overcoming challenges and managing change: the story behind

Transcription

ChildcareTODAY
B U S I N E S S M A G A Z I N E • w inte r / ea r ly sp r ing 2 0 1 3
ADCO
T H E A S S O C I AT I O N O F D AY C A R E O P E R AT O R S O F O N TA R I O
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
AND MANAGING CHANGE:
THE STORY BEHIND
ORANGEVILLE’S SANDBOX TECH
Former ADCO President Gives
$1 Million to Create New
Neurosciences Clinic
TSSA & ADCO Team Up for
Escalator Safety
0007273860
41611040
Ontario’s Childcare Industry
Board of Directors
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
CO-PRESIDENTS' . . . . . . . 3

Kim Yeaman
Co-President
Simcoe County
Wendy Marshall
Co-President
Bolton–Palgrave
Karen Eilersen
Treasurer ~ Barrie
Greg Humphreys
Peel Region
Holton Hunter
Toronto
MESSAGE
A publication of the Association of Day
Care Operators of Ontario.
Publications Mail Agreement
0007273860
41611040
Published Quarterly
Winter / Spring / Summer / Fall
Publisher:.
Andrea Hannen
Associate Editor:.
Greg Humphreys
Advertising Coordinator:.
Kathy Filo
[email protected]
Erla McCaig
Graphic Design:.
Engine Communications
Mila Kotov
Advertising enquiries, address
changes, and questions about the
products or services you’ve read about
in this magazine may be directed to:
Waterloo–Halton
Nepean
Carol Sideris
Orangeville
Kerri Whitaker
Markam
ADCO At Your Service
Membership Information
To become a member of ADCO,
please visit www.adco-o.on.ca
Walkathon Information
To learn more about the ADCO “Kids
Helping Kids” Walkathon and how
you can participate, please contact
[email protected]
Other Enquiries
Media, corporate and other ADCO
enquiries may be directed to:
[email protected]
Childcare Today
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As I See It. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Build A Winning Team
POLICY WATCH. . . . . . . . . 7

FEATURE STORY. . . . . . . . 9

The New Bhargava
Neurosciences Clinic
COVER STORY . . . . . . . . 10

Overcoming Challenges:.
Orangeville's Sandbox Tech
KIDS HELPING KIDS.

WALKATHON . . . . . . . . . 13

adco membership.
programs . . . . . . . . . .15
M y School's Milestone .
Momentum

health, safety &.
nutrition
Are High-Protein Diets.
Safe For Children?. . . . . . . .
TSSA & ADCO Team Up For.
17
Escalator Safety . . . . . . . . . .18
MARKETPLACE . . . . . . . 19

ADCO MEMBERSHIP

INFO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Disclaimer:
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. ADCO
members in good standing may, however, photocopy specific
articles for free distribution to the parents and communities
they serve. Opinions and comments contained within reflect
those of the contributor and not necessarily those of the Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario, or its members.
WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 • ChildcareTODAY 1
2
ChildcareTODAY • WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013
co-presidenTS' MESSAGE
By: Wendy Marshall & Kim Yeaman
ADCO Members Are Leading The Way
hile serving on the board
of directors of ADCO is a
rewarding experience, it
is often very humbling. This is especially the case when we look at the
many things ADCO members across
the province are doing and all of the
ways they contribute to their communities and to Ontario’s licensed
child care sector.
As this issue went to press,
we heard that a long-time ADCO
member, Nicki Findlay of Kids &
Us was standing for election to
the Council of the College of Early Childhood Education. ADCO
members throughout Ontario were
W
preparing to raise funds for the
province’s four regional children’s
hospitals by organizing ADCO Kids
Helping Kids Walkathon events
at their centres. And, thanks to a
million dollar donation from longtime ADCO members Subhas and
Uttra Bhargava, owner/operators
of the Early Excellence Centres/Orleans Child Care, the Ottawa Hospital has established the Bhargava
Neurosciences Clinic. These things
were in addition to the usual weekly calls and emails ADCO receives
from members who are opening
new centres, introducing new program enhancements or who have
received timely help and support
from a fellow ADCO member.
We also encounter ADCO
members who are facing significant challenges as they seek
to adapt their programs to Ontario’s rapidly changing policy
landscape. When that happens,
we do everything we can to help
connect them with other owner/
operators who have overcome
similar obstacles. We also help
them get back in touch with their
unique strengths as independent
licensed child care owner/operators and the many ways they excel in comparison to other forms
of non-parental care.
Independent licensed child
care programs tend to offer families the highest degree of personal
attention and responsiveness. Most
ADCO owner/operators know by
name every child and every parent who uses their program and
speak with them on a daily basis.
They take tremendous pride and
pleasure in being able to go the extra mile to meet a unique need or
honour a family’s special request.
Further, an independent licensed
child care owner/operator can
usually make such decisions right
away, instead of making a family
wait for hours, days or weeks for a
ruling on a matter that is important to them.
care programs also tend to have
a greater capacity for innovation
and can introduce service enhancements faster and more easily than other child care entities.
We’ve seen this occur in many
ADCO member centres in the last
few years. Some examples include
the introduction of additional optin activities such as piano and
dance lessons, art classes or sports
leagues in the after-school hours.
Others include offering bag lunch
preparation and family suppers
at their centres, so once parents
“The majority of ADCO owner/operators are RECEs themselves.
At ADCO centres, it isn’t unusual to meet staff members
who have been with their employers for 10 years or more,
or who work at the centres they attended as children.“
Co-Presidents' Message continued on next page
Co-Presidents' Message continued from page 1
finish work, they can spend quality time with their children rather
than worrying about what the
family is going to eat that night or
the next day.
care programs that are affiliated
with ADCO offer families even
more advantages, as the owner/
operator has freely invested his
or her hard-earned dollars in ongoing professional development
for themselves and their staff.
They’re up on the latest trends in
licensed child care and can draw
on the collective knowledge, experience and wisdom of hundreds
of owner/operators with a single
call or email to ADCO. Every day,
ADCO supports licensed owner/
operators by providing them with
information, referrals to specialized suppliers and by connecting
with other owner/operators who
have faced similar circumstances and are willing to share their
4
thoughts and ideas as “on-call
volunteers.”
Independent licensed child care
programs also tend to be great
places to work. They provide RECEs
and other staff with opportunities
to connect with families in ways
that other settings can’t or don’t.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Responses to ADCO’s annual membership renewal survey reveal that
the majority of ADCO-affiliated
owner/operators are RECEs themselves. In many cases, their motivation for opening their own centres was so they could offer their
communities a higher standard
of quality and service than would
otherwise be available.
Since so many ADCO owner/
operators are RECEs, they tend to
place a very high value on the
skills and ideas offered by staff.
Many emphasize that they believe in providing staff with a
high degree of autonomy in run-
ning their classrooms and are
quick to credit the success and
longevity of their programs to
the commitment and professionalism of their employees. It is not
unusual to meet staff members
at ADCO member centres who
have been with their employers
for ten years or more, or who actually attended that centre when
they were young children. Most
often, ADCO members and their
staff teams think of each other
and care for one another as family. That sense of connection and
commitment to one another’s
well being just naturally extends
to the families they serve.
As co-presidents, we hope you think
of your fellow ADCO members and
of ADCO this way as well. Whether you’re sharing your successes
or your struggles, ADCO is always
happy to hear from you and is honored that you’ve chosen to make us
a part of your centre’s family.
As I See It
Build A Winning Team!
provides. The single biggest mistake employers make
is not doing their due diligence by researching each
new prospective employee. Always check references.
Employers that make good choices start their relationship off on a good footing
Set high standards
By: Michael Lewis, Founder, Michael Lewis Training,
Motivation & Development.
Hire in haste, repent in leisure!
Six words that really come back to haunt any child care
owner/operator who has ever come to the realization that
they’ve hired someone who wasn’t the right fit for their
program.
he child care business is a business like no
other. It is a uniquely demanding workplace
environment that requires that staff maintain
their professionalism every minute of every business
day. New hires not only have to have the appropriate
qualifications, skills and abilities, they also have to
have the right temperament and interpersonal skills to
contribute to your team, and to your centre’s reputation.
Everybody you employ has to be committed to treating
his/her colleagues with respect, has to be able to stay
child-centric and has to engage parents in a consistently
respectful manner. There is no room for error. As a child
care owner/operator, you are in the business of building
trust, establishing credibility and building relationships
based on care, support, patience and professionalism.
T
Do your homework
Building the winning team begins when you meet
and interview prospective staff and continues as you
gather feedback from the references the job applicant
The next step is orienting and training a new hire
to be a wonderful addition to the team. A great foundation for a work team is to have in place non-negotiable standards and conditions of employment. From
there, you orient new hires to the standards and enforce the standards and rules fairly and consistently
with everyone, managers and owners included.
Having high standards and enforcing them is the
recipe for excellence. If you do this one thing, over
time, you will develop a child care program that is
preferred by parents and regulators alike. Parents are
the first to see and draw your attention to slack standards and any casual disregard for rules or policies.
Always strive to be a place where order and respect for
standards are the rule and not the exception.
A simple and easy way to set such standards is to
try drafting your centre’s “10 commandments.” These
are the 10 basic standards you will enforce and hold
every staff member accountable for upholding. Improve and update job descriptions to include your 10
commandments and review them with all employees. Inspect what you expect and be watchful for any
emerging issues. Deal with things sooner rather than
later and remember, what you permit, you promote.
Formal and informal training
Training encompasses a broader scope of activities
than many employers realize. There is formal training
that is built into orientation and continued on through
an employee’s career. Augmenting that are coaching
and mentoring. For these strategies to be successful,
you need to have a learning plan for your employees.
There is a need to assess and review, so you can provide
opportunities for learning. One great way to start is to
create a learning needs assessment that can be distrib-
uted and studied for direction on training initiatives.
Great teams and great workplaces place a regular emphasis on learning and sharing. A smart workforce is
a successful workforce, because it is not only equipped
to provide great service, its members have the capacity
and skill sets to deal with challenges as they arise.
Great teams need great leaders
Winning teams are generally lead by people who
are highly skilled at being responsive and approachable, and who can quickly adapt to changing circumstances. Owners, managers and supervisors are instrumental in ensuring that their teams develop a close and
workable rapport. Nothing is worse than hiring great
people and placing them in poor team environments
or having them report to indifferent managers or supervisors. All employees need and deserve support, encouragement and attention. Great teams are inspired
by great leaders. Great leaders strive daily to keep their
teams supported and cohesive.
Great teams mean great businesses
One of the best ways to build a great business is to
know and always remember that it relies on having the
right people. Focus on having the right people in the
right jobs at the right time in their lives. This helps ensure employees feel engaged at work and arrive each day
with the right attitude. Then, focus on fostering the right
chemistry among team members. On top of that, ensure that your managers and supervisors are committed
to developing and recognizing excellence in each team
member and that they achieve strong results through
delegating, coaching and celebrating staff accomplishments. In time, you will create a workplace where people
love what they do. That love will show up in the way they
interact with the parents and children you serve.
Michael Lewis was a presenter at the 2012 ADCO Fall Conference. He can be reached at [email protected].
How to tell if you have.
a winning team
 Your team has a positive, productive at-
titude and your workplace is harmonious.
 There are few interpersonal conflicts and
if there are, the members of the team
work together to resolve them.
 Morale is high. Winning teams looks for-
ward to coming to work and they generally enjoy each other’s company.
 From a leadership perspective, your team
consistently exceeds your expectations in
terms of performance and reliability.
 Parents stop and compliment you regu-
larly on the quality and positive attitudes
of your employees.
 Parents are eager to tell their friends and
family members about your staff and
your program.
 Your waiting list is growing by the day
and it becomes clear that it’s time to
expand your business.
“First 50” Draw Winner:
Jelly Bean Academy & Daycare
Serena Servello of Jelly Bean Academy & Daycare in Woodbridge was one of the
first 50 ADCO members to renew their memberships for 2013. As a result, Serena has
won a free registration for the ADCO 2013 Fall Conference. Congratulations!
To ensure the draw was absolutely fair, the names of programs owned by
ADCO board members were removed from the pool of eligible entries and Lisa
Kiss of Lisa’s Trophy Shop in St. Catharines was recruited to select the winner
at random. Lisa and her team produced the plaque plates for the 2011 and
2012 ADCO Kids Helping Kids Walkathon. We are pleased to have them as
part of the ADCO family of suppliers. You may visit Lisa’s Trophy Shop online
at http://lisastrophyshop.securesites.net.
6
Government
POLICY WATCH
children’s services departments (CMSMs
 Mandunicipal
DSSABs) have been positioned as the ongoing
systems managers for both the MCYS and MEDU
components of the licensed child care portfolio.
new regulatory body for licensed child care was
 Acreated
with the launch of the College of Early
By: Greg Humphreys, Chair,.
ADCO Government Relations Committee
Rapid Changes Carry.
Unintended Consequences
ne of the greatest challenges many licensed
child care owner/operators in Ontario have
faced in recent years is the pace of change.
Not only have centres been challenged to keep enhancing their programs and services to meet continually evolving family needs, we’ve been doing so in a
very tough provincial economy. Child care owner/operators have also had to navigate a changing policy
landscape. If you’re feeling change-worry, it’s no wonder. Here’s a quick summary of some of the regulatory,
funding and policy changes that have taken place in
recent months.
O
n January of 2012, responsibility for licensed child
 Icare
was transferred from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) to the Ministry of
Education (MEDU). This transfer included many
changes in licensing, creation of the Early Learning Division, the continued roll-out of the Early
Learning Kindergarten Program and the “schoolsfirst” retrofit capital funding policy.
CYS has retained the Best Start initiative. More
 Mspecifically:
Ontario Early Years Centres and some
specialized support functions and unique integration efforts in speech/language, children’s mental
health and autism.
Childhood Educators. This brought with it mandatory registration of all of ECEs as a requirement
for employment in the sector, new Standards of
Practice and a new Code of Ethics, and may mean
additional ongoing professional development requirements and costs.
he Day Nurseries Act is also being reviewed, with
 Tkey
changes ongoing and more expected in the
areas of fee subsidy, funding formulas, ratios and
age categories, room design and sleeping arrangements, quality indicators and the public posting
of results.
he 2013 Ontario Early Years Policy Framework was
 Trecently
introduced, emphasizing the roll-out of “a
system of responsive, high-quality, accessible, and increasingly integrated early years programs and services
that contribute to healthy child development today and
a stronger future tomorrow.” The goal here is seamless, play-based and high quality programs and
services that are partnered and/or well-connected
within the community.
While many of these changes are positive, they are not
without consequence. Many licensed owner/operators
have closed their doors, simply because their financial resources were not sufficient to adapt to so many
changes so quickly. ADCO has also seen increased
concentration of ownership in the sector, as larger
programs acquire smaller ones that are no longer financially viable. It remains to be seen whether these
changes will result in increased access to affordable licensed child care services in Ontario, or whether they
will push more families into using the informal sector.
Continued on next page
Policy Watch continued from page 7
These changes are also not without risk. The risk
to parents, particularly those in receipt of fee subsidy,
is that their choice of licensed providers may become
increasingly limited. Municipalities are still allowed
to implement whatever fee subsidy policies they see
fit. This can include barring new purchase-of-service
agreements with commercial operators, even when
these licensed programs are the most convenient for
many families. Growing numbers of subsidized families may also be pushed into using school-based sites,
even though the services provided are not as comprehensive as what the family could receive if they were
given the option of choosing another licensed provider.
There are significant risks to the economy as a
whole when more and more families are concentrated
into reliance on larger, publicly owned institutions. The
government of Quebec is confronting the consequences
of this concentration now. In trying to implement budgetary measures to ensure the solvency of the system,
the Province was recently confronted with the threat of
widespread strikes by public sector early learning and
care workers.
8
Here in Ontario, public sector wages and benefits already account for roughly 50% of all Provincial spending. 1 Debt service costs account for
over 8%. 2 That leaves just 42% for everything else,
including things like the facilities and equipment
required to care for Ontario’s aging population,
and the materials needed to maintain and improve roads, bridges and power generation plants.
These issues are sure to be top-of-mind for many
politicians and public officials here in Ontario in
the coming months.
Please do your part to keep your local MPP and
municipal representatives informed about how your
centre is part of the solution to these challenges.
There’s no question, increasing access to regulated
early learning and care services brings long-term
economic and societal benefits. However, the only
sure path to a sustainable system of regulated services that works even when government budgets
are tight is for elected leaders to focus on creating a
level playing field where all licensed owner/operators can thrive.
1
C
harles Lammam and Hugh MacIntyre: “New leadership presents new opportunity to fix Ontario’s fiscal problems,” Fraser Forum, March/April 2013
2
“ 2012 Ontario Budget: Chapter II: Ontario's Economic Outlook and Fiscal Plan Section G: Details of Ontario’s Finances,” Ontario Ministry of Finance, March 27, 2012.
Feature Story
ADCO Members Subhas And Uttra Bhargava
Donate $1 Million For Parkinson’s Research
DCO wishes to recognize the generosity of
its longtime members Subhas and Uttra
Bhargava of Ottawa’s Early Excellence
Centres. The couple recently donated $1 million
to the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI)
to establish the first chair in Parkinson’s research.
The Bhargavas' contribution will fund innovative
research by a team of senior scientists over the next
10 years as they search for diagnostic mechanisms
for Parkinson’s and other movement disorders
related to neurodegenerative diseases. The work the
scientists are doing holds special significance for the
Bhargavas, as they have lost three family members to
brain-related conditions.
The couple immigrated to Canada in 1983 from
New Delhi. At the time, Subhas’ mother was in the
advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and his father was
being treated for Parkinson’s. In 1989, their 22-yearold daughter, who was away at school, was hit by
a drunk driver and paralyzed from the neck down.
Determined to overcome what had happened to her,
Suruchi continued to pursue difficult physical therapy
and alternative treatments. Her battle was cut short.
She passed away in 2004, due to complications from
her original injuries. Subhas and Uttra take comfort in
the fact that just prior to her death, Suruchi achieved
her goal of walking once again. She took a single step.
Despite the many personal challenges they have
faced, Subhas and Uttra have continued to provide an
outstanding level of care through their two Ottawaarea centres and have made significant contributions
to the advancement of Ontario’s child care industry.
In 1999 and 2000, Subhas served as ADCO President.
The two have also been strong advocates for
improvements to the way child care fee subsidies
are administered by the provincial and municipal
levels of government. Additionally, the Bhargavas
have worked extensively with the Canadian Organic
Growers to help teach children how to create and care
for food gardens.
Childcare Today first featured the Bhargavas on its
cover in 2007, after the couple went public about the
discrimination they and many other entrepreneurs
have faced as a result of choosing to be in the
business of providing licensed child care services.
The Bhargavas were featured in the magazine once
again in 2009, when they shared their experiences
launching the food garden at their Orleans centre.
A
In their typically modest fashion, the Subhas and Uttra
did not immediately share the news of their charitable
contribution with ADCO. Childcare Today learned of it only
through a casual conversation with Subhas on another matter. It should be noted that the new research facility they have
helped create has been named the Bhargava Neuroscience
Clinic. The Bhargavas are quick to point out that the creation
of the clinic is just the beginning and they will continue to
raise funds to support research into brain and spinal cord
regeneration. To learn more, or to make a donation, please
visit: www.preciousminds.info.
Longtime ADCO members Sam and Uttra Bhargava recently
donated $1 million to create the new Neurosciences Clinic at the
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. The new facility has been
named in their honour.
Cover Story
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND
MANAGING CHANGE: THE STORY BEHIND
ORANGEVILLE’S SANDBOX TECH
By: Andrea Hannen
f anyone can be said to
be a master at anticipating and managing
change, it is Deborah Launspach,
owner/operator of Sandbox Tech
Child Care in Orangeville. Yet,
this mother of three and grandmother of 11 didn’t develop this
skill by going to business school
or pursuing an MBA. Rather, she
developed it as part of her commitment to meeting the needs of
families and children in her home
community. “We’ve always tried
to be wherever is most convenient
for families,” says Launspach,
which is why, for over 20 years
now, the Sandbox Tech team has
been delivering before and afterschool care in area schools. In
recent years, however, their program has been displaced from
some locations due to the myriad
of conflicting Provincial and Municipal policies surrounding the
rapid roll-out of the Provincial
Early Learning Program. Despite
these challenges, Launspach is
more committed than ever to her
career as an independent licensed
child care owner/operator.
I
“Running a child care program starts in your heart,” explains Launspach. “I was barely
out of high school when I realized I never wanted to do anything else.” That was over 30
years ago. After working at several other licensed centres, Launspach built her own in the form
of a specially designed addition
to her home. At first, she tried to
keep her program small, but the
community need for child care
and the demand for her program
soon meant she had to expand. “I
wanted to make sure that wherever we went it was going to be
a home away from home for the
children,” recalls Launspach. A
few years later, she moved the
program to a commercial space,
serving children from two to 12
years of age. Eight years ago, she
moved her full-time pre-school
and junior kindergarten programming to her current Orangeville location, but she and her
staff continued to provide before
and after school programming in
various school-based locations in
the regions of Dufferin and Peel.
Currently, Sandbox Tech provides
Nearly 30 years as a licensed child care
owner/operator have made Deborah
Launspach a master at managing change.
care for roughly 150 children in
three locations. In 2010, that
number was closer to 300 and
spanned five locations.
Programming at Sandbox
Tech draws upon High Scope,
Reggio and Montessori. It is has
a strong academic orientation
and incorporates Jolly Phonics
and math, as well as play-based
learning. It is primarily themebased, but also includes emergent
elements. Creativity and exploration are very much encouraged.
The Sandbox Tech staff are supported in their efforts to acknowledge and respect the uniqueness
of each child, so each child can
feel secure and cared for.
“When a school exchanges one licensed provider for another, the
transition is far from seamless for the families involved. Children and
parents don’t think of their child care providers as interchangeable.”
10
Launspach employs 20 people, some of whom have been
with Sandbox Tech for more than
20 years. Others have been with
Sandbox Tech for more than 10
and some for roughly five. “I have
wonderful staff and fortunately,
we’ve never had a lot of staff turnover,” says Launspach. Sandbox
Tech also has a long and proud
history as an active and engaged
member of the local business community. Sandbox Tech often sponsors junior sports teams and regularly offers scholarships for high
school students who have demonstrated their commitment to pursuing careers in Early Childhood
Education.
When Launspach speaks, it
is clear that she is well-informed,
articulate and very much qualitydriven. She has always worked
closely with the MPs and MPPs in
the areas where her programs are
located and has sought to maintain positive, open and honest
relationships with school boards,
Municipal officials and Ministry
staff. In short, she has done everything an entrepreneur can be expected to do in terms of advocating on behalf of her program, her
staff and the families they serve.
Yet, inconsistent and sometimes
conflicting policies at various levels of government, combined with
the rapid roll-out of the Provincial
ELP and its schools-first policy,
have presented many challenges
to Launspach and her team.
“Some municipalities won’t
enter
into
purchase-of-service
agreements with centres that are
owner-operated and run as small
businesses,” explains Launspach.
“And some school boards won’t consider allowing a licensed child care
program to be run on their premises if the program doesn’t have a
purchase-of-service agreement with
a municipality. Even public health
departments have different rules
depending on which region they’re
in. If all of the requirements governing child care owner/operators
were well-communicated and consistent across the province, making more licensed child care spaces
“Running a child care program starts in your
heart,” explains Launspach. “I was barely
out of high school when I realized I never
wanted to do anything else.”
available to Ontario families would
be much easier and could be done
with no increased cost to taxpayers.” As it stands, there are some
communities where small business
owners can easily expand to meet
the changing needs of the population. Yet there are other communities where growing numbers of
parents are left to rely on the informal sector simply because public
officials have made it nearly impossible for small business owners
to participate in the licensed child
care system.
“When new policies force a
school to exchange one licensed
child care for another, the transition is far from seamless for the
families involved, “ says Launspach. “Children and parents don’t
think of their care providers as interchangeable. The family may
not agree with the teaching style
used in the new program, or may
choose to follow a particular caregiver to another location, even if
it is less convenient. We’ve even
seen cases where families have
chosen a neighbor or relative
rather than leave their children in
a program that isn’t of their own
choosing.”
While concerned for the families that have been displaced,
Launspach isn’t bitter about these
circumstances, nor does she appear discouraged by them. She
genuinely appreciates the positive relationships she enjoys with
other community partners. She
has particularly high praise for
the County of Dufferin, noting
that: “they should be commended
for their fair and honest approach
to working with all licensed child
care centres.”
Launspach also looks at the
big picture. “We have weathered
almost every kind of storm one
can imagine,” she says. “Over the
course of the last 28 years, there
have been months, when for the
sake of the program, I have chosen
to forego my own salary, so that we
could keep making improvements,
not lay anyone off, and keep our
doors open.”
“I didn’t go into this business
for the money,” explains Launspach. “For me, it’s still exciting to
see a child learn to read or ride a
bike for the first time. It’s our passion for the work that gives us the
strength, flexibility and determination to cope with all of the other
stuff. It’s just too bad that licensed
owner/operators like myself have
to devote so much time and energy to navigating such a conflicted
policy landscape and responding to
sudden changes in policy direction.
It means we have less time to spend
supporting our staff teams and interacting with families.”
Launspach’s advice for those
considering opening their own licensed centres? “Be patient. Have
a good sense of humour and
write down everything public officials tell you. While you need
to be polite, flexible and willing
to learn, don’t ever be afraid to
speak up when things don’t seem
right or don’t make sense to you.
Sometimes, if you keep asking
the right questions, you can find
a way to work together. Always
keep your eyes open for new opportunities to serve families and
children.”
Launspach also recommends
that new owner/operators join
ADCO. “It’s the best way to get a
good synopsis of information, keep
a balanced perspective and stay
up-to-date with what’s going on in
the industry.”
12
ADCO
Kids Helping Kids
T H E A S S O C I AT I O N O F D AY C A R E O P E R AT O R S O F O N TA R I O
w a l k a th o n u p d a te
ways
to REV-UP your
WALKATHON!
 L et local media know when and where
your event will be taking place
By: Erla McCaig, ADCO Walkathon Chair
Province-Wide Walkathon Sets ADCO
Members Apart
DCO member centres are a special breed of
child care program. Whether they are run on
a commercial or a not-for-profit basis, ADCOaffiliated programs are committed to offering families
quality and choice in child care. ADCO membership
is wholly voluntary. ADCO members invest their own
hard-earned money in the association, because they
believe it’s important to stay informed about trends in
their industry, to connect regularly with other owner/
operators to share ideas and best practices, and to keep
working together to enhance the level of service available within Ontario’s licensed child care sector. ADCO
members encourage one another to participate in local
business organizations, to volunteer in their communities and to get involved in supporting great causes!
For over 30 years now, ADCO member centres and
the families we serve have joined forces to raise funds for
Ontario’s four regional children’s hospitals. The ADCO
Kids Helping Kids Walkathon involves over a hundred
ADCO member centres across Ontario and over ten thousand children each year. By coordinating and participating in the annual ADCO Kids Helping Kids Walkathon
we’ve been able to donate over a million dollars to the
children’s hospitals in Toronto, Ottawa, London and
Hamilton. It’s our way of saying to the families of seriously ill children that our hearts go out to them and as
ADCO members, we’re here to help.
A
Community newspapers, magazines, cable channels,
radio and television stations are always looking for good
news stories to share with their audiences. Be sure to
let them know about your event at least one week in
advance.
 I nvite your neighbours to get
involved
Local businesses are often happy to help support worthy
causes, particularly those that have the potential to
boost their reputation in the community. If a local
business helps you by making a cash donation, or by
offering prizes or refreshments, be sure to mention it in
any interviews you do with local media and have the
class write a thank-you note after the event.
 Dedicate your walk to someone special
If a child or a family in your centre has received treatment at one of Ontario’s four children’s hospitals, use
the Walkathon as an opportunity to help children find
meaning in this personal connection.
 T urn your Walkathon into a
mini-parade
Instead of just walking, encourage children to carry
musical instruments, wave flags or wear hats they’ve
made in class.
 Make it easy for people to donate
You never know who might be inspired to contribute to
your event simply by seeing your class march up the street
in support of children’s hospitals. Have a donation box
handy in case people want to contribute as you pass by.
ATTENTION PARENTS: to check to see if your child’s centre will
be participating in ADCO's Kids Helping Kids Walkathon, please
visit www.childcaretoday.ca. As centres sign up, we’ll post
their names on our web site, along with those of the hospitals
they’ll be supporting.
14
ADCO Membership Programs
MILESTONE MOMENTUM FOR
By: Deborah Gibson, B.A., CIP
he ADCO endorsed commercial insurance
program, MySchool, is entering its second
decade as a strong, successful group. It is not
only a leader in comprehensive insurance tailored to
the childcare and school industry, it remains the trendsetter that continues to set the bar for others to match.
You, the members, can be proud of the unity that
makes this possible and the loyalty to your Association
that continues to work in your best interests.
Growth and profitability, hallmarks of success,
describe the Northbridge Insurance results from
T
2012 for the MySchool Insurance Program. Like
a fine wine that improves with time, this group is
well “aged”. The scope of growth for 2012 and the
performance results have positioned the group well
for 2013 program negotiations. We encourage your
feedback on areas of protection to further enhance
your program.
At CCV, our strategy is in the power of the decades building growth and success in service excellence and products. Please visit our new website to
keep current with our articles and news briefs. In
addition to our commercial package, we offer group
benefits and personal home and auto for you and
your staff – all at significant discounts for MySchool
members.
It is indeed exciting to embrace the momentum of
a decade milestone in 2013 that CCV has enjoyed with
the endorsement of your Association. We thank you
and look forward to continuing to build exciting opportunities with ADCO!
This literature is descriptive only. The precise coverage afforded is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of
the policy issued. For further information, please contact
[email protected]
16
Health, Safety & Nutrition
Are High-Protein Diets
Safe For Children?
By: Maria Dicresce-Niles, Nutritionist at Food for Tots
n recent years, many adults have been
using high-protein diets to manage their
weight. High-protein diets generally involve
substituting protein for some of the carbohydrates an
individual would normally consume. Since protein
makes us feel full faster and takes longer to digest,
choosing a higher protein diet can be an effective
strategy for adults. With so many children struggling
with obesity, some parents may be wondering if it is safe
to encourage their children to eat a high-protein diet as
well. In fact, there are significant risks to this approach.
One of the first things to understand is that our
nutritional needs change over time. What is safe and
effective at one stage of life, may not be appropriate
for another. This is very much the case with protein.
Proteins are important building blocks of all the cells
in the body. Protein provides the raw materials the
human body needs to develop and function. Protein
is in particularly high need in the early years, as
children’s little bodies are growing and developing so
fast. A healthy child between one and three years of
age requires .55 grams of protein per pound of body
weight per day. Children’s diets should not exceed this
recommended protein level and adults need much less.
It is also important to understand that one of the
keys to good health at any age is eating a balanced
diet. A balanced diet is one that is rich in a wide
variety of vitamins and nutrients. Since protein takes
longer to digest and tends to make one feel full faster, a
child who is consuming high levels of protein will often
consume fewer vegetables, fruits and grains. When this
occurs for an extended period, it is possible for a child
to become malnourished, even if he or she does not
appear to be underweight.
Developing healthy habits is another important
factor contributing to lifelong vitality. Many proteinrich foods are also higher in fat, particularly saturated
fat. Getting children into the habit of consuming more
protein than is necessary may therefore carry serious
consequences well into adulthood. Obesity and high
cholesterol levels are just two of the risks associated with
consuming a diet that is too high in saturated fats.
In some individuals, high protein diets can present
other risks. Two of the byproducts associated with
protein metabolism are urea and uric acid in the blood.
I
These substances are processed through the kidneys.
The kidneys are important organs that are responsible
for purifying the blood and eliminating toxins from
the body. When they have a protein overload, they
may begin to malfunction and to produce a series
of harmful acid base imbalances. These imbalances
could lead to increase urine protein removal, increased
chances of developing kidney stones and the expulsion
of essential minerals such as calcium.
In conclusion, it is possible to say that a high
protein diet in children is not healthy. The best advice
to parents? Teach your children positive eating habits
and role model these behaviors. Follow the Canada’s
Food Guide and encourage children to eat a good
balance of all of the foods items outlined within it.
Teach them to try new foods and find opportunities for
them to participate in family menu development and
cooking. It’s a healthy approach that is appropriate for
children and adults of all ages!
Health, Safety & Nutrition
Encouraging Escalator Safety
Among Pre-schoolers
By: Bernadette Celis,
Public Education Communications Advisor, Technical Standards
and Safety Authority
hen families are at a city shopping centre, a
subway station or at the airport heading off
for vacation, they’re likely to use escalators
to get them from one level to another. Ensuring they
do so carefully is critical, because while escalators are
extremely safe and reliable they still require us, as
riders, to be vigilant, especially when we have young
children in tow.
Based on incidents reported to the Technical
Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), more than
90% of falls and injuries on escalators are riderrelated. Young children between three and six years
of age are at the highest risk of injury. Many of
these incidents of have involved falls resulting from
the prohibited use of strollers, or the rider losing
balance or becoming entrapped by clothing or
footwear.
As such, TSSA believes that public education and
instilling safe escalator habits when children are young
can help decrease the risk of injury. That’s why, in
partnership with the Association of Day Care Operators
of Ontario (ADCO), TSSA is continuing its public
education efforts to increase safety awareness about
escalators with preschoolers and their parents through
ADCO-affiliated day care centres across the province.
Complimentary copies of its fun, ageappropriate “Move with the Grooves” escalator
safety activity sheets will once again be mailed
out during the month of April. TSSA and ADCO
continue to encourage each centre to distribute
the activity sheets among its preschoolers by
W
18
incorporating them into the centre’s daily routine
of learning activities. Alternatively, you may send
a sheet home with each child so the children and
their parents/guardians can use them together at
their safety-minded leisure.
As a special thank you for your valuable support
over the years, ADCO is pleased to help with a special
contest draw. One lucky day care owner/operator will
receive two tickets to the 2013 ADCO Fall Conference,
scheduled for Friday, November 8 at the Delta
Markham – a prize package valued at more than
$500! This unique event offers seminars on variety
of topics of interest to licensed child care owners and
managers, exhibits by leading suppliers to the child
care industry, plus plenty of time for networking with
your peers from across Ontario. Further information
about this great opportunity will be included in your
mail-out package.
With all this in mind, we hope that you continue
to support this important safety initiative today and in
the future. It is through your effort and involvement
that we will all improve public safety in Ontario.
TSSA is an innovative, not-for-profit safety organization
dedicated to enhancing public safety. Throughout Ontario,
TSSA regulates the safety of fuels; elevators and escalators;
amusement rides; ski lifts; boilers and pressure vessels; operating engineers; and upholstered and stuffed articles. TSSA
puts public safety first – always. For more information on
TSSA, please visit www.tssa.org. For public safety tips and
valuable advice on various safety issues around the home
and at leisure – including guides, checklists and other free
safety downloads – visit www.safetyinfo.ca.
Look for the
ACTIVITY
SHEET
In this issue of
Childcare Today!
The Marketplace
RECOMMENDED READING
The Making Of A Young Entrepreneur:.
A Kid's Guide To Developing The Mind-Set For Success
By: Gabrielle J. Williams, 88 Pages, Legacy Builder Group.
Available on Amazon.com for $15 (paperback)
Economists are reporting that in the next decade, rapidly increasing access to digital
technology and rising standards of living around the world will mean tremendous
opportunities for entrepreneurs. Further, these trends are allowing entrepreneurs to
start realizing their dreams much earlier than their predecessors. Preparing children to
thrive in a global economy driven by entrepreneurship may seem a daunting task, but
sharing this book is one way to start. The author launched her own jewelry line at nine
years of age. At 12, she wrote this book as a way of helping other children start at their
own businesses. It’s a great read to pass along to an older child who might be interested
in exploring business ownership, or to the parent of a budding entrepreneur.
About the Author: Gabrielle Jordan Williams began making jewelry at the age of 7. She
started her own jewelry company in 2009 called Jewelz of Jordan; a Maryland-based
business that sells fashion jewelry for women and girls with a focus on mother and
daughter matched sets. Gabrielle is also a motivational speaker who loves promoting
entrepreneurship and the importance of pursuing ones dreams.
If you have a tip for teaching young children about business or entrepreneurship,please let us know..
Send a quick email to [email protected] or call 1-800-567-7075. The Marketplace
Insightful, practical, professional advice.
Real results. Be informed. Stay Compliant.
HRoffsite.ca 905-892-9075
your people are your best investment
REFER A FRIEND
and Save $25 on Your
Fall Conference Dues *
Want to save big on your ADCO 2013 Fall Conference registration? Tell a friend about ADCO and encourage them
to join. When they do, you’ll both get a $25 credit towards your registration fees. To learn more, please visit
www.childcaretoday.ca.*Some terms and conditions apply.
SAVE THE DATE: THE ADCO FALL CONFERENCE IS ON NOVEMBER 8, 2013
ONLY ADCO MEMBERSHIP GIVES
YOU ACCESS TO ALL OF THESE GREAT
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Membership Fee Information
Fees are based on a sliding scale to encourage centres to join.
 REGULAR Membership
First Centre ............................................................................. $250.00
( includes magazine subscription, owner/manager access to the "members only"
section of the ADCO web site, voting privileges at AGM, discounted pricing for
ADCO events, eligibility to purchase commercial liability and group benefits
insurance at special rates through exclusive ADCO programs, and much more.)
Each additional centre .......................................... $100.00/centre
(includes one magazine per centre and member discounts for each centre)
Maximum membership fee: ............................................ $1500.00
( includes magazines for up to 12 additional centres, plus member discounts
for each centre)
The ADCO membership year runs from January to December. Fees paid by those.
joining ADCO mid-year will be pro-rated.  Associate Corporate Membership
(includes one magazine subscription, advance notice of print and mail advertising
opportunities, advance notice of ADCO events and exhibit and sponsorship
opportunities, invitations to networking events with ADCO members, preferential
advertising rates and more.)
Firms/Persons/Associations that supply goods/services to the
child care industry..................................................... $300.00
Associate Individual Membership
(includes
one magazine subscription, advance notice of ADCO events, invitations to
networking events with ADCO members and priority access to the ADCO Help Line.)
An Individual or ECE interested in
managing or owning a child care program................. $150.00
 Student Membership
( Proof of student status required annually. Includes one magazine subscription,
discount pricing on ADCO events, invitations to events where you can network
with child care owners and managers.)
An individual enrolled in an ECE degree/diploma
program.................................................................... $50.00
Visit www.adco-o.on.ca and click the Join ADCO.
link on the front page of the site.
Or, if you don’t have easy computer access, please call 1-800-567-7075
and ask one of our operators to help you sign up.
All applications submitted electronically before noon on Friday
are processed on Monday, with invoices mailed on Tuesday. Remit payment as directed on your invoice. Access to the
“members only” section of the ADCO web site and letters of
ADCO membership in good standing are issued only after your
membership payment is received and cleared by the bank. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery.
20
ADCO is dedicated to helping its members optimize their day-to-day
operations, enhance their financial performance and grow their centres. Whether you deliver licensed child care services on a commercial or a
non-profit basis, joining ADCO is the smartest investment you can make. Here are a just few of the exciting benefits of ADCO membership:
Liability & Commercial Insurance
Designed exclusively for licensed child care centres, the ADCO insurance
program offers unparalleled coverage, service and value. In fact, most
members say their insurance savings alone more than offset the cost of
their annual ADCO membership dues.
Group Benefits Insurance
Think you can't afford to offer your staff medical or dental benefits, or
disability and long term care insurance? Think again. The ADCO plan offers
a flexible range of options designed to suit every need and budget.
Childcare Today Magazine
As part of your membership, you'll receive a subscription to Childcare
Today, the only quarterly business magazine exclusively for child care
owners and managers. GOVERNMENT UPDATES & ADVOCACY TOOLS
When you’re involved in a regulated industry, it’s imperative that you
make advocacy part of your regular operating routine. ADCO works with
a professional government relations firm to monitor and report on the
activities of the government ministries, departments, agencies and
committees that most affect your program and your role as an employer. ADCO centre members receive a regular summary of these findings,
complete with advice about how you can take action. Affordable Training For You & Your Team
ADCO conferences always offer sessions customized to meet the unique
needs of owners, supervisors and frontline staff; as well as opportunities
to meet leading suppliers to the industry, see their displays and learn
more about their products and services. The Kids Helping Kids Walkathon
Every year, ADCO members from across the province mobilize their
communities in support of Ontario's four regional children's hospitals. Together, ADCO centres have raised over a million dollars for this most
worthy cause.
Online Marketing Opportunities
Reach out to parents by being part of the ADCO child care directory. In
addition to your contact data, you can include photos and information
about your centre, or a link to your website. You can also use the online
job bank to advertise for new staff. Professional & Social Networking
The "Members Only" section of the ADCO web site provides members with
a private discussion area, where you can share ideas, ask other members
for advice and participate in ADCO-exclusive online polls that help shape
the policies that govern the child care industry. Additionally, all ADCO
events include ample time for face-to-face networking, relationship
building and the exchange of expertise.
YOUR ADCO 2013 SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
Accountants
_____________________________
Lopez, Senathi &
Associates LLP
416-479-0600
[email protected]
Architects
_____________________________
The Ideal Environment
416-363-7199
[email protected]
Builders
_____________________________
JANCON Construction
416-255-6412
[email protected]
Catering
_____________________________
Food For Tots
905-752-8118
[email protected]
Yummy Catering
1-866-34 –YUMMY
[email protected]
Day Nurseries Act
Information
_____________________________
childcarelearning.on.ca
416-968-8273
[email protected]
Fundraising Products &
Campaign
Consulting
_____________________________
Fundtastic Fundraising
905-873-8033
[email protected]
Lamontagne Fundraising
1- 800-567-3435
[email protected]
World’s Finest Chocolate
1-800-461-1957
[email protected]
Furniture, Equipment &
Supplies
_____________________________
Avron School & Daycare
Supplies
1-800-997-9752
[email protected]
Heather Child Care
Supplies
1-800-268-5661
[email protected]
Hobby World Arts & Crafts
1-888-481-3656
[email protected]
Louise Kool & Galt
416-293-0312
[email protected]
Quality Classrooms
1-888-517-8282
[email protected]
Scholars Choice
1-800-265-1095
[email protected]
School Specialty
1-800-513-2465
[email protected]
Sonsuh Educational
Supplies
1-800-529-5085
[email protected]
Spectrum Educational
Supplies
1-800-668-0600
[email protected]
Wintergreen
1-800-268-1268
[email protected]
WizKidz
1-866-369-4022
[email protected]
Montessori Consulting/Training Programming Enhancements
_____________________________
—
Dance, teambuilding
_____________________________
North American
Montessori Centre
1-877-531-6665
[email protected]
Dynamix
1-647-477-7615
[email protected]
nutrition Courses &
Information
_____________________________
UGOT Canada
1-888-224-7774
[email protected]
Good Beginnings
Dairy Farmers of Canada
Heidi Boyd, Registered Dietitian
905-873-8395
[email protected]
Programming Enhancements
—
literacy
_____________________________
PHOTOGRAPHy
_____________________________
School’s Cool
705-457-7782
[email protected]
Summer Advantage
905-952-7970
[email protected]
Green Apple Studio
1-866-883-8966
[email protected]
Playground
Equipment
_____________________________
Active Playground
Equipment
1-800-463-2361
[email protected]
Blue Imp
1-800-661-1462
Human
Resources
Consultants
_____________________________ [email protected]
HR Off-Site
New World Park Solutions
905-892-9075
519-750-3322
[email protected]
[email protected]
Early Literacy Station
1-800-567-2815
[email protected]
SAFETY
INFORMATION
_____________________________
Technical Standards
& Safety Authority
416-734-3410
[email protected]
Security
Systems
_____________________________
Life 3/Cool Security
1-877-301-1569
[email protected]
Temporary
Staffing Agencies
_____________________________
Ontario Playgrounds
Sentient HR Services
1-800-411-6311
CCV Insurance & Financial
[email protected] 1-877-STAFF-72
Services
[email protected]
1-877-422-8467
Playground
Inspection
[email protected]
Water Testing & Drinking
&
Design
_____________________________
Water
Information
_____________________________
janitorial
supplies
_____________________________
Active Recreation
Ministry of the
1-888-682-6222
Ontario Janitorial Supplies
Environment
[email protected]
416-744-1144
416-314-7637
[email protected]
[email protected]
Pegasus Playground
Services Inc.
Wholesale
Clubs
MANAGEMENT
SOFTWARE
_____________________________
_____________________________
416-937-6324
[email protected]
Loblaws Wholesale Club
Child Care Pro
416-653-1951
1-866-231-7068
Playscape Inspection &
[email protected]
[email protected]
Consulting Services
Smart Office
416-691-5437
1-800-463-5066
[email protected]
[email protected]
Safeplay
Response IT
416-402-4957
613-549-5568
[email protected]
[email protected]
Sandbox Childcare
Management Software
1-800-385-7930
[email protected]
Insurance
Brokers
_____________________________
1-800-567-7075 www.adco-o.on.ca

overcoming challenges and managing change: the story behind

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