Mindiwin Manido Daycare

Mindiwin Manido means 'Gifts from the Spirit'. At our centre all children are gifts that are cherished and nurtured. Our goal is to offer a program of the highest quality and is designed to meet the needs of the child. Our program includes a daily routine of: free play (child initiated activities), outdoor play, small group time (staff initiated activities), lunch and rest time.

Our program reflects the traditional values and beliefs of our community with opportunities for children to participate in these activities. Children benefit by attending community ceremonies and gatherings. Traditional activities are taught through storytelling, dance, smudge, traditional games, drumming, songs, crafts and language. In order to revive the Algonquin language, Barry Sarazin teaches the language to preschoolers in the daycare.

 

While it is important for children to learn about their own culture it is equally important to teach children about the bigger world so that they appreciate all diversities, including other cultures and persons with Special Needs.

 

 
License Information

Mindiwin Manido is a licensed centre by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. We have requirements and policies to follow in order to be licensed each year. We can care for ten toddlers aged 18 months to 2 1/2 years, and 24 preschoolers aged 2 1/2 to 5 years of age.

About our Staff

All our staff have a natural desire and ability to work with children. The care of our children is regarded as life work and not just a job. The staff is culturally aware and sensitive to the values of the community. They are open to learning our language as well as listening to Elders for advice on what to teach children.

School Readiness

In our daycare we have a learning circle in the morning.  Staff are trained to follow the elementary school curriculum.  The curriculum includes letter recognition, sound identification, oral language and numeracy. This will assist our preschoolers for the transition to provincial schools. Our circle in the afternoon includes creative movement activities, finger plays, games, songs and story time.