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WELL-BEING

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GOALS:

Every child is developing a sense of self, health and well-being.
Parents/guardians have a sense of health and well-being.
Parents/guardians and children have access to health and wellness supports and services.

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS:
To nurture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self.
To acknowledge that family health and wellness impacts the health and well-being of children.

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HOW?
Promote the health, safety, nutrition and well-being of the children:

  • We serve traditional food to children when available e.g. caribou, seal, arctic char, bannock.

  • We develop and follow policies and procedures to ensure health and safety of everyone.

  • We provide nutritious meals and snacks and establish positive eating environments.

  • We pay attention to the physical and emotional states of each child and respond in a warm and sensitive manner.

  • We support children in their need to take physical challenges while at the same time promoting safety e.g. using an ulu, lighting qulliq.

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Incorporate indoor and outdoor play, as well as active play, rest and quiet time into the day, giving consideration to the individual needs of children:

  • We provide ample time for outdoor play encouraging children to use materials from the natural environment to extend and challenge their play e.g. rocks, bones, twigs, moss, stumps.

  • We provide regular daily opportunities for children to play and explore the environment with their bodies, minds, and senses.

  • We plan outdoor activities and experiences that are similar to authentic northern experiences e.g. building an igloo, traditional canvas tent, sledding with sealskins, pulling kamutiik, pretend ice fishing and other games.

  • We provide time for rest and quiet play and activities during indoor and outdoor play.

Support families and staff in accessing health and wellness supports and services:

  • We recommend formal assessments for children when required.

  • We work together with families and other professionals to support children’s learning and development needs.

  • We connect families and staff to other community resources/services and follow up on referrals,

  • We provide monthly well-child checks in partnership with community health services.

  • We provide regular dental screenings and hygiene activities in partnership with City of Ottawa.

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Foster the development of self-care and self-regulation for children, parents/guardians and staff:

  • We promote self-regulation through caring and supportive guidance for all.

  • We provide opportunities and time to practice independence, self-help and self-care skills based on each child’s capabilities throughout daily routines and activities.

  • We plan staff activities that promote self-care and personal well-being.

  • We offer parent programs and activities aimed at self-care and personal well-being.

  • We support individual efforts with kindness and praise.

  • We model and advocate for healthy lifestyles.

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