Muskoka Lakes Preschool
MLP is a co-operative, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors.
The revenue consists of cash donations from local businesses and organizations, tuition fees and fundraising. It is licensed by the Ministry of Education and therefore meets the requirements set out by the Child Care Early Years Division.
At present, MLP provides preschool programming on a full-time basis for children 18 months to school age. After school programs for school agers are also available. Childcare is based at the Glen Orchard Public School. The number of students enrolled, as set out by the CCEYA, determines teacher student ratios.
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement between the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada
Muskoka Lakes Preschool has enrolled in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System between the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada. The age limit for CWELCC reductions is 6 years old. We believe that child care provides a strong foundation for early childhood development and well-being of children while parents work and we are committed to providing child care services that meet the needs of your children and families. Participating in the CWELCC System will help us continue to provide high quality child care that is accessible, affordable, inclusive, and sustainable.
Our History
Muskoka Lakes Preschool was incorporated as Bala Nursery School on February 24, 1987. We started out as a Co-op Nursery School providing a valuable service to the young children and parents of the local community.
In the beginning we were only open for two or three mornings a week out of the Bala Community Centre. In 2004 we moved to the Glen Orchard Community Centre. In 2006, we changed our name to Muskoka Lakes Preschool to recognize that we were now teaching children from nearly all over the Township. In 2008, we went from offering services 2-3 mornings a week to offering a full-day program operating in the Glen Orchard School.
Our Philosophy
Our goal at Muskoka Lakes Preschool is to foster a warm and welcoming environment for both children and their families. Following the “How Does Learning Happen” pedagogy, we believe that family, educator, and environment all contribute to a child’s learning and have become our basis when developing the programs and practices to help support our children’s learning.
As laid out in the pedagogy, there are four foundations that are implicit to a child’s growth. they are a sense of belonging, well-being, engagement and expression. In fostering all of the areas, we will maximize our student’s time with us and allow for them to have an easier transition when they head off to kindergarten, it will also allow for optimal developmental and learning experiences.
We believe that with an inquiry play based environment, a child can learn about their environment, develop an awareness of self, and learn how to approach and solve problems in a variety of ways. Within our routine set out by our staff, children will be given the opportunity to explore, have down-time, continuity, and a safe place to play, discover, have a snack, read a book, explore art & craft materials, or just daydream and giggle with friends.
We welcome our communities’ children with open arms and are excited to create a new and trusting relationship with you and your family. Our supervisor and staff are available any time to chat about your child’s development and how Muskoka Lakes Preschool is excited to learn with them in our welcoming, friendly and caring environment.