1.
Drop-in Option
To give parents/guardians added flexibility, we allow a drop in option for certain preschool programs. Look for this icon … in the Recreation and Culture guide to determine if a program has a drop in option.
2.
Parent Participation Required
Look for this icon in the Recreation and Culture guide to determine if parent participation is required for a preschool program.
3.Snack – food allergies
Participants are not permitted to bring food products that may contain nuts or traces of nuts (peanuts included) to a Town program. Should items that contain nuts be found, the product will be removed from the area and returned to the parent/guardian at the end of the day. Soy butter also known as "Wow Butter" is not permitted. Although the product is peanut-free, it creates a stressor in the environment for participants with an allergy as it looks and smells just like peanut butter. A nut free snack (Arrowroot cookie) is provided at certain programs and permission is required upon registration so participants can have it.
4.
Medical Information
If a participant is required to take medication while at a program the parent/guardian must complete a Medication Form. The completed form and the medication must be given to the Program Instructor. Forms can be obtained either online or from the program itself. Epipens should be with the child at all times while at a program.
5. Bathroom Policy
All preschool participants must be toilet trained and independent in the washroom for programs that do not require parent participation. If an accident occurs, a phone call to the emergency contact will be made and the parent/guardian is expected to come in to assist in changing. If your child has specific needs, you may speak with the Program Instructor. If your child needs to visit the washroom during the program, there will be 2 children present or another staff at all times. If a participant needs assistance, 2 staff will be present at all times.
6. Photo/Video Policy
Photos and videos are not permitted during programs, other than specific cases where it has been identified. Photos and videos may be taken by the Town for promotional purposes. In this case, all parents/guardians will be notified and required to give permission.
7. Ratios
The Town of Newmarket strives to adhere to the following staff to participant ratios to ensure safe and successful delivery of programs:
- 5 years and under 1 Program Instructor: 7 participants
- 6 to 9 years 1 Program Instructor: 8 participants
- 9 to 12 years 1 Program Instructor: 9 participants
- 12+ years 1 Program Instructor: 10 participants
8. Sign-in/out policy
We require all parents/guardians to sign their preschool child in and out each day of a program. Parents/guardians should be prepared to show photo ID daily. The Town of Newmarket would prefer that children aged nine and under be signed in and out by a parent/guardian. If you require someone other than the regular parent/guardian to pick up your child, you MUST give written permission to the Program Instructor. The written permission must have the child's name and the full name of the person who will be signing your child out. We will require the pick-up person to provide photo ID.
9. Behaviour
The Town of Newmarket strives to provide the highest level of safety and enjoyment to all participants and staff during its programs. Coarse language, bullying, non-compliance, eloping and aggressive or inappropriate behaviour are not permitted at a program. These behaviours will be documented, reported, and could result in the removal of a participant from a program. If your child has behavioural concerns please speak to our Recreation Programmer at 905-953-5300 ext. 2712 and notify them of triggers and methods that are helpful for your child. It is our goal to make programs enjoyable for everyone.
10.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, please check
www.newmarket.ca, social media (twitter, Facebook and Instagram) or call 1-877-752-9936 for any program cancellation notices.
11.
Illness
Those with a communicable disease (e.g. lice, chicken pox, etc.) will not be permitted to attend programs.
