FAQs

If you have any additional questions, please contact us directly for more information.

How long has The Munchkin Manor Early Learning Centre (The MMELC) been in operation?

The Munchkin Manor opened its doors in November 2016. Since then we have welcomed hundreds of children and families through our doors and have built many strong relationships with these families along the way.

Is The MMELC licensed?

Yes, we are licensed by The Ministry of Education and receive regular inspections from the ministry as well as Toronto Public Health.

Does The MMELC accept subsidy from The City of Toronto?

Unfortunately, as we are privately owned, The City of Toronto does not provide subsidy for our centre.

What are your operating hours? Are you closed on holidays?

We are open Monday to Friday from 7:30am-6pm. We close on statutory holidays, and close early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve each year.

Do I still need to pay my fees if my child doesn't attend (e.g., if we go on vacation)?

Yes, regular fees are required each month regardless of your child's attendance. The MMELC holds your child's spot during their absence, and staffing and learning materials are available each day for all our registered children. Your set monthly fees cover these expenses.

What qualifications do teachers have?

All RECE teachers have either a diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education from accredited colleges and universities. Each classroom has at least one Lead RECE teacher, and they are supported by Early Childhood Assistants who also have certificate studies in Early Childhood Education. All teachers undergo Vulnerable Sector Screenings (ie. Police Reference Checks) and are certified regularly in CPR and First Aid. Details regarding general health and well-being of staff, including vaccination records, are regularly updated and maintained as well.

How do new children transition to the program?

We offer an Orientation Meeting with the lead classroom teacher to meet the child and parents before starting the program. We also offer a gradual transition during the child's first week of care. We work with parents to create a schedule that involves shorter visits to start, and we extend the days so that by the end of the week they are attending for a full day. We follow the child's lead and increase or decrease time based on their individual needs.

Do you provide meals?

Yes, we provide a morning snack, hot lunch, and afternoon snack each day. All our food items are prepared fresh daily by Wholesome Kids Catering. Menu items include whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and proteins like chicken, beef, turkey and fish. We do not offer pork, trans fats, or shellfish. We are also able to provide substitutions for allergies and dietary needs (e.g. Kosher, Halal, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and other diets).

Do children have to feed themselves?

Independent skills and self-help skills are always encouraged, however teachers sit with children at their tables to provide support as needed. Infant teachers will feed younger infants, and also provide finger food items they can reach themselves. Toddlers enjoy the option to feed themselves as well and teachers support them exploring these skills. Preschoolers also enjoy feeding themselves and teachers sit at the table to supervise and engage in conversation with the children at meal time. Teachers can model tasting new foods or ways to hold utensils while participating in meal times with the children.

Do parents need to provide blankets, sheets, utensils for use in child care?

Parents do not need to provide blankets, bed sheets or utensils for their child. All are provided by the child care centre. The only items parents would need to bring are: diapers, wipes, extra clothes and water bottle/milk bottles. If your child uses a soother, you should provide one for the centre as well. Please make sure all items from home are labelled with your child's name.

Can my child sleep anytime? What happens if my child doesn't want to nap?

Infants have individualized sleep times and can take multiple naps per day if needed. Infants have a separate sleep room with individual cribs making it easier for them to sleep as needed. Toddlers and Preschoolers sleep in their play rooms during nap time: 12:30pm-2:30pm each day. Teachers are on hand to help soothe children to sleep by patting their back or sitting beside them for additional comfort. Most children sleep during this time, however if a child does not want to sleep, they can be given quiet activities they can do on their cot or at the table with a teacher.

What happens when we want to potty train our child?

Teachers work together with parents when it is time to potty train a child. If the child is showing signs of readiness, teachers will coordinate with parents to come up with an individualized plan best suited to the child and classroom environment. During potty training, please bring multiple changes of clothes in case of accidents.

Do children go outside? How often?

Each class goes outside twice per day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The MMELC boasts a large playground divided into 3 sections so separate classrooms can be outside at the same time. We have mature trees that provide leaves and pinecones throughout the year, and small wildlife that children enjoy observing from time to time. Classes also have access to a large field directly adjacent to our playground, and they can benefit from nature walks in our quiet neighbourhood on occasion as well.

I do not want my child to go outside when it is cold. Can they stay inside?

The MMELC's outdoor policy regarding temperature states that we do not bring children outside if it is colder than -10 Celsius including windchill. On days where it is too cold to go out, we stay indoors and classes take turns using our indoor gym for gross motor play. As long as the temperature remains above our threshold, children are expected to go outside with their classes. If you believe your child is unwell enough to participate in outdoor activities, then it is better to keep them home for the day to recover, and then fully participate in all aspects of the program once they return.

What type of educational curriculum do you follow?

The MMELC follows a play-based model with Reggio-inspired activities. Natural play materials, loose parts, and process-based learning are all part of our daily curriculum. Children engage in sensory activities, art/creative activities, cognitive activities, fine motor skill building activities, and more. We offer weekly Music Classes with our specially trained music teacher, and we also provide Yoga and SportBall classes that rotate throughout the seasons. The MMELC wants children to engage in activities that interest them, and also support them in their individual learning journeys. We focus on the growth and development of the whole child and we strive to provide them with rich experiences always in a safe and nurturing environment.

Do you provide feedback or educational assessments for children?

Teachers provide observations on children's development in our Daily Email Reports. Additionally they record observations and points of interest in our own files in order to plan and implement future activities. Twice a year children also receive a more formal assessment to see how they are progressing towards key milestones, and we outline ways we can support further progress in various areas of growth. Regular conversations between teachers and parents are encouraged if there are any areas of concern.