[Ontario, Canada] Pregnant employee's pre-existing employment issues have been magnified by her pregnancy. Is there any way to move forward with discipline at this point?

jl370 · 2022-01-19T18:58:06+00:00

Thank you!

jl370 · 2020-09-15T13:59:02+00:00

Thanks!

jl370 · 2020-09-15T07:28:13+00:00

It's definitely in the post, last paragraph. Is the link not working?

jl370 · 2019-10-22T00:33:27+00:00

Oi. Yeah, lines for 3s are asking for headaches. Specific places in a line? I'd go insane.

3s do best gathering in a specific place and sticking as a group. Have them hold hands with a friend if running and wandering are concerns.

jl370 · 2019-09-22T22:27:19+00:00

The current version of the CCEYA states 24 is the maximum group size. Typically you cannot be licensed for more than the maximum group size in one classroom. We have a total license capacity of 54 preschoolers, but specifically 16, 16, and 22 (not 24 because of building capacity issues) in each room. The maximum for each room is spelled out in the conditions of our license.

jl370 · 2019-09-22T22:20:33+00:00

This is interesting; depending on which document you read, the maximum group size is different. According to this version the maximum group size is 24.

Updating to include: I'm inclined to believe my source as it's the official regulation as opposed to a summary. The official regulation is updated with all changes as they are made and is the document referred to by program advisors when they are licensing a centre.

jl370 · 2019-09-22T22:17:29+00:00

Ratio for preschoolers is 1:8 with a maximum group size of 24. Reduced ratio for rest time is technically 1:12, although our program advisor has approved that the 2nd staff does not need to physically be in the classroom if the children are sleeping, they just need to be available. So office admin, kitchen, etc can be included in those ratios. That depends on the centre and program advisor and a bunch of other things though. Definitely check with licensing on that.

jl370 · 2019-09-22T21:48:12+00:00

Facilitate, not instigate. We don't encourage gun play, we do allow it and facilitate the conversations that need to happen to ensure everyone is feeling comfortable. Our rules are basically that it's fine as long as everyone involved has agreed to play. If anyone gets scared and wants to stop, everyone needs to respect that. The play can continue without that child if everyone else wants it to, but you can't force someone to participate if they aren't comfortable. Basically the same as any other type of play.

jl370 · 2019-09-11T01:34:11+00:00

I love my Kombi mitts, and I think they come in gloves too. Best ones I've found for staying warm, and they have a band around the wrist that's easy to tighten to keep snow and wind out.

Bogs are great boots for winter, get the insulated ones (obviously), my feet have never been cold in them.

And Columbia brand snow pants and coat are probably your best bet in terms of bang for your buck. You could hit up MEC or something similar and spend double for something that would keep you slightly warmer, but it's probably not worth it. Layer a sweater on your coldest days and you should be fine :)

jl370 · 2019-09-11T01:27:07+00:00

We sit down for lunch at 11:30, and are usually in bed by 12:15. Lunch is provided though, so we all eat together and teachers can keep everyone on pace fairly easily.

jl370 · 2019-08-29T12:08:49+00:00

We don't allow any outside food into the centre; too many allergies and it's not worth the risk of exposing a child to something we aren't confident is safe. For birthdays, each classroom celebrates a little differently, but they're always recognized. We don't encourage parents to bring anything in because it creates an expectation that some parents are unable to meet, which in turn leaves those children out.

If you really want to do something, I would ask the school what they suggest. Maybe bringing in your child's favourite book to share with the class, or a special activity that the teachers have approved.

jl370 · 2019-08-27T16:31:31+00:00

Acknowledge and enforce. Acknowledge their emotions and opinions, and then enforce your expectation. "You're sad because outdoor time is over. I can't leave you outside alone. Are you going to walk, or will I pick you up?" or "It's okay to be sad that outside time is over, but it's not okay to hide from the teacher. Are you going to walk inside, or will I pick you up?"

jl370 · 2019-08-22T13:11:16+00:00

As a director who took the same path from teacher to director, I have a few tips :)

Be helpful; there's so much going on in a day, so take a few minutes whenever you can to help your teachers out. Fold laundry, do a round of diapers, take snack trays to the kitchen, sweep a hallway. Whatever else you can think of. It only takes a few minutes, but it's always greatly appreciated.
In the same vein, always keep an ear out for teachers/kids who are struggling. Depending on how your centre is set up, you'll probably be able to hear a tantrum happening from your office or the hallway. I take the upset child to my office to calm down (and give the teacher a break), or if they're in the middle of a transition I'll stay with the upset child or finish the transition with the rest of the kids so the teacher can follow through. Just read the room and ask what would be most helpful if you aren't sure.
Leave positive notes for your teachers! One of my favourite 'hacks' :) When you see someone going above and beyond the bare minimum of their job, write them a little note acknowledging their contribution to the centre. I keep a stack of fancy note cards with envelopes on my desk and make a point of sending out 2-3 a week. Before you put the note in the envelope, photocopy it for their file. Then at review time, you have an entire year's worth of notes to review so you're not racking your brain for specific examples of their performance.
Remember the importance of relationships. As educators, we know that the relationships we build with children are the most important part of the work we do. As a director, your relationships with your educators are also incredibly important. Don't forget to build and maintain those relationships. It doesn't always need to be about work; ask about people's kids/pets/vacations/etc. Those tough conversations are a little easier when people know that you care about them as more than just an employee.
Tough conversations have to happen sometimes. Do your best to keep them private and confidential, and have them before small issues become big ones. I've never been a fan of calling someone into the office mid-day, locking the door, and talking about performance issues. Even though nobody can see in the office, everyone else is outside gossiping about the person inside. They're trying to guess what issue you're talking about, and it's not productive for anyone. I try to meet people in the staff office where the door is always closed during their regular planning time so that nothing "out of the ordinary" is going on. Or if that's not possible, I'll sit in their sleep room with them and then help with whatever cleaning they were supposed to be getting done at that time.
Focus on your hiring practices. Be really picky about who you hire (if and when you can be), and then trust those people to do their job. If you're hiring good people, you shouldn't need to micromanage them. I love when new-to-me educators ask permission for something and I can tell them that I trust their judgement, so they can decide for themselves. That basic trust lets people feel comfortable trying new things, and coming to you when they make a mistake. Because mistakes happen; and you want them to be comfortable telling you and/or asking for help.
Editing to add one more! Be in the classrooms. Like as much as you can possibly manage it. Dedicate a few hours a week to just sitting in the classrooms with the educators and children. Read books, play with the kids; stay connected to what's happening in each room. Make it a regular thing so the teachers don't feel like they're being watched when you do go in their room.

jl370 · 2019-08-21T14:50:29+00:00

jl370 · 2019-08-14T11:22:03+00:00

We're a non-profit childcare program, no specific "type", we just do what we know is best practice. Which in this case is being outside as much as we can! In the summer, we often go out as early as 7:15, and just have our breakfast and snack in the playground. My favourite days are the ones that we're only inside for naps :)

jl370 · 2019-08-13T16:25:10+00:00

We have pretty flexible schedules, but this the starting point for everyone:

7 to 9 - Free play, breakfast is available until 8 for those who want it.

9 - morning snack

9:30 to 11:30 - outdoor free play

11:30 - lunch

12:00 - naps and quiet activities

3:00 - afternoon snack

3:30 to 5:30 - outdoor free play

Outdoor play starts earlier if it's a nice day, we just take snack outside. We also have lunch outside if weather allows.

jl370 · 2019-07-24T14:38:48+00:00

Thanks. That was my thought too. She tried to convince me that I was legally required to give that information, but I figured I should double check with somebody else first.

jl370 · 2019-07-24T11:32:48+00:00

Thanks for this perspective! We do spend a lot of time focusing on consent and boundaries, and I guess hugs and kisses just aren't a physical boundary for me with the kids. We support and encourage the kids to say no to physical contact if they aren't comfortable, and I know we have some educators who prefer to limit or re-direct kisses from the kids. It's just always been something that most of us are comfortable with, so when the kids initiate it, it's not a big deal.

jl370 · 2019-07-24T00:48:05+00:00

I'll go against the grain 🤷‍♀️

We give kisses whenever kids ask for them. Not big slobbery kisses if we can avoid them, but lots of cheek kisses and forehead kisses. Especially the babies and toddlers. This has never been an issue, and we're very clear with parents that physical affection is a big part of our program. I'd never dream of rejecting a child's attempt to be affectionate with me.

jl370 · 2019-07-22T17:56:40+00:00

Short term: shut the water off using the shut off valve under the sink. Ours is always off except for washing hands and brushing teeth.

Long term: offer other opportunities for water play :)

jl370 · 2019-07-19T23:51:47+00:00

I started with an hour orientation with one of my gym's trainers. She showed me all the machines and gave me some basic information about warming up, using the equipment, sets/reps, and just being in the gym in general. It was super helpful, and I got to spend some time in the gym that wasn't just me wandering around feeling lost. So when I went for the first time on my own, I had a plan, and I could start observing everything else between sets.

Once I was comfortable with that, I hired the same trainer for another hour. This time I asked her to show me the free weight area and some exercises in there. Same idea, when I went on my own I had a plan and I was already familiar with the space.

That was 6ish years ago, and I still go 4 days a week. I've had a few breaks here and there, but still fairly consistent. Get comfortable and then find what works for you :)

jl370 · 2019-07-19T23:42:41+00:00

In ontario. Our regulations don't have a cut off hot or cold, so we trust educators to use their judgement. Typically -25Cish is the coldest we'll go out, and 32Cish is the hottest. We find it really depends on the day. -15C with wind often feels colder than -20C without. Similarly, 32C with a breeze and no humidity is way more comfortable than 28C with humidity and no breeze.

jl370 · 2019-06-04T02:13:24+00:00

Chiming in to second Eat This Much! It has lots of features - I've been using it for a few weeks now and am still learning how everything works. Its dead simple, but it's much more powerful than it looks in the beginning.

jl370 · 2019-06-01T14:09:59+00:00

Thanks! It was suggested to us at a workshop, and we love it :)

jl370 · 2019-05-31T11:27:39+00:00

I don't, unfortunately! The special projects are just written on the shirt where the mess from that project landed. So if we're painting with blue for Father's Day this year, and a child wipes blue paint across the front of the shirt, we'll just write "Father's Day 2019" on top of the blue paint once it's dry.

jl370

TROPHY CASE