Daycare pickup and dropoff in Coquitlam involves timing, logistics, and communication patterns that families need to understand before enrollment. This guide covers hours, pickup timing policies, who can pick up, and how Smiling Kids manages the daily transition. Call 604-600-4393. Daycare Coquitlam guide.
For information on BC childcare subsidies and licensed daycare regulations, visit the Government of BC Childcare Resources. Smiling Kids Childcare Centre is a licensed childcare facility meeting all BC childcare regulations.
Smiling Kids Operating Hours — Coquitlam
Smiling Kids Childcare Centre operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We are closed on BC statutory holidays. No extended hours are offered beyond 6 PM — this is firm to protect our educators’ work-life balance, which directly supports educator retention and quality.
Morning Dropoff — What Happens
Morning dropoff at Smiling Kids typically takes 5-10 minutes:
- Arrive at your regular time (most families establish a consistent dropoff time within the first 2-3 weeks of settling-in)
- Your primary educator receives your child and any daily update you have (overnight sleep, feeding notes, medication if applicable)
- Your child’s daily report is initialized
- You say goodbye using the language your family established during settling-in
During settling-in (first 2-3 weeks): dropoff involves a longer stay with gradual reduction of parental presence. Post settling-in: most families complete dropoff in 5 minutes. Brief, consistent goodbyes are developmentally better than extended farewell rituals — we can advise you on the optimal goodbye approach for your child’s temperament. First day at daycare — what to expect.
Afternoon Pickup — Policies and Timing
- Last pickup: 6:00 PM — we appreciate on-time pickup. Consistent late pickups are noted and discussed with families.
- Authorized pickups: Only people listed on your authorized pickup list can collect your child. Photo ID is required for anyone unfamiliar to our educators. This is a safety policy we enforce without exception.
- Pickup communication: If you will be late or someone different is picking up, call us at 604-600-4393 before your child’s usual pickup time — we need prior notice for any authorized-pickup variation.
- Sick child pickup: If your child develops symptoms during the day (fever ≥38°C, vomiting, etc.), we call you immediately and require pickup within 30-60 minutes. Someone on your emergency contact list must be reachable during the day.
Typical Coquitlam Daycare Hours Comparison
Most licensed Coquitlam daycares operate 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (some as late as 6:30 PM). For families needing before-7 AM care: licensed home daycare (family childcare) occasionally offers flexible hours — search ChildCareBC.ca for family daycare options. For after-6 PM: a nanny or family member is typically required to supplement licensed group care. Part-time options Coquitlam.
