PROGRAMS

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

The YMCA is world wide fellowship dedicated to the growth of persons in spirit, mind, and body, and in a sense of responsibility to each other and the human community.

YMCA CHILDCARE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

The program follows learning through play philosophy. The children are provided with opportunities to enhance all developmental areas. These opportunities are provided through a variety of developmental play centers. The staff develops the play centers and adds materials and equipment to extend the child’s play and development. Staff also interacts with the children during play to facilitate learning and seek out opportunities to enhance the play centers and thus extend the child’s learning.

YMCA QUALITY STATEMENT

• Children are happy and involved
• Staff have a caring attitude
• Center, equipment and toys are accessible, clean and safe
• Small groups of children participate in stimulating activities with teachers
• Food is nutritionally balanced
• Parent-Teacher communication is promoted and Parents feel welcome in the center
• Sufficient play materials are available
• Outdoor play materials are available
• Outdoor play activities take place in well maintained play areas
• Staff are good role models and have appropriate training
• Parents have regular feedback about their child

REGISTRATION

The Parents are to contact the Director of the center they are inquiring about. Upon that conversation they will make an appointment to discuss the program and have a tour of the facility. They will also discuss the childcare fee, Pre-Authorize Payment Plan, Deposit Fee, and Government Subsidy( if applicable).

LICENSING

A Licensing Officer form The Region 9 Northeast visits our center periodically for inspections and evaluations. In respect to the licensing regulations ALL daycare programs are inspected by the Health and Fire Departments.

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

YMCA of Wood Buffalo Child Caregivers have Provincial Day Care Staff Qualifications Certificates Levels 1,2, or 3. They have current First Aid and CPR training, and they have passed a security clearance check.

SPACE AND CAREGIVER RATIO

At the YMCA Childcare programs they follow the below ratio:

Child Development Centers

• 1 caregiver for 3 children aged 0 to 19 months
• 1 caregiver for 6 children aged 19 months to 3 years
• 1 caregiver for 8 children aged 3 to 4.5 years
• 1 caregiver to 10 children aged 4.5 to 6 years

Out Of School Care Program

• 1 caregiver for 15 children aged 6 to 12 years

Preschool Program

• 1 caregiver for 12 children aged 3 to 5 years

LOCATIONS

YMCA Ohpikowin Child Development Center
9914 Penhorwood Street (downtown Fort McMurray)
(780) 742-2384
Hours of operation are 6:30 AM. to 6:00 PM.

We provide care for children ages 19 months to 6 years of age.

Riedel Place Child Development Center
34-8820 Franklin Avenue (downtown Fort McMurray)
(780) 743-5554
Hours of operation are 6:30 AM. to 6:00 PM.

We provide care for children ranging from 13 months to 6 years of age.

Birchwood Child Development Center
190 Tamarack Way (located in Thickwood)
(780) 790 - 9532
Hours of operation are 6:00 AM. to 6:00 PM.

We provide care for children ages 19 months to 6 years of age.

YMCA Out Of School Care Program
190 Tamarack Way (located in Thickwood)
(780) 790 - 9532
Hours of operation are 6:00 AM. to 6:00 PM.

We provide care for children ages 6 years to 12 years of age.

YMCA Kiddie Kare Program
221 Tundra Drive (located in the Westwood Facility)
(780)790-9622
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:30 AM. to 1:00 PM.

We provide care for infants and children up to 6 years of age.
People participating in the programs available at the Westwood facility may use the Kiddie Kare program for care of their children while enjoying the gym, pool, fitness classes, etc.

Advanced Booking is required for this program.