Children S Early Experiences Last a Lifetime

Best Start Northwood Sherbrooke, & McKenzie locations “Children’s early experiences last a lifetime”

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Cell Phones: We ask that you avoid using your cell phone when you are in the program with your child. Research suggests that cell phones are a distraction that can affect the relationship between the parent and child and can have an impact on the child's brain development.

Allergies: Due to health concerns with exposure to nuts and perfumes/scents, we discourage the use of scented products as well as all nut and nut products. Please be aware that some sites might have a policy banning all nuts and nut products. For Health and safety reasons all snack items must come in the original labeled package.

Behaviour Management: All participants are asked to adhere to Best Start policies that treat all children and adults with respect. Rough play, hitting, biting, throwing are not permitted. Parents are not permitted to use any form of physical discipline (i.e. spanking, slapping etc). We encourage adults to speak to a staff member concerning any issue at the Best Start.

Supervision of Children: Children are to be supervised by their parents/ caregiver at all times. Children are never to be left alone. If you need to leave the room for a period of time, please ask another participant to supervise your child. Staff are not able to supervise children in a caregiver’s absence.

Shoes and socks: We ask that all participants wear socks or indoor shoes while in the program. Bare feet are not allowed.

Diapering of children: For Sanitary purposes all diaper changes are to be done only in designated areas of each Best Start.

Fire Evacuation Procedure: Please ensure that you are up to date on the fire evacuation procedure at the Best Start you are visiting.

Food: Children are to sit if eating snack/ drinking in the designated areas at each Best Start. Best Start is breastfeeding friendly.

Hot Drinks: Hot beverages are available. Please ensure they are contained in a cup with a lid.

Hand washing: Please assist your children with frequent hand washing and follow the procedures posted in each bathroom. This will help avoid the spread of germs.

Health Policy: We will take every precaution to protect the health and safety of you, your children and our staff. For all adults and children using the Best Start: We respectfully ask that you not visit a Best Start if you or your child is sick If a child or adult become ill while at the Best Start we ask that you take your child home. If any of the following symptoms are present, the child or adult may be considered ill and therefore not able to participate in the program:  Fever  Vomiting  Discharge from eyes / ears / nose  Constant crying  Undetermined skin rashes and marks  Lethargy, unusual tiredness and weakness  Excessive coughing and sneezing

In the event of a pandemic, the Best Start will follow directions from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. The Good Food B o x The Good Food Box is a non-profit program for families and individuals who want to purchase high-quality, fresh, local produce at a lower price than shopping at grocery stores. You can purchase a family box for $25 or an individual box for $15.

Boxes are ordered and paid for by the first Thursday of each month. Food is packed and distributed from a main site to local host sites for pick up the second last Thursday of each month.

Payments & delivery of boxes will take place only at the Sherbrooke location.

Children’s Centre Thunder Bay Circle of Security: Plan for Creating Lasting Change The program will help to strengthen the relationship between you and your children which will increase their empathy, give them greater self-esteem, improve relationships with peers and enhance school readiness and functioning. Facilitation of video-taped material over an 8 week period teaches caregivers to confidently support their children’s development of self-esteem, independence, problem solving and develop lasting relationships. TRIPLE P POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM Support for every parent and every family The Triple P Positive Parenting Program helps you give your child the best start in life. Every child and family has unique needs. The great thing is Triple P has different ways of helping. Triple P is a parenting program for parents and is supported by 30 years of research. It follows a helpful, positive approach to raising children. The goal of Triple P is to help you create a positive, caring relationship with your children and family. Triple P is for every parent, whether you have a specific problem or are just looking for advice on common,everyday issues. It provides easy to use tips and new ideas that will help you build confidence and new skills. For more information about The Circle of Security Program or Triple P call Children’s Centre Thunder Bay at 343-5000. For more information on Triple P visit Triple P Ontario :www.triplepontario.ca or call 211.

Communities Together for Children/Best Start ...providing families, caregivers and professionals with supports and resources

Library Services

Programs Offered This drop in is an opportunity for In home Child Care Providers to bring a group of children. Drop In Space is limited so this drop in is reserved for people who provide child care in their homes. Caregivers play an important role in the lives of children and families and have a unique opportunity to support how learning Drop In is for all children aged happens. There may be opportunities for Caregivers to spend time newborn to 6 years old. in discussions regarding relevant Home Child Care Provider Parents and caregivers are information while the children engage in play and exploration with encouraged to follow their Early Childhood Educators. child’s lead and immerse Caregivers are encouraged to participate in the children’s themselves in the wonder that experiences and engage children in active, creative and meaningful children experience through exploration, play and inquiry. play and exploration. Our environment is designed to Just Me and My Dad foster children’s well being, Just Me and My Dad gives dads a chance to engage with their belonging, expression and children, to network with other Dads, and to HAVE FUN!! All dads, engagement. Children, step dads, grandpas, uncles and special male role models are families and educators are welcome to join us on the first Wednesday of each month from viewed as co- learners – 5:30 – 7:30 pm. learning with children, about Skills and Fun Evenings children, and from children. Realize Community Potential, Child & Community Resources and Babies Day Out Best Start Northwood work in partnership to offer the Skills and Fun Babies’ Day Out offers a group. Children, friends and siblings of a family member affected by comfortable, fun and inviting Autism are welcome to join us on Monday evenings from 6:00 to atmosphere for parents and 8:00 pm for an informal playgroup at the Sherbrooke location. ABA their babies up to 12 months Parenting Education Workshops may be offered during the drop in of age. At Babies’ Day Out time. For more information call 624-2379. Registration is required. parents have the opportunity http://tbskillsandfunmondays.eventbrite.ca to meet guest speakers, Supervision of children/youth at this Social Learning Opportunity is Public Health staff and Early the sole responsibility of parents/guardians and caregivers; childcare Childhood Educators. We will not be provided. plan informal discussions on Due to allergies and sensitivities, please refrain from wearing helpful topics such as infant perfume, cologne, aftershave, or scented products such as hairspray care, parenting and growth or lotions. and development that are Post Partum Group Project relevant in the first year with To find out more about this group please visit ww.sjcg.net or call baby. Join us for circle time 624-3400. where we will sing songs and interact with the babies to Babies on the Way stimulate brain development, Early prenatal drop in classes offered free to anyone in the and enhance attachment and community who is expecting or who is a support person of a bonding. Discussion begins at pregnant woman. 1:30. There will be prenatal classes at the Northwood Hub in Sherbrooke school on the first Wednesday of the month from 6-7 pm and the Caregiver Drop In third Wednesday of the month from 12-1 pm. A Public Health Nurse will present 30 minutes of information on a pregnancy related subject for each month. The second 30 minutes will be for questions and socializing.