Garden River First Nation
Managers and Staff

The program provides a positive learning environment for children that enhances their level of development. Through play experiences and the guidance of qualified staff, children will be exposed to situations that will stimulate:

• curiosity, initiative and independence
• self-esteem and decision making capabilities
• interaction with, and respect for others
• physical activity that develops gross motor skills
• communication skills
• fine motor development

The child care centre has four programs accommodating children 6 months to 6 years of age.

• Infant program - 10 infants, 6 -18 months
• Toddler program - 15 toddlers, 18-30 months
• Preschool program - 24 preschool, 2½ - 5 years
• Schoolage Program - 24 kindergarten, 4-6 years

Priority will be given to Garden River First Nation Band Members, with working mothers/parents and mothers/parents enrolled in school or training programs, a primary concern. We will then consider applications from other first nation members and finally applications from our neighbouring communities.

Guidelines:

1. Working mother/parents who are Garden River First Nation Band Members
   
2. Student mothers/parents who are Garden River First Nation Band Members
   
3. Non-band members employed by the band.
   
4. Referrals of children who are at high risk in the areas of health, social-emotional development, speech and language development, and are in need of an enriched, stable safe environment. The hours of care will be scheduled 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. to coincide with maximum teacher/child ratios and programming.
   
5. Parent relief referrals. Hours of care will be scheduled 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. to coincide with maximum teacher/child ratios and programming.

Other Considerations:

Change of circumstance in the working or student status of a mother/parent. If after the enrolment of a child into the child care centre, a mother/parent becomes unemployed or ceases to attend school or training programs, there will be an adjustment period of 3 months in order for them to seek further employment or schooling. If they are unable to secure employment or enrol in school, they will need to vacate their child care space at the end of the three month period and be placed on the waiting list. The hours of care will be scheduled 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. to coincide with maximum teacher/child ratios and programming. It is the responsibility of the mother/parent to notify the centre of changes in the work or school status.

Admission and Discharge Policy:

An interview will be arranged to familiarize parents and child/ren with the surroundings answer questions, and complete application forms prior to enrolment.

Written notice of permanent withdrawal must be give two weeks in advance. If notice is not received, full program fees will be charged.

A permanent space cannot be guaranteed if parents wish to temporarily withdraw child/ren from the program. Therefore, the child/ren will be placed on the waiting list. The program may withdraw services if policies are not followed or fees not paid. Parents of children enrolled need to be either working or attending school. Should this change, the parents will have three months where their child/ren can remain in the program. At the end of three months, if the parents are not working or attending school, the child must withdraw.

Download an enrolment application for the Garden River Daycare Centre

Young children depend on regular routines for their own sense of security. Fixed arrival and departure times are necessary to maintain legislative child and staff ratios. Staff need to be aware of a child's arrival and departure. Unless otherwise arranged, children will not be released to any person's other than those specified on the application form. The staff need to be informed of someone other than a parent picking up a child. If a child is going to be late or absent, the staff must be advised. Similarly, if parents know they will be delayed, the staff need to be informed so that they may prepare the child. Parents arriving later than their scheduled pick up time will be charged $5.00. An additional $5.00 will be charged for each 15 minutes segment or portion thereof.

Days and Hours of Operation:

The centre is open all year, Monday to Friday for full day care. The hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each child enrolled will have a designated arrival and departure time.