Why We Are Unique
Schoolhouse Playcare Centre has three facilities in Thunder Bay - two in the Southward and one in the Northward. We are an inclusive Early Learning and Care Centre with a full time Resource Teacher who travels between all of our locations.
Our Northward location is situated in a school setting which allows partnerships to develop with the Educators and teaching staff to better meet the school age children’s needs. Our Kindergarten program and the school’s JK program have adjoining classrooms to provide a seamless day. We have regular meetings with the JK and SK teachers to collaborate our curriculum. We share all facilities including the gymnasium, library, computer lab and the newly developed playground. The playground provides adventure for children to explore and enjoy nature in its natural state. With rolling hills, trees, grassy areas, outdoor classroom, climbing wall and much more, it is truly an amazing experience for all the children who attend our program.
Our Southward site on Grey St. is in a beautiful building situated in a quiet residential area. Across the street is a new senior’s complex that we have an intergenerational program with. On a regular basis we do activities together that include a choir for Christmas, art activities, baking, reading stories, sharing special occasions together and much more. The playground at this location recently underwent a transformation and now the children enjoy a more beautiful, green space to play in.
Our Southward Site in St. Martin School is our newest location. We opened our doors on September 2nd, 2008. St. Martin is a newer school with beautiful facilities which we have access to. The facilities include a gymnasium with a stage, community kitchen, a huge library with windows all around, computer lab and much more. We are on the second floor of the school in a space that is dedicated to Before and After school children. We have now added a Nursery School Programme for 2.5 - 5 year olds operating Monday - Friday mornings, and next our hope is to offer a full day Early Childhood Development Centre for children 18 months to 12 years of age.
Implementing the Reggio Emilia approach produces a feeling of belonging in a world that is alive, welcoming and authentic for children and adults alike.
To foster each child’s uniqueness we celebrate “Child of the Week” on a weekly basis. This will allow them to have an opportunity to choose their favorite food, share family photos and to feel special.
We have incorporated the Tribes Learning Community into our curriculum. The outcome of the Tribes process is to develop a positive environment that promotes human growth and learning .We offer ongoing workshops and in-services for parents and staff.
We have family celebrations throughout the year and we invite everyone to join us for these. We take many field trips and excursions, and invite
people in the community into our programs to share their knowledge and talents. We have a "recyclable centre" at our St. James and Grey Street locations.
Other programs we offer throughout the year are Music, Drama, French Circle time, Creative Movement and dance, gymnastics, sewing club, summer program and much more.