Programs

Children’s Groupings

The Preschool is licensed as follows:

  • 13 Toddler children, 18 to 30 months of age
  • 32 Preschool children, 30 to 60 months of age
  • 33 Kindergarten children, 42 to 72 months of age
  • 15 School Age Children, 72 months to 12 years of age

We offer a variety of part-time spots, full days only.

Art and Creativity in the Classroom

We recognize the importance of Art and Creativity in the development of children. When creating an artistic work, a child is learning to communicate visually. Creativity is an important skill that is invaluable at school, in the workplace and in everyday life. Art also encourages the development of fine motor skills, problem solving skills in a variety of contexts, self-expression techniques, as well as providing a safe way to experience other cultures.

Art is an integral part of a Reggio-Emilia early learning centre.  The classroom is a place rich in art materials that invites exploration and discovery: it is a place where children create.
Early Childhood Educators help to extend the children’s interests, providing them with materials and tools to interpret their ideas.
For very young children, process-oriented art is favoured, whereby the process of engaging in an art activity is the goal (as opposed to following directives to complete a particular project that a teacher has pre-planned). Through experiences with art, the children discover the properties and possibilities of the materials and the potential for communication through their creations. They learn that they can use art as a means of personal expression.

Music

We recognize that music is an important part of a child’s intellectual growth. The classroom curriculum will offer a variety of musical experiences.

Community Garden

We are excited to be part of the Bytown Urban Gardens (BUGs) Glebe Memorial Community Garden Project.  We have adopted a garden as well as a few related responsibilities around which a Children’s Garden Club will be formed.  This expereience will help to teach the children about their environment, planting seeds and the care of plants, importance of water and sun, harvesting, composting and so much more.  We hope that you and your family will take time to visit Acorn’s Garden while visiting the park.

School Closures

  • Labour Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Between Christmas and New Years – Holiday week
  • Family Day
  • Good Friday and Easter Monday
  • Victoria Day
  • Canada Day
  • August Civic holiday
  • Last Thursday and Friday in August – Acorn PD Days

Health Policy

In order to enroll in the Acorn ELC, each child is required by the Childcare and Early Years Act and the Health Department to provide a doctor’s report showing evidence of up-to-date immunization.

Vigilance about health matters is critical in a day care centre. The health of all the children depends on the co-operation of all parents/guardians and staff based on the current health standards.

Sending a sick child to daycare jeopardizes not only that child’s health, but also that of the others in the daycare. It is imperative therefore, that parents/guardians plan for alternative care for their sick child. Parents/guardians are encouraged to keep us informed and up-to-date about any concerns they may have with respect to their child’s health.

The following are some important health policies that will protect the child as well as the health of other members of the daycare:

  • The parent/guardian is required to phone the daycare when a child is absent due to illness.
  • If staff considers a child too sick to be exposed to the other children, the parent will be informed and asked to pick up the child. This includes symptoms of a severe cold such as chronic cough.
  • The parent/guardian of a child with a high fever will be asked to pick him/her up immediately.
  • A child with a communicable disease will not be accepted into the centre and will not be accepted back without a doctor’s note or in accordance with the Health Department guidelines.
  • A child who is vomiting or has diarrhoea will not be accepted into the centre for 24 hours after the illness has ceased.
  • A child having been diagnosed with head lice will be immediately sent home for treatment of the condition and will be advised of our lice policy as outlined by the Health Department.

Registration

The Acorn ELC is open year round. When a space becomes available, or when a family gives notice of withdrawal, the centre will look to its own waiting list as well as the Centralized Waiting List to find a replacement child.

We recommend that you schedule a tour of the Preschool when putting your child on the waiting list, but it is not necessary. Our desire that you as a parent, are able to make informed choices for your child’s education and care are paramount.

Waiting List Application Form

The above form can be mailed, dropped off in person, or faxed.  Please see our contact information here.