FAQ
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 outlined very specifically in the Day Nurseries Act and we must adhere to these requirements on a daily basis.
On too many occasions staff are 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 of Community and Social Services/Ministry of Child and Youth Services, under the provisions of the Day Nurseries Act of Ontario.
The licensing process includes physical inspections of the site, review of organizational policies and procedures, teaching qualifications and staff ratios.
Are all Latchkey Day Care staff qualified?
Yes, each program has a supervisor that is E.C.E. (Early Childhood Educator) qualified. In addition, there is E.C.E. staff working with the children along with assistants. All staff must have experience working with children in a day care program. All staff must obtain and have 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 Learning Centre 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 $25.00 registration fee?
We are restricted to the quantity of children accepted within each program. The registration fee ensures your child is registered and 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 run a quality program.
Why is there a policy of no cash payments at the Latchkey 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?
A subsidy is a monthly payment to help families with lower income meet 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 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 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 Supervisor, please schedule an appointment in advance. The Supervisor with then schedule their day to spend time with you and address any questions or concerns you may have.