APRIL 18, 2016

In Attendance:  Shelley Rideout, Tamika Lightfoot, Pat McIntosh, Heather Hansen-Dunbar  

Regrets:  Warren Haire, Karin Bradley

From the Daycare Act:  “The facility’s agenda for each meeting includes (48 (5))

➢     Safety, care and well being of the children (48 (5)(a)):  there have been 2 cases of conjunctivitis. There is a virus with persistent cough and high fever (approx. 10% of children have had it over past month)

➢     Status of facility’s license (48 (5)(b)):  fully in compliance, no violations

➢     Programs provided by the licensee (48 (5)(c)):   Our curriculum is Emergent.   We provide both full and part time programs for toddlers and preschoolers; full time programs only for infants.

➢     Equipment & materials available to the children (48 (5) (d)):  We have still not found a good price on this:  colored masking tape for the classrooms that is financially affordable. Fairy Houses have not arrived yet.  They were shipped but were sent back to the states by customs.  We have a credit with Avron as we sent back a jug of tempera paint.  We are ordering some balance bikes.  We received all of the Body Sox we ordered.

• Staffing patterns and staff qualifications (48 (5) (e)):

      Baby Room:   4 staff:  1 Level 1, 2 Level 2s, Mezzo:  1 staff: Level 1, Bounce:  3 staff:   3 Level 2s, Zest:  3 staff:  3 Level 3s, Vivacity:  3 staff:  1 Level 3, 1 Level 2, 1 Level 1, Dynamic:  3 staff:  1 Level 1, 1 Level 2, 1 Entry Level.  We currently have a job opening for 1 permanent staff as 1 of our Zest teachers has given notice.  She is leaving our field of practice. 

• Fundraising:

The Parent Committee was assisting with the funds to send 4 staff to the conference in Maryland in April 2016:  http://playempowers.blogspot.ca/p/play-is-power-conference.html   Note:  Karin was not able to go so we sold her registration and successfully recouped the costs.

The registration fee per person was $315.00 U.S. (included accommodations, meals and workshops for 2.5 days) which at the time exchanged to $403.67  ---  3 people = $1211.01

Airfare was $374.43 per person = $1123.29 for all 3

The majority of meals were covered for the 3 staff during the actual conference.

There were a handful of meals outside during the 2 days of travel and there were 2 Supershuttle costs x 3 people.

These items are under incidentals and are covered by our operational budget. So total seeking from committee:  $2334.30

Current Fundraising Activities:    

Lucky Duck Lotto raised $1041.10 after contributing the portion to Recreation NS as per the terms and conditions of the fundraiser.

We do not have enough volunteers for the Spring 2016 sleepover due to Mother’s Day, Victoria Day, NSCCA conference conflicts

The account will have enough in it to more then cover Teachers’ Appreciation Day and then to go towards the Outlast Blocks or to go towards next year’s PeP Conference or next year’s Teachers’ Appreciation Day.

ACCOUNT RECONCILIATION

Date:  January 11, 2016

In Attendance:  Warren Haire, Lisa Strenkoswki, Brandy McIntosh / Patricia McIntosh, Heather Hansen-Dunbar

Regrets:  Karin Bradley, Shelley Rideout, Loni Vicaire, Tamika Lightfoot

From the Daycare Act:  “The facility’s agenda for each meeting includes (48 (5))

➢     Safety, care and well being of the children (48 (5)(a)):  there have been some cases of stomach flu, fevers, and 1 case of conjunctivitis, a couple of children have coughs.  Shelf needs to be repaired in Bounce that holds music player.   

➢     Status of facility’s license (48 (5)(b)):  fully in compliance, no violations

➢     Programs provided by the licensee (48 (5)(c )):   Our curriculum is Emergent.   We provide both full and part time programs for toddlers and preschoolers; full time programs only for infants.

➢     Equipment & materials available to the children (48 (5) (d)):  Regular toys, materials, art supplies for the children are the same as previously noted. Fairy Houses have not arrived yet. 

• Staffing patterns and staff qualifications (48 (5) (e)):

      Baby Room:   4 staff:  1 Level 1, 2 Level 2s,  Mezzo:  1 staff: Level 1, Bounce:  3 staff:   3 Level 2s, Zest:  3 staff:  3 Level 3s, Vivacity:  3 staff:  1 Level 3, 1 Level 2, 1 Level 1, Dynamic:  3 staff:  1 Level 1, 1 Level 2, 1 Entry Level.   We have a Bounce teacher who is on medical leave prior to her maternity leave which begins in February.  We have a Zest teacher on medical leave until March 7^th.  Our regular sub Fatema is working a lot for us right now.  HWHS has a Co-op placement student with us.    Her name is Jessica and she is in the Bounce room and finishes Jan 21st.    NSCECE has another ECE practicum student starting with us on Jan 25^th and will be in Zest.

• Fundraising:

The Parent Committee is assisting with the funds to send 4 staff to the conference in Maryland in April 2016:  http://playempowers.blogspot.ca/p/play-is-power-conference.html   We registered the spaces. A draw took place at the KrK Staff Retreat in October for eligible teachers and the following names came out:  Karin of Tangible (Baby Room), Aislinn (Zest Room), Darlene (Dynamic Room) and Ellie (Vivacity Room).     Aislinn has approached the office to withdraw her name for the trip. 

The Parent Committee’s account stands at $3392.89.  This money has been allocated for the annual Teachers’ Appreciation event in the spring.  The event usually takes about $1200 - $1400 and the remainder of the funds are a safehold in the account which may be allocated towards either the blocks or the PD for special away conferences. 

Current Fundraising Activities:    

      Regal catalogues  --- this concluded on Dec. 31^st.  Lisa is emailing them to see where we stand with regards to the final total and if our cheque for our portion has been mailed.

      Daycare Sleepovers -  1 took place in November and 1 in December raising $1400 (Spring date to be determined)

      Lucky Duck Lotto – Warren has sent off the form for the ticket books for 120

      Mama’s Pantry possibly

We are raising funds to eventually get the blocks   http://www.communityplaythings.com/products/outdoor/outlast-blocks   we dream of – brochure on display in the front entrance.  We are also planning 1 – 2 sleepovers in the new year.  We conduct the Lucky Duck Lotto http://www.recreationns.ns.ca/2015-lucky-duck-lottery-easy-way-to-raise-funds/  ticket sales in January / February.  We will need to have funds for the annual Teacher’s Appreciation Day in the spring of 2016 (May). 

ACCOUNT RECONCILIATION

Next Parent Committee Meeting:   Monday, February 8th , 2016

FEBRUARY 22ND, 2016 MEETING MINUTES

In Attendance:  Warren Haire, Lisa Strenkowski, Pat McIntosh, Karin Bradley, Heather Hansen-Dunbar   Regrets:  Tamika Lightfoot, Shelley Rideout 

From the Daycare Act:  “The facility’s agenda for each meeting includes (48 (5))

➢     Safety, care and well being of the children (48 (5)(a)):  there have been some fevers and a cough.  In Tangible, there has been some conjunctivitis.

➢     Status of facility’s license (48 (5)(b)):  fully in compliance, no violations

➢     Programs provided by the licensee (48 (5)(c)):   Our curriculum is Emergent.   We provide both full and part time programs for toddlers and preschoolers; full time programs only for infants.

➢     Equipment & materials available to the children (48 (5) (d)):  Teachers would like us to find a source of colored masking tape for the classrooms that is financially affordable. Fairy Houses have not arrived yet.  We have a credit with Avron as we sent back a jug of tempera paint. 

• Staffing patterns and staff qualifications (48 (5) (e)):

      Baby Room:   4 staff:  1 Level 1, 2 Level 2s, Mezzo:  1 staff: Level 1, Bounce:  3 staff:   3 Level 2s, Zest:  3 staff:  3 Level 3s, Vivacity:  3 staff:  1 Level 3, 1 Level 2, 1 Level 1, Dynamic:  3 staff:  1 Level 1, 1 Level 2, 1 Entry Level.  Angy the Bounce teacher who is on maternity leave just gave birth to a 9+ lb healthy baby girl on the weekend.   We have a Zest teacher on medical leave until March 7^th.  Our regular sub Fatema is working a lot for us right now.  HWHS has another Co-op placement student beginning with us.    Tysha is a NSCECE student and is placed in the baby room.

• Fundraising:

The Parent Committee is assisting with the funds to send 4 staff to the conference in Maryland in April 2016:  http://playempowers.blogspot.ca/p/play-is-power-conference.html   We registered the spaces. A draw took place at the KrK Staff Retreat in October for eligible teachers and the following names came out:  Karin of Tangible (Baby Room), Aislinn (Zest Room), Darlene (Dynamic Room) and Ellie (Vivacity Room).     Natalie was picked as Aislinn’s replaced for the trip. 

The Parent Committee’s account stands at $3392.89.  This money has been allocated for the annual Teachers’ Appreciation event in the spring.  The event usually takes about $1200 - $1400 and the remainder of the funds are a safe hold in the account which may be allocated towards either the blocks or the PD for special away conferences. 

Current Fundraising Activities:   

      Regal catalogues sales – This fundraiser raised $186.89 for us!

      Daycare Sleepovers -  Spring date:   Friday, May the 6^th, 2016

      Lucky Duck Lotto – This is taking place since February 4 and continues until the 25^th. The money and unsold tickets must be returned to Recreation N.S. by Mar 4^th.

      Mama’s Pantry possibility... Is there anything new on this?

We are raising funds to eventually get the blocks   http://www.communityplaythings.com/products/outdoor/outlast-blocks   we dream of – brochure on display in the front entrance.  We are also planning 1 – 2 sleepovers in the new year.  We conduct the Lucky Duck Lotto http://www.recreationns.ns.ca/2015-lucky-duck-lottery-easy-way-to-raise-funds/  ticket sales in January / February.  We will need to have funds for the annual Teacher’s Appreciation Day in the spring of 2016.   May 27^th, 2016 has been selected. 

ACCOUNT RECONCILIATION

Discussion regarding incentives for committee members:  ideas around financialincentives, ideas around providing a meal and have it earlier.  Ideas around having it while we are still open.  Ideas about having it staggered.  Every second one early, late, alternate.  Have supper at every second one.  Varying times could make a big difference, give more options.   Also no one ever wants to make a meal. 

Discussion regarding section of website to have anonymous comments / concerns:  There was discussion on the negative merits on this as well as positive ones. Our Chairperson, Lisa, who added this the agenda, emphasized that it was about representative topics / ideas from the parent community as opposed to anonymity.   

Next Parent Committee Meeting:   Monday, March 21^st, 2016

Date:  November 9^th , 2015

In Attendance:  Warren Haire, Lisa Strenkoswki, Brandy McIntosh / Patricia McIntosh, Karin Bradley, Shelley Rideout, Heather Hansen-Dunbar

Regrets:  Loni Vicaire, Tamika Lightfoot

From the Daycare Act:  “The facility’s agenda for each meeting includes (48 (5))

➢     Safety, care and well being of the children (48 (5)(a)):  there have been some cases of diarrhea, fevers, conjunctivitis

➢     Status of facility’s license (48 (5)(b)):  Annual Licensing Visit was November 6^th, with Kathy Black as our L/O.  No violations were determined.  Kathy sent us some notes about some things for us to consider / reflect on.  When parents do not answer phone when we call regarding absences, develop a process for follow up.  The cleaning schedule is being filled out well but we should consider adding staff initials as well.   Reminder to ensure that things on the coat hooks not hang over covering exit diagram.  Please fax AM’s PD letter of level continuation by Monday. 

➢     Programs provided by the licensee (48 (5)(c )):   Our curriculum is Emergent.   We provide both full and part time programs for toddlers and preschoolers; full time programs only for infants.

➢     Equipment & materials available to the children (48 (5) (d)):  Our main purchase in the past month has been a new washer and dryer for the centre.  Regular toys, materials, art supplies for the children are the same as previously noted. Fairy Houses have not arrived yet. 

• Staffing patterns and staff qualifications (48 (5) (e)):

      Baby Room:   4 staff:  1 Level 1, 3 Level 2s,  Mezzo:  1 staff: Level 1, Bounce:  3 staff:   3 Level 2s, Zest:  3 staff:  3 Level 3s, Vivacity:  3 staff:  1 Level 3, 1 Level 2, 1 Level 1, Dynamic:  3 staff:  1 Level 1, 1 Level 2, 1 Entry Level.  Practicum Student has begun her placement with NSCECE, her name is Krista and her placement is in Zest room (Mondays and Tuesdays).  HWHS has approached us about a Co-op placement.    A meeting took place last week about it. The placement has been agreed upon and she begins this Thursday, Nov. 12^th.  Her name is Jessica and she will be in the Bounce room.    

• Fundraising:

The Parent Committee is assisting with the funds to send 4 staff to the conference in Maryland in April 2016:  http://playempowers.blogspot.ca/p/play-is-power-conference.html   We registered the spaces. A draw took place at the KrK Staff Retreat in October for eligible teachers and the following names came out:  Karin of Tangible (Baby Room), Aislinn (Zest Room), Darlene (Dynamic Room) and Ellie (Vivacity Room). 

The Parent Committee’s account stands at $1998.74.  This money has been allocated for the annual Teachers’ Appreciation event in the spring.  The event usually takes about $1200 - $1400 and the remainder of the funds are a safehold in the account which may be allocated towards either the blocks or the PD for special away conferences. 

Current Fundraising Activities:    

      Regal catalogues

      Daycare Sleepovers

      Lucky Duck Lotto

      Mama’s Pantry possibly

Dear Parents,

This year we are excited to use Regal Gifts for our Fundraising Campaign. They offer more than 1000 products with hundreds being priced under $20. We are sure everyone can find something either for themselves or as a gift for family and friends.- Regal has designed our own website for safe and secure ordering –   www.krk.shopregal.ca  - You can start placing your orders immediatelyand all orders must be placed by December 31^st, 2015. We recommend you make your orders by November 22^nd.  - After placing your order on our web store, the products are delivered directly to you. In stock items generally arrive within 7-10 business days.- Regal has a low shipping rate - only $6.50 per order under $100.00 or 6.5% of the order total if your order is $100 or more. ( plus taxes)- Product Exchanges are done directly through Regal’s Exchange Centre – www.regal.ca/exchangecentre. Refunds can be requested through the Centre as well as long as your campaign is open. After the campaign closes you will only be able to receive an exchange.We thank you for your continued support!!

We are doing Regal instead of Norcard.  It seems so much more committee / user friendly.   We are attaching the fundraising letter tonight and putting the catalogues out for tomorrow. 

 We are raising funds to eventually get the blocks   http://www.communityplaythings.com/products/outdoor/outlast-blocks   we dream of – brochure on display in the front entrance. 

We have two sleepovers booked as fundraisers as well:  November 13^th and December 4^th .  We are also planning 1 – 2 sleepovers in the new year.  We conduct the Lucky Duck Lotto http://www.recreationns.ns.ca/2015-lucky-duck-lottery-easy-way-to-raise-funds/  ticket sales in January / February.  We will need to have funds for the annual Teacher’s Appreciation Day in the spring of 2016. (May)

   Methods of Accomplishing our Work:  A discussion took place around positions, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary.  A decision was made to fill these positions after two meetings to provide familiarization.  We all discussed that a Facebook Group would be a great way to communicate and plan our work. 

Next Parent Committee Meeting:   Monday, December 7th , 2015

DECEMBER MEETING CANCELLED --- NEXT MEETING TOOK PLACE IN JANUARY 2016