Program and routine

Children spend at least two hours outdoors each day (weather permitting). Outdoor play supports:

• Physical health
• Social development
• Confidence
• Exploration

We adjust for extreme weather and follow public health guidance.

Centres and home child care locations

• Provide rest periods for infants according to their sleep schedule and toddlers and pre-school children can nap (up to two hours) or do quiet activities
• Children may bring a small comfort item and blanket from home
• Conduct direct visual checks on sleeping children
• Notify parents or guardians of any changes in sleeping patterns or behaviour
• Cots or rest spaces are provided for children in care six or more hours
• Infants require cribs or playpens compliant with Health Canada’s Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
• Infants 0–12 months sleep according to the Health Canada Safe Sleep Guidelines (PDF), unless otherwise directed in writing by a physician

Home child care locations

For overnight care, direct visual checks are conducted periodically. Playpens and cots are not suitable for overnight care as they are not designed to be used for unsupervised sleep.

Nutrition is vital for your child’s health, growth and well-being. All programs:

• Follow the appropriate Health Canada Food Guide
• Post menus and advise of any changes
• Provide water throughout the day
• Do their best to accommodate allergies and dietary needs

If your child has an allergy, we create a plan together and train centre staff and home child care providers on emergency procedures.

In some situations, you may need to provide food.

• Infants under one year: Provide written instructions for daily food intake
• Label each item with your child’s name and date brought in
• Complete required forms for specialized diets
• Keep staff or your home child care provider updated on dietary changes

All dietary information is kept on file.

• Talk to staff or home child care provider if your child is ready to start toilet training 
• Work together to create a plan that fits your child’s needs 
• Remember, toilet training can take time and may be stressful for your child and family 

• Staff and home child care providers may take children on walks in the neighbourhood 
• Children may occasionally go on field trips outside the community 
• Families will be notified in advance 
• A signed consent excursion form is required for participation 

• Photos may be taken to capture learning and special moments 
• Videos may be used for staff or home child care provider training or promotional purposes 
• Your consent is required for your child to be photographed or video recorded 
• If you change your mind, notify the program

Providing transportation is discouraged. However, if transportation is provided: 

• Written consent is required 
• Agreements are between the parent or guardian and the home child care provider and are not connected to or supervised by Niagara Region Home Child Care  
• Proper car seats are required 
• Drivers must: 
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a valid driver’s licence (Class G or higher)
  • Have up-to-date automobile insurance policy with limits of no less than $2,000,000