2025-2026 Registration is Open

We are a nonprofit cooperative preschool run for the children by the parents. We are licensed by the Ministry of Education and comply with regulations set out by the Child Care and Early Years Act. Our RECE’s provide high quality programming and services based on Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years, by utilizing the four pillars of “How Does Learning Happen?” Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement and Expression. Here at Pied Piper, we provide an inclusive environment that welcomes everybody and allows our children to build on their strengths and abilities.

Our Philosophy

At Pied Piper Preschool, the cooperative experience is ideal for families who want to take an active part in their child’s early childhood education. Each child and parent/guardian are respected for the unique individual that they are.

Our aim is to provide an environment where children learn through play and interaction. We provide positive opportunities for healthy physical, social, emotional, intellectual and language development. Curiosity is encouraged.

Parent education is also provided through participation within the preschool program, parent meetings and other activities, this guides families in taking part of building a strong community where parents and educators support our children’s growth and development.

Welcome to your Child’s Early Childhood Education

Meet Our Teaching Team

All of our teaching staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and have submitted a Vulnerable Sector Scan/Police Record Check. Our registered teaching staff are mandated to report to the College of Registered Early Childhood Educators yearly upon license renewal and are expected to follow the RECE code of conduct and expectations. All of our teaching staff participate in two professional development days yearly, to continue to develop skills that benefit working with young children in a preschool setting.

Miss Lisa

I am the Supervisor for Pied Piper Cooperative Preschool and a Registered Early Childhood Practitioner. I have been teaching since 2006 and have extensive experience in emergent curriculum and play based learning. I am married with three children of my own who have all attended the Pied Piper Program. I have completed courses including: The Hanen Language Program, Basic signed English, Emergent curriculum training and i am a certified autism intervener through Geneva Center for Autism. Outside of school I am a dedicated mother and actively involved with my children.

Miss Jenn

With six years of experience as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and the life experience of being a mother of three children, I understand the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment where children can learn, explore and grow. My approach blends professional expertise with the insights gained from raising my own children and this allows me to connect deeply with the unique needs of each child. I am dedicated to fostering both emotional and academic development through helping children build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

Miss Cara

As a RECE with a bachelor’s degree, I bring a blend of formal education and hands on experience to my work with children. My background allows me to approach teaching with both a deep understanding of child development and a practical real - world perspective. I am also certified as a Forest and Nature school Practitioner through CNAC (Child and Nature Alliance of Canada), bringing a love of nature and outdoor learning into the classroom. Additionally, I hold certification in signed English, allowing me to support effective communication for all children, including those with exceptionalities. My approach is rooted in empathy, creativity and commitment to creating a positive and enriching experience for all families.

Miss Kenna

I am in my final year of the ECE program at Mohawk College. I have a background in both graphic design and interior decorating. After exploring my artistic side, I have discovered my true calling in teaching children. Now, I am thrilled to be helping children achieve their goals, learn new things and grow in a fun supportive environment. Every day is an exciting opportunity to inspire and make a positive impact on young minds.

Discover Our Programs

Our non-denominational program runs in two spacious rooms and a fully fenced outdoor play area. We are licensed by the Ministry of Education to offer half day preschool programs for 18 months to school age children. Our Policies and Procedures are aligned with requirements from the City of Hamilton Public Health.

The school year runs from September to June, following the vacation schedule for the Hamilton District School Board. Closed over Christmas/New Year break as well as March Break. Classes run from 9:00am to 1:00pm Monday to Friday. Our two-day program runs Tuesday and Thursday and Our three-day program runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We do offer a five-day program as well. Throughout the year we have various class trips, which may include The Pumpkin Patch, Bowling, A working Farm or Zoo, Beach Walk, Fire Station and our year end party.

Toddler Program

An ideal introduction to preschool for children ages 18 months to 2.5 years.

3 Educators and class size of 15

Flexible drop off and pick up between 9:00am-1:00pm

Two nutrition breaks

Preschool Program

Get ready for Kindergarten Children are 2.5 years to school age.

2 Educators and class size of 15

9:00am-1:00pm

Two nutrition breaks

Fees for the program will depend on the amount of days per week, your child is enrolled for. We have moved to an equal payment plan for monthly tuition fees. The total number of days for the year, divided by 10 months (Sept.-June). Tuition is due on the first of each month. Our registration fee is $60 and non-refundable. We are open from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

As a member of our cooperative preschool, parents are part of the operation of the program. Parents participating in the classroom aspect, are required to submit a vulnerable sector scan and immunization record.

Non-Participating Fee: Parents who choose not to participate in the classroom on their volunteer duty days will have an additional charge of $60 per scheduled volunteer duty day. This fee is used to pay another person to fill in the duty day for the non-participating family. Families are asked to volunteer in the classroom 1-2 times per month. Non-participating families are still required to fulfill duties on their committee of choice (yard clean up, laundry, event planning, etc.)

There are four mandatory membership meetings per year, each family must have someone present to represent their family. These meetings serve to vote on decisions that help operate the preschool as well as keep up families up to date on changes or programming. Missed meeting fee $45.

We participate in the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Agreement, to offer more affordable childcare options to families. This means you pay a portion of the daily rate and the federal and provincial government funds the remainder of the daily rate.

Playful Learning, Lasting Memories

Here at Pied Piper, you can expect your child to engage in new experiences in a safe and nurturing environment. Access to play equipment, learning games, expressive materials and art activities, field trips, storytelling, circle time, musical and dramatic play, as well as exercise for large motor skills and activities to stimulate small motor coordination. We have a spacious fenced outdoor area which is utilized as often as weather permits.

Our programming is led by registered early childhood educators, who watch and listen to the children at play, noticing interests and foster curiosity by creating programming initiated by the children. Portfolios are created throughout the year, documenting the growth of your child, and given at the years end.

Our four-hour program has two nutrition breaks. Pied Piper provides snack and serves healthy options from at least two food groups. We encourage children to try new fruits and vegetables. Children are required to bring their own labeled water bottle daily.

Our inclusion policy supports children with exceptionalities; we accept referrals from Ron Joyce Center. We work closely with Community living and ASCY- Affiliated Services for Children and Youth

Parent involvement in the classroom allows observation of your child in a large group setting, which helps foster an understanding of your child’s individuality. We use SEESAW, a secure online platform to document and share your child’s learning journey and for those families unable to participate in the classroom, it helps to keep you connected and involved in your child’s preschool experiences.

Every family’s commitment and participation directly impact’s the success of our preschool program.

“When parents are involved, children are more likely to thrive academically and socially “- (Harris & Robinson, 2016)

What is a Cooperative Preschool ?

Our preschool is staffed by qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educators, with the help of parent volunteers and oversight by a parent executive committee. This collaborative approach cultivates a nurturing and enriching environment for the children, while also strengthening the community and providing parents with direct involvement in their child's early learning journey.

Families enrolled in the program become members of the preschool and cooperatively participate in the operations of the preschool, assisting with day-to-day tasks as well as being involved in decision making that helps the program run efficiently and allows sustainability for future generations.

Participation could include Duty volunteer days: coming into the classroom and joining the hands-on experience with your child. Also assisting teachers with snack preparation, cleanup and other duties. Committee jobs: Laundry take home, help keep our classroom clean by washing dress up play and other light fabrics used around the classroom. Year-end party or Graduation committee, assist the teachers with setting up or planning these events. Toy repair or yard maintenance. Or maybe you would like to sit on our Parent Board of Directors: Parent Executive Committee consists of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Scheduler and Social Media Coordinator. These six positions essentially provide support to the daily operations of the school and provide transparency to the rest of the membership.

We value your unique perspectives and experiences, and we believe that your input will make a big difference in our preschool. If you have a special skill or job that would help the preschool (e.g., painter, woodworker) or might be of interest to the children (e.g., fire fighter, musician), we would love to talk with you to see if we can work together. Arrangements can often be made in exchange for committee duty.