Our Programs

Getting Started
Registration

How To Register Your Child

Begin the registration process for Rural Roots Children’s Centre by following these easy steps:

1

To register your child (or children) for our wait list, please visit www.thunderbaychildcare.ca to start the application process.

2

Rural Roots Children’s Centre will make the initial contact when space is available for your child.

3

Call the Centre to schedule a tour. Spend time in the program with your child and meet the Executive Director to get answers to any questions you may have.

4

We strongly encouraged a home visit for all new children to the Toddler/Preschool programs. An Educator will contact you to arrange a suitable time. We will also establish a start date.

5

Families may arrange to visit the Centre several times prior to the start date.

6

For children with severe allergies, medical issues and special needs, action plans will be developed in partnership with the family before your child’s start date.

7

Complete the registration package prior to your child’s start date.

Arrival & Pick Up

Children depend on regular routines for their own sense of security; therefore it is recommended that families establish set drop-off and pick-up times. Please advise staff if your child will be picked up earlier or later than usual. When you arrive, assist your child to remove outdoor clothing and footwear and put on indoor shoes. Also, notify staff that your child has arrived and take the opportunity to share events and/or relevant information about your child’s day.

When you pick up your child ensure that a staff member is aware that they are leaving so attendance is marked accordingly. Children will only be released to the individuals indicated on the registration package unless otherwise notified.

Professional Activity Days

Full day childcare is provided on Professional Activity (P. A.) Days. Please sign up in advance.

Inability to Adjust to Group Care

If a child demonstrates difficulty adjusting to a group situation and displays unhappiness by consistently breaking the limits, steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the child, other children, adults or the environment. The Executive Director in partnership with the family and Educators will work toward solutions to support every child in our programs. This may involve utilizing our Resource Consultant and outside agencies such as the Children’s Centre Thunder Bay.

What to Bring

Children may bring appropriate belongings from home. Please ensure that all items are clearly labeled. Toys that encourage aggressive and violent play such as war toys and guns are not permitted. We attempt to keep children’s items and possessions safe; however, we are not responsible for lost or damaged items. 

l

Toddlers/Preschoolers

  • A pair of indoor shoes
  • One or two changes of indoor clothes
  • Appropriate seasonal outerwear (see below)
  • Diapers/wipes
  • Creams/lotions
  • A blanket/cuddly toy 

Kindergarten/School Age

  • A pair of indoor shoes
  • A change of indoor clothing.
  • Appropriate seasonal outerwear (see below)

Appropriate Seasonal Outerwear

  • Winter – Snowsuit, winter boots, two pairs of mittens, hat (without strings)
  • Spring/Fall – Lined jacket with hood or hat (without strings) splash pants, rubber boots
  • Summer – Sun hat, running shoes or closed-toe sandals with heel strap.

Outdoor Play

As outlined in the Child Care Early Years Act, children in attendance for six hours or more are required to have at least two hours of outdoor time (weather permitting).  An outdoor planning web is posted in each program.  We plan activities to enhance the child’s creative, motor and social skills.  Staff inspect the playground and equipment daily for potential hazards.  Playgrounds are also inspected annually by Certified Playground Inspectors.

Centre Events

We plan a variety of special events are planned throughout the year.  All families are welcome to attend.  The goal of these special events is to provide families the opportunities to network with staff and other families from the centre. 

Field Trips

Local field trips are fun for the children and enhance their learning experience.  Throughout the year field trips will be planned for the children; parents/guardians are welcome to volunteer.  Families will be asked to sign a consent form to allow their child attend.  All off-site activities are adequately supervised.  Throughout the year staff will often take children on walks around our community to explore our beautiful natural environment.  Consent for these walks is requested on the registration package.

Photographs & Videotape

Regular photography and videotaping of the children happen on a daily basis at all locations.  Pictures are posted in the programs and are displayed at special events.
At times photos and videos may be used for public viewing in local papers, television or community events.  Consent to use these photos or videos are requested on the registration package. Children are never identified by name in the photos or videos.

Rest/Quiet Time

As per the Child Care Early Years Act all children are required to engage in “quiet time”. We provide a cot for each child during rest time. All sheets are laundered daily. Children are not required to sleep; however they have an opportunity to rest and regenerate their bodies and have individual quiet time. Staff will help children feel comfortable and relaxed at rest time. The environment is softly lit, and quiet and calming music is played in the background. If your child has a bottle, soother, blanket or stuffed toy that would provide some comfort during rest time we encourage you to bring the item from home.

Nor'wester View School Site

Location: 1946A Mountain Rd. P7J 1A9
Telephone: (807) 475-7644
Hours of Operation: M-F: 7:30am - 5:30pm

 

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