Models of Junior Kindergarten, Before and After School Programs and Preschool

Models of Junior Kindergarten, Before and After School Programs and Preschool/Daycare

April 2003

Claire Griffioen

Alice-Ann Tangelder
Models of Junior Kindergarten, Before and After School Programs and Preschool/Daycare

1.0 Background

The ad hoc committee for Junior Kindergarten (JK), and Extended programs was asked to survey the Laurentian Hills Christian School (LHCS) community to determine the desire for JK programming, before and after school activities, preschool and daycare. The results of these surveys indicated that there is a desire to see JK in our school as well as before and after school activities. However, there was not much support for preschool or daycare programs. This report provides information for models of JK programs and options in providing before and after school activities. Information concerning daycares and preschools is provided for future reference.

2.0 Models for Junior Kindergarten

In researching the options for JK two potential models emerged: 1) preschool type programs that some OACS schools use as outreach programs and 2) Ministry of Education JK programs that focus on early literacy, socialization and introduction to school. There are currently 41 OACS schools offering JK programs however, it is a mix of both models.

In order to observe Model 1, a visit was made to Strathroy Christian School where they currently run a Joy School Program. This program was initially started as an outreach program, and therefore not open to members of the Strathroy Christian School community. At the present time, Joy School is now open to members of the Christian school community and is run as a preschool program. This program operates two days a week, where the children attend two morning or afternoon sessions. This model is also currently available in other private schools in Kitchener-Waterloo that offer two or three half-day sessions for JK.

Model 2, is offered through the Ministry of Education in Separate and Public Schools as half day programs five days a week. The focus of this model is early literacy education, socialization with other children and an introduction to school routines.

It is the opinion of this committee that Model 2 is the preferred option for LHCS, as it allows for more focus on introduction to school, early literacy and socialization. In coming to this decision the Early Years Study conducted by Fraser Mustard and Margaret McCain (1999) is referenced. This study states that “investments in early learning are effective” and “learning is dynamic process and is most effective when it begins at a young age and continues through adulthood.”[i] This study focused on the ages of children from 0-6 yrs of age and determined that quality education at a young age has a positive effect on children throughout their school years. It was also shown in our surveys that a majority of children in the LHCS school society are currently attending or have attended JK programs at other facilities and parents are willing to pay to have their children attend a program with a Christ centered focus.

The following is an outline for a possible JK program to be offered at LHCS, this information was gathered from OACS schools currently offering JK programs and Ministry of Education guidelines for JK programs.

2.1 Requirements for a JK Program

2.1.1 Space Requirements

Junior Kindergarten requires a dedicated space that could be shared with Senior Kindergarten, it should be an open area with adequate space for centers, reading area and dedicated washroom facilities. Ideally a separate outdoor play area should be provided for JK and SK.

2.1.2 Staff Requirements

Certified Teacher (CSTC) or Ontario Teacher’s Certificate

2.1.3 Curriculum Requirements

This would be an area for the Education Committee to research, however, areas such as Language and Literacy Development, Religious Education, Mathematics, Science, Materials and Properties are some of the areas that should be covered. In our contact with the OACS in researching JK programs it was suggested that OACS might be developing a JK curriculum.

At the present time much emphasis is being placed on early literacy, if we are looking to develop the JK program in our school this may be an ideal time to look at incorporating this into our Kindergarten program.

3.0 Models for Providing Before and After School Activities

The result of our survey indicated that the LHCS society would like to see before and after school care provided. It is a reality of our society that many parents require a safe and nurturing place for the children to be after school hours until parents are available to pick them up. This program can also be used to care for children who are waiting for buses. There are two possible models for providing before/after school programs:

1) Contract out these services to an association such as the YMCA or Conestoga College,

2) Hire a qualified ECE teacher or person with experience in children’s programming from our school society to run this program.

In both models a dedicated space is required to run this program (classrooms or gym or ideally both). Children should be divided into age appropriate groups (primary, junior, senior) and provided with activities/games or homework assistance.

In Model 1 an organization such as the YMCA, would rent space from the school at an agreed upon price with the Board of Directors. The organization is then responsible for all aspects of the program such as staff training, insurance, setting of rates and collection of fees. The approximate price per child is $7.25 a day, the program is available from dismissal until 5:30 pm. Presently, Trillium Public School is running their after school program through the YMCA.

From a financial point of view, Model 2 would be more feasible for the families that are paying. The cost would be considerably lower per family if they were directly paying a qualified program co-ordinator. However, the school would then have to assume insurance, staff training responsibilities, and collection of fees.

It would be the decision of the Board as to which model would best fit the needs of LHCS.

4.0 Pre-School and Daycare Requirements

Although from our surveys it was shown that the membership of LHCS is not interested in preschool or daycare programs at this time, the following is provided as information for future reference if required.

All preschool and daycare programs for children from the age of 6 months to 5 years are regulated under The Day Nurseries Act of Ontario under The Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services. This act specifies staff/children ratios as well as facility and playground requirements.

4.1 Facility Requirements

Plans for a daycare or preschool facility must be approved by the Ministry Community, Family and Children's Services.

The Act states that there must be space for

1. Washing, dressing, toileting and isolation.

2. Storage for toys, indoor play materials and equipment.

3. Storage for food.

4. Storage of required records.

5. Storage for medical supplies, cleaning materials and equipment and other hazardous substances.

6. Heating and electrical equipment.

For centers that run for more than 6 hours a day the following areas must also be provided:

1. Eating and resting.

2. The preparation of food if meals are prepared on the premises.

3. Storage for beds and linen.

4. A staff rest area.

5. Storage for outdoor play equipment.

6. Office area.

There must also be 2.8 sq meters of unobstructed floor space for each child accommodated in the facility. Overall space requirements (sleeping and play space) is 7.4-9.3 sq meters/child.

Children from the age of 6 months to 30 months must have separate accommodations from children of 31 months to 5 years.

There must be a crib for each child of the age of 6 months to 18 months and a cot for children of 18 months to 5 years.

Counter space adjacent to a sink for diapering must be provided for every 10 children under the age of 31 months.

An outdoor playground space of 5.6 sq meters/child is required. No more than 64 children can be on the playground at any one time. Playground areas used by children under the age of 6 yrs must be fenced with a gate and a minimum fence height of 1.2 meters.

The facility is inspected annually by The Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services.

4.2 Staff Ratios

The following are legislated staff ratio and group sizes for daycare and preschool programs.

Age of Children	Ratio of Employee to Children	Maximum allowed in a group
< 18 months	3 to 10	10
18 months-30 months	1 to 5	15
30 months-5 years	1 to 8	16
5 yrs – 6 yrs	1 to 12	24

5.0 Conclusion

This report provides information concerning models for JK, before and after school programs and daycare/preschool information. This information is provided for the LHCS school society.