The Centre de la Petite Enfance de McGill (McGill Childcare Centre) is a non-profit corporation holding permits from the City of Montreal and the Ministère de la Famille et de l'Enfance. The McGill Childcare Centre has been in operation since March 13, 1973 and offers child care services to full-time McGill students, faculty and staff.

There are a total of 106 children in the community, ranging in age from four months to five years. An elected Board of Directors composed of 7 parents, 1 community representative and 1 staff member governs the McGill Daycare.

The philosophy of McGill Daycare is to place emphasis on social/emotional development in order to enhance in each child a positive self-concept and high self esteem and to provide the best opportunity for each child to grow to his/her fullest potential.

Staff

The Staff of the Daycare consists of:

• 20 full-time, qualified educators
• 2 part-time assistant educators (3:00 – 5:00)
• 1 part-time support staff from the West Island Re-adaptation Centre
• 1 part-time specialized educator (educatrice specialisée)

Administrators

The centre is administered by:

• Executive Director: Lisa Gallagher
• Assistant Director: Diana Tosi

The educators are qualified in the field of Early Childhood Education and Development. They are experienced in working with young children and their families. They are professional, committed and passionate about the work that they do. First Aid Certification and police screening are renewed every 3 years in accordance with government regulations. The educators are responsible for the preparation of an engaging, well-balanced program of activities that is developmentally appropriate and is derived from the interests of the children.

Parental Involvement

Parents play an important role in the McGill Childcare Community. Parents are central to the success of our program through direct participation, such as accompanying us on outings, attending special events and assisting with classroom projects. Participation that is not directly related to the children includes participation on various committees such as House Committee, Fundraising Committee and Staff Appreciation Committee.

Parents are responsible for the governance of the Centre through participation on the Board of Directors.

Administration

The Board of Directors is the legal governing body of the Centre. It is made up of 7 parents, 1 staff member and 1 community representative elected by the general assembly for a two-year mandate. The Executive Director attends all board meetings. The Assistant Director is invited and encouraged to attend all meetings as well, but participation is not mandatory.

The Board of directors has established several standing committees:

• The House Committee is responsible for minor repairs of play equipment and the upkeep of facilities.
• The Research Committee is responsible for reviewing requests for research projects related to the Centre.
• The Fundraising Committee is responsible for organizing activities to raise funds allocated toward the purchase of much needed program materials and equipment and required to complete renovations.
• The Staff Appreciation Committee is responsible for planning and implementing annual activities that demonstrate recognition and appreciation for the work that is done by the staff. Quebec’s official Teacher Appreciation Week for preschool and elementary teachers is held the first full week of February each year.
• The Health, Safety and Nutrition Committee is responsible for making policy recommendations to the board with respect to these specific areas of operation.
• The Evaluation Committee for the annual performance review of the ED.
• Ad Hoc Committees are set up by the Board of Directors to work on specific issues that may arise