Discipline

ADNS tries to prevent inappropriate behaviour through careful management of activities and by helping the children to develop respect for one another. When problem behaviour arises it is dealt with by directing children to less contentious activities or areas. Physical force, verbal abuse and emotional abuse are prohibited, of course, and any person involved in assisting with our programs who is suspected of engaging in these abuses may be subjected to disciplinary action as outlined by Community and Social Services for the Province of Ontario.

Criminal Police Inspection Check (CPIC)

As of March 1st, 1995, the Ministry of Community and Social Services requires all their licensed agencies to demand criminal reference checks for all persons working with clients. In keeping with this policy, all staff, volunteers and duty parents involved with ADNS will be asked, as part of registration to complete and sign a form which will be checked and verified by the Director. The form will then be forwarded to the City Police Station. This will include all persons involved in classroom duty: parents, grandparents, caregivers, etc. The cost of processing a CPIC is $15 and covers a period of 3 years. ADNS will cover the costs of two CPICs per family. Additional family members who may also choose to do duty days throughout the year are required to fill in a CPIC and must pay the extra costs for this.

School Closings

On days of inclement winter weather it is occasionally necessary to cancel classes. If the weather appears very poor, please call the school for an updated message which will be available by 8 am on the school answering machine and on the ADNS website.

Snack Cups

Children must bring their own labelled, unbreakable cups to school for snack. Cups should be placed in the designated area in the classroom. Due to health regulations, the cups may not be washed at school, so please take them home for washing at the end of each school session.

Clothing

Dress your child in clothing appropriate for inside and outside play. Clothes should be able to withstand the occasional stain of glue, paint, etc. Running shoes are the preferred footwear, for safety reasons. In case of accidents, please supply your child with a labelled change of clothes each day, to be left in their backpack. Walking trips are often planned in the warmer months, so please ensure your child has sunscreen applied before school and a hat available.

Parking

There are a number of "5 minute drop-of" spaces on Union St. right outside the school, in addition to regular metered parking. ADNS lobbied City Hall for these spaces, so please do not misuse them. For duty days, there are longer term parking spots available behind the courthouse across Barrie St.

Parent-Teacher Interviews

If you wish to discuss your child's progress at any time, please make an appointment with your child's teacher. Interviews can then be carried out when the child is not present.

Fee Assistance

A fee subsidy is available to eligible families through the City of Kingston. For more information, please see the school's Director.

Communication

ADNS communicates school related information through the following vehicles:

• Bulletin boards – Info is posted regularly outside both the toddler and preschool classes
• Newsletter – A newsletter is created monthly, and sent via e-mail to all families
• ADNS website – The school’s website contains information about upcoming holidays, events, duty schedules, program philosophy, school policies and registration. Parents can also ask for information to be posted to the noticeboard section.

Monthly Board Meetings

Meetings are held at the discretion of the Executive Committee and all parents are encouraged to attend. Dates and times will be posted well in advance on the Bulletin Board, in the Newsletter, on the ADNS website, and/or via e-mail notices. The school's Annual General Meeting will be held in September.

Anaphylaxis Policy

ADNS has an anaphylaxis procedure that will be addressed with all families at registration and orientation if a child with an allergy is enrolled into the school. Please ensure that you inform the school if your child has an allergy that could result in anaphylactic shock.

Snack Policy

On the days you act as Duty Parent, you are required to provide enough snacks for about 20 children in the Preschool Program, or 8 children in the Toddler Program. You are encouraged to provide healthy snacks, (low in sugar, salt and fat). Cheese, crackers, fruits and vegetables are popular choices. Any cheese, fruit or vegetables must be prepared (cut, peeled etc) at ADNS. In accordance with Public Health policy, food is only permitted to be prepared in approved kitchens. This means that homemade baked goods are not permitted.