Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Quality Child Care Solutions
Founded by Tyler & Linzi Shapka, Hopscotch Child Care is dedicated to providing safe, exceptional early childhood education and care. Our purpose-built facility in St. Albert prioritizes individualized attention, with staff trained to understand each child's unique needs. We embrace a play-based curriculum that fosters independence, creativity, and lifelong learning through exploration. Our team of qualified educators maintains low child-to-staff ratios across five age-specific rooms, ensuring personalized care for infants through school-age children. The center features over 1,700 sq. ft. of outdoor learning spaces designed to connect children with nature year-round. We follow the Canada Food Guide to provide nutritious, house-prepared meals served family-style.Daily communication through our online app keeps parents informed about their child's activities, while flexible visitation policies encourage family involvement. Our commitment to staff development and workplace satisfaction ensures consistent, high-quality care. The facility's secure entry system and dedicated parent area enhance convenience for families. We specialize in creating a nurturing environment where children develop social skills, cognitive abilities, and physical coordination through structured and free play. Our approach emphasizes community building and gradual introduction to broader societal connections.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Programs
Preschool Prep
Outdoor Learning
Parent Communication
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- Our qualified staff maintain low child-to-staff ratios across five age-specific rooms
- Purpose-built facility with over 1,700 sq. ft. of outdoor learning spaces
- Individualized care plans developed through daily parent-educator communication
- Play-based curriculum aligned with Canada Food Guide nutritional standards
- Secure facility with dedicated parent communication tools and flexible visitation
Services
Infant Care
Specialized care for infants aged 9-18 months with 1:4 staff ratio. Features dedicated changing stations, cribs, and sensory development activities. Focuses on communication skills, motor development, and self-feeding through structured play and personalized attention.
Toddler Programs
Developmental programs for 19-36 month-olds emphasizing social skills and independence. Includes circle time activities, sensory exploration, and outdoor play. Staff guide children through toilet training and early language development using interactive teaching methods.
Preschool Prep
Curriculum designed to prepare children for formal education. Combines cognitive learning with social development through project-based activities. Focuses on letter/number recognition, routine understanding, and cooperative play in a structured classroom environment.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor activities in 1,700+ sq. ft. dedicated space. Includes gardening, nature walks, and seasonal exploration. Promotes physical development and environmental awareness through structured and free-play experiences in natural settings.
Parent Communication
Real-time updates through online portal tracking eating, sleeping, and developmental milestones. Daily educator-parent exchanges during drop-off/pickup. Open-door policy for classroom visits and participation in center activities throughout the day.
People
Tyler Shapka
Co-Owner
Co-founder with extensive childcare industry experience. Focuses on operational excellence and staff development. Committed to creating nurturing environments that support both children's growth and educator satisfaction.
Linzi Shapka
Co-Owner
Co-founder dedicated to curriculum development and family engagement. Brings expertise in early childhood education principles. Prioritizes individualized care approaches and community-building initiatives within the center.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children aged 9 months through school age (kindergarten) in five dedicated age-specific rooms with appropriate staff ratios.
What are your operating hours?
Our center operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM with secure drop-off and pickup procedures.
What curriculum approach do you use?
We employ a play-based, interest-led curriculum that emphasizes child-directed learning and natural exploration across indoor and outdoor environments.
How do you communicate with parents?
We provide real-time updates through our online portal and maintain daily in-person communication during drop-off/pickup times with personalized care notes.
What safety measures are in place?
Our purpose-built facility features secure entry systems, dedicated changing/toileting areas in each room, and constant staff supervision with low child-to-staff ratios.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide nutritious meals and snacks following the Canada Food Guide, prepared fresh daily and served family-style to promote healthy eating habits.
Reviews (2)
Victoria Grylls
Nov 09, 2021
Report
When I was searching for a daycare for my little one, Hopscotch was just opening its doors. I walked in and fell in love with how clean, bright and inviting this place really is. I cannot say enough good things about the staff and management. They have treated my little one with the utmost respect and I know, I have made the best decision for my child. They have an app that let's you know how your child is doing throughout the day and what they have been doing (they also include lots of pictures). The amount of information the staff are teaching my little one right now blows my mind. It's also
Beth DeBruyne
Jun 29, 2021
Report
As a Pediatrician and mom of children at Hopscotch, I cant begin to tell you how extraordinary this centre is. Owners Linzi and Tyler and directors Dallas and Tamara (Tam) have created the warmest, most welcoming home away from home. We were sold on Hopscotch the day Tam showed us around and described how meaningful her experience caring for children has been, maintaining a close bond with kids even years after caring for them. Her bubbly enthusiasm was infectious, and it was obvious how passionate this team was about Early Childhood Education. Not only are all kids (and their parents!) known
