Frequently Asked Questions

Are all of the teaching staff qualified?

Although the Day Nurseries Act only requires that one teacher in every group of children is qualified, all of our teaching staff are qualified Early Childhood Educators trained and recognized by the Association of Early Child Educators. In addition, all our teaching staff belong to the College of Early Childhood Educators. All staff are required to maintain current First Aid and Infant/Child CPR/Anaphylaxis certification. All staff are required to undergo a comprehensive screening process, including a police record check, when they are hired and their work performance is reviewed bi-annually.

What is the centre's affiliation with Carleton University?

Our relationship with the University is a unique one which has evolved over the thirty years the centre has been on campus. The university owns the building we occupy and provides the centre with a broad range of services including maintenance and security . The centre makes every effort to give enrollment priority to the students, staff and faculty of the university.

Are parents able to visit during the day?

Parents are encouraged to spend time with their children at the centre whenever the opportunity presents itself but, because each child reacts differently to a visiting parent, if your child is upset after your visits, you may prefer to call the staff for an update during the day instead.

How long is the waiting list?

It's impossible to say with any accuracy how long you will wait before your child can be enrolled at the centre. The waiting list is longest for preschool children and families applying from off campus. The general rule is to apply as early as possible via the Centralized Waiting List. The website is: www.childcareinformation.ca. The phone number is: 613-248-3605.

What are the fees?

For infants and toddlers from six months to two and a half years of age, our fees are $1,540.98 per month. For preschoolers from two and a half years to five years of age, our fees are $975.25 per month. Generally, fees are increased no more than once a year when the annual budget is prepared to cover increases in costs. Parents are given a minimum of thirty days notice of any fee increase.

Is the centre open year round?

The centre is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. year round excluding statutory holidays and three closure days (introduced as a cost cutting measure) which are taken between Christmas and New Year. 

Is the centre non-profit?

Colonel By Child Care Centre is a non-profit parent cooperative with charitable status and is licensed under the Day Nurseries Act by the Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services . The centre is run by a voluntary board of directors composed of staff and parents whose children are enrolled at the centre.

What are the adult/child ratios in each program?

In the infant program, there are four teachers for ten children for a ratio of 2.5:1.

In the toddler program, there are three teachers for fifteen children for a ratio of 5:1.

In both the junior and senior preschool programs, in addition to an early morning assistant, there are two teachers for sixteen children for a ratio of 8:1.

Are meals included? Are vegetarian meals offered?

A nutritious midday meal, which always includes a vegetarian alternative, and morning and afternoon snacks are prepared in our kitchen by a qualified chef who ensures that the daily nutritional requirements of children are met by the Canada Food Guide. See the page "Menus" for more information. Our centre is nut-free and pork-free.

What happens when a child is sick?

In the event that your child becomes ill while at the centre, you will be contacted and expected to make arrangements to have your child picked up as soon as possible. In the best interest of the other children at the centre, a sick child must be kept at home for a minimum of twenty-four hours symptom free and any child with an infectious disease must observe the isolation period set out by the City of Ottawa Health Department .

Is full payment still due when a child is not in attendance?

Full payment is due monthly regardless of absence due to illness or holiday. Monthly fees have been calculated to incorporate statutory holidays and the closure days.

Where can I find more information?

For more information, please refer to the Parent Handbook.

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