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An Eye onEarly Learning
and Child Care in Manitoba
An Eye onEarly Learning
and Child Care in ManitobaSummer 2010
In this issue . . .1 FamilyChoicesMoves
Forward
2 HighlightsFromtheFamilyChoicesBuildingFund
2 MCCPStaffChanges
3 Childcare-FamilyAccessNetworkLangruthPlaygroundDedication
3 HiringTemporaryForeignWorkersTrainedasEarlyChildhoodEducators
3 Retirements
4 MakoonsagChildCareandIntergenerationalCentre
5 BoardDevelopmentTraining
6 QualityEnvironmentstoStimulateChildren’sDevelopment
9 ExemplaryLeadersinChildCare
12 TipsforAttractingandKeepingSubstituteStaff
13 FamilyChoicesScholarships
13 InvestigationAuthorizationProcess-AvoidingDelays
14 IntroducingtheChildCareSafetyCharter
16 TakeOurKidstoWorkDay
16 NorthwestTerritoriesStaffTourWinnipegChildCareCentres
16 Didyouknow……..
17 ChildCareCo-Ordinators
19 ProgressReporttoMarch31,2010
Family Choices Moves ForwardNowinthethirdyearofManitoba’sFiveYearAgendaforEarlyLearningandChildCare,theprovincecontinuestostrengthenandexpandManitoba’schildcaresystem.
InannouncementsforBudget2010,Manitobamadeacommitmenttocreateapensionplanforchildcare.ThefirstprovincewideplanoutsideofQuebec,thepensionplanwillbelaunchedthisfalltoretainastrongearlylearningandchildcareworkforce.
Anadditional650childcarespaceswillbefundedin2010/2011bringingtheprovinceclosertothetargetoffunding6,500spacesby2013.With2,350spacesapprovedforfundingin2008and500in2009,thenumberoffundedspaceswillnowtotal3,500sincethelaunchofthefive-yearagenda.
ThisyearManitobaisalsoinvestingintheconstructionof8newchildcarecentreslocatedacrosstheprovince.Withtheadditionofthesenewcentres,theprovinceisalreadyfundingtheconstructionof29centresnowinvariousstagesofdevelopment.BytheendofFamilyChoices,theprovinceplanstoinvestin35newchildcarecentres.
OtherFamilyChoicesprojectsorprogramsarenowinplaceorabouttostart.Qualityinitiatives,includingthecurriculumframeworkandinclusionpolicies,arewellunderway.Infantandpreschoolenvironmentratingsscalestoenhanceprogramqualitycontinuetobewell-receivedbycentres.OnMay1,2010,TheChildCareSafetyCharterbecamelaw.Forthefirsttime,earlychildhoodeducators(ECE)IIscanapplyfora$350annualtraininggranttohelpthemupgradetheireducationandskills.
Asyouread,youwillseeManitobaexamplesofqualitypracticesandstimulatinglearningenvironments.Individualchildcareprofessionals,whohaveshownstrongleadershipand
skills,willalsoberecognizedfortheirimportantrolesinmaintainingandenhancingqualitychildcare.Asweallknow,qualitydoesnotjusthappen.Qualitychildcareistheresultofeducation,commitmentandlifelonglearning.
CapitalProjectsAnnouncement:DianeHale,PremierSelingerandMinisterMackintoshatRainbowDayNursery.
River Avenue Co-operative Day Nursery Inc.RiverAvenueCo-operativeDayNurseryInc.hasbeenprovidingqualityandflexiblechildcaretothecommunityforover30years.
Thecentredirectorandthebuildingcommitteeraisedfundsandplannedthisrelocationprojectfornearly10years.Oneofthechallengeswastofindalocationintheirareathatwouldallowthemtocontinuetoservethecommunity.WorkingcloselywiththeCityofWinnipeg,anappropriatesitewassecured.InFebruary2008,agroundbreakingceremonywasheldat127BellAvenueandtheconstructionwasofficiallyunderway.
ThenewcentreopenedNovember17,2008.Ithasaplayfuldesignwithlotsofhighwindowstocapturethenaturallightandlowcircularwindowsthatallowchildrentoconnectwiththeoutsideworld.The4,500squarefootbuildingisenergyefficientandincludesmanyenvironmentallyfriendlydesignfeatures.
Theoutdoorplayareacreatesanaturaloasisinthemiddleofthecity.Manyoftheexistingtreesweresavedtoprovideshade.AllourbestwishesgotoRiverAvenueCo-operativeDayNurseryontheirrecentrelocationandexpansion.
MCCP Staff ChangesOnFebruary16,2010,Michelle CarmanjoinedtheQualificationsteamasafull-timestaffmember.Michellehasextensivechildcareexperienceworkingwithchildrenfrombirthtoschoolage.Mostrecently,shewasemployedatVillaRosaParentChildCentrewheresheworkedwithinfantsandtheirparents.
OnDecember1,2009,Donna GraingerandCarol Gardiner,childcareco-ordinatorsfromWestmanandCentralregions,acceptedtermpositionsassafetyspecialists.Theyhavebeenbusydeliveringsafetycharterorientationworkshopsandreviewingprovidersafetyplansandcodesofconduct.
Stonewall Children’s CentreStonewallChildren’sCentrewaslocatedinthebasementofalocalchurchfor30years.Thefacilitywasnolongermeetingtheneedsofthecentreandmorespacewasrequired.In2003,centredirectorJanetGoodman,alongwiththecentre’sboardmembers,setouttorelocateandexpandtheircentre.PartneringwiththeTownofStonewallandthelocalScoutsorganization,theysecuredasiteandthefundraisinganddevelopmentbegan.
ThenewcentrehelditsgrandopeningSeptember17,2009.Itislocatedonthreeresidentiallots,adjacenttoapublicplaygroundandStonewall’sRecreationCentreandsportsfields.Ithasbeendesignedtofitbeautifullyintheneighbourhood.Carefulthoughtandplanningensuredthatthedesignpromotedchildren’sindependencewithfixturesattheirheightandlotsofwindowsframinginterestingviewsoftheworldoutside.TheirpartnershipwiththeScoutsresultedinalargemultipurposeroomthatisusedforchildcareduringthedayandScoutactivitiesintheevenings.Theiroutdoorplayareaisanaturalspaceamongsomelovelyoaktreeswithalargesandareaforplay.CongratulationstoStonewallChildren’sCentreontheirrelocationandexpansion.
WiththeretirementofDianne AndersoninMarch2009,Fereshteh Daneshfaracceptedthepositionofofficemanager/financialanalyst.Since1993,Fereshtehhasworkedintheaccountingsectionsofseveralgovernmentdepartments.
Robyn McEvoyjoinedthequalityenhancementteambytakingatermpositionasaqualityenhancementspecialist.Shehasbeenmentoringcentresastheylearnaboutthecurriculumframework.
InFebruary2010,Rosemary WoodbyleftthecivilservicewhensheacceptedapositionatRedRiverCollegeinthePrincessStreetCampuslibrary.
Highlights From the Family Choices Building Fund
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Childcare - Family Access Network
Langruth Playground DedicationTheLakeviewChildren’sCentreinLangruthdedicatedtheirnewlyrenovatedplayground,inMasterCorporalTimothyWilson’smemory,onSeptember15,2009.Parents,children,localresidentsandrepresentativesofthechildcarecommunitygatheredfortheofficialplaqueunveilingontheplaystructureandchristeningtheship,the“LCCTimothy.”
ThelateTimothyWilson,thesonofJaneWilson,foundingexecutivedirectorofLakeviewChildren’sCentreandChildcareFamilyAccessNetwork(CFAN),diedinAfghanistaninMarch2006.
Withapproximately$4,500donatedinhishonour,thecentrebuiltapirateshipplaystructure,atreestandandkitchenareaplaystructure,abridgeandrockgarden.Treestumpsandabalancebeamwerealsoadded.Parentsandcommunityresidentsdonatedtheirlabourtocreateanaturalplaygroundwithgreenspaceforphysicalactivityandoutdooreducation.
LakeviewisoneofsixchildcarecentresoperatedbyCFANwithothercentreslocatedinPlumas,Alonsa,McCrearyandLaurier.CFANthanksallthosewhodonatedtimeandmoneytowardtheproject.
Hiring Temporary Foreign Workers Trained as Early Childhood Educators
Somecentreshaverecruitedtemporaryforeignworkers,trainedasearlychildhoodeducators,tofillstaffvacancies.Atemporaryforeignworker(TFW),alsoknownasatemporaryresident,isapersonwhocanlegallyworkinCanadabecausetheyhaveatemporaryworkpermit.TounderstandthestepsrequiredinhiringTFWs,centrestaffshouldvisitwww2.immigratemanitoba.com/browse/employers/employers-tfw.html
ATFWmayholdanemployer-specificworkpermitthatallowsthemtoworkonlyfortheemployerlistedonit,ortheymayhaveanopenworkpermitthatallowsthemtoworkforanyemployerinCanada.Formoreinformation,gotowww.cic.gc.ca.
Alltemporaryworkpermitshaveexpirydates.Tocontinueworkingbeyondtheexpirydate,aTFWinManitobamustapplytoHumanResourcesDevelopmentCanadatorenewtheirworkpermitbeforethedate,eitherwithanewLabourMarketOpinion(LMO)oraManitobaProvincialNomineeProgram(MPNP)workpermitsupportletter.Formoreinformationonthisprocess,gotowww.hrsdc.gc.caorwww2.immigratemanitoba.com/browse/howtoimmigrate/pnp/pnp-employerdirect.html
Forgeneralinformation,contactManitobaLabourandImmigrationatwww.immigratemanitoba.comorcallLarryDeBlaereat945-4404.
Retirements
Doug Ritchot,managerofadministration,financeandsystemsretiredinDecember2009after36yearswiththeprovincialgovernmentand22yearswiththeManitobaChildCareProgram.Doug’sskills,knowledgeandpleasantdispositionaremissed.
Yvette Bruneau,childcareco-ordinatorintheEastmanRegion,retiredinAugust2009after18years.Shestartedhercareerinchildcarein1983andbecamethedirectorofLaGarderieJolysCo-opInc.beforebeginninghercareerwiththeprovince.
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WithplansfortheMakoonsag(pronouncedMakoosug)ChildCareandIntergenerationalCentrecomplete,Phase1ofProjectMakoonsagwaslaunchedwithagroundbreakingceremonyonApril23,2010.Inthisphase,threevacantlotsbehindtheUrbanCircleTrainingCentre(UCTC)willbedevelopedintoaninfantandpreschooloutdoorplayspace,anintergenerationalgreenspace,urbanforestandnaturegarden.Overthefallandwinter,UCTCwillbeginPhase2withthetransformationoftheformerRedApplebuildingintoanewchildcareandintergenerationalcentre,connectedtotheirtrainingcentre.
TheUrbanCircleTrainingCentre,establishedwiththespiritualguidanceofStellaBlackbirdabout20yearsago,offersholistic,skill-specifictrainingtoover120Aboriginalstudents.Currently,studentsatthecentrecanearnaGrade12educationandgoontostudyforacollegediplomaasanursingassistant,afamilysupportworkeroraneducationassistant.DiscussionswithRedRiver
Collegetoofferanearlychildhoodeducatordiplomaarealsotakingplace.
ProjectMakoonsag,meaning“manylittlebears,”beganafterelders,boardmembersandstudentsattheUCTCrecognizedtheneedforanonsitechildcarecentretosupportstudentsandthesurroundingcommunityduringa2006workshop.AcommunitypartnershipwiththeInnerCitySocialWorkProgramsoondevelopedandtheplanexpandedtoincludeanintergenerationalfocus.
Moststudentsaresingleparentsrequiringchildcarewhiletheyupgradetheireducationandskills.Offering52childcarespaces(12infantand40preschool),ProjectMakoonsagwillprovidechildcarethatallowsstudentstoseetheirchildrenduringtheschoolday.Elderswillbeavailabletosharestorieswiththechildrenandteachthemabouttheirculture.Thecentrewillcreateanintergenerationalenvironmentwherechildren,parentsandelderslearnfromeachotherandcelebratespecialtimeswithtraditionaldancing,drumming,mealsandmusic.
Thisstrongculturalcomponentisalreadyembeddedinthestructureandteachingofthetrainingcentre.Themedicinewheelisrepresentedonthewalls,windows,flooringandartwork.Ceremoniesareheldwithintheframeofateepee,locatedinthefoyerofthetrainingcentre,withthesacredeaglestaffatitscore.Theturtleteachingsofloveandtruthprovidethespiritualfoundation.UCTCstudentslearnaboutAboriginalcultureandhistoryforthefirstfourweeksandthenonedayaweekfortheremainderoftheirskilldevelopmenttraining.Culturalteachingsarealsointegratedintoallaspectsofthecurriculum.
Makoonsag Child Care and Intergenerational CentreUrban Circle Training Centre
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WithaManitobaboardgovernancegrant,UCTCisdevelopinganalternativegovernancemodeltooverseethechildcareoperations.Theyplantointroduceaninclusivegovernancestructurewithhighparentalandcommunityinvolvement,basedonAboriginalculturalvalues.Thismodelwillallowforflexibility,creativityandcommunitybuildingwhileensuringthechildcareneedsofstudentsaremet.Themodelwillalsoprovideforstrongconnectionstocolleges,othertraininginstitutionsandresearchfacilities.
Planningtoexceedprovincialregulations,MakoonsagChildCareandIntergenerationalCentrehopestobeademonstrationcentrewithanearlychildhoodeducationtrainingandresearchcomponent.EleanorThompson,directorofdevelopment,iscurrentlydiscussingtheseplanswithRedRiverCollegeandtheInnerCitySocialWorkProgram.Byworkingwiththecommunity,government,schoolsandlocalorganizations,UTCTismovingforwardwithProjectMakoonsag.Soon,itwillbeareality.
Sitting(L-R)DianeScribe-Niiganii,YvonneLandon,PattiWandowich,SteveBrittonStanding(L-R)SharonSlater,KimEmbleton,HavenStumpf,EleanorThompson.
Board Development Training
ChildcareboardmembershadtheopportunitytoattendoneoftenEnhancingBoardGovernanceWorkshopscurrentlybeingofferedacrosstheprovincebytheAgencyAccountabilityandSupportUnit(AASU).Theseworkshopshavebeenwellreceivedinthepast,sotheSpringsessionsfilledupquickly.
Boardmembersfrom24childcarecentresparticipatedinoneofthe14workshopsofferedbetweenSeptemberandDecember2009.ConductedbytheAASU,thesethreehoursessionswereheldinDauphin,ThePas,Steinbach,Gimli,FlinFlon,BrandonandWinnipeg.Nineadditionaltrainingsessionswereprovidedforchildcarecentreboardmembersanddirectorsduringthesametimeperiod.
Theworkshopsprovideboardmemberswithinformationabouttherolesandresponsibilitiesofnon-profitboards,legaldutiesandliabilitiesandthedifferencesbetweengovernanceandmanagement.
Overallfeedbackfromparticipantsindicatedtheworkshopswerewellpresented,informativeandusefulfornewandseasonedboardmembers.Examplesofparticipants’commentsinclude:
“Veryinteresting,nowasteoftime,valuableinformation.”
“Great.Exceededmyexpectations.GladIhadthechancetocome.”
“Thiswasaverygoodsession.Newmembersshouldbeencouragedtolearnandlong-termmemberscanberemindedofwhattheirjobis.Presenterswereveryknowledgeableandopentoquestions.PLEASEofferthesessionsagain.”
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Quality Environments to Stimulate Children’s DevelopmentART Arrangematerialsinaninviting,accessible,familiarandorganizedmanner.Avarietyofmaterialswithmorethanonepurpose(drawing,paint,3-D,collageandtools)stimulateandsustainchildren’screativity.Allowforindividualcreationsthroughself-expression.Displaychildren’sartworkateye-levelinanappealing,aesthetically-pleasingway.Includecommentsandquotesofchildren’sthoughtsandideas.
Agassiz Child Care Centre – Creative Ideas for Art Projects
3-Dartcreatedfromrecycledmaterials. Individualizedartusingtinfoil,ratherthanpaper,displayedinanattractiveway.
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Avarietyofmaterialsareneatlyorganizedandaccessible.Childrencaneasilysee,reachandchoosematerialsfortheirprojects.
Individualizedpreschoolartwork,usingdifferentmaterials,wherenotwocreationslookthesame.Createdduringfreeplay,staffshowedtheimportanceofthechild’sworkbydisplayingtheartonthewall.
Individualizedartworkwith
commentsaboutthechildren’s
thoughtsandideas.
Hamiota Kids Club
Universal Day Care
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NATURE/SCIENCE Nature/Scienceisacollectionofnaturalobjects,livingthings,gamesandactivitiesthatareaccessibleandappealingtoexplore.Scienceiseverywhere.Throughexperiencesandinteractions,findoutwhatthechildrenknowandwhattheywanttoknowmoreabout.Usethisinformationtochooseyournature/sciencematerials.
Beautiful Savior Lutheran School Nursery/Day Care ProgramAcollectionofnaturalobjects,livingthings,gamesandactivitiesattractivelydisplayedandeasytouse.Pictures,booksandmaterialsalsoshowdiversity.
St. Maurice Day Care:Texturetablefilledwithshellsandstonestotouch,lookatandsort.
Hamiota Kids ClubInspiredbychildren’scommentsandquestions,thissimple,colourfuldisplayinviteschildrentoexploresealife.
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Exemplary Leaders in Child CareEveryday,childcareprovidersinfluencethehealthydevelopmentofchildrenintheircare.Theyunderstandthatchildren’slearninghappensthroughouttheday,oftenduringseeminglyordinarymoments.Thechildcareproviderscomplementparentsandsupportthefamilyunitbyprovidingchildrenwithahomeawayfromhome.Childrentaketheirearlylearningyearswiththem,sochildcareprovidershaveanimportantroleinchildren’sfuturesuccess.
Inthis,andfutureeditions,wewillrecognizeoutstandingchildcareprovidersfortheiryearsofdedicatedserviceinchildcare.Asleadersandmentors,theyconsistentlydemonstratetheirdesiretoimprovechildcarepracticesandcreatesafe,inclusiveandstimulatingenvironmentsforchildren.Theystriveforexcellenceandencourageotherstodotheirbest.Theyinspirebyexample.Manitoba’schildcaresystemisstrongerbecauseofthediligenteffortoftheseindividualsandotherqualitychildcareproviders.
Nienke Schutz-Kolster Director of Teulon Daycare Inc.
“It’sthepeopleandchildrenthathavekeptherinchildcarefor35years,”saysNienkeSchutz-Kolster,directorofTeulonDaycareInc.“It’ssuchimportantworkandtherearen’tmanyjobsthatpayyouforplayinginthesandboxeither.”
BorninTheNetherlands,Nienkecompletedadegreeinchildcareinherhomeland.Afteranumberofyearsworkingasaplaytherapist,sheattendedaspecialneedscourseinMinneapolisin1975.That’swhenshedecidedtomovetoCanada.
Atthetime,fewpeoplewereeducatedinchildcarepractices,soshewasreadilyacceptedwhensheappliedasthedirectorfortheTeulonchildcarecentre.Teulonhadasmallnurseryschoolprogramlicensedfor25childrenwithonestaffandatwo-seaterouthouse.
Nienkeisnowworkingwiththesecondgenerationofchildrenandtheprogramhasgrownconsiderably.Shesaysshe“hopesthatshehasgrownwithit.”
StilltheonlychildcarecentreinTeulon,ithas12childcareemployeescaringforupto46infant,preschoolandschoolagechildrenattwosites.Withanenormousamountoffundraisingandthesupportofthecommunity,theyalsobuiltanewcentrethatopenedin2007.
Overtheyears,Nienkehasmentoredmanystaffmembers,encouragingthemtoupgradetheireducationalqualifications.Fourstaffmembershaveworkedatthecentreformorethan28years.Others,whostartedtheircareersinTeulon,havemovedonandnowworkasdirectorsatStonyMountainandtheStonewallChildCareCentres.
Nienkerealizesthatshealsoneedstostayfreshandfocusedonthebestchildcarepractices.Shestayscurrentasapracticuminstructorandparticipatinginqualityenhancementsinthechildcarefield,suchasthecurriculumframeworkandtheenvironmentalratingscale.
Brigitte Insull Director of Seven Oaks Child Day Care Centre Inc. and School Age Program
“Rootsareimportant,”saysBrigitteInsull.“IfeelentwinedwiththeSevenOaksChildCareCentreanditsstaff.We’veexperiencedbirthsanddeathstogetherandwecareabouteachother.”
BrigittehasstrongbondswiththestaffattheSevenOaksChildCareCentrewhereshehasworkedfor25ofher35-yearsinthefield.Anumberofotheremployeeshavemorethan20yearsofserviceatthecentre.
TheopportunitytoworkwithateamofchildcareprovidersattractedBrigittetothechildcarefield.Shealwaysknew
shewouldworkwithchildreninsomecapacityafterearningadegreeinpsychologyanddevelopmentalstudiesattheUniversityofWinnipeg.
Asdirector,shestayscurrentwithchildcarebestpracticestomaintainqualityprogrammingforchildrenatthecentre.Shealsoencouragesstafftodotheirbestsotheymayfeelasenseofprideintheirwork.Throughouthercareer,Brigittehasofferedaninclusiveenvironment.Childrenwithadditionalsupportneedsrepresentabout10to15percentofthecentre’senrolment,asinthegeneralpopulation.BrigittealsoprovidedleadershipinthefieldbypromotingnaturalplaygroundsandgardensasamemberofthesteeringcommitteefortheManitobaNatureActionCollaborativegroup.ShesaysthenaturaloutdoorsettingattheSevenOaksChildCareCentrehasenhancedprogrammingandresultedinmanyenjoyableopportunitiesforchildrentoplayandlearn.
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Diane HaleDirector of Rainbow Day Nursery (six sites)
“Childcareisincrediblyrewarding,becausewedealwiththewholechild,thewholepersonality,”saysDianeHale.“Everysingleday,wegohomeknowingwehavehadanimpactonthemindsofthechildren.”
ArrivingfromEnglandin1982withtwoyoungchildren,Dianedecidedtostartachildcarecentreand“hasn’tlookedback.”WhileDianehasateachingdegree,shefoundthechildcarefieldmettheneedsofchildrenwhilemeetingherown.
“Childcareissuchawonderfulvocation,”saysDiane.“Theyoungchildrenlearn,playandlovetocuddlewithstaff.”
Dianeistheadministratorofsixsites,butshestillwalks
childrentoschoolandworksside-by-sidewithotherearlychildhoodeducators.
Tosupportqualitychildcare,DianeencouragesstafftoupgradetheirqualificationstoanEarlyChildhoodEducator(ECE)IIorIII.Whensheseestalentedandcreativechildcareassistants,shestrivestogivethemtheopportunitytogrowanddevelop.BeforeManitobastartedtheStaffReplacementGrant,DianeconvincedtheboardofdirectorstopaystaffsalarieswhiletheyattendedtheworkplaceECEtrainingprogram.
Shebuildsonstaffstrengthsbyallowingthemtotakeonleadershiprolesorco-ordinateworkshops.Shealsoletstheemployeesintroducenewideasandsupportsthemalongtheway.Asaresult,childrenarenotafraidtotrynewthingseither.
Dianestrivestoofferanexceptionalprogramforchildrenandtheirfamilies.It’sclearthatherloveofchildcarehasbeeninfectious–hersister,daughteranddaughter-in-lawarenowearlychildhoodeducatorsatthecentre.
Fernanda HodgsonExecutive Director of Day Nursery Centre Inc. - Crossways, Greta Brown and Kennedy sites
“Iwasluckytobeoneofthosepeoplewhoknewwhattheywantedtodo,”saysFernandaHodgson,executivedirectorofDayNurseryCentreInc.
Whilestudyinghumandevelopmentinhighschool,herteacherrecognizedhertalentsandencouragedFernandatoconsideracareerinchildcare.
Thirtyyearslater,Fernandacontinuestoenjoyworkinginafieldthatallowshertogrowpersonallyandprofessionally.
Asachildofimmigrantparents,shewasdrawntotheinnercitywhereDayNurseryCentre’sthreesitesarelocated.Here,Fernandawasgiventheopportunitytohelpchildrenfromimmigrantfamiliesandfamiliesfacingotherchallenges,suchaspoverty,toreachtheirpotential.
“Workingwithagreatteamofpeopleinadynamicprofessionhaskeptherinterestedandfulfilled,”saysFernanda.“Iamhappytoseethechildcarefieldcontinuetomoveforwardasaprofession.”
Byintroducingaworkplacehealthandsafetyprogram,Fernandaimprovedworkingconditionsforchildcareemployeesathercentreandprovidedaninformationvideoforotherfacilitiestouse.FernandasayssheishonouredtobepartoftheDayNurseryCentre’s100yeartraditionofprovidingservicetofamilies.
Lori Cariou-Markusoff Early Childhood Educator III at K.I.D.S. Inc.
“It’sajoytocometoworkeveryday,”saysLoriCariou-MarkusoffsaysaboutherpositionatK.I.D.S.Inc.Afterworkinginanumberofcapacitiesinthechildcarefield,includingasateacheranddirector,Lori
realizedthatsheis“happiestwiththekids.”Currently80percentofhertimeisspentinfrontlinecare.Shespendstherestofhertimeasthetrainingandcurriculummentorforthecentre.
“It’saperfectcombinationforme,”saysLori.“Ilovelearninganddiscoveringwiththechildren,butIalsoenjoyintroducingnewchildcarepracticestomypeers.”
Loriintroducedemergentcurriculumatthecentreandhelpedestablishmulti-agegroups.Lorisaysthesepracticeswerewelcomedbecausesheworkswithahighlytrained,talentedteam,dedicatedtoqualitycare.
LoriCariou-MarkusoffwithLucasandJenniferGoldenberg.
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Donna McCann Family Child Care Provider
Whenherchildrenwereyoung,DonnaMcCannrealizedthattherewasaneedinhercommunityforfamilychildcare,soshebegancaringforchildreninherhome.HerownchildrenagreedtosharetheirhomeandmotherwithotherchildrenandDonnanoticedtheywereenjoyingthesocialization.
Whileherchildrenarenowgrown,shesaysshedoesnotknowwhatshewoulddowithouteightchildrencomingtoherhomefivedaysaweek.
“Thechildrenandtheirparentsarelikeanextendedfamily,”saysDonna.“For33years,IhavebeengivingchildrenthesamecareIwouldgivetomyownchildren.”
Donnabelievessomechildrenneedahomeenvironmentandgentleteachingtothrive.Tomaintainqualitycare,DonnaupgradedhereducationtoanECEIIIclassificationandcontinuestoattendworkshopsofferedattheFamilyCentre.Shealsostaysconnectedwithotherprovidersintheneighbourhood.
Maxine BalbonFamily Child Care Provider
(LefttoRight)SaadQasim,JenniferBlack,KashtonKaptein,LandenFurnival,BroganAntonationandMaxineBalbon
“Oneaccomplishmentalwaysledtoanothergoal,”saysMaxineBalbon.
Maxineoriginallystartedafamilychildcaretopayforavacation.After25yearsinthefield,shestillthoroughlyenjoysworkingwithchildren.
Onceshemadeacommitmenttothechildcarefield,sheupgradedhertraining.MaxinefirstcompletedthefamilydaycaretrainingprogramthroughNewCareersin1991.SheearnedanECEIIdiplomain1998asapart-timestudentinthe
RedRiverCollegePriorLearningProgram,beforeenrollingattheUniversityofWinnipeg.Completingoneortwocourseseachyear,sheearnedadegreeinDevelopmentalStudiesinJune2009.MaxinenowhasanECEIIIclassification.Shecontinuestostaycurrentinchildcarebestpracticesbyteachinga40-hourintroductorychildcarecourseatRedRiverCollege.
“Ibelievechildcareisawonderfulcareer,withmanyopportunitiestosupportchildren’shealthydevelopment,”saysMaxine.“Oneofmygreatestrewardsishavingchildrenvisitaftertheyhavegraduatedfromchildcare.”
Manychildrenstartwithherprogramasinfantsanddon’tleaveuntiltheyare12yearsold.Thefamiliesbecomefriends,includingonefatherwhojoinedthechildrenforluncheverydayforfouryears.
ShealsofeelsasenseofsatisfactioninbringingfamilychildcareproviderstotheManitobaChildCareAssociation,wheretheynowreceivehealthinsuranceandgroupbenefits.
Noelle Campbell Director of Wolseley Family Place Playroom
“Workingwiththewholechildandtheirfamilies”isimportanttoNoelleCampbell.For12years,shehasbeenthedirectorofWolseleyFamilyPlacePlayroomNurserySchool.
Duringher33-yearcareerinchildcare,shehasworkedinruraland
urbansettingsinfamilychildcare,full-timecentrecareandnurseryschoolprograms.Alwayswantingtoensurethatshe“doeswhat’sbestforthechildren,”sheupgradedherchild
careskillsbycompletinganEarlyChildhoodDevelopmentdiploma(ECEII)andearningadegreeinDevelopmentalStudies(ECEIII).
WolseleyFamilyPlaceservesinnercityfamilieswhereparentscanbookachildcarespaceorjustdropinatthecentrewiththeirchildtogetrespiteorattendcoursesattheWolseleyFamilyPlace.Activitiesvaryfromdaytoday,accordingtotheagesofthechildrenattending.Thisnurseryschoolhastobeflexibletorespondtotheneedsoffamiliesfacingdifficulties.
“Ifeelgratified,knowingthatthenurseryschoolishelpingparentsandtheirchildrenduringstressfultimes,”saysNoelle.“Withmyeducationandexperienceindifferenttypesofchildcare,Iamabletoadapttotheconstantchangesthatmakemyjobbothinterestingandchallenging.”
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Tips for Attracting and Keeping Substitute Staff
To attract substitute staff:■■ Advertiseundergeneralhelpin
newspapers.
■■ Advertiseatcollegesanduniversitieswherestudentsarelookingforpart-timeworkandwillingtoworkvarioushours.
■■ Placepublicserviceannouncementsinlocalnewspapers.
■■ Useplainlanguagesuchas“interestedinworkingwithchildren”or“gainnewskillswithchildren.”
■■ Avoidjargon,suchasCCA.Peopleoutsideofthechildcarefieldwillnotknowwhatthatmeans.
■■ Askpart-time,permanentstaffiftheyarewillingtoincreasetheirhoursperiodically.
■■ Contactretiredstafforstaffwantingtoreducehoursleadingtoretirement.
■■ Offermorethanminimumwage,ifpossible.
■■ ApplyforaCanadaSummerJobsgrantforpost-secondarystudentswhoqualifyandtopupthesalaries.
To keep substitute staff:■■ Showthatyouvaluesubstitutesand
makethemfeellikepartoftheteam.
■■ Invitesubstitutestosocialevents,suchasChristmaspartiesandfarewellluncheons.
■■ Provideorientationtosubstitutes,includinghowtheywillreceiveongoingsupportonthejob.
■■ Communicateanychangesinchildcarepracticesandwhytheyweremade,suchashandwashingprocedures.
■■ AcknowledgetheirworkregularlyandrememberthemduringtheweekoftheECE.
■■ Ifthesubstituteishiredonaregularbasis,assignaspecificjobfunctionsuchasoutdoor/natureeducationassistant.
■■ Keepyourcommitmentforpaidtime.Donotsendsubstituteshomeifregularstaffunexpectedlyshowupforworkormakealastminutechangeinvacationdates.
■■ Informsubstitutesinadvanceiftheywillbeneededtocoverregularlyscheduledevents,suchasastaffmeetingeveryWednesdaymorning.
■■ Hireasubstitutetoassistwithspecialoccasions(ieChristmasparty)duringnormalworkhourstoenhanceratios.
■■ Hireapermanent,full-timesubstitutetocoverstaffholidaysandsickdays.
■■ Whenpossible,overstaffbyonepersonsothesubstituteispartoftheregularstaff.
■■ Ifsubstitutesworkfull-timeduringthesummermonths,makethemtermemployees,sotheyhavebenefitsduringthosemonths.
Carolyn Young Director of Manidoo GiMiini Gonaan/ R.B.Russell Infant Centre, David Livingstone School Age Program, the Lord Selkirk Resource Centre and the Lord Selkirk Child Care Centre (under construction)
Carolynlivesbythemotto,“Seeaneed,findasolution.That’swhatIliketodo–makeadifference.”
WhilestudyinginEnglandasanurserynurse,Carolynfirstrealizedherloveofchildcare.Thirtyyearslater,Carolynisstillenthusiasticaboutthework.
Asthedirectorofthreesites,Carolynhasmanyopportunitiestoprovidesolutionsandhelpthecommunity.Shelistenstoparentsandchildrenabouttheirneedsandthendemonstratesleadershipandenergytomakeimprovementsordevelopnewprograms.
Carolynstartedahotmealprogramattheinfantcentrewhensherealizedtheteenageparentswereeatingjunkfoodforlunch.Now,parentsenjoynutritionalluncheswiththeirinfantseverydayandlearnabouthealthyfoodchoices.ProvidingleadershipfortheschoolageprogramatDavidLivingstoneSchool,acommunityresourcecentreandaMomsandTotsprogramareotherexamplesofCarolyn’seffortstorespondtocommunityneeds.Currently,CarolynisguidingthedevelopmentoftheLordSelkirkChildCareCentre.
12
Investigation Authorization Process - Avoiding Delays
1. Pay by cheque, Visa, MasterCard or money order for the Child Abuse Registry check.
Thesearetheonlyacceptablemethodsofpayment.Donotpaybycashorsendcashthroughthemail.
2. Attach a separate payment for each individual Child Abuse Registry check being requested.
WhenonechequeormoneyorderisreceivedforseveralChildAbuseRegistrychecks,theInvestigationAuthorization(IA)processwillbedelayedforallifdocumentationismissingfromanyoftheforms.Paymentandallformsreceived,includingthosecompletedcorrectly,needtobereturnedtothefacility.
3. Review all IA forms to ensure they are completed accurately before sending them to the Manitoba Child Care Program.
Ifinformationismissingorrequireddocumentsarenotincluded,theformswillbereturnedtothefacilityandtheprocesswillstopuntilcorrectionsaremadeormissingdocumentsareprovided.Centreswithaffiliatedsitesneedtorecordallfacilitynumbersrelevanttotheemployeeseekingauthorization.
4. New employees in nursery schools and child care centres must be classified and entered on the facility’s Record of Child Care Employee (RCCE).
TheIAchecks(CriminalRecordandChildAbuseRegistrychecks)cannotbeprocesseduntiltheManitobaChildCareProgramhasconfirmedclassificationandemployment.Allnewlyhiredstaffareresponsibleforcompletingtheclassificationapplication,iftheyarenotalreadyclassifiedinManitoba.EmploymentisconfirmedthroughtheRCCE.
TheonlyexceptionareNurserySchoolparentvolunteerswhodonotneedtobeclassifiedoraddedtothefacilityRCCE.
5. If the Manitoba Child Care program receives accurate IA forms, a facility can expect to receive results in four to six weeks.
AresultsletterwillbeissuedforeachIArequestandmustbekeptonfileatthefacility.
Forinformation,contactManitobaChildCareInformationServicesat945-0776inWinnipeg;tollfreeinManitoba1-888-213-4754.
Family Choices Scholarships
InSeptember2009,Manitobaoffered,forthefirsttime,a$1,500FamilyChoicesscholarshiptostudentsenrolledinthefirstyear,full-timeEarlyChildhoodEducationdiplomaprograminSt.BonifaceCollegeandUniversityCollegeoftheNorth.ThesescholarshipswillhelpsupportchildcarestudentsinfrancophoneandnortherncommunitieswherethereareconsiderableECElabourshortages.
Basedonacademicachievementinhighschool,LizanneSabourin,NicoleBeaudryandEmilieAllardwerethesuccessfulrecipientsfromSt.BonifaceCollege.Thesestudentsdescribethecollegeasan“awesome”placetostudywithsmallclassesandgreatsupportfrominstructors.Frenchbooksaremoreexpensive,sothescholarshipshelpdefraythecosts.AllrecipientsloveworkingwithchildrenandseethemselvesenjoyingcareersasECEs.
EvelineGarand,LizanneSabourin,NicoleBeaudry,EmilieAllard
13
WithTheChildCareSafetyChartercomingintoforceonMay1,2010,allfamilychildcareprovidersandchildcarecentresarenowrequiredtohaveanapprovedchildcaresafetyplanandacodeofconduct.
Threechildcaresafetyspecialists–Carla Kernested–Winnipeg,Carol Gardiner–CentralRegionandDonna Grainger–WestmanRegion–delivered49workshopsacrosstheprovincetohelpprovidersdeveloptheseplansandcodes.Childcareco-ordinatorsandManitobaChildCareProgramstaffhelpedruntheworkshops.
Introducing the Child Care Safety Charter
Withextensiveexperienceinthechildcarefield,theworkshopfacilitatorsansweredquestionsandhelpedguidediscussionsattheworkshops.ResourcemanualsandtemplatesforDevelopingEnhancedSafetyPlansandCodesofConductweredistributedtoallparticipants.Thechildcaresafetyspecialistswerealsoavailableasconsultantswhenprovidersweredevelopingtheirplans.
Thesafetyplansandcodesofconductareexpectedtobuildontheexistingregulationstoensurethehealth,safetyandwell-beingofchildreninchildcarecentresandhomes.ManitobaisthefirstCanadianjurisdictionwithacomprehensivelegislatedChildCareSafetyChartertoensurechildren’ssafetyisatoppriority.
14
1 2
3
Safety in Preschool Programs JaniceJ.Beaty,PearsonEducation/2003
JaniceBeatygivespracticaladviceabouthowtocreateasafeindoorandoutdoorpreschoolenvironmentandteachingsafetythroughplay.Theauthoralsodiscusseshowtomaintainsafetyandcalminvariousemergencysituations.Eachsectioncontainschecklists,activitiesforthechildren,andalistofrecommendedchildren’sbooks.ThisbookisavailablethroughChaptersandAmazon.
Safety, Nutrition & Health in Child Care CatherineRobertson,NelsonEducationLtd./2001
Thistextbookauthordiscusseshowtoeffectivelyhandleissuesofchildren’ssafeenvironments,goodnutritionandhealthinpracticalsettings.Robertsondiscussestechniquesincaregiving,buildingculturalsensitivityandusingtheoryandhealthassessmenttools.Thebookincludesavarietyofresourcestohelpyouworkwithchildren,families,andstaff.
ThisbookisavailablethroughChaptersandAmazon.
Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child, LynnRMarotz,MarieZ.Cross,andJeanettiaM.Rush/2008
Learnaboutthehealth,safetyandnutritionneedsofinfantsthroughschool-agechildren,backedbythelatestresearchfindingsinthiswell-organizedtextbook.Itisloadedwithpracticalandusefulactivities,easy-to-accesscharts,checklists,guidelinesandlessonplansthatprovidegoodreinforcementofthekeyconcepts.ThisbookisavailablethroughChaptersandAmazon.
Beyond a Peanut: Managing Food Allergies in a Child Care Setting, DinaClifford/2007
Aneasy-to-usetrainingcoursetogenerateagreaterunderstandingofthesafetychallengesassociatedwithfoodallergies,theseawarenesscardshelpbuildcaregivers’confidenceincaringforachildwithlife-threateningfoodallergies.Thekitincludes:
•36color-codedfoodallergyawarenesscards
•aDVDandtrainerhandbookwithafoodallergymanagementtrainingpresentation
•assessmentquestions
•afoodallergyawarenesssignforyourprogram
ThisbookisavailablethoughRedleafPress(www.redleafpress.org).
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1 SlavicaMaric–CarpathiaChildren’sCentreInc.
2 TeresaDingleyandKarenPearase,FamilyChildCareProviders
3 CarlaKernested,SafetySpecialistandJo-AnnePalanuk,ChildCareCo-ordinator
4 ScottMichaluk–FortGarryChildCareCentreCo-op,Barb’raKravetsky–DowntownYM-YWCACreativePlay,KarenOhlson–K.I.D.S.Inc.
4
Take Our Kids to Work Day Did you know……..■■ 97percentofinvitedpreschoolcentresandnurseryschools
withenhancedfundingparticipatedinthecurriculumframeworkmentorshipprogram.
■■ ANature Summit for Early Childhood EducatorsonSeptember 10-12, 2010isbeingorganizedbytheManitobaNatureActionCollaborativeforChildren.Formoreinformation,[email protected].
■■ ECEIIsworkinginlicensedchildcarecentresoroperatingafamilychildcarehomearenoweligibletoreceivea$350annualtraininggranttoupgradetheirearlylearningandchildcarequalifications.CentresmustapplyonbehalfoftheirECEIIemployees.ContactChildCareInformationServicesinWinnipegat945-0776;tollfreeinManitoba1-888-213-4754formoredetails.
■■ OnApril28,theManitobaChildCareProgram(MCCP)heldacelebrationtorecognizetheaccomplishmentsofparticipantssuccessfullycompletingtheprogram’sCompetencyBasedandPriorLearningAssessmentProgram(5variations)betweenApril2009andMarch2010.Intotal,fortyparticipantscompletedtheprogramandarenowclassifiedasEarlyChildhoodEducatorIIs.
(lefttoright)TraceyLewis,MatthewandPrince
AspartofCareerWeek,thousandsofGradeNinestudentsgainedon-the-jobexperienceduringTakeOurKidstoWorkDayinNovember2009.MatthewandPrincespentthemorningattheManitobaChildCareProgram,learningaboutavarietyofjobsinchildcare.Intheafternoon,theylistenedtoManitobaFamilyServicesandConsumerAffairsMinisterGordMackintoshtalkaboutcareeropportunitiesingovernment.
Northwest Territories Staff Tour Winnipeg Child Care Centres
Infall2009,fiveNorthwestTerritoriesEarlyChildhoodServicesstaffshadowedchildcareco-ordinatorsforoneweektotourqualitychildcarecentresinWinnipeg.Eachvisitorwasabletosee12centresandhadthechancetotakepicturesandgatherideastheycansharewithproviderstoimprovethequalityofchildcareintheNorth.
Thevisitorssaidthey“loved”theopportunitytoseequalityprogramsinactionandfeltitwas“wonderfultobehere.”TheirphotoswillbemadeintoaPowerPoint
presentationandDVDsfortrainingchildcareproviders.OneNorthwestTerritoriesemployeesaidsheisthe“eyes”forproviderswhocannottraveloutsideofthenorth.Shecannowshowthemwhattheycanaccomplishintheirchildcareprogram.
AlongwiththeManitobaChildCareProgram,Winnipegchildcareco-ordinators-Gail Provinciano-Lippens, Sue Sydorchuk, Kathy MortonandWendy Hoffman–arrangedthetoursandprovidedinformationonManitoba’slicensingandqualityenhancementinitiatives.NorthwestTerritoriesvisit.
MarleneEdgi,AnneKeizer,WendyHoffman,SherriHughson,ShonaBarbour,Jo-AnnBurkitt
16
COMMUNITY SERVICE DELIVERY DIVISION
Child Care Co-OrdinatorsWINNIPEG
Name Community Area Phone Mailing Address E-mail Address Area Supervisor
LaureyCraig St.Boniface 948-4172 128MarketAve. [email protected] HeatherMazur WinnipegR3B3N2 948-4062
WendyHoffman FortGarry 938-5240 Unit6-677StaffordAve. [email protected] JaniceLitwin WinnipegR3M2X7 938-5145
LisaKazmerik Elmwood 938-5762 975HendersonHwy. [email protected] DianaRenaud WinnipegR2K4L7 938-5055
DarleneLee Transcona 938-5186 845RegentAve.West [email protected] DianaRenaud WinnipegR2C3A9 938-5055
IleneMarchenko St.Boniface 945-2678 100-614DesMeurons [email protected] HeatherMazur WinnipegR2H2P9 948-4062
KathyMorton AssiniboineSouth 471-8213 2015PortageAve. [email protected] BarbaraBalshaw-Dow WinnipegR3J0K3 940-2284
Jo-AnnePalanuk Downtown 948-4379 265-391YorkAve. [email protected] MargSiegers WinnipegR3C0P4 948-4400
SuzannePazdor Downtown 948-4418 265-391YorkAve. [email protected] MargSiegers WinnipegR3C0P4 948-4400
LiannePicton RiverHeights 938-5249 Unit6,677StaffordSt [email protected] JaniceLitwin WinnipegR3M2X7 938-5145
GailProvinciano-Lippens St.James 471-8212 2015PortageAve. gail.provinciano-lippens@ BarbaraBalshaw-Dow WinnipegR3J0K3 gov.mb.ca 940-2284
Vacant Inkster 948-4506 128MarketAve. VincentVillanueva WinnipegR3B3N2 948-4144
GaleSimpson St.Vital 948-4124 128MarketAve [email protected] HeatherMazur WinnipegR3B3N2 948-4062
SusanSydorchuk SevenOaks 938-5654 Unit3-1050LeilaAve [email protected] VincentVillanueva WinnipegR2P1W6 948-4144
DonnaTom-Brannan St.Boniface/ 945-0037 2ndFloor [email protected] HeatherMazur St.Vital/ 614DesMeurons 948-4062 RiverHeights WinnipegR2H2P9 FortGarry
EdenTomczyk RiverEast 938-5185 975HendersonHwy [email protected] DianaRenaud WinnipegR2K4L7 938-5055
BrendaWild PointDouglas 948-4175 2A-111RorieSt. [email protected] NorlynRitchie WinnipegR3B3N1 948-4448
17
COMMUNITY SERVICE DELIVERY DIVISION
Child Care Co-OrdinatorsRURAL & NORTHERS
Name Community Area Phone Mailing Address E-mail Address Area Supervisor
BarbBaumung Westman 726-6331 BrandonProvincialBldg. [email protected] SandraSmithMelanieColli 726-6661 340-9thSt., [email protected] 726-6959 LorraineCrivea 726-6340 BrandonR7A6C2 [email protected] 726-6717 [email protected] 726-6341 [email protected]
CathyCyr Parklands 622-2344 DauphinProvincialBldg. [email protected] LeeGreigHollySweetman 622-2302 3rdFloor,27-2ndAve.S.W. [email protected] 622-2362 DauphinR7N3E5
MarciaDesmedt Interlake 785-5279 SelkirkMental [email protected] MarcyHrysioPhyllisKlimpke 785-5107 HealthCentre [email protected] 785-5184 P.O.Box9600,3rdFloor 825ManitobaAve. SelkirkR1A2B5
GermaineMichaud Eastman 433-2576 P.O.Box98 [email protected] KerryTerwin 427rueSabourin 268-6002 St.Pierre-JolysR0A1V0
TerrySmith Eastman 268-6762 Box50 [email protected] KerryTerwin 20FirstSt. 268-6002 BeausejourR0E0C0
BettyKelly Central 239-3121 PortageProvincialBldg. [email protected] MichelineDurand 25TupperSt.N, 239-3137 PortagelaPrairieR1N3K1
KarenVandijk SouthCentral 822-2868 63BStephenSt. [email protected] MichelineDurand MordenR6M1Z6 239-3137
DebOdegaard Northern-FlinFlon 687-1723 102-143MainSt. [email protected] AnneDanis FlinFlonR8A1K2 687-1717
AnissaDawson Northern-Thompson 677-7275 Box5–59ElizabethDr. [email protected] NickieJensen ThompsonR8N1X4 677-7251
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FAMILY CHOICES: Manitoba’s Five-year Agenda for Early Learning and Child Care
Progress Report –to March 31, 2010
Agenda Commitment Progress Report
√ 6,500 More Child Care Spaces Funded by 2013
Fundingcommittedfor2,850childcarespacesforchildrenofallagesinneedofcare.
√ Increased Nursery School Enrolment
Enhancedfundingallocatedto23nurseryschools(429spaces)somorechildrencanaccessanearlylearningopportunity.
Maximumfeeof$5persessionmaintainedwithfullsubsidiesforqualifyingfamiliesavailable.
√ Family Choices Building Fund
Fundingapprovedfor57projectstorenovate,expandorcreatenewchildcarecentres,including:
■■ 22thatarecompleteandoperating,creating600newchildcarespaces
■■ 21brandnewchildcaresites(with10alreadycompleteandoperating)
■■ 18inschoolswithsurplusspaceacrosstheprovince
GrantsofferedinNovember2008andJune2009tohelpfacilitiesbuyequipment,enhancecentresecurityandcompleterenovationstosupporthighqualityenvironmentsforchildren.
√ Child Care Safety Charter ManitobabecomesthefirstCanadianjurisdictionwithalegislatedChildCareSafetyCharter,passedinJune2008.
Resourcesandsupports,includingprovince-wideworkshops,providedtofacilitiestohelpthemdevelopcomprehensivesafetyplansandcodesofconduct.
Weatherradiosprovidedforprograms.
√ Age-appropriate Curricula and Enhanced Program Quality
Materialsdevelopedforusebypreschoolcentresandenhancednurseryschoolsastheydefinetheirplay-based,earlylearningcurricula.
Mentorshipandsupportprovidedbyquality-enhancementteam.
Infantandpreschoolenvironmentratingscalesusedtoenhanceprogramquality.Useoffamilychildcarehome-ratingscaleintroducedasaself-assessmenttool.
√ Centralized Online Registry
Acentralizedregistryunderdevelopmenttoprovideparentswithcurrent,reliableinformationaboutchildcareintheircommunities.
√ Lowest Fees Outside of Quebec
Manitobacontinuestoregulatemaximumfees(onlyManitobaandQuebecdoso)andhasthelowestfeesoutsideQuebec.
FeesacrossCanadamonitored.
19
Agenda Commitment Progress Report
√ Greater Inclusion ProgramnamechangedtoInclusionSupportProgramandregulationsestablishedtosupportinclusiveprogrammingforchildren.
Resourcesdistributedtohelpfacilitieswriteaninclusionpolicy.
√ Flexible Hours Currentlyidentifyingneedsforoff-hoursandseasonalprograms;optionsbeingexplored.
√ Stronger Workforce Sixpercentunitincreaseprovidedinoperatinggrants–threepercentinJuly2008andthreepercentinJuly2009.
Wageadjustmentfundestablishedtosupporthourlywagesof$15.50forEarlyChildhoodEducatorIIsand$12.25forChildCareAssistantsintraining.
Workplacetrainingexpanded.
Annualtraininggrantincreasedto$350forChildCareAssistantsandalsoextendedtoEarlyChildhoodEducatorIIs.
Anewrecruitmentcampaignlaunched–“It’sthesmallwondersthatmakethiscareergreat”.
FamilyChoicesScholarshipFundstartedasanincentiveforhighschoolstudentsatUniversityCollegeoftheNorthandCollègeuniversitairedeSaint-Boniface(areaswiththegreatestlabourshortage).
√ Strategic Expansion Ongoingresearchtoidentifytheneedforthestrategicexpansionofchildcarespacesforunder-servicedareas.
√ Stronger Parental Stewardship
Sixgroupsfundedin2008/09andfourgroupsfundedin2009/10tosupportinitiativesthatenhanceboardgovernance.
Ongoingboardorientationsavailablefornewchildcareboardmembersandadhoctrainingsessionsforchildcarecentreboards.
Boardmembersfrom24facilitiesacrossManitobareceivedtraininginfall2009.
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