FAQs
Some questions do not apply to fee assisted families. Please consult your Children’s Services representative at the Region of York at 1-888-703-5437 or at www.york.ca.
If there is a question that has not been answered please call or email us at any time.
416 494-5898 or admin@j-f.ca
Q: What are the government regulations that bind J& F?
A: We are governed under DNA (Day Nurseries Act) through The Ministry of Community, Family and Children Services.
Q: How early can I start looking for daycare before going back to work?
A: You may send in your application at anytime. The agency will contact the parent as early as possible to arrange an interview with the provider.
In what areas do J&F have providers?
A: Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, and Maple and soon to be Markham.
Q: Location?
A: Location is found as convenient as possible for the parent whether it is closer to your home or work place.
Q: How do you choose providers for the company?
A: Through thorough interviews, checking references and home visits. The providers must have knowledge of child development programming.
Q: What kind of qualifications do you require of your caregivers?
A: The caregiver is required to have some child care courses and first aid/cpr. Providers should have knowledge of programming and children’s development
Q: What are their educational credentials?
A: All providers come from different educational backgrounds or experience in early childhood.
Q: Do the providers take childcare courses and early childhood education courses?
A: Yes. Ongoing workshops are offered.
Q: How long have they been employed with J&F?
A: The providers are not employees. They are independent contractors and the length of time with the agency varies between providers.
Q: What type of experience do/did they have in the childcare education?
A: The experience varies. Please ask the agency this question when offered providers names.
Q: Length of experience?
A: The length of experience varies between providers.
Q: What training do they receive on an ongoing basis?
A: There are various workshops, creative activities, parent education, Day Nursery Act regulation changes etc.
Q: What kind of security checks do you perform on your caregivers and other adults in the household?
A: Police checks are done on the adult members. J&F does unannounced monthly visits.
Q:Do you conduct unscheduled visits to the providers' houses to assess adequacy?
A: Monthly with a telephone report to the parent.
Q:Are the Provider’s trained to handle standard medical emergencies e.g. choking, etc?
A: They take a first aid/ CPR course and update it when necessary.
Q:Are they ECE- trained?
A: Yes some providers have their ECE or ECA training Agency staff must have their E.C.E to operate.
Q: What are the child- caregiver ratios?
A: The ratio is 5 children: 1 Provider
Q: Do they have a lot of patience?
A: Definitely.
Q: Is the assigned provider living in a safe environment?
A: Absolutely according to government regulation. Safety is monitored by the agency.
Q: Can I speak to someone who has had his or her children with this caregiver re: reference?
A: The agency would be pleased to make these arrangements.
Q: How do you arrange for backup providers? Can I meet the backup provider in advance?
A: Unfortunately meeting the provider in advance is not an advantage. Spaces within the day care home change on an ongoing basis. The arrangements are made to be as convenient as possible for the parents.
Q: What back-up services do you provide in case of provider illness?
A: Parent is given information on the providers available and can choose where they would like to put their child for back up.
Q: What happens if the provider is sick or on vacation, is there a backup?
A: There is backup. The backup is arranged through the agency in consultation with the parents.
Q: What is your provider holiday policy?
A: They will give you two weeks notice before going on holidays.
Q: What if I don't like the provider, how do I request a new provider?
A: Speak to the agency and we will be glad to accommodate you needs.
Q: Do you charge the same fees while my child is on holiday?
A: Parents fees already include the admin fee for the agency. If you go on holiday you must give the agency two weeks notice for the vacation credits to apply.
Q: How many weeks of vacation are you allotted and what are the rules around them? (i.e. # of consecutive days, what you have to pay etc.)
A: The agency offers three weeks vacation at a discounted rate. You can take as many weeks as you would like but anything over three weeks you will be charged full fee.
Q: How often does J&F increase their prices?
A: There are no set periods for price increases. The parent(s) will be notified ahead of time by the agency.
Q: Are the fees comparable to others Agencies and is it within my budget?
A: We suggest your call other agencies to compare.
Q: Will the care provider baby-sit for me outside regular J&F hours, like in the evening and weekends?
A: Parent may discuss this with the provider.
Q: Do providers drive? If so what safety precautions do they take?
A: The Providers are not allowed to use their vehicles during day care hours to transport children.
Q: How many kids will be under the care of the provider?
A: Provider may decide how many children she wants as long as government regulation are followed. They are permitted 5 day care children:
- Three children under the age of three
- Two children under the age of two
- The rest of over 3
Q: What happens to my child when I leave them with the provider and they seem upset?
A: Sometimes it takes a few weeks for a child to adjust, so this is normal. The child will be comforted and the provider will involve the child in play to distract them.
Q: Do the caregivers provide any form of pre-school teaching?
A: Children usually leave care with the knowledge of the alphabet, the ability to count and the ability to concentrate more during structured activities.
Q: Do you provide age appropriate toys for children?
A: Providers are responsible for providing appropriate toys. J&F assists the providers with educational ideas and appropriate places to purchase toys.
Q: Infants & napping routine - do they sleep in a separate area from where they play, if they are not following the others re: nap schedules, what do you do with them?
A: The provider decides which part of the house is used for play and sleep. This is done according to the children’s needs.
Q: Would my provider help to potty train my child?
A: Definitely. Parents and Provider discuss the method to be used and work together as a team to enforce this method.
Q: How much TV do you allow the kids to watch?
A: Usually no more than one hour a day. Please discuss your feelings and concerns about this with the provider.
Q: How do you cater to special needs/requirements that my child may have e.g. food allergies and restrictions?
A: Depending on the special need, it must be determined if the provider can meet that need.
Q: What sort of food would my provider give to my child?
A: Once on table food, the provider follows Canada Food Guide. This includes well-balanced food/snacks.
Q: Do they provide the milk or do I?
A: Parent provides milk if it is different than the type that the provider has in her home (homogeneous, 1%, 2% milk).
Q: Access to safe outdoor play areas?
A: Providers follow a playground safety policy.
Q: What are the ages of the other kids?
A: That depends on each home but they must adhere to the ratio.
Q: How do you discipline?
A: Children are guided through talking, re-direction. Parent and Provider can discuss methods so there is consistency between home and day care.
Q: Do you have programs / activities in place that are specific to the kid’s age and development stage? If so what are they?
A: Provider offers program according to the age and ability of the children.
Q: What kinds of activities do the care providers do with my child?
A: The providers are responsible to provide a well-balanced schedule that includes the following activities:
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Active/Quiet
- Individual/Group
- Child provider initiated activities
- Meeting individual physical needs of children
Q: How do I know when I should keep my child home due to illness?
A: There is a health policy to follow which the parent receives from the agency.
Q: What if I have to take my child out for a few months, is there a way to return to the same provider afterwards? Do I have to pay the full fee?
A: Child can return if there is room according to government regulation and the provider agrees. Same monthly rate – no registration fee needed.