Frequently Asked Questions
What are the government regulations for private dayhomes?
Under provincial legislation, private babysitters can care for a maximum of six children under 12 years of age. No more than three children can be under two years of age. These numbers include the operator's own children under the age of 12 years.
(Because I have a 7 year old and an 11 year old of my own, this means that I can currently provide care for
-three under 2 years + 1 older than 2 but younger than 12
-two under 2 + two over 2 and under 12
-one under 2 + three over 2 and under 12
-four over 2 and under 12.
When my son turns 12 in April, I will be able to take on one more over 2 and under 12).
Do you provide before/after school care?
Yes I do, but I don't drive. I will walk to and from Keeler school if necessary.
Do I pay if my child is out sick?
Yes, you are paying for a childcare spot, not on your child's attendance. I charge $50.00 per day for full days (4 hours or more) and $30.00 per day for partial days (under 4 hours).
What kind of payment do you offer?
What do you need? Let's talk about it. I'm flexible as long as I'm being paid what's due me within a reasonable amount of time. :)
Do you provide receipts?
Yes.
What are late fees?
I don't charge late fees. If you are unreasonably late and unaccounted for, Children's Services will be called.
What kind of activities do you do during the day?
See Stuff... for that info.
Do you have police clearance checks done?
Not at the moment, however I am going to have it done as soon as possible (both for myself and for my fiance and 18 year-old son) and they will be available for parents to view as desired.
What about vacations?
Parents:
Please provide me with 1 month notice in advance when you are planning to take vacations. Full fees are be paid regardless if your child attends or not. You are paying for a childcare spot.
Provider:
Provider is entitled to 3 weeks of vacation per year. These weeks may be taken at the same time or different times. 1 to 2 month notice is given. Usually more if I can.
(thanks again, Wiggles-n-Giggles!)
What about allergies?
None of my own children have allergies, so my home is not an allergen-free zone. If your child has allergies, please discuss it with me prior to my beginning to care for your child. I will do my best to accommodate all allergies and sensitivities. Please note that we have a cat and hamsters. The hamsters will be inaccessible to the dayhome children due to the unpredictability of bites, however the cat is a member of the family and will not be kept locked away, although she generally prefers to make herself scarce in the face of noisy children. She is an adult cat and is very mild-mannered and extremely tolerant of kids, but like anyone, she has her limits. Please teach your children to be kind and gentle with animals and our cat will be kind and gentle with your children. :)
