Our Approach

Program & Policy Rationale

Discovery Early Learning & Care values the four foundations of How Does Learning Happen?
Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.

In our relationships with each other we strive to consider the
Foundations of the Ministry of Education’s pedagogical document including:

Our Foundations

The Foundations present themselves in “Goals for Children” and “Expectations for Programs” and it is within each of these that we acknowledge what children, parents and Discovery Early Learning & Care teams deserve with regards to learning, growing, and caring for young children and ourselves:

  • Foundations
  • Goals for Children
  • Expectations for Programs
  • Belonging
  • Every child has a sense of belonging when he or she is connected to others and contributes to their world.
  • Early childhood programs cultivate authentic, caring relationships and connections to create a sense of belonging among and between children, adults, and the world around them.
  • Engagement
  • Every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with body, mind, and senses.
  • Early childhood programs provide environments and experiences to engage children in active, creative, and meaningful exploration, play, and inquiry.
  • Well-Being
  • Every child is developing a sense of self, health, and well-being.
  • Early childhood programs nurture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self.
  • Expression
  • Every child is a capable communicator who expresses himself or herself in many ways.
  • Early childhood programs foster communication and expression in all forms.

Belonging

Goals for Children

Every child has a sense of belonging when he or she is connected to others and contributes to their world.

Expectations for Programs

Early childhood programs cultivate authentic, caring relationships and connections to create a sense of belonging among and between children, adults, and the world around them.

Engagement

Goals for Children

Every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with body, mind, and senses.

Expectations for Programs

Early childhood programs provide environments and experiences to engage children in active, creative, and meaningful exploration, play, and inquiry.

Well-Being

Goals for Children

Every child is developing a sense of self, health, and well-being.

Expectations for Programs

Early childhood programs nurture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self.

Expression

Goals for Children

Every child is a capable communicator who expresses himself or herself in many ways.

Expectations for Programs

Early childhood programs foster communication and expression in all forms.

The full statement on our Program and Policy Rationale can be downloaded here.

Leadership Team

  • Tracy Saarikoski BA, RECE, AECEO.C
    Executive Director, Main Site
  • Lacey Carroll BSc, RECE
    Program Supervisor, Main Site
  • Tamara Taillefer RECE
    Program Supervisor, Holy Trinity Site
  • Jessica Carroll .
    Executive Administrator, Main Site
  • Christina Sitko RECE
    Program Supervisor, St. Paul Site
  • Tina Madore RECE
    Program Supervisor, St. John Site

Board of Directors 2022-2023

Discovery Early Learning & Care would like to thank parents/guardians, community members, staff and all other supporters for their commitment to the children in our community.

The Board of Directors is dedicated to the safe, professional, and growing practice of early childhood education and will continue to give a voice to those who are leaders in our daycares through trust, accountability and integrity.

We encourage a culture of continuously improving. As a commitment to creating a better working and operating environment we want you to connect with our Chair of the Board and express any comments, concerns and compliments

Alison Caruso
President/Chairperson

Alison’s B.A., B.Ed., and M.Ed. underpin her leadership on the Discovery Early Learning & Care Board of Directors. Her work as Manager of Recruitment, Cambrian College and many years with the Boys and Girls Club have fuelled her life-long commitment to nurturing healthy and productive futures for all. She is a Certified Lego Strategic Play Facilitator and values the knowledge, skills and passion of the early childhood educators who staff the Centre.

Alison and her partner feel fortunate to have their two young children receive excellent care and early learning experiences within the Discovery Early Learning & Care Centre.

Amanda Baker
Vice-Chair

Amanda is originally from London, Ontario, where she studied earth science and received a Bachelor of Science degree. Her work in the mining industry has taken her to Canada’s north and is what brought her to Sudbury in 2010, a city that quickly felt like home for her. She has two children that attend Discovery Early Learning & Care and is grateful for the nurturing educators who make it possible to head to work with confidence her children are well cared for.

Krystal Kant
Treasurer

Krystal is originally from Newfoundland where she studied at Memorial University, completing a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science with focus in Geophysics. She has worked in the mining and mineral exploration industry for 15 years which lead her to Sudbury in 2008, a place she now calls home. She is married with two daughters who are both fortunate to be enrolled with Discovery Early Learning and Care, and experience the remarkable care provided by the devoted staff and educators. Krystal is excited to be part of the Board and contribute to the already wonderful childcare community.

Jeff Marsh
Secretary

Jeff is a local businessman and investor in the City of Sudbury. He was born and raised in the community and since married with 3 children. He is community driven through work and extracurricular activities by actively sitting on various boards, fundraising & charitable work. He is proud to have contributed with the structuring of the Discovery Early Learning & Care Board and continuing as an active board member.

Connie Rossi
Director

Connie Rossi has both a diploma in History from Laurentian University as well as a Teaching Degree from Nipissing University and has over 10 years of public service in municipal government. She is a parent of two school aged children that attend Discovery Early Learning and Care.

Melissa Gaskin
Director

Melissa’s career began within the Insurance and Risk Management industries, and more recently transitioned into the Education sector. She has both various insurance and risk management certifications, along with a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University. Melissa has been thankful for the wonderful program provided by Discovery Early Learning and Care and grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community.

Caroline Gordon
Director

Caroline is a geologist with the Ontario Geological Survey. She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in earth science at the University of Waterloo. Originally from Markham, Ontario, Caroline moved to Sudbury in 2008. She is married with two kids, both of which are enrolled with Discovery Early Learning and Care. Caroline is excited to be a member of the board and looks forward to contributing to such a valuable organization.

Heather Keaney
DIRECTOR

Heather Keaney is an experienced registered massage therapist who has operated her own private practice for the past seven years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Laurentian University. Her children are currently enrolled at Discovery Early Learning and Care, where she appreciates the high level of care and dedication to their mission. Heather is excited about the opportunity to contribute positively to the future endeavors of this facility.

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