Tiny Turtles

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Philosophy

My objective is not only to provide a happy and secure place for children, but also to encourage social skills and broaden their educational horizons. It is important for parents to feel confident and comfortable bringing their children to Tiny Turtles. I look forward to introducing your child to a world full of laughter, learning, and fun.

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Curriculum

Our programs are designed to meet the needs of each child. Activities are balanced between group interaction and free play and include weekly structured activities that support emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development.

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Hours of Operation

Regular Hours

Monday to Friday
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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Summer Hours (July & August)

Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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Holidays

Tiny Turtles will be closed on all statutory holidays, including but not limited to:

• New Year’s Day – January 1

• Family Day – Third Monday in February

• Good Friday

• Easter Monday

• Victoria Day – Monday preceding May 25

• Canada Day – July 1
  (If July 1 falls on a Saturday, the following Monday will be observed.)

• Civic Holiday – First Monday in August

• Labour Day – First Monday in September

• Thanksgiving – Second Monday in October

• Christmas Day – December 25

• Boxing Day – December 26

                                         

                                       Holiday dates are subject to change.

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Vacation 

Parents are responsible for arranging alternate childcare during provider vacation periods.

Tiny Turtles will close for:

• One week in July

• One week in August

The final childcare day before Christmas holidays will be announced no later than November each year.

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                                        Vacation days are paid days.

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Provider Sick Days / Family Emergencies / Closures

If I am unable to provide childcare, parents will be notified as soon as possible, so they can find alternate arrangements

I reserve:

• Up to 9 sick days per year

• The right to use vacation days if additional sick days are required

Whenever possible, parents will be notified by 5:00 p.m. the evening before a closure.

Infectious Illness Closures

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Tiny Turtles may temporarily close due to outbreaks of serious infectious illnesses, including COVID-19, RSV, or similar viruses, particularly when multiple children test positive. The daycare may close for up to two days for deep cleaning and disinfecting.

Parents are responsible for alternate care arrangements during closures.

These closure days remain paid days.

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Emergency Closures

The daycare may also close unexpectedly due to:

• Family emergencies

• Severe weather

• Tornadoes

• Power outages

• Pandemics

• Other unforeseen emergencies

Parents will receive as much notice as possible.
Refunds will not be provided for emergency closures.

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Interview Procedures

A complete interview will be conducted before any child is accepted into care. Both parties should feel comfortable and confident that the childcare arrangement is suitable.

Required Forms

Before admission into care, parents must complete and sign all required documentation, including:

• Permission Forms

• Child Development Form (if required)

• Childcare Contract

• Medical Emergency Permission Form

 

Payment & Rates

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Monthly Fees

One Child

• 4-week month: $1,115

• 5-week month: $1,390

Two Children

• 4-week month: $2,230

• 5-week month: $2,780

 

Payment Terms

• Payments must be made by e-transfer

• Payment is due on the last day of care for the following month

• Fees are charged as a flat monthly rate to reserve your child’s space, regardless of attendance

 

Parents will receive one month’s notice before any future fee changes.

Rates are subject to change.

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Late Pickup 

A late fee of $1 per minute will apply for pickups after scheduled hours without proper notice.

Late fees are payable upon pickup.

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Trial Period

A one-week trial period is recommended to ensure the childcare arrangement is suitable for everyone involved.

Either party may terminate care during the trial period without legal obligation.

The first day of the trial period will be stated in the childcare contract.

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Releasing Your Child

Children will only be released to individuals listed on the authorized pickup form unless direct parental approval has been provided.

Photo identification will be required before release.

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Safety Notice

A child will not be released to a parent or guardian who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs unless accompanied by a designated driver.

If a child leaves the premises despite safety procedures, care may be terminated and authorities may be contacted if necessary.

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Health & Sick Policy

Children become ill unexpectedly, and parents are responsible for arranging alternate care when needed.

Tiny Turtles reserves the right to refuse entry or request immediate pickup of any child who appears ill.

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Children Must Not Attend Care With:

• Fever

• Persistent runny nose with additional symptoms

• Cough

• Rash

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

• Severe cold symptoms

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Ear infection

• Sore throat

• Head lice

• Contagious illnesses such as chicken pox, measles, or mumps

 

Illness During Care

If a child becomes ill while attending daycare:

• The child will be separated from others when possible

• Parents will be contacted immediately for pickup

• The child must remain home until symptoms improve

Children with a fever must remain fever-free for 48 hours before returning.

No refunds will be provided for illness-related absences.

Parents must notify Tiny Turtles immediately if their child is diagnosed with a contagious illness.

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Head Lice 

If a child contracts head lice:

• Parents must notify Tiny Turtles immediately

• Parents may be responsible for 50% of the cleaning and disinfecting costs related to the outbreak

 

Cleaning procedures may include:

• Deep cleaning and disinfecting

• Washing bedding, toys, mats, and linens

• Disposal or replacement of contaminated items

• Temporary daycare closure

 

Administering Medication

Medication will only be administered when:

• It is in the original container

• It includes the child’s name and dosage instructions

• A signed medication authorization form is completed by the parent

 

Medical Emergencies

In emergencies:

1. Emergency services (911) may be contacted first if necessary

2. Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately afterward

Parents must complete all emergency medical authorization forms before care begins.

Minor injuries will receive standard first aid treatment, and parents will be informed at pickup.

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Bed Bugs / Pest-Roaches

If bed bugs or similar pests are introduced into the daycare:

• Parents must notify Tiny Turtles immediately

• Parents may be responsible for 50% of extermination and cleaning costs

The daycare may require temporary closure for treatment and cleaning.

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Pinworm 

Pinworms are highly contagious.

Children diagnosed with pinworms must remain home for the full duration of prescribed treatment.

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Behavior Management

Child Guidance Rules

At Tiny Turtles, children are expected to:

1. Not harm themselves

2. Not harm others

3. Respect others

 

Behavior Management Methods

• Redirection

• Brief calming time away from activities

• Removal of privileges when equipment or toys are misused

• Parent collaboration and support

 

Removal From Care

Care may be terminated if a child’s behavior becomes:

• Dangerous

• Persistently disruptive

• Unmanageable despite consistent intervention efforts

 

Nutrition

Meals & Snacks

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Meals and snacks meet or exceed Canadian nutrition guidelines and are served family-style.

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Daily schedule:

• Breakfast: Until 8:30 a.m. (must arrive no later than 8:15am)

• Lunch: 11:00 a.m.

• Afternoon snack: After nap time

Parents should notify the daycare of food preferences or restrictions.

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Special Diets

Parents must provide food for children requiring special diets.

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Infant Food

Parents are responsible for supplying:

• Formula

• Baby food

• Bottles and feeding supplies

 

Junk Food

Candy, chips, gum, and similar foods are discouraged except during birthdays or special occasions.

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Naps & Rest Periods

All children are required to participate in rest time.

• Children under 2 years old will nap in a playpen

• Older children will use sleep cots

 

Supplies & Equipment

Tiny Turtles provides:

• Toys

• Learning materials

• General childcare equipment

 

Parents are responsible for:

• Extra clothing

• Diapers  

• Diaper cream

• Seasonal supplies as requested

 

Items Not Permitted

Children may not bring:

• Toy weapons

• Knives

• Guns

• Swords

• Unapproved toys or valuables

Tiny Turtles is not responsible for lost or damaged personal belongings.

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Toilet Training

Toilet training requires cooperation between parents and caregiver.

Children must continue using diapers, pull-ups, or protective underwear until they are consistently successful with toileting independently.

Parents must provide multiple spare clothing changes during training periods.

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Duty to Report Child Abuse

By law, childcare providers are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.

Termination of Care

Either party may terminate care with two weeks’ written notice unless immediate termination is necessary.

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Immediate termination may occur due to:

• Failure to follow policies

• Non-payment

• Repeated late pickups

• Incomplete required forms

• Inability to communicate respectfully

• Behavior that threatens the safety or well-being of others

• Ongoing disruption within the daycare environment

 

Disrespectful or aggressive behavior toward the provider will not be tolerated and may result in immediate termination of care.

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Thank you for your cooperation and trust.

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Michelle Seguin
Owner & Director
Tiny Turtles Childcare