MakerKids Leaside FAQ
Check out our MakerKids Program FAQs. If you have any questions you can email us at [email protected] or call us at 416-486-6257
Where can I log into my account online?
Camps & Programs: Log into our Pike13 registration account here.
What ages are your programs for?
We have beginners and advanced programs for grades 1-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6-8.
How do the payments work for Weekly Programs?
Our membership plan features more flexible learning. You pay a monthly subscription fee and can cancel at any time. Join us for a few months or join us year-round – even throughout the summer. Because of our project-based approach, kids can join in at any time.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes! If you refer someone, let us know and both of you will earn $25 towards a future program.
Do you have any programs for adults?
Not currently.
Do kids need to have previous experience in using certain programs or having specific skills before they attend one of your programs?
No previous experience is required for most of our classes – just a desire to make things! Our instructors will show your kids how to use any programs or materials safely, and foster lifetime skills with technology.
How do I know if this program is right for my child?
We run trial classes throughout the year. This is a great way for you and your child to get a taste of MakerKids before committing to a program or camp. You can always meet with us anytime to discuss our program, tour our makerspace and ask questions.
If your child is interested in one of our advanced coding classes that use text-based language, we recommend that you email [email protected] and set up a 1h introductory class with us.
How many kids are in a class?
We have 3 classrooms at our maker space. We will always have at least 1 instructor for every 8 kids.
Virtually, our classrooms can have up to 6 kids per instructor.
Do I have to stay with my child during the program?
No. We encourage kids to learn on their own and with their peers. All our programs are child-centric and project-based.
Am I allowed to stay with my child?
We generally do not allow parents to stay with their children during the programs. If you want to stay with your child during the program to help accommodate a disability, you must request this by email in advance ([email protected]). We welcome parents to come 10 minutes early to pick up their child depending on class size so that they’re able to see what they’ve been working on.
When do I arrive?
Please arrive a few minutes early to sign in. Parents and guardians are responsible for their children outside of class. MakerKids is open 15 minutes before and after class. Parents are responsible for escorting their children inside MakerKids and outside the facility. We cannot monitor kids over 15 minutes outside of class and do not take responsibility for the actions outside of our stated class times. There is a late pick-up fee of $2/minute if you are late over 15 minutes past the end of class.
Do you have discounts?
Yes! Please note that you can only use one discount code per purchase. Discount codes must be used at the time of purchase and cannot be applied retroactively.
- Sibling: Use “SIBLING” to get 5% off entry when registering multiple siblings.
- Don’t forget about our referral program! When your friend enters your name at registration, both of you will earn $25 towards a future program.
Keep an eye on our newsletter for promotions and sales!
Do you have any subsidies or payment plans?
We currently do not have any subsidies or payment plans. We are able to assist in any 3rd party applications.
Holidays and Closures:
Parents/guardians are responsible for checking holidays for closures. We will send an email and post on social media regarding closures.
There will be no classes running on:
New Year’s Day
Ontario Family Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Victoria Day
Canada Day
Civic Holiday
Labour Day
Thanksgiving
Remembrance Day
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
Do I have to register in advance for any program?
Yes. We recommend registering as early as possible as space is limited.
What should I bring? Do I need to bring a laptop?
For in-person classes, we provide all laptops, materials and supplies for our programs. Just bring yourself, some nut-free snacks and water (and lunch if it is a full-day program)! If your program is taking place in the winter, please ensure your child brings indoor shoes.
Virtual programming requires you to have a working computer (tablets are not compatible) and a Minecraft Java account for any Minecraft classes
Is there an outdoor component to summer camps? Do kids just work on the computers?
Yes, the kids get to play outdoors at a nearby family-friendly park during full day programs, like PA days and camps. All our programs integrate time for offscreen games, activities and working with others. Kids will design and brainstorm together, as well as test each other’s inventions on and off screen. We have a strong emphasis on soft skills, not only technical skills. We have stretch breaks and eye breaks to encourage kids to have good screen hygiene. Kids will leave with well-rounded skills and experiences that they can carry with them throughout their lives.
What is your approach towards making?
Our approach is to encourage creativity and empower kids with their own ideas for projects. We encourage all kids to participate in our programs and we don’t push towards certain activities based on gender or stereotype – it’s up to the child what they want to explore and learn about! We also like to encourage children in making their own decisions and to learn by doing, while we act as mentors instead of doing things for them.
What safety measures do you have in place?
We are nut-free and have safety procedures and training for kids on how to use materials like laptops and Arduinos safely. Our instructors are also well-trained, police-checked, and reference-checked. For camps, we have at least one staff member on site that is First Aid trained. We are a scent-free space. All kids must have up to date immunizations to participate. If you have any questions about this, please contact us.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
CANCELLATIONS:
Your membership renews each month automatically. If you are away for an extended period (ex: over a month), you can put your membership on hold. If you wish to cancel your membership, we require you to email [email protected] with at least 3 business days’ notice prior to your renewal (billing) date.
Your class may be cancelled if too few people register. A decision will be made a few days before the class is scheduled to run, and you will be notified of the cancellation. We will attempt to reschedule any classes cancelled, but if we are unable to reschedule or you are unable to make the newly scheduled class you will have the option of your registration being turned into a MakerKids credit, or receiving a refund in full.
REFUNDS:
Weekly Programs: If you decide to cancel your membership, we require at least 3 business days notice prior to your billing date. We cannot offer a refund nor credit for any unused classes. Instead we recommend attending all remaining classes that have been paid for or schedule make up classes.
Camps: In the case of summer camps, no refunds are allowed past June 15 (2 weeks before camps begin). After that point refunds are contingent upon MakerKids being able to fill the seat. No refunds whatsoever are offered for same-day cancellations. To request a refund for a class, please email [email protected]
Where are you located? Where are my transportation or parking options for coming here?
We’re located at 1661 Bayview Ave, at Bayview and Fleming.. The space is close to public transit and schools, which is great for families who are sending kids on their own. There is convenient access from the Don Valley parkway.
What do I do if my child can’t make a class?
The best way for your child to get the most out of their time at MakerKids is to attend in their regularly scheduled time slot. It’s important for kids to build a community with their classmates, a positive relationship with their instructor(s), and get consistent exposure to the technologies they are discovering. We understand though that perfect attendance isn’t always possible.
Subject to availability, each student at MakerKids is allowed two make up classes per monthly billing cycle if a missed class brings them below 4 for that period. To request a make up class, please email [email protected] as far in advance of the class your child is going to miss as early as possible (we require at least 24h notice to be considered).
Make ups can be in any equivalent group class that has space.
For Semi-Privates and Privates, we are able to reschedule the entire class at the availability of all participants and instructors. Alternatively, your child may attend any group class as a make up if there is space available.
If you are going to be away for more than 1 month, we are able to put your membership on hold.
Are you hiring? We are always looking for great instructors. Check out our job postings here.
IMPORTANT: For pickup, please arrive 10-15 minutes before the program end time so you can see what your child has been working on.
Parents are not allowed to sit in on classes, unless previously agreed on. Parents are allowed in at the end of class. If parents would like to stay the duration of the program, they may stay in the lobby.
FORMS (OPTIONAL AND REQUIRED): Please log into your accounts to fill out your Waiver (required), Health Form (required), Self Sign Out Authorization Form (Optional), and Anaphylaxis Plan (required if your child has anaphylactic allergies).
