CHILDCARE SERVICES AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN PICKERING
At Colwell Nursery School & Kindergarten, we believe that providing the right opportunities for your children to grow and develop during their formative years is the right step. We offer early childcare services and education programs in Pickering; the programs that are structured to actively engage children in the learning process. We build our curriculum around children's needs, interests, and boundless curiosity and combine it with a developmental approach guided by multi-sensory activities. We provide your child with necessary experiences in language, mathematics, science and social studies, physical education and health, as well as the arts. Our programmes range from 2.5 hours per day to 11 hours per day so that your child can meet their unique educational needs. Flexible start times are available to meet your busy schedule. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our childcare services in Pickering or speak with our staff.
Age Groups
We cater to the following age groups:
We create a foundation for learning through fun-filled activities. The growing children in this age group can benefit from our carefully designed social and academic programs. We know that it is worrying about leaving your children alone, which is why we provide a safe and engaging environment that prioritizes their needs.
Give your child an excellent start with our full-time and part-time childcare. Your child will slowly learn how to function in a social environment with their peers and teachers who pay careful attention to their needs. After this program, your child will have the skills necessary to make the most out of their school learning, such as basic math skills.
This program is a good option for working families or if your child is attending another programme elsewhere. At our program, your child will make good use of their time, with diverse activities with children of the same age group. We will keep your child safe, engaged and happy when you entrust us with their care.
Part-time and Full Time
We offer various half-time and full-time programs with a selection of 2, 3 or 5 days a week. You can read more about our programs and childcare services in Pickering below.
Half Day
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM or 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Colwell Nursery School & Kindergarten has been providing the Pickering area with unparalleled early years enrichment since 1988. We offer half-day nursery school and kindergarten programs at both the junior and senior levels, weekday mornings and afternoons, at two and a half hours per programme. Students enrolled in our two-day a week programme attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays, three-day a week students on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and our five-day a week students from Monday to Friday inclusive.
Extended Half Day program
9:00 AM to 1:30 PM or 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Moving from a half-day to a school-day programme can be an intimidating step for some children, and so Colwell offers an extended half-day program, at 4 hours per day as well. Children enrolled in our extended half-day programmes attend a half-day, either in the morning or the afternoon, and our lunch programme.
School Day
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
In response to strong demand, Colwell offers programmes designed to prepare children for the rigorous schedule that they will face in a full-day grade-one classroom in the public system in a safe and supportive environment. Students enrolled in school-day programmes begin at 9:00 AM and are dismissed at 3:00 PM each day, in accordance with ministry regulations. Full-day students attend both our AM and PM half-day programmes and enjoy a nutritious lunch, followed by lunchtime activities during the lunch period.
Full Day
7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Our full-day programmes are designed to provide our working families with the hours that they would expect from daycare while maintaining the structure, routine, enrichment, and curriculum that they would expect from a nursery school/kindergarten. Our full-day students also enjoy outdoor playtime during the day and a rest/nap period following lunch if needed. Lunch, snacks, etc., are all provided!
Lunch Program
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Included with the Extended Half Day, School Day or Full Day program.
Colwell has partnered with Wholesome Kids Catering Inc. in order to offer our families a nutritious, cost-effective lunch programme, available 2, 3, and 5 days a week. Students enjoy hot meals consisting of a variety of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables. Meals are prepared in accordance with the Day Nurseries Act, Metro criteria, and are approved by a registered Dietician. Menus are offered on a four-week seasonal cycle to provide variety and accommodate most allergy requirements and religious/dietary restrictions. Lunch is followed by various planned activities delivered by the Colwell staff.
Note: Hours mentioned for the above programs are subject to be impacted by the following holidays: Labour Day, Thanksgiving, winter break, Family Day, Easter holiday, Victoria Day, Canada Day.
Special Needs
For nearly 45 years, Colwell has been teaching children with speech and language delays, learning difficulties, social difficulties, behaviour difficulties, and adjustment difficulties. At Colwell, we believe that all children of all backgrounds and abilities deserve the opportunity to learn and grow in a stimulating and supportive environment. It is our mandate to facilitate the inclusion of children with special needs by providing them with the support and resources they need in order to participate in the regular programme.
Enhanced Staffing Support Teachers are placed in each classroom to ensure that our special needs students receive the extra attention they need to build their self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning. Oftentimes, Colwell is the first point of contact for our families in the Durham Region regarding the development and well-being of their children. Special needs resource agencies are funded through the Regional Municipality of Durham and the Ministry of Education to support licensed child care programs, to provide inclusive environments for our children and families.
Get in Touch
Would you like to find out more about our childcare services in Pickering? We invite you to contact our team , who would be happy to address your queries. We invite you to browse our FAQ section and blog for valuable information.
