As Airdrie’s population continues to grow, more young families are in need of child care, but hundreds are put on waitlists because the industry can’t keep up with the growing demand.
The most recent federal census showed 16 per cent of Airdrie’s population is nine years old and under, says Jessica Williamson, economic development officer with the City of Airdrie.
“Airdrie is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities,” says Williamson. “Our rapidly growing population, subsidized daycare costs for Alberta families and high-reported waitlists at existing facilities are fuelling growth in this sector.”
Two local moms who have worked in the child-care industry for more than 15 years, and most recently at the same facility in Airdrie, saw a need for more quality child care in the community and decided to open a new centre.
Rekha Mehay and Karolina Jermakow started building Little Learners on Centre Avenue E. in January 2024 and opened its doors one year later. Mehay says it was 50-per cent full within a couple of weeks of opening.
“There’s always moms looking for child care and, when we were researching opening up a centre, some of the centres here have over 900 kids on their waitlist,” says Mehay. “We had a vision of what we wanted a centre to look like. We just wanted a space that put learning first.”
They designed the centre with their own children in mind and chose toys made with natural materials like wood. They also had a small toilet installed for the children to use.
“Meeting the child’s needs in every way — so whether that be the materials or the furnishings or the toys — just making sure that it is of quality for the children,” says Mehay. “We really have put our heart and soul into this business.”
Only full-time care for children between two and a half to six years of age is currently offered at the facility. There is also a preschool and kindergarten on-site. The owners would like to fill the centre and eventually build a second location in Airdrie. They also hope to add before- and after-school care, with transportation as an option, and would like to accept children under age two down the road.
“Little Learners provides you with exceptional quality for child care,” says Jermakow. “We encourage children to explore everything by senses. Their needs will be met on all levels — emotional and social — and they will learn phonics here. They will be prepared for Grade 1.”
For more information, visit littlelearnersairdrie.ca.
