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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that are not covered here or in our Program Handbook, please contact us.

What is the process for registration?

The first step is to visit our online portal and enter your care request (program, start date, etc.)

Once your request is received, staff will get back to you regarding availability and next steps. (This process also is how you are added to our waitlist.)

When a child care space in our programs is offered and accepted, families must complete the full registration package (provided by the centre) and pay a non-refundable administrative fee, of $50.00 per child.

A date will be set up for a play visit. During the visit, educators will have an opportunity to observe your child interacting with others and provide you with information to determine the level of support the child may require in adjusting to the program.

After the child has been attending for six weeks, an opportunity will be provided for the Supervisor, staff member(s) and parents/guardians to discuss the child’s adjustment to the program. This provides both parties with an opportunity to ask questions, share information and ideas, and determine whether the centre is able to meet the child and his/her family’s needs.

When all spaces in Umbrella Family and Child Centres (UFCC) are full, UFCC is committed to maintaining a wait list that ensures respect for each family and maintains their confidentiality. This is done in a fair, equitable and transparent manner. Parents may request information as to their child’s position on the wait list at any time from the site’s Supervisor.

In accordance with the Collective Agreement between UFCC and CUPE Local 3491, priority is given to employees’ children on the wait list. Whenever possible, priority is also given to siblings of children already registered in a UFCC program or to children transferring from one UFCC program to another.

UFCC does not request or require a fee or deposit from families for placement on the wait list.

How much will it cost to send my child to child care?

Our current fees and a schedule of upcoming payments can be found here.

Do you offer care during PA Days, March Break, Winter Break and on PA Days?

Yes. We run full day programs for Kindergarten and School Age children during school breaks (e.g. PA Days, Winter Break, March Break, and Summer Break). These are optional programming days and care must be requested each year.

What do I do if my child is going to be absent from child care?

You need to call or email the centre your child attends directly and report the absence. Even if your child goes to the school and you have let them know, you need to notify the child care centre directly as the school does not update our staff on child absences. Contact information for each centre can be found on our locations page.

Do I still have to pay if my child is absent due to illness?

Yes, we require payment even if your child is absent due to illness. Please visit our Program Handbook for more on our fee policies.

Do I have to pay for vacation and statutory holidays?

Please refer to our fee policies. If you have any further questions on these policies, please speak to your centre Supervisor regarding our policy on payment during these periods.

Do I get a tax receipt and when it is issued?

Yes. Tax receipts for child care fees are issued yearly by February 28th and are available in your Kindertales account. If you require another copy of your tax receipt, please contact accounting@umbrellafamily.com

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Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton - Serving Hamlton for over 30 years

1550 Upper James St Unit # 302
Hamilton, Ontario L9B 2L6

(905) 312-9836

info@umbrellafamily.com

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Child Care Programs

  • Infant Child Care
  • Toddler Child Care
  • Preschool Child Care
  • Kindergarten Child Care
  • School Age Child Care
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