At Little Land Daycare children are viewed as capable, curious, and naturally eager to learn. Each child arrives with unique experiences and strengths, and they are active participants in their own development. 

Daily Goals at Little Land

• To nurture each child’s health, safety, nutrition, and overall well-being

• To encourage kind communication and positive interactions while gently guiding children in developing self-regulation

• To support exploration, play, and curiosity as the heart of learning

• To provide experiences that follow the child’s interests

• To create a daily rhythm that balances indoor and outdoor play, active movement, rest, and quiet time — always respecting each child’s individual needs

• To build strong, open relationships with families through ongoing communication and partnership

The Little Land Program Provides:

• A loving, secure environment that truly feels like a home away from home

• Warm, trusting relationships that help children feel safe and valued

• Opportunities to build independence and confidence

• Rich sensory experiences that support early learning

• Daily language development through conversation, stories, and connection

• Plenty of movement to strengthen growing bodies

• Gentle, respectful support through the stages of toilet learning

Everything we offer is designed to nurture the whole child (mind, body, and heart) in a calm and caring space where they can grow with confidence.

Little Land Daycare runs from September to the end of July.

• Operating hours are 7a.m. to 5p.m. Monday to Friday.

• The only closure from September to July is a 2-week Winter Holiday Break.

  • For 2026, this break is from December 21 to January 1.
    
    

Summer Closure

• Little Land is closed for the entire month of August.

• No payment is required for August.
  
  

Additional Information

• Little Land remains open during March Break.

• Little Land is open on all Statutory Holidays.

• In the event of a closure due to illness of the provider, care may be temporarily unavailable. If closure due to illness exceeds 5 days, any additional days will be refunded via direct deposit.

Our Montessori-inspired environment promotes community, cooperation, and shared responsibility. All classroom essentials are provided; parents are asked to supply the following:

•  a pillow (washable or with washable cover), blanket & a stuffy (if they seep with one)

• a full change of clothes, including undergarments and socks 

• weather appropriate outdoor shoes and outerwear (rainsuit, snowsuit, hat, mittens, neck warmer)

• a spill-proof water bottle

• diapers, wipes, and cream if they are not yet toilet independent 

• a backpack

Open and honest communication with families is highly valued. If there is a need to discuss a child’s progress, share concerns, or communicate any changes at home that may affect the child’s day, please reach out by email so the message can receive the attention it deserves.

To respect both children and families, detailed conversations are not held while children are present.

Throughout the year, communication and updates are shared in the following ways:

Daily
• Photos and updates shared via email

Quarterly
• A newsletter highlighting activities explored together and what is coming next

Bi-Annual
• Formal progress reports reflecting each child’s growth and development (January & July)

At arrival and dismissal times, parents are responsible for their child’s safety. Children should not be left unattended in the front yard. Although the street is quiet, cars may still be pulling in and out of driveways around the home.

Children are released only to their parents or to individuals for whom written parental permission has been provided. Parents are asked to keep this information current and may also email to give permission if needed. If someone arrives to pick up a child and their name does not appear on the authorized list, parents will be contacted to verify permission before the child is released.

During community outings, children are kept within sight and close proximity at all times. In parks, libraries, and other public spaces, children are continuously supervised and remain within designated areas. While walking, children are either secured in a wagon or use a walking rope with waistbands to ensure close supervision. A first aid kit and each child’s information are always readily accessible when away from the home.

Nutrition is an important part of each child’s day, supporting both their growth and their understanding of healthy eating habits.

• Two snacks and a lunch are provided daily.

• All food served is prepared using fresh, whole ingredients, with no added sugars.

• Children are encouraged to listen to their bodies and are never forced to finish their food.

• Second servings are always available if a child is still hungry.

For health and safety reasons:

• Any uneaten food will be discarded and cannot be sent home.

• Please do not send food from home.

You can find detailed lunch and snack menus here.

Please encourage your child to choose clothing that they can easily manage independently.

Children should be dressed in comfortable clothing, that is easy to move in & can be washed. As we will be using art materials, and spending lots of time outdoors, mess will happen. Their clothes will be washed and returned home clean. For this reason, each child must have an extra set of clothes (top, pants and underwear if applicable).

Since children play outside every day, appropriate outdoor clothing for all seasons is required.

Spring/Fall: Raincoat, mud pants, and rain boots
Summer: Running shoes or athletic closed-toe sandals, and a hat
Winter: Snowsuit, snow boots, hat and neck warmer (scarves are not safe), and two pairs of waterproof mitts

Barefoot shoes are strongly encouraged whenever possible (wide toe box, flexible sole, and no heel rise) to support comfort and healthy foot development.

Support in helping your child learn to put on and remove their outdoor gear independently is greatly appreciated.

All children must be fully immunized according to their age, and up-to-date vaccination records must be provided prior to enrolment.

If a child is absent due to illness, parents are asked to email before 8:00 a.m. on the day of the absence, as we leave for outdoor time at 8:30 a.m. 

If a child has a mild cough, runny nose, or what appears to be a common cold, attendance at daycare may still be possible provided the child is able to participate in the daily program. A useful guideline is: “If they are able to play, they are able to stay.”

1. Fever – A child must not attend daycare until at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided on its own. Children should not be brought to daycare after receiving medication intended to reduce or mask a fever. If a child requires fever-reducing medication, the child is too ill to attend.

2. Diarrhea or vomiting – A child must remain at home for 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhea or vomiting. If a child vomits while at daycare, parents will be contacted and the child must be picked up within one hour. If a child experiences liquid diarrhea, parents will be contacted immediately and asked to pick the child up within one hour.

1. If a child requires prescribed medication to be administered during daycare hours, a Medication Authorization Form must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian. Form available upon request. The form must include the following information:

   • Name of the medication

   • Dosage

   • Reason for the medication

   • Start and end dates

   • Time or intervals when the medication must be given

   • Permission to contact the dispensing pharmacist or physician if necessary

2. All medication must be brought to the daycare in its original container, clearly labelled by the pharmacy or manufacturer, and must include:

   • The child’s name

   • Name of the medication

   • Instructions for administration

3. Written authorization and specific instructions from a parent or guardian must be provided for the use of EpiPens, inhalers (“puffers”), or other emergency medications.

4. All medications will be stored safely in a cupboard, out of reach of children.

5. Every administration of medication will be documented on a Medication Administration Record, including:

   • Child’s name

   • Date and time medication was given

   • Name of medication and dosage

   • Name of the person administering the medication

6. The daycare provider is responsible for administering medication according to the written authorization provided by the parent or guardian.

If a child enrolled in the daycare has a severe allergy that could cause an anaphylactic reaction, all families will be informed of the allergy and asked to cooperate with measures designed to keep the child safe. 

Guidance of a child’s behaviour will always be appropriate to the child’s developmental level. When behavioural challenges arise, support and guidance will be provided promptly. A respectful and attentive approach forms the foundation of this process. Maintaining a positive attitude that communicates “together, we can solve this problem” helps children develop important social and emotional skills while learning appropriate behaviour.

Typically, parents will receive an email if the daycare is closed due to severe weather. 

Please note that the daycare will close if and only if the Upper Grand District School Board closes its schools.

Parents are encouraged to use their own judgment when travelling during severe weather conditions. The safety, health, and well-being of children remain the highest priority. Please notify via email, before 8:00 a.m. if your child will not be attending when the daycare is open.

Despite careful supervision and safety precautions, serious occurrences may take place. These may include a serious injury to a child, or an event that significantly disrupts the daily routine.

If such an incident occurs, parents will be notified immediately.

All parent information is treated as confidential and is used only to support the well-being and care of the children. Information will only be shared with other agencies with parental consent, except in situations involving child protection concerns where reporting may be required by law.

Parent feedback is valued and helps maintain a high-quality childcare environment. Families are encouraged to share suggestions or concerns at any time.

If a concern arises, parents are encouraged to discuss the matter promptly so that it can be addressed as quickly as possible. Please reach out by email so the message can receive the attention it deserves.

Siblings of children already enrolled will be given priority for offering available spaces to those on the waiting list.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Post-dated cheques for each month (11 months) of the school year are required upon enrolment. Cheques will be deposited on the first of the  month.

NSF (NON SUFFICIENT FUNDS)
Insufficient funds or late payments will result in a $20.00 per day late fee, which can be paid via e-transfer, cash, or cheque.

LATE FEES
If a child is picked up later than their normal departure time, a fee of $10 per 15 minutes, will be charged, after a 15 minute grace period. Prompt pick-up is important, as it can be distressing for children when a parent is late.

DEPOSIT

A deposit equal to one month’s fee is required to be paid for all children at the time of enrollment. This one month fee deposit is retained by Little Land Daycare and applied to the last month’s fees, provided that one month written notive prior to withdrawl is given. It is forfeited if less than one month written notice is given. If the fees are increased, the last month’s fee deposit will be adjusted at the time of the increase.
 

Please Note: Bad weather closings, Winter Break, and Summer Break are part of the year. No refund of fees will be given due to the temporary absence of a child because of illness, or family holidays. The provider is entitled to 5 paid sick days.

Parents may end care for any reason, given they provide 30 days written notice. The deposit retained upon enrolment will be used as payment for the last month in care. If notice is not given, the deposit is forfeited. Please note, as care is provided on a monthly basis, partial refunds are not available. Post-dated cheques for the rest of the year are returned.

The Provider will give 30 days notice of termination in cases where the fit between child or family and Provider are not ideal, which will apply the deposit to the final month of care. In all other cases the deposit is forfeited.

The following are reasons for the Provider to end care (deposit forfeited):

1. Monthly payment is not received in full within 5 business days of the first of the month.

2. Three late payments will result in termination of care.

3. Regular occurrences of early drop-off or late pick-up will be discussed with the parent. If the operating hours of Little Land Daycare no longer meet a family’s needs, the provider reserves the right to terminate care.

4. Any form of mistreatment toward the provider by a parent may result in termination of services at the provider’s discretion.

5. Non-compliance with the policies and procedures detailed in the Family Guidebook will result in termination. 

Little Land Daycare is a legal, unlicensed home daycare that operates independently and is not affiliated with any licensed childcare agency. The program follows all applicable requirements set out in Ontario’s Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA), including those for unlicensed child care providers such as limits on the number and ages of children in care, supervision standards, and health and safety practices.

The provider maintains current First Aid and CPR certification, as well as a valid Police Vulnerable Sector Check.