Our approach to early learning and care
At Nature Grove Child Care Agency in Barrie and Simcoe County, our planned approach brings together the loving warmth of home child care with the thoughtful guidance of Ontario's early years framework. While we complete the Ministry of Education licensing process, discover our vision for gentle, nature-inspired learning and caring home environments.
Guided by How Does Learning Happen?
Learning flourishes through daily experiences, genuine relationships, and purposeful play. Our pedagogical philosophy will be grounded in Ontario's How Does Learning Happen? framework, focusing on the four foundational pillars of belonging, well-being, engagement, and expression.
In our future homes, children will feel secure, valued, and naturally curious. Nature-inspired learning will weave through everyday life with outdoor walks, seasonal activities, gardening, observing neighbourhood wildlife, and sensory exploration using natural elements, balanced with comforting daily routines for meals, rest, stories, and child-led discovery.
The best of both worlds for families
Families choosing Nature Grove will enjoy the personal, calm feel of a smaller home setting alongside the confidence that comes with a licensed agency's oversight and standards. Small group sizes allow children to form deep, trusting attachments with their provider and fellow peers in a home-like setting.
At the same time, parents gain the reassurance of clear accountability, dedicated agency guidance, and comprehensive health and safety standards designed to protect and nurture their child every single day.
Oversight, safety, and continuous support
Quality and peace of mind will be upheld through rigorous agency oversight. Every approved home will undergo comprehensive provider screening, background checks, initial safety reviews, and unannounced routine monitoring visits conducted by our qualified Home Child Care Visitors.
Our standards enforce strict policies covering active supervision, safe arrival and dismissal, sleep safety, medication, anaphylaxis protocols, and emergency readiness. Beyond safety, we coach providers in nurturing relationships, open parent communication, and reflective early learning practices.
Please note: Nature Grove is currently pre-operational and completing the Ministry of Education licensing process. We are not yet licensed, operating, accepting children, recruiting providers, or enrolled in CWELCC. Joining our interest list does not guarantee care, placement dates, or CWELCC-reduced fees.
To register your family's interest, share your preferred location and anticipated start date by emailing us at info@naturegrovechildcare.ca.