About us
Our Philosophy
“Children deserve environments that respect who they are and who they are becoming—resilient, capable, curious, and full of potential”
Mission
At Connections ELCC, we offer more than care—we hold space for children to grow in spirit, heart, and strength.
Rooted in love and guided by mindfulness, we create a calm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Through nature, gentle rhythms, and meaningful relationships, we help children build resilience, confidence, and a deep connection to who they truly are.
Our mission is to walk alongside each child as they grow into a grounded, compassionate, and capable individual—ready to meet the world with courage and light
Vision
We envision a world where every child grows up knowing they are whole, worthy, and filled with light.
At Connections ELCC, we dream of a peaceful, heart-centered community where children feel rooted in love, connected to the Earth, and supported in becoming their most authentic selves. It is a place where voices are heard, emotions are honoured, and the beauty of kindness, gratitude, and self-love is woven into each day.
This is not just childcare—it is a loving village where children thrive in body, mind, and spirit.
Core Beliefs
Resilience- Fostering resilience is a core aspect of our educational philosophy. We believe children learn best when they are empowered to face challenges with courage and inner strength. Through problem-solving, emotional regulation, and a positive approach to setbacks, we guide children to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth. With supportive relationships and intentional teaching, we help children build the mindset and confidence needed to persevere, adapt, and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Self-Love & Confidence- We believe that when children feel seen, valued, and accepted for who they are, they develop unshakable confidence and self-worth. At Connections, we nurture identity and self-expression so that every child knows: You matter, you belong, and you are enough.
Mindfulness- Children thrive when they are supported in slowing down and tuning into their inner world. We integrate age-appropriate mindfulness practices—like breathing, grounding, and reflection—into daily routines to help children develop emotional awareness, calmness, and focus.
Kindness & Humility- We cultivate a compassionate culture where every child is encouraged to lead with kindness and empathy. Through role modelling, community engagement, and daily interactions, we foster a deep respect for others and the humility to grow and learn together.
Respect for Mother Nature- Nature is both our teacher and our classroom. We teach children to care for the Earth, to respect all living beings, and to experience the wonder of the natural world. We believe that connecting with nature inspires responsibility, curiosity, and peace.
Connection- Human connection is at the heart of everything we do. We prioritize strong bonds between children, families, educators, and community. We know that when children feel connected, safe, and loved, they grow into empathetic, capable, and grounded individuals.
Goals of Connections ELCC
To Provide High-Quality, Child-Centered Care
Offer a licensed, inclusive, and nurturing early learning program that exceeds Alberta’s childcare standards. Our centre provides a secure, developmentally rich foundation where children in Calgary can learn, grow, and thrive in a warm and supportive environment.
To Build Emotionally Resilient and Confident Children
Support children in developing strong social-emotional skills, including self-regulation, adaptability, problem-solving, and confidence. We help children approach new experiences with courage, curiosity, and a strong sense of self.
To Integrate Mindfulness into Early Learning
Incorporate mindfulness, grounding, and reflective practices into daily routines. Children learn to pause, breathe, and build inner calm—strengthening emotional intelligence, awareness, and healthy coping strategies.
To Cultivate a Culture of Kindness and Respect
Model and encourage kindness, empathy, humility, and cooperative relationships. Children learn to communicate respectfully, build positive friendships, and become caring, gentle leaders in our community.
To Deepen Connection with Nature and Community
Provide rich, year-round opportunities for outdoor exploration through our nature-connected, play-based environment. Community walks, partnerships, and real-world learning experiences strengthen each child’s sense of belonging in Calgary and beyond.
To Empower Families and Honour Diversity
Partner with families as trusted collaborators in care. We celebrate each child’s unique background, culture, and lived experiences, creating an inclusive centre where all families feel welcome, respected, and valued.
To Support Educators as Compassionate Professionals
Foster a wellness-oriented team culture where educators are respected as skilled, passionate early childhood professionals. Our team engages in ongoing learning, reflective practice, and collaborative support to deliver the highest standard of childcare in downtown Calgary.
Our Philosophy:
Children require environments that respect who they are and who they are becoming. We see all children as being resilient, capable, curious, and full of potential.
About our philosophy…
“Children deserve environments that respect who they are and who they are becoming—resilient, capable, curious, and full of potential”
At Connections Early Learning & Childcare Centre in downtown Calgary, we believe children deserve learning environments that honour who they are today and who they are becoming—resilient, capable, curious, confident, and full of potential.
Our high-quality Calgary childcare program is thoughtfully designed to support each child’s individuality while providing meaningful opportunities to develop the skills they need to adapt, grow, and thrive. We balance individual needs with the strength of community, creating a warm, inclusive space where every child feels safe, seen, and successful.
We support the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and linguistically—through a blend of Reggio-inspired, Montessori-influenced, play-based, and nature-connected learning. Social-emotional development is foundational in our program. Children learn to recognize their emotions, express themselves clearly, manage big feelings, build friendships, resolve conflicts, and develop empathy and compassion.
We intentionally guide children in developing:
• Resilience and emotional regulation through mindfulness, grounding, and gentle guidance
• Confidence and self-love through affirmations, strong relationships, and caring connection
• Respect for self, others, and the environment through consistent modeling and meaningful practice
• Kindness, empathy, and humility in daily interactions and routines
• A deep connection to nature through outdoor exploration and year-round nature-based learning
• Mindful awareness through breathing exercises, quiet reflection, and body-based practices
Our educators are co-learners, compassionate guides, and skilled early childhood professionals. They create responsive learning environments that invite curiosity, discovery, and hands-on exploration. Children are encouraged to follow their interests, ask questions, express themselves authentically, and learn through real-life experiences.
Because we know no single philosophy fits all children, our curriculum draws from a blend of respected early childhood frameworks—including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, emergent curriculum, ELECT (Early Learning for Every Child Today), and evidence-based best practices from across Canada and the world. This blended approach ensures a flexible, well-rounded program where every child can thrive in their own unique way.
Families are essential partners in our work. We honour and celebrate each child’s background, culture, and lived experiences. Through open communication, respect, and shared goals, we build strong relationships that create consistency between home and our centre.
Each day is thoughtfully structured to support mind, body, and spirit. Children experience a rhythm of movement and stillness, creativity and calm, independence and community. Through mindfulness circles, creative arts, storytelling, outdoor play, and nature walks, children are invited to be present, expressive, joyful, and deeply connected.
In our high-quality early learning environment, children develop emotional intelligence, self-regulation, critical thinking, confidence, and strong interpersonal connections. They gain the inner tools they need to meet life with resilience, curiosity, and joy.
Together with families, we nurture a caring, inclusive, and grounded community where every child feels a deep sense of belonging—and every voice is valued.