Everything Parents Need to Know About Licensed Day Home Care in Lethbridge

Trusted by Lethbridge families for over 43 years — BBB Accredited and Alberta Approved.

 
 

We know that a child's growth is shaped by the relationships around them, especially the bond between parent and child. That's why Hemel House goes beyond childcare. We connect your family with licensed, play based day homes led by trained educators who nurture your child's social, emotional, and cognitive development. We also provide parents with resources and support to strengthen healthy family relationships, because confident families raise confident children.

 The Hemel House Program approves family day home educators by:

 

  • Application procedures, including menu plans and activity plans

  • Home safety checks (minimum of two detailed Approval Visits)

  • Screening processes (criminal record check, medical check, personal references and Child Intervention check)

  • Family interviews

  • In-Home training on child care policies

The Hemel House program supports the parent by:

 

  • Working with the Alberta Government to provide families with grant funding and associated processes

  • Detailed yearly review of the day home and educator

  • Newsletter, information to parents, community events and parties

  • Implement Licensing standards in each day home as well as any changes to these standards

  • Ensure all requirements are met and maintained for each day home, such as; Criminal Record check, Child Intervention check and First Aid (renewed every 3 years), Fire Extinguishers, pet immunizations, insurance, In Home Substitutes, medical checks etc.

  • Maintaining parent/child files, keep documentation and family information within licensing requirements

  • Availability of Hemel House for you and your educator by calling the office at 403-328-8189 or the emergency cell at 403-593-0851 or e-mail support@hemelhouse.com​, to help you with emergencies or any other situations concerning your child

  • Unannounced day home visit which is a minimum of one hour up to 2-4 hours and includes: Observation of educator and child interactions, documenting educator strengths observed, child development

  • Child activity, Educators training handout

  • Safety check (fridge, drawers, equipment, toys, approved rooms, fire drill etc)

  • Review of educator’s program planning and child portfolios

  • Confirmation that appropriate play areas are set up

  • Review of menu and activity reports

  • The Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale

  • Ensure correct child information is on hand and files are up to date

Safety:

  • All Hemel House educators are required to have a First Aid Certification
    A safety check is done each month

  • An evacuation plan is posted and is practiced once a month with the family day home children

  • On call 24/7 for back-up care and concerns

  • Administering your child care contract

  • Providing yearly statements for your income tax

  • Administering your grant funding and helping you with this process

  • Providing back-up care in case of educator unavailability

  • Making available resource materials to help you with child rearing questions and/or concerns.

  • Maintaining a toy lending library

  • Each educator is self-employed and operates their day home in compliance with Hemel House's guidelines and Child and Family Services regulations.

 

Just as every child is unique, so is every Hemel House day home.

Just as every child is unique, so is every Hemel House day home. Our educators design play-based programs around your child's interests, developmental stage, and personality.

  • A typical day includes a thoughtful mix of

  • Active and quiet play

  • Indoor and outdoor exploration

  • Creative projects

  • Storytelling

  • Music and hands on sensory activities

All designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and support early learning through the power of play.

 

Typical activities at a family day home include:

 

  • Daily indoor and outdoor activities to exercise large muscle groups, such as dancing, tumbling, walks, and field trips.

  • Creative art projects like painting, gluing, and working with play dough.

  • Playtime with sand, water, dress-up clothes, dolls, blocks, and games.

  • Reading, singing, and storytelling to develop and practice language skills.

  • Routine activities for washing, resting, and toileting, tailored to each child’s individual needs.

  • The day is planned according to the age, abilities, and unique personalities of each child. Activities encompass science, art, language, social skills, imagination, active play, quiet play, and more.

  • Toys, equipment, and furnishings in the family day home are accessible to the children and available in sufficient quantities to offer a variety of activities.
    Each child is provided with a separate sleeping surface (cot, mat, or mattress) along with their bed coverings, which are washed weekly. Your educator may request that you supply your child’s bedding.

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Ready to Find the Right Day Home for Your Child? Apply Online or Call 403-327-7077

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