As we celebrate Childcare Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting the educators who shape children’s days with care, creativity, and connection. For one family whose children have grown through both our Preschool and Out of School Care programs, the impact has been felt from the first warm welcome.
Their reflections speak to the heart of what our educators bring to the community — thoughtful learning environments, meaningful relationships, and support that grows alongside each child.
Thinking back to when your children first joined our preschool program what stood out to you about the environment or the educators?
The amazing staff! We remember the warm smiles, laughs, and friendly daily welcomes from Julie Ann, Caroline, Erika, and Michelle (among many others over the years). I always felt very comfortable leaving my children in their care. They showed genuine affection and care for our kids. I also appreciated the thoughtful activities that were prepared each day, with themes throughout the year, e.g. taking care of the environment, Indigenous knowledge sharing, seeds of empathy.
There was regular sharing of activities through SeeSaw in the later years, and regular sharing verbally before the SeeSaw accounts started. This was great to provide opportunities to ask the kids about their day.
How has the Out of School Care team made a positive impact on your children as they’ve grown?
We have been so fortunate to have both of our kids in the OSC program. Similar to the preschool, I have always been impressed with the staff at these programs. SSCS does an amazing job at selecting their employees. They are all kind, warm, enthusiastic, and it is clear that they have a passion for working with kids.
OSC has taught them to work together across ages and has been integral in the promotion of conflict resolution. Now as an older member of the cohort, my daughter has the opportunity to help support the younger children, and the staff regularly comment on her leadership, care, and support. This provides her opportunities to develop her confidence. My son (younger) has had to work through his shyness to become more integrated with the ‘older boys’, and the staff have encouraged him to do this (rather than relying on hanging around his sister the whole time).
I think it’s great that OSC brings together kids from French, English, multiple backgrounds, and all grades to foster a diverse learning environment. The staff do a great job at encouraging multi-age play. They are also very creative with their activities, and have various themes throughout the year.
What kinds of activities or moments have your children talked about most after their days at Out of School Care or camp?
We loved the sports day. Kris and Kate put a lot of effort into organizing a fun and spirited day for the kids recently at the March break camp. Men’s shed is another highlight, I love the inter-generational play.
Of course the kids love taking the bus, walking field trips, and the off-site excursions (!). I feel that they are so lucky to have these incorporated into the program. I’m always amazed that the program finds ways to support these additional (costly) activities. I also think they do such a great job at planning the on-site activities, that keep the kids stay occupied with a great balance of outdoor and free play to stay happy.
What would you want the educators who’ve supported your children to know during Childcare Appreciation Month?
That we are SOOO appreciative of their efforts. We believe that they have each played an integral role in our children’s development, and we feel grateful to have our kids in the SSCS program. I am not exaggerating when I say that we mention this regularly in our nightly gratitude routine that we do with our kids. Thank you for all that you do. We truly appreciate the value you add to our children’s lives.
This family’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference educators make — not only in daily routines, but in confidence, friendships, leadership, and the way children see themselves in the world. To every Preschool and Out of School Care educator at SSCS: your kindness, enthusiasm, and commitment are noticed and deeply appreciated. Thank you for the steady, joyful, and transformative role you play in the lives of children and families across our region.