Our Mission

We are pleased to welcome you to Nanabijou Childcare Centre located on the beautiful campus of Lakehead University.

Inspired by two Lakehead University students and the continuous support of Lakehead University administration, Nanabijou Child Care Centre opened in January 1988. Over time we have expanded from a small classroom to a large organization, however our service continues to prioritize the students, staff and faculty of Lakehead University as well as the larger community of Thunder Bay. It is our mission to provide inclusive, affordable, licenced quality childcare. We are a non-profit organization and currently provide care for over one hundred children ranging from infancy to 4 years of age.

Our Vision

We value the individuality of each child and family and adapt to meet your needs. In a warm and caring atmosphere, we assist your child’s physical, emotional, social and creative development. Our curriculum is based in play and augmented with field trips, daily activities, special visitors and outdoor experiences. Our emphasis is upon the process rather than the outcome. We encourage each child to take risks and try new ideas to build confidence and ability at their own speed. As a collaborative team, we ensure that every child is safe, has nutritious food throughout the day, and plays in a healthy and sustainable environment that encourages exploration and enquiry. Daily, we provide all children opportunities to learn, discover, as well as grow within our dynamic indoor and outdoor play spaces.

Our Work

Our Registered Early Childhood Educators practice daily observation, professional reflection, life-long learning and are driven to provide quality childcare. As Early Childhood Educators, the teaching staff have researched child development and continue on-going professional development as a commitment to the Ministry of Education’s standards and annual evaluation.

Relationships and communication between children, families, educators and the environment are based on respect and acceptance. We hope you will become involved in all aspects of your child’s experience at Nanabijou Child Care Centre. Nanabijou is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors and all parents are encouraged to participate either at the Board or Committee level. Your input is essential to our continued development and growth. Mutual support is a necessity from which we all benefit.

The Reggio Emilia Philosophy

The Reggio Emilia philosophy is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education, which values the child as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge. As a starting place, the philosophy believes in the innate curiosity of children and aims to assist them with understanding their world and who they are in it.

The “100 Languages of the Child” recognizes that children have multiple ways of thinking, playing, exploring, speaking and doing. The Reggio Emilia Approach encourages children to use every tool they have to express themselves.

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We strive to provide a joy-filled, imaginative and creative experience for you and hope Nanabijou Child Care Centre will quickly become an extension of your family and home.