We have three scheduled diaper change routines during the day, and of course we will change your child’s diapers at any time as required. Each child has a labelled bin in our diaper room, with space for diapers, wipes, clothes, and creams. You are responsible for bringing these items for your child. It’s always a good idea to check the bin every so often to make sure your child has what they need.

When the time comes, we will work with you to help with your child’s toilet learning. We follow their cues and what you are doing at home (e.g. if they wear underwear at home, we want to try to do the same at daycare). Please let us know if we can help in any way when you feel your child is ready to leave the diapers behind….it’s such a big step in a toddler’s growth and development and it is important that we are all doing the same thing. We have lots of tips and tricks to share and look forward to helping your child to master this exciting step!

Mothercraft provides nutritional, delicious morning snacks. The children are required to bring a nutritious lunch and afternoon snack from home. Foods that need to be kept cold or hot can be packed in a thermos to keep the food at a safe temperature. Cold foods can also be stored with an ice pack or frozen juice box. The Public Health Department expects that parents will have an ice pack in their child’s lunch bag for the travel time from home to daycare.

The Educators will serve the snacks/lunches as provided by the parents.  A microwave is available to warm foods as required. The Ministry of Education requires that we ensure the children are provided with healthy snacks and lunches that follow the Canada Food Guide.

Meals are a very social time. Self-help skills are encouraged but of course a helping hand is ready when needed. Children must be sitting while eating and drinking.  They are encouraged, but not required, to taste everything.  The Educators return your child’s food containers to their lunch bag so that you can see what and how much they ate. They will let you know if you need to bring more food.

Please remember that we are a NUT FREE FACILITY!
Always double check pre-packaged food items for a warning that says “contains/may contain nuts or tree nuts” or “tree nuts” and/or “made in a factory that processes nuts”. These warnings can be in very small print at the end of the ingredient list. This restriction also applies to nut-based milks. These items cannot be served at Mothercraft. We do have children in our programs with nut allergies so please pay close attention to what you are packing for your child. Also, please make sure your child hands and face are washed before joining us in case they have had something with nuts prior to arriving at Mothercraft.

In our sleep room each child has their own cot. If your child has a soother, special blanket, pillow or soft toy that would make them feel more comfortable, we encourage you to bring it in. The sleep room is darkened, with quiet music and a fan. There is always an educator with the children. Naptime usually starts at 12:30pm and ends at 2:45pm at the latest. Children go into the sleep room in staggered, small groups. We encourage the children to fall asleep on their own, but we will rub backs, etc., to help them settle.

For those who wake up early we have a Wakers’ Program in the playroom. There are quiet activities set up for the children to explore as they wake.

The children need at least one complete set of spare clothes (don’t forget socks!), especially during toilet learning time and messy play.
Please note that some of the children’s favorite activities are the messiest kind, so we would suggest that you not send your child in anything you would not like to “get dirty”.
It’s so important to LABEL all your child’s clothing.We encourage the use of indoor shoes and outdoor shoes wherever possible.
Children also need to have whatever outdoor clothing needed to be able to have fun in our great play yard. Weather permitting we will always play outside twice daily (see daily schedule). Unless it is too cold, wet, hot, or slippery, out we go! Please be sure to send your child with appropriate clothing for the unpredictable Canadian elements.

We have three basic rules in this program: safe bodies, safe feelings, and safe equipment. By providing a play-space with fewer restrictions and rules, we believe that the children are more in control of their environment. It is a place that truly belongs to them. This in turn creates a room full of happy children, happy families and happy Educators.

We want your family will feel as welcome as possible in our program. To get to know us a little better, feel free to check out our personal profiles posted outside the classroom.   Please share with us your family adventures and the exciting and funny things your child does. We can try to incorporate these important things into our program and make it that much more fun and exciting!
We welcome phone calls anytime if you have any questions, concerns, or compliments or even just to see how your child’s day is going!