overcoming challenges and managing change: the story behind
Transcription
overcoming challenges and managing change: the story behind
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 6 Davidson Street St. Catharines, ON L2R 2V4 Toll Free: 1.800.567.7075 Fax: 705.733.2154 e-mail: [email protected] www.childcaretoday.ca Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting and safeguarding your personal information. We do not rent, sell, or trade our membership mailing lists, but rather use them to keep members informed about ADCO activities, seminars, and programs. Please contact the office if you would like to update your information or be removed from the mailing list. For a copy of our Privacy Policy please contact the ADCO office. Is your e-mail address current? ADCO members whose dues are in good standing receive regular email updates, special offers and other valuable information. If your email address changes, please let us know. Simply send an email to [email protected] or call 1-800-567-7075. 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 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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. Independent licensed child 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 WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 • ChildcareTODAY 3 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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. Independent licensed child 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- ChildcareTODAY • WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 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. Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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- WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 • ChildcareTODAY 5 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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 ChildcareTODAY • WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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 WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 • ChildcareTODAY 7 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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. ChildcareTODAY • WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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. WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 • ChildcareTODAY 9 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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 ChildcareTODAY • WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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.” WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 • ChildcareTODAY 11 12 ChildcareTODAY • WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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. WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 • ChildcareTODAY 13 14 ChildcareTODAY • WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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] WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 • ChildcareTODAY 15 16 ChildcareTODAY • WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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! WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 • ChildcareTODAY 17 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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 ChildcareTODAY • WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 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! Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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 WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 • ChildcareTODAY 19 Ontario’s Childcare Industry 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 ChildcareTODAY • WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2013 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