Frequently
Asked Questions

General

  • Our Centre is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We observe all statutory holidays as well as scheduled maintenance closures.

  • We are located at 70 Ridge Hill Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M6C 2J6, within the West Preparatory Public School.

  • West Prep Children’s Centre is a not-for-profit corporation that has been successfully operating since August 1985. We have been a proud member of the community, working together with families to ensure high-quality childcare and development.

  • West Prep Children’s Centre is governed by a volunteer Parent Board of Directors, ensuring we remain committed to our mission and accountable in our operations.

  • You can reach us at 416-783-4302 or  westprepcc@rogers.com  to make an appt to visit us at 70 Ridge Hill Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M6C 2J6. You may also use the contact form on this website for your convenience.

Programs

  • We cater to children from 18 months to 12 years old, with programs tailored for toddlers, preschoolers, full-day kindergarten, and school-age children.

  • The Toddler Program focuses on enhancing the child’s feeling of competence, encouraging independence, self-help skills, and positive social interactions through problem-solving tasks and language development.

  • The Preschool Program uses anti-stereotype materials and includes major holidays from various cultures in the childcare calendar, shared with families through newsletters.

  • The Full Day Kindergarten Program focuses on personal and social development, language, mathematics, science and technology, and the arts, while encouraging self-esteem, social skills, and basic academics like number and letter recognition.

  • The School-Age Program provides choices in leisure activities that foster creativity, imagination, and productivity, helping children develop their talents and interests through sports, games, projects, and social interactions.

Enrollment

  • To enroll, parents need to complete an application form and submit it along with the required deposit. Once enrollment is confirmed, monthly fees are due on the first day of each month.

  • Yes, we maintain a waiting list when the Centre is full. Priority is given based on the date of application and specific enrollment categories.

  • Enrollment priority is given to current students advancing in age group, children of WPCC employees, children of WPPS employees, siblings of enrolled children, and community residents.

  • A deposit of $350 is required upon enrollment, which is refundable with one month’s written notice upon withdrawal.

  • Fees must be maintained during vacation periods. Withdrawn children for vacations must re-register and will be placed on the waiting list.

Policies & Guidelines

  • All children must be escorted to and from the Centre by an adult who is at least twelve years of age. Authorized pick-up persons must be listed officially and will be required to show photo ID. Changes to authorized persons must be communicated in writing or by phone prior to pick-up.

  • A late pick-up fee applies after 6:00 p.m., starting at $5.00 for the first five minutes and $2.00 for each additional minute. This fee is payable to the supervisor within 24 hours.

  • Children exhibiting contagious symptoms must stay home to prevent the spread of illness. This includes conditions like fever, vomiting, and pink eye. A doctor’s note may be required for re-admission after an illness. Medications must be provided with a doctor’s note and will only be administered by designated staff following proper procedures. Must stay home for 48 hours (2 full days) if sent home with fever, vomiting, diarrhea and not limited to these examples.

  • Our Centre maintains a strict nut-free policy. All meals provided are nutritious and prepared in accordance with health standards. Special dietary needs must be documented and discussed with staff.

  • We have secure entry systems, visitor protocols, and regular safety drills to ensure the security and safety of all children in our care.

Fees

  • Monthly fees are as follows: Toddler: $478.50, Pre-School: $432.34, Full Day Kindergarten (FDK): $314.21, FDK July and August summer camp: $420.52, School-Age: $570.00, School-Age July and August summer camp: $785.00.

  • Yes, fees are subject to change with a 30-day notice period, ensuring all families are well-informed in advance.

  • We accept personal cheques, certified cheques, and money orders. Payments are to be made payable to ‘West Prep Children’s Centre of Toronto.

  • “A late fee of $25 is charged for payments received after the 1st of the month, with an additional $5 daily until full payment is made.

  • NSF cheques will incur a charge of $25.00 plus the outstanding fee, due within 48 hours of notification.

Health & Safety

  • We follow all local health guidelines, including regular sanitization, health screenings, and wearing masks to ensure the safety of our children and staff.

  • In the event of a medical emergency, we follow a strict protocol that includes immediate first aid, contacting emergency services, and notifying parents as soon as possible.

  • Our Centre is cleaned and sanitized daily, with high-touch areas disinfected multiple times a day to maintain a healthy environment.

  • Outdoor play is supervised by trained staff at all times, with careful attention to playground safety rules and the well-being of each child.

  • We have secure entry systems, visitor protocols, and regular safety drills to ensure the security and safety of all children in our care.

Curriculum & Learning

  • Our curriculum is tailored to each age group, focusing on developmental milestones and engaging activities that promote learning and growth.

  • We use a blend of play-based learning, and structured activities to cater to the diverse needs of our children.

  • We celebrate cultural diversity through inclusive educational materials, celebrating major holidays from various cultures, and incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily activities.

  • Parents are encouraged to be actively involved through regular communication with teachers, participating in events, and contributing to their child’s learning experiences at home.

  • Yes, we offer a range of enrichment activities such as language classes, music sessions, and STEM projects to enhance our core curriculum.

Special Needs & Inclusion

  • We work closely with families to develop personalized care plans and adapt our environment to meet the specific needs of each child.

  • We offer access to specialized services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support through partnerships with local professionals.

  • Our inclusive approach involves adapting activities, using diverse educational materials, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding among all children.

  • Yes, each child with special needs has an individualized plan created in collaboration with parents and specialists to ensure they receive the support they need.

  • Our staff receive ongoing training in inclusive practices, special needs education, and behavior management to provide the best care for all children.

Daily Routine & Extracurricular Activities

  • A typical day includes a balance of structured activities and free play, focusing on educational and developmental goals. Activities include arts and crafts, storytelling, outdoor play, and circle time.

  • Meals and snacks are scheduled at regular intervals. We provide a nutritious morning snack, a hot lunch*, and an afternoon snack. All meals adhere to our strict nut-free policy and are prepared to meet health standards. *lunch available for Toddler and Preschoolers only.

  • Nap/rest times vary by age group. Toddlers and preschoolers have designated nap times, while older children have quiet time to rest or engage in calm activities. Each child’s needs are considered to ensure they get adequate rest.

  • Transitions between activities are handled smoothly with clear signals and routines that children understand. Staff guide children gently from one activity to the next, helping them adjust and prepare for what comes next.

  • Outdoor play is a vital part of our daily routine. Children spend at least 1 hour outside in the morning and afternoon (weather permitting), engaging in activities like playground time, nature walks, and outdoor games, all supervised by our trained staff.

Enrichment & Extracurricular Activities

  • Yes, we offer a range of extracurricular activities such as language classes, music sessions, and STEM projects to enrich our core curriculum and provide additional learning opportunities.

  • Field trips are organized regularly to educational and fun destinations like museums, farms, and cultural centers. These trips are designed to complement our curriculum and provide real-world learning experiences.

  • Yes, we celebrate various special events and cultural holidays throughout the year. These include holiday parties, seasonal festivals, and family engagement events to foster community spirit and cultural awareness.

  • Some extracurricular activities and field trips may involve additional costs. Parents will be informed in advance, and we strive to keep these costs reasonable to ensure all children can participate.

  • Extracurricular activities are supervised by our trained staff and, when necessary, additional volunteers to ensure a safe and engaging experience for all children. Safety and security are our top priorities during these activities.