Make sure your child is wearing comfortable, washable play clothes. The children take part in daily activities that may involve paint, dirt, sand, glue, crayons, felts etc. While we use non-toxic, water-based arts and craft supplies, we cannot guarantee that everything that ends up on your child’s clothes will come out in the wash. If you don’t want a certain outfit to get dirty and possibly not come clean, do not send your child to class in that outfit.

Please keep a complete change of clothing for your child in their Back Packs (underpants, socks, T-shirt, and pants). Accidents happen!

Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the outside weather as we may go outside weather permitting.

Bring a pair of indoor runners for your child which will be kept in the classroom. Children wear these shoes in school. No laces please. Velcro or zippers are preferred.

Leave all toys and other games at home (except for items we have asked to bring from home for instances such as show and share which must be labeled clearly with the child’s name), as these often get misplaced by the child and may be difficult to find after the fact. Our Program is not held responsible for lost or stolen items.

Please label all clothing and belongings so that we can make sure things get back into the proper backpacks.

Review the Transition to School section in the Registration Package for advice and tips about transitioning to school.

We encourage parents to foster their child’s independence and confidence.  Encourage your child to carry their own lunch or backpack, as this helps instill a sense of responsibility, which children naturally cherish.

Children must be accompanied to the classroom door and checked in before parents leave the facility. This ensures the safety of all children and allows teachers to acknowledge each child’s arrival.

We recommend that drop-offs be kept quick and positive. While it can sometimes be difficult, lingering can make separation harder for both the child and the parent. A quick goodbye helps ease the transition, while lingering can create unnecessary anxiety. Please reassure your child that you have confidence in them and that they will have a great day. Always say goodbye and let them know you are leaving. Sneaking away while they are distracted may seem like an easier way to avoid tears, but it can lead to mistrust and increased apprehension over time.  Leaving while they are distracted may need to occur from time to time and it would be a case by case basis.  A happy, brief farewell is the best approach.

Establishing Routines and Punctuality

Children thrive on consistency and routine. We encourage you to ensure that your child gets a good night’s sleep and arrives at school on time. If there are any changes to your child’s usual day, please let them know in advance, or send us a note so we can prepare them as well. Predictability helps children feel secure, which is important for their emotional well-being.

Timely arrival is essential. Late arrivals can be disruptive to the classroom environment and your child’s routine. When children arrive on time, they can join their peers in the important transition from home to school, which sets a positive tone for the day.

Parents are responsible for transporting their children to the classroom unless alternative transportation arrangements have been made. If you arrive late and the classroom door is closed, please knock lightly or ring the doorbell. A staff member will assist you as soon as possible.

Pick-Up Guidelines

Children must be picked up promptly at the end of class. We will only release children to parents/guardians or adults listed on the Authorized Pick-Up List. If someone else will be picking up your child, please provide written advance notice, and ensure the individual has proper photo identification.

Classroom doors will open 10 minutes before the start of class, but during this time, teachers will be focused on preparing for the session. If you need to discuss your child’s progress or any other matters, please schedule an appointment via the Parent Portal.

Late Pick-Ups

Please be aware that a late fee will be charged for pick-ups that occur after the designated class end time, as outlined in our Fee Schedule. If you are running late due to an emergency, notify us through our classroom app as soon as possible. Frequent late pick-ups may result in increased fees and, in some cases, could lead to dismissal from the program.

We believe that communication between home and school is an important element for a positive school experience. Monthly newsletters will be sent home explaining the activities completed that month, as well as notice of upcoming important dates. Our Classroom App will be used for daily updates and pictures as well as messaging directly with the staff. Please be sure to sign up and setup your account upon registration. You will be able to schedule one-on-one consultations (virtual or in-person) with teachers from the Parent Portal.

We will also send home 4 progress reports throughout the school year which will highlight your child’s progress. This will keep parents informed on how their child is progressing throughout the year. If at anytime during the year the teacher or parent/guardian has concerns regarding the child’s progress, a formal meeting can be arranged.

Our program’s child guidance policy is designed to help children become independent and caring by learning self-control, decision-making skills and responsibility for their own actions.  Since all children are precious, we believe they should be treated with the same respect that we, as adults, wish to be treated. Our goals are to help children develop positive self-esteem, respect for themselves and the rights of others and socially acceptable ways of expressing their needs and feelings.  This is accomplished through positive guidance and love.

All disciplinary actions taken are age appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances; our staff use the following age appropriate guidelines and techniques to help children develop self-discipline:

• A learning environment that promotes consistent routines and well-defined expectations
• We will do one-on-one general interactions to find out the strength and weaknesses of a child
• Use of praise through kind words and actions (hugs, smiles) to reinforce desirable behaviors
• Use of problem solving instead of punishment. Teachers and children will talk through the situation. (Age appropriate communication skills are used by staff)
• Redirection to another activity when a child displays undesirable behaviors. (Redirection is done age appropriately)
• If a child causes physical or emotional harm to him/herself or others, the child will be removed from the situation for a short time to calm down and will be provided time to talk with the teacher about alternative and or appropriate behaviors. (the steps taken will be age appropriate)
• When a child needs to be removed from a group, they will be given a separate area in the same room to calm down, until they are ready to come back to the group (depending on the age of the child)
• We will provide parents with feedback about their children. Parent support is expected for any guidance techniques used by staff to solve undesired behaviors.

Staff are NOT permitted to discipline a child using the following methods even at the request of a parent:

• Inflict or cause to be inflicted any form of physical punishment, verbal or physical degradation or emotional deprivation,
• Deny or threaten to deny any basic necessity, or
• Use or permit the use of any form of physical restraint, confinement or isolation.
• Our Child Guidance Policy is communicated to parents & staff at the time of orientation and also by Parent Handbook.
• Our Child Guidance Policy is communicated to children while they are attending the program through conversations, books, and Educators modeling behaviors.

JumpStart staff will use child guidance strategies that encourage self‐control, self‐respect and respect for others. Our goal is to help children develop the behaviour necessary for successful living via teaching and setting limits in a caring environment. Please note that JumpStart Learning Centre holds a zero-tolerance policy with respect to behaviour that we deem violent or disruptive. For example: Kicking, hitting, biting, pinching, etc. is not allowed, and may result in immediate removal from the group or activity. Continued violent behaviour will result in termination from JumpStart Learning Centre, after discussion with the child’s parents. We will work with Parents to develop a plan and try different strategies if possible prior to removal from the program.

Please inform the teacher of any changes or upsets in your child’s life. Factors such as lack of sleep, a new baby in the house, or parents being away are reasons to consider as potential causes of negative behaviour. Should a change in classroom behaviour be observed by the teacher, it will be brought to the parent’s attention.

While we appreciate that you want to spend time interacting with your child in the classroom environment, too many adults in a room can often be distressing for children. This is especially true at the beginning of the school year when children are trying to adapt to the new environment. We suggest that you take 5-10 minutes and settle your child into an activity, say good-bye and then leave. If you would like to volunteer in the classroom, please speak to a JumpStart staff member as this would have to be scheduled. We also have events throughout the year which parents are encouraged to participate by volunteering.

Although we require children to be toilet trained prior to starting with us, we understand there may be an accident from time to time, particularly for our 3 year olds. Our staff will assist your child with toilet time if needed, especially during the first month or so as they transition into the classroom environment. After this initial time period, most children are independent (you would be surprised how independent children become without their parents around). If a child is just not quite ready for independent toileting, we would recommend a pull-up to avoid accidents all together. We ask that you ensure your child wears clothing that is easy for them to get in and out of. A few minutes at home practicing with buttons, zippers and snaps is helpful.

There are different levels of readiness, but it all starts with the child being able to communicate when they must go to the washroom (Educators will be constantly reminding students as well).

If a child has an accident while class is in session, the parent will be notified and be required to come themselves or send someone on their behalf to the classroom as soon as possible to help the child and take them home or change them. Repeated accidents may result in fees and/or a family being asked to temporarily withdraw their child until toilet training is completed.

We will set aside 10-15 minutes at the beginning of centre time for your child to eat their snack. If you do not want your child to participate, simply do not provide a snack. Students not participating in snack time will be participating in extra centre time and will be kept away from students eating snacks.

Snack Guidelines:

• Snacks must be nut free / stay away from liquid foods that can spill like juice boxes or yogurt tubes/pouches
• Students can access snacks independently without assistance
• Please unpackage foods and put them in a Tupperware that your child can open without assistance. This guideline is in place to eliminate the risk of staff members potentially transmitting anything by touching the food and/or packaging of multiple children especially after they have already had a bite of something.
• Snack must be small so they can finish it in less than 10 minutes

Snack Suggestions
Dairy: Yogurt in container, Cottage Cheese, Cheese Strings, Yogurt Tubes, Cream Cheese on Crackers, Cheese Sandwiches, Babybel Cheese

Baked Goods: Cookies, Bagels, Squares, Muffins, Granola Bars, Cheese Buns, Popcorn, Rice Cakes, Pretzels, Nut Free, Banana Bread

Vegetables: Carrot Sticks, Cucumber Slices, Cherry Tomatoes, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Celery, Peppers

Fruits: Apple Slices, Bananas, Grapes, Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple, Kiwi, Strawberries, Fruit Cocktail, Applesauce, Dried Fruit, Watermelon, Avocado

Birthdays are a special time for our little friends! We will acknowledge and celebrate all birthdays in our classroom.

Due to the many allergies and dietary restrictions, we will not be serving any food/treats during class time.   If you would like to send a treat to share with the class (optional), it must be individually wrapped and will be sent home with each child at the end of class.

We encourage goody bags, including things such as crayons, fidgets, playdough, etc.

Please remember that this is not mandatory and you do not need to send in something for your child’s birthday as we will be recognizing your child’s special day in class.  They may even bring a special surprise home from their Teacher’s treasure chest!

Purpose

Jumpstart Learning Academy is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all children, staff and families.

This policy has been developed with reference to Alberta Health Services (AHS) recommendations, including the Guide for Outbreak Prevention & Control in Child Care Facilities.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Reduce the spread of illness within the preschool environment
• Provide clear expectations for families and staff
• Ensure appropriate monitoring and response to symptoms of illness
• Support outbreak prevention, monitoring and reporting requirements
• Outline procedures for caring for children who become ill while attending the program
• Allow the preschool to implement additional temporary health precautions when increased illness or communicable disease activity warrants additional measures

Daily Illness Prevention Practices

To reduce the spread of illness, Jumpstart Learning Academy maintains regular illness-prevention practices throughout the school year.

These include:

• Regular handwashing with soap and water, including upon arrival, before and after snack, after toileting and throughout the day as required
• Promoting respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes
• Regular cleaning and disinfection of classroom materials, high-touch surfaces and shared spaces
• Additional or more frequent cleaning and disinfection when circumstances warrant
• Encouraging children, families and staff to remain home when ill
• Monitoring children throughout the day for new or developing symptoms
• Following Alberta Health Services recommendations regarding communicable illness and outbreak management

Handwashing with soap and water is the preferred method of hand hygiene for children whenever possible.

Existing Medical Conditions

Children with pre-existing or chronic medical conditions, such as allergies, asthma, eczema, chronic cough or other diagnosed conditions, may attend the program provided:

• Symptoms are consistent with the child’s known condition
• The child is otherwise well
• The child can participate comfortably in regular programming
• Parents/guardians have informed Jumpstart of the condition
• Appropriate medical documentation or care plans are provided when requested

Symptoms known to be related to a pre-existing non-communicable condition will be considered individually and will not automatically require exclusion.

Parents/guardians are responsible for informing Jumpstart of:

• Existing medical conditions
• Changes to their child’s health status
• Medications relevant to the child’s care at preschool
• New diagnoses
• Diagnosed communicable illnesses
• Significant known exposure to a communicable illness when relevant to the preschool setting

Jumpstart may request additional information or medical documentation when necessary to distinguish symptoms of a known condition from possible communicable illness.

When Children Must Stay Home

A child should not attend preschool when they have new symptoms of illness that may place others at risk, when they are not well enough to participate comfortably in programming, or when their needs would prevent staff from safely caring for the rest of the class.

Viral or Respiratory Symptoms

Children should remain home when experiencing new or worsening symptoms such as:

• Fever of 38°C or higher
• New or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Significant or unusual fatigue
• Loss or altered sense of taste or smell
• New or excessive runny nose or nasal congestion
• Persistent sneezing when accompanied by other symptoms
• A combination of new respiratory or general illness symptoms

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Children must remain home for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping associated with vomiting or diarrhea
• Other significant gastrointestinal symptoms suggesting infectious illness

Rash, Skin and Other Symptoms

Children may also be required to remain home for:

• New or unexplained rash, particularly when accompanied by fever or behavioural changes
• New sores or blisters in or around the mouth, hands, feet or other areas when communicable illness is suspected
• Eye redness with significant discharge, swelling or other signs of infection
• Open or draining sores or wounds that cannot be safely and completely covered
• Severe lethargy or unusual difficulty participating
• Significant unexplained changes in appetite, behaviour or energy when accompanied by other symptoms
• Symptoms of a suspected or confirmed communicable illness

Examples of communicable illnesses that may require specific precautions or return-to-care requirements include measles, mumps, pertussis, chickenpox, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, scabies, conjunctivitis and other illnesses identified by Alberta Health Services.

A diagnosis alone does not necessarily determine the exclusion period. Return-to-preschool requirements will depend on the illness, the child’s symptoms, current Alberta Health Services guidance, advice from a physician or nurse practitioner where applicable, and any Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol currently in effect.

Medication should not be used to temporarily suppress fever, vomiting, significant pain or other active illness symptoms so that a child can attend preschool. A child who requires such medication in order to meet attendance criteria is not considered well enough to attend.

This does not apply to medication routinely required for a diagnosed chronic or pre-existing medical condition.

Mild Symptoms Guidance

Young children frequently experience mild or lingering symptoms following an illness. Jumpstart distinguishes between new symptoms and mild symptoms that are clearly improving or resolving.

New Mild Symptoms

When a new cold or illness symptom first develops, including a new runny nose, congestion, sneezing, or cough, the child should remain home and be monitored for at least 24 hours before returning to preschool.

This observation period is intended to determine whether:

• The symptom remains mild
• The symptom begins to worsen
• Additional symptoms develop
• The child’s energy, appetite, or overall well-being changes

A new cough, even when mild, should therefore be observed at home for at least 24 hours before the child attends preschool.

Monitoring may need to continue for up to 48 hours when:

• The symptom is not clearly improving
• Additional symptoms develop
• It is unclear whether the child is developing an illness
• There is increased communicable illness activity within the preschool or community

A child may return once the observation period has passed, symptoms are mild and improving, no additional concerning symptoms have developed, and the child is well enough to participate comfortably.

Lingering or Improving Symptoms

Children with mild, improving or lingering symptoms may attend when:

• They are otherwise well
• Symptoms are clearly improving rather than newly developing or worsening
• They have no fever
• They can comfortably participate in all regular activities
• Symptoms can be reasonably managed within the classroom
• No Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol requires additional exclusion

Mild Cough

A child may attend with a mild, non-persistent, improving cough when:

• The cough is not newly developing
• The child has already been monitored at home for at least 24 hours
• The cough has not worsened
• No additional symptoms have developed
• The child is otherwise well and able to participate comfortably

Mild Runny Nose

A child may attend with a mild, non-persistent, improving runny nose when:

• The child has already been monitored for at least 24 hours
• No additional symptoms have developed
• The discharge is generally clear and manageable
• The child is otherwise well and able to participate comfortably

The final decision regarding attendance rests with Jumpstart administration.

Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol

Jumpstart Learning Academy may implement a Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol when administration determines that increased precautions are reasonably necessary due to increased communicable illness activity or another health concern.

This may occur when there is:

• A confirmed or suspected communicable illness within a classroom or centre
• Multiple children displaying similar symptoms
• A known outbreak or increased illness activity at another childcare program, school or setting attended by Jumpstart students
• Increased illness within the surrounding community
• Direction or recommendations from Alberta Health Services or another public health authority
• Another circumstance in which Jumpstart administration determines that additional preventative measures are appropriate

The specific measures used will depend on the illness and circumstances and may differ from one situation to another.

During a Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol, Jumpstart may temporarily strengthen its normal attendance and illness requirements.

This may include requiring a child to remain home for new or mild symptoms that would normally be permitted under the Mild Symptoms Guidance section of this policy.

For example, during an enhanced protocol, a newly developing runny nose, congestion, mild cough, sore throat, decreased appetite, unusual tiredness, rash, gastrointestinal symptom or other early sign of illness may require the child to remain home for observation even when the symptom would ordinarily qualify as a mild exception.

Other temporary measures may include:

• Additional symptom or health screening
• Temperature checks where appropriate
• Increased monitoring for developing symptoms
• Temporary changes to drop-off, pick-up or transportation procedures
• Additional handwashing or hygiene measures
• Additional attention to cleaning and disinfection
• Temporary limitations on specific shared materials, activities or group mixing
• Classroom-specific illness notifications
• Additional return-to-preschool requirements
• Other reasonable infection-prevention measures appropriate to the circumstances

Attendance at another childcare program, school or activity where illness has been identified does not automatically exclude an otherwise healthy and symptom-free child, unless Jumpstart administration, Alberta Health Services or another applicable public health authority determines that additional exclusion is necessary.

Families will be advised when an enhanced protocol affects their child’s attendance requirements and will be provided with relevant instructions.

Temporary enhanced measures will remain in place for as long as Jumpstart administration determines they are reasonably necessary and may be adjusted as circumstances change.

Temporary Requirements Take Precedence

While a Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol is in effect, the temporary requirements communicated by Jumpstart take precedence over less restrictive exceptions contained elsewhere in this policy.

For example, although a mild, improving runny nose may normally be permitted after an appropriate observation period, Jumpstart may temporarily require children with any new runny nose or other new symptom to remain home during a period of heightened communicable illness activity.

Return to Preschool Guidelines

Viral Respiratory Illness

Children may return when:

• Symptoms have improved
• They are well enough to resume normal activities
• They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication
• Any additional requirements under a Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol have been met

“Improved” means the child’s symptoms and overall condition are better than they were on previous days.

Gastrointestinal Illness

Children must remain home until:

• At least 48 hours have passed since the last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea

Additional requirements may apply during a gastrointestinal outbreak or when directed by Alberta Health Services.

Rash or Other Communicable Illness

Children may return:

• According to recommendations from a physician, nurse practitioner or Alberta Health Services Public Health, where applicable
• Once they are well enough to participate in regular programming
• Once any condition-specific exclusion requirements have been met
• Once any applicable Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol requirements have been met

Because different illnesses have different infectious periods, Jumpstart does not use one universal exclusion period for all communicable diseases.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Children with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease should remain home while they are acutely unwell or while symptoms prevent comfortable participation.

Return will be considered based on:

• The child’s overall health and ability to participate
• Fever and other active symptoms
• Current Alberta Health Services recommendations
• Advice from the child’s healthcare provider where appropriate
• Any Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol currently in effect

During periods of increased HFMD activity or a known outbreak, Jumpstart may temporarily require a longer observation period or more restrictive symptom criteria.

Pink Eye / Conjunctivitis

Eye redness can have bacterial, viral, allergic or other causes.

A child with significant eye redness, swelling, discomfort, persistent discharge or crusting may be required to remain home and seek medical assessment.

Where bacterial conjunctivitis is diagnosed and antibiotic treatment is prescribed, Jumpstart may require the child to have received treatment for at least 24 hours before returning.

Children with viral conjunctivitis or another diagnosed cause may return according to healthcare-provider guidance, provided they are otherwise well, symptoms can be safely managed within the classroom and there is no active significant discharge requiring frequent staff care.

Children with known non-infectious allergic eye symptoms may attend when otherwise well.

Head Lice

Parents/guardians should notify Jumpstart if head lice are identified so appropriate precautions can be taken and families can begin treatment.

Current Alberta health information indicates that children generally do not need to be excluded from school solely because of head lice or nits. Families are expected to begin appropriate treatment and take reasonable measures to prevent further spread.

Scabies

Children diagnosed with scabies must remain home until appropriate treatment has been completed, consistent with Alberta health guidance.

Medical Clearance

Jumpstart reserves the right to request medical assessment or clearance when reasonably necessary, including when:

• Symptoms are persistent, worsening or unexplained
• A communicable illness is suspected
• There is uncertainty regarding whether symptoms are infectious
• A child has recurring symptoms that significantly affect attendance or participation
• Alberta Health Services or another public health authority recommends medical assessment
• Additional information is required to determine whether a child can safely return to the program

A medical note does not automatically override an active Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol or a public-health exclusion requirement.

Procedures if a Child Becomes Ill at Preschool

If a child develops symptoms while attending the program, staff will:

1. Assess the child’s symptoms and overall well-being.
2. Keep the child comfortably separated from the larger group where reasonably possible while maintaining appropriate supervision.
3. Ensure the child is comfortable while awaiting pickup.
4. Maintain appropriate hand hygiene and infection-prevention practices.
5. Use appropriate protective equipment when required.
6. Contact the parent/guardian when the child requires pickup.
7. Contact authorized emergency contacts if parents/guardians cannot be reached.
8. Document relevant symptoms and illness information in the Illness Tracking Log.
9. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, toys or materials as appropriate.

Children who are too ill to participate comfortably, require more care than staff can reasonably provide while supervising the class, or meet exclusion criteria must be picked up promptly.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

If vomiting or diarrhea occurs:

• Staff will use gloves and other protective equipment as appropriate
• Soiled areas will be cleaned and disinfected promptly and thoroughly
• Contaminated items will be removed, cleaned or sanitized as appropriate
• Staff will wash their hands before and after the use of gloves

Respiratory Symptoms

If significant respiratory symptoms develop:

• Staff will encourage appropriate respiratory etiquette
• Staff will limit exposure to respiratory secretions where possible
• Children over two years of age may be offered a mask if tolerated
• Staff may wear a mask while closely caring for a symptomatic child

Illness Tracking & Monitoring

Jumpstart Learning Academy will maintain illness records to assist with identifying patterns of illness and meeting public-health reporting requirements.

Information documented may include:

• Child’s name
• Classroom or group
• Date symptoms began or were reported
• Symptoms observed or reported
• Relevant known pre-existing condition, where applicable
• Confirmed or suspected communicable illness
• Last date of attendance where relevant
• Other information necessary for monitoring illness patterns

Administration will review illness information to determine whether multiple children are experiencing similar symptoms or whether reporting to Alberta Health Services may be required.

Personal health information will be handled confidentially.

Parent Notification of Communicable Illness

When Jumpstart is notified of a confirmed communicable illness that may be relevant to other children in the same classroom or centre, administration may notify affected families so they can monitor for symptoms.

For example, families in a classroom may be notified when Jumpstart becomes aware of a confirmed case of a communicable illness such as Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.

Communications will:

• Protect the identity and confidentiality of the affected child and family
• Provide relevant signs and symptoms where appropriate
• Identify applicable temporary precautions or attendance requirements
• Encourage families to report new symptoms or confirmed cases to Jumpstart
• Refer families to appropriate Alberta Health Services or other public-health information when available

Notification of a confirmed case does not necessarily mean that other children were exposed while the individual was infectious.

Outbreak Monitoring & Reporting

Jumpstart Learning Academy will follow current Alberta Health Services requirements for reporting suspected outbreaks and unusual patterns of illness.

Under the current AHS Guide for Outbreak Prevention & Control in Child Care Facilities, reporting to the Provincial Public Health Support Team (PPHST) includes situations such as:

• Viral respiratory illness: two or more children from different households developing two or more new respiratory illness symptoms within a seven-day period
• Gastrointestinal illness: two or more children meeting the AHS definition of gastrointestinal illness within a 48-hour period
• Bloody diarrhea: one episode in a child or staff member should be reported
• Rash illness: three or more children with a similar rash illness within a 10-day period
• Other illnesses of concern: illnesses such as measles, mumps, pertussis, meningitis, hepatitis, group A streptococcal infection or other illnesses for which Public Health advice may be required

Jumpstart will contact the AHS Provincial Public Health Support Team at 1-844-343-0971 when reporting criteria are met or when administration requires guidance regarding a potential outbreak.

If Alberta Health Services opens an outbreak investigation, Jumpstart will follow the direction of the AHS Public Health Outbreak Team.

Measures During an Outbreak

If an outbreak is identified or Public Health provides additional direction, Jumpstart may:

• Continue or expand a Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol
• Strengthen symptom screening and exclusion requirements
• Increase monitoring for new symptoms
• Implement additional cleaning or disinfection measures
• Modify shared activities, materials or group mixing
• Modify drop-off, pick-up or transportation procedures
• Notify families and staff as appropriate
• Maintain additional illness records or reporting
• Implement additional measures recommended or required by Alberta Health Services

Public Health direction will take precedence where it conflicts with the preschool’s regular illness procedures.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Parents/guardians are responsible for:

• Monitoring their child for new symptoms before attending preschool
• Keeping their child home when they meet exclusion criteria
• Following any Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol communicated by Jumpstart
• Informing Jumpstart promptly of confirmed communicable illnesses
• Informing Jumpstart of relevant changes in symptoms after a communicable illness notification has been issued
• Providing accurate information regarding existing medical conditions
• Maintaining current emergency contact information
• Picking up an ill child promptly when contacted
• Following applicable return-to-preschool requirements

Failure to follow the illness policy or a Temporary Enhanced Health Protocol may result in temporary exclusion from the program when necessary to protect the health and safety of children and staff.

The final decision regarding a child’s attendance at Jumpstart rests with administration, subject to applicable licensing requirements, public-health requirements and Alberta Health Services direction.

Policy Review

This policy is informed by current Alberta Health Services guidance, including the Guide for Outbreak Prevention & Control in Child Care Facilities.

Public-health recommendations may change over time. Jumpstart Learning Academy reserves the right to revise this policy or implement temporary health measures in response to updated Alberta Health Services guidance, communicable illness activity or other circumstances affecting the health and safety of the preschool community.

Purpose

Jumpstart Learning Academy is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all children in our care. This policy outlines procedures related to medical emergencies, severe allergies, emergency medications, and staff response procedures to help ensure children receive prompt and appropriate care when needed.

Allergy Management

Parents/guardians are responsible for informing Jumpstart Learning Academy of any allergies, medical conditions, or health concerns their child may have prior to attendance and whenever changes occur.

For children with severe allergies or medical conditions requiring emergency medication, parents/guardians must provide:

• A completed Medical Authorization Form
• A current emergency care plan, when applicable
• All required emergency medication (e.g., EpiPen, inhaler, seizure medication)
• Clear written instructions for administration

Emergency medications must:

• Be clearly labeled with the child’s name
• Remain unexpired
• Be accessible to staff at all times
• Be replaced prior to expiration dates

Examples of emergency medications may include:

• EpiPens
• Asthma inhalers
• Seizure medications
• Diabetic emergency supplies
• Other physician-prescribed emergency medications

Without a completed Medical Authorization Form, staff are unable to administer emergency medication except where permitted by law during a life-threatening emergency.

Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring all medical information remains current and accurate.

Allergy Prevention Measures

Jumpstart Learning Academy will take reasonable precautions to reduce exposure to known allergens within the preschool environment. These precautions may include:

• Communicating allergy information to relevant staff
• Monitoring classroom snacks and food items
• Increasing supervision during meal and snack times
• Cleaning and sanitizing eating surfaces regularly
• Encouraging proper handwashing before and after eating

While every effort is made to minimize risks, Jumpstart Learning Academy cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

Staff Training & First Aid

Jumpstart Learning Academy ensures that at all times during program operation, there is at least one staff member on site with current First Aid and CPR certification as required under Alberta child care licensing regulations.

First aid certified staff members will:

• Follow their First Aid training in emergency situations
• Administer authorized emergency medication when proper authorization forms are in place
• Follow the child’s medical care plan and emergency instructions
• Respond appropriately until emergency medical services or parents/guardians arrive
• Document medical incidents and medication administration as required

While staff are trained to respond to emergencies and provide first aid care, Jumpstart Learning Academy is not a medical facility and cannot provide ongoing medical treatment, diagnosis, or specialized medical care beyond the scope of staff training.

Medical Emergency Procedures

In the event of a medical emergency, staff will:

1. Assess the situation immediately
2. Provide appropriate first aid within the scope of staff training
3. Administer authorized emergency medication if required
4. Call 911 when necessary
5. Contact the child’s parent/guardian immediately
6. Contact emergency contacts if parents/guardians cannot be reached
7. Ensure the child remains supervised and supported until emergency responders or parents arrive
8. Complete all required incident documentation

Examples of medical emergencies may include:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Difficulty breathing
• Asthma attacks
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Serious injuries
• Head injuries
• Severe bleeding
• Any condition requiring urgent medical attention

Emergency Transportation & Hospitalization

If emergency transportation or hospitalization is required:

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be contacted immediately
• Parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible
• Emergency contacts will be contacted if parents cannot be reached
• A staff member may accompany the child when necessary until a parent/guardian arrives

Parents/guardians are responsible for any costs associated with ambulance transportation, emergency medical treatment, or hospitalization.

Parent Responsibilities

Parents/guardians are responsible for:

• Providing accurate and up-to-date medical information
• Informing the preschool of any allergies or medical conditions
• Completing all required authorization and emergency forms
• Providing all required medications and care plans
• Ensuring medications remain current and unexpired
• Maintaining updated emergency contact information

Failure to provide required medical documentation or emergency medication may impact the preschool’s ability to safely care for the child within the program.

• There is always a staff member with up-to-date Child Care First Aid & CPR Certificate.
• A fully equipped first aid kit is kept in the classroom
• By sending your child to our program, you explicitly authorize the staff members, who are trained in first aid, to administer first aid treatment to your child in the event of an emergency while in their care.   
• This includes the application of basic first aid measures to stabilize the child until professional medical assistance is available. Parents will be notified as soon as possible in the event of an emergency requiring first aid.

Please be aware that our facilities are equipped with security cameras capable of sound and video. The video and sound feed are not constantly monitored but are referenced for training purposes and/or in case of any incidents that may require investigation. By registering in the program, you are giving us your consent for your child to be under video surveillance at our facility. Video history may be stored for up to 90 days using a 3rd party service provider

JumpStart follows most of the “Edmonton PUBLIC SCHOOL” holiday schedule, including the
Professional Development days. However, we may continue with classes on Edmonton
Public School PD Days, if scheduling allows for it.
We will notify parents, via the monthly newsletter and email notification, of any upcoming
holidays and/or Professional Development Days.
In the event of a sudden and harsh winter storm, it may be necessary to cancel class.
In addition, classes may be cancelled if the temperature is -35°C or below with windchill as per
Environment Canada weather reports. In the event of a cancellation due to circumstances
outside of our control, Tuition will not be reimbursed, and classes will not be made up.
In the event of extreme weather where classes are not cancelled, it is up to you to decide
whether or not to send your child to school. Requirements would be to have your child
dressed appropriately to withstand the weather in case an event occurs which forces staff and
students to be outside.
If we are providing transportation for your child, this service also may be cancelled or denied if
it is deemed the child is not equipped with the appropriate gear to withstand the weather.
Unplanned closures will be communicated to parents via email and/or message on the
classroom app either the night before or the morning of.
Other missed classes including sickness or isolation/quarantine requirements outside our control
will not eligible for refund. However, if your child will be home, we are more than happy to
provide a lesson plan to keep the child learning and engaged at home. Available upon request.

Please be advised that if you are taking a vacation/holiday, monthly tuition must be paid in
order to hold your spot. Please try to plan vacations during our winter and spring breaks and
other holidays that occur during the year.

Keep in mind that the fees essentially reserve that spot in the class whether the child attends any specific day or not.  If your child does miss class due to illness and/or vacation we usually send activities/worksheets that can be completed while away from class.  We also spend extra time with the child when he/she returns to class to catch them up.  While away, parents still have access to the teachers via our classroom app.

Date: All Dates in the registered school year

Duration: 30 Min to 1 Hour

Ratio: Minimum 1 Adult to every 6-7 Students

Supervision

Staff attending have their current first aid and will have a first aid kit with them at all times. There will also be parent volunteers on this trip (contact your child’s teacher via Brightwheel). The minimum adult to student ratio we will be maintaining will be 1 Adult for every 6 students. If this ratio cannot be maintained, the trip will be cancelled.

Planned Activity

During the school year, our classes will be walking off School grounds for curriculum related activities such as seasonal nature walks, neighbouring businesses, or visits to other public venues and nearby activities.

Learning objectives from science, social studies, art, physical education, health, math and option classes may be addressed by leaving the school grounds to observe, inquire, and experience at different locations within walking distance. The specific learning objectives are different for different activities and will be communicated to students and parents prior to the activity.

The procedures we use to ensure appropriateness and safety on all field trips are applied when a teacher plans to take a class off the school grounds.

Parents will be notified by the classroom teacher of the exact date and time of each walking field trip before the trip takes place.

Parents will complete consent forms prior to any field trips which require motorized transportation off site