Our Staff

Caring & Qualified

The Schoolhouse Playcare Centre, in accordance with the Child Care and Early Years Act, is staffed by qualified Early Childhood Educators, with additional training in First Aid and CPR. 

Early Childhood Educators who are employed with Schoolhouse Playcare Centre also have to be registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators in order to practice as an Early Childhood Educator. The Early Childhood program is a two year college course in which a diploma is obtained at completion of studies. In the two year program, child development, curriculum planning, and observations are studied for children infant to adolescent. 

The staff/child ratio is complemented by Early Childhood Education students who assist in such areas as: creative art, music, drama, and other learning experiences provided in an early childhood setting. 

On Going Professional Development for Staff

We believe in encouraging and providing ongoing learning and professional development for our educators in our programs. This occurs in many different formats. Educators participate in weekly team meetings where we deconstruct our observations and develop programming for the children. Monthly staff meetings incorporate learning communities which allow us to further study our philosophy and guiding principles. Book studies, presentations, workshops, article reviews, reflective conversations, and more are some of the ways we continue to challenge ourselves as early childhood professionals.

Schoolhouse Playcare Centre

Wanda Collins
Executive Director
RECE, AECEO.C

Leila Nagy
Pedagogical Lead
RECE, AECEO.C

Lina Maclam
Pedagogical Lead
RECE, AECEO,C BA BEd

Don McMahon
Pedagogical Lead
RECE

Brenda Walkoski
Head Educator
RECE, AECEO.C

Terry Scocchia
Food Preparer

Miranda Lange
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Kendra Tienhaara
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Katrina Pastor
Educator
RECE

Smriti Bhoray
Educator
ECE BEd BA in special education

Rachelle Minthorn
Acting Head Educator
RECE RT

Alesha Spirka
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Don McMahon
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Swati Sharma
Educator
BEd, MSc

Gagandeep Kaur
Educator
B Phys Honours, BEd, MEd, specializing in environment and sustainability

Delnaz Ranjbar
Educator
BA in English, MEd

Madhuri Bhalodia
Educator
BA BEd

Lindsey Richardson
Head Educator
RECE

Natasha Agostino
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Megan Ahtila
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Keara Fiset
Early Childhood Educator
OCT BA BEd RECE

Jessica Chikoski
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Eva Tsai
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Hailee King
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

 

Lynette Spicer
Educator

Abby Skok
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Sophia Taw
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Olivia Cook
Educator

Harmeek Kaur
Educator
B.EL.Ed, MEd

Kushbu Patel
Educator
BEd, MEd

Rylee Gemmel
Educator

Jen Tervo
Program Coordinator/Head Educator
RECE, AECEO.C

Gurpreet Kaur
Educator
MEd, BEd, MSc, BSc

Cameron Hansen
Educator

Paige Cameron
Educator

Nilofar Ajri
Educator

Lindsey Richardson
Program Coordinator/Head Educator
RECE

Cristy Kuokkanen
Early Childhood Educator Otherwise Approved
SSW

Camryn Blake
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Gurpreet Kaur
Educator
MEd, BEd, MSc, BSc

Sashikala Jayarathna
Educator
BEd, BSc, MEd

 

 

Brenda Walkoski
Program Coordinator/Head Educator
RECE, AECEO.C

Gagandeep Kaur
Educator 

B Phys Honours, BEd, MEd, specializing in environment and sustainability

Steolin Christian
Early Childhood Educator RECE

Jen Tervo
Program coordinator / Early Childhood Educator
RECE AECEO.C

Caitlyn Brock
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Krina Lodaliya
Educator

Caitlin Brock
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Allison Brock
Educator

Role of the Reggio Emilia Inspired Educator

The Central act of adults…is to activate, especially indirectily, the meaning-making competencies of children as a basis of learning. They must try to capture the right moments, and then find the right approaches, for bringing together, into a fruitful dialogue, their meanings and interpretations with those of the children. 

  • Loris Malaguzzi

What Parents Say

As a parent, finding a daycare that prioritizes both safety, specifically catering to children with allergies, and educational development was my top priority; thankfully St. James Schoolhouse Playcare Centre has exceeded my expectations. From the moment we enrolled, we felt welcomed into a nurturing community where every child is valued and supported. The staff demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, ensuring that safety and well-being remain at the forefront of every program. What sets St. James Schoolhouse Playcare Centre apart is the seamless continuity across its programs and activities, fostering a sense of stability and growth for all children. Each day is filled with thoughtfully designed activities that encourage both learning and self-discovery, helping my child build confidence, independence, and essential early developmental skills. I couldn't be happier with the care and education my child receives at St. James Schoolhouse Playcare Centre.
Brittany Kennedy
I have had two children go through the Schoolhouse Playcare Centre Nursery School Program and I can't say enough good things about it. It was the perfect balance of socialization, independence and confidence building and preparing my children for kindergarten. The caregivers we have had over the years have been outstanding and my children have made lasting friendships with their peers from the program.
Ruth Sisak
We were lucky enough to get a spot in Schoolhouse Playcare Centre when our daughter was about a year and a half. We were both apprehensive about this transition but from the tour on our uneasiness turned to the utmost comfort. The supportive and skilled staff welcomed our daughter into an educational and fun environment with her peers. She now loves "going to school" and thrives at Schoolhouse Playcare.
Jessica Carfagnini and Amy Kelterborn
Our experience at Schoolhouse Playcare with our two wonderful daughters has exceeded our expectations. The staff are what truly set Schoolhouse apart from other daycares. When we were making the significant decision of choosing where to send our children for the principal part of their days I knew I wanted a center-based daycare. These reasons included reliability, accountability, diversity and selection of resources. I realized the most important quality a daycare could have is the quality of staff. I have continuously admired the kind, gentle, empathetic, nurturing nature and endless patience of the staff. I feel confident bringing my children there everyday knowing I can (and am encouraged to) drop in at any time and see my children learning and playing and growing.
Rebecca Urbanski
Schoolhouse Playcare Centre has been a part of our family for 3 years. I can truly say that I have complete peace of mind when I drop my children off. The Educators are competent and compassionate people who take great pride in the little people in their care.
Sheila Zappitelli
The Schoolhouse Playcare Centre is a child care centre far beyond what those words mean at the surface. Schoolhouse has been one of the best parts of our children’s lives over the past number of years. The Educators and staff are absolutely gifted and true treasures in what they do with and for children and families. The patience, kindness and love that the Educators have shown to our children and family has allowed us to feel completely comfortable and trusting in everything Schoolhouse teaches, and the morals, values and ethics it passes along to our children every single day. We, as parents, have become better parents with the tools that the Educators have provided to us through their shared knowledge, observations and mutual understanding of our children always recognizing that every child is unique and special. Schoolhouse is built on a philosophy of communication, emotional understanding and respect for others and our community... We are so very proud to have Schoolhouse as a part of our family.
Ryan and Jessica Murphy
Schoolhouse Playcare Centre

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