Margie’s Early Learning Centre provides a warm, nurturing, safe and inclusive learning environment for children from birth to five years of age. Every child and family is supported and empowered in their growth and development with unique, exciting, challenging and developmentally appropriate programs designed to enhance and promote child and family strength and growth.
With a pro-environment focus and a plant-based whole foods menu, Margie’s Early Learning Centre is actively teaching the next generation the importance of environmental and social mindfulness. We teach children that our choices, small or large, will not only impact our community but will affect friends, near and far, and places that we have yet to discover.
For more information, contact the Director of Early Childhood Education, Heather Surette at earlylearning@ywcamoncton.com
We know that every dollar invested in universal, high-quality early childhood education produces a two-dollar social and economic return to our society. We are also firm believers that early childhood education actively shapes future generations and the values they hold. By focusing on environmental justice, we aim to teach children the importance of caring for your fellow humans and the surrounding environment.
YWCA Moncton is proud to offer quality childcare in our climate-controlled facility, centrally located at 135 Kendra Street. We pride ourselves in creating innovative programs and initiatives that teach the next generation values such as unity, respect, social and environmental responsibility.
Plant-Based Menu
Margie’s Early Learning Centre has adopted an entirely plant-based whole foods menu. All meals and snacks are made from scratch and we ensure that the kids have complete proteins and many different nutrients that plants provide to optimize their growth. The menu includes favorites, such as spaghetti, pizza and burgers, but instead of meat ingredients, they contain plant-based proteins such as beans. The shepherd’s pie, for example, is made with lentils instead of ground beef.
Our educators sit down with the kids and have a conversation around the meal, asking them to talk about what’s in the food and inviting the children to smell, taste, and touch — We make eating a social, sensory and enjoyable experience!
HiMama
HiMama is a Daycare Software that has allowed us to go paperless. The app allows us to communicate with families and conduct contactless operations.
Throughout the day, educators enter information about the child’s progress. Data such as food, fluids, bathroom trips, naps and activities are logged for parents to see.
Parents may also communicate with their child’s educator or the centre’s director through the app as well.
By following the NB Curriculum our goal is to encourage children to build their self-esteem, independence, social cooperation, moral responsibility and knowledge of their environment. The curriculum is child-directed and play-based, encouraging guided learning based on the interest of the child.
Margie’s ELC has been key in my son’s progress and development. The educators truly invest in him and work with me through all the hurdles and changes. They really encourage the kids to explore and be themselves in a loving environment. So it gives me the peace of mind every day knowing he’s in a safe space. The plant-based menu is amazing, and diet and nutrition is huge for me. It truly feels like a family.
~ Cristin Donovan – parent of a 3 year old
We felt right at home when we first visited YW Margie’s Early Learning Centre at YWCA Moncton. We were, and still are, thrilled that our child gets to learn in an environment that is inclusive and celebrates cultural diversity. Adrien is lucky to be surrounded by adults who generously share their cultures through activities that broaden the children's knowledge, open their minds and give space to appreciate, respect and love our differences and similarities. We are very grateful that YW Margie’s Early Learning Centre has contributed to Adrien’s growth and has provided the opportunities for him to appreciate different cultures and embrace diversity in all aspects of his life.
~ Natalie – parent of a 3 year old
At Margie’s Early Learning Centre we understand that the first months and years of a child’s life are key in developing the mind, body and spirit. Sleep, emotional and physical nourishment and sensory stimulation are more important in infancy than at any other time. The most vital need for these youngest children is warm, nurturing care.
For more information, contact the Director of Early Childhood Education, Heather Surette at earlylearning@ywcamoncton.com
The main goal of the infant room is to provide a safe and caring environment for our littlest children. We work closely with families to keep the child’s usual home schedule. For example, if your baby needs two naps, we accommodate those needs. The infants in our care playfully explore their surroundings and daily activities often include sensory experiences, singing, and dancing. Infants are also taken outside during the day, either for a walk in the stroller or on the back deck to play.
The four goals of the NB Curriculum are Well Being, Communication and Literacies, Play & Playfulness, Diversity & Social Responsibility. Here’s how we meet each goal:
Well-Being
Children in our care are welcomed into a safe and caring environment. By working closely with families to make sure their child is well adjusted and accommodated, we further introduce children to new surroundings so they may develop a sense of belonging.
Play & Playfulness
We promote an open and flexible environment where the infants in our care playfully explore their surroundings. Daily activities often include sensory experiences, singing, and dancing
Communication & Literacies
We provide a socially and culturally engaging environment where their communicative practices, languages, literacies, and literary identities are valued and supported.
Diversity & Social Responsibility
Infants are taken outside during the day, either for a walk in the stroller or on the back deck to play. This gives infants the opportunity to experience socially, environmentally and culturally inclusive spaces that encourage equitable and sustainable practices.
Our team at Margie’s Early Learning Centre understand that toddlers learn best in safe, loving places where they can explore, in their own way. The activities for this age group are built around their limitless curiosity and their natural desire to push boundaries.
For more information, contact the Director of Early Childhood Education, Heather Surette at earlylearning@ywcamoncton.com
Toddlers are always ready to play and explore their safe and caring environment. At this age, we also start to introduce eating and sleeping schedules. Daily activities include outdoor play on the back deck or a neighborhood walk, where the children may acquire a sense of wonder for their natural world. We do circle time and sensory activities to expose the children to new books, songs and creative materials.
By following the NB Curriculum our goal is to encourage children to build their self-esteem, independence, social cooperation, moral responsibility and knowledge of their environment. The curriculum is child-directed and play-based, encouraging guided learning based on the interest of the child.
The four goals of the NB Curriculum are Well Being, Communication and Literacies, Play & Playfulness, Diversity & Social Responsibility. Here’s how we meet each goal:
Well-Being
The toddlers nourish their curiosity by playing and exploring their environment. We also encourage the development of positive identities and aim to promote a sense of belonging
Play & Playfulness
Playing outdoors on the back deck or going for a neighborhood walk to explore and nourish a sense of wonder is part of their daily activities. Whilst playing, we encourage problem-solving and creativity.
Communication & Literacies
This piece is fulfilled by our designated circle time, where we expose children to new books and songs. Sensory activities accompany circle time to expose toddlers to new materials they may use to create with, further encouraging their literary and creative identities.
Diversity & Social Responsibility
While engaging in circle time we encourage social responsibility and values by teaching social, environmental and cultural inclusion.
At this stage, children have developed an awareness of others. They are actively learning how to successfully interact with one another as they expand their social skills. It is a wonderful time as children begin to make connections as they explore their environments more purposefully. Concepts such as cooperation and community are introduced, and children’s blossoming sense of independence is encouraged.
For more information, contact the Director of Early Childhood Education, Heather Surette at earlylearning@ywcamoncton.com
The two-year-olds are an action-packed group. We do lots of messy, open-ended activities where children can playfully explore the different toys and objects provided. The children go outdoors daily, either on the playground or for a neighbourhood walk. Toilet training usually begins in this classroom as children learn to take responsibility for their personal care. In this classroom, children begin building valuable relationships with their peers as we see many friendships start to form.
By following the NB Curriculum our goal is to encourage children to build their self-esteem, independence, social cooperation, moral responsibility and knowledge of their environment. The curriculum is child-directed and play-based, encouraging guided learning based on the interest of the child.
The four goals of the NB Curriculum are Well Being, Communication and Literacies, Play & Playfulness, Diversity & Social Responsibility. Here’s how we meet each goal:
Well-Being
We encourage friendships and promote a sense of belonging through playtime. We also encourage the development of positive identities.
Play & Playfulness
Educators plan lots of activities where children can express their creativity and playfully explore various toys and objects. By playing on the playground or going for a neighborhood walk children grow to appreciate the natural environment and its diversity.
Communication & Literacies
Through playtime and games, we teach skills such as sharing and properly expressing ourselves to our friends.
Diversity & Social Responsibility
Through building new relationships with their peers, children learn the value of social, environmental and cultural inclusion.
The 2/3-year-old split class is an exciting classroom that sparks imagination and a sense of adventure. We explore and discover our own capabilities and personalities through open-ended art experiences and dramatic play. Peer interaction and problem-solving skills are maintained, and we encourage the children to verbalize their needs, requests, and concerns to support their ongoing language development.
For more information, contact Heather Surette at
earlylearning@ywcamoncton.com
Our 2/3 split class is a class full of imagination. The children are often testing their limits by learning how to work together and taking pleasure in risky play. Daily outdoor time on the playground helps guide the learning that comes from this. Daily activities also include reading books, singing songs, and completing art projects that provide opportunities for sensory play.
By following the NB Curriculum our goal is to encourage children to build their self-esteem, independence, social cooperation, moral responsibility and knowledge of their environment. The curriculum is child-directed and play-based, encouraging guided learning based on the interest of the child.
The four goals of the NB Curriculum are Well Being, Communication and Literacies, Play & Playfulness, Diversity & Social Responsibility. Here’s how we meet each goal:
Well-Being
We encourage friendships and promote a sense of belonging through playtime. We also encourage the development of positive identities and independence through increased responsibility.
Play & Playfulness
Educators plan activities were children learn to work together, build friendships and value the strength that comes from unity and diversity. Outdoor activities and interactions on the playground help to further this goal.
Communication & Literacies
Educators also plan activities that further communication and reading skills. By reading new books, learning and singing new songs, skills such as sharing and verbal expression are increased.
Diversity & Social Responsibility
Through building new relationships with their peers, children learn the value of social, environmental and cultural inclusion.
Preschool children are learning to be responsible members of the community; learning that they should make choices that respect and appreciate diversity. We help prepare children for school by teaching them the skills they will need to succeed.
For more information, contact the Director of Parent and Child Education, Angela Brushett at earlylearning@ywcamoncton.com
Our preschool class is always busy learning in preparation to enter school. Daily activities include free play at learning centres where the children use their imagination to create scenarios they may compare to their world outside of daycare. Free play includes arts and crafts and circle time with stories and songs.
By following the NB Curriculum our goal is to encourage children to build their self-esteem, independence, social cooperation, moral responsibility and knowledge of their environment. The curriculum is child-directed and play-based, encouraging guided learning based on the interest of the child.
The four goals of the NB Curriculum are Well Being, Communication and Literacies, Play & Playfulness, Diversity & Social Responsibility. Here’s how we meet each goal:
Well-Being
Children are given more responsibility and encouraged to grow in our safe and nurturing environment, where their emotional and physical health, identity and sense of belonging are protected.
Play & Playfulness
Playtime is largely dictated by the children’s interests as they learn to make decisions as a group and work together as a team. Problem solving and creativity is encouraged.
Communication & Literacies
We aim to create an intellectually, socially and culturally engaging environment where positive communication skills and literary exploration is encouraged.
Diversity & Social Responsibility
Children are given the opportunity to experience socially inclusive and culturally sensitive environments in which consideration for others, inclusive, equitable and sustainable practices are enacted, and social responsibility is nurtured.
