Childcare
Any individual moving to Newfoundland has a number of options when it comes to childcare to those parents who are working and/or studying. Somebody looking for childcare can choose one of the following options:
- Find a babysitter privately and pay them
- Place your child(ren) in a Licensed Child Care Provider Home
- Place your child(ren) in a Licensed Childcare Facility
- Use the childcare centers offered at the place of study or workplace
- There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing any of the above for your children; however, there are many issues to consider when making your final childcare decision.
Private Babysitter
When hiring a private babysitter that is a teenager, you will want to gather some basic information from them including their full name, age, address, phone number and at least two references with whom you are able to speak. This information would be readily available if an individual goes through a Babysitting Agency. You may want to interview the potential babysitter with questions like:
- Do you have any younger brothers or sisters that you have babysat for? What are their ages?
- Have you had experience taking care of other children?
- How are your grades in school? And are you involved in any activities?
- Do you know what to do if there is ever an emergency?
- What do you like about babysitting and spending time with children?
- When are you available for work?
- How much do you expect to be paid per hour?
- Do you have any questions about the position?
- When hiring a private babysitter that is an Adult Caregiver, the interview would perhaps be more detailed, as these individuals would have more information to share as to their education and experience. It is important to obtain a list of references from the potential babysitter and other basic information before the interview. You should request information that would allow a background check including their full name, address, previous names and addresses, date of birth, driver’s license, social insurance number and any additional information you would think is relevant. Some interview questions that may be relevant include:
- What is your babysitting childcare experience? What are some of the ages of the children you have cared for?
- Do you have any other individuals that you care for now?
- Do you have your own children? How old are they?
- Do you have any special training or certificates relevant to this position?
- What do you like the most about caring for children?
- How would you handle an emergency situation should it arise?
- What is your approach to discipline?
- (BabySitter.com)
Where to Find a Private Babysitter
There are several methods to finding or advertising for a qualified babysitter in the community of Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland:
- Advertise on the HRDC Service Canada Job Bank www.jobbank.gc.ca
- Place Advertisements around the Community
- Contact the Cable Station and have an advertisement placed on television
- Contact the Exploits Valley YMCA to find out individuals who have completed the Babysitting Course in the past (Phone: 1-709-489-9622)
- Contact any of the Home Care Agencies located in Grand Falls-Windsor
Licensed Child Care Home Provider
A Licensed Child Care Provider is an individual who has received a license to operate a child care program from their home. There are advantages and disadvantages to placing your children under the care of a Licensed Child Care Home Provider:
- Advantages
- Family Atmosphere
- Flexible Hours with Part-Time Possibilities
- Consistency and Individual Attention due to smaller groups
- Approved homes can be available in various areas
- Licensed to meet and maintain minimum standards of care
- Possibility of inclusion for children that have special needs
- Reduced risk of being exposed to infection
- Receipts provided
- Disadvantages
- May have limited choice in provider selection based on location
- Other children not necessarily the same age
- Possible long wait list
- “Sick child” Policies
- Possible isolation of care givers
- (Andrew Fleck Child Care Services)
Licensed Child Care Facility
A Licensed Child Care Facility is a center that has been approved to operate a child care program. There are advantages and disadvantages to place your children in a Licensed Child Care Facility:
- Advantages
- Professional, Qualified Staff
- Other teachers available to offer support
- Child of the similar age are grouped together
- Child focused program and environment
- Licensed to meet and maintain minimum standards of care
- Possibility of inclusion of children with special needs
- Reliability
- Access to subsidy system in the area
- Receipts Provided
- Disadvantages
- Higher child-teacher ratio
- Higher incidence of infectious disease
- May be more expensive than other means of child care
- Fixed operating hours
- Possible long waiting lists
- “Sick Child” Policies
- (Andrew Fleck Child Care Services)
Childcare Facilities in Grand Falls-Windsor
Creative Learning Childcare Center
“Our program runs throughout the year. All activities are based on different themes each month such as transportation, animals, weather, and Newfoundland culture and so on. There are also field trips from time to time”- Rhonda Hemeon
Prices: Full-Time Program: $25/per day
Part-Time Program: $15/per day
For Addition Information, you can call Mandy Mercer-the group operator of the centre.
17 Hardy Avenue
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2P9
Contact: Mandy Mercer
Phone: (709) 489-1919
Email: clccc@hotmail.com
The Discovery Centre Daycare YMCA Children’s Learning Centre
51A Crescent Heights 13A Price’s Avenue
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 1L2 Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2B 1C9
Contact: Leigh-Anne Dawe Contact: Shirley Shea
Phone: (709) 489-0811 Phone: (709) 489-7413
Email: karenb@nf.sympatico.ca
YMCA After School Care Program
18A St. Catherine Street
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 1W8
Contact: Shirley Shea
Phone: (709) 489-4472
Rideout Family Child Care
Philosophy- “Through active play, young children can discover and learn many things about their surroundings. My main goal is to provide quality family care in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can feel at home and safe while away from home, as well as have plenty of opportunities to learn through play.”
Sample Daily Schedule
8:00-9:45am Arrival of the children / Free play
9:45-10:00am Clean up / Hand washing – transition to snack
10:00-10:30am Morning snack or play
10:30-11:45am Outdoor play (weather permitting) /Free play /Activity
11:45-12:00pm Clean up / Hand washing – transition to lunch
12:00-12:30pm Lunch
12:30-1:00pm Clean up / Transition to quiet time. (Hand washing, teeth brushing and diapering/toileting)
1:00-2:45pm Quiet time (pillows and blankets are available for children who choose to sleep.) Children who do not choose to sleep may play with quieter toys. (Board games, books, art materials, play dough, watch T.V etc.)
2:45-3:00pm Clean up / Hand washing – transition to snack
3:00-3:30pm Afternoon snack or play
3:30-5:00pm Departure of the children /Free Play /Outdoor play (weather permitting)
This schedule is flexible and is simply a guideline of our daily routine. The needs of the children will be a priority; therefore schedule times are subject to change.
Payment Structure
Full-Time Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Toddlers/Preschoolers $127.50 per week
(Ages 2-5 years)
Infants $140.00 per week
(Ages 0-24 months)
Part-Time Full day 8:00am-5:00pm
Toddlers/Preschoolers $25.50 per day
Infants $28.00 per day
Half day 8:00am-12:00pm / 1:00pm-5:00pm
Toddlers/Preschoolers $13.00 per ½ day
Infants $14.00 per ½ day
Kindercare $25.50 per day
Afterschool Care $11.00 per day
Contact Information: Rideout Family Child Care
19 Allan Street
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2J7
Contact: Julie Rideout
Phone: (709) 489-4752
Email: rideoutfamilychildcare@nl.rogers.com
The Toy Box
66 Hardy Avenue
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2B 1A2
Contact: Bonita Whiffen
Phone: (709) 489-3535
Helpful Links
Department of Health & Community Services http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/
Improving Child Care Services for Canadian Families http://childcaretoday.ca/files/ADCO20child20care20paper_1.pdf
Godaycare http://www.godaycare.com/Newfoundland%20And%20Labrador
Childcare Resource and Research Unit http://www.childcarecanada.org/
Child Care Benefits and Deduction Links
Canada Child Care Tax Benefit (CCTB) http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/cctb/menu-eng.html
Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/goc/cctb.shtml
Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB) http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/t4114/t4114-e.html#P300_22145
Child Disability Benefit (CDB) http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/disability-eng.html
Meeting People
Meeting people in a new community is important and can be achieved by getting involved in activities that are happening. The following section will provide numerous ways in which an individual can participate in the community life of Grand Falls-Windsor.
Community Centers and Programs
There are many community and neighborhood centers in Grand Falls-Windsor that offer programs and activities for residents to join and interact with other individuals. Visit one of these organizations and ask wheat programs they offer and you will find many opportunities to be involved with your family.
Fitness Centers
Exploits Valley YMCA-Frances M. Nichols Community Centre
13 Prices Avenue
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2B 1C9
Contact: Stephen Williams
Phone: (709) 489-9622
Website: http://www.exploitsvalleyymca.ca/
The Exploits Valley YMCA is a charity that enables personal growth in Spirit, Mind and Body through participation, partnerships and service to the community
Programs Offered
- Fitness Programs (including Fitness Classes-Circuit Training, Total Body Workout, Strength & Conditioning, Palates, Karate, Butts Legs & Tummies, Line Dancing etc).
- Usage of weights and cardio equipment in cross training centre
- Aquatics (including General Swimming, Family Swimming, Lane Swimming, Teen Swim, Child Swim, Aqua Fitness, Aqua Motion, Lane Swimming & Swimming Lessons for all ages).
- Group Cycling
- Squash Courts & Programs
- Men’s Basketball
- Trainer Available
- Hot Tub & Sauna
- Gymnasium
- Child Care Programs
- Seasonal Activities & Events (Including Valentines Day Events, St. Patrick’s Day Events, Christmas Events, Remembrance Day Events, Canada Day Events etc).
Curves
5B Bayley Street
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2T5
Contact Person: Jim/Lisa Pollett
Phone: (709) 489-8355
Website: http://www.curves.com/about_curves/
Curves are the largest fitness franchise in the world with locations worldwide. They are the first fitness and weight lost facility dedicated to providing affordable, one-stop exercise and nutritional information for women.
- Programs Offered
- Curves Gym Membership
- Access to delicious, healthy recipes
- Curves Circuit
- Personalized Exercise Plan
- Weight Loss Tips
- Cardio & Strength Workout
- Trainer Available
Fundamentals Family Fitness Centre
168 Main Street
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 1A2
Contact: Tammy & Jason Barton
Phone: (709) 489-5080
Email: jason.barton@lifefitness.com/ tammyabarton@telus.net
Music & Art Studio
Bee Creative Arts Inc-Music Instructions
156 Main Street
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 1A2
Contact: Lorraine Bowering
Phone: (709) 489-3555
Email: info@creativeartz.cs
Corinne’s Studio & School of Art
178B Lincoln Road
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 1P6
Contact: Corinne Linehan
Phone: (709) 489-7878
Email: c.linehan@hotmail.com
Desiree’s Music Studio
2 Exploits Lane
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 1X9
Contact: Desiree Lane
Phone: (709) 257-2175
Organizations
Harmsworth Public Library
The Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts
1 Cromer Avenue
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 1W9
Contact: Madonna Crant
Phone: (709) 489-2303
Email: madonnacrant@nlpubliclibrary.ca
Website: www.http://home.thezone.net/~library/
Grand Falls-Windsor Lions Club
c/o 94 Lincoln Road
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 1N5
Contact: Chad Haggett
Phone: (709) 489-4877
Exploits Lodge # 2N IOOF
43 Union Street
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2C9
Contact: John Locke
Phone: (709) 489-9589
Rotary Club
27 Greenwood Avenue
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 1S7
Contact: Mike Goodyear
Phone: (709) 489-2009
Senior Citizens Recreation Centre/Exploits Valley 50+ Club
25 Edwards Place
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2K2
Contact: Cecilia Hickey
Phone: (709) 489-6470
Girl Guides of Canada
Association
Phone: 1-800-555-8111
Status of Women Central-Women’s Center
11 Hardy Avenue
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2P8
Contact: Jackie Thompson
Phone: (709) 489-8919
Email: women@nfld.net
Volunteering
Volunteers are individuals who donate their personal time and service of their own free will. Volunteering with organizations in Grand Falls-Windsor will enable you with the opportunity to integrate into the community and gain valuable experience. There are many reasons to become a volunteer:
- Meet other individuals
- There are a variety of positions available
- It’s personally rewarding, satisfying and FUN!
- Opportunity to share your skills and talents with others
- Gain work-related skills and experience
- Organizations will recognize your efforts
- (Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists)
Here is a list of some of the Volunteer Opportunities available in the community:
Canadian Blood Services The Arthritis Society
105 Lincoln Road 13 Duggan Street
P.O. Box 1 Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2K7
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2J3 Email: info@nl.arthritis.ca
Contact: Sharon Maidment Website: www.arthritic.ca/nl
Phone: (709) 489-9895
Website: www.blood.ca
Canadian Cancer Society
10 Pinsent Drive
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2R6
Contact: Penny Pardy
Phone: (709) 489-5822
Email: centralregion@nl.cancer.ca
Website: www.caner.ca
Canadian Paraplegic Association
Town Square Mall
7 High Street
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2C3
Contact: Marilyn Bonnell
Phone: (709) 489-8410
Email: gdflpa@nfr.aibn.com
Website: www.canparaplegic.org
Additional Helpful Links
National Survey For Giving, Volunteering and Participating www.givingandvolunteering.ca
Community Services Council-Newfoundland & Labrador http://www.envision.ca/pdf/FactSheetJan2004.pdf
Multicultural Events and Activities
There is a Multicultural Group in Grand Falls-Windsor that has been active on and off since 1991. This Group has a high interest in getting to know immigrants and their culture while providing them with the opportunity to display their pride and joy in all facets of their culture, especially ethnic art, cuisine and dress. The Committee celebrated its first Multicultural Night on December 6, 1991 at the Lion’s Hall, Main Street and continued to hold activities and events throughout the year.
For further information about this Group, contact:
President Aubrey Smith
Phone: (709) 489-5068
Email: cbasmith@nl.rogers.com
The results from a 2008 Residential Survey, completed by 10 individuals, indicated that the average rating for “Opportunity for new comers to meet new people” was a 2.45 out of a possible 5 with 1 being Poor and 5 being excellent.