Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Quality Child Care in Calgary
Established in 1996, Bowtrail Daycare has dedicated over 25 years to providing exceptional childcare services in Calgary. Our family-run facility combines a nurturing environment with structured educational programs tailored to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. With a team of qualified, long-term staff, we prioritize personalized attention, safety, and holistic development. Our programs integrate experiential learning, fine motor skill development, and inclusive activities to foster confidence and creativity. We maintain regulated child-to-staff ratios and a nut-free, allergy-friendly environment to ensure every child's well-being.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our partnerships with organizations like the Better Business Bureau and Scholastic Reading Club. As a licensed daycare, we emphasize open communication, nutritious meal planning, and regular parent engagement through events and updates. Our leadership team, including Director Maricel Romano and owners Mark and Amanda Slade, brings decades of combined experience in early childhood education and business management. We pride ourselves on creating a home-like atmosphere where children thrive and families feel supported.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Program
Preschool Program
Nutritious Meals
Parent Programs
Yoga & Dance Activities
Transition Meals
Allergy-friendly Environment
Licensed Child Care
School Readiness Programs
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of experience in early childhood education
- Licensed, regulated child care with trained professionals
- Allergy-friendly, nut-free environment for child safety
- Personalized programs for infant, toddler, and preschool development
- Family-run business with a home-like atmosphere
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
- Scholastic Reading Club
Services
Infant Care
Our infant program provides a nurturing environment for babies aged 0-12 months. With a 3:1 child-to-staff ratio, caregivers focus on developmental milestones through sensory activities and personalized care. The program emphasizes emotional bonding, motor skill development, and establishing healthy routines in a secure, home-like setting.
Toddler Program
Designed for children aged 1-3 years, this program fosters independence and social skills through structured play and exploration. Our 4:1 staff ratio ensures individual attention while promoting physical coordination, language development, and creative expression through age-appropriate activities and educational materials.
Preschool Program
Our preschool curriculum prepares 3-5 year olds for school readiness through academic and social learning. With an 8:1 ratio, children engage in investigative learning, literacy development, and collaborative projects that build confidence, critical thinking, and foundational math skills in a supportive environment.
Nutritious Meals
We provide balanced, homemade meals and snacks following seasonal menus developed with nutrition experts. Our allergy-friendly, nut-free policy accommodates dietary restrictions while teaching healthy eating habits. Children receive two meals daily, including a hot lunch and afternoon snack, with transitions marked by structured mealtime routines.
Parent Programs
We offer inclusive events and communication channels to connect families with their child's development. Activities include themed celebrations, progress updates through the 'Hi Mama' app, and transition support programs that help children adapt to new environments while maintaining open dialogue with caregivers.
People
Maricel Romano
Director
Director with Bachelor of Education and 10+ years in early childhood education. Former Program Director and Childcare Consultant, specializing in inclusive care for children with diverse needs and special requirements.
Mark Slade
Co-Owner
Co-owner with plumbing background, managing daily operations since 2022. Third-generation family member continuing the daycare legacy established by his parents over 31 years.
Amanda Slade
Co-Owner
Co-owner and accountant with 13 years of marriage to Mark. Balances financial expertise with childcare operations, bringing business acumen to complement the family-run daycare's management.
Questions
Do you have a waiting list for enrollment?
Yes, we maintain a waiting list for all age groups due to our popularity as a trusted daycare in southwest Calgary.
Is toilet training required for preschoolers?
Yes, we require preschool children to be toilet trained before enrollment in our preschool program.
What are your child-to-staff ratios?
We maintain regulated ratios: 3:1 for infants, 4:1 for toddlers, and 8:1 for preschoolers to ensure quality care.
How do you handle dietary restrictions?
Our allergy-friendly, nut-free center accommodates dietary needs with menus developed in consultation with nutrition experts for all age groups.
What transition support do you offer?
We recommend a transition period with flexible adjustment time, though most children adapt comfortably within a few days.
