Discovery Child Care Centre

Discovery Child Care Centre Child Care Centre - Connecting Children with Nature. Visit us at http://www.discoverychild.on.ca/ or http://www.oeconline.org/our-work/kidshealth/ehcc

Our mission is to nurture a deep connection to nature for all children. We offer licensed child care programs where children spend their days immersed in nature, discovering, exploring, investigating and collaborating. We are passionate about cultivating a child’s natural sense of wonder and setting the foundation for joyful learning. Discovery Child Care Centres have been endorsed as Eco-Healthy

Child Care by the Oregon Environmental Council and are the 1st licensed child care centres in Simcoe County and 2nd in Ontario to be certified.

07/01/2025

Dear Families,

I want to inform you that we are currently experiencing a serious water leak at the centre. As today is a holiday, it is unlikely that I will be able to fully resolve the issue before the end of the day.

At this point, the severity of the leak is still unknown, and it may impact our operations tomorrow. I am doing everything possible to assess and address the situation as quickly as I can.

Please stay tuned to Google Classroom for updates. I will share more information tomorrow morning as soon as I have a clearer understanding of whether we will be able to open.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility during this unexpected situation.

06/02/2025

🌿 Bittersweet News from Discovery 🌿

To our wonderful Discovery family,

After 27 incredible years at Discovery—and over 35 years in the early childhood sector—we, Karen and Chris, have made the heartfelt decision to retire. What began as a small centre for our own children blossomed into a leader in nature-based education, thanks to the love and support of this amazing community.

We are endlessly grateful to our dedicated team, especially four pillars of Discovery who have helped shape our programs with passion and purpose:

✨ Jessica, our Pedagogical Leader, has guided Discovery with vision and heart for over 11 years—and will continue to lead us forward.

✨ Chelsa, with 17 years of service, has been a fierce advocate for children and a mentor to many, helping build our nature-rich programs.

✨ Lisa and Angie, long-time team members whose joy, heart, and dedication bring warmth and connection to our centre every day.

Together, you’ve made Discovery what it is—a place of wonder, belonging, and growth.

We’re also excited to share that Discovery has found a new owner who shares our values and vision. He is committed to continuing the work we've built and keeping the spirit of Discovery alive. We’ll still be around for a while to ensure a smooth transition, and you’ll see us at the centre regularly.

📌 A few important notes:

-All staff will remain employed with Discovery.
-Make sure you're signed up for Google Classroom to stay in the loop.

To our staff, families, and broader community—thank you for being part of this incredible journey. We’ve been honoured to walk alongside you, and we look forward to seeing Discovery continue to thrive in the years ahead.

With deep gratitude,
Karen & Chris

Happy Earth Day!
04/22/2025

Happy Earth Day!

04/11/2025

🌧️ Springtime Possibilities: Learning in a Puddle 🌼

As the seasons shift and the rain begins to fall, it’s easy to see puddles as an inconvenience. Wet socks, muddy boots, extra laundry. But what if we paused and looked again?

What if that puddle isn’t just a mess — but a moment?

In early childhood education, we often talk about curiosity, inquiry, and wonder. Yet the richest opportunities for this kind of learning don’t come from flashy resources or expensive setups. They come from the questions we ask, the tools we offer, and the ways we observe and respond to children’s natural curiosities.

A puddle can become:
🔍 A science lab – for testing, predicting, and observing.
🎨 An art canvas – for reflection, patterns, and play.
📚 A story setting – for imagination, characters, and adventures.
🤝 A social space – for sharing, turn-taking, and negotiation.
🧠 A math lesson – full of size, depth, volume, and change.

It’s not about having the “right” stuff. It’s about having the right mindset.
When we see puddles through a pedagogical lens, they become a perfect provocation for deep, meaningful learning.

This spring, let’s say yes more often. Yes to rain. Yes to puddles. Yes to the mess, the questions, and the joy of discovery. Because sometimes, the most powerful lessons come from the smallest splash.

💧 What might a puddle teach your learners today?

From our friends at Child and Nature Alliance of Canada.
04/03/2025

From our friends at Child and Nature Alliance of Canada.

03/30/2025

Discovery will be closed on Monday.
Unfortunately, many of our staff members will be unable to come in tomorrow due to flooded basements, power outages, and tree damage. All schools in Simcoe County will be closed. We have decided to close tomorrow too. We will reopen at 8am on Tuesday. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Stay safe, warm and dry!

Big Sale on Mabel's Labels!  go to campaigns.mabelslabels.com and choose Discovery Child Care Centre from the list.  Tha...
02/05/2025

Big Sale on Mabel's Labels! go to campaigns.mabelslabels.com and choose Discovery Child Care Centre from the list. Thank you for your support!

11/16/2024

Did you know that Discovery Child Care Centre now maintains a waiting list?

Click on the link to join the waiting list. Siblings of children already enrolled at Discovery have priority on the list.

https://app.waitlistplus.com/DiscoveryChildCareCe/Portal/Signup

Once you're on our waiting list, we'll send you a monthly email to check if you're still interested in a space for your child. It's important to confirm your interest each month. If you don't confirm for three months, your profile will be removed from the list. This process ensures that our waiting list is fair and up to date, giving every child an equal chance of enrollment. Your active participation in this process is crucial.

Please note: Putting your child on the waiting list does not guarantee your child a space at Discovery Child Care Centre.

Welcome to the waitlist for Discovery Child Care Centre. Please fill out the form below to be added to our waitlist. Please note that putting your child on the waiting list does not guarantee a space at Discovery.

From the folks at Kingston Forest & Nature School.For some great layering tips for the whole family check out our "Wee O...
10/29/2024

From the folks at Kingston Forest & Nature School.
For some great layering tips for the whole family check out our "Wee Ones in the Woods" guide:

A Caregiver’s Guide to Getting Outside with Wee Ones – from layering & babywearing to packing lists, and everything in between. A Collaboration between Kingston Forest & Nature School and Go Green Baby

10/18/2024

BIG NEWS!!
We are reopening our infant program as of January 2025! If you are not already on our waiting list, please get on the list by using this link: https://app.waitlistplus.com/DiscoveryChildCareCe/Portal/Signup

Families who have a child on our toddler waiting list whose child is an infant (under 18 months) will be moved to the infant waiting list automatically.

Welcome to the waitlist for Discovery Child Care Centre. Please fill out the form below to be added to our waitlist. Please note that putting your child on the waiting list does not guarantee a space at Discovery.

Mabel's Labels is offering 20% off ALL Daycare Labels! This is a significant saving for your supporters and a great time...
09/16/2024

Mabel's Labels is offering 20% off ALL Daycare Labels! This is a significant saving for your supporters and a great time to share the importance of labeling in daycare! Use code DAYCARE20 at checkout - spread the word, not the germs!

09/12/2024

Our fundraiser with Colibri ends on Sept 23 so please make sure to place your order before then.

We require each family to have a wet bag at the centre daily so we can send dirty/wet clothing home instead of plastic bags.

We are holding a fundraiser that sells wet bags, as well as reusable snack bags, and bowl covers. All are environmentally friendly.

Please visit www.colibrifundraising.com to place your order.

You will see our school name when you check out. Please ensure you fill in all the required info to ensure your order comes to the school labelled and ready to enjoy! Paper copies of the brochures are available in the office

Thank you for your support.

Address

1 Thrushwood Drive
Barrie, ON
L4N0Z1

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm
Friday 8am - 5:30pm

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