1. Who will take care of my Child(ren)?

• Child & Family Support workers who have first aid training, Child Welfare clearance, Police Clearance and a minimum diploma in the human service field are the care givers of your children.
• Between 7:15-10:30pm three are always three staff with children. During the night there are two awake staff watching over the children.
• There is always a nurse available to consult with staff about your child’s health or medication.
• We also have trained Volunteers to help with the children and other activities around the Children’s Cottage.

2. What is a usual day like at the Children’s Cottage?

The following is a general guideline that may vary slightly depending on children’s needs.

• 7:00-8:30 am - Wake up time. Some may wake earlier or later. Everyone gets dressed and then they will go to the kitchen for breakfast.
• 8:00-9:00 am - Breakfast 9:00-12:00 pm - Playtime with a snack mixed in
• 12:00-12:45 pm - Lunch is served.
• 12:45-2:00/2:30 PM - Quiet time all children regardless are given the opportunity to nap, read, or play quietly with toys like Lego or Barbie’s
• 2:30-4:45 pm - Play time/Snack time. As children wake up from naps this time varies. Those who do not nap may resume play earlier.
• 4:45-5:30 pm - Supper Time
• 5:30-7:30 pm - Play and Bath Time
• 8:00 pm - Snack time this is when the night staff have the opportunity to meet the children.
• 8:30-9:00 pm - Bed Time Once again this is flexible based on the child’s age and needs.

3. What will my child(ren) eat while at the Children’s Cottage?

The Canada Food Guide is followed at the Children’s Cottage. We are child-friendly in the menu selections. There are no limits on servings. There is always an abundance of fruit and vegetables. If your child requires a special diet we will adhere to that. If certain specialized foods are required we may ask you to supply those items if we do not have them on hand.

4. What about my child’s medication?

Be sure to bring your child’s medication to the Cottage. It must:

• Be in the original container
• Labeled with:
  • Your child’s name
  • The correct medication name
  • The correct and current dosage
  • The correct frequency to be given

5. What happens if I forget my child’s medication or it is labeled incorrectly?

We will not be able to admit your child without the medicine if it is necessary to ensure their good health. The staff will try to assist you to develop a plan as to how we will get the medication or the information that we require. You will not be allowed to leave your children at the Children’s Cottage until this matter is resolved. You will be asked to take your child(ren) with you and return once the medication is obtained.

 6. How long can my child(ren) stay at the Children’s Cottage?

Even though you may wish to leave your children for the maximum stay of three days, we will ask you to take one day at a time to make sure that your child(ren) is able to handle being away from you without becoming too sad or too frightened.

7. What if something happens and I am going to be late picking up my child(ren)?

If you are unable to be on time please call as soon as possible so that we can share this information with your child (ren).

8. What time of day should I be picking up my child(ren)?

We encourage pick up time anywhere between 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Our goal is for children who will be staying with us to arrive in the daytime hours - it really helps them to adjust to our home and staff.

9. Do we take pictures of children for any reason?

Taking pictures of the children for media or program purposes occurs only with your written consent.

10. If I am unhappy with the service of the Children’s Cottage Society or one of its other programs how do I voice my concern?

You may discuss your concerns with a staff person. If this is not satisfactory, you may contact the Program Manager or designate. Be assured that all of the relevant people will be interviewed to obtain an understanding of the situation. You will be informed of the process and outcomes resulting from your concerns within 72 hours of receiving your complaint.

11. What does the Children’s Cottage do with the information I have provided?

The staff and volunteers of the Children’s Cottage have signed an oath of confidentiality. This means that the information about your child and family stays within our walls. We make exceptions for three reasons:

1. When you give us permission to discuss matters with relatives or others who may be trying to assist you
2. When there is a formal legal request for the information
3. When there are reasons for the Children’s Cottage staff to be concerned about the welfare of you and or your child(ren). It is the law to report abuse or neglect to Child Welfare and we are required to abide by this law.

12. When should I call to check on my child(ren)?

We encourage that you call and ask about your children at least once a day. We want to let you know how they are doing and also to find out how you may be doing. We may encourage you to speak with your child if they have been asking to speak with you. We would appreciate that you avoid calling during peak times when the children require all of our attention:

• 8:00-8:30 am - Breakfast
• 12:00-12:45 pm - Lunch
• 4:45-5:30 pm - Suppertime
• 8:00-9:00 pm - Snack and bedtime

Remember we are available all day and all night so if you wish to call and speak to someone feel free to give us a call. Be sure to dial 233-2273 for an immediate answer.

13. Will my child be able to stay at the Children’s Cottage if he/she becomes ill?

 No. Children who develop fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other infections or virus’s need to return home so that other children do not become ill.

We prefer that you take your child to a Doctor for reasons of illness as you know your child’s health history and reaction to illness the best. In an emergency we will most definitely take your child to a Doctor on your behalf. For reasons of accident or illness be sure that we are able to reach you at all times during your child’s stay.

14. What is the discipline policy of the Children’s Cottage?

The Children’s Cottage does not allow the use of:

• corporal punishment
• engaging in any form of conduct which is intended to ridicule, humiliate, degrade, insult, or otherwise undermine the dignity or self-worth of a client
• mechanical restraints
• group punishment for one child’s behavior
• painful aversive stimuli
• withholding meals
• deprivation of sleep
• withholding formal spiritual observances
• withholding visits with family or contact with the children’s advocate

Any behavior management implemented by the Children’s Cottage staff will ensure that:

• the client’s fundamental rights are protected
• the staff will ensure that the behavioral control methods are known to be effective and humane
• the result of the intervention are documented and evaluated, and
• your consent for any behavior management is obtained

The Children’s Cottage believes in a positive approach to guiding the child’s appropriate behavior. If the situation has found your child’s behavior to be out of control we may utilize methods such as:

• time out (no longer than 10 minutes)
• send a child to a room under the supervision of a staff member for no longer than 20 minutes, or
• physical restraint (limited to situations where it is necessary to protect a child from hurting themselves or others or from destroying property)

 15. Does the Children’s Cottage have any clothing, toys, or books to help my family?

Yes. People in Calgary donate clothing and toys that your child is using during their stay at the Cottage. Sometimes we have extra. Please ask and we will share whatever we can or supply you with an appropriate referral to an agency that can also assist in the items you maybe requiring.