FAQ

What ages of children do you accept in A Child’s World? 

A Child’s World accepts children from newborn infants to 12 years. We are a licensed organization with certificated educators for age categories including:

» Infants: 0 – 18 months
» Toddlers: 18 months to 2.5 years
» Preschool: 2.5 to 3.8 years
» Kindergarten: 3.8 to 5 years
» School-age: 6 to 12 years

⇒ Check the Availability page to see which ages are offered in the center near your home.

Do you have a waiting list?

The organization works under the Niagara Region childcare waitlist. To register your child’s name for a space at any of our 21 centers visit: https://niagara.onehsn.com

How much are your rates and fees? Are there any additional fees? 

Rates in A Child’s World are different based on a daily schedule and variable schedule. To check the complete table of fees visit: The child-Care-Fees page.

» Additional fees may be applicable in specific circumstances (For example; booking extra care or late pick up).

Do you have subsidized spots available?
Yes. A Child’s World, Family Child Care Services of Niagara has an agreement with the Niagara Region to provide subsidized child care. If you are interested in child care fee subsidy check: Applying for Subsidy page.

Do you offer full-time and part-time spaces?

A Child’s World offers full time spaces only.

Is drop-off and pick-up time flexible?

Pick-up and drop-off times are set by the parents. Times can be adjusted according to the needs of the child or the parent.

How do Child Care Educators communicate with parents? When can parents visit the educator?

All the ACW centers have an open-door policy. We encourage families to discuss any questions as they arise.

Is A Child’s World licensed or unlicensed child care? 

All the ACW centers are licensed through the Ministry of Education. Licensing requirements include approval from the local Fire Department and the Niagara Region Health Unit.

What happens when a child is sick?

A Child’s World follows the appropriate health protocols set out by the Niagara Region Public Health Unit. Download the Health Booklet to see the complete parent health policy and resource manual.

What safety measures do you follow in the centers?

As a licensed Child Care organization, we follow all regulations set out by the Fire Department, Health Department, and Ministry of Education. For example, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and first aid kits can be found in each center. Also, the majority of our centers have restricted access areas.

What is your emergency evacuation plan?

Each Centre has an emergency evacuation plan that has been approved by the local Fire Department. The Supervisor can provide you with more information specific to each site.

What if my child has an allergy?

Our centers accommodate children with severe allergies by having individual anaphylaxis plans that are developed with input from parents, guardians, or children’s physician.

Are meals and snacks provided in the center?

All meals are based on the Canada Food Guide and are professionally catered by a combination of Certified Food Handlers on and off-site.

Can you accommodate our family’s dietary needs?

We do our best to accommodate the family’s dietary needs. If necessary, in some situations, parents may be asked to supply the food served at the center.

What kind of programs do you offer?

Based on their age, the programs are customized to develop multiple skills in children. The educators plan both indoor and outdoor games to encourage children to participate in the activities. Programs promote early math, language, and science skills – social interactions – development of fine and gross motor skills – self-help, and problem-solving skills.

How do you choose the materials for early learning and education?

Appropriate materials (designed specifically for child care) are chosen to provide a safe, inviting, and challenging environment for the children. A Child’s World follows the “How Does Learning Happen?” document from the Ministry of Education to support children’s learning path through play. This document can be found on the Ministry of Education website: www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare

How do you encourage both indoor and outdoor play?

Children participate in 2 hours of outdoor playtime daily – one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. This time is adjusted according to weather conditions – during the cold winter months the time may be shortened and during the warmer temperatures, the time may be extended. On rainy days or bitterly cold winter days when the children cannot be outside, the Educators plan alternate indoor activities that still allow the children an opportunity to participate in active play.

How are different cultural traditions integrated into the program?

Families are encouraged to share their cultural traditions with the Educators in the center. Educators incorporate various cultures and/or traditions throughout the playrooms on a regular basis. Evidence of this can be seen in dramatic plays, art, pictures, and books.

What happens if a child is angry or upset?

Daily conversations between the Educators and families keep the lines of communication open. ACW has a Program Statement Implementation Policy that all Educators follow in regards to appropriate methods for supporting children.

What qualifications do the Educators have?

The majority of ACW Educators are Registered Early Childhood Educators. In addition, we provide hands-on training as well as funding for professional development for our staff throughout the year. Also, Educators are required to have a clear vulnerable sector police check.

Does someone on site have First Aid/CPR certification?

In A Child’s World, all Educators have First Aid/CPR certificates.

What happens when an Educator is absent?

A Child’s World always hires supply educators that are available when an educator is absent.