Words (Core Vocabulary)
- daycare / childcare centre / home-based care / preschool
- after-school program / out-of-school care (OSC) / PD-day care
- camp (summer, spring, winter, day/overnight)
- ECE (early childhood educator) / ratio / licensing
- waitlist / deposit / spot / start date
- subsidy / fee reduction / sliding scale
- allergy / anaphylaxis / EpiPen / nut-free policy
- pick-up authorization / emergency contact
- late pickup fee / illness policy
- waiver / consent form / medical form / packing list
Phrases (Inquire, enrol, coordinate)
- Do you have spots available for age [X], or can we join the waitlist?
- What are your hours, fees, and late pickup policy?
- Do you accept subsidies, and what documents do you need?
- My child has a peanut allergy—what is your allergy policy?
- For camp: Could you share the packing list and drop-off/pickup location?
Updates & daily notes
- [Child] will be absent today—mild cold; we’ll follow your illness policy.
- Grandparent is picking up—authorization attached.
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Inquiry email: **Hello—**I’m looking for after-school care for Grade 2 starting September. Any spots or waitlist?
- Allergy plan: We’ll provide an EpiPen and action plan—staff trained, right?
- Camp: Could you confirm drop-off at 8:30 and pickup by 3:00?
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Access & fees
- ask about availability
- join a waitlist
- confirm hours/fees
- apply for a subsidy
Health & safety
- declare allergies
- submit a medical form
- provide an EpiPen
- follow the illness policy
Logistics
- complete a waiver
- send a packing list
- authorize pickup
- note late pickup fees
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Spots can fill quickly—join waitlists early and confirm start dates.
- Many programs are nut-free; clear allergy plans help staff prepare.
- PD-day (teacher professional development) care is often separate—ask in advance.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Waitlist ask: “Any spots for age 4 this fall, or can we join the waitlist?”
- Allergy: “My child has a peanut allergy—what training do staff have and where is the EpiPen stored?”
- Camp logistics: “Please share the packing list and pickup location for Week 3 camp.”