In the Classroom
Wee Care is fortunate to have an abundance of play space for the children we serve. From the youngest babies to the oldest preschooler, children of all ages and abilities will find appropriate place to play and learn.
The classrooms are large and open concept with access to child-sized washroom facilities attached to each room. There is a dress-up and home space, a construction space, a creative area, a book area and tables for children to do their work.
There is an exterior door in each classroom that leads to the backyard play spaces. Outdoor play is an important part of the programming at Wee Care so this feature is very convenient. There is a lot of floor space in the classrooms for the children to don their snowsuits or muddy-buddies before heading out in the elements.
Library
On occasion a teacher may want to take a few children at a time to the library for story time or quiet time looking at books. Also when some of their friends are still napping, the children can have some library time with quiet activities.
Also a great resource for staff to come and change out the classroom library or find books about a special topic, interest or even holiday.
Indoor Gym
The indoor gym at Wee Care is not used instead of outdoor play but rather it is a compliment to it. A different kind of gross motor play happens in the indoor space. With all the mats and cushioning, it is easier (and safer) to be more daring.
We are fortunate to have included in our gym a ball pit and a climbing wall as permanent fixtures. As with most activities, if the child shows an interest in this equipment, they will be encouraged and shown how to use it safely.
There are also numerous balls, ride on toys, scooters, and large foam building blocks and mats.
The therapeutic swing has several different attachments and the children enjoy giving their friends a ride or sharing a ride with them while the staff provide the power.
Snoezelen Room
A Snoezelen room is a multi-sensory room designed to meet the emotional and sensory needs of children that have trouble having these need met by other means.
Specific equipment is used in the set up of a structured Snoezelen room to create an atmosphere of relaxation and gentle stimulation. The environment then provides basic sensory stimulation using lighting, music, texture and visual stimuli that encourages exploration and discovery. It is an inherently safe and non-threatening environment that appeals to the senses.
Originally created to benefit children with special needs, all children (and staff) have the opportunity to enjoy the Snoezelen Room experience.
Our Backyard
Standing on the back deck and looking beyond for the first time, the first thing people say is Wow! Lots of room for play and relaxing and learning and moving.
The large deck wraps around 3 sides of the building and provides ample opportunity for play in the sun and the shade. On the east side of the building the deck is shaded in the morning by the trees, where the birds can be observed. The west and the north deck can be sunny for most of the afternoon, so shade was made. There are two large canopies on the back that can be opened for shelter from the rain or shade.
Attached to the deck, are two enclosed playgrounds. One is the big (or preschool) playground, the other is the small (or toddler) playground. Generally, a class at a time in each playground but that can vary depending on the class numbers. With slides and structures and artificial turf, there is lots of opportunity to let the imagination run wild and climb the highest mountains.
The field is an expansive grassy area that is bordered by sloping land of various grades that make a great space for sledding in the summer, ball sports and lots of physical movement. In the field there is also a large asphalt are for driving cars and bikes and a road (walking path) that leads to it from the deck above.
On the east side of the field is a sand/mud space with kitchen facilities for making and baking. Some raised beds for planting and surrounded by trees there is a lot of opportunity for exploration and discovery.
The Whale’s Tail is a special water feature that is installed for the summer months. A splash area with water sprinkling down and shooting up for underground fountains. A fun way to cool off in the summers heat, all children bring bathing gear for their turn in the whales tail.
Our Neighbourhood
Located in the desirable Northend neighbourhood of Halifax, we are close to the city centre in a suburban-like area. Next door to Veith House, in which we have a classroom, it is a historic building that was established as an orphanage in 1857, destroyed by the Halifax Explosion and rebuilt in 1919. Today it is a popular community centre.
Fort Needham park and playground are a short walk away, as are several other public play spaces. The Hydrostone Park in the middle of the Hydrostone market area is also very close.
On our block, we are lucky to have public bus service which goes both north and south with many connections to the public libraries, Point Pleasant Park, museums and galleries for the children to visit. Even to the ferry terminal to take a boat ride to Dartmouth and then right back again.
Wee Care has long had an association with Northwood Care Home. Initially the residents would come to Wee Care to read and take part in activities. Now it is our youngest babes who once a month walk over to Northwood to visit with the residents. It is a relationship that is beneficial to all those involved.
