- 3 Teachers (2 ECE's, 1 Assistant)
- 9 Children

The Infant Room maintains a ratio of 1 teacher to 3 babies. Infants who enter the Infant Room will react differently for a variety of reasons. Age is a major factor which determines how well a baby will cope with entering group care and separation from the parent. We will talk to you about what you might expect and offer some suggestions for coping with the situation.

In the Infant Room, the teacher's program for each baby is developed on an individual basis every two weeks. The programs are displayed on the wall along with comments from the teachers. Please read this valuable information and share with us your child's achievements at home.

We plan a variety of experiences for the infants which encourage the development of the whole child; language and cognition, motor development and social and emotional growth.

In order to assist the children in their development we offer a wide variety of toys and experiences. As well, we make good use of many routines associated with infant and toddler care.

Sensory exploratory are very important to children of this age in order to help them learn about their world. Babies love to paint with pudding, pour cornmeal and oatmeal and participate in water play.

- 2 Teachers (1 ECE, 1 Assistant)
- 10 Children

The Toddler Room maintains a ratio of 1 teacher to 5 children and has a total capacity of 10 children. The programs focus on encouraging independence, developing self-esteem and providing lots of variety for busy toddlers. This age group is a busy time when children are learning to express themselves and develop many new skills. At this age, children learn to explore using their whole bodies- so plan to send in clothes that are for play.

By the time the child is ready to leave the toddler room we will work with you and your child to encourage the toilet training process. The staff in this room take the children on short walks and picnics in local parks.

- 2 Teachers (2 ECE's)
- 16 Children

The ratio in the Preschool Room is 1 teacher to 8 children. The focus of the program is to continue the road to independence. The staff develop a program that has a good balance of activities and promote your child's learning cognitively, physically and emotionally.

The children are divided into two groups, a senior group and junior group from September to June. This allows us to operate a junior kindergarten program which focuses on specific skills to prepare a child for school. The smaller group experience allows for a wide variety of learning experiences tailored to your child's specific needs.

Red Apple Daycare does and will work hard to meet the needs of all children. Children with special needs will be accommodated whenever possible. We have access to special needs consultants who will assist us to improve our services.

Parental involvement in the Daycare is important at a number of levels. The daycare relies on parental support for the Board, Committee work, and fundraising activities. When you play an active role in the centre you have an opportunity to understand more about your child's daily life in the centre.

In order to keep costs low and the childcare affordable we often ask for parents to help in maintaining equipment as well as assisting in events of fundraising. Over the course of a year we require parent to donate a minimum of TEN HOURS towards the centre.

This time does not have to be only during the day. Participation may involve repairing torn or damaged goods; sharing a special skill; typing up a notice; sewing damaged linen....the list goes on. A sign-up sheet is posted in the centre.

We are pleased to celebrate special events in your child's life such as birthdays. If you would like to supply a simple cake for snack, we will ensure the child feels special and celebrates this milestone. We ask parent to share with us special cultural celebrations and we are happy to teach the other children about your important celebrations. In mid December we have a holiday celebration in which we celebrate the many holidays that take place during this time of year.