These are the questions families ask most about our daily rhythm, how we approach learning, our pets, and the ways we help children feel happy, healthy, and curious.
1. Is Sorrel & Cedar a licensed child care program?
Yes. Our home child care is fully licensed through the Region of Waterloo. This ensures we meet provincial standards for health, safety, and quality of care. Being licensed also allows us to participate in the CWELCC, making care more affordable and accessible for families.
2. What age groups do you care for?
We welcome children from infants to school age. Our small, mixed-age group allows children to learn from each other while receiving support tailored to their individual developmental stage.
3. What is your approach to learning and play?
Our program is rooted in nature-connected, care-based learning. We focus on the whole child through the Four Foundations: Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression. Play is open-ended, hands-on, and designed to let children follow their interests while building social and emotional skills.
4. Are there animals on site?
Yes! Children have the opportunity to interact safely with our pet chickens and cats. Caring for and observing animals is a hands-on way to explore empathy, responsibility, and the natural world.
5. How do you support children’s well-being?
Children thrive when their needs are met and their environments feel safe. We intentionally support well-being through:
- Nourishing meals and snacks
- Time outdoors every day
- Emotional safety and responsive care
- Predictable routines that reduce stress and support growth
6. What does a typical day look like?
Our days have a calm, predictable rhythm: settling in, play, snacks, and outdoor adventures whenever the weather allows. Children spend their time exploring, creating, and following their curiosity, both inside and outside. I provide attentive, unhurried support, helping them build skills, confidence, and friendships while feeling safe and cared for.
7. Are meals provided?
Yes. We offer vegetarian meals and snacks prepared with attention to nutrition and inclusion. Families can discuss specific dietary needs or allergies with us to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
8. How do you handle inclusion and diversity?
Sorrel & Cedar is dedicated to inclusion, equity, and respect for all children and families. Every child is supported in exploring who they are, their culture, and their interests. We expect all members of our community to engage respectfully and uphold the safety and dignity of everyone. Our commitment to diversity includes recognizing and affirming children of all genders, family structures, and identities.
9. How do you support children’s health and well-being?
At Sorrel & Cedar, we focus on practical ways to keep children healthy while letting them explore and play freely. Our small group size, daily outdoor time, consistent hygiene routines, and seasonal masking during respiratory illness season all help reduce the spread of illness. These practices are part of how we create a safe, caring, and joyful environment every day.
10. How does enrollment work?
Enrollment is fit-based. We take time to ensure each child, family, and our existing group are well supported. Families are welcome to tour, ask questions, and chat about their child’s needs. Because our program is small, spots are limited, and a waitlist may apply. Joining the waitlist is the best way to secure a place when one becomes available.
11. How can I contact you or schedule a visit?
You can reach us via email or text (listed on our Contact page) for questions or to arrange a visit. We respond most reliably this way, and we’re always happy to talk about your child, our program, and whether Sorrel & Cedar is a good fit for your family.
12. Can I apply to work at Sorrel & Cedar?
Sorrel & Cedar is a home child care program lovingly run by me, Tash, so it’s a one-person show! While I’m not hiring, I’m always happy to share ideas or chat about care-based, nature-connected child care.
13. How do you keep families in the loop?
We use Storypark to share updates, photos, and stories about your child’s day. It’s a space where you can see what your child is exploring, comment, and connect with us about their learning and experiences.
Sorrel and Cedar ELC 