How your child begins his or her experiences is of utmost importance, for it sets the tone of the days and weeks to come. Even when a child has been in daycare before, a new centre can be frightening. Central Montessori staff believes a steady introduction to the centre will relieve the child’s anxiety and fear of a strange new place and people. We strive to make the child and parents feel welcome and provide a warm, secure environment for all.

It is required by law that you accompany your child into the centre and sign them in on the sign-in/sign-out sheet, which is located on the table by the class entrance. Please ensure that the supervisor is aware of your arrival. If there is anything a staff should know, please write it down under the “remark” section on the sign-in/sign-out sheet. If it is a sensitive matter, write a note for the supervisor. The mornings are often hectic and the supervisor may not have time to talk with you: writing a note will ensure that what you need to say will not be forgotten.

Reassure your child that he or she can go to any staff member for support at any time. Tell your child the teacher’s job is to help the children feel safe and happy. Always inform your child of your departure and not undermine the trust by slipping out while he or she is engaged in play. Help your child understand when you will return by discussing activities and routines the child will be done before you come back.

If you child has difficulty separating from you and begins to cry:

• ask the supervisor to assist you
• calmly tell your child that you will be back at the end of the day
• kiss and hug your child goodbye, and confidently get up and leave

Children should be picked up by 6:00 pm, which is our school closing time. If the parent is late picking up, the staff will follow these procedures:

• First occasion of being late: verbal reminder of closing time
• Second occasion: $1.00 fine levied for each minute after 6:00 pm
• Over 3 late pick-ups in a six-month period may result in suspension from our program

Your child should bring nutritious lunch and snacks everyday that include all the food groups, such as suggested in Health Canada’s national food guide (2019). A microwave oven is available for warming up lunches, provided that lunch is brought in a microwavable container. Families may also choose to pack lunches in thermos containers to keep their child’s meals warm.

If your child has any food allergies or diet restrictions, please inform us in order to avoid any possible health dangers.

Please avoid packing candies, chocolate, pop, or excessively sweet foods with your child’s lunch. Peanuts and nut-related foods are restricted due to our allergy protection policy.

Meal Programs

Our schools also offer a Snack Program, Lunch Program, and both combined.

Snacks homemade in partnership with our exclusive cook who prepares fruits + dairy in the morning and baked goods in the afternoon. Prepared snacks are $5 per day. Orders are monthly.

Catered lunches are provided and delivered by Libby’s Kitchen in Richmond. Lunches are $6 per day, e-transfer accepted, and are ordred monthly. Libby’s lunches also offers options to custom select specific days of the month to order lunches.