Child and Youth Programs

Up to one week before classes begin, the Programs Team will send an information letter to all registered families using the email provided at the time of registration.

Our child guidance philosophy is centered around encouragement and positive leadership, rather than discipline. We believe in understanding the underlying reasons behind a child’s behaviors and approach each situation with empathy and support. Consistency in our expectations helps create a stable environment, where we focus on reinforcing positive behaviors through redirection and encouragement. We empower children to make positive choices while fostering open communication between instructors and parents to ensure each child’s success and well-being. Through this approach, we strive to create a nurturing, respectful atmosphere where every child feels valued and supported.

If your child is not enjoying the program, we encourage you to reach out to us so we can better understand their needs and explore strategies to support their experience. We are committed to working together to find solutions, whether that means adjusting the program or involving caregivers to provide additional support. Our goal is to ensure that every child has a positive and fulfilling experience. As outlined in our program withdrawal policy, transfers or refunds are available if requested at least 6 days prior to the program start date. We are here to listen and collaborate with you to help your child succeed.

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 are committed to providing the best experience for your child and aim to run most programs with a minimum of 4 children (some exceptions may apply). Classes are typically only canceled if fewer than 4 children are registered. In such cases, we will work with you to transfer your child into another program or combine the class with another. We understand that this may not always be the most convenient option, and we appreciate your understanding. The primary account contact will be notified by email to discuss options for an account credit or refund, with no administration fee.

At the preschool age, development can happen quickly, so we may be able to make exceptions for some classes if your child will be turning the required age within a month of the program start date. However, due to the nature of certain programs, age exceptions may not be possible. If your child is older than the posted age and you feel they would be a good fit for the program, we are happy to discuss this further with you. For any age-related inquiries or exceptions, please contact the Programs Director at 587-393-9487.

It’s natural for young children to feel shy, miss their parents, or cry, especially at the beginning. We encourage parents to comfort their child during the first class. As the session progresses, we recommend a quick drop-off, as children often settle once activities begin. We are fully equipped and comfortable supporting children who may be upset, using various methods to help them feel engaged and calm within the group. If your child remains inconsolable, we will reach out to you for assistance and work together to create a supportive plan for future classes. Please feel free to connect with the instructor at any time to ensure we’re creating a positive, comfortable experience for your child.

We understand that parents want to see how their child is progressing, and we recognize that some classes are easier to observe than others. To support your child’s growth and independence, we generally recommend that parents stay outside the class area unless specifically permitted or requested by the instructor. Through our experience, we’ve found that children tend to engage more fully and follow their instructor’s guidance when parents are not present. However, we also understand that some children may require additional support. In these cases, an aide or caregiver is welcome to join the class, provided they are actively participating alongside their child. If an instructor feels your presence would be helpful for your child’s success, they will reach out to you directly.

In our preschool classes, where the ratio is up to 1:8, we handle washroom needs by taking a “potty field trip” together as a group. This also provides a great opportunity for other children to try using the washroom. We kindly ask that parents ensure their child has used the washroom before class begins to help minimize interruptions. In the event of an accident, we will do our best to clean up your child and promptly contact you to come assist if needed. We recommend packing a change of clothes in your child’s backpack just in case. For older children, we will send them to the washroom with a buddy for added support.

Absolutely! We welcome all children in our programs and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment. We encourage you to share your child’s needs, strengths, and any specific support strategies with us. You know your child best, and by understanding their unique needs, our Programs Team can implement tailored strategies to promote success and ensure a positive experience. If your child would benefit from having a caregiver or aide attend, please contact our Programs Director. Support persons are encouraged to participate in all activities. For more information or if you have any questions, please reach out to Jennifer Howard at jhoward@tricocentre.ca or 587-393-9487.