Frequently Asked Questions & Dates

 

What are the dates that your facility will be closed?

• Labour Day: September 5, 2022 

• Thanksgiving: October 10, 2022 

• Remembrance Day: November 11, 2022 

• Christmas Break: December 16 - January 2, 2021

• Family Day: February 20, 2023

• Spring Break: March 27-31, 2023

• Good Friday: April 7, 2023

• Easter Monday: April 10, 2023

• Victoria Day: May 22, 2023

• Canada Day: July 3, 2023

• BC Day: August 7, 2023

• Summer Break: August 28 - September 4, 2023

• Labour Day; September 4, 2023

• Thanksgiving: October 9, 2023

• Remembrance Day: November 11, 2023 

• Christmas Break: December 18 - January 2, 2023

• Parents are urged to seek alternative childcare arrangements.

• Fees for these months will remain the same as the other months.

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Is there a deposit required upon registration?

Yes. We require a deposit with your child’s registration.

If you wish to withdraw your child, you must provide us with a one month’s notice, on the 1st day of the month (for example: Jan 1st – notice given; Jan 31st – last day, and deposit given).

If appropriate notice is given, the deposit will be put towards your last month's fees.

 

Do you accept children on subsidy?

Yes, we will accept children on subsidy. All the information and forms can be located on our website under registration. If your subsidy payment has not gone through, you are required to cover these fees until the subsidy payment has been processed. It will be the parent’s responsibility to follow up with subsidy.

 

Can I create my own schedule if my child is enrolled part-time?

We will try our best to accommodate your schedule; however, it will depend on the availability of each day. Once your child’s schedule is finalized, there will be no alterations permitted, unless there is room in the schedule at the time. If your child is sick or on vacation, we do not allow make up days. If you would like to add an additional day, please let us know and we will work with you to find an opening. If you would like to decrease the amount of days your child attends the daycare, we require a one month’s written notice on the first of the month.

 

To reserve a spot for September do I need to enroll my child throughout the summer?

Yes. Your child must be registered in the summer to reserve a spot for September. Gillybird Nature Daycare runs year round and carries the same expenses and fixed costs during all seasons.

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If we are planning a month long vacation, do we still have to pay daycare fees for that month to keep our spot?

Yes, we will not be able to reserve a spot for your child without receiving payment. If you are unable to pay, you must re-register upon your return if there are open spots available.

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What do I need to pack for my child’s first day?

• Diapers/pull-ups* Wipes*

• Extra clothing

• Blanket if your child takes naps*

• Lunch (please note: the daycare will provide 1 snack for each child everyday)

• Inside & outside shoes (include boots and slippers if rainy season)

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How do I prepare my child for all types of weather?

• Snowy Day 

  • Jacket and Snow pants or warm layers under a Muddy Buddy

  • Toque

  • Mittens

  • Winter boots

• Rainy Day

  • Rain boots

  • Muddy Buddy

• Sunny day

  • Sunscreen lotion

  • Hat

  • No flip-flops

 

Can my child bring toys from home?

We have a variety of toys for children to play with. We teach children the importance of sharing with one another. For this reason, we generally advise parents to not provide kids with toys from home to bring to the daycare. However, we understand that some toys may provide comfort for children. Therefore, if children have a special toy which helps them sleep, we can hold on to the toy, or keep it within the child’s backpack until nap time, where they can sleep with their special toy.

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Does my child have to take a nap?

No, your child does not have to sleep, but all children are required to rest their bodies for 30 minutes while we help the ones who do sleep, get to sleep. While other children are napping, we will provide a quiet playtime area for your child.

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What if my child is not potty-trained?

We require children at our preschool aged centres to be toilet trained, or very close to. We understand that accidents happen, but due to the 1:8 ratio of educator to children, we do not have enough staff to be diapering multiple children, multiple times a day. Our Infant Toddler centres, of course, do not require your child to be toilet trained, and children transitioning from IT care to preschool care, will be supported as they learn.

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What is your discipline policy?

Please find our rules about guidance under the Parents tab 

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If my child is sick, can they still come to daycare?

If your child has any of the following symptoms please keep your child at home: Fever (37.5C/99.5F) Diarrhea or loose stool Nausea or vomiting Infected skin or discharge from eyes Aside from these visible symptoms, please use your discretion before sending your child to our daycare. PLEASE SEE COVID POLICY

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Is there a fee for late pick-up?

Yes. There will be a late fee after 5:00pm when our centres close. We will charge $15.00 between 5:00 – 5:10pm. For every additional minute after 5:10pm we will charge $1.00. This money will go directly to the staff member that is on shift.

 

Does your facility provide an opportunity for show and tell?

Every week, each child will have the opportunity to present a toy or object which means a lot to them, in front of the rest of their classmates. Each child will be provided with a set day. Upon registration, parents will be provided with more details regarding show & tell which includes their child’s presentation day.

 

Are children required to be vaccinated?

Yes. Our employees and all children in our care must have up to date vaccinations to prevent the spread of communicable disease. We do not include the flu shot in the list of mandatory vaccinations.