FAQs
How do I enrol my child?
To enroll, please email the centre at [email protected] and specify in the subject line if your child is for the under 3 or if your child is for the over 3. You will be notified about space availability and/or waiting periods. If a space is available, an appointment will be arranged for you to visit the centre. At this visit, you will be provided program information, schedules and details about our centre. Payment of fees will be discussed and arranged at this time.
Information, agreement, registration and medical forms will be given to you and an individual entry program for your child will be mutually discussed and arranged.
How do I withdraw my child?
A two month notice is to be given on the first day of the month. In lieu of the two months a payment equal to two months fees is required.
Are staff qualified?
The teachers are Early Childhood Educators and belong to the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union . [BCGEU] The Centre has an administrator and each playroom has a program supervisor. From time to time there are also substitutes, volunteers and practicum students assisting within the Centre and its programs. All persons working within the playroom are required to undergo a Criminal Record Check.
Is the program inclusive?
McGregor Child Care Centre provides an inclusive program, providing early childhood experiences for all children.
Children who have extra support needs are included in our programs. These may be children who have language and/or other developmental delays, physical, emotional or behavioural challenges, or exceptional health care needs.
For those children who may need some support we are able to work with other professional agencies to ensure that an individual education or guidance plan is put in place to encourage the child in reaching appropriate goals.
The Provincial Government of BC funds the Vancouver Supported Child Development Program. There is a contract in place at McGregor that provides funding for two additional teachers within our Centre. A staff member is assigned to act as a liaison with all agencies and therapists connected with a family and then to ensure all McGregor staff work as a team in meeting the needs of the child who is requiring extra support.
If you have any questions regarding this aspect of our program, or if you are concerned about the growth and development of your child please do not hesitate to speak with a regular staff member. The staff is qualified in Early Childhood Care and Education and will be able to listen to your concerns and suggest some options to you.
How much is it?
McGregor’s Monthly Fee as of January 2021
Infant & Toddler Program
3-5 Year Old Program
McGregor Child Care receives support through the Provence of British Columbia 'Fee Reduction Initiative'. This has allowed McGregor to offer services at a reduced rate to families. The reduced monthly fees is reflected in the above fees.
The McGregor Child Care Centre is a non-profit Society. The parent fees, subsidies and grants from Government and other sources, cover all expenses. Our fee is calculated on an annual basis and is averaged out over a 12-month period to give the monthly fee.
Is there a waitlist?
The Centre has a long waitlist for both age groups. For all waitlist inquiries, please send an email inquiry to [email protected].
What happens if there's an emergency at home....
Parents are requested to inform the staff immediately of any situation that may impact how the child participates in the program. Staff will make every effort to assist the parents in emergency situations. Each family is required to have adults named as emergency contacts on file with the Centre. Staff will use the emergency contacts if the need arises.
...or at the Child Care Centre.
The Centre has emergency and evacuation procedures in place.
If we are asked to evacuate the building for any reason there are emergency supplies available if needed. Our supplies include a comfort pack for each child and we ask for your help in providing items for the pack.
Please include the following items in a large zip-lock bag clearly labelled with your child’s name:
Staff will contact the parent if the evacuation is expected to last more than 30 minutes.
Staff hold current first aid certificates and will treat for minor first aid needs. If there is a need to seek other medical attention the staff will take the necessary action.
What if I can't pick up my child on time?
If caregivers are having difficulty meeting their pick-up times, a conversation with the family will happen. If the family cannot show to be diligent regarding their pick-up times, the family may be asked to find alternate care.
How do I send someone else to pick up my child?
You must provide this information, in writing, in advance.You must contact the Centre and speak with a staff member to give specific information regarding the person to pick up your child.Staff will ask for identification from the adult if this occurs.
What happens if I have a complaint, concerns or questions about the centre?
Please speak with the program supervisor of the payroom. If you are more comfortable, you may speak with the administrator or a member of the Board of Directors for the Centre.
All feedback is important to us and we will be confidential.
What if my child is ill?
If your child is too sick to participate in all activities in the child care program, your child is not to be at the child care centre.Please contact the Centre to speak with a staff member if your child will be absent from the program.
If your child becomes ill at the Centre, staff will ensure your child is comfortable and will contact you to advise of the situation and make appropriate arrangements for pick up.
Can I take a vacation?
Yes. We recognize that children benefit from a break and a rest from the regular routines of the childcare day.
What if we are away from the centre for holidays?
Please notify the staff when you plan a vacation. Full fees are to be paid regardless of the number of days attended in the month.
What does the Child Care Centre provide?
The Centre will provide the following:
What are the hours of operation?
The Centre operates Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. If your child has not been picked up by 5.30 pm there is no late pick up charge but if a child has not been picked up by 6.30 pm, staff will contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the After Hours Team will make the necessary arrangements for the child. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact staff if there is a problem regarding pick up. The staff will make every effort to contact the emergency pick up person if a child has not been picked up by 5.30 pm. The Centre is CLOSED:
What is the difference between hours of operation and hours of care?
The hours of operation refer to the opening and closing time of the McGregor Child Care Centre.
The hours of care is the arrival and departure time agreed upon for each child.
Can I extend my hours of care?
Any change required in the hours of care must be discussed with the Program Supervisor before any change is made. A change of hours cannot be guaranteed.
The priority in enrolment at the Centre is to provide care for the children of students, staff and faculty of Vancouver Community College , and then working parents from in or out of the community.
A child, who is enrolled in the Centre for socialization or other reasons, will be offered hours of care between 10am and 4pm to allow for the staff/child ratio to be maintained.
To enroll, please email the centre at [email protected] and specify in the subject line if your child is for the under 3 or if your child is for the over 3. You will be notified about space availability and/or waiting periods. If a space is available, an appointment will be arranged for you to visit the centre. At this visit, you will be provided program information, schedules and details about our centre. Payment of fees will be discussed and arranged at this time.
Information, agreement, registration and medical forms will be given to you and an individual entry program for your child will be mutually discussed and arranged.
How do I withdraw my child?
A two month notice is to be given on the first day of the month. In lieu of the two months a payment equal to two months fees is required.
Are staff qualified?
The teachers are Early Childhood Educators and belong to the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union . [BCGEU] The Centre has an administrator and each playroom has a program supervisor. From time to time there are also substitutes, volunteers and practicum students assisting within the Centre and its programs. All persons working within the playroom are required to undergo a Criminal Record Check.
Is the program inclusive?
McGregor Child Care Centre provides an inclusive program, providing early childhood experiences for all children.
Children who have extra support needs are included in our programs. These may be children who have language and/or other developmental delays, physical, emotional or behavioural challenges, or exceptional health care needs.
For those children who may need some support we are able to work with other professional agencies to ensure that an individual education or guidance plan is put in place to encourage the child in reaching appropriate goals.
The Provincial Government of BC funds the Vancouver Supported Child Development Program. There is a contract in place at McGregor that provides funding for two additional teachers within our Centre. A staff member is assigned to act as a liaison with all agencies and therapists connected with a family and then to ensure all McGregor staff work as a team in meeting the needs of the child who is requiring extra support.
If you have any questions regarding this aspect of our program, or if you are concerned about the growth and development of your child please do not hesitate to speak with a regular staff member. The staff is qualified in Early Childhood Care and Education and will be able to listen to your concerns and suggest some options to you.
How much is it?
McGregor’s Monthly Fee as of January 2021
Infant & Toddler Program
- 18 months and younger: $1015
- 19 months to 2 years, & 11 months: $930
- 36 + months: $1,180
3-5 Year Old Program
- 30 - 35 Months: $760
- 36 months – 5 years of age: $910
McGregor Child Care receives support through the Provence of British Columbia 'Fee Reduction Initiative'. This has allowed McGregor to offer services at a reduced rate to families. The reduced monthly fees is reflected in the above fees.
The McGregor Child Care Centre is a non-profit Society. The parent fees, subsidies and grants from Government and other sources, cover all expenses. Our fee is calculated on an annual basis and is averaged out over a 12-month period to give the monthly fee.
Is there a waitlist?
The Centre has a long waitlist for both age groups. For all waitlist inquiries, please send an email inquiry to [email protected].
What happens if there's an emergency at home....
Parents are requested to inform the staff immediately of any situation that may impact how the child participates in the program. Staff will make every effort to assist the parents in emergency situations. Each family is required to have adults named as emergency contacts on file with the Centre. Staff will use the emergency contacts if the need arises.
...or at the Child Care Centre.
The Centre has emergency and evacuation procedures in place.
If we are asked to evacuate the building for any reason there are emergency supplies available if needed. Our supplies include a comfort pack for each child and we ask for your help in providing items for the pack.
Please include the following items in a large zip-lock bag clearly labelled with your child’s name:
- A family photo
- A comfort note
- 2 juice boxes or bottled water
- 2 energy/power bars
- A small toy & colouring book with crayons
- A small package of wet wipes.
- A small stuffed animal
- A working flashlight [for children over 3 years]
Staff will contact the parent if the evacuation is expected to last more than 30 minutes.
Staff hold current first aid certificates and will treat for minor first aid needs. If there is a need to seek other medical attention the staff will take the necessary action.
What if I can't pick up my child on time?
If caregivers are having difficulty meeting their pick-up times, a conversation with the family will happen. If the family cannot show to be diligent regarding their pick-up times, the family may be asked to find alternate care.
How do I send someone else to pick up my child?
You must provide this information, in writing, in advance.You must contact the Centre and speak with a staff member to give specific information regarding the person to pick up your child.Staff will ask for identification from the adult if this occurs.
What happens if I have a complaint, concerns or questions about the centre?
Please speak with the program supervisor of the payroom. If you are more comfortable, you may speak with the administrator or a member of the Board of Directors for the Centre.
All feedback is important to us and we will be confidential.
What if my child is ill?
If your child is too sick to participate in all activities in the child care program, your child is not to be at the child care centre.Please contact the Centre to speak with a staff member if your child will be absent from the program.
If your child becomes ill at the Centre, staff will ensure your child is comfortable and will contact you to advise of the situation and make appropriate arrangements for pick up.
Can I take a vacation?
Yes. We recognize that children benefit from a break and a rest from the regular routines of the childcare day.
What if we are away from the centre for holidays?
Please notify the staff when you plan a vacation. Full fees are to be paid regardless of the number of days attended in the month.
What does the Child Care Centre provide?
The Centre will provide the following:
- A nutritious snack in the morning and afternoon.
- A sleep mat with sheet and blanket.
- Sunscreen protection.
- Topical cream for the diaper area and diaper wipes.
- Antibacterial cream and first aid supplies for any minor first aid.
- Emergency supplies.
What are the hours of operation?
The Centre operates Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. If your child has not been picked up by 5.30 pm there is no late pick up charge but if a child has not been picked up by 6.30 pm, staff will contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the After Hours Team will make the necessary arrangements for the child. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact staff if there is a problem regarding pick up. The staff will make every effort to contact the emergency pick up person if a child has not been picked up by 5.30 pm. The Centre is CLOSED:
- On statutory holidays
- For the periods between Christmas and New Year.
- On statutory holidays.
- For one staff development day per year.
- In severe weather or other emergency situations.
- Whenever Vancouver Community College is closed.
What is the difference between hours of operation and hours of care?
The hours of operation refer to the opening and closing time of the McGregor Child Care Centre.
The hours of care is the arrival and departure time agreed upon for each child.
Can I extend my hours of care?
Any change required in the hours of care must be discussed with the Program Supervisor before any change is made. A change of hours cannot be guaranteed.
The priority in enrolment at the Centre is to provide care for the children of students, staff and faculty of Vancouver Community College , and then working parents from in or out of the community.
A child, who is enrolled in the Centre for socialization or other reasons, will be offered hours of care between 10am and 4pm to allow for the staff/child ratio to be maintained.
