OSC FAQs

PROGRAM

Does Trico OSC have a Kindergarten program?
Trico Centre Out of School Program does not currently offer care for Kindergarten-aged children. Our OSC program is licensed for children in grades 1-6.

Does Trico OSC offer drop-in care?
At this time the Trico Centre Out of School Program does not provide drop-in childcare.

Do children get to use the full Trico Centre facility, like the ice arena, pool, fitness centre, and gymnasium?
Absolutely! Children enrolled in the Trico Centre Out of School Care Program enjoy full access to our recreation facility, including the skating rink, pool, and gymnasium as part of their daily and weekly activities.

For those in our Innovators Program (Grades 5 & 6), the experience expands even further—with supervised access to the Fitness Centre and select equipment, helping them build confidence, strength, and healthy habits in a safe and supported environment.

What are your closure days?
The Trico Centre Out of School Care Program is closed on these occasions: Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Winter Break, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, and Summer Break (July-August).

Hours of care on PD days/School Breaks? 
On Professional Development Days and School Breaks, the Trico Centre Out of School Care program is open 6:45am-6:00pm. Trico OSC program is closed during the Winter break.

How often do you go on fieldtrips? Does it cost extra?
Trico Centre’s Out of School Care program offers off-site excursions to enrich learning and build community awareness. We plan as many trips as possible throughout the school year and strive to keep costs low. Families are typically responsible for admission fees and any additional bus costs, which may vary based on the number of participants.

Is the Middle School (Grade 5–6) program different from the Elementary (Grade 1–4) program?
Yes—and it’s designed that way on purpose! Our Middle School group, known as the Innovators Program, offers a unique experience tailored to older kids who are ready for a little more freedom, challenge, and responsibility.

As part of this exciting program, Innovators help create their own routines and schedules at the beginning of the year, giving them a real sense of ownership and independence. They enjoy their very own space—customized with their ideas and input—and get access to recreation amenities, including the Fitness Centre (with limited equipment use and staff guidance).

One of the coolest perks? With parent permission, Innovators may take part in distal supervision, giving them a taste of independence in a safe and structured way. Whether it’s trying out new leadership roles, problem-solving as a team, or exploring their creativity, the Innovators Program is all about helping kids grow into confident, capable young leaders.

What is your Child Guidance Policy?
At Trico Centre, we guide children with patience, empathy, and respect. Our approach supports positive social skills, self-awareness, and healthy conflict resolution. We recognize each child’s unique needs and focus on support and redirection rather than discipline. Using gentle, consistent strategies, we create a safe, caring environment where every child feels valued and supported.

REGISTRATION

How do I register my child/ren for Before & After school program?
There is a $150 one-time registration fee (per child).

What types of payments are accepted? How are payments made?
Upon registration parents must provide a credit card number or complete a pre-authorized debit form with a void cheque. All payments will be withdrawn on the first of each month.

Can I get a tax receipt for the year?
Yes, Child Care Tax receipts are issued yearly by the end of February. They will be sent via email using the email that is attached to your Trico Membership Account.

Is there subsidy available?
Our program is fully subsidized for childcare under the Ministry of Education and Childcare.. For more information or to apply for childcare subsidy visit Government of Alberta website. If you have been approved for subsidy inform the Director upon registration.

What is your cancellation policy?
To make component changes, cancel, or withdraw from the Trico Centre Out of School Care program, a written notice must be submitted at least 30 days in advance, on or before the first of the month. For example, to withdraw for November, notice must be given by October 1st.

Are PD days included in the monthly fee?
An additional fee of $40.00/child per full PD Day is required for families registered in only one component. For families registered in two components – PD days, Fall Break, Teacher’s Convention, and Spring Break are included within the monthly fees.

Is the program open over Winter Break and Summer Break?
No, the Trico Centre Out of School Care Program is closed over winter and summer break; however, the Trico Centre runs day camps during summertime for families who require care. Information about summer break can be found on our website or you can contact the child/youth/day camp coordinator at programs@tricocentre.ca

How do I register for a PD day/ school breaks/ fieldtrip?
Families will create a Trico account which will be used to register online for PD days and other school breaks. There is always an option of registering at Guest Services.

Can I join the waitlist? How does the waitlist work?
You can email us at outofschoolcare@tricocentre.ca to join the waitlist. Once the registration process for the next school year begins, you will be contacted. When a spot opens up, our waitlist shows us who is the next family to contact. Based on their circumstances the parent/guardian chooses whether they want to fill the vacancy. If they choose to do so, they would register and enter the program and then would be taken off the waitlist. If the family declines the opportunity at that moment, they can decide if they would like to remain on the waitlist or maybe they no longer require childcare so they will be asked whether or not they want to continue to be waitlisted.

Can I speak to someone directly?
Yes, you can call us at 403.225.5553 or email us at outofschoolcare@tricocentre.ca for any questions, concerns and suggestions.

Can children join mid-year?
Yes—if space is available! Children are welcome to join the Trico Centre Out of School Care Program mid-year, provided we have not reached full capacity.

If the program is full at the time of your inquiry, we’ll be happy to place your child(ren) on our waitlist and contact you as soon as a spot becomes available.

DAY AT TRICO OSC

What should my child bring for a great day at OSC?

👟 Indoor Running Shoes – for safe and active play.

💧 Refillable Water Bottle – to stay hydrated throughout the day.

🥪 Nut-Free Snacks & Lunch – snacks every day; nutritious lunch and extra snacks on PD days or early dismissals.

🧥 Seasonal Outdoor Gear – we go outside daily so make sure to pack weather-appropriate items like jackets, boots, hats, gloves, or sunhats. Being well-prepared for the outdoors ensures your child can fully participate, stay comfortable, and enjoy every part of their day—rain, snow, or shine!

Does Trico OSC provide meals/snacks?

👨‍👩‍👧 Packed by Parents/Guardians – all meals and snacks must be packed from home.

🚫 Nut-Free Program – please ensure all food is nut-free to keep everyone safe.

🆘 Emergency Snacks Available – we provide backup snacks when needed and will follow up with families to ensure enough food is packed.

If my child is not attending Trico OSC, do I need to report their absence?
Yes, absolutely! It is very important that you report your child’s absence anytime they will not be attending the Trico Out of School Care program.

Due to the large number of schools and children we serve, unreported absences can cause significant delays during our sign-in process and impact the flow of the entire program. When a child is unexpectedly missing, our staff must immediately pause to confirm their whereabouts, which can create concern and hold up transitions for other students.

To help us keep all children safe and our day running smoothly, please report absences by calling our absence line at 403-225-5568 and leaving a voicemail, or by emailing us at outofschoolcare@tricocentre.ca as early as possible.

Your cooperation ensures we can give every child the attention and care they deserve—thank you!

Are children supervised all the time?
Yes. The role of the staff is to ensure that children are being supervised safely and are engaged with your children at all times while they are in the care of the program. Supervision begins as soon as children arrive in our care for the day and ends upon a parent/guardian arriving for pick-up.

What are my responsibilities as a parent? 
As a parent/guardian you are responsible for arrival and departure which means letting staff know when you are picking up/dropping off so staff can sign your child(ren) in & out of program, communicating with the program of any updates regarding your child(ren), reporting absences, providing food, and weather appropriate clothing for your child(ren).

🎨 What We Do at OSC – What kinds of activities do we engage in with the children?

🧠 Meaningful Activities – our staff create engaging, age-appropriate experiences based on children’s interests and curiosities.

🧪 Creative & Hands-On Learning – kids explore science experiments, arts and crafts, and imaginative play in our multi-purpose rooms.

🏃 Active Play – daily physical activity includes sports and group games in the gym, studios, and outdoor spaces.

🏊 Recreation Centre Perks – as part of Trico Centre, children enjoy swimming, skating, and other exciting amenities that keep them active and having fun.

Do children have access to technology?
Trico Centre Out of School Program is primarily a technology free program with a few exceptions. Occasionally we have a movie day, and we also have a Nintendo Switch in the Innovators room that is used on a very limited basis amongst the program.

Can parents/families visit our spaces?
The Trico Centre Out of School Care Program operates with an open-door policy. Families are permitted, welcomed and encouraged to visit the program during hours of operation to observe their children while in the program and become familiar with the leaders and educators.

Are all staff certified in childcare?
The Trico Centre Out of School Care Program follows the staffing requirements that are set out within the Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Regulations. This requires that all staff to be certified as a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 ECE. In addition, all staff must be current in First Aid/CPR as well as have their up-to-date police check with the vulnerable sector check completed. We have a fun and dynamic team of childcare professionals whose primary role within the program is to provide top quality care.

Do children spend time outdoors?
At Trico Centre, we recognize the importance of fresh air and outdoor play in a child’s day. Whenever weather permits, we make it a priority to spend as much time as possible outside, giving children the chance to explore, move, and connect with nature. Our outdoor time is more than just play—it’s an opportunity for physical activity, social interaction, and creative exploration in the open air. During the warmer months, we often extend our programming outdoors, bringing snacks, lunches, crafts, and group activities outside to make the most of the sunshine. Whether it’s a nature walk, a game of soccer, or a quiet moment under a tree with a craft, outdoor time is an integral and joyful part of our daily routine.