About Us

Beginning life-long learning through developmentally appropriate and stimulating early learning and care.
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In 2006 an inspired group of individuals came together with a vision of a licensed early learning facility in Wellesley. With the backing of generous community members, businesses and the Region of Waterloo, the vision was realized and Inspiring Minds opened on June 2, 2008. From the day we opened until today, we are honoured to provide exceptional early learning and care and be an integral part of many children’s and families’ lives.

We value the history of our location. Firstly, we acknowledge that Inspiring Minds ELC is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Neutral peoples and the forest site is situated on the traditional territory of the Attiwonderon peoples, also known as the Chonnonton – Keepers of the Deer. We honour with gratitude the land itself, the trees, the animals, the plants, and the Indigenous peoples who stewarded it for generations. The Attiwonderon cultivated crops such as corn, beans and squash, which continues to thrive on the land today. We recognize the contribution, history and culture of Indigenous Peoples and work toward reconciliation and gaining a greater understanding.

Secondly, the stone portion of the building itself was the third school house built in 1859 in Wellesley Village. In 1898, a new school house was built (the current Library) and the stone school house became the community hall until 1966 when it was bought by two area churches who continued its legacy as ‘The Fellowship Hall.’ In its every use, the building has been filled with people and contributed to the overall sense of community within the Village of Wellesley.

Our
Foundations

Belonging

Every child has a sense of belonging when they are connected to others and contribute within a community

Engagement

Every child is an active and engaged learner, exploring their world with body, mind and senses

Expression

Every child is a capable communicator, expressing their interests, thoughts and feelings in many and varied ways

Well-Being

Every child is developing a sense of self, health, happiness and purpose

Our Values

Respect

Individuals are accepted for who they are, especially because of their uniqueness

Confidence

Individuals deserve to trust in their abilities and contributions

Empathy

Individuals have the capacity to share and hold space for the feelings of others

Risk-Taking

Individuals have the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone to learn, grow and flourish

Our Pedagogical Approaches

Responsive Relationships

Building positive and reciprocal relationships

Learning through Exploration, Play and Inquiry

Providing opportunities for creativity, purposeful play and child-centred experiences

Educators as Co-Learners

Engaging with children, families and others to build individual and collective capacity

Environment as the Third Teacher

Planning and creating functional and responsive environments

Pedagogical Documentation

Making learning visible for ongoing reflection and dialogue

Reflective Practice and Collaborative Inquiry

Participating in continuous reflection and collaboration

Meet Our Team

Krista Schott, RECE

Director

Janet Lichty, BMath, RECE, Forest School Practitioner

Supervisor

Emma Foy, RECE

Eager beavers

Amanda Rose, RECE

Eager Beavers

Serena Donohue, RECE

Wilderness Adventurers

Delia Ballantyne, RECE

Wilderness Adventurers

Maggie Campbell, RECE

Curious Explorers

Ashley Matusinec

Curious Explorers

Rhi Klein, RECE

Support Staff

Talia Field, DSW

Support Staff

Want to Learn More?

Ontario’s
Pedagogy
for the
Early Years

IMELC
Program
Statement

IMELC
Family
Handbook

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