Westdale Co-operative Preschool, Inc.

Westdale Co-operative Preschool, Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization that operates a cooperative preschool in Hamilton, Ontario. Established in 1974, the preschool has a long-standing commitment to providing a supportive, creative, and inclusive early childhood education environment for children aged 18 months to 5 years. The organization is licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and complies with the Child Care and Early Years Act regulations.

Overview

Westdale Co-operative Preschool focuses on introducing children to their educational journey through exploration, curiosity, and play. The program is designed to promote foundational learning principles such as belonging, well-being, engagement, and expression, fostering lifelong learning habits in young children.

The preschool operates a morning program aligned with the school board year, running from September through June. It offers flexible scheduling options where parents can register their children for two to five days per week. Each session runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with flexible drop-off and pick-up times to accommodate daily variations.

Educational Philosophy and Environment

The preschool’s nurturing and inclusive environment encourages learning through play and inquiry. Children engage in hands-on exploration supported by trained educators, including Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) and an Early Childhood Education (ECE) student. The curriculum is tailored to the interests and developmental abilities of the children in each class.

Children benefit from designated and adaptable spaces that stimulate imagination and cooperation. Physical activity is an important component, with at least 45 minutes daily spent in a large gym area equipped for running, cooperative games, sports, and climbing structures suited for energetic young learners.

Community and Family Engagement

As a cooperative model, Westdale Co-operative Preschool actively encourages family participation and shared investment in children's learning experiences. Family involvement is considered a cornerstone of the preschool’s philosophy, supporting community building and collaborative relationships among parents, teachers, and children.

Nutrition and Daily Routine

The preschool emphasizes healthy eating practices, with children helping to prepare and serve snacks that always include at least two food groups and prioritize organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible. Daily routines are structured yet flexible, aimed at fostering balance between guided and child-led activities.

Location and Licensing

Westdale Co-operative Preschool is situated in the Westdale Village area of Hamilton, Ontario. The program is licensed to care for children from 18 months up to 5 years old, providing both full-time and part-time child care options in compliance with provincial standards.

This cooperative preschool has been an integral part of the Westdale community for decades, committed to nurturing early development through play-based learning in a collaborative and welcoming setting.