Author Archives: Administrator

Our Programs are CLOSED Aug 1 – 20

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Our staff are all on vacation currently. While we’re away, do check out our Resources page and try out another EarlyON program. And watch you email for our Participant Survey! Your feedback will be used to plan future programs.

We look forward to welcoming families back at our Terry Fox site on August 22nd and at Kimbourne on August 23rd.

Reopening schedules: Aug 2022.docx (2) and September 2022.docx

 

Welcome Back to the Drop-in!

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Welcome message and information for families new to EECC!

Masks are still required. Procedures & Protocols

Schedule for Aug 2022.docx (2) and September 2022.docx

  • Indoor programs at Terry Fox EarlyON, Monday and Friday, 8:45 – 12; capacity is 20 people. Reopening date is Aug 22nd.
  • Indoor programs at Kimbourne EarlyON, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday mornings, 9 – 12; Saturday 9:30 – 12. Capacity is 45 people. Reopening date is Aug 23rd.
  • Indoor Baby Time at Kimbourne EarlyON: Summer hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays 1:30 – 3 pm; capacity is 45 people. Please wait outside if you arrive before 1:30 pm
  • Senses, STEM and Social for 3 & 4 year olds: outdoors Friday mornings, 9:30 – 11 am Register for the fall term, which starts Sept 9th
  • ALL PROGRAMS ARE CLOSED Aug 1 – 20.

Pre-registration is not required for drop-in programs, but electronic sign-in required on arrival. It is possible that programs will reach capacity at some point during the program, and we will post a sign outside if that happens. There may be bumps in the road as we transition back to the drop-in format, and we promise to do our best as issues arise.

General Protocols:

  • Our programs are for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Please don’t bring school aged siblings over the age of five, Saturdays excepted. This policy is fully enforced.
  • Please wear a mask while attending our programs. We can provide a mask if you need one.
  • Hand sanitizing is required when arriving and leaving, as well as before and after the following: eating, using play dough and sand, and attending to respiratory hygiene such as nose wiping/blowing, and using the washroom/diaper changing.
  • Diapers are to be taken home for disposal.
  • As always, do not bring hot drinks into our programs.
  • Label items like water bottles to avoid accidental mix ups. Please don’t leave them unattended in the program.
  • Leave all toys at home please.
  • Please only use our diaper changing facilities for diapering and child hygiene.
  • Marked bins are placed around the room for toys that need to be sanitized. These are for toys that have been in a child’s mouth, and need to be removed from play.
  • Public Health guidelines now permit sensory items such as play dough and sand. We will offer these with enhanced hand hygiene: all children and adults must clean their hands before participating in these activities. Play dough will be single use, so you are welcome to take it home with you, otherwise give it to staff to dispose of it when you are done.
  • We can provide snack (we wrap up snack at 10:30) or you can bring your own nut-free snack.
  • We have introduced Circle Time back into our programs! Please ensure distancing during Circle Time.
  • And YES, Our Kimbourne site, including our washroom, is wheel-chair/mobility device accessible. Our Terry Fox site is physically accessible as well, but since it is a school, we recommend contacting us at eecc@rogers.com to discuss the best way to access the building. We can also provide adult and child noise defenders on request.
  • Both our sites have high capacity air purifiers running during programs.
  • High-touch surfaces are sanitized between programs.

We still have adult masks for pick up.

Evacuation Drills

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Monthly evacuation drills are a necessary inconvenience.  We are required to do them and we want to do them well because we care about your child’s, yours and our own safety.

You don’t have to love them, but if you are bringing children to our programs, you do have to participate without protest.

We expect adults attending our programs to model a positive attitude during evacuation drills, so that children feel safe while practicing these skills.  Please follow all direction from staff.  Do not collect your coat, bags and stroller.  You will be interrupted by staff and asked to cooperate if you try do this, or decide to depart the program during a drill.  If the weather is chilly, throw a coat or blanket over your child and leave the building.

Our Famous Play Dough Recipe

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar* (omit if you don’t have this – all will be well!)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • food colouring

Directions

  1. Blend flour, salt and cream of tartar.
  2. Add oil and food colouring to water, and combine the dry & wet ingredients in a non-stick skillet,stirring well.  Mixture will be very sticky.
  3. Cook on medium heat, keeping the dough in motion so it does not burn. (It’s done when  it’s no longer sticky and the surface becomes kind of shiny)
  4. Knead while it cools.  It’s undercooked if it remains sticky or overly oily.

* Cream of tartar is available in bulk food stores.Tip: many children are sensitive to artificial dyes. Natural dyes can be made from foods such as beet juice, blueberries and raspberries.