Join our Little Turtles family!
*Little Turtles Daycare and Learning Centre Program Statement is consistent with the Ministry of Education’s statement on programming and pedagogy issued under subsection 55 (3) of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and #46 of Ontario Regulation 137/15.
Little Turtles Daycare and Learning Centre is licensed by the Ministry of Education and is funded by the District of Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB). We are governed by the Chief and Council of Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.
We are located inside I.R. Churchill Elementary School. Currently the daycare offers care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and before/after care to students 44 months to 6 years of age who attend I.R. Churchill Elementary School.
Our philosophy is holistic and nurtures the child’s natural curiosity to explore and learn through play. Their spirit will be accepted, promoted, and embraced. Little Turtles Daycare and Learning Centre will ensure children are safe, engaged, and loved.
Our inclusive vision celebrates all cultures, promising that all children will have a strong sense of belonging, rooted in lifelong learning.





Little Turtles weaves the Seven Grandfather Teachings into each program day.
These learnings align with the Four Foundations outlined in the Ministry’s supporting document “How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years (2014)”:
Children will have ample opportunity to connect with the land during outdoor exploration and will be outdoors in all kinds of weather. Regular community outings at local parks and walks around the neighbourhood promote physical activity, well-being, and a sense of belonging.
Children will have a choice in their environment, and each activity area will have several opportunities to explore. We believe there should be a substantial amount of play throughout the day, and play should be uninterrupted, so we try to keep transitions to a minimum.
Trust is paramount for children to develop in a healthy way, and they have the right to feel safe and secure without judgment. At Little Turtles, educators will build meaningful relationships with all children. Educators will spend quality time in small circles throughout the day and will be on the floor at the children’s level as much as possible. Observing the children in this way will provide insight for the educator to learn more about and build relationships with the children, developing new activities based on the interests of each child.
At times, self-regulation can be a challenge, and some children may need guidance to make good choices. Educators allow children to choose to be alone in a quiet area or to have extra hugs to aid in self-regulation.
We know that children function best when they are nourished with healthy foods. Little Turtles Daycare and Learning Centre prides itself on offering homemade recipes for baking, soups, hearty stews, and Bannock. Children will be provided with a variety of healthy nutritious meals and snacks throughout each program day. Children will be offered breakfast, a full lunch, and two snacks, often consisting of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Children are encouraged but never forced to try new foods. At mealtimes, educators will sit with the children family-style. Meals will not be rushed as this is a time to socialize and build relationships. The children are encouraged to serve themselves.
Educators will respect and abide by the family’s wishes to keep the infants on a feeding schedule. All efforts are made to ensure these requests are met and shared with the families and caregivers.
Little Turtles Daycare and Learning Centre will engage families and caregivers to join our children and staff for a Meet, Eat and Greet in the fall, our school’s open house and a Family BBQ in Summer. Families and Caregivers are always welcome to join the classroom, especially during community outings.
Pedagogical documentation will be visible to families and caregivers in many forms – on bulletin boards, artwork, and daily communication on Lillio – capturing what the children have been focused on and are interested in. Educators will support learning through observation, ensuring the environment is set up according to the children’s interests.
Displayed artwork, class photo albums, and Lillio can capture milestones and development, and will be shared with families and caregivers. Each child will have a portfolio with documentation, pictures, and artwork that will be given to the family and/or caregiver throughout the year.
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