Business Details
41 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Learning Programs in Waterloo, ON
St John's Christian Nursery School has been dedicated to early childhood education since its founding in September 1985. Our programs are designed to foster individualized learning through environments that prioritize wellness, belonging, engagement, and expression as outlined in Ontario's 'How Does Learning Happen' pedagogy. As a licensed Ministry of Education facility, we maintain rigorous standards while embracing inclusive practices that welcome children of all backgrounds. Our team of registered early childhood educators brings decades of combined experience in creating stimulating indoor and outdoor learning spaces.We emphasize nature-based exploration through daily outdoor play, regardless of weather conditions, and provide specialized programs for toddlers and preschoolers with flexible scheduling options. Our non-profit status allows us to reinvest resources directly into classroom materials and community partnerships that benefit every child's developmental journey.
Services
Toddler Programs
Preschool Programs
6-Hour Extended Programs
Outdoor Learning Initiatives
Community Inclusion Support
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We follow Ontario's official early years pedagogy with licensed educators
- Our outdoor learning environment operates year-round in all weather conditions
- We maintain inclusive practices compliant with the Human Rights Code
- Our educators have decades of combined experience in early childhood development
- We offer flexible scheduling with half-day and extended-day program options
Associations and certifications
- Ministry of Education
Services
Toddler Programs
Our toddler programs serve children aged 18-30 months through structured morning sessions. Educators create developmentally appropriate environments that encourage exploration and social interaction. The curriculum focuses on sensory development and foundational learning skills in a nurturing setting.
Preschool Programs
Preschool programs cater to children aged 30 months to 5 years with flexible scheduling options. We implement play-based learning that aligns with provincial pedagogical frameworks. Our curriculum develops early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills through hands-on activities.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor programming operates year-round with weather-appropriate activities. Our naturalized playgrounds feature sensory exploration areas and gross motor development opportunities. Educators use outdoor environments to teach environmental stewardship and physical coordination.
Inclusive Programs
We provide inclusive programming that accommodates children with diverse needs. Our educators work with community agencies to implement individualized support plans. The facility maintains accessibility features and adaptive equipment to ensure full participation for all children.
Fundraising Initiatives
Our fundraising programs enhance classroom resources through community partnerships. Families participate in merchandise sales and donation programs that directly benefit educational materials. Tax receipts are provided for contributions supporting our non-profit mission.
People
Christine
Director
Christine, a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), has served as Director since 2002. She graduated from Conestoga College's ECE program in 1993 and brings extensive leadership experience in early childhood education.
Kim
Supervisor of Operations
Kim, a RECE graduate from Conestoga College (2006), serves as Pedagogical Mentor. She provides professional development support to educators and ensures program quality standards across all classroom environments.
Jen
Full-Time Educator
Jen, a RECE graduate with honors from Algonquin College, delivers classroom instruction while maintaining current early childhood education best practices through continuous professional development activities.
Kalene
DEI Ambassador
Kalene, a Conestoga College ECE honors graduate (2014), serves as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassador. She implements inclusive practices and develops culturally responsive learning environments for all children.
Aaishah
Resource Consultant
Aaishah represents KW Habilitation as our Resource Consultant. She provides specialized resources and support to meet diverse learning needs across all classrooms through collaborative planning with educators.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 18 months to 5 years through toddler and preschool programs with multiple scheduling options.
Are your programs licensed?
Yes, we are licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and follow all regulatory requirements for early childhood education.
Do you offer full-day programs?
Our 6-hour extended-day program operates from 9:00-3:00 or 9:30-3:30 with catered meals included in the tuition.
How do you handle bad weather?
We play outside daily regardless of weather conditions. Children must come dressed appropriately for outdoor activities in all seasons.
Do you accept subsidies?
Yes, we accept municipal childcare subsidies through the Region of Waterloo Children's Services for qualifying families.
How can families get involved?
Families participate in fundraising initiatives, monthly donation programs, and community events that support classroom enhancements and outdoor learning spaces.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Shivam Gandhi
Apr 28, 2021
Report
I worked here as a volunteer educational assistant for field placement from my college and I've got to say: This place is very professional, they make sure that each child that comes here is cared off in the best way possible. My favourite part of working here is engaging with the children in the classroom, on the playground and getting to know them as well as seeing their reactions when I come to work because they literally love it when I'm there. I want to say a huge thanks to the Director of St John's nursery school who is Christine because she made me feel welcome when I was working there.
