Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Quality Child Care Services in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Established in 1974, Dartmouth Day Care Centre has been a trusted provider of quality childcare in the East and Central Dartmouth areas for over 45 years. As a not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors, we serve more than 60 families through two full-time childcare programs. Our mission focuses on creating a nurturing environment that supports early childhood development through inclusive education and culturally respectful practices. We operate from our facility at 28 Caledonia Road, offering structured daily routines tailored to toddlers and preschoolers. Our team of qualified educators follows the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework to ensure developmentally appropriate programming.We maintain compliance with the Day Care Act and its regulations while prioritizing safety, nutrition, and holistic growth. Our classrooms are designed to encourage child-led learning with accessible materials and flexible scheduling. We actively engage families as partners in their children's education, valuing cultural diversity and individual needs. Celebrating 45 years of service in 2019, we continue to evolve while maintaining our founding commitment to quality childcare. Through ongoing staff development and community partnerships, we strive to create environments where children thrive, learn, and reach their full potential.
Services
Toddler Program
Preschool Program
Inclusive Care
Nutrition Services
Early Learning Curriculum
Summer Childcare
Board Governance
Family Partnerships
Special Needs Support
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience in licensed childcare services
- Our team includes qualified Early Childhood Educators and specialists
- We follow the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework standards
- Our programs emphasize inclusive education and cultural diversity
- We maintain safe, accessible learning environments with daily fresh meals
Services
Toddler Program
Our toddler program serves children aged 18 months to 3 years with structured daily routines. We provide developmentally appropriate activities focusing on language development, social skills, and motor coordination. The program includes outdoor playtime, rest periods, and nutritious meals while maintaining flexible scheduling to accommodate family needs.
Preschool Program
Designed for children aged 3 to 5 years, our preschool program emphasizes school readiness through play-based learning. The curriculum covers literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development while following provincial educational standards. Children engage in both structured activities and self-directed exploration within our accessible classroom environments.
Inclusive Care
We provide inclusive childcare services accommodating diverse learning needs and abilities. Our educators implement individualized support strategies while maintaining integration with peers. The program promotes equity through adaptive environments and responsive caregiving practices that respect each child's unique developmental journey.
Nutrition Services
Our nutrition program features freshly prepared meals and snacks made daily following provincial dietary guidelines. We provide whole milk for toddlers and age-appropriate portions while accommodating special dietary requirements. The program emphasizes healthy eating habits through family-style dining experiences and food education activities.
Early Learning Curriculum
Based on Nova Scotia's Capable, Confident and Curious curriculum framework, our programming addresses four core learning domains: well-being, discovery, language development, and social responsibility. Educators use observational assessment to create personalized learning experiences that balance child-led exploration with guided instruction.
People
Angela Daniels-Drummond
Executive Director
With extensive early childhood education expertise, Angela leads our team in delivering quality childcare services. She oversees program implementation and maintains regulatory compliance while fostering community partnerships to enhance service delivery.
Catherine-Laura Dunnington
Board Chair
Catherine provides strategic leadership as Board Chair, guiding organizational governance and long-term planning. She ensures financial stewardship while maintaining our commitment to accessible, high-quality childcare for Dartmouth families.
Anna Warren
Community Representative
Anna contributes community perspective to our board, advocating for local families' childcare needs. She helps bridge community resources with our programming to better serve diverse family populations across Dartmouth.
Alison Landry
Parent Representative
As parent representative, Alison ensures family voices shape our policies and practices. She facilitates communication between staff and families while supporting continuous improvement in our childcare services.
Angie
Executive Director
Our center director, Angie, manages daily operations and staff coordination. She brings practical leadership experience to ensure consistent program quality while maintaining responsive communication with families and stakeholders.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We provide care for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years and preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide lunch and two snacks daily made from scratch following Nova Scotia nutrition guidelines.
How do I apply for childcare?
Complete our application form available online or contact us directly at 902-434-2865 for assistance.
Do you offer summer programs?
We accept summer childcare applications and employ qualified educators for seasonal programming needs.
What curriculum do you follow?
Our programs align with the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework: Capable, Confident and Curious.
Reviews (1)
Ell Dee
Jan 29, 2022
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Value
Dartmouth Daycare Centre offers the highest quality of care I have ever seen! The staff are outstanding. Angie, the director of the center goes over and above each and every day for the children, parents, teachers, and community.
Dartmouth Daycare Centre offers the highest quality of care I have ever seen! The staff are outstanding. Angie, the director of the center goes over and above each and every day for the children, parents, teachers, and community.