Business Details
49 Years
experience
Your Trusted Childcare Partner in Ottawa
Established in 1977, Glebe Co-operative Nursery School Co-operative Nursery School (GCNS) is a non-profit licensed childcare center in Ottawa that fosters a collaborative partnership between educators and families. Our co-operative model empowers parents to actively participate in their child's early education through classroom involvement, committee work, and community-building events. With a team of Registered Early Childhood Educators averaging over 25 years of experience, we specialize in play-based learning that develops social, cognitive, and emotional skills. Our accessible facility within the Glebe Co-operative Nursery School Co-operative Nursery School Community Centre features dedicated classroom space, a main hall for large-group activities, and an on-site playground supporting year-round outdoor exploration.Accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education since 1988, we maintain rigorous standards while offering reduced fees through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program. Our three-decade legacy demonstrates commitment to nurturing environments where children thrive and families form lasting connections.
Services
Toddler Program
Preschool Program
Co-op Membership
Fundraising Events
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of experience in play-based early childhood education
- Our co-op model fosters unique parent-educator partnerships
- Fully accessible facility with dedicated playground and community center access
- Team of Registered Early Childhood Educators with 25-30 years average experience
- Licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education since 1988
Associations and certifications
- Ontario Ministry of Education
What people say
Caring teachers
Community feel
Prepared for kindergarten
Positive experience
Wonderful start
Services
Toddler Program
Structured play-based learning for 1.5-2.5 year olds with twice-weekly sessions. Focuses on sensory development, socialization, and foundational skills through educator-led activities and free play. Class size limited to 15 children with two experienced educators.
Preschool Program
Three-day weekly program for 2.5-4.5 year olds preparing for formal schooling. Combines directed learning with independent exploration to develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Class size of 24 children supported by three Registered Early Childhood Educators.
Co-op Membership
Family involvement model requiring quarterly classroom duty, committee work, and annual meetings. Builds educational partnerships through hands-on participation, fundraising contributions, and shared decision-making responsibilities with professional staff.
People
Helen
Director/Head Teacher
Registered Early Childhood Educator with 30+ years experience in diverse childcare settings. Specializes in inquiry-based learning and family collaboration. Leads teacher team while maintaining strong community connections through co-op model.
Melanie
Teacher
Early Childhood Education graduate with BA in Social Science. Brings creativity through music and drama integration. Combines 30+ years local community experience with innovative teaching methods including loose parts and natural materials.
Erica
Teacher
Registered Early Childhood Educator with 25+ years in varied childcare environments. Strengthens family partnerships through music and storytelling. Experienced in high-needs settings and brings cross-Canada perspective to classroom practices.
Questions
What makes your co-op model unique?
Parents actively participate in classroom duties, committees, and decision-making while professional educators lead curriculum development and daily operations.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
Play-based curriculum develops literacy, numeracy, and social skills through structured activities and free exploration with experienced educators.
Are meals provided for the children?
Families provide nutritious snacks on their duty days. Children bring lunches from home for full-day programs.
What safety measures are in place?
Fully accessible facility with secure entry, licensed by Ontario Ministry of Education, and staff trained in current safety protocols.
How are educators trained?
All teachers are Registered Early Childhood Educators with 25-30 years average experience, including specialized training in play-based learning.
