Does the Early Childhood Education Centre (ECEC) have a license?
The Centre is a Child Care Centre licensed through the Ministry of Education, Early Learning Division and meets the requirements of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, the Ontario Fire Code and the Region of Waterloo Health Department.
What about the staff?
The ECEC staff consists of qualified Registered Early Childhood Educators, a Director (Valerie Rozon) and an Administrative Assistant (Jess Hewitt). The ECEC is also a setting for Masters in Developmental Communication Science interns, university student volunteers, Conestoga College ECE students on field placement and high school students in co-op programs. Teacher to student ratios are maintained according to the Child Care and Early Years Act 2014, but are supplemented with these additional adults.
What are the hours of operation and how does the school calendar work?
The ECEC program hours are 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m. and it operates from September to June. Holidays are determined by both the University of Waterloo staff calendar and the standard school calendar. Families are provided with a summary of the important date list (PDF) for holidays and school closures. There is usually a Christmas closure and a March Break when the ECEC is closed.
When does school begin in the fall?
School usually begins the second week in September with a staggered entry. Each small group of children will attend one session with all of the staff. The next time they come to school all three groups will be in attendance.