Canton Day Care Center provides a curriculum that encourages children to be actively involved in the learning process. Each child is encouraged to pursue his/her own interests in the context of life in the community and the world. Our curriculum focuses on the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development of each individual child and the building of every child’s self-esteem and acceptance of peers through social interaction.
Goals for our children:
- To provide a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
- To provide a balance of opportunities and activities that stimulate and encourage each child to play, explore, create, learn, and problem-solve.
- To promote a feeling of personal well-being and independence through awareness, acceptance, expression of emotions, coping skills, and nurturing a positive self-concept.
- To promote positive social interactions and communication skills with peers and adults through the use of verbal and non-verbal language to share ideas, feelings, and scenarios through stories and dramatic play.
- To help children develop an awareness and acceptance of the differences in people.
- To foster gross and fine motor skills.
- To foster a refreshment of strength and spirits after a structured day or activity.
- To develop and foster positive and productive safety and health habits.
- To support and have open communication with the child’s home and school.
Classroom Management
Our teachers facilitate a warm, nurturing environment for the child and provide guidance to teaching assistants. All staff receive in-service training to ensure the best possible care and sensitivity to each child’s needs. With our philosophy of promoting and building positive self-esteem, our childcare programs create and encourage children to feel good about themselves.
Behavior Management Policy
CDCC has established written disciplinary policies and guidelines as set out by the Office of Children and Family Services. These guidelines include acceptable methods of guiding the behavior of children. Discipline is administered by the staff in such a way as to help each child develop self-control and assume responsibility for his or her actions through clear and consistent rules within the means appropriate to the age and development of the child. Discipline is guidance and learning, not punishment.
When a child’s behavior is harmful to others or seriously disrupts group interaction, the child may be separated briefly from the group. The child will be supervised and supported by a staff member. This brief period is intended as a time for the child to regain self-control before returning to the group. If a child is constantly exhibiting disruptive behavior, the parent/guardian will be notified. CDCC reserves the right to discontinue services to any child or family if the disruptive behavior continues.
Nutrition
CDCC participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and meals meet USDA standards for a healthy and balanced diet. Children will be served breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack in a family-style environment for a relaxed social experience. The staff will encourage children to utilize self-help skills to gain independence. Staff model correct mealtime manners and habits for the children. Children will never be required to eat foods that they are uncomfortable eating, and food is never used as a reward or punishment.
Children with specific food allergies must have a physician’s statement on file. Allergies are posted in the classroom and kitchen. Parents must provide substitutes if their child is unable to eat the provided meal due to allergies or dietary restrictions.
*CDCC is a peanut free facility.*
Due to severe allergies to peanuts and peanut products we ask that you do not send any food made with peanuts or in a peanut factory.
Meal Schedule
| Breakfast | 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. |
| Lunch | 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Afternoon Snack | 3:00 p.m. |
Age Grouping
We follow New York State requirements for child to staff ratios:
| Age of Child | Minimum Staff Required / # of Children |
| 6 weeks to 18 months | 1 staff member for every 4 children |
| 18 months to 3 years | 1 staff member for every 5 children |
| 3 years to 4 years | 1 staff member for every 7 children |
| 4 years to 5 years | 1 staff member for every 7 or 8 children |
| 5 years to 12 years | 1 staff member for every 9 or 10 children |
*Dependent upon the size of the total group
For a complete copy of the parent handbook, click here.