Families
Starting at Bluestem, and the weeks after.
What to expect from the first visit to the first full day, and how we stay in touch once your child has settled in.
Starting at the centre
When a spot opens, we call to set up a visit. You and your child spend half an hour in the room, meet the educators and see where coats, cubbies and cots go. Dana, our centre director, goes through the paperwork with you and answers your questions.
Your start date is set at that visit, usually two to four weeks later, so you have time to sort out work and get the forms back to us.
Paperwork before day one
- Registration form and the $50 registration fee
- Your child's immunization record
- Two emergency contacts who can pick up
- Health card number and any allergy or care plans
- Signed permission for photos and neighbourhood walks
The first weeks
Starting care is a big change for the whole family. We use a gradual entry over the first week, so your child gets to know the room while you're still close by.
Most children cry at some drop-offs in the first weeks. A short, warm goodbye helps, and we'll call or text you once they've settled.
- Day 1An hour together. You stay in the room.
- Day 2Two hours on their own, with you nearby.
- Day 3Until after lunch.
- Day 4Through nap, home by 15:00.
- Day 5A full day.
What to bring
Every room has its own packing list, from sleep sacks to splash pants. Label everything with your child's name, especially mitts and indoor shoes.
Sick days and medication
Keep your child home with
- A fever of 38 °C or higher in the last 24 hours
- Vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours
- A new rash we don't know the cause of
- Pink eye with discharge, until it's treated
- Any illness that stops them from playing as usual
If your child gets sick at the centre, we call you and ask for pickup within the hour.
Medication
We give medication only with a signed form, in its original container with the pharmacy label and your child's name on it. Educators record every dose, and you sign the record at pickup.
Please don't give fever medicine before drop-off to get through the day. It hides how your child really feels, and we need to know.
How we keep in touch
At pickup
A quick word with your child's educator, and for babies a written sheet of feeds, sleeps and changes.
Each Friday
An email from the room with photos and what the week held.
Twice a year
A sit-down chat about how your child is doing, once in the fall and once in the spring.
Any weekday
Call the centre during the day. Messages for the director get an answer within the working day.
Questions families ask
Do you offer drop-in or half days?
No. We offer full days only, five days a week or three (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). There are no drop-in spots.
Is there evening or weekend care?
No. We're open Monday to Friday, 7:00 to 17:30. If you work shifts, call us and we'll share the names of Saskatoon programs with longer hours.
Do you take school-age children?
No. Our oldest children are five and leave us for kindergarten. Many Saskatoon schools have before- and after-school programs, and we're glad to help you find one.
Does my child need to be toilet trained for preschool?
No. We help with toilet learning in the toddler and preschool rooms, at your child's pace and together with you.
Can siblings get a spot together?
Brothers and sisters of children already at Bluestem get first offer when a spot opens in their room. It isn't always the same month, but we try.
What if my child has an allergy?
Tell us when you register and bring the care plan from your doctor. Our kitchen is nut-aware, and we cook around allergies and family diets.