Balancing Screen Time: Our Technology and Media Policy at Ideal Daycare
Dec 11, 2025
In a world so dominated by digital devices, it is important to find the right balance for your child's development. At Ideal Daycare & After School Care, our mission is to act as an extension of your family. As a "second home," we ensure your child grows in an atmosphere of trust, respect, and safety. To ensure that your child reaches their full potential emotionally, intellectually, and physically, we have established a strict Technology and Media Policy for our licensed childcare in Millwoods, Edmonton.
A Thoughtful Approach to Screen Time
We believe that early childhood should be filled with creative and constructive activities rather than passive consumption. Therefore, we intentionally limit the use of technology, such as movies and computers, within our daily routines.
Age-Appropriate Technology Guidelines
Our policy is tailored to the developmental needs of different age groups:
- Infants (0 to 18 Months): To support healthy brain development and foster social interaction, children under two years are not allowed to watch television.
- Preschoolers (3-6 Years): For our older children, media use is restricted to limited timeframes. Content must be knowledgeable, educational, and directly related to the weekly theme.
- Content Control: Every movie or digital programme is pre-viewed by the Director before being presented to the children to ensure it aligns with our high standards of quality care.
Active Supervision and Alternative Play
Technology at our centre is never used as a "babysitter". Whenever films or videotapes are shown, a staff member always watches alongside the children. Similarly, when a child uses a computer, an educator continuously monitors their activity to ensure a safe digital environment.
We also recognize that not all children want to engage with screens. However, when technology is in use, we ensure alternative activities are offered and set up for children who are not interested, ensuring everyone remains engaged in meaningful play.
Managing Electronics for After-School Care
For families engaged in our after-school care in Millwoods, we have specific guidelines regarding personal electronic devices like DS or Game Boys.
- The Thursday Rule: Personal gaming devices are only permitted on Thursday afternoons for a period that does not exceed 60 minutes.
- Storage and Safety: Children are not allowed to have electronic devices on their person at any other time; these items must remain in their backpacks. We strongly recommend that families not send these items to school or daycare, as the centre cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen items.
- Access to Communication: Rest assured, if your child needs to know the time or call a parent, our staff ensure they have full access to a clock and the centre's telephone.
Privacy, Respect, and Digital Safety
Maintaining the privacy and dignity of every child is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We teach our school-age children that:
- Inappropriate Language: Negative comments or inappropriate messages sent via digital devices are strictly prohibited.
- No Recording: Children are reminded not to take pictures, videotape, or record conversations on cell phones or gaming devices while at the centre.
- Social Media Integrity: Our staff follow a rigorous social media policy to ensure that no identifying information or photos of children are posted online without informed parental consent.
By implementing such screen time limits for children in Edmonton, we ensure that technology remains a tool for learning rather than a distraction from the vital social and physical play your child requires to grow and thrive.