FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to notify the Latchkey Day Care staff about my child’s absence?
When you provide Latchkey Day Care staff with your child’s schedule, not only are we responsible for ensuring that he/she arrives, but also that we have the required amount of staff according to our operating license. The proper child-to- staff ratio is very critical to all licensed child care and we must adhere to these requirements on a daily basis.
On too many occasions staff is looking for more than one child. We usually DO NOT get messages from your child’s teacher or the school. It remains your responsibility to notify us when your child is ill or has been picked up by someone at school. Please take a moment to call the Latchkey Day Care Program to let us know that he/she will not be attending. Each Latchkey Day Care has a telephone line with voice mail available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Child safety is important to us all.
Are you a licensed Day Care & Learning Centre?
Yes, each Latchkey Day Care & Learning Centre is licensed annually by the Ministry.
The licensing process includes physical inspections of the site, review of organizational policies and procedures, teaching qualifications and staff ratios.
Is all Latchkey Day Care staff qualified?
Yes, each program has a Child care Supervisor that is a Registered Early Childhood Educator, (R.E.C.E); In addition, all programs have R.E.C.E staff working with the children along with qualified child care assistants.
All staff must have experience working with children in a licensed child care setting. All staff must maintain a valid First Aid Certificate and CPR. They must keep both current to continue working with children. All staff must consent to a police reference check clearance prior to employment.
If I register my child for the Full Day Learning Program is he/she automatically registered for the “Before & After School” program?
No. If you are in need of the “Before and After School” program you will need to fill out a separate registration package. This enables both programs to have all of the necessary information about your child while he/she is in attendance. This information is necessary to maintain our licensing standards and practices. You will not have to pay two registration fees. You are only charged this fee once a year.
Why are we charged a $30.00 registration fee?
There are space and size requirements that indicate the number of children that are allowed to attend and use each child care. The registration fee ensures your child is registered and a child care space is allocated with the program.
Why are the fees/tuition paid in advance?
Latchkey Day Care & Learning Centre is proud to provide quality care for children at affordable rates. We are a non-profit corporation and rely on fees for snacks, creative supplies, toys and staff wages. Without the advance payments, we are unable to meet these expenses, therefore limiting the supplies and resources needed to provide an excellent child care program.
Why is there a policy of no cash payments at Latchkey Day Care child care programs?
With 15 programs offered at various locations and approximately 950 families making payments for day care services, cheques/cashiers cheques are the safest and most reliable method of payment.
This policy was established to protect families and the Latchkey Day Care staff. Cheque payments are easily tracked and verified through banks when necessary. Cash payments, by their nature are not easily monitored and tracked.
What is a subsidy?
Subsidy for fee payment assistance is available for all families who may need some assistance with their child care costs. Subsidy is a monthly payment to help families with lower income meets the costs of childcare.
Am I eligible for a subsidy?
Families can contact Social and Family Services to speak with a caseworker about qualifying. Please call and speak to the Intake Officer at (519) 255-5312 (Windsor) or 1-877-792-2312 (County).
Is Latchkey Day Care & Learning Centre associated with the School Boards?
Although we work cooperatively and have a partnership with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board and the Greater Essex County District School Board, Latchkey Day Care is not associated with the School Boards.
Latchkey Day Care staff are not employed by either School Board, nor is the school Secretary employed by Latchkey Day Care. Therefore, if you are calling to advise of your child’s absence, please ensure you call both the school and the Latchkey Day Care program. Our programs have their own telephone lines with 24-hour voicemail.
Can I visit anytime or do I need to make an appointment?
Latchkey Day Care has an open door policy. Parents/guardians are welcome to visit the child care program at any time.
When visiting a full day program, try not to arrive during quiet/rest time to ensure the children will not be disturbed.
If you have many questions for the Child Care Supervisor, please schedule an appointment in advance. The Child Care Supervisor looks forward to spending time with you and addresses any questions or concerns you may have.