Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It is natural to have many questions and a mix of emotions about childcare. After all, we will be taking care of a very precious little one in your life. Be assured that we always have your child’s best interest at heart. At Tender Years, we are here to fully address all your concerns and discuss anything that can help make an easy transition for you and your family. Please feel free to call, email or talk in person at any time of the day. Anyway, here are some of the most common questions asked during a parent’s first visit:
How do I transition my child into Tender Years?
Prior to registration, our School Supervisor will ensure that your child’s needs are clearly understood, so all necessary measures will be taken to ensure a smooth and positive transition experience for the children and for the parents. From day one, every child at Tender Years receives individualized attention from experienced RECEs who are dedicated to student success and development. An inclusive setting, we are committed to serving all learners, regardless of ability.
How does Tender Years work?
Active Families
As a co-operative, we rely on our families to be actively engaged and assist us in running the school, activities, and events (such as by serving on a committee or team). We welcome your involvement as an integral part of Tender Years and offer a discount on monthly fees for those interested in participating. Families can get up to $110 back on student fees each month for their participation in the school ($22 per hour is earned for a maximum of 5 active hours per month).
Non-Active Families
Tender Years respects the fact that not every family is able to be actively involved with the school and offers a limited number of spaces for non-active families. Please note that tuition will be higher for non-active families in order to reflect the contribution of active families.
Child Care Fee Subsidy
Should a family require fee assistance, they can apply with the Region of Peel. Full eligibility details and a child care fee subsidy estimator can be found at peelregion.ca/hsapply or by calling 905-793-9200.
You can find more details about Tender Years’ operations in our 2021/2022 Parent Handbook.
Is there a registration fee? How do I make payments for my child?
Yes, there is a Non-Refundable registration fee of $80, which is a one-time payment to reserve your child’s spot within a classroom. Upon registering, we collect the registration fee, a special events fee ($50) and the first and the last month payment. A General Meeting Deposit of $100 applies to active member ONLY, and it is refundable with a 30-day notice. While our preferred monthly method of payment at this time is by e-transfer or credit card, we will still accept payment by cheque. Tender Years will provide parents with more details and payment schedules upon registration.
What qualifications must teachers meet?
Infant and toddler classrooms are led by a minimum of one teacher with a diploma in Early Childhood Education and two teacher assistants. In preschool classrooms of 24 children, two teachers hold a diploma in Early Childhood Education and there is one teacher assistant. All staff members and volunteers are required to have Level C First-Aid & CPR, criminal reference checks and completed health assessments.
Tender Years believes that children deserve to be surrounded by knowledgeable and qualified educators. Adults, like children, deserve to have the opportunities to further their knowledge and expand on their career aspirations. Among other initiatives, Tender Years promotes and supports each staff’s professional development with a team lead specially hired to develop their skills, helping the RECEs to thrive in the classrooms.
What types of food are the children served?
At Tender Years, we understand that mealtime is as important as playtime to the kids’ development. Our menus are rotated on a four week cycle, which provides variety for all of our children. We offer fun, colourful and nutritious meals with milk, water, fruits and vegetables every day. Select programs offer two healthy snacks and a hot lunch catered by Yummy Catering, and Tender Years is happy to accommodate certain dietary needs/restrictions in our allergy sensitive and nut-free environment.
How much time do children have outdoors daily?
Our child-centred approach to learning includes time both indoors and outdoors in our two enclosed playground areas, one specifically designed and designated for our toddlers and a second for our preschool and kindergarten classes. Each classroom is allotted at least 2 hours of outdoor play per day. Each playground is equipped with a different variety of interactive equipment to promote physical activity and gross motor development.
What is Tender Years’s policy on addressing inappropriate behaviour in children?
At Tender Years, we believe that we can help children with self-control, self-esteem and positive behaviour by providing enriched programs, a safe environment, interactive materials and positive role models in each of our classrooms. We do not condone timeouts or the raising of voices in our classrooms. Teachers address inappropriate behaviour in children by bringing themselves to the level of the child and speak to them in a calm voice about their actions. The teachers then positively redirect the child to another activity.
What is Tender Years’ withdrawal policy?
In the unlikely and unfortunate event that you need to withdraw your child from Tender Years, a minimum of 30 days written notice is required in order to avoid payment for the following month. Monthly fees are refundable with the exception of the non-refundable registration fee. The General Meeting deposit is refundable in full or in part dependent on the time of withdrawal and the number of general meetings attended.
In the case of prolonged illness or absenteeism (i.e. vacations), a place will be held in the school as long as fees are paid and the parents fulfill their co-operative agreement.
How do I transition my child into Tender Years?
Prior to registration, our School Supervisor will ensure that your child’s needs are clearly understood, so all necessary measures will be taken to ensure a smooth and positive transition experience for the children and for the parents. From day one, every child at Tender Years receives individualized attention from experienced RECEs who are dedicated to student success and development. An inclusive setting, we are committed to serving all learners, regardless of ability.
How does Tender Years work?
Active Families
As a co-operative, we rely on our families to be actively engaged and assist us in running the school, activities, and events (such as by serving on a committee or team). We welcome your involvement as an integral part of Tender Years and offer a discount on monthly fees for those interested in participating. Families can get up to $110 back on student fees each month for their participation in the school ($22 per hour is earned for a maximum of 5 active hours per month).
Non-Active Families
Tender Years respects the fact that not every family is able to be actively involved with the school and offers a limited number of spaces for non-active families. Please note that tuition will be higher for non-active families in order to reflect the contribution of active families.
Child Care Fee Subsidy
Should a family require fee assistance, they can apply with the Region of Peel. Full eligibility details and a child care fee subsidy estimator can be found at peelregion.ca/hsapply or by calling 905-793-9200.
You can find more details about Tender Years’ operations in our 2021/2022 Parent Handbook.
Is there a registration fee? How do I make payments for my child?
Yes, there is a Non-Refundable registration fee of $80, which is a one-time payment to reserve your child’s spot within a classroom. Upon registering, we collect the registration fee, a special events fee ($50) and the first and the last month payment. A General Meeting Deposit of $100 applies to active member ONLY, and it is refundable with a 30-day notice. While our preferred monthly method of payment at this time is by e-transfer or credit card, we will still accept payment by cheque. Tender Years will provide parents with more details and payment schedules upon registration.
What qualifications must teachers meet?
Infant and toddler classrooms are led by a minimum of one teacher with a diploma in Early Childhood Education and two teacher assistants. In preschool classrooms of 24 children, two teachers hold a diploma in Early Childhood Education and there is one teacher assistant. All staff members and volunteers are required to have Level C First-Aid & CPR, criminal reference checks and completed health assessments.
Tender Years believes that children deserve to be surrounded by knowledgeable and qualified educators. Adults, like children, deserve to have the opportunities to further their knowledge and expand on their career aspirations. Among other initiatives, Tender Years promotes and supports each staff’s professional development with a team lead specially hired to develop their skills, helping the RECEs to thrive in the classrooms.
What types of food are the children served?
At Tender Years, we understand that mealtime is as important as playtime to the kids’ development. Our menus are rotated on a four week cycle, which provides variety for all of our children. We offer fun, colourful and nutritious meals with milk, water, fruits and vegetables every day. Select programs offer two healthy snacks and a hot lunch catered by Yummy Catering, and Tender Years is happy to accommodate certain dietary needs/restrictions in our allergy sensitive and nut-free environment.
How much time do children have outdoors daily?
Our child-centred approach to learning includes time both indoors and outdoors in our two enclosed playground areas, one specifically designed and designated for our toddlers and a second for our preschool and kindergarten classes. Each classroom is allotted at least 2 hours of outdoor play per day. Each playground is equipped with a different variety of interactive equipment to promote physical activity and gross motor development.
What is Tender Years’s policy on addressing inappropriate behaviour in children?
At Tender Years, we believe that we can help children with self-control, self-esteem and positive behaviour by providing enriched programs, a safe environment, interactive materials and positive role models in each of our classrooms. We do not condone timeouts or the raising of voices in our classrooms. Teachers address inappropriate behaviour in children by bringing themselves to the level of the child and speak to them in a calm voice about their actions. The teachers then positively redirect the child to another activity.
What is Tender Years’ withdrawal policy?
In the unlikely and unfortunate event that you need to withdraw your child from Tender Years, a minimum of 30 days written notice is required in order to avoid payment for the following month. Monthly fees are refundable with the exception of the non-refundable registration fee. The General Meeting deposit is refundable in full or in part dependent on the time of withdrawal and the number of general meetings attended.
In the case of prolonged illness or absenteeism (i.e. vacations), a place will be held in the school as long as fees are paid and the parents fulfill their co-operative agreement.