You asked, we answered...
Our educators have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions by parents.
Have more questions? Contact us!
Have more questions? Contact us!
Outdoor Classroom
Q: Do the children go outside on rainy days?
Yes, unless it is pouring rain. Children need to arrive dressed for rainy day play. We have limited amounts of extra rain gear. We have lots of muddy buddies for the children (see photo above)!
Q: Does the outdoor classroom take place on cold winter days?
Yes, unless the outdoor temperature is minus 25*C. Children should be dressed in warm layers.
Q: Does my child have to participate in the outdoor classroom?
Yes, children need fresh air every day, especially when getting over a cold.
School Closures
Q: Does the nursery school close during bad weather/snow storms?
RPNS rarely closes due to bad weather. Unless the weather has effected the access to the church parking lot or building amenities (power, water etc.), the nursery school will be open. Families can use their own judgement as to whether they wish to drive during inclement weather.
Q: How will I know if the nursery school will be closed?
Parents will be notified via email should the decision be made to close the nursery school for the day. A notice will also be posted on Facebook and Twitter. In the event of an emergency at the nursery school during our regular operating hours, parents will be contacted by telephone to come pick up their children.
Sick Policy
Q: My child has a runny nose, can she/he attend nursery school?
Yes, your child can attend. Runny noses are quite common in young children especially during the winter months. Parents must adhere to the RPNS Sick Policy (refer to RPNS Parent Handbook)
Separation Anxiety
Q: My child gets upset and cries at drop off time….what should I do?
Parents need to provide their children with positive, re-affirming statements and body language at drop off time. Say, “I love you and I will be back soon to pick you up. Bye!”. Parents should leave directly once they have said good-bye to their children. Hanging around only makes it more difficult for the child and will make the parent feel worse! Our experienced early childhood educators are experts on dealing with separation anxiety.
Special Occasions & Birthdays
Q: I would like to invite some nursery school children to my child’s birthday party…what is the best way to do this?
All children have a file folder in the communication box and a little basket above their cubbies. We prefer that you place the birthday invitations in these locations. Please do not hand them to the educators for distribution.
Q: I would like to bring in a birthday cake on my child’s birthday…is this allowed?
Due to children’s allergies and food restrictions, we do not allow birthday cakes in the program. RPNS celebrates the children’s birthdays on a monthly basis where an allergen-free cake is provided at snack time. Loot bags (with no food items/candies) are welcome.
Q: I would like to share our family traditions/customs with my child’s class….is this permitted?
Yes! RPNS strongly encourages families to share traditions or holidays. Parents are asked to speak with their child’s teacher to make arrangements.
Show & Share
Q: I forgot a Show & Share item for my child…what should I do?
Show & Share does not require an actual item….children can share a ‘story’ with their peers. The purpose of Show & Share is all about communication skills! Your child should have the responsibility of bringing a Show & Share item, so mark it on a calendar at home or put up a note on your fridge to remind them.
Our Educators
Q: Are your staff licensed?
RPNS employs trained, qualified and accountable Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE). To learn more about what RECEs have to offer you and your children, we encourage you to explore the College of Early Childhood Educators website.
Donations
Q: I have toys, books and clothing items that we don’t use….would RPNS like them?
Yes, we welcome all donations. Items that cannot use will be donated to other nursery school programs or charities. Make arrangements with the director prior to bringing in your items as storage space is limited at RPNS.
Our Location
Q: Your nursery school is attached to a church. Is there any affiliation or religious programming?
Riverside Park Nursery School is a secular organization that operates independently of the Riverside United Church. Although we rent space from the facility and are grateful for their hospitality, we do not offer religious curriculum. We celebrate a variety of holidays and traditions -- all families are welcome at RPNS!
