New Families

We extend a warm welcome to new families joining our program. We sincerely hope that your experience at our daycare will be positive and meaningful.

First Day Checklist

Please bring these items your child’s first day. Please label* all items with your child’s name and a water resistant label.

  • Hard copies of the intake forms completed and a void cheque for direct debit (see Downloadable Forms section below)
  • Diapers (please bring a box of diapers and we can store it), wipes and diaper cream. Unfortunately, we cannot accept cloth diapers. You may send pull-ups if your child is toilet trained, in which case the pull-ups must have velcro on the sides.
  • Tooth brush (plastic only) and tooth paste.
  • Rain coat, boots and muddy buddy (to be left at the daycare)
  • Waterproof gloves or mittens, winter hat, snow boots (winter)
  • Sun hat, sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, summer water shoes (summer)
  • Bed sheet/warm blanket (stuffed animal and soother, if necessary)
  • Lunch kit with an ice pack inside (please send the main meal in a child size glass container and fruits/vegetables/snacks in separate plastic containers)
  • Two changes of clothes (extra shirt, pants, socks) to be kept at the centre, in case your child needs to be changed
  • Water bottle
  • Large reusable bag (to be taken home with your child’s belongings and returned to the daycare)
  • Family photos (1), child’s face photos: medium size (4), small size (2)
  • Earthquake kit
    • Small toy or book
    • A photo of the family or letter
    • Unopened bottle of water (500 ml)
    • Medication for your child (if necessary)
    • Diapers and wipes
    • Emergency foods (crackers, granola bars, dry cereals, etc.)
    • Extra clothes and shoes (including a warm sweater or jacket)
    • Please bring the above items in a small backpack so it can be carried by your child in case we need to evacuate the building

*For parents interested in ordering personalized labels for their child, find out how you can support the daycare through fundraising.

Downloadable Forms

Gradual Entry

Starting at the Centre is an important event in your child’s life. For some children, this will be their first large group experience. For children who have been in a daycare before, a new situation can still be a significant change. This approach maximizes your child’s chances of a positive experience in a group environment. It is mandatory that you allow time in your schedule for this procedure, as we will follow the gradual entry according to the description below.

*Our hours of operation are 8:15am -5:00pm.

Day 1

The child arrives between 9:00 and 9:30 am. Parents should be available by phone in case staff needs to contact them.

Day 2

Arrive between 9:00 and 9:30 am. Pick-up is by 11:30 am, during outside play.

Day 3

Arrive between 9:00 and 9:30 am. Pick-up by 12:00 pm, which is after lunch.

Day 4

Arrive between 9:00 and 9:30 am. Child stays for their nap and is picked up at 3:00 pm, after nap time.

Day 5

Child stays for most of a regular day: 9:00/ 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. After the 5th day, if your child responds well to all the changes, 15 minutes can be added per day (6th day – 4:15pm; 7th day – 4:30pm and so on), until 5:00pm, if that is your desired pick-up time.

PLEASE NOTE: A family member must be available for pick-up at any time during the gradual entry. The goal of gradual entry is to allow children to develop a sense of security and trust with the daycare staff and should be a positive experience for them. We require your collaboration in order to ensure that this process is successful and welcomed by your child. We kindly ask you to say a quick goodbye to your child when leaving the centre and to explain to them that you will be back later.  Staff will be discussing if any changes to the gradual entry are required based on your child’s individual needs.

© 2023 West Point Grey Daycare Society