Questions and Answers

1.  Do you have access to back up childcare?

Most of my appointments are made during the evening or on weekends to ensure that I inconvenience my daycare families the least amount as possible. In the event of illness or family emergency my husband is my alternate childcare provider.  However there may be times when he is unable to provide back up childcare.  If a daycare family does not have their own alternate childcare plans, I have local network caregivers who are familiar with the children, as we see them on a regular basis, who are willing to provide childcare in my absence.  It is the parent's responsibility to secure alternate childcare in the event that it is needed.

 

                    

 

2.  Do you accept part time or occasional childcare into care?

Yes, children who require part time or occasional childcare are accepted when there is space available.  Part time tuition requirements are set at the same rate as a full time family, unless negotiated in advance.

 

                    

 

3.  Do you provide receipts?

Yes, I provide annual receipts for taxation purposes.

 

                    

 

4.  Are there additional costs involved in childcare?

Yes, there will be additional programming fees that are not included in your tuition.  These additional programming fees include field trips  and children's events through the CCPRN.

 

During the winter months we try and have a music and movement teacher attend daycare. This year we are having Dianne Smith from Music for the Young.  The fee for music lessons is $5 every 2 weeks from November to March.

 

                    

 

5.  Do you take annual holidays?

Yes, daycare is closed during the week between Christmas and New Years and 2 weeks in the summer. 

 

                    

 

6.  What is your behaviour management policy?

My behaviour management policy begins with respect for people, animals, and property. Children and adults are encouraged to express their feelings, thoughts, and actions in a positive and respectful manner.  When children do behave in a disrespectful way, I first remind them of appropriate behaviour, encourage language development, and model appropriate behaviour.  If further intervention is required the child is separated from the group until he or she is able to rejoin the group in a positive and productive manner.

 

My object to behaviour management is to provide disciplinary practices which are appropriate to the child's actions and developmental level which will promote self-discipline, health, safety. and respect.

 

                    

 

7.  Are parents permitted to be involved in daycare?

Parental involvement is encouraged and welcomed.  It is encouraged that parents attend field trips or special events when they can. It is my belief that a healthy relationship between family and daycare is the backbone to a happy, healthy, and secure child.

 

                    

 

8.  What are parents responsible for supplying?

summer:  hat, swimsuit, towel, crock (or crock like sandals), little swimmers, sun screen, and bug spray (optional)

Winter: weather appropriate outerwear and footwear

All year:  spare set of clothes, diapers, diaper wipes, diaper cream,

Special:  a special treat on your child's birthday

 

                    

 

9.  Do you have a nut free home?

No, the daycare and my home are not a nut free environment.  With that being said I do not serve peanut/nut products to the children in care who are under 2 years of age.

 

                    

 

10.  Will you accept children with asthma or allergies?

Yes!  I have 2 children of my own who have environmental allergies and asthma.  I request that parents provide their allergy medication/Benadryl, emergency inhaler and if possible mask that I am able to keep with me at all times your child is present.  *exception* I am not equipped to accept children with nut allergies. 

 

                    

 

11.  Do you have a sick policy?

Yes!  I have a sick policy :)  There are some exceptions but in general I follow the Ottawa Public Health units guidelines for Childcare Centers and Schools.  The general rule of thumb is the child needs to be well enough to participate in our activities.  There is a specific sick policy provided in your handbook outlining the sick policy in more detail.

 

                    

 

12.  What happens when you are sick?

In general, I am a healthy caregiver and don't get sick too often.  With the assistance of my family providing back up care I have only had to take 4 days off in almost 15 years of daycare.  I do have 5 sick days per annum if it is needed.  I do not take my sick days just because they are there and available.  In the event that I am too ill to provide childcare and  my husband is unavailable families notified by 6:30/7am.  I plan most of my appointments in the evenings and weekends reducing the amount of time daycare is closed.  In lieu of not using my sick days unless absolutely necessary and not using daycare hours for appointments, I do plan 5 personal days off through the year, generally between the months of April - June.  I provide on average of 4 - 6 months notice for these days off.