All program information is sent to caregivers via email. This includes the program welcome letter, long weekend reminders, cancelled classes, and any class changes. Please ensure your email is up to date through your online account or by contacting Guest Services (403-278-7542).
We would love to hear from you! Please reach out when you have positive feedback to share, questions, concerns, or programming suggestions.
Jennifer Howard (Child & Youth Director) can be reached at jhoward@tricocentre.ca or 587.393.9487
At this age range, a lot of development happens in a short period of time. We will make age exceptions within a month of the start date of the program. Due to the nature of some programs, age exceptions may not be permitted. If your child is older than the posted age and you feel they are better suited in the program, we are happy to speak to you more about that. For any age exceptions please contact the Child and Youth Programs Director.
We recognize parents want to see how their child is doing in the class and some classes may logistically be easier to watch than others. However, we ask parents to stay out of the class area unless permitted or requested by the instructor. As your child is learning to become independent, we have found through experience that they are more able to learn and follow their instructor when parents are not present. If there is any concern, and instructors feel it is best for your presence they will request you to stay.
Sometimes the activity and/or instructor isn’t quite the right fit for your child. At your earliest convenience, we ask that you contact our Program Management team to discuss your child’s class, needs, and experience. If we do find the class isn’t right for your child, we will do everything to find another suitable class or discuss other options with you.
Of course! All children are welcome in our programs! We would love to hear from you and learn more about your child’s needs, strengths, and any identified supports. You know your child best. By making us aware, our Programs Team can implement strategies that promote success and an overall positive experience. If your child would benefit having a caregiver or aide attend program dates, please reach out to our Programs Director. Support persons are required to participate in all activities including swimming. Please contact us for more information or to ask questions.
PROGRAM TRANSFER:
Requests to transfer to another program will be subject to availability (no fees apply). Transfers resulting in a higher fee must be paid at time of transfer. If a transfer results in a lower fee, a CREDIT will be applied to your Trico Centre account.
PROGRAM WITHDRAWAL:
* Six days or more PRIOR to a program start date: Withdrawal requests will be processed less a $30.00 fee per activity with the program fee applied to your Trico Centre account. Refunds may be processed on request.
* Less than six days or after a program start date: No credits or refunds will be permitted.
* Medical withdrawal: A credit will be applied to your Trico Centre account. A doctor’s note must be provided within two weeks of request.
NOTE: Credits in your Trico Centre account may be used toward any service at Trico Centre and expire one year after issue date.
We want the best experience for your child and will run most programs with a minimum of 4 children (some exceptions apply). Typically, we will only cancel a class if there are less than 4 children registered and do our best to try to work with you to transfer them into another program (or combine it with another class). We understand this is not always the most convenient option for your schedule and appreciate your understanding. We will reach out to the primary account contact by email to discuss choice of account credit or refund (no administration fee).
We expect that children under 3 years old may not always participate and be shy. Remember, your tot is walking into a new space, with a new adult giving them instructions. There may be a lot of other children and adults in that same space, it can be overwhelming! Many children prefer to observe first and do everything at home.
We don’t mind your baby being with you in the class in their car seat, stroller, or on you in a carrier. In the case you find that is impacting your experience with your tot, please find alternative care.
Your child may be shy, miss their parent, and cry for the first while. At the first class, we encourage parents to help comfort them. As we progress through the session, a quick drop off is best as children typically calm once we start our activities. We are absolutely comfortable if your child is crying and have many ways to help comfort and engage them in the class group. If your child is inconsolable, we will contact you to come assist, encourage, and work with you to create a good plan for the next class. Always feel free to speak with your instructor so we can create a successful and comfortable environment for your child.
Many of our classes are quite active with quick changing activities to keep the attention and excitement of the class. We have found that depending on the activity level and genre, 30-45 minutes is more than enough for preschoolers to stay engaged. Once we go past that time frame, children start to tire and then lose interest. We always want to end so that your child will be excited for the next class!
Our preschool classes have a ratio of 1:8. When a child needs to go to the washroom, we take a potty field trip all together. This is also a good opportunity for other children try to use the washroom. We do ask parents to ensure your child has gone to the washroom prior to class beginning. In the case of an accident, we will do our best to clean them up and call you immediately to come assist. It’s always a good idea to pack a change of clothes in your child’s backpack.
We believe in encouragement and leadership, not discipline. Our child guidance policy follows a model in which we try and understand the reasons or meaning behind a child’s behaviors. We are consistent with our expectations and focus on positive behaviors rather than negative through redirection and positive reinforcement. We do our best to support children in making good choices and encourage open communication between instructors and caregivers to help ensure your child’s success.
Sometimes the activity and/or instructor isn’t quite the right fit for your child. In this event, our Program Management team would love to hear from you to discuss your child’s class and/or speak with your instructor. The first class is usually a “try-and-see” class for both the children and our instructors as they learn who is in the class and the dynamic of the group so they can better create lesson plans to fit the children. We try to find the source of the dissatisfaction and discuss how we can make it a better experience and ask you and your child to try the class again with feedback. If we do find the class isn’t right for your child, we will do everything to find another suitable class or discuss other options with you. If there is any concern at all, please contact us immediately as this helps us improve our programs and coach our instructors to always learn and provide better experiences.