New childcare centre is a family dream come true

November 15, 2018 · 0 Comments

Written By JASEN OBERMEYER

Family Tree Childcare Centre, a home away from home, recently held their grand opening. They look to help toddlers and preschoolers get their bearings ready for school.

The ceremony took place on Sunday, Nov. 11. The Centre, located at 194 McEwan Drive beside Landmark Cinemas, is family owned and operated by sisters Stefania, Alessia, and Giulia Italiano who come from a big family.

“It feels amazing,” said Stefania. “It feels like our dream has come true.”

“It’s been about a four-year process,” noted Giulia. “We love children. We want to make it like a family. It’s really special to us.”

The centre is Early Childhood Education (E.C.E) certified. Staff and teachers are trained in CPR and first aid, and there is also an on-site cook.

“I’m happy it’s finally come together,” added Alessia. “We wanted this for so long.”

The Centre provides a learning environment to encourage life-long learning and friendships. They focus on physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills, based on a program called E.L.E.C.T (Early Learning for Every Child Today).

“We always wanted to help other parents,” explained Alessia on starting the centre with her sisters. “We’re glad to be part of the community.”

Programs include early literacy, dramatic play, motor skills, and science and nature.

The classroom for toddlers, ages 18-30 months, will participate in various areas such as arts, dramatic play, sensory, and early literacy. The preschool classroom, ages 30 months to five years, allows the children to learn to become more independent and build social-emotional skills.

“It’s all hands on,” described Giulia.

“It’s all about our kids future, and you got to start them off right,” said Mayor Allan Thompson, who, along with Area Coun. -elect Tony Rosa and Regional Coun. Annette Groves, Spiderman and Chase from Paw Patrol, was on hand to unveil the centre.

He added there has been a huge demand for childcare centres with development and parents needing a place to send their kids when they have to go back to work.

“I know that’s a real challenge.”

Helen Wilks, the Centre’s supervisor, said she is most excited for the opportunity to see the kids grow and develop.

Stefania said that being a small business and family-oriented; the children will have a homey feel when they come. “We feel like educating them at such a young age, allows us to brighten their minds for the future.”

For more information, visit www.familytreechildcare.ca.