We're Small But Mighty!
Hummingbird
Early Learning Centre
Who We Are
Our Early Learning Centre began as a single private dayhome in the community of Terrace Heights, with Hummingbird Dayhome opening its doors to families in the fall of 2017. Over the past seven years, Hummingbird Dayhome expanded into the neighborhoods of Forest Heights and Idylewylde, thanks to the ongoing support of our wonderful families.
Now known as Hummingbird Early Learning Centre, we are proud to have provided quality child care to over 50 children and their families, and we look forward to continuing our journey with our new facility!
Our Philosophy
Our program philosophy emphasizes the relationship between the child and their environment, drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach and guided by the FLIGHT curriculum.
Educators closely observe and engage in conversations with children to create experiences tailored to their interests and developmental stages. The classroom environment is designed for children to make choices in their learning, with various materials available to enrich their play.
Children have access to loose parts, such as recycled objects and natural materials, which serve as open-ended toys in both indoor and outdoor spaces. These materials foster creativity while also promoting sustainability.
Through carefully designed provocations, educators inspire play and exploration, while also embracing their role as co-creators and co-learners. They dive into activities with passion, often joining children in the messy and joyful process of discovery.
What We Offer
- Low Ratio Classrooms
- Highly Trained and Qualified Staff, with dedication to professional development
- Over 3000 sqft of space indoors and outdoors for learning and play
- Location in quiet neighborhood, away from main traffic, and within a school zone
- Multi-age classrooms to provide unique and beneficial social opportunities
- Flexibility in scheduling to support families’ childcare needs
- Freshly prepared meals in AHS certified kitchen by cooks with food safety certification
- Bi-weekly music and exercise programming for all children
- Program Supervisors with educational background in early childhood education and psychology
- ZERO screens
Our Team
All Hummingbird Early Learning Staff…
- have obtained at minimum their Level 1 Certification, which requires at least 50 hours of coursework.
- are First Aid and CPR with AED certified.
- have a clear Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check.
- have a clear Intervention Record Check.
Our Program
Working with children in various settings has given us valuable experience and opportunities to explore different approaches. As a result, we have identified nine key elements that we believe are integral to, and enhance, early learning.
They include:
- Child-led Learning
- Risky Play
- Field Trips
- Project-Based Learning
- Multi-Age Programming
- Open-Ended Play
- All-Weather Play & Exploration
- Documentation & Reflection
- Community Involvement
CLICK HERE to learn more!
Our Social Updates
Discovering the Hummingbird: A Tribute to Jamaican Heritage in Edmonton
Our dayhome drew inspiration from Jamaica’s national bird, the Doctor Bird, symbolizing children’s capability and resilience. By choosing “Hummingbird,” we honor our heritage while reminding children and adults alike of these powerful traits, creating connections between our Jamaican roots and our new home in Edmonton.
Meet Laura, Your Curiosity Conductor!
Laura Drummond, a Program Supervisor at Hummingbird Early Learning Centre, introduces herself and shares her background. She hails from Canada with Jamaican and Torontonian influences. Her hobbies include photography, reading, and playing instruments. With 10+ years of experience and degrees in psychology and education, she enjoys working with children and exploring new activities.
Meet Paulette, Your Nature-Loving Guide at Hummingbird Early Learning!
Paulette Williams, from Jamaica, is a Program Supervisor at Hummingbird Early Learning Centre with a diploma in Early Childhood Education and over 20 years of experience. She enjoys gardening, traveling, and biking, loves Robert Munsch books, and relishes working with children, especially during rainy adventures discovering worms and puddles.