Preschool Parent Handbook - City of Surrey

EARLY YEARS 

PARENT HANDBOOK for preschool

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Our Early Years 

Philosophy 

The City of Surrey, Community and Recreation Services 

believes that all children have the right to access and 

attend quality children’s programs within their community. 

We support and promote the equality of all children and 

value the rich diversity and vibrancy of the communities 

that we serve, recognizing that this diversity brings with 

it different learning styles, beliefs and values. We believe 

all children should be celebrated for their unique abilities 

and contributions. 

We support children to develop new skills and gain a 

sense of belonging with the understanding that they are 

in the process of building their foundation for success as 

a healthy, productive member of the community. 

We at the City of Surrey are committed to providing a 

safe, nurturing environment of inclusiveness, respect and 

compassion for all children we work with. Our programs 

are designed to foster and reflect a holistic approach 

that encompasses all areas of child development. The 

goal of this approach is to enhance positive self-regard 

and image amongst all children as they journey through 

childhood and carry this through to adulthood. 

parent handbook for preschool | 3

Registration 

Enrollment 

Preschool Social Recreation (PSR) 

Pre-Kindergarten Program (Pre-K) 

The City of Surrey’s Preschool Social 

Recreation programs are based on 

responsive curriculum where the educators 

offer an exciting, reflective program based 

on children’s interests. Our approach 

focuses on the five areas of healthy child 

development: social, emotional, physical, 

creative and cognitive. 

The City of Surrey’s Pre-Kindergarten 

programs are based on responsive 

curriculum where the educators offer 

an exciting, reflective program based 

on children’s interests. Our approach 

focuses on the five areas of healthy child 

development: social, emotional, physical, 

creative and cognitive. 

Based on responsive approach, 

programs include a wide variety of 

learning opportunities, open ended 

activities, free play and exploration. 

Building on our responsive approach, our 

Pre-Kindergarten programs supports children 

in continued exploration, free play, open 

ended activities and learning opportunities 

as they prepare to enter Kindergarten. 

Parent participation field trip opportunities will be a part of the program. 

Register for the full year September to June – scheduled payments are available. 

For information on all other early learning programs that we offer, please refer to Surrey’s 

Leisure Guide, www.surrey.ca/recreation, or contact your local community centre. 

4 | parent handbook for preschool

Preschool Social Recreation 

School Year 

Minimum Age 

By December 

31 of: 

2012-2013 3 2012 

2013-2014 3 2013 

2014-2015 3 2014 

Pre-K 

2012-2013 4 2012 

Our Responsive Curriculum 

Our Early Years programs are developed as 

the educator actively listens and observes 

children in play. Observations inspire 

meaningful experiences allowing children to 

explore their ideas and engage with others. 

Creating a collaborative approach to learning 

gives everyone a voice. In this process 

children gain different perspectives, identify 

gaps in existing theories, and create new 

knowledge. 

2013-2014 4 2013 

2014-2015 4 2014 

Through exploration we strive to meet each 

child’s learning style, building a positive 

sense of self image and belonging. Our 

responsive curriculum focuses on all 

areas of healthy child development: social, 

emotional, physical, creative and cognitive. 

It is our hope to inspire exploration, critical 

thinking, creativity and community. 


The Hundred 

Languages of Children 

The child is made of 

one hundred. 

The child has 

A hundred languages 

A hundred hands 

A hundred thoughts 

A hundred ways of thinking 

Of playing, of speaking. 

A hundred 

Always a hundred 

ways of listening 

of marveling, of loving 

A hundred joys 

for singing and understanding 

A hundred worlds 

to discover 


To invent 


To dream 

The child has 

A hundred languages 

(and a hundred hundred 

hundred more) 

But they steal ninety-nine. 

The school and the culture 

Separate the head from 

the body. 

They tell the child; 

To think without hands 

To do without head 

To listen and not to speak 

To understand without joy 

To love and to marvel 

Only at Easter and Christmas 

They tell the child: 

To discover the world 

already there 

And of the hundred 

They steal ninety-nine. 

They tell the child: 

That work and play 

Reality and fantasy 

Science and imagination 

Sky and earth 

Reason and dream 

Are things 

That do not belong together 

And thus they tell the child 

That the hundred is not there 

The child says: NO WAY the 

hundred is there— 

Loris Malaguzzi 


Guiding Children’s 

Behaviours 

We believe in providing a safe, secure, 

respectful and nurturing environment 

where each child feels free to express their 

thoughts and emotions. We encourage 

the development of deep and meaningful 

relationships between peers and educators 

by providing many opportunities for social 

interaction and discussion as effective 

ways for children to learn to understand 

and deal with their feelings and to respect 

those of others. 

Our Guidance Strategies 

Respectful guidance from educators 

helps children gain independence, self 

confidence, self control and a sense 

of personal and social responsibility. 

Clear, Consistent and 

Simple Limits 

Clear, consistent and simple limits, help 

children to learn and understand what is 

expected of them. Our educators create 

boundaries positively, encouraging the child 

to focus attention on what to do, rather 

than what not to do. 

Cues and Warnings 

Cues and warnings offer the child notice 

that there will be a change in their activity 

or routine. This provides the child with the 

opportunity to anticipate, prepare and 

adjust to the change. 

Acknowledging Feelings 

By acknowledging children’s feeling, we 

help them to feel understood and supported 

in the environment. Acknowledging a 

child’s feeling prior to stating a limit will 

help to elicit a more positive response 

from the child. 

Choices 

To promote self regulation and 

independence, we offer age and 

developmentally appropriate choices for the 

child, based on the set of circumstances. 


Health and Safety 

Managing Illnesses 

As children are growing and developing, 

so are their bodies’ immune systems. The 

child’s ability to combat common illnesses 

can be impeded due to the immaturity of 

their immune systems. 

For that reason, we ask that you keep your 

child at home to avoid the potential spread 

of illness among other children and staff 

if the following moderate to severe signs/ 

symptoms are present: 

• Fever 

(100 degrees F or 38.3 degrees C) 

• Cold like symptoms: coloured 

nasal discharge, coughing, 

runny nose and eyes 

• Unexplained diarrhea 

• Infected skin or eyes, or an 

unexplained rash 

• Pain- any unexplained or 

undiagnosed pain 

• Difficulty in breathing 

• Sore throat or trouble swallowing 

• Headaches and stiff neck 

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Children with known or suspected 

communicable diseases 


Forms 

Authorized Person Pick-Up 

At the time of registration, parents will 

receive a registration package. These forms 

provide us with the necessary information 

to provide a safe and nurturing beginning to 

your child’s preschool experience. 

Forms included in this package are: 

Medical Disclosure Form 

Child’s Profile 

Photo Release Form 

Emergency Consent Card 

with Photo attached 

Immunization Record 

Administration of Prescribed 

Medication Form (If applicable) 

If you have any questions about the 

above forms, please contact your local 

recreation centre. 

As a safety measure, we ask that parents 

provide names of three people authorized 

to pick up their child on the Medical 

Disclosure Form. 

If an unfamiliar adult is picking up the 

child, the educator will cross reference 

the authorized persons list located on the 

Medical Disclosure Form. If educators 

are uncertain, as per City of Surrey policy, 

identification will be requested. 

If the individual is not on the authorized 

persons list, the child will remain in the 

classroom until an authorized person arrives. 

A parent/guardian can give permission to 

an alternate person. Permission can be 

given to the preschool educator by either 

e-mail, fax or written notice at least one 

class in advance. 


Health and Safety(continued) 

Allergen Aware Policy 

Emergency Procedures 

For the health and safety of all children, 

we may require a program to be allergen 

aware: therefore, restricting some types of 

allergens (e.g. nuts, dairy, etc.) 

At the time of registration and on the 

medical disclosure form, parents are 

asked to indicate any severe or life 

threatening allergies. 

When a program is designated allergen 

aware, notices will be sent home with 

the children and posted within the 

program entrance, notifying parents 

of any snack restrictions. 

In the event of a fire drill or emergency 

evacuation, the educator will lead the class 

out of the building to a designated meeting 

place. Educators will have class medical 

forms in the event that parents need 

to be contacted. 

Please speak with your child’s educator to 

ensure that you have a copy of the centre’s 

emergency plan and emergency alternate 

location plan. 

Comfort Kits 

In the event of an earthquake, we want 

to ensure that your child is cared for at all 

times. This specially designed kit will contain 

items that help soothe your child in the 

event of an emergency. These kits will be 

stored at the respective centre and returned 

at the end of the year. A complete list of 

recommended items is included in your 

parent package. 



FAQ 

What do I need to have before 

my child starts preschool? 

We ask that all forms are completed and 

returned prior to the first day of class. For 

information on where to drop off packages, 

please call the community recreation centre 

in your neighbourhood. Contacts have been 

provided in this handbook. 

What does my child need to 

bring to preschool? 

Please assure your child has a complete 

change of clothes and a healthy snack 

in their backpack when they come to 

preschool. More information on snacks will 

be provided by your child’s educator. 

Does my child have to 

be toilet trained? 

We asked that all children entering 

preschool are toilet trained before the first 

day of class. 

My child is new to preschool, can I 

stay to help transition him/her 

during this new experience? 

Of course! Sometimes a new environment 

can be scary. Each child has a different 

way of dealing with separation. A parent is 

welcome to stay and make this a positive 

experience for everyone. 

Do preschool programs 

go on field trips? 

Preschool Educators enjoy offering a wide 

variety of learning experiences in their 

programs. These experiences may include 

classroom visits, as well as, occasional 

field trips to various locations around our 

community. 

In order for us to provide these 

opportunities, field trips require parent 

participation and rely on parents for 

transportation. 


My child is feeling sick and I’m 

going to keep him/her home, 

do I have to notify someone? 

If your child is unable to participate in the 

program due to illness, please notify your 

child’s educator. 

Do I need to provide a snack 

for my child? 

Yes, we ask that parents provide a nutritious 

snack and water for your child each day of 

class. More information on snacks will be 

provided by your child’s educator. 

Will my child play outside? 

Yes, we believe that outdoor play is an 

important part of our day. Please ensure 

your child has appropriate clothes and 

protection for the weather (e.g. sunscreen, 

hat, boots, etc.) 

What if I need to withdraw my child 

from the preschool program? 

Please call the community recreation centre 

in your neighbourhood, the front desk staff 

will be happy to help you. Contacts have 

been provided in this handbook. 

Is financial support available 

for preschool programs? 

Child Care subsidy is available for all 

Licensed Preschool Programs. More 

information can be found at www.mcf.gov. 

bc.ca/childcare/subsidy_promo.htm 

For non-licensed programs, the Leisure 

Access Program is available. For more 

information on the Leisure Access Program 

please visit the community recreation centre 

in your neighbourhood. 

My payment and/or contact 

information has changed, who 

should I contact? 

If your address, phone number or payment 

information has changed, please contact 

the comunity recreation facility (back page) 

that your child is registered at. We also ask 

that you inform your child’s educator of any 

changes to personal information. 


Parent Resources 

WebSites of Interest 

www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/ccf 

www.bcrpa.bc.ca 

www.childcareoptions.ca 

www.fraserhealth.ca 

www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy_ 

promo.htm 

www.dcrs.ca 

www.options.bc.ca 

www.spl.surrey.bc.ca 

www.centreforchilddevelopment.ca 

Outreach & Support Services 

Tel: 604-598-5864 or 604-502-6321 

Fax: 604-502-6315 

#111 - 10277 City Parkway 

Surrey, BC, V3T 4C3 

www.surrey.ca 

Outreach and Support Services offers 

a variety of programs for children with 

disabilities to get involved and take part in 

an active and healthy lifestyle. By utilizing 

staff and/or volunteer support, we strive to 

ensure that every child in the community 

can participate in recreation and leisure 

based programs to improve their overall 

health and wellness. 


Community 

Recreation Centres 

Chuck Bailey 

Recreation Centre 

13458-107 A Avenue 

604-598-5898 

Fleetwood 

Community Centre 

15996 – 84 Avenue 

604-501-5030 

Newton 


7120 – 136B Street 

604-501-5040 

Cloverdale 


6188 - 176 Street 

604-598-7960 

Fraser Heights 


10588 – 160 Street 

604-592-6920 

North Surrey 


10275 City Parkway 

604-502-6300 

Don Christian 


6220 -184 Street 

604-502-6400 

Guildford 


15105 – 105 Avenue 

604-502-6360 

South Surrey 


14601 – 20 Avenue 

604-592-6970 

Kensington Prairie 

Community Centre 

16824-32 Avenue 

604-541-3270 


www.surrey.ca/recreation 

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Preschool Parent Handbook - City of Surrey

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