Early Childhood Education

Passamaquoddy Children’s Centre, Inc. is a non-profit child care facility serving the needs of families in St. Andrews and area for over 25 years through its caring and creative environment. Physical fun is balanced with music, nature appreciation, arts and crafts.

Integration with the New Passamaquoddy Lodge

We’re thrilled to share that the co-location of Passamaquoddy Lodge and Passamaquoddy Children’s Centre, Inc. is on the horizon, with plans set for 2027. This exciting integration promises to enhance services for our community, fostering intergenerational connections and creating a vibrant environment where young children and seniors can learn, grow, and thrive together. By bridging generational gaps, preserving memories, and promoting empathy, this initiative embodies our commitment to a more inclusive and supportive future.

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Community Engagement

Community engagement benefits young children by fostering social skills, empathy, and cooperation. Exposure to diverse cultures broadens their understanding and promotes inclusivity, while participation in community activities boosts self-esteem and instills a sense of responsibility.

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Learning Through Play

Through play, children are given the opportunity to explore their environment, develop problem-solving skills, and learn to interact with others, which builds their confidence and resilience! What a way to spend the day!

Future Integration

Integrating an early learning centre with a nursing home benefits both children and elderly residents. Children gain social skills and empathy through intergenerational interactions, while seniors combat loneliness and find purpose by engaging with young children. This integration fosters community and emotional well-being, bridging generational gaps.

Come Visit Us

We are located at 390 Montague St., Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada

Our Pre-School. Our Family. Our Community

At Passamaquoddy Children’s Centre, Inc., we believe in creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. Our family-oriented approach ensures that each child feels valued and supported, fostering a sense of belonging. We are deeply connected to our community, working together to provide enriching experiences that help our young learners grow and develop.

Curriculum

Play

Play builds the kind of free-and-easy, try-it-out, do-it-yourself character that our future needs. 

— James L. Hymes Jr.

 

Music

We integrate music into our program to foster creativity, enhance cognitive development, and bring joy to our young learners.

Art

Art sparks creativity, enhances fine motor skills, and promotes self-expression among our children.

Social Skills

Children love to explore their surroundings, hone problem-solving skills, and learn to interact with others, fostering their confidence and resilience.

Why is it important for children to engage with their community?

Community engagement is vital for young children as it fosters social development, cultural awareness, and emotional growth. Through interactions with diverse groups, children learn essential social skills, empathy, and cooperation, while exposure to different cultures broadens their understanding and promotes inclusivity. Participating in community activities also boosts self-esteem and provides practical learning experiences that complement their education, instilling a sense of responsibility and a positive impact on their surroundings. Additionally, it creates a supportive network of adults and peers, contributing to their overall development and well-being.

What is the value in an integrated program, between the young and the elderly?

Integrating an early learning center with a nursing home offers valuable benefits for both children and elderly residents, creating a mutually enriching environment. For children, it provides opportunities for intergenerational interactions that enhance social skills, empathy, and understanding of different life stages. They gain exposure to diverse perspectives and life experiences, which can positively influence their emotional and social development. For elderly residents, engaging with young children can combat loneliness, stimulate cognitive function, and provide a sense of purpose and joy. The interactions can also help preserve their memories and life stories, offering them a meaningful way to contribute to the community. Overall, such integration fosters a sense of community, enhances emotional well-being for all involved, and bridges generational gaps, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment.

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The Importance of Childcare

The shortage of affordable and accessible childcare in New Brunswick remains a significant barrier for many families, impacting their ability to participate fully in the workforce and access economic opportunities.” (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Childcare in New Brunswick: Challenges and Solutions, 2023.)

“New Brunswick families are facing a childcare crisis that hampers their ability to balance work and family life, with a critical shortage of spaces and high costs creating barriers for many parents.” (The Globe and Mail, “Childcare Challenges in New Brunswick: A Growing Crisis,” August 2023.)

“High-quality childcare is not just a necessity but a foundation for the future success of children in New Brunswick. It supports early learning, promotes social and emotional development, and enables parents to participate fully in the workforce.” (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, The Importance of Quality Early Childhood Education in New Brunswick, 2022.)

“Creating integrated environments where young children and the elderly interact offers profound benefits for both groups, fostering mutual understanding and emotional enrichment while bridging generational gaps.” (Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, “The Benefits of Intergenerational Programming: Enhancing Social Connections Across Ages,” 2021.)