faq

Little Hummingbirds Daycare operates Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A detailed list of closure dates is provided upon enrollment and communicated throughout the year.

We welcome children aged 12 months to 12 years, offering programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children.

We’re so glad you’re considering Little Hummingbirds! To begin the registration process, we invite you to contact the Centre Director to discuss availability and schedule a tour. This is a great opportunity to see our space, ask questions, and learn more about our philosophy and programming.

Once you're ready to move forward, we’ll provide a registration package which includes all necessary forms and policy documents. A non-refundable registration fee and refundable deposit are required to secure your child’s spot. Our team will guide you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and welcoming transition into our community.

We’re proud to participate in Alberta’s Affordability Grant through the federal CWELCC program. Thanks to this funding, our current full-time parent fee is $326.25 per month (about $15/day).

Looking for flexibility? We offer drop-in and flexible care options—please contact us to find the best fit for your family.

Note: Fees are tied to government funding and may change. Current rates are valid through March 2026.

We believe meaningful relationships with families are at the heart of quality care. We use ChildFriendly, a secure, easy-to-use app that keeps you connected to your child’s day—through real-time updates, photos, and messages that offer a gentle glimpse into their world.

From milestone moments to quiet joys, we’re here to share the little things that matter most. Open, ongoing communication is part of our commitment to building trust, community, and a true partnership with every family.

We have full-time, part-time and drop-in care options based on availability. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

We blend Montessori principles with Alberta’s FLIGHT framework to foster independence, emotional well-being, and whole-child development. Grounded in the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, our program honours the many ways children learn—through words, movement, music, logic, reflection, relationships, visuals, and nature. Every experience is designed to build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self.

Every experience is curated to build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self—we believe that nurturing a child’s mental and emotional well-being is just as essential as fostering their cognitive and physical growth. By creating safe, responsive environments and meaningful relationships, we help children develop the tools they need to understand their emotions, navigate challenges, and feel secure in who they are.

Click here to see what a typical day with us is like.

We’re thrilled to offer an optional, full food program that includes AM snack, lunch and an afternoon snack, all lovingly prepared in house.

Our food philosophy is rooted in curiosity, culture, and connection. We believe food is more than fuel—it’s a way to explore the world, try new things, and gather together. Children will have the chance to enjoy meals inspired by a variety of cultures, flavours, and seasonal ingredients, helping to expand their palates and appreciation for the food on their plates.

Our menu is dietitian-approved and is built around whole, high-quality ingredients that nourish growing bodies and fuel curious minds. Think of it as the best of home cooking—every day: no shortcuts, no premade soup mixes, just thoughtful, delicious meals made from scratch with care.

We know that food programs can vary widely between childcare centres—in both quality and cost. Our commitment is simple: to offer food that is honest, nutritious, and joyful, so children can thrive from the inside out.

You can learn more about our food program here.

Yes, families are welcome to send food from home if preferred. However, we kindly ask that you review our food policy during the enrollment process, as there are specific Alberta Health Services regulations we must follow to ensure all food brought into the centre is safe, properly stored, and allergen-aware. For details on packaging, labeling, and food safety requirements, please connect with our Centre Director—we’re happy to guide you through what’s needed.

We build every menu around ingredients kids already recognize—then give them a gentle “world-tour” twist. Think of rice: one week it’s mild tomato-and-egg fried rice (Chinese-style), the next it’s creamy coconut rice, later it’s a Romanian pilaf—same familiar grain, just a new spin. We do the same with potatoes, noodles, and other kid-approved basics, so every day offers a balance of fun and familiar.

We also use a strategy called food chaining, which helps children gradually expand their palate by introducing small, manageable changes to foods they already enjoy. For example, if your child loves plain pasta, we might introduce a similar texture with a mild butter sauce, then slowly build toward a simple cheese or veggie topping—always at your child's pace and comfort level.

Our educators keep a close eye on what each child eats: how much, how eagerly, and which dishes spark the most excitement. Based on this, we tweak recipes when needed, and share meal notes with parents so you get the full picture of your child’s appetite and preferences.

If a dish doesn’t land, we always have a back-up option ready and will happily offer it. All recipes are dietitian-approved to ensure they’re nutritious as well as tasty.

Got a home favourite your child can’t live without? Tell us! We love adding family-tested ideas to our recipe book.

Our goal is the same as yours: a well-fed, happy child.

Yes, we do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and are happy to work closely with families to support each child’s individual needs. Whether due to allergies, medical conditions, cultural practices, or family preferences, we believe that every child deserves to feel included and safe at the table.

We ask that families share detailed information during the enrollment process so we can plan accordingly and collaborate on suitable alternatives where needed. While we can’t guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, we are committed to thoughtful planning, transparent communication, and doing everything we can to ensure mealtimes are safe, inclusive, and nourishing for all children.

Yes, we offer transportation for school-aged children to and from select local schools.

Westgate location services:

Annunciation, St. Justin, St. Benedict, LaPerle, Belmead, Aldergrove, Thorncliffe, Aleda Patterson, and Elmwood

Ottewell location services:

St. Brendan, Waverly, Clara Tyner, Holyrood, Hardisty, Gold Bar, Forest Heights, WiSE Charter and Suzuki Charter

Don’t see your school but would like to be considered? Let us know here!

We use positive guidance strategies to encourage appropriate behavior, focusing on teaching children to understand their emotions and develop problem-solving skills. Our approach aligns with best practices in early childhood education. ​

Absolutely! We encourage parental involvement and welcome visits at any time. Open communication between parents and educators is a cornerstone of our philosophy. ​

To enroll, please contact us to schedule a tour and discuss availability. Upon registration, a non-refundable administrative fee and a refundable deposit are required. Detailed information will be provided during the enrollment process.​

It’s completely normal for children to need time as they settle into a new environment, and we’re here to support both you and your child through that transition. Our educators use a gentle, relationship-focused approach, helping children feel safe, seen, and supported as they build confidence and comfort in their new space.

We recommend a gradual entry to ease the transition and set your child up for success. For more information on how this works, please speak with the Centre Director. We’ve also created helpful transition tips for families, which can be found in the Parent Handbook.

Open communication is key—we’ll work closely with you to create a transition plan that reflects your child’s unique needs and emotional readiness.