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Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look below to see the answers to some of
the questions we get asked the most!
What are your operating hours?
Our centres are open Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm and are closed on weekends and statutory holidays.
You can find our annual calendar here.
Do you offer part-time or before & after school carecare?
No. Pluto Day Care currently offers full-time childcare only.
Providing full-time care allows us to maintain consistent routines, stable classroom environments, and strong relationships between children, educators, and families. It also helps us maximize the number of childcare spaces available to families waiting for care.
Families requiring occasional schedule changes or additional information are encouraged to speak with their Centre Supervisor.
What happens if my child is absent?
Please notify the centre as soon as possible if your child will be absent. Fees remain payable during absences, including vacations and illness, as your child's space is reserved.
When should I keep my child home from daycare?
Children who are ill, have a fever, are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, or have symptoms that prevent them from participating comfortably in the program should remain at home. Please refer to our illness exclusion guidelines.
Can medication be administered at daycare?
Yes. Prescription medications may be administered when accompanied by the appropriate authorization forms and in accordance with our medication administration policies.
Pluto Day Care does not administer non-prescription medications intended to treat symptoms of illness, such as Tylenol, Advil, cough medicines, or stomach remedies. If a child is experiencing symptoms such as fever, illness, or discomfort requiring these medications, they should remain at home where they can be appropriately monitored and cared for.
Exceptions may be considered when a non-prescription medication is part of a documented medical plan and is supported by a physician's note. Examples may include medications used to manage specific medical conditions, such as febrile seizures or other diagnosed health concerns.
Centre Supervisors are available to discuss individual circumstances and provide additional information regarding medication administration requirements and procedures.
Do children go outside every day?
Yes. Outdoor play is an important part of our daily program, and children typically spend a minimum of two hours outdoors each day, approximately one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon.
Outdoor play may be modified or cancelled under certain weather conditions:
Temperature Guidelines
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Infants: Outdoor play is cancelled when the temperature is below -10°C (with or without windchill) or above 32°C (with or without humidex).
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Toddlers & Preschoolers: Outdoor play is cancelled when the temperature is below -15°C (with or without windchill) or above 35°C (with or without humidex).
Air Quality
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Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) of 7–8: Outdoor play is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per session.
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AQHI of 9–10: Children remain indoors.
UV Index
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UV Index of 6–7: Outdoor play is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per session.
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UV Index of 8 or higher: Children remain indoors.
Other Conditions
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Children remain indoors when there is lightning in the area.
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Outdoor time may also be modified or cancelled due to other weather-related conditions at the discretion of the Centre Supervisor.
At Pluto Day Care, we believe there is no such thing as bad weather—only inappropriate clothing! We typically go outside rain or shine, although outdoor play may be cancelled during periods of heavy rain or severe weather conditions.
Whenever outdoor play is reduced or cancelled, children participate in gross motor activities indoors to ensure they continue to receive opportunities for active play and physical development.
How do I join the waitlist?
Pluto Day Care uses the Waterloo Region OneList system for all waitlist registrations. Families interested in care must register through OneList, as this is the only waitlist maintained by our centres. You can access OneList through the Region of Waterloo website.
How long is the wait for a childcare space?
Due to our participation in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program, demand for childcare spaces is very high. While wait times vary depending on age group, location, and schedule requirements, families should currently anticipate an average wait of approximately two years. We strongly encourage families to apply as early as possible.
Do you participate in the CWELCC program?
Yes! Pluto Day Care proudly participates in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System, which helps make licensed childcare more affordable for eligible families.
What ages do you serve?
We offer licensed childcare programs for:
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Infants: 0–18 months
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Toddlers: 18–30 months
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Preschool: 2½–6 years
Programs may vary slightly by location based on available spaces and classroom configurations.
Will my child have to reapply when they move to the next age group?
No. Children who are enrolled at Pluto Day Care are able to transition internally through our programs as they grow, subject to available space and licensing requirements. Families do not need to rejoin the OneList waitlist when their child moves from Infant to Toddler or from Toddler to Preschool.
Because we prioritize the progression of currently enrolled children, openings for families seeking direct entry into Toddler and Preschool programs are often more limited.
What should I pack for daycare?
Parents should provide:
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A complete change of clothes (we recommend 2-3 extra sets of clothes)
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Separate pairs of indoor & outdoor shoes
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Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing (as well as sunscreen for the summer)
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Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream (if required)
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Bottles, formula, or breast milk for infants
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Any comfort items needed for rest time
Every child has their own assigned cubby. It is ideal if all of the above are provided and put into a backpack or diaper bag for their cubby.
Note: Medications, diaper creams, sunscreen, and food can not be left in a child's cubby. Please make sure you give these directly to your child's educators.
Do you provide meals and snacks?
Yes. Pluto Day Care provides nutritious lunches and snacks prepared on-site. Menus are planned to meet children's nutritional needs and accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions whenever possible.
Outside of our Infant programs, families are generally not required to provide food from home. In order to maintain consistency, support our nutrition program, and reduce the risk of cross-contamination, children are expected to participate in the meals and snacks provided by the centre.
Exceptions may be considered in cases involving severe allergies, significant dietary restrictions, or identified special needs supported by a diagnosis or professional referral. Any approved accommodations will be discussed with families on an individual basis to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the child.
How are children grouped?
Children are grouped according to age and developmental stage within our licensed classrooms. As children grow, they transition through our programs from Infant to Toddler and then Preschool. Children currently enrolled at Pluto Day Care are typically offered priority for internal transitions as spaces become available.
Can I choose which location or classroom my child attends?
When registering through OneList, families may select one or more Pluto Day Care locations. Space offers are made based on availability at the location(s) selected and the child's position on the waitlist.
While we understand that families may develop preferences based on recommendations or previous experiences, we are unable to accommodate requests for specific educators, classrooms, or room placements. Classroom assignments are determined based on licensing requirements, staffing, age group availability, and the operational needs of the centre.
Can I tour the centre before enrolling?
Due to the high demand for childcare spaces and the volume of families on our waitlists, we are unable to accommodate tours prior to a space becoming available for your child. Once we are in a position to offer care, we will contact you to arrange a tour of the centre before any commitment is required.
Families are under no obligation to accept a childcare space until after they have visited the centre, met with our team, and determined that Pluto Day Care is the right fit for their child and family.