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PEANUT BUTTER & JAM PLAYGROUP

PARENT HANDBOOK 2016/2017

1. PLAYGROUP OPERATION ................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Times and Dates .................................................................................................................................. 3

1.2 Location and Contact Information ...................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3

1.4 Playgroup Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 4

1.5 Playgroup Structure ............................................................................................................................ 4

2. FEES ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Fees ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2 Cancellations ....................................................................................................................................... 5

2.3 Community League Memberships ...................................................................................................... 5

3. PLAYGROUP ADMINISTRATION ....................................................................................................... 6

3.1 Parent Participation Activities ............................................................................................................ 6

3.2 Notice Board ....................................................................................................................................... 7

3.3 Programs and Special Events .............................................................................................................. 7

3.4 Key Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 8

4. SUPERVISION OF THE CHILDREN ..................................................................................................... 9

5. GENERAL GUIDELINES ..................................................................................................................... 10

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5.1 Health ................................................................................................................................................ 10

5.2 Snack Time ....................................................................................................................................... 11

5.3 Guests ................................................................................................................................................ 11

5.4 Fire Safety ......................................................................................................................................... 11

5.5 Parking .............................................................................................................................................. 11

6. LIAISONS .............................................................................................................................................. 12

6.1 Liaison Duties ................................................................................................................................... 12

7. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ................................................................................................................. 13

7.1 Executive Members for 2016 / 2017 ................................................................................................. 13

8. PRIVACY ACT ...................................................................................................................................... 14

APPENDIX I – Parent Participation Activities .......................................................................................... 15

Opening / Set Up ..................................................................................................................................... 15

Creative Time Leader ............................................................................................................................. 15

Circle Time/Story Time leader ............................................................................................................... 15

Closing / Clean Up .................................................................................................................................. 16

Cleaning Bees ......................................................................................................................................... 16

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1. PLAYGROUP OPERATION

1.1 Times and Dates

Peanut Butter & Jam sessions operate Monday through Friday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15

a.m.

Peanut Butter and Jam playgroup runs from September through June. We break at the same time

as the schools for Christmas and Spring Break. Specific dates will be provided.

All playgroup sessions will begin the week of Monday September 12, 2016. The last session

will be on June 23, 2017.

Sessions will not run when the temperature is colder than -30 Celsius. Stay home. Stay safe. The

liaison for each session must contact all members of that session when a session is cancelled due

to weather conditions.

1.2 Location and Contact Information

Our location is in the Brookside Hall located at: 5320 - 143 Street, beside Brookside Elementary

School. Please enter through door facing school.

Website address is http://www.peanutbutterandjam.ca

1.3 Introduction

Peanut Butter & Jam (PB&J) functions by the co-operative effort of all members, each parent’s

active participation is vital to its success. As a program run through the Riverbend Community

League, Peanut Butter & Jam Playgroup is bound by the by-laws of the Community League, and

these programs are overseen by the current Riverbend Community League board.

From: Revised By-laws of the Riverbend Community League Section 4.9:

‘Every member ... shall act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of

the League and each such member shall exercise the care, diligence and skill that a

reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances.’

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1.4 Playgroup Objectives

The objectives of the playgroup are to provide:

an opportunity for your children to interact with other children;

an opportunity for parents to meet and socialize with other parents;

a safe, varied environment with carefully chosen toys and activities;

introduction to new games, songs and activities.

1.5 Playgroup Structure

The playgroup is for children aged 0 to 5 years.

The executive will ensure the maximum group size is appropriate based on the ages of the

children attending each group. As a result, the registration cap for each group will vary.

The breakdown of time for each PB&J session is:

60 minutes for large/small toy play;

20 minutes for snack time & announcements

20 minutes for creative time;

20 minutes for circle time (songs, stories etc.)

As each group differs, discuss amongst your group members how you would like your

session to operate. For example, if it works for all involved that you have creative time

before snack, then feel free to re-arrange the activities to suit your needs, however, all

activities must be included in each session.

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2. FEES

2.1 Fees

Fees for PB&J members are $15 per month per child over the age of one. Infants under one are

free if attending with a sibling, or $10 per month. Commencing the month of an infant’s first

birthday a fee of $15 per month is charged.

Family rates are available for up to 4 children at a rate of $30 per month.

2.2 Cancellations

If at any time you decide that you can no longer attend, you are expected to contact the registrar

as soon as possible, who will contact the session liaison in order for duties to be covered.

For cancellations after the last day of September, no refund will be issued for the September –

January session. For cancellations after the last day of February, no refund will be issued for the

February – June session.

2.3 Community League Memberships

The Playgroup operates as part of the Riverbend Community League and is covered under its

insurance. It is mandatory that all families registered in the playgroup be a member of a

ommunity league. Purchase your membership from the community league you reside in. If you

live outside of Edmonton City please purchase a Riverbend Community League membership.

It is mandatory that you notify the Registrar with your community league membership number

by the October 15, 2016 (for the September-January session) or March 15, 2017 (for the ebruary-

June session). Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the group. Visit www.efcl.org for a

list of all community leagues in the city and for information about purchasing your community

league membership.

Community leagues add value to their neighborhoods by building, operating, and improving

facilities (halls, rinks, parks, playgrounds); offering youth and adult recreation, creative arts, and

sports programs; running crime prevention programs; organizing special events and social

activities for families; and many other important functions.

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3. PLAYGROUP ADMINISTRATION

3.1 Parent Participation Activities

Each parent/nanny/caregiver is required to fulfill an equal share of parent participation activities

in each semester, regardless of the frequency of attendance. An explanation of all parent

activities is given in Appendix I. Special circumstances such as pregnancy or a newborn will be

discussed as needed. The number of parent activities required by each member will depend on

the number of registrants in their session.

A sign-up sheet of your parent activities for each term will be available at the first session of the

term. The following parent activities run for one-month periods:

Opening / Setup

Craft time leader

Circle time leader/Story time leader

Clean-up / Closing

Cleaning bees

There are also parent activities for other events, as required.

If a parent/nanny/caregiver is unable to fulfill their parent activities obligation, it is his or her

responsibility to exchange or make alternate arrangements with another member of the group.

Contact lists of each session will be distributed at the beginning of each semester. You must

arrange for a specific individual in your session to fill in for your parent activities if you are

unable to fulfill your obligation.

Discretion will be used when determining what constitutes a missed parent activity. Reasonable

reasons for missing a parent activity, such as last minute illness and other unavoidable

circumstances, will not be deemed a missed parent activity. This definition will determine if the

situation is deemed a missed parent activity.

This is in place to ensure that all members contribute their share to the running of playgroup. The

executive will act in good faith, and ask that members do the same.

We operate on a ‘three strike’ policy for missed parent activities, which are defined above. The

policy will be enforced. If a parent activity is missed, the liaison will contact the participant and

notify them that they have missed their parent activity.

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If there is a second missed parent activity, the executive will contact the participant to discuss the

circumstances regarding the missed parent activities and determine a plan to resolve it. This plan

will include a make-up duty.

If there is a third missed parent activity the executive will ask the family to leave the playgroup

permanently.

3.2 Notice Board

Please check our notice board, Facebook and newsletters for announcements. Feel free to contact

the executive by phone, email, or in person with any suggestions for new toys, activities, etc. that

you think would benefit the group. Liaisons are also available by phone, email, or in person to

answer questions and concerns.

The notice board is also available for all the mompreneurs out there that would like to let others

know what products they are selling or information they would like to share with others.

If you wish to post something on the notice board, please get permission from an executive board

member prior to posting.

3.3 Programs and Special Events

In addition to the regular weekly playgroup sessions, special events and programs may be

arranged throughout the year for children, parents/nannies/caregivers and families (such as a

family dance, winter sleigh rides, etc.).

Some special events may require additional fees, which will be collected by a pre-set date, and

will be non-refundable. If the event does not occur, the nature of its cancellation will determine if

a refund will be awarded. Most events will require that families sign-up and pay their

fee/deposit, and if payment is not received by the pre-set date, they will not be registered and

families / members on a wait list will fill their space.

Additional programs will be announced at executive meetings and posted on the notice board,

Facebook and newsletters. Siblings, PB&J alumni & unregistered children are welcome if space

permits.

Nominal fees may be required as Peanut Butter and Jam fees do not cover these extra

programs. The playgroup does not make a profit from these programs; the fees only

cover the costs of the events.

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3.4 Key Policy

Keys are provided to each group at the beginning of each year for opening and closing parent

duties. It is the group’s responsibility to ensure all keys are accounted for. A key sign-out sheet

for each session is kept in the labelled envelopes in the toy storage closet, and each

parent/nanny/caregiver is responsible for signing a key in or out with each use. A replacement

fee of $25 will be charged for each lost key.

The keys are the property of the Riverbend Community League and must not be copied. Access

to the Brookside Hall is only permitted for Peanut Butter & Jam playgroup activities.

Keys are collected at the end of each year.

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4. SUPERVISION OF THE CHILDREN

Each parent/nanny/caregiver is responsible for the supervision of their children.

If it is necessary for the parent/nanny/caregiver to leave the room, another adult should be asked

to supervise their child/children in their absence.

Please remember that this is a playgroup in which the parent/nanny/caregiver is active at play

with the children. Although it is also a great time to socialize with other adults, and we hope you

do, please supervise your children. In particular, you are responsible for ensuring that your child

does not hurt other children (i.e. hitting, kicking, biting, throwing toys, spitting, etc.).

The liaison will start a discussion regarding persistent difficulties. The liaison will lead the group

in a discussion to determine a fair and reasonable solution. If the difficulties persist and no

attempt is made by the parent/nanny/caregiver to improve the child’s behavior, the executive will

use its discretion to determine whether the family should leave the playgroup. Unused fees will

be refunded as stated in the cancellation policy.

Peanut Butter & Jam Playgroup has a zero-tolerance policy on anyone who is under the influence

of alcohol or drugs entering the setting.

If a parent/nanny/caregiver is deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs the following

will apply:

The parent/nanny/caregiver will not be allowed entry in Peanut Butter & Jam playgroup;

Outside agencies, including the Edmonton Police Service and Alberta Human Services,

will be called for assistance;

If the parent/nanny/caregiver becomes violent, the Edmonton Police Service will be

called;

The executive may ask the family to leave the playgroup permanently.

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5. GENERAL GUIDELINES

5.1 Health

Peanut Butter and Jam is a very interactive playgroup. If your child has displayed any of the

following symptoms within 24 hours prior to your scheduled session please remain home in

order to preserve the health of all members of your session:

a fever;

coloured nasal discharge;

diarrhea/vomiting;

frequent bouts of coughing or sneezing due to colds;

conjunctivitis (pink eye) or coloured eye discharge;

any communicable diseases.

For the health of the entire group, we ask that your child’s immunizations be up to date.

If there is any question on your part as to whether your child should attend, please be on

the side of caution. In the event of an outbreak in the city and your child has not been

immunized, we ask that you remain home for the health of everyone.

If your child comes down with any communicable illness and had just been to

playgroup, please inform your liaison immediately. Your liaison will contact all the other

members in your session to be aware that this certain illness may infect their children.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a virus spread most commonly by droplet transmission

(sneezing, runny nose). It is contagious for 1-2 weeks after the start of these respiratory

symptoms. Alberta Health Services does not recommend any isolation of persons with

symptoms. However, to minimize any spread of the disease, we ask that any PB&J member

NOT attend playgroup if they have any respiratory symptoms at all OR do not attend for at least

14 days following the start of respiratory symptoms and/or fever in members who have hjand-

foot-and-mouth disease. The virus can live in feces for up to 1-2 months. Excellent hand washing

habits are a must. All family members should be taught how to properly wash their hands after

using the bathroom and caregivers should be diligent about washing hands after changing

diapers. Please make sure that diapers are only changed on the change tables in the bathroom.

Virucidal wipes must be used to wipe the change table at the end of each session.

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5.2 Snack Time

Please note that the Brookside Hall is a nut-free zone. Bring a snack for your child, including a

drink.

If your child has any other allergies or sensitivities, please inform your session liaison as well as

all the other members in your session so they are aware.

Sharing should be discouraged. This helps to ensure children with food allergies are protected.

On party days, snacks are not required because parents/nannies/caregivers sign up to bring

special party treats for the children.

5.3 Guests

It is acceptable to arrange for another person to bring your child to the sessions for you.

Fathers, grandparents, etc. are also welcome to come along as guests.

Unregistered children are allowed to attend playgroup on occasion, if alternate

arrangements cannot be made. For example, an older child who is home from school or

visiting children may attend. If attendance becomes frequent the executive will request

registration fees for the child(ren).

5.4 Fire Safety

Please note where the exits are: one at the north entrance (which we enter through) and

one on the south wall of the playgroup area. In case of fire, collect your child/children

and evacuate the building as quickly as possible. Please assemble in the school parking

lot to ensure everyone is out safely.

5.5 Parking

There is ample parking available on the streets in front of the community league

building. There is no parking in the Brookside School parking lot.

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6. LIAISONS

Each session must have a representative on the executive. The liaison’s primary role is

to facilitate a positive playgroup experience for all attendees. The liaison’s secondary

role is to implement communication between the Executive and the members.

6.1 Liaison Duties

Specific duties include:

Providing introduction to new members;

Creating and updating a group phone list that is re-distributed each time new members

join;

Creating a private Facebook group, if desired;

Confirming that all duties are filled;

During the last week of each month remind members that have duties the following

month;

Following up with members who have missed duties and advising the executive if

required;

Attending executive meetings;

Leading and organizing one cleaning bee session;

Reporting back to their session members regarding important and relevant information;

Providing a voice to and from the executive;

Ensuring the duty roster is filled out at the beginning of each semester;

Arranging the year-end party in June.

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7. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

7.1 Executive Members for 2016 / 2017

The playgroup's chairperson and registrar may be contacted at the following email addresses:

Chairperson: [email protected]

Registrar: [email protected]

Information on executive member duties is provided when participation in the executive is

confirmed. For more information about the executive, please contact [email protected].

These are voluntary positions with a one-year term from July 1 to June 30. We will be

requesting volunteers for the next executive in the spring of 2017.

Please consider serving for the 2016/2017 program year.

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8. PRIVACY ACT

Pursuant to the Alberta Personal Information Protection Act, any personal information

that has been obtained from you has been obtained for the sole purpose of registration

and involvement of your family in the Peanut Butter and Jam Co-operative Playgroup.

Your personal information will not be used for any other purpose.

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APPENDIX I – Parent Participation Activities

Opening / Set Up

Arrive by 9:00 a.m;

Open the north door (facing Brookside School). Keys will be provided when it is your

parent activity month. Please ensure the handle is unlocked;

Set out the toys, chairs and tables;

Set up the coffee and tea area in the kitchen;

Set up potty seats and stool in bathrooms.

Creative Time Leader

Select and prepare a simple creative activity for the children to do. This could include

coloring or playing with play dough. Please remember these crafts are for your children

to have fun with. Design age-specific crafts that the children can complete with little

parent involvement. It is their creative time;

A variety of craft supplies are available in the storage room. Prior to your turn, please

check and make sure there is adequate supply of the supplies you intend to use. Please

notify the executive members responsible for supplies if you find you will require more

than is in the room;

Try your best to plan crafts which use the craft supplies provided in the storage room.

Any additional supplies will not be reimbursed;

Ensure the craft supplies are properly put away and cleaned up.

Circle Time/Story Time leader

Select and lead songs and activities. Resource material is available on the website and in

the storage along with a parachute, a CD player, a large selection of books and musical

instruments. Resources from home may also be used.

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Closing / Clean Up

Clean-up is everyone’s responsibility, but those on clean-up duty must ensure the following:

All toys and equipment are properly put away;

Mouthed toys should be quickly washed and dried before putting away;

All mats are neatly stacked;

The coffee area is cleaned up and supplies put back. The carpet is vacuumed;

The washrooms are tidied;

Clean and put away the potty seats;

Wipe the change table with virucidal wipes;

All children’s tables and chairs are clean and placed against the north/west corner wall in

the chair/table storage closet;

Garbage is to be taken home as the school dumpster in not for our use;

Lights are turned off;

Storage room, playgroup room, kitchen and outside door are locked (keys will be

provided for your duty month).

It sounds like a lot but when everyone pitches in, it goes quickly.

Cleaning Bees

Two members from each session meet one evening for about 2 hours to clean toys and

organize the storage room. This occurs every alternate month. Cleaning bee dates are

listed on the roster duty sheets on the notice board. PBJ is chemical-free and cleans

everything with vinegar and water. If you are unable to attend the cleaning bee, it is your

responsibility to find a substitute.