Charlotte CampbellI still remember the day that my favorite niece was born. Back then, I was sure that she was the cutest and tiniest thing I had ever seen.
Well, fast-forward to today, when I received a call from her mom with a life update: they were planning to send her to preschool soon! I swear, it felt as if it were only yesterday that we were buying supplies from baby stores.
Now, I can’t believe that she’s about to start studying. The only problem is that her parents aren’t completely sure which facility to choose.
Naturally, I—being the great aunt that I am—volunteered to ask around. I approached plenty of friends with their own little ones for recommendations on the most nurturing and caring preschools here in Halifax.
How much does it cost to send a child to preschool in Halifax?
In Halifax, it costs around $400 to $650 to send a child to preschool per month. The final rate will depend on the popularity of your chosen preschool and the amenities they offer.
How We Chose the Best Preschools in Halifax
1. It Takes A Village Daycare Society
Address: Glenbourne Plaza, 480 Parkland Dr
Phone: +1 902 405 8336
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
It Takes A Village Daycare Society was the way to go for more than 150 families and counting. People love that their classes are set up to encourage hands-on learning through sensory exploration.
For each room, you’ll be happy to learn that there’s a low child-to-educator ratio. This allows the children to be social and build friendships while still being closely monitored for safety.
During break times, it’s a huge plus that they get served balanced meals and snacks. The school advertises that its menu is allergy-conscious and reviewed by a nutritionist from the Public Health Services.
It might just be a bit hard to reach them at first, for matters like inquiries or tour requests.
However, we promise that it’ll be the complete opposite once your child is actually enrolled. Parents often share that they love how proactive the teachers are with sending updates and pictures of the kids throughout the day.
My girls look forward to going to school every day and love their teachers
“I don’t have enough words to describe how much we love it takes a village. Being a first time mom to twins one with special needs I was so nervous to start any daycare. But this centre and the staff has gone above and beyond for both of my girls. My girls look forward to going to school everyday and love their teachers. I am so thankful”
Kaylee Hermiston, Google Review
They are excellent at communicating, flexible, and they seem to truly care
“I have absolutely loved my experience with It Takes a Village on Parkland Drive. Not only did I feel comfortable leaving my toddler in their care, I felt like they treated him like family. He’s really made a special bond with his teachers and I’m just so thankful we were able to bring our son to you guys. On top of that, they are excellent at communicating, flexible they seem to truly care and enjoy about the work they do. I did not run across any member of staff at this location that didn’t seem friendly and happy to be there. We’re looking forward to moving, but not moving on from It Takes a Village! Vincent will miss you guys and so will we.”
Danielle Sabean, Google Review
2. Kids R Kids Early Learning Centre
Address: 18 Oland Crescent
Phone: +1 902 450 5437
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Parents have relied on Kids R Kids Early Learning Centre since 1995. The school has pretty impressive facilities, with its 6 vibrant classrooms and 2 playgrounds full of fun and educational activities.
Its curriculum follows Nova Scotia’s Confident and Curious Children framework, which focuses on identifying each kid’s diverse abilities and giving them the support they need to have confidence in those skills.
As your child progresses, they’ll advance to another class that’s more fitting for their current capabilities. In doing this, the educators encourage growth and positively challenge them.
We especially love that this institution prioritizes inclusivity, with its inclusion coordinator. The school itself is wheelchair accessible, and throughout the years, they’ve accommodated families with specialized needs.
But just a heads up: it takes a lot of work to stay on and move up the waitlist. You’ll constantly have to be in contact with them to show that you’re still interested.
My daughter has grown so much in the few months that she has been there
“My daughter has grown so much in the few months that she has been there, talking so much more and being more independent. The teachers are great and even though we can’t talk as much at drop off and pick up, any concerns they call and its always about the children and they make sure the parents are informed! Wish my other children went to this daycare!”
Christine Montani, Google Review
My children undoubtedly benefited from attending KrK
“Both of my children attended this daycare. Kids R Kids is a large facility and has ample outdoor space. There is plenty of open space for free play as well as a large variety of interesting play structures and toys. The center provides the option of electronic updates about how your children are doing and it appears they keep with the times in terms of digital options. Children are promoted through a series of “rooms” as they grow where they engage in age appropriate activities. My children undoubtedly benefited from attending KrK having the opportunity to socialize with a diverse group of children, learn structure in their day and other crucial skills preparing them for school.”
Jonathan Allison, Google Review
3. Care and Fun Childcare Limited
Address: 3581 Dutch Village Rd
Phone: +1 902 445 0881
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:15 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Care and Fun Childcare Limited has been around since 2012. Over the years, they’ve become known for their tailored teaching approach, which is based on the kids’ interests.
This is largely because they follow the Emergent Curriculum, where children are encouraged to interact with their surroundings and lean into their natural curiosity. Ultimately, it’s meant to build confidence and self-esteem.
It’ll look a bit different for each age group, since this methodology is also applied to their infant care and toddler care programs. But for preschoolers, they’ll be learning through fun crafts, music classes, field trips, and fitness exercises.
Throughout these activities, you can rest assured that the students will be safe. The school’s educators hold first aid qualifications and closely monitor their classes at all times.
Sadly, we’ve heard a few parents say that this centre isn’t really the best for kids with special needs. For cases like these, we recommend going elsewhere.
The daily activities were very interactive and motivating
“My child went to this daycare two years ago, had speech delay and was attached to me. One month after, my child started speaking, and communicating. The staff are very friendly and caring. The daycare was always clean and had the children’s toys cleaned almost weekly which limited children getting sick. The daycare’s structure, set rules and guidelines regrading pickup, drop off times and child getting sick helped in my child’s development. The daily activities were very interactive and motivating which led to my child’s coming home excited to tell me about how the day went. I highly recommend this daycare.”
Ayah Habboush, Google Review
The teachers are caring, attentive, and provide a nurturing environment
“I cannot thank Care and Fun enough for all that they do for my son. He looks forward to attending every day, which reassures me that he is truly in the right place. The teachers are caring, attentive, and provide a nurturing environment that supports his growth. They’ve become like family to us, and we feel just as much a part of theirs. Without a doubt, Care and Fun is the best childcare facility in Halifax!”
Davielle Mitchell, Google Review
4. Beech Tree Academy
Address: 5 Oliver St, Beechville
Phone: +1 902 450 5338
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Beech Tree Academy was founded in 2015 to be a nurturing early learning community. The school works with parents to provide learning opportunities while supporting each child at their own pace.
When it comes to their preschool program, one teacher is in charge of 8 students. Altogether, they focus on activities that are meant to help the kids build their confidence, independence, and friendship skills.
Our favorite thing about them is that they’re really inclusive. All staff members are very respectful of individual abilities, cultural backgrounds, and developmental needs.
In line with this, they’re happy to accommodate children who are unable to speak English. They do their best to communicate bit by bit, and in no time, the parents are just surprised that their young ones are already fluent.
The only downside is that they have a long waitlist, so it’s better to sign your kid up as early as possible.
An excellent childcare centre
“My daughter has been with BTA since she was a toddler, and now she is in the before and after class. They are very good with kids, and they always update parents and I really appreciate it. The ECE’s were very kind and well-trained at handling children. They do lots of activities that help with the social, physical, emotional and cognitive development of children. BTA is an excellent childcare center and I highly recommend it.”
Ninay, Google Review
We feel so confident knowing our little one is in such good hands
“We started at dayhomes before getting into Beechtree and we couldn’t be happier that we made the switch! The facility is very clean and well-organized the facility is. The staff is incredibly friendly and caring, always going above and beyond to make sure the children feel safe, happy, and engaged. It’s evident that they truly care about the kids and their development. The meals/snacks are nutritious and enjoyed by my children. The overall environment is warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed to encourage learning and growth. We feel so confident knowing our little one is in such good hands. Highly recommend Beechtree to any parent looking for a trustworthy and loving daycare!’”
Laura Oickle, Google Review
5. Step Above Childcare Centre
Address: Signature Health, 650 Washmill Lake Dr
Phone: +1 902 495 3831
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Many kids consider Step Above Childcare Centre as their second home. With the school focusing on developing the mind, body, and soul, this is where students learn to be well-rounded individuals.
The centre’s preschool classes also employ the Emergent Curriculum, particularly the parts that emphasize active participation. Here, the goal is for kids to thrive independently.
We like that they’re given plenty of opportunities to achieve this through different activities. These range from nature and construction-focused crafts to reading and dramatic plays.
It’s up to the school’s in-house cook to keep the children’s energy levels up throughout all of these projects. Every day, they’re served 2 snacks and a healthy lunch.
Unfortunately, the place doesn’t seem to be a scent-free facility. There have been a few complaints about strong perfumes and intense cleaning solution smells.
Our little girl loves them like family
“This is the second daycare our daughter has been to in Halifax and she couldnt be happier here. The staff are phenomenal. Every encounter I have had with them has been positive and our little girl loves them like family. Would recommend to anyone seeking childcare.”
Adam Barrett, Google Review
The people who work here are great and the atmosphere is very positive
“I was incredibly lucky to be able to have my daughter attend this daycare, she absolutely loved it and was always sad to head home for the day. The people who work here are great and the atmosphere is very positive. I think the best thing I can say is the only reason we’re not still there is I moved to Dartmouth but still considered if it was possible to keep coming to this location every day. I have recommend Step Above Childcare in the past and would still do so to anyone looking.”
Jeff Lewis, Google Review
