How do I register with Almosthome?
You can call our office at 250-590-7666, or email us at almosthomechildcare@shaw.ca to check availability at our locations.
In order to secure your spot, we request a complete registration application and your $25.00 application fee. Once your application is accepted please submit a copy of your child’s immunizations, an up to date photo of your child, a completed payment options form, and a non-refundable registration fee of $100. A payment of half a months tuition is due to hold your space as well. Once we have these, the registration process is complete, your child is ready to start with Almosthome!
Do you offer part-time or half day options?
Almosthome offers full time care to ages 10 months to 5 years of age. We do not offer part time options to ages 10 months to 3. We do offer part-time to preschool ages 3-5.
Almosthome does not offer half day options.
What are your hours of operation?
Almosthome is open from 7:00am to 5:00pm*, with our Westshore/Sooke locations open until 5:30pm. You can have your child in care for a maximum of 9 hours. Please note drop off is between 7:00-9:30 am, and pick up is between 2:30-5:00/30 pm. **Covid-19 has altered the hours of each center, please call to verify hours at your desired location.
Do you offer drop in rates?
Almosthome offers drop in rates for registered children between the ages of 3-5 at $65/day. For example, if Mandy is with Almosthome Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and needs to pick up a Thursday day for that week, Mandy would be charged an extra $65 on her monthly tuition fee. Please note that we may not always be able to accommodate you depending on the number of children we have that day, and we require a minimum of 24 hours notice.
What are your fees?
Our fees are dependent on the age of your child and whether they are part-time or full time. You can view our Tuition schedule under the preschooler and infant and toddler pages on our drop-down menu, or call/email our main office. We are proud to offer our parents the CCFRI (fee reduction initiative), this will be deducted from your monthly tuition.
How do I pay for tuition?
When you register with Almosthome, you will receive a payment options form. Please fill out this form indicating how you will choose to pay for tuition. You can pay by Etransfer or by credit card (service fee applies)
Tuition is due on the first of every month. Tuition paid after the first is subject to a $30 late fee.
We also accept the Childcare Fee Reduction Initiative and assistance from a number of organizations, and if there are two payers for a child, we are able to split accounts.
What is famming?
Famming is our process of gradually entering your child into the centre before their start date so that your child can develop a positive relationship with the staff before they enter our program. You do not need to pay extra for famming dates.
Example Famming Schedule:
Preschool Visits
1. Day 1 - 8:15-10:30 Parent drop off (with snack), settle child for 15-20 minutes, then go
2. Day 2 - 8:15-12:30 Parent drop off and pick up
Infant Visits
1. Day 1 - 8:00-9:00 with parent
2. Day 2 – 8:00-9:30 Parent drop off (with snack), settle child for 15-20 minutes, then go
OR 8:00-11:30 Parent pick up before lunch transition
Gradual entry can be different for each child dependent on their needs. We will let you know how your child is coping and whether they need more or less famming dates. Please bring a snack and/or lunch for your child depending on the length of the famming visit. If your child is not potty-trained, please provide diapers and any additional diapering materials they may need.
What do I need to bring on my child’s first day?
Can I bring toys for my child?
We do not encourage children to bring toys from home as these items can be lost or misplaced and can cause conflict between children. Almosthome Childcare is not responsible for lost, broken, or misplaced toys.
What is an all weather centre?
An all weather centre means we go outside in all weather and seasons throughout the year. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for your child, and have extra clothing on hand at the centre in case they need to change. There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing :)
Does Almosthome provide food?
Almosthome does not provide food for your child. Make sure to pack a balanced lunch and two healthy snacks for your child every day that they are in care. Any food that your child does not consume in care will be sent home, we do not throw out food so you are easily able to monitor your child's intake.
Does my child have to take naps?
At Almosthome we recognize that not all children nap or need to nap. We offer quiet times per day where children have the opportunity to nap depending on the parent’s preferences and the child’s needs. Children who do not nap have the option of bed bags, puzzles and other mat toys. Education television is offered for Max. 30 min in the 3-5 centres at the end of the quiet time only. If you do not wish your child to view the television please inform your Teacher.
Do I have to pay for holidays and closures?
Almosthome closes on statutory holidays, two staff development days, and for winter break. As your tuition is paid monthly, you will not be reimbursed for these days and are expected to find alternate care.
Have any other questions? Our parent package offers great information! You can also call our office at 250-590-7666, or email us at almosthomechildcare@shaw.ca
You can call our office at 250-590-7666, or email us at almosthomechildcare@shaw.ca to check availability at our locations.
In order to secure your spot, we request a complete registration application and your $25.00 application fee. Once your application is accepted please submit a copy of your child’s immunizations, an up to date photo of your child, a completed payment options form, and a non-refundable registration fee of $100. A payment of half a months tuition is due to hold your space as well. Once we have these, the registration process is complete, your child is ready to start with Almosthome!
Do you offer part-time or half day options?
Almosthome offers full time care to ages 10 months to 5 years of age. We do not offer part time options to ages 10 months to 3. We do offer part-time to preschool ages 3-5.
Almosthome does not offer half day options.
What are your hours of operation?
Almosthome is open from 7:00am to 5:00pm*, with our Westshore/Sooke locations open until 5:30pm. You can have your child in care for a maximum of 9 hours. Please note drop off is between 7:00-9:30 am, and pick up is between 2:30-5:00/30 pm. **Covid-19 has altered the hours of each center, please call to verify hours at your desired location.
Do you offer drop in rates?
Almosthome offers drop in rates for registered children between the ages of 3-5 at $65/day. For example, if Mandy is with Almosthome Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and needs to pick up a Thursday day for that week, Mandy would be charged an extra $65 on her monthly tuition fee. Please note that we may not always be able to accommodate you depending on the number of children we have that day, and we require a minimum of 24 hours notice.
What are your fees?
Our fees are dependent on the age of your child and whether they are part-time or full time. You can view our Tuition schedule under the preschooler and infant and toddler pages on our drop-down menu, or call/email our main office. We are proud to offer our parents the CCFRI (fee reduction initiative), this will be deducted from your monthly tuition.
How do I pay for tuition?
When you register with Almosthome, you will receive a payment options form. Please fill out this form indicating how you will choose to pay for tuition. You can pay by Etransfer or by credit card (service fee applies)
Tuition is due on the first of every month. Tuition paid after the first is subject to a $30 late fee.
We also accept the Childcare Fee Reduction Initiative and assistance from a number of organizations, and if there are two payers for a child, we are able to split accounts.
What is famming?
Famming is our process of gradually entering your child into the centre before their start date so that your child can develop a positive relationship with the staff before they enter our program. You do not need to pay extra for famming dates.
Example Famming Schedule:
Preschool Visits
1. Day 1 - 8:15-10:30 Parent drop off (with snack), settle child for 15-20 minutes, then go
2. Day 2 - 8:15-12:30 Parent drop off and pick up
Infant Visits
1. Day 1 - 8:00-9:00 with parent
2. Day 2 – 8:00-9:30 Parent drop off (with snack), settle child for 15-20 minutes, then go
OR 8:00-11:30 Parent pick up before lunch transition
Gradual entry can be different for each child dependent on their needs. We will let you know how your child is coping and whether they need more or less famming dates. Please bring a snack and/or lunch for your child depending on the length of the famming visit. If your child is not potty-trained, please provide diapers and any additional diapering materials they may need.
What do I need to bring on my child’s first day?
- A spill proof cup for water only (no juice/milk please in preschools)
- A backpack to bring lunch, correspondences and artwork home
- 2 healthy snacks and a well-balanced lunch everyday
- A small current photo (4x6 or smaller)
- A small blanket, crib sheet and stuffed animal for quiet time
- 2 complete changes of clothes
- A pair of inside, hard sole shoes or slippers
- Rubber Boots and rain wear (all season)
- Snow Boots, snow suit, toque and mitts (winter)
- Sunscreen, water shoes, towel, bathing suit (summer)
Can I bring toys for my child?
We do not encourage children to bring toys from home as these items can be lost or misplaced and can cause conflict between children. Almosthome Childcare is not responsible for lost, broken, or misplaced toys.
What is an all weather centre?
An all weather centre means we go outside in all weather and seasons throughout the year. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for your child, and have extra clothing on hand at the centre in case they need to change. There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing :)
Does Almosthome provide food?
Almosthome does not provide food for your child. Make sure to pack a balanced lunch and two healthy snacks for your child every day that they are in care. Any food that your child does not consume in care will be sent home, we do not throw out food so you are easily able to monitor your child's intake.
Does my child have to take naps?
At Almosthome we recognize that not all children nap or need to nap. We offer quiet times per day where children have the opportunity to nap depending on the parent’s preferences and the child’s needs. Children who do not nap have the option of bed bags, puzzles and other mat toys. Education television is offered for Max. 30 min in the 3-5 centres at the end of the quiet time only. If you do not wish your child to view the television please inform your Teacher.
Do I have to pay for holidays and closures?
Almosthome closes on statutory holidays, two staff development days, and for winter break. As your tuition is paid monthly, you will not be reimbursed for these days and are expected to find alternate care.
Have any other questions? Our parent package offers great information! You can also call our office at 250-590-7666, or email us at almosthomechildcare@shaw.ca
