Daycare and Child Custody — Pickup Authorization, Separation & Court Orders | Daisy Days

Separation and divorce are difficult for every family — and navigating childcare logistics during custody transitions adds another layer of complexity. At Daisy Days Daycare in Regina SK, we work with many families across a range of custody arrangements. Here’s what you need to know about how licensed daycare in Saskatchewan handles custody, pickup authorization, and parental access.

Pickup Authorization: The Foundation

Every child enrolled at a licensed daycare in Saskatchewan has a designated list of people authorized to pick them up. At Daisy Days Daycare in Regina SK, this list is established at enrollment and can be updated in writing by the enrolling parent(s).

Who can be on the authorized pickup list:

• Parents (biological, adoptive, or legal guardians)
• Grandparents, adult siblings, or other family members
• Trusted friends, caregivers, or neighbours designated by the parent

All individuals picking up a child must: be on the authorized list, present valid government photo ID on request, and be approved by a parent in advance. We will not release a child to anyone not on the authorized list, regardless of their claimed relationship to the child.

Separated Parents: The Default Position

In Saskatchewan, both biological or legal parents generally have equal rights to access and pick up their child from a licensed daycare unless a court order specifically restricts this. Licensed daycares cannot unilaterally decide which parent can or cannot access their child — this is a family law matter.

Without a court order: Daisy Days Daycare cannot legally refuse pickup by either biological or legal parent, even if one parent asks us to deny the other.

With a court order: If a court order, restraining order, or protection order specifies that a parent’s access is restricted, we require a copy of that order on file. With valid court documentation, we will follow its terms regarding pickup access.

What Separated Families Should Provide to Daisy Days Daycare

• Copy of any custody agreement that specifies access arrangements (which parent has custody on which days, pickup schedules, etc.)
• Copy of any court order restricting a parent’s pickup access
• Copy of any restraining order naming a specific parent or third party
• Emergency contact protocol: Who to call first in each custody arrangement? Who has authority to make medical decisions?
• Written authorization updates: When custody arrangements change formally, update us in writing as soon as possible

Practical Tips for Families Navigating Custody and Daycare

• Both parents should meet the educators: Familiar faces are safer. If the other parent is a legitimate pickup person, having them visit the centre so educators recognize them reduces confusion and conflict at pickup.
• Keep documentation current: Court orders change. Update Daisy Days Daycare whenever any court documentation affecting your child changes.
• Communicate schedule changes in advance: If custody schedule changes which parent is doing pickup on a given day, let us know that morning in writing (email or the communication app).
• Focus on the child: Custody conflicts are genuinely painful. At Daisy Days Daycare, our educators focus on your child’s stability and wellbeing. We are not mediators and will not be drawn into custody disputes — but we will follow court orders.

Conflict at Pickup: Our Protocol

If there is a conflict at pickup — a parent arriving who is not authorized, a dispute between parents, or a situation that causes concern — Daisy Days Daycare will first prioritize the safety of the child. We may contact local authorities if we believe a child is at risk. We will contact the primary emergency contact. We will not release the child into a situation where their safety is uncertain.

If you are concerned about a custody conflict at pickup, contact Daisy Days Daycare in advance so we can review your documentation and prepare our team.

Contact Daisy Days Daycare to discuss custody documentation or pickup authorization.
306-807-3233 | info@daisydaysdaycare.com | 2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina SK S4V 2E5