How does the Children’s Academy use the Montessori Method?
At Children’s Academy, we use the Montessori method in a child-centered approach to learning. The Montessori Method is based on observations of the children, using their natural strengths and interests. The student is capable of working in a supportive learning environment that revolves around their current interests. Those interests are integrated into the subject matter of the daycare curriculum.
Children’s Academy uses the Reggio approach- what is this?
Our daycare uses the Reggio Approach, which is a form of self-guided learning. It uses self-directed experiential learning where students can create relationships with their immediate environment. With the Reggio method, children can access educational materials with greater ease. This encourages their inspiration and helps them direct their learning.
Are the staff at the Children’s Academy Certified?
The safety of your children is paramount to us. All staff at the Children’s Academy are fully trained in First Aid, ECE (Early Childhood Education), RECE (Registered Early Childhood Educator), OCT (Ontario College of Teachers), or their equivalents. We rigorously screen all our staff with Criminal Record Checks; and vulnerable sector check screenings.
Does your daycare have flexible pick-up and drop-off times?
Yes! Children’s Academy operating hours are extended to allow for flexible pick-up and drop-off times. We provide flexible pick up and drop off between the hours of 6:30 am and 6:30 pm. No matter the age of your infant, toddler, or child, they will be safely supervised until pick-up time.
Does Children’s Academy provide summer camps?
Yes! Our childcare programs at the Children’s Academy include summer camp options for all age ranges. This includes infant and toddler programming, and programming for preschool and primary-age children. We are open to students outside our academy as well.
Does your childcare include report cards or status reports for the children’s progress?
Of course! Children’s Academy child care programming includes reports for all children in all age groups. We use the HiMama app for every child attending our center. This app helps us provide parents with updates throughout the day such as pictures of different activities, meals, toileting, nap times, mood, health and final-day reports. We also provide report summaries for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary school-age children.
What does a child need to prepare in advance for attending the Children’s Academy?
While the Children’s Academy is fully outfitted with educational materials and more, there are a few things we advise parents to bring on the first day. For children in the Infant, toddler or preschool classrooms, families must supply bedding for their children at nap time. If your child is not potty-trained or wears diapers at nap time only, we require the parent to provide diapers, baby wipes, and any lotions they may require.
For every child, in every age group, a water bottle and sunscreen are requested. We also suggest that all students be sent with an extra set of clothing in case of emergencies, messy art classes, or lunches. This will ensure a smooth, hassle-free day of care for your child!
Are meals provided at your daycare? What are your nutrition guidelines?
Yes! Children’s Academy has an in-house chef who prepares all meals in our on-site kitchen. We have a rotating four-week nutrition menu featuring seasonal produce with international flavors- all prepared by our in-house chef. Your child will be provided with a delicious and extra healthy breakfast, lunch, and two-afternoon snacks.
Can my child attend your daycare if they have special dietary or medical needs?
Children’s Academy daycare can accommodate any dietary and medical needs for an infant, toddler, or child, provided that you have discussed the child’s needs with our staff in advance.
Do you schedule naps for the infants and toddlers at your daycare?
Nap times are scheduled for all infant, toddler, and preschool rooms, which are integrated into their daily routines. Children’s Academy infant room can accommodate any sleeping routine. If there are other children with special requirements or instructions for nap time, they can be accommodated by communicating their needs to our staff.
What types of extracurricular activities does Children’s Academy provide for children?
At the Children’s Academy, we love extracurricular programming! Preschool and kindergarten programs are introduced to cooking and fitness classes. All students are given bi-weekly French lessons and weekly Yoga. You can check out our various types of enrichment activities.
Our child-care enrichment programs also include special field trips, such as going to Brooks Farm in the fall.
What kinds of physical fitness and health/wellness activities do you offer at the Children’s Academy?
Fitness and physical health are of major importance to our childcare philosophy. All infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten classes are instructed weekly in yoga and each class level is provided with two hours of active outside time or in our indoor play space, for motor skills developing physical activities.
Our healthy and seasonal menu is created by our in-house chef and includes a rainbow of fresh and healthy options.
Our childcare approach to mental health and wellness is holistic. We pay attention to all the students at our daycare and allow them to take body and sensory breaks when they need them, at any time of the day.
What assistance is on-site in case of any emergency?
All Staff at Children’s Academy are fully trained with First Aid before beginning work with us. Each classroom, from infant to kindergarten is fully equipped with first aid kits, as are our kitchen and office.
My family takes summer vacations – Can my child be absent for a few weeks or months?
Our daycare shifts its programming throughout the summer months. In the summer, we focus on a summer camp curriculum, open to our students and those outside the academy. This programming style means that students will not need to be present every day. You can enjoy your vacation!
Can siblings attend the Children’s Academy together?
Yes! Siblings are welcome to attend our daycare together, however, they will be required to be placed in the appropriate classroom according to their needs. This means if the siblings are in two different age ranges – such as a toddler and kindergartner, then they will need to be in their separate, age-appropriate rooms. You can check out our full list of age-range daycare programs, from infant to kindergarten.
Are there times when your daycare is fully closed?
The Children’s Academy is only closed on statutory holidays and for one Curriculum day before Labor Day long weekend. This day is communicated well in advance, to give parents and caretakers the time to make alternative arrangements for child care.
