Wanda Collins, Author at Schoolhouse Playcare Centre

This annual conference, put on by our local TBDSSAB, offers a variety of informative and inspiring topics and sessions for employees of licensed child care and EarlyON programs. This year’s motto is ‘Rooted in Hope. Growing Imagination, Connection, and Wonder in Early Childhood’. Speakers include Susan Hopkins EdD, Maeghan James Phd, Paula ter Huurne RECE, and Amanda Doig RECE, Dr. Randa Khatar, Karen Longridge and Krystle Hald. This year it was held on October 23 and 24th, 2025.

On Monday, September 29th, 2025, Schoolhouse Playcare Centre Celebrated 40 years of providing quality childcare to the community of Thunder Bay! An art exhibition of current children in our programs was put on display, along with hands on experiences, historical photos, and several speakers including Ken Boshcoff our Mayor of Thunder Bay. Our event was held at the Baggage Building Arts Centre in Marina Park.

Check out this video link of the event:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1749wWRfFs/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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.

Home About Centres Programs Parents Contact

Copyright © 2025 Schoolhouse Playcare Centre. All Rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by Digital Mammoth