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Early Learning
& Childcare

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.

Licensed Childcare Centres

Our four licensed childcare centres are located in Kitchener at:

  • 8 Bridge Street – for children 18 months to 5 years of age, offering toddler and preschool programs
  • 111 Duke Street West – for children 18 months to 5 years, offering toddler and preschool programs
  • 130 Woodbine Ave, Jean Steckle – for children 6 months to 5 years, offering infant, toddler, and preschool programs
  • 45 Birchcliff Ave, St. Paul – for children 6 months to 5 years, offering infant, toddler, and preschool programs

Childcare Registration

To apply for licensed childcare in Waterloo Region please visit the Region of Waterloo OneList website.

Care for newcomer children program

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.  

licensed before and after school youth development and school age programs

Our programs operate in four schools in Kitchener-Waterloo – three delivering care for children aged eight to twelve and one delivering care for children aged four to twelve. The programs support children’s development through programming that combines student interest and developmentally appropriate activities. 

Programs

  • Elizabeth Ziegler Youth Development Program (ages 8-12) 
  • Jean Steckle School Age Program (ages 4-12) 
  • NA MacEachern Youth Development Program (ages 8-12) 
  • Sheppard Youth Development Program (ages 8-12) 

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
(519) 894-6666
jennifer.marshall@ywkw.ca

Andrea Hardy, Manager
St. Paul Childcare Centre
(519) 744-9980
andrea.hardy@ywkw.ca

Laurie Crawford, School of Age Program Manager        (519) 576-8856 ext. 209 laurie.crawford@ywkw.ca

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