Accreditation Feedback

AELCS has granted the Hemel House program accreditation status to recognize that they have met the provincial requirement for high quality child care as demonstrated using specific data collection strategies and identifications in the criteria outlined in the Quality Standards.

We would like to share with you some of the AELCS noted feedback from our site visit in March 2012.

 STANDARD EIGHT – The program responds to the needs and concerns of children, their families, the staff and the community.

Demonstrated Best Practices:

• It is evident that the program uses community resources to meet the needs of the children and families it serves. A group formed by providers, parents, and administration – Mastermind- to discuss issues that involve them all; currently they are testing the usage of the web and the blog. New policies or changes are reviewed by them. They set the goals for the agency.
• Through parent surveys it was evident that families felt respected and their requests and needs are followed through and considered.
• Parents are offered resource links to community agencies that can offer them support when needed.
• There is evidence that the program is responsive to complaints, issues and concerns from the members of the broader community.
• The program’s policies and practices recognize and reflect a focus on meeting diverse needs. Parents and providers can reach consultants 24/7. One consultant is available by phone and office administrator answers e-mail messages 24/7.
• Signing of contracts happen after hours; provider and parent meet with a consultant to sign all the contracts.
• Agency mails out birthday cards to all children and providers. Provider’s anniversaries are acknowledged with certificates.
• Website has direct links to several community resources.