Policies at a Glance
This section includes helpful details to make your child’s experience wonderful at Cheerful Minds Childcare Ltd. The information listed in this section is a shortened version of our Parent Handbook and Policies & Procedures and will not replace those documents.
Policies and Procedures
Parents must consent to having read and will abide by Cheerful Minds Childcare’s Policies and Procedures when registering their child for any type of care.
Health and Illness Policy
The health and well being of the children is our first concern. We follow the provincial health and safety standards and guidelines. If your child will be away for any reason please notify us as soon as possible.
Families are advised to keep their child at home or to seek alternate care arrangements for the following conditions:
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A common cold with listlessness, runny nose and eyes, coughing and sore throat. Once the child’s temperature, well being and energy have returned to normal, the child may no longer be contagious, and may be able to return to the child care even though coughing and runny nose may persist. If the symptoms (runny nose and eyes, coughing) are caused by a known allergy (e.g. hay fever, asthma) the child is not contagious and does not have to be excluded;
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Flu-like symptoms or any symptoms related to COVID-19;
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Infectiousness (i.e. runny nose with green or yellow mucus)
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Pain - any complaints of unexplained or undiagnosed pain;
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Difficulty in breathing - wheezing or a persistent cough;
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Fever (100 degrees F/37.8 degrees C or more);
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Sore throat or trouble swallowing;
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Infected skin or eyes, or an undiagnosed rash;
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Headache and stiff neck;
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Unexplained diarrhea or loose stool (may or may not be combined with nausea, vomiting or stomach cramps);
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Nausea and vomiting;
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Severe itching, dry skin of either body or scalp if caused by head or body lice, scabies; bed bugs;
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Children with known or suspected communicable diseases (i.e. Chicken pox, measles, HFM, mumps etc.).
Fees
A non-refundable registration fee ($60) and a security deposit (half a month’s fee) are due upon registration to hold your child’s spot.
All fees are due by email transfer or cash before the first (1st) business day of each month. A late payment charge of $20 per calendar day will apply to all fees. Failure to pay the childcare fee will result in termination of your child's care.
Drop-in/daily fees are required prior to providing child care.
Fees are subject to change based on operational and economic conditions.
To maintain your child's spot, the full monthly fee is required regardless of child illness, child/ family vacations, unexpected or unscheduled childcare closures. The monthly fee will not be adjusted or refunded for missing days. We do not provide refunds on child care services.
Late pick up: If you are going to be late, always notify Cheerful Minds Childcare. There will be a late fee of $2 per minute per child. Multiple late occurrences may result in termination of child care services.
For a full list of fees please check our Parent Handbook / Agreement.
Change of Enrollment
If you want to change enrollment, i.e. add days or decrease days one month notice is required. Please keep in mind for adding days we will have to check our availability first. Our ability to accommodate your request is subject to space availability. Your security deposit will be adjusted accordingly. If it's adding days, you will pay the difference.
Withdrawal
One calendar month written notice is required prior to withdrawal from Cheerful Minds Childcare Ltd. The notice must be in writing and given before the first day of the month. If this notice of withdrawal is not received prior to the first of the month, the regular monthly fee will be charged for the next following month also.
Cheerful Minds Childcare Ltd. reserves the right to immediately terminate care for any child and/or family when a child or family becomes a threat to anyone in the facility or for refusing to follow Cheerful Minds Childcare’s Policies as stated in the Parent Handbook.
Safe Release of Children
To ensure the safety of all children, an Attendance Sheet is completed with sign-in and -out times daily. As per Cheerful Minds Childcare’s Policies and Forms, only the registered parents/ guardians or their pre-designated alternate adult person can pick up a child (ID may be requested).
Unscheduled Closures
In the case of heavy snowfall or other inclement weather Cheerful Minds Childcare Ltd. will follow the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District schedule. If the School District announces school closures or the roads are very unsafe, then the daycare will also be closed.
If there is a power outage and BC Hydro indicates the length of it as indefinite, or if Cheerful Minds Childcare is unable to provide adequate service due to lack of heat or light, parents or guardians will be called and asked to pick up their child as soon as possible.
Closures due to Emergencies
Cheerful Minds Childcare Ltd. will close in the event of an unforeseen emergency situation, including, but not limited to:
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Natural hazards such as a communicable disease (pandemic) outbreak, severe weather, earthquake, and flooding.
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Technological hazards such as fire, utility disruption (e.g. heat, water, power), hazardous materials (e.g. gas leak).
Facility closure will be either temporary or permanent. Temporary closure is a shutdown with the intent to resume services. Permanent closure is defined as a cessation of operations with no intent to resume services due to damage to the facility beyond repair, economic conditions, or other reasons. Parent fees still apply, unless agreed otherwise.
Emergency Evacuation
Cheerful Minds Childcare evacuates when there is an emergency situation. During the evacuation, Cheerful Minds Childcare may not be able to provide adequate service. Due to that reason and children's safety, no drop off is allowed under any circumstances. Emergency evacuation drills will be carried out regularly, as per authorities.