Code of Conduct

At Growing Minds Child Care Centre, we strive to provide a safe, caring, learning environment for children, staff and families. We believe in the equality and respect diversity.

It is unacceptable to discriminate against another person unreasonably on the basis of any characteristic set out in subsection 9(2) of the Human Rights Code.

The following people are expected to behave in a respectful manner and comply with this code of conduct:

management, Board of Directors and staff members
children
parents/guardians of children enrolled
all others involved with our centre (visitors, professionals, students, volunteers)

Guiding Principles for Appropriate Behaviour

Be Respectful

We are respectful of ourselves and other people. We are respectful of the ideas and feelings of others. We are respectful of the environment, equipment and materials.

Be Safe

We work and play safely to help keep ourselves and others from getting hurt.

Be Cooperative

We solve our problems by talking and listening to each other respectfully to find a solution. When we cannot solve a problem ourselves, we ask for help.

Be Supportive of Learning

We learn to the best of our abilities and support the learning of others.

Developmental Capabilities of Children

We understand that it is normal for children to display inappropriate behaviour at times for a variety of reasons. The developmental capabilities of each child will always be considered when determining both expectations for behaviour and consequences of inappropriate behaviour. The rules and limits in the Centre are explained to the children and enforced consistently in a positive manner, taking into consideration the varying levels of development capabilities.

Appropriate Use of Technology

All children, parents, staff and others involved in our centre must use e-mail, electronic devices and the Internet in accordance with our policies. This protects people’s privacy and the confidentiality of information.

Unacceptable Behaviours

The following behaviours by children, staff, parents/guardians and others involved in our centre are unacceptable at all times:

all forms of bullying (physical, verbal, emotional, social or cyber bullying), including comments, actions or visual displays that are intentional, hurtful and repetitive
harassment, including behaviour that degrades, demeans, humiliates or embarrasses someone that a reasonable person would know is unwelcome
all forms of abuse (sexual, physical or psychological), including verbally, in writing or otherwise
discrimination against any person or group because of their race, colour, ancestry, nationality or place of origin, ethnic background, religion, age, sex, gender-determined characteristics, sexual orientation, marital and family status, source of income, political belief and physical or mental disability
actions that put another person at risk of harm, including violent physical acts (with or without a weapon) and threatening someone

Proactive Strategies

We actively strive to create an environment that supports the health, safety and well-being of the children by:

having realistic and developmentally appropriate expectations for behaviour
setting up the environment and materials to encourage appropriate behaviour and reduce potential for inappropriate behaviour
planning a program based on children’s interests and developmental needs
establishing consistent yet flexible schedules and routines that help children gain trust, security and self control

We create a positive environment for children, parents/guardians, staff and others involved in our centre by:

developing positive relationships, including making time to talk and listen
establishing clear, consistent, simple limits
stating limits in a positive way and periodically reminding people
providing explanations for limits
working together to solve problems
modelling and encouraging appropriate behaviour

Consequences for Inappropriate Behaviour

We will consistently respond to inappropriate behaviour by children, parents/guardians, staff and others involved in our centre by:

reminding people of expectations and limits (based on the developmental level of the child)
using a respectful approach to explain why a behaviour is inappropriate and what behaviour is expected
talking only about the behaviour, not labelling the person
responding sympathetically and acknowledging feelings
establishing natural, logical consequences

Depending on the severity and frequency of the behaviour, we will consider further steps such as:

using behavioural analysis to learn what may be contributing to a child’s inappropriate behaviour and how to help reduce or eliminate the behaviour
having a formal or informal meeting to discuss concerns and to develop an action plan to encourage appropriate behaviour in the future
developing a written contract with an adult or older child that outlines specific expectations and consequences
giving a written warning that outlines specific concerns and consequences if the behaviour continues
accessing outside resources for help, such as:
- a behaviour specialist or other professionals to help staff understand and reduce a child’s inappropriate behaviour
- child and family services to access parenting supports
- mediation services to resolve conflicts between adults
- the Manitoba Human Rights Commission for information and advice to resolve an issue informally or to make a formal complaint if the behaviour involves discrimination or harassment
- the police to assist with threatening behaviour

Depending on the severity of the behaviour, additional steps may be taken such as:

suspending or dismissing a staff member
suspending or withdrawing child care services because of a child’s or family member’s inappropriate behaviour
if the behaviour is from a visitor, not allowing that person to return to the centre
contacting the police and/or child and family services (CFS), if the behaviour is illegal such as abuse, assault or threatening another person

Policy For Use of Electronic Devices and the Internet Pertaining to Growing Minds Child Care Centre

This policy is meant to assure that people’s privacy and the confidentiality of information about the centre, children, parents/guardians/caregivers and staff is upheld. All children, parents, staff and others involved with the centre must use email, electronic devices and the Internet according to our policies. Failure to do so will result in consequences and disciplinary action.

Inappropriate uses of social media and Internet includes but is not limited to:

Intentionally accessing, transmitting, copying or creating material that violates the confidentiality of children, parents/guardians, caregivers, the staff or centre itself
Intentionally accessing, transmitting, copying or creating material that violates the Centre’s Code of Conduct which includes messages that are pornographic, threatening, rude, harassing, bullying or discriminating

Information about staff, children, parents/guardians/caregivers and the centre (including photos and video) must not be posted on a staff or parents/guardians/caregivers personal web space, any social networking site, any public networking or file sharing site or any other type of Internet website.

The Director and Assistant Director of the facility have the right to monitor the use of information technology resources and to examine, use and disclose data which is contrary to this policy or legislation found as required under the law. They will use this information in disciplinary actions, and release to the police if it is criminal in nature.

Please be aware of what you post online. Social media venues are very public. What you contribute leaves a permanent digital footprint for all to see.

Exercise care with privacy settings and personal profile content, to ensure that posted content does not reflect poorly on the child care facility in any way or otherwise create a conflict of interest. While using the services of Growing Minds Child Care Centre, it is expected that all staff, parents/guardians/caregivers are supportive and promote the centre in a positive light.