Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between daycare and preschool?

This question is asked so often, and there is so much confusion surrounding it, that we have dedicated an entire page to it. You can read about it here: The Difference Between Daycare & Preschool.

Are you licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act?

Yes we are. Our licenses are visibly displayed outside our classrooms as per regulation.

If you are licensed, can I see a copy or your most recent inspection report? Is your program currently under investigation by the local health authority?

Our Centres have never gone under any kind of non-routine investigation. All of our inspection reports are available to parents if they are so inclined to view them.

Are you registered with the local Child Care Resource and Referral program?

Yes, you can find us listed with the West Coast Childcare Resource and Referral service, as well as with the provincial government's childcare department.

How many children do you care for?

Currently, our programs provide care for nearly 60 families. Please speak with an individual program manager for numbers from a specific program or class.

What ages are the children in your care?

The ages range from 2.5 years to elementary school ages. You can see details about ages in our different programs on the programs page.

What are your hours of operation? What days are you closed?

Our Hours of operation are from 7:30am, to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday (with care available outside of those hours at some special events throughout the school year..

What are your fees? What is your refund policy?

Our fees are listed here. All tuition fees are non-refundable; Please be sure about your living/working arrangements and other important factors before investing in your child's education at the Academy.

What child care experience/training do you (or any other care providers) have?

As diploma-holding Early Childhood Educators, our staff members have had the chance to be observed by long time professionals in the field and also apply their academic skills in real Child Care environments during their practicums. In addition to their professional qualifications, our current staff have spent most of their working and personal lives with children from a young age as babysitters, nannies, and daycare and preschool workers. Our staff continually work to extend their education and improve their knowledge by attending workshops and traveling abroad learning about different child care philosophies.

Do you accept children who require extra support? Why/why not?

Yes, however we require a support person to be with the child at all times; a service sometimes provided at no charge by the provincial government. We have limited staff trained for special needs, and we feel that our staff's focus should be maximizing the benefits that they can bestow onto children as per their education and experience.

Are you willing to adapt your program to meet the needs of a child who requires extra support?

Though our policy is not to take on children with extra support needs without a support person, we have in the past discovered special needs situations after enrollment. In these circumstances we do everything we can to support the child. This usually involves bringing in a community health nurse to observe and discuss options with the parents. We will never abandon a child on the basis of special needs.

Does your program have any special features?

Each of our programs offers unique and exceptional features to its families. Most programs offer a fully integrated meal program, making sure your child is provided fresh, nutritious meals three times daily (for full day programs). In addition, we offer many options for customising the amount of academic and physical stimulation your child receives in our program through programs like Kindergarten Club. We also offer extracurricular activities in the form of lessons, sports teams, and arts programs. Please view the curriculum page for more details.

What do you do with the children over a typical day/week?

This can vary widely depending on your child's age, the program you choose, and which extracurricular activities your child is enrolled in. Please speak with the manager in your program to learn more about the specific activities at that Centre. You can see a list of some of our more common activities on the curriculum page

Can you give me at least two references, preferably of parents whose children attend your child care setting?

Certainly, of course we wouldn't post family contact information here on the website, so feel free to come in and ask for this kind of reference.

Who supplies blankets/meals/snacks – parent or provider?

Our programs are all inclusive. We will provide your child with anything he or she needs during the day including bedding, extra clothes in case of accidents, food, and more. The only thing we ask parents to provide are diapers if your child is still learning about toileting.

What are the arrangements for when you (or other care providers) are ill, on holiday, or in case of emergency? Do you encourage parent involvement? Can I visit whenever I wish?

Since emergency policies are in depth and important, it is best that you read about them in our Policies and Procedures Manual

Does anyone in your child care setting smoke? (Note: Smoking is not permitted on the premises of licensed facilities when children are present).

No. Though we feel that everyone can make their own choices, our centre's philosophy on smoking is that it has no business in the 21st century.

When can I come visit your center? Can I bring my child?

We welcome families anytime during the day, but you may wish to call ahead of time in case we are on a field trip or neighborhood walk. You are welcome to bring your child with you to play in the centre as long as you are present.

Do you have a space available?

Our programs tend to be in high demand, and spaces are somewhat limited. If you apply for a space, you will automatically be added to the wait list and if there is currently a space available you will receive it. You may wish to contact us prior to applying and confirm whether or not there is a current space available before applying.

Is there a waiting list? How long is the waiting list?

There is a waiting list and it's length varies widely. There are sometimes situations in which nobody on the waiting list is currently eligible for enrollment, so do not be discouraged about applying for a space because of the waiting list.


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