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Early Childhood Development Centre

The Drayton Valley Early Childhood Development Centre is located in the heart of our community. You will find it nestled amongst the beautiful Rotary Park that includes a large playground, Splash Park and tennis courts. Our Centre provides a safe and caring family atmosphere reinforcing our vision and goals.

Contact Us | 5024-48 Street, Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1E1 | 780-514-2248 | ecdc@draytonvalley.ca

Hours

Year round, for children ages 19 mos – 6 yrs.
Monday- Friday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Stat Holidays: CLOSED
New Year’s Day, Family Day (February Long Weekend), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day (May Long Weekend), Canada Day, Heritage Day (August Long Weekend), Labour Day (September Long Weekend), September 30 (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day

The child care centre is closed with the two week closure consistent to Wildrose School Divisions.

The centre is also closed for FIVE Professional Development Days in the year. These dates are announced in the September newsletter to parents.

REGISTRATION

The ECDC has Child Care Spaces Available! Register here.
We are accepting registrations to our waitlist for children ages 12 months to 6 years.
Part-time kindergarten available.
Call today to register your child: 780-514-2248

For more information see the Updated Parent Handbook or explore the FAQs below.

CHILDCARE FEES

Part-time care (2 days per week): $230

Full-time care (3+ days per week): $326.25

Drop-in care: $70

Optional nutrition program: $125/month or $6/day for PT or drop-in

CHILDCARE FAQs

When should I register my child for care?

Childcare is needed for a variety of reasons and for each family this changes. Our recommendations is that you register your child(ren) as soon as you are sure you require care. For example: you have just received confirmation of registration for school. As some age groupings can be full calling early gives you opportunity to either find a space or learn about placement for our waitlist.

How long is the waitlist

Due to the fact that all programs are operating at capacity it is virtually impossible to predict when spaces will become available. When spaces do become available, the program manager will contact families via telephone if the space meets their outlined requirements. Please ensure your contact information remains up to date. Parents will be notified and have 72 hours to let the program manager know if you will utilize this space. If you decide you no longer want to be on the list please contact the ECDC immediately.

What if I don't need the space when the program manager calls?

Let the Program Manager know you do not need care at this time, but still will require care at a later time. Your name then will be moved to the bottom of the list rather than be removed entirely.

How do I apply for subsidy?

Children attending full time kindergarten can apply for subsidy. For more information regarding child care subsidy please visit https://www.alberta.ca/child-care-subsidy-program

Child Care Subsidy Estimator Tool
Find out the approximate amount of your subsidy using our online estimator. The estimator calculates potential subsidy for families who require full-time child care (100+ hours). Information you provide in the estimator is not shared or saved.

“The Early Childhood Development Centre is committed to providing a quality child care program which will address the full development of each child being cared for.”

Goals for the children:

To provide an environment that encourages and motivates on all levels: cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development;
To provide a nurturing environment for children;
To foster a sense of self-worth in each child;
To recognize the importance of the individuality of each child;
To treat each child with respect and understanding;
To provide optimum nutrition for every child;
To give the child optimum opportunity to experiment, explore, and discover for himself / herself as much as possible in the environment.

Goals for the parents:

To provide resources and guidance to parents and caregivers that supports the healthy development of their children;
To mobilize community resources to provide additional required care for children served by the Centre.

Choosing Childcare
Careers in Early Childhood Development
Healthy Childcare
An Alternative Approach to the Funding and Delivery of Early Learning & Care for Children

Canadian Child Care Federation
Services and programs for direct service providers, child care organizations, educational institutions, government policy makers and public opinion leaders.

Child Care Resource and Research Unit
Resources on children and families with an extensive library of online documents in the areas of children and families.

Childcare Profile – Drayton Valley, Alberta
Prime Minister’s Award of Achievement
Award of Excellence
Bernice’s Story

ECDC NATURE LEARNING

Children need to engage in Nature! We know that children who spend more time outside show less anxiety, build better core strength, explore and become more confident in less structured environments and simply become increasingly excited to spend more time independently learning. The intention of this program is to nurture their love for nature! Through these sessions we will explore topics such as gardening, indigenous bug and animal species, environmental stewardship, food security and other skills to help foster a sense of helping our world to be a better place.

Indigenous Teachings Program

Our program is committed to meeting the truth and reconciliation, Calls to Action for children. Each month we are privileged to meet with local elder, Linda Prentice to learn about indigenous teachings. Children are learning about history, Cree language, crafting and so much more. This incredible opportunity for our children has been kindly sponsored by Weyerhaeuser.

NEW FUNDING MODEL

Changes were made to the Child Care Funding model starting April 1, 2025.

To learn more, visit the Government of Alberta’s website

To see how this impacts the ECDC, what’s already included in your monthly fees, and what programming is covered, click here

sponsorships

The Early Childhood Development Centre wishes to thank Vermilion Energy, Weyerhaeuser, Cenovus, IGA, ACR, Hayduk Picker and Heli Range, Lewcam Holdings Ltd., Century 21, FORTIS, Drayton Valley Community Foundation and Pembina Pipelines for their generous contributions to the program.

This funding will be supporting families struggling due to economic conditions, supporting nutrition, swimming lessons, and outdoor engagement with Eagle Point Blue Rapids.

Thank You Vermillion Energy!

The ECDC team extends our heartfelt thanks to Vermilion Energy for their continued support of our nutrition program! A valued partner since 2011, Vermilion Energy has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of children and families in our community. Their generous sponsorship, along with their genuine understanding of the importance of quality care, has made a lasting difference.

We are especially grateful for the compassion shown by the staff at Vermilion Energy over the years. Their ongoing support reflects a deep commitment to helping local families and strengthening our community. Partnerships like these are what make Drayton Valley such a caring place to live.

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