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What To Look For In A Daycare

2/25/2021

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We’ve all been here before, looking for the best daycare in Calgary that fits your needs, budgets and future goals of your children. 

With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose which one stands out from the rest. What makes it easier is having a list on which you can base your searches, narrowing down your list until you find the perfect one for your children. 

We have that list for you below! 

5 Things To Look For In A Calgary Daycare 

Stellar Reviews

Reputation matters when it comes to daycares in SW Calgary. The better and more positive the reviews, the better the overall reputation of the centre. You shouldn’t just look at online reviews but get feedback from parents with their children in the centre. Note down any good patterns and bad pointers to compile a list of what works and doesn’t with the centre, so you get an overview of the place. 

A Caring, Stimulating Environment 

Is the environment engaging and exciting for the children, where they have an opportunity to learn and grow? You want a childcare centre that is going to be beneficial for your children in the long-term. How do you check this out? Observe the children and see how engaged they are in the centre. If you feel that the environment is great for children, then you’ll get the idea that it works for your kid. 

On top of all this, you have to make sure that the environment and centre are safe for your children. We’re talking well child-proofed spaces so that nothing can go wrong.

(Learn about How To Apply for Child Care Subsidy in Alberta right here) 

An Interesting Curriculum

This section might be a bit trickier considering that it varies both on what you want for your children and what you think will help them in the long-term. Speak directly to the childcare centre and ask for a curriculum. Is it loose and fluid or school-like and educational? Depending on how they approach their curriculum will impact how your child responds and develops as time goes on. It’s best to find a happy medium, so your child is comfortable but also slightly challenged. 

Multi-ethnic preschool teacher and students in classroom

Qualified Caregivers Who Actually Care

Understanding the basic certification and training requirements that come with caregivers is crucial to determining if they are the right fit for you. Ensure that the teachers have a degree or two, have experience or are showcasing the skills during their development, and are trained in CPR and any other emergency procedures. 

As for intangibles, such as personality, attitude and approach, observe them during a day. Look and listen to how they interact with children, their body language, and how they respond to particular situations. 

As a side note, consider the child-to-teacher ratio. The more teachers, the more your child will get the attention and education they deserve. 

(Wondering what “What is UCCB and CCB are?”, read here) 

Licensed (Or Maybe Accredited)

Licensing is a big deal when it comes to childcare centres in Alberta. Dropping off your child at one that isn’t doesn’t provide you with the scope of care and rules that apply to others. Therefore, make sure that the Government of Alberta licences the childcare centre. This ensures that the childcare centre is safe and abides by all official regulations. 

2000 Days Daycare is the daycare in Calgary SW, where your child will learn, laugh and grow. Our focus is to ensure that the first 2000 days of your child’s life (the most important for development) is maximized. We provide the platform where your child develops the soft skills that can help them communicate effectively, get along with other children, control their emotions, develop self-motivation and help them creatively solve problems. As a family operated and owned SW Calgary daycare centre, we give the extra time, attention and care that your children deserve, so they can develop the skills to excel at school and grow in self-confidence. Feel free to contact us at 403-319-2332 (Extension 1) or book a tour of our Calgary daycare today!

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How To Apply for Child Care Subsidy in Alberta

1/14/2021

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In the stressful times of 2021, it’s good to know that you have support, especially when it comes to your child’s education. 

Therefore, having an understanding of applying for Alberta’s child care subsidy can help you when times are tough. 

Let’s take a look at this application process. 


Who Can Apply For Child Care Subsidy in Alberta? 


Who is Eligible for the Child Care Subsidy? 

The child care subsidy is available to lower and middle-income families, who struggle with the financial burden of sending their children to childcare. It applies to the following educational centres: 

  • licensed daycares in Calgary, Edmonton and across Alberta
  • licensed group family child care
  • licensed out-of-school care centres
  • approved family day homes

To apply for the subsidy, you must meet the following requirements, as stimulated by the Alberta Government: 

  • You, your spouse/partner, and children are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, as well as being Alberta residents
  • You or your spouse must be working, looking for work, have special needs or have a child with special needs 
  • Your child is 12 years of age or younger, has secured a spot at childcare centre in Calgary, Edmonton or Alberta, and not attending Grade 7
  • Your total family income is less than $75,000 per year, which will be determined by combining you and your spouse’s income tax from your most recent Notice of Assessment, as issued by Canada Revenue Agency

Types of Child Care Subsidies:

There are two types of child care subsidies available: 

The first is the standard “Child care subsidy”, which includes, “eligible families with children 0 to 12 years of age and not yet in Grade 7 to pay child care costs for children enrolled” in licenced daycare centres. 

The second is “Extended hours subsidy”, which is where parents need support for their children after the regular hours of 6 am to 6 pm weekdays or weekends. They can receive, in addition to the child care subsidy, an extra $100 per month per child to support them during this time. 

For more information on the Child Care Subsidy, click this link here. 


How to Apply For The Child Care Subsidy To Get Calgary 


The first step in to fill in the online application is to check if you are eligible for the Subsidy. After the application is submitted, your information will be assessed to determine if it meets the criteria. 

If you are successful, you will receive a conditional 2-month subsidy, where the Government of Alberta will continue to assess your eligibility. If you do not meet the eligibility initially, you may receive the subsidy once your application is approved.


Child Drawing and Mother Working at Home in Time of COVID-19


As stated by the Government: “each subsidy starts at the beginning of the month your completed application is received. You can apply as early as the month before your child is starting child care. For example, if your child’s start date is September 1, you can apply as early as August 1.” 

You can submit the application by computer, tablet, or mobile phone, and we’ve provided the link for you right here: Child Care Subsidy Application. 

What happens after the first two months? 

As the two months come to a close, it is advisable to renew your subsidy application again. Doing it after the end of the timeframe might result in interruptions in your subsidy payments. You should receive a renewal notice to remind you when it is time to reapply.

And if things change? 

Notify the Alberta Government if things change. This can include, a change in address, contact information, reasons for care, marital status, number of children and total income. 


Get Help From Your Calgary SW Daycare 


If you need help with your application, you can always speak to your daycare in Calgary SW. With expertise in daycare subsidies, applications and forms, they can guide you through this process and ensure that your child is enrolled in their education centre. 


2000 Days Daycare is the daycare in Calgary SW, where your child will learn, laugh and grow. Our focus is to ensure that the first 2000 days of your child’s life (the most important for development) is maximized. We provide the platform where your child develops the soft skills that can help them communicate effectively, get along with other children, control their emotions, develop self-motivation and help them creatively solve problems. As a family operated and owned SW Calgary daycare centre, we give the extra time, attention and care that your children deserve, so they can develop the skills to excel at school and grow in self-confidence. Feel free to contact us at 403-319-2332 (Extension 1) or book a tour of our Calgary daycare today!

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What Are Development Milestones?

12/15/2020

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Children are one of the most fascinating mysteries in life. Yes, we are talking about human children here, though kittens and puppies are fascinating in their own ways. But babies have a particular way about them. They seem so simple, so free. Yet, they are also clever, challenging and even vindictive, making child care a uniquely satisfying experience.

Plus, they only get more complex with age. They learn to walk, speak, grip and interact with the world in myriad ways. Sometimes, ways that confound or challenge parents. Still, though, it is crucial to determine what kids should be capable of at what stage in their development. This is the essential purpose of development milestones.


What Should My Child Do & When?


We all know that newborns have a certain age where they can start eating solid foods. In the same way, we know when they should crawl, walk and talk. But, there are a number of other developmental cues that we can use to gauge the ability and growth of our offspring. 

Many governments and independent organizations have done studies on when children should be able to do certain activities. As a result, the breadth of knowledge on this subject is both deep and variable. Today, we will be looking at the Alberta Government’s information on the subject, available through this link.


Exploring the world


Also, gauging your child’s development compared to other children is important for identifying and treating developmental disorders and disabilities. This information can be critical in making an early determination of their ability to perform certain functions and abilities. Here are the physical growth requirements for two-year-olds, as an example:

  • Have grown about 38 cm (15 in.) since birth.
  • Gain weight and grow at a steady but slower pace than during their first 12 months of life. Between 12 and 24 months of age, expect your child to gain about 1.5 kg (3 lb) to 2.5 kg (5 lb), grow an average of 7.5 cm (3 in.) to 13 cm (5 in.), and gain about 2.5 cm (1 in.) in head circumference (the measurement around the top of the head).
  • Are rapidly developing motor skills. Around the second birthday, children can usually go up and down stairs one step at a time, kick a ball, and are starting to run. Most children can also stand on their tiptoes. You may see your child carrying toys, sometimes large toys, around the house. Pull-toys are also a favourite around this age.

For a complete overview of the development milestones at age two, and all the way up to age 18, consider looking at the information provided by the Alberta Government.


How to Deliver Better Child Care Through Development Milestones 


Our daycare uses the newest technology and information available to help foster and nurture your child’s development. To learn more about our child care and how it helps your kids reach their full potential, contact us today!

2000 Days Daycare is the daycare in Calgary SW, where your child will learn, laugh and grow. Our focus is to ensure that the first 2000 days of your child’s life (the most important for development) is maximized. We provide the platform where your child develops the soft skills that can help them communicate effectively, get along with other children, control their emotions, develop self-motivation and help them creatively solve problems. As a family operated and owned SW Calgary daycare centre, we give the extra time, attention and care that your children deserve, so they can develop the skills to excel at school and grow in self-confidence. Feel free to contact us at 403-319-2332 (Extension 1) or book a tour of our Calgary daycare today!

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What is UCCB and CCB

12/2/2020

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“The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) was a taxable benefit for children under 18 years of age…” This is a portion of the definition of the benefit provided by the Government of Canada. Unfortunately, the benefit no longer exists in this form and has not since 2016. Payments ceased in July 2016. 


Luckily, it was also replaced with a similar program, which is the CCB. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) program is what we will discuss for the remainder of this article as it can help offset the costs of the best daycare in Calgary. 


What is the CCB?


“The Canada child benefit (CCB) is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.” Again, this definition comes from the Government of Canada, who is the provider of this program.


Who Can Apply?

There are several requirements to applying for this benefit, and they are summarized below:

  • You live with a child who is under 18 years of age
  • You are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child
  • You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
  • You or your spouse or common-law partner must be any of the following:
    • a Canadian citizen
    • a permanent resident
    • a protected person
    • a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months, and who has a valid permit in the 19th month
    • an Indigenous person who meets the definition of “Indian” under the Indian Act

Additionally, you cannot receive the benefit for foster children for any month in which Children’s special allowances (CSA) are payable. 


How Much Can They Get? 

As this is a monthly benefit, and several different programs apply jurisdictionally and circumstantially, giving a single number for your circumstances is next to impossible. However, the Government of Canada provides a helpful calculator tool that you can use to receive accurate information based on your unique circumstances.

Laughing Kids

Additionally, there is some excellent general information that you can consider. For example, the number of children in your care and their ages as well as your marital status and last year’s AFNI information.


What to Do in the Event of Missing Payments

If your payments stop or change in a given month, your best option is to contact the Canada Revenue Agency. As they are the tax credit administrators, they will have the most up-to-date and relevant information to assist you in determining why there has been a change to your payment schedule. 


How the CCB Gets You Access to the Best Daycare in Calgary


But how does all of this tax information relate to the best daycare in Calgary? Well, put simply, you can offset the cost of this service with the help of the CCB. This allows you to give your children quality time with peers, educators and caregivers alike while also reducing the financial stress for yourself. Contact us for more information today!


2000 Days Daycare is the daycare in Calgary SW, where your child will learn, laugh and grow. Our focus is to ensure that the first 2000 days of your child’s life (the most important for development) is maximized. We provide the platform where your child develops the soft skills to help them communicate effectively, get along with other children, control their emotions, develop self-motivation and help them creatively solve problems. As a family operated and owned SW Calgary daycare centre, we give the extra time, attention and care that your children deserve, so they can develop the skills to excel at school and grow in self-confidence. Feel free to contact us at 403-319-2332 (Extension 1) or book a tour of our Calgary daycare today!

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The Benefits of Daycare in Calgary for Working Parents

11/17/2020

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With the lockdowns coming to an end and the economy getting back to work, parents are ready to get away from the kids. Working from home is fun, but it’s full of distractions attending to the kids demanding your attention.

If you’re a working parent in Calgary, why not sign your child up for daycare? It’s a great way to get them out of the house if you’re working from home, giving you time to make progress on your daily workflows and responsibilities.

Calgary Daycare Tips for Working from Home with Your Kids

If you’re working from home, follow these quick tips to get the most out of your time.

  • Set a Schedule – Set a schedule and inform your kids. Tell them mom needs to work between these hours, and you need to leave her alone to focus.
  • Create Visual Cues – Tell your kids that when you lift the red card, they must wait for you before asking for something. There are many useful visual cues you can come up with to communicate with your kids effectively.
  • Take Regular Breaks – Follow the Pomodoro Principle, and set your phone timer for 25-minutes. Work hard and concentrate for 25-minutes, and when the alarm sounds, take a 5-minute break and check on the kids.
  • Take Advantage of Naptime – When you put your kids down for a nap, use it to make headway in your work.
  • Keep Kids Entertained – Send the kids on playdates with friends, and get the house to yourself for a few hours.
calgary-daycare

The Benefits of Calgary Daycare Services for Your Kids

A daycare in SW Calgary offers you plenty of benefits to help you manage your career and your kids. With a daycare service, you get the following benefits for your work.

  • No Interruptions – When your kids are at the daycare, there are no interruptions; you can put your head down and get things done.
  • No Stress – With a team of professional daycare associates looking after your kids, you don’t have to worry about them getting into trouble while you’re trying to get things done.
  • Professional Care – Daycare professionals have specialized training in taking care of kids and analyzing their needs.
  • The Kids Stay Entertained – Daycares have a range of activities to keep your kids busy. It also gives them a chance to develop their social skills by mingling with the other kids. You don’t have to worry about your kids nagging you to play with them at home.
  • Boost Productivity – With the daycare team taking care of your kids, you can make some serious progress with your work, boosting your productivity levels.

Delegate Responsibility to a Calgary Daycare Service

Lose the distractions of dealing with your kids while you’re trying to work at home. A daycare in SW Calgary offers you an affordable way to get peace and quiet around the house during the day.

Look for the best daycare in SW Calgary and inquire about signing your kids up for class.


2000 Days Daycare is the daycare in Calgary SW, where your child will learn, laugh and grow. Our focus is to ensure that the first 2000 days of your child’s life (the most important for development) is maximized. We provide the platform where your child develops the soft skills that can help them communicate effectively, get along with other children, control their emotions, develop self-motivation and help them creatively solve problems. As a family operated and owned SW Calgary daycare centre, we give the extra time, attention and care that your children deserve, so they can develop the skills to excel at school and grow in self-confidence. Feel free to contact us at 403-319-2332 (Extension 1) or book a tour of our Calgary daycare today!

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What are the 5 Stages of Child Development?

10/26/2020

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The most rewarding part of child care is seeing them develop from a small, swaddled bundle into a fully-fledged human being with their own unique thoughts and feelings. Of course, if the process were simply watching them, it would not feel so much like work, but nothing good comes without some associated cost. So, did you know that the early years are some of the most critical for your child’s future development?

Indeed, there is more and more research coming out every day that shows how children learn behaviours very young and associate with them throughout their later years. An excellent example of this is vision, which, without the proper stimuli, will start to deteriorate or change as kids age. Therefore, it is important to know and understand the five stages of your child’s development and how you can assist them in growing at their best.

The Five Stage of Child Development 

Newborn

The newborn stage occurs from birth until 18 months of age. At this stage, your child will be focusing on identifying faces and rounding out the use of their eyes. Plus, they will also be learning to balance their head properly and strengthening their neck muscles to support the weight. Finally, their communication is limited, which means they will primarily communicate through different crying sounds. 

As a parent or guardian, you can assist your baby’s development by providing ample visual stimuli. This will aid them in understanding colours, shapes and substances in the long term. Plus, it will certainly help keep them preoccupied in the meanwhile!

Infant

Between 18 months and two years, your offspring is considered an infant. In this stage, you will see a marked increase in mobility as they start crawling and manipulating objects. Mentally, they will also start developing a relationship between cause and effect, and the beginnings of oral communication.

Typically, the time of infancy is where babyproofing your home becomes essential, as kitchen cupboards and bathroom cabinets become little windows to adventure for your curious kid. You will also need to focus on speech and mobility exercises, for they do not hurt themselves.

Toddler

The toddler stage of development shares significant overlap with infancy. Characterized by the period of 18 months and three years, toddlers will learn to walk, form short sentences and become more autonomous. This might include playing independently, but more than likely, it will take the form of advocating for their needs. The stage of saying “no!” will occur as a toddler, and no amount of mental preparation will feel sufficient.

Multi-ethnic group of students in class

As their caretaker, you will want to continue encouraging their mobility and speech behaviours. In particular, reading short, kid-friendly stories during quiet times can be a great boon to their development. However, the most essential responsibility is allowing them to explore and make mistakes within reasonable boundaries.

Preschool

The last stage of their pre-adolescent development is preschool. Between 3 and 5 years of age, this stage is essential for long-term development and growth. Numerous studies show that this is the ideal time for learning musical instruments, engaging in physical sports or competitions and starting on the journey to learning a new language. 

School Age

Ultimately, your child’s growth will extend into the later parts of their life, just as you continue to grow, change and develop. However, in the age range of 6-12 years, they will learn about peer relationships and how to form appropriate bonds. Additionally, this is also typically the time where you will begin to see mental health concerns emerge that may impact their learning and goals. 

Give Them the Best Child Care

Now that you know the five stages of child care and development and what you can do to assist their growth, you might feel that it is overwhelming. However, this should not be a cause for concern. Instead, give us a call at 2000 Days Daycare so we can help you and your child achieve the best possible outcomes!

2000 Days Daycare is the daycare in Calgary SW, where your child will learn, laugh and grow. Our focus is to ensure that the first 2000 days of your child’s life (the most important for development) is maximized. We provide the platform where your child develops the soft skills that can help them communicate effectively, get along with other children, control their emotions, develop self-motivation and help them creatively solve problems. As a family operated and owned SW Calgary daycare centre, we give the extra time, attention and care that your children deserve, so they can develop the skills to excel at school and grow in self-confidence. Feel free to contact us at 403-319-2332 (Extension 1) or book a tour of our Calgary daycare today!

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How to Find the Best Childcare in Calgary

9/16/2020

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Even during stressful times, you want to know that your child is safe and secure. That’s why you have to consider all the factors for finding the best childcare centre in Calgary. 

This guide can help you with your search. 

What To Consider When Looking At A Calgary Daycare? 

There is no doubt: your child is the best place to start your search. You know your child best, so think about where they will be most comfortable and look around to see what daycares are offering. Consider your child’s age, the types of activities they enjoy, the number of children they will be around with and their food preferences.

From there, consider the following factors when looking at a Calgary daycare. 

A Positive, Educational Environment:

You want to know that your child will be in a positive and safe environment. Every time you drop them off, you know your child will be in good hands, happy and excited about their day. Look for childcare in Calgary that offers a warm, child-friendly atmosphere. 

Good Communication: 

Daycares that offer clear, concise communication promptly are your best bet. You don’t want to be left out of the loop or miss out on key information because the daycare doesn’t communicate properly. How they speak to you will determine how good their communication is. 

Nutrition & Meals: 

Registered day home providers are required to abide by the Canada Food Guide. That’s what you want in a daycare. There is nothing worse than having your child fed poor food and nutrition. 

Activities:

Are the facility and equipment clean and in good condition? Will the children be supervised? Is space arranged for children to choose activities freely? Will they be cleaned and sanitized to ensure COVID measures are enforced? These are the questions you should be asking when it comes to selecting a daycare centre. 

Health & Safety: 

We live in stressful times, so it is paramount that your child is safe and that child care providers have stringent rules and regulations for COVID. See how far they go with their protocols and how they adapt to the current situation. 

The Alberta Government has information on what childcare centres should be doing during COVID. You can read about it here.  

Other factors: 

You should also consider other factors that might impact your selection, such as:

  • Your work hours and their opening hours (can you find the time to drop them off?) 
  • If they offer after-school hours (you might need support at certain times) 
  • The location of the daycare centre (would you prefer a daycare in SW Calgary closer to home or to work?) 
  • The cost of the daycare centre (you can also see if you can apply for the Alberta Child Care Subsidy) 

How To Pick A Childcare Centre in Calgary 

Read Reviews About The Daycare 

Check reviews from Google, Facebook and other sources to determine if the child care centre is up to standards. Studies provide you with valuable insight into how the centre operates. 

Child boy learning with colorful clays while locked down because pandemic

Speak To Other Parents 

Parents also have valuable ideas and information on where to send their children. Speak to other parents and gather their feedback about the daycare centre. 

Visit As Many Centres As Possible 

Visiting a child care centre allows you to ask questions and see first-hand the kind of care offered. Ensure you visit as many centres as possible and speak to them to ensure you are well-informed about your decisions. Only then can you find the Calgary daycare that’s best for your child. 

2000 Days Daycare is the daycare in Calgary SW, where your child will learn, laugh and grow. Our focus is to ensure that the first 2000 days of your child’s life (the most important for development) is maximized. We provide the platform where your child develops the soft skills that can help them communicate effectively, get along with other children, control their emotions, develop self-motivation and help them creatively solve problems. As a family operated and owned SW Calgary daycare centre, we give the extra time, attention and care that your children deserve, so they can develop the skills to excel at school and grow in self-confidence. Feel free to contact us at 403-319-2332 (Extension 1) or book a tour of our Calgary daycare today!

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Order Up! Calgary Daycares & Their Food

6/12/2020

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Order Up! – Calgary Daycares & Their Food

 


Written by Marlene Alcon Kepka

@AlconKepka

| 10 MIN READ |

 

 

 

Kids and food. The eternal struggle. Most Calgary daycares struggle with this… the ones that offer food anyway. We sure do.

How important is nutritious food to your child?

Are all Calgary daycares the same when it comes to quality?

Is catering the same as having a chef on-site?

What can you do as a parent, so your child eats and eats healthy?

All important questions to ask any daycare. Food is a very important part of your child’s development. It’s as important as the academics and level of care.

But there’s a huge difference in feeding your little one a hotdog and ketchup or a whole wheat bun with sliced, fresh ham. All food isn’t equal in nutrition, taste, and cost.

Your children probably love the junk food and not the healthy food. That’s typical for children…heck… even us adults. Who doesn’t love a greasy pizza or burger?

A treat here and there is fun and great for the kids. We just must be careful not to overdo it. There’s an obesity epidemic right now. Nutrition is important.

via GIPHY

We Love Food!! A Bit Too Much

Canada, like the rest of the world has an obesity problem. If you add over weight to that its even worse. Obesity rates have tripled in the last 30 years. Our children are larger than they have ever been.

Parents and Calgary daycares need to take this very seriously. Obese children can get a lot of health issues.

  • Bone and joint issues
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Breathing and sleep issues

Those are some of the physical side affects of being obese. This is for kids and adults alike. Children have it a bit worse. They start young so changing the behavior is harder and the negative affects compound over time.

I know through my years working at and owning a daycare there’s another side that is just as bad and, in my opinion, even worse. The emotional side of being obese or overweight.

We’ve all seen a funny move or commercial with a “fat” kid that does something silly and usually falls over. We laugh and the move or even cartoon is great.

What we don’t see in the movies or cartoons is the emotional toll that takes on children. Being picked on for being overweight is hard on children. They can get bullied and treat very differently than their thinner friends.

A few emotional affects to being overweight are:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Bullying or teasing
  • Depression
  • Feeling left out

The good thing is that some Calgary daycares understand this. But many don’t. Knowing which take your child’s nutritional health into account is huge.

Michelin Star Daycare?

Your child is having an amazing day! Playing, learning, and getting to know his peers even more. The sun is shining and it’s a beautiful day. Your child is running and learning. They’re hungry.

Now the questions is; does your child get a Greek yogurt and homemade granola parfait with fruit on top. Or a pre-packaged sugary “breakfast cookie”?

What about lunch? Is it a whole wheat vegetarian lasagna made from scratch that’s filled with veggies or a hotdog?

Which would you rather they eat? Which would you rather feed your little one?

Our daycare chooses the first one. Is it as popular as the sugary or nutrition devoid options? No. Kids love hot dogs and sugar of course. But over time they start to enjoy the healthier options more.

I’ve seen this myself. Children that maybe don’t have the best diet in the world. Really pushing back on the home made, nutritious daycare food. But over time they eat a lot.

Why don’t all Calgary daycares just make amazing food so the children have a lot of brain food? Running my daycare, I know it’s time and money.

Let’s take a veggie butter chicken recipe we use at our child care centre. Feel free to try it out on the weekend. Our kids love this. Add some Naan bread and it’s a winner.

Anyways. Back to the time and money thing. If you clicked on the recipe you can see it’s a lot of ingredients.

This is from scratch (most of it is but you can cheat a bit with cans). Now make that for 80 kids like at our daycare. That’s a lot of work.

Our chef must prep everything. Cut up all the vegetables. Get the chicken prepped and cut up. Spice things just right for children. As you might now kids are fussy with how much spice is in things.

Once you add up the amount of healthy ingredients, which cost more. Plus the extra time the chef is putting in the food. It can get pricey. But I strongly believe its worth it.

If you make the food tasty AND nutritious it’ll help kids get out of the rut that good food tastes bad. Many kids default to the SAD diet (Standard American Diet) that Canadians and Americans eat.

The faster we can get them away from the SAD diet and into something more balanced the better.

via GIPHY

Catering Vs A Daycare Chef

My daycare uses a chef. On site all the time and cooking home made meals daily. You might be asking if catering is just as good or even better. Let’s take a look.

This section will by my opinion. Like and op ed piece in a newspaper. Because it’s so hard to prove any of this and find legitimate information. But I am sure you will see, like I do that its just common sense.

Making things in bulk isn’t always the best. Stay with me. Here is my logic. Catering is a business that needs to make profits. They must make food in bulk.

It’s not profitable to make individual food items like we do at many Calgary daycares.

We know how hard it is to make food for 80 children at our Calgary daycares so it must be 10x harder to do it for 800. A lot of pre-made, canned, pre-packaged items are used. You’ve probably heard of Sysco of GFS.

Those are large corporations that many caterers, restaurants, etc. use for buying their food. These are pre-made, bulk food stuffs that probably aren’t the best when it comes to nutrition or being natural.

It saves cost to purchase from them and it saves a lot of time. They always deliver in bulk and you can quickly use there pre-made pastes, powders and other fillers. Quick, easy and cheap.

I know for sure some caterers add some fruit and some other healthy, natural items to their menus. But that doesn’t make there entire menu nutritious or healthy.

You can make protein packaged spaghetti super lunch in two ways. Which would you prefer that your child eats?

1) White noodle spaghetti, canned pasta sauce, hotdogs cut in (maybe some bulk ground beef), apple

2) Whole wheat spaghetti, home made spaghetti sauce with vegetables cut into it, beef shank cut into cubes in the sauce, whole wheat bun, fruit of choice

Both are spaghetti and both sound amazing but I know which one I would want to feed the children.

I know from experience that you can make anything sound good but you have to know what to look for to see if it truly is.

Between catering and an on site chef. I would go with a chef anytime. I haven’t even touched on customizing dishes and being creative with new foods. Our chef at our daycare does this all the time.

We also share recipes with our families so they can make this delicious food at home.

The Making of A Foodie Kid

Parents ask me all the time about food and their child. With over 20 years of experience with children I got to know a thing or two. Here are my top tips.

First and foremost, you need to have nutritious food. No point in starting this journey if the food you give is just plain bad.

I recommend 5-6 days a week of nutritious, vegetable laden foods. Then 1-2 days a week you can have fun.

Maybe the weekend is pizza and hotdogs. Some ice cream to wash it all down. Fun and enjoy. Teach your child that food can be fun and make some fun memories. I wish our daycare had this option.

Then the other 5-6 days a week you want to feed your child vegetables, fruits, whole wheats and water. This gives them the best of both worlds.

Some fun and junk food while watching a movie or at a birthday party on the weekend. While still keeping things healthy and teaching them about nutrition during the week.

Here are some great tips for keeping a healthy and fed child.

In the tips guide link above there is something I want to touch on again. Its not being a short order cook and standing your ground. Those are the biggest take aways from the guide.

It’s very similar to what we do at my daycare. Everyone eats the same. There is no ordering or saying that the children don’t want that. They eat what is given.

This is crucial. Once you start catering to them you’ll be making 10 dinners and lunches a day.

The last one is harder at my daycare but you as a parent can do this. That’s being very firm. Telling your child dinner is now.

Its here for and hour and after that its breakfast. Not sneaking an apple or finding something else to eat.

I know its harder with younger children but stick to it. This will really help set a standard and they will love you for it later in life.

What Calgary Daycares Has Taught Me About Food

Running our daycare in Calgary and being a daycare worker at other centers have given me insights others might not have. Healthy eating is crucial for little children.

Their brains are developing and they badly need the vitamins and minerals great food gives them.

 

Something like the picture above is exactly what I see work with kids. Don’t deprive them of fun and junky foods. Don’t use food as a punishment. Make it

If your child is going to a daycare in Calgary or any daycare. Ask them who makes the food. What company? Is it a chef on site? Which I strongly encourage you to look for.

As long as they serve fresh, wholesome and no pre-packaged food then you’re good. Check out this article on daycares and nutritious foods. Its an eye opener.

It’s bad food and bad food choices that start a slippery slope decline into being over weight and then obese.

Obesity is very unhealthy for your child’s body AND mind. Doing whatever you can to have a healthy little child is very important to their wellbeing.

And to leave off here are a few awesome recipes for you to try tonight. The children at my daycare LOVE them!

 

The post Order Up! – Calgary Daycares & Their Food appeared first on Calgary Daycare & Child Care School.



via Calgary Daycare & Child Care School https://2000days.net/calgary-daycares-their-food/
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Daycare Secret Recipe: Veggie Butter Chicken

6/12/2020

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Our Daycares Secret Recipe

Veggie Butter Chicken

 

Serves: 4-6

 

Pro Tip: Adding some garlic Naan bread that you put in the oven will really make this dish pop.

 

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 green onion (finely chopped)
  • 3/4 white onion (chopped)
  • 3 lb thawed boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into small pieces)
  • 6 tbsp butter or margarine (unsalted)
  • 6 tsp lemon juice
  • 25 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 5 tbsp ginger paste or minced ginger
  • 6 tsp garam masala
  • 5 tbsp curry powder
  • One package frozen vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
  • 3 tsp chili powder
  • 3 tsp ground cumin
  • 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3 bay leaf
  • 3 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 3 pinch salt
  • 3 pinch black pepper
  • 3/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 cup half-and-half
  • 3 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Sauté in a large skillet, over medium-high heat: vegetable oil, green onion, finely chopped; white onion, chopped
  2. When onions are tender add: boneless skinless chicken thighs
  3. Once chicken in cooked, add: butter (unsalted), lemon juice; garlic minced, ginger paste or minced ginger; garam masala (if you can’t find it in the spice aisle you can find an easy recipe here); curry powder; chili powder ground cumin; 1 bay leaf (cayenne pepper is optional, see what the kids like)
  4. Stir briefly to combine onion, chicken and spices and allow them to become aromatic in the oil, then add: tomato sauce; salt; black pepper, frozen vegetables
  5. Stir to combine, reduce heat and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes, until chicken is very tender. 10 minutes before serving stir in: plain yogurt; half-and-half
  6. Five minutes before serving combine: cornstarch with 3/4 cup water and stir into curry.
  7. Heat until slightly thickened. Remove bay leaf then serve with rice

The post Daycare Secret Recipe: Veggie Butter Chicken appeared first on Calgary Daycare & Child Care School.



via Calgary Daycare & Child Care School https://2000days.net/daycare-recipe-veggie-butter-chicken/
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Untitled

5/24/2020

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Should I Send My Child to Daycare for Their Social Development?

 


Written by Marlene Alcon Kepka

@AlconKepka

| 9 MIN READ |

 

Social skills are very important for your child’s development. Daycares give that to your child. But so do other options that might suite your family better. Play groups, parks, friends, camps, etc. All great ways to be social.

A daycare can save you a lot of time and the best childcare centres focus on social development so your child gets a great head start.

They are well trained and know how to help your child be socially active with their peers.

My points in this article are about putting your child into daycare for the social development not about daycare in general.

If you need childcare then you need it, simple. But what if you don’t NEED it but want to put your child in for he social aspect?

Either way, being social is important for all ages and not just the early years. Let’s dig in and see how important it is.

via GIPHY

I’m Super Social… Get Off My Lawn!!!!

I’m sure that more than one of you reading this got your job, found your significant other or had a great time by using your social skills. We’ve all been there.

That right person you know that got your resume to the top of the pile. They got you a job and maybe kick started your entire career. Wouldn’t have happened without social development.

Maybe you’re married or have an amazing significant other. That wasn’t luck or serendipity… well maybe a little. It was you being social. Your socially developed skills got the love of your life.

It can be argued that sales make a lot of money and take little formal education. I know I used to be a real estate agent in another life. The more social you are the more money you can make.

Check out this amazing article in the Harvard Business Review on how the more technology we acquire the more social skills are important.

For you guys out there that are busy…is that all of us? It pretty much says that all job growth since the 80’s has been social skill-intensive.

They also mention that as jobs get more automated by robots and software. Jobs with high social skills will be in more demand and hard to automate. Simply put the more social you are the more job security you will have…. And your child will have as an adult.

Let children play on your lawn! Its good for them and it’s good for you.

Is Daycare the Best Option?

It can be. Daycare in Calgary can be expensive as it can be in any city. This is a question of economic means. Not everyone can afford a high quality daycare.

I’ll touch on what options parents have that don’t have the funds to get their child into daycare. A nanny can be very expensive, and I would argue the least social. But to each their own.

For now let’s discuss all the benefits of a great daycare program. Let’s take our program, 2000 Days Pre-Kidnergarten. I try so hard to have the highest quality program I can create with my staff. We understand the value of social development.

My team strives to have children “get out of their shell”, interact and enjoy spending time with their peers. My childcare workers are trained and know how to interact with children as a guide.

What I mean by this is that in our daycare the teachers guide the children to activities and proper social behavior. They don’t interfere.

Part of being social is interacting with others (could say it’s the main thing). Your child will bite or kick or hit someone with a plastic dinosaur.

via GIPHY

It’s inevitable. How you or your child care worker handle this is important. In these early years the wrong reaction can have dire affects on your child later in life.

Knowing your child is in a daycare that handles your child’s negative social behavior is very important. My childcare centre never punishes children.

We use empathy and sympathy to help children understand how their actions hurt others and make them feel.

We also encourage children to interact and make friends. Many of the children from my program become friends for many years after. My teachers use programming and tools to help children become more social to make more friends.

A daycare has a lot of positives for social interaction. Another main one is the size. Daycares like mine have 80 children on a typical day. Our classrooms have between 10-20 children.

These are perfect sized classes to make friends.

Plus, the day to day is consistent. The children that come to our childcare facility are the same ones daily. Your child gets to create true bonds with their peers.

If you can afford a daycare in Calgary then I would say its your best bet for a very well adjust, social child. You have professionals working with your child daily to get the most out of them.

Being a parent, teaching your child to socialize and working a full-time job can be a bit much. But there are alternatives if you don’t want to send your child to daycare or if you can’t swing the cost.

via GIPHY

Alternatives to a Daycare For Social Development

You don’t want to send your child to a daycare. Or maybe your financial circumstances don’t allow for it. A nanny is out of the question for you.

What can you do to get a well-adjusted social child? A lot actually.

The first thing I would do is read this. Great article from lifehack.org about 12 ways to improve sociability. It’s not focused on children but you can easily adapt them to your child and still get a lot of good from it.

Next you need to find play groups. Consistent ones that have the same children in it on a weekly basis at the minimum. Twice a week is much better.

Remember children have a short memory. They need reinforcement with friends to create social bonds.

You can find groups on Meetup.com or your local community website. If you’re not in Calgary or a big town then post things on local bulletin boards for play groups.

Facebook groups work. Even just standing around a local park and talking to her parents. Bottom line there are a lot of ways to get your child social.

Once your child is in social groups and gets consistent social interaction you need to apply some of those life hacks to them.

You need to model how to be social. Say hello to people. Be the first to strike up a conversation.

Show them how you call friends to make play dates and get togethers. You need to model to your child what being social is and what being a good friend is.

Your child is a sponge and soaks up a lot of the social queues you put up. Make them positive!

There is the opposite of that and you as the parent need to show your child what negative social behavior is. Bullying, hitting, not caring about friends are all negative social behaviors. You need to put in effort on this front and model again.

I mentioned modelling a lot. That’s because children watch you a lot. More than you think. They copy your mannerisms and social queues.

The more socially positive you are the more your child will be. I can’t stress this enough.

Yes, it’s a lot of work. That’s why if you can get your child into a daycare you should. It takes a lot of the stress and work off you.

But I get it; not everyone can. You will have to put in the heavy lifting to get a well-rounded and social child.

I can say for sure that if you do this it will pay off for you and your child.

via GIPHY

To Daycare or not to Daycare?

The final verdict for if you should put your child into daycare for just the social aspects is….

It depends.

Like most questions about children it all depends. After working with children for 20+ years I can say that a childcare center will be very beneficial for your child’s social development. The routine of seeing the same children daily is huge.

Teachers that are trained to guide your child into healthy social behavior can’t be understated. Having larger groups of 8-18 children is also a benefit as social scenarios will come up and your child will have to navigate that.

Many daycares in Calgary document your little ones day. We do with Himama. It’s a great program that tells you what your child ate, how long they slept and any behaviors that are amazing or concerning.

That alone will help you guide your child in their social development.

Now the depends part. If you can’t afford daycare then I wouldn’t sacrifice quality of life for it.

As mentioned before there are still things you can do to get a well-rounded, socially adjusted child. My biggest concern is the time.

It takes a lot of time to get it right. Parents that work barely have time for themselves so might not have the adequate time to teach their child on how to be social.

Plus getting your child into larger groups consistently can also be a challenge.

But the fact that you’re reading this article shows you’re a caring parent that loves their child. Or you wouldn’t be searching out articles on how to make them a better and more successful person.

Daycare is a great option for social development in little ones and I highly recommend it. I know I own a daycare so I’m biased.

But even if I didn’t, I have worked with children long enough to see amazing results in their social skills.

Do you think childcare centres offer a bit more umph when it comes to social development?

 

The post appeared first on Calgary Daycare & Child Care School.



via Calgary Daycare & Child Care School https://2000days.net/daycare-social-dev/
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    2000 Days Pre-Kindergarten can best be described as a daycare school or a child care school. Even a full time preschool. Potential families choose us again and again because we are much more than a daycare. From our unique, custom curriculum to our in-house chef. We strive everyday to give your child the very best. . Let’s take a quick look at what we offer and what makes us special…

    Contact
    2000 Days Pre-Kindergarten
    5728 1 St SW,
    Calgary Alberta, T2H 0E2 Canada
    Phone: (403) 319-2332
    Email: info@2000days.net
    Website: http://www.2000days.net/


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