Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Learning Programs
Apple Tree Landing Family Education Centre has been dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families in Canning, Nova Scotia since 1988. Founded by community residents seeking to provide quality early childhood education, we operate as a registered non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Our programs are licensed through Nova Scotia's Department of Community Services, ensuring compliance with rigorous care standards. We pioneered inclusive childcare practices, expanding our services in 2000 to include infants from 6 months old through after-school programs for 12-year-olds. Our child-centered approach utilizes an emergent curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, emphasizing play-based learning and natural connections.We maintain a strong commitment to diversity, serving children regardless of race, religion, culture, special needs, or economic status. Our dedicated staff creates nurturing environments where children develop through self-discovery, problem-solving, and peer collaboration. We provide twice-daily outdoor play opportunities and incorporate music, movement, and French language activities into daily routines. Our facility near local schools supports seamless transitions for Glooscap Elementary students. Through continuous adaptation and community partnerships, we remain a trusted childcare provider serving generations of families.
Services
Full Day Care
After School Program
Enrolment Services
Program Tours
Parent Testimonials
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer inclusive childcare programs for children aged 6 months to 12 years
- Our child-centered approach uses an emergent curriculum developed since 1988
- We provide specialized support for children with diverse needs and abilities
- Our outdoor play spaces promote active learning in natural environments
- We maintain 35+ years of community-rooted childcare expertise
Associations and certifications
- Nova Scotia Department of Community Services
What people say
Wonderful and caring staff
Fantastic outdoor play space
Highly recommend Apple Tree Landing
Staff go above and beyond
Perfect setting for active play
Services
Full Day Care
Full-day childcare services for infants aged 6 months to 5-year-olds, operating Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Our program includes structured routines, play-based learning, and outdoor activities. We maintain licensed capacity with trained staff providing nurturing care that supports developmental milestones through age-appropriate activities.
After School Program
After-school care for children aged 5-12 years, operating Monday through Friday from 2:15 PM to 5:30 PM. Staff meet Glooscap Elementary students at designated pickup points and provide supervised care until 5:30 PM. Our program includes homework support, recreational activities, and structured playtime that complements school curricula while maintaining safe, engaging environments.
Inclusive Programs
Inclusive childcare programs accommodating children with diverse abilities and special needs. Our staff implements Routine Based Program Plans and Behavior Guidance Plans to ensure full participation. We provide necessary adaptations, collaborate with external professionals, and maintain a no-expulsion philosophy to create supportive environments where all children can thrive through individualized attention and specialized resources.
Emergent Curriculum
Child-centered educational approach based on Reggio Emilia principles that follows children's natural interests. Our curriculum develops through observation, documentation, and collaboration, incorporating play, self-discovery, and peer interaction. Daily routines integrate learning opportunities that foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and social development while maintaining flexibility to adapt to children's evolving interests and developmental needs.
Parent Enrolment Support
Comprehensive enrolment assistance for families seeking childcare services. Our process includes facility tours, program reviews, and personalized discussions about children's needs. We maintain waiting lists with priority given to full-time applicants and siblings, requiring complete documentation including medical forms, immunization records, and financial agreements prior to program commencement.
People
Melanie Smiley
Executive Director
Melanie Smiley leads Apple Tree Landing as Executive Director, overseeing daily operations and program implementation. With extensive experience in early childhood education, she ensures compliance with licensing standards while maintaining the center's mission of providing quality, inclusive childcare services to the Canning community.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We provide childcare for children aged 6 months to 12 years through our full-day programs and after-school care services.
Are your staff trained in early childhood education?
Our team includes qualified professionals with expertise in child development, maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios as required by licensing standards.
How do you handle special needs accommodations?
We implement individualized plans developed with families and specialists, maintaining a no-expulsion philosophy and dedicated inclusion coordinator support.
What outdoor activities are available?
Children enjoy twice-daily outdoor play with structured activities and free exploration in age-appropriate play spaces designed for physical development.
How does the enrolment process work?
Contact our director to schedule a tour, complete required documentation, and discuss program options before your child's start date.
What makes Apple Tree Landing unique?
Our child-centered approach combines emergent curriculum with inclusive practices, creating nurturing environments where every child can thrive through play-based learning.
Reviews (2)
Alicia Rand
Nov 10, 2017
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We were very hesitant when we began the childcare search for our first born 7 years ago. When we arrived at the centre for a tour, the director answered all of our MANY questions and assured us that our baby would be OK and she meant it. Our children, now 8 and 4, have been going to there ever since and we would highly recommend this centre. The… staff goes above and beyond to make each day successful for our children, in any way they can. We love that they use an emergent curriculum, which enables our children to retain more of what they are learning, as it is something that they are interested
Joseph Warren Perry-Atwood
Nov 07, 2017
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Our child is constantly being sent home with heat rash needing a doctors note to return the note today says healthy as a horse and unless she has a fever is vomiting or has diarrhea she can not be sent home it is getting very frustrating having to fork out 44 dollars three times for a heat rash with no reimbursement I do not recommend this daycare whatsoever