{"id":5462,"date":"2026-07-22T16:37:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T16:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.bsls.ca\/?page_id=5462"},"modified":"2026-08-07T21:17:51","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T21:17:51","slug":"daycare-and-preschool","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bsls.ca\/?page_id=5462","title":{"rendered":"Daycare, Nursery\/Junior Kindergarten"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Daycare and nursery<\/h2><\/span>
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At BSLS, our childcare programs are play-based, where children are able to construct their own learning through play experiences, offered and supported by the teachers. Teachers are viewed as facilitators for children\u2019s learning. Parents are also an essential component of the program.<\/p>\n

Each child is viewed as competent, curious, full of knowledge and potential. Kindergarten readiness practices are incorporated into the program.<\/p>\n

Through the conscious use of space, color, and light, displays of children\u2019s work, and attention to nature and detail, the environment serves as another teacher.<\/p>\n

The children\u2019s morning at each centre starts with self-initiated play\u2014a time for learning, exploring, discovering and experiencing through activities. Everything that your child does during this time will be developmentally based. The materials and equipment will be chosen considering physical, social, emotional, cognitive development and spiritual growth.<\/p>\n

Learn more about our childcare programs below.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Eligibility<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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St. Mary\u2019s Daycare<\/b>: 18 months to pre-kindergarten, toilet training occurs at this facility.<\/p>\n

Birchdale Daycare<\/b>: 3 years of age on or before December 31st of the year that they are accepted into the program to pre-kindergarten, MUST be fully toilet trained.<\/p>\n

Nursery\/Junior Kindergarten<\/strong>: 3 years of age on or before December 31st of the year that they are accepted into the program to pre-kindergarten, MUST be fully toilet trained.<\/p>\n

Children with additional support needs are welcome in our program. An interview with the director is required before acceptance to help assess the child\u2019s needs for staffing and programming.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Childcare Program daily routines<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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We provide a rich first-experience for children in creative play, socialization, and cognitive growth.<\/p>\n

Bible and Devotion:<\/b> We gather together as a group and share in Bible stories, songs, finger plays.<\/p>\n

Circle time:<\/strong> We gather and learn about each other and the world around us. We learn calendar skills and weather charting.<\/p>\n

Free Play: <\/i><\/strong>Allows for individual choice in art, dramatic play, library, manipulative area, science, sand\/water and the technology centre.<\/p>\n

Outdoor\/Gym Time: <\/i><\/strong>The children spend a portion of their day playing on climbers, balls, bikes, or other fun gross-motor games.<\/p>\n

Snack and Lunch<\/strong> Time: <\/strong>During snack and lunch time the children are required to use their table-manners and participate in a table blessing. Staff members assist in developing self-help skills such as opening containers and cleaning up after themselves.<\/p>\n

Arts and Crafts:<\/strong> Art activities contribute to the development of fine motor skills and is an important part of child development. It also promotes literacy, math, creativity, and a child\u2019s self-esteem. Creative experiences foster mental growth in children by providing opportunities for trying out new ideas, new ways of thinking and problem solving.<\/p>\n

Naptime:<\/strong> Children are allowed to sleep for 1 to 2 hours. Children who are non-nappers are offered books and quiet table activities. Naptime for any child is important as their body is growing at such a tremendous pace it needs the rest during the day. A child\u2019s mind is absorbing so much information all morning long that it, to, needs the quiet time to catch up.<\/p>\n

Science Activities<\/strong>:<\/i> Science helps children develop vital life-skills such as problem-solving, communication and research. Integrating science concepts in everyday activities enhances cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.<\/p>\n

Kindergarten Readiness<\/strong>: Children are prepared for the transition into school by practicing to write the alphabet, numbers, and names, cutting, and reading simple books. This will increase your child\u2019s confidence before entering kindergarten.<\/p>\n

Teacher-Directed Activities<\/strong>: Children choose activities from a variety of learning areas set up by the teacher. The areas include dramatic play, blocks, science, math, games, puzzles, books, and music. This promotes self-esteem and independence.<\/p>\n

Table Activities<\/strong>: Fine motor toys such as Lego, puzzles, linking toys and beads are set up by the teachers to allow the children to explore. With the development of fine motor skills, children are able to complete important tasks such as writing, feeding, buttoning and zippering that help to develop dexterity and strength.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Daily routines for childcare parents\/guardians<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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When bringing your child to childcare everyday, there are a list of things parents\/guardians should be mindful of. Please view pages 6-9 of our Childcare Programs Parent Handbook <\/a>to familiarize yourself with our daily protocols.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Hours of operation<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Birchdale Campus Childcare Hours<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Daycare<\/strong><\/i> (September \u2013 June)<\/p>\n

Monday \u2013 Friday: <\/b>7:00 a.m. \u2013 5:30 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before and After School Care <\/span><\/i><\/strong>(September \u2013 June)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Monday \u2013 Friday<\/b><\/p>\n

Before School Care:<\/b> 7:00 a.m. \u2013 8:30 a.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

After School Care:<\/b> 3:20 p.m. \u2013 5:30 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior Kindergarten<\/strong>:<\/span><\/i> (September \u2013 May)<\/span><\/p>\n

Monday \u2013 Thursday: <\/b>9:00 a.m. \u2013 11:15 a.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

These programs follow the school calendar and will be closed for the following holidays: Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Break, Louis Riel Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Victoria Day. Junior Kindergarten is closed during spring break but the BASC program offers a spring break camp daily from 7:00 a.m. \u2013 5:30 p.m. Registration is required.<\/p>\n

St. Mary\u2019s Childcare Hours<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Daycare<\/strong>:<\/i> (year round care)<\/p>\n

Monday \u2013 Friday:<\/b> 7:00 a.m. \u2013 5:30 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Open year round and will be closed for the following holidays: Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year\u2019s Day, Louis Riel Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day and Civic Day. The centre will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year\u2019s Eve until 1:00pm.<\/p>\n

Nursery\/Junior Kindergarten:<\/i><\/b> (September \u2013 June)<\/p>\n

Monday \u2013 Friday:<\/b> 9:00 a.m. \u2013 11:15 a.m.<\/p>\n

These programs follow the school calendar and will be closed for the following holidays: Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Break, Louis Riel Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Victoria Day. Junior Kindergarten and Nursery School are closed during spring break.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>how do i register?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>