Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Preschool Programs in Ottawa
Founded in 1969, Glen Cairn Co-operative Preschool has been a cornerstone of early childhood education for over five decades. Our preschool was established by educator Angela Kilby and local families who envisioned a community-driven learning environment. As a parent-run cooperative, we emphasize collaborative learning through play, art, music, and sensory activities. Our experienced educators, including Registered Early Childhood Educators with over 20 years of combined experience, create inclusive spaces where children develop social skills and confidence. We specialize in easing transitions to kindergarten while accommodating diverse needs, including separation anxiety and special requirements.Our programs, now funded under CWELCC at $11/day, blend structured routines with creative exploration. Located in the Glen Cairn Community Centre, we serve families seeking a nurturing environment where generations of children have thrived. Parent participation remains central to our model, fostering a unique sense of community ownership. We pride ourselves on preparing children for academic and social success while maintaining a joyful, family-oriented atmosphere.
Services
Preschool Programs
Cooperative Learning
Play-Based Curriculum
Social Development
Parent Involvement
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We offer play-based learning with experienced Registered Early Childhood Educators
- Our cooperative model fosters community involvement and shared responsibility
- We specialize in easing transitions to kindergarten with proven methods
- Our inclusive environment accommodates diverse learning needs and abilities
- We provide affordable $11/day programming under CWELCC funding
What people say
Top place
Best
Positive developmental
Learn, grow, prepare
Services
Preschool Programs
Our structured morning programs for ages 2.5-4 combine circle time, cooperative play, and school routines. Daily activities include outdoor exploration, healthy snacks, and creative projects. With a focus on social-emotional development, our programs prepare children for kindergarten success through play-based learning.
Cooperative Learning
As a parent-run cooperative, families participate in classroom activities, field trips, and governance. This model fosters community connections while reducing operational costs. Parents contribute based on their skills, from snack preparation to board leadership, creating a shared investment in children's education.
Play-Based Curriculum
Our curriculum emphasizes learning through play with curated materials that promote imagination and sensory development. Art stations, open-ended toys, and friendship-building spaces encourage self-directed discovery. Educators facilitate activities that balance structured learning with spontaneous creativity in a welcoming classroom environment.
People
Ashley
Registered Early Childhood Educator
Registered Early Childhood Educator with 5 years in the field, previously in fitness and office administration. Passionate about creating exploratory learning environments. Parent of a GCCP student, committed to child-led development.
Ainslie
Registered Early Childhood Educator
20+ years experience in early childhood education. Specializes in inclusive play-based learning. Parent of two GCCP alumni. Focuses on meeting children where they are developmentally while fostering creativity and social connections.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We accept children aged 2.5 to 4 years in our morning programs.
How does the cooperative model work?
Families participate through classroom help, field trips, or governance roles based on their availability and skills.
What is your daily schedule?
Morning sessions run 9:00am-11:30am on weekdays with circle time, play, snacks, and outdoor activities.
Are there special programs for kindergarten preparation?
Our curriculum specifically focuses on easing transitions to kindergarten through structured routines and social skill development.
Reviews (7)
Qudsia Mohiuddin
Sep 19, 2021
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We love Glen Carin! The teachers are so friendly and accomodating. Both my kids attended Glen Carin and it was truly the best place I could send my kids to. My kids had fun and also learned a lot like dressing themselves up when they go out and sitting quietly during storytime.
A. F.
Nov 28, 2019
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My daughter has just started at Glen Cairn Preschool and I am so happy I chose to send her there. She's loved it from the first day! The teachers are lovely, warm, and so helpful!
Carolina Nadie
Sep 26, 2016
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My daughtet absolutely LOVES GCCP, Jane and Shelley! It is like our second home! Teachers are doing beyond amazing job!
Queenie Chow
Jan 07, 2016
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Both my kids attend GCCP and they both really enjoy it! When I ask them about their day, they describe all kinds of wonderful activities that they participated in. The teachers are excellent and the volunteering involved let's us experience first hand how a typical day goes. Excellent place for kids and highly recommended!
Megan Ireland
Oct 20, 2015
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My oldest daughter has just started attending this year. The teachers are so kind and accommodating. My daughter loves going and it is pure joy seeing her make friends and doing all sorts of wonderful activities. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this school to friends. and family.
Andrea Szabo
Aug 26, 2015
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Both of my children attended the Glen Cairn Coop Preschool and I cannot say enough about how excellent it was for both of them! They transitioned to full day Kindergarten seamlessly the teachers are absolutely amazing and provide a caring and nurturing environment for the children to learn at their own pace...LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!
Amanda Cockburn
Feb 12, 2015
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The school was recommended to us from a friend. Once we went in to visit with the teaching team at GCCP there was not a doubt that we wanted to our daughter to be a part of the community. GCCP offers a unique… environment where the parents have first-hand experiences with the school and the other families- we recommend the school to anyone that is looking for an organic, engaging community for their first schooling experience.
