Empowering children through curiosity, creativity, and community.

Summit Kids Calgary Logo for Summit Start

Quality Daycare & Out-of-School Care in Chestermere

At Summit Start, we offer a holistic learning environment that supports your child’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. Through engaging play and hands-on experiences, children grow in confidence, curiosity, and creativity, discovering the joy of learning along the way. We also prioritize strong partnerships with families, working together to ensure every child thrives.

Our approach is guided by an emergent curriculum, a child-centered philosophy that embraces each child’s interests, experiences, and natural curiosity. This allows educators to tailor learning in meaningful ways, making exploration and discovery a daily part of life at Summit Start.

Summit Kids Calgary Nature’s Classroom: Kids Learning Through Play

Why Choose Us?

Located in a growing, family-oriented community, the Chestermere centre offers several key advantages:

  • Convenient Access: Situated in Chestermere, serving local families in a close-knit, family-focused neighbourhood.
  • Proximity to Residential Developments: Easy weekday drop-off and pick-up, ideal for families with standard work and school schedules.
  • High Visibility: Well-established within the community, helping build trust and familiarity with Chestermere families.
  • Accessible Community Design: Embedded in a residential area, fostering meaningful connections with local schools and families.
Summit Kids Calgary Three kids aged 5 and 8 examining a roman snail in the grass.

Programs Offered

  • Standard Childcare Programs: Comprehensive care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
  • Reliable Weekday Care: Open Monday to Friday, offering consistent and dependable childcare for working families.
  • Comprehensive Age-Based Programs: Infant care at Chestermere begins at 12 months+, alongside toddler and preschool programs, as well as before- and after-school care, supporting children through Kindergarten.
  • Community-Centered Approach: Aligned with the Summit Kids/Summit Start philosophy, focusing on responsive care, flexibility, and family partnerships.

Philosophy and
Emergent Curriculum

Philosophy and Emergent Curriculum

Emergent curriculum is a child-centered approach to education that places the interests, experiences, and needs of each child at the core of the learning process. Unlike traditional, rigid curricula, emergent curriculum allows educators to respond to the natural curiosity and exploration of children. 

At Summit Start, the philosophy of emergent curriculum is not just a buzzword; it’s a way of life.

The Emergent Curriculum in Action

Imagine a group of children who are fascinated by insects. Instead of providing them with a predetermined lesson plan about insects, educators take a different approach.

Planning

Based on these observations, educators plan a series of activities that allow children to explore insects further. This might include bug hunts, creating insect habitats, and reading insect-themed books.

Observation

Teachers notice the children's interest in insects during outdoor playtime and document their questions and observations.

Collaboration

Children work together to research and create their own insect-related projects, like building a bug hotel in the outdoor play area.

Reflection

As the children engage in these activities, educators continually observe and document their learning experiences, encouraging discussions and reflections.

rooms

Libby Room
  • Starting point for children up to 18 months old.

  • Warm, nurturing environment focused on comfort and trust.

  • Activities include songs and sensory play.

  • Emphasizes early learning and growth through gentle engagement

Griffin Room
  • Designed for toddlers aged 19 months and older.

  • Encourages active play and movement.

  • Focus on independence and self-discovery.

  • Educators guide children in making choices to build self-awareness.

Parker Room
  • Preschool option with 2–3 half-day programs per week or full-time care.

  • Supports emotional development and self-awareness.

  • Exploration-based learning in language, literacy, numeracy, and art.

  • Helps children navigate their world through play and structured learning.

Alex Room
  • Prepares children for Grade One.

  • Combines emergent curriculum with Kindergarten-level concepts.

  • Focus on developmental milestones for school readiness.

  • Provides comprehensive learning opportunities across subjects.

Nutrition

At Summit Start, your child enjoys balanced, healthy meals and snacks every day, provided through our approved food service partner and following the Canada Food Guide.

Meal times include breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack, with dinner included for extended or overnight care. A hot lunch and two wholesome snacks are provided daily. We accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions, and we follow strict allergy safety practices to minimize the risk of exposure to common allergens, including peanuts and tree nuts.

Call us to learn more and see the meals and snacks we provide.

 

Member Referral Bonus

If you are already a member you know what the kids come home saying… “sharing is caring.” That’s right, refer a friend to join Summit Start for extended hours care and you both get $150 credited to your account!

Daycare Locations

Chestermere

403.273.0662
chestermere@summitstartyyc.ca 

#201, 100 Rainbow Rd
Chestermere, AB T1X 0V3

Cityscape

587.323.5680
cityscape@summitstartyyc.ca 

#210, 800 Cityscape Square NE
Calgary, AB T3N 2A8

Riverview

403.477.6460
riverview@summitstartyyc.ca

#150, 2915 26 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2B 2W6