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We are located at 1145 King Street West, Hamilton at the corner of King Street West and Haddon Avenue in Westdale.
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: 7:30am-6:00pm
Summer Hours (July-August)
Monday-Friday: 7:30am-5:30pm
The Centre provides a play-based, developmentally enriching program for children ages 18 months to 4 years old in an inclusive family-focused facility.
We provide an educational program incorporating the children’s needs and interests. Programming is planned to foster creativity, curiosity, independence, physical activity developing gross and fine motor skills, interaction, communication and respect for others. The program is based on the Ministry’s “How Does Learning Happen” document and the four Foundations of belonging, well-being, expression and engagement.
Our learning areas include:
- dramatic play centre
- sensory bin
- block centre
- creative art materials
- library centre
-
science activities
- gross motor opportunities
- puzzle centre
- shelf toy centre
-
loose parts area
Gathering times and small group activities enhance the program with stories, creative movement, songs, and hands on experiences.
Family engagement is encouraged through special events throughout the year as well as classroom specific activities.
The Centre is staffed by seven Registered Early Childhood Educators and a full time Cook. We hire McMaster Students as teacher’s assistants who work short shifts throughout the day to support the classrooms. All staff are trained in First Aid and CPR. Staff participate in continuous professional learning to build on their knowledge and to stay current in the early years field.
The Centre’s first line clients are the children of McMaster undergraduate students. We also accept, on a priority basis, enrollment of children of graduate students, McMaster staff and faculty, and the community at large.
The MSU Child Care Centre application form is available in PDF & Word format by clicking the links below:
Child Care Application Form- Fillable Form
Child Care Application Form- Print & Write
Completed applications can be emailed to: Miranda – msuchildcare@msu.mcmaster.ca
Enrollment Options
Full Time | 5 days per week | Monday to Friday |
Part Time | 3 days per week | Monday, Wednesday and Friday |
Part Time | 2 days per week | Tuesday and Thursday |
Registration Fee : $12
Please download our helpful Parent Handbook for new families as well as a reference for current families below:
MSU Childcare Centre Parent Handbook
For translations of this document, please email: Miranda – msuchildcare@msu.mcmaster.ca
McMaster students who are interested in gaining more experience working with young children are welcome to volunteer with us. Please contact Miranda Vanderveen at msuchildcare@msu.mcmaster.ca for more information. Please note that a Vulnerable Sector Police Check and medical documents regarding eligibility for being in the Centre, must be completed before volunteering.
The staff is frequently complemented by students who are enrolled in Early Childhood Education programs from nearby colleges and universities. We also welcome co-op students from local high schools.
For more information please get in touch with us at: Miranda – msuchildcare@msu.mcmaster.ca