Frequently Asked Questions
As modern parents, we know the importance of finding an early learning environment that resonates with your parenting style. To find a space that aligns with your intention as a parent is a task that is no small feat.
Our goal is to provide your family with as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision about the Blüm approach and if it is the right fit for your family.
Yes, Blüm Childcare Academy is open all year
As a licensed facility governed by Alberta Children’s Services, we follow the legislated ratios: 1:4 for Infants, 1:6 for Jr Preschool, 1:8 for Prechool and 1:10 for Jr Kindergarten
As a licensed facility governed by Alberta Health Services, we follow the legislative requirements, meaning any students with symptoms conducive to a communicable diseases (a persistent cough, fever, runny nose for more then 3 consecutive days, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.) is unable to attend or remain at the Academy until the symptoms have subsided
All of our classrooms follow a carefully designed daily routine, where Educator-led experiences guide the student-led outcomes. Our students participate in daily visual arts experience, Montessori learning time, social family-style meal service, and a rest period
Families are informed of the day through a daily report, and a Student Learning Journey is shared twice a year which details progress made on developmental milestones and Montessori practical life skills
The students at Blüm participate in outdoor learning every single day, weather permitting, for at least one hour.
Our Junior Kindergarten classroom is specifically designed to provide the necessary learning and Montessori practical life skills needed to thrive in school
As Blüm welcomes students from 12 months old, the Montessori-based toilet learning strategy is implemented and utilized to provide the support and materials needed. Our Educators work closely with registered families to support the transition from diaper to toilet
The Academy observes a daily rest period where all students are encouraged to calm their minds and have a daily nap. Older students who have dropped their nap are engaged in other mindful and quiet experiences during this time.
The only approved and research-backed method that is used at Blüm is redirection. Redirection is used to promote desirable behaviour, prevent injury, and promote learning and exploration.
Once your family has joined the Formal Waitlist, you will be informed at least two months prior to your requested start date if enrolment will be offered.
Our Academy follows a research-backed approach to transition, allowing families to accompany their child in their designated classroom one week before a confirmed first-day.
Please reach out to the specific campus to request the current tuition structure.
Our organization has signed on to the Canada-Alberta affordability agreement, which means that registered families benefit from the automatic Federal Affordability Grant and can choose to apply for the income-based Provincial Subsidy.
We believe that enrichment programs like music and movement, language classes, and special guest Educators are not considered ‘extra’, but instead compliment and enhance the scheduled programming. As such, our co-curricular offering has no extra cost to registered families.
The propriety program at Blüm is designed for a full-time, all-year enrolment and as such, part-time or half-day registration is not possible.
Blüm is proud to offer a menu to all registered students that is based on European standards of childcare. The meals feature whole foods and non-processed ingredients, and don’t feature food dyes. Prepackaged foods are never served to students.
Blüm is proud to offer freshly prepared nutritious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon refreshments.
The menu is updated every quarter, and features items like Wild Rice Bone Broth Soup, Mexican Rice Bowls with Sour Cream, or German Milchreis (cinnamon rice pudding).
This information is always included in the daily report.
We do not operate a nut-free facility. We serve Peanut Butter and use Almond Milk in many meals.
The kitchen at the Academy is happy to offer Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, or Vegetarian options for our registered students.
Everyone on the Blüm Team (Educators, Operations, Support, or Leadership) goes through a rigorous recruitment process which includes thorough vetting and requires an individual certification from the Government of Alberta. Apart from legislative requirements, our team is proud to hold a lot of additional certifications which can be found here.
We also encourage families to speak with our Educators as much as possible, and use whatever method is best suited. You can always email the campus, and speak at pick up or drop off, or schedule a meeting to discuss anything more.
Every single team member at any of our campus, including primary full-time Educators, support personnel, and even any type of volunteers, must request and present a current Police Clearance Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
As a licenced facility, the legislative requirement is to ensure that at least half of all Educators hold CPR training, but at Blüm, every single team member holds valid and current First Aid and CPR training.
Our curriculum includes educational trips that enrich the learning theme, and frequent visits to the community.
We always invite Blüm parents to join our classrooms to volunteer and enrich our student experience more.
There is a family-led and volunteer-run Family Advisory Board which
Anyone who enters in a Blüm Childcare Academy immediately comments on the calm, natural, and soothing environment, which is an intentional result of carefully curated materials, furniture and fixtures. The world renowned Montessori classrooms shine in our inner-city campus locations.
