Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register in September?
No, we accept registration throughout the year, depending upon availability.
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
No, we do will work with you in this process. Children are always encouraged, in a positive manner in their potty training. We ask for those who are not fully trained that a bag of extra clothing, and diapers/pull-ups and wipes be left with in your child’s bin or backpack.
Do you accept children with special needs?
Yes. We do have support provided by the Special Needs Resourcing program run by Community Living Hamilton, that we can access for your child. If he/she is deemed eligible for service, the child is provided with support, including in some cases the opportunity for a Resource teacher or a support facilitator in the classroom depending on needs.
What is a duty day?
Participating parents, grandparents, or other caregivers will be an active participant in the running of the classroom a few times a month. On average if your child is attending preschool 2 times a week you will be on duty 2 or 3 times a month, 3 times per week, 3–4 times per month.
Do I need to send my child with a snack?
No. Parents take part in a monthly snack rotation, on their assigned duty day they provide snack for all the children. Our school is a peanut free environment. All other dietary or religious restrictions are also taken into account, and abided by.
Can I prepare my snack at home?
No, due to Health Department regulations, all snacks must be prepared on the premises. The parent on duty will prepare the snack. We also request that no homemade snacks be sent in as we have to be able to show ingredient lists to the Health Department who make surprise visits throughout the year. Exceptions can be made during party days as each child’s parent is present to see what their child is eating.
Do I have to participate within the classroom?
No, we have limited non-participating spots available for an increased cost. Everyone is required to attend membership meetings (approx. 4) throughout the year, and help wherever you can.
Can my other child come with me for my duty day?
Due to Ministry regulations and insurance restrictions, only children enrolled in the school may be present in the school throughout a regular school day. Exceptions can be made on party days or school trips.
What other jobs can I help with?
We have other jobs that are an integral part of the operation of the preschool. Tasks change yearly depending on the needs of the school. It may mean you bring home the schools laundry on an alternating basis, make play dough, help run a fundraiser, buy supplies etc.
Can I be involved on an executive level?
Yes. Executive positions are voted in by the co-op membership; president, vice-president, membership secretary, secretary, treasurer, and fundraiser. Executive members are expected to attend executive meetings as well as membership meetings.
Do I need a Police Check to participate within the classroom?
Yes, all co-operative members and their designates who plan to perform a duty day on more than 2 occasions during the school year must obtain a request for Vulnerable Sector Screening from the Hamilton Police Department which they have to cover the cost of. This is reviewed and cleared by the supervisor and volunteering can be refused if clearance is questionable.
Do I need a Standard First Aid certificate to participate within the classroom?
Yes, all co-operative members and their designates who plan to perform a duty day on more than 2 occasions during the school year must provide evidence of up to date training, including CPR for infant and toddler.
No, we accept registration throughout the year, depending upon availability.
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
No, we do will work with you in this process. Children are always encouraged, in a positive manner in their potty training. We ask for those who are not fully trained that a bag of extra clothing, and diapers/pull-ups and wipes be left with in your child’s bin or backpack.
Do you accept children with special needs?
Yes. We do have support provided by the Special Needs Resourcing program run by Community Living Hamilton, that we can access for your child. If he/she is deemed eligible for service, the child is provided with support, including in some cases the opportunity for a Resource teacher or a support facilitator in the classroom depending on needs.
What is a duty day?
Participating parents, grandparents, or other caregivers will be an active participant in the running of the classroom a few times a month. On average if your child is attending preschool 2 times a week you will be on duty 2 or 3 times a month, 3 times per week, 3–4 times per month.
Do I need to send my child with a snack?
No. Parents take part in a monthly snack rotation, on their assigned duty day they provide snack for all the children. Our school is a peanut free environment. All other dietary or religious restrictions are also taken into account, and abided by.
Can I prepare my snack at home?
No, due to Health Department regulations, all snacks must be prepared on the premises. The parent on duty will prepare the snack. We also request that no homemade snacks be sent in as we have to be able to show ingredient lists to the Health Department who make surprise visits throughout the year. Exceptions can be made during party days as each child’s parent is present to see what their child is eating.
Do I have to participate within the classroom?
No, we have limited non-participating spots available for an increased cost. Everyone is required to attend membership meetings (approx. 4) throughout the year, and help wherever you can.
Can my other child come with me for my duty day?
Due to Ministry regulations and insurance restrictions, only children enrolled in the school may be present in the school throughout a regular school day. Exceptions can be made on party days or school trips.
What other jobs can I help with?
We have other jobs that are an integral part of the operation of the preschool. Tasks change yearly depending on the needs of the school. It may mean you bring home the schools laundry on an alternating basis, make play dough, help run a fundraiser, buy supplies etc.
Can I be involved on an executive level?
Yes. Executive positions are voted in by the co-op membership; president, vice-president, membership secretary, secretary, treasurer, and fundraiser. Executive members are expected to attend executive meetings as well as membership meetings.
Do I need a Police Check to participate within the classroom?
Yes, all co-operative members and their designates who plan to perform a duty day on more than 2 occasions during the school year must obtain a request for Vulnerable Sector Screening from the Hamilton Police Department which they have to cover the cost of. This is reviewed and cleared by the supervisor and volunteering can be refused if clearance is questionable.
Do I need a Standard First Aid certificate to participate within the classroom?
Yes, all co-operative members and their designates who plan to perform a duty day on more than 2 occasions during the school year must provide evidence of up to date training, including CPR for infant and toddler.