MCRC’s Viola Desmond Early Learning Centre is conveniently located within Viola Desmond Public School and provides high quality, full time child care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. We also provide a before and after school program in the school for children in JK to Grade 6, providing a seamless transition from preschool to Kindergarten.

With one infant room, two toddler rooms and two preschool rooms, our centre provides children and families with a warm, nurturing environment that fosters the four foundations for growth and learning – Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement and Expression. Our curriculum is based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy, and our Educators strive to incorporate the principles of this child directed, play based approach into their daily programming. A wide variety of open-ended materials and activities are offered to encourage exploration, and the flow of the day includes opportunities for active play, rest and quiet activities while ensuring the individual needs of each child is met.

MCRC believes the environment is the third teacher, and that includes the outdoors! Children will spend a minimum of two hours per day in our recently renovated natural playscape. This outdoor space provides a natural environment with wood structures, sandboxes, large trees and plants, and a wide variety of toys and materials designed to keep them engaged in active play.

Good nutrition is vital to children’s health and well-being. Children are provided with delicious meals and snacks, prepared onsite by our full time cook. Certified in safe food handling, he prepares a wide variety of healthy and nutritious food. Our four-week rotational menu is filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and can be adapted to meet the needs of children with allergies and dietary restrictions. Meals and snacks are served in a family style environment, providing an opportunity to encourage self help skills while also making connections and building relationships.