Childcare
FAQ
Is there a waiting list for the program?
Our program does have an active waiting list for both our Preschool and Toddler programs. If a spot in one of our programs becomes available, families on our waiting list will be contacted. To add your name to the waiting list, please visit https://regionofwaterloo.onehsn.com/
We can not accept Registration Forms until your child is registered on the Region of Waterloo’s OneList waiting list for our centre.
Please note: You are placing your name on a wait list only. This does not guarantee a spot in our program. A space can only be considered ‘confirmed’ once all paperwork is complete, and a $100.00 Registration fee has been paid.
- Please ensure the accuracy of all submitted information. Should your contact information change, please notify us immediately.
- Priority on the waiting list is given to MGS and Childcare Centre staff and siblings.
Once a spot has been offered to you, you will need to bring in a $100.00 Registration Fee, and complete the enrollment process. An orientation appointment will then be scheduled to go over all policies and procedures.
Do parents have to pay fees for days their child does not attend due to illness or vacation?
Yes, fees are due during all absences, vacations and closures.
What are the ratios of teacher to child in each program?
The Early Childhood Educator to child ratio is set out by the Child Care and Early Years Act and is as follows: Toddler: 1 to 5, Preschool: 1 to 8.
How old must my child be to attend MAC MGS Preschool and Childcare Centre?
Our Toddler Program caters to children 18 months – 2.5 years, and our Preschool Program caters to children 2.5 years – School Age.
What are the qualifications of your staff?
All of our program staff are Registered Early Childhood Educators, meaning they are graduates of the Early Childhood Education Program. All of our staff are also trained in Standard First Aid and CPR.
What curriculum do you practice in your program?
Our program is an emergent program. The RECE uses their observations of the children to create a child focused and interest based program. The RECE’s also incorporate How Does Learning Happen and its four foundations into the program.
How does learning happen?
What items are parents responsible to provide?
- 2 sets of spare clothing that stay at the centre
- Pullups for those in the toilet training process (at least a two week supply)
- Diapers (at least a two week supply)
- Wipes
- Diaper rash cream/Vaseline
- 1 reusable water bottle, labelled with your child’s name
- Blanket, pillow and comfort item for sleep/rest time
- Indoor shoes that stay at the centre in your child’s cubby
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Winter: Hat, mittens, snowpants, neckwarmer, warm jacket, winter boots
- Spring: hat, mittens, splash pants, rubber boots, jacket
- Summer: hat, sunscreen (lotion sunscreen ONLY), outdoor shoes
- Fall: hat, mittens, splash pants, rubber boots, jacket
What is MAC MGS Preschool and Childcare Centre’s Sick Policy?
In the case of a child who has become sick during centre hours, parents will be notified immediately to pick the child up. A child is not to be brought to the school if he or she has any of the following symptoms:- temperature above normal (fever)- or red rashes on their cheeks – or colored discharge from their nose – or has contracted chicken pox or any other communicable disease- or has diarrhea /vomited in the last 24 hours – or if the illness affects them so that they are lethargic and/or uninterested in participating in activities – or if they have lice. Children must be symptom free for a full 24 hours before returning to care after an illness, fever, diarrhea, vomiting or any of the above symptoms. For example; if your child was ill on Monday, or sent home at any point during the day, they would not be allowed to return on Tuesday. If they no longer have symptoms for the full 24 hours, they would return to care on Wednesday.
When does the childcare centre close?
The MAC MGS Preschool and Childcare Centre will be closed on statutory/civic holidays and Eid holidays. Please note that our program will also close due to poor weather conditions; therefore, please check the school website at www.macmaplegrove.com by 7 a.m. We will also be closed in between Christmas and New Years Day.The following are dates when the program will be closed:
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving
- Eid Al Fitr (2 days)
- Eid Al-Adha (2 days)
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Civic Holiday
- 1 Professional Development Day
What are your hours of operation?
The childcare program is open between the hours of 7:30 am and 5:30 pm Monday through Friday during the School year. Ramadan, Christmas Break, March break and during the Summer the childcare centre hours are 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.
