WELCOME
THE MONKEY BARREL
CHILDCARE CENTRE
It’s a great day to play, learn & grow!
We are loving, early years professionals who respect the uniqueness of your child and desire to see them grow and thrive in our care.
THE MONKEY BARREL
ABOUT US
Welcome to the Monkey Barrel
Our Beliefs
Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life has a strong impact on their learning ability for all the years to follow. Children absorb information quickly, making it essential to develop the fundamental building blocks at an early age to set the foundation for their future.
We believe in a play-based approach to early learning. Because children become very absorbed in fun, play is one of the main ways in which children learn and develop.
Our Story
The Monkey Barrel is a family owned and operated business that began in 2015 as an indoor play center. In 2020, indoor play was required to close at the height of the pandemic and a quick decision to renovate and expand the facilities daycare operations resulted in what it is today. A large facility offering, both inside and outside separate toddler, preschool and school age spaces. We love working with the children in our community and can’t wait to grow with you!
OUR PROGRAMS
Your Monkey is Growing Up!
The Monkey Barrel Childcare Centre continuously explores new curriculum and learning in order to advance our programs.
TODDLER
Our early childhood educators are here to help them navigate that exciting time between babyhood and childhood. Our 1:5 ratio means educators are hands-on when it comes to nap time, potty training and more. The Monkey Barrel offers a balanced program that allows children to explore, be engaged and develop fine motor, gross motor and cognitive skills.
At this age, we incorporate a variety of age-appropriate physical activities, arts & crafts, and free play. They’ll just love the many opportunities to get outside and have FUN!
Programming Runs: Monday – Friday, 7am to 6pm
PRESCHOOL
Their next big milestone: school! During their time with us, our educators will help your preschooler develop the social and emotional skills to succeed in a ‘big kid’ classroom.
With a 1:8 ratio, our older group safely enjoys both indoor and outdoor free play and community walks. Preschoolers enjoy a full day program with activities that encourages them to be active, socialize with their peers, enhance motor and cognitive skills and be creative.
Programming Runs: Monday – Friday, 7am to 6pm
Before & After School Care
Designed for the busy families in Saugeen Shores in mind. A terrific option for parents with BOTH day care and school-age care needs - one drop off and pick up location. We’ve got you covered.
NOTE: GC Huston before and after school care is located at the Southampton school and run by The Monkey Barrel staff.
“I can’t say enough great things about the experiences that our children have had in the toddler, preschool and school aged programs.
The Monkey Barrel is truly something special and I am so fortunate to have my children be apart of such a wonderful and positive environment.”
OUR PEOPLE
Meet our Team
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we’re privileged to have an incredible team of educators and caregivers who bring their all every day. We hope you enjoy getting to know our incredible team in the bios below.
Rebecca
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Ramsha
Hi! My name is Ramsha Qureshi. I am a certified teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers. I graduated from York University (Toronto) in 2014 with an Honours Double Major in English and Philosophy as well as a Bachelor of Education. I am enrolled in the Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Program at Loyalist College (Bellville) and working towards my Early Childhood Education Diploma.
I have been working at the Monkey Barrel since February 2019. I am currently an educator in the Preschool Room and the School Age Program. Teaching is my vocation and I am dedicated to furthering my own education in order to be an effective, attentive and knowledgeable educator. I firmly believe that children learn best in environments that encourage expression, exploration and hands on learning; my goal is to promote belonging, engagement and well-being in the classroom by following the interests of the child to enhance their learning, development and growth. My favorite thing about being an educator is getting to be a co-learner with the children and experiencing the world through their eyes.
Lauren
My name is Lauren Gray, and I have been at the Monkey Barrel since November 2016. I am a Registered Practical Nurse, and I am currently enrolled in a Peditric Nursing program. I transitioned into the childcare field because I have always enjoyed working with children, and I wanted to fulfill that passion of mine into a full time experience, on top of being a mom to my almost 3 year old son.
Important traits to have while working in childcare include: patience, flexibility and having an open mind! This job is rewarding because I get to be apart of childhood development. Watching each and everyone of them grow, learn and change each day is very satisfying! I enjoy reading to the children while at the Monkey Barrel, and they enjoy listening to the stories.
Hi! I’m Laura, and I’ve been at the Monkey barrel for 3 years. I entered the childcare field because I have always loved children, babysat a bit when I was younger but what really made me want to enter child care was the opportunity to learn more about child development and activities I could apply not only in the classroom but at home with my boyfriends son. A double win! I love watching children learn, grow, explore, seeing their happy faces every day, and all the hugs it’s one of the most fulfilling and rewarding parts of the job.
I’m currently finishing up my last few courses at Georgian college where I am completing the Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship program and working towards getting my Early Childhood Education Diploma. I am hoping to further my Education in Early Childhood Education after I finish this year.
Some of the most important character traits to have whilst working in childcare is, patience, understanding, caring, problem solving, quick thinking, creativity and following the children’s lead and letting them navigate what they would like to learn and explore that day based off the observation of their current interests, and expanding on that with them, turning any opportunity into a learning experience.
My favourite childhood book is the vveteen rabbit by Margery Williams.
My name is Molly and I have been at The Monkey Barrel on and off since 2018. This summer I am very happy to say I will be an educator in the preschool room full time! I entered this field because I love watching children learn and grow. The daily moments of connection I have with children are definitely my favourite part of caring for them. Whether we are laughing at a funny bird, playing tag in the yard, or simply learning together these precious moments strengthen my relationships with them and allow me to grow so much as an educator and person. I truly believe my calling is to support every capable little members of our society reach their full potential by encouraging expression in all forms, nurturing their sense of belonging, ensuring their well-being, and fostering meaningful engagement in a loving environment.
I am currently studying Early Childhood Education and Conestoga College and hope to go on to finish a degree in early childhood studies. When I am not learning about or working in childcare, I am most likely with my family watching movies, cooking, reading or enjoying a cup of tea together. I consider myself to be an outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy a variety of activities including but not limited to; canoe camping, fishing, hiking with my dog, and gardening. I am also a strong advocate for living a simple life surrounded by nature, family, and friends.
I appreciate you taking the time to get to know me and can't wait to meet you!
Hello, my name is Doris! I’m one of the toddler teachers and have been a part of The Monkey Barrel team since July 2020. I never am tired of working with our children - and love coming in each day to see their smiling faces and hear them say “Hello Doris! How are you?”.
Having a daughter of my own, I understand the importance of teaching how to handle emotions appropriately and develop ways to cope with large feelings. I believe that if a teacher is friendly, patient, and portrays a positive example, children in turn will absorb those skills and present respect to those around them. One of my favourite things to do with the toddlers is to take the time to slow things down and read together.
I’ve been a part of The Monkey Barrel team on and off since it opened for childcare in 2017. I entered child-care because children are fun and the time spent with them is rewarding.
I received my Level 1 ECE in Alberta, Canada in 2016; since then I've worked in preschool and toddler rooms in Alberta and Ontario. I'm currently studying Holistic Nutrition, which is another huge passion of mine. Important traits of someone in this profession are patience, compassion, enthusiasm, creativity. Rewarding moments happen everyday, they are countless. Children force us to be present, that is a gift in itself! My favourite children's book is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
CONTACT US
If you have any questions, comments or feeback please drop us a note using the form below. Fields marked with an asterisk must be filled in.
Child Care
Open from 7am to 6pm,
Monday to Friday!
Location
260 Goderich Street
Port Elgin, ON
N0H 2C1
Phone: (519) 832-9090
Email: Click to email us