FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for Perspective Parents

Who is the School for?

For children aged 2 ½ to 5 years old.

The AM programs are for children 2 ½ years old by September of registering year and the PM programs are for children 3 years old by December of registering year.

Westboro Nursery School is inclusive of gender, culture and ability.

Where is the school located?

The school is located inside Dovercourt Recreation Centre, at 411 Dovercourt Avenue. The preschool room is located on the lower level to the right of the entrance.

What are the hours?

When is the school open?

The school is open early September to mid June. The school will be closed on the same holiday schedule used by the Ottawa – Carleton District School Board, excluding PD days, when we remain open. The school will be closed the first day after the Christmas break.

What are the tuition fees?

$140.00 per month Tuesday/Thursday AM Program
$185.00 per month Monday/Wednesday/Friday AM Program
$185.00 per month Monday/Wednesday/Friday PM Program

Plus a non-refundable registration fee of $50.00 at the time of registration.

What is the withdrawal policy?

Unless parents give thirty (30) days WRITTEN notice, parents will forfeit one month's fee when withdrawing their child. This includes all withdrawals after August 1st (unless a thirty (30) day notice has been given) in which case September’s tuition fee will be forfeited.

What are the class sizes? What are the ratios?

Each program allows 24 children. Each program is staffed by two teachers, and two rotating parent assistants. This allows a 1:8 ratio. The 1:8 ratio ensures that the teachers can observe children’s handling of materials and social situations, assess their development, and encourage experiences that further their growth.

What is the commitment for parents/caregivers at a cooperative preschool?

The successful operation of a cooperative school depends on the involvement of member parents. Your contribution is key to the school's success. Parents are required to help in several ways. Approximately once a month (depending on class size), the parent or caregiver is required to be a parent assistant in the classroom, helping our fulltime staff in such ways as preparing snacks, mixing paints, cleaning up, etc. In addition, each family is required to provide assistance outside of class time in other areas. Each family must indicate at the time of registration its preference. These additional needs could be anything from serving on the executive committee, to being on the fundraising team, to making play dough or raking the playground, to name a few choices.

Also, members (at least one parent) are required to attend the Orientation Meeting in September.

All members are expected to assist and participate in all fund raising events.

Tell me more about the Parent Assist Days.

Having parents involved is what makes Westboro Nursery School a great place to be! The children love seeing Mommy or Daddy helping out in the classroom. It is also a great way for the parent/caregiver to see their child involved in the class and interacting with their peers.

Parents are required to assist at the school on a rotating basis as a helper in the classroom. You will have approximately 1 "duty day" each month (depending on class size.) The helper does not necessarily have to be the parent. Grandparents or caregivers are welcome to help on duty day if their Police Records Check is on file.

Every second "duty day", the parent is required to bring a nutritional snack and juice for all of the children. Examples of nutritious snacks include cheese, grapes, apple wedges, carrots, celery, etc. We are a nut-free environment.

Parents are responsible for being at the school on their duty day or trading with someone else if unable to attend.

You are not permitted to bring siblings or other children with you on this day.

What if I cannot make my Parent Assist Day?

Parents who cannot do a designated "duty day" are responsible for finding another parent to switch with them. We encourage parents to try to switch their day with another parent/caregiver, however we realize that sometimes this may not be the right solution for you.

WNS recognizes that a few families need to juggle both work and school commitments. This can make the cooperative nursery school concept a difficult choice for some people. Therefore, we offer a partial assist buy-out program to meet the needs of the families in our community. This program will enable interested families to "buy-out" a portion of their assisting days (up to a total of 3). The cost is $25.00 per day. The $25.00 does not go to the school but is paid to the individual that will be the "substitute duty parent.

What are the guidelines regarding toilet training?

Children must be toilet trained to attend. However, we understand accidents happen and encourage you to pack a change of clothes with your child.

Can my child attend more than one program (e.g. both AM and PM programs, all the AM programs)?

Yes, registration is accepted on a first come, first served basis.

What does my child need to bring to school each day?

Please send your children in comfortable clothing. They must wear shoes with a non-slip sole in the classroom. We welcome you to leave a pair of shoes at the school during the winter months. Remember that we are working on independence and clothing that fits and is easy to remove is important.

Please send a spare set of clothing in the child's bag.

Assume we are going out to play and dress your child accordingly.

top