Young children sitting at a table in a classroom, eating sliced bananas from yellow bowls under the supervision of an adult.

THE HUNTSVILLE CO-OP DAYCARE


Where every child belongs, learns, and grows.

A warm, welcoming space in the heart of Huntsville where children explore, play and build confidence.

A woman reads a children's book titled "What's Your Favorite Animal?" to three young children in a playroom with colorful shelves and toys.
At Huntsville Co-Op Daycare, every child is celebrated. We believe in inclusive play, shared experiences, and learning that happens joyfully and naturally.
At Huntsville Co-Op Daycare, children learn through curiosity, play, and connection. Our educators support each child in reaching their full potential with encouragement, consistency, and a nurturing environment.
We value:
  • 🧸 Play-based learning
  • 🌤️Outdoor exploration
  • 🍎Healthy meals
  • 💖Kindness
  • 👫Community

Born to Play. Built to Move.

Colorful preschool classroom with wall decorations, a cartoon bear poster, a blue calendar, and a play corner with rugs and small furniture.

Toddler Program

15 months up to 2.5 years

Toddlers may begin as early as 15 months, provided they are:
✔ Manually feeding themselves
✔ Sturdy, confident walkers

Class Size: 10 to 15 children

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Children's table set for a meal with colorful plates and bowls, including salads, spaghetti, and bread, in a classroom or daycare setting.

Junior Program

2.5 years up to 3.5 years

Our Junior Preschool program begins at 2.5 years and continues until children transition into Senior Preschool or begin school.

Class Size: up to 16 children

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Classroom with colorful educational decorations, a calendar on the wall, and a carpet with alphabet letters. Toys are visible in a clear plastic container, and a blue chair is on the right side.

Senior Program

3.5 years - kindergarten

Senior Preschool builds school readiness through structured play, early learning activities and expanded social experiences.

Class Size: up to 24 children

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Our day at a glance


🍃 Outdoor Play

Two outdoor sessions happen every day in every season.

Children climb, dig, run, slide and explore our playground while connecting with nature and building strength, confidence and resilience.

From snowy adventures to puddle jumping to summertime play, outdoor learning is a fun and essential part of our program.


🧩 Play time

Play is a child’s superpower and the heart of learning.

During play based learning, children choose activities such as blocks, dolls, dress up, art, and sensory exploration.

These experiences build imagination, problem solving skills, communication and confidence as they experiment, create and discover at their own pace.


📖 Circle Time

Circle time brings the whole group together for shared learning moments.

We explore weather and calendars, read stories, sing songs, enjoy finger plays and try hands on activities like science experiments and cooking.

Each circle time is planned with the children’s interests in mind, making learning fun and meaningful.


🍎 Healthy Meals

Children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks prepared onsite each day.

Our rotating multi week menu includes balanced, home style foods that follow Canadian Food Guide recommendations.

Dietary needs and allergies are accommodated so every child can enjoy safe, healthy meals that fuel their play and learning.


😴 Rest Time

In the afternoon, toddlers and junior preschoolers enjoy a calm rest period to help their bodies recharge.
Children relax on individual cots in a peaceful, comforting environment with soft lighting and quiet routines. Families are encouraged to send a favourite blanket or comfort item, helping each child feel secure and cozy.
Colorful playground with red, yellow, blue slides, climbing structures, and other play equipment on wood chip ground, fenced yard with trees and residential buildings in the background.

❊ FAQs

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers

  • Huntsville Co-op Daycare is a licensed centre-based childcare facility. The District Municipality of Muskoka is responsible for Muskoka’s Child Care system and our daycare is governed by the regulations of the Ministry of Education.

  • Huntsville Co-op Daycare is open from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  We are closed all Statutory Holidays.  Any other closings will be posted. Our daycare center is governed by the regulations of the Ministry of Education and our license is based on specific hours of operation.

  • Due to these regulations, parents cannot drop off their child/children before 7:00 a.m. and parents are required to pick up their child/children before 5:30 p.m.  There will be a charge of $50.00 if you have dropped off or picked up your child/children early or late

  • Current Fee Schedule:

    Please note that the Huntsville Co-op Daycare is currently participating in the CWELCC program. These rates are subject to change at any time and are dependent on the continuation of the CWELCC program.

    Toddler Program

    First child: $42.00* Daily Rate (18 months +) $46.00* Daily Rate (Under 18 months) Second child: $39.00* Daily Rate (18 months +) $43.00* Daily Rate (Under 18 months)

    Junior/Senior Preschool Program

    First child: $40.00* Daily Rate Second child: $37.00* Daily Rate Third, etc: $35.00* Daily Rate

    An additional daily charge of $3.00 per child will apply for any child that is in our care for more than 10 hours each day. A discounted rate will apply when a family has two (2) or more children enrolled in the same program. Fees are subject to change with notice.

    *Currently the government funds 52.75% of daily rate through the CWELCC program.

  • The staff to child ratio in our Toddler room is 1:5, Junior room is 1:8 and our Senior room is 1:8

  • Our waitlist is thoughtfully managed by our Program Director, who reaches out to families as spaces become available. The list is organized by age group: under 18 months, 18 months–2½ years, 2½–3½ years, and 3½ years through Kindergarten.

    As your child grows, they move through the age groups automatically while keeping their original waitlist date. While we do our best to accommodate families, placement cannot be guaranteed

  • The daycare is closed on all Statutory Holidays. The statutory holiday rate will apply according to the number of days your child/children attends daycare during the month.  Also to note, if a Statutory holiday falls on the weekend, we will be closed another day during the week in lieu of these days.  This rate applies to all children.

    The rate fee will be based on a percentage as follows:

    5 days attendance per week:  100% Program Day Rate
    4 days attendance per week:    75% Program Day Rate
    3 days attendance per week:    50% Program Day Rate
    2 days attendance per week:    25% Program Day Rate

  • All children will have two healthy snacks and lunch each day.

    The menu is posted in the daycare, on our Lillio platform and is on a three week rotation. 

    Our daycare follows the recommendations set by the Canadian Food Guide.

  • Clothing and Possessions

    Due to our changing seasons, please ensure proper clothing for indoor and outdoor play.  Please label all articles of your child’s clothing.  In case of an accident or messy play, we request a full change of clothes to be brought to the center.

    Recommendations for various seasons:

    Winter
    Snowsuit, winter boots
    Hat and scarf
    Sweater
    2 pairs of mittens

    Spring/Autumn
    Splash pants
    Rain boots
    Sweater
    2 pairs of mittens

    Summer
    Sun hat
    Sun glasses (optional)
    Rain boots
    Non-aerosol sunscreen
    Water bottles

    Sunscreen is a necessity for the children here at our center as we are outside twice per day, weather permitting.

  • Children in the Toddler and Jr program will sleep once in the afternoon just after lunch. 

    All children sleep on an individual cot and must bring their own crib sheet and blanket which will need to be taken home at the end of each week to be washed.

    If your child will be starting in the Toddler program it is best to transition them to one nap prior to entry.

  • Children typically transition in September when the oldest group graduates to Junior Kindergarten.

    As children become eligible to move into the next program level, they will transition as space becomes available.

  • Yes, we have an outdoor space that can accommodate 26 children at a time.

    All children go outside two times daily weather permitting.

  • When your child is scheduled and becomes ill, these days are still invoiced. You are allowed 4 reduced rate sick days per calendar year.  These days cannot be accumulated from year to year.

    When your child has attended the daycare for three (3) months, you will be given a reduced sick day rate. If your child is ill, please call to inform us of your child’s illness (signs and symptoms) through a message by phone (leave a message on phone after hours), on our Lillio parent communication platform or e-mail.

    Any child that has been vomiting or has had diarrhea must be symptom free for 48 hours before returning back to daycare.  Please ask at the office for other sickness restrictions.

  • The daycare will dispense medication ONLY when meeting the following criteria:

    1. Medication must be in the original package from the pharmacy and doctor prescribed.

    2. Medication must be labeled clearly from the pharmacy with only the child’s name on it, dosage amount and how often to receive it.

    3. Parents must sign a form giving authorization to dispense medication which includes name of medication, date of purchase, instructions for storing, dosage and how often.

    4. Medication must be kept in a locked box and refrigerated if required.

    5. Only the Executive Director or designate in charge will administer the medication to the child, then record the time given and dosage on the medical form.

    6. Over the counter cream can be applied along with written permission from parents, any symptoms to look for and what time to be applied.

    7. If your child requires Tylenol/Advil, a separate parent form must be signed by both parents with a description of symptoms we are to watch for before administering. Must have pharmacy label with child’s name and dosage attached to medication.

    8. If your child has a condition that would require immediate attention, a medic alert  bracelet is advised if medical attention is required. (I.e. Epi-pen, diabetes, etc.)

A young girl with curly hair is climbing over a wooden balance beam in a classroom or daycare setting.


Why Families Love Us

  • Licensed centre-based child care

  • Caring, qualified educators

  • Warm, inclusive environment

  • Outdoor play twice daily

  • On-site meals & snacks

  • Strong communication with families

  • CWELCC participating centre

    (reduced fee program)

Explore Programs ▸


📝Join Our Waitlist

We welcome new families throughout the year as spaces become available in our toddler and preschool programs.

Joining our waitlist helps us match your child to the correct age group and preferred schedule, and ensures your family is contacted as soon as a space becomes available. Click below to learn how the waitlist works, what information we collect when you apply, and what to expect after you submit your request.

Join Waitlist ▸