Where children learn to LEAP..Laugh, Explore and Accomplish through Play!
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I opened Little Leapers Child Care in Aug/2005 after re-locating to Bowmanville. I have several years experience taking care of children including relatives and my own two children. I am committed to keeping current on topics relative to child care and regularly participate in relevant workshops and courses. I am active in the Durham Region Home Child Care Association. I also worked with Wee Watch Enriched Home Child Care for 2 years before deciding to operate privately. I have been approved by the Durham CAS through PRIDE training and SAFE home assessment. We recently adopted a very special child through Durham CAS and this has been an amazing experience for my family.
Do you have any spaces available?
Please click on the 'spaces available' link on the main page of this web site for current openings. This page is updated any time spaces are filled or vacated. The spaces available link also lists the number and ages of children currently enrolled in Little Leapers Child Care. I will care for no more than five day care children at any given time. I try to keep to the guideline of no more than 2 children under 18 months and no more than 3 children under 2.5 years old.
Do you have a waiting list?
If I don't have any spaces available at the time of your call, I would be glad to keep your information on file and notify you when a space is available. Parents are welcome to come for a tour of the child care at any time even if no spaces are currently available.
What are your hours of operation?
Normal business hours are Monday to Friday from 7 am until 5:30 pm. I also do extended hours care in the early morning, evening, overnight and on weekends for additional fees.
Do you take part time children?
I do take part time children. Please see the 'spaces available' page for openings. I do accommodate rotating shifts. Part time and after school children count in the five daycare children that I am legally allowed to care for. For this reason, I take a very limited number of part time children and I may impose a weekly attendance minimum.
Do you give Tax receipts?
Yes, tax receipts are issued in Feb or when care is terminated.
Do you provide school escorts?
I walk children to and from Waverley Public School only.
Do you transport children in your car?
We do not take regular trips in my car due to limited seating capacity. Most of our outings are within walking distance of my home. Children are expected to come dressed in weather appropriate clothing everyday. Occasional trips requiring my car or public transit may be planned and parents will be required to sign a consent form each time. Generally outings requiring car travel are only scheduled on days when two or less children are expected to attend.
What does your program involve?
I offer a full program for mixed aged groups. Activities include circle games, stories, music, pre-reading and pre-math skills, super-sensory, monthly themes, crafts and creative activities, outdoor activities (walks to local parks and a full play structure in my backyard), free play and trips to the Ontario Early Years Centre.
What types of meals do you provide?
Two snacks and a nutritious lunch are served everyday. I follow Canada's Food Guide for Healthy eating and offer a variety of nutritious foods. Candy and baked goods may be served very occasionally and only with parents permission. If your child has food allergies or restrictions due to religious or personal beliefs, I will be more than happy to accommodate these requirements. Sorry, Little Leapers is not a nut-free facility!
Are you Licensed?
In Ontario, the only way for a home day care to be licenced is through a licenced placement agency. I no longer take children through Wee Watch Enriched Home child care. If you require subsidized child care, I encourage you contact Wee Watch.
Do you have any pets?
There are three in-door cats in the house. The cats have up to date vaccinations and are good with children. I also have a fully vaccinated golden retriever named Brandi. Brandi is friendly and gentle but is kept separated from the day care children. Children are never left with the pets unattended.
Is the home Smoke free?
Yes, nobody is allowed to smoke in our house or property at any time.
Do you have First Aid/ CPR training?
I have first Aid and CPR training through St. John Ambulance. I update this training every year.
How do you communicate with parents?
Communication is very important to me. It is in the best interest of the child for the child care provider and parents to have an open and honest relationship. I keep parents informed about happenings at Little Leapers through the following means:
1) There is a message board by the door where I post schedules, emergency information, menu plans and monthly activity plans.
2) Each child has a journal that goes home with him/her everyday. In the journal, I record the days activities, special notes or concerns, menu, diaper changes and naps. Parents are free to write notes for me in the childs book.
3) I write a monthly newletter which includes any special events or announcements. Parents are welcome to contribute to the newsletter or to make suggestions for monthly themes or activities.
4) I have an open door policy. Parents are welcome to drop by at any time.
5) I do not schedule regular conferences with parents but I am glad to arrange one upon request.
Do you have a substitute for days when you are ill?
In the event that I am ill, it is the parents responsibility to arrange alternative care. I will give the parents as much notice as possible if I am ill or require a day off. Parents are not expected to pay for my sick days or vacation. I may arrange a back-up Provider for times when I have an appointment. I will inform the parents ahead of time and allow you to choose if you want to use this service. I have only scheduled one appoinment during daycare hours in the past 2 years.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes, I do offer a sibling discount. The discount depends on the number and ages of your children. Please call me directly for a quote.
Do you have references?
I supply all parents with a list of references as well as a copy of my police check and other security information, at the first interview.