Frequently Asked Questions
-
I am open Monday to Friday, from 7:00am to 4:30pm
-
I am licensed with the City of Calgary, and not registered with an agency.
-
No, I am privately run, therefore my families do not qualify for government subsidies. I provide a childcare tax receipt at year end for tax-break purposes.
-
No. I have been running my dayhome since 2000. I was registered for nine of these years. Toward the end of this time, I found that the governing bodies had a one-size fits all approach that was not in the best interest of all of my children, particularly neurodivergent children who may need out of the box thinking to meet their needs. Additionally, with my 25 years + experience I wouldn’t receive additional value from agency guidance; many agencies charge the provider ~$1000 or more for their monthly fees.
-
I am closed on stat holidays. Scheduled personal holidays for the year will be given out no later than February 28/29th to allow ample time for your family to arrange your personal holidays or arrange for backup care if needed. Alternately, I also work closely with other providers in the area who may provide backup care if needed.
Your monthly fee is based upon 20 days of care per month. For any month with more than 20 working days, those days will be put aside for my vacation days. ie. January 2023 had 22 days of care, 2 days will be set aside; February had 20 days, 0 days will be set aside. This allows for monthly fees to remain the same each month. I also take 5 personal days per year.
-
Micah’s Monkey’s follows AHS guidelines for our illness policy. A more detailed explanation of which is found in my contract.
-
Fees are due one day before the start of the month. Example, February’s fees are due on January 31st.
-
Micah's Monkeys will provide snacks and lunch, depending on the time of day your child is present. Breakfast is not provided, however, if they arrive prior to 8:30am your children are welcome to bring a breakfast to eat here if it helps your family with mornings and getting out the door.
-
At Micah's Monkeys, children will have the freedom to nap whenever they feel they need to. However, there will be a non-negotiable period of quiet time in the afternoon for all children. Younger children will be encouraged to nap. Older children who are no longer taking naps are welcome to relax with a quiet activity such as a book, puzzle, or quiet time task. Cots/sleep mats will be available for all children during nap time.
-
Your child is the curriculum - I follow their lead. By the time my children go to kindergarten, they are generally ahead of their peers in academic skills; this is due to being able to personalize their education and tailor it to them completely, following interests and exploring whichever beaten path catches their eye.
-
Yes. Safety is always a top priority.
Forest School experiences are thoughtfully planned and closely supervised, with activities tailored to each child’s age, abilities, and comfort level. Children are supported to explore their environment with care, awareness, and guidance.
Rather than removing all risk, Forest School teaches children how to understand and manage risk in developmentally appropriate ways. This approach helps build confidence, body awareness, and good decision-making skills.
Small group sizes allow for close supervision, strong relationships, and quick response when support is needed. Children are never pushed beyond what they’re ready for—participation is always guided by the child’s cues.
-
Yes. Neurodivergent children are warmly welcomed here, and many truly thrive in this environment.
I have experience supporting many neurodivergent children with an extensive range support needs; my approach is always rooted in understanding the whole child—not just their needs, but their strengths, interests, and personality. Children are never viewed as a challenge to manage, but as valued members of the group.
Each child is welcomed into the program with thoughtful consideration of if and how they will mesh within the current group dynamic. The small-group, relationship-based setting allows for flexibility, calm routines, and individualized support.
-
Forest School runs year-round, but weather conditions do influence how long we are outdoors and what activities we choose. I closely monitor extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), wind chill, wind speed, air quality, and storm conditions when making daily decisions.
Children’s age and developmental stage are a key factor. Younger babies and toddlers have a lower tolerance for temperature extremes and exposure, so their outdoor time may be shorter and more flexible compared to older children, who can generally remain comfortable outside for longer periods with proper gear.
Being appropriately dressed for the weather is essential at every age. Families are responsible for providing suitable seasonal clothing and gear (such as warm layers, rain gear, sun protection, and footwear). Proper clothing allows children to stay comfortable, safe, and engaged in outdoor play.
If parents are unsure what to send, I am happy to offer clothing and gear recommendations to support safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences in all seasons.