First Choice provides multi-age child care, including care for younger children as well as before and after school care for children up to age 12. Contact us if you would like to ask about availability for your child's age group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions are always welcome.
Choosing daycare comes with lots of questions. Here are answers to some of the things families may want to know before getting started.
FAQs
Getting Started
You can request a visit through our Book a Tour page. Choose a preferred date and time, leave your contact information, and we will follow up with you to confirm the details.
Depending on the age of your child, there could be a waitlist. If you are interested in care, contact us or book a tour to ask about current availability.
Families who wish to end child care services are asked to provide 30 days written notice, signed and dated.
FAQs
A Day at First Choice
Our days follow a familiar rhythm that may include snacks, gathering activities, outdoor play, lunch, rest or quiet time, arts and crafts, reading, puzzles, and free play. Timing may shift depending on the children, activities, weather, and individual needs.
Yes. Active play is an important part of the program. Weather permitting, we aim for at least 60 minutes of outdoor active play, with more than two hours of active play throughout the day.
Yes. Children have a quiet rest period during the day. No child is forced to sleep. Children who do not nap can participate in quiet activities while others are resting.
Screen time is limited to 30 minutes or less per day. First Choice may occasionally offer a Friday movie within that limit. Computers and electronic games are not part of the regular program, and children under age two do not participate in screen time.
FAQs
Pickup & Safety
Children are released only to a parent, legal guardian, or another person authorized by the family. Families should notify the daycare in writing about alternate pickup arrangements, and photo identification may be required if the person is not known to staff.
No. Children will not be released to anyone under 14 years of age.
Parents and guardians are responsible for picking up their child on time. Late pickup is subject to a fee of $10 for every 15 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Staff will try to contact parents, guardians, and emergency contacts if needed.
First Choice has procedures for medical emergencies, evacuation, shelter-in-place situations, fire, severe weather, and other unexpected events. Families are notified when necessary, and incidents are documented according to licensing requirements.
FAQs
Health & Medication
Children should remain home when illness prevents them from comfortably participating in the regular daycare program. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, unexplained rashes, undiagnosed pain, or discharge from the eyes or ears.
Children with a contagious illness should remain home until they are ready to safely return to care. A doctor's note may be requested to confirm that a child is no longer contagious and is ready to return.
Yes, when the proper procedures are followed. Medication must be handed directly to the caregiver, provided in its original packaging, and accompanied by the required parent form. Families should also let us know about possible side effects or reactions.
Medication is kept securely and out of children's reach, including refrigerated storage when required.
FAQs
Fees & Closures
Yes. A deposit equal to one-half of a month's daycare fee is required with registration. The deposit is held and applied toward the final billing period.
Fees are due at the beginning of the month or on the child's initial day of care, as applicable.
A late payment charge of $20 per day may apply when payment is overdue.
First Choice is closed on statutory holidays recognized by the federal and British Columbia governments, as well as March 20 for Persian New Year. The daycare may also close for up to 15 staff vacation days each year, with advance notice provided to families.
FAQs
What to Bring
Families may be asked to provide extra clothing, indoor shoes, weather-appropriate footwear, a sweater, a bed sheet and blanket, a personal cup or bottle, and age-appropriate hygiene supplies such as diapers and wipes.
Yes. Extra clothing such as underwear, socks, pants, and shirts should be available. If clothing is sent home, please replace it so your child continues to have what they need.
For spring and summer, families should provide weather-appropriate footwear along with a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses as needed.
Yes. Parents and guardians are asked for consent regarding photographs of their child and the release or use of photos taken by daycare staff.
FAQs
Parents & Communication
Families are encouraged to share questions, concerns, changes, or information that may help us support their child. Open parent-provider communication is an important part of providing consistent and nurturing care.
Absolutely. Parents should feel comfortable asking questions about their child's day, development, routines, or anything else that may help us work together.
Children may be transported for field trips, activities, errands, or school pickup and drop-off by the caregiver using a safely insured vehicle and a valid Class 5 driver's licence.
Still Wondering?
Your question might not be on the list.
Every family is different. If there's something specific you'd like to know, just send us a message and ask.
Looking for something more specific?
Detailed daycare procedures and policies will be available in our Parent Handbook.