• What are your staff qualifications?
• What types of food do you serve the children?
• What if my child doesn't like the food?
• The last center my child went to, she ruined her clothes with paint!
• Will my child learn alphabet and numbers?
• Will someone dress my child for outside play?
• I can't afford regulated childcare, I am only a student.
• My child really doesn't need to be in a childcare facility, can I just register for one day per week?

What are your staff qualifications?

All personnel for Little People's Workshops hold university degrees or diplomas in either Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, or Psychology. Many personnel have a combination of these credentials.

What types of food do you serve the children?

Our menus are carefully planned following Canada's food guide and allowing for the children's favourites. An a.m and p.m snack is provided, as well as a hot lunch. Menus are available to families at orientation.

What if my child doesn't like the food?

We encourage children to try new foods, especially vegetables. If we continue to see a child not eating, we will advise the parents so they may send an alternative to coincide with the item on the menu that the child doesn't like. * Foods that are brought into the center must be free of nuts. All of our facilities are "Peanut Aware".

The last center my child went to, she ruined her clothes with paint!

We encourage children to use painting smocks in the painting area and plastic aprons in the water play but sometimes, that just doesn't work. Dress your child in comfortable, movable clothing, and ensure that there is a complete change in their bag (including socks). Their full day involves active and messy play. Save the special items for special days.

Will my child learn alphabet and numbers?

Kindergarten Readiness involves a number of developmental milestones. Socially, the child must learn to share, take turns, and work with others. Alphabet and numbers is one tiny portion of developmental progress, and at our centers, it is taught with environmental print (labeling, bulletin boards, flow charts), story telling and retelling. We do not force children to acquire alphabet and numbers using the rote method, but rather attempt to introduce them in a variety of means. Most children will have acquired this knowledge prior to Kindergarten. Some children will acquire it in Kindergarten. It is not the most important milestone for school preparation. We want the children to enjoy acquiring knowledge. The love of learning is very important.

Will someone dress my child for outside play?

It takes us a long time to go outside in the winter. Self-help skills are important accomplishments for children. We take lots of time and when the children run into real difficulty, we help. But, it is quite amazing what they can do for themselves with time.

I can't afford regulated childcare, I am only a student.

For those client families who are students, single-working parents, or low-income earners, our Provincial Government's Department of Health and Community Services, Childcare Subsidy Division is there to help. Please see your respective Director for an information package on this program. There are certain criteria that must be met to be accepted for this program. The Director of the center will have that information for you.

My child really doesn't need to be in a childcare facility, can I just register for one day per week?

Program scheduling offers great flexibility. However, one day per week is a continuous adjustment period for a small child. Children's best option for part time enrichment programming is 3 half days per week, or minimally 2 half days. Children attending as infrequently as one day per week are under continuous stress as they try to establish their place in their learning area and in their group. Optimal programming for enrichment is during the morning sessions.