Effective Monday, April 5 it will be mandatory for you to show the results of your child passing the online screening tool before entry will be permitted. 

The link for the online screening tool is available here.  You may:

• show a paper copy or the results on your phone/tablet to the Cook’s screener at the entrance.
• email the results to cooks.home@cooksdaycare.ca (home child care families) or vic.park@cooksdaycare.ca (centre families) before your child arrives at the door.
• use our sanitized iPad upon arrival, if necessary.  You may need to wait if there is a lineup of families waiting to enter.

Health & Safety First
We are providing a couple of days notice to allow you time to be sure that anyone who may be dropping off your child is prepared and fully aware of this requirement.

Reminders for EVERY Day Your Child Attends  

• The Cook’s screener cannot welcome your child into the program until their screening results have been viewed. 

• Only children and educators are permitted inside the door at this time.

Thanks to the many families who have already been providing screening proof.  Appreciated!

Please take a few minutes to give us your feedback on our 2021 Satisfaction Survey.

The results and comments will be gathered into one report and a summary will be provided that includes our response to suggestions. We have received 22 surveys back so far and we are receiving great information to consider.

Please have your voice heard as well. Your input helps us to continue to grow and strengthen our service!

Deadline: March 31, 2021

In an effort to raise some well-needed money for Cook’s the Fundraising Committee will be selling children’s t-shirts and personalized water bottles. The money raised will go towards providing enriched programming and activities for the children attending Cook’s Day Care.

At this point, we are just looking for those that may be interested in purchasing t-shirts ($12) and/or water bottles ($15). Please reply to stubbings@cooksdaycare.ca if you are interested. Deadline: Friday, April 2.

The products may not be as shown. Details are being finalized.

Please access the HKPR District Health Unit’s current information relating to COVID-19 and Daycares, last revised on Mar 2, 2021. The links for online screening are also available there.

My Child Did Not Pass the COVID-19 Daily Screening. Now What?

COVID-19 Protocol for Individuals with Symptoms

COVID-19 Return to School or Child Care: Protocol for Employees/Visitors

Return to School or Child Care

Please read the Enhanced School and Child Care Screening memo from the Ministry of Health.

The restrictions are in effect from Saturday, December 26, 2020 to Saturday, January 23, 2021 for the HKPR District Health Unit region.

Child care will remain open for the duration of the Provincewide Shutdown period. This includes child care offered in licensed centres and in home-based settings.

What You Need To Know

Approaching the Entrance & Screening

To approach the entrance ALL family members and visitors MUST:

• maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from other families and visitors.
• wear a mask or face covering that covers their mouth, nose and chin.

Families are NOT permitted inside for daily active in-person screening effective immediately. The screener will greet you as quickly as possible – please do NOT open the entrance door.

Child Care Needs

It is important that you confirm your child care needs with the office as soon as possible to allow us to schedule staff and providers accordingly. We understand that some families may be facing reduced or cancelled work hours because of the shutdown. Please communicate your needs and changes to us today.

Centre Before & After School Program

The centre before & after school program is being paused for the remainder of the school year. The situation will continue to be monitored and the feasibility to offer the centre school-age summer program in 2021 will be given consideration in the coming months.

Important Resources

Province

The information contained in the document, Provincewide Shutdown, December 21, 2020, is intended to communicate a summary of information about measures proposed to come into effect in Ontario or in areas of Ontario at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 26. The material is not legal advice and does not purport to be or to provide an interpretation of the law. In the event of any conflict or difference between this summary information and any applicable legislation or regulation, the legislation or regulation prevails.

Ministry of Education

1. Child Care Impacts of Time-Limited Public Health Actions – Memo
2. Appendix A – Addendum to Child Care and Before-and After School Program Guidelines
3. Appendix B – Complete List of Eligible Workers

Thank-you for your continued support and understanding. Cook’s wishes you a very merry Christmas & happy holiday season!

The bulk of expenses are covered by the fees we collect for our services and some funding from the Province. To assist with covering the increased costs not supported by fees and funding, it is necessary to raise some of the fees effective January 1, 2021.

Please review the new fee guides:

• Cook’s Home Child Care Agency 2021 Fee Guide
• Victoria Park Child Care Centre 2021 Fee Guide

Payment Options Changes – Important

The option for paying once per month will no longer be available effective January 1, 2021. All families will be switched to payment transactions on the 1st and 15th of each month beginning January 1.

Those currently paying once per month will be asked to sign a new payment agreement form.

Annual Administration Fee Due January 1

Please note that the annual administration fee will be due from all families on the January 1st pre-authorized debit transaction. Exception: new families who paid the fee in October, November, or December 2020 are exempt.

Thank you for your continued support!

Cook’s provides an updated Parent Handbook at the beginning of each calendar year.

The 2021 version includes information relating to Covid-19, the change to the preauthorized payment options, the fee guide, and so much more.

Please take some time to become familiar with the information provided and use your handbook as a helpful reference.

In the near future, hard copies will be supplied to home child care families through your provider and centre families may receive a copy during screening if you wish.

Here are the links to the 2021 handbooks:

• Cook’s Home Child Care Agency 2021 Parent Handbook
• Victoria Park Child Care Centre 2021 Parent Handbook

At the beginning of each calendar year, we ask all families to confirm that the information we have on file for your child remains current.

Please take a moment to complete the Annual Information Form at the link provided. The pdf can be filled in and submitted when opened.

If you wish to view your child’s current application, please let us know and arrangements will be made to allow that to happen.

This year Cook’s will be participating in the Scholastic Reading Club program. Reading every day is the best way for children to become independent readers.

New this year: your order will now ship to your home and you can order online whenever you want at scholastic.ca/clubshop

When you checkout, please enter the class code RC241403. When you use the class code, Cook’s earns 20% of the value of the order in rewards and you get free shipping on your order of $35 or more*. The rewards earned can be put towards books, digital teacher resources, and more!

Here’s to a great year of reading!