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.

  • 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.

  • 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)

  • 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:

    • $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

    • $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

    • $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

    • 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

  • 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

  • To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, the following release procedures are strictly enforced:

    1. Children will only be released to individuals listed on the child’s registration form as authorized pick-ups.

    2. Children will not be released to any individual not listed unless prior written or verbal authorization has been received directly from a parent/guardian.

    3. Children will not be released to siblings or other individuals under the age of 12.

    4. 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.

    5. 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

    6. 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

  • 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.

  • 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.