching sand with their toes and fingers, playing in
and touching pudding, to having them crawl through paint that is poured onto the floor!
The teachers are continuously observing the children, their interests and developmental levels.
We then structure our program and activities to meet the child’s growing needs and to
challenge them.
We develop warm relationships with the children and their parents. We have an open door
policy and welcome the child’s family into our room. You are more than welcome to stay and
participate in the daily program. If you have a special skill, please let our teachers know, we
invite you to come and share it with the children!
We also enjoy going out into the community and exploring the neighbourhood. If your
workplace allows visits, and you are within walking distance we would love to come and visit
you. We have visited places such as a local elementary school. We also enjoy going on walks
and playing in local parks.
Purple Lavender
In our room we offer a child-centered program that is flexible to the needs of
our children. Our teachers spend time each day observing the children to see
what they are interested in. We plan activities based on the interests of the children and guide
them in their learning and development through encouragement and positive reinforcement.
Our daily routine includes a variety of small and large group activities that can range from very
active to quite quiet and focused. During group circle time, we sing songs together and explore
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new concepts each week such as figuring out which categories certain animals and colors fit
into.
Small group activities include exploring sensory substances such as goop and using our
creativity and imaginations to create art. The children in the toddler room actively explore their
world though interacting with one another and observing their environment.
Each day, they learn more about how to play cooperatively and become more independent in
self-help skills such as dressing and toileting. Teachers facilitate the development of
independence by encouraging the children to express their needs verbally and make decisions.
Since observing the environment is an important part of learning, we often take opportunities
to go out into the community as a group, visiting the local park and surrounding areas.
Mango Tango
In the Mango Tango classroom, each child experiences a sensory, hands-on
learning environment. Each child has the opportunity to participate in a
variety of small and large group activities.
Every day the children participate in sensory fine motor, art and circle activities. They also have
the opportunity to participate in daily gross motor play during gym and outside time. The
Snoezelen room also provides an enriched relaxation sensory environment.
The curriculum expands and emerges according to each child’s interest and learning quests.
Within this learning environment, children strive for greater gains in their independence. They
learn not only self help skills or daily living skills but also independent choice making and self
confidence in their abilities.
We believe like our children that we are continuous learners reaching to be better, learn more
and experience more in a meaningful way. As a classroom, we use mediums of creativity,
movement, music, literacy, observation and play to understand ourselves, each other and the
world.
In our classroom of 2 and 3 year olds, each child has the opportunity to expand their abilities,
knowledge and experience in a hands on, purposeful social interactions. We are creating a
foundation for lifelong learning, independence, and confidence building.
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Rhythmic Red Researcher —3 R’s
(2 years - 4 years)
The teachers in the Rhythmic Red Researcher room strive to make learning
fun and make the classroom a space that encourages active exploration. It is
also a place where children can feel secure and valued for their contributions
to the group.
Curriculum includes a balance of active and quiet activities along with time spent in both large
and small groups. There is also a balance of teacher and child directed activities, and blocks of
time where the children can play alone if they wish.
We provide challenging and interesting activities based on their curiosities, interests or
experiences, and actively participate in learning with the children. The overall goals in our
classroom are to help the children learn to develop empathy, respect, tolerance and kindness
to all living things as well as expanding on their awareness of the community.
We often take part in fundraising activities for Wee Care and other charitable organizations.
The pets in the classroom present valuable learning opportunities and are an asset to the
program. We hope to inspire each child and help them reach their full potential.
Yellow Submarines
(3 years - 5 years)
The Yellow Submarine classroom incorporates a balance of structured
and unstructured activities throughout the day.
Activities are based upon the needs, talents, and interests of the children
as well as new and challenging experiences to stimulate their curiosity
and enhance their learning.
Individual, small and large group times happen throughout the day in a variety of centre activity
areas—classroom, gym, Snoezelen, library, playground, resource and therapy rooms. The
resource teacher, occupational, physio and music therapists also contribute to the play and
education of the children.
We look to enhance learning in all of the developmental areas by providing a variety of toys and
activities—circle “meetings”, science, sensory exploration, dramatic play, arts and crafts,
tabletop puzzles and games, gym/playground equipment, building toys, etc. Project work is
encouraged as a means to having the tools and experiences of learning about topics of interest.
We also enjoy many community outings, whether it is a walk to a neighbourhood playground or
a bus trip to a farther destination.
Page 10
Green Explorers
(3 years - 5 years)
The Green Explorers are continuing to become more
independent in terms of their self care, but also in
terms of their education.
Our day always begins with a morning meeting, where we discuss the day’s planned activities,
but we also ask questions, brainstorm, and share ideas and thoughts. The rest of the day
involves “work” and activities, which will vary depending on the interests of the children. This
“work” will include activities such as art, construction, dramatic play, gym, Snoezelen, sensory
play, literacy, and outings around the community.
Our main goal is to develop children who are independent and respectful, who are capable of
problem solving and critical thinking, and who are prepared for higher learning. The teachers
encourage the children to ask questions, brainstorm, test ideas, and express themselves
independently. We believe these skills are the foundation of learning, and with this strong
foundation, they will be ready for big school and beyond.
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Transitions
Transition (change) can be a scary time for children and parents. Your child will experience
transition throughout their time at Wee Care. The first transition, orientation and starting at
the centre is outlined in the following section. At Wee Care, we do our best to support both
you and your child through transitions.
As your child grows, they will transition through many of the classrooms you just read about.
Most of the classrooms are housed within the main site; however the Green Explorers and their
teachers are located next door at Veith House.
We plan transitions to take place in the early fall. We do our best to contact families in advance
to advise them of the upcoming movement of their child(ren). We also try to keep the children
with their friends, but sometimes due to the needs of the children this is not possible. Although
this can be frustrating, making new friends is something we do all of the time.
Unplanned transitions may happen during the year. This may occur as the result of the needs
of your child or another child. We are an inclusive daycare, and want to balance the special
needs of children across our programs. Again, you will be notified if a change needs to take
place.
The final transition at Wee Care is graduation. This takes place in June. We celebrate as the
children prepare to move on to big school.
If you or your child are struggling with transition, please feel free to speak to the staff or
Executive Director.
Page 12
Other Important Information
The following is a list of documents that are required by the Department of Community Services
and the location in the centre where they are posted.
Document
Location
Child Care Act and Regulations
Parent Bulletin Board
Parent Handbook
The facility license
Most recent inspection
Behaviour Guidance Policy
Parent Policy Manual
Current menu
Outside of the kitchen
Daily program plan/routine
Parent Policy Manual
Parent Committee Members
Parent Committee Minutes
Notification of Funding by the Minister
Page 13
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Orientation to Wee Care
Date Effective: June, 2012
Responsibility of: Admissions Committee
Date of Next Review: June, 2014
At Wee Care, we know that your child’s first day is a very important one. Children who are
introduced to the childcare setting with the help of their parent(s) tend to cope better with
their new environment.
Parents and staff also benefit since the introductory days open the lines of communication. This
is an opportunity for the special information about your child to be shared.
We suggest that orientation to the center takes place over the first week that your child
attends. You should bring your child to the centre close to the same time that you will be
dropping him/her off in the morning to help establish a routine.
Orientation Day
Time
Activities
Day 1
9:15 – 11:15 am
Parent and child are introduced to their classroom,
other children and teachers. Parents may stay with
their child.
Day 2
8:30am – 12:00 pm Today your child will stay for lunch. Parents may
settle their child in the classroom and then leave
the room but remain nearby on site.
Day 3
8:30 am-1:30 pm
Today your child will stay through nap time. You
are not required to remain on site.
Day 4
Full Day
You will drop your child off and pick them up at
your usual times.
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Fee Structure
Responsibility of: Board of Directors
1. Fees are based on daily rates. Notice will be given if rates are to increase.
2. One parent/guardian will be responsible for the account. It is your responsibility to ensure
that your account is paid in full. This includes any issues that may arise with subsidies,
shared custody, non-sufficient funds, et cetera.
3. Fees are due at the beginning of each month. We accept cheques.
a. 12 post-dated cheques are required on your child’s first day and then at the
beginning of each 12-month period thereafter.
b. Debit payments may be available for those who have completed 12 months of
cheque payments and the account is in good standing (i.e. has not defaulted on
payment, attained non-sufficient funds charges, late payment, arrears).
4. Payments that are more than one month late will be charged a late fee of 15% per annum
on unpaid balances 30 days from billing.
5. Payments must be made to either the Assistant or Executive Director. Staff and
volunteers are unable to collect your payment.
6. Late pick-up fees of $15.00 per child for every 5 minutes after 5:15 pm will be charged to
your account.
7. Orientation days are considered to be regular childcare days. Full fees apply.
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Hours of Operation
Responsibility of: Board of Directors
1. Wee Care is open on weekdays from 7:00 am – 5:15 pm.
2. The centre is closed on all government/statutory holidays. Notices will be posted prior to
these holidays.
3. Parents will identify regular time of arrival and departure at the time of enrollment. Your
child’s arrival and departure times should correspond with your working or school/study
hours.
4. In the case of non-working parents we recommend a core program of no more than 8
hours.
5. Notice of changes that would affect arrival and/or departure times for a day or two should
be directed to your child’s teacher.
6. Long-term schedule changes are to be arranged with the Executive Director. This enables
us to maintain appropriate child/staff ratios.
7. Wee Care does not close for most winter storms.
a. On storm days the centre will be open but may operate with limited staffing. Should
Metro Transit Bus Services be off the road due to weather, Wee Care will be closed.
b. If you are able to keep your child home, please do so.
c. Call the centre to determine if the staff have arrived and to let them know whether
or not to expect your child.
d. Parents may be asked to remain in the centre until the appropriate child/staff ratio
is in place.
e. Please monitor the weather conditions throughout the day and pick up your child as
soon as possible.
Page 16
Arrival and Departure
Arrival
1. Your child is expected to be at the centre before 9:15 am. This enables your child to take
place in all planned activities and allows the cook to prepare for lunch.
2. You must bring your child into the centre. His/her outerwear must be removed in the
cubby area and placed in his/her cubby.
3. Your child must be escorted to and greeted by a teacher. Our responsibility for your child
does not begin until s/he is in the care of a staff member.
4. Notify the centre prior to 9:00 am if your child will not be attending or will be late due to an
appointment.
5. If you arrive at or after 9:15 am, we ask that you remain with your child outside the
classroom until an appropriate transition can be made.
Departure
1. Staff members will only release your child to those persons listed on the authorization
form at the time of enrolment. Please notify the centre if you are unable to pick up your
child and who will be arriving in your place.
2. We will not release your child to anyone under 12 years of age.
3. If you or your designate has not arrived to collect your child by 6:00pm, we are required to
notify the police and Department of Community Services, Child Welfare.
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Illness / Sick Days
Infections can spread rapidly within a childcare centre and what may seem to be an
insignificant illness to one child can be quite serious for some children with special needs.
Because of this, precautionary measures are taken at all times.
If your child is sick:
1. If your child is going to be absent due to illness call the centre and notify the staff of the
condition of your child.
2. Please do not send your child if thre is any question of illness as we are not equipped to
accommodate sick children.
3. Your child will not be accepted for the day if s/he exhibits symptoms of a contagious disease
or transmittable illness such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent cough, runny nose,
swollen glands, or rashes. Your child must be free from the above symptoms for a full 24
hours before returning to the centre.
4. If your child becomes ill while attending the centre, you will be notified immediately and
will be expected to have an authorized person pick up your child within a reasonable length
of time.
5. You will be informed of any contagious illnesses that your child has been exposed to while
at the centre.
6. Please inform the staff if your child has a contagious condition that has been diagnosed by a
physician.
7. After an illness or hospitalization, your child will require a note from his/her doctor in order
to return to the centre.
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Medication Administration
1. You will be asked to fill in an authorization form for each new medication. Medication will
not be administered until this form is completed.
2. The staff are only permitted to give medication prescribed by a doctor. Medication must be
in the original container with a readable prescription label.
3. Over the counter medications (e.g. Children’s Tylenol) can only be administered with a note
from your child’s doctor that include the child’s name, reason for use, dose (amount) and
frequency.
4. Please send measuring utensils along with your child’s medication.
5. Medications should be given directly to centre staff and not left in your child’s cubby.
6. It is recommended that a child who has been prescribed an antibiotic take it for 24 hours
before returning to the centre.
7. Certain medical procedures can be performed with special training. These will be addressed
by your child’s Individual Care Plan.
Page 19
Management of Emergencies
1. Wee Care is inspected annually by the Fire Department. We have monthly fire drills. All
staff have current CPR and First Aid certification.
2. Please inform the centre of any changes to your address, place of work or phone numbers.
It is important that we know how and where to reach you in case of an emergency.
3. An accident form will be filled in for any accident which requires first aid treatment by staff.
You will be informed of any injury to your child. We appreciate being informed about any
injury that your child sustains outside of the centre.
4. Staff will administer First Aid and CPR as needed.
5. If your child requires medical treatment/attention:
a. You will be called to take him/her to the physician/hospital.
b. If you cannot be reached, an alternate authorized person will be called.
c. Centre staff will continue to attempt to contact you until you are reached.
d. Staff may call a taxi and accompany your child to the hospital if urgent treatment is
required.
e. In the case of life-threatening emergency, staff will call 911.
6. If evacuation of either the main Centre or Veith House is required, children will be moved to
the other site for safety.
Page 20
Nutrition / Food Safety
1. Wee Care’s menus are approved by the Department of Health and Wellness, Nutrition
Services each year.
2. The meal plan runs on a four-week rotation. We provide a morning and afternoon snack
and a full lunch.
3. Wee Care supports families who choose to breastfeed their children and welcome mothers
by providing a comfortable space when requested.1,2
4. If your child requires supplements or special foods due to a medical condition, you will be
responsible for providing them.
5. Any food brought into the centre must be labelled with the child’s name and refrigerated (if
necessary).
6. Any food that is purchased for, or donated to the centre must be labelled with the name of
the source of the food, include a list of ingredients and any special preparation, storage or
serving instructions.3
7. Staff and care providers are responsive to children’s cues around hunger and provide snacks
and meals outside of the regular schedule as required. Children are not forced to finish
food that has been served.
1
Section 3.0 of the Food and Nutrition Manual for Regulated Child Care Centres.
Nova Scotia Provincial Breastfeeding Policy
3
Standard 6 of the Food and Nutrition Manual for Regulated Child Care Centres.
2
Page 21
Behaviour Guidance Policy
Date Effective: January, 2005
1. Purpose of the policy is to help each child develop self-control and self-confidence so that
s/he will have the ability to act appropriately in any given situation.
2. Parents will review the Behaviour Guidance Policy at the time of enrollment.
3. Staff will assist your child to replace unacceptable behaviours with an acceptable alternative.
4. Reasonable approaches to discipline for children at Wee Care shall be in place and include:
a. Setting limits
b. Offering lots of positive reinforcement
c. Setting standards of behaviour
d. Providing explanations
e. Providing choices
f. Being firm but flexible
g. Anticipating the child’s needs
h. Recognizing child differences in age, temperament and experience
i. Ignoring where appropriate
j. Distracting and removing the child from the situation
5. No staff/volunteer shall ever permit:
a. Corporal punishment including but not limited to the following:
i. Striking a child directly or with any physical objects
ii. Shaking, shoving, spanking or other forms of aggressive physical contact
iii. Required or forcing a child to repeat physical movements
b. Harsh, humiliating, belittling or degrading responses of any form including verbal,
emotional or physical. For example, saying “You don’t know how to listen” or putting
a child in the corner.
c. Placing a child in isolation.
d. Deprivation of basic needs including food, shelter, clothing or bedding. That is,
withholding meals, snacks, dessert or taking a child’s blanket away at naptime.
6. Special behaviour management techniques may be used in consultation with the family and
staff under professional supervision.
Page 22
7. Under certain circumstances, the staff may use physical contact to guide behaviour such as
holding a child who is in danger of injuring himself or others.
8. When a child’s inappropriate behaviour becomes a concern staff and parents will meet
together to develop a consistent behaviour management plan.
9. It is expected that all adults (staff, parents, guardians, volunteers) will refrain from the use of
foul language and physical discipline while in the Centre.
Page 23
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
(Copy and place in child`s file when complete)
I / We, parent(s) of ___________________________________ have read and understand the
policies, procedures and practices of Wee Care Centre. I/We have had the opportunity to ask
questions and have received satisfactory answers. I/We am/are aware that I/we can approach
the staff or Executive Director at any time if I/we have questions or concerns.
I / We have read and understand the following Wee Care Centre policies:
Policy
Signature
Orientation to Wee Care
Fee Structure
Hours of Operation
Arrival and Departure
Illness/Sick Days
Medication Administration
Management of Emergencies
Nutrition/Food Safety
Behaviour Guidance
________________________________________
For Wee Care Centre
___________________
Date
Page 24
CHECKLIST
(Copy and place in child`s file when complete)
Item
Staff Initials
Orientation Dates
$10 pass card deposit
Contact Information complete
Additional forms completed
Special Needs
OFFICE USE ONLY
12 post-dated cheques
Medication
Other (explain)
Page 25
Wee Care Centre
The Bridget R. (Delia) Edwards
Memorial Building
5217 Young Street
Halifax, NS B3K 6A6
902-455-1081
weecare@ns.aliantzinc.ca
www.weecareforkids.com
Page 26

Wee Care Centre Parent Information & Policy Manual

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