Selecting a childcare provider is difficult and we are free to answer any of your questions. Below are some answers to common questions we receive from parents and guardians.
What are Von Premium Childcare Network endorsed programs?
Von endorsed programs are truly unique & represent the first truly innovative idea in Childcare for quite some time. The program we have created allows us to endorse day home programs in neighborhoods that need more childcare spaces. Unlike traditional day homes that are usually run by a stay at home mother in her residence with little oversight and requirement for formal experience / qualifications, Von endorsed providers are specifically selected based the on quality of care they are able to provide, as well as their ability to deliver our curriculum and procedures. Each program is managed by a hand picked childcare provider who is pre-screened and professional. All program directors are experienced, and in many cases, qualified teachers. Each day home is set up specifically according the Von Premium Childcare Network template which ensures children are spending their days in a stimulating environment, without sacrificing the familiar warmth inherent to a home based childcare space.
Is the Von Premium Childcare Network an agency?
No, we are not an agency. The Von Premium Childcare Network is primarily focused on marketing and promoting Calgary’s finest premium childcare & preschool programs. Each program we endorse uses our unique daily curriculum, procedures and early learning program. All our endorsed day homes operate as private programs adhering to stringent standards and all provincial childcare guidelines. On top our our various checks and oversights, each of our partner providers also have built in tiers of accountability so that parents can feel assured that each provider is supported and monitored on a regular basis.
What is the Von ‘Advantage’?
Each Von Premium Childcare Network endorsed provider has combined the best of all childcare / early education models. We have the professional administration. We have the warmth and local convenience offered by being a day home, and we have a formal curriculum driven educational component offered in the scholastic environment.
Is it better to have a single-age program or multi-age?
The Von Premium Childcare Network endorses both age specific and multi-age day home programs. Even with the crawlers and toddlers, keeping them with same aged children allows the day home director to focus on developmentally specific activities. As children integrate into the care environment, they learn routine and make friends they will enjoy interacting with on a daily basis. Having said this, there are many positive elements to multi-age programs such as diverse learning and socialization opportunities.
What are the day home hours of operation?
- Dayhome hours are 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.
- Office hours are 8:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.
How do I register for a program?
We always want to make the process easy for parents to get more information on our programs and registration. All registration for every endorsed program is handled via our registrar. Best way to get started is to with fill in the registration form. We would love to invite you to our next open house, or if your requirement is more urgent, we can start the process immediately.
What do children do during the day in a Von endorsed DAY HOME?
Each endorsed premium day home runs our unique Von Premium Childcare Network curriculum, which we developed in house with the help of some top notch curriculum development experts in the UK! Our preschool programs are based on the English Infant School system, and our crawler and toddler programs integrate developmentally appropriate activities related to our monthly themes!
How are DAY HOME directors screened?
All day home providers must have a valid police check, demonstrated track record working with children, as well as hold a first aid qualification. Teaching qualifications are always desirable, but not a pre-requisite. An absolute requirement: Directors MUST love working with children!
How is physical activity and outdoor time integrated?
We have a daily requirement for outdoor play time in each endorsed day home (weather permitting). As well, we have access to member of our team who advise us on ways to integrate developmentally appropriate physical activities into the daily routine!
Do Von endorsed programs offer drop-in care?
Yes! If you need to drop and shop, have some time to get errands done, or take a mental health day get in touch with our Registrar to schedule your drop-in. With over 50 endorsed day homes we likely can find a space for your child with one of our amazing providers. Quick Tip: Fridays and Mondays are usually pretty good days to get drop in space.
Does Von endorsed programs offer nutritious food?
Of course! All of our endorsed programs run our rotating menu plan that we developed in consultation with nutritionists and parents. All meals are made with whole foods and cooked with loving care and attention. Each provider keeps a parent information board so that when parents pick up they can check on what was served at mealtime!
Does Von endorse DAY HOME programs with other languages integrated?
Yes! We do endorse programs that have second language integration. Languages we currently offer are Spanish, French. Hindi, Tagalog, and Cantonese. Check out program page to read more about our thoughts on early second language integration and brain development.
What is the Von Childcare Network policy on television and internet?
We have a NO TELEVISION policy for all endorsed providers. Unless pre-authorized by the parents for a special occasion, our directors do not use television at any point in their day.
Are children on a set schedule or individual schedule for NAP TIMES?
At all Von endorsed programs, we maintain parent established napping schedules in order to support cohesion between home and day home!
How much notice must I give if I want to change my schedule or leave the program?
Like many other childcare providers in Calgary, our endorsed providers require 1 calendar month notice.
What do children do during the day in a Von Premium DAY HOME?
Each endorsed day home runs our unique curriculum which we developed in house with the help of some top notch curriculum development experts in the UK! Each month is theme based, and each day involves a combination of outdoor time, indoor learning time, creative time, teacher led structured activities, free play, meal time & nap time!
How is discipline handled in a Von endorsed DAY HOME?
We have a positive discipline policy that must be implemented at all Von Premium Childcare Network day homes. This means that our directors work closely with parents to establish expectations and continually reinforce socially acceptable behavior. At all times children are treated with respect and given clear expectations (as developmentally appropriate). If required, discipline is handled in a consistent manner. If behaviors persist that require further action, parents are immediately engaged to assist in planning courses of action that will support a positive and safe environment for all children.
What are the regulations for private DAY HOMES in terms of ratios and age grouping?
Most Von Endorsed programs fall under the private day home category in the province of Alberta. Whilst we are open to endorsing agency supported programs as well, we typically focus on assisting private providers to offer excellent home based childcare & preschool programs.
For more queries, contact Alberta Child and Family Services at (403) 297-7378. Be sure to clarify that you are asking about the regulations surrounding PRIVATE day homes in Alberta.
For more queries, contact Alberta Child and Family Services at (403) 297-7378. Be sure to clarify that you are asking about the regulations surrounding PRIVATE day homes in Alberta.