The ribbon is officially cut at the Ready Set Grow child development centre on Saturday for their grand opening.--Submitted photo
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Where the city’s Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre once stood, some of the youngest Hatters will now be getting a strong start following Saturday’s grand opening of Ready Set Grow child development centre.
Children from 12 months to 5 years of age will be able to explore important early-learning milestones in a way primarily led by their interests, says co-owner Kirsten White, as the centre follows an emergency curriculum model.
“That means we’re leading the day based on the children’s interests. So we don’t have a lot of preconceived notions in the day,” said White. “We have ideas, but we record the children’s interests, and then we try to build on those interests at their level of development, to try to scaffold on their learning.”
This leads to teachers and workers being co-researchers with the young children, adds co-owner Vanessa McVeigh, rather than adhering to a strict curriculum.
“There’s so much research out there, and proof that adult skills are learned between the ages of zero to six,” said McVeigh. “We’re teaching them how to self regulate and be in a group of their peers, and to be confident in what they’re interested in.”
The pair had attended Medicine Hat College together in the early child learning program, where they originally came up with the dream to open the centre together. Since graduating in 2014, they have worked in a few different daycare centres together before deciding it was finally time to pursue their goal.
Renovations were intensive, said White, to transform the former pound centre into a space suitable for small children. She expressed a deep gratitude to the family and friends who helped with the work to transform the interior of the building.
“We also decided to incorporate as a private nonprofit. Kirsten and I make up the board,” said McVeigh. “We decided to go this route because it helped us be able to access the affordability grant for parents to help subsidize their fees, and it really opens the door for us to work to achieve grants and work with other corporations who want to help build up our vision.”
Currently, says White, the pair is working on applying for grants to help the outdoor learning space match the interior classrooms.
Those interested, or potentially seeking to register, are encouraged to visit readysetgrowmh.ca for more information or to book a tour.
