Our Program
We design our programs to support the whole child through an emergent, play-based curriculum that reflects each child’s interests, strengths, and developmental needs.
We believe children learn best when they actively engage in experiences that matter to them. Our educators observe and listen closely, then use children’s ideas and questions to plan activities and projects. This emergent approach lets learning unfold naturally while fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
We integrate a variety of enriching experiences into our programming, including:
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Physical literacy: Children build gross motor skills, coordination, and lifelong healthy habits through daily movement and active play.
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Science-based projects: Children explore their world with hands-on experiments and investigations that encourage observation, prediction, and discovery.
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Community-based learning: We connect children to the local community through projects, partnerships, and neighborhood exploration, helping them develop belonging and social responsibility.
We also enrich programming with occasional field trips and guest presentations from local organizations. These experiences expand children’s horizons and bring fresh perspectives into our learning environment.
In both our preschool and out-of-school care programs, we create a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging space where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn.
Our Organization
The Dalhousie Community Association (DCA) is a licensed and registered non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of families in our community. As part of this commitment, the DCA operates both the Dalhousie Out of School Care (DOSC) and the Dalhousie Community Preschool Program. These programs are designed to provide high-quality, accessible childcare and early learning services to families who live in or engage with the Dalhousie community.
Mission
Our mission is to provide high-quality, inclusive, and affordable childcare that nurtures the whole child and supports families within our community. As a non-profit organization, we are dedicated to fostering a safe, engaging, and respectful environment where children can explore, grow, and thrive through play-based learning and compassionate care. We partner with families and the broader community to build strong foundations for lifelong learning, well-being, and belonging.
Philosophy
At the Dalhousie Out of School Care (DOSC) and Preschool, we create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child can grow, learn, and thrive. As a non-profit community association, we root our childcare services in equity, community collaboration, and child-centered care.
We recognize early childhood as a foundational stage that shapes a child’s future. Our educators design programs that support each child’s holistic development—social, emotional, physical, and intellectual—through play-based learning, meaningful relationships, and responsive caregiving.
We strengthen our work through community. By partnering with families, caregivers, educators, and the broader community, we ensure that our programs remain accessible, affordable, and accountable. We welcome and support all families, regardless of background or income, and treat each one with respect.
Our non-profit model reflects our values. We put children before profit, reinvest resources into improving programs, support our staff, and enhance the well-being of the families we serve.
Registration
Registration for Dalhousie Out of School Care is open to Children from the Dalhousie Community Centre, Dalhousie Elementary (Spanish) School and West Dalhousie School.
Our school year runs from September to June.