UPDATED: Change in child care operator at some schools

Updated on July 18, 2024

On July 11, 2024, we shared with families that the school district would be changing the child care operator at six of its existing sites – Edith McDermott Elementary, Eric Langton Elementary, Glenwood Elementary, Maple Ridge Elementary, Fairview Elementary, and Maple Ridge Secondary.

Since then, we have heard from many families currently accessing these child care services.

The concerns they have shared range from the timing of the decision and announcement to uncertainties about the transition process and worries about losing familiar faces and established relationships that their children have with the current operator, Curious Minds Learning Centre Ltd. 

We have heard these concerns and sincerely appreciate the time each family has taken to share their thoughts with us. The purpose of the request for proposal (RFP) process is not only to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in selecting service providers but also to ensure we have the best possible care and education providers for our community. We recognize, however, that the timing of the decision and announcement has, instead, created a lot of unnecessary worry and upset, and that families are now struggling with uncertainties about potential disruptions in service at the beginning of the school year.

Our absolute priority is to provide affordable, high-quality childcare for the families and children in our community.

To ensure seamless delivery of childcare for families, the new operator, Saltair Childcare Society, has decided to move forward with delivering childcare at Fairview Elementary and Edith McDermott Elementary only. At these two sites, child care services will continue seamlessly as there was already a scheduled closure before the start of the school year. This means the opening date will be September 3, 2024, as scheduled.

Curious Minds has verbally agreed to a two-year contract extension at their four current locations (Glenwood Elementary, Maple Ridge Elementary, Eric Langton Elementary, and Maple Ridge Secondary) to ensure seamless continuity of care. If your child is already registered with Curious Minds, you don’t need to take any further actions.

If your child is receiving child care services at Fairview Elementary or Edith McDermott Elementary, please reserve a spot with the new operator, Saltair Childcare Society, by end of day, Friday, August 23, 2024.

To reserve a spot, please email inquiringlittleminds@gmail.com and include:

• Parent/guardian’s full name
• Child’s full name, age, and grade (where applicable)
• Requested school site