Guidance and Discipline Policy
At Teeter Tots Early Learning Centre, we focus on positive guidance and helping children develop the skills to solve problems independently, with support from educators when needed.
We believe children have the right to express their feelings in safe and constructive ways. When a child needs to release strong emotions, such as through yelling or screaming, they may do so in a designated calming area. Once calm, educators guide the child in using words to express their feelings and help them return to the activity. If a child cannot self-regulate after a brief period, an educator provides comfort, guidance, and support to help them regain control.
We use natural and logical consequences to help children understand the impact of their actions. Natural consequences arise from the behavior itself, for example, “If you throw the toy, it may break.” Logical consequences are connected to the behaviour, such as, “You coloured on the wall; here’s a cloth to help clean it up.”
Additional strategies include limiting access to certain materials, redirection, and use of time-in's, where children spend a calm moment with an educator to reflect, regain self-control, and receive guidance before returning to the activity. Educators follow a structured approach:
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Reminder: “Blocks are for building.”
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Reason: “If you throw blocks, someone could get hurt.”
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Consequence: “If you continue to throw blocks, you will move to another area.”
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Redirection: “You can throw balls in the nap room instead.”
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Time-in: A calm, supportive period with an educator to help the child regain control.
We recognize that every child is unique and may require individualized approaches. At Teeter Tots, children are respected, valued, and taught self-worth. Our educators work collaboratively to support each child, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for all.
Sick Child Policy
For the safety and well-being of all children, Teeter Tots Early Learning Centre does not admit children exhibiting signs of illness, including but not limited to:
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Fever or pain (mild or severe)
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Stiff neck, headache, sore throat, or stomach ache/cramping
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Runny nose, cough, or breathing difficulties (e.g., wheezing)
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Skin rashes, infections, or head lice
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Contagious diseases (e.g., measles, flu, chickenpox, pneumonia)
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Conjunctivitis or ear infections
If a child becomes ill or injured while in our care, parents will be notified immediately. If a parent cannot be reached, the designated alternate contact will be contacted. Serious incidents are reported to the Child Care Licensing department as required.
Parents are required to complete a Medication Administration Permission Form for any day their child requires medication while in care.
Health and Safety Policy
At Teeter Tots Early Learning Centre, the health and safety of every child is our top priority. All children must be up to date on immunizations, and photocopies of their records are required at registration.
We conduct monthly fire drills, maintain up-to-date first aid kits, and ensure all staff hold current First Aid certificates. Children who are sick with communicable illnesses must stay home, and any serious incidents or suspected abuse are reported to the appropriate authorities. Emergency supplies are kept on-site, and staff are trained to handle emergencies, including accompanying children to the hospital if needed.
Safety rules are regularly reviewed with children, including stranger awareness, emergency procedures, and seasonal events. We encourage healthy lifestyles through nutritious meals, outdoor play, and structured rest or quiet time. Regular handwashing is encouraged, and parents are asked to label belongings and provide consent for field trips.
Parents are encouraged to raise questions or concerns with staff, and all families are expected to review and understand the parent handbook.