"In childhood, play is the work of the mind."
We care for children in an environment where learning is fun, so that the love of learning becomes the foundation for a child's life.
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"Every child is competent, curious, and rich in potential."
At Riverside Daycare & OSC, we believe in providing a well-rounded environment that supports the overall growth and development of every child. Our holistic approach encompasses emotional well-being, cognitive development, creative expression, social skills, and physical abilities.
Age-Appropriate Care
How We Think
By focusing on the development of social, emotional, fine motor, gross motor, and cognitive skills, our carefully planned programs provide a well-rounded approach to early childhood development.
We prioritize creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel safe, loved, and valued. Our trained staff understands the importance of emotional connection, helping them develop positive self-image and emotional resilience.
We offer age-appropriate activities that stimulate thinking and problem-solving skills. Our teachers provide opportunities for exploration, discovery, and critical thinking, fostering intellectual curiosity.
We value the power of creativity and encourage children to express themselves through drawing, painting, music, dance, and imaginative play, fostering their imagination and cognitive abilities.
We promote positive social interactions, helping children develop skills like sharing, taking turns, and empathy. Through group activities and collaborative play, children learn to communicate effectively and build relationships.
Our daycare provides ample opportunities for active play both indoors and outdoors. We offer activities like sports, games, dancing, and yoga, promoting physical coordination and overall well-being.
Our Philosophy
We prioritize sensory experiences that engage children and promote exploration, creativity, and curiosity. Children will have opportunities to play in the snow, explore water, play in mud, sand and more.
Natural materials are biodegradable and sourced from renewable resources — a more environmentally-friendly option than plastic.
Wooden toys promote fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity through precise, coordinated play.
Natural materials provide rich sensory experiences and a calming effect for children with anxiety or sensory processing differences.
Wooden toys are typically made from non-toxic materials, ensuring the safety and health of every child in our care.
Our Centre
At our center, we share the belief that every child is competent, curious, and rich in potential. We acknowledge that children have diverse social, cultural, and linguistic perspectives that contribute to their development.
Healthy meals prepared at an AHS-certified facility in St. Albert. Balanced, locally-sourced ingredients with special dietary accommodations.
A soothing environment with dimmed lights, calming music, and clutter-free surroundings. Children are welcome to bring a favorite blanket or stuffed toy.
Dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas with sports, games, dancing, and yoga to promote physical development.
We believe families are essential partners in a child's learning. We build strong partnerships and value the diversity of every family.
Transparent Pricing
Our rates include the Childcare Affordability Grant cost reduction, along with nutritious morning breakfast and afternoon snacks, and a range of activities. Lunch is available as an optional add-on for an additional fee. Eligible parents can also take advantage of a monthly subsidy calculated based on household income.
12 – 19 months
$326.25
Per Month
19 – 25 months
$326.25
Per Month
25 months – 3 years
$326.25
Per Month
3 – 4 years
$326.25
Per Month
4 – 5 years
$326.25
Per Month
Kindergarten
$326.25
Per Month
Grade 1 to Grade 6
$750 Sep – Jun / month
$900 Jul – Aug / month
Children attending full-time Kindergarten are considered OSC children and the fee is the same as OSC.
Note: Lunch service is offered as an optional supplemental program for an additional fee. Contact us to learn more about available subsidies from the Government of Alberta.
Have Questions?
We are happy to answer! Check out our most common questions below.
Our centre is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm. The infant nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. We are closed on all statutory holidays and Christmas break.
We are located in the heart of the Riverside community in St. Albert at 10 Rose Gate #600, St. Albert, AB T8N 7N6 — just 1 minute from Ray Gibbons.
At Riverside Daycare & OSC, we accept children between the ages of 12 months and 12 years across our six different programs.
In alignment with the Alberta childcare curriculum, we take a holistic approach and implement the Reggio Emilia method. This focuses on emotional well-being, cognitive development, creative expression, social skills, and physical abilities. Learn more about Reggio Emilia.
Yes, we accept subsidy approved prior to your child's enrollment provided by the Government of Alberta. Our centre is also approved for grant funding by the Canada-Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Visit the Government of Alberta website for more information.
Yes! We provide morning breakfast and afternoon snacks prepared in accordance with AHS food safety guidelines, with locally-sourced, nutritious ingredients. Lunch is available as an optional supplemental program delivered daily by The Lunch Lady, planned by an in-house nutrition manager and made by two Red Seal Chefs. Allergy accommodations are available.
We follow the guidelines set out by Alberta Health. A child is not to be in attendance if they have any illness or flu-like symptoms. This ensures the safety of all children and staff. Full guidelines are outlined in the parents handbook provided upon enrolment.
We offer dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas with sports, games, dancing, and yoga. Our OSC program provides spaces for homework completion, quiet reading, group games, and outdoor play, catering to children's interests and promoting social interaction.
12 – 19 months
Our infant program provides a nurturing and secure environment designed specifically for your baby's unique developmental needs. We focus on building trust, healthy attachment, and creating a safe space where every infant feels loved and valued.
Our trained educators build meaningful bonds with each infant, supporting emotional security and development from the very first day.
We respect and maintain your baby's home routine for feeding, sleeping, and play — so your little one always feels right at home.
Age-appropriate sensory activities that gently stimulate cognitive and physical development, sparking natural curiosity.
19 – 25 months
Our Junior Toddler program is thoughtfully designed for young explorers, nurturing their natural curiosity in a warm, secure setting. Responsive educators build meaningful relationships that support each child's emotional wellbeing and early development at their own pace.
Gentle encouragement of self-care routines and age-appropriate choices that build confidence and a growing sense of capability.
Rich sensory experiences with water, sand, and natural materials that awaken curiosity and support early cognitive growth.
Songs, simple stories, and rich verbal interaction woven throughout every day to spark early communication and vocabulary.
25 months – 3 years
Our Senior Toddler program encourages hands-on exploration and sensory play that builds independence, early language skills, and joyful curiosity. Children thrive in a nurturing environment where they can explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
Water, mud, sand, and natural materials that engage all the senses, promoting exploration, creativity, and a love of discovery.
Stories, songs, and conversation-rich interactions woven throughout the day to build vocabulary and early communication skills.
Age-appropriate choices, consistent routines, and gentle guidance that support each child's developing sense of autonomy and self.
3 – 4 years
Our Pre-School program nurtures growing curiosity through project-based learning, creative arts, and early literacy. Children discover the joy of learning in a warm, stimulating environment that celebrates each child's unique strengths and individual learning style.
Painting, music, movement, and dramatic play that foster joyful self-expression, imagination, and a lifelong love of creativity.
Story time, letter recognition, and hands-on number activities that lay a strong, joyful foundation for lifelong learning.
Collaborative projects and group activities that cultivate communication, empathy, and the teamwork skills children carry forward.
4 – 5 years
Our Pre-Kindergarten program bridges the joy of early childhood with the skills needed for a confident start in school. Through structured play, inquiry-based learning, and intentional teaching, children are thoughtfully guided to reach their full potential.
Focused literacy and numeracy activities that develop writing, reading, and number skills in an engaging, play-centred environment.
Science exploration, problem-solving games, and open-ended projects that spark curiosity and build strong analytical thinking skills.
Self-regulation, confidence-building, and guided group experiences that prepare children for the social landscape of kindergarten.
Grade 1 – 6
We offer an Out-of-School Care program for school-age children in the community, providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment outside of regular school hours. With limited spots to ensure individualized attention, every child receives the personal care and support they deserve.
Quiet time and dedicated educator support for homework and reading — setting children up for consistent academic success.
Sports, games, arts and crafts, and outdoor play that keep children active, energized, and engaged after a full day of school.
Structured and unstructured social time that builds lasting friendships, empathy, and meaningful communication skills.