The first week | Family led separation | What does your child need for preschool? | Anaphylactic Policy |

The first week
At the VBCP, we are advocates of the “Family Led Separation” philosophy. While we are very flexible in our implementation of separation strategies for your child, we find that most parents stay for the child’s first day of school and participate in the day’s activities together; however, if it works better for you to leave your child the first day, please feel free to do so.

For some children separation from their parents may be difficult in the beginning. Many parents have found it helpful to establish a “good-bye routine”; this may include talking to your child about the school day prior to the actual day. It is a good idea to explain to your child that he/she will be staying at school to have fun with all his/her new friends, and that you will return in a short while. It is very important to reiterate that you will be coming back for him/her. Sometimes, explaining where you are going and what you will be doing (i.e. grocery shopping) can help the child to visualize your absence in a more acceptable framework.

On your child’s second day, we recommend that you bring him/her into the classroom and go through your personal “good-bye routine.” Miss Debbie and Miss Kim would like to assure you that if your child does not settle within a reasonable period of time, you will be contacted.

Family led separation
At the VBCP, we welcome parents in the classroom and respect the diversity of family practices surrounding separation issues. Our teachers understand that every child experiences separation differently and are on hand to offer support with a variety of separation strategies to help your child adjust to separation from mommy, daddy or nanny as quickly and comfortably as possible.


What does your child need for preschool?
• Please have your child wear clothes that are comfortable for active play and that allow your child to use the washroom independently (pants that are easy to pull down and back up).
• Your child must have a pair of indoor shoes, especially during the winter months, to ensure our classroom stays clean and dry.
• Every child is required to have a backpack containing a complete change of clothes including underwear and socks as well as extra diapers/pull-ups and wipes, if applicable. Please be sure to label everything you bring with your child’s name
• Your child will be involved in creative and messy play activities that may involve the use of materials which could stain clothing. Although
we always try to wear “messy aprons” for these activities it is best to have your child wear clothes that will not cause you to be upset should they accidentally get stained.

Children will often have a difficult time sharing their special toys from home. Consequently, we ask that you not bring toys from home to preschool.


Anaphylactic Policy
Pursuant to the Day Nurseries Act, we DO NOT permit outside snacks being brought into the school, unless authorized. Please note that we have children attending the school, every year, with life-threatening peanut allergies and serious food sensitivities. As such, we would ask that if you give your child peanut butter or other such products for breakfast/lunch, please be sure to wash your child’s hands thoroughly and brush your child’s teeth before attending school.