FAQ
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What ages of children do you accept?
Cedar Creek (Smithville) accepts children 3 months to 12 years old.
Do you have a waiting list?
How do I enrol?
Once a family comes up on our wait list they will be notified via email so a tour can be set up for the child and the parents/caregivers. It is extremely important that the centre be informed of the individual needs of each child prior to enrollment. This will ensure the appropriate placement for the child, as well as assistance that may be needed from the Region. Once a space becomes available and has been offered to a family, there are a number of steps that need to take place before the child can officially start. The family is first asked to pay a registration fee to the centre in order to hold their spot. This fee is non-refundable and helps the centre reassure that your child will be attending when you say they will be. Parents and guardians will also be sent registration forms to be filled out and sent back prior to their child's program start date. These forms are designed to include all of the information required by the Ministry of Education and the Public Health Department. It also provides the teachers with a good introduction to your child!
Is food provided?
Our centres provide a hot lunch and two snacks daily.
At our Welland location, lunches and snacks are based on the Canada Food Guide, and are professionally catered by Lunch Lady of Welland.
At our Smithville location, lunches and snacks are based on the Canada Food Guide and are professionally catered by Lunch Lady of Niagara.
Due to the severity and variety of allergies in our centres, we ask that no outside food be brought into the centres. Please discuss anything with the centre supervisor.
When are you open?
Hickory Creek Welland is open from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday.
Cedar Creek Smithville is open 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday.
The centres are open year round, with a week shut down at Christmas time and an extra long weekend for Labour Day. We are closed on all Statutory Holidays:
- NEW YEAR’S DAY
- FAMILY DAY
- GOOD FRIDAY
- VICTORIA DAY
- CANADA DAY
- CIVIC HOLIDAY
- LABOUR DAY
- THANKSGIVING DAY
- CHRISTMAS DAY
- BOXING DAY
Do you have summer camp?
Cedar Creek has no summer camp option.
Will you take my child to school?
Cedar Creek offers care for Smithville Public, St. Martin Elementary and Cairn Christian. Parents/guardians must ask their school admin to assist them with busses.
Do I have to go back on the wait list when my child is moving to another age group?
No. We will automatically move children from one age group to the next based on the following:
- Availability of space in the older age group
- Chronological age
- Developmental readiness
Even though a child may be old enough to move to the next age grouping, fees must remain the same until there is a space for them and they move. The decision to move a child up to the next age group is made by the Director and Program Supervisor in consultation with teachers and parents/caregivers. Once a child is scheduled to move to the next group the parent/caregiver will be notified of the move date and any fee changes. During the weeks prior to the move date, the child will visit his/her new group for a portion of the day to ensure a smooth transition.