Smiles and Chuckles Childrens Center

Parents and caregivers of children with autism starting Primary in September 2026 — join our virtual Question & Answer sessions.

Get guidance and support to help make your child’s transition to school smoother. Session dates:

Wednesday, April 8 (English) from 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
Monday, April 13 (French) from 12:00 PM–1:00 PM

Hosted by the Provincial Preschool Autism Service (PPAS) in partnership with IWK Health, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Nova Scotia Early Childhood Development Intervention Services (NSECDIS).

Register: iwkhealth.ca/provincial-preschool-autism-service/autism-education-series or visit the link in our bio

We hope to see you there!

🎉🎉🎉Great news!
Our wait list for future full time child care spaces in our BROOKFIELD and STEWIACKE locations is now open for children ages 18 months to 5 years.
* We do not currently have available openings-this is for future availability
Your child must be 18 months of age no later than December 31,2027
We are not accepting names for school age spaces at this time. School age wait lists will not open until mid to late spring for September 2026.

Please email the following information to [email protected]

* Your name :
* Childs name:
* Your home address:
* Date of Birth:
* Email address:
* Requested Start Date:
* Preferred location:

We will absolutely not accept information or inquiries by phone in regards to the wait list.

We will also not be responding to inquiries on where you are on the list.

This is for 2026 and 2027 only
The list will be limited and closed once it reaches a realistic capacity

Thank you !

OPEN SANDBOX SESSIONS - Starting January 19th 🪣✨

Let the littles dig, build, and explore — while you sip and relax ☕

Our Open Sandbox sessions are all about free play in our indoor sandbox space. No RC equipment during these sessions — just imagination, scoops, buckets, and a little dirt.

Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early risers, this is a calm, creative way to start the day — whether it’s part of your morning routine or a spontaneous playdate.

🕘 Morning time slots available (Mon-Friday 8am-9am OR 9am-10am)
🎟️ $10 per 1-hour session
👶 Limited spots available
☕ Parents are welcome to grab a coffee and unwind nearby

🪣 Indoor Sandbox Guidelines (Please Read)
To keep this space clean, safe, and fun for everyone, we kindly ask all families to follow our sandbox rules:
🧦 Socks are required at all times inside the sandbox (no bare feet).
Hands must be sanitized before entering and after leaving.
🥨 No food or drinks in the sandbox area.
👀 Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
🤝 Please share toys, play kindly, and avoid rough play or throwing sand.
🚜 RC diggers are not used during Open Sandbox sessions.
⏱️ Sessions are timed to ensure fair access for all families.

Our staff are always present during public sandbox sessions to support safety and cleanliness.

Whether you’re looking for screen-free play, a relaxed morning outing, or a space where kids can just be kids — the sandbox is open 💛

📍 Book online at www.diggerscafe.ca
By appointment only*

Wait lists for all programs will be opening on February 1,2026.
Further details will be posted closer to that time.

For our licensed centres-

Respiratory illness season has landed in Nova Scotia. We’re seeing an increase of influenza, COVID-19 and RSV in the province. Here are a few tips to help you get through it:

• If possible, stay home when you feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, new cough or trouble breathing.
• Keep your flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccines up to date if you are eligible.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, and throw tissues away after use.
• Improve airflow by opening windows when possible or using exhaust fans to bring in fresh air.
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces or when visiting people at higher risk (seniors, infants and those with other illnesses).
• Clean high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, stair railings and shared devices (remote controls, computers, phones) with a cleaner/disinfectant.
• Seek medical care or call 811 if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or worsening symptoms.

Find more great winter health and safety tips from Public Health: www.nshealth.ca/winter-health-and-safety

🎉 Exciting News: Holiday Nights of Lights Rescheduled! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve added a replacement weekend for our Holiday Nights of Lights event!

Join us THIS Friday and Saturday, January 2 and 3, for an extra chance to experience the magic.

Tickets now live! 👉 https://wildlifepark.goingtocamp.com/

Join us at the Wildlife Park Friday and Saturday nights the park will be open from 2:30PM - 8:00PM!

Event Dates: Jan 2nd and 3rd

Event Hours:
Gates Open: 2:30 pm
Last Admission: 7:00 pm
Park and Gift Shop Close at 8:00 pm

🎟 Regular admission rates apply! 🎟

You can save time by purchasing tickets online, but you can also purchase your tickets at the admissions booth upon arrival! The choice is yours!

What to Expect:
❄ Stroll through glowing light displays as the park comes alive after dark.
❄ Family-friendly activities and seasonal fun
❄ Meet staff and learn about the animals that call our park home.
❄ Browse the Gift Shop for souvenirs and holiday treats before you head out!

Helpful Tips:
⛄️ Dress warmly — December evenings are chilly!
⌚ Plan to arrive early to enjoy the full event before last entry.
🚗 Parking is free but limited — please consider carpooling.
🌨️ This event takes place outdoors — prepare for winter conditions.

Important Reminders:
🔦 Personal flashlight devices may not exceed 250 lumens
🐶 No pets allowed

Youth Curling Programs Start Next Week!
Our Little Rocks and Junior Curling programs are starting up next week, and we can't wait to see you on the ice!

Little Rocks (Ages 6-9):
Start Date: Tuesday, November 18th
Time: 3:30 PM
Membership: $35 for the year.
Equipment: Helmets are required. Brooms will be provided.

Junior Curling (Ages 10-18):
Start Date: Wednesday, November 19th
Time: 3:15 PM
Membership: $50 for the year.
Equipment: Sliders and brooms will be provided. All are welcome to try!

Important Notes for All Participants:
Please wear warm, loose-fitting clothing.
Clean, separate footwear must be worn on the ice.

Questions? Contact Lisa Henderson at 902-673-2106 or [email protected].