Frequently Asked Questions
Program Operations
What hours are you open?
We are currently open from 7 AM to 5:30 PM.
Do you provide part-time or drop-in?
Yes! We support all families and their childcare needs.
Our family has a variable schedule. Is it too complicated for your daycare?
Not at all! We understand that every family’s needs are unique, and our goal is to provide flexible care to meet those needs.
Full-Time Care is considered 3+ days per week, allowing families to typically reach 100 hours, which qualifies for the full-time Affordability Grant and full subsidy. If your family has a rotating schedule, you’ll still have a guaranteed space whenever you need it! Need extra days? No problem! And in case of an emergency, you can count on us for support.
Please note that we do not offer half-day or hourly rates at this time, though this could change based on demand and availability.
Do you accept children under 12 months?
Yes, we accept children from 6 months and up.
Is there Out of School Care (OSC)?
We currently offer Kindercare and we have plans to open an Out of School child care program in 2025! Please stay tuned for more details as we get closer to our launch!
Here is a list of schools we can provide OSC for (so far):
- Dovercourt School
- Coralwood Adventist Academy
- St. Pius X School
- Awâsis Waciston Elemenary
- Coronation School
- Edmonton Christian West School
- Kensington School
- Calder School
If you are interested, please feel free to fill out the interest form on our website to get on our waitlist.
Do you provide care for children who attend a preschool program or Kindergarten?
We do! We’re excited to expand our care to pre-K and kindergarten-aged children.
Since this is a new offering, we’re updating our fees and will provide all the details soon to help you make the best plans for your family.
Do you provide care outside of your operating hours?
As we increase our enrollment numbers and our staffing, we will determine what works best for our families as we expand our hours.
I only need care for a couple of months. Can I still register?
Absolutely! We’re here to support families through all seasons and circumstances. Whether you’re with us short-term or long-term, we’re delighted to welcome your family to our program and make sure you feel right at home.
Waitlist & Tours
How do I get on the waitlist?
Easily! Just fill out the form on this page, and the registration form, and you will receive email confirmation.
At this time, there is no fee to join our waitlist!
How do I book a tour?
Simply! You can schedule a tour online, or give us a call.
Fees & Funding
Do you offer subsidy and the Affordability Grant?
Yes! As long as you qualify for either, you will have access to it.
Please note that you will have to sign up for subsidy yourself, however the Affordability Grant is automatically deducted from your fee.
Subsidy will give you access to the determined amount (based on your application) for 2 months right away, allowing the offices time to process your application. During this time, they may contact you for more information.
What is the New Family Incentive? And why are parent fees being reduced?
Our province is not yet at the $10/day average for child care, but we are anticipating changes that will help families access quality child care soon. To support our families during this time, we are offering a temporary reduction of parent fees while we adjust some of our services.
- Full-Time Spaces: A reduction of $200 per child, which means families with more than one child will save at least $400 per month.
- Part-Time Spaces: A reduction of $50 per child.
We hope this temporary adjustment helps make child care more affordable while we work towards long-term solutions.
Daily Programming
How is the day structured?
Children do not operate like clockwork, and that’s absolutely fine! Our program follows the interests of the children, so our days will look different depending on what we are exploring, as well as the developmental age of the children.
How often do you go outside?
We go outside at least twice every day, rain or shine!
Only extreme weather will prevent us from exploring the outdoors!
What if my child doesn't nap?
We encourage children to listen to and trust their bodies. This seems to reduce anxiety around nap time.
It’s okay if your child is not a napper. We have quiet activities that they can engage in while their friends are resting!
Where do children sleep?
Children sleep in their classrooms. Furniture is moved to accommodate cots and mats and ensure that children are spaced out and maintaining a safe, and healthy distance.
Children under 12 months will sleep in a crib. Children over 12 months will sleep on a mat. Older children will have a cot.
Each child will have their own bed and sheets. Families will provide blankets and a stuffy if needed!
Food & Meals
What kind of food do you provide?
We always follow the children’s lead, especially when it comes to building our menus! Ensuring that children receive their daily nutritional needs is a top priority for us, and we follow Canada’s Food Guide. We aim to lessen food waste and provide our children with healthy food options.
At this time we will serve both morning and afternoon snacks, and families will only need to provide a daily lunch.
Are you a Nut Free facility?
Yes. We aim to keep all of our children safe, and we are trained to act in the event of an anaphylaxis reaction.
What if my child doesn't like what is on the menu?
This is a completely normal phase for children, and this is where consistent communication with you, the parent, is so important.
The menu can be changed to suit dietary needs and preferences, so that the child is fed and happy and receiving the nutritional benefits from their meals! And families are welcome to provide meals as well!
What can I do if I have more questions?
You can always contact us via:
Email: hello@hummingbirdelc.ca
Phone: (780) 906-1017
Social Accounts: @hummingbirdearlylearning