Who can use the service?

Only children with a guardian who is attending a Women's Centre of York Region program at the same site are permitted to participate in the childminding program. Childminding is available 15 minutes before the start of your session/ training until 15 minutes after the start of your session/ training.

What is the process for signing up for childminding?

Childminding has to be requested a week prior to sessions, with the exception of the Making Changes program. For Making Changes, we need to know childminding needs upon registration. The Women's Centre of York Region has established days and times when childminding is available. These are Tuesday mornings (9-12) and Wednesdays (9-2:30). You can talk to your counselor to book an appointment on days when childminding is available. Please note that in the event of an "emergency" counseling session, childminding may not be available.

What information do you need about a child?

Before a child participates in childminding, we need to know about any serious health conditions (i.e. Epilepsy) and severe allergies (i.e. peanuts, insect stings) that your child might have. In addition, we need to know of any special needs your child may have in order to be comfortable in this environment. We will ask you to complete an information form on your child's first visit to our childminding service. We ask that you not bring your children to childminding if they have a communicable disease (i.e. Flu, Measles, Mumps, Chicken Pox, etc.).

What do I need to bring for my child?

You should bring any food (no nuts please), toiletries or other items that your child might require while they participate in childminding. When you bring food and/or drinking cups into the program for your child, please label the containers clearly with the child's full name. Please be aware that all medication remains with you, except medication for life-threatening conditions, which is stored where child minders can reach it rapidly, but where it is inaccessible to children.

How will the childminders deal with discipline?

Please know that our child minders do not use any form of physical restraint unless it is necessary to prevent personal injury to the child, other children or adults, or serious damage to property. Any significant event is recorded and the guardian is informed of the incident on the day that it occurs.