Welcome to Kanata Heritage Child Care Centre
We are pleased to welcome you and your child. We are licensed by the Ministry of Education under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA). Every program is supervised by Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) who keep their Standard First Aid and CPR training current.
Vision and mission
Our vision is that every child is valued and reaches their full potential. Our mission is to provide nurturing, play-based early learning that supports each child in realizing their potential, while giving a sense of security and peace of mind to the families who trust us with the care of their children.
Our view of the child
Consistent with the Ministry of Education’s policy, our educators see children of all ages as capable, competent, curious and rich in potential.
- Children are capable of informed risk-taking and growing independence in appropriate environments.
- Children are competent: able to question, examine and investigate a wide range of topics.
- Children’s curiosity and sense of wonder matter, and they learn valuable skills through play.
- Children arrive with lived experience and knowledge; they are co-learners in our program. Educators support each child individually as they grow at their own pace.
Programs offered
How children learn with us
Our program is grounded in two Ontario frameworks: How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years (HDLH), and Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT). We also use seasonal and interest-based themes to organize our planning, always rooted in these frameworks.
The four foundations of HDLH
Our rooms reflect the diversity of the families and communities we serve. Materials, photos and resources represent different races, cultures, family structures and abilities.
Children have time to finish a task and practise new skills, like learning to do up a zipper. Transitions happen in small groups so the day feels calm.
Plans follow children’s interests. Children choose their activities, materials and play partners, make decisions, solve problems and test their own ideas.
Children express themselves through painting, clay, music and movement. Educators ask open-ended questions and give children time to reflect, predict and share.
ELECT’s six guiding principles, in practice
- 1Responsive relationships. Educators build trusting, nurturing relationships, take cues from children and model positive social skills.
- 2Learning through exploration, play and inquiry. Children learn best when they can freely explore materials, theorize, question and share ideas. When children are having fun, they are learning.
- 3Educators as co-learners. Educators learn alongside children, asking thoughtful questions and offering new, challenging materials.
- 4The environment as third teacher. Playrooms and playgrounds are designed for choice and independence: natural, calm and full of different spaces to explore.
- 5Pedagogical documentation. Plans are built from observations, family input and educator knowledge, shared through notes, photos and children’s creations.
- 6Reflective practice and collaborative inquiry. Educators reflect on their practice and learn from one another to keep quality high.
Our program statement goals
The CCEYA sets out goals every licensed program must work toward. Open any goal to see how we meet it.
Promote the health, safety and well-being of children+
- Educators greet each family personally and ask about the child’s health, mood and any special events.
- Our policies keep environments sanitary, limit the spread of illness, and ensure effective supervision and safe play spaces.
- At least once a week, educators share an update or story about your child’s learning.
- All staff are trained in Standard First Aid/CPR and epinephrine auto-injector use. Allergy lists and individual emergency plans are posted and reviewed regularly.
Support good nutrition and healthy eating+
- Menus follow Canada’s Food Guide, with fresh produce, whole grains, legumes and lean proteins, and limited processed foods and added sugar.
- Gardening and learning about fruits and vegetables are part of the curriculum.
- Our cooks are trained in Safe Food Handling; certificates are posted.
Support positive, responsive interactions+
- We greet children and families by name and build relationships around each child’s best interests.
- We interact in culturally, linguistically and developmentally sensitive ways.
- We respect parents as their child’s first teacher and support families with questions on development, toilet learning and resources.
Encourage positive communication and self-regulation+
- Schedules are flexible and unhurried, with predictable routines that respond to individual needs.
- Educators help children join play, solve conflicts, and name and work through their feelings.
- Small groups and open-ended art (there is no right or wrong way) give children space to express themselves.
- Educators receive ongoing mentoring in positive child guidance.
Foster exploration, play and inquiry+
- Educators join play as co-investigators, asking: What do you see? What do you think? What do you wonder? How could we find out?
- Play centres (blocks, sensory, dramatic play, art, science, books and more) are always available.
- Field trips and field studies take learning into the community.
- Educators use scaffolding: support is gradually reduced as children’s skills grow. Learning stories are shared in the Lillio app.
Engage and communicate with parents+
- We share information through daily Lillio updates, scheduled interviews, program documentation, newsletters and parent surveys.
- Families are welcome to take part through classroom visits, celebrations, volunteering on outings, sharing skills and hobbies, and parent workshops.
Involve local community partners+
- We take part in community events, share resources and plan joint learning for educators.
- Children visit local businesses and welcome community helpers into the classroom.
- When a child needs extra support, we work with community partners to remove barriers to participation.
Support staff learning and reflection+
- Educators receive ongoing coaching and mentoring, and support with their continuous professional learning under the College of Early Childhood Educators.
- Regular team meetings are used to plan and evaluate programs.
Use documentation to guide the program+
- Educators observe how each child makes meaning and plan next steps from what they see.
- Displayed documentation makes learning visible and starts conversations between parents, educators and children.
Balance indoor and outdoor, active and quiet time+
- We keep transitions to a minimum so children have long blocks of uninterrupted play.
- Rest time offers sleep, relaxation or quiet play, based on each child’s needs.
- Outdoor areas include natural elements and loose parts. As long as weather is safe, we go outside.
Inclusion and extra support
Every child deserves to take part fully in our program. When a child needs extra support, we work with the family and community partners to find strategies and resources that help.
Joining us, step by step
- 1Register on the City of Ottawa child care waitlist
All Ottawa families must first add their child to the City of Ottawa’s centralized child care registry and waitlist. Select Kanata Heritage Child Care Centre as one of your choices. Register on the Ottawa child care waitlist.
- 2Book a tour, and bring your child
Tours are by appointment. We encourage you to bring your child: it is a chance for them to see the rooms, meet educators and begin feeling at home, and for you to see how they respond.
- 3Complete registration in Lillio
You will receive an email invitation to register in the Lillio app. The documents listed below are required under the CCEYA before registration can be approved.
- 4Transition week, free of charge
Your child’s first week is a gentle transition. See the details below.
- 5Regular care begins
Invoices are issued at the beginning of care. See Fees & payments.
We ask every family to plan for a transition week before regular care begins. Your child starts with shorter visits that gradually grow into full days. The transition week (up to 5 days) is free of charge, and the schedule is confirmed with the centre supervisor.
Registration documents
- Completed registration form
- Up-to-date immunization record
- “Getting to know your child” form
- Sunscreen application form
- Insect repellent form
- Diaper cream form (if applicable)
- Signed Policies Agreement form
- Signed Payment Profile form
- A photo for your child’s profile
Waitlist policy
Children are placed on the waitlist for each age group in the order requests are received. When a space opens, we contact you right away. Please respond within two days, or the space will be offered to the next family. After three unsuccessful attempts to reach you, your child is removed from the list.
- Children of Kanata Heritage Child Care Centre employees
- Children already in care who are moving to the next age group
- Siblings of children currently enrolled
Other children are then placed based on room availability and waitlist date.
The supervisor can tell you your child’s position at any time. To protect privacy, we never share the names or positions of other families.
Kanata fees per day
We participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, which reduces fees for eligible children.
before reductionCurrent parent fee
CWELCC, where eligible
CWELCC fees apply to children under 6. A child who turns 6 between January 1 and June 30 stays eligible until June 30 of that year; a child who turns 6 between July 1 and December 31 stays eligible until December 31.
How payment works
Invoices are sent at the beginning of care and are due when received. Payments can be made monthly or semi-monthly.
All payments go through the Lillio app, by bank debit or credit card. Credit cards carry a 2.9% processing fee (a non-base fee).
A $48 fee (non-base) applies to any returned pre-authorized payment.
A late fee of $1.00 per minute (non-base) applies after 6:00 p.m.
If you notice a payment error in the Lillio app, please contact us urgently at kanata@heritageworld.ca or 613-591-0761 so we can arrange a credit or a refund. Otherwise, refunds or credits are issued only in the case of overpayment.
Fees are payable when a child is absent due to illness or vacation. Failure to pay the required fees may result in cancellation of the child care agreement.
Why statutory holidays and planned closures are paid
Parents often ask why fees apply on days the centre is closed. Child care fees are not a charge for each day of attendance. They reflect the yearly cost of reserving a space for your child, spread into equal, predictable payments.
- Our costs don’t pause. Educator wages, benefits, rent, utilities and insurance continue whether or not the doors are open on a given day.
- Educators are paid on statutory holidays. Ontario’s Employment Standards Act requires holiday pay, and our ratios mean the full team must be funded all year.
- It keeps fees lower and steady. If closure days were unpaid, the same annual costs would need to be spread over fewer days, raising the daily rate for everyone.
- Your space is held. Your child’s space is reserved for them every day of the year, including sick days, vacations and closures.
Further reading: “Paying something for nothing: the daycare dilemma”, Toronto Star.
Your day with us
Hours and closures
We are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are closed on these public holidays:
- We also close for about one week between Christmas and New Year’s.
- We may close for staff professional development days, with advance notice.
- *If Canada Day falls on a weekend, we close the following Monday.
- Fees apply to holidays and planned closures as per the regular fee schedule. Here’s why.
Occasionally, the centre may need to close because of the weather. We will let you know in good time through Lillio, email and our website or Facebook page. If conditions worsen during the day, we will call you to arrange an early pick-up. Our goal is the safety of the children, families and educators who travel to and from the centre.
Arrival and departure
- Always check in with an educator at drop-off and pick-up, so your child is marked in and out on the attendance record.
- Children are released only to people on your Authorized Pick-up List, which you can update anytime. Anyone picking up for the first time, or unknown to the educator, will be asked for photo ID.
- Your door code works from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. If you need to arrive after 9:30 a.m., please tell us at least one day ahead so we can plan ratios and protect the group’s routine.
First day: what to bring
- At least two full changes of clothes, in sealed bags
- Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing
- Indoor shoes (stay at the centre) and outdoor shoes
- Crib sheet and blanket
- Comfort item (soother, plush toy)
- Hat and sunscreen, spring to fall
- A family picture
- Diapers and wipes
- Labelled diaper cream, ointment or powder
- Bottles and sippy cups
- Formula or breast milk
- Infant cereal
- Packaged, sealed infant food or snacks
- A lidded cup or water bottle for class and outdoors
- Diapers and wipes, if needed
- Five changes of clothes, underwear and socks
- A spare pair of shoes
- Clothes that are easy to pull up and down
Please label every item with your child’s name.
Communication and participation
You are your child’s first teacher, and we value our partnership with your whole family. Educators share a daily log in Lillio, and you can request a parent–educator meeting at any time. Families are welcome to visit as a special guest, share their culture or skills, or volunteer in the program. A police Vulnerable Sector Check may be required for volunteers.
Field trips and graduation
We try to plan field trips throughout the year to explore our community and nature beyond the fence. For each trip you will receive a Field Trip Information Form with the details, risks and safety plan, and a permission form to sign.
- Field trip costs are paid by parents and are not included in daily fees.
- Infant parents must attend with their child. Toddler and preschool parents are encouraged to join.
Children heading to kindergarten are invited to a special graduation field trip, and we celebrate them with a graduation ceremony that families are warmly invited to attend.
Photos and image release
We use photos, videos and other documentation in our program. At enrolment you will be asked to sign an Image Release that sets out whether images may be used internally, or externally for marketing. We never share children’s faces on Facebook. You can change your consent at any time.
Food & nutrition
We serve a morning snack, a nutritious lunch and an afternoon snack every day. All meals are prepared in our centralized kitchen at our Kanata centre, following Canada’s Food Guide.
Weekly menus are posted at the centre and online at heritageworld.ca/weekly-menus, to help you plan meals at home.
We accommodate all anaphylactic allergies, other allergies and food restrictions, including medical, religious and cultural needs. Please share your child’s needs with the supervisor at registration. For anaphylaxis, we will create an individualized plan with you, as required by our anaphylactic policy under the CCEYA. Allergy lists are posted in food preparation and serving areas, and our centre is designated allergy-safe.
Food from home and birthdays
To prevent cross-contamination, please don’t bring food from home. Exceptions (for example, infant formula and sealed infant foods) are agreed in writing with the supervisor.
To celebrate a birthday, consider non-food treats such as a craft, stickers or pencils. If you would like to bring a food treat, speak to the supervisor first. Any food brought in must be store-bought, have an ingredient label, and contain no nuts or “may contain nuts” warning.
Health & wellness
Outdoor play, rain or shine
Outdoor play supports physical health, emotional well-being, self-regulation and social skills. Children in full-day programs spend at least one hour outdoors in the morning and again in the afternoon. Please dress your child to play outside in any weather: sometimes the best learning happens in a puddle. When weather isn’t safe, we move to active play indoors.
When your child is ill
Children attending must be well enough to take part in the full program, including outdoor play. We practise careful hygiene, sanitize toys and equipment and do daily health checks, but some illness is inevitable in group care. Please keep your child home when they are unwell.
Head lice+
Head lice are not a regulated public health condition, but they spread easily through head-to-head contact and shared items like hats and combs.
- If you find lice or nits, let us know, apply a treatment as directed and remove all nits. Your child may return once treatment is applied. Keep checking the whole family daily for 14 days.
- If an educator suspects lice, we may ask your permission to check your child’s hair privately. Your child is not excluded; we adjust the program (for example, removing dress-up hats). Depending on severity, we may request an early pick-up so treatment can begin.
- Families in the group will be notified and asked to return a Head Lice Parent Response form.
Medication
We can give prescription and non-prescription medication, though we prefer it be given at home when possible. For medication by injection (such as insulin), please speak to the supervisor, as an Individual Care Plan and staff training are required.
- Medication must be in its original container, labelled with your child’s name. Prescriptions need the pharmacy label with dosage and instructions.
- Complete an Administration of Medication form. Staff initial each dose; you initial at pick-up.
- Take medication home each night, except emergency medication (asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors) and infant pain relievers. These are checked monthly for expiry.
- All medication is stored as directed, in a locked container.
Injuries and incidents
If a minor incident happens (a scrape, bump or behaviour concern), educators comfort your child, give first aid if needed and complete an Incident Report. You’ll review and sign it at pick-up and receive a copy. If medical attention is needed, we will consult you and call emergency services when required. If you take your child to a doctor or dentist after an incident at the centre, please let the supervisor know so we can update the report and plan any accommodations.
Safety & protection
Supervision and record checks
- Our centre has a secured entrance, and children are supervised according to the staff-to-child ratios set by the CCEYA.
- Only our employees aged 18 or older have direct, unsupervised access to children.
- Students and volunteers support children under the direction of an RECE. They are not counted in ratios and are never alone with a child.
- All employees, students and volunteers aged 18+ must provide a clear police Vulnerable Sector Check, renewed at regular intervals. Those under 18 submit an Offence Declaration.
Prohibited practices
Under the CCEYA, the following are never permitted:
The supervisor monitors programs regularly. Any use of these practices is investigated and may lead to discipline up to and including termination of employment. If you observe one, please report it to the supervisor immediately.
Under section 125 of Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, anyone who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is, or may be, in need of protection must promptly report that suspicion directly to a children’s aid society. This applies to every member of the public, including parents.
- The duty is ongoing, and it cannot be passed on to someone else: each person with a concern must make the call themselves.
- It is not our role, or yours, to investigate or prove abuse or neglect. The children’s aid society assesses every report.
- As professionals working with children, our staff commit an offence if they fail to report a suspicion.
- We respect the confidentiality of children and families at all times, except with the children’s aid society and police.
Serious occurrences
Despite careful supervision, serious occurrences (such as a life-threatening injury or illness, or a fire on the premises) can happen. All serious occurrences are reported to the Ministry of Education. A Serious Occurrence Notification Form is posted at the centre for 10 business days, with a summary of what happened, the actions taken and any long-term changes, while protecting everyone’s privacy. A serious occurrence does not necessarily mean the centre is out of compliance or that children are at risk.
Emergency management
- Educators are trained in fire, tornado and lockdown procedures, and children practise drills throughout the year. You will be notified of drills and false alarms.
- If we must leave the building for a longer period, we move to our designated emergency shelter, usually a nearby school, and call you with the location and pick-up details.
- During an ongoing emergency, please limit calls to the centre so lines stay open for emergency services. We will update you by phone and email.
Questions & concerns
Every concern is taken seriously. You can raise it verbally or in writing, and we will work to resolve it fairly, respectfully and as quickly as possible, while protecting the confidentiality of everyone involved.
Who to talk to
If you are not satisfied
- Escalate the concern, verbally or in writing, to the Directors at kanata@heritageworld.ca.
- Concerns about compliance with the CCEYA and Ontario Regulation 137/15 can be reported to the Ministry of Education’s Licensed Child Care Help Desk: 1-877-510-5333 or childcare_ontario@ontario.ca.
- Other concerns may go to the relevant body, such as public health, police, the fire department or the College of Early Childhood Educators.
We hold high standards for positive interaction and role-modelling. Harassment and discrimination are not tolerated from anyone. If a parent, guardian or staff member feels uncomfortable, threatened, abused or belittled, they may end the conversation immediately and report it to the supervisor or licensee. See Conduct of adults.
Changes, withdrawal & termination
Subject to availability; speak to the supervisor. If days start or increase mid-month, the daily rate applies until the next month begins.
One month’s notice on the 1st of the month. Notice on August 1 takes effect September 1; notice on August 5 takes effect October 1. Subject to availability and the centre’s discretion.
Moves from infant to toddler, or toddler to preschool, depend on space and may not fall on your child’s birthday. The supervisor will confirm the date.
One month’s written notice by the 1st of the month. For a last day of August 31, notice must be received by August 1. Deposits are credited and final adjustments made.
Termination of child care
We work hard to make every placement happy and successful. In some situations, however, the centre may end a child care agreement. Here is how and why.
A group child care setting is not the right fit for every child at every stage. If a child is consistently unable to take part in the daily classroom routines, or if a child’s behaviour puts their own safety, or the safety of other children or educators, at risk, we will first work with you to find a way forward:
- We share our observations with you early and meet to discuss them.
- Together, we build a support plan with strategies for home and the centre. With your consent, we may seek available community supports. Some services may have long waits, decline a referral or be unavailable to the family or centre.
- We review progress with you at agreed times.
Our first choice is to preserve the placement, but access to outside support is not guaranteed. If safety cannot be maintained or a child’s needs cannot be met within the group program, the centre may terminate the child care agreement even when a referral is pending or outside support could not be secured. Termination is a last resort and is discussed directly with the family, except when an immediate safety risk requires a faster decision. We may ask that the child stay home while we meet and decide the next safe step.
Our centre is built on mutual respect. We expect every adult, including parents, guardians, authorized pick-up persons and visitors, to communicate with courtesy toward staff, children and other families, in person, by phone, by email, in Lillio and on social media.
We do not tolerate disrespectful, aggressive, threatening, intimidating or violent behaviour. This includes verbal abuse, bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination, and any conduct that belittles, humiliates or frightens others. Such behaviour will be addressed immediately and may result in termination of the child care agreement, restricted access to the centre and, where appropriate, contact with police.
Failure to follow centre policies, including payment terms, may result in termination of the child care space, at the centre’s sole discretion.
Safe arrival & dismissal policy
Kanata Heritage Child Care Centre releases children only to a parent or guardian, or to an individual the parent or guardian has authorized in writing. Children are never released to leave or walk home alone.
Staff greet you and your child, ask how the morning went and whether anyone else is picking up. If a new person is picking up and isn’t on the registration form, we ask for written authorization (a note or email). Staff record any change and sign your child in.
If you haven’t told us about an absence, the supervisor messages you in Lillio. With no reply after 30 minutes, we call and leave a voicemail until we reach an adult who confirms the absence. If we cannot confirm it, the licensee is informed. Please tell us about absences in advance.
If the educator doesn’t know the person picking up, they confirm with another staff member or check photo ID against your child’s file or written authorization.
One educator stays with your child and offers a snack and activity. Another calls you, then the authorized pick-up person, then the other contacts on file.
Staff contact the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa at 613-747-7800 and follow its direction.
Glossary+
- Authorized individual
- A person the parent or guardian has named in writing as able to pick up their child.
- Licensee
- The individual or corporation named on the licence issued by the Ministry of Education, responsible for operating the child care centre.
- Parent or guardian
- A person with lawful custody of a child, or who has shown a settled intention to treat the child as a child of their family.
Questions parents ask us
How do I get on the waitlist?+
Start by registering your child on the City of Ottawa child care waitlist and select our centre. We then offer spaces according to our waitlist policy.
Can I bring my child on the tour?+
Yes, and we encourage it. Seeing the rooms and meeting the educators helps your child feel at home from the first day.
How does the first week work?+
We ask for a transition week of up to 5 days, free of charge, with a schedule confirmed by the supervisor. One week is standard, but your child sets the pace, so we ask for some flexibility. Read more.
How much will I pay?+
Most children under 6 are eligible for CWELCC-reduced fees. See the Kanata fee table for current daily rates.
Why do I pay for holidays and closures?+
Fees cover the yearly cost of holding your child’s space, divided into equal payments. Staff wages, holiday pay and rent continue on closed days; charging for them keeps the daily rate lower and predictable. Read more.
When are payments due?+
Invoices are sent at the beginning of care and are due when received. Pay through Lillio, monthly or semi-monthly.
I think there’s an error on my Lillio bill. What should I do?+
Contact us urgently at kanata@heritageworld.ca or 613-591-0761 so we can arrange a credit or refund.
Do you provide meals? Can you handle allergies?+
Yes. Two snacks and lunch are prepared daily in our centralized kitchen at our Kanata centre. We accommodate all anaphylactic allergies, allergies and food restrictions.
What happens on snow days?+
If severe weather makes travel unsafe, the centre may close. We will let you know in good time through Lillio, email and our website or Facebook page.
My child is sick. Should they stay home?+
Yes, if they can’t take part in the full day, including outdoor play. After vomiting or diarrhea, keep them home until symptom-free for 48 hours. See the illness guide.
Are field trips included in the fees?+
No. Field trip costs are paid by parents, and you’ll receive the cost with each trip’s information and permission forms.
Is there a graduation?+
Yes. Children moving on to kindergarten enjoy a special graduation field trip and a graduation ceremony with their families.
Who can pick up my child? What if I’m late?+
Only people on your Authorized Pick-up List; newcomers show photo ID. We close at 6:00 p.m., and a late fee of $1.00 per minute applies after closing.
How much notice do I need to give to leave?+
One month’s written notice, received by the 1st of the month. The same notice applies to reducing days.
What if I suspect a child is being harmed?+
Everyone in Ontario has a legal duty to report. Call the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa directly at 613-747-7800. About the duty to report.