Daycare

Welcome to daycare at Lethbridge Polytechnic, provided by the Hands on Early Learning Centre Ltd. Since we first opened in 1975, we’ve been providing students with peace of mind – while you’re studying for your future, your child is just down the hall receiving high-quality child care.

Our philosophy is learning through play. We believe that children learn best through play, and we structure the day to allow for opportunities for both self-directed and teacher-guided learning. It’s a practice of relationships between children, families and educators, where educators and children are co-learners, co-researchers and co-imaginers. Discover more about our child care philosophy.

Spaces and fees

We offer 42 accredited spaces throughout the academic year and the summer months for children 19 months to school aged. Priority is given to Lethbridge Polytechnic students, followed by staff members if space is available. There is a waiting list, so apply early for your spot.

Fees are set each year in August and are available upon request. Full-time care is charged a flat rate per month and is considered 100 hours or more a month. Anything less than 100 hours is charged on an hourly rate.

Fees must be paid at the daycare office on the first day of each month. Any fees that are a day overdue will be charged a late fee of $10/day until paid.

Child care subsidy

Child care subsidies are available through the Alberta Ministry of Human Services. If you are applying for a child care subsidy, you can apply online or pick up a form from:

Southern Alberta Child and Family Services
Licensing and Day Care Program
#709 Lethbridge Centre Tower
400 4th Avenue S.
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4E1

Daycare registration

Daycare wait list registration

To register your child for daycare:

1. Print off and complete the daycare registration form.
2. Obtain a copy of your child’s immunization record.
3. Return the registration form, immunization record and $50 registration fee to the day care office.
    

Note: The daycare registration fee is subject to change.

Hours of operation and attendance

The Hands on Early Learning Centre operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, during class and examination days as outlined in the academic calendar. Summer hours are dependent on enrolment. There may be some flexibility on the closing time depending on the number of parents needing extended hours.

Please sign the attendance sheet at the front door upon arrival and departure. If you are going to be delayed, you must contact the daycare, as the staff worries and so does your child. A late fee of $10 will be charged for every 15 minutes you are late, and persistent lateness will result in the termination of daycare services.

Health and nutrition policies

For the sake of your child and other children attending the Hands on Early Learning Centre, please do not bring a sick child to the daycare centre. If sickness is apparent upon arrival, your child will not be admitted to the daycare centre and you must find alternate care.

If your child becomes ill at the centre, you will be notified immediately. We request that you take your child home as soon as possible. Check your Hands on Early Learning Centre parent handbook for more specific information.

All staff members have their Emergency Child Care certificate and are able to care for minor cuts and bruises. There is a registered nurse on campus from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during the regular academic year (September to April).

Nutrition

A mid-morning snack, hot lunch and mid-afternoon snack are provided by the daycare and include the four food groups. We post menus monthly, but if your child:

• has any allergies, please bring a note from your doctor so we have a record for our files
• requires a specific diet, provide a written list of foods your child can and cannot eat
  • Note: You may be required to provide your child’s lunch and snacks.

Parent involvement

We invite all parents to be involved in the daycare. If you would like to be involved, please let us know what kind of participation you can provide (e.g. fieldtrips). You are also welcome to visit the daycare centre at any time during the day except nap time. Lunch time is also not an ideal time to visit as the children enjoy socializing with their peers and the staff. You may, however, take your child out for lunch as long as we are informed ahead of time.