FOR PARENTS
Welcome parents and guardians!
Check out the information and resources below.
Parent's Handbook
The following Parent Handbook outlines the Wise Owl Day Care’s approach to child care, and explains our centre’s policies that concern you and your child(ren).
If you have any questions concerning our policies, procedures or information in the Handbook, please do not hesitate to ask.
Nutrition
A nutritious mid-day meal, as well as morning and afternoon snacks, will be offered each day. All food is selected on the basis of its nutritional value, the age of the children, and the child’s food preferences. We offer children the opportunity to experience eating a variety of healthy foods in a small group setting. The educator participates in the meal with the children to model healthy eating and table manners. Children are encouraged to serve themselves whenever possible. We provide small pitchers and small tongs, so children can experience pouring their own drinks and serving their own finger foods.
Sample weekly menus can be found below.
SAFETY ALERT
Please do not eat nuts/nut products before attending the centre and do not send food with your child (with the exception of infants and pre-approved special dietary requirements).
It is the policy that all food served to the children at Wise Owl is prepared on the premises or catered specifically for our purposes. We respectfully ask that you respect our allergy policy.
Health & Food Safety
COVID-19
If your child(ren) experiences any COVID-19 symptoms, please follow the Ontario School and Child Care Screening guidelines.
Illness Policy
We ask parents to keep their child home when they are not feeling well, or if they have symptoms of illness. To protect all of the children in our care, do not bring your child to day care if they have any of the following symptoms until the return requirements are met:
| Symptom | When Child(ren) Can Return |
|---|---|
| Fever over 37.8ºC (100ºF) | 24 hours after temperature has returned to normal; and no additional symptoms within that 24 hour period |
| Diarrhea or Vomiting | 48 hours after symptoms have resolved (ie. no symptoms for 48 hours) |
| Redness or discharge from the eyes | 24 hours after initial treatment is received |
| Severe cold, which includes: fever, sneezing, coughing and nasal discharge | 24 hours after temperature has returned to normal; other symptoms have been improving for 24 hrs; and child is fully able to participate in the program |
| unusual paleness, irritability, tiredness or listlessness | 24 hours after symptoms appear; no additional symptoms within that 24 hour period; and the child is fully able to participate in the program |
| unusual rashes | when the rash is determined not to be contagious |
COVID-19
If you child(ren) experiences any COVID-19 symptoms, please follow the Ontario School and Child Care Screening guidelines.
No Food & Drink
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the centre. This includes water, coffee and tea.
This policy is to limit the risk of cross-contamination with food that can cause allergic reactions and food sensitivities, to protect our employees and the children in our care.
Thank you for co-operation and for respecting our policy.
Security & Confidentiality
Entry Policy
When you arrive at Wise Owl, push the buzzer located next to the front door. When the buzzer is answered, say your name and the name of the child(ren) you are dropping off or picking up. You will then be buzzed into the building and the front door will be unlocked.
For security reasons, when you enter or leave the building, do not permit anyone else to enter the building.
This procedure is to ensure that only people who are permitted to enter the centre come through the door.
Thank you for your co-operation and for respecting our security requirements.
Restricted Cell Phone & Camera Use
All cell phones must be left in your vehicle or at home. Cell phone use, by non-employees, is not permitted inside the centre. Taking photos of children or employees is also not permitted.
This policy is to ensure we maintain the privacy and confidentiality of our employees, parents/guardians, and the children in our care.
Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.
Parking
Parking is available behind our centre (off Renfrew Street) for employees and visitors who anticipate staying at the centre long term. This parking lot is shared with St. Columbkille’s Cathedral.
To drop off or pick up your child, there is 10 minute parking on Isabella Street in front of our centre. Only park in the same direction as the traffic flow.
Do not park in the parking lot across the street. This parking lot across the street belongs to Cathedral School. Do no block cars that are parked in this parking lot.
Please help us ensure a safe and healthy environment for all of the children and turn your car off when stopping at the front. Children are impacted when breathing the toxic fumes from your exhaust. We all appreciate fresh air.
SAFETY ALERT
The pick-up/drop-off area at the front of the centre gets very busy and congested when the school busses are picking up and dropping off students. Please be patient at these times and drive slowly; Be mindful of the children who are crossing the street.
Holidays & Closures
Like all workers, our educators need time off to rest, refresh and restore their energy to provide the best child care experience for the children in our care. The day care centre is closed on the following dates.
| Monday, January 1, 2024 | New Year’s Day |
| Monday, February 19, 2024 | Family Day |
| Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Closure |
| Friday, March 29, 2024 | Good Friday |
| Monday, April 1, 2024 | Closure (Easter Monday) |
| Tuesday, April 2, 2024 | Closure |
| Friday, May 10, 2024 | Closure (Professional Development Day) |
| Monday, May 20, 2024 | Victoria Day |
| Monday, July 1, 2024 | Canada Day |
| Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 2, 2024 | Closure (week long) |
| Monday, August 5, 2024 | Civic Holiday |
| Monday, September 2, 2024 | Labour Day |
| Thursday, October 10, 2024 | Closure |
| Friday, October 11, 2024 | Closure |
| Monday, October 14, 2024 | Thanksgiving |
| Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | Closure |
| Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | Half-Day (Closed at 12:30pm) |
| Wednesday, December 25 to Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | Holiday Closure |
| Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | New Year’s Day |
Questions?
We are here to help and to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.