Business Details
49 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care Services in Yellowknife, NT
Founded in 1977, the Yellowknife Playschool Association is a parent-run nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children aged 25 months to five years with a play-based learning environment. Our program emphasizes creative play as the foundation for developing social, physical, and intellectual skills, preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. With a team of experienced educators, we offer structured activities including music, storytelling, arts and crafts, and outdoor exploration. Our facility, located at 5208 56th Street in Yellowknife, NT, is wheelchair accessible and features both indoor and outdoor play spaces.We prioritize collaboration with families and acknowledge the traditional territory of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Our staff includes certified early childhood educators with decades of combined experience in child development. Through flexible scheduling and a focus on individual growth, we aim to foster independence and curiosity in every child. Annual programming runs from September to July, with options for morning, afternoon, or full-day classes. We actively incorporate Indigenous knowledge and language into our curriculum, reflecting our commitment to cultural awareness and reconciliation.
Services
Part-Time Child Care
Full-Time Child Care
Early Childhood Education
Outdoor Play Programs
Nutritional Snack Program
Cultural Awareness Curriculum
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- Parent-run nonprofit with 45+ years of community-driven experience
- Certified early childhood educators with specialized training
- Curriculum focused on play-based learning and Indigenous cultural integration
- Wheelchair accessible facility with dedicated indoor and outdoor play spaces
- Flexible scheduling options for part-time and full-time care
What people say
Caring and safe environment
Creative, patient staff
Well-prepared for kindergarten
Balanced daily routines
Positive outdoor experiences
Services
Part-Time Child Care
Our part-time programs offer morning or afternoon sessions tailored to working families' schedules. Children engage in structured play, arts and crafts, and social development activities. Sessions run Monday-Friday with options for two or three days weekly.
Full-Time Child Care
Full-day and five-day programs provide comprehensive care with consistent routines. Includes morning exploration, circle time, snack preparation, and outdoor play. Limited spaces ensure personalized attention for children aged 25 months to five years.
Early Childhood Education
Our curriculum focuses on creative play as the foundation for learning. Activities develop color, shape, letter, and number recognition while fostering independence through hands-on exploration and teacher-guided projects.
Outdoor Play Programs
Daily outdoor activities include climbing structures, gardening, and seasonal play. Our accessible yard promotes physical development and environmental awareness through structured and free-play opportunities.
Cultural Awareness Curriculum
We incorporate Dene language and traditions through storytelling, land acknowledgments, and partnerships with local knowledge holders. This approach fosters cultural understanding while respecting traditional territory protocols.
People
Janet St. Pierre
Head Teacher
Certified early childhood educator with 15+ years' experience. Specializes in play-based learning and outdoor education. Originally from Newfoundland, Janet brings a decade of northern teaching expertise.
Maribel Dela Cruz
Assistant Teacher
33-year education veteran with Philippine teaching awards. Focuses on child-centered learning and family engagement. Holds a Degree in Education and specializes in early literacy development.
Jill Gilday
Executive Director
Manages daily operations and program implementation. Coordinates staff development and maintains regulatory compliance. Serves as primary liaison for parent communications and community partnerships.
Rieko Emeny
Interim Executive Director
Supports organizational leadership during transitional periods. Ensures continuity of educational programming and adherence to nonprofit governance standards while maintaining staff and parent relations.
Sarah Mbau
Assistant Teacher
Experienced childcare professional focused on sensory development and fine motor skills. Creates inclusive learning environments that accommodate diverse learning styles and developmental needs.
Questions
What age range do you serve?
We accept children aged 25 months to five years who are fully toilet-trained and not yet attending kindergarten.
What are your class schedules?
Morning classes run 8:15-12:00, afternoon classes 1:00-4:00, and full-day classes 8:15-4:00 Monday-Friday.
Are your staff certified educators?
All lead teachers hold Early Childhood Education certifications or equivalent qualifications with extensive classroom experience.
Is your facility accessible?
Yes, our building at 5208 56th Street is fully wheelchair accessible with ground-level entrances and wide doorways.
How do you incorporate Indigenous culture?
We integrate Dene language, traditions, and land-based learning through daily activities, guest knowledge holders, and forest school programming.