Philosophy
At Earthlings we aspire to teach children how to care for the environment (nature and all it’s creatures), our community and ourselves. Activities revolve around respect and appreciation for nature, our food is organic non-GMO and sourced from ethical practices, and children get to learn how to tend to on-site gardens and grow their own vegetables! Activities revolve around respect and appreciation for nature, our food is organic, non-GMO and sourced from ethical practices, and children get to learn how to tend to on-site gardens and grow their own food!
Our 3 Main Goals
To create a home-like setting with more than the required amount of qualified staff.
A better teacher/child ratio is of high importance for many reasons. It allows all children the attention they need to be happy and engaged in activities with less distractions. More qualified educators means a higher quality of care and a more natural, peaceful setting. Small groups sizes provide opportunities to pay attention to each child’s ideas and explore them further.
To serve healthy food. That means organic, local, and homemade.
Choosing natural foods that are not processed or filled with preservatives not only boosts physical development but also helps in mental and emotional stability and focus. We serve organic, local, and non-GMO snacks and lunches and talk to the kids about the benefits for their bodies and the planet in doing so.
To teach ‘Earth-Friendly’ philosophies.
Tending to six vegetable gardens (on the property), choosing local and organic, non-GMO food sourced from ethical practices, nature walks, visiting local farms, making recycled art projects, conserving water and minimizing waste, neighbourhood clean up day, nature exploration, participating in ‘Earth Hour’ and ’Earth Day’ celebrations, and always remembering to reduce – reuse -recycle!
About Earthlings
Roxy and Craig Norris opened Earthlings Childcare on Earth Day, 2009. Years of planning went into the idea while they travelled across Canada, Alaska, and through Central America to Costa Rica where they taught English for a year. Roxy’s experience as an Early Childhood Educator and Craig’s business background allowed them to create the space they’d always dreamed of. A homey environment with more staff and smaller groups of children.
| Provincial Standards | EARTHLINGS |
|---|---|
| ECE Certification: | |
| 25% of Staff | 100% of Staff |
| After School Teacher/Child Ratio: | |
| 1 Teacher to 15 Kids | 2 Teachers to 15 Kids (15 Kids Maximum ~ Typically 12-14) |
| Preschool Teacher/Child Ratio: | |
| 2 Year Olds: 1 to 5 | 3 to 12 |
| 3 Year Olds: 1 to 8 | 3 to 15 (Maximum) |
| 4 Year Olds: 1 to 10 | 3 to 15 (Maximum) |
What our Families Say
"As a parent, I entrust my son to the staff at Earthlings Childcare, and I am grateful for the loving care and guidance he receives. Earthlings looks at each child as an individual, with their own strengths and needs. Nathan has been privileged to have awesome teachers who understand his sensitive side, and handle him with kindness. Nathan has learned so much and continues to share with me the great activities that go on each day after school! They are always on the go from nature hikes to playing in the park. It was very important to me to have a daycare that also respected the environment. They have showed my son the importance to reduce, reuse and recycle from their annual Christmas shopping trips at thrift stores. Nathan truly enjoys the food that they prepare as when I make something I usually hear 'Roxy’s is better- ask her where she gets it.' The list goes on around the difference that Earthlings has made in our life. I appreciate the kind people that work there. Nathan says 'He enjoys going there as he has made good friends and enjoys the food. Oh, and he loves the electronics days.'"
Robyn Allen
Earthlings Alumni
"Earthlings is a great fit for our family. It has everything you would want for your children – it’s extremely reliable, safe, educational, and offers healthy/homemade/organic food choices. The children at Earthlings are very active and engaged. They get to be creative, explore nature, and learn about the world around them. Everyday the kids discuss and vote on the kind of activities they want to do and they are given the opportunity to make choices and work out their differences with their friends. All of this happens under the watchful eye and guidance of dedicated, compassionate professionals who treat the kids with kindness and respect while firmly setting the rules and addressing any challenges that may arise. I feel extremely lucky that we found Earthlings and I know my kids do too."
Denise, Mom of Adam and Ryan
Earthlings Alumni
"Our son started going to Earthlings four years ago and we couldn’t be happier with the whole body nourishment he receives on a daily basis. From the incredibly healthy food to humanitarian lessons to unreserved playtime at an array of community parks, we feel like Roxy and her teaching team go above and beyond the norm."
Amber & Murray
Earthlings Alumni
"The staff at Earthlings are so nice. They have gone out of their way to make it possible to have my daughter attend their daycare. Having her in a French school posed some challenges but they work with me to overcome those challenges so my daughter can attend this awesome daycare."
Dennis
Earthlings Alumni
"Earthlings is a great place for my daughter because of the consistent outside playtime she receives at local playgrounds and treks through the woods and parks. We appreciate the healthy, local, and organic menu that is offered; and that green living practices are taught and lived out just like at home. We feel confident leaving her in the care of the fun and caring Earthlings staff."
Cathy
Earthlings Alumni
"Since my daughter started at Earthlings I have noticed a big improvement in her self- confidence. She is also learning about friendship, boundaries, and problem-solving. She has even been coming home speaking French words! The ladies working at Earthlings are very understanding, caring, friendly & fun! We live across town but we lovingly make the trip to Earthlings because we know she is receiving the best care!"
Lyndsay
Earthlings Alumni
"Putting our kids in Earthlings Childcare is one of the best decisions we made for our Children. From our first visit, our children felt so welcomed and comfortable. They are happy about going to their preschool and every time we drop them off they are excited. They even want to stay a little bit longer when we go to pick them up.
They have so much fun at the school and they learn in so many different ways through plays, crafts and circle time; they become more verbal, social and educated each day. The staff are great, supportive and they truly care about and love children and they are creating an environment that nurtures learning. Our children didn’t know English when they started here and now they are saying words and understanding in just couple of months. We also love the pictures they take of the kids activities. We are indebted to the dedicated, kindness, and passionate staff at the Earthlings Childcare."
M.H.
Earthlings Alumni
"Earthlings Childcare was exactly what I was seeking in childcare for our daughter. Roxy and her girls were amazing! Never once did I ever worry about our daughter, with the amount of outdoor play and the healthy food served & environmental educational activities it really stood for what is important to us as a family and I'm so grateful for such a unique find in a childcare provider."
Kim Hnatyshn
Earthlings Alumni
"Earthlings staff are amazing and their preschool feels like home. My daughter loves going, she always has fun. It's a clean, friendly, upbeat place and I am so glad I joined my daughter."
Kim
Earthlings Alumni