Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a difference between the 5-day, 3-day and 2-day program?
A: Both programs follow the same morning routine and general theme-based curriculum.
Q: Can my child and I come into the school for a visit?
A: We absolutely encourage families to come to visit, meet the teachers, see our space, and check out our program. It is asked that you email the staff to arrange a date to visit at info@myschoolcooperative.org. The teachers can be busy during the class hours, but they are more than happy to have you and your child join in for the morning, and will answer any questions you may have at the end of the morning.
Q: How do I register my child?
A: Applications are accepted in January/February of the year your child will be of age. To register you can complete the online registration form.
Q: When do I find out if my child has a spot in the program?
A: We know you need time to make appropriate childcare and programming arrangements for your family, so upon receiving your registration form, our Membership chair will contact you to confirm your child’s spot in the program. If the program is full we will put your child’s name on a waiting list. The Membership Chair will update you should a spot become available.
Q: My child won't be 2.5 in September. Could my little one start at a later time in the year?
A: Yes, it is possible if a space opens up during the course of the year and your child has become old enough. Please submit an application and we will add your child to our wait list.
Q: Can my child be placed on the wait list after the program begins in September?
A: Yes. Family plans change and we will keep you updated about any available spots that open over the course of the year.
Q: What does play-based program mean?
A: The thrust of the program is for children to gain confidence, independence and form friendships in a safe, warm, and nurturing classroom environment. This means children are encouraged to follow their own interests through play at various discovery stations within the classroom and through various themes over the course of the year. We do not have a formal academic curriculum or reporting structure.
Q: Can my child attend if they are not toilet trained?
A: Yes they can. Children learn these things in their own time, and we follow the parent’s recommendations with how we can assist with toilet training. We have diaper-changing facilities in the children’s bathroom.
Q: My partner and I work full-time. Is our nanny able to cover some or all duty days?
A: Absolutely! We welcome your caregivers whether they're your nanny or a relative like a grandparent. We ask that the person or people your family identifies as duty day caregivers have their Police Reference Check and Adult Immunization forms completed, sign the appropriate forms in the application package, and attend our orientation night.
Q: What happens if I miss a duty day?
A: Every effort to accommodate your family's schedule is made when the month's duty roster is put together, but we know life happens. You are able to swap duty days as needed in advance and we have a procedure in place for last minute cancellations and making up missed days.
Q: Can I bring other children on my duty days?
A: Unfortunately, duty persons cannot bring other children on their duty days. There are usually several families who have other children at home, so it may be possible to arrange for childcare sharing. For families with infants, arrangements can be made to take maternity leave from duty days. Catch up duty days can be taken later in the year.
Q: I have a particular skill and wonder if I can fill a volunteer need this way?
A: We are a flexible co-operative organization that benefits from each year's special group of families. Let us know on your application if you think you have a skill-set we could use. In past years we've benefited from woodworkers, children's entertainers, photographers, web developers, number crunchers, fundraisers and more.
Q: My child has a very serious food allergy. How does the school accommodate allergies?
A: The welfare of our kids is My School's highest priority. During our mandatory orientation we train duty day parents and caregivers on food handling, first-aid, and sanitation guidelines. We discuss the particular allergies of children in the class and with your consent we post your child's name, picture, allergy and expected reaction prominently in the classroom. We maintain a nut-free environment and we do not allow any known severe allergy-inducing foods into the classroom.
Q: My child is at a hitting stage. What will happen if he hits another child?
A: Both parties are comforted if necessary. At My School we believe in ‘time in’s’ as opposed to ‘time outs’ The best way to solve problems is to talk, with the teachers scripting words we want to encourage.
Q: My child goes to the drop-in centre? How is My School any different?
A: My School will prepare your child for the exciting step of full-day kindergarten by helping them become more independent. Unlike the drop-in centre -- where your child is always within physical reach of her caregiver -- your child will learn to separate and look to other adults for assistance. Attendance is consistent, your child will quickly become comfortable with his classmates, and friendships will flourish The environment is warm and supportive, with an excellent child/adult ratio to offer support when needed. For each child there are different expectations, and the teachers work to challenge each child to keep moving forward at her own pace.
Q: How do I apply for a vulnerable sector screening?
A: Individuals do not apply directly to the Toronto Police Service for a vulnerable sector check. Requests for vulnerable sector screenings must be completed through organizations that are registered with our Police Reference Check Program.
Q: Where do I get the application for the vulnerable sector check?
A: The registered agency will provide you with the application form. The form is on legal-sized paper and must be signed by the agency's contact person.