We have been inspired to try something new in Thunder Bay and District for those who are Reggio Emilia inspired programs and people, and it is to start our own Thunder Bay and District Reggio Inspired Network. We have been meeting once a month to deepen our understanding of the Reggio Principles.

The goal of the network would be “a place for professionals to connect and build a community of Reggio Inspired Educators.” We encourage all staff to come out and participate.

If interested please contact our Executive Director!

Schoolhouse Playcare Centre attended a “Recruitment Fair” held at the Confederation College. It was a great opportunity for all varieties of organizations to connect with interested and talented students, alumni and job seekers looking for job opportunities to launch their careers or gain employment. Participating employers are encouraged to accept resumes at their exhibit, making this fair of particular interest to those who are actively hiring or who anticipate expanding their workforce

Inspiring Superior Connections in Early Childhood Education – October 25th, 2024

We participated in this full day learning event put on by our local TBDSSAB. Our morning keynote speaker was Dr. Ed Rawana whose topic of discussion was purposeful and strength-based interactions with children, families and colleagues.

Morning break out sessions included “Seeing Beyond the Behaviour” by Children’s Centre Thunder Bay, “The Giving Tree Story Kit” by Metis Nation of Ontario, “Reflecting on our Biases – Anti Racist and Anti Bias Pedagogy for Educators” by Bernice Cipparrone.

The afternoon involved an interesting and engaging experience “Brain Architecture Game” by Children’s Centre Thunder Bay. And break out sessions included “Calling Back My Spirit” with Corine Bannon and “The Power of Projects” by Don McMahon.

This was a fulfilling and inspiring day of learning, reflection, and connection for professionals working with young children!

Thunder Bay was the meeting place for the Indigenous Early Learning and Wise Practices Gathering. Child care professionals gathered for 3 days to connect, share and learn, and build a network of supports and resources.

Schoolhouse Playcare Centre was honoured to be a part of this learning experience as we were one of the locations participants toured. Through out the day on Wednesday, July 17th, 2024, participants arrived via bus and were given an hour tour of our Elsie location. We were able to share about our philosophy and how our environments and programming are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. This was also a learning opportunity for us as we were able to connect with educators and professionals passionate about working in caring / learning environments for young children.

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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