Full and part-time programs are offered in spacious play rooms. Age-appropriate playgrounds with lots of shade ensure that children have a safe outdoor play experience. Many of our Staff have been with the Centre for over 15 years providing quality child care in a loving and stable environment. Our on-site chef provides a nutritious hot lunch and 2 snacks daily, following Canada's food guide for both variety and serving sizes.
Programs are re-evaluated regularly to reflect changes within the Day Nurseries Act, and ideologies in Early Childhood Education. Parent meetings are offered periodically for your interest. Newsletters are sent out at regular intervals informing you of these meetings as well as topics of interest, and events.
Staff are co-learners and are responsive and reflective of children's needs and the needs of their family when possible. Observations, conversations and experiences are documented regularly through journaling, learning stories, charting, photos and displays. Documentation allows for reflections and opportunities for questioning and adjustment of the environment as the interests of children change.
St. Thomas' Day Care is an active participant in the Quality Child Care Niagara initiative. Staff members are trained to screen children to assist with providing age- appropriate activities to enhance development in all areas. Screening provides an opportunity for early identification of children who may need further evaluation and or additional supports. A Resource Teacher from Preschool Services us visits regularly and provides further screening and support for children and their families as required.
Key community partners assist us in supporting children and their families. They include: St. Catharines Preschool Services, Niagara Region Children's Services, Niagara Public Health, Niagara Children's Centre, Pathstones Mental Health, Speech Services Niagara and the Early Childhood Community Development Centre.
Parent meetings are offered periodically for your interest. Newsletters are sent out at regular intervals informing you of these meetings as well as topics of interest, and events. We use HiMama to document learning and as a communication tool for families.
CRAFTS- our billing and secondary communication platform.