Business Details
Trusted STEM Daycare in Ottawa for Infants, Toddlers & Preschoolers
Founded by Madiha Nasri, a Computer Engineer turned Childcare Provider, Guide and Grow Daycare Centre is driven by a vision to bridge the gap in early STEM education. Our programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers integrate hands-on STEM activities with play-based learning, fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. With a team of qualified educators, we create a nurturing environment where children explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through age-appropriate experiments, building challenges, and interactive play.Our curriculum, designed by combining engineering principles with early childhood education, emphasizes sensory exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration. We are committed to preparing children for future success by cultivating a lifelong love of learning and innovation. Partnering with the City of Ottawa for the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program, we ensure accessibility while maintaining high-quality educational standards.
Services
Infant Program
Toddler Program
Preschool Program
STEM Curriculum
Early Childhood Education
Highlights and features
- We offer STEM programs designed by a Computer Engineer with early childhood expertise.
- Our educators specialize in age-appropriate, hands-on STEM exploration and play-based learning.
- We partner with the City of Ottawa to provide subsidized childcare fees through CWELCC.
- Daily activities align with developmental stages, fostering growth in curiosity and problem-solving.
- Parents praise our individualized attention and high-resolution progress updates.
What people say
Loved his teachers
Nurturing environment
STEM program is amazing
Great treatment received
Encourage creativity
Services
Infant Program
Our STEM Infant Program introduces babies aged 12-17 months to sensory exploration and foundational STEM concepts. Through tactile play, cause-and-effect activities, and early language development, infants build motor skills and spatial awareness while discovering their environment. The program emphasizes safe, age-appropriate tools like textured toys and stacking blocks to stimulate brain development and curiosity.
Toddler Program
Designed for 1.5-2.5-year-olds, our STEM Toddler Program combines hands-on experiments with building challenges. Toddlers develop fine motor skills through sorting games, water play, and basic engineering activities while learning teamwork and communication. Activities align with developmental stages to foster creativity, problem-solving, and early scientific inquiry through play.
Preschool Program
For children aged 2.5-5 years, our STEM Preschool Program cultivates critical thinking through experiments, coding games, and collaborative projects. Children explore math concepts, scientific inquiry, and technology in a playful environment that encourages curiosity and social interaction. The curriculum prepares them for school readiness with structured learning and creative exploration.
STEM Curriculum
Our integrated STEM curriculum spans all age groups, using play-based activities to teach science, technology, engineering, and math. From bubble experiments to LEGO construction, children learn through discovery while developing problem-solving skills. The program emphasizes real-world connections, encouraging kids to ask questions and apply concepts creatively in everyday contexts.
Early Childhood Education
Led by qualified educators, our early childhood programs focus on holistic development through STEM-infused play. Children build confidence, social skills, and cognitive abilities while engaging in music, art, and literacy activities. The curriculum balances structured learning with free exploration to support emotional growth and a lifelong passion for learning.
People
Madiha Nasri
Founder
A Computer Engineer turned childcare provider, Madiha founded Guide and Grow to address the lack of STEM programs for young children. She designs curricula that blend engineering principles with early childhood education, fostering curiosity and innovation through play-based learning.
Jennifer Yendall
Managing Director
Jennifer oversees daily operations and ensures a nurturing environment for children. She collaborates with staff to maintain educational standards and serves as the primary contact for parents, fostering strong relationships between families and the daycare.
Parminder Thind
Team Lead
As Toddler Program Supervisor, Parminder leads educators with her international experience in early childhood education. She creates engaging learning experiences while promoting teamwork and open communication among staff to support children's growth and well-being.
Arshdeep Bhullar
Early Childhood Educator
Arshdeep works directly with toddlers, designing hands-on STEM activities that align with developmental milestones. Her approach emphasizes sensory exploration and collaborative play to nurture curiosity and foundational learning skills in young children.
Anisha
Registered Early Childhood Educator
Anisha leads preschool activities, guiding children through experiments and engineering challenges. She fosters critical thinking by encouraging questions and creative problem-solving while maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment for all students.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for infants (12-17 months), toddlers (1.5-2.5 years), and preschoolers (2.5-5 years).
What is your STEM curriculum like?
Our curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, and math through play-based activities like experiments, building challenges, and coding games tailored to each age group.
Are fees subsidized under CWELCC?
Yes, we participate in the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program, offering eligible families a maximum rate of $22/day starting January 1, 2025.
What qualifications do your staff have?
Our team includes certified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) with expertise in STEM-based early childhood development.
How do you communicate with parents?
We provide regular updates through high-resolution photos, personalized attention, and direct communication with our Managing Director to address parental concerns.
What makes Guide and Grow unique?
We combine engineering principles with early childhood education, creating a STEM-focused environment where children learn through curiosity-driven play and hands-on exploration.
