Hours of Operation
Beech Tree Academy is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Mission Statement
At Beech Tree Academy we share the belief that young children learn through action and experience. We believe that a positive environment for learning is one that exercises and challenges the developing mind of each child. We help every child in our care strive to meet their full potential and to get on the road to becoming life long learners. Our Reggio Emilia inspired philosophy is based upon the following set of principles:
- Children must have some control over the direction of their learning
- Children must be able to learn through their experiences of touching, moving, listening, seeing, and hearing
- Children have a relationship with other children and with material items in the world and they must be allowed to explore
- Children must have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves
Our Philosophy
We are deeply connected to the ideas coming forth from the early childhood schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. We say that we are “Reggio-inspired” and we seek to capture children’s learning experiences and describe our teaching and learning process within our documentation. This documentation is captured in pictures, photocopied from children’s work-samples, dictated as a story by the children, or displayed from the many classroom “languages” they use to express their meaning-making and learning. Parents, visitors, and other teachers can see these displays of children’s expressions throughout our center, in the hallways, in the classrooms, and in our shared living spaces.
We also believe children thrive in a calm, nurturing environment which is why we have capped our preschool rooms at 16 children per room and 12 children per room for our toddlers. This is well below regulation and is part of our commitment to your child's needs.
Holidays
Beech Tree Academy will be closed for all Statutory Holidays. If any of these holidays fall on a weekend, the following Monday will be observed as a holiday. Beech Tree Academy will be closed at 12:30 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
- New Years Day
- Family Day
- Natal Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beech Tree Academy licenced?
Yes, we work closely with Early Childhood Development Services and other government agencies to meet and exceed licensing regulations.
Do you accept government subsidies?
Yes, we support families in meeting their childcare needs in any way we can.
What do I need to bring with me when I come to visit the center to put my child’s name on the waiting list?
All you need to bring is your child. We do not require any documentation at that time and there is no cost to put your child on the waiting list.
Do I have to pay fees while my child is home ill or on vacation?
Yes. You are responsible for fees the entire time your child is enrolled, and not just when they attend.
Are taxes included in the price?
Yes
What is your withdrawal policy?
We require a 1 month withdrawal notice if you plan to withdraw your child from the center. This provides us with time to enroll another family.
If my toddler turns preschool age (3) while waiting for a spot, do I have to do something in order to get my child on the preschool waiting list?
You do not have to do anything. Your child will automatically be transferred to the preschool waiting list.
Do the children have quiet time?
Quiet time is from 12:30 until around 2:30pm daily. Each child has their own cot and sheet (washed weekly). Parents provide a blanket which is sent home on a regular basis for washing.
Does my child have to be toilet trained?
No
What are drop-off and pick-up times?
Children must not arrive before 7:00 a.m. and must be picked up before 6 p.m. Please note that we do have a limited number of spots for 6:30 a.m. for children whose parents require an earlier drop-off. Please speak with our Academy Director for more information.
What happens if I am late picking up my child?
We close at 6:00 p.m. A late fee of $5.00 each minute is charged after that (paid directly to the teacher staying late with your child).
My child does not understand or speak English. Is this a problem?
We support and provide an inclusive environment for our staff and children. The staff will do their very best to communicate with your child both verbally and non-verbally in order to help them learn the English language. Most children learn English very quickly.
My child has allergies. Can you still accommodate my child?
We have a number of children with varying allergies and each one has different needs. Simply make the centre aware of your child’s allergies and we will discuss your child’s needs.
How will I know what my child is eating?
Our menu is shared via our communication app "HiMama" and it is also posted at Beech Tree Academy so you can look ahead at the entire month if you wish.
What do I need to provide for my child each day?
Your child will need a small blanket, a complete change of clothing, a water bottle and any diapers they may require. A sunhat in the summer, and appropriate outdoor winter clothing for colder days are needed as children are required to go outdoors every day.