Family Guide
Welcome to Creō Kids Licensed Child Care.
This guide provides important information about our programs, policies, and procedures. Families are asked to read this document carefully prior to their child’s first day of attendance to ensure a clear understanding of program expectations.
The policies outlined in this handbook are in place to support the safety, consistency, and overall experience of all children enrolled in our care.
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Creō Kids is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging environment led by qualified and nurturing staff.
Our program is designed to offer children opportunities to explore, create, and learn through a variety of creative experiences. We believe that creative expression plays an important role in a child’s development by supporting communication, confidence, and overall wellbeing.
Through both structured activities and open-ended creative play, children are encouraged to develop skills across social, emotional, physical, and cognitive areas in a positive and inclusive setting.
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Creō Kids is committed to providing a program that supports the individual needs of each child while promoting confidence, independence, and positive character development.
The safety and well-being of all children is a top priority and is maintained through consistent supervision, established procedures, and adherence to all licensing requirements. Clear expectations for behaviour are introduced and reinforced within the program. Children are supported in developing self-regulation skills through guidance, consistency, and positive reinforcement strategies that encourage respectful interactions.
Our program offers a variety of activities designed to engage children with different interests and energy levels. These include:
Arts and crafts
Open-ended creative projects
Outdoor play
Group games and activities
Science-based exploration
Reading and quiet time
Homework support (where applicable)
Children are encouraged to make choices based on their interests and comfort level. Recognizing that children may arrive after a full school day, the program is structured to provide both active and quiet options. Designated spaces are available to support a balance of movement, rest, and social interaction, while also encouraging the development of cooperation and problem-solving skills.
Program Details:
Licensed staff-to-child ratio: 1:12
Participation in the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB)
Participation in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI)
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Monthly Fee Commitment
Enrollment in our Before & After School Care program requires a monthly fee commitment from September through June.
Fees are subject to an annual review in March, with any approved adjustments taking effect in April.
All listed fees reflect the BC Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) reduction and apply to both Kindergarten and Grades 1–6.
Program Options
Option A – Includes School Closure Days
Includes 7 Pro-D Days and Spring Break care based on your child’s registered schedule
Example: If your child attends 2 days per week, 2 days per week of Spring Break care are included
Additional days may be registered for an extra fee, subject to availability
Option B – School Days Only
Care is provided only on days when school is in session
Does not include Pro-D Days or Spring Break
Registration & Securing A Space
To confirm enrollment in the program:
A $250 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your child’s space
This deposit will be applied toward your first month’s fees
Completion of the online registration form is required prior to your child’s start date
Annual Registration Fee
A $75 annual registration fee per child applies to all families
This fee will be billed with your first month’s payment
This fee is non-refundable
Payment of Fees
Monthly fees are due on or before the 1st of each month (September through June)
Payments must be made via e-transfer to info@creokids.ca
Families are encouraged to set up automatic e-transfers to avoid late payments
Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB)
What it is
The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) helps eligible families with lower child care costs
Families are responsible for applying for the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) directly through the government
All required documentation must be submitted by the family
Once approved, the monthly benefit amount will be paid directly to Creō Kids and applied to your fees
Late Payments
A $50 late fee will be applied to any payment received after the 1st of the month
Refund Policy
Monthly fees are non-refundable, in whole or in part
This includes absences due to:
Illness
Family vacations
School closures
Weather-related closures
Power outages
Receipts
Annual childcare tax receipts will be issued by the end of February for the previous calendar year
Withdrawal Policy
A minimum of one full month’s written notice is required for withdrawal
Notice must be submitted before the 1st of the final month of attendance
Upon withdrawal, all future registrations will be cancelled
IMPORTANT:
Withdrawal requests submitted after March 31 will not be accepted for the current school year
Families remain financially responsible for fees from April through June if:
Notice was not provided by March 31, and
The space cannot be filled
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Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures
All children must be signed in and out daily by a parent/guardian or authorized individual.
The sign-in/sign-out sheet is located at the front desk.
Any individual picking up a child is required to sign out the child at the time of pick-up.
Only individuals listed as authorized pick-ups will be permitted to collect a child.
If someone not listed will be picking up your child:
Families must provide advance notice by phone, email, or text
Verbal confirmation may be required prior to release
Identification may be requested
Changes to Pick-Up Routine
Families are responsible for notifying the program of any changes to their child’s regular schedule, including:
Early pick-up from school
Child going home with a friend
Absences due to illness or appointments
Any change affecting after-school attendance
Clear communication is essential. If a child does not arrive as expected and no notice has been provided, staff are required to follow up to ensure the child’s safety.
Absences
Families must notify the program in advance if their child will be absent
Notification can be made by phone or email
Late Pick-Up
If you anticipate being late, please contact the studio as soon as possible
Occasional delays are understood; however, repeated late pick-ups may result in additional fees to cover staffing requirements
Parking
Street parking is available in front of the studio and in the surrounding area
Additional parking is available in the rear lot of the building
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To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, the following release procedures are strictly enforced:
Children will only be released to individuals listed on the child’s registration form as authorized pick-ups.
Children will not be released to any individual not listed unless prior written or verbal authorization has been received directly from a parent/guardian.
Children will not be released to siblings or other individuals under the age of 12.
Individuals listed as emergency contacts may be contacted if a parent/guardian cannot be reached. Situations requiring emergency contact may include, but are not limited to:
Illness or injury
A child requiring immediate pick-up (e.g., vomiting or unwell)
Late pick-up where a parent cannot be reached after 20 minutes
Behaviour that presents a safety risk to the child, other children, or staff
It is the responsibility of families to ensure emergency contacts are aware of their role and are available if needed.
If an authorized individual arrives to pick up a child and appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise unable to provide safe care:
Staff will request that an alternate authorized person pick up the child
If the individual refuses and staff believe the child’s safety is at risk, the program is legally required to contact the appropriate authorities, including the Ministry of Children and Family Development or police if necessary
If a child is not picked up by closing time, the following steps will be taken:
Attempt to contact parents/guardians
Attempt to contact emergency contacts
Notify the Program Director
If no contact is made within 45 minutes of closing, the Ministry of Children and Family Development and/or RCMP will be contacted for further assistance.
Custody Agreements
Where legal custody arrangements restrict access to a child, a copy of the official custody agreement must be provided and kept on file
Without appropriate legal documentation, the program cannot deny a parent access to their child
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Daily Snacks
Parents/guardians are required to provide their child with a nutritious afternoon snack each day. Snacks help maintain energy levels and support participation in program activities.
Children may eat snacks when they are hungry at designated eating areas
Snack times are flexible and based on individual needs
Full-Day Care (Pro-D Days & Camps)
For full-day programs, parents/guardians must provide:
A nutritious lunch
Two snacks
All food must be packed in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack, as refrigeration is not available for children’s lunches.
Sample Daily Schedule (approximate):
Morning Snack: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Afternoon Snack: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Food Guidelines
Occasional treats may be provided by the program for special events (e.g., birthdays or holidays)
Children may occasionally eat outdoors or have picnic-style meals during warmer months
Foods such as pop, candy, chips, and gum are not permitted during program hours and should be kept for home
Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions
Families must inform the program of any food allergies or dietary restrictions during registration
Staff will follow all written instructions provided by parents/guardians
Families will be notified of any serious allergies within the program to ensure awareness and safety
Nut-Free Policy
Creō Kids is a nut-free facility.
All food brought into the program must be free of nuts and nut products. -
When a Child Must Stay Home
Children must remain at home and alternate care arrangements must be made if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms or conditions:
Fever (38°C / 100.4°F or higher)
Vomiting or nausea
Diarrhea (especially when accompanied by vomiting, nausea, or abdominal cramps)
Acute cold symptoms (including runny nose, cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or red/runny eyes)
Undiagnosed rash or infected skin or eyes
Headache accompanied by a stiff neck (medical evaluation required)
Severe itching of the body or scalp (including suspected or confirmed head lice; exclusion required for 72 hours following treatment)
Any confirmed communicable disease
Any condition that prevents the child from participating comfortably in the program or poses a risk to others
Illness While in Care
If a child becomes ill while at the studio, they must be picked up as soon as possible by a parent/guardian or authorized emergency contact
The child will be cared for in a safe, comfortable space while awaiting pick-up
Reporting Absences & Communicable Diseases
Families must notify the program by phone or email if their child will be absent due to illness
If a child has been exposed to a communicable disease, families must inform the centre within 24 hours
In the event of a confirmed communicable disease within the program:
Licensing authorities will be notified as required
Families will be informed in accordance with Fraser Health Licensing guidelines and provided with any necessary instructions
Health Guidance
For additional information regarding childhood illnesses, families may contact the:
BC Nurse Line: 8-1-1 (24-hour service) -
Creō Kids is legally required to report any suspected or disclosed abuse or neglect in accordance with provincial legislation.
All staff are mandated reporters under the applicable child protection laws
Failure to report suspected abuse may result in legal consequences
When a concern is identified:
Staff are not permitted to contact parents/guardians unless specifically instructed to do so by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or law enforcement
Reports are made solely for the purpose of protecting the child’s safety and wellbeing
Staff do not investigate or determine whether abuse has occurred
The responsibility for investigation and determination of need for protection rests solely with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and/or law enforcement authorities.
Our primary responsibility is to act in the best interest of the child by ensuring concerns are reported promptly and appropriately through the required legal channels.
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At Creō Kids, we use positive, respectful, and developmentally appropriate guidance strategies to support children’s behaviour. Different approaches may be used depending on the child and the situation, as no single strategy is effective in every circumstance.
Our goal is to help children develop self-regulation, problem-solving skills, and positive social interactions in a safe and supportive environment.
The following approaches are used to guide behaviour:
Positive Behaviour Support
Clear, consistent expectations are set by explaining what is expected in an age-appropriate manner
Staff take time to explain why expectations are in place, using calm, respectful, and supportive communication
Positive behaviour is reinforced through specific praise, encouragement, and positive attention
Acknowledging appropriate behaviour helps children understand and repeat positive choices
Redirection & Reminders
Children may be redirected to another activity or area when appropriate
Gentle reminders are used to support children in remembering expectations during play and group activities
Problem-Solving & Communication
Children are encouraged to use problem-solving strategies to resolve conflicts and challenges
Staff support children in expressing their feelings and needs using words, helping build communication and trust
Choice & Decision-Making
Children are offered age-appropriate choices to support independence and decision-making skills
Example: “Would you like to wait here for your turn or choose another activity and I will call you when it’s your turn?”
Natural & Logical Consequences
Children are supported in understanding the natural outcomes of their actions in a respectful and educational way
Example: “If a cup is placed on the edge of the counter, it may fall and spill. Let’s use a sponge to clean it up.”
Prohibited Practices
The following practices are strictly prohibited at Creō Kids at all times:
Corporal punishment (including spanking, hitting, shaking, or any form of physical punishment)
Deprivation of food, snacks, or access to washroom facilities
Verbal abuse, including yelling, shaming, or name-calling
All staff are required to maintain a respectful, supportive, and non-punitive approach to behaviour guidance at all times.
