Program Statement
Fairview Child Care Centre in Ottawa offers program that is focused on the social, emotional and creative development of our children in a secure and pleasant learning environment. We offer them the opportunity to explore and develop both mentally and physically.
We endeavor to stimulate independence, curiosity, and positive verbal communication skills, exposing the children to art, books, music and nature. We also provide and teach good nutrition and health care.
The program promotes non-sexist attitudes in all children through dramatic play and everyday activities and as well supports multi-culturalism and inclusion of all children.
The History of Fairview Child Care Centre
The history of Fairview started in 1971 when Ann Marie O’Brien and Margaret Spiers (better known as Peggy) decided to open up the very first child care centre in the Township of Gloucester. They started a preschool/kindergarten program in the basement of St. Gabriel’s Church on Appleford Street and at the time called it St. Gabriel’s Day Care. Unfortunately, 7 years later, the church needed to do some renovations and the day care needed to relocate.
From St. Gabriel’s Church, they didn’t have to go too far, as they found space right behind the church at Fairfield Public School on Steel Street. As they did not want to go through any more name changes in the future, Anne Marie and Peggy decided to name their new program Fairview Child Care Centre. By this time, their program provided care for 36 children. Unfortunately, this facility also was a short-lived location for them. The school was sold to the francophone board in 1985 and they found themselves moving again.
In 1985, Fairview incorporated as a not-for-profit centre and they were now located in an unoccupied school owned by the Ottawa Catholic School Board on Karen Way. There, Fairview Child Care Centre expanded to 64 preschool/Kindergarten children and they remained there for many years. They provided care for children going to Manor Park Public School and St. Bridget Catholic School. As this school became slated to be demolished, Peggy decided to retire and Ann Marie became the sole Director of Fairview, and Ann Marie found herself again searching for a new location. And this is how Fairview ended up at our current location on Donald Street inside St. Michael school.
Working closely with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, the Ministry of Community and Social Services, and the City of Ottawa, Ann Marie secured the space to renovate the lower level of the school. With the help of some public funding, including funding from the Trillium Foundation, the space was designed and renovated to meet the needs of our program for 64 preschool/kindergarten children.
In September 2001, Fairview Officially moved to its current location inside St. Michael’s Catholic School on Donald Street.
In September 2012, Fairview transformed from a Preschool / Kindergarten Aged program to a Toddler/Preschool program with the emergence of full day kindergarten. We provide care for 15 toddlers and 32 preschoolers within our community. We strive to be an inclusive centre offering the best quality care to all our children now and for many years to come.
Fairview is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of both members of the day care and the community.
Fairview is a not-for-profit child care centre and receives funding from the City of Ottawa and the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Fairview is a proud participant in the Canada-wide Early Learning & Child Care System.