At Little Genius Academy, we believe that every child is special and unique. Children possess a natural curiosity that flourishes when nurtured through an integrated, play-based learning approach. We are committed to partnering with parents to support optimal development and learning for each child.
Luz Mary and Vivian (a mother-daughter team) carefully design and implement developmentally and age-appropriate activities and experiences for all children in our care.
Our primary goal is to provide a Spanish immersion program introduced through engaging activities such as songs, storytelling, felt boards, games, yoga, dance, cooking, and art. Spanish is seamlessly integrated into daily interactions with our Spanish-speaking caregivers. Music, dance, and sports are fundamental elements of our curriculum and are used as effective tools to introduce the Spanish language.
Children will:
● Play instruments, sing songs, and enjoy dance parties.
● Listen to Latin children’s music.
● Learn basic rules of sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
We also embrace technology as a learning tool, introducing children to interactive books, games, and videos to enhance their educational
experience.
We understand the importance of good nutrition for children’s growth and development. That’s why we provide morning and afternoon snacks that align with Canada’s Food Guide for children. For children with allergies, we offer alternative nutritious options to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Our Environment
Our center is a safe, clean, and joyful place where children can learn and grow. We foster physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development through a curriculum and environment tailored to each child’s unique pace.
We value the power of play. Our thoughtfully designed environments—such as kitchen, drama, and store areas—encourage children’s curiosity, creativity, confidence, independence, discovery, cooperation, and language skills.
Children are the future of our society. We strongly believe that providing quality care during their early years creates a profound impact on their adulthood. With our love, respect, education, experience, and passion, we aim to make a meaningful difference in each child’s life.
7:30 a.m. -Arrival/ free play/ breakfast for early arrivals
8:45- a.m. -Bathroom routine
9:00- a.m. -Morning snack
9:30- a.m. Planned activity (music, sensory, dance, yoga etc)
10:00- a.m Circle time
10:30 – a.m Bathroom routine
10: 45 -a.m Outside Time/Large Motor Skills
11:30- a.m. Lunch
12:00 p.m. -Clean up/Bathroom Break
12:15 p.m. -Story Time
12:30 p.m. -Nap/Quiet Time
2:30 p.m. -Wake up/Bathroom routine
2:45 p.m. -Story Time
3:00 p.m. -Afternoon Snack
3:30 p.m. – Afternoon planned activity (Arts & Craft Activity)/Outside Time.
4:30 p.m. – Departure.
Your child may attend daycare for a maximum of nine hours per day. Longer days may cause stress and anxiety for children. We ask parents to arrive by their agreed-upon pick-up time, as timely pick-ups are crucial for maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios. If parents are late, a late pick-up fee of $1 per minute will be charged. This fee must be paid by the end of the day at pick-up or the following morning at drop-off.
● Example: If you are 10 minutes late on Monday, you will be charged $10, which is due at pick-up on Monday or before drop-off on Tuesday. If parents cannot be reached, staff will contact the emergency contacts listed on the child’s registration form. As a last resort, if no one is available, staff will contact the Ministry for Children and Family Development.
Note for Parents:
● For children with a 4:30 PM pick-up time, the center closes promptly at 4:30 PM. All children and parents must vacate the premises by this time.
● If you anticipate being late, please call us as soon as possible.
To help children adjust to their new environment, we recommend that parents bring their children in for a phased transition during the first week of care. Initially, the child can stay for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time as the child becomes comfortable with the new environment and caregivers.
● We do not force children to eat or drink and do not use food as a reward or punishment.
● Parents are encouraged to pack nutritious meals aligned with Canada’s Food Guide. Children are encouraged to eat healthier items first, saving treats for later.
Snack and Meal Times
● Morning and afternoon snacks, along with water or milk, are provided by the center.
● Parents are responsible for providing lunch, which must be nutritious. If no drink is provided, we will offer water or milk.
● Hard candies, peanuts, and other choking hazards are not permitted. Foods like hot dogs and grapes must be cut lengthwise.
Environmental Practices
● We encourage the use of reusable containers and drink bottles to minimize waste.
● Recycling of paper, plastic, glass, and other materials is practiced.
Safety During Meals
● Children must be seated while eating or drinking to prevent choking.
● Pacifiers are allowed during nap time only, and bottles must not be taken to bed to ensure safety and dental health.
Infant Formula
Parents must provide an adequate supply of pre-made, labeled bottles for
infants.
At Little Genius Academy, we use positive strategies to guide children’s behavior, focusing on self-discipline, responsibility, and respect. Our approach involves teaching children appropriate behaviors through
proactive and supportive measures.
1. Clear, Consistent Limits
○ Limits focus on safety and appropriate behavior (e.g., “Inside we walk”).
2. Positive Language
○ State what to do instead of what not to do (e.g., “Let’s put the blocks away” instead of “Don’t leave the blocks out”).
3. Behavior-Focused Feedback
○ Focus on actions, not the child’s character (e.g., “Grabbing the toy makes Sam upset” instead of “You’re being mean”).
4. Choices
○ Offer simple, non-threatening choices (e.g., “Do you want to put your coat on now or in two minutes?”).
5. Acknowledging Feelings
○ Recognize children’s emotions before setting limits (e.g., “I see you’re upset, but hitting is not okay”).
● Gain the child’s attention respectfully (e.g., use their name, maintain eye level).
● Provide clear reminders of rules.
● Redirect inappropriate behavior toward constructive activities.
● Model problem-solving skills.
Naptime
● Quiet time is offered daily, during which children have individual nap mats.
● Children who do not sleep can read for 20 minutes and then engage in quiet activities.
● Infants sleep in a separate room and follow their own schedules.
Parent Reminder: Please provide a special blanket or security item for nap time.
We are happy to support toilet training efforts initiated at home. Parents should provide:
● A supply of diapers or training pants.
● Baby wipes.
● Extra clothing for accidents.
Payments and Fees
● Payment for the upcoming month is due on the 1st day of each month.
● A deposit fee of $500 is required at registration, which will be credited toward the first month of care. This fee is non-refundable if the child is withdrawn before the start date.
● Late payments or NSF cheques will incur a $50 charge.
Withdrawal Policy
● One month’s written notice is required for withdrawal. If notice is notprovided, parents will be charged for the next month.
● Emergency drop-ins are allowed if space permits.
Absences and Holidays
● Fees are charged regardless of absences, including sick days,
vacations, or unexpected days off.
● The center will be closed on all statutory holidays observed by District
61.
First Day Checklist
On the first day, parents must provide:
● Completed registration forms.
● Signed parent contract.
● Immunization records.
● A comfort kit (for emergencies) containing:
○ A family photo and reassuring note.
○ Two non-perishable snacks.
○ Crayons and paper.
We take the last two weeks of December as paid holidays and two weeks in August. This means families will be charged for the entire month of December and August. These are the only vacation times we take during the year, which we use to visit family living abroad. Please note, no refunds will be issued for this period.
Parents have free access to all childcare areas during childcare hours, but only on their child’s scheduled day.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the property.
We understand the challenges of balancing work and childcare when a child is ill. However, for the well-being of all children, we ask that you keep your child at home if they exhibit any of the following:
1. Green mucus discharge from the eyes or nose, or coughing up
discharge.
2. Diarrhea associated with illness.
3. Fever over 37.8°C.
4. Vomiting within the last 24 hours.
5. Lice or nits.
6. Lethargy or general signs of illness.
7. Any contagious illnesses, childhood diseases, or rashes.
If your child shows signs of illness during the day, we will contact parents
immediately for pick-up. Sick children will be kept in a quiet, supervised
area until the parent/guardian arrives.
If your child has started antibiotics, they must remain at home for 24 hours after the first dose before returning to the facility.
In the event of a medical emergency, staff will:
1. Administer First Aid or CPR as needed.
2. Call 911.
3. Contact parents or emergency contacts.
4. Notify the child’s physician if necessary.
Parents must complete a “Medication Release Form” before leaving any medication at the center.
● Prescribed medication must include a pharmacy label with clear instructions.
● Over-the-counter medication requires a letter from parents with specific directions.
Medication must be handed directly to staff and stored appropriately—do not leave medication in backpacks or lunch kits.
Immunizations are a personal choice; however, licensing regulations require us to maintain immunization records for all children. Please providethese records, which can be obtained from your doctor.
By law, we are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect
If you are divorced, separated, or going through custody negotiations, please provide relevant custody and parental access details, including any restrictions such as no visitation or no pick-up. Official documentation,
such as a court or restraining order, is required to enforce these restrictions.
If an unauthorized parent attempts to pick up a child, staff will request that they leave. If necessary, 911 will be called for assistance.
Open communication between parents and staff is encouraged to ensure the best care for your child. Please share any concerns, special needs, or significant events in your child’s life to help us better support their development.
● Parents must sign their child in and out daily on the attendance sheet.
● Inform staff of any emergencies or changes in pick-up plans.
● Parents are responsible for picking up their child by the agreed-upon time.
Note: No one will be allowed to pick up a child without written parental consent. If an authorized person appears intoxicated, alternative transportation will be arranged, or the emergency contact will be called.
● Fire Drills: Conducted monthly.
● Earthquake Drills: Conducted annually on the third Monday of April.
Each child must have a comfort kit on-site, including personal items for
emergencies.
We take photos of children during activities to display in the center. If you
do not wish your child’s photo to be taken, please indicate this on the
Photography Consent Form provided at registration.
Daily Essentials:
● Extra pants, shirts, socks, and underwear.
● Indoor shoes or slippers.
● Toothbrush and seasonal gear.
Seasonal Requirements:
● Spring/Summer: Water play clothes, sandals, hat, sunscreen.
● Fall/Winter: Toque, mittens/gloves, snow pants, jacket, winter boots.
The center may close due to:
● Fire, lack of power, heat, or extreme weather conditions.
● Statutory holidays as per District 61.
In emergencies, children will be evacuated to Victoria West Community
Center (521 Craigower Rd). Parents or emergency contacts will be notified
promptly.
If School District #61 closes due to snow, the center will also be closed.
If power is estimated to be out for more than one hour, parents will be
contacted to pick up their children.
The center closes at 4:30 PM. Late fees apply as follows:
● First Warning: No charge.
● After Warning:
○ $15 per child for the first 15 minutes.
○ $30 per child for more than 15 minutes.
If parents cannot be reached by 6:00 PM, emergency contacts will be called. If no one can be reached, staff will contact the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD).
We are not responsible for lost or damaged items brought to the daycare.
Please leave toys and valuables at home.
We reserve the right to amend, update, or change policies and rates. Any changes will be provided in writing and signed by both parties. Policies are reviewed annually.
Thank you for choosing Little Genius Academy
