Respect as Individuals

We feel it is important to treat children fairly, with the respect deserved by all individuals. This respect includes really listening to what children say and knowing that each each child has his/her own individual personality that needs to be understood and accepted. The children are expected to show the same respect for adults as each other. We feel our program is designed to meet the physical, social, and emotional needs of the children.

Physical Needs

We believe in getting out of doors at least two hours a day, if possible. We provide art and music/movement activities to encourage the use of small and large muscle groups. Healthy attitudes and habits toward the care of our bodies are encouraged. Two nutritious snacks are prepared daily. We encourage good eating habits and model these habits ourselves. Special diets can be accommodated.

Mental Needs

We try to present a stimulating program that encourages positive attitudes toward learning, while making learning enjoyable. We believe in allowing children to explore, experiment, and create without unnecessary interference from staff. We encourage independance and hope to promote in children the ability to think for themselves. Our program is equally divided between teacher-directed activities and free play time.

Social Needs

We hope to teach children an understanding of how people interact in socially acceptable ways. We encourage verbal communication to work out social problems. Staff expect children to try to work out problems among themselves as much as possible. Our program encourages group play, yet recognizes and respects the need for time to be alone. We discourage prejudice or any other discrimination in the centre. We respect cultural differences and try to make these differences an asset.

Emotional Needs

Children have a right to their emotions. Staff try to help children understand their emotions and deal with them in acceptable ways. The staff work work to create an atmosphere of trust and love between children and teachers that allows children to feel free enough to express emotions without fear of ridicule. We accept that crying is an acceptable and healthy way of expressing emotion, but we also discourage its use as a way of getting attention.

Spiritual Needs

We hope to create a feeling at Boat Daycare that allows the child's spirit to grow. This spirit is a person's general feeling of life. We wish to encourage a natural zest, and appreciation of life.

Discipline

Discipline is a necessary part of guiding a child's growth. We believe children need to learn what acceptable behaviour is and it is our job to teach them. Behaviour is referred to as acceptable or unacceptable, rather than good or bad. It is important to differentiate between the child and his/her actions when correcting behaviour. If this is not done, children may take correction as a personal reflection. They see themselves, rather than their behaviour, as bad. If the child continues the same behaviour after being spoken to, he/she is then either removed from the situation or loses the privilege of using the equipment involved.

Examples:
- Fighting in the doll corner - child sits out until calmed down and ready to manage
- Abusing a toy - child is not allowed to use the toy for a specified time (eg. the rest of the morning)

The teacher spends some time discussing the problem with the child to ensure he/she understands what is happening.

Nap

Rest is an important part of one's day. It provides the body with chance to relax and restore itself. Daycare children spend a long day away from home and encounter situations many children do not see until kindergarten. This added emotional strain increases their need for rest and relaxation. During rest time, teachers remain in the room rubbing backs, helping the children to relax.

Respect for Property

The staff feel that learning respect for and taking care of property is an important part of growing up. We encourage the children to take care of the toys and materials they use at the centre. If children misuse materials they lose the privilege of playing with them. We hope to make caring for property a habit that will carry over into other areas of life as well as at the centre.