About us
Our Philosophy
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
Operate a licensed, inclusive, and nurturing program that exceeds Alberta’s standards and provides a secure foundation for lifelong learning.To Build Emotionally Resilient and Confident Children
Equip children with the tools to self-regulate, adapt, and approach life with courage and confidence.To Integrate Mindfulness into Early Learning
Teach children to pause, reflect, and be present—helping them build inner calm, awareness, and emotional strength.To Cultivate a Culture of Kindness and Respect
Promote humility, empathy, and cooperation in all relationships—encouraging children to be gentle leaders in their world.To Deepen Connection with Nature and Community
Provide rich opportunities for outdoor exploration and meaningful community partnerships that strengthen children’s sense of belonging.To Empower Families and Honour Diversity
Work alongside families as trusted partners in care, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, strengths, and needs of our community.To Support Educators as Compassionate Professionals
Foster a respectful, wellness-oriented team culture where educators are valued as skilled, passionate guides in each child’s journey
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 ELCC, we believe children deserve environments that respect who they are and who they are becoming—resilient, capable, curious, and full of potential.
Our programs are thoughtfully designed to honour each child’s individuality while offering meaningful opportunities to develop the skills they need to adapt, grow, and thrive. We balance the needs of individuals with those of the group, building a supportive and inclusive community where every child can feel safe, seen, and successful.
We support the development of the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and linguistically—through mindful learning, nature connection, responsive relationships, and meaningful engagement. Social-emotional growth is foundational to all we do. We help 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 grounding and mindfulness
- Confidence and self-love through affirmations, connection, and caring relationships
- Respect for self and others through consistent modelling and guided practice
- Kindness, empathy, and humility in their words and actions
- A connection to Mother Earth through daily outdoor exploration and nature-based learning
- Mindful awareness through breathing exercises, quiet reflection, and body-based practices
Our educators are co-learners and compassionate guides. They create responsive environments that invite meaningful exploration, support curiosity, and foster purposeful learning. Children are supported to follow their interests, ask questions, express themselves authentically, and make sense of the world through real-life experiences and hands-on engagement.
We recognize that no single philosophy fits all children. That’s why our curriculum draws from a blend of respected early learning frameworks—Montessori, Reggio Emilia, emergent curriculum, and other best practices from across Canada and the world. By integrating diverse approaches, we create a well-rounded, flexible program where each child can thrive in their own way.
Families are our partners in care. We work alongside you, recognizing and celebrating your child’s unique background, culture, and experiences. Open communication, respect, and shared goals help create a consistent and nurturing environment between home and centre.
Throughout the day, children are engaged in rhythms and routines that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. We offer time for movement and stillness, creation and calm, community and solitude. Whether participating in mindfulness circles, creative arts, storytelling, or nature walks, children are invited to be present, expressive, and connected.
In our high-quality program, children develop emotional intelligence, self-regulation, critical thinking, and deep interpersonal connection. They build the inner tools to meet life with confidence, resilience, and joy.
Together with families, we build a caring, grounded, and inclusive community where every child feels a deep sense of belonging—and every voice is heard.