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We act as a partner and caregiver for families in Waterloo Region, providing quality childcare for children from 6 months to 12 years of age. Our early childhood educators foster a safe place for children to learn through play and social connection.
Educators work with the unique learning style and personality of each child, identifying the strengths and skills they possess. We work with parents to give support on a personal level for children as needed. Our goal is to be part of a healthy, happy childhood for children in our care.
All of our programs are licensed by the Ministry of Education and follow the standards set in the Childcare and Early Years Act.
We’re excited to share that a new licensed childcare centre is expected to open in September 2025 in the Doon South neighbourhood (670 Thomas Slee Drive, Kitchener). Please note that this opening date is dependent on construction timelines and may be subject to change.
This new centre does not yet have an official name, as it is located within a new school that is still in the naming process. For now, it will appear as YW Kitchener-Waterloo Childcare on registration platforms. We will update our website with the official centre name once confirmed.
Registration opens on April 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM through the Region of Waterloo’s OneList system.
If you are interested in applying for care at this location, please visit OneList Waterloo Region to register.
We look forward to welcoming new families to this exciting new addition to our childcare programs!
Our four licensed childcare centres are located in Kitchener at:
Our centre provides culturally appropriate care and supervision to infant, toddler and pre-school children of parents attending Conestoga College’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada classes. Using a play-based curriculum, staff develop children’s thinking and learning, creating opportunities to play where children can learn, practice and extend their skills, grow in cognitive, social, emotional, language/communication, and physical development.
Our school age program for children (ages four to 12) is delivered at Jean Steckle Public School in Kitchener. The program supports children’s development through programming that combines interest and developmentally appropriate activities.
For school age information contact: Jennifer Marshall, Manager, Jean Steckle Childcare Centre
519-894-6666 Jennifer.marshall@ywkw.ca
For more information:
Ana Cabral, Manager
Bridge Street Childcare Centre
(519) 570-0211
ana.cabral@ywkw.ca
Michele Kempster, Manager
Duke Street Childcare Centre
(519) 578-1515
michele.kempster@ywkw.ca
Sandra Schoemaker, Coordinator
Care for Newcomer Children Program
(519) 505-7118 sandra.schoemaker@ywkw.ca
Jennifer Marshall, Manager
Jean Steckle Childcare Centre and School of Age Program Manager
(519) 894-6666
jennifer.marshall@ywkw.ca
Laurie Crawford, Manager
St. Paul Childcare Centre
(519) 576-8856 ext. 209 laurie.crawford@ywkw.ca
Administrative Office
153 Frederick Street
Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2
Phone: (519) 576-8856
Email: general@ywkw.ca
Charitable Number: 118987643RR0001
