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MySTEAM Lab Before & After School Program - Parent FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1
When does the program begin?

The program officially launches on September 1, 2025 at Bearspaw Community Centre.

Are you licensed with the province?
Yes, our licensing application is currently in progress. We are moving ahead on schedule for a September launch. In the rare case of a delay, families will be informed promptly to avoid inconvenience.
2
Who is this program for?
We are currently accepting Kindergarten to Grade 6 students. We are not offering preschool in our initial phase due to high demand for school-age care. This step-by-step rollout ensures quality and capacity management.
3
Program Hours:
  • KG (Group A) - 7:00 AM – 8:20 AM, 11:10AM - 6:00 PM
  • KG (Group B) - 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:55 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Grade 1 & above (Full Daycare) - 7:00 AM – 8:20 AM, 2:55 PM - 6:00 PM
  • After-School Care - 2:55 PM – 6:00 PM
We will ensure the program schedule is well-aligned with the Bearspaw school and adjust if necessary.
4
What’s included in the daily schedule?
Our well-balanced daily routine includes:
  • Morning mindfulness and STEAM provocations
  • Afternoon snack and outdoor time
  • Homework support and reading circles
  • "Tech Tuesdays," "Maker Mondays," "Think-it Thursdays," and other rotating themed sessions
  • Enrichment activities in art, science experiments, robotics, nature journaling, and more
5
Why STEAM and not just STEM?
We incorporate the Arts into STEM because creativity and imagination fuel innovation. Our program encourages hands-on, play-based learning across Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) for holistic child development.
6
What makes your STEAM program unique?
Our educators bring a rich blend of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Emergent Curriculum philosophies. Each child receives personalized attention in age-based cohorts, with a holistic focus on curiosity, collaboration, and creativity.
7
Is outdoor play part of the day?
Yes! Outdoor exploration is a daily highlight. Bearspaw school has generously offered access to their fully-equipped playground designed for ages 5–12.
8
Will there be separate age-based cohorts?
Absolutely. Our program is intentionally divided into age-specific cohorts for focused learning and optimal engagement.
9
Will snacks be provided?
Yes, nut-free snacks will be served each afternoon. Children should bring their own lunch and water bottle.
10
What is the rate structure?
We offer competitive, community-conscious pricing:

Program Type 

Monthly Fee 

Includes 

Kindergarten (KG) Full-Time

$720 (without GOA Affordability funding) 

 

AM + PM, safe daily escort to and from Bearspaw School, PD Day coverage, access to discounted summer camps and more 

Kindergarten (KG) Part-Time 

$500 (without GOA Affordability funding

Part-time (AM or PM), safe daily escort to and from Bearspaw School, PD Day coverage, access to discounted summer camps and more 

Grade 1+ Full-Time 

$610

Full-time (Before & After School Care), safe daily escort to and from Bearspaw School, PD Day coverage, access to discounted summer camps and more

Grade 1+ Part-Time

$450 

Part-time  (Flexible schedule – Morning or Afternoon), safe daily escort to and from Bearspaw School, PD Day coverage, access to discounted summer camps 

Note: If your family is eligible for GOA Child Care Subsidy and Affordability Grant, your out of-pocket costs may be significantly reduced. If not eligible, parents are responsible for the full fee.

  • Important Note: GOA Funding Status for New KG Programs

On May 15, 2025, the Ministry of Children’s Services announced that newly licensed child care programs may not be eligible for the Government of Alberta (GOA) affordability grant funding, due to the province nearing its cap on supported spaces.

This sudden announcement has created significant uncertainty for newly launched programs like ours, and for families who were relying on the funding to make Kindergarten more affordable.

If the GOA funding is not approved for our new program, we have worked closely with the Bearspaw Council to establish a sustainable, community-supported KG fee — still below comparable programs elsewhere. We are committed to meeting families where they are, while delivering a reliable, quality, and affordable solution for childcare needs—centered around STEAM learning, play, and community connection.

Should the GOA successfully renegotiate or extend the affordability funding for new programs in fall, the regulated fee will remain without disruption.

11
How do I secure a spot for my child?
Once online registration is live (anytime beforeMay 31, 2025), you will:
  • Complete the form.
  • Receive confirmation and next steps from our admin.
12
Why should I register early?
  • Spaces are limited due to licensing ratios.
  • Early registrations help us advocate for expedited GOA licensing.
  • Families securing spots early will receive priority for tours and onboarding.
13
Can I give notice to my current childcare provider?

 Please review your current provider’s termination policy. If it’s 30 days, we recommend giving notice by July 31. If it’s 60 days, notify us and we will work together to coordinate accordingly.

14
What is your Termination Policy?
Given that this is a collective community effort, we ask for a minimum of 60 days’ written notice before start date or withdrawal. This ensures smooth transitions and proper planning for all families.
15
Are you open during the summer?

Our program begins this Fall. Future summer programming will be considered in collaboration with enrolled families.

16
Do you offer transportation?

Not required, our educators escort children safely to and from Bearspaw School daily using a safe and designated pathway.

17
Will there be a parent handbook?
Yes, we are finalizing it and it will be shared in the coming weeks before the Open House.
18
Can I meet the staff and tour the space?
  • Meet our team: at our Mid-June Open House (invite coming soon!)
  • Tour the space: The site is currently leased to another tenant until mid-July. The program will be fully set up and a full tour will be available by July 31st or early August.
19
What about consents and medical info?
After your online registration is submitted, our admin will contact you to complete all GOA-required documents closer to the start date, including:
  • Medical forms
  • Emergency contacts
  • Consent acknowledgements
20
How do I stay informed?
Once you register interest, you’ll be added to our parent distribution list to receive:
  • Program updates
  • Open House invitations
  • Licensing progress notifications
21
Still have questions?
We’re here to help! Contact us anytime by email. Our phone line is being set up and will be shared shortly.
  • Program updates
  • Open House invitations
  • Licensing progress notifications
22

We thank you for your interest and can’t wait to welcome your child into our vibrant MySTEAM community!

Team, MYSTEAM LAB
Bearspaw Community Centre