YW Kids

Our program is guided by Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework, supporting children’s learning through play, relationships, exploration, and meaningful experiences. We create environments that foster curiosity, confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Could link here: https://www.flightframework.ca/

YW Kids participates in the LENA Grow program, an evidence-based professional learning approach that helps educators create language-rich environments. Through meaningful conversations and responsive interactions, children are supported in developing communication, social, and early literacy skills. Could link here:  https://www.lena.org/programs/lena-grow/

We believe strong communities help children thrive. Throughout the year, families are invited to participate in special events, celebrations, and activities that foster connection, build relationships, and create a sense of belonging within our YW Kids community. Parents specifically identified these events as helping create a strong sense of community.

Children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks each day in a positive mealtime environment that encourages healthy habits and social connections. Families frequently highlight the quality of our menu as a valued part of their experience.

An emergent curriculum is based on individual children’s needs and interests. To implement an emergent curriculum, our educators observe
and document reactions and behaviors of each individual child on an ongoing basis.

These observations are used to create a curriculum that fits each child’s unique learning style and development as well as benefits the group as a whole.

YW Kids offers a standard and vegan menu to meet the diverse dietary needs of the children attending. If your child requires a specific diet, please notify us at time of registration. If your child requires a specific milk substitute, we ask that parents provide that option for their child. Almond and Cashew milks are not permitted at YW Kids.

YW Kids participates in the Government of Alberta Affordability Grant program. Eligible families receive the grant directly through the centre, which is applied to reduce monthly child care fees.

YW Kids is committed to providing clear, consistent communication with all families. We use the Lillio app as our primary communication tool, where families receive daily updates, photos, important notices, and centre-wide announcements. We also ask that parents maintain ongoing open communication with the educators by verbally checking in at arrival and pick-up each day and/or by filling out their child’s daily log. In addition, the centre provides weekly email updates and monthly newsletters for all families.

Each room has a slightly different schedule and is flexible to meet the needs of the children as a group. Daily routines such as eating, toileting and rest time are consistent each day. For a detailed look at the room schedule for your child’s prospective room, please contact us.

To best support families and children as they transition to YW Kids, each family is required to come in together for a one-hour morning visit to see how their child adjusts. Additionally, the family can work with the educator to identify what additional transition support may be beneficial for each child.

At this time, YW Kids does not offer a formal half-day preschool program. However, the emergent curriculum in our full-day childcare program offers opportunities similar to a preschool program stretched out over the day.