Local residents were able to learn more about the operations of the Pure Energy Early Learning Centre and Estevan Daycare Co-Operative during the organization’s annual open house on Sunday afternoon.
Shawna Judd, the agency’s program director, said the open house gives people an idea of the different programs they offer.
“It also shows the community what our educators do,” said Judd. “They’re not just babysitters. They’re trained professionals and they’re great at what they do.”
Parents interacted with the children in the daycare setting, Judd said, which is an opportunity they don’t always have due to their hectic schedule.
“They get to come in on the weekend and do some fun activities,” said Judd. “The kids can show them everything they do here.”
Activities included face-painting, spin art, a bean bag toss and nylon bowling. They also built a volcano, and created necklaces.
A bake sale, a raffle and an art auction raised money for their outdoor learning environment and a pending bathroom renovation.
The outdoor learning environment, which is a multi-year project, is making slow but steady progress. Those who attended could see the progress that has occurred on the outdoor learning area.
“We’ve been able to get a few more playhouses built, so our little village is getting made,” said Judd. “We have a school, a barn, a teepee, a store for them to play in. We got a pallet swing made and we have some bird houses up. We were able to dig a canoe into the ground for them to play in. And we have some stepping stones.”
The upstairs pre-school washroom is in need of a makeover, she said, with new paint, new toilets and sinks. She would like to see the toilets and sinks lowered so all the children can reach them.
The open house grows in popularity each year. Judd said the first edition two years ago attracted about 30 people. Last year’s event had about 50 people in attendance. People want to come to the daycare and learn more about what happens on a daily basis.
The daycare currently boasts about 80 young people between the ages of six months and 12 years. Judd said they can accommodate about 90. Most of their current vacancies are in the toddler age group.
