F.A.Q.

Parent Information Package

Please click here to read our Parent Information Package.

Application to Program

Can I apply to your programs online?
Yes, families may complete an Application Form on our website and submit a $40.00 non-refundable application fee. Our Registrar will contact families within 3-5 business days once received.

My child doesn’t attend a TTK host school. Do you provide pick up service from other schools?
We do not offer pick up and transportation of children to our centres from other schools.

Is there a waiting list? How long will it take for my child to get into your program?
Waiting lists at specific centres vary depending on the size of the centre and the current demand from the community. Our centres are only licensed for a specific number of children and we cannot enroll more than that amount.

If you have submitted your application and $40.00 non-refundable application fee and there is no current space available, you will be contacted by our Registration Manager and placed on the waitlist.

It is hard for us to determine when you will be accepted as this is dependent on the current children enrolled leaving our programs. As soon as a space becomes available you will be contacted. If you wish to be taken off the waiting list, please contact us and we will not offer you future spaces.

If I withdraw my child for the month of June are we still guaranteed a spot in September?
No, to secure a child’s space for the coming school year the June payment is required.

We have already applied. When will I hear if my child has a space for September?
All applicants will be contacted on or before April 30th to either confirm enrollment in their requested program or placement on the wait list.

I am going on holidays for a month, can I withdraw my child and have them return the month after?
In order to hold your child’s space for your return, you will need to pay the fee for the month you are away. Withdrawal will result in your space being given to the next family on our list and there is no guarantee of another space becoming available.

My child has special needs and requires adult assistance, can I still apply to your programs?
Parents of children requiring extra assistance are asked to contact their local Supported Child Development Agency prior to applying to our programs.

In Vancouver, please contact the
BC Centre for Ability at 604-451-5511

In Richmond, please contact the
Richmond Society for Community Living at 604-279-7040

I only need care 2 days a week, is this possible?
Attendance of 2 days per week or less is considered part-time care. If the centre has space available for the days you require then we may be able to accommodate you.

Please remember, full-time registration takes precedence over part-time or drop-in registration. If a centre is running at full capacity (with a combination of full-time and part-time participants) and a new full-time participant requires a space, you will be contacted and given the opportunity to move to a full-time space or be given one month’s notice to termination of care.

Fee Questions

When will I receive my receipt for fee payment?
Receipts will be issued in February for the preceding year.

Do you offer discounts to families with more than one child enrolled?
There is no discount in fees if you have more than one child attending Topkids.

I only need after-school care, and not both before and after-school care, is there a reduction in fees?
No, the full-time fee is the same price if you come in both before and after school or simply attend after school. There is no difference in fee unless you are a drop-in or part-time participant.

Do you accept fee payments by credit card?
Yes, we accept Visa and MasterCard.

Is there a fee for declined payments?
Yes, all declined payments (Visa/MasterCard/Pre-Authorized Debit) are subject to a $40.00 fee.

 

Policy Questions

Are your staff qualified?
Tomorrow’s Topkids is dedicated to ensuring high-quality programming that is provided by caring, qualified and enthusiastic staff persons.

All staff employed by Tomorrow’s Topkids must…
1. Complete a Criminal Record Check prior to working with the children.

2. Undergo an interview process with management including three reference checks.

3. Participate in training and orientation sessions throughout the year.

4. Be wearing a badge while on-site identifying themselves as a Tomorrow’s Topkids staff person. Staff pictures and names are posted so that you may easily identify who is working at the centre.

5. Have current CPR and Emergency First Aid certification

6. Have completed a course, or a combination of courses, of at least 20 hours duration in child development, guidance, health and safety, or nutrition.

I was only 5 min late picking up my child, will I still be charged a late fee?
Yes, our centres close at 6:00pm daily unless otherwise posted (our MacCorkindale Clubhouse closes at 5:30pm during Winter, Spring, and Summer breaks). If an emergency arises and you will be late, please call your child’s centre. Parents picking up their child late will be charged $10.00 per child for every 15 minutes after 6:00pm (even if only 5 minutes late) (and after 5:30pm at MacCorkindale during Winter, Spring, and Summer breaks). Late fees must be paid prior to a child returning the next day. Repeat offenders will be asked to remove their child from the program and fees will not be refunded.

Are your facilities licensed?
Yes, all of our centres are licensed school age child care facilities. We abide by the Child Care Licensing Regulations which sets out health and safety requirements, license application requirements, staffing qualifications, and program standards.

How many children are enrolled? What is your child to staff ratio?
Tomorrow’s Topkids currently cares for over 300 children total; actual enrollment numbers per centre vary based on licensing capacity of the facility.

Our ratio of staff to children is no less than 1 staff for every 12 children in care as per Child Care Licensing Regulations.

During certain occasions the ratio is increased; for example when swimming, the ratio must never be less than 1 staff for every 3 children under the age of 7, and the children must be within arms reach of an adult at all times.

Programming and Activities Questions

What types of activities do you provide?
Children will be encouraged to participate in the day’s planned activities, i.e. art, team games, baking, science, and more! Blocks, floor toys and the creative art shelf will be available to the children at all times, should they decide that is one of their preferred activities.

Different activity opportunities will be available to each child daily giving them a chance to choose based upon their own skills and interests.

Free play is an important part of a child’s day. It encourages the development of social, creative, cognitive, physical and emotional components of the child’s well being.

Do you provide meals or snacks?
Throughout the school year, a snack will be provided in the afternoons at approximately 3:30pm. There will be vegetables or fruit made available to the children, as well as a hot or cold “treat” such as quesadillas, popcorn, yogurt, granola bars and others.

Parents/guardians may look at the announcement board to see what kind of snack will be served each day. This snack is not meant to be a meal replacement. The staff will not be serving enough food to replace dinner, it is only intended to whet their appetite and “re-energize” the children after a day of school.

During school-break periods and school pro-d days an afternoon snack will be provided but parents must send a bagged lunch with a morning snack.

Miscellaneous Question

My child’s birthday is coming up, can I bring in treats for the other children?
We realize that some parents/guardians like to send a “treat” with their child to the centre in recognition of their child’s birthday or as a holiday present, for example cake, cupcakes, ice cream and so on.

The staff and children at the centre appreciate and enjoy these “treats” and thank the parents for the extra time the parent/guardian took to send them. We ask that a complete ingredient list be sent as well, to ensure that no one with any allergies accidentally eats something harmful.

I have a complaint or concern, who should I speak to?
In the event that you do have a concern or complaint, we encourage you to let us know by using the following complaint system:

1. Please address your concerns to the staff person or the program supervisor directly involved, so that the problem can be eradicated quickly.

2. If you are not satisfied with how the problem is being handled, please notify a Tomorrow’s Topkids Child Care Society Manager at 604-437-4744.

3. If you are still not satisfied, then you may make a complaint directly to our licensing office. The number will be provided to you upon your request.

If your question has not been answered here please feel free to contact our Administrative Office for further assistance through our Contact Form or by phoning 604-437-4744.