Below are the most commonly asked questions from parents and guardians of children attending our First Steps Child Care Centre locations.
These questions highlight the key concerns and interests that families often have as they navigate our services and strive to provide the best care and experience for their children. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us using the form on our contact us page.
What are the hours of operation?
We are open daily, Monday to Friday, from 6am to 6pm For our before and after school programs, we are open from 6am until school starts, and from the end of the school day until 6pm.
How do I apply for a space for my child at First Steps Child Care Centre?
Parents and guardians can apply through oneHSN. If no space is currently available, you will be added to the waitlist. All our centres use oneHSN for managing waitlists, so if a space is not immediately available, you will be placed on our waitlist for a future opening.
All payments for your child’s care are due in advance, either weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Payments can be made in the office by debit, Visa, or Mastercard, or via e-transfer.
There is no registration fee; however, once accepted into the program, an Enrollment Package must be completed and returned within 48 hours to secure your space. There are no provisions for sick days, and a two-week notice is necessary for any scheduled time off to avoid being charged for regular scheduled days.
A two-week notice is required for termination of care to avoid additional charges.
What is the vacation policy for my child?
We require a minimum of two weeks’ notice for any vacation, as this allows us to adjust your charges accordingly. Please be aware that sick days will still be charged, as our staffing is scheduled in advance to ensure consistent care for all children and cannot be modified on short notice.
What factors are considered when developing curriculum?
When planning our curriculum, we utilize an Emergent Learning approach. By closely observing the children’s play, we tailor each activity, small group session, and invitational artwork to reflect their current interests. This method not only helps us gauge each child’s developmental stage but also ensures that they remain engaged and enthusiastic, as the activities are based on what they naturally enjoy.
What are the fees for each room?
Our fees vary by location, but all of our childcare centres participate in the CWELCC program, which helps lower childcare costs for children under the age of 6.
What is not-for-profit?
A non-profit facility is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors, with an Executive Director/Supervisor responsible for managing day-to-day operations. All income generated by the facility is dedicated to the program’s operation, and any surplus funds are retained within the centre to support its continued mission.
First Steps Child Care is a non-profit program, ensuring that all income remains within the centre for the benefit of the children. Our centre is guided by a Board of Directors, who meet monthly with the Director to oversee and support the school’s management.
While being a Non-Profit facility the program can access government grants for salaries in order to keep the fees to parents reasonable. Subsidy is available for those who qualify via City of Windsor Social Services. UNIFOR subsidy is also accepted by Non-Profit preschools.
As a non-profit facility, our program can access government grants to help fund staff salaries, which allows us to keep fees reasonable for parents. Additionally, subsidies are available for eligible families through the City of Windsor Social Services, and we also accept UNIFOR subsidies at our non-profit preschools.
Do you have a summer program?
Yes, we have “summer fun” programs at all our locations For Kindergarten and 6 to 12 years. This includes special activities and programming weekly and fun food Fridays. Except for the first week of July, when we are closed.
Can you accommodate my child's allergies?
We accommodate children with allergies and dietary restrictions with changes or substitutions to the serving and we also accommodate medical concerns.
Does my child need to be toilet trained to attend?
All children develop differently, and they do not need to be toilet trained to attend our child care centres.
Will my child nap? Where do they sleep?
Infants create their own schedule/routine, and they have a separate sleep room to meet their resting needs. If the children attend a full day, we provide them with the opportunity to have a quiet time between 12-2pm on their own cot with their personal blanket from home. Infants must use a sleep sack or Muslin blanket.
What is your policy on discipline? Timeouts?
We supervise the children at all times, so we focus on redirection when it appears that the children are having difficulty in a situation.
Do you offer transportation to/from school?
Most of our locations have transportation from the schools the children are attending to our before and after school programs. Our Essex location offers private bus transportation through Sharp Bus Lines from Gosfield Public, Essex Public and Holy Name Catholic School.