Town of Beaumont
Alberta, Canada

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Child Care FAQ

Questions

Registration and waitlist
 

Accreditation


registration and waitlist

When should I register my children for the waitlist?

There are a variety of situations that prompt families to require child care services. It is recommended that you register your child(ren) for the waitlist as soon as you establish you will require child care. It is not uncommon to register your child(ren) up to a year or more in advance, to ensure your child care needs are met. However waitlist applications are processed as they are received.

What is the process to getting my children on the waitlist? Which forms need to be completed?

If you would like to place your child(ren) on the child care services waitlist, you must complete the Waitlist Registration Form and forward the completed first and last pages, to our office, along with your $50.00 non refundable waitlist fee. Forms are available at the Town of Beaumont office reception desk or by downloading the form. Payment can be made by cash, debit and cheque. Completed forms and payment (cheque) are also accepted after hours via a late night drop box at the Town office and will be processed the next business day and added to the list.

What is the average or typical wait times before my child(ren) will be placed within Child Care Services?

Due to the fact that all programs are operating at capacity it is virtually impossible to predict when spaces will become available. When spaces do become available, program supervisors will contact families via telephone if the space meets their outlined requirements. Please ensure your contact information remains up to date.

Where are my kids on the waitlist?

You are encouraged to inquire with child care services for new space timelines and your child(ren)’s position on the waitlist.

Are there any child care spaces available?

All full-time and part-time spaces are currently at capacity. However, some drop-in spaces may be available, please contact the program supervisor for details.

What is the possibility of having siblings placed together?

The Town of Beaumont strives to place siblings together in the same program to support family needs. The referral process can be very complex and multiple spaces may not become available at the same time. The Early Learning Child Care and School Age Site Supervisors may offer you a single space based on availability unless you indicated otherwise on the waitlist form.

What if I refuse a suitable space when I receive a referral?

The waitlist policy states that if a suitable space (based on the information provided on the waitlist form) is offered to a family and the guardian refuses the space, the child’s name is brought to the bottom of the list. If care is refused a second time, the child’s name is removed from the list and the child would once again have to be registered (including paying the $50 registration fee).

It is recommended you maintain your waitlist information as accurately as possible to ensure you are only offered spaces that meet your family’s needs. Updates are required in writing and can be sent to the child care services email.

Accreditation

How is accreditation different from licensing / contract standards?

Licensing or contracts are required by provincial legislation to ensure that minimum standards of health, safety, and care are in place at all times. Accreditation is voluntary. Accreditation exceeds the regulated standards of licensing.

What is the difference between accreditation and licensing / contract standards?

By definition, accreditation and licensing have different functions.

  • Licensing / contract standards provide a legislated ’floor’ below which child care programs are not permitted to operate. It typically includes factors such as space, range of equipment, number and ages of children, staff/provider-child ratios and training requirements for staff/providers. Such factors contribute to quality, but are only minimum standards.
  • Accreditation builds on this legislated "floor" to look at factors that determine quality. The emphasis is on staff practices and actual outcomes for children and families. It shifts the focus from meeting minimum standards to continuously striving towards providing higher levels of care.

How does a centre become accredited?

Programs engage in a self-study process and undergo a site visit by external examiners to demonstrate they meet ten quality standards.

Why would I want my child in an accredited program?

High quality child care can positively influence your child’s development because children learn and grow best in programs that provide quality care and activities. Accredited programs encourage the involvement of parents in the child care program.

How would an accredited program meet my family’s needs?

  • Accredited programs demonstrate their commitment to work in partnership with parents to meet your child’s specific needs.
  • Accredited programs document your child’s development.
  • An open door policy is essential to an accredited program’s practice, and your input and feedback are welcomed.
  • Additional opportunities are available to access workshops and other resources that support planning of activities specific to your child’s skill level and interests.
  • Accredited programs have access to provincial government funding at enhanced rates to attract and retain qualified staff and to promote staff development.
  • The facility exceeds licensing standards.

  More information on accreditation can be found at www.aelcs.ca.