Family Information

applying for childcare: how to find us

  • Visit the Thunder Bay DSSAB OneList website.

  • Create a parent/guardian account.

  • Add your child’s information including age and preferred start date.

  • Search for “Sleeping Giant Child Care Services.”

  • Select our centre and choose the program(s) you would like to apply for.

  • Submit your application to join our waitlist.

  • Ensure your contact information stays updated within OneList so we can reach you when space becomes available.

  • Once a space becomes available, our administration team will contact you directly regarding next steps and enrolment.

We encourage families to apply as early as possible, as waitlists can vary throughout the year.

APPLY TO OUR WAITLIST

When enrolled:

  • first day visit

    Your first visit with us will be approximately one hour. During this visit, families are invited into the centre to meet our educators, tour the classroom environments, and become familiar with our daily routines and spaces. This is also a time for us to review enrolment forms and complete any remaining documentation together. We encourage families to ask questions and share information that will help support a smooth transition for their child.

    Visits are offered at no charge to families.

  • Second day visit

    The second visit will be approximately a 3/4 day transition. During this visit, your child and family will begin experiencing our daily routines alongside their educators that they met during the first visit. Your child will spend time participating in our morning routine, outdoor play, lunch time, rest time, and classroom experiences before an early pick-up.

    Visits are offered at no charge to families.

  • Your childs first day

    By your child’s official start date, they will be fully enrolled within our centre community. A personalized space will be prepared for them, including their locker/cubby area, bathrooming supplies, and belongings storage to help them feel comfortable and at home.

    Our centre hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Families may drop off and pick up within these hours according to their enrolled schedule and care days.

Family handbook

By clicking below, you will find our Family Handbook — a helpful guide created to support you throughout your journey with Sleeping Giant Child Care Services. Inside, you will find important information about our programs, daily routines, policies, health and safety practices, and what to expect as part of our centre community. We encourage families to take some time to review the handbook and reach out anytime with questions. We are so excited to welcome your family into our caring and supportive environment.

SGCCS FAMILY HANDBOOK

newsletter: coming soon

Our Sleeping Giant Child Care Services Newsletter is coming soon! This will be a special way for families to stay connected with what is happening throughout our centre community. From classroom highlights and special events to important reminders, learning moments, and upcoming activities, our newsletter will help keep families informed and involved in their child’s early learning journey. We cannot wait to share all the exciting things happening within our centre!

“follow the child, they will show you what they need to do, what they need to develop in themselves, and what area they need to be challenged in.”

- Maria Montessori

FAQs

  • Waitlist timelines can vary depending on your child’s age group, requested schedule, and current enrolment availability. While we cannot guarantee placement dates, we encourage families to apply as early as possible.

  • Yes! When a space becomes available that matches your child’s age and requested schedule, our administration team will contact families directly using the information provided through OneList.

  • Families remain on our waitlist unless they request to be removed or are no longer requiring care. We do encourage families to keep their contact information and care needs updated through the DSSAB OneList system to ensure we can reach you when space becomes available.

  • Not all of our educators are Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs); however, we have a team of qualified and experienced childcare professionals who are passionate about early learning and child development. All staff complete required training and professional development opportunities. Many of our educators are completing RECE qualifications through fast-track programs, while others bring valuable education and experience from related fields and diplomas that are equally important within the childcare environment.

  • Yes! We work closely with several community resources and support services within Thunder Bay, including Children’s Centre Thunder Bay and other local agencies. These partnerships help us support children and families through developmental resources, additional supports, referrals, and collaborative care when needed.

  • Yes! We do offer part-time care options based on current availability within our programs. Part-time schedules can vary depending on the needs of families and space within each age group.

    At this time, we are also looking at transitioning into full-time care only beginning September 2026. We will continue to share updates with families as plans are confirmed and availability changes.

    We encourage families to include their preferred schedule when applying through the DSSAB OneList system. Our administration team will work closely with families to explore what options may be available at the time of enrolment.