Out of School Care

Out of School Care

The Dalhousie Out of School Care Program is a Licensed Childcare Service, catering to families who live and/or interact within the Community of Dalhousie. We provide a high quality Before and After School Care Program for children in Kindergarten through to Grade Six.

Our program currently serves families with children attending the Dalhousie Elementary School (International Spanish Academy), West Dalhousie Elementary School and the DCAKids (Dalhousie Community Association Kindergarten).

For children attending Dalhousie Elementary School (International Spanish Academy), Before and After School Care is provided within the school’s Gymnasium, Classroom #20 and Classroom #21 at 4440 Dallyn Street NW. Hours of operation are 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.

For children attending our West Dalhousie Elementary School located at 6502 58 Street NW, our Before and After School Care Program can be found in the school’s Gymnasium also operating from 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Our last location is located in the Dalhousie Community Center. This location serves our Kindergarten children that attend West Dalhousie School, as well as the DCAKids Kindergarten children. Hours of operation are the same as the other programs and will be open 7:00an to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.

*Please note…the Dalhousie Community Center location is where Winter break, Spring break, and Summer programs run when the schools are closed.

For additional information regarding our programs/services, please review our Parent Handbook.

https://dalhousiecalgary.ca//www/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2018-2019-Parent-Handbook.pdf

About Our Organization

The Dalhousie Community Association (DCA) is a licensed, registered non-profit association. The Dalhousie Out of School Care (DOSC) Program is operated by the DCA as a service to families who live and/or interact within our community. The DOSC Program prides itself on providing high quality childcare services and is committed to providing a rich variety of activities in a safe and healthy environment for your children.

Licensing and Accreditation

The DOSC Program is licensed and meets all Government Regulations in the areas of Health, Safety and Care.

Accreditation represents a standard of excellence in childcare which exceeds licensing requirements. By voluntarily undertaking this rigorous process childcare programs commit to establishing and maintaining a high standard of care. Childcare programs are granted accreditation status by the province of Alberta once they have worked through a prescribed and rigorous process and successfully demonstrated that they are able to provide a quality of programming and level of care in keeping with the government of Alberta accreditation standards.

Our Philosophy

The Dalhousie Out of School Care Program is committed to providing a safe, caring, healthy environment for children. We support the developmental needs of children by providing a balanced program of planned activities together with free play and exploration designed to promote social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth and creativity.

The DOSC Program has an open-door policy and encourages parent participation. We foster an attitude of mutual respect, open communication and support between staff, children and families.

The DOSC Program encourage staff members to work effectively as a team and to continually update their skills and knowledge through formal and informal staff development.

The DOSC Program values diversity. We believe that every child is unique and is entitled to the opportunity to develop personal responsibility and social skills, to learn to problem solve, and to learn about other races and cultures.

The DOSC Program aims to develop and maintain strong links with the local community by participating in community events, utilizing available community resources, and engaging in community-based service projects.

Our Staff

The Dalhousie Out of School Care program is committed to hiring childcare leaders who have a passion for working with children and who are committed to excellence in childcare. Our staff members come from diverse backgrounds and blend childcare experience with their unique talents and personal interests to provide a rich and diverse program.

In accordance with Provincial Licensing Regulations, all staff members must be certified through the Child Development Branch of Alberta Children and Youth Services. They are also required to hold a valid First Aid Certificate and must acquire and maintain a current Police Information and Vulnerable Sector Check.

Our staff members come from a variety of educational backgrounds and many of them hold degrees in education or related fields of study. The DOSC Program supports staff development and encourages its staff members to take advantage of workshops, seminars and other professional development opportunities on a regular basis.