Leila Nagy, Author at Schoolhouse Playcare Centre

Two of our Educators (Alesha and Harmeek) at Schoolhouse recently attend the ORA conference in Toronto (Oct 24 to 26, 2025). This is Alesha’s summary of her experience…

We were so lucky to have been able to attend the Ontario Reggio association conference in Toronto this past October. We got to listen to the amazing Tiziana Filipini (Pedagogista) and Loretta Bertani (Atillierista) who are both from Italy and play a very important role in the Reggio philosophy. Over the two day conference we learned about the importance of coexistence: the value of the Reggio approach as well as living subjects and their relationships – designing learning contexts. We learned more about the image of the child, one hundred languages, the importance of group gatherings/ assembly, posing intentional questions that provoke curiosity and discussion, providing children with thought provoking materials, revising and relaunching ideas with the children to spark new ideas and the importance of helping children to become researchers. We gained new perspectives to bring back home and implement into our programs here at Schoolhouse Playcare and have already noticed positive change in our programs from the way we are setting up the environment to provoke curiosity to relaunching previous interests in a new way.

I feel as though this conference relit the spark I already had for working with children and the Reggio Emilia Philosophy and I’m excited about our programs here at schoolhouse and the endless opportunities for learning that we can support.

“Knowledge is not quality, it is research. We do not have to give children quantities of knowledge, but tools to research”

“Preschool – it’s a place to learn the real world and the possible worlds of imagination together”

“The art of research already exists in the hands of children”

“we are building the humans that will carry on the world after us”

Alesha Spirka, RECE

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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