Program Description & Policies

Children between the ages of 9 months and 4 years are welcome.

Childcare hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 5:00pm. No weekends.

Only Shelly Mercer will have supervision of your child(ren) at all times.

Nutritious morning snacks, lunches, and afternoon snacks will be provided. I will need to be informed of any food allergies or special dietary needs.

Parent(s) must give me as much notice as possible if their child will not be coming on their regular day(s). If going away on holiday, parent(s) must provide 1 week notice.

Please provide diapers, wipes, and an extra change of clothes. The supplies can be left at my home, or they can be brought back and forth each day. If they are left with me, they will have your child's name on them and will only be used for your child.

Bright Beginning's Childcare will be closed the on following holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Family Day
  • Good Friday
  • Victoria Day
  • Canada Day
  • Civic Holiday
  • Labour Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day
  • Boxing Day

Rates & Payment Information

  • $44 per day - flat rate
  • $220 per week

Payment is to be made bi-weekly, every other Friday.

Payment can be made by either cash or E-Transfer. I do not accept personal cheques.

Late Pick-up Fee: $5.00 per child for each 5 minute period past 5pm.

Parents are still required to pay for the day if their child does not come (away for 1 or more days). If I have to take the day off or I am on vacation, parents are not required to pay for those days.

Activities

Outdoor Time. I have a large, fully fenced backyard. Specific outdoor activities will be dependent on the age of the child, but will be provided daily as long as the weather allows for it. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.

Walks. Depending on the weather, we will take walks around the neighborhood or to nearby parks. Bathe Park and Eastview Park are within walking distance.

Free Play. Children will have all-day access to a collection of age appropriate, educational, and fun toys, colouring books, reading books, building blocks, etc. If your child wants to bring a toy from home that is fine, but if the toy happens to get lost or broken, Bright Beginnings Childcare is not responsible.

Arts and Crafts. Depending on the age of the children, organized arts and crafts activities will be provided.

Story Time. Literacy rich environment and story time provided. Children will have the ability to join in or leave story time as they see fit.

TV Time. Daily child-appropriate TV time will be provided, depending on the age of the child(ren). TV time will be limited.

Naps. Depending on the child’s schedule at home, I can follow suit so the child stays on the same sleep/nap schedule. This can be decided by the parent(s).

Available for children’s use:

  • High chair
  • Booster seat
  • Potty
  • Playpen
  • Bed guard rail
  • Stroller
  • Blankets
  • Books
  • Toys

Behavioural Management

All children will be disciplined in a positive and consistent manner, and at a level that is appropriate to their ages. Although Bright Beginnings Childcare expects each child to follow the rules, no child will be hit, spanked, belittled, or any type of corporal punishment.

There are various forms of behavioural management that will be used, such as redirection, positive reinforcement, withdrawal of privileges, firm voice, and/or time out.

Children will never be punished for lapses in toilet training, or accidents.

Illness

In order to protect your child(ren), the other children in my care, and my family, if at any time your child is sick or may have a contagious illness, they will have to be removed from my care. The parent(s) will be contacted and asked to pick up their child(ren) immediately. Your child(ren) will have to be kept at home if they have the following conditions (but not limited to):

  • Vomiting or excessive diarrhea
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Impetigo, ringworm or scabies
  • Hepatitis A, measles, mumps, strep throat, or tuberculosis
  • Whooping cough
  • Chicken pox
  • Hair lice

Before returning to Bright Beginnings Childcare, your child must be clear of all symptoms. If there is any uncertainty, the child will be required to obtain a written consent from the doctor, stating the child is in good health and able to be back in daycare.

Injuries & Medical Emergencies

Minor cuts and abrasions suffered while under my supervision will receive proper care immediately. They will be washed with soap or antiseptic and then properly bandaged.

In the case of an emergency, the child will be first priority and will be taken care of immediately. If I have to call 911 and the child has to go to a hospital, I will call the listed emergency contact(s) immediately.

Termination Policy

I reserve the right to terminate for any of the following reasons (but not limited to):

  • Lack of compliance with listed rules and regulations
  • Lack of parental cooperation
  • Failure to complete required forms
  • False information given by the parent either verbally or in writing
  • Consistent late/early arrivals
  • Failure to pay or not paying on time
  • My inability to meet the needs of your child
  • Disrespect to me, my family, or my home
  • Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property

I appreciate as much advanced notice as possible when terminating, and will give the same courtesy in return.

You are required to give two weeks’ notice when you decide to terminate childcare. The two weeks will be paid in full, regardless of whether or not your child is in attendance.

I reserve the right to give the parent(s) notice of immediate termination where there are extreme circumstances that affect the well-being of my family or of other children in attendance. In this situation, the two week’s payment is still required.

Parent(s) may provide two weeks of payment in place of two weeks’ notice.