Our Program

We are a preschool licensed to offer child care to 16 preschool children with an alternate capacity of 15 toddler children in one mixed age grouping classroom. We offer full-time participation options of 5 days (Monday – Friday), 3 days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) or 2 days (Tuesday, Thursday) a week for attendance.

Children attaining the age of 2 years old by December 31st of the calendar year are eligible to be enrolled in the program. Children attaining the age of 4 years old by December 31st of the calendar year are NOT eligible to be enrolled in the program. Enrollment in the nursery school is for all 10 months the school operates and no months are excluded from payment.

2 teachers are always in the classroom, with up to 3 teachers at a time ensuring a superior teacher to children ratio. Well-balanced lunches and mid-afternoon snacks are provided by Wholesome Kids Catering.

Hours of Operation

The SCNS year runs from September – June, Monday to Friday, with some closure days during this period for which we adhere to the CWELCC required limits where parents are charged. The SCNS is closed on all statutory holidays in addition to the other days of closure outlined in our Parent/Guardian Handbook, such as two-week period at Winter Break, one-week period at Mid-Winter (March) Break, among others. We are open on all professional activity (PA) days.

The normal hours of the school and the full-time program offered are 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or as decided by the Board of Directors.

Program Rates

Base Fees effective January 1, 2025.

An annual application for each child must be accompanied by a non-refundable membership fee and a signed membership agreement, which outlines the parents/guardians’ responsibilities. Monthly tuition fees are to be paid on the 1^st of each month via e-transfer, except for the tuition fees for September and June which are to be paid on the 1^st of September.

Full-Time program: 9:15am – 3:00pm 

CWELCC reduced annual membership fee of $70.88 is collected for every registered child, reduced by 52.75% from March 2022 freeze rates and is subject to continued CWELCC approval.

Program Philosophy

The main philosophy of the Sunnylea Cooperative Nursery School is learning and socializing through play. The playroom is well-equipped, offering numerous choices for playing/learning activities. There are many opportunities for learning within the Sunnylea program through daily activities. The children become very comfortable with the familiar program that includes free play, lunch/snack time and circle time. The school hosts special events throughout the year.

Daily Schedule

Each day’s structure encourages the children to familiarize themselves with the school setting providing free play, table work to develop their fine motor skills and imagination, lunch/snack time and circle time. We have a library in the classroom and the toys are changed daily and the books are changed every week. Our school also encourages a gentle approach to separation anxiety for the child and caregiver. We understand that the first school setting may be intimidating for a child and we will work with parent/guardian to facilitate a gentle separation.

Each day begins with a welcome from the teachers at the door and free play for the children. During free play the children are encouraged to become involved in one of the areas of the playroom. There is a drawing table for picture drawing, letter drawing, scribbling and invented spelling. Other quiet play activities include puzzles, books and games. The children are encouraged to assist with tidying up of the toys before circle time. During circle time, the children participate in discussions, signing, and letter/number recognition. Children then have lunch, followed by quiet book time and gross motor activities. Children are encouraged to play, after which they assist with tidying up of the toys in preparation for snack time. A second circle time is offered to the children, followed by clean up and getting ready for program pickup.

Note: Children are taken to the washroom as needed. Handwashing is also encouraged during the day aside from the schedule above.

Nutrition: Lunch and Snack

Well-balanced lunches and mid-afternoon snacks are provided by Wholesome Kids Catering. A menu is shared with parents/guardians to be informed of the lunches/snacks for the week.

A detailed Anaphylactic Policy is in place as part of the SCNS Policies and Procedures Document which is distributed to all parents/guardians. If the child has any kind of allergy, sensitivity, or even an eating restriction, parents/guardians inform the school in writing upon registration or as soon as the restriction is identified.

An individual plan for children with medical needs is created with the parents/guardians and staff following the Creation of Individual Plans for Children with Medical Needs Policy, which is documented in the SCNS Policies and Procedures Document and distributed to all parents/guardians. Once you have informed the school of this in writing, the allergy / sensitivity / eating restriction will be communicated to staff and followed diligently.

Communication with Parents/Guardians

Lillio (formerly HiMama), is a childcare software that enables intuitive recording of observations in the early childhood setting and real-time updates with parents/guardians, is used at the SCNS. This application is confidential only to parents/guardians. A consent form is required to be completed by the parents/guardians who will receive access. Communication is done via messages in the Lillio application, phone or email, where necessary, as well as informal discussions at the door at drop off/pick up.