EARLY LEARNING at MACEWAN
Our spaces
Playrooms
Step into our vibrant centre, where you’ll discover three distinct playrooms designed for children of different age groups: a toddler room (18 months to three years) and two preschool rooms (ages two to six), each staffed by a dedicated team of at least three members. Our playrooms are thoughtfully designed to nurture children’s curiosity and creativity, featuring a variety of materials and activity areas for physical and cognitive development in art, science, reading and gross motor play. We regularly update the playrooms to align with children's interests. Each playroom has an attached observation deck for parents and visitors.
In collaboration with the kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre, our ELM educators and staff renamed our playrooms after indigenous Alberta birds, inspired by the Cree translation for “kihêw waciston,” which means “eagle's nest.” Elder Frances Alexis and Roxanne Tootoosis performed a smudging ceremony and gifted the names Hummingbird, Chickadee and Partridge emphasizing the importance of honouring the natural world that brings us together.
Outdoor play area
At our center, we’re all about getting outside and having fun, rain or shine! We believe that daily outdoor play helps children develop healthy habits and an active lifestyle. Our secure outdoor play area is the perfect place for little adventurers to discover plants, animals and the wonders of each season. Plus, it’s a great way for them to build their physical skills, from balancing to jumping, climbing and even skipping. Weather permitting, each playroom heads outside twice a day to soak up the fun and fresh air.
Art studio
Jam-packed with a wide range of materials and tools, our art studio gives everyone the freedom to let their creativity run wild. It’s a place where children, educators and families can let their imaginations flow and explore their artistic talents in their own unique way or by joining together on collaborative masterpieces.
Lending library
Our lending library is a calm, serene space, filled with a wide range of books, including children’s stories, resources for parents and textbooks for educators. It offers a peaceful environment where families and educators can explore a rich variety of reading materials, fostering a love for learning and supporting their educational journeys.