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 the YW’s Willow River licensed childcare centre is expected to open in November 2025. Please note that this date is dependent on construction timelines and may be subject to change.
We look forward to welcoming families soon.
If you are interested in applying for care at this location, please visit OneList Waterloo Region to register. Families who have secured a space in the new centre will be notified in the coming weeks. Please note that due to the high volume of inquiries, we are unable to confirm waitlist positions at this time.
Note: if you have difficulty accessing OneList, please contact OneList support: 1-888-722-1540 or support@oneHSN.com.
We look forward to welcoming new families to this exciting new addition to our childcare programs!
Our five 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 2 Kitchener locations: Jean Steckle Public School and the new Willow River Public School. The program supports children’s development through programming that combines interest and developmentally appropriate activities.
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
Michelle Roth, Manager
Jean Steckle Childcare Centre and School Age Programs
(519) 894-6666
Michelle.Roth@ywkw.ca
Laurie Crawford, Manager
St. Paul Childcare Centre
(519) 744-9980 Laurie.Crawford@ywkw.ca
Jennifer Marshall, Manager Willow River Childcare Centre and School Age Programs Jennifer.Marshall@ywkw.ca
Administrative Office
153 Frederick Street
Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2
Phone: (519) 576-8856
Email: general@ywkw.ca
Charitable Number: 118987643RR0001
