Guide & Grow

Business Details

STEM-Focused Childcare Programs in Ottawa

Founded by Madiha Nasri, a Computer Engineer turned Childcare Provider, Guide & Grow integrates STEM principles into early childhood education. Our mission is to nurture curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in children aged 12 months to 5 years through hands-on, play-based learning. With a team of qualified educators, we create a safe, inclusive environment where every child thrives. Our programs emphasize sensory exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration, preparing young minds for lifelong success. Backed by partnerships with the City of Ottawa for affordable childcare, we prioritize holistic development and family engagement.

Through structured STEM activities and personalized attention, we empower children to explore, discover, and grow. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our innovative curriculum, positive parent testimonials, and focus on 21st-century skills. We operate in multiple Ottawa locations, offering flexible programs tailored to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. By fostering a growth mindset and early exposure to STEM concepts, we aim to shape confident, curious learners ready for future challenges.

Services

Infant Program Toddler Program Preschool Program STEM Curriculum Early Literacy Development

Highlights and features

We offer STEM-integrated programs designed by a Computer Engineer with early childhood expertise.
Our qualified educators provide personalized attention in safe, inclusive learning environments.
We partner with the City of Ottawa for subsidized childcare fees under the CWELCC Program.
Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration, fostering critical thinking from an early age.
Positive parent testimonials highlight our nurturing staff and effective child development approach.

What people say

Wonderful experience Flourished Excellent management Great time Positive interactions

Website

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Services

Infant Program

Our STEM Infant Program introduces children aged 12-17 months to foundational concepts through sensory play and cause-effect activities. Using textured toys, stacking blocks, and verbal interactions, we stimulate brain development while building motor skills and early vocabulary. The program emphasizes safe exploration to develop spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities in a nurturing environment.

Toddler Program

Designed for 1.5-2.5-year-olds, this program combines engineering challenges with basic scientific experiments. Toddlers engage with building blocks, sorting games, and simple technology tools to develop fine motor skills and early math concepts. Activities promote teamwork and communication through hands-on exploration of shapes, sizes, and cause-effect relationships.

Preschool Program

For children aged 2.5-5 years, our curriculum fosters critical thinking through construction projects, simple coding games, and scientific experiments. Children explore plant growth, weather patterns, and basic physics while developing mathematical reasoning through counting and pattern recognition. The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and inquiry-based learning.

STEM Curriculum

Our integrated STEM approach combines science experiments, engineering challenges, and technology exploration across all age groups. Children engage in activities like bubble physics, LEGO construction, and digital literacy games. The curriculum aligns with developmental stages while promoting creativity, logical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills through daily hands-on experiences.

Early Literacy Development

Literacy skills are cultivated through storytelling, music, and interactive reading sessions. Children learn descriptive vocabulary, narrative structure, and phonetic awareness while connecting language development to STEM concepts. The program uses dramatic play and arts integration to reinforce communication skills and foster a lifelong love of reading.

People

Madiha Nasri

Founder

A Computer Engineer turned childcare provider, Madiha recognized the need for early STEM education. She developed the curriculum combining engineering principles with child development research. Her vision creates innovative learning environments where children explore STEM concepts through play-based activities.

Jennifer Yendall

Managing Director

Overseeing daily operations, Jennifer ensures nurturing educational environments across centers. She coordinates staff development and maintains parent communication systems. Her leadership focuses on collaborative team culture and maintaining high educational standards in all programs.

Parminder Thind

Team Lead

As Toddler Program Supervisor, Parminder leads educators with her international early childhood experience. She implements hands-on learning strategies and mentors staff on STEM integration. Her approach emphasizes open communication and creating stimulating environments for toddler development.

Arshdeep Bhullar

Early Childhood Educator

Certified educator implementing age-appropriate STEM activities for toddlers. She designs sensory exploration stations and facilitates collaborative play sessions. Her approach focuses on individualized attention while promoting social skills and early problem-solving abilities through structured activities.

Anisha

Registered Early Childhood Educator

Preschool educator specializing in inquiry-based STEM learning. She develops science experiments and engineering challenges for 3-5-year-olds. Her teaching emphasizes observation skills and hypothesis testing while maintaining engaging, child-led exploration of mathematical and scientific concepts.

Questions

What age groups do you serve?

We offer programs for infants (12-17 months), toddlers (1.5-2.5 years), and preschoolers (2.5-5 years) across three Ottawa locations.

How is STEM integrated into daily activities?

STEM concepts are incorporated through sensory play, building projects, simple experiments, and age-appropriate technology tools during daily routines and structured learning sessions.

What are your operating hours?

We operate Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The centers are closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

Are staff members qualified?

All lead educators are certified Early Childhood Educators with specialized training in STEM integration and child development best practices.

How do you communicate with parents?

We provide regular photo updates, maintain open communication channels, and schedule parent-teacher discussions to share child progress and address concerns.

What safety measures are in place?

We maintain strict supervision ratios, secure facilities with controlled access, and follow public health guidelines to ensure a safe learning environment for all children.

Reviews (7)

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Kyle Virgin

Oct 01, 2021 Report

We have had an amazing experience with our now 5 year old at Guide and Grow and are sad to have to leave and move on to kindergarten. The entire Guide and Grow team has been extremely kind and thoughtful in their care of our child. The STEM based learning was a big part of our decision to register there and it proved to be even better than we could have expected. Thank you so much to everyone at Guide and Grow! We will miss you

Jennifer Cross

Jun 30, 2021 Report

My one and three year old both went to Guide and Grow for two months and they absolutely loved it there. My one year old wiggled with excitement when we arrived in the morning and my three year old was so excited to go everyday and see her friends and the wonderful staff. Her "school" skills increased dramatically in the short time she was there. Highly recommend this care center!

Sara O'Connor

May 17, 2021 Report

We are so happy with Guide and Grow. The educators in the toddler program are professional, enthusiastic and great communicators. We love the daily updates and pictures through the app and the amount of outdoor time is great. Our daughter loves it there. The owner Madiha is dedicated and putting lots of planning and care into this business and it shows.

Vero Verito

Mar 16, 2021 Report

This is a school with an amazing STEM program. My daughter loves to come here and I see how she has thrived since she started to attended it. The Staff is sweet, professional and they go beyond. Food is very good and nutritional. I don't have any concerns about what my daughter is eating and doing, I can see it through the pictures that the staff… kindly take during the day. Also, they make the kids to feel so welcome and part of the group; my daughter is looking forward to going back next day. The theme of the classroom changes very often with new challenges, new vocabulary, and fun activities

Cheryl Teeter

Mar 02, 2021 Report

My daughters LOVE the teachers. They are very warm and inviting but provide a lot of educational activities. My daughters had a horrible daycare experience prior to attending here and the Guide and Grow family really went above and beyond to make the transition smooth. I can't say how grateful I am for the exceptional care they provide.

Catalina De Angelis

Feb 23, 2021 Report

I cant say enough good things about Guide & Grow Daycare. Our Daughter Milania (now 17months) has been attending since September and all the staff truly treat our daughter as if she were their own
My husband Anthony and I are blown away with how much our daughter has developed in such a short period of time! We LOVE how every Birthday and Holiday is ALWAYS celebrated, and we always enjoy when Milania brings home art work as we find its a great souvenir to share amongst her Grandparents. Its the biggest blessing to know that when we are off at work our daughter is fully cared for

Chelle Kathleen

Jan 07, 2021 Report

Caring, nurturing, dedicated staff. My toddler only has good things to say about his teachers. He comes home happy and singing songs that he's learned. He's happy there, he's gaining confidence and he's learning a lot.