Rooted in community ~ Growing with purpose
Gananoque & District Co-operative Nursery School is a licensed, not-for-profit child care program that has supported children and families in our community since 1971. As GNS grows into full-day care for toddlers and preschoolers, we remain committed to providing a welcoming place where children can build strong relationships, explore meaningful ideas and develop confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Our Story
For more than five decades, GNS has provided young children with an early sense of belonging beyond their homes. Generations of local families have come through our doors to build friendships, make discoveries and take their first steps into a wider community. While our program continues to evolve, the relationships and community connections at the heart of GNS remain unchanged.
​
Growing with Purpose
Our transition to full-day child care is about more than extending the hours of the day. It is an opportunity to create a thoughtful early learning program that responds to children’s developmental needs while encouraging curiosity, resilience, independence and a lasting connection with the natural world.
​​
​
Our View of Children and Learning
We see children as capable, curious and active participants in their own learning. Children learn through movement, relationships, purposeful play, hands-on investigation and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their environment.
Educators observe closely, ask thoughtful questions and introduce materials, experiences and challenges that help children extend their thinking. We guide the learning without taking away the discovery.
Each child brings their own interests, abilities, experiences and ways of understanding the world. We provide time, space and encouragement for children to explore at their own pace while developing confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging.
Children
Educators
Educators are responsive caregivers, thoughtful guides and co-investigators in children’s learning. They build secure relationships, notice what children are working to understand and create meaningful opportunities for ideas and skills to grow.
Environments
The environment is an important part of the learning process. Our indoor and outdoor spaces are intentionally arranged to invite movement, investigation, creativity, appropriate risk-taking and connection with the natural world.
