The decision to register your children for childcare is an important one. We have put together a list of the main questions that parents ask when they are researching the best centre for their family needs. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to speak with the Director or Supervisor of the Centre.

What is the process to plan a tour of the centre?
Most people will call or email us through the website ‘check availability’ form to book a date and time for the tour, although we will provide a tour for a drop in client if requested. It is easier and more time can often be spent when an appointment is booked.

What is required to register?
To register, the registration form must be completed in full and the fees for registration and deposit, which can be sent by e-transfer to info@kidszonechildcare.ca. Before the start date a copy of the immunization record is required.

How does the security deposit work?
The security deposit is required at time of registration in the amount of $500 for full-time and $250 for part-time.  Once paid this confirms a spot will be held for your child and is held until the start date of your child. The deposit will be applied toward the first month of fees in the centre. The deposit is required if a spot is to be held, no space is held until the deposit is completed.

What is the ratio for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers?
Infants 3mo to 18 mo 1:3
Toddlers 18mo to 2.5 yrs 1:5
Preschoolers 2.5 yrs to 4 yrs 1:8
Kindergarten 44 mo to 7 yrs 1:10 OR 1:9 – depending on the room.

What would I need to bring for an infant starting?
- Diapers
- Wipes/Diaper Cream
- Blanket
- Sippy Cup
- Extra Clothes
- Bottles
- Formula (if not on homo milk as yet) and infant food if applicable
- Indoor and Outdoor Shoes
- Boots ( Winter)
Note: Please make sure everything is labelled with the child’s name.

What would I need to bring for a toddler or preschooler starting?
- Diapers
- Wipes/ Diaper Cream
- Blanket
- Sippy Cup
- Extra Clothes
- Indoor and Outdoor Shoes
Note: Please make sure everything is labelled with the child’s name.

Will you administer medication if required?
We do administer prescription medication. The parents are responsible for completing the required ‘Medication Authorization Form’ before anything can be given. This form can be found under Forms on the website and filled out at home. Just to note that over the counter medication such as Tylenol cannot be kept at the Centre for more than 3 days. (see parent Manual)

Can you accommodate allergies?
We do accommodate any allergy in the centre. We are a nut free facility and do not allow outside food into the centre. Our Catering company will provide any substitute for the menu item if there is an allergy issue.

Does my child have to go outside?
Yes. The outdoor program is an integral piece of our programming and provides many health benefits for your child. The child is required to go outside as required by the Ministry of Education. If there are extenuating circumstances please speak with the management staff as soon as possible.

Do you have outdoor facilities?
We have 9 playgrounds on site. Two are full rubber ground for the infants. The other 7 are half rubber ground and half asphalt each with their own commercial play structures and each is specific to an age either toddler or preschool. At times in nice weather the older children may also walk to our picnic area in the front of the building or to the park around the corner from the centre.

Do the children have field trips?
Only preschoolers and older will go on bussed field trips. The toddlers will stay at the centre and have special visitors come such as the Easter Bunny, or a magician.

Are there any special events through the year?
There are many special events throughout the year. Some for just the children in the classrooms such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween. However, we do strive to involve the entire family unit in their care by including many full centre events such as multi-cultural day, Mother’s and Father’s Day and Grandparents Day. As well to teach the children the importance of being involved in their community and helping others, we choose events such as food drives, or the shoe box programs for the women’s and children’s programs. All of these initiatives have been greatly successful thanks to our staff and families that participate.

How does my child learn at Kids Zone Childcare Centre? 
Please review the programs and curriculum information on the website for details.

How are the rooms organized?
The rooms are organized in ‘centres’, which means there are different areas of activity in the classroom. For example, there will be crafts, floor play, dramatic play, and cognitive/table equipment. They can choose to explore based on their interests there is no requirement to participate in a specific activity.

Where do they sleep: Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers?
Infants each have their own cribs that they will sleep in at any time needed, and crib sheets are provided and washed at least weekly. The toddlers and Preschoolers will sleep on cots, for which we provide the cot sheets and wash these every week. The blankets for all age groups are provided by the family and will be sent home at the end of the week to be washed.

Do you have a Kindergarten program?
Yes, we have a full day academic Junior and Senior Kindergarten program in our Blue Jay classroom.  Our program goal is to move beyond the learning requirements set out by the Ministry of Education for this age group and at the same time work to the level of each individual child. The children will engage in a curriculum-based program including, science, math, French, music and phonics, as well as a reading and writing program to hone those skills. We provide 2 report cards per year, December and June. Please see the menu under Programming for Kindergarten details.

Is Kindergarten mandatory in the school system?
No. Children are not required to start school until Grade One.

Can my child remain at Kids Zone for Kindergarten?
Yes Kids Zone offers a full Junior and Senior Kindergarten program that exceeds what is offered in the school system.

Why should children attend Kindergarten?
Kindergarten is a wonderful experience for most children. Four and five year-olds are capable of forming strong friendships and are hungry to learn more about the world around them. For many children, who have not been in a group care setting, kindergarten also gives them their first experience functioning in a group setting. In addition to academics, Kindergarten is also a time to learn skills such as listening, following teachers instructions, and working cooperatively and productively in a group setting. All of which will be extremely beneficial in the years to come.

What are my choices for Kindergarten Programs?
Unlike when your child was in preschool there are many more options for parents and children when they reach Kindergarten. Public and separate school boards, private schools, and child care centres all offer Kindergarten programs.

What is the notice that is needed if I need to withdraw my child?
We require a 1 month notice in order to withdraw your child, in writing either in a letter or email to the office at info@kidszonechildcare.ca.

Is there vacation time from the centre without fees while registered?
There is no vacation time from billing for the childcare spot that you are using.

Will I receive an evaluation of my child’s progress?
Yes. Kids Zone will provide you with a written evaluation 2 times per year for every age group. Interviews may be set up with your teacher if the teacher or the parent feels there is a need. Daily communication between parents and educators will make sure that you are always aware of your child’s progress and any potential concerns. Our teachers spend a great deal of time with your child as a low ratio setting, really getting to know them and their capabilities.