Choosing child care is one of the first — and most important — parenting decisions you’ll have to make. We want to help you take the guess work out of finding childcare!
How do I support my child’s transition to playschool? Each child is different: some children adjust quickly, while others take several weeks to become comfortable. We will do everything we can to make your child’s transition to the program a positive one.
Can my child meet the teachers before classes start?
Yes! We host an annual open house prior to playschool beginning. This is a great opportunity to see the classroom and meet the teachers. We also have a classroom orientation for you to become familiar with the playschool and the teachers. You may also contact us at any time throughout the year to explore joining our classes.
What if my child is not potty trained?
Children must be toilet trained and independent in the washroom to attend. Our operating policy does not permit for us to accept children in diapers. However, special circumstances may be considered on an individual basis in the event of a health condition. These special circumstances require approval by the teachers and playschool executive and our licensing authority.
What if my children has a toileting accident?
In the event a child pees their pants, they will be given a change of clothing, and guided through the process of changing their clothes. Clothing will be put into a bag and placed in the child's locker for parents to take home. In the event of a poop catastrophe, parents may be called to attend to their child. Teachers are NOT permitted to attend the child beyond the point of guiding them to remove the soiled clothing and wait with them until parents arrive. Recurring and regular accidents may require the child to be removed from the program until they can reliably use the bathroom independently.
How old does my child have to be?
We have programs for 3-4 year old and 4-5 year old children and for those already in Kindergarten. Children must be 3 years of age prior to beginning any program and be fully potty trained.
What is your teacher/student ratio?
Each class are capped at 30 students. Each class has its own staff of two teachers and one assistant. We also host practicum students. Our teacher/student ratios always exceed the requirements set out in the Child Care Act to ensure we are meeting the needs of all the children.
Do you participate in field trips?
We do!! We love our community and enjoy participating in field trips that are age appropriate. We alternate our field trips to ensure that our experiences are fresh for each group of children. Speak to us about our planned field trips and volunteer opportunities. In the event we are unable to secure parent volunteers for some field trips, we may cancel for safety concerns.
Do I have to fundraise?
Our playschool is funded by tuition. There is no fundraising required.
What if my child cries at drop off?
It's absolutely normal for children to be sad to say goodbye to their parents. Most children are ready to play and have fun after a few minutes in the classroom (and perhaps a few hugs from the teachers). If you have questions about separation anxiety, please speak with the teachers. They will be happy to provide suggestions, and give you updates on your child's progress.
What if my child is sick?
If your child is exhibiting illness please do not send him/her to school. We request that you phone, email or text us to alert us of the absence. If you are unsure if the illness policy applies, please refer to the parent handbook provided at orientation.
What should I send my child to school with?
Please pack a backpack with a healthy snack and a water bottle. Children attending the full day program should bring at least 2 substantial snacks and a healthy lunch. A microwave is available and staff will assist with heating a meal for your child. We ask that you provide a change of clothes clearly marked with your child's name for them to access in the event of a spill or accident to be left at school . Please provide a pair of non marking shoes for playschool to be kept in their locker. Also, remember to dress your child for the weather.
What is the primary source of communication with teachers and parents?
We use the Brightwheel app to communicate with parents and share important documents such as our monthly newsletter.
How often are toys and children's items cleaned?
All of our play items, furniture and dress up items are washed and cleaned or sprayed with a germicide and disinfectant every day. All high touch areas are cleaned daily. In the event that an item is contaminated during class time, it is removed from the play area until it can be cleaned.
Does the playschool provide snacks?
Children must bring their own snacks each school day (unless otherwise noted). The snack should be suited to your child's appetite and nutritious. We are a peanut free facility. Juice or sport drinks are not permitted.
How much notice do I have to provide to withdraw?
Families must provide 30 days notice to withdraw from our program or be responsible for one month additional tuition.
What is the inclement weather policy?
We follow school closures for inclement weather in conjunction with the Wolf Creek School Division. Of course we request that all our families use their own guidelines for safe travel when inclement weather may occur and road conditions are unclear. Make up days are not offered for snow days.
What about extended school closures?
We follow the Wolf Creek School Division calendar for all extended school closures and holidays. These closures are calculated and reflected in the cost of our tuition.
Do you go out and walk around the community to go to playgrounds?
We have a huge green space just outside our door and a school playground within one block that we have access to. We have arranged to use the facilities should a child require a bathroom while we are at the playground. In order to ensure the safety of all the children in our program and to ensure the best experience, we stay within the immediate area of our program, unless on a planned field trip when we have lots of additional help to ensure the safety of all our students..
What is your policy on parents attending/stopping in?
We have an open door policy and invite parents to stop in anytime they wish. Should you arrive and the door is locked, we may be at the park, in the gym or in the green space but feel free to come visit us there too!
Will my child go outside every day? Yes, we typically go outside each day. Please make sure your child comes to school with clothing for outdoor play. Talk to your child’s room staff if you are unsure about what clothing she or he needs. When the outside temperature is colder than -15 °C, we stay inside and arrange other play experiences. In the summer, we tend not to go out between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., when the UV index is at its highest.
What guides our curriculum? We believe in these principles and practices:
• treating each child as a unique individual
• organizing programming that provides children with opportunities that enable them to grow to their full potential
• providing a play-based approach to learning that establishes a foundation of early for early learning
• helping children develop a strong sense of self, social skills and a sense of awe in discovering the world around them.
Are there regular licensing visits? The playschool is inspected by Alberta Children’s Services up to 3 times per year. Inspection reports are located on the parent board in the foyer for anyone to review.
What is your child guidance policy? Our guidance policy is set up to ensure that each child is treated with respect and dignity with consistent and appropriate role modelling and direction. At all times positive and appropriate strategies will be used to re-direct the child and to assist with the age appropriated assistance to resolve the problem. Should behavioral issues become a problem, a meeting with parents may be arranged to discuss other strategies.
Will you give my child medication if required? No sorry. APS staff are not permitted to administer any type of medication.
My child has allergies what do I need to do? We keep a record of allergies in the child’s file including a Medical Alert Sheet. If your child may need emergency treatment (Epi-pen, antihistamines, inhaler, etc.) we require you to provide a doctor’s note and fill out medication forms for special circumstances.
If you have a question that is not answered on this page or would like more information please contact us.
How do I support my child’s transition to playschool? Each child is different: some children adjust quickly, while others take several weeks to become comfortable. We will do everything we can to make your child’s transition to the program a positive one.
Can my child meet the teachers before classes start?
Yes! We host an annual open house prior to playschool beginning. This is a great opportunity to see the classroom and meet the teachers. We also have a classroom orientation for you to become familiar with the playschool and the teachers. You may also contact us at any time throughout the year to explore joining our classes.
What if my child is not potty trained?
Children must be toilet trained and independent in the washroom to attend. Our operating policy does not permit for us to accept children in diapers. However, special circumstances may be considered on an individual basis in the event of a health condition. These special circumstances require approval by the teachers and playschool executive and our licensing authority.
What if my children has a toileting accident?
In the event a child pees their pants, they will be given a change of clothing, and guided through the process of changing their clothes. Clothing will be put into a bag and placed in the child's locker for parents to take home. In the event of a poop catastrophe, parents may be called to attend to their child. Teachers are NOT permitted to attend the child beyond the point of guiding them to remove the soiled clothing and wait with them until parents arrive. Recurring and regular accidents may require the child to be removed from the program until they can reliably use the bathroom independently.
How old does my child have to be?
We have programs for 3-4 year old and 4-5 year old children and for those already in Kindergarten. Children must be 3 years of age prior to beginning any program and be fully potty trained.
What is your teacher/student ratio?
Each class are capped at 30 students. Each class has its own staff of two teachers and one assistant. We also host practicum students. Our teacher/student ratios always exceed the requirements set out in the Child Care Act to ensure we are meeting the needs of all the children.
Do you participate in field trips?
We do!! We love our community and enjoy participating in field trips that are age appropriate. We alternate our field trips to ensure that our experiences are fresh for each group of children. Speak to us about our planned field trips and volunteer opportunities. In the event we are unable to secure parent volunteers for some field trips, we may cancel for safety concerns.
Do I have to fundraise?
Our playschool is funded by tuition. There is no fundraising required.
What if my child cries at drop off?
It's absolutely normal for children to be sad to say goodbye to their parents. Most children are ready to play and have fun after a few minutes in the classroom (and perhaps a few hugs from the teachers). If you have questions about separation anxiety, please speak with the teachers. They will be happy to provide suggestions, and give you updates on your child's progress.
What if my child is sick?
If your child is exhibiting illness please do not send him/her to school. We request that you phone, email or text us to alert us of the absence. If you are unsure if the illness policy applies, please refer to the parent handbook provided at orientation.
What should I send my child to school with?
Please pack a backpack with a healthy snack and a water bottle. Children attending the full day program should bring at least 2 substantial snacks and a healthy lunch. A microwave is available and staff will assist with heating a meal for your child. We ask that you provide a change of clothes clearly marked with your child's name for them to access in the event of a spill or accident to be left at school . Please provide a pair of non marking shoes for playschool to be kept in their locker. Also, remember to dress your child for the weather.
What is the primary source of communication with teachers and parents?
We use the Brightwheel app to communicate with parents and share important documents such as our monthly newsletter.
How often are toys and children's items cleaned?
All of our play items, furniture and dress up items are washed and cleaned or sprayed with a germicide and disinfectant every day. All high touch areas are cleaned daily. In the event that an item is contaminated during class time, it is removed from the play area until it can be cleaned.
Does the playschool provide snacks?
Children must bring their own snacks each school day (unless otherwise noted). The snack should be suited to your child's appetite and nutritious. We are a peanut free facility. Juice or sport drinks are not permitted.
How much notice do I have to provide to withdraw?
Families must provide 30 days notice to withdraw from our program or be responsible for one month additional tuition.
What is the inclement weather policy?
We follow school closures for inclement weather in conjunction with the Wolf Creek School Division. Of course we request that all our families use their own guidelines for safe travel when inclement weather may occur and road conditions are unclear. Make up days are not offered for snow days.
What about extended school closures?
We follow the Wolf Creek School Division calendar for all extended school closures and holidays. These closures are calculated and reflected in the cost of our tuition.
Do you go out and walk around the community to go to playgrounds?
We have a huge green space just outside our door and a school playground within one block that we have access to. We have arranged to use the facilities should a child require a bathroom while we are at the playground. In order to ensure the safety of all the children in our program and to ensure the best experience, we stay within the immediate area of our program, unless on a planned field trip when we have lots of additional help to ensure the safety of all our students..
What is your policy on parents attending/stopping in?
We have an open door policy and invite parents to stop in anytime they wish. Should you arrive and the door is locked, we may be at the park, in the gym or in the green space but feel free to come visit us there too!
Will my child go outside every day? Yes, we typically go outside each day. Please make sure your child comes to school with clothing for outdoor play. Talk to your child’s room staff if you are unsure about what clothing she or he needs. When the outside temperature is colder than -15 °C, we stay inside and arrange other play experiences. In the summer, we tend not to go out between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., when the UV index is at its highest.
What guides our curriculum? We believe in these principles and practices:
• treating each child as a unique individual
• organizing programming that provides children with opportunities that enable them to grow to their full potential
• providing a play-based approach to learning that establishes a foundation of early for early learning
• helping children develop a strong sense of self, social skills and a sense of awe in discovering the world around them.
Are there regular licensing visits? The playschool is inspected by Alberta Children’s Services up to 3 times per year. Inspection reports are located on the parent board in the foyer for anyone to review.
What is your child guidance policy? Our guidance policy is set up to ensure that each child is treated with respect and dignity with consistent and appropriate role modelling and direction. At all times positive and appropriate strategies will be used to re-direct the child and to assist with the age appropriated assistance to resolve the problem. Should behavioral issues become a problem, a meeting with parents may be arranged to discuss other strategies.
Will you give my child medication if required? No sorry. APS staff are not permitted to administer any type of medication.
My child has allergies what do I need to do? We keep a record of allergies in the child’s file including a Medical Alert Sheet. If your child may need emergency treatment (Epi-pen, antihistamines, inhaler, etc.) we require you to provide a doctor’s note and fill out medication forms for special circumstances.
If you have a question that is not answered on this page or would like more information please contact us.