Activity 3.2 | Policies and Procedures

A policy is a formal statement rule that staff or families must follow. A procedure tells staff and or families of how to carry out or implement a policy. This means that policy is the "what" and the procedure is the "how to".

When considering your policies and procedure manuals, think of it as policies written as statements or “rules”. Procedures are written as instructions on how to carry out that policy. When writing policies and procedures for childcare, several critical considerations ensure they are effective, clear, and aligned with best practices and regulatory requirements. 

You will require policy books for both families and staffing. It is important to ensure that these are aligned. Although polices are there to support the work being done, how might we be flexible when our work asks this of us? What happens when it makes good sense for polices to be broken?  Licensing regulations in B.C. require specific policies, how do we ensure that they are meeting the standards, but also be flexible to the changing and complex needs of children and families? Seek more information at your local licensing branch to ensure you have all required policies.