Queen's Day Care Centre

Since 1969, Queen's Daycare Centre has been providing high quality childcare that is responsive to the needs of families within the community of Queen's University.

*Please note that all applicants must register with the Kingston Centralized Waitlist, linked below. The daycare operates at full capacity and our waitlist is quite lengthy; it is not unusual to wait 12 to 18 months to be offered a space. We recommend adding your name to the waitlist as soon as possible.*

Our core belief is the supporting principle that play is the means by which children learn. A well-planned and developmentally appropriate program, that makes space for spontaneous activity and is responsive to the needs and interests of the children is most meaningful. In order to achieve this, we use the foundations of belonging, well-being, engagement and expression that are discussed in the pedagogical document How Does Learning Happen. Our program values active learning through exploration, play and inquiry; we see play as enjoyable, spontaneous and active and as an authentic and appropriate way for children to learn about the world around them.

The staff of Queen’s Daycare Centre believe that relationship is the foundation of quality care and that children will thrive in environments that are positive and supportive of them as individuals and of their families and when they are in warm, caring and responsive relationships with adults. Our educators join the children in their play as co-learners, collaborators, observers and intentional communicators. We seek to establish nurturing and responsive relationships, form positive perspectives, and promote the development of self-regulation as we come alongside the children in our care in order to create an atmosphere where children feel supported to try new things, take risks, grow and learn.

QDC Parent Policy Book January 2025