We have daily circle time every morning where we sing songs. We have a letter, color, and animal of the week. We talk about the weather at circle time, etc. Kids participate at their level depending on their age. We also have daily story time every day after lunch and read stories about the holidays at that time of year or our themes. We have a monthly colouring book that I make for each kid instead of a random picture every day. Usually they start participating in craft and colouring time a bit more around 2 years old. We always color, play playdoh, or do crafts before lunch. Our colouring books have themes such as Easter, Christmas, dinosaurs, space, ABC's, Valentine's, Disney, etc. We have lots of free play and try and get outside everyday to play or go for a walk.
How does payment work?
Payment is taken by e-transfer payments that are due on or before the 28th of each month for the following months child care. Each months payments will be your set monthly fees and you will receive a yearly tax receipt in December or your last month of child care for your income tax purposes.
When do you take holidays and how much notice?
My holidays are stat holidays, 2 weeks in the summer (typically last week of July and first week of August), and Christmas through New years. I provide my holidays in August every year for the following year so you will have plenty of notice of dayhome closures. The months while I am closed for holidays you would still pay your regular monthly rates. Any additional days off taken by your family while the dayhome remains open you would pay to hold your spot. If a stat holiday falls on a weekend (Sat/Sun) I will take the following Monday off in lieu of the holiday. My stat holidays include New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, and Christmas.
Sick Policy:
I ask that children that have contagious sicknesses, pink eye, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. stay home until they are better. This prevents it spreading from family to family in the dayhome. I don't mind slight coughs and running noses as that could last for weeks and weeks. You are required to still pay for your spot when your child is ill. I am entitled to five paid personal days each calendar year if myself or my family require that I take a day off due to medical appointments and illness. I always try to book all our families appointments for Fridays whenever possible and have not had to use these days in the past.
Bereavement: Should I unfortunately have a close family member or friend pass away at any time I will close for a paid bereavement day to attend any services for them. If my help is needed in anyway during this time I may close up to three days to make final arrangements for our loved one.
What do I need to supply?
You would need to supply diapers and wipes for non-potty-trained children. In the summer sunscreen. I provide food and drinks (juice, water, and 2% milk). If your child is still on formula, homo milk, or baby food you would need to provide that.
How do you discipline?
I always try redirecting as a first course of action when a child is misbehaving or acting out. If this does not work a child is given a verbal warning about their behaviour followed by a time out should the behaviour continue.
What do I expect of my dayhome families?
I expect you to be respectful of me, my family, and the other families in my care. And me the same to you guys. I expect to be paid on time and not be chasing you around for payment. I expect you drop off and pick up your child on time or phone/text if you are running late. I expect you to bring your child having had breakfast, fully dressed, and night time diaper changed in the mornings. I ask that if your child is ill that you keep them home.
Do you provide bedding for children whom nap?
I have three cribs for nap time for younger toddlers. Older children will have a padded mat with a sheet, blankets and pillows on the floor. The only thing I ask you to provide is a blankee or soother, if your child has a special one that will make them be more comfortable. Currently nap time is noon-2pm.
Are all the kids in your dayhome immunized?
The kids in my care are immunized as are my own children however I don't ask for proof of this so this is taken by word of mouth. Additionally my family and myself have all received the covid-19 vaccine and booster vaccines.
Some Examples of Lunches:
Grill Cheese & Chicken Noodle Soup
Ham & Cheese Sandwiches w/ Carrots & Dip
Hot Dogs in a whole wheat bun w/ Cucumber and Celery
Pasta w/ peas
Pancakes & Breakfast Sausage & Berries
Mini pizzas (made by the kids) w/ Apple Slices
Perogies and Kubasa Sausage w/Corn
Chicken Nuggets & Fries w/ Veggies and Dip
Peanut Butter & Jam Sandwiches, Banana, and Yogurt
Make your own SUB day with lunch meat, cheese, and veggies
Some Examples of Snacks:
Crackers and Cheese w/sausage
Fresh Fruit w/Pudding
Veggies and Dip w/Bear Paws
Popcorn and Chocolate Milk
Cookies and Milk
Muffins and Milk
Fishy Crackers w/ Yogurt
Frozen Yogurt tube w/ Watermelon
Do you have Certification, Education, First Aid, Criminal Record Check, and Child Welfare Checks?
I received my child development assistant level 1 in 2005 from Services for Children dayhome agency. I have my child care first aid up to date and CPR training up to date. I also have a current criminal record check and child welfare check. My husband also has a current criminal record check. I also have a diploma in nutrition, sanitation, culinary arts, and baking from NAIT completed in 2003.