Unicorn Daycare is structured as a play based learning program, supported by the E.L.E.C.T. document (Early Learning for Every Child Today). This translates to a childcare centre that runs its programs based on years of science and research that “Play Is Learning” and that early learning sets a lifelong foundation that shapes the future of a child and of a society. Unicorn realizes quality care is better achieved with the ongoing partnership with families and the community thus strengthening our Centre’s ability to meet the needs of each and every child.
Every child needs to feel secure and loved to reach their full potential in life.
Eric Mackey, the Daycare Director, and the various Parent run Boards of Directors over the years, have assembled a team of dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educators (R.E.C.E.). These are educators who are knowledgeable about child development and what it takes to plan and guide a play based curriculum utilizing observations, emergent ideals as well as individual development needs.
The program at Unicorn Daycare always strives to demonstrate the highest respect for diversity, equality, and inclusion. Remembering always that play is a means to early learning that capitalizes on children’s natural curiosity and exuberance.
Testimonials
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Cottingham Daycare for providing a safe and comfortable environment for our children. They are very happy and well cared for.
Unicorn Daycare has become an “in between time” home for my daughter… I have great peace of mind when I leave her there as I know she is in good hands. I find the staff at Unicorn attentive and engaged and it is very reassuring to see my daughter’s face light up as she enters the room each morning.
My child’s safety and happiness are the most important things for me… not only do I find them consistently prioritized at Unicorn Daycare, but they go the extra mile, reinforcing the values I work to instil at home; kindness, integrity and respect for others.
There is a warm, family-type atmosphere which translates directly to the experience both my child and I have there. The staff and program at Unicorn surpass my expectations on a regular and consistent basis, I would not hesitate a moment to recommend them.
The programs and care provided by the Cottingham Child Care Center is exceptional. Our children look forward to the diverse range of activities and we know they feel happy and safe and are being well cared for and loved.
When we come to pick them up, they are in no hurry to leave – what more could a parent ask for?
The entire staff at the Cottingham Centre is always so supportive and patient. Nathan is thriving in your creative and fun environment. We look forward to all of your exciting PA day trips ! We appreciate your continued care and dedication.
We enrolled our son in Unicorn Daycare for before and after school care when he started JK at Brown. In addition to before and after school care, our son has also attended the March Break and Summer Camp programs.
He truly enjoys the time he spends in daycare and we have always been extremely pleased with the level of care he receives and the programming that the teachers provide. The staff are friendly, professional and really love the kids!
Eric, Sean and the staff at Unicorn Daycare have been essential in providing our children with outstanding care from pre-school to grade school. We have had complete peace of mind knowing that our children are being cared for by exceptional staff who are all certified early childhood educators with our children’s social and emotional development top of mind. The creativity of the programming offered, positive energy and warmth of the staff translates into very happy children and happy parents.
Unicorn is a second home for our girls and has been invaluable to us in managing our hectic work / life schedules.
We have trusted Unicorn for our child’s daycare from toddler to pre-school – a great daycare with responsive settings indoors and outdoors and programming provided by exceptional staff. The programme follows current research into early childhood learning and is progressive; play and discovery is encouraged. It offers inclusive, fair and age-specific care.
As busy working parents, Unicorn Daycare has provided the kind of loving care and learning-based activities and play we hoped for.
My two daughters are both in after care at Unicorn and they both love their time there. When I come to pick them up after work they are always busy with an activity or listening to a story. They are often so engaged that they don’t want to leave. The teachers are incredibly caring and friendly and go out of their way to know the kids in their group.
In addition to the wonderful care they receive at Unicorn, Unicorn has offered them the opportunity to meet new children outside of their classroom some of whom have become their closest friends.
My daughter, Sarah has been with Unicorn Daycare since she was four years old. She is now 11 and in her last year attending the daycare.
I really don’t know what I would have done without the wonderful teachers who have been taking care of my daughter like their own. Everyone there are really fantastic, welcoming, patient, and loving professionals. They all helped shaped my daughter to become a happy caring person respectful of others. I just want to say thank you for your helping hands and welcoming atmosphere and thanks for taking good care of my daughter in the past seven years.
Unicorn will always have a special place in my heart! Thank You.