Happy Lunar New Year!
Welcome to a year for prosperity and joyful application! The pig has arrived, with chubby cheeks, a ready smile, and a twinkle in his eye. He inspires us to dig in, and work hard for what we want, and to help out when the going gets tough.
The close of 2018 means reconciling accounts, and filing reports, so this month, we're preparing tax summaries for childcare fees. The goal is to have them all out by Feb. 15, so please get in touch if you don't see yours in the next week or so.
On the subject of taxes, we've also been fielding enquiries about childcare subsidies. Since 2011, when we opened, we've been telling families what the government has told us: that subsidy doesn't apply to occasional care.
"Why not?" people ask. Great question!
FOR 2019, WE WANT TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
If you are eligible for the new BC childcare benefits, and reduced fee subsidy, please send us the forms so we can show the Ministry of Children and Families that flexible care should be considered.
Premier Horgan identified "flexible care" in his commitment to improving childcare in BC. The Childcare Advocates recognize the need to expand care for non-standard hours, and diverse needs. Buddings is meeting those needs, and we know families want the benefits to apply. So let's ask them!
When toddlers are joining programs, getting involved, and learning new things, their readiness for preschool, and life, grows with them! Tomorrow, at Storybook Buddings, we're pleased to host the kickoff event for our 2019 Get Ready for Big Kids Club campaign. It starts with physical readiness, and at Buddings, that starts with a song. Join Sarah, Ehlssie, and the Big Kids for an info session about getting off on the right foot.
Details below. Read on!
Talia
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Info Night: Get ready for Big Kids Club
Feb. 8, 6:30 - 8pm @ Storybook
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In 2019, we're launching our original, diverse, flexible afternoon program out on its own, with a new website home, and logo (coming soon!), and a 9-month readiness program of events for families of two year olds: Get Ready for Big Kids Club!
Maybe you've heard us talk about our teachers presenting learning opportunities for Big Kids of all ages, but what is Big Kids Club? Is it for you?
Join us tomorrow for the kick-off at 1438 Cedar Cottage Mews, to find out!
Toddlers become preschoolers through a series of developmental stages, and their readiness for structured programming corresponds with:
- their physical readiness in their bodies, including potty training
- communicative readiness in their language
- emotional readiness for social learning
It's a process, and with over 1,000 kids making that journey in our centres, we're excited to share our experience with you!
Of course the event is family friendly, absolutely free, and open to anyone with a two-year old, or questions about two-year olds. The structure will include a short video series, facilitated discussions, and pop corn!
View the Facebook event, and definitely, please share to any parent groups you know. When looking for answers, the more heads, the better!
PLEASE NOTE: The parkade at King Edward Village is undergoing some maintenance, and the route is a bit tricky. The work is slated to be done next week, but if you're heading in for the info session, feel free to park streetside.
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Childcare Subsidy Application
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The new BC childcare subsidy program and tax benefit is a big relief to families paying more than $1300/mo. for care, especially when the annual family income is less than $110,000... At least it should be.
The government website has a handy calculator to estimate how much you could be receiving back if your child attends a licensed group care. Up to $212 for a toddler, and $125 for a preschooler attending part-time. So why doesn't Buddings qualify?
It seems the government doesn't know, or want to know, how to manage flexible care schedules. Despite the premier's promises last year to work on the problem, and our willingness to help, despite meetings last summer between Buddings and the Ministry of Children and Families, and the Childcare Minister, Katrina Chen (contact her here), we are still waiting for action. View the CBC news call-out from last April.
So let's push.
If your family is eligible for subsidy or tax benefits (use the calculator to find out how much), please email Talia for the daycare provider form. Let's demonstrate how many families would be affected by government attention to this issue.
By sending in all the forms!
DISCLAIMER: At this time, Buddings families are not eligible for childcare subsidy or tax benefits, regardless of annual income. We cannot guarantee any response, or change to public policy, at this time.
However, all childcare fees are tax deductible, and your 2018 summary will be in your inbox soon.
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Click here for a complete list of all of our Big Kids Club winter field trips, and find some upcoming highlights below:
 This Friday, 6:30 - 8pm - Big Kids Club info night at Storybook. Bring your potty training questions, and preschool readiness. Settle in for a Q + A with Buddings teachers and families! Tickets still available.
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Buddings Broadway
Thursday, Feb. 7, 1 - 4pm - Worlds collide when Tomomi brings the Broadway kids for a Big Kids Club mashup, to Storybook Buddings!
Monday, Feb. 11, 1 - 4pm - Kez takes the Super Naturals to Queen Elizabeth Park
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 1 - 4pm - Ayumi's Japanes Stories class heads to Granville Island for an afternoon in the sun... hopefully ;)
Feb. 16 - 18 - Closed for Family Day at both locations. See you Tuesday!
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Storybook Buddings
Friday, Feb. 8, 1 - 4pm - Ayumi's French culture class visits Batard Bakery at Fraser and 23rd
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 1 - 4pm - It's a trip to the Vancouver General Hospital, with Ehlssie, to visit the Everyday Heroes hard at work there
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 11am - Storytime at the Kensington branch of the Vancouver Public Library
Monday Feb. 18 - Closed for Family Day.
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It's still a few weeks out, but our spring clothing swap is coming up, on Sunday Mar. 10, at Storybook, from 11am - 1pm. If you've never been to one of our swaps, save the date, and start sorting. See you then.
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