A place where amazing things Get Done!

We are a licensed child care provider, as we strive to not only meet but exceed all guidelines for the childcare industry. We are not the closest proximity provider to many of our families but have been the provider of choice for most families in the area. We offer the highest level of care by the most qualified and experienced staff at the most affordable price in the community. We are driven by pride in our program and not profit which has created the loyalty and trust we are so grateful to have within the communities we have programs.

1st Class offers a wide variety of developmentally appropriate programs for children with a blended approach combining a learn through play philosophy, lots of physical activity and an introduction to new experiences and curriculum supporting materials and activities.

Group Play

It is a time for story and language development, music and movement activities, and other varied learning experiences.

Dramatic Play

Our programs all have a pretend and learn area devoted to developing a child’s sense of “make believe”.

Before & After Grade 1-6

Our before and after-care programs go well beyond homework help. We support children in becoming the kindest, most capable, and most resilient version of themselves.

Daycare - Ages 19 months & Up

We offer the highest quality care with exceptional long-term staff and management. The single most important ingredient in our program is how our experienced educators relate to the children in our care. At 1st Class it is our mission to make every child feel happy, safe and free to explore and learn, which we achieve through a programming designed specifically to meet the needs of each child, we provide tons of opportunities to engage in STEM, play, physical activities, literacy, clubs, and more.

Activities

With regular outdoor time and planned indoor activities, our children experience a world of movement, dance and recreation.

Reading

Books allow children to enter a world of “make believe” and learn about new and exciting things.

Kindergarten Care

Our programs use a curriculum that is individualized to every age, with planned activities that combine learning and fun to create happy, curious kids. Our Kindergarten program offers programming that is designed to complement what they are learning in their classroom while still Playing, Growing, Learning & Having fun with weekly themes based on their interests.

Preschool

At 1st Class, we use emergent curriculum to explore fresh approaches to find a good fit for each child. We implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that is designed to stimulate the children through creating unique learning experiences, promoting physical literacy, enhancing creative expression while supporting emotional and social needs through positive role modelling and supportive and sensitive interactions. The curriculum is a flexible and dynamic program that begins with discovering each child’s interests. It invites children to discover more, dig deeper and construct further knowledge

Our Location


Centre Hours

    • Monday-Sunday: 6:00am - 7:30pm

Preschool Hours

    • Monday-Friday: AM Class 9:00am - 11:30am
    • Monday-Friday: PM Class 12:00pm - 2:30pm

Communities Serviced

New Brighton, Auburn Bay, McKenzie Lake, Mahogany, Cranston

Ashley Walton

Centre Director

Ashley is the Director of the Shawnessy centre and has been working in Early Childhood Education for nearly 15 years. Inspired by her mother who ran a preschool out of their home, she knew from a young age that she wanted to work with children. For 14 years, she operated her own dayhome and recently completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Development attaining the highest level of qualification in the field. Ready for a new challenge, she joined the team at 1st Class Childcare.

Her passion for nurturing young minds and helping children learn and grow is apparent in all that she does. She brings a wealth of experience and a nurturing spirit to her work. Her goal as a Director is to mentor and share these experiences with other Educators. She knows the important role high-quality early learning plays in children's development and wants to help Educators create nurturing environments where children can thrive.

Maydee Pocopio

Floor Supervisor

Ms. Ms. Maydee is the Floor Supervisor for the Shawnessy location. Before moving to Calgary and working in Early childhood education, she worked as a social worker in the Philippines. Maydee says "As a social worker, my job was to interact with people of all ages. This experience taught me to be compassionate, resourceful and patient which are life-long skills needed when working with children".

I love eating desserts like ice cream and cake, my favorite flavors are chocolate, matcha and tiramisu. I love coffee with sugar but no cream and also love celebrating birthdays, Christmas and New Year.


Centre Image Gallery