A LITTLE ABOUT MYSELF

My name is Shirley Richards, I am the proud mother of three young adults. After the birth of my daughter, I made the choice not to return to work within the medical field opting to become a stay at home mom. It was then that my daycare was born out of necessity, as my daughter did not adjust to the traditional daycare setting. Several years later when my youngest son was in grade seven, I wanted to reenter the workforce returning to my position in the medical field. However, it was then that I came to realize that my true calling was providing quality care to children.

I am certified in both Adult & Child CPR, as well as First Aid through the Canadian Red Cross. These are both updated every three years.

When I am not busy with the daycare, I enjoy spending my time with my husband, children, and grandchildren. Spending time at the lake whether it is just reading or doing jigsaw puzzles.

HUGGIE BEARS PRIVATE HOME DAYCARE

Activities include Arts & Crafts, Stories, Puzzles & Games, Music & Sing-a-longs, Outdoor playtime, Imaginative play, Theme days, Pet Days, Show & Tell.
Educational areas of focus include language development, math, science, fine & gross motor skills. I introduce and teach the children their colours, shapes, numbers, letters, sounds, words, stories and songs. By following a preschool curriculum, I can better prepare your child for junior kindergarten. Children learn how to share while playing together. All activities, toys, stories are age appropriate.

There are several parks and playgrounds, all within a short walking distance. Weather permitting the children and I are outside for a minimum of two hours daily.

Hot nutritious homemade meals (breakfast & lunch) as well as snacks and beverages are provided throughout the day. All the children eat together where they are taught & learn their table manners. In addition, I provide a booster seat with tray for each child in my care.
The entire lower level of my home is a childproofed daycare area. There is a large playroom, kitchen/dining area. Convenient access to the large fenced backyard for outdoor play is just off the dining area. Each child has their own "cubby" for their belongings i.e. extra clothing, diapers, wipes and creams. I also provide playpens/cots for your child's sleeping comfort. Located within the front entrance is our Bulletin Board; This provides parents with all the necessary information about our Menu, Monthly Activities & any Notices for their review.

Any comments as well as suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated as I feel that it is through open lines of communication with every child’s parents that enables me to provide the best possible care for each one. This is how together we introduce new foods, and potty training to name but a few.

Hours of operation here at Huggie Bears maybe adjusted for parent’s current needs. I am flexible with drop off and pick up times. There is never a fee charged for lateness, as I am fully aware how last-minute work emergencies arise, buses and trains are delayed. As well as how the weather affects the daily commute. While we are discussing commuting, I am conveniently located near major highways 401, 409, 427 & 27. A short 5-minute drive to the GO Station (Etobicoke North). I am on several main bus routes (Kipling 45, Dixon/Airport 52, Islington 37) Bus connections to Wilson 96 and the Yonge & Bloor subway.

I am pleased to offer a FREE two-week transition period. This allows both your child, as well as yourself to become adjusted to the new daycare experience. This is discussed further during the interview process.

****TEACHERS: PLEASE NOTE, FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE I OFFER AN INCENTIVE DURING MARCH BREAK, CHRISTMAS BREAK & SUMMER HOLIDAYS!! BOOK AN INTERVIEW TODAY TO FIND OUT MORE! ****

ADDMISSION PROCESS

Once the interview process is complete, and upon acceptance, I require a series of forms to be completed. These will include an Application/Emergency, Consent, Immunization, and Allergy forms. A Medication form is also required to be completed prior to the administration of any Doctor prescribed medications, or Tylenol/Motrin.
These forms are kept in your child's confidential personal file and will only be used when needed should an emergency arise. All forms are to be updated annually or on an as needed basis.

I encourage parents to come for an hour visit with their child, to view a part our day. This allows both of you to become accustomed to the new adventures of daycare.