Newsletter Archive 2010

January Newsletter 2010

2010-01-08T19:23:52Z

Happy New Year!! And welcome back to routine plus lots of snow. Pre-school has been out sledding everyday and Kidz Zone Programs have been enjoying the snow covered playgrounds. There’s nothing better than children with rosy red cheeks and healthy appetites from playing outside. Skating has started for Kidz Zone in Chester on Wednesdays. It’s a wonderful winter world for the next 3 months. Get out and enjoy the fun!

STORM CLOSURE REMINDERS
Please remember to check the radio or the School Board website for school closure announcements. Kidz Zone Programs at Bayview Community School and Gold River Elementary School are closed if the schools are closed. Kidz Zone Chester and Kidz Time Pre-school are always open 7AM – 6PM unless the roads are closed. Parents can check our answering machine for information on storm days 275-4347. Please check with your Program Coordinator to make sure your child is on the emergency pick-up list if school closes early for any reason.

FAMILY VALENTINE DANCE
This year’s Annual Family Valentine Dance is scheduled for Thursday February 11th, 2010 6:30-8PM at Chester District School. Cost is $1 per person. This is joint fundraiser between CDS and CAFRC and is a very popular event. Tickets are available from both the school and the Family Centre and everyone is welcome to attend.

KIDZ TIME PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM FULL DAYS
Our full-day pre-school childcare for children aged 24 months to 5 years here at the Chester Curling Club is full but we are taking names on the waiting list. This is a fully licensed early learning program through the Department of Community Services. We currently have 18 full-day licensed spaces until our new facility is open next year. Family Centre staff and full-time childcare needs will have priority access, and then sign up will be on a first come first serve basis.

Kidz Time Pre-school Program hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7AM to 6PM. Program fees are set at $22/day for full-time and $25/day for permanent part-time. This full-day program qualifies for the subsidized portable spaces available through the Department of Community Services. Information regarding subsidy can be obtained by calling the Bridgewater office at 543-5527. Call Teena Bond for Pre-School information 275-4347.

KIDZ ZONE BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Kidz Zone Before-School Program will be offered at the Chester Curling Club location only. The hours of operation are 7AM-9AM. The program is designed for children 5-12 years and includes breakfast and school drop-off for both CDS and CAMS. Program fees are $7.50/day. Parents must pre-book care in advance.

KIDZ ZONE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
We currently offer the Kidz Zone After-school Program at 3 locations. Chester Brass Band Building, Gold River Elementary School and Bayview Community School in Mahone Bay.The hours of operation are school closure until 6PM Monday through Friday. The Kidz Zone After-School Programs are licensed through Department of Community Services and are designed for children ages 5-12 years. Each program has a daily schedule which includes physical activity, nutritious snacks, crafts, dramatic play, science centres, homework study and much more. All programs are coordinated by experienced ECE staff who are licensed by the Province of NS.

Program fees are as follows:

$12/day for full-time part-day
$13/day part-time part-day
$20/day for full-time full-day
$22/day for part-time full day

20% discount for children from the same family.

Space is limited in all 3 locations so priority booking will go to CAFRC employees and then full-time childcare needs. Part-time care will only be offered when program enrolment allows. Please contact the Chester Family Centre for booking at 275-4347.

NEW FACILITY UPDATE
If you have not been at the Chester Rink recently, then you should take a drive by! The framing has started on the new building and the rooms are taking shape. Other than the large amount of snow around New Year, the weather has been cooperating and the work is progressing on schedule. Our expected Grand Opening is still set for May 1st, 2010.

Our new facility will have the following childcare capacity;
8 infants spaces serving children aged 0-17 months
12 toddlers spaces for children 18-35 months
16 pre-school spaces for children aged 36 months to five years

15 Before-School spaces for children 5-12 years
30 After-School spaces for children 5-8 years
15 After-School spaces for children 9-12 years

30 Summer Camp spaces for children 5-8 years
15 Summer Camp Spaces for children 9-12 years

We are no longer generating a waiting list for the new facility. We will have a first-come first-served sign-up day for each of the new programs in April 2010. Please keep checking our website for specific dates and details.

If you have any questions regarding any new or existing CAFRC programs or services, please call the Family Centre at 275-4347. We are here to serve the Community!

February Newsletter 2010

2010-02-01T23:55:17Z

Ground Hog Day, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year are all a part of February! We have several events planned for this chilly month and if you are still feeling cooped up then join us every Wednesday night for Family Gym Night at Chester District School from 6:30-8PM, only $2 a family. The days are slowing getting longer and our building is really starting to take shape. Soon it will be time for March Break camps and the first day of spring!

CHINESE NEW YEAR BENEFIT DINNER
We have decided that February needs another celebration so we are hosting a Chinese New Year Dinner and Auction on Saturday February 20th here at the Chester Curling Club location. Chef Tom Connors will “wok” his culinary magic and prepare a mouth watering Chinese menu that is sure to be a hit!! There will be door prizes sealed in fortune cookies, 50/50 draws and everyone has an equal chance of winning amazing prizes in the Chinese Auction, such as an 8 gig IPOD, hockey sticks, gift certificates and much, much more… Tickets are $39.99 a person and sitting is limited to 120 adult customers. So book early! Call 275-4347 for tickets.

HOMEMADE HAND-STITCHED QUILT TICKET DRAW
We have been given a beautiful homemade hand-stitched quilt to raffle in a ticket draw. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5. Proceeds from the draw will go towards the purchase of safety cribs and bedding for the infant room in the new facility. Draw date will be on our grand opening day in May 2010.

ART CLASSES FOR KIDS
Saturday morning art classes are available for 6 weeks starting February 6th-March 13th here at the Chester Curling Club location. Instructor Gillian Everill is offering 2 class times ages 4-6 at 9-10:30 and ages 7-10 at 11-12:30. Cost is $72 and includes materials. Please call the Family Centre 275-4347 to register.

STORM CLOSURE REMINDERS
Please remember to check the radio or the South Shore School Board website for school closure announcements. Kidz Zone Programs at Bayview Community School and Gold River Elementary School are closed if the schools are closed. Kidz Zone Chester and Kidz Time Pre-school are always open 7AM – 6PM unless the roads are closed. Parents can check our answering machine for information on storm days 275-4347. Please check with your Program Coordinator to make sure your child is on the emergency pick-up list if school closes early for any reason.

KIDZ TIME PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM FULL DAYS
Our full-day pre-school childcare for children aged 24 months to 5 years here at the Chester Curling Club is full but we are taking names on the waiting list. This is a fully licensed early learning program through the Department of Community Services. We currently have 18 full-day licensed spaces until our new facility is open in May 2010. Family Centre staff and full-time childcare needs will have priority access, and then sign up will be on a first come first serve basis.

Kidz Time Pre-school Program hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7AM to 6PM. Program fees are set at $22/day for full-time and $25/day for permanent part-time. This full-day program qualifies for the subsidized portable spaces available through the Department of Community Services. Information regarding subsidy can be obtained by calling the Bridgewater office at 543-5527. Call Teena Bond for Pre-School information 275-4347.

KIDZ ZONE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
We currently offer the Kidz Zone After-school Program at 3 locations. Chester Brass Band Building, Gold River Elementary School and Bayview Community School in Mahone Bay. The hours of operation are school closure until 6PM Monday through Friday. The Kidz Zone After-School Programs are licensed through Department of Community Services and are designed for children ages 5-12 years. Each program has a daily schedule which includes physical activity, nutritious snacks, crafts, dramatic play, science centres, homework study and much more. All programs are coordinated by experienced ECE staff who are licensed by the Province of NS.

Program fees are as follows:

$12/day for full-time part-day
$13/day part-time part-day
$20/day for full-time full-day
$22/day for part-time full day

20% discount for children from the same family.
Space is limited in all 4 locations so priority booking will go to CAFRC employees and then full-time childcare needs. Part-time care will only be offered when program enrolment allows. Please contact the Chester Family Centre for booking at 275-4347.

ACCOUNT PAYMENT REMINDERS
All accounts are debited on the 1st and 15th of each month. Your invoice will be sent in an email the day before your account is debited. Please contact Heather our Centre Coordinator, if you do not receive your invoice or will anticipate a problem with your account at 275-4347. It is important to keep your account up-to-date to ensure continued service delivery. As a non-profit charity, we never have reserve funds to carry individual accounts.

March Newsletter 2010

2010-03-01T21:55:57Z

St. Patrick’s Day, March Break and the first day of spring are all a part of March. In like a lamb and out like a lion….. Well let’s hope not. It’s time for March Break full-day camp and space is limited so sign-up early. We offer full-day childcare at Kidz Zone in Chester. All Kidz Zone students from Bayview and Gold River are welcome to attend but you must pre-register with Amanda at 275-4347. We have special events and a fabulous bus trip planned.

NEW BUILDING UPDATE

Our construction site survived the big wind storm in February without any damage! Even our roof trusses stayed on and the windows didn’t budge. Grand opening date is now June 1st.

Our capital campaign, From the Ground Up, is in full swing. Watch for your donation request in the mail. We need approximately $100,000 to purchase appliances, inclusive playground equipment and child-size furniture for our 5 classrooms. $20 will allow us to buy a blanket for an infant crib or safety covers for the electrical outlets. Every contribution helps!

Our sister daycare in Hubbards has the same task ahead of them. Their building is expected to open at the same time as ours. What great resources for families in the Municipality of Chester!! But it does take a village(s) to raise a child… and in this case, secure the future of these two new early learning centres. Please give what you can and accept our thanks in advance.

HOMEMADE HAND-STITCHED QUILT TICKET DRAW

We have been given a beautiful homemade hand-stitched quilt to raffle in a ticket draw. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5. Proceeds from the draw will go towards the purchase of safety cribs and bedding for the infant room in the new facility. Draw date will be on our grand opening day in May 2010.

STORM CLOSURE REMINDERS

Please remember to check the radio or the South Shore School Board website for school closure announcements. Kidz Zone Programs at Bayview Community School and Gold River Elementary School are closed if the schools are closed. Kidz Zone Chester and Kidz Time Pre-school are always open 7AM – 6PM unless the roads are closed. Parents can check our answering machine for information on storm days 275-4347. Please check with your Program Coordinator to make sure your child is on the emergency pick-up list if school closes early for any reason.

KIDZ TIME PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM FULL DAYS

Our full-day pre-school childcare for children aged 24 months to 5 years here at the Chester Curling Club is full but we are taking names on the waiting list. This is a fully licensed early learning program through the Department of Community Services. We currently have 18 full-day licensed spaces until our new facility is open in May 2010. Family Centre staff and full-time childcare needs will have priority access, and then sign up will be on a first come first serve basis.

Kidz Time Pre-school Program hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7AM to 6PM. Program fees are set at $22/day for full-time and $25/day for permanent part-time. This full-day program qualifies for the subsidized portable spaces available through the Department of Community Services. Information regarding subsidy can be obtained by calling the Bridgewater office at 543-5527. Call Teena Bond for Pre-School information 275-4347.

KIDZ ZONE BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Kidz Zone Before-School Program will be offered at the Chester Curling Club location only. The hours of operation are 7AM-9AM. The program is designed for children 5-12 years and includes breakfast and school drop-off for both CDS and CAMS. Program fees are $7.50/day. Parents must pre-book care in advance.

KIDZ ZONE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

We currently offer the Kidz Zone After-school Program at 3 locations. Chester Brass Band Building, Gold River Elementary School and Bayview Community School in Mahone Bay. The hours of operation are school closure until 6PM Monday through Friday. The Kidz Zone After-School Programs are licensed through Department of Community Services and are designed for children ages 5-12 years. Each program has a daily schedule which includes physical activity, nutritious snacks, crafts, dramatic play, science centres, homework study and much more. All programs are coordinated by experienced ECE staff that is licensed by the Province of NS.

Program fees are as follows:

$12/day for full-time part-day
$13/day part-time part-day
$20/day for full-time full-day
$22/day for part-time full day

ACCOUNT PAYMENT REMINDERS

All accounts are debited on the 1st and 15th of each month. Your invoice will be sent in an email the day before your account is debited. Please contact Heather our Centre Coordinator, if you do not receive your invoice or will anticipate a problem with your account at 275-4347. It is important to keep your account up-to-date to ensure continued service delivery. As a non-profit charity, we never have reserve funds to carry individual accounts.

April Newsletter 2010

2010-04-01T16:27:00Z

Easter is early this month and Mayfest planning is in full swing. This year’s community event is scheduled for Saturday May 1st and Sunday May 2nd with a raindate of May 8th & May 9th . Deadline to place your free yardsale ad in our brochure is Wednesday May 14th. The Mayfest brochure is delivered in the Lighthouse Log in the flyer bundle and should be available on the week of April 19th. You can contact us for additional copies. Mayfest is a very popular community event and everyone is welcome to participate.

NEW BUILDING UPDATE

Our new building is still on target for opening June 1st. The weather is cooperating things are really coming together. Our capital campaign, From the Ground Up, has started and we are receiving donations daily. You should have received your donation request in the mail. We need approximately $100,000 to build inclusive playgrounds and furnish our 5 classrooms. Even a $20 contribution will help! Watch our fundraising giraffe chart grow!!

All donations are tax deductible. Please give what you can and accept our thanks in advance.

HOMEMADE HAND-STITCHED QUILT TICKET DRAW

STORM CLOSURE REMINDERS

ACCOUNT PAYMENT REMINDERS

KIDZ TIME PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM FULL DAYS

Our full-day pre-school childcare for children aged 24 months to 5 years here at the Chester Curling Club is full but we are taking names on the waiting list. This is a fully licensed early learning program through the Department of Community Services. We currently have 18 full-day licensed spaces until our new facility is open in June 2010. Family Centre staff and full-time childcare needs will have priority access, and then sign up will be on a first come first serve basis.

Kidz Time Pre-school Program hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7AM to 6PM. Program fees are set at $22/day for full-time and $25/day for permanent part-time. This full-day program qualifies for the subsidized portable spaces available through the Department of Community Services. Information regarding subsidy can be obtained by calling the Bridgewater office at 543-5527. Call Teena Bond for Pre-School information 275-4347.

KIDZ ZONE BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAM

KIDZ ZONE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Program fees are as follows:

$12/day for full-time part-day
$13/day part-time part-day
$20/day for full-time full-day
$22/day for part-time full day

MAY NEWSLETTER 2010

2010-05-07T19:34:19Z

The Chester Family Centre staff and Board of Directors would like to wish every Mother a happy and restful Mother’s Day. May is already underway and the flowers are finally starting to poke out of the ground. Mayfest was a huge success this year with even the weather cooperating! Thanks to everyone for their donations for our yardsale. Bike Rodeos are planned for later this month and everyone is looking forward to the long weekend.

NEW BUILDING UPDATE

We have made some major changes to our fire suppression system and that has set our opening date back until June 25th. We will be doing sign-up dates for the new classrooms in early June. We are no longer generating a waiting list as most children have changed age groups since the list started over a year ago. Priority booking will go to staff first, then full-time childcare needs and then part-time needs if we can accommodate.

After-school and full-day childcare spaces will change from 28 to 45 spaces so parents currently enrolled can rest assured that spaces will be available. We are happy to say that we are bringing back the Xtreme Zone program which is of interest to children aged 9-12 years. They will have their own classroom and age appropriate calendar, materials and equipment.

You should have or soon will be receiving a letter of request for our capital campaign, From the Ground Up. Please give what you can knowing every donation helps! All donations are tax deductible.

HOMEMADE HAND-STITCHED QUILT TICKET DRAW

ACCOUNT PAYMENT REMINDERS

KIDZ TIME PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM FULL DAYS

KIDZ ZONE BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Kidz Zone Before-School Program will be offered at the Chester Curling Club location only. The hours of operation are 7AM-9AM. The program is designed for children 5-12 years and includes breakfast and school drop-off for both CDS and CAMS. Program fees are $7.50/day. Parents must pre-book care in advance.

KIDZ ZONE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Program fees are as follows:

$12/day for full-time part-day
$13/day part-time part-day
$20/day for full-time full-day
$22/day for part-time full day

JUNE NEWSLETTER 2010

2010-06-14T15:13:15Z

The Chester Family Centre staff and Board of Directors would like to wish every Dad a Happy Father’s Day. Our Father’s Day Fishing Derby is scheduled for Sunday June 20th at Stanford Lake. The lake will be stocked with fish and we will have a family BBQ and prizes for the biggest fish!
June is a very busy month. We will be offering full-day school aged care starting June 24th. Our spaces are limited to 28 until our new building opens August 1st. We hope to accommodate as many families as possible in our Kidz Zone Summer Day Camp while working around family and staff vacations. Thank you for your continued cooperation!

NEW BUILDING OPENING DATE AUGUST 1st

We will be so happy when we finally open our new facility!! Our opening date is now August 1st. Program Sign-up dates are listed below. Priority booking will go to CAFRC staff first, then full-time childcare needs and then part-time needs when we can accommodate.

Kidz Time Pre-school hours and enrollment will stay the same until August 1st. Kidz Zone After-school and full-day childcare spaces will remain at 28 until August 1st at the Chester Brass Band Building. Xtreme and Kidz Zone Summer Day Camps will increase to 45 spaces when we are in our new facility. We are anticipating that with cooperation from parents planning vacations in July that everyone can receive the care they need until August 1st. Chester parents can rest assured that school-aged spaces will be available in both Kidz Zone and Xtreme Zone programs in Chester in September.

PROGRAM SIGN-UP DATES

Kidz Zone Summer Day Camp (starting July 1st) June 21st 6PM

Xtreme Summer Day Camp (starting August 1st) June 21st 6PM

Kidz Time Pre-school (starting August 1st) July 8th 6PM

Infant Room (6 months – 17 months)
Toddler Room (18 months – 35 months)
Pre-school Room (3 – 5 years)

ACCOUNT PAYMENT REMINDERS

All accounts must be paid in full prior to registration on any of our sign-up dates. All accounts are debited on the 1st and 15th of each month. You can arrange to have your invoice sent by email the day before your account is debited by contacting Heather at 275-4347. Please refer to our Parent Policy Manual regarding our payments policies. It is important to keep your account up-to-date to ensure continued service delivery. As a non-profit charity, we not have funds to carry individual accounts.

FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1st

Infant Room

$28/day full-time 5 days per week
$30/day part-time 1-4 days per week$
32/day drop-in

Toddler & Pre-school Room

$25/day full-time 5 days per week
$27/day part-time 1-4 days per week
$30/day drop-in

Kidz Zone & Xtreme

$12/day full-time 5 days per week

After School Program

$14/day part-time 1-4 days per week
$25/day full-day full-time 5 days per week
$27/day full-day part-time 1-4 days per week

Kidz Zone & Xtreme

$8.00/morning includes breakfast

Before-School Program
Space is limited in all our locations so priority booking will go first to CAFRC employees and then full-time childcare needs. Part-time and drop-in care will only be offered when program enrolment allows. Please contact the Chester Family Centre for booking at 275-4347.

FATHER’S DAY FISHING DERBY

This year’s Father’s Day Fishing Derby will be held Sunday June 20th at Stanford Lake from 2-4 PM. Cost is $10/family and includes a BBQ and prizes for the largest fish! Department of Fisheries stocks the lake a few days before our event and you can boat, float or stand on the shore!!

HOMEMADE HAND-STITCHED QUILT TICKET DRAW

JULY NEWSLETTER 2010

2010-07-06T16:41:34Z

The Chester Family Centre staff and Board of Directors would like to wish everyone Happy Canada Day!
We are now offering full-day school aged care until school starts in September. Our spaces are limited to 28 until our new building opens August 1st. We hope to accommodate as many families as possible in our Kidz Zone Summer Day Camp while working around family and staff vacations. Thank you for your continued cooperation!

WATCHING THE PAINT DRY PARTY
We are hosting an Open House & Party Friday on July 16th 5-8PM at the new facility. Everyone wishing to sneak a peek at the new building before we open can come on over!! We will have music and finger foods and great door prizes. See you there!

NEW BUILDING OPENING DATE AUGUST 1st

Our opening date is August 1st. Program Sign-up dates are listed below. Priority booking will go to CAFRC staff first, then full-time childcare needs and then part-time needs when we can accommodate.

PROGRAM SIGN-UP DATES

Kidz Time Pre-school (starting August 1st) July 8th 6PM

Infant Room (6 months – 17 months)
Toddler Room (18 months – 35 months)
Pre-school Room (3 – 5 years)

ACCOUNT PAYMENT REMINDERS

FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1st

Infant Room

$28/day full-time 5 days per week
$30/day part-time 1-4 days per week
$32/day drop-in

Toddler & Pre-school Room

$25/day full-time 5 days per week
$27/day part-time 1-4 days per week
$30/day drop-in

Kidz Zone & Xtreme

$12/day full-time 5 days per week

After School Program

$14/day part-time 1-4 days per week
$25/day full-day full-time 5 days per week
$27/day full-day part-time 1-4 days per week

Kidz Zone & Xtreme

$8.00/morning includes breakfast

Before-School Program
Space is limited in all our locations so priority booking will go first to CAFRC employees and then full-time childcare needs. Part-time and drop-in care will only be offered when program enrolment allows. Please contact the Chester Family Centre for booking at 275-4347.

HOMEMADE HAND-STITCHED QUILT TICKET DRAW

August Newsletter 2010

2010-08-10T16:51:33Z

NEW BUILDING OPENED AUGUST 9th

WE HAVED FINALLY MOVED!!!!!
We are now located in our brand new facility at 188 Pig Loop Road, right next to the Chester Brass Band Building and the Chester Rink. All our full-day programs are now being run out of this site.

Many thanks to the Rikjak construction crew and their fearless leader Stephen Veinot, for their hard work the past 6 weeks. A big thank you to Church Memorial Park for putting up with us for 2 and half years and an extra week! Many thanks to the Chester Brass Band for letting us play in their building the last year. Most of all, thank you to the parents and staff who weathered the storm during our many transitions. The building is beautiful and spacious. The children love their new classrooms!!

We have limited spaces left in the infant, toddler and pre-school classrooms. Lots of room in Xtreme and Kidz Zone Chester site. Sign-up for Bayview and Gold River is Thursday August 26th at 6PM.

Our Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for Friday September 10th at 3PM. Food and fun!! Everyone is invited to join the celebration.

PROGRAM SIGN-UP DATES

Kidz Zone Bayview and Gold River After-School
(starting September 3rd)
August 26th 6PM
Chester Family Centre
188 Pig Loop Road

ACCOUNT PAYMENT REMINDERS
All accounts must be paid in full prior to registration in any of our programs. All accounts are debited on the 1st and 15th of each month. You can arrange to have your invoice sent by email the day before your account is debited by contacting Heather at 275-4347. Please refer to our Parent Policy Manual regarding our payments policies. It is important to keep your account up-to-date to ensure continued service delivery. As a non-profit charity, we not have funds to carry individual accounts.

FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1st

Infant Room

$28/day full-time 5 days per week
$30/day part-time 1-4 days per week
$32/day drop-in

Toddler & Pre-school Room

$25/day full-time 5 days per week
$27/day part-time 1-4 days per week
$30/day drop-in

Kidz Zone & Xtreme

$12/day full-time 5 days per week

After School Program

$14/day part-time 1-4 days per week
$25/day full-day full-time 5 days per week
$27/day full-day part-time 1-4 days per week

Kidz Zone & Xtreme

$8.00/morning includes breakfast

HOMEMADE HAND-STITCHED QUILT TICKET DRAW