IS PRESCHOOL RIGHT FOR MY CHILD? WHY ENROLL MY CHILD IN PRESCHOOL? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRESCHOOL?
We feel that our Nursery School provides children/families that do not need full time care, an ideal opportunity to attend preschool. For many of the children it is the first time that they are leaving their parents and/or being left in the care of someone outside of their family. We have developed an enjoyable, engaging environment that children can interact alongside their peers. Being aware of how the day is planned allows for consistency, self-regulation, minimizes negative behaviors and promotes general well being. Children have the opportunity to build on relationships with their peers and teachers, learning social skills/ vocabulary, which are a part of the classroom routine. Staff role-model appropriate social skills throughout the day to support learning and growth.
HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE TO ATTEND?
The Nursery School is licensed for children 2.4 years of age (28 months) to 5 years of age.
WHAT SUPPORTS ARE OFFERED FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS? IS PRESCHOOL RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
As the Nursery School has always been an inclusive centre, we have had many children of varying needs attend the School. We suggest to parents to speak with the teachers about their concerns of their child starting School. We believe that attending Nursery School helps all children in following a school routine, learning strategies to communicate/self regulate and what to do around their peers. The Nursery School is supported by a Resource Teacher who is a liaison for accessing various supports and helps with the transition to Elementary School.
DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE TOILET TRAINED? WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE ASSISTANCE IN THE BATHROOM?
Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend the School. Parents are asked to keep a spare diaper/pull up and clothes in their child’s bag. Teachers will change a child if necessary during the class time. They will also give your child assistance in the bathroom.
WHAT IS A COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL?
A co-operative nursery school is a non-profit organization of parents who have come together in order to set up and maintain a nursery school for their children. It is because of parental effort and participation that fees are lower than a private nursery school, ensuring more parents can afford a preschool experience for their children. Without your participation, we cannot offer
these low rates.
More importantly, a co-op emphasizes social interaction for parents/guardians from within a large area. Bouncing Ball was set up not only to provide a preschool educational and social experience for children, but also to give opportunity for parents to experience the school program along with their children. Bouncing Ball is committed to effective communication with families.
Parents/guardians can choose to participate as regular volunteers in the school program as helpers to the trained staff. The duty days, scheduled in advance, MUST be adhered to in order for the school to operate.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR MY CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECK WITH VULNERABLE SECTOR SCREENING? WHAT IS THE COST AND APPROXIMATE WAIT TIME?
All Duty parents must have returned their criminal reference check and be in good standing, before their first duty day.
Parents that would like to attend the field trips must also have completed a criminal reference check (CRC) with vulnerable sector screening. The Ministry of Education requires that the CRC include the vulnerable sector component and be less than 6 months old.
The Nursery School teachers have the forms required to complete a volunteer criminal reference check with vulnerable sector. Parents are required to take the completed form, along with 2 pieces of identification to their local police department. Each Police Department has their own costs/time lines associated with the process. It can take up to 6 weeks for a criminal reference check to be completed. In Barrie a volunteer CRC, is currently free and in Innisfil there is a $15 charge.
WHERE DO I FIND MY VACCINE INFORMATION?
You may have your vaccine information on your ‘immunization yellow card' from when you were a child. You may also be able to access this information from your doctor’s office or the Health unit in the area you attended Elementary School. If you are unsure if you are up to date with your vaccinations and/or, if you cannot find this information your doctor can send you for blood work to see if you are immune.
WHAT VACCINATIONS DO I NEED?
Duty parents are asked for the documentation to say they received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. This is typically given at 1 year of age. The diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines (DTaP) are given every 10 years including in to adulthood. Documentation to say that you have received this within the last 10 years is required.
DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL?
We recommend that you make an appointment to come for a tour, as the Supervisor is also one of the teachers in the classroom. This allows us to work out a visit time that is mutually agreeable.
HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT BOUNCING BALL IS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
We suggest coming for a tour and meeting the teachers to see if Bouncing Ball is right for you and your child! Please ask questions to see if you are comfortable with us.
