Frequently Asked Questions
Child Care Centre
How do I sign up?
You'll need to fill out a waitlist form and submit it to our office by fax, mail, email or in person, along with a $30 non-refundable payment to be considered for enrollment.
How long is the waitlist?
Wait times vary, depending on the date of application, age of child, as well as the number of spaces that will become available during the year. Priority is given to siblings of currently enrolled children as well as full time MRU Student / Faculty/ or Staff followed by the general public who are on the wait list. Most of our spaces open during the months of May to August
If I'm pregnant can I go on the waitlist?
Yes, you may add your unborn child to the waitlist. We will use your anticipated date of birth for the child until an actual date has been confirmed by you.
Are you open to the public?
Yes, we serve the public as well. Our first priority for enrollment will be to full time MRU Students, Faculty and Staff members; but when the offer is declined by same, we will offer the spot to someone on the public wait list who fits the age group where the opening is.
Do you offer part-time or drop-in services?
No. All of our child care services are full time spots only.
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
No, the majority of children aged 19months, are not toilet trained. We treat each child as an individual and understand the process of potty training, working together with the child, and in collaboration with the parents to make this a stress free transition for the child.
Are meals provided?
Yes. We supply a nutritional snack in the morning, one in the afternoon, as well as a nutritional lunch daily. All of our foods served, follow the Canada Food Guide, as well as exceed the requirements for a Social Care Facility.
Where are you located and where do we park?
The Child Care Centre is located on the west side of campus between the west entrance and the recreation entrance. There is parking in Gated Lot 2 which is directly in front of the Centre. Families are allotted 30 minutes of free parking for drop off and pick up purposes, anything over this time is charged by the University. License plates are gathered upon registration.
Do you have subsidies?
Yes. We have an agreement with the Government of Alberta to process subsidy payments for families who apply, qualify and receive payments to help cover the costs of child care fees. For more information visit: www.child.gov.ab.ca/childcaresubsidy
Preschool
How do I sign up?
Call the Centre at 403-440-6410 to inquire about available spots. Once you receive confirmation there is availability in the session you are looking for, a registration form will be emailed to you. A completed registration form along with a deposit of one month’s fee is required to be accepted in the program. Deposits go towards your child’s fees for the last month of care. Annual registration for the next preschool year (September start date) occurs in February. We have a two tiered registration process. We begin with currently enrolled children, MRU Student, Faculty and Staff members, followed by an open house, open to the public. If there is space available during the year, new registrations are accepted
What if my child isn't 3 by September 1?
Children must be aged 3 to attend Preschool; therefore you could choose to either pay for the space until your child turns 3, or you can choose to add them to the waitlist. If you add them to our waitlist we cannot guarantee a space when you need, however, if there was an available space in the program, for the session you are waiting for, we would call you and let you know, so you would have the option to register at that time.
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
Yes, all preschool children need to be fully toilet trained prior to registering for the program.
Will my child be prepared for kindergarten?
Yes, however we do not provide a traditional learning environment. We support children's learning throughout the day, by providing an environment that is inviting, stimulating and age appropriate geared towards the specific age group of children in attendance as well as considering their developmental needs. By providing children with opportunities to learn about letters and numbers-through activities, reading books, doing puzzles while being supported by educated professionals; children will gain this knowledge in a fun and creative way. We aim to encourage lifelong learning.
Before and After School Care
Does my child need to attend St James or St Augustine to enroll in the program?
Yes, because we are located right in the schools we have an agreement with our host schools that only children attending the host school will be enrolled in the program.
What do the children do in the program?
Before and After School focus on teaching children social and life skills. Team building and cooperation is a huge focus as well as becoming a socially responsible member of society. New activities are preplanned on a daily basis and provide opportunities for learning through structure and unstructured, active and quiet, indoor and outdoor play. Program planning includes activities such as a cooking club, science experiments, art, and reading club. All activities are optional and children are encouraged to give input into planning.
Do you help the children with homework?
Each program has a designated homework table that allows the child to have a quiet space to work on their homework. A staff member is available to offer assistance as needed.
Is the program open on PD Days?
Yes, the programs will be open on PD/Non-instructional days at each respective school from 7:15am-6:00pm. To cover the cost of staff and facility rental, there is an additional cost of $25 per family for currently enrolled families. Drop in fees will apply to students not currently enrolled in the program and cost $65 per day