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. 

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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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.

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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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.

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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“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.

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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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.

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.

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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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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.

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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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. 

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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