Ottawa Carleton Headstart
Association for Preschools

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Ottawa-Carleton Headstart
Association for Preschools
Hawthorne Meadows
Nursery School, Inc.
2244 Russell Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 1B3

Children's Aid Society Headstart Nursery School — Pré-Maternelle Bon Départ

1602 Telesat Court
Gloucester, Ontario
K1B 1B3
Ph: (613) 747-7800 Ext 2734
Fax: (613) 747-4456
Director: Janie O'Leary
E-mail: jo'leary@casott.on.ca

Mission and Philosophy

Headstart is more than a nursery school - it is a philosophy. In partnership with parents, the Children's Aid Society Headstart Nursery School works to serve the best interests of children. Headstart is a place where children can feel safe, wanted, respected and secure. It is also a place for parents to support their child's learning and develop parenting skills to match their child's needs.

Target Population

Clients of the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa-Carleton, children 18 months to 5 years, Anglophone and Francophones

Staffing

The Headstart staff is formed from a team of dedicated professionals including a school supervisor, teachers, a school social worker, a uit assistant, and drivers with many years of experience on the road with children. The supervisor and teachers are qualified early childhood educators.

Facilities

The Children's Aid Society Headstart Nursery School is located on the ground level floor of a large office building. The school has large classroom spaces, whicg are bright, cheery, and well-equipped.

Transportation

Limited transportation is provided by the Children's Aid Society Headstart Nursery School.

Days and Hours of Operation

• Toddler Program (18 to 30 months): 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Every weekday
• A.M. Headstart (30 mos. to 4 yrs.): 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Mon. Tues. Wed.
• P.M. Headstart (3 to 4 years): 1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Mon. Tues. Wed., Thurs.
• Bon Départ (Francophone Children): 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs.

Maximum Number of Children

50 children

Child to Staff Ratio

1:5

Services for Children

Program activities are planned according to themes. These themes consist of learning a body part, shape, colour and everyday living activity. Activities are available for two weeks to allow children to participate several times.

They are designed to stimulate children's cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. Activities include:

• Working with puzzles, small blocks, pegboards; measuring amounts and weights
• Talking and listening to stories, songs and sounds
  Experimenting with materials
• Planting and growing vegetables in the garden
• Working with small construction toys, beads, glue, paint crayons, clay and other art materials
• Manipulating big blocks, tunnels, trucks and trains
• Sliding, riding, skipping, splashing and balancing
• Pouring juice, mixing dough and molding cookies
• Talking and listening to friends
• Hearing stories and sharing stories
• Playing beside or with friends
• Acting out roles such as parent, teacher and doctor
• Going on field trips and having special visitors

Services for Parents

Parent classes run three times a year for fifteen week periods. Topics covered include child development, routines, behaviour, communication, stress in children, parent stress, healthy sexuality, safety and child abuse.

The school offers an anger and stress management course for parents who want to learn positive ways to deal with everyday stress and anxiety. Parents are also invited to:

• Come to the school on their child's birthday
• Assist with field trips and special visits
• Attend group days such as family picnics, Christmas parties and parent focus groups
• Join the parenting class

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