As Airdrie continues to be one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, child care has become one of the biggest needs for local families. In fact, recent census data shows that 16 per cent of Airdrie’s population is nine years old and under — and with subsidized daycare costs and high waitlists across the city, demand for quality child care keeps climbing.

That’s exactly the gap our founders set out to fill.

Rekha Mehay and Karolina Jermakow, two local moms who worked together in the child-care industry for more than 15 years, saw firsthand how many families were struggling to find a spot. Some centres in Airdrie reported waitlists of over 900 children. So in January 2024, they began building Little Learners on Centre Avenue East — and one year later, opened the doors to our community.

Within just a couple of weeks, the centre was already 50 per cent full.

“We had a vision of what we wanted a centre to look like. We just wanted a space that put learning first,” says Rekha.

Every detail at Little Learners was designed with children in mind — from natural wood toys to child-sized fixtures, including a small toilet built for little ones to use independently. The goal was simple: quality in every material, every toy, and every corner of the space.

“Meeting the child’s needs in every way — whether that’s the materials, the furnishings, or the toys — just making sure it’s of quality for the children,” Rekha adds. “We really have put our heart and soul into this business.”

Little Learners currently welcomes children from 19 months to 6 years across our Toddler, Preschool, and Jr. Kindergarten & Full Day Kindergarten programs. Karolina shares what makes the experience special:

“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.”

Looking ahead, Rekha and Karolina hope to grow Little Learners even further — including a possible second Airdrie location, before- and after-school care with transportation options, and eventually welcoming children under two years old.

This story was originally featured in airdrielife. Want to learn more about our programs? Contact us today to book a tour.