Code of Conduct
CODE OF CONDUCT
At Funshine Early Learning Centre (daycare, preschool and school age programs), we strive to provide a safe, caring, learning environment for children, staff and families.
We believe in the equality of all people and respect diversity.
The following people are expected to behave in a respectful manner and comply with this code of conduct:
management and staff members
children
parents/guardians of children enrolled
all others involved with our centre
Guiding Principles for Appropriate Behaviour
Be Respectful
We are respectful of ourselves and other people. We are respectful of the ideas and feelings of others. We are respectful of the environment, equipment and materials.
Be Safe
We work and play safely to help keep ourselves and others from getting hurt.
Be Cooperative
We solve our problems by talking and listening to each other respectfully to find a solution. When we cannot solve a problem ourselves, we ask for help.
Be Supportive of Learning
We learn to the best of our abilities and support the learning of others.
Developmental Capabilities of Children
We understand that it is normal for children to display inappropriate behaviour at times for a variety of reasons. The developmental capabilities of each child will always be considered when determining both expectations for behaviour and consequences of inappropriate behaviour.
Appropriate Use of Technology
All children, parents, staff and others involved in our centre must use e-mail, electronic devices and the Internet according to our policies. This protects people’s privacy and the confidentiality of information.
Unacceptable Behaviours
The following behaviours by children, staff, parents and others involved in our centre are unacceptable:
all forms of bullying (physical, verbal, emotional, social or cyber bullying), including comments, actions or visual displays that are intentional, hurtful and repetitive
harassment, including behavior that degrades, demeans, humiliates or embarrasses someone that a reasonable person would know is unwelcome and all forms of abuse (sexual, physical or psychological), including verbally, in writing or otherwise
discrimination against any person or group because of their race, color, ancestry, nationality or place of origin, ethnic background, religion, age, sex, gender-determined characteristics, sexual orientation, marital and family status, source of income, political belief and physical or mental disability
actions that put another person at risk of harm, including violent physical acts (with or without a weapon) and threatening someone
Proactive Strategies
We actively strive to create an environment that supports the health, safety and well-being of the children by:
having realistic and developmentally appropriate expectations for behaviour
setting up the environment and materials to encourage appropriate behaviour and reduce potential for inappropriate behaviour
planning a program based on children’s interests and developmental needs
establishing consistent yet flexible schedules and routines that help children gain trust, security and self-control
We create a positive environment for children, parents, staff and others involved in our centre by:
developing positive relationships, including making time to talk and listen
establishing clear, consistent, simple limits, policies and procedures
stating limits in a positive way and periodically reminding people
providing explanations for limits, policies and procedures
working together to solve problems
modelling and encouraging appropriate behaviour
Consequences for Inappropriate Behaviour
We will consistently respond to inappropriate behaviour by children, parents, staff and others involved in our centre by:
reminding people of expectations, limits, policies and procedures
using a respectful approach to explain why a behaviour is inappropriate and what behaviour is expected
talking only about the behaviour, not labelling the person
responding sympathetically and acknowledging feelings
establishing natural, logical consequences
Depending on the severity and frequency of the behavior, we will consider further steps such as:
using behavioural analysis to learn what may be contributing to a child’s inappropriate behaviour and how to help reduce or eliminate the behaviour
having a formal or informal meeting to discuss concerns and to develop an action plan to encourage appropriate behaviour in the future
developing a written contract with an adult or older child that outlines specific expectations and consequences
giving a written warning that outlines specific concerns and consequences if the behaviour continues
accessing outside resources for help, such as:
a behavior specialist or other professionals to help staff understand and reduce a child’s inappropriate behavior
child and family services to access parenting supports
mediation services to resolve conflicts between adults
the Manitoba Human Rights Commission for information and advice to resolve an issue informally or to make a formal complaint if the behavior involves discrimination or harassment
the police to assist with threatening behavior
In extreme cases, we will take additional steps such as:
suspending or dismissing a staff member
suspending or withdrawing child care services because of a child’s or family member’s inappropriate behaviour
in the case of a visitor, not allowing the person to return to the centre
contacting the police and/or child and family services (CFS), if the behaviour is illegal such as abuse, assault or threatening another person