![[ICS Graphic]](house.gif) |
The
Institute of Child Study
45
Walmer Road, Toronto, Ontario
Canada
M5R 2X2
Tel.
416.934.4526
Fax.
416.978.6485
|
THE LABORATORY SCHOOL
The Laboratory School,
with a population of about 200 children between the ages of 3-12 years,
is an integral part of the Institute and OISE/UT. The School serves as
a resource for adult students enrolled in the MA Program in Child Study
and Education.
The School has evolved from its beginnings
as one of the world's first primary demonstration projects, with eight
children and two staff members, to become part of a University of Toronto
Institute with children from Nursery to Grade 6, a program of research,
and a staff of more than thirty.
The Laboratory School provides unique opportunities
for professional education and for the integration of theory, research,
and practice; other placements in the community give breadth to training
provided by the Institute. The Laboratory School provides opportunities
for research carried out by the academic staff from the Institute, and
by scholars from other departments in the University. The Institute functions
to encourage interdisciplinary research on child development and early
education. Skill development related to all of these areas is emphasized.
The Laboratory School's program is based on a general philosophy of education
which recognizes the holistic, active nature of children.
Philosophy of Education
in the Lab School
All children are special and each child is a
unique individual within the classroom group. Each child brings personal
knowledge and experience of the world to that class. This foundation for
learning is a key to the child's success in the classroom. The Institute
has high regard for the child's fundamental need to know.
Children learn easily and best in an environment
which:
-
captures their imagination
-
deals with their interests
-
challenges their intellect
-
develops their skills
-
allows them to see the results of their labours
in positive, satisfying ways and offers them the emotional and psychological
security to make learning possible.
Children need to see the tangible results of
their impact on the environment. They need to know that their actions make
a difference and that their behaviour affects others. They need to communicate
with the world around them.
The classroom becomes a place where the children
may see themselves reflected, and may know that what they see is good.
The Nursery School
The Nursery School program is designed to offer
a child-centred environment for three-year-olds that encourages exploration,
experimentation, discovery, creativity, and cooperation. All activities
provide children and teachers with opportunities for community learning
experiences. The Nursery School staff includes an ICS teacher, an assistant
teacher, and three student teachers. Together they set goals, develop and
implement group and individual programs for the children, and communicate
regularly with parents.
The Elementary School
Over the years, the school has established for
itself a reputation as a leader in enlightened educational practice. The
Laboratory School program, following the Ontario Ministry of Education
and Training guidelines, recognizes individual differences in children
and encourages each child to progress at his or her own rate. The child's
natural curiosity and creativity are nurtured. Self-evaluation, independence,
resourcefulness, and positive self-image are qualities which the school
promotes. Intellectual, physical, emotional, and social aspects of development
are considered to be of equal importance. Skill development related to
all of these areas is emphasized. The Laboratory School's program is based
on a holistic philosophy of education which recognizes the curious and
active nature of children.
Role of the Teachers
The Laboratory School teachers contribute to
many areas of the Institute program. Their first priority is the children
in the classroom. The teachers provide a stimulating environment geared
to the needs of the individual and the group and maintain ongoing communication
with parents. In the classroom, the teachers also work with adult students
from the MA Program in Child Study and Education. Teachers are role models
and mentors, providing these students with the opportunity to design and
implement curriculum, and to observe and assess children under professional
supervision. In research activities the teacher may act as a liaison, supervisor,
or participant in ongoing research projects initiated by staff and adult
students from ICS, or by researchers elsewhere in the academic community.
Teachers may also act as instructors in the MA Program in Child Study and
Education in an area of their interest and expertise. As part of the university
community, the teachers participate in weekly professional meetings with
adult students and colleagues, serve on university committees, and are
active in their ongoing professional development.
The Arts
The study of the Arts is an integral part of
a child's education. It offers opportunities for deepening self-understanding,
developing group sensitivity, awakening imaginative possibilities, and
encouraging aesthetic awareness.
The school employs a full-time Visual Arts
teacher, as well as specialists in Music, Drama, and Creative Movement.
The programs encourage children to participate freely in a genuine exploration
of the artistic media while developing skills and an appreciation of the
arts. The Visual Arts, Music, and Drama are integrated into classrooms,
enhancing learning in all areas of the curriculum.
French
French at ICS is taught from Junior Kindergarten
to Grade 6. The goal of the program is to provide the opportunity for each
child to develop communication skills in French. Listening, speaking, reading,
and writing are taught using a variety of approaches including music, drama,
art, and movement. The children gain sensitivity to the structure of the
language and an appreciation of French culture in Canada and elsewhere.
Behaviour Code
This code was developed by the Behaviour Code
Committee in consultation with teachers, and after surveying children and
parents. It is revisited and revised frequently in order to remain efficient
and sensitive to the current needs of students and of the school.
Parents can expect that teachers will be in
touch with them regarding their children's behaviour and we ask parents
to work with teachers in support of this code.
The Institute of Child Study community is
committed to the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian
Bill of Rights. Racism, sexism, or discriminatory behaviour is not acceptable.
We aim to provide a safe and caring learning environment for all students.
General Expectations Regarding Children's
Behaviour at School
-
Children respect themselves and others, including
children, teachers, teacher candidates, school personnel, and visitors.
-
Children respect the property of others and of
the school.
-
Children demonstrate respect through words and
actions.
The Process of Dealing With Inappropriate
Behaviour at ICS
This process has several steps which aim to encourage
problem-solving skills as well as ownership of one's own actions and the
consequences that arise from these.
-
Children settle a dispute themselves when they
can, by talking things through alone, or with the help of peers/older children.
-
Children go to a teacher for help or a teacher
intervenes if the situation is worsening. The teacher helps the children
negotiate.
-
The teacher may recommend time out.
-
Based on the teacher's and the child(ren)'s judgment,
the principal can become involved when the child needs additional support;
the teacher needs additional support; the situation has affected children
from more than one class; the situation has occurred on the yard and the
teacher on duty cannot leave to deal with the youngsters; when adults other
than the teachers send children to the principal; when the child goes directly
to the principal of his/her own accord; when the principal sees the incident
first; when the principal hears of an incident and approaches the teacher.
Specific Consequences in Use
The consequences for inappropriate behaviour
at ICS vary depending on the severity of the behaviour. Consequences should
be logical in order to provide a learning opportunity for students. The
child is included as much as possible in the problem-solving/decision-making
process. Repeated incidents and a history of inappropriate behaviour are
taken into account when choosing consequences.
Classroom Teaching Strategies Recommended
for Conflict Resolution
-
Discussion
Drama (role playing, etc.)
-
Storytelling
-
Story writing
-
Illustrating
-
Group games (taking turns, etc.)
Points for Teacher Candidates to Consider
for Playground Duty
The playground works because of fair play, consideration
of others, and inclusion into games. We believe children can learn from
their mistakes. Unacceptable behaviour can provide an opportunity to learn,
to try again, to face the consequences, and to accept responsibility. Teachers
are objective and learning-focused rather than discipline-focused when
dealing with the children's behaviour as on the playground.
-
No pain; physical or psychological.
-
No playing potentially harmful games.
-
No using potentially harmful equipment, i.e.,
sticks, swords, baseball bats. These are given to the teacher on duty for
safekeeping and returned at the end of the day.
-
No swearing-it is considered harmful. The child
is warned and reminded of the rule. The second time it happens the child
sits out on the steps.
-
No throwing snowballs unless the teacher designates
a target.
-
Out-of-Bound areas:
For primary children: the window wells and
areas beyond the playground. Balls that go out of the yard must be retrieved
by the teacher and the child or by a youngster in the junior grades. Children
use the washroom one at a time and with the duty teacher's knowledge.
For junior children: the window wells and
areas beyond the playground (except to retrieve lost balls). Lost balls
may be retrieved only with the duty teacher's knowledge and permission.
Daycare Rules
-
Children will leave the room only with permission,
and with another child or adult.
-
Children must take someone with them when they
go to the washroom. The kindergarten children use the nursery washroom.
The Grades 1 and 2 children use the Grade 1 washroom. The children in Grades
3 and above use the upstairs washroom.
-
Children must not leave the playground except
with the permission of the playground supervisor to retrieve a ball.
-
No skipping ropes may be used on the playground
for purposes other than skipping. Plastic hockey sticks, bats, and balls
may be used but only to play the games with which they are associated.
If something else is to be done with them, it will be directed and supervised
by Daycare staff.
-
Children are expected to clean up the equipment
they have taken out each day and to help with the general room clean-up
when asked.
-
Children are expected to treat other children
and adults with respect.
School Information, 2000-2001
SCHOOL CALENDAR, 2000-2001
FALL TERM
Thursday |
September 7 |
School opens at 8:45 am (1/2 day) |
Friday |
September 8 |
1/2 day (noon dismissal) for JK, SK, Grades
1 & 2.
Full day for Grades 3 - 5 |
Monday |
October 9 |
School closed, Thanksgiving |
Monday |
November 13 |
School closed, Midterm (1 day) |
Friday |
December 22 |
School closes at noon |
WINTER TERM
Monday |
January 8 |
School opens at 8:45 am |
Monday |
February 12 |
School closed, Midterm (1 day) |
Friday |
March 9 |
School closes at noon |
SPRING TERM
Monday |
March 26 |
School opens at 8:45 am |
Friday |
April 13 |
School closed, Good Friday |
Monday |
April 16 |
School closed, Easter Monday |
Monday |
May 21 |
School closed, Victoria Day |
Friday |
June 15 |
School closes at noon |
Please note that the Nursery School begins
on Monday, September 11. The Nursery teacher will contact families regarding
the schedule for the 1st week.
Please note that the Wednesday Afternoon
program operates on each Wednesday that the school is open.
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
-
The school doors open at 8:45 am. Please use
the playground doors for entry. Classroom program begins at all grade levels
at 8:50 am.
-
Nursery School: Each child to be signed
in by the adult or older sibling accompanying the child.
-
Primary and Junior School: There will
be supervision in the yard from 8:35 am to 8:40 am. The doors open at 8:45
am. For reasons of safety and organizion, children and their families enter
the building through the playgound doors only and not through the
front door of the Institute. Children who arrive after 8:50 a.m.report
to the school office before entering the classroom.
ABSENCE
The safe arrival program depends on daily communication
with parents about absences. Please telephone the school (416.934.4517)
to report the reason for your child's absence.
SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAM
If a child has not arrived at school by 9:15
a.m. it is reported to the school secretary. She will telephone home if
she has not heard from the parents.
END OF SCHOOL DAY
When the children are dismissed, it is expected
that they will be picked up or leave the premises promptly. There is a
licensed Daycare available for Nursery School to Grade 6 pupils. The only
children supervised in the playground after school hours are the children
who are registered and enrolled in this program. Parents and caregivers
are asked to vacate the yard by 3:30 pm at the latest, to accommodate
the Daycare program. (For registration information call Anne Marie Lopez,
416.934.4512) Nursery school and JK are signed out to a specified adult.
HEALTH
Every year the medical forms sent out with the
August package need to be returned promptly. The forms are due on the first
school day in September.
Please report in writing any new medical information
to your child's teacher as the year progresses so that these changes or
additions can be kept on file. It will be the responsibility of the family
to arrange for regular vision and hearing tests and for an annual medical
checkup.
LICE
The Parents' Association has hired a public health
nurse to do a schoolwide check for several times each year. A team of parent
volunteers may also be involved in checking all the children's hair for
head lice from time to time through the school year.
The school notifies parents of children if
head lice have been found so that children can be picked up. Before returning
to class, the children will be checked for nits by the school. Parents
are encouraged to keep a continual check at home and to report any active
cases to the school immediately.
TELEPHONE POLICY
There is a pay telephone in the basement for
the children's use. After school arrangements should be made from home.
In necessary situations, a child needs the permission of a teacher to use
school telephones.
LOST AND FOUND
This year we will be keeping a small box in the
basement near the Grade 5/6 lockers for Lost and Found items. The stairs
in the playground collect lost treasures on a daily basis. Please encourage
your child to check for all belongings. We donate lost items to a neighbourhood
shelter for families on a regular basis.
MEETING PLACE
Because we share our building with the adult
academic program we need to plan the use of space. Please arrange parent
events and meetings with the Principal or with Cheryl Zimmerman in Room
229, 934.4507.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
The school staff feel that open communication
with parents is important for the welfare of the child. Early in the Fall,
Curriculum Nights are held in order to explain to parents the class curriculum
for that year, although parents or teachers can request interviews at any
time. A written report is prepared by the child's teacher at the end of
the school year for the Ontario School Record (OSR). Reports are mailed
home on the last day of school in June.
HOMEWORK POLICY
At the elementary level, homework is issued to
foster positive attitudes, habits, and character traits. Teachers, when
assigning homework, consider:
-
how the assignment relates to the program
-
the purpose of the assignment
-
how the assignment may best be done
-
what the child needs to do to demonstrate completion
of the assignment
Homework focuses on the integration of skills
already possessed by the children through meaningful practice of those
skills. It is encouraged at all grade levels and reflects the program of
the particular class.
Homework demonstrates the type of work being
done in the class and offers a link between the school and the home. Families
can support the expectations of the school by creating a study environment
at home.
Homework is expected to be done by all class
members.
Homework includes assignments to meet the
needs of individual children or groups.
Homework assignments are evaluated and used
as assessment tools for further individualized teaching.
Various types of assignments are encouraged.
Reading and being read to are emphasized throughout the grades.
In the Primary division, literature and communication,
life skills, and games are the focus of homework.
The Junior grades continue the emphasis of
the Primary division and include regular assignments in organization and
thinking skills, research, math, spelling, science, and current affairs.
School Safety and Security
Summary
Supervision
-
Please bring or send your child to school at
no earlier than 8:45 a.m. or you may choose to register your child in the
Before School Program (for information call Anne Marie Lopez, 416.934.4512).
-
Prompt pick-up at 3:00 p.m. is requested. Only
Daychare children will be in the yard after 3:30 p.m.
-
Please report to the school any change in the
plans for the pick-up of your child and check out with your child's teacher
if you are picking up early.
Playground safety
-
Please keep the playgound gate closed at all
times
-
Bicycles and rollerblades are not allowed in
the playgound
-
Please do not bring dogs into the playground.
Dogs may be tied at the fence near the front parking lot
-
Climbing equipment is professionally built and
checked regularly for safety
Safe arrivals
-
Please phone the school to report absences by
9:00 a.m.
-
Parents are requested not to park or drop off
on the west side of Walmer Road as the crossing is hazardous.
Fire
-
Regular fire drills are conducted at ICS and
upgrades to the fire detection and alarm systems have regularly been made.
-
Please keep all exits and halls free of strollers,
bicycles, and rollerblades. Strollers and bikes may be left in the front
yard.
Security
-
Visitors to ICS report to the general reception
area inside the front door.
-
Doors to the building are locked when reception
staff hours are over for the day. If you arrive after 5:00 p.m. please
go to the south playground door and buzz for entry. Organizers of evening
meetings will arrange for the front door to be open at arrival times.
-
The school notifies parents of any incident which
University or Metropolitan police deem important information for the safety
of our school community.
Forward any safety and security suggestions to
Elizabeth
Morley.
School Fees, 2000-2001
Program |
Length |
Total Fee
|
Optional Plan*
|
Nursery |
Half-Day Program |
$3,640
|
$2,184
|
JK to Grade Six |
Full-Day Program |
$5,675
|
$3,405
|
MacMillan Program |
Full-Day Program |
$5,835
|
$3,480
|
* Optional Plan: The minimum payment,
due September 7, 2000, is 60% of the total fee shown on the University
of Toronto statement. The remainder is due in three equal payments by December
1, 2000. Postdated cheques accepted on September 7, 2000.
ICS After School Daycare Fees, 2000-2001
|
1 day / week |
2 days / week |
3 days / week |
4 days / week |
5 days / week |
Occasional |
Before School Daycare
8:00 am to 8:45 am
Sept., Dec., March, June |
$30.00
$23.00 |
$60.00
$46.00 |
$90.00
$69.00 |
$120.00
$92.00 |
$138.00
$115.00 |
|
After School Daycare
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Sept., Dec., March, June |
$67.00
$52.00 |
$138.00
$104.00 |
$207.00
$156.00 |
$276.00
$208.00 |
$280.00
$210.00 |
$20.00
per day |
Afternoon Nursery
11:45 am to 3:00 pm
Sept., Dec., March, June |
$83.00
$62.00 |
$166.00
$124.00 |
$249.00
$186.00 |
$332.00
$248.00 |
$339.00
$254.00 |
$21.00
per day |
Afternoon Nursery
11:45 am to 6:00 pm
Sept., Dec., March, June |
$152.00
$114.00 |
$304.00
$228.00 |
$456.00
$342.00 |
$608.00
$456.00 |
$619.00
$464.00 |
$41.00
per day |
Except where indicated, all fees shown above
are "per month."
Before School Daycare
Before school care will be provided to children
enrolled from Nursery to Grade 6 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. Children
can be enrolled in this program as either part-time or full-time.
After School Daycare
After school care will be provided to children
who are enrolled from JK to Grade 6.
Afternoon Nursery
Children who are enrolled in the ICS Nursery
School can attend our afternoon program. Children can attend from either
11:45 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., or from 11:45 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Afternoon
Creative play is offered to children enrolled
in JK and SK. On Wednesday afternoons school ends at 12:00 p.m.; programs
begin at this time until 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday
Afternoon Fees: |
September to December
January to March
April to June |
$242.00
$242.00
$242.00 |
Admissions Policy
Application to the Institute of Child
Study can be made any time after the child is born. Submission of an
application does not guarantee admission, only a place on the waiting list.
The Laboratory School Admissions Committee will meet in January or February
of each year to consider the ten boys and ten girls who will be admitted
to the Nursery School Program in September. All applicants will remain
on the waiting list until they are either offered a space or decline to
enrol. If a space subsequently becomes available for a new student in a
class from the Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6, it will be offered to an
eligible student on the list.
Places on the waiting list will be determined
on an equitable basis. The Institute Laboratory School has several criteria
for balanced classrooms. The criteria for selection include:
-
It is the policy of the Institute Laboratory
School to encourage the enrolment of siblings.
-
It is a policy of the Institute Laboratory School
to comprise classes so as to represent the aboriginal and multiethnic dimensions
of the Toronto community.
-
Admission of students from JK to Grade 6 will
be determined according to the best interests of the child and the class.
-
Preference will be given to children of employees
of the Institute of Child Study.
There is no fee for submitting an application.
The Admissions Committee of the school will
review admission policy annually.
It must be noted that attendance in the Lab
School in no way gives any child preferential treatment for entrance into
the University of Toronto Schools (UTS). In fact, it is the policy of this
school to prepare children to continue their education in a wide variety
of secondary school settings.
Application
forms can be printed out and returned to the Institute of Child Study
Laboratory School.
Field Trips
Field trips are an integral part of the
program. From the fire station to the Science Centre, from city parks to
wilderness areas, from historical sites to other cities, trips enrich experience
and stimulate learning. Adults and children share a common base from which
to explore, discover, and learn.
After School Daycare
A licensed daycare is available to children
enrolled in the school from Nursery to Grade 6. It is open Monday to Friday,
throughout the school year, from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. A snack is provided
every day as well as crafts, games, films, and time to play outside. Occasional
daycare is available. Please refer to School Fees, 2000-2001
for a complete list of current fees.
Wednesday Afternoon Program
The Wednesday Afternoon Program offers
enrichment programs for children following the noon dismissal each Wednesday.
It is organized and supported by parent volunteers who investigate and
coordinate stimulating programs with qualified instructors. Sports programs
are always available, and may include skating, skiing, hockey, tennis,
baseball, and track and field. Art and drama courses are also popular.
The Parents' Association
A major role of the Parents' Association
is to work with teacher and other ICS staff to maintain healthy communication
between families and the Lab School. The President of the ICS Parents'
Association, September 1999-June 2001, is Ariella Damelin.
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