Program Handbook

Welcome to Millarville Early Learning Society (MELS) in Millarville, Alberta. We are in Rancher’s Hall at 120 Millarville Road. The Millarville Early Learning Society is a non-profit organization with a volunteer parent-run board and a program committed to providing a safe environment for children ages 3 to school-age, to grow with discovery through play. 

Mission
We believe that children learn best through play and hands-on experiences within a safe, inspiring environment. Children are seen as active participants in their learning journey. Our educators consult with them, observe their interests, and value their experiences, ensuring that they feel heard, engaged, and empowered.

Philosophy
Our philosophy is connected to ‘Principles and Matters to be Considered’ stated in the Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Act. The program implements Flight - Alberta's Early Learning and Care Curriculum Framework. The 4 core principles of Flight include the following values…

1. Diversity and Social Responsibility 

The focus is on building positive, inclusive relationships with children and their families. Children are learning to be responsible members of the community through decision-making and fair negotiation. They engage in activities that involve sharing, connecting with others, and reflecting on their experiences. Additionally, there are ample opportunities and materials provided to help them develop an appreciation for the natural world.

2. Play and Playfulness 

Children playfully investigate, experiment and create. They negotiate rules, raise questions and create imagined worlds. The curriculum is rooted in exploratory, play-based learning that focuses on early literacy and numeracy, gross motor skills, fine motor skills and social and emotional development. Learning through play, we are not only developing motor skills and social interactions but also emotional and cognitive growth. 

3. Well-Being 

Recognizing that each child is at a different developmental stage, we emphasize the importance of effort, following instructions, and celebrating progress—no matter how small. Children develop a positive sense of self and build respectful and responsive relationships. They learn to take responsibility for their personal health, and they participate in a variety of physical activities, indoors and out.  

4. Communication and Literacies

Language and personal expression are based on the individual needs of the child. Children experience the joy of learning through a variety of activities that support letter and number recognition, colour and shape identification, and explore the physical world through science and social experiences. In addition, as part of our program, children will gain an understanding and appreciation of themselves and their place in their family and greater community. While fostering skills like letter recognition, basic math, and science concepts, we incorporate games and activities that make learning enjoyable and engaging. Ultimately, our goal is to create an environment where children can thrive, develop a love for learning, and have fun.

Program Overview
We are a program geared towards complementing Millarville Community School. We follow the MCS academic calendar for holidays and PD days. Our goal is to prepare preschool aged children for kindergarten, provide educational care for kindergarten children on days they do not attend MCS, and offer out of school care for children in grades 1 - 6. There are limited spots available in the preschool class for 3 year old children.

Preschool: 3 programs: T/Th preschool, M/W/F preschool, or M-F preschool with the option of extended care offered. 

Kindergarten care: M/W/F with extended care options for children in Kindergarten at Millarville Community School (MCS)

Out of School Care: for children Grades 1-6 who attend MCS

We provide a broad range of age-appropriate activities for all the children! 

Books: we utilize the school library, and read with the children several times per day

Inventive and interactive emergent activities. 

Music: sing-alongs, exposing children to different kinds of instruments and melodies, and learning how to create a beat.

Art: sculpting, collage, drawing and painting with a variety of materials. We help the children learn foundational skills, while also embracing the creative process rather than the end product. The children have freedom to explore and express themselves authentically. Art created by others is also appreciated.

Dramatic play: puppet shows,dress up,house play,theme set-ups e.g.vet, school etc. 

Sensory activities: sand and water play, and other materials to develop and strengthen fine motor skills. Sometimes set up to extend a thematic element.

Learning Without Tears: multisensory foundational skills for writing proficiency and literacy 

Multisensory Letter, Number, Shape and Color Activities: to engage every type of learner and build recognition and pre literacy foundation

Walks: within the small town to the post office/general store. Nature walks exploring mindfulness in nature throughout the seasons.

Food fun: appreciating the tastes and variety of different foods.

Categorizing, sorting and simple pattern activities: including shapes, colours, puzzles, and games.

Sports activities: observing the Elementary school students playing organized sport, exploring games such as tag, red light/green light, etc. Use of MCS playground.

Playtime: Planned activities with learning goals as well as completely open-ended and unstructured playtime. We use a centre-based free choice approach to play, setting the children up for success in kindergarten and practicing the skills of transitional changes, flexibility, sharing, taking turns, and encouraging cooperative play with their peers.

Emotional Regulation & Problem Solving: We teach the children about emotions and what they look, to give them language to help them communicate how they are feeling and what their needs are. We teach them many ways to solve problems and about our classroom rules, friendship, and safety.

Out of School Care (OSC)
The OSC area is a welcoming environment where school age children can wind down at the end of the school day with age-appropriate creative and physical activities. STEM projects, games, nature activities, art materials, a “chill zone” and sports equipment engage the OSC kids indoors and out. Friendships are fostered and memories made. 

Our Educators
Our Educators are hired for their commitment to quality childcare and love of working with children. All MELS Educators have either Alberta Level 1, 2 or 3 Early Childhood Education Certification. They have current First Aid certification and Police/ RCMP check with vulnerable sector search. The program is enriched with their education and experience. They attend workshops and conferences as well as meeting monthly to stay current and enhance the program. Our Program Director has Level 3 certification and also works directly with the children.  

Communication and Contact Information
We use the Class Dojo App for informal weekly communication with a brief general description of the activities and experiences and photos of your child.

For day-to-day information please email the Program Director at msjolene.mels@gmail.com 

Informing us of absences, pick up time changes, or person pick up, please email, text, or call us at melsclassroom@icloud.com 

The Millarville Early Learning Society Board can be contacted anytime at millarvillepreschool@gmail.com.

The Rancher’s Hall phone number is 403-931-3183. Please note that there is very limited cell service in the hamlet of Millarville. If you must reach the centre during class time, please call the above Rancher’s Hall phone number. We don’t have a  message center but please continue to call until you get through, we may just be outside. 

Enrollment and Permission forms
Enrollment and permission forms are readily available online and must be printed and brought to Ranchers Hall to ensure your registration. Please note your child can attend MELS ONLY when these forms have been completed and returned.

Age of Admittance
Children must be 3 years of age and fully potty trained/able to use the toilet independently. This includes wiping and dressing.

Registration Night
We host an open house once per year for families to come see the space and meet the program director, the board, and lead teachers of our programs. You can also register your child during our registration night, and submit paperwork needed for enrollment. The date for this event will be announced soon. 

Orientation
Once your child is registered, and before the school year begins, we will invite you back to school to familiarize yourself with the space. You will learn the drop off routine, ask any questions, and submit essential paperwork for the first day. Your child is invited to attend, so she or he can play and enjoy their new space. 

Tuition
Registration Fee is $50/per child. Please note that registration is non-refundable. The registration fee must be paid to hold your child’s place in the program once enrollment forms have been received. Current tuition fees are posted on our website and will only be adjusted at a maximum of once per school year. 

Fees
Tuition fees are due on the first business day of each month and are payable by post-dated cheque or e-transfer to millarvillepreschool@gmail.com. Post-dated cheques must be provided before the first day of attendance.

Late Payments/ NSF fees
All fees returned NSF will be charged a $50 bank fee. 

If payment is more than 2 months late, the child's attendance will be suspended, and a payment plan must be set in place. Once a payment has been made, the child can return. However if any further payments are missed, we will terminate the child's attendance.  

Cancellation Policy
Please note we require a minimum of 1 calendar month’s written notice to withdraw your child from the program. Eg if you are planning on your child’s last day being March 15th, you will need to send notice by January 31st (not February 15th). If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, we ask you to reach out to millarvillepreschool@gmail.com.

Late Pick Ups
After one late pick up, parents will be charged $10.00 per 15 minutes late. This policy will be strictly enforced. Late charges will be added to your following month’s tuition fees.

Parent Involvement
Millarville Early Learning Society is a volunteer parent run organization. Parents are the primary educators of their children. Because of this, parents are encouraged to become active participants in their child’s learning at MELS. 

At Millarville Early Learning Society, parents are required to volunteer throughout the year. Volunteer options include: 

1. Volunteering for the Board of Directors – there are four positions available each year (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) These positions will be determined at the Annual General Meeting held each September prior to the first day of school
   
2. Weekly laundry 
   
3. Shopping for grocery items
   
4. Guest Readers
   
5. Other duties to be discussed at the AGM
6. Your child's Star of The Week

MELS hosts one community fundraiser annually, except in years when our casino fundraiser is held (every three years). All families are expected to participate. If you are unable to take part, you may opt out by paying a $150.00 fee.

Every three years, MELS hosts a casino fundraiser, and all families are expected to sign up and volunteer. The $150.00 opt-out fee does not apply to the casino fundraiser. The funds raised directly support all programs at MELS. If volunteer positions are not filled, the Board will draw names and assign roles and shifts to ensure this important fundraiser is fully supported.

Waitlist
At Millarville Early Learning Society, we strive to accommodate as many children as possible. However, spots are not allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We prioritize ensuring that our program will be beneficial for each child’s learning and development.

Priority is given to:

• Siblings and families with current children in the program.

• Younger siblings of existing participants.

• Children who are 4 years old and older, as we have limited spots available for 3-year-olds.  Fee per child payable at the time of registration.
  

Star of the week
Each child will have a turn to be the Star of the Week! This is a unique opportunity to celebrate your child's personality, interests, and what makes them special.

Here's how you can participate:

Together with your child, prepare a special and engaging poster that tells us all about them. Don't hesitate to let creativity flow! What to Include? Favorite hobbies, pets, family memories, special talents, favorite foods, favorite colors, childhood milestones or cherished family traditions. Pictures enhance the connection, so feel free to add family photos, baby pictures, magazine clippings, stickers, food box cutouts, etc. During this special week, your child's poster will be proudly presented by them with your assistance to the class on the first day. As a class we will craft a class book highlighting what makes your child special. This keepsake will be read to the class and sent home with you later that week.

Parent Options:
Want to make the week even more special? Here's how:

Send in a Favorite Snack: This must be store-bought and without nuts. 

Share a Favorite Book: You can send in your child's beloved book for us to read to the class, or you may come in and read it as a guest reader on poster sharing day. It's a wonderful way to connect with the class and make the celebration even more personal. Let's Make Memories! Your involvement in this special project will surely make it a memorable experience for your child. Have fun, be creative, and help us celebrate what makes your child the shining star they are!

Field Trips & Library Trips
Parents will be notified of any walking field trips in advance. Permission will be requested prior to. To ensure the safety of the children, additional volunteers may be required for each field trip. Due to cost and licensing requirements parents must drive their child to any off site field trips. There is one off site field trip in May to Granary Road for preschoolers. The Millarville Public library is attached to Millarville Community School and a short walk for the preschool class. When library staff are available we visit the library for special story times or have the librarian visit us.

Transportation
It is the parent’s responsibility to bring the child to class and to return them home after class.

Positive Guidance Policy:
As children are guided to make appropriate and safe decisions and to take responsibility for their actions, they become prepared to be better citizens. For these reasons we implement the following practices:

• Allow children a reasonable amount of time to solve the problem on their own

• Encourage children to consider the rights of others

• If necessary, educator intervention may include assisting with appropriate problem solving, distraction, redirecting child(ren) to another activity, or separation of child(ren) for a cool down period. We do not do “time out”.

• If a child’s behaviour becomes so disruptive that it interferes with the well-being of themself, other children or adults, the Program Director will contact the child’s parents to discuss the situation. A mutual effort will be made to solve the problem. The parent will be required to sign a Behaviour Report to acknowledge communication of the issue. 

• As a last resort and only when all the above means have been exhausted, the Program Director and/ or parents may bring the matter to the Board. If the problem cannot be resolved or it is determined that MELS is not the right fit for the child, the Board may decide to remove the child from the program.

Positive reinforcement should be offered for acceptable behavior and an explanation is always offered as to why certain behavior is unacceptable. At no time will any physical or verbal abuse be tolerated. 

Physical or verbal punishment or denying (or the threat to deny) any basic necessity by an employee to a child will NOT be tolerated and will result in dismissal of the employee.

Any problems and/or concerns that may arise on the part of the parents may be addressed by approaching the Program Director. If a parent feels that the results are unsatisfactory, the parent may then approach the Board with a written concern. The Board will then address the concern with the Program Director and provide a written response of the results and discussion with the parent.

Evacuation Plan
The Millarville Preschools Emergency Evacuation Plan is as follows:

1. The Program Director/ primary Educator on shift gathers the daily class attendance list and portable emergency information.

2. The Educators guide the children from the building via the most direct and safe route of egress, and all convene at the designated relocation site (Millarville rink in the parking lot) which is located east of the preschool. If weather does not permit children being outside, children will be relocated to the Millarville Community School.

The address is:

120 Millarville Road,
Millarville AB
T0L 1K0 

403-931-3183

Legal Address: TPN, NE ¼, Sec. 3-21-2, W5M

3. As the Educators remove children, the Program Director will do a sweep of the class area including the bathrooms. Then they turn the lights off, close the doors (if time safely allows) and evacuate the building.

4. Evacuation drills are performed monthly so that staff and students are familiar with the protocol.

Illness
Please keep your child home if he/she has: 

1. A fever exceeding 100.4 F or 38C
2. Lethargy associated with cough/cold/flu like symptoms
3. Lack of appetite due to cough/cold/flu like symptoms
4. Diarrhea, vomiting, or severe congestion
   
5.  An unidentified rash or spots on skin
6. Is not feeling well enough to participate in the program   
   

* Children must be symptom free for 24 hours prior to returning to school without medication.  Children who have experienced vomiting or diarrhea must not return for 48hrs after last event!

If the Educator decides that a child is too sick to be at preschool, the parents will be called to pick up their child early. This will be up to the discretion of the Educator/ Program Director.

Immunization
As per Alberta Childcare regulations, we do require all children to confirm if their immunizations are up to date at the time of registration. It is not mandatory to have your child(ren) immunized, however, we do need to know in case of any outbreaks that may affect you or your child(ren).

Absences
If your child will be away due to illness or vacation, we ask you email the Program Director directly as soon as possible at ms.jolene.mels@gmail.com. If you are unable to reach the educator, please email directly to millarvillepreschool@gmail.com.

What Your Preschool/KinderChild Should Bring: Everything Must Be Labeled!!

A BIG backpack (so they can be independent in packing and zipping it up by         themselves and it will fit snow pants and lunch kits)

Indoor shoes (non-marking soles the child can take off and put on independently) No slippers, healed dress shoes or dress up shoes!

Water Bottle (must go home every day for washing) Please don't put juice in water bottles. Water only!

A full set of spare clothes in a Ziplock labeled with child’s name (extra socks for wet weather) to leave in their cubby.

2 small healthy snacks and 1 lunch meal. 

Bedding. Children will be given the opportunity to have a rest during our quiet time in the afternoon. We ask that you bring a small blanket and small stuffy for your child to either have a nap or a quiet rest. Pillows are not required (and will not fit in a child’s cubby). Brought home to wash weekly!

Appropriate clothing for any weather. We want to spend as much time as we can outside everyday, please be mindful each day, as weather conditions can change quickly. 

1” binder for art work and other keepsakes

Family picture - comfort, identity and belonging in our class community

What to bring for OSC:

Non marking grippy indoor shoes

Extra set of spare clothes

Labeled water bottle

Proper clothing for any weather. We want to spend as much time as we can outside during the day, please be mindful of bringing proper clothing for each day.

Please remember to label everything! Shoes, coats, backpacks, boots, water bottles, lunch bags, hats etc. We often get duplicates and same sizes too, labeling is essential. Thank you!