YMCA Wood Buffalo Region

The YMCA is the largest and most trusted providers of high quality Child Care Services in the Province of Alberta. Our ...Childcare Programs deliver stimulating learning experiences in a safe environment that will enhance our child’s social, intellectual, physical and emotional development. We stimulate children’s natural curiosity and encourage personal expression so that they develop into confident, caring, happy individuals. Children need role models. They model themselves after their parents first, peers second and providers third. Your child needs to know that you have confidence in us so that we will also have their confidence. This handbook will provide you with program information and regulations regarding Childcare services. If you require further information, please feel free to contact your Centre Directors.

Birchwood 12 months - 6 years
Kelly - KMacRae@woodbuffalo.ymca.ca
Holly S.- HSceviour@woodbuffalo.ymca.ca
190 Tamarack Way
780-790-9532

Riedel 12 months - 6 years
Amy - AGyotarl@woodbuffalo.ymca.ca
#34-8820 Franklin Ave
780-743-5554

Thickwood 19 months - 6 years
and Out of School Care
Jennifer - JBridger@woodbuffalo.ymca.ca
Christina - CBarrington@woodbuffalo.ymca.ca
96 Silin Forest Road
780-791-4462

Senior Director of Early Years and School Age Programs
Holly C. - HChristopher@woodubuffalo.ymca.ca
780-790-9532
780-715-4385 (c)

YMCA PROGRAMS FOLLOW THE “LEARNING THROUGH PLAY PHILOSOPHY”
YMCA Child Care and Out of School Care Programs concentrate on active learning on the part of the child, both physically and mentally. Curriculum is based on children’s self- directed exploration, discovery, play, real work, relationship building, and gaining a sense competency. Our Child - Responsive Curriculum emerges from experiences in the lives of children, families, and educators within the program. Children will be given ample opportunity to explore and experiment at their own level of knowledge. Activities planned are both interesting and satisfying to children and educators are aware of their need for challenge and success. Activities promote children’s intellectual physical growth School aged programs provide play opportunities that support school aged children’s need to experience mastery and success at their developmental level. Play is recognized as a vehicle for constructing personal and collective meaning. Play enhances children’s ability for physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and creative development. Play enables children to internalize the concepts taught in subject areas, such as literacy, math, science, and social studies. (Canadian Association for Young Children, 2001) Educators are responsible to provide daily experiences that support and promote each child’s physical, emotional, social, communication, cognitive, and creative development.
Foundational Components of a Healthy Learning Child Care Environment
* Routines
* Playtime
* Transitions: The between times where children move from one activity to another.